Antigua and Barbuda has reinforced its dedication to advancing disability rights and bolstering climate resilience during the Sixth Meeting of the Presiding Officers of the Regional Conference on Population and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean. Held in Santiago, Chile, on October 29–30, 2025, the event centered on the theme, “From Statistical Visibility to the Exercise of Rights.” Senator Michael Freeland, representing Minister of Social and Urban Transformation Rawdon Turner, delivered a compelling address, emphasizing the need to transform statistical recognition of people with disabilities into actionable rights. Freeland underscored the importance of accessible healthcare, inclusive education, decent employment, and active participation in decision-making processes. He also lauded the Antigua and Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities for its pivotal role in enacting the Disabilities Act (2017), a landmark achievement in promoting equality. Additionally, Freeland highlighted the existential threat posed by climate change to Small Island Developing States, citing the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. He called on regional partners to integrate climate resilience into all population and development strategies. Reaffirming Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to the Montevideo Consensus, Freeland described it as the region’s most progressive and comprehensive framework for population and development.
分类： society
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SLHTA preparing private sector relief strategy for hurricane-hit islands
The private hotel and tourism sector in Saint Lucia is spearheading a coordinated relief initiative to support Caribbean nations devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Noorani Azeez, Chief Executive Officer of the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA), announced on October 29 that the organization has received directives from its parent body, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), to activate its disaster relief fund. Azeez revealed that the SLHTA has already briefed its board of directors and is formulating a strategy to engage its members and the broader Saint Lucian community in contributing to the recovery efforts. The SLHTA, representing over 200 members, plans to align its relief operations with assessments conducted by Jamaican authorities and international partners, ensuring a targeted approach to address critical needs. Azeez emphasized that collaborating with the CHTA offers a more structured and effective framework for mobilizing private sector aid, even though some SLHTA members operate hotel brands in affected areas like Jamaica. Hurricane Melissa, a record-breaking Category 5 storm with winds reaching 185mph, caused significant devastation across Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and The Bahamas, resulting in at least 34 fatalities and widespread structural damage. As regional tourism stakeholders gear up for recovery efforts, Azeez affirmed that Saint Lucia and the SLHTA are well-prepared to contribute, drawing on their past experience in providing relief to Dominica, Grenada, and St Vincent.
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LETTER: When the Church Looks Like the World, Who Will Lead the Lost?
In a heartfelt letter to the editor, a concerned believer raises pressing questions about the current state of the Church and its alignment with its foundational principles. Drawing from the words of Jesus, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me,” the author laments the apparent erosion of the Church’s moral and spiritual authority. Once a sanctuary for the weary and a beacon of hope for the lost, the Church now seems to blur the lines between the sacred and the secular. Recent scandals involving pastors, church leaders, and members—ranging from fraud and sexual misconduct to hypocrisy—have not only made headlines but also deeply shaken the faith of many. The author questions whether the Church can effectively guide others toward truth when its own leaders are perceived as walking in darkness. The letter also highlights the alienation of younger generations, who feel judged and excluded rather than embraced with grace and love. Additionally, concerns are raised about the misuse of tithes, with funds seemingly diverted to personal luxuries rather than ministry and community service. The author calls for introspection and reform, urging the Church to reclaim its role as a moral and spiritual guide in a world increasingly in need of direction.
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GFNC Snack Attack students receive training from GIDC
The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC), in collaboration with the Grenada Investment Development Corporation (GIDC), recently hosted a two-day training session on October 27 and 29 for participants of its Snack Attack contest. The event, held on the mainland and in Carriacou, engaged students from Bishop’s College, Grenada Boys Secondary School, Grenada Seventh Day Adventist Comprehensive School, J W Fletcher Catholic Secondary School, and Presentation Brothers College. The initiative aims to inspire young people to transform healthy snack ideas into sustainable business ventures while promoting Grenadian produce.
GFNC CEO Lydia Browne highlighted the contest’s broader vision during her welcome remarks, emphasizing the importance of fostering health-conscious, entrepreneurial youth. She stated, ‘Snack Attack encourages young people to view food as a creative and cultural expression that supports health, celebrates local agriculture, and strengthens Grenadian identity. This initiative is a strategic step toward transforming school food environments and building deeper connections to local food systems.’
