The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) announced on Thursday that Jennifer Ally, a woman summoned for making racially insensitive remarks on social media, has expressed her willingness to cooperate with the Commission to address the concerns arising from her public statements. The ERC has proposed a series of social interventions, including psychosocial counselling and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training, aimed at fostering greater understanding, respect, and responsible communication in the public sphere. While the investigation into her remarks continues, the Commission emphasized that these measures are part of its broader mandate to promote harmony and good relations among Guyana’s diverse ethnic groups. The ERC also stated that it will closely monitor Ms. Ally’s future public engagements to ensure sustained commitment to respectful discourse. Although the ERC lacks prosecutorial authority, it may refer matters requiring legal enforcement to the Guyana Police Force under Article 212D (j) of the Constitution. The Commission reiterated its dedication to mediation, conciliation, and arbitration as tools to resolve conflicts and foster social unity. This case follows a similar incident earlier this year involving Daniel ‘Baby Skello,’ who was arrested for blasphemous libel after failing to respond to the ERC’s summons regarding offensive content in a song.
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21st Chinese Medical Team arrives in Guyana
The 21st Chinese Medical Team has officially landed in Guyana, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China to enhance the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. Comprising 18 highly skilled professionals specializing in diverse fields such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, traditional Chinese medicine, and public health, the team is poised to make substantial contributions to Guyana’s medical landscape. Upon their arrival, the team met with Guyana’s Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, to discuss their mission, areas of focus, and planned activities. Dr. Anthony lauded the enduring partnership between the two nations, emphasizing the pivotal role Chinese medical teams have played in fortifying Guyana’s healthcare system. He reiterated his ministry’s unwavering support for the team’s efforts to expand access to high-quality healthcare services across the country. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Navindranauth Rambaran, Director of Medical and Professional Services, and Dr. Jeetendra Mohanlall, Acting Chief Medical Officer. This visit underscores the deepening ties between Guyana and China, with a shared commitment to advancing public health and medical excellence.
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Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Launches Independence “Cape Video”
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) has unveiled its inaugural Independence video, titled ‘Cape,’ performed by Empress, to commemorate the nation’s 44th Independence Anniversary. This groundbreaking initiative aims to capture the essence of patriotism, unity, and national pride through the uplifting anthem ‘Cape,’ which serves as the centerpiece of this year’s Independence celebrations. The song aligns seamlessly with the national theme, ‘Solid, Stable, Soaring,’ symbolizing the nation’s progress and resilience.
The Honourable Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries, lauded the campaign, emphasizing its significance in fostering national identity. ‘This initiative perfectly encapsulates who we are as a people: Solid, Stable, and Soaring. It’s inspiring to see our children connect with this song, and I hope it instills in them a sense of pride and ambition to carry our flag forward,’ he remarked.
Empress, the artist behind the anthem, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s celebrations. ‘I am deeply honored that the ABFC chose ‘Cape’ for this year’s Independence campaign. The flag of Antigua and Barbuda holds profound meaning for me, and I’m thrilled to see it resonate with so many,’ she shared.
The ABFC has called on citizens and friends of Antigua and Barbuda to watch the official ‘Cape’ video and join in celebrating the nation’s pride, strength, and resilience. Whether at home or abroad, the video serves as a powerful reminder of the nation’s enduring spirit and its achievements on the global stage.
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Jonge tech-talenten op wereldrobotica-wedstrijd in Panama
The FIRST Global Challenge 2025, an international robotics competition often dubbed the ‘Olympics of Robotics,’ is currently underway in Panama, drawing young participants from 190 countries. Representing Suriname are Rechero Godlieb, Shivish Ramkhelawan, Ndari Mertotaroeno, Zayenn Soebarman, and Jason Wong Loi Sing. This talented team, aged between 14 and 18, received their invitation just a month ago. Despite the tight timeline, they managed to design and build a fully functional robot in just ten days, meeting all international standards to qualify for the competition. The event, held at the Panama Convention Center, focuses on the theme ‘Eco Equilibrium,’ encouraging participants to develop robots that address pressing environmental issues and promote biodiversity conservation. This marks Suriname’s sixth participation in the prestigious event. The team, guided by Julie Sundar of the Codettes Foundation and Theo Boomsma of IoTLab Suriname, expressed a mix of excitement and nervousness. ‘It’s such a big stage. We’re absolutely ecstatic,’ they shared. The journey to Panama was no small feat, requiring meticulous preparation of travel documents and technical verifications in a short span. The team extended their gratitude to parents, the U.S. Embassy, and key supporters like Giovanni Mertotaroeno and Rody Kartowirjo for their invaluable assistance. Suriname’s young innovators are proud to represent their nation on this global platform and are determined to make their mark in the competition.
