A car owner in an unspecified location is reeling from a brazen, shockingly quick vehicle theft that was entirely caught on closed-circuit television, after a moment of carelessness left the automobile vulnerable to opportunistic crime. As detailed in initial incident reports, the owner pulled their car over along a public roadside, exited the vehicle, and walked into a nearby building to handle a quick errand. In a careless mistake that would cost them their car, they left the driver’s side door propped open and the vehicle’s keys still inside the ignition. Mere seconds after the owner left the scene out of sight of the car, the surveillance system documenting the area picked up a male suspect approaching the unattended vehicle with clear intent. The man moved quickly, climbing straight into the driver’s seat and pulling away from the roadside before any passersby could intervene. The car owner returned to the spot of the theft only moments after the suspect drove off, and immediately realized what had happened. The owner sprinted after the stolen vehicle in a frantic attempt to stop the thief, but the suspect had already put too much distance between himself and the scene, and the owner could not catch up. In the weeks following the incident, still frames and clips pulled directly from the CCTV footage have been widely shared across social media and online community platforms, as local residents and law enforcement work together to identify the unknown suspect and track down the stolen vehicle for recovery. As of the latest updates on the case, law enforcement agencies have not issued any formal public comment confirming details of the incident or sharing updates on the ongoing investigation.
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Onverwagt viert 145 jaar geschiedenis: Onze voorouders bouwden aan een toekomst
On a reflective and celebratory Monday, Plantation Onverwagt in Suriname gathered residents and national leaders to mark 145 years since local community members secured ownership of the land, a milestone that came just years after the abolition of slavery across the region. The event blended lively music, shared personal memories, and intergenerational storytelling, centering two core goals: honoring the site’s complex history and charting a path forward to protect the community’s shared heritage and social cohesion for decades to come.
Speaking at the celebration, Suriname President Jennifer Simons emphasized the critical urgency of documenting the unique history of the Para region and preserving the oral histories passed down by elder generations. She warned that without intentional efforts to transfer these collective memories to younger cohorts, large portions of the nation’s vulnerable cultural heritage risk fading into permanent loss.
According to Suriname’s Communication Service, the 145th anniversary commemorates the 1881 purchase of the plantation by its residents, a transaction that took place shortly after chattel slavery was abolished in the region. Simons stressed that this historic act of self-determination offers a powerful example of how Suriname’s ancestors built a stable, hopeful future for their descendants even in the face of immense systemic hardship and displacement.
“Our ancestors refused to remain trapped in the identity of victims. Instead, they came together to build a lasting community for the generations that would come after them,” the head of state told attendees. She used the occasion to make a major policy announcement: this coming August, Suriname will launch its first annual National Heritage Month, a nationwide initiative designed to draw greater public attention to the country’s diverse cultural heritage and advance the values of peaceful coexistence across all communities.
Beyond the new heritage initiative, President Simons also raised urgent concerns about the long-term protection of collective land holdings tied to historic plantations like Onverwagt. She issued a call to action, urging local community leaders, academic and cultural heritage experts, and national government bodies to collaborate closely to develop sustainable solutions that will safeguard the collective land rights of these communities in perpetuity.
Local community leader Clyde Vyent also reflected on the plantation’s enduring meaning for the people who call it home. He framed Onverwagt as a lasting national symbol of human dignity and resilience, noting that the 1881 land purchase by ancestors was a deliberate act designed to free future generations from economic dependence on outside actors. At the same time, Vyent acknowledged the persistent challenges the Onverwagt community still grapples with today, including high rates of unemployment, gaps in educational access, and outdated, inadequate public infrastructure. “Our goal is to leave behind a community that our children and grandchildren will be proud to call home,” he said.
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LETTER: Government Must Address Ebola Preparedness as Flights Come From Africa
A public correspondent has submitted a formal letter to senior leadership in Antigua and Barbuda, calling for government attention to emerging Ebola outbreak risks linked to ongoing spread of the virus in several African regions. The letter, which addresses Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the national Aviation Minister and Health Minister, seeks clear public explanation of the protective protocols the country is developing to shield its population from imported infection risks.
