分类： society

In a heartwarming celebration of community spirit, CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank recently honored two remarkable women in St. Kitts and Nevis as part of its Unsung Hero Awards initiative. Venetta Zakers and Julie Charles were recognized for their tireless efforts in uplifting their communities during a ceremony held at the bank’s Circus branch. Zakers, the overall winner, was awarded EC$13,500 for her over a decade-long commitment to supporting at-risk girls, single-parent families, incarcerated women, and children. Her initiatives focus on breaking cycles of poverty and exploitation through skill-building and mentorship. Charles, the runner-up, received EC$6,750 for her 20 years of advocacy for victims of domestic violence. She founded the Big Sister Programme in 2004, which mentors young women and empowers them to embrace their potential. CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Unsung Hero Awards aim to shine a light on individuals who selflessly dedicate their lives to strengthening their communities, often without public recognition.

Saint Kitts and Nevis is set to commemorate National Heroes Day on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, with a series of ceremonies designed to honor the nation’s most distinguished citizens. The main event, held at the National Heroes Park in Conaree, will commence at 8 a.m. and feature military honors by the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force and the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force. The ceremony will include a short program culminating in the laying of wreaths at the statues of the late Right Excellencies Sir Robert Bradshaw, Sir C. A. Paul Southwell, Sir Joseph France, and Sir Simeon Daniel. Additionally, the only living National Hero, the Right Excellent and the Right Honourable Dr. Sir Kennedy Simmonds, will receive special recognition. A separate ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. at the Bradshaw Memorial Park in St. Pauls to honor the contributions of the First National Hero, the Right Excellent Sir Robert L. Bradshaw. These events will be attended by dignitaries, including the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, members of the National Assembly, and local and visiting diplomats. Dr. Marcus Natta, Cabinet Secretary and Co-Chair of the Independence 42 Planning Committee, emphasized the importance of public participation and the educational value of the ceremonies, particularly for young people. Students from across the Federation are invited to participate, with representatives from various schools engaging in the ceremonies by handing wreaths to officials and family members of the national heroes. A student will also present flowers to Sir Kennedy Simmonds. Dr. Natta highlighted the significance of educating the youth about the contributions of national heroes and inspiring them to aspire to similar achievements.

The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is grappling with grief and outrage following the tragic death of 18-year-old Sean John, a student at Washington Archibald High School and a resident of College Housing. John, a Dominican national, was fatally shot late Saturday night, September 13, 2025, in an incident that occurred between 10:30 and 11:00 p.m. Police confirmed that he was found with a gunshot wound and pronounced dead at the scene. While details remain scarce, authorities are actively investigating the case. Education Minister Geoffrey Hanley expressed profound sorrow over the loss, condemning the escalating violence in the region. He emphasized the need for collective action to ensure safety and security for all citizens, particularly children. Hanley announced that counseling services would be available at Washington Archibald High School to support grieving students. This incident is part of a disturbing trend of gun violence in St. Kitts and Nevis, with seven homicides recorded this year. Authorities are also investigating the influx of illegal firearms and ammunition into the Federation. Hanley urged citizens to work together to foster peace and create a safe environment for future generations.

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.