Elite Island Resorts in Antigua are taking center stage in the climactic episodes of ABC’s hit show, ‘The Golden Bachelor.’ The penultimate and finale episodes, filmed at four of Antigua’s most luxurious properties—Galley Bay Resort & Spa, Hammock Cove Antigua, Pineapple Beach Club Antigua, and The Verandah Antigua—will showcase the romantic journey of Mel Owens, the show’s second Golden Bachelor. The episodes are set to air on November 5 and November 12, with streaming available on Hulu the following day. Mel Owens, a 66-year-old former NFL player turned lawyer, is on a quest to find love in his golden years, and Antigua’s idyllic resorts provide the perfect backdrop for this heartfelt journey. Each resort offers a unique Caribbean experience, from the barefoot luxury of Galley Bay to the elevated elegance of Hammock Cove, making them ideal settings for romance. Owens, who has dedicated much of his life to fatherhood and coaching after the loss of his father and the end of his marriage, is now embracing the possibility of finding a lifelong partner. ‘The Golden Bachelor’ is produced by Warner Horizon Unscripted Television, with Jessica Castro and Andrew Frank as executive producers. Elite Island Resorts, known for their exceptional hospitality and immersive Caribbean experiences, continue to be a cornerstone of luxury travel in the region.
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Marriage Act amendment to stop children from being married off
In a significant move to safeguard children’s rights, Grenada has amended its 1966 Marriage Act, raising the legal marriage age from 16 to 18. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell announced the amendment during a parliamentary session on November 4, emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable minors. The change aligns with broader legislative efforts under the Spotlight Initiative, aimed at modernizing child protection laws. Mitchell highlighted that the amendment ensures children are not forced into marriage with parental consent, a practice that has long been criticized for exploiting young individuals. Additionally, the government is working on the Age of Civil Responsibility Bill, which would allow minors as young as 12 to access sexual and reproductive healthcare without parental consent. This proposal has sparked public debate, with civil society groups expressing concerns. Mitchell defended the bill, arguing that it prioritizes children’s health and well-being over sensationalism and conspiracy theories. He stressed the importance of consistency in setting the age of civil responsibility at 18, aligning it with other milestones like driving, voting, and obtaining identification cards. The Prime Minister warned that without such reforms, Grenada risks becoming a haven for exploitative practices targeting financially vulnerable families. The 2025 amendment to the Marriage Act marks a pivotal step in Grenada’s efforts to protect its youth and align its laws with international standards.
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Gas station bombing: Seven terrorism accused remanded to prison
In a significant development in the investigation of the October 26 gas station bombing in Georgetown, Guyana, seven individuals, including the confessed bomber, were remanded to prison on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The accused, charged with terrorism, appeared before Chief Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty, who denied bail citing the severity of the charges. Among the defendants are Venezuelan nationals Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, Alexander Bettancourt, Johnny Boodram, and Krystal La Cruz. Ramirez Poedemo, who confessed to detonating the explosive device, faces charges of threatening Guyana’s sovereignty and security by causing the death of Soraya Bourne at the Mobil Gas Station on Regent and King Streets. Boodram, represented by lawyer Nikel Puran, was accused of aiding and abetting Ramirez Poedemo, though his defense claimed he had no knowledge of the plot. Three others—Ramesh Pramdeo, Wayne Correia, and Jennifer Rodriguez—were charged with assisting Ramirez Poedemo in placing the explosive device. They appeared remotely before Magistrate Alisha George, who emphasized the public safety implications of the case. Bail applications for the defendants were denied, and they were remanded to prison until their next court appearances on November 12 and 24, 2025, respectively. The case has drawn significant attention due to its implications for national security and the ongoing investigation into the bombing.
