In a strategic move to address rising youth unemployment and foster economic growth, the Government of Grenada (GoG) has introduced a six-month internship program under the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP). The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of ICT and executed by the Grenada National Training Agency (GNTA), aims to enhance digital literacy among citizens and prepare them for the demands of the 21st-century labor market. The program aligns with Grenada’s National Sustainable Development Plan 2035, which prioritizes the digital economy as a key driver of national progress. The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Support Assistant role, based at the GNTA, will play a pivotal role in ensuring the effective implementation of the project’s third component. Responsibilities include monitoring key performance indicators, managing data entry, and supporting program participants, particularly Persons with Disabilities (PwD). The intern will also assist in creating digital content, organizing events, and maintaining accurate records. Applicants must possess a minimum qualification of a CAPE Certificate, N/CVQ Level 3, Associate Degree, or Diploma in Information Technology or Business Administration, along with at least three years of relevant experience. The position offers a structured work schedule of 40 hours per week, with remuneration details to be determined. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their CVs by November 28, 2025. This initiative underscores Grenada’s commitment to digital transformation and its efforts to equip its citizens with essential skills for the digital era.
分类： society
-
Govt considers more funding after 800 apply for Creative Economy Grant Fund
Saint Lucia’s newly established Creative Economy Grant Fund (CEGF) has garnered significant attention, with over 800 applications received, far surpassing the initial funding allocation of $350,000. Launched earlier this year by Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, the CEGF aims to support aspiring and established creatives across various disciplines, including dance, film, writing, and visual arts, with grants of up to $10,000. Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire revealed the overwhelming response during a pre-cabinet meeting, prompting discussions about securing additional financial resources to meet the demand. The application window closed at the end of October, and a dedicated committee is currently reviewing and categorizing the submissions. Hilaire emphasized the fund’s broad scope, which includes proposals for exhibitions, plays, book publications, and documentaries, reflecting the diverse creativity of Saint Lucia’s artistic community. The Ministry has notified all applicants via email and expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic participation, describing the response as a testament to the innovation within the nation’s creative sector. Officials have pledged to ensure transparency and fairness in the review process, aligning with the fund’s mission to foster excellence and sustainability in the creative industries. Successful applicants will be informed of the outcomes by December 2025.
-
BREAKING: Belizean Arrested and Charged for Labour and Sex Trafficking
In a significant development, Reyna Urbina, a 46-year-old Belizean from the Orange Walk District, has been arrested and charged with two counts of labour trafficking and two counts of sex trafficking. The arrest was carried out by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons (ATIPS) Police Unit of the Belize Police Department. Urbina is accused of trafficking two adult women from Central America, subjecting them to forced labour and sexual exploitation. Following her arrest, Urbina was granted bail set at $10,000 with two sureties. She is required to adhere to stringent conditions, including surrendering all travel documents, obtaining court permission before leaving the country, avoiding any contact with complainants or prosecution witnesses, and signing in at the Orange Walk Police Station every Wednesday and Friday. The case has been adjourned to January 16, 2026. This arrest was the result of a coordinated effort involving the ATIPS Police Unit, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Immigration Department, the Department of Human Services Alternative Care Unit, INTERPOL Belize, and several supporting NGOs. Authorities are urging the public to report any suspected human trafficking activities by calling 911, the Department of Human Services at 0-800-PROTECT, or Crime Stoppers Belize at 922 or via the P3 Tips App.
