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  • “Families become collateral damage” in tribal politics

    “Families become collateral damage” in tribal politics

    Grenadian attorney and Democratic People’s Movement (DPM) member Jasmin Redhead has issued a powerful condemnation of the deeply entrenched partisan divisions plaguing Grenada’s political landscape. During an address to Grenadian nationals in New York, Redhead characterized the nation’s politics as a “battlefield” where families become “collateral damage” due to what she termed “weaponised partisanship.”

    Redhead revealed disturbing accounts of citizens living in fear of political victimization, describing mothers distressed by children skipping school to avoid bullying related to their parents’ political affiliations. She emphasized these aren’t mere statistics but “real people carrying the weight of a system that doesn’t work for them.”

    The attorney, who returned to Grenada in 2009 after twelve years in New York, identified poor governance as imposing a “silent tax” on diaspora investments, property security, and educational opportunities. She championed transparent systems that prioritize merit over political loyalty as essential for breaking the “5-year seesaw” of stalled national development.

    Highlighting vulnerable populations, Redhead noted that weak systems disproportionately affect women, who bear much of the national burden through inadequate healthcare, education, and social services. She underscored the critical need for women’s leadership, asserting that “when women rise, families rise, communities rise, and Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique rise.”

    Redhead endorsed DPM Leader Peter David, her friend of three decades, as a unifying force capable of transcending partisan divisions. Her message to the diaspora called for a fundamental shift “from colour to country, from tribalism to unity, from barely surviving to succeeding.” The DPM, launched successfully in November, continues building momentum for its people-centered transformation agenda across Grenadian communities domestically and internationally.

  • Dominica among Caribbean nations reportedly barred by Norway despite visa-free status

    Dominica among Caribbean nations reportedly barred by Norway despite visa-free status

    Despite official assurances from Norwegian authorities, passport holders from five Caribbean nations participating in Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs are facing systematic entry refusals and deportations at Norwegian airports, according to investigations by Immigration Migration Insider (IMI).

    Since August 2024, travelers carrying CBI passports from Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and Saint Lucia have encountered heightened scrutiny and denial of entry at both Bergen and Oslo international airports. Border control officers have been specifically interrogating these individuals about their method of obtaining citizenship, despite these countries historically enjoying visa-free travel privileges to Norway under the Schengen arrangement.

    The situation presents a stark contradiction between official policy and on-the-ground implementation. Norway’s Directorate of Immigration (UDI) explicitly stated in August that visa-free access for these Caribbean nations remained unchanged. However, IMI has documented multiple instances where Norwegian police have invoked Section 17 of the Immigration Act to declare CBI passports invalid, citing Norway’s requirement for personal attendance during passport issuance as grounds for refusal.

    Notable incidents include an Indian national using a Saint Kitts and Nevis passport who was promptly removed from Bergen Airport in August after authorities deemed his travel document “not valid in Norway.” In a separate November occurrence, two Dominican citizens were detained overnight in Oslo, subjected to intensive questioning regarding their passports, and subsequently deported the following day.

    Several immigration consultancies—including Latitude, Cross Border Freedom, and Apex Capital Partners—have confirmed multiple cases affecting their clients. Industry experts challenge Norway’s justification, pointing out that numerous countries, including the United Kingdom and United States, permit remote passport renewal procedures without compromising international recognition of these documents.

    The Norwegian government has not issued any public directive regarding this apparent policy shift, maintaining that current border enforcement actions merely reflect “general policy” implementation. This development creates a paradoxical situation where Caribbean CBI nations technically retain visa-free status on paper while their citizens face effective exclusion in practice.

  • PAC told it’s the most important committee in Parliament

    PAC told it’s the most important committee in Parliament

    Grenada’s parliamentary oversight mechanisms received significant reinforcement through an awareness seminar conducted for the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on December 16. Chaired by Opposition Leader Emmalin Pierre, the event brought together PAC members, Audit Department staff, and statutory board representatives to emphasize the committee’s critical role in ensuring governmental financial transparency.

