The Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA) has announced with great enthusiasm that its National Culinary Team will represent Grenada at the 2025 Taste of the Caribbean Competition. This highly anticipated event, organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), will be held in Barbados from November 16 to 18, 2025. The competition is a prestigious platform where top culinary talents from 12 Caribbean destinations converge to showcase their skills and celebrate the region’s diverse flavours. Grenada’s team, led by Team Captain Chef Andre Church of RTA Services, includes a stellar lineup of culinary experts such as Team Logistics Manager Chef Belinda Bishop of Flavours of Grenada, Senior Chef Elvis George, Junior Chef Rashid Cromwell, Pastry Chef Sasha Lessey, and Mixologist Antonio Bayne. Under the leadership of GHTA CEO Arlene Friday, the team is poised to highlight Grenada’s unique culinary heritage and creativity on a regional stage. Friday expressed her pride in the team’s formation, stating, ‘It has been a dream of mine to re-establish our National Culinary Team. I am excited to see our team represent the rich and diverse flavours that define Grenada’s cultural identity.’ The GHTA also extended gratitude to its sponsors, including the GHTA Tourism Enhancement Fund, interCaribbean Airways, and numerous local businesses and institutions, for their support in making this participation possible. Special recognition was given to Coach and mentor Chef Ramces of Six Senses La Sagesse for his invaluable guidance.
博客
-
2 independents among 32 candidates for Nov. 27 election
The upcoming general election in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, scheduled for November 27, has seen 32 candidates nominated to contest the 15 parliamentary seats, including two independent candidates. Among them are Kenna Questelles, contesting the West St. George constituency, and Doris Charles of the National Liberation Movement (NLM), vying for South Leeward. Questelles, represented by the torch symbol, and Charles, symbolized by the bicycle, bring the total number of female candidates to nine, accounting for nearly one-third of all nominees.
Doris Charles, a former diplomat under the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) and wife of ex-Central Leeward MP Maxwell Charles, emphasized the significance of her nomination for the NLM, a party established in 2022. She highlighted the party’s commitment to values such as accountability, pragmatism, and transparency, while the bicycle symbol represents forward movement and progressive thinking. Meanwhile, Kenna Questelles, a former executive member of the Women’s Arm of the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), has pledged to focus on youth empowerment if elected. Her proposals include establishing a digital youth service agency, providing training and employment opportunities, and launching an annual innovation award to support youth-led start-ups.
The election is expected to be a fierce contest between the ULP, aiming for a historic sixth consecutive term, and the NDP, seeking to regain power after being ousted in 2001. However, the nomination process has not been without controversy. The ULP challenged the candidacy of Opposition Leader Godwin Friday and Fitz Bramble, citing their Canadian citizenship as a violation of the Constitution. Despite the challenges, their nominations were upheld by returning officers, though Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has vowed legal action.
As the election approaches, the focus remains on the candidates’ platforms and the potential impact of independent voices in shaping the nation’s political landscape.
-
Grenada extends condolences to India following tragic explosion in Delhi
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Export Development of Grenada has expressed profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the Government and citizens of India in the aftermath of a devastating explosion near the Red Fort in Delhi. This horrific act of violence, which resulted in the loss of innocent lives and left numerous individuals injured, has deeply grieved the people and leadership of Grenada. In a statement, the ministry emphasized its unwavering solidarity with India during this period of national mourning, extending its sympathies to the bereaved families, the injured, and all those impacted by this tragedy. Grenada has joined the global community in vehemently condemning terrorism in all its forms, reaffirming its dedication to peace, security, and the shared values that bind nations together. The ministry expressed confidence in the resilience and strength of the Indian people as they navigate this challenging time. Additionally, the ministry took the opportunity to reiterate its highest regard for the Government of India and the High Commission of India in Grenada.
