A St Simons homeowner, Keith Lowe, faced a distressing situation as relentless overnight rains transformed his yard into a muddy swamp, reigniting fears of flooding and sparking criticism of recent drainage modifications he claims have exacerbated the issue. On Tuesday, Lowe’s property in St Andrew, Barbados, was submerged in mud—a scenario mirrored in other parts of the island. The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) had issued a flash flood warning on Monday, predicting up to 50 millimetres of rain by Tuesday midday. Meteorologists cautioned that the heavy downpours could lead to severe runoff, soil erosion, and road blockages. Social media was flooded with images of the devastation, including Lowe’s own posts showing water encroaching beneath his home. Lowe recounted how water from the nearby road flooded his cellar, leaving behind thick mud. He expressed concern that continued rainfall could damage his home. Lowe attributed the flooding to recent road resurfacing and drainage changes, which he believes have redirected water toward his property. Despite his warnings to workers about the slope of his property, the kerb was lowered, worsening the situation. Lowe criticized the authorities for ignoring local input, stating, “We leave it to the experts, and the experts are failing at everything.” He also highlighted the placement of a new pipeline in front of his door, which has limited his ability to protect his home. By Tuesday evening, a government team visited the site, promising to raise the kerb and redirect water away from his property. However, with more rain forecasted, Lowe fears the measures may come too late. The BMS extended the flash flood warning until Wednesday morning, warning of potential flooding in low-lying areas due to saturated soils.
分类： society
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CARICOM STATISTICS DAY: Secretary General urges unified approach to regional statistics strategy
Caribbean Statistics Day, celebrated on October 15, 2025, coincides with the culmination of the 2024-2025 Year of Statistics in CARICOM, marking a dual milestone. This year also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Standing Committee of Caribbean Statisticians, highlighting the indispensable role of robust data systems in driving development and resilience across the Caribbean Community. CARICOM emphasized that the commemorative year has focused on standardizing and harmonizing statistical practices among member states. Key initiatives, such as the CARICOM Quality Assurance Framework, the CARICOM Code of Good Statistical Practices, and the Generic Statistical Business Process Model, have been successfully integrated into routine operations, streamlining the entire statistical lifecycle from data collection to dissemination. Currently, CARICOM is advancing its twelve-year Regional Strategy for the Development of Statistics, a comprehensive plan designed to fortify statistical infrastructures and ensure policymakers have access to accurate, timely data. Member governments are actively enhancing legal and institutional frameworks, allocating resources to National Statistical Offices, and prioritizing digital transformation to modernize statistical operations. CARICOM underscores the importance of a unified regional approach to address data gaps and elevate standards. On Caribbean Statistics Day, the Community reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national and regional statistical processes, guided by the theme, “Improving Lives through Statistics: Strengthening and Innovating Together.” This vision reflects the collective aspiration for progress through collaboration and innovation.
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CBH Participates in Disaster Management Exhibition
On October 14th, the Central Board of Health (CBH) actively participated in a Disaster Management Exhibition organized by the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS). The event, themed ‘Fund Resilience, Not Disasters,’ was held at the Multipurpose Cultural Centre and attracted hundreds of students accompanied by their teachers. Various agencies showcased their roles and responsibilities before, during, and after disasters, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and resilience. The CBH team, known for its focus on public health areas such as food safety, vector control, and sanitation during disasters like hurricanes, chose to spotlight water safety and hygiene practices at this exhibition. At one display table, the team demonstrated practical methods to ensure water safety, including boiling, adding unscented household bleach, and using chlorine tablets. They stressed the critical need for using potable water to prevent health risks. Another display used props to illustrate the dangers of walking or playing in floodwaters, explaining how these waters can become contaminated by damaged septic tanks and pit latrines, harboring harmful germs that can cause illness. Through these interactive displays, participants gained essential knowledge on making water safe for consumption and the importance of avoiding contact with floodwaters after heavy rains or storms. The exhibition served as a valuable platform for educating the public on disaster resilience and health safety measures.
