The iconic lookout spot known as ‘The Moon,’ perched atop Mount Hardy in Cap Estate, Saint Lucia, has become the center of controversy after access was restricted by a locked gate at the entrance of the upscale Sea Breeze Heights community. The closure has sparked widespread speculation among locals and visitors alike, raising questions about the reasons behind the decision, its duration, and whether a compromise can be reached to restore public access.
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Finabank boekt halfjaarlijkse winst van SRD 230 miljoen
Finabank has announced a robust half-year profit of SRD 230 million for the period spanning January to June 2025, as detailed in its latest financial report. The bank’s total assets surged by 11% to SRD 24 billion during this period, with a solid solvency ratio of 21%, significantly exceeding regulatory requirements. Additionally, Finabank’s market share has risen to 29%, reflecting its growing influence in the financial sector. The Caribbean Information and Credit Rating Services Limited (CariCRIS) has reaffirmed Finabank’s creditworthiness, assigning it an srA rating for foreign currency and an srA+ rating for local currency, both with a stable outlook. This reaffirmation underscores the bank’s strong credit position and solid capital structure. Furthermore, Finabank has once again achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, highlighting its commitment to data protection and digital innovation. In line with its strategic priorities, the bank continues to invest in digital transformation and process optimization to enhance customer experience. It has also launched the Finabank Small Business Academy, a program designed to support local entrepreneurs in developing skills for small and medium-sized businesses. Finabank remains dedicated to financial inclusion, ensuring broader access to financial services and empowering individuals to better understand and utilize their financial opportunities. Looking ahead, the bank is focused on sustainable growth, driven by its workforce and culture, which are central to its strategic execution and customer success.
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JCI Dominica Makes History, Wins Best Local Global Goals Project at 2025 JCI World Congress in Tunis, Tunisia
JCI Dominica has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Best Local Global Goals Project Award at the 2025 JCI World Congress in Tunis, Tunisia. The accolade was awarded for their transformative initiative, ‘Read With Me,’ which has been instrumental in promoting early literacy, fostering family engagement, and ensuring equitable access to educational resources for children across Dominica. Rooted in Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, the project integrates awareness, action, and sustainability through various activities, including reading sessions, book drives, capacity-building workshops for parents and caregivers, and the distribution of literacy tools. Mr. Phael Lander, the Local President of JCI Dominica, expressed immense pride in the achievement, stating that the initiative, which began in 2020, was driven by a vision to cultivate a love for reading, enhance family involvement, and make learning accessible to every child. He emphasized that the award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the organization’s members, partners, and volunteers. JCI Dominica also extended gratitude to schools, families, and stakeholders who supported the project, reaffirming their commitment to empowering young citizens and driving impactful community transformation.
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Belmopan City Council Reminds Residents: No Livestock Within City Limits
The Belmopan City Council has issued a stern reminder to residents regarding the prohibition of livestock within city limits, following a surge in complaints about animals being kept or allowed to graze in urban areas. The Council emphasized that under the Belmopan City Council Act, Chapter 86, it is illegal to drive, lead, or permit cattle to roam through public streets, parks, or playgrounds without written authorization. Violators face penalties of up to $200 in fines or one month of imprisonment.
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Late-Night Motorcycle RTA Claims Life of 28-Year-Old Keith Guzman
A devastating late-night motorcycle accident in Central Farm on Friday resulted in the death of 28-year-old Keith Guzman and left three others seriously injured. The collision involved two motorcycles, one carrying Peter Vasquez and Sucely Bogaert, and the other occupied by Antonio Castillo and the deceased, Guzman. Emergency responders pronounced Guzman dead at the scene, while Castillo and Vasquez were rushed to San Ignacio Hospital for treatment. Bogaert, in critical condition, was transported to the Western Regional Hospital. Disturbing footage from the accident site depicted the victims lying motionless with severe injuries and heavy bleeding. The tragic incident has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, with friends and family mourning the loss of Guzman, who was known for his passion for motorcycles. One heartfelt tribute read, “One thing we all knew is how much you loved cycles mein.” Another mourner lamented, “So many lives taken by cycle. Place your arms around Belize, Lord.” The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.
