Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Minister responsible for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, and Culture, expressed his satisfaction with the success of Jounen Kwéyòl celebrations on October 27. The event, held on October 26, showcased Saint Lucia’s rich cultural heritage through food, music, dance, and traditional attire, centered around the Kwéyòl language. While the main activities were concentrated in Belle Vue, Vieux Fort, and Babonneau, the festivities extended island-wide, beginning on October 24 with schools and workplaces participating. Dr. Hilaire emphasized the need for a decentralized approach to the celebrations, encouraging more communities to host authentic Kwéyòl experiences. He highlighted the organic growth of the event, with communities like Monchy and Anse Gere drawing large crowds. The weekend-long celebration featured Church services in Kwéyòl, breakfast events, bamboo bursting competitions, and live performances of traditional music and dance. The culinary offerings, including avocado and farine, cashew tea, bakes, cocoa tea, smoked herring, pig tail, and dumplings, were a major attraction. Dr. Hilaire’s vision is to transform Jounen Kwéyòl into a national celebration, moving beyond the focus on designated communities.
分类： society
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Chief Cultural Officer says there’s more to come for 47th Independence celebration
As Dominica marks its 47th year of independence, Chief Cultural Officer Earlson Matthew has highlighted the array of cultural events that continue to celebrate the nation’s progress and heritage. Speaking on Monday, Matthew emphasized that the festivities extend far beyond the recently concluded World Creole Music Festival, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. ‘The independence season is far from over,’ he remarked. ‘We still have the Miss Wob Dwiyet Pageant, featuring seven talented contestants, taking place this Wednesday at the Massacre Indoor Sporting Facility.’
Matthew also drew attention to Creole Day, scheduled for Friday, October 31, which will feature a National Dress Parade through the streets of Roseau. ‘We are encouraging everyone to participate by wearing national attire and joining us in this historic celebration,’ he said. The cultural festivities will culminate in the National Cultural Gala on Sunday, November 2, at the Botanic Gardens, followed by the National Day Observance Ceremony on November 3 and the National Day of Community Service on November 4. Matthew expressed the Division of Culture’s enthusiasm for these events, which aim to showcase Dominica’s rich cultural identity and foster national pride.
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Dominican Tricia Jno Baptiste earned Master’s degree and cultural enrichment in Ireland
Tricia Jno Baptiste, a native of Dominica, has recently achieved a significant academic milestone by earning her Master’s Degree in Finance from Trinity College Dublin in Ireland. Graduating on October 28, 2025, her accomplishment was facilitated by the Ireland Fellows Programme, administered locally by the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS). While the degree itself is a notable achievement, Jno Baptiste emphasized that her experience in Ireland extended far beyond academics. She gained a robust professional network, immersed herself in Irish culture, and developed a deeper understanding of global finance and international affairs. The MSc in Finance, taught by leading academics and industry practitioners, provided her with a solid foundation for her future career. The programme fostered collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds, creating a dynamic and enriching learning environment. Throughout her fellowship year, Jno Baptiste participated in certified training sessions on leadership, conflict resolution, and time management. She also attended a ten-week Irish language course, which deepened her appreciation for Irish heritage. Additionally, she volunteered with Vision Ireland, a charity supporting individuals with visual impairments. Reflecting on her transformative journey, Jno Baptiste encouraged others from Small Island Developing States to pursue similar opportunities, highlighting the programme’s potential to inspire growth, innovation, and meaningful contributions upon returning home. The Ireland Fellows Programme, which offers fully funded postgraduate education in Ireland, aims to cultivate future leaders, enhance local capacities, and strengthen ties between Ireland and participating nations.
