As the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) approaches its 25th anniversary, Desma Patrick, Marketing Officer of H.H.V Whitchurch FRS L’Express Des Iles, announced significant enhancements to ferry services and sponsorship initiatives. Speaking at the weekly WCMF press conference on Thursday, Patrick revealed that FRS has increased sailings between Dominica and neighboring islands, including Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Lucia, to facilitate travel for festival-goers. The FRS Express Des Iles ferry service is poised to play a pivotal role in transporting visitors, returning residents, and enthusiasts to Dominica for the grand celebration. H.H.V Whitchurch, a proud sponsor of this year’s festival, is supporting the event through its subsidiaries, including Whitchurch Travel, Whitchurch Insurance, and DHL. Patrick emphasized the festival’s significance as a symbol of Dominica’s culture and resilience, connecting the island to the world through its music, language, and heritage. Whitchurch Insurance is offering Event Liability Insurance to ensure safety and peace of mind for organizers, while Whitchurch Travel is simplifying travel arrangements with flight bookings and packages. Additionally, DHL is ensuring the timely delivery of materials and equipment during the busy season. Ferry services to Dominica, which were temporarily suspended due to a technical issue, will resume on October 11, 2025, with departures from Cabrits, Portsmouth, at 10:45 AM.
分类： society
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Learn to Swim Programme for Grenada School for Special Education
The Rotary Club of Grenada has unveiled a groundbreaking Learn to Swim Programme tailored for students at the Grenada School for Special Education. Officially launched on 30 September 2025 by Rotary Club President Julia Lawrence, the initiative aims to unlock potential, ensure safety, and nurture joy among students. Held at the Limes in Grand Anse, the programme reflects Rotary’s enduring commitment to service and inclusion, particularly for those often overlooked. This initiative builds on the school’s historical ties to Rotary, which was founded in 1976 through a collaboration between the Rotary Clubs of Grenada, Scarborough, and Toronto. Partnering with Get Grenada Swimming, an organisation that has taught over 10,000 individuals to swim between 2017 and 2022, the programme aligns with Rotary International’s 2025–2026 theme, “Unite for Good.” Swim classes will begin on 10 October and continue every Friday for the next two years. Students will be trained in small groups of 10–12 over eight-week sessions, with the goal of ensuring all 72 students gain confidence and comfort in the water. Teachers will also receive training to sustain the programme’s impact. Beyond recreation, the Learn to Swim Programme offers transformative benefits, including promoting water safety, enhancing physical development, supporting cognitive and behavioural growth, fostering social skills and inclusion, and promoting emotional well-being. This initiative is part of a broader suite of projects the Rotary Club of Grenada has planned for the school, including student health checks, an annual Christmas party, and a movie day. The club also continues to support the expansion of the school’s facilities. The Rotary Club of Grenada extends heartfelt gratitude to all contributors and encourages continued public support for its mission to create lasting, positive change in the community.
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PRO: Marrondag – kracht van vrijheid en rechtvaardigheid
Today, Suriname commemorates Marrondag, a day dedicated to honoring the courage, perseverance, and quest for freedom of the Maroon community. The Party for Rights and Development (PRO) extends its congratulations not only to the Maroon community but to the entire Surinamese population on this significant occasion. The PRO emphasized that the history of the Maroons is intertwined with that of all Surinamese, serving as a reminder that freedom and justice are the cornerstones of the nation. Over two and a half centuries ago, the Maroons chose freedom over subjugation, resisting colonial rule, waging a brave struggle, and establishing autonomous communities deep in the interior. Their resilience led to peace treaties with colonial powers in 1760 and the subsequent years, marking 265 years since these agreements. These treaties are among the earliest official recognitions of free Black communities in the Americas and represent a pivotal chapter in Suriname’s history of resistance—a source of national pride that continues to inspire. Marrondag underscores that freedom is not a given; it requires maintenance, much like justice and progress. The PRO sees this day as a call to reaffirm these values. While Maroons are now visible in governance and politics, many communities remain socially and economically vulnerable. Challenges in education, infrastructure, and economic development persist, limiting opportunities for youth in these regions. The PRO views it as its duty to safeguard equal rights and development opportunities for all Surinamese, emphasizing that investing in Maroon youth is investing in the nation’s future. Education is key: it opens perspectives, strengthens communities, and keeps the spirit of freedom alive. The PRO advocates for sustained focus on education in the interior, including well-equipped schools, skilled teachers, and access to digital resources. The history of the Maroons teaches that freedom was not granted but fought for, and this spirit of self-reliance and perseverance lives on in the new generation of Maroon youth striving for knowledge, independence, and progress. Marrondag is not only a day of remembrance but also of responsibility, reminding us that the work of our ancestors is incomplete until every child in Suriname, regardless of origin or residence, has equal opportunities to thrive. The PRO wishes all of Suriname, especially the Maroon community, a powerful and proud Marrondag, hoping that the spirit of freedom, justice, and development continues to guide the nation.