-
PM Briceño: Reshuffle Is Strategy, Not Punishment
Prime Minister John Briceño has publicly defended his recent Cabinet reshuffle, emphasizing that the changes were driven by strategic considerations rather than punitive measures. In an exclusive interview with News Five, Briceño explained that the adjustments were made to optimize the effectiveness of his administration as it marked its fifth anniversary. He stated, “As a Prime Minister, I’m constantly evaluating where adjustments can be made to enhance performance.” One of the most significant changes was the reassignment of Kareem Musa from the Ministry of Home Affairs after five years. Briceño praised Musa’s tenure but noted the demanding nature of the role, saying, “Kareem has done an excellent job, but the ministry can be exhausting. I felt the fifth anniversary was the right time for a change.” Musa had previously expressed interest in a new challenge, aligning with the timing of the reshuffle. Another notable change involved Oscar Requena, who was moved from the Education Ministry back to Rural Transformation after just eight months. Briceño clarified that this was not a reflection of poor performance but rather a recognition of Requena’s strengths in rural development. “Minister Requena was more effective and comfortable in his previous role,” Briceño explained. The Education portfolio was reassigned to Francis Fonseca, whom Briceño described as one of the administration’s most transformative and capable leaders. “Minister Fonseca has my full support and is exceptionally hardworking,” Briceño affirmed. The reshuffle reflects Briceño’s commitment to aligning ministerial roles with individual strengths and the evolving needs of the government.
-
New UAE ambassador to present credentials to Governor-General
In a significant diplomatic move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has designated His Excellency Mohamed Issa Abushahab as its new ambassador to Grenada. The official credential presentation ceremony is scheduled for November 18, 2025, at the residence of Grenada’s Governor-General, Dame Cecile La Grenade, in Point Salines. This event marks a pivotal moment in the bilateral relations between the two nations, which were established in 1975. Currently, Ambassador-designate Abushahab serves as the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, where he plays a crucial role in international discussions on peace and security. He assumed this position in April 2024, succeeding Lana Nusseibeh, who also held the non-resident ambassadorship to Grenada. Grenada holds a unique position in its relationship with the UAE, being the first member of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to open a consulate in the UAE in June 2020. The UAE has been a key partner in Grenada’s development, notably funding the reconstruction of the Parliament building and supporting renewable energy projects like the Limlair Solar PV Hybrid initiative in Carriacou through the UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund. Additionally, several UAE nationals have obtained Grenadian citizenship through the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme, further deepening the ties between the two countries. The UAE, a federation of seven emirates founded in 1971, continues to expand its global influence through strategic partnerships and investments.
-
Applications now open for the Commonwealth shared scholarship initiative
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) has officially launched the application process for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Initiative, a flagship postgraduate program under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). This initiative, part of the UK Government’s global scholarship framework, seeks to empower talented individuals from developing Commonwealth nations by enabling them to pursue advanced degrees in the UK. The program aims to cultivate future leaders and innovators who can drive sustainable development in their home countries while strengthening international partnerships. The scholarship underscores the UK’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth community and its development goals. The initiative targets high-achieving postgraduate students from Least Developed and middle-income Commonwealth countries, including those affected by conflict or instability. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic potential and a commitment to leveraging their education for national development. The scholarship covers one year of full-time Master’s studies in the UK, with participating universities responsible for covering living expenses. Candidates must apply directly through their chosen UK institutions, which conduct initial screenings before the CSC makes final selections. Eligibility criteria include citizenship or refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country, permanent residency, and a strong academic record. Applicants must also prove financial need and meet specific documentation requirements. The application deadline is December 9, 2025, and recipients are required to commence studies in September 2026. The scholarship is exclusively for full-time study, and concurrent enrollment in other courses is prohibited. Prospective students must also secure admission to their chosen UK university program, adhering to institutional deadlines and requirements.