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A tribute to Dr Marguerite-Joan Joseph
October marks Creole Heritage Month, culminating in International Creole Day on October 28, 2025. This year, the occasion serves as a poignant moment to honor the life and contributions of Dr. Marguerite-Joan Joseph, a remarkable figure who passed away last year. Dr. Joseph was a trailblazer in both the medical and cultural spheres, leaving an indelible mark on Grenada and beyond. As a medical doctor specializing in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, she significantly reduced maternal mortality rates during her tenure at Grenada’s General Hospital from 1992 to 2012. Beyond her medical achievements, Dr. Joseph was a passionate advocate for the revival of the French Creole language, known locally as Patois. She co-founded the Grenada Creole Society in 2009, dedicating herself to researching, documenting, and promoting the language. Her efforts included renovating a family home in Concord to serve as the Society’s headquarters, where she conducted workshops, classes, and cultural events. Dr. Joseph authored three books, including the groundbreaking “Un-Tying the Ancestors’ Tongue,” a comprehensive Patois grammar guide with an accompanying audiovisual tutorial. She also penned creole songs, including a Patois version of Grenada’s National Anthem. Her work aimed to integrate Patois into the national school curriculum, a vision she passionately pursued with the Ministry of Education. Dr. Joseph’s legacy continues to inspire, as her family and the Grenada Creole Society strive to uphold her mission of preserving and celebrating Grenada’s linguistic heritage.
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Much ‘Moore’ than a bar
John Moore Bar, a cherished landmark in Weston, St James, Barbados, has long been more than just a rum shop. It is a cultural hub where community, kinship, and tradition intertwine. On Saturday, the bar celebrated its grand reopening, marking a new chapter in its storied history. Proprietor Cherie Rochester, who took over from her uncle Lamonte Greedy Addison, welcomed the crowd with a heartfelt, “Welcome home everyone!” Her words resonated deeply, as she described the bar as a place where her childhood memories and roots are deeply embedded. Rochester is committed to preserving the legacy her uncle built while steering the establishment into the digital age. Known for its pioneering spirit, John Moore Bar was the first rum shop on the island to implement a point-of-sale system. Now, it is embracing QR codes for menus and digital payment systems like Bim Pay, aiming to become Barbados’ most digital rum shop. The bar’s refurbished design pays homage to its rustic charm while incorporating modern elements. The menu, featuring pizzas, tacos, and burgers made from scratch, reflects a blend of tradition and innovation. Staff are undergoing mixology training to elevate the cocktail experience. For decades, John Moore Bar has been a gathering place for locals, tourists, and even members of the constabulary. Rochester promised to maintain this sense of camaraderie. She also expressed gratitude to businessman Peter Harris for his unwavering support. The reopening ceremony, attended by Henderson Forde of Armstrong Agencies, symbolized a new era for the bar. As John Moore Bar steps into the future, it remains a tribute to its heritage and a beacon of innovation.
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Martinez Says Immigration Forum Left D.R Community Feeling ‘Like Criminals’
A recent immigration forum in Antigua and Barbuda has drawn sharp criticism from Hispanic community advocate Alex Martinez, who labeled the event as intimidating and counterproductive for the Dominican community. The forum, organized by the Immigration Department, aimed to address residency and citizenship concerns among Dominicans, one of the largest non-national groups in the country. However, Martinez claims that many Dominicans avoided the session due to fear, citing the presence of armed officers and rigorous security screenings at the venue. He argued that the event, intended to foster dialogue, instead left attendees feeling unwelcome and failed to tackle pressing issues such as prolonged document processing times and exorbitant visa and work permit fees. Chief Immigration Officer Katrina Yearwood defended the forum, stating that the heightened security measures were in line with international best practices, given the attendance of senior officials and diplomats. She emphasized that no passports were checked and only standard safety protocols were followed, deeming the session a success. Despite the controversy, immigration officials have committed to ongoing engagement with immigrant communities and announced plans to host another forum in the near future.
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Defence lawyer calls for apology after courthouse clash with DPP
In a recent development at the High Court, defense attorney Andrew O’Kola has formally requested a public apology from Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Clement Joseph following a heated verbal exchange last Friday. O’Kola alleges that he was subjected to an unwarranted and public verbal assault by Joseph in the presence of court staff, media representatives, and bystanders. The incident reportedly unfolded in a hallway where Joseph criticized a letter O’Kola had written, accusing him of “doing too much” before escalating into a loud and confrontational outburst. O’Kola described the incident as “deeply regrettable,” emphasizing that such behavior erodes public trust in the justice system. He reiterated his commitment to professional integrity and fearless client representation while advocating for mutual respect within the legal community. Despite the altercation, O’Kola reaffirmed his dedication to the rule of law and independent legal advocacy, insisting that Joseph’s conduct necessitates a public apology.