At the core of the correspondent’s inquiry are questions regarding screening and entry rules for commercial flights originating from African areas currently impacted by the Ebola outbreak. The writer specifically asks whether the government has drafted new operational policies for incoming air travel from these affected zones, alongside details on what preventive health measures and entry screening protocols are already active at the country’s border checkpoints.
The urgent concern raised in the correspondence stems from a widely held public observation that Antigua and Barbuda currently faces constraints in specialized healthcare infrastructure and limited resources for rapid diagnostic testing and clinical management of high-risk viral pathogens like Ebola. Without clear, coordinated protocols in place, the country could face heightened vulnerability to an imported outbreak that would overwhelm local health systems.
Beyond border policy questions, the correspondent notes that ordinary residents and citizens across Antigua and Barbuda are actively seeking official reassurance and evidence-based guidance on national preparedness plans and personal safety practices. To date, there has been no broad, accessible public communication from government authorities addressing the Ebola situation and related risks, which has left the public without clear information to inform their own choices.
Given Antigua and Barbuda’s status as a travel-reliant nation that welcomes a steady stream of international flights into its main airports, the correspondent emphasizes that thousands of people both citizens and long-term residents want transparent clarification on potential infection risks, and the concrete steps the administration has implemented to protect national public health. The correspondence closes with a formal request for an official public response or statement to address these outstanding questions, with the writer noting they await a timely reply from relevant authorities.
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Fisherfolk want major changes to operations at Fisheries Complex
A growing wave of discontent is sweeping through Barbados’ fishing community, as persistent ice shortages at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex continue to threaten the livelihoods of hundreds of local fisherfolk, prompting renewed calls for sweeping management changes to the facility’s critical ice production infrastructure.
The demands were voiced this week by Moonesh Dharampaul, leader of the Black Fin Fleet Co-operative Society, during an on-site media interaction on the sidelines of a visit by representatives from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Dharampaul placed the blame for the recurring crisis squarely on systemic mismanagement, saying the long-running issues have crippled daily operations for fishermen across the island.
While Dharampaul acknowledged that Fisheries Minister Santia Bradshaw has publicly committed to resolving the problem, he warned that the glacial pace of progress and persistently low ice output continues to hold the sector back. His cooperative is now pushing for a major restructuring of oversight: calling on Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox to take direct charge of the complex’s seafood markets, arguing the current governance framework lacks the accountability and transparent communication the crisis demands.
“When it comes to the ice machine problems, it is simply poor management across the board — there is no other way to frame it,” Dharampaul told reporters. “We have not seen the required level of proactivity from current leadership around routine maintenance, open communication, or taking responsibility for failures. That is the core change we are demanding.”
Dharampaul’s criticism marks the second public airing of grievances in just seven days: a week prior, a group of fishermen based at the Bridgetown facility held their own press conference to detail months of frustration over the unreliable ice supply.
The root of the current capacity crisis, Dharampaul explained, is that only one of the ice system’s two compressors remains operational, cutting maximum production by half. The facility was designed to run two compressors feeding two separate ice machines, but with just one unit working, output is so low that the system can only serve two fishing vessels before needing to shut down to rebuild ice reserves for the next day’s operations.
This crippling capacity limitation has forced desperate measures: many local fishermen are now traveling all the way to Grenada just to secure adequate ice for their catches, Dharampaul said. More than 150 fishing vessels are currently docked idle at the Bridgetown Complex, he added, with crews waiting for government intervention to resolve the crisis before they can resume full operations.
According to Dharampaul, fisheries officials have already begun preliminary steps to review the situation: the permanent secretary of the ministry and Minister Bradshaw have requested a full report from Eric Lewis, Senior Manager of Fish Markets. That report is expected to include full maintenance logs for the ice system, as well as formal proposals to replace outdated and failed equipment.
