The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) has secured a significant boost to its breast cancer awareness efforts with a $5,000 donation from Elmsbridge, a leading property developer in Antigua. This contribution marks Elmsbridge’s debut as a sponsor of the hospital’s PINKparty fundraising campaign, an annual event dedicated to raising funds for critical healthcare advancements. The proceeds from this year’s PINKparty will be directed toward acquiring a state-of-the-art mammogram system, aimed at improving early detection capabilities and bolstering cancer care services across Antigua and Barbuda. Elmsbridge emphasized its commitment to supporting the local community, stating, ‘As property developers deeply rooted in Antigua, we are dedicated to uplifting the people and places that define this island.’ The PINKparty is scheduled for Thursday, October 23, at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, commencing at 5:30 PM. Interested individuals are encouraged to register and join the initiative to champion breast cancer awareness and care.
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Digicel Business and Symptai Offer Complimentary Dark Web Scans for Cybersecurity Month
In a significant move to bolster cybersecurity across the Caribbean, Digicel Business and Symptai have announced a complimentary dark web scan initiative in honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This program, available until November 21, 2025, aims to help regional businesses identify potential data breaches and mitigate risks before they escalate. The Caribbean, often perceived as vulnerable to cyber threats due to limited local expertise and insufficient proactive measures, stands to benefit greatly from this initiative.
Cybercrime continues to surge globally, with data breaches costing an average of US$4.88 million annually. Common vulnerabilities include phishing attacks, misconfigured devices, and compromised credentials. By detecting exposed data early, businesses can safeguard customer trust, secure critical systems, and minimize the impact of cyber threats.
Marlon Cooper, CEO of Symptai, emphasized the inseparable link between cybersecurity and business strategy. ‘No organization can achieve sustained growth without protecting its data,’ he stated. ‘Prioritizing security is essential for maintaining trust, enhancing competitiveness, and securing the region’s economic future.’
Liam Donnelly, Chief Business Officer at Digicel, highlighted the company’s commitment to empowering organizations. ‘With our team of experts and global partnerships, we bring world-class cybersecurity and data protection services to the Caribbean,’ he said.
The collaboration between Digicel Business and Symptai provides businesses with access to a comprehensive suite of ICT, cybersecurity, and data protection services. These include 24/7/365 Security Operations Center (SOC) monitoring, endpoint protection, managed firewalls, consultancy, and penetration testing. This unified approach ensures that organizations of all sizes can effectively safeguard their data, systems, and operations.
Businesses are encouraged to take advantage of the free dark web scan to identify and address potential risks promptly. For more information or to request a scan, visit /global/en/cybersecurity-month-2025.
About Digicel:
Digicel is a leading digital connectivity provider, operating in 25 markets across the Caribbean, Central, and South America. With a focus on economic participation and digital inclusion, Digicel serves nine million customers through mobile, home, and business solutions.About Symptai:
Symptai, headquartered in Jamaica, is a premier IT consulting firm with over 27 years of experience. Specializing in cybersecurity, data privacy, and digital transformation, Symptai empowers organizations to build resilience, comply with regulations, and unlock long-term value through technology. -
Youth crime surge alarms cops
Acting Police Commissioner Erwin Boyce has issued a stark warning regarding a significant rise in youth-related criminal activities, revealing that hundreds of teenagers and young adults have been charged in recent months. Speaking at a press briefing held at Police Headquarters on Roebuck Street, Boyce emphasized that the age group of 15 to 30 is of particular concern, with many individuals already facing charges for serious offenses.
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DPP urges stepped up discipline, responsibility
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Alliston Seale SC has issued a stark warning about the growing trend of parental neglect in Barbados, emphasizing that the failure of parents to guide their children is fostering bad habits and delinquent behavior long before the justice system intervenes. Speaking during the sentencing phase of convicted murderer Gabriel Shando Hayde, Seale stressed the critical role parents play in shaping their children’s moral compass.