    In a virtual address, Anguilla Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge, former opposition leader herself, articulated the PAC’s fundamental purpose: “The Public Accounts Committee is the most important committee of any parliament. Its foundation exists to create greater openness in government finances, based on the belief that transparent budgetary practices ensure public funds are spent as promised while maximizing benefits.”

    The seminar clarified that the PAC’s mandate focuses specifically on evaluating the efficiency, effectiveness, and economy of policy implementation rather than questioning policy itself. This distinction underscores the committee’s non-partisan nature despite its composition including opposition members.

    Opposition Leader Pierre emphasized the PAC’s unique position within Grenada’s parliamentary democracy: “It is not a partisan body, nor is it an administrative authority. Rather, it is a core oversight mechanism of Parliament, entrusted with safeguarding the public interest by ensuring that public funds are used lawfully, efficiently, and for their intended purposes.”

    The committee’s authority derives from Parliament Standing Order 69(1), which establishes its composition of three to five members excluding cabinet ministers, currently including Kate Lewis-Peters and Dr. Clarice Modeste from the Lower House, with Salim Rahaman and Roderick St Clair representing the Upper House.

    This seminar followed PAC members’ July 2025 training at the UK Parliament, where they observed actual committee hearings. MP Lewis-Peters highlighted a key learning: “Despite its composition of opposition members and independent senators, the PAC is not a political body. We are here to ensure our taxpayers’ dollars are properly managed through close collaboration with the Auditor General.”

    The event reinforced the PAC’s systematic approach: scrutinizing government expenditure, ensuring accountability, making recommendations, and requiring public government responses to findings—ultimately upholding good governance principles in public administration.

  • Business leaders spotlight MSME growth at 32nd GCIC Awards

    Business leaders spotlight MSME growth at 32nd GCIC Awards

    GRENADA – The Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce (GCIC) celebrated the nation’s most dynamic enterprises at its 32nd Annual Business Awards Ceremony on December 6, 2025. Held at the Radisson Beach Resort in Grand Anse under the theme “From Vision to Impact: Growing Sustainably Together,” the event gathered over 200 leaders from private sector, government, and civil society to honor businesses driving economic resilience through innovation and sustainability.

    Keynote speaker Bevil Wooding, Executive Director of the Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions and renowned technology innovator, framed the awards within the broader challenges facing small island economies. “These awardees demonstrate that innovation, sustainability, and community impact are not optional extras—they are the foundation of long-term business success,” Wooding emphasized, noting how Grenadian businesses are redefining excellence while balancing global competitiveness with local value creation.

    GCIC President Collin Francis articulated the strategic vision behind this year’s theme: “Innovation without sustainability is short-lived. Sustainability without innovation leads to stagnation. Together, they point the way to business growth that creates jobs, protects our environment, and builds long-term prosperity for families across Grenada.”

    The awards ceremony highlighted a significant shift toward enterprises that successfully merge commercial performance with environmental stewardship, skills development, and community impact. Winners spanned diverse sectors including agriculture, tourism, ICT, marine conservation, and education, reflecting Grenada’s comprehensive approach to sustainable development.

    Petipha Lewis, GCIC Executive Director, emphasized the significance of this year’s recipients: “The quality and range of businesses recognized underscore the strength and resilience of Grenada’s private sector, particularly our MSMEs. These enterprises are creating opportunities, embracing technology, safeguarding our environment, and strengthening communities.”

    Notable award recipients included Fruittimoss Grenada (Excellence in Agri-Business), Metarelic People Inc. (Excellence in ICT), Grenada Blue Inc. (Marine Conservation), and Glenelg Spring Water Inc. (People’s Choice Award). The Chamber expressed gratitude to sponsors and partners including Republic Bank Grenada Ltd., The Nature Conservancy, and FLOW for their support in making the event possible.

  • Saint Lucians back from 3×3 basketball training in Nassau

    Saint Lucians back from 3×3 basketball training in Nassau

    A 12-member delegation from Saint Lucia has concluded its participation in the FIBA Caribbean 3×3 Development Camp and Under-23 Tournament, returning from a five-day basketball immersion in The Bahamas. The event brought together emerging talent and officials from multiple Caribbean nations, including host nation Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Haiti, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, with competitions held at both DW Davis Gymnasium and Nassau Beach Soccer Arena.

