Authorities in Saint Lucia are intensifying their efforts to locate the body of 20-year-old Ajanie Hippolyte from Marisule, Gros Islet, who is presumed to have drowned near Marisule Beach on October 7, 2025. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) reported that officers from the Rodney Bay Police Station were dispatched to the scene following a distress call about a potential drowning incident at approximately 4:50 p.m. Initial investigations reveal that Hippolyte was among a group of four individuals who were kayaking when their vessels began to take on water and eventually capsized. While attempting to swim back to shore, Hippolyte struggled to stay afloat, and despite the efforts of his companions to save him, he disappeared beneath the waves. The RSLPF Marine Unit swiftly initiated a search operation but has yet to locate the young man. The search resumed the following day, October 8, as authorities remain committed to bringing closure to this tragic event.
分类： society
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Standards adopted for alcohol-based hand sanitiser
The Grenada Bureau of Standards, the sole government agency responsible for standards approvals and enforcement, has announced the implementation of a new national standard for alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Effective from 6 October 2025, this voluntary standard, designated as GDS 145: 2025 (CRS 76:2023), establishes minimum requirements to ensure the safety and efficacy of over-the-counter alcohol-based hand sanitisers. The standard, adopted from the CROSQ Standard CRS 76:2023, outlines specific chemical and labelling requirements but excludes non-alcohol-based, medical-grade, and surgical-use hand sanitisers.
In addition to this development, the Bureau is in the final stages of establishing national standards for toilet tissue and hollow blocks. The public is invited to provide feedback on these draft standards, which will replace existing mandatory standards, from 6 October to 5 December 2025. Standards play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and safety of materials, products, and processes, and Grenada maintains a mix of voluntary and mandatory standards. Public input is a vital part of the standard-setting process, ensuring that the standards meet the needs and expectations of the community.
The Grenada Bureau of Standards continues to uphold its mandate to regulate and enforce standards, contributing to public health and safety while fostering consumer confidence in locally available products.
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Confucius Institute celebrates 10 years of cultural and educational exchange
The Confucius Institute at T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) commemorated its 10th anniversary on October 6 with a grand ceremony, celebrating a decade of promoting Chinese language education and cultural exchange in Grenada. The event was attended by prominent figures, including His Excellency Yang Shu, the Chinese Ambassador to Grenada; Dr. Wendy Grenade, Chair of the TAMCC Council; Elvis Morain, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education; and Andrew Abraham, Principal of TAMCC, alongside senior college officials and school principals. In their speeches, the dignitaries highlighted the institute’s pivotal role in enhancing Grenada-China relations. Principal Abraham praised the institute for broadening students’ perspectives and serving as a gateway to Chinese culture, while Ambassador Yang Shu lauded it as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations. Dr. Fan Jiang, Resident Director of the Confucius Institute, recounted the institute’s journey, from launching comprehensive language programs to organizing flagship cultural events like the “Spring Festival Gala.” David Ambrose, Dean of the School of Arts, Sciences, and Professional Studies, attributed these successes to the collaborative efforts of both Chinese and Grenadian teams. The celebration featured a vibrant cultural performance, blending Chinese and Grenadian traditions through songs, kung fu, tai chi, and traditional dances. The event concluded with the exchange of a 10th-anniversary cooperation certificate and a cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing a commitment to continued partnership and mutual learning.
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Over one hundred teachers appointed permanently; delays ‘not fair’ says PM
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica has officially announced the permanent appointments of 125 teachers in 2025, marking a significant step in addressing the nation’s educational staffing needs. During a recent press conference, Skerrit disclosed that while these appointments have been confirmed, numerous additional requests are still pending review by the public service commission. He emphasized the need for more efficient communication within the system, citing delays in notifying appointees as a critical issue. ‘It takes too long for a letter to reach the employee,’ Skerrit stated, recounting an instance where a decision made in April was only communicated months later. He stressed the importance of timely updates to ensure fairness and transparency. Beyond the 125 confirmed appointments, the Prime Minister hinted at more permanent positions being granted to teachers in the near future. Skerrit also expressed concern over public officers remaining in temporary or acting roles for extended periods, labeling such practices as ‘unfair’ and ‘borderline unjust.’ He highlighted the challenges posed by study leaves and secondments, noting that these often delay permanent appointments for others. The cabinet has since taken a firm stance on limiting secondments to ensure smoother staffing processes. Skerrit explained that while ending a secondment might be misinterpreted as personal conflict, it is often necessary to facilitate permanent appointments for those in acting roles. He concluded by affirming the government’s commitment to addressing these systemic issues to improve the overall efficiency of public service appointments.
