Despite trailing in their three-match ODI series against New Zealand, the West Indies cricket team remains steadfast in their pursuit of an automatic qualification spot for the 2027 ICC 50-over World Cup. Assistant coach Floyd Reifer emphasized the team’s mission to secure their place in the prestigious tournament, scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The top eight teams in the ICC ODI rankings as of March 31, 2027, will join the host nations in securing automatic berths, leaving the remaining four spots to be contested in qualifying tournaments—a scenario the West Indies are determined to avoid. Currently, the Men in Maroon hold the ninth position in the rankings, just two rating points ahead of Bangladesh, making every match in the ongoing series against New Zealand crucial. Reifer highlighted the team’s progress since missing the 2023 World Cup, noting significant improvements in their batting and recent series victories that have boosted their ranking. ‘We’re trying to work on our consistency in all three departments,’ Reifer stated, expressing optimism about the team’s development. The West Indies’ immediate goal is to recover from their first-game defeat and level the series in the second ODI on Tuesday in Napier. Their broader objective remains clear: win matches, accumulate ranking points, and secure their place in the 2027 World Cup.
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Saint Lucia beaten again in Concacaf Series football
The Saint Lucia national men’s football team, known as the Piton Boyz, find themselves at the bottom of Group A in the Concacaf Friendly Series following consecutive defeats. Their latest setback came on November 15, when they suffered a 3-1 loss to St Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG) at Estadio Cibao in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This result compounded their earlier 3-0 defeat to Cuba, leaving the team with significant challenges to address ahead of their next matches in March 2024. SVG, on the other hand, managed to split their two away games, showcasing a more resilient performance. The match saw Vincentian captain Oalex Anderson open the scoring in the 12th minute, followed by a quick second goal from Diel Spring. Saint Lucia’s captain, Caniggia Elva, pulled one back before halftime, but Azhino Solomon’s 62nd-minute strike sealed the win for SVG. The series, designed to keep teams eliminated from 2026 World Cup qualifying engaged during FIFA international windows, also saw Cuba secure a 2-0 victory over Martinique in another Group A fixture. SVG’s head coach, Ezra Hendrickson, praised his team’s development and dominance in the match against Saint Lucia, highlighting their ability to control the game from the outset.
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Nieuw informatiesysteem versterkt Surinames bewaking van diergezondheid
Suriname has taken a significant leap forward in animal disease monitoring and control with the development of a state-of-the-art Information System on Animal Health. This initiative, supported by Chilean expert José Ignacio Gomez, a specialist in surveillance systems, aims to significantly enhance the nation’s ability to track and manage animal diseases. A dedicated team from the Directorate of Livestock has recently completed training in data analysis, epidemiological assessment, and disease management, equipping them with the necessary expertise to operate the new system effectively. Dr. Gomez highlighted the team’s transformation from novices to experts, stating, ‘The surveillance team had no prior experience but is now fully proficient.’
A robust surveillance program is critical for any country, not only facilitating cross-border trade in animal products but also safeguarding the economy. The outbreak of animal diseases can lead to skyrocketing food prices and substantial economic losses, making early detection and expert intervention essential. The urgency to remain vigilant has grown as exotic animal diseases edge closer to Suriname. Three severe diseases—Avian Influenza in poultry, African Swine Fever in pigs, and Foot and Mouth Disease in cattle—are already present in various Caribbean, South, and Central American countries. In response, Dr. Gomez and the surveillance team have developed a national emergency plan to address potential outbreaks swiftly.
Additionally, the team has crafted a comprehensive preparedness plan for critical animal diseases. The implementation of the new animal health and disease surveillance information system marks a significant milestone, with Dr. Gomez noting that only a few well-developed countries possess similar systems. ‘The system is implemented, operational, and user-friendly,’ he emphasized. The platform can be updated anytime, from any location, and is accessible exclusively to authorized users.
With these advancements, Suriname is leading the Caribbean region in modern animal disease surveillance, bolstering its readiness to combat potential outbreaks effectively.
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Een leven vol natuur en fotografie
Luo Hong, a celebrated Chinese photographer and entrepreneur, has dedicated his life to capturing the breathtaking beauty of nature and wildlife through his lens. His journey, deeply influenced by his parents’ advice to ‘always stay true to yourself and bring joy to others,’ has shaped both his personal and professional life. Renowned for his masterful nature photography, Luo Hong’s work reflects a profound respect for the natural world.
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Teen Talent, Over-21 stars crowned in Richard Stoute competitions
The Richard Stoute Teen Talent and Over 21 competitions recently concluded, showcasing remarkable performances and awarding over $30,000 in cash prizes. In the Teen Talent category, Dacia Moore claimed victory with an impressive 1,253 points, securing the grand prize of $10,000. Crayshanda St Hill followed in second place with 1,162 points, earning $5,000, while Joshua Osbourne took third place with 1,142 points and $3,500. Kymani Devonish and Chelsea Cadogan-Goddard rounded out the top five, receiving $2,000 and $1,000, respectively. In the Over 21 category, Kyrique Alleyne dominated with 1,283 points, winning the top prize of $3,000. Dave Cumberbatch and Lisa Hackett secured second and third places, earning $2,000 and $1,500, respectively. Zadora Griffith and Benoni Blackett completed the top five, receiving $1,000 and $750. Special awards included the Richard Stoute Award, recognizing team spirit and deportment, which went to ZZ Cumberbatch (Teen Talent) and Kyrique Alleyne (Over 21). The Best Spouge Performance Award, worth $500, was awarded to Teen Talent Damario Foster. The National Cultural Foundation praised all participants for their dedication and thanked the public for their unwavering support.