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Saint Lucia’s Cocoa Sector Ripe for Development, FAO Finds
A recent mission by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has highlighted Saint Lucia’s pivotal role in the Eastern Caribbean’s specialty cocoa sector, demonstrating how even limited production can drive a thriving value-added market. From August 6 to 26, 2025, FAO’s cocoa market analysis team, led by specialist Gustavo Ferro, conducted an extensive assessment of the cocoa industries in Saint Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The mission aimed to identify sustainable growth strategies for the region’s cocoa sector, which is rich in flavor and entrepreneurial spirit, and eager to carve out a niche in premium international markets. In Saint Lucia, smallholder farmers and local processors are already capitalizing on opportunities through bean-to-bar chocolate production, artisanal cocoa products, and cocoa-based tourism experiences. Ferro emphasized that even modest production can sustain a vibrant market, particularly when integrated with Saint Lucia’s robust tourism sector. This synergy between agriculture and tourism has positioned the island as a prime candidate for niche market development, with traditional cocoa tea, boutique chocolate tours, and locally crafted products attracting international buyers seeking authenticity and unique flavors. Across the four islands, the FAO mission identified key opportunities to enhance competitiveness, including strengthening farmer networks and logistics, fostering value-added innovation, leveraging agro-tourism potential, and promoting sustainable practices such as biodiversity and agroforestry systems. Ferro praised Grenada’s fine-flavor cocoa and entrepreneurial farmers, commended Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for preserving cocoa traditions, and highlighted Dominica’s biodiversity and cooperative energy. The mission’s findings will inform a comprehensive roadmap for the Eastern Caribbean cocoa sector, with country-specific analyses and strategies to strengthen positioning in fine-flavor markets. These insights will be presented at the Subregional Dialogue on the Specialty Cocoa Sector in November 2025 in Trinidad and Tobago. FAO’s efforts align with the broader project “Strengthening the Foundations for a Specialty Cocoa Sector in the Caribbean,” underscoring cocoa’s potential to bolster local economies and improve rural livelihoods.
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Belize Sees 45 Arrivals Since CARICOM’s Free Movement Began
Belize has witnessed a significant milestone in regional integration as 45 Caribbean nationals have arrived in the country since the implementation of the CARICOM Free Movement Agreement. The agreement, which came into effect on October 1, 2025, allows citizens of Barbados, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to live, work, and travel freely within Belize. Over the past month, the majority of arrivals have been for short-term purposes such as business, tourism, sports, and diplomacy, while two individuals have opted to stay for employment opportunities. Barbados leads with 34 arrivals, followed by St. Vincent with eight and Dominica with three. Notably, one Dominican national, already employed in Belize prior to the agreement, has been granted indefinite residency. Belize’s Foreign Minister, Francis Fonseca, emphasized the country’s commitment to fostering regional ties, stating that the initiative promotes balanced mobility and economic growth. This development underscores the Caribbean’s efforts to enhance integration and create opportunities across the region.
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Nestor tips off UNT tenure with double-double
Megan Nestor, a rising basketball star from Saint Lucia, made an impressive debut for the University of North Texas (UNT) women’s basketball team, contributing significantly to one of the program’s most dominant victories. In the season opener on November 4, UNT’s Mean Green overwhelmed Oklahoma Christian with a staggering 106-36 win at The Super Pit in Denton, Texas. Nestor, a former national netballer for Saint Lucia, showcased her versatility by recording a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, shooting an efficient 7-8 from the field. Her performance highlighted her transition from Wayland Baptist University, where she set school records in rebounding and emerged as a consistent scoring threat. Nestor’s 15.9 points and 13.5 rebounds per game during the 2023-2024 season earned her the honor of having her jersey displayed at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee. Starting at center, Nestor’s impact was immediate, as she led the team in rebounds and contributed two assists and a block in just 22 minutes of play. Head coach Jason Burton praised the team’s balanced offensive capabilities, noting the presence of players who can stretch the floor and dominate inside. Nestor’s inclusion on the Lisa Leslie Centre of the Year Award Watchlist further underscores her potential. The 106-point outing marked the second time under Burton that UNT has surpassed 100 points, solidifying his teams’ reputation for high-scoring games. UNT will continue its season with a game against Grambling State on Friday night.
