As the 2025 Taste of the Caribbean Competition approaches, Barbados’ national culinary champions are intensifying their preparations to defend their title on home soil. The event, hosted for the first time in Barbados, will take place from November 16 to 18 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados. The Barbados National Culinary Team, led by team manager and head coach Javon Cummins, aims to showcase the country’s innovative approach to Caribbean cuisine. The team includes senior chef Rynaldo Joseph, junior chef Dejuan Toppin, pastry chef Rickeena Kirton, and mixologist Alex Chandler, all of whom are former champions. Their rigorous training schedule, which began on August 17, focuses on technical drills, speed under pressure, and reimagining traditional Bajan dishes. The team is also incorporating new elements such as a sparring partner system, weekly mock competitions, and mental conditioning to enhance performance. The competition will feature teams from Saint Lucia, Grenada, Guyana, Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, Turks and Caicos, Bonaire, Puerto Rico, and Anguilla. The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) emphasized the event’s significance as a platform for tourism, cultural diplomacy, and talent development. The public is encouraged to follow the team’s progress and support upcoming fundraising events via the BHTA’s social media pages.
分类： society
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Magistrate calls for State-funded paternity tests in child cases
A senior magistrate in Barbados has called for the implementation of state-funded, mandatory DNA testing in all child maintenance cases, emphasizing its necessity to ensure fairness and certainty for fathers involved in legal disputes. Acting Chief Magistrate Deidre McKenna proposed this measure during a panel discussion titled ‘Financial Child Support Delinquency,’ hosted by the Men of Character Men’s Fellowship at the Mount of Praise Wesleyan Holiness Church on Monday. McKenna, who regularly presides over child maintenance cases, highlighted the current system’s reliance on verbal acknowledgment of paternity, which often lacks definitive proof. She suggested that DNA testing should be automatic when a man is brought before the courts for maintenance, ensuring clarity before proceeding with financial arrangements. McKenna also advocated for the state to cover the cost of these tests, which currently amount to $800 per test, as many individuals struggle to afford them. She shared a poignant case where a man discovered he was not the biological father of a child he had supported for nine years, underscoring the emotional and financial toll of paternity uncertainty. Additionally, McKenna noted that maintenance orders should include provisions for shared medical, dental, and educational expenses to ensure funds are used appropriately. While she acknowledged that women are also occasionally ordered to pay child maintenance, McKenna’s proposal aims to address systemic issues in paternity disputes and child support enforcement.
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Deputy Governor-General for Nevis to Host Special Event in Support of Differently Abled Persons
Her Honour Mrs. Hyleeta Liburd O.B.E., M.H., Deputy Governor-General for Nevis, is set to host a special event on Thursday, September 25, 2025, in support of individuals with special needs. The event, taking place at Government House from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., aims to celebrate, uplift, and empower the differently abled community while raising funds for the Cecele Browne Integrated School. Mrs. Liburd expressed her passion for supporting those with challenges, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their value and potential in society. She encouraged the public to attend and contribute to the cause, highlighting the school’s critical role in providing education and care for differently abled students. The evening promises to be a meaningful celebration of inclusivity and community support.
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Prime Minister Drew lauds Yeoman Service of Sir Edmund W Lawrence ahead of State Funeral
The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis has announced a State Funeral to commemorate the life and legacy of Sir Edmund Wickham Lawrence, former Governor-General and a pivotal figure in the nation’s development. The solemn event, scheduled for October 2, 2025, will include a Lying-in-State at Government House, a funeral procession through Basseterre, and a service at Wesley Methodist Church. The procession will pause at the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank Limited, a testament to Sir Edmund’s transformative role in the country’s financial sector. Prime Minister Terrance Drew praised Sir Edmund as a visionary leader whose contributions laid the foundation for economic growth and financial empowerment. Sir Edmund’s legacy includes founding key institutions like National Caribbean Insurance and National Bank Trust, which continue to drive prosperity. The government invites the public to join in honoring this national icon, whose impact remains deeply embedded in the fabric of society.
