The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) hosted a special recognition ceremony at the Agriculture Minister’s Office in Antigua to honor Michael Joseph, a distinguished crop farmer and President of the Antigua and Barbuda Agricultural Forum for Youth (ABAFY). Joseph was recently awarded the prestigious title of Caricom Young Farmer of the Year at the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) held in St. Kitts. The ceremony, organized by IICA’s local office and led by National Specialist Craig Thomas, celebrated Joseph’s remarkable contributions to agriculture and his innovative use of technology in farming. Attendees included prominent figures such as Permanent Secretary Walter Christopher, Director of Agriculture Gregory Bailey, and Extension Officer Ika Fergus. Christopher praised Joseph’s dedication and passion, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting his continued growth. Bailey highlighted the significance of Joseph’s achievement, noting his triumph over top young farmers from across the Caribbean. Thomas commended Joseph’s leadership and vision, presenting him with a $1,000 monetary award to further his work. Reflecting on his recognition, Joseph described it as a milestone and a motivator for future endeavors, particularly in reducing the national food import bill. He also shared inspiring advice for aspiring young farmers, urging them to start small, embrace failure, and persist in their agricultural pursuits. The event underscored the vital role of youth in advancing food security in Antigua and Barbuda and the broader Caribbean region.
分类： society
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BLTO vraagt president Simons spoedige interventie beroepsonderwijs
The Bond of Teachers in Technical Education (BLTO) has urgently appealed to President Jennifer Simons to address the escalating challenges within the vocational education sector. In a formal letter, the union warned that without immediate action, the sector risks further deterioration. The BLTO highlighted that despite a meeting with Education Minister Dirk Currie on August 22, no follow-up discussions have occurred, despite assurances of a second meeting within two weeks. ‘Five weeks have passed without a response, while the issues persist unabated,’ the union stated. During a recent conversation with Robby Holband, Director of Vocational Education, it was revealed that the minister now insists on collective consultations with all education unions, a move the BLTO finds concerning due to the unique challenges faced by technical and vocational education. The union outlined six critical issues requiring immediate attention: policy reforms lacking field input, the abolition of LBO levels A and B, the overly rigorous C-level SATS, the transformation of the ATV program into a three-year course, the centralization of Agro education, and recruitment and policy concerns. Additionally, the BLTO raised alarms about compromised security and hygiene in several LBO schools due to overdue payments. The union has called on President Simons to intervene, ensuring separate consultations with Minister Currie and clarity on the promised second revaluation for teachers. ‘Vocational education is the backbone of our nation’s development. Only through expert policy and professional input can we preserve and strengthen this sector,’ emphasized BLTO Chairman René Bilkerdijk and Vice-Chair Jenifer Ballo.
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LETTER: Use Common Sense, Not Chaos, in Police Stop and Search Operations
In Antigua and Barbuda, growing discontent has emerged over the timing and execution of police stop-and-search operations. While the necessity of law enforcement to ensure public safety is undisputed, the manner in which these exercises are conducted has sparked widespread frustration. Specifically, the decision to carry out these operations during the morning rush hour—when parents are dropping off children at school and workers are commuting—has been criticized as inconsiderate and counterproductive.
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TV anchor, public relations man Doug Hoyte dies, aged 75
The Barbadian media landscape is in mourning following the sudden passing of Doug Hoyte, a revered television news personality, who died overnight after a brief illness. He was just weeks away from celebrating his 76th birthday. Details surrounding his death remain undisclosed at this time. Hoyte’s illustrious career spanned decades, beginning in 1968 in the United States, where he worked extensively in media and communications. He served as a television reporter in Tampa, Florida, and briefly held the prestigious role of press secretary to Florida Governor Bob Martinez. In 1991, Hoyte returned to Barbados, where he became a household name. He co-anchored the “CBC Evening News” alongside Sharon Marshall in the 1990s and later assumed the role of General Manager at the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) from 2016 to 2018. Hoyte was also the beloved host of the breakfast television show “Mornin’ Barbados.” Beyond his on-screen roles, he held significant communications positions, including director of communications at Almond Resorts and founder of his public relations firm, Mountbatten Communications. Colleagues and viewers alike remember Hoyte for his professionalism, charismatic on-screen presence, and enduring contributions to Barbadian media over several decades.
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Grenada Co-operative Bank joins celebration of Grenadian stories
The Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited (GCBL) proudly supported the 2025 Grenada Book Festival, held on October 3–4, as part of its commitment to fostering creative expression and cultural preservation. Organized by Grenada Book Festival, Inc., the event united writers, authors, artisans, and book enthusiasts of all ages to celebrate Grenadian stories and literary talent. Ericka Hosten, Manager of Marketing and Customer Insight at GCBL, emphasized the bank’s dedication to initiatives that promote literacy and cultural heritage. She highlighted the festival’s role in showcasing local literature and encouraging reading among diverse audiences. The festival featured two key events: a professional development workshop for writers at various career stages, offering insights into the traditional publishing industry, and a vibrant book fair showcasing over thirty local authors and artisans. The Children’s Corner, a highlight of the fair, provided young attendees with opportunities to explore their creativity through story hours and poetry readings. GCBL’s sponsorship aligns with its corporate social responsibility agenda, which focuses on supporting projects that contribute to the nation’s holistic development. The bank’s involvement underscores its role as Grenada’s only indigenous financial institution, dedicated to enriching the community through cultural and educational initiatives.
