In a heartwarming celebration of World Teachers’ Day, St. Philip’s North Caretaker Randy Baltimore joined educators and support staff at the Nelvie N. Gore and Newfield Primary Schools to honor their invaluable contributions. The event, held as part of the constituency’s observance of the international day, saw Baltimore presenting tokens of appreciation to teachers, custodians, and school meals workers. He lauded their unwavering dedication, emphasizing that their efforts extend far beyond classroom instruction, playing a pivotal role in shaping “brighter futures for our children.” The celebration underscored the critical role of teachers and education workers in fostering community development and nurturing the next generation. The event also highlighted the importance of recognizing the often-overlooked contributions of support staff, who ensure the smooth functioning of educational institutions. World Teachers’ Day, celebrated globally on October 5th, serves as a reminder of the profound impact educators have on society. Baltimore’s gesture not only honored the recipients but also reinforced the community’s commitment to supporting its educational workforce. The event concluded with a sense of unity and gratitude, leaving attendees inspired to continue their vital work.
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Dominica amongst four to join regional fisheries group
In a significant move for regional collaboration, four Caribbean nations—Anguilla, The Bahamas, Dominica, and Montserrat—have officially joined the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) by signing the Agreement Establishing the organization. The signing ceremony took place during the Sixteenth Special Meeting of the CRFM Ministerial Council, held as part of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Saint Kitts and Nevis. The event, organized under the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, marked a milestone in regional fisheries management. Representatives from the four nations, including Hon. Roland Royer of Dominica, Hon. Kyle Hodge of Anguilla, Mr. Montez Williams of The Bahamas, and Hon. John P. Osborne of Montserrat, collectively signed the agreement, underscoring their commitment to sustainable fisheries practices. Dr. Marc Williams, Executive Director of the CRFM Secretariat, lauded the decision, emphasizing the importance of their active participation in the organization. Established in 2003 in Belize City, the CRFM is an intergovernmental body under CARICOM dedicated to the sustainable management of marine and aquatic resources. The CRFM has implemented several key policies to enhance governance, including the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP), Personal Data Protection Policy, Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy, and Whistleblower Policy. These initiatives aim to promote transparency, integrity, and sustainable resource management. Dr. Williams also highlighted the CRFM’s efforts to adopt gender-sensitive approaches and incorporate the perspectives of youth and Indigenous communities in its initiatives. With the addition of these four nations, the CRFM now comprises 17 member states, furthering its mission to manage shared, migratory, and straddling fish stocks effectively. The organization continues to provide technical advice and consultative services to national fisheries authorities, supporting the conservation and sustainable utilization of marine resources.
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As blood supply dwindles, QEH appeals for donors
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has amplified its appeal for blood donations, sounding the alarm over critically low reserves and emphasizing the urgent need for donors to maintain vital emergency and surgical services. Dr. Christine Greenidge, Chief Operations Officer at QEH, underscored the indispensable role of community support during her appearance on the hospital’s Pulse Radio Show. ‘Blood is a lifeline for our doctors, especially in the Emergency Department and other critical areas where lives are saved daily,’ she stated. She further explained that trauma cases, such as gunshot and stabbing injuries, often demand substantial blood supplies, making donations a cornerstone of effective medical care. Dr. Greenidge also issued a special plea for rare blood types, including O negative and A negative, praising recent donors who swiftly responded to previous appeals. ‘We reached out to individuals with whom we have established relationships, and they stepped up immediately,’ she remarked. To bolster national reserves, several blood drives are planned across the island throughout October. Collection teams will be stationed at Ross University on Friday and Saturday, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) from October 13 to 16, and Bajan Sigmas on October 23. Donors are encouraged to visit the QEH Blood Bank, located adjacent to the Winston Scott Polyclinic, where staff, including manager Wendy Lord, are prepared to assist. Both whole blood and platelets are in high demand to meet patient needs. ‘When our stock levels fall below the required threshold, it’s our responsibility to issue an appeal to ensure these units are available,’ Dr. Greenidge emphasized. She urged individuals with rare blood types to step forward, saying, ‘If you know you belong to a rare blood group and are willing to donate, please visit the blood bank.’