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Wickham: PM Pierre won’t call election without clear edge
Renowned regional pollster Peter Wickham has cast doubt on the likelihood of Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre announcing an early election date, despite widespread speculation. Wickham, the principal director of Caribbean Development Research Services (CADRES), suggests that Pierre will only call for elections when he perceives an unassailable advantage. The general election is constitutionally due by 2026, but the political climate on the island is intensifying, with heightened campaign activities from the ruling Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) and the opposition United Workers Party (UWP), led by Allen Chastanet. Wickham believes that Pierre’s decision to delay the election announcement may be tied to the completion of the reconstructed St. Jude’s Hospital, a project that holds significant political weight. He notes that delivering on this long-promised initiative could bolster the SLP’s standing. Wickham also highlights the public’s apparent satisfaction with Pierre’s administration, citing stability and a perception of reduced corruption compared to the previous UWP government. However, he cautions that Pierre must avoid the pitfalls of past administrations that lost electoral advantages by waiting too long. The pollster remains uncertain whether Chastanet’s revamped UWP can regain momentum, given the absence of key figures from the previous election. Ultimately, Wickham asserts that the upcoming election is Pierre’s to lose, emphasizing the strategic importance of timing and public sentiment.
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Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Meets Executive Director of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage on the Sidelines of COP30 in Belém
During the Belém Climate Summit, held as part of COP30, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Honourable Gaston Browne, engaged in a pivotal meeting with Mr. Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, Executive Director of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. The discussions centered on the operational advancements of the Fund, which has already secured pledges totaling USD 800 million. Mr. Diong lauded Prime Minister Browne for his steadfast advocacy and leadership in establishing the Fund, as well as Antigua and Barbuda’s ongoing efforts to promote climate justice for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The Fund is designed to operate through three distinct modalities: multilateral development banks (MDBs), direct access entities, and existing accredited entities of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Adaptation Fund (AF). This multi-faceted approach aims to ensure flexibility, speed, and efficiency in delivering critical support to nations most vulnerable to climate change. The official launch of the Fund is slated for 15 December 2025, with full operational capacity expected within six months.
Prime Minister Browne expressed his appreciation for the progress update and reiterated Antigua and Barbuda’s intention to be among the first nations to apply for financing. He underscored the country’s recent struggles with hurricanes, coastal erosion, and other climate-related losses as a driving force behind this decision. Additionally, he commended Mr. Diong’s leadership and pledged Antigua and Barbuda’s continued collaboration as a member of the Fund’s Board to ensure that resources are effectively channeled to those in greatest need.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Browne highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s readiness to align national systems with the Fund’s operational requirements. He also announced the upcoming launch of the Barbuda Implementation Mechanism (BIM) on 10 November 2025 at COP30, which will serve as a model for locally driven initiatives to address loss and damage. Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to the full capitalization and effective implementation of the Fund, aiming to empower communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis to recover, rebuild, and thrive.
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I wired a lamp and so can you
The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong endeavor, encompassing what we must learn, what we desire to learn, and what the world expects us to learn. While the adage ‘you learn something new every day’ is often repeated, its truth is subjective. For some, like the author, the journey of learning has been a delayed but enriching experience. Reflecting on their youth, the author acknowledges that their younger self was more inclined to rebellion than education, questioning the value of formal schooling. Now, with the wisdom of age, they find joy in acquiring new skills, such as repotting plants and rewiring an old lamp—tasks once avoided due to parental influence or self-doubt. The author also grapples with the fear of learning a new language, a challenge they approach with trepidation but incremental progress. This narrative underscores the importance of continuous learning, particularly in later life, as highlighted by the National Institutes of Health, which suggests that late-life learning can mitigate age-related cognitive decline. The author concludes by emphasizing that age should never be a barrier to learning, urging readers to embrace new experiences and seek professional guidance when needed.
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Lenny Wilkens, Basketball Hall of Famer as player and coach, dies
LOS ANGELES, United States — The basketball world mourns the loss of Lenny Wilkens, a revered figure in the NBA, who passed away at the age of 88, as confirmed by his family on Sunday. Wilkens, celebrated as both a Hall of Fame player and coach, left an indelible mark on the sport through his remarkable career and contributions.
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KFC backs TTFA World Cup campaign with $100k sponsorship
In a significant move to bolster Trinidad and Tobago’s national football team, Prestige Holdings Limited, through its flagship brand KFC, has joined forces with the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA). This partnership aims to support the men’s national team as they face Jamaica on November 13 and Bermuda on November 18 in two critical 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. KFC has contributed TT$100,000 to aid the team’s preparation, covering essential aspects such as training, logistics, and operations at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. This investment underscores KFC’s commitment to sports development and its belief in the transformative power of football to unite and empower communities. Roger Rambharose, Vice President of KFC and Pizza Hut, emphasized the brand’s dedication to nurturing young talent and fostering national pride through sports. TTFA President Kieron Edwards expressed profound gratitude for KFC’s support, highlighting the importance of corporate partnerships in achieving the team’s goals. Head coach Dwight Yorke echoed this sentiment, urging the nation to rally behind the team as they strive to keep their World Cup dreams alive. The TTFA continues to strengthen its ties with corporate stakeholders, encouraging fans to show their support by attending the matches and wearing the national colors proudly.