Seale urged parents to correct their children’s misbehavior early, referencing biblical teachings: ‘Who the Lord loves, He chasteneth.’ He clarified that discipline does not necessarily mean physical punishment but involves making children aware of their wrongdoings. Encouraging bad behavior, he warned, only leads to dire consequences, as seen in Hayde’s case.
Hayde, found guilty by a 12-member jury for the 2020 murder of 26-year-old Kerwin Howell, exhibited a drastic behavioral shift during his teenage years. Probation and psychological reports revealed that while Hayde performed well in primary school, his behavior deteriorated in secondary school. He began breaking school rules, selling snacks on campus, skipping classes, gambling, and engaging in fights. Seale highlighted that these issues were overlooked by his parents, who failed to intervene.
The acting DPP criticized the tendency of some parents to shift blame onto teachers, the church, or the government instead of taking responsibility for their children’s actions. He noted that Hayde’s parents were unaware of his daily marijuana use and his belief that there was nothing wrong with the ‘block culture.’ Seale concluded that such negligence is a societal problem contributing to the rise in youth crime in Barbados.
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Temporary road closure: Marian public road
The Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) Traffic Department has announced a temporary road closure affecting a section of the Marian public road. Starting from Thursday, 23 October 2025, the stretch between the intersection with Calivigny public road near the Gospel Hall Church and the Cocoa Road intersection will be closed daily from 9 am to 4 pm. This closure is expected to last for several weeks to facilitate the Calivigny–Marian Pipeline Upgrade Project, spearheaded by the National Water and Sewerage Authority (Nawasa).
During this period, no vehicles will be permitted to travel along the specified section of Marian public road in either direction. Motorists are advised to use an alternative route via the intersection with Calivigny public road near the Brooke Smith Lowe Institute. However, access will be granted to residents of Marian and local business operators directly impacted by the closure, allowing them to reach their properties.
The RGPF has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and urges the public to cooperate during this essential infrastructure upgrade. The project aims to enhance water and sewerage services in the region, contributing to long-term community benefits.
For further updates or concerns, the public is encouraged to contact the Office of the Commissioner of Police. NOW Grenada, the source of this announcement, clarifies that it is not responsible for the opinions or statements made by contributors and provides a reporting mechanism for any misuse of its platform.
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Finance Minister outlines SVG’s ‘fundamental’ problems
Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves has outlined what he considers the fundamental challenges facing St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 25 years after the Unity Labour Party (ULP) assumed power. Speaking in Calliaqua on Sunday, Gonsalves addressed a controversial statement made by Central Kingstown MP St. Clair Leacock earlier this year. Leacock had argued that the low salaries of MPs, particularly in comparison to public servants, result in inadequate pensions for retired lawmakers—a point Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves agreed with. Leacock, an opposition lawmaker, also noted that his current salary as an MP is less than what he earned as a graduate teacher in the 1980s. The ULP has since used Leacock’s remarks out of context as part of their election campaign strategy. Gonsalves, who is seeking a third term as MP for East St. George, countered Leacock’s assertion, emphasizing that the fundamental issues in the country are not about politicians’ salaries but rather about improving education, healthcare, agriculture, and social welfare. He highlighted the need for better access to education, higher minimum wages, and greater opportunities for young people. Gonsalves also expressed frustration with what he described as ‘backward’ elements in society that hinder progress. As the general election approaches, Gonsalves is expected to face a challenge from Laverne Gibson-Velox of the New Democratic Party (NDP), who is making her second attempt to unseat him. In the 2020 election, Gonsalves won by a narrow margin of 196 votes, down from 607 in 2015. The election is anticipated to take place by November, ahead of the constitutional deadline in February 2026.
