分类: society

  • Dominica appoints four CARICOM Youth Ambassadors

    Dominica appoints four CARICOM Youth Ambassadors

    The Government of Dominica has officially unveiled its newly appointed representatives to the Caribbean Community’s Youth Ambassador program following an extensive selection process. Four exceptional young leaders have been chosen to serve as CARICOM Youth Ambassadors for the 2025-2027 term, marking a significant step in regional youth engagement.

    Abigail Christmas has been designated as the primary female ambassador, while Eamon Clifford Gibbons will serve as the male ambassador. Supporting them will be alternates Jonathan Eddison Lewis Jones (male) and Angel S. Joseph (female). Their two-year tenure will commence on August 1, 2025, extending through July 31, 2027.

    The selection initiative, administered by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports, and Community Development through its Youth Development Division, attracted substantial interest from across the island nation. Over thirty aspiring young Dominicans submitted applications during the July 2025 application window, demonstrating remarkable enthusiasm for regional leadership and Caribbean integration.

    Candidates underwent a rigorous two-tier evaluation process beginning with a written application assessment based on predetermined criteria including leadership capabilities, community involvement, communication proficiency, and advocacy skills. This initial screening identified ten semifinalists who advanced to interview rounds conducted in September 2025 by a specially appointed ministerial panel.

    The interview phase thoroughly evaluated candidates’ readiness through situational judgment scenarios, regional awareness assessments, public speaking demonstrations, and problem-solving exercises. Particular emphasis was placed on diplomatic acumen and comprehension of CARICOM’s youth development objectives.

    Following the successful completion of all evaluation stages, the Permanent Secretary formally issued appointment letters to the four selected ambassadors on November 14, 2025. The newly appointed ambassadors will receive comprehensive training and technical support coordinated by the CARICOM Secretariat to effectively execute their duties, represent youth interests, and contribute meaningfully to regional policy dialogues and youth-focused initiatives.

    The Ministry has extended congratulations to the successful candidates while reaffirming its dedication to empowering young people as essential partners in both national and regional development endeavors.

  • Vacancy: Finance Officer

    Vacancy: Finance Officer

    The Grenada Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (GCTVET) has announced a career opportunity for qualified finance professionals to join the Grenada National Training Agency (GNTA) as Finance Officer. This senior position represents a critical role within the organization’s financial infrastructure, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

    The successful candidate will assume comprehensive responsibility for all financial management, disbursement procedures, accounting operations, and audit-related matters. The position demands expertise in maintaining meticulous financial records while ensuring strict compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Key functional areas include financial record management, regulatory compliance, and sophisticated financial reporting and analysis.

    Core responsibilities encompass preparing quarterly financial reports, annual financial statements, and donor-specific financial documentation. The officer will maintain regular communication with management and staff to facilitate accurate financial information exchange while keeping leadership informed of significant financial developments.

    The role requires advanced proficiency in accounting systems and internal controls, including journal entry preparation, payment processing, and monthly bank reconciliation. Additionally, the Finance Officer will contribute to budget and cash flow projection development under CEO supervision, evaluate project proposal costings, and manage payroll processing with accurate statutory deductions.

    Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance from an accredited institution, or equivalent NVQ/CVQ Level 4 certification. Professional accounting qualifications such as CAT certification or intermediate progression toward ACCA, CGA, or CPA designations are mandatory. The position requires minimum five years of general accounting experience with demonstrated expertise in IFRS and computerized accounting systems.

    Essential qualifications include comprehensive knowledge of accounting software, governmental accounting standards, and advanced proficiency in spreadsheet applications and financial data analysis. Critical abilities include exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and the capacity to meet strict deadlines while exercising independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.

    Interested candidates must submit applications with supporting documentation via email to gnthr.stgeorges@gov.gd addressed to the Chairman of GCTVET. The application deadline is December 31, 2025, at 4:00 PM local time.

  • Vacancy: Quality Assurance Assistant

    Vacancy: Quality Assurance Assistant

    The Grenada Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (GCTVET) has announced a professional opportunity for qualified individuals to join the Grenada National Training Agency (GNTA) as a Quality Assurance Assistant. This position represents a critical component in maintaining the integrity of the country’s vocational education certification system.

