The United States has authorized Trinidad and Tobago (TT) to initiate negotiations with Venezuela regarding the highly anticipated Dragon gas deal. Attorney General John Jeremie disclosed that the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued the licence on October 8, marking the first step in a phased approach. This initial phase requires TT to meet specific benchmarks, which would subsequently provide US companies with certain advantages. Jeremie described these conditions as both reasonable and achievable, emphasizing that the licence is valid for six months. However, formal discussions with the Venezuelan government have yet to commence. Despite the absence of direct talks, Jeremie asserted that the Dragon gas deal remains active, citing ongoing, albeit undisclosed, communication between the two nations. The announcement was made at the Attorney General and Legal Affairs office in Port of Spain, underscoring the significance of this development in regional energy diplomacy.
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Sport ministry distributes $1.5m in funds
The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs has taken a significant step in supporting Trinidad and Tobago’s athletic and youth development sectors by distributing $1.5 million in funding. On October 8, Minister Phillip Watts presided over a cheque presentation ceremony at the ministry’s headquarters in Port of Spain, where 15 individuals and organizations received financial support for their upcoming initiatives. The event, attended by Permanent Secretary Beverly Reid-Samuel and Director of Sports Gabre Jesu McTair, highlighted the ministry’s commitment to fostering excellence in sports and youth empowerment. McTair emphasized that the funding is not merely financial aid but a testament to the government’s belief in the potential of its citizens to excel on the global stage. Recipients expressed gratitude, noting the funds will enhance their training, competition preparation, and community engagement efforts. The ministry reiterated its dedication to building national pride and promoting social development through sustained investment in these critical sectors.
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LETTER: Use Common Sense, Not Chaos, in Police Stop and Search Operations
In Antigua and Barbuda, growing discontent has emerged over the timing and execution of police stop-and-search operations. While the necessity of law enforcement to ensure public safety is undisputed, the manner in which these exercises are conducted has sparked widespread frustration. Specifically, the decision to carry out these operations during the morning rush hour—when parents are dropping off children at school and workers are commuting—has been criticized as inconsiderate and counterproductive.
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TV anchor, public relations man Doug Hoyte dies, aged 75
The Barbadian media landscape is in mourning following the sudden passing of Doug Hoyte, a revered television news personality, who died overnight after a brief illness. He was just weeks away from celebrating his 76th birthday. Details surrounding his death remain undisclosed at this time. Hoyte’s illustrious career spanned decades, beginning in 1968 in the United States, where he worked extensively in media and communications. He served as a television reporter in Tampa, Florida, and briefly held the prestigious role of press secretary to Florida Governor Bob Martinez. In 1991, Hoyte returned to Barbados, where he became a household name. He co-anchored the “CBC Evening News” alongside Sharon Marshall in the 1990s and later assumed the role of General Manager at the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) from 2016 to 2018. Hoyte was also the beloved host of the breakfast television show “Mornin’ Barbados.” Beyond his on-screen roles, he held significant communications positions, including director of communications at Almond Resorts and founder of his public relations firm, Mountbatten Communications. Colleagues and viewers alike remember Hoyte for his professionalism, charismatic on-screen presence, and enduring contributions to Barbadian media over several decades.
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ACSOM, RayAsta Foundation and gov’t of Dominica collaborate for Stroke Awareness Day 2025
The American Canadian School of Medicine (ACSOM) has joined forces with the RayAsta Foundation and the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica to organize Stroke Awareness Day, a pivotal event aimed at raising critical awareness about stroke on the island. Scheduled for Saturday, October 11, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the ACSOM campus on Ross Boulevard, Picard, Portsmouth, the initiative seeks to educate the community on stroke prevention, recognition, and rehabilitation. Dr. Sofiia Kozyreva, a rehabilitation specialist and ACSOM faculty member, emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating, ‘Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and death.’ She highlighted the importance of understanding risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, unhealthy diet, and smoking, which can be mitigated through early detection and medical intervention. The event will offer free health screenings, including blood pressure, blood sugar levels, BMI, waist circumference, cardiovascular risk assessments, and cognitive and reflex testing. Attendees will also participate in interactive sessions covering stroke anatomy, risk factors, lifestyle changes, preventive strategies, rehabilitation options, and resources for family caregivers. In addition to educational activities, the day will feature games, refreshments, and opportunities to interact with ACSOM students and faculty, fostering community engagement and learning. This initiative aligns with ACSOM’s broader mission to promote community health education and proactive disease prevention, while the RayAsta Foundation views it as a vital step in empowering communities through health awareness and education.
