In a stirring address at the 2025 CIBC Grade Six National Assessment Awards Ceremony, Education Minister Daryll Matthew reiterated his ministry’s dedication to fostering an inclusive education system that supports students from early childhood through university. Matthew emphasized the importance of ensuring that “every story has the chance to reach a successful chapter,” a vision aimed at empowering students to achieve their dreams. The ceremony, held under the patronage of Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, celebrated the nation’s top 100 primary school achievers, with gold and silver awards, cash prizes, and certificates presented by CIBC Caribbean. Matthew urged the young scholars to approach their secondary education with confidence and determination, reminding them that their journey is ongoing. “Your story has not ended,” he said. “It is still being written, and only you can decide how it ends.” Drawing inspiration from Matthew 5:16, he encouraged students to “shine brightly, beautifully, and boldly,” assuring them of the nation’s unwavering support. The minister also highlighted the critical role of the private sector in education, praising CIBC Caribbean for its sponsorship of the event. “When corporate citizens invest in education, they invest in the very soul of the nation,” he remarked. Concluding his speech, Matthew expressed optimism and national pride, urging the awardees to “go out and shine” as Antigua and Barbuda watches, cheers, and believes in their potential.
分类： society
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Church to open primary school focusing on spirituality, discipline
Grace Community Baptist Church in Kingstown Park, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has initiated the construction of a private primary school, Grace Christian Academy, with a curriculum rooted in biblical teachings and discipline. Senior Pastor Dexter Kirby revealed that the project, estimated at EC$1.4 million, will be developed in phases, with the first classrooms expected to open by September 2018. The school will cater to students from kindergarten to grade 6, building on the foundation of the church’s existing preschool, which currently serves 30 children from both the congregation and the public. Funding for the school will primarily come from donations by church members, with additional support anticipated from Christian organizations and churches abroad, including mission teams from the United States. The curriculum will be a hybrid Christian program, such as Abeka, integrating biblical principles into subjects like math, English, and science. Kirby emphasized the importance of character development alongside academic excellence, citing concerns over biblical illiteracy, moral decay, and declining educational standards among the nation’s youth. He stressed the necessity of Christian education to combat these challenges and foster holistic development in children, both spiritually and academically.
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LETTER: 17-Year-Old Sees Growing Bias in Antigua’s Justice System
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda is facing mounting criticism over allegations of systemic bias and unfair treatment within its ranks. A recent letter to the editor, penned by a concerned 17-year-old, highlights the growing discontent among citizens and officers alike. The letter points to a troubling pattern of selective recognition, where individuals in higher positions are celebrated for achievements that others, often of lower rank, have already accomplished without acknowledgment. For instance, the writer’s neighbor, who diligently balanced her online degree studies with her duties in the justice system, received no recognition for her efforts. In contrast, higher-ranking officers are now being publicly praised for similar accomplishments. This disparity raises serious questions about fairness, justice, and equality within the force. The writer argues that such practices undermine the core values of integrity and meritocracy that the police force claims to uphold. They call for a system where recognition is based on genuine contribution and hard work, rather than hierarchy or status. The letter concludes with a plea for reform, emphasizing that both the public and dedicated officers deserve a justice system they can trust. This issue has sparked a broader conversation about accountability and transparency in law enforcement, as citizens demand better treatment for those who serve with humility and dedication.
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‘Trinidadian’ student wins SVG’s Prime Minister’s Gold Medal
Jerrel Insanali, a student originally from Trinidad and Tobago, has been awarded St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister’s Gold Medal for achieving the top performance in the 2025 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE). Insanali, who migrated to St. Vincent with his family in 2023, is among 19 students granted national scholarships, each covering five years of study at the University of the West Indies (UWI). Alongside the prestigious medal, he will receive an EC$20,000 cash prize during the National Schools’ Independence Rally held at Victoria Park in Kingstown. The event, themed “Cheers to 46: Honouring Our Scholars: Celebrating Our Nation,” commemorates the country’s 46th anniversary of independence while celebrating academic achievements. Christian Gieowarsingh and Gianna Stapleton, who tied for second place, will each receive EC$10,000 in addition to their scholarships. The rally will also recognize 82 graduates from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College for their exceptional results in the 2025 CAPE and associate degree programs. In addition to national scholarships, 18 exhibition scholarships and 43 bursaries will be awarded, along with two special awards for students over 21. The event will feature remarks by education officials and a keynote address by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, emphasizing the rally’s role in fostering national pride and academic excellence.
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interCaribbean Founder Lyndon Gardiner Awarded Honorary Doctorate by UWI
Lyndon Gardiner, the visionary founder and chairman of interCaribbean Airways, has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) by The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus. This prestigious accolade celebrates his exceptional contributions to Caribbean aviation and regional development over the past three decades. Under Gardiner’s leadership, interCaribbean Airways has grown into the largest privately owned airline in the region, now connecting 27 destinations across 17 countries. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Gardiner reflected on his journey, stating, ‘It began with a simple dream of flying – to connect our Caribbean islands and make travel accessible to all our people.’ UWI highlighted his remarkable resilience during the 2020 pandemic, when interCaribbean expanded into seven new markets while other airlines scaled back operations. Beyond aviation, Gardiner’s philanthropic efforts, including a scholarship fund for aviation students and support for medical and youth initiatives, were also commended. Trevor Sadler, CEO of interCaribbean, praised Gardiner as ‘a symbol of Caribbean determination and innovation,’ emphasizing his role in enhancing regional connectivity. Dr. Gardiner was one of 11 distinguished honorees recognized during UWI’s 2025 graduation ceremonies across its campuses.
