On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa unleashed unprecedented destruction upon Jamaica, with sustained winds of 185 mph and gusts reaching 213 mph, rivaling the intensity of an EF5 tornado. Spanning 60 miles in diameter, with tropical storm winds extending an additional 165 miles, Melissa brought wave surges of up to 13 feet and torrential rainfall between 15 to 40 inches. Moving at nine mph, the hurricane subjected residents to seven hours of relentless terror. Despite the catastrophic conditions, many homes survived, sparking questions about their resilience.
分类： society
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LETTER: It’s Time to Abolish Antigua & Barbuda’s Outdated Bigamy Law
In a bold and impassioned letter to the editor, a concerned citizen of Antigua and Barbuda has called for the immediate abolition of the country’s archaic bigamy law, labeling it as outdated, hypocritical, and out of touch with modern societal values. The writer, who identifies as an ordinary citizen rather than a legal or political expert, argues that the law unjustly intrudes into the private lives of consenting adults under the guise of protecting morality. The recent high-profile bigamy case has reignited public debate, highlighting the law’s irrelevance in a society where diverse relationship structures are increasingly common. The author emphasizes that a free society should respect individual choices, provided they are consensual and do not harm others. They criticize the law as a colonial relic rooted in a singular religious perspective on marriage, which no longer aligns with the cultural diversity and progressive ideals of Antigua and Barbuda. The letter also points out the absurdity of diverting limited police resources to investigate consensual relationships while more pressing issues like domestic violence, financial crimes, and missing children remain under-addressed. The writer concludes with a powerful plea for the government to demonstrate its commitment to modernization, freedom, and human dignity by repealing the bigamy law and allowing adults to build their lives without fear of criminalization.
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I AM youth conference focuses on empowerment, entrepreneurship, mental health
The third annual I AM Conference kicked off at the Hilton Barbados on Wednesday, uniting young Barbadians, students, and budding entrepreneurs for a four-day event focused on business innovation, mental health, and community empowerment. Organized by the Ministry of Youth, the conference aims to inspire and guide participants toward shaping their futures. Permanent Secretary Joy Adamson emphasized that the agenda was shaped by direct feedback from young people, ensuring relevance and impact. The conference features diverse sessions on entrepreneurship, sports, education, and mental health, with a special focus on practical skills and opportunities. Highlights include a youth pitch tank competition, where participants can present business ideas for a chance to win funding, and a showcase of Barbados’ indigenous sport, road tennis. Health and wellness are also prioritized, with sessions dedicated to improving physical and mental well-being. Practical support for career readiness, such as the ‘Dress for Success’ workshop, equips attendees with skills for job interviews and professional development. The Minister of Youth urged participants to fully engage, absorb knowledge, and share insights with peers, underscoring the conference’s role in fostering future leaders. Over the next three days, discussions will expand to include housing, robotics, financial literacy, and career planning, offering a comprehensive roadmap for youth empowerment in Barbados.
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Children urged to speak up on World Children’s Day
On the occasion of World Children’s Day, UNICEF has called upon young Barbadians to amplify their voices and actively advocate for their rights. Speaking at the national child rights ambassadors graduation ceremony held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC), UNICEF monitoring and evaluation specialist Patrice Bosso emphasized the importance of ensuring that children’s voices are central to national discourse. He urged the newly appointed ambassadors and their peers across Barbados to reflect on their aspirations and take proactive steps to secure their futures. Bosso highlighted the transformative impact of the child rights ambassador programme, launched a year ago in collaboration with the Ministry of People’s Empowerment. The inaugural group of 19 ambassadors has been instrumental in promoting children’s rights through various creative and advocacy-driven initiatives within their schools and communities. This year’s World Children’s Day theme, “My Day, My Rights,” underscores the need to prioritize children’s lived experiences and ensure their rights are actively pursued. Bosso also acknowledged Barbados’ longstanding dedication to child rights, referencing the country’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 35 years ago. He stressed that safeguarding children’s rights requires consistent action and investment, describing them as a “living promise” rather than mere rhetoric. UNICEF remains committed to empowering young people and integrating their perspectives into policymaking and development efforts to build resilient communities.