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Father shot dead moments after tucking daughter into bed
In the quiet neighborhood of Bayville, a serene evening turned into a nightmare for Tori Bascombe and her family. On Monday night, her partner of 12 years, Akil Blacks Hinds, was fatally shot just outside their home on Sandbox Avenue. The incident occurred moments after they had tucked their daughter, A’niyah, into bed, shattering their peaceful routine and leaving the family in profound grief.
Bascombe, struggling to hold back tears, recounted the harrowing moments when her life changed forever. She described how Hinds was lying on the bonnet of their car when a masked gunman approached around 10:10 p.m. and fired multiple shots. Hinds was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Bascombe vehemently denied rumors of a shootout, asserting that Hinds was not involved in any violent altercation. She speculated that the incident might have been a robbery, as Hinds’ chain was missing after the attack.
Hinds, a 36-year-old bridgeman at Chamberlain Bridge, was known for his calm and easy-going demeanor. Bascombe painted a picture of a devoted family man who lived for his partner and daughter. ‘He eat, sleep, and breathe me and he daughter,’ she said, emphasizing their inseparable bond. The couple had been planning a staycation for A’niyah’s upcoming eighth birthday, but now Bascombe faces the heartbreaking task of celebrating without Hinds.
The community of Bayville, though known for its history of violence, had been relatively peaceful in recent times. However, the shooting has left residents, including Bascombe, feeling uneasy and fearful. ‘I would say yes [I’m scared],’ she admitted, describing her inability to sleep or relax since the incident. She believes Hinds may have been targeted but cannot fathom why anyone would want to harm him, given his peaceful nature and spiritual outlook on life.
Hinds was an avid football enthusiast who enjoyed watching matches on weekends and had been looking forward to the Prime Minister’s Cup fixtures. His sudden death has left a void not only in his family but also in the community, where he was well-loved and respected. As Bascombe and her daughter navigate this unimaginable loss, they are left grappling with questions and a future forever altered by tragedy.
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WEATHER (6:00 AM, Wed October 8): Overcast skies, scattered showers today from Tropical wave; heavy rainfall, gusty winds expected from Thursday as TS Jerry approaches
A tropical wave continues to influence weather patterns across the region, bringing overcast skies and scattered showers, some of which may intensify to moderate or heavy levels, accompanied by thunderstorms. Residents in areas susceptible to flooding, landslides, and falling rocks are urged to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution. Meanwhile, the Small Craft Warning and High Surf Advisory have been lifted as sea conditions are anticipated to improve today, with waves expected to reach up to 7 feet along the east coast and 3 feet along the west coast over the next 24 hours. However, the approaching Tropical Storm Jerry is likely to worsen sea conditions by Thursday, with swells predicted to reach 10 to 12 feet in open waters on the east coast and around 7 feet on the west coast. Mariners and coastal users are advised to stay updated on weather developments and remain prepared. As of 5:00 AM, Tropical Storm Jerry was positioned near latitude 13.3°N and longitude 50.7°W, approximately 725 miles east-southeast of Dominica. The storm is moving west-northwest at 23 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1003 mb. Forecasts indicate a gradual decrease in forward speed over the next few days, followed by a turn toward the north-northwest and north by Friday. The core of the storm is expected to pass near or north of the northern Leeward Islands late Thursday and Friday. Dominica is projected to experience rainfall exceeding 4 inches, accompanied by gusty winds, starting Thursday. Residents and stakeholders in Dominica are advised to closely monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Jerry as it moves closer to the islands.
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Homeless Man Charged with Breaking into Fashion Alert Store
In a recent development in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, a 40-year-old homeless man, Gishaun Grigg, has been arrested and charged with breaking into a local store and committing larceny. The incident occurred at the Fashion Alert Store on Corn Alley on September 5, 2025. According to police reports, Grigg allegedly stole several items, including four Samsung A6 cellphones, two Alcatel cellphones, two kids’ tablets, twelve vapes, a carton of Raw, two cartons of Bamboo, a case of Blunt, two Hookahs, and an undisclosed amount of money. Following a thorough investigation, Grigg was apprehended and formally charged. He is now awaiting his court appearance to answer the charges. The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has urged business owners to bolster their security measures and remain vigilant against suspicious activities in their premises. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of homelessness and crime in the region, prompting calls for enhanced community safety initiatives.