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Official kickoff of SARSEA Project
The Caribbean region has taken a significant step forward in addressing the growing sargassum crisis with the official launch of the Sargassum Regional Strategies for Ecosystem-based Actions (SARSEA) project on October 28 in St Lucia. The event, attended by government officials, institutional representatives, and scientists from across the Caribbean, marked the beginning of a coordinated regional effort to mitigate the environmental, economic, and social impacts of sargassum strandings. Funded by France through the Agence française de développement (AFD) and implemented by Expertise France in partnership with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, the SARSEA project aims to strengthen regional cooperation, support small island states, and enhance scientific research on sargassum management. The initiative also emphasizes the integration of gender considerations to ensure an inclusive approach. High-level officials, including French Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris and OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, expressed their commitment to the project, highlighting the importance of shared knowledge and collaborative efforts. The launch event featured panel discussions, strategy presentations, and the signing of a formal partnership agreement between the OECS and Expertise France. The project’s first collective scientific assessment workshop, led by the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), was also held on October 29. By fostering a network of stakeholders and pooling resources, SARSEA aims to improve preparedness and resilience in the face of sargassum challenges across the Eastern Caribbean.
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RSLPF to receive new K9 as investigation into Tyson’s death continues
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) is poised to enhance its K9 unit with the addition of a new police dog early next year. This development comes as the force continues its investigation into the untimely death of K9 Officer Tyson earlier this year. Police Commissioner Verne Garde confirmed during a press conference on October 30 that arrangements have been finalized with French authorities for the donation of the new K9. The official handover is scheduled for January 26, 2026. Preparations are already in progress to ensure a seamless integration, including specialized training for handlers and the establishment of formal operational protocols for canine management. Additionally, Commissioner Garde has requested formal transportation arrangements for the K9 through the Office of the Permanent Secretary, and a budget has been allocated for the construction of a new K9 facility at La Toc within the Police Training School. Meanwhile, the RSLPF remains committed to uncovering the cause of Tyson’s death. While initial toxicology reports ruled out rat bait poisoning, further comprehensive tests are being conducted to determine the exact cause. Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr. Mashama Sealy assured that a detailed report will be provided once the results are available. Despite this loss, the RSLPF’s K9 unit remains active, with K9 Voyu currently assisting in narcotics detection, search operations, and security duties.
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High Commissioner Croney delivered keynote at LSME Annual Convocation
Her Excellency Rachér Croney, Grenada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, graced the London School of Management Education (LSME) Annual Convocation as the Guest of Honour on Tuesday, 16 September 2025. The prestigious event, held at The Mayfair in Romford, celebrated the academic accomplishments of LSME graduates and acknowledged their contributions to the field of management education. High Commissioner Croney delivered an inspiring keynote address to the graduates, their families, and distinguished guests from academia and diplomacy. She highlighted the significance of their achievements, stating, ‘Today is not just a ceremony—it’s a milestone. It’s the day your hard work, perseverance, and belief in yourself converge into one defining moment.’ She urged the graduates to embrace leadership as a choice, emphasizing integrity, empathy, and impact. The ceremony included the presentation of diplomas, special recognitions, and speeches from LSME leadership, such as Principal Dr Sarita Parhi and Board Chair Professor Stephen McKinney. High Commissioner Croney also commended LSME’s efforts in recruiting international students and discussed potential partnerships, including scholarships. The event underscored the strong educational and cultural ties between Grenada and the UK, reflecting the international character of modern management education. The High Commission for Grenada expressed its commitment to fostering equitable access and increased opportunities for Grenadians to study in the UK.
