On October 14, 2025, the Dominica Calypso Association held a pivotal meeting to establish its new leadership structure. The session marked the first gathering of the recently elected members, who deliberated on key appointments to steer the organization forward. Gregory “Karessah” Rivierre emerged as the newly appointed President, bringing his extensive experience and vision to the role. Fitzroy “Bingo” Leon was named Vice President, tasked with supporting the President in driving the association’s initiatives. Renna “Mystrie” Prosper was elected Secretary, ensuring the smooth operation of administrative affairs, while Joey “Explosion” Loyd took on the responsibilities of Treasurer, overseeing financial management. Additionally, Royette Laurent was appointed as Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, and Peter Letang was chosen as the Public Relations Officer, responsible for enhancing the association’s public image. The membership roster also included notable figures such as Jerry “Oracle” Loyd, Chester “Daddy Chess” Letang, and Keith “Tronada” Hurtault, who will contribute their expertise to the association’s endeavors. This leadership reshuffle is expected to invigorate the Dominica Calypso Association, fostering growth and innovation in the calypso music scene.
分类： society
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ECSE announces Regional Schools Investment Competition
The Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE), in partnership with key stakeholders, has unveiled the Regional Schools Investment Competition, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at high school and first-year college students. This program seeks to immerse young minds in the world of investing while shedding light on the operations of the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange. By doing so, it aspires to bolster the development of money and capital markets within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) by nurturing a generation of knowledgeable and engaged investors.
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Bailey Reaffirms Antigua and Barbuda’s Commitment to Sweet Potato Innovation and Food Security
The Fisheries Division Conference Room at Point Wharf was a hub of activity and optimism on October 15, 2025, as stakeholders from across the Caribbean convened for the Inaugural Annual Project Virtual Symposium on Next Generation Sweet Potato Production. The event, both in-person and virtual, marked a significant step toward enhancing regional collaboration in agriculture. Mr. Gregory Bailey, Director of Agriculture and Chair of the Project Steering Committee, delivered opening remarks on behalf of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs (MALFBE). He emphasized the importance of innovation, shared purpose, and regional unity in advancing agricultural development. Mr. Bailey highlighted the sweet potato as more than a staple crop—it is a symbol of resilience, heritage, and food security for the Caribbean. He underscored its role in value chain development, agricultural diversification, and the transformation of food systems. The symposium served as a platform to reflect on progress, consolidate lessons learned, and strengthen partnerships. Mr. Bailey also proposed the establishment of a Caribbean Sweet Potato Community of Practice to foster knowledge sharing and innovation. He concluded by reaffirming Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to sustainable agricultural systems and thanked participants for their contributions to this transformative initiative.
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Elias Nassief Foundation set to host fundraising gala for 30th anniversary
The Elias Nassief Foundation (ENF), a beacon of philanthropy established in 1995 by the descendants of Elias Nassief, is set to host a grand Gala Fundraiser on Saturday, November 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM. This event, held at the prestigious Fort Young Hotel in Roseau, Dominica, aims to bolster the foundation’s ongoing charitable initiatives, which have been transforming lives across the island for nearly three decades.
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Scotiabank, charity celebrate five-year partnership in empowering girls
Scotiabank and the non-profit organization I Am A Girl are commemorating five years of impactful collaboration through their flagship Adopt-A-Girl programme, which has transformed the lives of vulnerable teenage girls across Barbados. To celebrate this milestone, Scotiabank has reaffirmed its commitment by contributing an additional $60,000 to the initiative, ensuring continued support for girls aged 15 to 18 in overcoming challenges and achieving their academic and personal goals. The programme provides a comprehensive safety net, offering scholarships, essential learning tools, mental wellness services, and assistance with daily necessities like food and hygiene. This holistic approach ensures that, as organizers emphasize, “no girl is left behind due to circumstance.” Since its inception, the partnership has empowered hundreds of girls through mentoring, resources, and encouragement to stay in school and excel. The initiative has been a catalyst for change, not only for the participants but also for their families and communities. Scotiabank’s involvement extends beyond financial support, with employees actively engaging as mentors and capacity-builders through the Empower Employee Resource Group. They have conducted workshops on leadership, financial literacy, career coaching, and interview skills, serving as positive role models. Alian Ollivierre, executive director and founder of I Am A Girl, reflected on the partnership’s success: “Collaborating in a way that truly centres our girls and reflects meaningful partnership has exceeded our expectations. Together, we’ve deepened impact and created measurable change.” Suzette Armoogam-Shah, managing director of Scotiabank Barbados, added: “This partnership is about more than giving; it is about growing. Watching these young women rise, discover their strength, and pursue their dreams has been inspiring.”
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ICBL bee boosts literacy with youthful flair
The Insurance Corporation of Barbados Limited (ICBL) recently unveiled its sixth National Junior Spelling Bee, an event that not only celebrates spelling excellence but also underscores the transformative power of literacy in shaping young lives. The launch was met with palpable enthusiasm, as stakeholders gathered to support this educational initiative.
Chad Blackman, Minister of Educational Transformation, praised ICBL and its partners for their sustained commitment to education. He emphasized literacy as the cornerstone of national development, stating, ‘Our education system must evolve to prepare us for the future, rooted in our own ideals and focused on competitiveness.’ Blackman also highlighted the alignment of the Spelling Bee with the ministry’s literacy transformation program, urging nationwide recognition of literacy as a collective priority.