    Saint Lucia’s women’s squad featured collegiate athletes Dasha Eugene and Keri Ann Lewis alongside Neanna Francois and Jeaneve James. Despite demonstrating competitive spirit, the team faced formidable opposition—suffering decisive losses to eventual champions Jamaica (16-2 and 22-4) and a narrow 15-12 defeat against Trinidad and Tobago. The men’s team, comprising Sidney Didier, Jamil James, Jaixan Justin, and Junior Dupree, experienced challenging matchups with a 17-10 loss to Haiti, 16-14 defeat against Cayman Islands, and an overtime thriller against Jamaica that ended 12-10 in Jamaica’s favor.

    The developmental aspect extended beyond competition as Saint Lucia Basketball Federation (SLBF) deployed coaching staff Colleen Edwards and Christus Michel, referee Shadrack Theodore, and 3×3 systems manager Christian Seales. Theodore engaged in specialized referee training under American instructor Glenn Tuitt, while Seales advanced his technical expertise through FIBA’s 3×3 platform clinic. All participating athletes benefited from skill development sessions conducted by FIBA 3×3 specialist Luca Carvalho.

    This initiative, supported by the Olympic Solidarity Programme, represents FIBA’s strategic effort to enhance high-performance pathways and accelerate the sport’s growth throughout the Caribbean region. CBC President Leslie Collymore emphasized the event’s significance: ‘The 3×3 Caribbean Camp and Cup represents our vision for a more unified, competitive and development-driven basketball ecosystem across the region, not only in 3×3 but holistically.’

    The SLBF acknowledged crucial support from the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee, National Lotteries Authority, and Saint Lucia Tourism Authority that enabled the young athletes’ international exposure and development opportunity.

  • China awards scholarships to Dominica State College students

    China awards scholarships to Dominica State College students

    In a significant demonstration of international educational cooperation, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China has conferred scholarships worth US$1,000 each to 22 deserving students from Dominica State College (DSC). This ceremony, now in its third consecutive year, also honored three exceptional students who demonstrated remarkable proficiency in Chinese language studies through the DSC Confucius Classroom with special achievement awards.

    The Chinese Ambassador Scholarship Programme represents a strategic effort to inspire academic distinction among Dominican scholars while fostering deeper understanding of Chinese linguistic and cultural traditions. This initiative simultaneously strengthens the educational partnership framework between Dominica and China, creating pathways for mutual exchange and collaboration.

    Education Minister Hon. Octavia Alfred, during her address at the awards ceremony, extended profound appreciation to China for its sustained contribution to Dominica’s national development. She emphasized how Chinese-supported educational programs, training opportunities, and technical assistance have fundamentally enhanced the country’s professional capabilities and workforce competitiveness.

    ‘China has consistently proven to be a dependable development ally to Dominica,’ Minister Alfred stated. ‘Through comprehensive support spanning scholarships, career advancement initiatives, infrastructure development, and sector-wide assistance, China has made substantial investments in our human resource development and national progress. This collaboration extends beyond education into healthcare, agriculture, and numerous other sectors.’

    The Minister further detailed current Sino-Dominican educational projects, including the construction of five new primary institutions and one secondary school. Among these, two facilities will operate as Centers of Excellence dedicated to Special Education and Technical/Vocational Training.

    Chinese Ambassador H.E. Chu Maoming congratulated the scholarship beneficiaries while encouraging them to pursue excellence and actively engage with cultural learning opportunities. ‘Youth embody our collective future and represent both the custodians and catalysts of the cordial relations and cooperative ventures between China and Dominica,’ Ambassador Chu remarked. ‘I encourage you to connect your personal aspirations and accomplishments with the enduring friendship and collaboration between our nations, serving as ambassadors of bilateral goodwill while achieving your individual potential.’

    Ambassador Chu confirmed the continuation of both Chinese Government and Ambassador Scholarship programs into the upcoming year, alongside expanded cultural and educational exchanges designed to deepen bilateral relations.

