In a swift response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados has announced a comprehensive humanitarian aid initiative for Jamaica. Addressing the media at the World Food Hub within Grantley Adams International Airport on Thursday, Mottley revealed that Barbados has already commenced the coordination of relief shipments. The Department of Emergency Management (DEM) has dispatched two containers filled with essential supplies, including tarpaulins, cots, and emergency generators. Additionally, the World Food Programme is contributing 5,000 food kits, with the Barbadian government pledging to match this number. Each kit is designed to sustain a family of three for one week. Mottley emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that her conversation with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness highlighted the critical need for immediate support in the form of food, monetary donations, and logistical supplies. The Prime Minister also called on Barbadian citizens to participate in the national relief effort, with the DEM set to announce specific ways for the public to contribute. Plans are underway to establish a dedicated bank account and designated drop-off points for monetary and item donations, ensuring a streamlined and effective response to the crisis.
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LETTER: When the Church Looks Like the World, Who Will Lead the Lost?
In a heartfelt letter to the editor, a concerned believer raises pressing questions about the current state of the Church and its alignment with its foundational principles. Drawing from the words of Jesus, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me,” the author laments the apparent erosion of the Church’s moral and spiritual authority. Once a sanctuary for the weary and a beacon of hope for the lost, the Church now seems to blur the lines between the sacred and the secular. Recent scandals involving pastors, church leaders, and members—ranging from fraud and sexual misconduct to hypocrisy—have not only made headlines but also deeply shaken the faith of many. The author questions whether the Church can effectively guide others toward truth when its own leaders are perceived as walking in darkness. The letter also highlights the alienation of younger generations, who feel judged and excluded rather than embraced with grace and love. Additionally, concerns are raised about the misuse of tithes, with funds seemingly diverted to personal luxuries rather than ministry and community service. The author calls for introspection and reform, urging the Church to reclaim its role as a moral and spiritual guide in a world increasingly in need of direction.
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GFNC Snack Attack students receive training from GIDC
The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC), in collaboration with the Grenada Investment Development Corporation (GIDC), recently hosted a two-day training session on October 27 and 29 for participants of its Snack Attack contest. The event, held on the mainland and in Carriacou, engaged students from Bishop’s College, Grenada Boys Secondary School, Grenada Seventh Day Adventist Comprehensive School, J W Fletcher Catholic Secondary School, and Presentation Brothers College. The initiative aims to inspire young people to transform healthy snack ideas into sustainable business ventures while promoting Grenadian produce.
GFNC CEO Lydia Browne highlighted the contest’s broader vision during her welcome remarks, emphasizing the importance of fostering health-conscious, entrepreneurial youth. She stated, ‘Snack Attack encourages young people to view food as a creative and cultural expression that supports health, celebrates local agriculture, and strengthens Grenadian identity. This initiative is a strategic step toward transforming school food environments and building deeper connections to local food systems.’
To prepare students for the December 2025 contest, GFNC partnered with GIDC, leveraging its expertise in business development. GIDC’s Senior Vice President Khesha Mitchell, along with Business Development Specialists Katelyn Brathwaite and Lois McGuire, led sessions on business planning, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. Mitchell explained, ‘We’re equipping students with the tools to craft compelling proposals, develop marketing plans, and pitch their ideas effectively to emerge as champions.’
The contest will culminate in December, with students presenting their snack products to a panel of judges. Entries will be evaluated based on ingredients, taste, nutrition, marketability, and production feasibility. An online voting component for the People’s Choice Award will further engage schools and communities.
Through initiatives like Snack Attack, GFNC continues to empower Grenadians to achieve food security and self-reliance. For more information, visit GFNC’s website or follow them on social media.
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2026/2027 Scholarship opportunity in China
The People’s Republic of China, in partnership with the Government of Grenada, has announced a scholarship program for Grenadian nationals to pursue higher education in Chinese universities for the 2026/2027 academic year. This initiative aims to foster educational and cultural exchange between the two nations, offering opportunities for undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and specialized scholar programs.
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Saint Lucia announces 2025 National Culinary Team for TASTE Caribbean
Saint Lucia’s culinary prowess is set to take center stage at the 2025 TASTE (Taste of the Caribbean) competition, scheduled for November 16–18 in Barbados. Organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), this prestigious event serves as a regional culinary showdown, cultural exhibition, and educational platform. Following their impressive second-place finish as Caribbean Culinary Team of the Year in 2024, Saint Lucia’s 2025 National Culinary Team is poised to elevate their performance. The team features Neville Joseph (Anse Chastanet) in the Senior Chef category, Damisa William (Royalton Saint Lucia Resort & Spa) as Junior Chef, Khapel Gee Alcee (Ladera Resort) as Pastry Chef, and Ninus Charlouis (Ladera Resort) as Bartender. Supporting them are Davidson Henry (The BodyHoliday), Shermal Victorin (Jade Mountain), and Elissa Alcee (StolenTime) in backup roles. The selection process involved rigorous interviews, teamwork exercises, and a culinary committee evaluation of signature dishes. Chef Fabian Vigee, the team manager, expressed determination to surpass last year’s achievements, urging Saint Lucians to rally behind the team. Despite funding challenges, the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) remains grateful to sponsors like the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Invest Saint Lucia, and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. The team is further bolstered by mentor Chef Emmany Hippolyte, the 2024 Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year, and a robust management team including Consultant Chef Eike Lauff and Bar Team Manager Alva Preville. With twelve regional teams competing, the event will culminate in the coveted Caribbean Culinary Team of the Year award.