Amayah Chase, last year’s champion and the first public school student to win the national title, shared her inspiring journey. ‘Winning this competition was a dream come true. The prizes were exceptional, and my trip to London was unforgettable—I even met my great-grandparents for the first time,’ she recounted. Her former English teacher, Nakesha Hutson, lauded the competition for fostering literacy, academic excellence, and a passion for language.
ICBL CEO Goulbourne Alleyne expressed gratitude to sponsors, including new silver sponsor GO! Insect Repellent. Kristen Austin, Brand Developer for GO!, emphasized the company’s eagerness to support youth development through education. Republic Bank, a long-standing partner, reaffirmed its commitment via its ‘Power to Make a Difference’ program. Sharon Howell, Marketing Officer – Communications, remarked, ‘Education is the most powerful tool to shape a brighter future. Every child deserves the chance to unlock their potential.’
Since its inception, the ICBL Spelling Bee has drawn participants from both public and private schools across Barbados, offering students a platform to compete for prestigious honors and valuable prizes. This year’s edition promises to be even more engaging, with organizers teasing new elements to enhance the experience.
As anticipation builds, educators and sponsors continue to champion the Spelling Bee as a vital platform for inspiring academic excellence and nurturing a literate, confident generation.
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Tributes pour in for late West Indian Anglican Archbishop Drexel Gomez
The Caribbean and the global Anglican community are united in mourning the passing of Archbishop Drexel Gomez, a revered figure in the Anglican Church, who died at the age of 88. Born in the Bahamas, Gomez made an indelible mark on the religious and social fabric of the region. At just 36, he was consecrated as the Bishop of Barbados on June 24, 1972, becoming the first and only Caribbean-born bishop in the diocese’s 200-year history. He served in this role for two decades before ascending to Archbishop of the Church in the Province of the West Indies in 1998. Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados fondly remembered Gomez as a ‘soft-spoken gentleman’ whose warmth and dignity endeared him to all. She highlighted his courage in addressing social and political issues from the pulpit, even during tumultuous times in Barbadian politics. Anglican Bishop of Barbados, the Right Reverend Michael Maxwell, praised Gomez’s lifelong dedication to the church and his unwavering service to the diocese and the wider Anglican Communion. Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis also paid tribute, recalling Gomez’s guidance and moral clarity, which left a lasting legacy. Gomez’s life was a testament to faith, leadership, and service, and his passing marks the end of an era for the Caribbean Anglican community.
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Flash Flood Advisory Issued for Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a flash flood advisory for the twin-island nation, alerting residents to potential minor flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas. The advisory, which remains in effect until noon on Thursday, comes as a persistent weather trough continues to bring heavy showers and thunderstorms across the islands. Radar estimates indicate that over an inch of rain has already fallen, with additional rainfall expected throughout the morning. Residents are urged to exercise caution, avoid flooded roads, and move to higher ground if necessary. Officials anticipate minor disruptions but do not expect major damage. Forecaster Patrice Edwards advised the public to stay updated through local media or contact the Met Office at 463-4638 for further information. The situation underscores the importance of preparedness during severe weather events in the region.
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Connecting communities, government, and markets
When hurricanes devastate the Caribbean, recovery extends beyond rebuilding infrastructure. It hinges on the ability of farmers to replace lost livestock, fishers to access damaged docks, market vendors to preserve perishable goods, and tourism workers to survive prolonged hotel closures. These individuals are the backbone of local economies, yet they often face the longest delays in receiving aid. While governments and private insurers play crucial roles, they frequently fall short in addressing the immediate, small-scale needs of vulnerable workers. Governments focus on large-scale recovery efforts, such as repairing roads and restoring power grids, but struggle to swiftly address individual needs like restoring contaminated wells or replacing fishing equipment. Private insurers, on the other hand, cater primarily to businesses with formal assets, leaving informal workers—such as farmers without land titles or fishers with uninsured boats—without coverage. This gap in disaster response is where meso-level Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI) steps in. By linking government and insurance resources with the trust and reach of community organizations, meso-level CDRFI creates a more efficient and equitable recovery system. Community institutions, such as cooperatives and NGOs, act as direct links to vulnerable populations, identifying needs and distributing resources. Financial tools like parametric insurance and community savings funds are managed through these groups, ensuring faster and fairer payouts. Governments and private insurers provide broader support, making the system sustainable. Research by the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) reveals that 79% of organizations serving vulnerable workers lack budgets for disaster response. Meso-level CDRFI empowers these organizations to access financial resources, deliver support directly, and reduce recovery time. Beyond financial aid, this approach fosters trust, transparency, and local decision-making, essential for long-term resilience. As climate risks escalate, meso-level CDRFI offers a practical solution to strengthen the Caribbean’s disaster response, ensuring that recovery is both swift and equitable.
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Former Bishop of Dominica Edward Gilbert passes away
The former Bishop of Dominica, Edward Gilbert, has passed away, according to reports from Dominica News Online (DNO). The respected clergyman died at approximately 11:30 pm last night in a Redemptorist retirement home located in Florida. Details surrounding his passing remain limited at this time, but further information is expected to be released in a subsequent update. Bishop Gilbert’s contributions to the religious community in Dominica and beyond have left a lasting legacy, and his death marks a significant loss for the Catholic Church and its followers. The news has prompted an outpouring of condolences from those who knew him and were touched by his work. As the community mourns, many are reflecting on his life of service and dedication to faith.