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DR firms Newlink and Multiplicity launch alliance to transform national talent management
In a groundbreaking move, the Dominican Republic’s corporate sector is set to undergo a transformative shift with the strategic partnership between Newlink, renowned as The Engagement Company, and Multiplicity, a trailblazer in competency evaluation. This collaboration aims to introduce cutting-edge methodologies for talent selection and development, with the ultimate goal of enhancing employee loyalty, fostering innovation, and boosting competitiveness across the nation’s productive industries. The alliance directly responds to the growing demand within the Dominican business community for more sophisticated and effective tools to attract, evaluate, and nurture talent, while simultaneously strengthening strategic communication and external relations capabilities. Newlink brings to the table its expertise in strategic communication, digital management, organizational reputation, and market analysis, underpinned by its globally recognized “Orbital Thinking” framework. Additionally, the firm will integrate its internal Culture Unit, which focuses on organizational well-being, internal communications, and change management. Multiplicity, operating across Spain, Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela, contributes its innovative talent diagnostics portfolio, including precise competency detection and a high-technology evaluation system. Natalia Batista, CEO of Multiplicity, emphasized that this partnership will mark a pivotal moment in how Dominican companies attract, retain, and empower their human talent. Eduardo Valcárcel, Managing Partner of Newlink, highlighted the broader vision of the alliance, stating that it aims not only to foster company growth but also to create a positive societal impact by building more dynamic, productive, and human-centered workplaces. This strategic association is poised to professionalize the Dominican Republic’s labor market, enhance its competitiveness, and position the nation as a sophisticated and attractive player in the regional market.
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New mobile clinic to boost breast screening access
The Barbados Cancer Society is poised to revolutionize breast cancer detection with the introduction of a cutting-edge mobile clinic, a $100,000 investment set to launch within eight months. This initiative aims to extend life-saving breast screening and early detection services to communities across the island, ensuring greater accessibility for women in remote areas. Dr. Shirley Hanoman-Jhagroo, Medical Coordinator of the Breast Screening Programme, confirmed that the new unit has been ordered from British Leyland, the same company that manufactured the current vehicle, which has served the island for 18 years. The new clinic, custom-built to meet specific needs, will replace the existing unit, which has been instrumental in providing daily screening and education services. Dr. Hanoman-Jhagroo emphasized the importance of the mobile clinic in reaching women who face barriers to accessing healthcare facilities in Bridgetown or Warrens. The current mobile team, led by a dedicated nurse, not only conducts breast examinations but also educates women on self-examination techniques, referring them to the clinic for further care. Notably, the programme has never denied services to patients unable to afford the cost, reflecting its commitment to equitable healthcare. Dr. Hanoman-Jhagroo highlighted the significant progress of the Breast Screening Programme over its 23-year history, stating, ‘This is how we save lives.’ The new mobile unit marks a pivotal milestone in the programme’s mission to combat breast cancer through early detection and community outreach.
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Sugar Boyz dominate French Saint Martin in back-to-back international friendlies
The St. Kitts and Nevis Senior Men’s National Team, affectionately known as the Sugar Boyz, showcased their prowess in two consecutive international friendly matches against French Saint Martin at the Newtown Sports Complex. The matches, held on October 4th and 5th, 2025, saw the Sugar Boyz dominate with a 5-0 victory in the first game and a 2-1 win in the second. Key players such as Javern Matthew, Mervin Lewis, Dequan Hamilton, and Nequan Brown contributed to the first game’s success, while 15-year-old Dionte Eddy secured the winning goal in the second match. Coach Austin Deacon-Huggins lauded the team’s attacking strategy in the first game, highlighting the fluid movement and combination plays that led to their impressive performance. In the second game, coach Alexis Morris emphasized the opportunity given to younger players, noting the team’s average age of 22-23. These friendlies were part of the Sugar Boyz’s preparation for an upcoming Concacaf-organized international tournament set to commence next month.
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Ex-girlfriend accused of attacking car in Cassada Gardens
Authorities in Cassada Gardens are currently investigating a reported incident involving a man and his former girlfriend, who allegedly threw stones at his vehicle. The event occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 5, when two stones were purportedly hurled at a blue Toyota Yaris, causing damage to the car. Officers from the Criminal Investigations Department have interviewed both parties involved and conducted a thorough examination of the vehicle. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the altercation. The police have confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available. This incident highlights the importance of conflict resolution and the role of law enforcement in maintaining public safety.