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UWI Global Campus Monsterrat welcomes new head, Dr Sheron Burns
Dr. Sheron Burns has been named the Head of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus in Montserrat, effective September 1, 2025. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Dr. Burns brings extensive expertise in education and research to her new role. Her journey began in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of the Virgin Islands, followed by impactful work in Montserrat’s primary schools and the Ministry of Education, where she spearheaded early childhood education initiatives. In 2014, she joined UWI’s Cave Hill Campus, contributing to the development of teacher training programs across the Eastern Caribbean. Dr. Burns holds a Ph.D. in Elementary Education from the University of Alberta and has published widely on topics such as teacher education, play-based learning, and early childhood development. Recognized for her contributions, she has received numerous awards, including the UWI Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in 2020. Beyond academia, Dr. Burns is an active community leader and serves as Chair of Montserrat’s Electoral Commission. UWI leadership expressed confidence in her ability to drive the Global Campus’s mission, emphasizing her dedication to advancing education and regional development.
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VIDEO: Wehner Reports Streets In Paynters Court flooded
Paynters Court, a residential area in Antigua, has been severely affected by recent flooding, causing significant disruption to local residents. The flooding, captured in photographs by George Wehner, has inundated streets and homes, leaving many families grappling with the aftermath. The images depict waterlogged roads and properties, highlighting the extent of the damage. Authorities are yet to release an official statement regarding the cause of the flooding or the measures being taken to assist affected residents. Meanwhile, local businesses are offering support, with some, like the region’s most visited news site, providing platforms for community updates and assistance. The situation underscores the growing challenges posed by extreme weather events in the region. Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions as recovery efforts continue.
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All Saints Church of the Nazarene Marks 50 Years of Ministry and Service
The All Saints Church of the Nazarene is set to commemorate its 50th anniversary with a week-long celebration from November 2 to November 9, 2025. Under the theme ‘Grateful Hearts, Enduring Faith,’ inspired by Psalm 106:1, the church will honor five decades of unwavering ministry, worship, and community engagement. The festivities will include a diverse array of events such as worship services, cultural evenings, community outreach initiatives, an awards banquet, and a grand Anniversary Celebration of Praise on November 9 at 5 pm. Reverend Sandra E. Martin, the church’s pastor, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating, ‘This anniversary is a testament to God’s enduring love, the commitment of our congregation, and the support of our community. We move forward with gratitude and faith as we continue to serve and transform lives for the Kingdom of God.’ The public is warmly invited to participate in these celebrations, which promise to be a time of reflection, thanksgiving, and joyful fellowship. The event highlights the church’s enduring legacy and its ongoing mission to impact lives positively.
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VIDEO: Major Flooding at Met Office
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Office faced significant disruption on Friday as Tropical Storm Jerry unleashed torrential rains, leading to severe flooding at the critical weather facility. Reports indicate that water infiltrated the building through the roof, causing damage to operational areas and essential equipment used for weather monitoring and airport support. Despite the staff’s efforts to mitigate the situation, the relentless downpour rendered their attempts futile. The incident occurred during a flash flood advisory, with widespread water accumulation reported across multiple communities. Authorities have issued warnings, urging residents to remain vigilant and stay updated as unstable weather conditions persist. The flooding underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to extreme weather events, raising concerns about preparedness and resilience in the face of increasingly unpredictable climate patterns.
