The 42nd Independence Ceremonial Parade in Saint Kitts and Nevis is set to take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium. This year’s event introduces a significant change with an evening start time, aimed at enhancing the experience for both participants and spectators. The decision, influenced by Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, was made to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure the comfort of the troops and attendees during the parade. Dr. Marcus Natta, Cabinet Secretary and Co-Chair of the Independence 42 Organising Committee, emphasized the importance of this adjustment, noting that it allows for additional creative elements and special surprises for the audience. Captain Kenish Garnett of the St. Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard Unit will lead the parade for the fourth time, expressing his pride in commanding the event. The ceremony, which will be livestreamed on SKNIS’ and ZIZ’s platforms, promises a blend of patriotism and precision drills, celebrating the nation’s independence from Great Britain on September 19, 1983.
分类： society
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COMMENTARY: Caribbean Criminal Responsibility – Suffer Little Children
The age of criminal responsibility across the Caribbean reveals a stark disparity, ranging from as low as seven years in Grenada to thirteen years in Haiti. This inconsistency highlights the region’s struggle with juvenile justice reform, a topic that has long been debated globally. While modern criminal justice systems advocate for a minimum age of twelve, many Caribbean nations, including Antigua and Barbuda (8 years), the Bahamas (10 years), and Trinidad (7 years), have yet to align with this standard. The United Kingdom, despite expert recommendations, maintains a ten-year minimum, influencing its Caribbean territories like the Cayman Islands, which recently considered but did not adopt a twelve-year threshold. This reluctance to modernize has been criticized, particularly in light of rising juvenile crime rates. For instance, Jamaica has seen twelve-year-olds charged with murder, and the Cayman Islands faced a high-profile case involving a twelve-year-old accused of a gun-related offense. Critics argue that law reform bodies in the region should include not only prosecutors but also criminal defense attorneys, who bring firsthand experience and insight into the challenges faced by at-risk youth. The lack of progress in this area mirrors broader societal issues, such as the Cayman Islands’ failure to implement a comprehensive plan for youth violence prevention despite a significant budget allocation. As the region grapples with these challenges, the question remains: should resources be directed toward building more prisons or investing in alternative solutions to address the root causes of juvenile delinquency?
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Taxi Drivers Threaten Action Over Illegal Operators at Antigua Airport
Licensed taxi drivers at V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua and Barbuda have issued an ultimatum to authorities, demanding a crackdown on illegal operators by 1 October. The United Taxi Company, representing the drivers, has expressed growing frustration over the government’s inaction, warning of potential disruptions as the winter tourist season approaches. Vice President Gregory Ail emphasized that unlicensed drivers are operating without background checks, fees, or insurance, posing significant risks to passenger safety and undermining the livelihoods of lawful operators. Despite a fee increase last year, enforcement against illegal taxis remains inadequate, further exacerbating the issue. The drivers are calling for urgent talks with the police and Transport Minister Max Fernandez to address the situation. Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has acknowledged the concerns but has yet to take decisive action. With visitor arrivals expected to peak soon, the standoff threatens to escalate into a public clash, potentially tarnishing the country’s tourism reputation.
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Dominica police force receives equipment for UN-funded regional pilot program
The Dominican police force has taken a significant step toward modernization with the introduction of a new Police Records Management Information System, funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative, part of a regional pilot project, was officially launched during a ceremony on Wednesday, attended by key stakeholders including UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Stephanie Ziebell and Dominica’s Minister for National Security, Rayburn Blackmoore. The system, already operational in six Caribbean nations—Grenada, Antigua, Barbados, St. Kitts, Guyana, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines—aims to streamline judicial processes and enhance the professionalism of law enforcement agencies. Ziebell emphasized the UNDP’s commitment to supporting Dominica’s digital transformation and national priorities, calling the equipment a symbol of their enduring partnership. Blackmoore highlighted the project’s potential to improve productivity, decision-making, and crime prevention through advanced data analysis and centralized management. The initiative will equip every police station on the island with the necessary hardware and software, marking a transformative milestone for the Dominican police force.
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MP warns against sacrificing community for tourism at Holetown
Kerrie Symmonds, Member of Parliament for St James Central, has issued a stern warning against prioritizing tourism development at the expense of community livelihoods and public access in Holetown, St James. Addressing attendees at the St James Ideas Forum town hall meeting held at Frederick Smith Secondary School on Wednesday evening, Symmonds emphasized the need to address long-standing concerns over diminishing beach access for locals and the proposed redevelopment of the civic centre site.
Symmonds, who also serves as Barbados’ Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, revealed that he could no longer remain silent on the matter. ‘I felt a duty to speak out, as I have publicly remained quiet until now,’ he stated. ‘Being a senior member of the Cabinet, it’s challenging to publicly dissent from collective decisions. Therefore, much of the dialogue and negotiation must occur behind closed doors.’
He underscored the importance of balancing investment with community coexistence, stressing that development projects must not alienate or exclude local residents. ‘We must find a way to harmonize the Barbadian community with investment efforts. One cannot overshadow the other,’ Symmonds asserted. He pointed to examples in the Caribbean, such as Jamaica, where similar issues have led to division and tension. ‘This has never been the ethos of Barbados. Such scenarios breed discomfort, disquiet, and sometimes even hostility, which are contrary to our values.’