  • GCSI is bullish about its 2026 prospects

    GCSI is bullish about its 2026 prospects

    The Grenada Coalition of Service Industries (GCSI) is charting an ambitious course for 2026 following a transformative year of organizational restructuring and strategic partnership development. Under the leadership of Chairman Jude Bernard, the coalition has successfully repositioned itself as a catalyst for service sector growth through its GCSI 2.0 initiative, encapsulated by the motto ‘Transformation through Collaboration and Innovation’.

    The coalition’s revitalization efforts have yielded significant achievements, including the establishment of seven pivotal local partnerships with key institutions: Grenada Development Bank, Grenada Bureau of Standards, Grenada Investment Development Corporation, T A Marryshow Community College, Grenada National Training Agency, Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and Caribbean Coding Academy. Notably, GCSI forged a historic regional alliance through a memorandum of understanding with the Barbados Coalition of Service Industries, marking a milestone in Caribbean economic cooperation.

    Building on this foundation, GCSI has outlined an extensive agenda for early 2026 featuring the revival of Services Week from March 21-27. The program includes the return of the signature Services Expo, Grenada’s inaugural Services Industries Award reception, and an innovative virtual Career Day targeting secondary school students.

    The coalition’s comprehensive strategy extends beyond events to include substantive capacity-building initiatives. The GATEWAY to Trade program will focus on export capacity development and acceleration for service organizations and SMEs. Simultaneously, the Bridge to Brilliance initiative by DeVry University will address regional talent pipeline strengthening through upskilling and reskilling programs designed for the digital economy.

    Additional 2026 plans encompass localized training sessions for stakeholders and collaborative activities with strategic partners, all aimed at elevating Grenada’s service producers to export-ready status and enhancing the nation’s economic development through service sector excellence.

  • Chief Magistrate Carrette-George reports on night court progress

    Chief Magistrate Carrette-George reports on night court progress

    Dominica’s judicial system is demonstrating measurable progress in addressing case backlogs through its reintroduced night court program, according to Chief Magistrate Candia Carrette-George. The initiative, which resumed operations in September 2025 at the magistrates’ court in Roseau, represents a significant reform effort aimed at enhancing access to justice and improving judicial efficiency.

    The night court was originally designed to operate from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., though practical adjustments have been implemented to address criminal matters between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., with new cases commencing thereafter. Initial implementation challenges included delays in document service by police and bailiffs, alongside concerns regarding transportation accessibility for litigants during extended hours. The court administration responded by strategically scheduling cases for individuals from areas with reliable evening bus services, resulting in improved attendance patterns.

    Initially focusing on civil matters, the night court has successfully resolved numerous cases through ex parte hearings and in-person trials. While criminal trials for detained individuals remain constrained by prison intake schedules, the program anticipates expanding to include bail cases and private criminal matters in the near future.

    Performance data reveals consistent progress: 20 cases were completed in September 2025, followed by 28 matters between October 1-13, and 38 cases resolved from November 1 through December 9. This upward trend demonstrates the program’s growing effectiveness in reducing the longstanding backlog.

    Complementing these efforts, Dominica’s judiciary has strengthened its capacity with three new magistrate appointments. Marie-Louise Pierre-Louis assumed her role in September 2025, another magistrate was sworn in late November, and a third appointment is imminent. These additions will enable full utilization of all six courtrooms in Roseau.

    Beginning January 2026, the judiciary will implement case management hearings to evaluate trial readiness and assess suitability for night court proceedings. Additionally, technological enhancements include the upcoming installation of two Liberty recording systems featuring AI-powered transcription capabilities. These systems will provide verbatim recording, individual speaker channel separation, and clerk-inserted bookmarks for efficient reference.

    The Coroner’s Court is also undergoing reforms, with plans to establish a dedicated courtroom to facilitate daily sittings instead of the current three weekly sessions, potentially accelerating inquest completions.

    Chief Magistrate Carrette-George emphasized that as public and legal professionals increasingly embrace the night court concept, coupled with expanded judicial resources, the initiative is poised to become an integrated component of Dominica’s justice delivery system, effectively addressing historical delays in case disposition.