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Community Road Repairs Underway in Tyrell’s, Bathlodge, Clare Hall and Golden Grove
The Ministry of Works has initiated a widespread road repair campaign targeting several key areas, including Tyrell’s, Bathlodge, Clare Hall, and Golden Grove. This initiative aims to bolster road infrastructure in preparation for the impending rainy season. In Bathlodge, crews are currently engaged in base preparation, while patching teams are actively working in Clare Hall and Golden Grove. Officials have emphasized that these efforts are part of the ministry’s broader strategy to enhance community infrastructure and ensure safer, more reliable roadways. The ministry has also expressed appreciation for the recent favorable weather conditions, which have enabled the continuation of work following delays caused by earlier rainfall. This project underscores the government’s commitment to improving public infrastructure and addressing the needs of local communities.
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Lions Club of Antigua Celebrates 57 Years of Service to the Nation
The Lions Club of Antigua is set to celebrate its 57th anniversary with a week-long series of events from October 10th to 18th, 2025. This milestone underscores the Club’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian service, community engagement, and wellness initiatives. Established on October 14th, 1968, the Lions Club of Antigua has been a pivotal force in addressing the needs of thousands of individuals and families across the island. As it enters its 57th year, the Club reaffirms its mission to empower volunteers, meet humanitarian needs, and foster peace and international understanding. The anniversary week will feature a diverse array of activities, including a church service and food distribution, media appearances, a mental health workshop, and a celebratory social gathering. Additionally, the Club will honor its longstanding members and extend its outreach to Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital, where it will install benches and initiate a backyard garden project. The Lions Club of Antigua invites the community to join in these celebrations and continue supporting its mission of service with integrity, humility, and compassion. For more details on the events and how to get involved, visit the Club’s social media pages and website.
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Frank Rainieri announces Los Manantiales overpass to open within weeks
Frank Rainieri, the visionary founder of the Puntacana Group, has revealed that the Los Manantiales Crossing overpass is set to be inaugurated within the next three to four weeks. Although the exact financial investment remains undisclosed, Rainieri highlighted that the project has been completed in record time, showcasing his company’s dedication to providing swift and impactful solutions for local communities. The overpass, developed through a collaborative public-private partnership, aims to enhance mobility and connectivity for surrounding areas while improving access to key destinations in the eastern region. Rainieri made this announcement during the International Conference on Tourism Cooperation, an event organized in the Dominican Republic by UN Tourism in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur). This initiative underscores the Puntacana Group’s ongoing commitment to infrastructure development and community welfare.
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“Nevis Funds Resilience, Not Disasters”: NDMD Launches Disaster Community Communications Ambassadors on IDDR Day, 13th October
On October 13, 2025, the Nevis Disaster Management Department (NDMD) marked the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) with the launch of the Disaster Community Communications Ambassadors (DCCA) program. The event, held at Charlestown’s Memorial Square, aligned with the global theme, “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters,” and showcased NDMD’s commitment to enhancing disaster preparedness and communication. The initiative aims to empower communities by training local communicators to disseminate accurate information before, during, and after disasters. The launch featured speeches from key figures, including Hon. Spencer Brand, Minister for Disaster Management, who emphasized the importance of investing in resilience through education and infrastructure. NDMD Director Brian Dyer highlighted the program as a transformative step in community-centered disaster governance, while Deputy Director Jacob Ngumbah introduced a seven-pillar framework for integrated disaster communications. The event also included parish representatives and an outdoor outreach activity, where ambassadors engaged the public with interactive quizzes and hurricane preparedness tips. The DCCA program underscores NDMD’s broader efforts to strengthen disaster communication in Nevis and the Caribbean, aligning with the Sendai Framework’s principles of empowerment and community participation.