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Acting Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers Commends Officers for Exemplary Service to Member of the Public
Acting Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers has publicly commended three officers for their extraordinary dedication to public service. Constable Jamilla Edwards, Constable Choyan James, and Constable Linton Degallerie were recognized at Police Headquarters for their professionalism and compassion in assisting a distressed member of the public. The officers went above and beyond their duties to help a Liberta woman whose vehicle suffered a flat tire on a dark road. They not only changed the tire but also accompanied her to multiple tire shops in St. John’s to secure a replacement and reinstalled it for her. The commendation ceremony was attended by senior members of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, including Superintendent Rodney Ellis, Assistant Superintendents Frankie Thomas and Dr. Raffie Browne, and Inspector Stuart Issac. Acting Commissioner Jeffers praised the officers for embodying the values of the police force, emphasizing the importance of building trust and strengthening community relations through every public interaction. He encouraged them to continue serving as ambassadors of the organization and to remain committed to excellence. In recognition of their outstanding service, a letter of commendation will be placed on each officer’s personal file.
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NDP eert Marrongemeenschap: Een boodschap van kracht, erkenning en hoop
The National Democratic Party (NDP) has issued a heartfelt message of respect and solidarity on the occasion of the Day of the Maroons, celebrating the resilience, freedom, and pride of the Maroon community in Suriname’s interior, urban areas, and diaspora. In a statement, the NDP highlighted the historical significance of the Maroons, descendants of enslaved Africans who broke free from bondage and established independent communities in Suriname’s hinterlands, preserving their unique traditions, legal systems, and leadership. The party commemorated the signing of the 1760 peace treaty between the colonial government and the Ndyuka Maroons, a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for the recognition of Maroon peoples. However, the NDP emphasized that this recognition remained largely symbolic for decades, as Maroons continued to fight for equal access to education, healthcare, infrastructure, political representation, and respect. The statement acknowledged the Maroons’ contributions not only to Suriname’s history but also to its future. Despite their historical struggles, Maroons faced marginalization, with many villages lacking basic amenities and migration to urban areas presenting new challenges. The NDP noted significant progress in recent decades, with increasing numbers of Maroons holding leadership roles in government and parliament, pursuing higher education, and contributing to national development. Yet, challenges persist, particularly in infrastructure, internet access, education, and healthcare, exacerbated by the recent socio-economic crisis. The NDP outlined a vision for an inclusive future, prioritizing land rights recognition, sustainable infrastructure, education, public health, local economic development, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The party concluded with a call for national unity, drawing inspiration from the Maroons’ spirit of resistance and resilience as a beacon of hope for all Surinamese in building a nation where every culture, people, and voice matters.
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Jamaicans urged not to abandon homeless relatives
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has urged families to take responsibility for their homeless relatives rather than abandoning them on the streets. Speaking at the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation’s (KSAMC) Wellness in the Park event on World Homeless Day (October 10), McKenzie emphasized the need for a cultural shift toward personal accountability. The event, held at St William Grant Park in downtown Kingston, was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness. McKenzie highlighted that many homeless individuals were once part of stable households but were left vulnerable due to various circumstances. He warned that the Government would take decisive action against those who continue to neglect their family members. As part of its ongoing efforts to address homelessness, the Government plans to construct 14 homeless shelters across Jamaica in collaboration with the National Housing Trust. McKenzie noted that these shelters, to be built in every parish during the new financial year, aim to provide care and rehabilitation for vulnerable populations. He also shared that the Government’s initiatives have already yielded positive outcomes, with many individuals from shelters being reunited with their families and securing meaningful employment. Additionally, the Government is enhancing mental health services by training psychiatric assistants within the local government system. McKenzie stressed that while the Government is expanding facilities and support systems, lasting progress requires collective responsibility from all sectors of society. ‘It cannot be for government alone. It cannot be for the private sector and others to support it when people abandon their families,’ he asserted.