分类： society

A tragic incident has left a family in mourning after an 18-year-old student was fatally shot in St. Kitts late Saturday night, September 13, 2025. The victim, a student at Washington Archibald High School, has yet to be officially identified. The shooting occurred in the College Housing area, prompting an immediate investigation by local authorities, who described the case as ‘active and ongoing.’ This heartbreaking event has reignited concerns over the proliferation of illegal firearms in the region. Just days prior, on September 9, police uncovered a significant cache of illegal weapons and ammunition in Saddlers. The seized items included a Mac-10 firearm, multiple magazines, and various rounds of ammunition. Authorities have emphasized that neither St. Kitts nor the broader Caribbean manufactures firearms, raising urgent questions about how these weapons are entering the region, predominantly from the United States. In response, the government has implemented stricter penalties for illegal firearm possession, and several individuals have recently been charged with related offenses. The victim has since been identified as a young man of Dominican origin.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has announced the return of its flagship Regional Tourism Youth Congress, set to take place during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025 in Barbados. This year’s event, scheduled for October 2, will bring together 16 young delegates aged 14 to 17 from across the Caribbean, each representing their respective countries as ‘Junior Ministers/Commissioners of Tourism.’ The Congress aims to foster critical thinking, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the tourism sector while showcasing the innovative perspectives of the region’s youth. Participants will present their research on the future of Caribbean tourism, engaging in spirited discussions that highlight their vision for the industry. Sharon Banfield-Bovell, CTO’s Director of Resource Mobilization and Development, emphasized the initiative’s significance, stating that it goes beyond competition to cultivate future advocates and innovators who will shape the trajectory of Caribbean tourism. In addition to the competition, students will participate in a Tourism Youth Congress Master Class led by Ed Limon of Winged Whale Media and a career-focused workshop facilitated by Davina Layne of Your Corporate Image. The event, supported by sponsors such as Breeze Travel Solutions and Carnival Corporation, continues to serve as a vital platform for empowering young Caribbean citizens, offering them mentorship and exposure to the tourism industry. For more details, visit the official SOTIC website.

The Nevis Co-operative Credit Union (NCCU) has announced the renaming of its esteemed Scholarship Programme to the George Sydney Newton Scholarship Award, in honor of the retired General Manager, George Sydney Newton. This decision was unveiled during the Credit Union’s 52nd Annual General Meeting held on August 28, 2025, at the Nevis Performing Arts Centre. The renaming serves as a tribute to Mr. Newton’s 30 years of dedicated service and leadership, which significantly impacted the credit union movement in Nevis, the Caribbean, and beyond. Established in 1986, the scholarship programme has supported numerous students from local secondary schools and colleges, providing financial assistance for textbooks, uniforms, and examination fees. The programme has benefited 79 students as of December 2024. NCCU President Kris Liburd emphasized the renaming as a fitting gesture to celebrate Mr. Newton’s legacy and contributions. Regional leaders from organizations such as the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions and the World Council of Credit Unions also paid tribute to Mr. Newton’s influence. The first cohort of students under the newly renamed scholarship will be recognized during International Credit Union Week in October 2025. This renaming ensures that Mr. Newton’s legacy of service and community development continues to inspire future generations.

In a heartwarming gesture of community support, Food Centre St. Kitts Limited has donated organic baby pampers to new mothers at the PAHO-certified Baby Friendly JNF General Hospital in Basseterre, St. Kitts. The donation, made on September 10, 2025, aims to ease the challenges faced by new mothers and ensure a comfortable start for newborns. The initiative was spearheaded by Mr. McCleon Hobson, the Sales and Marketing Manager of Food Centre St. Kitts Limited, who emphasized the company’s commitment to giving back to the community during these challenging times. The donation was formally presented to Nurse Manager Mrs. Naomi Brownbill, the Baby Friendly Representative for the hospital, in the presence of key hospital officials, including Dr. Jenson Morton, Director of Health Institutions, Dr. Daveen Wilkin, Medical Chief of Staff, and Mrs. Lindsey Maynard, Director of Operations. The organic pampers were distributed to new mothers in both the private and general maternity wards, with Mrs. Grace Lawrence and Ms. Shamica Prentice being among the first recipients. Dr. Morton expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting the hospital’s commitment to providing a baby-friendly environment since its certification in October 2022. Mrs. Brownbill also thanked Food Centre St. Kitts Limited, assuring that the donation would be put to good use to enhance the comfort of newborns.

