The Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) has unveiled its highly anticipated rally calendar for 2026, promising an exhilarating year of sailing adventures across the Caribbean. The new schedule features a diverse array of regattas, rallies, and social gatherings, designed to celebrate the region’s vibrant sailing culture and bring together enthusiasts from around the globe. A standout addition to the calendar is the Salty Dawg Rendezvous in Dominica, scheduled for February 2026, which is expected to attract a significant number of participants. The CSA’s newsletter highlighted the evolution of the rally concept, noting the integration of racing events with rallies, exemplified by the Caribbean Multihull Challenge. This event has gained popularity in recent years for its unique format that combines competitive racing with the camaraderie of cruising. Antigua Sailing Week (ASW) is also set to undergo a format transformation in 2026, with organizers reintroducing destination sailing around Antigua. This will include both racing classes and a rally option tailored for cruising enthusiasts. The 2026 calendar also introduces feeder races such as the Rum to Spice from Barbados to Grenada and La Vuelta Culebra in Puerto Rico. These events are designed to serve as perfect preludes or follow-ups to larger regattas, enhancing regional connectivity and fostering a sense of community among sailors. CSA President Bastien Pouthier expressed his enthusiasm for the evolving calendar, stating, “From Barbados to Puerto Rico and many islands in between, we are delighted that our members are developing events that are more inclusive and bring sailors together for the simple joy of sailing.” The calendar, organized by prominent entities like the World Cruising Club and the Salty Dawg Association, features a blend of regattas, rallies, and social gatherings. Saskia Revelman, Manager of St. Maarten Yacht Club, emphasized the significance of the rally class at the Caribbean Multihull Challenge, noting its popularity as the only dedicated multihull regatta in the region. For December 2025, a rally component will be added to the Course D’Alliance, taking sailors from St. Maarten to Anguilla and St. Barths. Sailing enthusiasts are encouraged to visit www.caribbean-sailing.com/rallies for more details and to view the full calendar. The 2026 schedule promises an exciting year of sailing, fostering community, competition, and exploration across the Caribbean’s stunning islands.
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BAMP calls for security review of public health facilities
The Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) has issued a strong call for immediate action to address the escalating issue of violence and misconduct in public healthcare facilities. This appeal follows a series of recent assaults on nurses, which the association has condemned as “deplorable.” In a statement released on Thursday, BAMP emphasized that such incidents must be met with strict legal consequences to deter future occurrences. The association underscored that while healthcare professionals are bound by high standards of professionalism, the public must equally demonstrate respect and civility when seeking medical care. “Just as healthcare workers are held to rigorous professional standards, the public is expected—and indeed required—to exhibit appropriate behavior,” the statement asserted. BAMP highlighted that workplace safety is a fundamental right for all healthcare workers and expressed concern over the growing prevalence of violence and inappropriate conduct in medical settings. The organization urged the Ministry of Health and Wellness to bolster security measures in clinics and hospitals and to launch a nationwide campaign to educate the public on acceptable behavior and the severe repercussions of violence against medical staff. Additionally, BAMP voiced its unwavering support for the Barbados Nurses Association, pledging solidarity in efforts to enhance safety and working conditions for frontline healthcare workers.
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Waterspout spotted off Saint Lucia’s northwestern coast
On September 25, at approximately 1:50 p.m., a dramatic waterspout was observed over the sea near the northwestern coast of Saint Lucia. The funnel-shaped cloud, visible from multiple locations including the Castries city center, sparked awe and curiosity among onlookers. Bystanders quickly captured photos and videos, which rapidly circulated on social media, with some expressing amazement and concern. One individual exclaimed, “Oh my God, oh no! This is amazing,” while another remarked, “At first I thought it was a tornado, especially with the gloomy weather. But it looked pretty cool.”
According to the Saint Lucia Meteorological Services, the waterspout remained offshore and eventually dissipated without making landfall. Acting Director Vigil Saltibus confirmed that the phenomenon posed no threat to coastal communities or infrastructure. However, she emphasized that waterspouts can be hazardous to small vessels and become dangerous if they move ashore. Saltibus reassured the public that current conditions do not indicate an immediate risk of recurrence but advised fishing vessels and recreational boaters to remain vigilant. The meteorological services continue to monitor the atmosphere closely and will provide updates if conditions change, ensuring residents remain informed and safe.
