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.
分类: society
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Twenty-four years on, the world still feels 9/11’s impact
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.
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St. Kitts Spectrum Services Centre celebrates 7th annuversary with family fund day
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.
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CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress Returns at SOTIC 2025 in Barbados
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.
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Phillips’ community unites to celebrate everyday excellence at ‘Ah We Village Dat’
The vibrant community of Phillips came together on the evening of September 4, 2025, to celebrate the unsung heroes of their neighborhood at the ‘Ah We Village Dat’ event. Held at the intersection of Spring Ghaut and the main road, the gathering was a heartfelt tribute to individuals whose everyday contributions have shaped and strengthened the community. Organized by the Department of Cultural Heritage, the initiative aims to recognize excellence in daily life and inspire younger generations to pursue greatness with a community-focused mindset. The event was marked by camaraderie, nostalgia, and a shared sense of pride. Everton Cannonier, the Master of Ceremonies, led the audience in reflecting on the community’s achievements, while educator Winston Morris took attendees on an electrifying journey through the history and development of Phillips. The Honourable Samal Duggins, Minister of Cultural Heritage, praised the community’s unity and emphasized the importance of celebrating local achievers. Awards were presented to several individuals, including Idetha Phillip for entrepreneurship, Connell Frederick for sports, Catherine Bradshaw for education, and Dianna Mills for community service. Young creatives Jahvon Monzac and Nariea Rasheed were also recognized for their promising contributions. The Department of Cultural Heritage extended its gratitude to partners and volunteers who made the event possible, including the Ministry of Small Business, the Public Works Department, and the Phillips Seventh Day Adventist Church.
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Police charge Anguillan man with Cannabis-Related Offences
In a recent development, Cadeem Daniel, an Anguillan national, has been charged with five cannabis-related offences after authorities discovered suspected contraband during a routine vessel inspection. The incident occurred on September 2, 2025, when officers from the St. Kitts and Nevis Customs and Excise Department conducted a standard search of a motor vessel docked at the Charlestown Pier in Nevis.
During the inspection, officers reportedly found three plastic bags containing a vegetable substance suspected to be cannabis in Daniel’s luggage. The discovery was promptly reported to the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF), Division “C.” Authorities seized the suspected contraband and took Daniel into custody. Subsequent laboratory tests confirmed the substance to be cannabis.
On September 3, 2025, Daniel was formally charged by both the RSCNPF and the Customs and Excise Department. The charges include Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Supply, Importation of Cannabis, Importation of Restricted Goods, Importation of Goods Packed in a Manner to Deceive Customs Officers, and Counterfeiting Documents.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb the illegal importation of cannabis into the Federation. Daniel’s arrest is part of a broader trend, as an increasing number of individuals have recently faced similar charges.
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Resilience in Action: NEMA & NDMD Equipped with CDEMA’s Advanced Logistics System
Charlestown, Nevis – September 4, 2025 – In a significant step toward bolstering disaster preparedness, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nevis Disaster Management Department (NDMD), in partnership with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the US Government, successfully concluded a Comprehensive Logistics Systems (CLS) workshop. Held from August 26 to 29, 2025, the event marked a pivotal moment in regional disaster management efforts. The CLS, a state-of-the-art digital platform, was developed jointly by the World Food Programme (WFP) and CDEMA to address critical gaps in logistics, inventory, and warehouse management exposed by recent hurricanes and natural disasters in the Caribbean. Cayle Francis-Thornhill, a Logistics Specialist at CDEMA, emphasized the system’s role in enhancing regional disaster response mechanisms, stating, ‘The CLS ensures that logistics, warehousing, and inventory management are fully integrated, enabling quicker and more effective responses.’ The week-long training program combined theoretical instruction with hands-on exercises, equipping Disaster Management Officers and stakeholders with the skills needed for live operational use. Mr. Francis-Thornhill highlighted the initiative’s broader goal of strengthening logistics capacity at both national and regional levels, particularly for Saint Kitts and Nevis. This initiative aligns with the Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) framework, reinforcing the Regional Response Mechanism (RRM) to ensure Caribbean nations are better prepared for multi-hazard events and resilient in the face of emergencies.