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NTI at 5, toasts lifelong learners
Barbados marked a significant milestone in its journey toward digital empowerment as the National Transformation Initiative (NTI) celebrated its fifth anniversary with a grand awards ceremony at Ilaro Court. The event, titled ‘A Night with the STARRS,’ honored individuals who have embraced lifelong learning through the NTI, showcasing achievements in inclusion, innovation, and personal growth.
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Community leader named one of world’s most influential Muslims
Suleiman Bulbulia, a prominent community activist from Barbados, has been honored as one of the world’s 500 most influential Muslims in the 2026 edition of *The Muslim 500*. This prestigious recognition underscores Barbados’ growing influence in global faith and leadership spheres. Bulbulia expressed profound humility and gratitude for the accolade, emphasizing that it reflects not only his personal achievements but also the collective pride of Barbados. He joins Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali as one of two new Caribbean entrants in this year’s list.
Produced by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, *The Muslim 500* annually highlights individuals who have made significant contributions to the Islamic community worldwide. Bulbulia, a seasoned business and community leader with over three decades of experience in international relations and business management, has been instrumental in advancing Barbados’ socio-economic interests globally. His expertise in fostering cross-cultural cooperation and addressing global political and social issues has earned him widespread respect.
Bulbulia, who is fluent in English and has a working knowledge of Arabic, has held key roles in various organizations, including serving as secretary of the Barbados Muslim Association and chairing the National NCD Commission. His dedication to promoting inclusivity, mutual respect, and bridging societal divides in underprivileged communities earned him the Silver Trident of Excellence award in 2021.
In his remarks, Bulbulia stressed that this recognition reinforces his commitment to serving his community and contributing to national development. He expressed gratitude to his family, friends, colleagues, and faith community for their unwavering support. Bulbulia’s inclusion in *The Muslim 500* not only celebrates his impactful work but also shines a spotlight on Barbados’ role in global faith and leadership.
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LETTER: Caribbean Banks – Shot In The Foot
In a striking revelation, the Cayman Islands, one of the Caribbean’s most prominent financial hubs, lacks any form of bank deposit insurance, leaving customers vulnerable in the event of a banking crisis. This oversight stands in stark contrast to neighboring nations like the British Virgin Islands, Bahamas, and Jamaica, which offer varying levels of deposit protection. The absence of such safeguards in the Cayman Islands has raised concerns, particularly in light of recent global banking turmoil, such as the Silicon Valley Bank collapse.
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Dominica clinches perfect record in ECVA U-23 Volleyball Championship with final win over Antigua
Dominica emerged victorious in the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Under-23 Championship on Monday, defeating Antigua and Barbuda in a thrilling four-set match at the YMCA Indoor Facility. The Nature Isle team demonstrated their prowess early on, securing the first set with a commanding 25–15 score. Antigua and Barbuda, buoyed by their home crowd, fought back to even the score with a 25–20 win in the second set. Dominica regained their momentum in the third set, led by standout player Deye, who propelled the team to a 25–17 victory. In the decisive fourth set, Dominica maintained their composure despite a late surge from Antigua and Barbuda, clinching the match 25–19 and finishing the championship undefeated with a perfect 6–0 record.
Head coach Itoma James lauded his team’s development throughout the tournament. “Our chemistry was initially a bit shaky, but I knew we had the skill, experience, and talent to excel. We approached each game methodically, and with every match, the team’s cohesion improved. The players consistently demonstrated their potential to be a dominant force in the region for years to come,” James remarked in an interview with the Antigua Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
James also emphasized the team’s balanced attack as a key factor in their success. “While other teams relied on a single standout player, we had multiple scoring options. This versatility made it challenging for opponents to counter our strategies,” he explained.
Tournament MVP Sheron Vidal James reflected on the importance of tactical intelligence in the game. “Volleyball isn’t just about power; it’s about strategy. Smart placements, forcing errors, and seizing opportunities can be game-changers. Utilizing your IQ on the court is crucial,” he noted.
Dominica’s victory not only secured the championship title but also highlighted the depth and potential of their young volleyball talent, positioning them as a formidable contender in future regional competitions.
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CPSO welcomes removal of US tariffs on key Caricom exports
The Caricom Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) has lauded the United States’ decision to eliminate tariffs on critical export sectors within the Caribbean Community (Caricom), marking a significant relief for regional industries. These tariffs, initially imposed in April 2025 and later updated in August 2025, had severely impacted Caricom’s export revenues, particularly in the Base Metals, Agriculture & Food, and Chemicals sectors. The CPSO had previously estimated that the reciprocal tariffs would result in an annual loss of US$653.6 million in export revenue for Caricom Member States. The Agriculture & Food and Chemicals sectors bore the brunt of these tariffs, with projected annual losses of US$117.7 million and US$86.1 million, respectively. The removal of these tariffs, enacted through an Executive Order on 14 November 2025 by President Donald Trump, is expected to stabilize key agricultural and agroprocessing supply chains across Caricom and enhance the competitiveness of Trinidad and Tobago’s chemical exports, including fertilizers and related products. Dr. Patrick Antoine, CPSO Chief Executive Officer and Technical Director, emphasized the pivotal role of coordinated advocacy by Caricom Heads of Government, including Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar, Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and The Bahamas’ Prime Minister Philip Davis, in securing this outcome. The US remains Caricom’s principal trade partner, and the tariff removal is anticipated to strengthen the US-Caricom trade relationship. The CPSO continues to work towards eliminating remaining tariffs affecting Caricom’s exports to the US, reinforcing its commitment to advancing trade facilitation, competitiveness, and long-term economic resilience.