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SPYO and IMA Grenada launch 2025 Primary School Debates
The St Patrick’s Youth Organisation (SPYO), in partnership with the Investment Migration Agency Grenada (IMA Grenada), has unveiled the inaugural IMA Grenada–SPYO Primary School Debate Competition 2025. This marks the second year IMA Grenada has served as the title sponsor and the eighth year the event has inspired young debaters across Grenada. For the first time, the competition extends its reach to include primary schools from St David, alongside St Patrick, St John, St Mark, and St Andrew. This year’s theme, ‘Empowering the Future: Youth Leadership as the Key to Nation Building,’ challenges 19 participating schools to explore critical topics such as technology for sustainable development, youth governance, and the implications of artificial intelligence. The competition commenced with the opening ceremony and elimination rounds on October 7 and 8, featuring debates on artificial intelligence. The tournament will progress through preliminary, quarter-final, and semi-final rounds, culminating in the Grand Final on December 3. Substantial awards, including cash prizes totaling $13,000, team awards, and individual recognitions, will honor the participants’ efforts. The event is supported by sponsors such as Rubis, Grenada Cooperative Bank, Republic Bank Grenada Limited, Glenelg Spring Water, True Blue Bay Resort, and the National Lotteries Authority (NLA).
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All Saints West Town Hall Set for Thursday
Residents of All Saints West are being urged to participate in a pivotal community town hall meeting on Thursday, October 23, 2025. The event, hosted by MP Anthony Smith Jr., will take place at the Sea View Farm Primary School starting at 7:30 p.m. This gathering is designed to facilitate open and constructive dialogue between the community and their parliamentary representative, focusing on critical issues impacting the constituency. Smith emphasized the importance of the town hall as a venue for genuine conversations and actionable planning, encouraging attendees to voice their ideas and concerns to collectively shape the future of All Saints West. The meeting, initially planned for earlier in the week, was rescheduled but will now proceed as planned at the same location and time. Under the theme “Let’s talk. Let’s plan. Let’s move forward together,” residents are invited to engage in discussions that aim to drive progress and strengthen community leadership. #AllSaintsWest #LeadershipInAction #WeStillLegitWithSmith
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Education Minister Promises System Where Every Story Can Reach a Successful Chapter
In a stirring address at the 2025 CIBC Grade Six National Assessment Awards Ceremony, Education Minister Daryll Matthew reiterated his ministry’s dedication to fostering an inclusive education system that supports students from early childhood through university. Matthew emphasized the importance of ensuring that “every story has the chance to reach a successful chapter,” a vision aimed at empowering students to achieve their dreams. The ceremony, held under the patronage of Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, celebrated the nation’s top 100 primary school achievers, with gold and silver awards, cash prizes, and certificates presented by CIBC Caribbean. Matthew urged the young scholars to approach their secondary education with confidence and determination, reminding them that their journey is ongoing. “Your story has not ended,” he said. “It is still being written, and only you can decide how it ends.” Drawing inspiration from Matthew 5:16, he encouraged students to “shine brightly, beautifully, and boldly,” assuring them of the nation’s unwavering support. The minister also highlighted the critical role of the private sector in education, praising CIBC Caribbean for its sponsorship of the event. “When corporate citizens invest in education, they invest in the very soul of the nation,” he remarked. Concluding his speech, Matthew expressed optimism and national pride, urging the awardees to “go out and shine” as Antigua and Barbuda watches, cheers, and believes in their potential.
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Bramble rebuts PM on $800m immediate repayment to Taiwan
Fitz Bramble, Member of Parliament for East Kingstown, has vehemently refuted Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves’ assertion that St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) would be required to immediately repay EC$800 million in loans to Taiwan if diplomatic ties with Taipei were severed. Bramble, speaking at a New Democratic Party (NDP) community meeting in Layou, dismissed the claim as baseless, stating, ‘I have never seen a loan agreement debated in our Parliament that stipulates repayment in full under any condition. Never!’ He further criticized Gonsalves, accusing him of dishonesty and blaming him for the country’s escalating debt crisis.