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India stun Australia to reach final
In a breathtaking display of skill and determination, Jemimah Rodrigues delivered an unforgettable unbeaten century to guide India to a historic five-wicket victory over Australia in the Women’s World Cup semifinal. Chasing a daunting target of 339, India achieved the highest successful run chase in Women’s One-Day International history, finishing with nine balls to spare. The match, held in Navi Mumbai, will be remembered as an instant classic, setting the stage for a final showdown against South Africa on Sunday. Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield set the tone with a brilliant century, but India’s chase was masterfully led by Rodrigues and captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who shared a crucial 167-run partnership. Harmanpreet fell for 89, but Rodrigues remained steadfast, reaching her century off 115 balls. Her emotional celebration with teammates and the jubilant home crowd marked a moment of triumph. Despite Australia’s missed opportunities, including two dropped catches that reprieved both Rodrigues and Harmanpreet, India’s resilience and Rodrigues’ brilliance proved decisive. This victory not only ended Australia’s reign as defending champions but also ensured a new name will be etched on the trophy this weekend.
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Young referees take center stage in annual recruitment course
The Barbados Football Association (BFA) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the quality of match officiating by prioritizing referee development. In a recent initiative, the BFA successfully conducted its annual Referee Recruitment Course, a cornerstone of its strategy to cultivate a new generation of skilled referees and bolster the local pool of match officials. The course, led by BFA’s Head of Refereeing, Mark Forde, and CONCACAF’s Member Association Referees’ Technical Instructor, Trevor Taylor, provided participants with comprehensive training in theoretical, technical, and physical aspects of refereeing, aligned with the official laws of the game. Following the course, participants will enter an apprenticeship phase to officiate domestic matches. Forde emphasized the importance of attracting young talent, noting that the majority of the 16 participants were aged between 14 and 18. He highlighted the critical role referees play in the sustainability of football in Barbados, stating, ‘Without referees, no football can play.’ The BFA’s efforts extend beyond local development, with plans to send two young referees, Darian Scantlebury and Charles Yearwood, to Trinidad and Tobago next month to participate in a CONCACAF initiative aimed at identifying emerging talent and elevating regional refereeing standards. BFA President Randy Harris underscored the association’s dedication to excellence, citing the inclusion of five BFA referees on the prestigious 2025 FIFA International Referees List as a testament to their progress. BFA referees have also gained recognition internationally, officiating matches across the Americas and the Caribbean. Locally, they continue to play a pivotal role in prestigious tournaments such as the Prime Minister’s Cup and the inaugural 2025 Barbados Beach Soccer Championship.
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Nearly 50 dead after Hurricane Melissa thrashes Caribbean
Hurricane Melissa, one of the most devastating storms in recent history, has left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean, claiming nearly 50 lives and causing widespread damage. Early Friday, the storm began moving away from Bermuda, but its impact continues to be felt across the region. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Melissa is expected to transition into an extratropical cyclone, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. The storm has already caused catastrophic flooding, power outages, and structural damage in Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. In Jamaica, the death toll has risen to 19, with significant damage reported in the parishes of Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth. Communications and transportation remain severely disrupted, hampering recovery efforts. In Haiti, the situation is dire, with 30 confirmed deaths, 20 injuries, and 20 people still missing. Over 1,000 homes have been flooded, displacing approximately 16,000 people. Cuba, already grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades, faced extensive flooding and property damage. Residents like Felicia Correa from La Trampa near El Cobre described the storm as ‘devastating,’ exacerbating existing hardships. A study by Imperial College London suggests that human-induced climate change made Hurricane Melissa four times more likely, highlighting the urgent need for climate action.
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Aangifte van poging tot moord SZF-directeur: verdacht materiaal motorkap
Rudrakanth Oemraw, the Acting Director-General of the State Health Fund (SZF), has filed a police report alleging attempted murder and attempted manslaughter after discovering suspicious materials in his official vehicle. The items, which included dry leaves and a plastic bag, were found in the engine compartment, raising concerns of a potential arson attempt. Oemraw acted swiftly, immediately notifying the authorities, and the vehicle has been seized for forensic analysis. This alarming discovery follows recent threats Oemraw received from individuals reportedly displaced by government actions, prompting him to file additional complaints. In response to these escalating threats, heightened security measures have been implemented. Oemraw is now under protection during his movements, and the security at his residence has been significantly reinforced. The incident underscores the growing tensions surrounding key government figures and the need for robust safety protocols.
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Flash-Flood Watch issued for Barbados
The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has activated a Flash-Flood Watch for the island as a tropical wave sweeps across the region, bringing intermittent heavy showers. Issued early Friday, October 31, 2025, the alert warns of potential flash flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas, with rainfall totals expected to reach up to two inches. Conditions are forecast to improve by late Friday night, but residents are advised to remain vigilant. Sudden flooding on roads, fields, and properties could disrupt travel, while water levels in drains and ponds may rise significantly. The BMS emphasizes the importance of adhering to guidance from the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) and staying updated through official channels, including the Government Information Service. A Flash-Flood Watch indicates favorable conditions for flooding but does not guarantee its occurrence. The watch remains in effect until 6:00 p.m. Friday or until further updates are provided. For real-time information, visit www.barbadosweather.org or contact the BMS at 535-0022.