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Grenada Co-operative Bank joins celebration of Grenadian stories
The Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited (GCBL) proudly supported the 2025 Grenada Book Festival, held on October 3–4, as part of its commitment to fostering creative expression and cultural preservation. Organized by Grenada Book Festival, Inc., the event united writers, authors, artisans, and book enthusiasts of all ages to celebrate Grenadian stories and literary talent. Ericka Hosten, Manager of Marketing and Customer Insight at GCBL, emphasized the bank’s dedication to initiatives that promote literacy and cultural heritage. She highlighted the festival’s role in showcasing local literature and encouraging reading among diverse audiences. The festival featured two key events: a professional development workshop for writers at various career stages, offering insights into the traditional publishing industry, and a vibrant book fair showcasing over thirty local authors and artisans. The Children’s Corner, a highlight of the fair, provided young attendees with opportunities to explore their creativity through story hours and poetry readings. GCBL’s sponsorship aligns with its corporate social responsibility agenda, which focuses on supporting projects that contribute to the nation’s holistic development. The bank’s involvement underscores its role as Grenada’s only indigenous financial institution, dedicated to enriching the community through cultural and educational initiatives.
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Certainty in an uncertain world
The recent Chinese National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, spanning from October 1 to 8, showcased unprecedented levels of domestic and international travel, as well as robust consumer activity. Cross-regional passenger trips surged to a record 2.43 billion, marking a 6.3% year-on-year increase. Cross-border travel also hit historic highs, with daily inbound and outbound travelers exceeding 2.04 million, an 11.5% rise from the previous year. Bookings for flights to China by foreign tourists soared by over 40%, reflecting both the enthusiasm of Chinese tourists traveling abroad and the growing interest of international visitors in China. These trends underscore China’s steady economic growth, openness, and resilience amid global economic uncertainties. China’s ability to maintain stability and growth is attributed to several key factors: First, a consistent development strategy and scientific macroeconomic policies. Since 1953, China has implemented 14 Five-Year Plans, ensuring policy coherence and long-term vision. Second, a super-large market with over 1.4 billion people and a complete industrial system, which provides economic resilience. Third, a friendly investment environment, with over 1.24 million foreign-funded companies established by the end of 2024 and actual utilised foreign capital reaching 20.6 trillion yuan ($2.83 trillion). Fourth, an innovative and green development pattern, with China’s Global Innovation Index ranking rising to 10th in 2025 and significant progress in green transformation. Fifth, an inclusive development philosophy, exemplified by President Xi Jinping’s people-centered approach, which has lifted nearly 100 million rural residents out of poverty since 2012. China’s global initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Global Development Initiative (GDI), have further solidified its role in promoting inclusive and sustainable development worldwide. By 2030, the BRI is expected to lift 7.6 million people out of extreme poverty and 32 million out of moderate poverty in participating countries. Over 150 countries have joined the BRI, and more than 100 support the GDI. China remains committed to fostering a community with a shared future for humanity, bringing certainty to the global economy and contributing to global prosperity.
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Grenada secures 4-1 victory over British Virgin Islands
The Grenada Senior Men’s National Team (SMNT) showcased their formidable form on Wednesday evening, clinching a commanding 4-1 victory against the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in an international friendly held at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium. This win marks Grenada’s fourth consecutive triumph, highlighting the team’s enhanced depth, attacking efficiency, and cohesive unity on home turf.