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Dominica Bar Association announces newly elected Executive
The Dominica Bar Association has unveiled its newly appointed Executive Committee following a seamless election process at its Annual General Meeting on October 14, 2025. All candidates were elected unopposed, marking a harmonious transition of leadership within the organization. The newly elected team comprises Noelize Knight Didier as President, Mary A. Roberts as Vice-President, Gina Abraham-Thomas as Treasurer, Shanice Henry as Secretary, Carlita Benjamin as Assistant Treasurer, Chelsea Frampton as Assistant Secretary, and Jodie Luke as Committee Member. In an official statement, the Association expressed heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing Executive members for their unwavering dedication and significant contributions during their tenure. Simultaneously, it extended warm congratulations to the incoming and returning officers as they embark on their new roles. The Association emphasized its renewed commitment to advancing the legal profession and ensuring the effective administration of justice in Dominica. The press release concluded with optimism, highlighting the Executive Committee’s readiness to uphold the Association’s mission with vigor and purpose.
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Hon. Daryll Matthew Represents Antigua and Barbuda at OECS Education Ministers’ Meeting
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) successfully concluded its Tenth Meeting of the Council of Ministers: Education (COM: Edu) in the Commonwealth of Dominica on September 25-26, 2025. Held at the State House Conference Centre under the theme “Empowered Teaching for Resilient and Inclusive Digital Education,” the event brought together Ministers of Education, Permanent Secretaries, Directors from Ministries of Education, development partners, and education experts. Youth representatives were also included to ensure their voices were integrated into discussions, reflecting the OECS’s commitment to youth engagement through its Youth Empowerment Strategy.
The meeting focused on advancing regional education policies, fostering collaboration among education leaders, and aligning national efforts with the OECS Education Sector Strategy. Key discussions centered on accelerating the adoption of the OECS Digital Learning Ecosystem, enhancing teacher training, and promoting inclusive education for the twenty-first century. The event commenced with an opening ceremony celebrating Dominica’s cultural heritage, featuring remarks from Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, Deputy Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis and outgoing Chair of the Council, and His Excellency Dr. Didacus Jules, OECS Director General.
Dr. Jules emphasized the need for holistic education reform, stating, “Education is not transformed by technology alone, nor by policies written on paper. Real change requires moving beyond disconnected initiatives.” Honourable Octavia Alfred, Dominica’s Minister of Education and incoming Chair, highlighted the resilience of education systems in the face of challenges such as natural disasters, pandemics, and cultural shifts.
Over two days, participants engaged in robust discussions on priority areas, including the implementation of the OECS Education Sector Strategy (2011–2026), the development of the OECS Digital Learning Ecosystem, and initiatives like microcredentials, EMIS policy, and regional education technology policy. The Council also reviewed findings from the OECS Student Census Micropilot, a groundbreaking initiative to elevate student voices in educational reform.
Key outcomes included endorsing the establishment of national and regional teaching councils, advancing teacher professionalization, and adopting the Roseau Declaration for OECS Digital Education, which addresses data management, pedagogy, and artificial intelligence. The Council also commissioned a refreshed OECS Education Sector Strategy for 2027–2037, ensuring continued progress in transforming education across the region.