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SKELEC Bids Farewell to Corporate Communications Manager Ms. Patrice Harris
Basseterre, St. Kitts (October 23rd, 2025) — The St. Kitts Electricity Company Ltd. (SKELEC) has announced the departure of Ms. Patrice Harris, their Corporate Communications Manager, after five years of dedicated service. Ms. Harris joined SKELEC in 2020 and has since been instrumental in transforming the company’s corporate image. Through strategic branding, community engagement, and innovative communication strategies, she modernized SKELEC’s public presence, making it more relatable and customer-focused. Her efforts not only strengthened the trust between the company and the public but also positioned SKELEC as a forward-thinking utility provider in the region. In addition to her communications role, Ms. Harris served as SKELEC’s Hurricane Coordinator for two hurricane seasons. In this capacity, she led the company’s disaster preparedness and response communications, ensuring timely and accurate information reached customers during critical weather events. Her leadership during these periods was crucial in maintaining public safety and operational readiness. Mr. Clement Williams, General Manager of SKELEC, expressed his gratitude for Ms. Harris’s contributions, stating, ‘Ms. Harris brought a level of professionalism and passion to our communications that elevated how we connect with our customers and stakeholders. Her dedication and insight have left a lasting impact on our team and the wider community. We thank her for her years of service and wish her continued success in all her future endeavors.’ Ms. Harris’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter at SKELEC, and the company extends its heartfelt gratitude for her commitment and excellence throughout her tenure.
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Civil Defense evacuates people from Santo Domingo boardwalk due to Storm Melissa effects
In response to the escalating threat posed by Tropical Storm Melissa, the Dominican Civil Defense has initiated extensive preventive measures along the Santo Domingo boardwalk. Early Thursday morning, operations were launched to ensure public safety by keeping citizens away from the hazardous seashore, where powerful waves continue to batter the Caribbean coast. The initiative, led by Deputy Director and Head of Operations Delfín Rodríguez and National District Director Alexander García, underscores the government’s commitment to minimizing risks and preventing potential loss of life. Rodríguez emphasized the importance of constant surveillance in coastal areas, urging residents to heed warnings and avoid vulnerable zones. Authorities have also called on the public to stay vigilant, refrain from approaching the coastline, and rely on official government updates for accurate information during this critical period.
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Two youth anniversaries that represent the past, present, and continuity
In a historic gathering at the José Martí Memorial, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez joined veterans and young leaders to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Association of Young Rebels (AJR) and the 60th anniversary of the Juventud Rebelde newspaper. The event, attended by prominent figures such as Roberto Morales Ojeda, highlighted the enduring legacy of Cuba’s revolutionary youth movements and their media outlets.
Díaz-Canel emphasized the importance of unity and continuity within the revolutionary forces, drawing parallels between the AJR’s founding in 1960 and the establishment of the Juventud Rebelde in 1965. He underscored the significance of these milestones in shaping Cuba’s revolutionary identity and media landscape.
Founders of the AJR, including Amalia Catalá Álvarez and Luis Enrique Colomé Dagnesses, shared personal reflections on the challenges and triumphs of their generation. They praised the current youth for their resilience in the face of modern adversities, such as the sophisticated use of social media by ideological adversaries.
Leaders from the Union of Young Communists (UJC), the Federation of University Students (FEU), and the Federation of High School Students (FEEM) also spoke, detailing their efforts to engage young people in discussions on critical issues like the U.S. blockade, drug prevention, and community service.
Juana Carrasco Martín, a National Journalism Award winner, and Raciel Guanche Ledesma, a young reporter for Juventud Rebelde, discussed the evolving role of media in fostering critical thinking and community engagement. Yurisander Guevara, deputy director of Juventud Rebelde, highlighted the transformative impact of recent events on the UJC’s media strategy.
Díaz-Canel concluded the meeting by reflecting on the UJC’s motto, ‘Study, Work, and Rifle,’ urging young Cubans to embrace their revolutionary heritage, contribute to the nation’s development, and defend their sovereignty. He reaffirmed the necessity of socialism as the path to Cuba’s independence and prosperity, calling for collective participation and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.
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Copyright Bill hailed as milestone for creative future
In a landmark move, Barbados has introduced sweeping reforms to its copyright legislation, marking a significant step forward in protecting the rights of creators and intellectual property holders in the digital era. The updated law, which revises the outdated 1988 Copyright Act, addresses modern challenges such as digital content and streaming, strengthens penalties for infringement, and grants the Copyright Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (COSCAP) the authority to take direct legal action on behalf of its members.
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11th Ibero-American Legal Academies Congress coming to the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is set to host the XI Congress of the Legal Academies of Ibero-America from October 24 to 25, 2023. This significant event will bring together prominent legal minds and academics from across Latin America, including Dominican President Luis Abinader and Supreme Court President Henry Molina. Organized by the Permanent Conference of Ibero-American Legal Academies in collaboration with the Dominican and Puerto Rican Academies of Jurisprudence, the Congress will delve into critical legal and judicial issues. Key topics on the agenda include judicial efficiency, democracy, arbitration, and the integration of artificial intelligence into the legal profession. The academic program, curated by Flavio Darío Espinal, president of the Dominican Academy, features four panels and four thematic tables. These sessions will explore judicial independence, post-war international relations, and the challenges faced by emerging legal professionals. Supreme Court President Henry Molina will deliver a keynote address focusing on judicial efficiency and democracy, highlighting regional progress and obstacles in justice administration. The event will also feature distinguished jurists from Mexico, Spain, and Puerto Rico, such as Silvia Carreño Coll, José Luis Seoane Spiegelberg, and Francisco Javier Gaxiola Fernández. The Congress will be broadcast live via Microjuris, Tirant Lo Blanch, and the National School of the Judiciary’s YouTube channels, ensuring widespread accessibility.