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Options to turn around failing economy
In a compelling letter to the editor, Gordon Laughlin outlines a transformative vision for Trinidad and Tobago (TT), emphasizing the nation’s rich cultural heritage, natural wonders, and untapped tourism potential. The author highlights the importance of attracting world-class hotel chains like Sandals, which recognize TT’s unique appeal—from its vibrant Carnival, pan, and calypso traditions to its pristine beaches, waterfalls, and world-renowned fishing spots. With Tobago’s recent airport upgrades, Laughlin sees a golden opportunity to develop twin destinations such as Nylon Pool and No Man’s Land, offering tourists diverse experiences in a single trip, thereby encouraging longer stays and higher revenue. Tobago’s charm, rooted in its quaint villages, vibrant culture, and natural attractions, positions it as a global competitor. However, the push for Tobago’s full self-governance must be carefully balanced with national unity to safeguard economic stability, currency, and development plans. Strategic tourism development, including initiatives like tours to Argyle Waterfalls, salt ponds, and community-based fishing experiences, can maximize foreign exchange earnings, create jobs, and support local communities. Laughlin calls for strong leadership, urging patriots to make tough decisions in the nation’s best interest, fostering equitable development and preserving TT’s cultural legacy for future generations.
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Teachers attend convention on October 10
Commuters in Trinidad and Tobago can look forward to smoother travel on October 10, 2025, as schools across the nation will be closed to accommodate the National Teachers Convention. The announcement was confirmed by Martin Lum Kin, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA), in a WhatsApp message to Newsday on October 9. Lum Kin emphasized that teachers would be actively participating in professional discussions at various district and branch meetings organized by TTUTA. Additionally, a formal letter from the Division of Education, Research and Technology to Kady Beckles, TTUTA’s Tobago Office General Secretary, granted approval for all teachers to take time off from 8 am to 2 pm on the same day to attend the convention. This decision underscores the importance of professional development for educators while providing a temporary reprieve for daily commuters.
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Regressive approach to juvenile justice
A recent proposal by Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander to try child offenders as adults has ignited widespread concern and criticism. The suggestion, described as regressive and potentially discriminatory, threatens to undo decades of progress in juvenile justice reform. Critics argue that such a policy would disproportionately impact marginalized communities, particularly Afro-Trinidadian youth, and exacerbate cycles of inequality. The international consensus on juvenile justice emphasizes rehabilitation over retribution, grounded in developmental science and human rights principles. Children, lacking the cognitive maturity of adults, require systems that foster growth and reintegration rather than punitive measures. The minister’s proposal risks reinforcing harmful stereotypes and dehumanizing vulnerable youth, portraying them as inherently criminal rather than products of systemic social challenges. Experts warn that harsher penalties will not address the root causes of youth crime, such as poverty, family instability, and limited access to education and mental health services. Instead, they advocate for investments in education, mentorship programs, and community-based rehabilitation to provide young offenders with opportunities for reform. True leadership, they argue, demands a balanced approach that prioritizes fairness, compassion, and long-term societal well-being over punitive measures.
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Point Fortin man acquitted of murder
In a significant legal development, Kareem Guadeloupe, a 45-year-old man from Point Fortin, has been acquitted of the 2022 murder of Ikem Best. The verdict was delivered by a Port of Spain jury on October 9, marking the conclusion of a complex and protracted legal battle. Guadeloupe had been charged with the murder on April 15, 2023, following the fatal shooting of Best on October 7, 2022, along Circular Drive, Francis Lane, Warden Road, Point Fortin. Best was standing by the roadside when occupants of a grey B15 car opened fire, resulting in his death. This was Guadeloupe’s second trial, as the first, which commenced in May 2025 before Justice Lisa Ramsumair-Hinds, was aborted due to the emergence of prejudicial evidence. Justice Ramsumair-Hinds discharged the jury, ruling that the evidence could not be rectified through judicial directions. Throughout the proceedings, Guadeloupe maintained his innocence. He was represented by attorneys Michelle Ali and Analisa Ramsaran from the Public Defenders Department, while State prosecutors Kezia Gray-Birkette and Tammy Cato represented the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Notably, Guadeloupe had previously been acquitted in 2019 for the 2005 murders of brothers Neil and Nigel Seebran, whose bodies were discovered in a grave near their home in Cedros.
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Streetlights brighten communities in Guy’s Hill
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to bolster safety and security, 27 new streetlights have been installed across several communities in Guy’s Hill, St Catherine. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, aims to enhance the national streetlight network over the next two years. Communities such as Meuse, Ragsville, Waterford, Bonnett, Burksville, Lime Hall, and Cheesefield are now benefiting from this project.
This effort is part of a broader plan to install 22,800 streetlights nationwide, with each of the 228 municipal divisions receiving 50 lights annually. Portfolio Minister Desmond McKenzie emphasized the collaborative work with the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company, stating that requests for streetlights are being promptly addressed and implemented.
Minister McKenzie also highlighted the importance of community involvement in protecting the newly installed lights, noting that the JPS has implemented strategies to deter theft. Residents like Llewellyn Francis, a small business owner from Bonnett, expressed their relief and increased sense of security, particularly when returning home at night.
Danette Lewis, another resident, praised the initiative for eliminating dark spots and improving the neighborhood’s aesthetics and safety. Councillor Joseph Johnson, who played a pivotal role in advocating for the project, urged residents to take responsibility for safeguarding the lights, with hopes for further installations in the future.
Community members and Members of Parliament can submit requests for additional streetlights to the ministry, ensuring that more areas can benefit from this safety-enhancing initiative.