In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, one of the most devastating storms to hit the Caribbean, the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) has mobilized its Disaster Assistance Programme (CDAP) to aid Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) in restoring electricity across the island. The Category 5 hurricane, which struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, left over 70% of the population without power, severely impacting critical infrastructure. As of November 10, JPS reported that 64% of its customers had regained electricity, with significant progress in restoring power to major health facilities, telecommunication sites, and water commission facilities.
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Miss Rural West Pageant invites young women to compete
The inaugural Miss Rural West Pageant is calling for applications from young women aged 18 to 27, with the goal of fostering empowerment and instilling a sense of community pride. Organized by Desrie Markham, the event aims to inspire the next generation of women through the tradition of pageantry, a cherished cultural practice in Antigua and Barbuda. Markham emphasized that the pageant is designed to celebrate the beauty and talent within the Rural West region, providing a platform for young women to emerge as role models and convey positive messages. This initiative marks the resurgence of community-based pageants in the area, which had been dormant since the discontinuation of the Miss Grays Green Pageant. Organizers have made it clear that there are no restrictions on body type, encouraging all interested women to participate. “You don’t have to fit a mould,” one organizer stated. “As long as you’re ambitious, dedicated, and intelligent, we’ll help you develop confidence and poise.” Applications for the pageant will close on 16 November. Those interested can apply online or contact Aaliyah Taylor (780-5260), Eddenya Aska (723-6093), or Janelle Haynes (776-6916) for further details.
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Piton Boyz in DR for Concacaf’s Friendly Series
The Saint Lucia senior national men’s football team, affectionately known as the Piton Boyz, is gearing up for two crucial matches in the Concacaf Friendly Series. On Wednesday, November 12, they will face Cuba, followed by a clash with St Vincent & the Grenadines three days later. Both games are scheduled to take place at the Cibao Stadium in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This series serves as a vital platform for teams already eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to maintain competitive momentum. The Piton Boyz departed Saint Lucia on Monday with a significantly altered squad compared to their last outing during the World Cup Qualifiers in June, where they suffered a loss to Curaçao but secured a victory against Barbados. Notable absentees include Jamaica-based players Alvinus Mayers and Darren Donaie, as well as England-based captain Terell Thomas and winger Arkell Jude Boyd. Other omissions include Kegan Caull, Ryan Charles, Ryan Remi, and Troy Greenidge. However, the team welcomes back several familiar faces, including goalkeeper Anton Richard, defender Doneal Lionel, and midfielders Brandon Sandiford and Eymani Butcher. Veterans Gregson President and Ridel Stanislas also make a return, alongside new additions like Ajani Louis, Dervaj Edward, Elijah Joseph, and Trent Alexander. Retained from the previous squad are forwards Aaron Richard, Caniggia Elva, Donavan Jn Baptiste, Saviola Elva, and Mervin St Romain. Midfield responsibilities will be shouldered by Bayan Aman, Hamaiael Charlery, and Shaquan Nelson, while the defense will feature Melvin Doxilly, Joshua Solomon-Davies, and veteran fullback Kurt Frederick. The team’s technical and support staff, led by head coach Stern John, remain unchanged. The Piton Boyz are also set to face Martinique and the Dominican Republic next year as part of Group A in the Concacaf Friendly Series.
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Saint Lucia Bolsters Sargassum Response with New Equipment
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in Saint Lucia has significantly bolstered its coastal defense mechanisms against sargassum by acquiring new equipment, including tractors and specialized beach-cleaning attachments. This initiative, funded by Japan and facilitated through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to improve the island’s ability to manage sargassum influxes efficiently and sustainably. Deputy Chief Fisheries Officer Thomas Nelson emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to safeguard coastal communities and their livelihoods. Nelson reassured the public of the government’s commitment to effective sargassum management, highlighting the US$20 million Regional Sargassum Management Project. This project, supported by Japan, seeks to enhance the capacity of regional countries to mitigate the impact of sargassum. In the upcoming months, Saint Lucia will receive additional tools such as deflection booms, a dump truck for sargassum transport, and a cleanup vessel to address offshore accumulations.
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‘Having a Driver’s License is a Privilege, Not a Right’
In a bold move to address the rising number of fatalities on Belize’s highways, the Ministry of Transport has announced a series of stringent measures aimed at enhancing road safety. Chester Williams, the Chief Executive Officer of the ministry, revealed that the government is investing in advanced technology, including speed guns, body cameras for officers, and dash cameras for patrol vehicles. These dash cameras, in particular, are expected to play a pivotal role in monitoring driver behavior during traffic stops and capturing evidence of drivers attempting to evade law enforcement. Williams emphasized that the footage obtained from these devices will be crucial for prosecuting offenders. Additionally, the ministry is preparing to present amendments to traffic laws to the House of Representatives, which will introduce harsher penalties for drunk driving. In some cases, drivers could face the revocation of their licenses for life. Williams underscored the importance of responsible driving, stating that holding a driver’s license is a privilege, not a right, and must be exercised with due care and responsibility.