The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force has reported another significant seizure of illegal firearms in Saddlers, underscoring the ongoing challenges posed by the influx of illicit weapons in the Federation. On September 9, officers conducted a yard search that led to the recovery of multiple firearms and ammunition. Among the items confiscated were a Mac-10 with a magazine and five rounds of .380mm ammunition, as well as another firearm accompanied by two magazines—one loaded with six rounds of .45mm ammunition and the other empty—along with 15 additional rounds of .45mm ammunition. This latest discovery comes amid a series of recent incidents involving the use of firearms, which has heightened concerns about the persistent flow of weapons into the region despite intensified enforcement efforts. Authorities have emphasized that neither St. Kitts and Nevis nor the broader Caribbean manufactures firearms or ammunition, raising questions about the origins of these weapons, which are believed to be smuggled from the United States. In response, the government has implemented stricter penalties for illegal possession, leading to several recent arrests and charges related to firearms and ammunition offenses.

The Nevis Sixth Form College officially commenced its 2025-2026 academic year on September 10, 2025, welcoming 52 new students to embark on their tertiary education journey. Alongside 59 returning Year Two students, the fresh cohort participated in the institution’s Orientation and Advising Session, setting the stage for a transformative educational experience. Deputy Principal Mrs. Kerilyn David warmly greeted the students, emphasizing the college’s commitment to excellence, support, and friendship. She encouraged them to embrace the challenges ahead, stating, “The Nevis Sixth Form College is a place for growth… You have the power to make it incredible.” Motivational speaker Shalicia Glassford delivered an inspiring presentation titled “Embracing the Journey, Navigating the Sixth Form with Purpose and Resilience,” urging students to unlock their potential and thrive during their time at the college. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Ms. Zahnela Claxton, highlighted the importance of character development, leadership, and discipline, while also encouraging students to seize scholarship opportunities to alleviate financial burdens. The opening ceremony, chaired by Year Two student Leroy Willock-Manners, featured detailed presentations on academic programs, associate degrees, extracurricular activities, and school expectations. Notable attendees included Minister of Education and Youth, the Honourable Senator Troy Liburd, and Principal of the Charlestown Secondary School and Nevis Sixth Form College, Mrs. Nicola Huggins-Parris. The event underscored the college’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and personal growth among its students.

Twenty-four years after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the world continues to grapple with the profound impact of one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in history. On that fateful day, the World Trade Center towers in Manhattan were reduced to rubble, the Pentagon was struck, and United Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania, claiming nearly 3,000 lives. The attacks not only reshaped global security measures but also left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of nations worldwide.

The St. Kitts Spectrum Services Centre commemorated its seventh anniversary with a vibrant Family Fun Day on Sunday, September 7, 2025. Held in Basseterre, St. Kitts, the event attracted children, parents, staff, and community members for an afternoon filled with entertainment, games, and activities aimed at promoting unity and raising awareness about autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Josephine Claxton, the Centre’s Director, expressed her gratitude to sponsors, parents, and staff for their unwavering support, emphasizing the importance of creating a space for families to connect and enjoy meaningful interactions. The celebration also showcased the Centre’s ongoing commitment to providing essential services and support to families across the Federation. Since its establishment on September 4, 2018, the Centre has been a cornerstone in fostering inclusivity and understanding within the community.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has announced the return of its flagship Regional Tourism Youth Congress, set to take place during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Barbados from September 30 to October 3, 2025. This year’s event, organized in collaboration with the Barbados Ministry of Tourism and International Transport and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., will bring together 16 young delegates aged 14 to 17 from across the Caribbean, each representing their respective countries as “Junior Ministers/Commissioners of Tourism.”

The Youth Congress, a cornerstone of CTO’s developmental initiatives, aims to cultivate the next generation of tourism leaders by encouraging critical thinking, innovative ideas, and effective communication. Participants will present their research and perspectives on the future of Caribbean tourism, offering insights into how the region can evolve and thrive in the coming decades. The event will also feature a Tourism Youth Congress Master Class led by Ed Limon, CEO of Winged Whale Media, and a career-focused workshop facilitated by Davina Layne of Your Corporate Image.

Sharon Banfield-Bovell, CTO’s Director of Resource Mobilization and Development, emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “This is more than a competition; it’s a pathway to developing future advocates and innovators who will shape the trajectory of Caribbean tourism.” The Congress is supported by key sponsors, including Breeze Travel Solutions, Carnival Corporation & plc, and Winged Whale Media, underscoring its importance as a platform for youth empowerment and regional development.

Last year’s competition, held in the Cayman Islands, saw Keyana Warner of Nevis emerge as the winner, impressing judges with her visionary ideas. This year’s event promises to be equally inspiring, with young leaders poised to showcase their passion and creativity in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the Caribbean tourism industry. For more details, visit https://sotic.onecaribbean.org.