  • Robots, vision, bold ideas shine at Orbtronics’ Innovation Gala

    Robots, vision, bold ideas shine at Orbtronics’ Innovation Gala

    Saint Lucia’s technological ambitions took center stage on December 14 as over 200 innovators, government officials, and international tech representatives convened at Sandals Grande for the groundbreaking Orbtronics Innovation Gala. The premier event, organized by the Caribbean’s emerging tech hub Orbtronics, demonstrated the island nation’s growing capabilities in business innovation and digital technology through robotic displays, sophisticated cuisine, and cutting-edge entertainment.

    Orbtronics, established as a pivotal platform driving the Caribbean’s innovation agenda, provides comprehensive software solutions, educational resources, and strategic support for startups, governmental bodies, and enterprises. The company’s foundational mission centers on positioning Saint Lucia as the Caribbean’s central hub for technological advancement and digital creation.

    The gala served as a tangible manifestation of Orbtronics’ vision, with CEO and co-founder Keeghan Patrick highlighting the overwhelming support as evidence of the company’s emerging role as a regional trendsetter. “The general consensus recognizes Orbtronics as Saint Lucia’s technology leader,” Patrick stated. “We’re expanding this narrative throughout the Caribbean with the explicit goal of accelerating technology adoption and creation. We believe the Caribbean will no longer merely consume technology but will create the world’s next revolutionary technologies.”

    Co-founder Sherguan Roserie echoed this sentiment, expressing exceptional satisfaction with the 2025 gala’s unprecedented success. “The substantial backing from our sponsors, partners, and attendees—including representatives from leading global technology firms—underscores the growing significance of innovation across the Caribbean,” Roserie noted. “This event will persist as an essential platform for collaboration, inspiration, and showcasing transformative ideas that will shape the region’s future.”

    The gathering attracted considerable institutional support, with attendance from government officials including Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, OECS Director General Didacus Jules, regional business leaders, and corporate representatives from technology giants Google and Amazon. In a significant announcement, Prime Minister Pierre revealed plans for additional budgetary investment in Orbtronics, recognizing the company’s substantial contributions to national development.

    The Prime Minister, honored as Orbtronics Person of the Year for his early substantial investment in the company, emphasized the nation’s abundant talent during his address. “What you need is vision, boldness, commitment and discipline—these gentlemen have demonstrated precisely that,” Pierre declared. His symbolic handshake with the Kaizen X AI Robot on stage represented the Caribbean’s accelerating integration with emerging technologies, marking a historic moment in the region’s technological evolution.

  • Atkinson Sewenal Festival returns after seven-year hiatus

    Atkinson Sewenal Festival returns after seven-year hiatus

    The culturally significant Atkinson Sewenal Festival is poised for a triumphant return on December 21st after a seven-year absence, marking a revitalization of Dominican Christmas traditions in the village of Atkinson. Hosted by the Honourable Cozier Frederick and the Atkinson Village Council with principal sponsorship from the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, the event commences at 5 p.m., signaling a major cultural renaissance.

    This festival represents more than mere entertainment—it serves as a profound cultural homecoming that celebrates community resilience, heritage preservation, and intergenerational connection through musical expression. The government’s headline sponsorship demonstrates a strategic commitment to supporting community-based cultural initiatives that strengthen national identity.

    Attendees will experience an immersive celebration blending traditional carolling, indigenous Kalinago heritage presentations, authentic Jing Ping rhythms, and contemporary performances within an authentic village atmosphere. This carefully curated fusion honors historical Christmas customs while creating space for modern artistic expression.

    The extensive performance lineup showcases Dominica’s cultural richness, featuring Warner Jing Ping, Ban Akayo of Atkinson, the Kalinago Culture Group, Ti Bwa of Woodford Hill, and renowned artists including Francina Laurent and Willis Joseph. Musical diversity continues with the Colihaut Caroling Group, Atkinson Catholic Choir, Sawil Challenger, Swinging Stars, Signal Band, and DJs Athie, Remz, and Flip ensuring continuous entertainment.

    Organizers emphasize that the festival transcends conventional concert experiences by creating a multidimensional celebration of togetherness that bridges generations through shared musical heritage. The event welcomes families, visitors, and music enthusiasts nationwide to participate in this reestablished tradition that reinforces cultural pride and community spirit during the holiday season.