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Aquanauts Grenada wins CHTA Coral Reef Tourism Stewardship Award
Aquanauts Grenada has been honored as the overall winner of the 2025 Caribbean Coral Reef Tourism Stewardship Award, presented by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) in collaboration with the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST) and The Nature Conservancy. This prestigious accolade recognizes the dive operator’s exceptional contributions to reef conservation, community engagement, and sustainable tourism practices. Through innovative initiatives like Lionfish Bites & Beats and Jam & Jewellery Nights, Aquanauts Grenada has transformed the invasive lionfish problem into a platform for environmental education, reef protection, and youth empowerment. These programs fund the Aqua Rangers Youth Development Scholarship, providing local youth with hands-on training in marine stewardship while removing thousands of lionfish from Grenadian reefs. Tiffany Geer, Co-Founder of Aquanauts Grenada, expressed deep gratitude for the award, attributing the success to the dedication of staff, volunteers, and partners. The organization’s Roots-to-Reef tourism experience offers visitors a holistic exploration of Grenada’s coastal ecosystems, from rainforests to coral reefs, while emphasizing the importance of conservation. Aquanauts Grenada will accept the award at CHTA’s CHIEF Conference in Barbados on November 16. For more details, visit www.AquanautsGrenada.com or contact their management team via email.
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Gov’t increases Public Assistance to $360
In a significant move to bolster social welfare, the Unity Labour Party administration in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has increased Public Assistance payments to EC$360 per month. This adjustment, announced by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves during the nation’s 46th Independence Day celebrations, marks a notable step in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. The increase, retroactive to September 1, 2025, will benefit 4,646 recipients, including the elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals. Previously, those under 65 received EC$280 monthly, while those over 65 received EC$300. The new uniform rate of EC$360 aims to provide greater financial stability to beneficiaries. Additionally, the government has raised the minimum pension under the National Insurance Service (NIS) to EC$360, with an extra EC$40 contributed by the state for 1,910 pensioners until the next actuarial review. This adjustment ensures parity between contributory pensions and non-contributory Public Assistance, addressing long-standing grievances among pensioners. The combined cost of these measures is estimated at EC$1.246 million for the initial four months and EC$3.74 million annually. Prime Minister Gonsalves also announced an increase in foster care payments from EC$275 to EC$400 per child, benefiting 165 children in foster care. These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to expanding social safety nets, including housing, food, medical support, and lump-sum payments for adverse events.
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AG makes youth violence, domestic abuse link
Barbados Attorney General Dale Marshall has issued a compelling call for immediate and comprehensive research into the connection between domestic abuse and the rising tide of violent crimes among school-aged boys. Speaking at the opening of a two-day Regional Symposium to Advance State Responses on Domestic Violence at the Hilton Barbados Resort, Marshall emphasized that unstable family environments are cultivating a generation predisposed to gang involvement and criminal behavior. Supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the government, the symposium aims to address domestic abuse across the region and its root causes. Marshall argued that violence within the home and youth delinquency cannot be treated as isolated issues, stating that the link between dysfunctional families and criminal activity is ‘almost intuitive.’ He highlighted the government’s efforts to stabilize families through initiatives like the One Family Programme, which allocates significant public funds to support vulnerable households. Marshall warned that without addressing domestic violence, the cycle of crime will persist, as dysfunctional families often produce young individuals who gravitate toward gangs. He cited alarming cases of teenagers charged with serious crimes, including firearm homicides and robberies, underscoring the urgency of targeted interventions. While the Criminal Justice Research Unit is investigating the issue, Marshall stressed that action cannot wait for studies to conclude. He framed domestic violence as a long-term societal challenge, emphasizing the need to reorient dysfunctional families to prevent future crime waves. Marshall concluded that failing to break the intergenerational transmission of violence will leave the country managing crime fallout rather than reducing it.