Jimmy Cliff, the iconic Jamaican singer, actor, and songwriter whose six-decade-long career catapulted reggae music onto the international stage, has passed away at the age of 81. His wife, Latifa Chambers, announced his death on Instagram, revealing that he succumbed to complications from a seizure followed by pneumonia. Born James Chambers in 1944 in Saint James, Jamaica, Cliff rose from humble beginnings, singing in his local church from the age of six. He adopted the stage name ‘Cliff’ as a teenager, symbolizing his ambition to scale the highest peaks of musical success. Cliff’s career gained momentum in the early 1960s through collaborations with producer Leslie Kong, which led to local hits. His international breakthrough came after representing Jamaica at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York, followed by signing with Island Records and relocating to London. Cliff’s music, characterized by its fusion of ska and reggae rhythms with socially conscious lyrics, resonated globally. His 1969 UK hit, ‘Wonderful World, Beautiful People,’ reached No. 6 on the charts, blending messages of hope with critiques of societal issues. Bob Dylan famously praised Cliff’s 1970 anti-war anthem ‘Vietnam’ as ‘the best protest song ever written.’ Among his timeless hits are ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want,’ ‘I Can See Clearly Now,’ and ‘Wonderful World, Beautiful People.’ Tributes have flooded in worldwide, including from Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who hailed Cliff as a ‘cultural giant’ whose music elevated Jamaican culture on the global stage. Despite his accolades, Cliff cherished his connection with fans, often citing moments when his music inspired profound personal transformations as his greatest achievements. He continued performing into his later years, including a memorable appearance at the Coachella Festival in 2010.
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Show the World returns to showcase youth at Christmas
The highly anticipated annual event, *Show the World – It’s Christmas*, is set to return on Saturday, November 29, at the Sandals Grande Ballroom. This year’s edition promises to blend music, family, and festive cheer, continuing its legacy as a platform for showcasing Saint Lucian talent. Organised by Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson & Friends, the event has become a cornerstone of the island’s cultural calendar, celebrated for its ability to unite communities and highlight emerging artists. At a recent press briefing, sponsors and organisers shared their enthusiasm for the event’s evolution and its focus on fostering young talent. MacNaughton McLean, one of the event’s founders, reflected on its origins, noting that the initiative was born out of a desire to provide a stage for Hinkson and the many artists he has mentored. This year, the event will feature a special family-themed segment, adding a heartwarming touch to the performances. Export Saint Lucia, the newest sponsor, sees the partnership as a natural extension of its mission to promote Saint Lucian excellence globally. CEO Sunita Daniel highlighted the event’s role in identifying talent for international showcases, such as Expo Osaka. Long-time sponsors like JQ Motors, KFC, Domino’s Pizza, and First National Bank also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting youth development through the arts. With a lineup of world-class musicians, vocalists, and surprises, *Show the World – It’s Christmas* aims to deliver an unforgettable experience for attendees.
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Saint Lucia places 4th at Rugby Americas North tournament
The Saint Lucia national men’s rugby team concluded their campaign in the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens Tournament with a fourth-place finish in Tier 2, held at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago. Despite a narrow 10-13 loss to The Bahamas in the group stage, the team advanced to the semifinals, showcasing resilience and determination. In the preliminary match against The Bahamas, Benerrero Wellington scored an unconverted try in the fourth minute, leveling the score at 5-5 by halftime. Claudius Medouze’s powerful run in the second half briefly gave Saint Lucia the lead, but The Bahamas responded with a try and secured victory with a last-minute penalty kick. Earlier in the tournament, Saint Lucia dominated the British Virgin Islands 14-5, with tries from Melvin Alexis and debutant Yantez Jn Baptiste, complemented by two conversions from Malyle Cherry. They also triumphed over St Vincent and the Grenadines with a commanding 31-12 victory, featuring contributions from Alexis, Wellington, Jn Baptiste, and Medouze, alongside conversions by Cherry, Jn Baptiste, and Jesey Francois. Additionally, Saint Lucia shut out The Turks and Caicos Islands 12-0, with Medouze and Alexis scoring tries. However, their playoff journey ended with a 0-19 defeat to Curaçao, followed by a 17-26 loss to The Bahamas in the third-place playoff, despite a spirited comeback led by Jn Baptiste, Francois, and Le-Mani Lewis.
