In a heated exchange during the North Windward election campaign, political candidates Shevern John and Grace Walters sparred over the state of healthcare services under Walters’ administration. John, the New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate, criticized the deteriorating conditions at local hospitals during the NDP’s Warm-Up Rally in London, a village in North Windward. She highlighted issues such as collapsing roofs, mould-infested walls, and inadequate facilities, accusing Walters of neglect despite her dual role as hospital administrator and Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate. John emphasized that leadership, not titles, is essential for improving healthcare and vowed to prioritize health services if elected. Walters, in her response, defended her record, stating that no one raised concerns during her leave from the hospital and that her focus has always been on community service and youth empowerment. She acknowledged the need for healthcare improvements but argued that the ULP has already initiated significant reforms, including the Strengthening Health System Resilience Project and the construction of the Acute Referral Hospital at Arnos Vale. Walters urged voters to reject the NDP, claiming their policies would reverse progress and make healthcare inaccessible. The election, set for November 27, will determine the future of North Windward’s healthcare system and political leadership.
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Government renews Christmas Barrel Concession Programme
The government of Saint Lucia has reintroduced its annual Christmas Barrel Trade Concession, providing significant financial relief to households during the holiday season. The initiative, administered by the Ministry of Finance through the Customs and Excise Department, will be in effect from October 15, 2025, to February 28, 2026, as per Cabinet Conclusion No. 910 of 2025. This program offers a 100% waiver on import duties for essential goods such as personal items, food, clothing, toys, and household consumables, though electronic items remain excluded. Each household is permitted up to two barrels, with a maximum declared value of $3,000 per barrel, strictly for personal use and not for resale or commercial purposes. Violations will incur standard penalties and fines. Additionally, the Cabinet has approved exemptions from the Health and Citizen Security Levy (HSL) and the Value Added Tax (VAT), pending parliamentary approval. However, a 6% Customs Service Charge will still apply to eligible barrels.
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UWP Dennery North hopeful supports pension plan for farmers
Bradley Marcelle Fulgence, the United Workers Party (UWP) candidate for the Dennery North constituency, has publicly supported Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet’s proposal to implement a pension plan for farmers should the UWP secure victory in the upcoming general elections. Speaking at a UWP press conference on October 28, Fulgence emphasized the critical role played by Saint Lucia’s banana farmers, who have long been the backbone of the nation’s agricultural sector. He highlighted their relentless efforts, often under harsh conditions, to sustain both their families and the country’s economy. Fulgence lamented that many of these farmers have been neglected, lacking access to pensions, financial security, and proper recognition. He revealed that some have even passed away without receiving the compensation they rightfully deserved. To address this, the UWP has introduced the ‘Save our Saint Lucia’ initiative, a comprehensive policy framework designed to restore dignity to farmers. Under this plan, banana farmers who dedicated years to the industry but were unable to contribute to the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) will receive monthly government payments. Additionally, families of farmers who have passed away in the last five years will be granted a one-time payment as a gesture of gratitude. Fulgence stressed that this initiative is not an act of charity but a long-overdue act of justice for those who have fed the nation and sustained rural communities. The proposed plan will be administered through the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the NIC and local farmers’ cooperatives. Fulgence concluded by affirming the UWP’s commitment to fairness, dignity, and respect, promising that the ‘Save our Saint Lucia’ policy will ensure that the contributions of farmers are never forgotten.
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WCMF 2025: Video snippets of Night Two performances
In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, the act of sharing content has become a cornerstone of digital interaction. Platforms like Twitter and Pinterest have transformed the way users engage with information, fostering a culture of instant dissemination and community-driven content curation. The image attached to this article, sourced from a reputable news repository, underscores the visual appeal that often accompanies viral posts. As users continue to share, tweet, and pin, the dynamics of online communication are being reshaped, emphasizing the importance of visual elements in capturing audience attention. This trend highlights the growing influence of social media in shaping public discourse and the rapid spread of information across global networks.
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ABHTA Announces National Culinary Team of Antigua and Barbuda for 2025 CHTA Taste of the Caribbean Competition
The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) has unveiled the National Culinary Team of Antigua and Barbuda 2025, a talented group of chefs and mixologists poised to represent the nation at the prestigious Taste of the Caribbean culinary competition. Organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), the event will take place from November 16 to 18, 2025, in a celebration of Caribbean culture, cuisine, and hospitality. Since its inception in 1993, Taste of the Caribbean has served as a platform for the region’s top culinary professionals to compete, collaborate, and showcase their heritage through food and beverage. This year’s team includes Eustance Cabral Jr. (Caribbean Chef of the Year), Azarie Crump (Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year), Arielle Mills (Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year), and Auslando Davis (Bartender of the Year), supported by a dedicated team of mentors and logistics experts. Minister of Tourism Charles “Max” Fernandez emphasized the significance of the event, stating that it not only highlights local talent but also strengthens the nation’s culinary tourism brand. ABHTA Chairman Craig Marshall and Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin C. James echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to deliver a true taste of Antigua and Barbuda. The ABHTA also extended gratitude to sponsors, including Jumby Bay Island, Curtain Bluff Resort, and the Citizenship by Investment Unit, whose contributions ensure the team’s success. As the countdown to November 16 begins, Antigua and Barbuda’s culinary stars are ready to shine on the regional stage.
