The long-awaited reconstruction of St Jude’s Hospital, a vital healthcare facility serving southern Saint Lucia, is finally approaching its conclusion. After years of extensive redevelopment, the project, spearheaded by the Rayneau Construction team, is now in its final stages. The hospital’s completion, initially delayed by seven weeks, is back on track, with final installation works underway. Rayneau Gajadhar, the lead contractor, confirmed that the project is 98.5% complete, emphasizing that there is always room for improvement. Gajadhar’s team will remain on-site for at least three months to ensure a smooth transition from the temporary facility at the George Odlum Stadium to the new hospital. Photographs shared by Gajadhar highlight the state-of-the-art kitchen, which he claims will surpass the standards of most hotels. This milestone marks a significant step forward in enhancing healthcare infrastructure in the region.
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Congressional Caribbean Caucus condemns Trump’s illegal military strikes in the Caribbean
The co-chairs of the Caribbean Caucus in the United States House of Representatives have issued a stern condemnation of what they label as illegal and unilateral military airstrikes ordered by the Trump administration in the Caribbean and Pacific regions. Congresswomen Yvette Clarke, who also leads the Congressional Black Caucus, and Maxine Waters jointly expressed their concerns in a statement released on Friday. They criticized the administration for employing a ‘kill first, ask questions never’ strategy, arguing that such actions violate international law, strain relations with Caribbean nations, and endanger civilian lives. The lawmakers demanded an immediate cessation of the strikes and greater transparency regarding the operations. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, also voiced his disapproval, emphasizing that the airstrikes breach international human rights law. Türk reported that over 60 individuals have allegedly been killed since early September and urged the US to halt these ‘unacceptable’ operations to prevent further ‘extrajudicial killings.’ While the Trump administration has justified the strikes as part of counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism efforts, Türk dismissed this rationale, stating that drug enforcement must adhere to strict limits on the use of lethal force. He called for independent investigations into the reported incidents. Amnesty International has separately labeled the strikes as ‘murder’ and urged the US Congress to intervene and stop the operations. The human rights organization noted that US officials have confirmed 13 strikes—eight in the Caribbean and five in the Pacific—and argued that the US is not engaged in any armed conflict in the region that would legally justify such military actions. Amnesty officials also pointed out that the administration has failed to provide evidence that the targeted individuals posed imminent threats or that the vessels could not have been intercepted and boarded.
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Zunder: Recht en waarheid maken vrij
The Suriname Committee for Reparations of the Slavery Past, led by Armand Zunder, is set to present a petition to the Surinamese government, Vice President Gregory Rusland, and National Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin on Wednesday. The petition will also be handed to Dutch Ambassador Walter Oostelbos. This initiative stems from extensive discussions among Surinamese organizations representing descendants of enslaved people and indigenous communities, supported by both local and international networks. In the Netherlands, consultations were held with groups such as the Federation Afro Diaspora Network and the National Reparation Commission Netherlands, led by Barryl Biekman, a prominent voice in the Dutch slavery debate. Zunder emphasized that the petition aims to uphold justice and truth, ensuring future generations are not burdened by unresolved historical grievances. He acknowledged King Willem-Alexander’s 2023 apology as a significant step but stressed the need for further dialogue on reparations, recognition, and reconciliation. The petition coincides with the upcoming state visit of the Dutch royal couple to Suriname, which Zunder sees as a pivotal moment to address the legacy of Dutch colonialism and slavery. The document outlines five key areas for reparations: restitution of stolen land and cultural artifacts, financial and moral compensation, rehabilitation of affected communities, acknowledgment of injustices, and guarantees against repetition. Zunder called for a formal moment of recognition and apology during the royal visit, urging a mature and respectful dialogue to heal historical wounds. He highlighted the ongoing socio-economic and cultural marginalization faced by descendants of enslaved people, tracing it back to the delayed emancipation and compensation paid exclusively to slaveholders in 1863. Zunder concluded by emphasizing the need for open and honest conversations to achieve true reconciliation and a future free from the shadows of guilt and shame.