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The UWI FIC Wins Award for Technology Deployment
The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus has been honored with the Ellucian Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Visionary Leadership and Outstanding Award, marking a historic achievement as the first English-speaking Caribbean institution to receive this recognition. The award was presented during the Ellucian LAC User Conference in Cancun, Mexico, from September 9 to 11, 2025, celebrating the campus’s successful deployment of Ellucian’s Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform.
In just six months, UWI Five Islands completed the implementation of baseline components, joining an elite group of institutions across Latin America and the Caribbean that have embraced Ellucian SaaS. This milestone underscores the campus’s dedication to technological innovation and excellence in higher education. Professor C. Justin Robinson, Campus Principal, emphasized that this achievement goes beyond technology, reflecting the institution’s commitment to enhancing educational delivery and creating new opportunities for students, staff, and the broader Caribbean community.
The implementation was spearheaded by Professor Robinson and Campus Registrar Dr. Camille Samuel, supported by a cross-departmental team. The campus is set to launch Banner Apply in September 2025, with additional components rolling out throughout the 2025/2026 academic year. Raul Vega, Director of Global Success Services at Ellucian, highlighted the project as a model for institutional transformation across the region.
Established in 2019, UWI Five Islands is the fifth campus of The University of the West Indies, located in Antigua and Barbuda. With over 1,300 students enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate programs, the campus offers over 40 degree programs across four schools: Humanities and Education, Business and Management, Health and Behavioural Sciences, and Science, Computing, and Artificial Intelligence. Additionally, the campus is home to the Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy (COBE), showcasing its commitment to marine science research and sustainable economic development.
UWI Five Islands continues to uphold the academic excellence of The University of the West Indies, which is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities by Times Higher Education. The institution’s Lifelong Learning Unit further extends its impact by offering professional development courses tailored to the needs of working professionals and the community.
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Nurse association calls for meeting with Ministry of Health over safety concerns
The Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) has issued an urgent call for a meeting with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to tackle what it describes as a deepening crisis in the safety and protection of frontline nurses. This appeal follows an emergency meeting held on Wednesday at the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, prompted by recent violent incidents at the Randal Phillips and Frederick Miller Polyclinics. These events have left nurses traumatized and forced one facility to temporarily close. In a post-meeting statement, BNA President Dr. Fay Parris highlighted the fear and frustration among nurses, attributing these emotions to inadequate security measures and frequent exposure to abuse. Dr. Parris emphasized the critical need for immediate reforms to safeguard healthcare workers. The BNA is advocating for standardized safety protocols across all healthcare facilities, including the installation of CCTV cameras, entry scanners, panic buttons linked to emergency response systems, and the deployment of trained security personnel. Additionally, the association has raised concerns about the safety of nurses during community visits and the persistent shortage of Health Sisters, who play a vital role in public health outreach and assessment. Dr. Parris noted that despite repeated warnings over the past two years, upgrades to security systems have been inconsistent and often reactive. ‘The nursing community is united, focused, and prepared to ensure that these issues receive the attention they warrant,’ she asserted. The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) also attended the meeting, pledging full support for the BNA’s advocacy efforts.
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Technology, housing and training at the centre of construction future
Barbados is setting a bold agenda to integrate technology, affordable housing, and skills development into its construction sector, as emphasized by government officials and industry leaders at the 4th Annual Construction and Design Conference hosted by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council. Held at Sandals Royal, the event highlighted the critical role of innovation in addressing pressing social and economic challenges. Chris Gibbs, the newly appointed Minister of Housing, stressed the profound connection between housing and social stability, noting that inadequate housing fuels crime and frustration. ‘Housing is pivotal to our nation’s well-being,’ Gibbs asserted. ‘Affordable, sustainable, and dignified housing solutions are essential to curbing crime and fostering social harmony.’ Drawing from his experience as MP for St Michael West, Gibbs highlighted the societal impacts of poor urban design, including urban sprawl and rising crime rates. He advocated for modern, attractive housing solutions that leverage emerging technologies. Sandra Husbands, Minister of Training and Tertiary Education, underscored the need for workforce training to keep pace with technological advancements. ‘Our world is evolving rapidly, and construction is no exception,’ she said. ‘Embracing new technologies and ensuring our workforce is equipped with the necessary skills are vital to maintaining Barbados’s relevance and prosperity.’ Mark Maloney, Executive Chairman of The Maloney Group, championed the adoption of modern building systems and artificial intelligence (AI) in construction. ‘System build is the new standard,’ Maloney declared. ‘By manufacturing in controlled environments, we can ensure quality, speed, and consistency. AI can simulate projects, predict risks, and optimize resource use, transforming the industry.’ However, Maloney emphasized that human expertise remains central to progress, calling for investments in training academies and higher industry standards. The three-day conference, themed ‘Integrating Technology into Quality Construction,’ brought together architects, engineers, contractors, and policymakers to explore how innovation can reshape Barbados’s construction landscape and set a benchmark for the Caribbean region.