Beyond internal reviews, the Black Fin Fleet Co-operative Society is pushing for two broader, long-term changes: an independent third-party audit of the entire ice machine system, and the creation of a public-private partnership to take over management of the ice production infrastructure. Dharampaul argued that this hybrid model would cut operational costs for the Barbadian government, boost the efficiency of ice production, and give local fishermen a tangible stake and sense of ownership in the sector that supports their livelihoods.
Urgent action is non-negotiable, he added, if the government hopes to rebuild fishermen’s trust in the sector’s governance. These changes cannot wait — they are needed sooner rather than later to get the industry back on its feet.
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Wins for Burke and Tuach in Surfer of the Year series
One of the most anticipated stops on the 2024 Barbados Surfing Association calendar wrapped up over the weekend at Drill Hall Beach, where Joshua Burke reversed an early season setback to claim the Open Men’s title and Chelsea Tuach delivered a masterclass to take the Open Women’s crown at the third installment of the organization’s annual Surfer of the Year Series. The day of competition delivered some of the most electric, high-stakes surfing of the entire season so far, drawing crowds of enthusiastic onlookers to the popular Barbados beach to watch the island’s top talent go head-to-head.
For Joshua Burke, the victory marked a well-earned redemption after he finished just behind his older brother Jacob to take second place at the series’ opening event. He brought consistent, high-power surfing to every heat of the competition, and saved his best performance for the final. By the end of the final heat, Joshua posted a combined two-wave score of 17.66, anchored by a show-stopping single ride that earned a 9.33 from judges — a score that sent the watching crowd into excitement and solidified his place at the top of the podium.
Jacob Burke, the opening event winner, still turned in an impressive performance to finish second overall with a total score of 14.17, proving that the Burke family is a dominant force in Barbados surfing. Veteran surfer Bruce Mackie rounded out the podium in third place, while 14-year-old rising prospect Trent Corbin put in a strong showing to take fourth place in the Open Men’s final.
In the Open Women’s division, Tuach controlled the final from the opening horn, bringing a sharp, strategic approach and clean, powerful turns that set her apart from the rest of the field. She finished with a total combined score of 12.56, a result that served as a clear statement of her status as one of the region’s top female surfers. Amy Godson put in a determined effort to finish second, just a few points ahead of her identical twin sister Hayley Godson, who took third, while Chelsea Roett finished fourth in the final.
The competition also featured a full slate of results across additional divisions, with Jacob Burke adding a second trophy to the Burke family’s collection by taking a dominant win in the Open Longboard Division. He posted a 13.00 total to claim the top spot, with Noah Campbell finishing second, Tristan Brits third, and John Mulligan fourth. In the youth divisions, Tommaso Layson took top honors in the Under-18 Boys category, while Amy Godson picked up her second award of the day by winning the Under-18 Girls division. Christian Stoute claimed victory in the Under-16 Boys draw, and Kian Brits topped the field in the Under-14 age group. Rounding out the day’s results, Avery-Jai Watson won the novice division, and Simon Coles took the title in the Grand Masters Over-40s division.
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SKNYPA Hosts Historic Youth Parliament Sitting on Reparatory Justice
On May 7, 2026, the National Assembly Chambers of St. Kitts played host to an unprecedented legislative event: the first ever dedicated Youth Parliament sitting focused entirely on the critical issue of reparatory justice, organized jointly by the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association (SKNYPA) and The Repair Campaign. This landmark gathering marked a pivotal moment for youth advocacy in the Caribbean, centering young voices in one of the region’s most pressing contemporary social justice movements.
Leading the proceedings was Jalen Monzac, current SKNYPA President, who stepped into the dual role of Youth Prime Minister and Minister of National Security to table the landmark resolution titled *Advocating for Reparatory Justice: A Youth Call for Decisive Action*. The four-pillar proposal put forward by young leaders called for four key actions: embedding reparations education into national curricula, expanding structured opportunities for youth participation in reparatory justice advocacy, establishing a dedicated National Reparations Recovery Fund, and extending full formal support for the implementation of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)’s widely recognized Ten Point Plan on Reparations.