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Fernald lanceert boek over onderwijsvernieuwing: ‘Van crisis tot perspectief’
Ivan Fernald, a prominent figure in Surinamese education, has launched his latest book, ‘From Crisis to Perspective: The Best Education for Every Student.’ The book was formally presented to Minister of Education, Science, and Culture Dirk Currie and Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin. Fernald’s work transcends a mere retrospective; it serves as a clarion call for the restoration and renewal of Suriname’s educational system. The author poses three pivotal questions: What went wrong in the reform process? What structural issues underpin the educational crisis? And how can the system be repaired and strengthened? Fernald critiques the 2020–2025 education policy, highlighting both its urgency and the fragility of its reforms. He argues that initiatives lacking adequate preparation, legal grounding, or structural support are destined to fail. The book is structured thematically, diagnosing the educational crisis, examining the role of teachers and curriculum, addressing the plight of disadvantaged students, and advocating for practical, hands-on education. In the final section, Fernald outlines a comprehensive recovery and transformation plan with actionable recommendations. He emphasizes that quality education is the cornerstone of socioeconomic progress and national development, urging for a national education agenda supported by political, societal, and educational stakeholders. Fernald’s policy proposals include the establishment of an Innovation Bureau to drive educational reforms, the creation of a Strategic National Education Council (SNOR) as an independent advisory body, a greater role for the Anton de Kom University and IOL in digital transformation, the qualification of the Interior as a stimulation area, and the reintroduction of the sixth-grade test (year 8) to better assess student support needs. Concluding his work, Fernald calls for collaboration: ‘What we need is not just innovation, but direction, continuity, and support. Only then can we truly turn the tide.’ ‘From Crisis to Perspective – The Best Education for Every Student’ is positioned as a guiding compass for policymakers, teachers, parents, and all who believe in the right of every child in Suriname to receive the best education.
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Cops called out to handle school’s traffic as chaos leads to verbal clashes
The Charles F. Broome Memorial Primary School in Government Hill, Barbados, is grappling with a persistent traffic management crisis that has escalated safety concerns and tensions among parents, staff, and students. In response, the Ministry of Educational Transformation has initiated urgent measures, including deploying police officers to the school premises on Wednesday morning as classes resume following a sudden one-day closure. Deputy Chief Education Officer Julia Beckles confirmed that at least two officers will be stationed to address the ongoing issues. The ministry is also conducting a comprehensive review of safety and traffic management protocols after reports of chronic congestion, verbal altercations, and gridlock during peak hours. Beckles emphasized the ministry’s commitment to finding both immediate and long-term solutions, stating that a formal report is being prepared for internal review. The school’s abrupt closure on Monday, attributed to “unforeseen circumstances,” left parents scrambling to collect their children. Julian Pierre, Vice-President of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT), revealed that the closure was prompted by staff shortages and a heated verbal confrontation between a parent and a teacher. During a two-and-a-half-hour meeting on Tuesday, staff voiced their concerns about daily traffic delays and verbal abuse from frustrated parents. Pierre urged parents to exercise patience and mutual respect during drop-off and pick-up times, emphasizing the need for peaceful cooperation. While no physical altercations were reported, the incident involving the teacher and parent remains under investigation. Teachers expressed appreciation for the ministry’s swift response and are hopeful for a prompt resolution to the ongoing challenges.
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Mother to Take Legal Action After 12-Year-Old Struck by Bus
A mother in Antigua is taking legal action against a bus driver who allegedly struck her 12-year-old daughter while the child was crossing Joseph Lane after school. The incident, which occurred as Jakanda Dominique stepped off the sidewalk, has left the young girl with significant injuries and unable to attend school. Witnesses reported that the bus was traveling at high speed when it hit Jakanda, throwing her several feet. A nearby coach intervened to prevent further harm as the girl fell. Jakanda sustained injuries to her leg and shoulder, with her leg still in a cast and ongoing pain. Her mother, Clevelander Christian, claims the driver attempted to flee the scene but was stopped by bystanders. Christian also alleges that the driver has not contacted the family or expressed any concern since the incident. The matter has been reported to the police, who are currently investigating. Christian has sought legal representation to pursue damages, describing the driver’s actions as reckless. She has called for increased caution among public transport operators, particularly during school dismissal times when children are more vulnerable on the roads.