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Man Found Guilty of Sexually Assaulting 12-Year-Old Girl
In a harrowing case that has drawn widespread attention, a man in his late 40s was convicted on Wednesday of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. The trial, presided over by Justice Ann Marie Smith, commenced in July and concluded with the jury delivering a guilty verdict after careful deliberation. The assaults took place in December 2021 when the defendant, then 45, was romantically involved with a family friend who was hosting the child for the weekend. Prosecutors revealed that the man entered the girl’s bedroom while she was asleep and touched her, causing her significant distress. He later returned to escalate the assault, and in a separate incident, forcibly removed her from a shower and assaulted her again despite her resistance. The defendant’s request for bail was denied by Justice Smith, and sentencing is scheduled for October 24. This case has underscored the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children and ensuring justice for victims of such heinous crimes.
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“Wadix” heads to Anguilla Music Tourism Convention 2025 to present as Dominica’s Cultural Ambassador
Leroy ‘Wadix’ Charles, Dominica’s Creole and Cultural Ambassador, has been announced as a featured speaker at the Anguilla Music Tourism Convention, set to take place from November 4 to 7, 2025, in Anguilla, British Caribbean. Organized by Music Cities Events, the convention aims to explore innovative strategies for integrating music into destination branding, sustainable tourism, and cultural preservation. Charles’ keynote address will focus on the theme, ‘Bringing Local Music Genres Into Tourism Strategies – Dominica’s Cadence-Lypso and Bouyon Ecosystems,’ highlighting how these genres have become central to Dominica’s cultural identity and tourism growth. He will also discuss Dominica’s ambition to achieve UNESCO Creative City of Music status, a recognition that would celebrate the nation’s musical heritage and boost its global profile. Charles expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, ‘Cadence-Lypso and Bouyon are more than genres—they reflect our identity, resilience, and potential.’ The event will be held at the Aurora Resort in Anguilla, bringing together leaders from music, tourism, policy, and cultural development sectors.
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Police Seek Telecoms’ Support in Tackling Crime
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda is intensifying its efforts to combat crime by seeking greater collaboration with telecommunications providers. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communication in the Prime Minister’s Office, emphasized that telecom companies could significantly bolster police investigations by providing crucial data. Merchant revealed that discussions have been held with the Attorney General and his legal team to explore ways to persuade telecom providers to share necessary information with law enforcement. However, he acknowledged the delicate balance between aiding investigations and protecting customer privacy, stating, ‘It is an area that all parties tread lightly, because the issue of privacy comes into play.’ The police have also encouraged the public to volunteer information to assist in solving crimes. This initiative comes amid heightened public scrutiny over recent violent incidents and a surge in robberies. While community tips remain vital, Merchant suggested that alternative measures may be necessary when voluntary cooperation is insufficient. The push for enhanced telecom collaboration underscores the police’s commitment to addressing crime more effectively.
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Rapture prediction fails to materialize on September 23- 24
In what has become a recurring phenomenon, another highly publicized prophecy of the rapture has failed to materialize. This latest prediction, made by South African pastor Joshua Mhlakela, claimed that Jesus had appeared to him in 2018 and revealed that the rapture would occur on September 23–24, 2025, coinciding with the Feast of Trumpets. The prophecy gained significant traction on social media platforms like TikTok, where users shared farewell messages and even prepared for the event by selling possessions and transferring property deeds. However, as the final hours of September 24 passed without incident, the world remained unchanged, leaving believers and skeptics alike to reflect on the enduring allure of apocalyptic predictions. This event echoes previous failed prophecies, such as the 2012 Mayan calendar end-of-world speculation and the tragic mass suicide of the Heaven’s Gate cult in 1997. While some content creators have fallen silent, others continue to hold out hope for a delayed fulfillment. For now, life goes on as usual, and the world remains intact.