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David can beat Goliath: How local taxis can out-smart Uber at its own game
The arrival of Uber in Barbados has ignited a familiar debate, echoing the company’s contentious entry into markets worldwide. Local taxi operators are expressing concerns over Uber’s fare estimates, which appear to undercut government-regulated tariffs. In a small, competitive market, even minor price differences can significantly impact livelihoods. The outcome hinges on regulatory decisions, enforcement, and whether Uber’s actual pricing aligns with its online estimates. Barbados, however, is no stranger to global competition, having navigated the entry of international brands in sectors like hospitality and fast food. The local fast-food chain Chefette, for instance, successfully adapted by enhancing its family-friendly offerings rather than engaging in price wars. Similarly, the Bridgetown Port Taxi Co-Op Society Ltd has launched Zail Barbados, a local app designed to innovate and compete with Uber. Rather than focusing solely on price, local operators are exploring strategies to enhance customer experience through mobile technology. By forming service clusters, operators can pool resources to develop shared platforms offering customer profiles, loyalty rewards, and feedback systems. Additionally, operators can design experience-driven rides, such as themed tours, to transform transportation into a memorable part of visitors’ stays. For those hesitant to adopt digital platforms, joining existing local services like pickUP Barbados or Zail offers a practical compromise. While Uber’s entry poses challenges, it also presents opportunities for local operators to evolve and differentiate themselves in a rapidly changing market.
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Ambassador Dorbrene O’Marde to Represent Antigua and Barbuda and CARICOM at Africa Celebrates 2025
Ambassador Dorbrene O’Marde, Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission (ABRSC), has been selected to represent Antigua and Barbuda and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the upcoming Africa Celebrates 2025 event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from November 4–9. Ambassador O’Marde will serve as a featured speaker and panelist at the Africa Reparation Forum and Diaspora Africa Konnect, both hosted at the African Union and United Nations headquarters in the Ethiopian capital. The event’s theme, aligned with the African Union’s agenda, is “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through and Beyond Reparations.” The forum will delve into the socio-economic implications of reparatory justice and discuss strategies for leveraging diaspora resources to foster investment, heritage preservation, and sustainable economic growth across Africa and the Caribbean. In their invitation, organizers lauded Ambassador O’Marde’s leadership as Chairperson of the ABRSC and Vice-Chair of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, emphasizing his critical role in sharing insights on reparations as a catalyst for development and unity among people of African descent. Africa Celebrates aims to promote cultural exchange, trade, and innovation within Africa and its diaspora. Its objectives include showcasing Africa’s cultural and creative diversity, encouraging the patronage of African-made goods, and advancing intra-African trade, investment, and tourism, with a particular focus on empowering women and youth. Since its inception in 2021, the event has grown exponentially, with participation increasing from 12 countries in its inaugural year to over 40 African nations and diaspora communities by 2024. Organizers anticipate that the 2025 edition will be the largest yet, featuring contributions from 13 countries and a diverse array of cultural, business, and academic leaders.
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City store closures overshadow Independence decorations, says Abed
The festive spirit of Independence Day in Bridgetown, Barbados, is being overshadowed by a surge of vacant shopfronts along Broad Street, with local merchants attributing the lack of patriotic displays to economic challenges rather than apathy. Eddy Abed, head of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce’s Revitalisation of Bridgetown Committee, emphasized that empty stores, not a lack of patriotism, are to blame for the subdued celebrations. ‘Vacant stores cannot show Independence or Christmas decorations because they are unoccupied,’ Abed explained. He urged a realistic assessment of Bridgetown’s evolving retail landscape, pointing to declining fortunes as the primary cause. Despite this, many businesses continue to showcase national pride by adorning their stores with blue, gold, and black decorations, blending Independence and Christmas celebrations. Abed highlighted the coexistence of these two events, stressing that neither should overshadow the other. Reflecting on the past, he noted that over half of Broad Street’s retail spaces now lie vacant, a stark contrast to its former vibrancy. The shift towards minimalist holiday decorations, both in Barbados and globally, reflects changing trends rather than a lack of participation. Abed’s comments came in response to Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams, who recently encouraged businesses to engage in Independence festivities. Abrahams acknowledged the challenges businesses face but emphasized the importance of celebrating national identity. Abed concluded by urging the public to view the two celebrations as complementary, not competing, events.