To prepare students for the December 2025 contest, GFNC partnered with GIDC, leveraging its expertise in business development. GIDC’s Senior Vice President Khesha Mitchell, along with Business Development Specialists Katelyn Brathwaite and Lois McGuire, led sessions on business planning, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. Mitchell explained, ‘We’re equipping students with the tools to craft compelling proposals, develop marketing plans, and pitch their ideas effectively to emerge as champions.’
The contest will culminate in December, with students presenting their snack products to a panel of judges. Entries will be evaluated based on ingredients, taste, nutrition, marketability, and production feasibility. An online voting component for the People’s Choice Award will further engage schools and communities.
Through initiatives like Snack Attack, GFNC continues to empower Grenadians to achieve food security and self-reliance. For more information, visit GFNC’s website or follow them on social media.
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Saint Lucia announces 2025 National Culinary Team for TASTE Caribbean
Saint Lucia’s culinary prowess is set to take center stage at the 2025 TASTE (Taste of the Caribbean) competition, scheduled for November 16–18 in Barbados. Organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), this prestigious event serves as a regional culinary showdown, cultural exhibition, and educational platform. Following their impressive second-place finish as Caribbean Culinary Team of the Year in 2024, Saint Lucia’s 2025 National Culinary Team is poised to elevate their performance. The team features Neville Joseph (Anse Chastanet) in the Senior Chef category, Damisa William (Royalton Saint Lucia Resort & Spa) as Junior Chef, Khapel Gee Alcee (Ladera Resort) as Pastry Chef, and Ninus Charlouis (Ladera Resort) as Bartender. Supporting them are Davidson Henry (The BodyHoliday), Shermal Victorin (Jade Mountain), and Elissa Alcee (StolenTime) in backup roles. The selection process involved rigorous interviews, teamwork exercises, and a culinary committee evaluation of signature dishes. Chef Fabian Vigee, the team manager, expressed determination to surpass last year’s achievements, urging Saint Lucians to rally behind the team. Despite funding challenges, the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) remains grateful to sponsors like the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Invest Saint Lucia, and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. The team is further bolstered by mentor Chef Emmany Hippolyte, the 2024 Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year, and a robust management team including Consultant Chef Eike Lauff and Bar Team Manager Alva Preville. With twelve regional teams competing, the event will culminate in the coveted Caribbean Culinary Team of the Year award.
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Aangifte van poging tot moord SZF-directeur: verdacht materiaal motorkap
Rudrakanth Oemraw, the Acting Director-General of the State Health Fund (SZF), has filed a police report alleging attempted murder and attempted manslaughter after discovering suspicious materials in his official vehicle. The items, which included dry leaves and a plastic bag, were found in the engine compartment, raising concerns of a potential arson attempt. Oemraw acted swiftly, immediately notifying the authorities, and the vehicle has been seized for forensic analysis. This alarming discovery follows recent threats Oemraw received from individuals reportedly displaced by government actions, prompting him to file additional complaints. In response to these escalating threats, heightened security measures have been implemented. Oemraw is now under protection during his movements, and the security at his residence has been significantly reinforced. The incident underscores the growing tensions surrounding key government figures and the need for robust safety protocols.
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Flash-Flood Watch issued for Barbados
The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has activated a Flash-Flood Watch for the island as a tropical wave sweeps across the region, bringing intermittent heavy showers. Issued early Friday, October 31, 2025, the alert warns of potential flash flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas, with rainfall totals expected to reach up to two inches. Conditions are forecast to improve by late Friday night, but residents are advised to remain vigilant. Sudden flooding on roads, fields, and properties could disrupt travel, while water levels in drains and ponds may rise significantly. The BMS emphasizes the importance of adhering to guidance from the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) and staying updated through official channels, including the Government Information Service. A Flash-Flood Watch indicates favorable conditions for flooding but does not guarantee its occurrence. The watch remains in effect until 6:00 p.m. Friday or until further updates are provided. For real-time information, visit www.barbadosweather.org or contact the BMS at 535-0022.
