On October 31, 2025, Grenada took a significant step toward modernizing its national food control systems with the facilitation of a Common Vision Session on the Food Safety Performance, Vision, and Strategy (PVS) Tool. The event, organized by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Grenada, brought together a diverse array of public and private sector stakeholders. Held at the Public Workers Union Building, the session was a collaborative effort involving the Caribbean Agriculture Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) and the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), supported by the EU Food Security SPS Measures Project. This initiative aligns with the broader regional goal of creating safer, more resilient, and trade-ready food systems. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Grenada Bureau of Standards, Environmental Health Department, Department of Fisheries, and various agro-processing and food safety entities. Gregory Delsol, IICA’s National Specialist in Grenada, emphasized the importance of bolstering domestic food production while maintaining robust food safety systems, particularly in light of the Caricom “25 by 2025 Plus 5” initiative. Dr. Janel Yard-Blackman of CAHFSA highlighted the PVS Tool’s role in fostering transparency, shared responsibility, and continuous improvement in food safety and trade integrity. Keegan Slinger of CRFM underscored the need for capacity building along the seafood value chain to meet international standards. Permanent Secretary Isaac Bhagwan reiterated that food safety is a collective responsibility, requiring collaboration across all sectors. Liana Worrell, Project Officer for the EU Food Security Programme, detailed the €19 million initiative’s focus on addressing vulnerabilities to global shocks like climate change and supply chain disruptions. The PVS Tool, developed by IICA and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), serves as a critical instrument for evaluating institutional and operational capacities within food safety systems, enabling Grenada to progress toward its national and regional food security and economic development goals.
分类： society
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Dominica’s solid waste management receives four new trucks
The Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC) has unveiled a major upgrade to the nation’s waste management infrastructure, marking a significant step forward in addressing operational challenges. In a recent press release, the DSWMC announced the acquisition of four state-of-the-art compactor trucks, delivered at the end of October. These high-capacity vehicles are poised to revolutionize solid waste collection services across the island, ensuring more consistent and timely operations. The investment is expected to significantly boost the Corporation’s efficiency in handling the increasing volume of waste generated by households and businesses. By enhancing logistical capabilities, the initiative aims to create a cleaner, healthier, and more visually appealing environment for all citizens. The DSWMC expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and the government for prioritizing the waste management sector and fulfilling commitments outlined in the 2025/2026 national budget. Preparations are currently underway for a formal handing-over ceremony, where the new trucks will be officially commissioned. The public will be informed of the event details in the coming weeks. Additionally, the DSWMC urged citizens and communities to continue practicing source sorting and proper waste containerization as the new resources are integrated into the island’s waste management system.
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Youth In Agriculture Programme engages young farmers in Carriacou and Petite Martinique
The Youth in Agriculture Programme is making strides in engaging young entrepreneurs on the sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Launched in February 2023, this initiative aims to equip participants with essential skills in Crop Production, Livestock Management, and Agro-processing. To date, the programme has invested over US$2 million, underscoring its commitment to sustainable agricultural development.
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Dominica State College admissions to open soon
Dominica State College (DSC) has officially announced that applications for its January 2026 intake will commence on November 10, 2025. In a recent press release, the institution urged prospective students to start gathering necessary documents and to explore the wide array of academic programs offered across its diverse faculties. DSC emphasized its commitment to providing tailored opportunities to help individuals achieve their academic and continuing education goals.
To streamline the application process, the online application form will be available on the DSC website (www.dsc.edu.dm) and through the College’s official social media channels starting from the opening date. The administration has advised applicants to submit their applications early and ensure all required information is accurate to avoid delays or complications.
This announcement underscores DSC’s dedication to fostering educational growth and accessibility for students in Dominica and beyond. For further details, prospective students can also access an audio announcement provided by the College.
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PHOTOS: Steady Progress in All Saints as Concrete Pouring Advances
The community of All Saints is witnessing remarkable progress as concrete pouring operations advance steadily, marking a significant milestone in the area’s development. This critical phase of construction is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing infrastructure and improving the quality of life for residents. The project, which has been meticulously planned and executed, underscores the commitment to sustainable urban growth. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of this development, highlighting its potential to attract investment and create job opportunities. As the concrete pouring continues, the community remains optimistic about the transformative impact of these efforts, which are expected to lay the foundation for a more prosperous future.