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St Martin Primary School mourns the passing of Secretary – Mrs. Selena Shillingford
The St. Martin Primary School (SMPS) has announced the sad passing of their esteemed secretary, Mrs. Selena Shillingford. In a heartfelt statement, the school described Mrs. Shillingford as much more than a staff member—she was the welcoming presence in the office, a pillar of support for students, teachers, and parents, and an integral part of the SMPS community. Her kindness, dedication, and warm spirit left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. The school extended its deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all those grieving her loss. They pledged to honor her memory and the significant contributions she made to the institution. In light of this tragic event, SMPS has declared a day of closure, with classes resuming on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Dominica News Online (DNO) also expressed its heartfelt sympathies to the loved ones of Mrs. Shillingford, wishing her soul eternal peace.
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Teen Receives Saxophone Through Community Donation
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, 17-year-old Drayton Payne, a budding musician, was presented with a saxophone on Sunday, marking an early Christmas celebration. The generous donation was orchestrated by Brother Sylvester Browne and the UPP Women’s Forum, who recognized Payne’s dedication to music and community involvement. The presentation took place at a modest gathering where attendees celebrated Payne’s contributions to the Progressive Youth and his growing passion for music. Organizers emphasized that the gift was intended to nurture his development as a young performer. Speakers at the event highlighted Payne’s longstanding commitment to community activism, noting his early engagement in political campaigns and his continued participation in youth initiatives. The Women’s Forum was particularly commended for their role in facilitating the donation. Attendees urged the public to continue supporting Payne as he embarks on his musical journey, underscoring the importance of community backing for young talent.
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Antigua and Barbuda Delegation Concludes High-Level Security and Protocol Visit to the United Kingdom
A high-level delegation from Antigua and Barbuda has successfully concluded a significant visit to the United Kingdom, focusing on critical discussions surrounding security and diplomatic protocol. The visit, which underscores the strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations, aimed to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including national security, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic best practices. The delegation, comprising senior government officials and security experts, engaged in a series of high-profile meetings with UK counterparts, exploring innovative strategies to address emerging global security challenges. This visit marks a pivotal step in fostering a robust partnership that prioritizes the safety and stability of both nations. The outcomes of these discussions are expected to have far-reaching implications for regional security frameworks and diplomatic engagements.
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UN Secretary-General comments on closing of COP30: multilateral efforts must continue
At the close of COP30, held from November 10-21, 2025, in Belém, Brazil, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres commended the significant strides made during the conference, underscoring the critical role of multilateral cooperation in tackling global climate challenges. Guterres extended his gratitude to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, COP30 President André de Largo, the Brazilian government, the people of Belém, and the UNFCCC Secretariat for their exceptional hospitality and tireless efforts in organizing the event.
Guterres emphasized that the conference, held at the gateway to the Amazon rainforest, showcased the enduring power of multilateralism. Nations united to address the pressing issue of climate change, demonstrating that collective action is essential in solving challenges that transcend borders.
Key achievements at COP30 included a commitment to triple adaptation finance by 2035, the establishment of a Just Transition Mechanism to support workers and communities transitioning to renewable energy, and the launch of a new dialogue to enhance international trade cooperation. Additionally, participants acknowledged the likelihood of temporarily exceeding the 1.5°C temperature rise limit, prompting the introduction of a Global Implementation Accelerator to expedite the fulfillment of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Despite these advancements, Guterres acknowledged the limitations of COP30, noting that consensus-driven negotiations in an era of geopolitical fragmentation made comprehensive agreements increasingly difficult. He admitted that the conference fell short of addressing all necessary measures, leaving some stakeholders, particularly youth, Indigenous communities, and climate-affected populations, disappointed.
