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  • GFNC’s Christmas Singing Contest deadline extended

    GFNC’s Christmas Singing Contest deadline extended

    The Grenada Food & Nutrition Council (GFNC) has launched an innovative holiday initiative that merges musical creativity with public health awareness. Their ’12 Days of Christmas Singing Contest’ now features an extended submission deadline until December 12th, allowing broader participation across local and diaspora communities.

    This unique competition invites workplace teams, youth organizations, family units, and friend groups to reinterpret a specially remixed version of the classic Christmas carol. Participants are encouraged to incorporate creative elements including choreography, costumes, props, and harmonic arrangements while performing lyrics available on the GFNC Facebook platform.

    Submission protocols emphasize accessibility: contestants may record performances using mobile devices and submit entries via WhatsApp (473-415-2126) or email ([email protected]). The selection process transitions to public voting from December 15-18, where Facebook likes and reactions will determine winning entries. Finalists will be announced on December 18, 2025.

    The initiative serves dual purposes: fostering seasonal camaraderie through collaborative performance while subtly promoting nutritional awareness and healthy lifestyle choices. GFNC emphasizes this blend of entertainment and education as part of their broader mission to strengthen food security and nutrition literacy across Grenadian society.

    Additional resources including nutritional counseling services (473-440-2126) and organizational information remain available through GFNC’s digital platforms, maintaining the council’s ongoing commitment to public health education alongside seasonal celebration.

  • LETTER: Shugy Shame on You, Targeting a Soup Kitchen Instead of Serving Our Constituency

    LETTER: Shugy Shame on You, Targeting a Soup Kitchen Instead of Serving Our Constituency

    A significant political controversy has emerged in the St. Mary’s South constituency concerning the utilization of parliamentary allowance funds. For over two years, Shugy, the sitting Member of Parliament for the area, has faced mounting criticism for allegedly failing to deploy his constituency allowance in a manner that delivers visible benefits to his constituents. Community members report an absence of sustained programs, developmental initiatives, or direct support mechanisms funded through these allocated resources.

    The situation escalated recently when the MP attempted to discredit a local relief effort, the St. Mary’s South Soup Kitchen, operated by Dwayne George. During a parliamentary session, Shugy suggested that the initiative improperly used vouchers belonging to others to procure supplies—a claim that has been vehemently denied and categorically refuted.

    A thorough investigation reveals that the soup kitchen’s operations have been sustained primarily through personal sacrifice and community goodwill. Mr. George has frequently utilized his own finances to ensure consistent food distribution, particularly during periods of resource constraints. The initiative’s methodology involved transparent solicitation of assistance and collaborative community engagement, with no misuse of vouchers or public resources at any stage.

    What many find particularly disconcerting is the deliberate targeting of a humanitarian project that provides essential nourishment to elderly, vulnerable, and economically disadvantaged residents. This incident has sparked a broader debate about ethical representation and the moral responsibilities of elected officials.

    Despite political opposition, the soup kitchen has expanded its outreach and continues to garner robust community endorsement. Its operational success and positive social impact remain undeniable, serving as a testament to grassroots resilience and civic solidarity.

    The prevailing sentiment within the constituency suggests that electoral accountability will ultimately reflect residents’ dissatisfaction with the current representation, emphasizing that compassionate service and factual integrity will outweigh political misrepresentation.

  • Final day of public voting for 2025 Dominican Music Awards

    Final day of public voting for 2025 Dominican Music Awards

    The 2025 Dominican Music Awards, organized by Creole Heartbeat, enters its climactic phase as public voting concludes at midnight tonight. Music enthusiasts worldwide have this final opportunity to influence the outcome by submitting their choices through the official portal at www.creoleheartbeat.com, with fan votes determining 60% of the final results.

    Leroy Wadix Charles, representative of Creole Heartbeat, confirmed in an official communiqué that following the public voting closure, an expert adjudication panel will commence evaluation of all entries. Their professional assessment will contribute the remaining 40% weighting toward determining the ultimate winners across all categories.

    The prestigious gala ceremony is scheduled for January 3, 2026, at the Intercontinental Dominica Cabaret Resort and Spa. This black-tie event will honor exceptional artistic achievement and cultural significance within the Dominican music industry, recognizing both domestic accomplishments and international influence.

    This year’s competition showcases remarkable diversity with 24 distinct award classifications featuring over 200 nominated artists. The musical spectrum encompasses traditional bouillon rhythms, contemporary cadence, reggae fusion, inspirational gospel, energetic soca, and authentic folk traditions. Beyond the competitive segments, the ceremony will confer lifetime achievement recognitions and two distinctive special honors celebrating extraordinary contributions to cultural preservation.

    The awards night promises an exquisite celebration of musical excellence and creative innovation, spotlighting Dominica’s vibrant cultural ambassadors. Ticket reservations for this premier event are currently available through the organization’s official website.