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Half a century delivering teachers to the Homeland
This Monday marks a significant milestone as the Tania la Guerrillera Pedagogical School in Pinar del Río celebrates its 50th anniversary. The institution, inaugurated by Fidel Castro in 1975, has undergone extensive renovations to restore its former glory. The school, which has trained over 15,000 teachers, is set to reopen with a completely renovated image by September 1, coinciding with the start of the new academic year.
The school’s director, Jorge Alejandro González, expressed his pride in leading the institution where he was once a student. ‘Taking over the direction of this school is both an honor and a challenge,’ he said. González, who has been with the school since he was 15, emphasized the enduring values of academic rigor and the commitment to shaping future educators.
The school’s legacy extends beyond Pinar del Río, as it has played a crucial role in the educational revolution of the 1970s. Evelio Herrera Padrón, Provincial Director of Education, highlighted the institution’s contribution to the region’s stable educational outcomes. ‘Thousands of teachers have graduated from this school, and their impact is immeasurable,’ he noted.
Fidel Castro’s vision for the school was ambitious. During the inauguration, he emphasized the need for teachers capable of working in both urban and rural settings. ‘We aspire to a type of teacher who can teach not only in the city but also in the countryside,’ he said. This vision has been realized over the decades, with the school expanding its curriculum to include 15 specialties, ranging from early childhood education to secondary-level sciences and humanities.
The recent renovations were necessitated by the passage of time and the impact of hurricanes, including Hurricane Ian. The rehabilitation efforts have focused on restoring the school’s infrastructure, including student residences, sports fields, and specialized classrooms. ‘We have worked tirelessly to ensure the school is ready for the new academic year,’ González said.
As the school prepares to welcome 779 students, including 236 first-year students, it continues to uphold its mission of training dedicated educators. ‘I hope that our graduates remain in the sector, motivated and passionate about their profession,’ González added. The school’s 50th anniversary is a testament to its enduring commitment to education and its role in shaping the future of Pinar del Río.
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How are cases of trafficking and possession of “chemicals” judged in Cuba?
In the first half of 2025, Cuba’s judicial system demonstrated its stringent approach to drug-related crimes, with 98% of individuals tried for such offenses being convicted. This high conviction rate underscores the country’s rigorous enforcement of laws against illicit substances, particularly synthetic cannabinoids, which have become a growing concern in the capital. The Supreme People’s Court recently approved Ruling 476, which provides detailed guidelines for prosecuting cases involving these potent and harmful substances. The ruling emphasizes the need to consider the high toxicity, addiction potential, and health risks associated with synthetic cannabinoids when determining penalties. It also establishes specific criteria for classifying aggravated trafficking offenses, regardless of the quantity seized. Penalties for possession or trafficking of these substances range from one to 30 years of imprisonment, with life imprisonment and even the death penalty as possible outcomes. The ruling also highlights the importance of expert testimony from Criminalistics and Toxicology laboratories to assess the substance’s harmful effects and potential impact on public health. Additionally, the court noted that 84% of those convicted were sentenced to imprisonment, with 92% of those sentences being enforced. The low rate of release benefits for drug offenders reflects Cuba’s strict penal and penitentiary policies, aimed at safeguarding public health, social order, and national security.
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On September 1st, more than 1,530,000 students will return to the classroom
Naima Trujillo Barreto, Cuba’s Minister of Education, has announced that the 2025-2026 academic year will mark a pivotal moment in the nation’s educational reform efforts. Speaking at a press conference, she revealed that over 1.53 million students across various levels of general education will commence the new school year on September 1st. This year is particularly significant as it introduces a comprehensive curricular transformation for the final grades of the III Perfectioning of the Education System.