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Canada backs Agrihub program to promote Women’s role in sustainable Agriculture in Dominica
In a significant move to bolster climate-smart agriculture and women’s empowerment, Her Excellency Brenda Wills, the High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, recently visited Castle Bruce, Dominica. The visit focused on engaging with Ms. Tamisha Darroux, a budding farmer participating in Agrihub’s SheHarvest initiative, which emphasizes gender-sensitive business strategies for climate-resilient farming. The initiative is part of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), a program dedicated to supporting community-led projects that advance women’s economic rights, leadership, and environmental resilience. Accompanied by Political Counsellor Ms. Stephanie Sprott, High Commissioner Wills toured Ms. Darroux’s farm, discussing her agricultural journey and the transformative impact of the SheHarvest program. The initiative has provided 30 women farmers in Dominica with business planning, financial literacy, and practical training in climate-smart techniques. Currently, six participants, including Ms. Darroux, are piloting their business plans in a 12-week phase aimed at enhancing productivity, resilience, and income. High Commissioner Wills emphasized the importance of empowering women farmers, stating, ‘Empowering women farmers is a key component to building resilience and strengthening food security in the region.’ She highlighted how initiatives like SheHarvest are creating opportunities for trade, innovation, and sustainable growth in agriculture. Ms. Darroux, who began farming just a year ago, exemplifies the new generation of women adopting innovative practices to strengthen Dominica’s food systems and rural economy. Ms. Abigail Shillingford, Executive Director of Agrihub, praised the resilience and ambition of women like Ms. Darroux, noting that SheHarvest is helping women view agriculture as a pathway to sustainable business and leadership. This visit underscores Canada’s ongoing commitment to partnering with Dominica in fostering locally driven initiatives that empower women, promote inclusive economic development, and enhance climate resilience.
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Government to Offer $150 Incentive for Removal of Derelict Vehicles
In a bid to address the persistent issue of abandoned vehicles, the government has introduced a new initiative offering a $150 incentive to private individuals who assist in the removal of derelict vehicles marked for disposal. This program is part of a broader national cleanup campaign aimed at improving urban environments and public health. The Ministry of Urban Development will oversee the project, collaborating with the National Solid Waste Management Authority and the Development Control Authority to ensure the proper verification, transportation, and disposal of these vehicles at the Cooks Landfill. Officials emphasize that enhanced inter-agency coordination will streamline the process, avoiding the delays and redundancies experienced in previous cleanup efforts. The Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation will soon release specific details, including dates, times, designated collection points, and participation guidelines. Derelict vehicles have long been a significant concern in many communities, contributing to environmental pollution, pest infestations, obstructed sidewalks, drainage problems, and safety hazards for residents.
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Police destroy over 52 million-dollars worth of cocaine and cannabis
In a significant blow to drug trafficking operations, law enforcement authorities have incinerated a substantial cache of illegal narcotics, including cocaine and cannabis, with an estimated street value of EC$53 million. The destruction took place at Morne Bruce on Wednesday as part of Police Week, a campaign aimed at reinforcing public confidence in the police force and showcasing their relentless efforts to combat crime. Superintendent Delvin Jno Jules, in charge of the Southern Division, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, ‘We are destroying cocaine and marijuana to demonstrate our commitment to keeping the streets clean and safe.’ The seized drugs included EC$52 million worth of cocaine and EC$1.2 million worth of cannabis, marking a major victory in the ongoing Operation Clean Street. Acting Police Chief Lincoln Corbette underscored the message sent to criminals, declaring, ‘We will not back down. These dangerous substances will be tackled head-on, and the fruits of your illegal labor will be destroyed.’ The operation also saw the disposal of 348 antiquated firearms and smoke grenades, part of a broader strategy to enhance regional security. Minister for National Security Rayburn Blackmoore praised the efforts, highlighting the confiscation of EC$89 million worth of drugs over the past year and the implementation of CARICOM’s firearms roadmap to address illegal arms trafficking. The police force’s dedication to training and modernization was also commended, ensuring they remain equipped to handle contemporary challenges.
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Two more SLASPA employees arrested in port crackdown
In a significant crackdown on suspected criminal activities, two additional employees of the Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA) were apprehended on November 19. This arrest was part of a meticulously coordinated multi-agency operation targeting illicit operations at Port Castries. The operation is a critical component of an ongoing investigation into a sophisticated network allegedly involved in the illegal trafficking of narcotics and firearms. The network is believed to exploit loopholes to evade Customs checks and circumvent proper declaration protocols. Investigators have zeroed in on key suspects within both the Customs and Excise Department and SLASPA, leading to the recent arrests. Authorities anticipate formal charges to be levied within the next 72 hours. This latest incident follows a series of arrests over the past month, including three SLASPA employees implicated in a $705,000 drug bust and a Port police officer involved in a $1.3 million seizure. These developments underscore the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing organized crime within the port’s operations.