  • Didier loses to No.2 seed after brave fight at Boxing Worlds

    Didier loses to No.2 seed after brave fight at Boxing Worlds

    Saint Lucia’s groundbreaking performance at the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships concluded on Tuesday when 19-year-old sensation John Didier faced elimination in the Round of 16. The Vieux Fort native’s remarkable journey ended against Spain’s second-seeded Gazimagomedovich Jalidov, an Olympic quarterfinalist from Paris 2024, in their light-heavyweight clash (75-80kg) at Dubai Tennis Centre.

    Despite entering as the clear underdog against the Russian-born Spanish veteran, Didier demonstrated exceptional defensive technique during the opening round. The 30-year-old Jalidov unleashed aggressive combinations, but the Saint Lucian prospect effectively neutralized much of the early offense. After three minutes of action, Didier trailed narrowly on the scorecards, with four judges scoring 10-9 and one judge awarding a 10-8 margin to the Spaniard.

    The contest shifted dramatically in the second round as fatigue visibly affected the Caribbean boxer. Jalidov capitalized with precision punching, forcing two standing eight-counts against Didier within the final 36 seconds of the round. The referee ultimately stopped the bout following the second mandatory count, preventing further punishment.

    Didier’s campaign marked a historic achievement for Saint Lucian boxing, as he became the nation’s first representative to advance beyond the initial round in world championship competition. His performance over the weekend shattered previous national records and established new benchmarks for Caribbean boxing.

    In related tournament action, fellow 19-year-old Saint Lucian Kyle Marcel competed in the middleweight division (75kg), suffering a unanimous decision defeat to Sri Lanka’s Mohommed Usaith. Despite winning the first round on a split decision, Marcel faded in subsequent rounds, finalizing scores of 30-26 on two cards and 29-27 on three cards.

  • PHOTOS: Drainage and Road Upgrades Underway in Villa

    PHOTOS: Drainage and Road Upgrades Underway in Villa

    Municipal authorities in Villa have launched a significant infrastructure enhancement initiative focused on upgrading drainage systems and reinforcing road networks in coastal zones. This proactive measure aims to mitigate recurrent flooding incidents that have historically endangered local communities and damaged property.

    The comprehensive project involves engineering improvements to water runoff capacity and the construction of more resilient road surfaces capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions. The development represents a strategic investment in climate adaptation infrastructure, prioritizing the safety and well-being of families residing in vulnerable coastal areas.

    Local government officials emphasized that these infrastructural advancements will not only provide immediate flood protection but also deliver long-term benefits through reduced maintenance costs and improved accessibility during adverse weather events. The initiative reflects growing recognition of the need for sustainable urban planning in response to increasing climate volatility.

    Construction is currently underway with phased implementation expected to minimize disruption to residents. The project timeline anticipates substantial completion within the current fiscal year, with ongoing monitoring systems to be installed for evaluating effectiveness during future rainfall seasons.

  • Geen begrotingsbehandeling in december: regering werkt aan aangepaste cijfers voor 2026

    Geen begrotingsbehandeling in december: regering werkt aan aangepaste cijfers voor 2026

    Suriname’s National Assembly has officially postponed deliberations on the 2026 national budget following critical consultations between Finance Minister Adelien Wijnerman and parliamentary committees. The joint session of the Permanent Committee for Finance and Planning and the State Expenditure Committee concluded that December consideration would be impossible due to ongoing fiscal recalibrations.

    Minister Wijnerman revealed that recently completed tax agency reforms have uncovered systemic irregularities and administrative backlogs within revenue collection systems. These findings necessitate significant revisions to projected tax income estimates, compelling comprehensive budget adjustments. The minister has already consulted with President Jennifer Simons regarding substantive reallocations primarily affecting education, agriculture, and tourism sectors.

    The restructuring focuses exclusively on project financing reconfigurations while maintaining unchanged allocations for goods and services. International organization contributions and the national debt management strategy will also undergo substantial revisions. Parliamentary committee chairs emphasized that both the amended budget proposal and modified debt plan must be formally submitted before legislative proceedings can commence.

    Notable attendees included Committee Chair Rabin Parmessar alongside members Asis Gajadien, Rossellie Cotino, Jennifer Vreedzaam, Ronny Asabina, Jeffrey Lau, Kishan Ramsukul, and Steve Reyme. Observers Stanley Betterson, Xiaobao Zheng, and Tashana Lösche monitored the proceedings that determined Suriname’s budgetary timeline shift into the new year.

  • Daquan George Pleads Guilty to Firearms Charges

    Daquan George Pleads Guilty to Firearms Charges

    In a groundbreaking legal development, Daquan George of Sutherlands has confessed to possessing illegal weapons under the newly implemented 2024 Firearms Amendment Act, marking the inaugural application of this stringent legislation. The defendant entered his guilty plea on Monday during proceedings overseen by Senior Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, with legal representation provided by attorney Wendel Alexander.

    Law enforcement authorities executed a search warrant on July 31st that yielded significant contraband: an unmarked .22-caliber firearm lacking any serial identification—making the weapon completely untraceable—accompanied by six magazines compatible with multiple firearm types and 140 rounds of assorted ammunition.