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Twelfth annual E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture to explore traditional cultural livelihoods
The 12th Annual E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture, a collaborative effort between the University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus Dominica and the Division of Culture, is set to take place on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The event will be hosted at the Alwin Bully Auditorium on the UWI campus, focusing on the livelihoods and cultural practices of communities across Dominica. This year’s lecture will feature a distinguished panel of experts who will explore various dimensions of community resilience and sustainability. Among the speakers, Mrs. Miranda Stephenson will present on ‘Toloma: Roots of Sustainability & Community Resilience,’ shedding light on traditional practices that enhance environmental and social stability. Mr. Derrick Theophille will delve into ‘Annou wivé bò lanmè-a: The Fishing Culture of Soufriere & Scottshead,’ examining the critical role of fishing communities in local economies. Mrs. Gweneth Frederick will discuss ‘Kalinago crafts: Weaving traditional practice and modern business innovations,’ showcasing how Indigenous crafts bridge cultural preservation and economic development. The discussion will be moderated by Mr. Micah Walter, Coordinator for Private Sector Relations, Industry, Commerce, and Innovation at the Ministry of Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, Entrepreneurship, and Small Business Development. Dr. Kimone Joseph, Head of UWI Global Campus Dominica, emphasized that this year’s theme aligns with Dominica’s History Week and Independence celebrations, highlighting the fusion of traditional practices and modern innovations in fostering community resilience. The E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture series, part of the National Independence Calendar, honors the legacy of Edward Oliver LeBlanc, Dominica’s first Premier, known for his dedication to culture and literature.
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Dodelijk ongeval bij bouwwerkzaamheden in Latour
A devastating workplace accident occurred this morning at approximately 10:20 AM on Frederikshoopweg in the Latour district. During construction activities, a concrete wall collapsed onto a worker, resulting in a fatal outcome. Emergency services were dispatched immediately, but upon arrival, it was confirmed that the victim had already succumbed to his injuries. It is believed that the man died on the spot due to the severity of his wounds. Local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident and to ensure such tragedies are prevented in the future. The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols at construction sites, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of regulations.
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Woman Testifies Against Two Police Officers Over 2017 Rape Allegations
A woman has courageously taken the stand in the High Court to recount a harrowing incident in which she alleges two police officers sexually assaulted her in 2017. The trial, presided over by Justice Ann-Marie Smith and a jury of five women and four men, centers on the events of May 12 in Cooks. The complainant detailed how she had spent the evening with a WhatsApp group that included the defendants before getting into a vehicle with them. She testified that the officers drove her to a secluded area, threatened her with a gun, and subjected her to forced intercourse and other sexual acts. The woman further claimed that the officers warned her they would kill her if she reported the attack. After the alleged assault, she left the scene, visited a bar, and reported the incident to the police the following morning. Investigators later recovered a wrapper and condom from the location. The complainant also revealed that one of the officers sent her post-incident messages downplaying the encounter and suggesting it had been ‘planned’ within the group. During cross-examination, defense lawyers questioned the consistency of her testimony, particularly regarding whether the vehicle had stopped and her recollection of events, pointing to discrepancies with her initial police statement. The trial continues as the court seeks to uncover the truth behind these grave allegations.
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Pastor admits defrauding victims of over $300,000
In a shocking breach of trust, Pastor Gavin Otto has admitted to orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that swindled individuals and businesses out of more than $300,000. Otto pleaded guilty to all 19 charges brought against him on Monday, which included six counts of fraudulent conversion and 13 counts of obtaining money by false pretenses. The crimes were committed between February 2021 and October 2022, and he is scheduled to be sentenced on November 7. The fraudulent conversion charges stem from cases where victims paid for steel and 40-foot shipping containers that were never delivered. One victim paid over $15,000 for a container that never arrived, while another paid $16,000 for two containers but received only one after Otto issued a bounced cheque. Other victims were deceived into paying for building materials or steel, receiving either partial deliveries or worthless cheques. Otto also cashed multiple cheques at gas stations and businesses that later bounced due to insufficient funds. In October 2022, police executed a search warrant at Otto’s home, where he was caught attempting to evade officers. During the search, receipts and cheque stubs were recovered, further incriminating him. The pastor now faces sentencing for defrauding victims and businesses of more than $300,000, marking a significant fall from grace for a man once trusted by his community.
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PHOTO: Minor landslide in Fond Cole
A landslide has occurred in the Fond Cole Housing Scheme area, triggered by the severe weather conditions experienced today. The incident was captured in a photograph by a local resident, providing a stark visual of the event. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries so far. The landslide underscores the vulnerability of the area to extreme weather events and raises concerns about the safety and preparedness of local infrastructure. Authorities are likely to assess the damage and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. The community remains on alert as weather conditions continue to pose risks.
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Ministry of Education Launches Reading Month 2025
The Ministry of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries has officially designated October as Reading Month, a nationwide initiative aimed at celebrating the profound impact of reading on personal and societal development. Under the theme ‘Unlock Your Possibilities: Read, Imagine, Grow,’ the campaign seeks to inspire students, educators, parents, and the broader community to embrace the transformative power of books. This year’s observance highlights reading as a gateway to knowledge, creativity, and self-discovery, emphasizing its role in fostering a literate, informed, and innovative nation. Throughout the month, schools and libraries will host an array of engaging activities, including reading challenges, storytelling sessions, book fairs, author visits, and community outreach programs. These events are designed to cultivate a lifelong love for reading and underscore its significance in academic and personal growth. Speaking on the initiative, the Education Officer of School Library Services emphasized that reading is not merely an academic tool but a vital means of empowerment and self-expression. Each book read opens doors to new perspectives, enabling individuals to envision a better future and grow into confident, well-rounded citizens. The public is encouraged to participate by dedicating time to daily reading, supporting local library initiatives, and sharing the joy of literature with others. This celebration of reading serves as a reminder of its enduring value in shaping minds and communities.