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Local Catholic Church Appeals for Donations to Help Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa
In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Catholic Diocese of St. John’s-Basseterre has issued an urgent call for donations to support relief efforts in Jamaica. The initiative, coordinated through the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC), aims to provide financial aid to communities severely impacted by the storm. The AEC Disaster Relief Fund will serve as the primary channel for distributing these resources, emphasizing the need for immediate humanitarian assistance. The Diocese has outlined multiple donation methods, including wire transfers to AEC accounts at Northern Trust (for U.S. donors) and Republic Bank (for Trinidad and Tobago donors), as well as online contributions via the National Catholic Community Foundation. Donors are encouraged to specify “Hurricane Melissa Relief” on their transfers and confirm their contributions by contacting (868) 622-2932 or visiting aecbishops.org. The appeal underscores themes of unity and compassion, urging the Catholic community to extend hope and solidarity to those rebuilding their lives in the storm’s aftermath.
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Vescort Jones reinstated as aviation security officer nearly 11 Years after dismissal
Vescort Jones has officially returned to his position as Aviation Security Officer at the Dominica Air and Seaports Authority (DASPA), nearly eleven years after his dismissal in December 2014. This reinstatement follows an extensive legal and public campaign, culminating in a mutually agreeable settlement between Jones and DASPA, which includes a compensation package satisfactory to Jones. The original dismissal occurred after Jones allowed United Workers Party (UWP) leader Lennox Linton to dispose of crab backs at the Douglas-Charles Airport, an incident that lacked the required permit. This event sparked widespread public support in Jones’s home community of Marigot, where many viewed the dismissal as politically motivated. In January 2015, over 500 residents signed a petition demanding Jones’s reinstatement, which was delivered to DASPA CEO Benoit Bardouille by Linton and members of the Marigot community. The petition described Jones’s termination as a ‘clear act of political victimization’ and called for accountability within DASPA. Despite the public outcry and the submission of the petition, the Labour Tribunal failed to reach a decision on Jones’s wrongful dismissal claim for over a decade. A second tribunal was eventually appointed, and recent negotiations led to a resolution that allowed Jones to return to his post. Jones expressed his gratitude for the outcome, stating, ‘I am very happy to return to the job I have always loved. Aviation security has been my passion and my calling.’ He also thanked his family, attorney, and supporters for standing by him during his pursuit of justice. Jones now looks forward to continuing his service to Dominica, contributing to the safety and efficiency of the nation’s air and sea port operations. His reinstatement marks the end of a long-standing dispute and a return to a profession in which he has been recognized for his dedication and integrity.
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NEMO seeks donations for Hurricane Melissa relief in Jamaica
In response to the extensive devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, Saint Lucia’s National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) has initiated a comprehensive donation drive to support recovery efforts. The initiative aims to gather essential relief items for distribution to affected communities in Jamaica, where the hurricane has caused widespread displacement and destruction. NEMO is calling upon citizens, organizations, and businesses to contribute to this humanitarian effort, emphasizing solidarity with the Jamaican government and people. Donations will be strictly limited to items specified on the official needs list provided by the Government of Jamaica, with clothing items currently excluded. Financial contributions and the full list of required items can be accessed via the official link: https://supportjamaica.gov.jm/needs. Donations can be delivered to the NEMO Secretariat in Bisee, Castries, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. NEMO has expressed gratitude for the public’s generosity and cooperation as Saint Lucia extends vital support to its Caribbean neighbors during this challenging time.
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Teacher to Stand Trial on Sexual Assault Charges
A former teacher in Antigua is preparing to stand trial following serious allegations of sexually assaulting a student. The case, which has drawn significant attention, stems from a complaint filed by a female student during the 2023–2024 academic year. Police investigations led to the teacher’s arrest earlier this year, and he was subsequently charged with rape and other offences under the Sexual Offences Act. The accused has since resigned from his position at the educational institution where the alleged incident occurred. School authorities have emphasized their full cooperation with law enforcement and reaffirmed their dedication to ensuring student safety. The case is set to proceed to the High Court after an initial committal hearing in the St. John’s Magistrates’ Court. While the accused has been granted bail and is scheduled to return to court later this year, officials have reminded the public that the presumption of innocence applies until proven guilty. Individuals with pertinent information are encouraged to contact the police’s Family and Sexual Offences Unit to aid the investigation.
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Cedar Valley Man Jailed for Three Years Over $6,800 Liquor Theft Spree
A Cedar Valley resident, Wilbur Edwards, has been handed a three-year prison sentence after confessing to a series of high-value alcohol thefts across multiple supermarkets in St. John’s. The theft spree, which spanned three months and amounted to over $6,800, culminated in Edwards pleading guilty to six counts of larceny during his appearance at the Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. The court imposed six-month sentences for each charge, to be served consecutively, reflecting the severity of the crimes. Prosecutors revealed that Edwards meticulously disguised his thefts as ordinary shopping trips, utilizing an extra bag in his cart to conceal bottles of liquor while only paying for other groceries. Notably, one supermarket was targeted twice during his spree. The magistrate emphasized that consecutive sentences were warranted, as each offense involved distinct thefts from different businesses. Edwards was acquitted of additional charges related to battery and resisting arrest during his apprehension.