-
CASAS start intensieve training voor luchtvaartveiligheid in Suriname
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Suriname (CASAS) has launched a pivotal seminar and workshop on Safety Management Systems (SMS) this week, aimed at enhancing safety standards in Suriname’s aviation sector. Held from November 10 to 14 at the Jacana Amazon Wellness Resort, the training marks the initiation of a comprehensive project to meet the latest international aviation requirements. The event saw participation from 58 attendees, including representatives from all Surinamese airlines, CASAS inspectors, and specialized personnel. Renowned security and crisis management expert Daniel Juzi, a certified EASA instructor, led the sessions. The training focused on updating and deepening knowledge about SMS, which helps analyze incidents, prevent recurrences, and strengthen the safety culture within the industry. Damienne Lansdorf, Human Resource Manager at CASAS, emphasized that aviation safety is a shared responsibility. The seminar also included a refresher course for inspectors on November 12, addressing the need for updated training. Despite progress since the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audits in 2009 and 2012, challenges such as insufficient training, weak legal frameworks, and irregular funding have hindered development. The lack of a local aviation school forces inspectors to train abroad, incurring significant costs. The current government has acknowledged these issues, with President Jennifer Simons establishing an Aviation Safety Task Force to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors. The seminar highlighted the four pillars of aviation safety: risk analysis, safety policy, safety performance, and safety culture. This intensive training and broader safety program represent a crucial step toward making Suriname’s aviation sector safer and more resilient.
-
Dalia Vellos Speaks Out After Christy Guzman Cleared of Charges
In a deeply emotional public statement, Dalia Vellos, 37, has opened up about the years of domestic abuse she endured, following the withdrawal of all charges against her niece, Christy Guzman. Guzman, 21, was cleared after new evidence revealed she acted in self-defense during a fatal altercation with Wilson Hernandez, Vellos’ abusive partner. The incident occurred when Hernandez was choking Vellos, and Guzman, holding a licensed firearm, shot him in a moment of panic, resulting in his death. The Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Javier Chan, confirmed the charges were dropped due to the lack of evidence contradicting the account. Vellos emphasized that the shooting was not premeditated but a desperate act of survival. She also shared graphic text messages from Hernandez, which included threats and demands for her to commit suicide. Vellos used her platform to shed light on the pervasive issue of domestic violence, urging victims to speak out and document their abuse. She condemned the public backlash against Guzman, stating, ‘It was never planned—it was survival.’ Her statement concluded with a powerful message to other survivors, encouraging them to seek help and break the cycle of silence.
-
Syria denounces theft of valuable statues from National Museum
A significant theft has struck a Syrian museum, with six precious sculptures of Venus among the stolen artifacts. These sculptures, crafted from marble, alabaster, and plaster, were integral to the museum’s esteemed collection. Among the stolen pieces is a restored marble Venus with damaged feet, an incomplete alabaster figure, and a plaster statue depicting a standing woman, renowned as a quintessential representation of female sculpture. The Ministry of Culture has issued a call to action, urging both domestic and international institutions to collaborate in locating the stolen works and providing any relevant information. The ministry underscored the protection of Syrian heritage as a shared national and collective duty. This initiative aligns with a broader national strategy focused on documenting and preserving Syrian antiquities, enhancing museum security, and safeguarding the artistic and cultural legacy that reflects Syria’s rich, millennia-spanning history.
-
Christy Guzman Freed of All Charges
In a significant legal development, 21-year-old Christy Guzman has been exonerated of all charges related to the manslaughter of Wilson Hernandez. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) announced the withdrawal of charges on November 13, 2025, following the emergence of new evidence that fundamentally altered the case’s trajectory. Deputy DPP Javier Chan issued the directive on November 10 after reviewing the updated findings. The evidence revealed that Hernandez was assaulting his partner, Dalia Vellos, when Guzman, Vellos’s sister, intervened with a licensed firearm. The bullet, intended to disarm Hernandez, tragically struck his torso, resulting in his death. The incident, which occurred off-camera, left the DPP with no grounds to challenge the account, prompting the decision to drop the charges. Guzman, initially denied bail in September, was later granted conditional release in October, requiring her to report to the Belmopan Police Station biweekly and surrender her travel documents. The case stemmed from a domestic dispute on August 31, during which surveillance footage captured Vellos and Guzman handling the firearm prior to the fatal shot.