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Liberty Caribbean Foundation mobilises relief for Jamaica
In response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Liberty Caribbean Foundation has launched an immediate regional relief initiative to aid affected families, employees, and communities across Jamaica. The charitable arm of Flow and Liberty Business, in collaboration with regional crisis teams and partners under Liberty Latin America, has strategically positioned essential supplies, including food, water, emergency kits, and connectivity solutions, ready for deployment as soon as local authorities provide safe access.
Ensuring the safety and well-being of staff remains the top priority, with teams actively verifying the status of all employees. While outreach efforts continue, the Foundation is prepared to commence relief shipments at the earliest opportunity, pending official clearance.
Inge Smidts, CEO of Liberty Caribbean, emphasized the organization’s commitment: ‘Our first duty is to our people and the communities who rely on us. We have mobilized resources across the region to ensure a swift, coordinated, and responsible response. Wherever we can safely deliver assistance, we will be there to provide immediate relief and support long-term recovery.’
The Foundation is working closely with national and local authorities, community organizations, and trusted relief partners to ensure efficient aid distribution, avoid duplication, and prioritize the most vulnerable households and shelter populations. Simultaneously, Liberty Caribbean’s crisis-management teams are focused on restoring critical communications infrastructure and supporting employee welfare.
Smidts added, ‘Recovery will be a sustained effort. Beyond emergency supplies, we are committed to partnering with local organizations on rebuilding and resilience initiatives that restore livelihoods and strengthen communities. The Foundation will remain engaged for as long as it takes.’
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in southwestern Jamaica on October 28 as a devastating Category 5 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, tying it with Hurricane Dorian (2019) and the 1935 ‘Labor Day’ hurricane as the strongest Atlantic hurricane landfall on record by wind speed.
The Foundation is calling for public and corporate support to scale relief operations. Donations will directly fund the procurement and delivery of essential supplies and support long-term recovery programs in the hardest-hit communities. Secure online donations can be made at: https://www.libertycaribbeanfoundation.org/hurricane-relief.
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IN PICTURES: National Youth Rally 2025
The Windsor Park Sports Stadium was abuzz with energy and enthusiasm on Thursday, October 30, 2025, as thousands of students gathered for the National Youth Rally. Organized to celebrate youth empowerment and foster a sense of unity, the event showcased a vibrant march led by students from diverse backgrounds. The rally, captured in a series of compelling images, highlighted the determination and optimism of the younger generation. Attendees carried banners and chanted slogans, emphasizing themes of education, equality, and sustainable development. The event also featured speeches from prominent youth leaders, who urged their peers to take an active role in shaping the future. The National Youth Rally served as a powerful reminder of the potential of young minds to drive positive change in society.
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Deacons Primary closed, ministry steps up rodent control
Deacons Primary School in St Michael will remain closed on Friday, October 31, 2025, as the Ministry of Educational Transformation escalates its efforts to address a severe rodent infestation plaguing the institution. This marks the third closure this week, following shutdowns on Monday and Thursday due to reports of vermin on the premises. In a statement released on Thursday night, the ministry confirmed that extensive remediation work is underway to restore hygienic and safe conditions at the school. The ministry emphasized the interconnectedness of schools and their surrounding communities, stating, ‘Our schools are not only vital to our communities but are also physically embedded within them. Consequently, issues affecting the community inevitably impact the school environment.’ The Educational Transformation Management Unit (ETMU) is investigating potential lapses that may have allowed the rodents to infiltrate the school grounds. The unit is collaborating with the school’s leadership to implement recommendations aimed at upholding the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Over the next 72 hours, staff will focus on decluttering the premises as part of the cleanup process. The ministry also announced plans to enhance monitoring and enforcement of waste management practices across all schools nationwide to minimize opportunities for vermin to thrive. Officials reiterated their commitment to maintaining open communication with education stakeholders, who have expressed support for the ongoing remediation efforts. The ministry reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring safe and healthy environments in all schools across the island.