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Caribbean strengthens regional coordination on climate and land management finance
Government representatives from 12 Caribbean nations gathered in Barbados from October 30 to 31, 2025, to strengthen regional collaboration on climate resilience and sustainable land management. The meeting, organized in partnership with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), aimed to advance coordinated action in response to escalating climate challenges. This initiative follows decisions made at the 4th Ministerial Council of the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) in Grenada on June 18, 2025, where ministers emphasized the need for a robust regional framework to access global climate financing effectively. Hon. Adrian Forde, Chairman of the PISLM Ministerial Council and Barbados’ Minister of Environment and National Beautification, Blue and Green Economy, highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on the Caribbean. Despite contributing minimally to global emissions, the region faces severe losses in lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and development gains. Minister Forde called for “concessional, rapid, and predictable finance” to address these challenges, citing the Bridgetown Initiative as a model for immediate resource access during crises. He also expressed solidarity with Jamaica, acknowledging the nation’s ongoing struggles and policy challenges. Dr. Ronen Francis, PISLM Executive Director, reiterated the organization’s commitment to restoring degraded lands, enhancing ecosystem services, and improving livelihoods. He emphasized the interconnected challenges faced by the region, including recent devastation in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Bahamas, as well as prolonged dry spells during the 2025 rainy season. Dr. Francis stressed the importance of collaboration among governments, development partners, and communities to achieve sustainable land management and drought resilience. The meeting also showcased progress in GEF-funded projects, including the SOILCARE initiative, Integrated Landscape Management in Carriacou, and the Caribbean Drought Initiative. PISLM continues to play a pivotal role in translating global environmental commitments into actionable local strategies, ensuring climate-resilient livelihoods and ecosystem restoration across the Caribbean.
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Fisheries Division annual vessel inspection
The Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Affairs has commenced its annual vessel inspection program for 2026. This initiative is a critical component of the government’s efforts to uphold maritime safety standards and ensure compliance with the Fisheries Regulations, SRO 3 of 1990. The inspections focus on verifying that all vessels are equipped with the necessary safety equipment as mandated by law. A detailed schedule has been released to guide stakeholders through the process. The Ministry emphasizes the importance of these inspections in safeguarding both the lives of maritime workers and the sustainability of marine resources. For further information, stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the official schedule provided by the Ministry.
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Ex-footballer Willie takes over New York youth programme
Former Saint Lucia international footballer Sylvie Willie has been appointed as the new programme manager for Syracuse City FC, a youth development initiative under the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Syracuse & Onondaga County in New York. Willie, who holds a degree in business management from Mid-American, brings a wealth of experience as a player, coach, and mentor to her new role. Her predecessor, David Pittman Toré, now head coach at Bryant & Stratton College, praised Willie’s elite playing experience, coaching leadership, and dedication to youth empowerment through sports. In her new position, Willie will oversee player development, community engagement, and youth mentorship initiatives, ensuring young athletes have access to high-quality soccer training, positive role models, and opportunities to thrive. Willie began her football journey at age 13, representing Saint Lucia at both Under-20 and senior levels. After moving to the United States in 2017, she excelled academically and athletically, becoming a four-time all-conference and all-league scholar-athlete. Post-graduation, she dedicated herself to coaching, working with players aged 4-25 across various programmes. Currently an assistant coach at Bryant & Stratton’s women’s soccer team, Willie was recommended for the Syracuse City FC role by her head coach, who recognized her qualities, experience, and values. Known for her record-breaking performances, including a single-game record of 10 points and 5 goals, Willie aims to help young Saint Lucian soccer players secure US scholarships and further their careers.
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Grenada Bill establishes PISLM for Caribbean Small Island Developing States
In a landmark move for environmental sustainability, the Parliament of Grenada has passed the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) for Caribbean Small Island Developing States (CSIDS) Bill, 2025. This legislation, introduced by the Leader of Government Business, Honourable Phillip Telesford, on November 4, 2025, formalizes Grenada’s ratification of the regional agreement establishing the PISLM Secretariat. The Secretariat will spearhead science-based, climate-smart land management strategies across the Caribbean.
Honourable Kerryne James, Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy, emphasized Grenada’s leadership within Caricom and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) in addressing climate change through evidence-based institutions. The PISLM for CSIDS is the sole indigenous intergovernmental organization tasked with aiding Caribbean SIDS in fulfilling their obligations under the UNCCD and the Barbados Programme of Action (BPOA).
Under this new framework, Grenada will collaborate with international partners such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to enhance institutional capacity and provide training for over 100 local farmers, wardens, and extension officers in sustainable land management practices. The initiative aims to restore 300 hectares of degraded land, improve food security, and bolster rural livelihoods.
Minister James highlighted the transformative potential of PISLM, stating, ‘By supporting this bill, we are not merely hosting an institution — we are hosting hope. Hope for sustainable agriculture; hope for climate-smart livelihoods. And hope for a Caribbean region that manages its land wisely and secures its future with resilience and dignity.’
The Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management has expressed its gratitude to the government and people of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique for their unwavering support, marking this as a pivotal moment in the region’s journey toward sustainable development.