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A tragic incident has left a family in mourning after an 18-year-old student was fatally shot in St. Kitts late Saturday night, September 13, 2025. The victim, a student at Washington Archibald High School, has yet to be officially identified. The shooting occurred in the College Housing area, prompting an immediate investigation by local authorities, who described the case as ‘active and ongoing.’ This heartbreaking event has reignited concerns over the proliferation of illegal firearms in the region. Just days prior, on September 9, police uncovered a significant cache of illegal weapons and ammunition in Saddlers. The seized items included a Mac-10 firearm, multiple magazines, and various rounds of ammunition. Authorities have emphasized that neither St. Kitts nor the broader Caribbean manufactures firearms, raising urgent questions about how these weapons are entering the region, predominantly from the United States. In response, the government has implemented stricter penalties for illegal firearm possession, and several individuals have recently been charged with related offenses. The victim has since been identified as a young man of Dominican origin.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has announced the return of its flagship Regional Tourism Youth Congress, set to take place during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025 in Barbados. This year’s event, scheduled for October 2, will bring together 16 young delegates aged 14 to 17 from across the Caribbean, each representing their respective countries as ‘Junior Ministers/Commissioners of Tourism.’ The Congress aims to foster critical thinking, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the tourism sector while showcasing the innovative perspectives of the region’s youth. Participants will present their research on the future of Caribbean tourism, engaging in spirited discussions that highlight their vision for the industry. Sharon Banfield-Bovell, CTO’s Director of Resource Mobilization and Development, emphasized the initiative’s significance, stating that it goes beyond competition to cultivate future advocates and innovators who will shape the trajectory of Caribbean tourism. In addition to the competition, students will participate in a Tourism Youth Congress Master Class led by Ed Limon of Winged Whale Media and a career-focused workshop facilitated by Davina Layne of Your Corporate Image. The event, supported by sponsors such as Breeze Travel Solutions and Carnival Corporation, continues to serve as a vital platform for empowering young Caribbean citizens, offering them mentorship and exposure to the tourism industry. For more details, visit the official SOTIC website.

The Nevis Co-operative Credit Union (NCCU) has announced the renaming of its esteemed Scholarship Programme to the George Sydney Newton Scholarship Award, in honor of the retired General Manager, George Sydney Newton. This decision was unveiled during the Credit Union’s 52nd Annual General Meeting held on August 28, 2025, at the Nevis Performing Arts Centre. The renaming serves as a tribute to Mr. Newton’s 30 years of dedicated service and leadership, which significantly impacted the credit union movement in Nevis, the Caribbean, and beyond. Established in 1986, the scholarship programme has supported numerous students from local secondary schools and colleges, providing financial assistance for textbooks, uniforms, and examination fees. The programme has benefited 79 students as of December 2024. NCCU President Kris Liburd emphasized the renaming as a fitting gesture to celebrate Mr. Newton’s legacy and contributions. Regional leaders from organizations such as the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions and the World Council of Credit Unions also paid tribute to Mr. Newton’s influence. The first cohort of students under the newly renamed scholarship will be recognized during International Credit Union Week in October 2025. This renaming ensures that Mr. Newton’s legacy of service and community development continues to inspire future generations.