    Operating under the guidance of the Quality Assurance Coordinator, the selected candidate will assume comprehensive responsibility for overseeing candidate registration processes and monitoring Training Centre activities related to assessment administration and verification. The role demands a combination of technical expertise and administrative proficiency to ensure the seamless operation of Grenada’s vocational qualification framework.

    Primary responsibilities encompass four key operational domains:

    Quality Assurance and Compliance: The assistant will collaborate closely with training and assessment centers to enforce adherence to established quality assurance protocols while supporting the development and implementation of specialized training programs.

    Assessment and Certification Administration: This includes coordinating all activities related to CVQ/NVQ candidate registration, ensuring efficient administrative processes for timely certification, maintaining comprehensive assessment records, and updating the National Qualifications Register with candidate information.

    Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) Support: The position requires developing self-assessment instruments based on occupational standards, orienting applicants to the APL process, and providing expert guidance in portfolio development for candidates seeking recognition of prior learning.

    Reporting and Committee Support: The assistant will serve as recording secretary for the Certification Review Committee, preparing and submitting detailed reports to the Council while generating comprehensive documentation for all areas of responsibility.

    Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Education, a CVQ/NVQ Level 4 qualification in a relevant field, or equivalent certification from an accredited institution. Additional certification in Education Quality Assurance is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate minimum three years of experience in education or related sectors, with preference given to those with background in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) or tertiary education.

    Essential knowledge requirements include familiarity with assessment and verification regulations, proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, data extraction and analysis capabilities, and experience with Information Management Systems. The position demands exceptional organizational abilities, advanced communication skills, and the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining meticulous attention to detail.

    Interested professionals should submit their applications with supporting documentation via email to recruitment@gctvet.gd, addressed to the Chairman of GCTVET. The application deadline is December 31, 2025, at 4:00 PM local time.

  • VIDEO: Man charged with murder as search for missing woman continues

    VIDEO: Man charged with murder as search for missing woman continues

    A profound and heartbreaking situation is unfolding within a community where the search for justice and closure has taken divergent, equally painful paths for three families connected by tragedy.

    Two families are currently preparing funeral arrangements for their murdered relatives while simultaneously advocating for law enforcement to identify and apprehend those responsible for the homicides. Their grief is compounded by the urgent desire for criminal accountability, creating a dual burden of mourning and demanding justice.

    In a parallel but inverse tragedy, a third family finds itself enduring an agonizing wait with a different set of circumstances. Their loved one has been officially declared a murder victim, with charges already filed against a suspect in the case. However, their path to closure remains incomplete as the victim’s body has not been recovered, preventing both ceremonial burial and the emotional finality that comes with it.

    This complex scenario, reported by journalist Kenton Chance, highlights the multifaceted nature of criminal investigations and the varied forms of anguish that violent crime inflicts upon survivors. The cases demonstrate how legal proceedings and forensic discoveries unfold at different paces, often extending the trauma for those left behind. While some families seek answers about who committed the crime, others seek the physical remains of those taken from them, with both groups united in their pursuit of resolution amid unimaginable loss.

  • Dry Season Climate Outlook Forum bolsters agricultural preparedness in Dominica

    Dry Season Climate Outlook Forum bolsters agricultural preparedness in Dominica

    Dominica’s agricultural producers have gained critical preparedness tools for the upcoming dry season through the successful Dry Season Climate Outlook Forum held December 8-9, 2025. The collaborative event, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy with support from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), marked a significant advancement in climate resilience planning for the island nation.

    The forum represented a key component of the broader initiative ‘Enhancing the Effectiveness of Early Warning Systems to Build Climate Resilience,’ which aligns with the Gender-responsive Climate-smart Food and Agriculture Systems in the Caribbean (GCAF) program funded by Global Affairs Canada. This gathering built upon previous climate outlook forums conducted earlier in the year, specifically focusing on dry season challenges facing farmers, fishers, beekeepers, and aquafarmers.