The resolution itself was crafted by Mauriel Knight, a former SKNYPA President and Special Advisor to the organization’s Parliament Committee, who also served as Speaker of the Youth Assembly for the historic sitting. In the lead-up to the debate, SKNYPA prioritized rigorous preparation, hosting targeted consultations with leading local and regional reparations experts to equip youth participants with accurate context and nuanced understanding of the issue. Key contributors to these pre-debate sessions included human rights lawyer Talibah Byron, Carla T. Astaphan (Chair of the St. Kitts-Nevis National Reparations Committee), and Professor Don Marshall, Director of the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus.
When debate got underway, both government and opposition youth parliamentarians delivered passionate, well-researched contributions that connected the historical harm of chattel enslavement to modern systemic challenges facing Caribbean communities. Participants drew explicit links between historical injustice and contemporary issues including climate vulnerability, systemic economic inequality, gaps in accessible education, weak governance frameworks, and structural barriers to youth empowerment. Supporting the smooth running of the sitting was Cadet Sergeant Huggins E. of the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force Cadet Corps, who fulfilled the traditional role of Sergeant at Arms for the historic event.
The sitting drew a full audience to the National Assembly’s public gallery, with attendees including secondary and tertiary students, organizational representatives from The Repair Campaign, and community supporters of the youth parliament movement. Notably, the event was also attended by Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, signaling high-level recognition of the youth initiative.
Reaction from veteran justice advocates has been overwhelmingly positive. Elsie Harry, a Reparatory Justice Consultant and Community Organizer for The Repair Campaign and a former SKNYPA member herself, praised the deep commitment young participants brought to the debate. “What stood out most to me was the seriousness with which the youth parliamentarians approached the issue,” Harry shared in her remarks after the sitting. “Their contributions demonstrated not only strong research and preparation, but also a sophisticated understanding of the interconnected nature of reparatory justice.”
She added that the final resolution reflected thoughtful, forward-looking policy planning that showcased the intellectual maturity and civic consciousness of St. Kitts and Nevis’ young population. “This should give the Federation great confidence in the capacity of its young people,” she noted.
Carla Astaphan, who attended the sitting in person as a leading regional reparations leader, echoed that praise, noting she was deeply impressed by the quality of presentations delivered by SKNYPA participants during this first-of-its-kind youth debate. She also highlighted the cultural significance of the event, noting that participants’ attire – which blended formal professional wear with African-inspired regalia – added a deeply meaningful, creative layer to the proceedings. Astaphan added that the combination of rigorous analysis and light moments of humor kept audience members fully engaged from the opening of the sitting to its close.
The collaborative event between SKNYPA and The Repair Campaign is part of a wider regional push to expand youth engagement in reparatory justice conversations across the Caribbean. For SKNYPA, this sitting aligns with the organization’s core long-term mission: fostering active civic participation, building public policy literacy, and nurturing the next generation of ethical, informed leaders across St. Kitts and Nevis.
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BELfund staff to receive 8% pay hike
After months of negotiations, Jamaica’s National Workers Union (NWU) has announced a landmark tentative agreement with the government-backed BELfund that delivers tangible economic gains and upgraded working conditions for hundreds of technical and clerical staff across the organization.
Under the terms of the deal, the 8% cumulative wage increase will be phased in incrementally over a three-year period, with the first adjustment set to take effect in September 2025. In addition to the scheduled pay raises, the collective bargaining agreement addresses longstanding worker concerns by expanding social protection and quality of life provisions, including enhanced paternity leave provisions that allow new fathers more paid time to support their families, and a brand-new subsistence allowance designed to offset out-of-pocket costs for field officers who regularly travel and work off-site.
As part of the negotiated settlement, all covered employees will also receive retroactive back pay to account for the timing of the agreement’s implementation, ensuring workers do not lose out on the compensation gains they secured through the collective bargaining process. Both parties have confirmed that the formal signing ceremony for the new three-year collective agreement will be held at the office of the Labour Commissioner, marking the official conclusion of negotiations and clearing the way for the terms to be put into effect.