-
World Mission Church makes food donation to at-risk households in Dominica, through ministries of social services and agriculture
In a heartfelt gesture to mark World Food Day 2025, the World Mission Society Church of God has distributed 25 food parcels to families and individuals in Dominica grappling with economic hardships, health challenges, and the impacts of climate change. This initiative is part of the church’s global “Hold Hope Campaign,” which aims to provide compassion, love, and practical support to underserved communities worldwide, as detailed in a recent press release. The food packages were delivered at the Government Headquarters in Dominica during October, with recipients carefully selected in collaboration with Dominica’s Ministry of Social Services, Community Development, and Gender Affairs, as well as the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy. This partnership ensures that aid reaches those most in need. A representative from the Church of God in Dominica expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside the government, stating, “Through small acts of sharing, we can bring great hope to those facing difficult circumstances.” Government officials, including Minister of Social Services Cassandra Williams and Permanent Secretaries Kyra Paul (Health) and Ryan Anselm (Agriculture), lauded the church’s generosity and alignment with national efforts to enhance food security and social safety nets for vulnerable populations. Under the leadership of General Pastor Joo-cheol Kim, the Church is actively engaged in the Hold Hope Campaign, which seeks to “share hope with a Mother’s heart” and support communities affected by climate change, economic struggles, and health challenges. Building on its February initiative, which provided daily essentials to 6,400 households across 25 countries on World Day of Social Justice, this year’s campaign aims to assist over 7,400 households in approximately 80 nations, with aid packages valued at around USD 258,800. The initiative also focuses on supporting small-scale farmers, fishers, and livestock producers facing labor shortages, reinforcing its commitment to agricultural and rural communities.
-
Johnson’s Petroleum deploying 10 mobile gas stations to hurricane-affected parishes
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Johnson’s Petroleum has announced the deployment of 10 mobile gas stations to provide critical fuel relief to affected parishes in Jamaica. The initiative was highlighted during a visit by Minister of Energy, Transport, and Telecommunications Daryl Vaz to the company’s headquarters in Kingston on Wednesday. These mobile units, designed as self-contained portable fueling systems, integrate fuel storage, pumps, and safety features into a single movable structure, ensuring access to fuel in areas lacking traditional gas stations. Each unit comprises three independent 1500-litre compartments capable of dispensing three different fuel types. Additionally, the stations are equipped with advanced features such as a meter system for tracking litres, sales, and pricing; an emergency stop button; and solar-powered capabilities. Minister Vaz praised the initiative, emphasizing its role in supporting communities during the recovery phase. He urged the company to prioritize the five most affected parishes in western Jamaica and collaborate with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to identify areas with the greatest need. The mobile stations will also benefit the fisheries sector, targeting fishing villages in St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland. Phillip Calder, General Manager of Johnson’s Petroleum, confirmed that the units meet all safety and regulatory standards. He noted that the company had already been developing a strategy to enhance fuel access in underserved rural communities, and the hurricane accelerated these plans. Calder revealed that areas in St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James, and Trelawny have been identified for deployment, with further units planned for islandwide coverage. The mobile stations will be serviced by smaller trucks, ensuring access to remote areas inaccessible to traditional fuel trucks.
-
MoBay christmas tree-lighting ceremony to be scaled down
Montego Bay, Jamaica, will host a more subdued Christmas tree-lighting ceremony this year as the city continues its recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Mayor Richard Vernon announced the decision during the monthly meeting of the St James Municipal Corporation on Thursday. While the traditional event will proceed, it will be significantly scaled back, reflecting the parish’s focus on rebuilding and supporting affected communities.
Mayor Vernon emphasized that the usual festive concert will not take place this year. Instead, the ceremony will feature a solemn lighting and prayer vigil at Sam Sharpe Square. The event will also serve as a moment to honor those impacted by the hurricane and to celebrate the resilience of the community.
The mayor highlighted the municipality’s ongoing recovery initiatives, including the activation of a multi-agency task force dedicated to assisting vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, the homeless, and those in shelters. He noted that targeted support, outreach, and aid distribution are being prioritized to ensure no one is left behind.
Additionally, Mayor Vernon outlined operational efforts, such as night clean-up operations supported by the Jamaica Defence Force and the St James Municipal Corporation. He praised the resilience of Montego Bay’s residents, stating, ‘Hurricane Melissa has tested our resolve, but Montego Bay is not broken. Our municipality is battered, but still beautiful.’
Concluding his remarks, the mayor called for unity and determination, urging the community to transform the devastation into a collective effort to build a stronger, safer, and more united city. ‘Let this season of light begin with remembrance, power, and action,’ he said.