Grenada dominated from the outset, with forward Myles Hippolyte striking early in the 10th minute and converting a penalty in the 39th minute to secure a brace before halftime. Despite BVI’s consolation goal in the 73rd minute, Grenada responded swiftly, with Deanroy Phillip scoring in the 76th minute and again in stoppage time (90+3’) to seal the emphatic victory.
Assistant Coach Anthony Modeste praised the team’s disciplined and dynamic performance, emphasizing the contributions of both seasoned players and emerging talents. This international window also saw the inclusion of several promising newcomers, such as Joshua Lett, Raheem Raeburn, Josh Thomas, Shaquille Charles, Deanroy Phillip, and the returning Aj Paterson, who rejoined the national squad after a three-year hiatus.
Notably, two members of Grenada’s U17 national program, Raheem Raeburn and Josh Thomas, were called up, reflecting the Grenada Football Association’s (GFA) commitment to integrating youth development with senior-level experience. Raeburn, currently the top scorer in the Grenada Premier League, was recently sent to an elite academy in Germany to refine his skills, earning him a well-deserved spot on the senior roster.
Looking ahead, the SMNT will face Cuba in a high-profile match on Saturday, 11 October, at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium. GFA President Marlon Glean highlighted the strategic vision behind the team’s progress, emphasizing the sustainable pathway being built to elevate Grenadian football at every level. The GFA also expressed gratitude to fans and supporters for their unwavering encouragement as the national team gears up for future international competitions.
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Tropical Storm Conditions Expected in Barbuda later this afternoon or evening and continue into the night
Tropical Storm Jerry is rapidly approaching the northern Leeward Islands, with Barbuda expected to experience its impact by Thursday afternoon. The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that as of 11 a.m. AST, Jerry was positioned near latitude 15.9 North and longitude 59.1 West, approximately 310 miles east-southeast of the region. The storm is advancing west-northwest at 18 mph, boasting maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Barbuda, signaling that severe conditions are imminent within the next 12 hours. Additionally, tropical storm watches are in place for Antigua, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, Sint Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius, and Guadeloupe, along with its adjacent islands. Forecasters predict that Jerry will intensify in the coming days, potentially reaching hurricane status by late Friday or Saturday. Currently, tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 175 miles from the storm’s center, with a minimum central pressure of 999 millibars. The storm is expected to bring significant rainfall, with totals ranging from 2 to 4 inches and isolated areas receiving up to 6 inches across the Leeward and Virgin Islands through Friday. This raises concerns of flash flooding in low-lying and mountainous regions. Puerto Rico is also likely to experience similar rainfall due to the storm’s moisture. Swells generated by Jerry are already affecting parts of the Leeward and Windward Islands and are expected to spread toward the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico tonight, creating life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Authorities urge residents to finalize preparations, stay informed through official updates from the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service, and monitor advisories from the National Hurricane Center. The next full update is scheduled for 5 p.m. AST.
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Westmoreland Municipal Corporation pays tribute to late Councillor Patrick Forrester
WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — The Westmoreland Municipal Corporation has honored the memory of Councillor Patrick Forrester, a dedicated representative of the People’s National Party for the Petersfield Division, who tragically passed away in a motor vehicle accident on September 17. The tribute was led by Mayor Danree Delancy of Savanna-la-Mar during the corporation’s regular monthly general meeting on Thursday. Mayor Delancy highlighted Forrester’s unwavering commitment to his community, noting that even before his official swearing-in, he had already begun drafting projects and programs aimed at benefiting his division. ‘Councillor Forrester served with passion, compassion, and humility,’ Delancy remarked. ‘He was never boastful, always striving to give his best.’ The mayor extended heartfelt condolences to Forrester’s family, constituents, and all those who mourned his loss. Councillor Michael Jackson of the White House Division, who had known Forrester for over three decades, praised his dedication to both his community and the traveling public, particularly in his role as president of the Petersfield Taxi Association. Councillor Ian Myles of the Little London Division echoed these sentiments. Forrester’s funeral is scheduled for November.