The deal represents a rare win-win outcome for both labor and management, with the agreement reached through collaborative negotiation rather than industrial action, avoiding potential disruption to BELfund’s core public services while delivering meaningful improvements that address workers’ financial and workplace needs.
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FAO official lauds state of Barbados’ fishing industry
During an official visit to Barbados this week, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Assistant Director-General Rene Orellana Halkyer has delivered high praise for the well-structured fishing industry of the Caribbean island nation, singling out its integrated cooperative model as a benchmark for inclusive economic development.
Halkyer made the remarks Tuesday while touring the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex, where he got a first-hand look at how the sector operates across its entire value chain. He emphasized that the coordinated structure connecting working fisherfolk, market vendors, and fishing households across every step of production and distribution stood out as particularly impressive. “We were very surprised because of the way the fishermen, as well as the families of the fisheries, are very well organized,” Halkyer stated, noting that the cooperative framework offers a clear example of how intentional economic organization can unlock meaningful, sustainable income opportunities for small-scale fishing communities.
The FAO senior official reaffirmed the UN agency’s longstanding commitment to backing public-private collaboration in Barbados’ fishing sector, with the goal of boosting its competitiveness and resilience for future growth. Beyond commending the existing cooperative structure, Halkyer also drew attention to Barbados’ innovative work converting fish waste into valuable commercial products, a development he framed as increasingly urgent amid global market volatility driven by geopolitical instability. With ongoing conflict in the Middle East driving sharp, sustained increases in global fertilizer prices, Halkyer argued that expanded investment in domestic fish-waste fertilizer production is a strategic priority for small island developing states across the region.
Over recent years, Barbados has poured significant resources into fish silage projects, which process leftover fish byproducts into high-quality animal feed and organic fertilizer. Halkyer emphasized that this circular economy initiative is not just a win for Barbados, but a replicable model that can bring tangible benefits to the entire Caribbean. “We have also visited and been informed about the projects regarding processing and production of fertilizers using fish silage, which is a good example for the rest of the region,” he said. Turning fish waste into fertilizer addresses two pressing challenges at once: it cuts down on industry waste and reduces regional reliance on costly imported fertilizer, which has grown increasingly unaffordable amid the Middle Eastern conflict. “It is very much important to process the waste and to transform it into fertilizers, which is also needed by agriculture and could even be an opportunity for export,” Halkyer explained, adding that scaling up these value-added business models directly improves the long-term livelihood security of fisherfolk and their families.
Barbados’ top fisheries regulator echoed the call for cross-sector collaboration to keep the industry on a sustainable path. Shelly-Ann Cox, Chief Fisheries Officer of Barbados, underlined that collaborative co-management of fisheries resources is the cornerstone of the sector’s long-term viability. “Co-management of a fishery is very important. Sometimes we see it as a concept, we see academics writing about it, but what we want to do is operationalize this concept,” Cox said. She outlined that the Barbados Fisheries Division maintains regular, ongoing dialogue with fishing cooperatives and a full range of industry stakeholders, from recreational sports fishing operators to large-scale commercial fish processing companies. The shared governance model, Cox explained, is designed to center the needs of the communities that depend on fishing while protecting marine resources for future generations. The ultimate objective, she added, is to deliver equitable, long-term sustainable development for every sub-sector of Barbados’ fishing industry through consistent, inclusive collaboration.
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Rotary Club of Grenada delivers community health services at 2026 Health Fair
For the second consecutive year, the Rotary Club of Grenada has brought critical preventive health services directly to local residents through a successful community health fair, held this year at the Gouyave Health Centre. Backed by key sponsorship from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the 2024 initiative expanded on previous efforts to reach more community members in need of accessible early disease detection and care guidance.