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CARPHA builds capacity in shipping of infectious substances training in Belize
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) recently concluded a pivotal Shipping of Infectious Substances Training (SIST) in Belize, held from October 20 to 24, 2025. Funded through CARPHA’s Pandemic Fund Grant, the workshop aimed to bolster national laboratory capabilities in the safe handling, packaging, and transportation of infectious substances and diagnostic specimens. The training brought together 13 participants from five laboratories, including private entities and the National Public Health Laboratory under Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW).
This initiative is crucial for the Caribbean, where fragile economies face heightened risks from infectious diseases. By adhering to World Health Organisation (WHO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations, the training enhanced technical competencies in specimen management, ensuring safer and more efficient referral testing. This effort aligns with CARPHA’s broader Pandemic Fund Project, which seeks to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR) capacities across its Member States.
Participants engaged in hands-on exercises, mastering the classification, packaging, labeling, and documentation of infectious substances. Dr. Lisa Indar, CARPHA’s Executive Director, emphasized the importance of partnerships in preparedness, stating, ‘Together with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and national stakeholders, we are establishing a sustainable, IATA-compliant shipping workforce that will protect specimen integrity and bolster Belize’s readiness for future public health emergencies.’
Carlos Rampersad, CARPHA’s Biorisk Manager for the Pandemic Fund, highlighted the training’s role in disease surveillance and outbreak response. ‘By building the technical skills of health professionals in Belize, we are advancing regional biosafety and biosecurity standards,’ he noted. Rochelle Cabral, Director of Central Medical Laboratory and Vice Chair of CARPHA’s Biorisk Management Technical Advisory Group, added that national capacity building directly enhances the region’s collective resilience.
The SIST in Belize is part of a series of regional activities under the Pandemic Fund Project, focusing on workforce development and sustainable biosafety practices. Upcoming initiatives will continue to strengthen laboratory and surveillance systems across CARPHA Member States, ensuring a robust public health infrastructure.
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Carriacou Historical Society announces new board of directors
The Carriacou Historical Society and Museum has unveiled its newly appointed Board of Directors, signaling a pivotal moment in the institution’s mission to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Carriacou. This leadership transition follows the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, which necessitated significant rebuilding and expansion efforts. The museum, a cornerstone of Carriacou’s cultural identity, is now poised to embark on a transformative journey with the support of its community, volunteers, and the global diaspora. The newly appointed board members, whose roles span various strategic and operational domains, include Bryan A. Whyte as President, David Mark, MBE, as 1st Vice President, and Majella Mark, MBA, as Director of International Affairs and Special Projects. Other key appointments include Patricia John as Treasurer and Benaiah Matheson as Director of Diaspora Engagement. To enhance its outreach, the museum has launched new social media platforms on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and BlueSky, aiming to connect with diverse audiences and amplify the visibility of Carriacou’s rich cultural history. Majella Mark emphasized the board’s commitment to safeguarding the island’s artifacts and stories while fostering global connections. For updates, the public is encouraged to follow @carriacoumuseum on all platforms or visit www.carriacoumuseum.gd.
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Team Grenada set to contest OECS Swim Championship
The Grenada National Swim Team, comprising 34 talented athletes, is gearing up to compete in the 33rd OECS Swim Championship at the Drewsbury Aquatic Centre in St Vincent. Following rigorous trials held in late September, the Grenada Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) unveiled the squad, which spans various age categories from 8 & Under to 18 & Over. The team includes promising swimmers such as Brianne De Roche, Evie Twum-Barimah, Angeliner Glenes Jackson-Bain, and Nathan Fletcher, among others. Under the guidance of Head Coach Damique Walters and Assistant Coach Valorie Andrew, the team has been immersed in an intensive training program, emphasizing technique refinement and skill enhancement to elevate their competitive edge. This year’s competition holds special significance for Team Grenada, as they aim to reclaim the OECS Championship title after a three-year hiatus. While the team will miss the contributions of overseas-based swimmers like Tilly Collymore and Sara Dowden, the athletes remain highly motivated and focused on their goal. The team will depart for St Vincent on November 5 and 6, accompanied by team manager Ruth Collymore and a dedicated support staff, including Vice President Gail Purcell, PRO Beverly Benoit, and Technical Assistant Justin Steele. A strong contingent of parent supporters will also be present to bolster the team’s morale. Fans are encouraged to follow the championship via live streams on Facebook and YouTube, with GASA providing regular updates on its social media platforms.