    During the opening ceremonies on December 9, senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, FAO, and the Dominica Meteorological Office emphasized the transformative potential of data-driven agricultural planning. Permanent Secretary Ryan Anselm articulated the forum’s core mission: “These climate outlook forums ensure our agricultural producers become informed decision-makers rather than passive recipients of climate data. By strengthening connections between early warning systems and farming practices, we’re building national resilience and protecting livelihoods.”

    FAO Disaster Risk Management Specialist Raisa Spencer highlighted the collaborative framework: “Effective early warning systems require institutional and sectoral cooperation. This forum demonstrates how meteorological data, agricultural expertise, and community engagement can combine to support anticipatory action, reduce climate-related losses, and integrate gender-responsive considerations throughout value chains.”

    Marshall Alexander, Senior Meteorological Officer, stressed communication efficacy: “Seasonal climate outlooks achieve maximum impact when clearly interpreted and effectively communicated to end users. We’re strengthening the vital connection between scientific climate information and practical decision-making during dry season challenges.”

    The two-day program commenced with technical reviews of dry season advisories by meteorological specialists, agricultural officers, and extension teams on December 8. The following day featured formal presentations of these tailored advisories to agricultural producers, ensuring practical application of climate intelligence.

    Through enhanced coordination, interpretation, and dissemination of climate information, the forum advanced Dominica’s proactive risk management approach. The inclusion of GCAF project beneficiaries guaranteed that advisories reflected ground realities, supporting timely decisions and practical adaptation measures before the dry season’s arrival.

  • Death toll from floods in Morocco rises to 37

    Death toll from floods in Morocco rises to 37

    The coastal province of Safi in southwestern Morocco experienced catastrophic flash flooding described by authorities as exceptional in both intensity and rapid onset. The deluge, which occurred within an extremely condensed timeframe, has resulted in significant casualties and ongoing emergency response efforts.

    Medical authorities at Mohammed V Hospital in Safi confirmed at least 14 individuals sustained injuries during the severe weather event. While many victims are receiving standard medical care, two patients remain in critical condition under intensive care supervision according to hospital officials.

    Rescue and civil protection units are conducting extensive search and recovery operations throughout affected communities. The Moroccan news agency MAP, citing official medical sources, reported that emergency services are working tirelessly to provide assistance to residents impacted by the sudden flooding.

    Local governmental authorities have issued urgent advisories urging residents to maintain heightened awareness of continuing flood risks. Officials emphasized the importance of monitoring official communications channels and adhering strictly to safety instructions as weather conditions develop. The coordinated response involves multiple agencies working to mitigate further danger to vulnerable populations.

  • 22-year-old to answer to robbery, deception charges today in court

    22-year-old to answer to robbery, deception charges today in court

    A 22-year-old resident of St Michael, Barbados, is confronting significant legal proceedings as he prepares to face multiple criminal charges in the District ‘A’ Criminal Court. Akeel Shaquan Hamblin, residing at Upper Fordes Road in Clapham, has been formally charged by the Barbados Police Service’s Major Crime Unit in connection with a series of serious offenses.

    The charges stem from two separate robbery incidents and one case of criminal deception allegedly committed within an eleven-day period in late November. According to police investigations, Hamblin stands accused of robbing Elias Jackman on November 17, followed by the robbery of Zaria Archer on November 27. The following day, November 28, he allegedly committed criminal deception against Ms. Archer.

    The combined value of the stolen property from these incidents amounts to approximately $86,970, indicating the substantial financial impact of these crimes. The Major Crime Unit, responsible for handling serious criminal investigations in Barbados, conducted the arrest and formal charging process.

    Hamblin’s court appearance, scheduled for Monday, December 15, marks the beginning of formal judicial proceedings in this case. The District ‘A’ Criminal Court will address these multiple charges as the Barbados justice system processes the allegations against the accused individual.

  • Spots Are Still Available for the Christmas Camp Being Held at the National Public Library Today

    Spots Are Still Available for the Christmas Camp Being Held at the National Public Library Today

    The National Public Library is making a final call for registrations to its annual Christmas Camp, with limited spaces remaining on the event’s closing registration day. Camp organizer Peetron Thomas announced that the program promises an immersive holiday experience for children aged 4-14 through a diverse range of seasonal activities.