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Grenada launches Caribbean’s first Blue Economy Action Lab
Grenada has taken a groundbreaking step in advancing its blue economy by hosting the first-ever Blue Economy Action Lab. This innovative event brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors to transform ideas into actionable projects within a 90-day timeframe. The initiative, spearheaded by Island Innovators, aimed to move beyond theoretical discussions and focus on tangible outcomes that address the Caribbean’s unique challenges. Participants, including marine entrepreneurs, tourism operators, and data scientists, collaborated on pilot projects centered around three key themes: waste-to-value solutions, circular blue tourism, and coastal resilience. The event culminated in the formation of ‘Doers’ Circles,’ cross-sector working groups committed to delivering High-Impact Action Declarations (HIADs) under each theme. Notable attendees included sustainability leaders such as Crystal Young, Chad Fraser, and Benjamin Nestorovic, who highlighted the potential of Grenada’s marine resources to drive economic growth, job creation, and environmental health. Island Innovators will support these teams through a 90-day pilot program, providing mentorship, technical guidance, and accountability via an Impact Dashboard. The success of this inaugural event has paved the way for future Action Labs across sectors like technology, health, and the creative economy, with a focus on emerging opportunities such as marine biotechnology and coastal data mapping. Dr. Angus Friday, Advisor to Island Innovators, described the event as the beginning of a movement, emphasizing the Caribbean’s ability to turn potential into probability through structured collaboration and support.
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Seventeen regional utilities and two private contractors head to Jamaica under CARILEC’s disaster assistance program
In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) has activated its Disaster Assistance Program (CDAP) to aid the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) in restoring electricity across the island. The Category 5 hurricane, which struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, left over 70% of the island’s electrical consumers without power, prompting an urgent regional response. As of November 10, JPS reported that 64% of its customers had regained electricity, with significant progress in restoring critical facilities such as health centers, telecommunication sites, and water commission locations. CARILEC, in collaboration with seventeen regional utility companies and two private contractors, has mobilized 131 lineworkers to Jamaica, with additional teams expected to arrive soon. The initiative, supported by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UKFCDO), underscores the importance of regional cooperation in disaster recovery. Dr. Cletus Bertin, CARILEC’s Executive Director, emphasized the program’s foundation on mutual assistance and the critical role of trained personnel in restoring power swiftly and safely. Established in 1998, CDAP has been instrumental in enhancing the preparedness and efficiency of lineworkers through ongoing training programs and annual symposiums.
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Republic Bank (Grenada) Limited: Notice of Record Date
Republic Bank (Grenada) Limited has officially announced that its Board of Directors has designated Wednesday, November 19, 2025, as the Record Date. This critical date marks the cutoff for determining which shareholders are eligible to participate in upcoming corporate actions, such as dividend distributions or voting rights at the annual meeting. The announcement underscores the bank’s commitment to transparency and adherence to corporate governance standards. Shareholders are advised to ensure their records are up-to-date to avoid any discrepancies. Republic Bank (Grenada) Limited continues to prioritize the interests of its stakeholders, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable financial institution in the region. For further inquiries or to report any concerns, shareholders are encouraged to contact the bank directly.
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Gemoedelijke en ontspannen sfeer bij afscheid Venetiaan in Kathedrale Basiliek
On the afternoon of November 11, a solemn yet serene farewell ceremony was held at the St. Petrus & Paulus Basilica in honor of former President Ronald Venetiaan, a figure whose influence resonated both nationally and internationally. The event drew a diverse crowd, including family members, political leaders, and dignitaries, all gathered to pay their respects. Venetiaan, who had served as a long-time member and chairman of the National Party of Suriname (NPS), lay in repose in a meticulously prepared casket at the front of the basilica. Among the attendees were President Jennifer Simons, ABOP Chairman Ronnie Brunswijk, and Paul Somohardjo, a former comrade of Venetiaan and current leader of Pertjajah Luhur, alongside other prominent politicians, ambassadors, and members of the judiciary. The atmosphere was marked by a sense of calm and reflection, as visitors bid their final farewells. Jules Fullinton’s rendition of “It Is Well with My Soul” added a poignant touch to the proceedings. The ceremony concluded with a private cremation, attended only by close family members. The event also attracted significant attention from both local and international media, underscoring the widespread impact of Venetiaan’s legacy.
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Government and Saudi Fund Discuss Progress on UWI Five Islands Expansion
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has initiated high-level discussions with the Saudi Fund for Development to advance the expansion and development of The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus. These talks, led by MP Daryll Matthew, aim to outline the next phases of the campus’s transformation, which is central to the government’s vision of establishing it as a premier educational institution in the Eastern Caribbean. During the meeting, MP Matthew revealed the first architectural renderings of the proposed campus, describing it as a future landmark that will stand out as the most aesthetically impressive university in the region. The collaboration with the Saudi Fund underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and fostering academic excellence. This initiative is expected to significantly boost the local economy and provide enhanced opportunities for students across the Caribbean.