    The judicial outcome has resulted in George’s remand in custody, with the case now being elevated to the High Court pursuant to the 2024 statutory provisions. This procedural escalation represents the first instance where the amended firearms legislation has been utilized to transfer sentencing authority to a superior court, establishing a crucial precedent for future firearms-related prosecutions and demonstrating the government’s strengthened approach to combating illegal weapon possession.

  • Trinidadian Fugitive Handed Over; Four Jamaicans Ordered Removed for Overstaying

    Trinidadian Fugitive Handed Over; Four Jamaicans Ordered Removed for Overstaying

    In a significant demonstration of strengthened immigration enforcement, Antiguan authorities have executed two separate operations resulting in the extradition of a wanted fugitive and the impending deportation of four Jamaican nationals for visa violations.

    The Trinidadian national, identified as 39-year-old Cornelius Thomas, was apprehended during a coordinated joint task force operation on Saturday evening. Thomas, who held the position of assistant manager at the Boardroom nightclub on Nevis Street, was subsequently transferred to officials from Trinidad and Tobago where he faces serious criminal allegations in an ongoing investigation.

    In a parallel development, the St. John’s Magistrates Court presided over by Senior Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel issued removal orders against four Jamaican citizens who confessed to violating their entry permits. The individuals facing deportation include Marcel Parker, 34, an independent contractor residing in Perry Bay; Kizzy Johnson, 36, a beauty professional from St. John’s Street; Javon Keroy Watson, 28, a carpenter from Bendals; and Luckicy Andra McDermott, 34, a barber living in Yorks Village.

    All five individuals are currently detained at the Immigration Detention Facility pending their scheduled departures later this week. Government officials emphasized that these actions reflect the nation’s renewed commitment to reinforcing border security measures and ensuring strict compliance with immigration regulations.

    The coordinated operations signal Antigua and Barbuda’s determined approach to addressing both criminal elements seeking refuge within its borders and immigration violations that compromise the integrity of the nation’s entry systems. These measures align with broader regional security initiatives aimed at combating transnational crime while maintaining orderly immigration processes.

  • UPP Skips V.C. Bird Day, Honours All National Heroes

    UPP Skips V.C. Bird Day, Honours All National Heroes

    For a consecutive year, the United Progressive Party (UPP) has deliberately abstained from participating in the official V.C. Bird Day celebrations organized by the government. In a clear demonstration of political dissent, the principal opposition faction opted to conduct its own separate commemoration at an alternative venue, distinctly distanced from the state-sanctioned ceremony. This calculated absence underscores a deepening rift within the nation’s political landscape, transforming a day intended for national unity into a platform for showcasing partisan divisions. The move signals a persistent strategy of challenging the incumbent administration’s authority and narrative control over national symbols and historical events. Political analysts interpret this repeated boycott as more than mere protest; it represents a fundamental disagreement with the government’s policies and governance style. The party’s decision to host a parallel event further establishes a competing forum for political discourse, potentially reshaping how citizens engage with national heritage and official narratives. This development reflects broader tensions that characterize the current political climate, where traditional ceremonies become battlegrounds for ideological influence and public support.

  • Four Cruise Ships Bring Thousands to St. John’s, Fueling One of Season’s Busiest Tourism Days

    Four Cruise Ships Bring Thousands to St. John’s, Fueling One of Season’s Busiest Tourism Days

    The port of St. John’s, Antigua, transformed into a major hub of economic activity this Tuesday, experiencing one of its peak tourism days of the season. The simultaneous docking of four international cruise vessels—Marella Explorer, AIDAsol, Celebrity Eclipse, and the colossal Norwegian Epic—flooded the capital with thousands of international visitors, creating a significant windfall for the local economy.

    The morning commenced with the arrival of the first three ships, whose passengers swiftly dispersed from the waterfront to explore the city’s retail offerings, pristine beaches, and cultural landmarks. The spectacle intensified with the late morning entrance of the Norwegian Epic, whose imposing structure became a defining feature of the harbor skyline, contributing a substantial additional contingent of tourists.

    According to statements from Antigua Cruise Port, the collective influx provided a powerful boost to a wide spectrum of local businesses. Taxi operators, guided tour agencies, artisan craft vendors, restaurants, and excursion providers across the city and its periphery reported exceptionally robust demand and sustained customer traffic throughout the day.

    From the bustling Heritage Quay deep into the city center, merchants enjoyed a steady stream of visitors. Tourists engaged in curated excursions, purchased authentic local products, and indulged in the island’s distinctive culinary offerings, directly injecting capital into the community.

    Port officials highlighted the event as a clear testament to the critical role the cruise industry plays within the economic framework of Antigua and Barbuda. With the crucial winter tourism season gaining momentum, authorities anticipate a series of similar high-capacity days, which are essential for sustaining hundreds of jobs and livelihoods dependent on the sector.