    The five-day camp, scheduled from December 15th to 19th, will operate daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the National Public Library facility. The curriculum includes Christmas crafts workshops, vocal and dance instruction, holiday karaoke sessions, organized field trips, beach picnics, and pajama-themed social gatherings.

    The program will culminate with a grand Christmas Fiesta celebration on December 20th at Sun City, serving as the camp’s finale event. Participation requires a registration fee of $100 XCD (Eastern Caribbean Dollars), payable upon enrollment. Parents may additionally opt for a daily meal plan at $25 XCD per camper.

    Thomas emphasized the camp’s unique value in creating magical Christmas memories for participants, noting that today represents the ultimate deadline for registration. The organizer specifically encouraged parents and guardians to secure their children’s spots promptly before capacity is reached.

  • Antiguan Scholar Jewel B Thomas Earns PhD in Public Health in US

    Antiguan Scholar Jewel B Thomas Earns PhD in Public Health in US

    In a landmark academic achievement, Dr. Jewel B Thomas of Antigua and Barbuda has successfully obtained her PhD in Public Health from East Tennessee State University’s College of Public Health. The graduation ceremony, held on December 13, 2025, marked the culmination of years of dedicated study and research, positioning Dr. Thomas among the elite group of Antiguans who have earned doctoral qualifications at this prestigious American institution.

    Dr. Thomas characterized her accomplishment as both a personal triumph and a national victory for Antigua and Barbuda, emphasizing the considerable perseverance and commitment required to navigate the rigorous doctoral program. She specifically highlighted the instrumental role played by her family support system, with particular gratitude extended to her mother Allison and aunt for their steadfast encouragement throughout her academic journey.

    Beyond familial support, Dr. Thomas acknowledged the substantial contributions of university faculty, colleagues, and mentors whose academic guidance proved invaluable to her success. Her achievement has resonated throughout the Caribbean nation, where educational officials and community leaders are celebrating her as a role model for aspiring scholars and a testament to the potential of Antiguan academic excellence on the international stage.

    The attainment of this advanced degree not only enhances the Caribbean region’s representation in global public health discourse but also provides inspiration for students pursuing higher education in specialized fields. Educational advocates in Antigua and Barbuda have pointed to Dr. Thomas’s success as demonstrating the tangible outcomes possible through sustained determination and robust support networks.

  • Holiday Gift Project brings festive cheer to 200 children

    Holiday Gift Project brings festive cheer to 200 children

    Castries, Saint Lucia witnessed an outpouring of festive generosity on Wednesday as approximately 200 children from diverse backgrounds across the island gathered at Serenity Park for a special holiday celebration. The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Holiday Gift Project, a long-standing regional initiative, transformed the park into a wonderland of joy for students aged five to twelve from fifteen different educational institutions.

    The event represented a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism, the MSC Virtuosa vessel, and Diamonds International, creating a comprehensive community outreach program. Students from schools including Canon Laurie Anglican Primary, Ciceron R.C. Combined, Bocage Combined, and several other institutions from both urban and rural areas participated in the day’s festivities.

    Donalyn Vittet, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, emphasized the symbolic importance of the event as both a gift-giving occasion and an opportunity to give back to Saint Lucia’s youth. The ministry implemented a rotational selection system to ensure broad geographical representation, with schools chosen from various community settings to maximize the program’s reach.

    The celebration featured an array of entertainment options including interactive games, musical performances, and special appearances by Santa Claus and mascots from the MSC Virtuosa crew. Approximately 35 crew members volunteered their time to engage with the children throughout the event. Local tourism industry partners provided crucial support with transportation services ferrying students to and from the venue, while accommodation providers and the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association contributed snacks and refreshments.

    Vittet expressed the ministry’s commitment to maintaining this rotational approach in future editions, ensuring that cruise tourism delivers tangible, people-centered benefits to communities across Saint Lucia.