Guterres warned of the dangers of overshooting the 1.5°C threshold, urging humanity to treat it as an inviolable red line. He called for rapid emissions reductions, credible plans to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, and enhanced climate justice, adaptation, and resilience efforts. He also stressed the urgent need for increased climate finance to support developing nations in mitigating emissions and addressing loss and damage.
While COP30 has concluded, Guterres emphasized that the global fight against climate change must continue. He pledged to advocate for higher ambitions and greater international solidarity, urging all participants to remain steadfast in their efforts. ‘History is on your side, and so is the United Nations,’ he concluded.
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Zijin eert 175 jubilarissen: ‘Jullie inzet is goud waard’
Zijin Rosebel Goldmines Suriname celebrated the dedication of its workforce on Saturday by honoring 175 employees who have served the company for periods ranging from five to thirty years. General Manager Qianjie Wang, in his address, humorously remarked, ‘Thirty years—that’s even longer than some of our machines have been operational.’ He praised the employees as the ‘true heroes’ of the company, emphasizing that their commitment is invaluable. A second group of honorees is set to be recognized in December. The event began with a moment of silence for a colleague who tragically lost his life in a recent collision between two trucks. Wang underscored the profound impact of the loss and reiterated that workplace safety remains the company’s top priority. Country Director Stephanie van Lobbrecht explained that a total of 437 employees will be honored this year, with the group divided to ensure a more personalized and meaningful ceremony. ‘In previous years, the event was too lengthy, and this approach allows us to focus more on each individual,’ she noted. The next ceremony is scheduled for December 6. Among the 437 honorees, 327 have served for five years, one for 25 years, and one for 30 years. Each recipient received a certificate, an award, a monetary bonus based on their years of service, and an evening out.
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Reds Perreira questions vice captaincy selection for NZ tests
Veteran cricket commentator Joseph “Reds” Perreira has expressed concerns over the West Indies’ decision to retain Jomel Warrican as vice-captain for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand, commencing on December 1. The West Indies enter the series on the back of disappointing performances in both the five-match T20 International and three-match One Day International series, despite some competitive displays. Perreira argued that Warrican, a left-arm spinner, may not be the ideal choice to support captain Roston Chase, particularly in pace-friendly conditions. He emphasized that vice-captain selections are typically made on a series-by-series basis and suggested that alternative candidates should have been considered. Additionally, Perreira raised questions about the management of injuries to fast-bowling duo Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph, who have been ruled out for the remainder of the year. He called for greater transparency regarding their rehabilitation process, including details about specialist consultations, progress updates, and their potential return to competitive cricket. The squad for the New Zealand tour sees the return of experienced fast bowler Kemar Roach, who is expected to play a pivotal role, alongside debutant Ojay Shields and returning player Kavem Hodge. Perreira voiced no objections to these selections, highlighting their potential contributions to the team.
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69 families receive new homes under Dominica’s Housing Recovery Project; Roberts defends programme
In a significant stride toward climate resilience, Dominica has handed over keys to 69 families for their newly constructed homes during a ceremony at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium. This initiative is part of the Housing Recovery Project, which has so far built 382 homes across the island. Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Melissa Poponne-Skerrit, emphasized the durability of these homes, stating, “Every home we build now is concrete, with a concrete roof. The hurricanes can come, they can huff and puff, but they will not blow your house down.” She highlighted the transformative impact of the project, sharing testimonials from beneficiaries, including an elderly woman who expressed how her new home has added comfort and dignity to her life. The Housing Recovery Project is unique in the Caribbean for its homeowner-driven approach, where beneficiaries actively participated in the construction process, hiring local contractors and purchasing materials. Poponne-Skerrit acknowledged the challenges faced, such as rising global costs and difficult terrain, but underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring every dollar circulated within local communities. Acting Prime Minister Gretta Roberts defended the investment in resilient housing, citing the increasing intensity of hurricanes due to climate change. She stressed that the project aims to protect vulnerable families, reduce the need for emergency shelters, and save them from the trauma of rebuilding after disasters. Roberts affirmed that resilient housing is not just a necessity but also an investment in Dominica’s people, economy, and future.