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Caribbean firms to prioritise AI for cybersecurity – PwC study
Caribbean enterprises are gearing up to integrate cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into their cybersecurity frameworks by 2026, as revealed by PricewaterhouseCoopers’ (PwC) 2026 Global Digital Trust Insights Survey. Despite this forward-looking approach, the survey underscores a stark reality: only a minuscule six percent of global organizations are fully equipped to combat the escalating wave of cyber threats. The study, which gathered insights from nearly 4,000 business and technology executives across 72 countries, highlights that 78 percent of organizations plan to bolster their cybersecurity budgets in the coming year, with AI investments leading the charge at 36 percent. However, significant challenges persist, including a glaring skills gap in AI application for cyber defense (50 percent) and a lack of relevant expertise (41 percent). The financial stakes are high, with 27 percent of businesses reporting that their most damaging data breach in the last three years cost at least $1 million. In the Caribbean, where digital adoption and cross-island connectivity are on the rise, the urgency for robust cyber resilience is more pronounced than ever. Tracie Greenidge, Director of Risk Assurance at PwC East Caribbean, emphasized the region’s opportunity to lead with innovation and resilience by investing in smart technologies and fostering cross-island collaboration. The survey also revealed that nearly half of cybersecurity leaders face workforce shortages, particularly in securing operational technology and industrial Internet of Things (IoT) systems, which are critical to infrastructure, transport, and industry.
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Prime Minister to Lead Antigua and Barbuda Delegation to COP30 in Brazil
Prime Minister Gaston Browne is set to spearhead Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), scheduled to take place in Belém, Brazil, from November 5 to 21, 2025. The high-profile event will convene global leaders, international organizations, and senior officials to accelerate climate action, with a particular emphasis on renewable energy, carbon markets, and financial mechanisms for adaptation and addressing loss and damage. Browne is anticipated to champion the cause of climate justice and sustainable financing, underscoring the existential threats posed by rising sea levels and extreme weather events to Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The delegation comprises Climate Ambassador Ruleta Camacho-Thomas, Environment Director Diann Black-Layne, and technical experts from the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs. Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph will participate in the Ministerial Segment, focusing on discussions related to environmental health and resilience.
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Elite Island Resorts in Antigua to Feature in “The Golden Bachelor” Finale Episodes Airing November 5 and 12
Antigua’s Elite Island Resorts are set to take center stage in the highly anticipated penultimate and finale episodes of *The Golden Bachelor*, airing on ABC on November 5 and November 12. These episodes, which will also be available for streaming on Hulu the following day, were filmed across four of Antigua’s most luxurious properties: Galley Bay Resort & Spa, Hammock Cove Antigua, Pineapple Beach Club Antigua, and The Verandah Antigua. The show follows Mel Owens, a 66-year-old former NFL star turned lawyer, as he embarks on a heartfelt journey to find love in his golden years. Born and raised in Detroit, Mel’s life has been marked by a successful NFL career, a transition into law, and personal experiences of love and loss. Now, he seeks a partner to share life’s simple joys and build a future rooted in companionship. The resorts, renowned for their stunning beauty and luxurious amenities, provide the perfect romantic backdrop for Mel’s story. Galley Bay offers oceanfront relaxation, Hammock Cove exudes elegance with private plunge pools, Pineapple Beach Club delivers carefree fun, and The Verandah focuses on wellness and tranquillity. Elite Island Resorts, a leader in Caribbean hospitality, continues to deliver unforgettable experiences by blending local culture with exceptional service. Antigua itself, with its 365 pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and historical landmarks like Nelson’s Dockyard, adds to the allure of this season’s romantic narrative. As *The Golden Bachelor* approaches its finale, viewers can expect captivating visuals, heartfelt moments, and a celebration of love set against the serene beauty of the Caribbean.
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Standard Distributors sold to digital lender Term Finance
In a significant shift in the retail and financial sectors, Standard Distributors, a prominent appliance and furniture dealer with an 80-year legacy, has been acquired by digital finance firm Term Finance (Trinidad & Tobago) Limited. The unexpected announcement marks the end of an era for the long-standing retailer, which will now relaunch as Standard Credit. Term Finance, already a key player in short-term lending across the Caribbean, will integrate Standard’s extensive hire purchase portfolio into its operations. The Trinidad-based conglomerate ANSA McAL, which facilitated the sale, confirmed that some Standard employees have been laid off, while others will be reassigned within the ANSA McAL Group. The financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed. ANSA McAL emphasized its commitment to supporting affected employees through enhanced separation packages, access to wellbeing and financial planning services, and job fairs in Trinidad and Barbados this month. Term Finance’s Chief Operating Officer, Nicholas Farah, stated that the rebranding to Standard Credit signifies the company’s entry into the high street market, aiming to preserve customer trust while introducing innovative financial solutions. Term Finance, backed by major shareholders PointWest Capital and the First Citizens Group, operates across Guyana, Jamaica, and St Lucia, and recently acquired My Finance Grenada Ltd. Customers with existing hire purchase agreements will experience a seamless transition, with no disruptions to their payment schedules.