In total, more than 277 diagnostic tests and health screenings were administered throughout the day, with services centered on detecting and managing non-communicable diseases—the leading cause of preventable death and disability across the Caribbean region. Attendees had access to a comprehensive menu of care, including complete blood count testing, cholesterol and renal function screenings, prostate-specific antigen testing for prostate cancer, pap smears for cervical cancer detection, routine blood pressure monitoring, one-on-one dental health consultations, personalized nutrition guidance, vaccination updates, and general wellness education to help communities adopt long-term healthy habits.
Leaders from the Rotary Club of Grenada issued a public statement extending heartfelt gratitude to every person and organization that contributed to the event’s success. Special recognition was given to lead sponsor The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose financial and logistical support made it possible to offer all services free of charge to attendees. The organization also highlighted the critical work of volunteer organizers, participating local healthcare professionals, and community partner groups that collaborated to coordinate logistics and connect at-risk community members to the fair.
Looking ahead, the Rotary Club of Grenada reaffirmed its long-term commitment to expanding access to affordable preventive healthcare across all regions of the island nation. The club noted that early detection of chronic conditions remains a pressing public health gap in Grenada, and it plans to continue expanding annual health fair programming to reach more underserved communities in coming years.
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Grenada Bureau of Standards commemorates World Metrology Day 2026
Every year on May 20, nations across the globe come together to mark World Metrology Day, an occasion that honors the foundational international agreement that shaped modern measurement systems. In 2026, the Grenada Bureau of Standards (GDBS) is set to stand alongside the international community to celebrate this important day, centered around the 2026 global theme: “Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making”.
World Metrology Day traces its origins back to a pivotal moment in 1875, when diplomats and delegates gathered in Paris to sign the groundbreaking Metre Convention on May 20 that year. That historic treaty laid the groundwork for a universally coordinated, globally consistent system of measurement, creating the framework that underpins cross-border collaboration, fair trade, and scientific progress to this day.
The 2026 theme was chosen to shine a spotlight on the critical, often underrecognized role that accurate, reliable metrology plays in shaping effective governance. Precise measurement is the bedrock of evidence-based policy design, consistent regulatory compliance, equitable international trade, robust consumer protection, evidence-led public health action, and ambitious global sustainability efforts. Without consistent, verifiable measurement data, policymakers lack the objective information needed to craft legislation, develop national programs, and enforce regulations that serve the public good.
For example, modern climate and environmental policy depends entirely on consistent, accurate measurement systems to track greenhouse gas emission levels, monitor surface and groundwater quality, measure airborne pollutant concentrations, and track shifting climate indicators. Similarly, consumer protection relies on enforceable legal metrology frameworks that guarantee the accuracy of everyday measurement tools, from commercial supermarket weighing scales to retail fuel dispensers and residential utility meters that calculate water and electricity use.
In Grenada’s tri-island nation of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, all legal metrology operations are governed by the long-standing Weights and Measures Act of 1997 and its accompanying 1998 regulations. GDBS carries out regular inspection and mandatory verification of all commercial weighing and measuring devices used in trade and commerce across all three islands. These routine checks and regulatory oversight do more than ensure compliance: they protect consumers from unfair pricing and inaccurate measurements, foster a marketplace rooted in fairness and transparency, and boost public confidence in local commercial systems.
As the country prepares to join the global 2026 World Metrology Day observance, GDBS has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to upholding rigorous measurement standards, advancing nationwide quality assurance, and protecting the rights of Grenadian consumers. By consistently enforcing the island’s legal metrology laws and regulations, the bureau continues to nurture fairness and transparency in domestic and international trade, while strengthening public trust in the infrastructure and systems that shape daily life across Grenada.
Accurate, dependable measurement remains an indispensable pillar of informed policy-making, consistent regulatory enforcement, rigorous environmental monitoring, responsive public health systems, and long-term sustainable national development. GDBS says it will maintain its mission to ensure that all measurements used across every public and private sector in Grenada are consistent, internationally traceable, and dependable, supporting sound policy decision-making and a fair, trusted marketplace for all residents of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
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