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Island Challenge Aims to Raise £100K in Saint Lucia for Neonatal Care
From October 17 to 20, Saint Lucia will host the third edition of the Island Challenge, a unique endurance event that blends athletic determination with charitable efforts to raise funds for neonatal healthcare. Organized by the Sandals Foundation, Unique Vacations UK Ltd, Island Routes, Sandals Resorts Saint Lucia, and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, the initiative aims to secure £100,000 (EC$362,000) for the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at the Millennium Heights Medical Complex. The SCBU, which annually supports approximately 180 high-risk newborns, will use the funds to enhance its life-saving services. Participants, including travel industry professionals and Sandals team members, will tackle a rigorous four-day course featuring long-distance running, sea kayaking, rainforest hiking, a half-marathon, and an ascent of the iconic Gros Piton. Dr. Damian Greaves, CEO of the Millennium Heights Medical Complex, emphasized the event’s broader significance, stating, ‘The Island Challenge represents hope. By merging tourism, philanthropy, and healthcare, we’re making a tangible difference for our most vulnerable citizens.’ Since its launch, the initiative has raised £200,000 for healthcare projects in Antigua & Barbuda and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation, highlighted its community-driven impact, noting, ‘Improving healthcare access, especially for newborns, transforms entire families’ futures.’ Karl Thompson, managing director of Unique Vacations UK Ltd, described the event as a catalyst for change, expressing optimism for its continued growth and impact. Locally, the initiative is celebrated as a blueprint for socially responsible tourism, demonstrating how the industry can uplift critical sectors like healthcare.
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Call for extended leave, support for parents of disabled children
Disability rights advocate Felicia Inniss has called for significant policy changes to support parents raising children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Speaking at the St James Ideas Forum town hall meeting held at Frederick Smith Secondary School on Wednesday night, Inniss emphasized the need for extended maternity and paternity leave, as well as enhanced community-based support systems. She highlighted the unique challenges faced by these families, urging policymakers to address their specific needs. Inniss welcomed the recent introduction of paternity leave but stressed that more must be done to assist parents of children with disabilities. She proposed that parents of children with severe intellectual impairments, diagnosed at birth, should be granted extended leave to better manage their circumstances. Traditional leave policies, she argued, often fall short for families with children requiring complex care. Inniss explained that the emotional and financial toll on these parents is immense, particularly in single-parent households where income may cease entirely. She emphasized the necessity of psychological support and extended leave to ensure parents can adequately care for their children without sacrificing their mental well-being. Inniss concluded by urging society to reevaluate its approach to supporting these families, highlighting the profound mental and emotional impact of raising a child with disabilities.
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UPDATE: DOMLEC restores services
Electricity services have been fully reinstated across the entire ITS north feeder as of 11:19 AM today, following a significant outage that affected multiple areas. Earlier in the day, the Dominica Electricity Services Company (DOMLEC) reported disruptions caused by a technical fault on the feeder. The utility provider assured the public that its technical team was working tirelessly to resolve the issue. Officials expressed their appreciation to the community for their patience and understanding during the outage, acknowledging the inconvenience caused. The swift restoration of power highlights the efficiency of DOMLEC’s response team in addressing critical infrastructure challenges.
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PHARCS commemorates Elderly Month with new partnership and initiatives
In honor of Dominica’s Month of the Elderly, Premium Home and Residential Care Services (PHARCS) has unveiled a series of initiatives, including a groundbreaking partnership aimed at improving services for seniors. September, designated as the Month of the Elderly, culminates in the International Day of Older Persons on October 1, a global observance dedicated to honoring senior citizens. PHARCS, which took a break last year, is now reaffirming its commitment to supporting the elderly through community engagement, awareness campaigns, and strategic collaborations. Historically, the month has featured events organized by the Dominica Council on Ageing (DCOA), such as Grandparents Day, youth workshops, and creative contests. This year, PHARCS is actively participating in national festivities, hosting events and promoting elder care initiatives. Marie-Therese Junkerre, Founder and CEO of PHARCS, emphasized the organization’s mission to provide dignified, person-centered care, stating, ‘Every day should be like this for our seniors.’ As PHARCS marks its 11th anniversary, it continues to innovate with programs like ‘Meals on Wheels for Seniors’ and ‘Senior Day Care Service,’ aimed at fostering independence and well-being. A significant development is the partnership with OVE-CARAÏBES, a French-Caribbean organization focused on supporting vulnerable populations, including the elderly. This collaboration aims to exchange best practices and develop new services to benefit Dominica’s elderly community. Junkerre expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its potential to provide training, resources, and programs that enhance seniors’ quality of life. PHARCS is also encouraging community participation in its bi-weekly radio program, ‘Information Portal for Senior Citizens,’ which will focus on the Month of the Elderly theme and dementia awareness. The program will also address elder rights, healthcare access, and intergenerational connections. PHARCS is calling on individuals, businesses, and youth groups to participate in events like Senior Citizens’ Sports Day and educational workshops to foster an age-friendly community. Through collaborations with international and local partners, PHARCS is poised to expand its elder care services significantly. For more information, the public is invited to tune in to DBS RADIO on September 24 or contact PHARCS directly.
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Police investigating Cane Vale shooting
A violent shooting incident unfolded on Wednesday evening in Christ Church, leaving two men injured and prompting an urgent police investigation. The attack took place at approximately 9:20 p.m. on Canevale Crescent, where a group of individuals had congregated. Witnesses reported that two assailants, clad in dark clothing, approached the gathering and unleashed a barrage of gunfire. The victims sustained injuries during the assault and were swiftly transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital via a private vehicle, where they are currently receiving medical treatment. Authorities from the Oistins Police Station have launched a thorough investigation into the incident, appealing to the public for assistance. Individuals with any information or those who may have witnessed the event are encouraged to contact the Oistins Police Station at 418-2612 or 418-2604, the Police Emergency line at 211, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477. The community remains on edge as law enforcement works to uncover the motives behind the attack and apprehend the perpetrators.