-
Trump Says U.S. Lacks Talent
In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump has publicly defended the H-1B visa program, despite his administration’s historically stringent immigration policies. During a recent interview on Fox News with host Laura Ingraham, Trump argued that the United States lacks the domestic talent necessary to maintain its global competitiveness. This stance has sparked significant backlash from his political base, particularly among those who advocate for stricter immigration controls. When questioned about the potential impact of foreign visas on American wages, Trump emphasized the necessity of importing skilled workers. ‘You also do have to bring in talent,’ he stated. Ingraham countered by asserting that the U.S. has ample homegrown talent, to which Trump replied, ‘No, you don’t … you don’t have certain talents, and people have to learn.’ He further explained that certain specialized jobs cannot be filled by unemployed Americans, using the example of missile manufacturing. Trump’s comments come at a time when his administration is implementing measures to tighten immigration rules, including a proposed $100,000 application fee for H-1B visas. These visas, which allow skilled foreign professionals to work in the U.S. for up to six years, are particularly prevalent in the technology and engineering sectors. The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who took to social media to express her belief that American workers are ‘talented, creative, intelligent’ and should not be ‘replaced by foreign labor.’ Trump responded by accusing Greene of having ‘lost her way’ and ‘catering to the other side.’
-
Visit of Cuba’s Parliament President to Angola closes with tributes
In a significant diplomatic gesture, the head of the State Council of Cuba, accompanied by a high-level delegation, paid homage to Angola’s first president, Antonio Agostinho Neto, at his memorial early Friday morning. The visit coincided with Angola’s 50th anniversary of independence, marking a pivotal moment in the shared history of the two nations. The Cuban leader, Lazo, emphasized the deep fraternal bonds between Cuba and Angola, rooted in their joint struggle against colonialism, apartheid, and imperialism. He highlighted the enduring friendship between Fidel Castro and Agostinho Neto, which continues to inspire current generations to uphold their legacy of solidarity and cooperation. The delegation also honored Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, Angola’s long-serving leader from 1979 to 2017, and commemorated Raul Diaz-Argüelles, the first head of Cuba’s military mission in Angola, at his burial site in Alto de las Cruces. The tribute concluded with an exchange between the Cuban delegation and the President of Angola’s Parliament, reaffirming the commitment to strengthen bilateral ties.
-
Simons kondigt verscherpte voorwaarden aan voor gronduitgifte
In a significant policy shift, Suriname’s government has announced stricter criteria for land allocation, as revealed by President Jennifer Simons during the first round of the General Political Considerations (APB) in the National Assembly on Thursday. The President emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive revision of the land allocation policy to ensure transparency and accountability in land use.
Simons highlighted that the government must ensure land is utilized for its designated purposes, whether for industrial activities, housing, agriculture, or social projects. She acknowledged that past practices often allocated land with the hope of productive use, but these expectations frequently fell short. To address this, the government is drafting legislative amendments, set to take effect in 2026, which will clearly define permissible land uses and enforce stricter compliance measures.
Under the new framework, applicants will be required to demonstrate their readiness to execute proposed projects. Simons stressed that land allocated for business ventures must come with binding obligations. If no tangible results are achieved within two to three years, the land rights will be automatically revoked.
The President also pointed out Suriname’s unique regional position, noting the country’s vast unused agricultural lands despite its abundant available land. She argued that utilizing previously allocated agricultural areas could boost agro-production without encroaching on forests.
However, the Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) faces significant administrative challenges, including illegal land allocations and prolonged delays in processing applications. Simons underscored the necessity of a thorough policy overhaul to address these systemic issues and ensure efficient land management.
-
Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority holds job fair next week
The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) is set to host a Job Fair at the old terminal of the V.C. Bird International Airport next Tuesday. The event, themed ‘Connecting Talent to Opportunity,’ aims to provide aspiring professionals with a gateway into the dynamic aviation sector. Scheduled from 9 am to 3 pm, the fair will showcase a variety of roles, including Customer Service Representatives, IT Technicians, Airport Operations Centre Officers, Aviation Security Officers, and skilled trades such as Electricians, Plumbers, AC Technicians, Mobile Mechanics, and Grounds Technicians. Prospective candidates are encouraged to bring essential documents, including a government-issued photo ID, educational and professional certificates, a résumé, and proof of work eligibility in Antigua and Barbuda. The ABAA emphasizes that having these materials ready will streamline the registration process and minimize delays. Additionally, free parking will be provided for registered attendees in the long-term parking lot, ensuring a hassle-free experience.