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Official funeral arrangements announced for Former Governor-General Sir Edmund Wickham Lawrence
The Federal Cabinet of Saint Kitts and Nevis has officially announced the funeral arrangements for the late former Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Edmund Wickham Lawrence, GCMG, OBE, CSM, JP. Sir Edmund, who passed away on September 7, 2025, served as the nation’s third Governor-General from 2013 to 2015. In recognition of his significant contributions to the country, he will be honored with a State Funeral. The service is scheduled for Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Wesley Methodist Church in Basseterre. A Lying-in-State ceremony will precede the funeral at Government House from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., offering the public an opportunity to pay their respects. Additionally, the Federal Cabinet has declared a national half-holiday on October 2 to allow citizens to participate in this solemn occasion. Books of Condolence will be available at Government Headquarters and Government House for those wishing to express their sympathies. Sir Edmund’s legacy is deeply rooted in the nation’s history, particularly through his pioneering role in economic development as the founding General Manager of the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank. His tenure as Governor-General was marked by integrity, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to public service. The Government and people of Saint Kitts and Nevis extend their heartfelt condolences to his wife, Lady Lawrence, and the entire Lawrence family. As the nation prepares to bid farewell, it celebrates the life of a remarkable leader whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the country. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
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Another Woman Charged in Connection with Larceny at Rams Supermarket
The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force has reported the arrest and charging of a fourth woman in connection with a series of larceny incidents at Rams Supermarket in Bird Rock. Akelia Bassue of West Farm, St. Kitts, was formally charged with Simple Larceny on September 23, 2025, for an offense committed on September 22. This development follows the recent arrests of three other women last week, all linked to similar theft cases at the popular supermarket. Althea France of Bird Rock was arrested on September 17 and charged with two counts of larceny. Marsha Graham of Shadwell was apprehended on September 18 and charged with larceny related to an incident on September 14. Shermain Paul of Spooners, Cayon, was arrested on September 19 and charged with two counts of larceny and two counts of receiving stolen goods. The police have emphasized their commitment to addressing retail theft and ensuring public safety.
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Heavy evening showers affect Leopoldville, Loubiere
Earlier this evening, Leopoldville experienced a severe weather event as heavy showers swept through the area, leaving a significant impact on the community. The torrential rain, captured in a series of videos, showcased the immediate effects of the downpour, including flooded streets and disrupted daily activities. The videos, shared via WhatsApp and uploaded to Dominicanewsline.com, provide a vivid depiction of the challenges faced by residents as they navigated the aftermath of the sudden deluge. The footage highlights the urgency of addressing urban drainage systems and preparedness for such extreme weather events. Local authorities are now assessing the damage and working to mitigate further risks to public safety and infrastructure. This incident underscores the growing need for resilient urban planning in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
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Cuba and Brazil foster partnerships for social protection and food security
The First High-Level Meeting on Public Policies for Food Sovereignty and Food and Nutrition Security convened as a pivotal platform to bolster regional collaboration and drive actionable commitments toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Held on September 24, 2025, the event was attended by key political figures, including Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz and President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez. Marrero Cruz emphasized the significance of Cuba’s Law on Food Sovereignty and Food and Nutritional Security, which aims to transform the nation’s food system by promoting local production and reducing import dependency, particularly for staples like rice and grains. Paolo Teixeira, Brazil’s Minister of Agrarian Development and Family Farming, expressed solidarity with Cuba, condemning the U.S. blockade and its inclusion on the state sponsors of terrorism list. Frei Betto, a prominent Brazilian theologian, lauded Cuba as a ‘paradigm of a post-capitalist society’ and highlighted its commitment to fundamental human rights—food, health, and education—despite external pressures. Betto also praised the contributions of Cuban doctors to Brazil’s healthcare system, expressing hope for their return to assist underserved communities.
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Prime Minister appoints new Special Assistant on youth and disability
In a landmark decision, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica has appointed Loik Charles, a legally blind yet exceptionally talented young Dominican, as the new Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, focusing on youth and disability affairs. The announcement was made earlier today, with the Prime Minister personally introducing Charles during a meeting, praising his immense potential and dedication. Charles, who will officially assume his role on October 1, 2025, will work within the Office of the Prime Minister to address issues affecting youth and the differently-abled community. This appointment marks a significant stride toward inclusivity in Dominica, particularly as it aligns with the International Day of Sign Languages, observed during the International Week of the Deaf. Prime Minister Skerrit called on the public to celebrate this milestone and support Charles in his mission to create a more inclusive society. The move underscores the government’s commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities and fostering equal opportunities for all citizens.
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PM Skerrit on recent fish landing projects: ‘It’s about ensuring that we empower people’
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit recently emphasized the government’s dedication to supporting Dominica’s fishing communities during the commissioning ceremony of rehabilitated fish landing sites in Dublanc and Bioche. The projects, valued at EC$155,078 and EC$151,009.70 respectively, were awarded to local contractors and included upgrades to locker rooms, storerooms, refrigeration facilities, and electrical and plumbing systems. Skerrit highlighted that these initiatives are not about providing handouts but about empowering fishers to sustain their livelihoods and support their families. He acknowledged the challenges faced by fishers, who often venture far out to sea, and stressed the government’s role in offering a helping hand to ensure their trade is treated as a viable business. Meanwhile, Minister of State Jullan Defoe detailed the new facilities, which feature ice machines, locker rooms, and office spaces designed to foster economic activities and community engagement. He described the sites as multifunctional public spaces akin to community centers. Agriculture Minister Roland Royer also announced ongoing and upcoming projects, including renovations at the Mahaut fish landing site and the construction of fish vending facilities in Newtown and Fond Cole. These efforts underscore the government’s commitment to strengthening the agriculture and fisheries sectors and enhancing national development.