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Vincy archers medal at regional event
The WAA Caribbean Development Championships, held recently in Trinidad and Tobago, brought together 232 archers from 11 Caribbean nations, marking the region’s largest archery tournament. The Archery Association of SVG (AASVG) proudly represented their country with a team of seven archers, securing multiple medals across 10 categories and divisions during the four-day event. The competition featured both individual and team events, with teams formed after the qualifying rounds, some comprising archers from different nations. Notable achievements included Rayon Clarke’s gold medal in the RDM 50m category, Richol Richards’ bronze in RDW 50m, and Divya Jiandani’s silver in RDU18W 50m. In doubles, Richards and Karen Palmer set a CDC record with 1077 points, earning silver in RDW 50m. Mixed doubles saw Divya Jiandani and Saifullah Gani clinch gold and set another CDC record with 1090 points in RDU18/21X 50m. The AASVG expressed pride in their team’s performance and urged the public to support this emerging Olympic sport.
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United Nations Overwhelmingly Calls for End to US Embargo on Cuba
In a resounding display of international consensus, the United Nations General Assembly has once again urged the United States to terminate its long-standing economic embargo on Cuba. The resolution, passed on October 29, 2025, garnered support from 165 nations, with only seven opposing and 12 abstaining. This annual vote, a tradition spanning over three decades, underscores the global community’s persistent disapproval of the embargo, which has been in effect since the Cold War era. The embargo restricts most commercial and financial interactions between the U.S. and Cuba, a policy critics argue inflicts collective punishment on the Cuban people. Despite the overwhelming support for the resolution, the U.S., alongside Israel, Argentina, Hungary, North Macedonia, Paraguay, and Ukraine, voted against it. Belize was among the nations advocating for the embargo’s end. Notably, this year’s vote reflects a slight shift from the previous year, when 187 countries supported the resolution and only the U.S. and Israel opposed it. The U.S. attempted to justify its stance by accusing Cuba of deploying troops to support Russian forces in Ukraine—a claim vehemently denied by Cuban officials. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez condemned the embargo as a punitive measure, while U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Jeff Bartos, defended the policy, emphasizing Washington’s commitment to holding Cuba’s communist regime accountable. While the UN vote carries significant symbolic and political weight, it lacks the authority to lift the embargo, a decision that remains the sole prerogative of the U.S. Congress.
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Update: Fourth body found in St Elizabeth, Jamaica
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, authorities in St Elizabeth have confirmed the discovery of a fourth body, bringing the total death toll linked to the storm to four. Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St Elizabeth Police, provided the latest update to the media. According to SP Minto, the victims include three males and one female. Two of the deceased men have been identified as 35-year-old Davion Johnson and 57-year-old Glenroy Johnson. Preliminary investigations suggest that Davion Johnson drowned, while Glenroy Johnson may have succumbed to a heart attack. Additionally, two bodies were recovered from Gallon Beach, one of whom has been identified as 57-year-old Darlene Bambridge. Prior to the hurricane’s landfall, three individuals had already lost their lives in storm-related incidents—two were crushed by falling trees, and one was electrocuted. The police continue their investigations as the community grapples with the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.
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Hope, Athanaze shine as Windies Seal T20I Series
The West Indies have clinched an unassailable 2-0 lead in the Dutch-Bangla T20 International Series against Bangladesh, securing back-to-back victories in a commanding display. Entering the series with only one win in five bilateral matchups this year, the Caribbean side showcased their resilience and skill to claim their second series triumph of 2025. The Bir Shreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium was packed with enthusiastic supporters, adding to the electric atmosphere.
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Venezuela Declares Trinidad PM “Persona Non Grata”
In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, Venezuela has officially declared Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, ‘persona non grata.’ The decision, ratified by Venezuela’s National Assembly on October 29, 2025, prohibits Persad-Bissessar from entering Venezuelan territory and brands her as unwelcome. This move comes in response to her outspoken endorsement of U.S. military operations targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean. ‘I have no sympathy for traffickers; the U.S. military should kill them all, violently,’ Persad-Bissessar stated earlier this month, sparking outrage in Venezuela. The Venezuelan government has vehemently criticized these military strikes as unlawful and a direct threat to regional peace and sovereignty. Reports suggest that at least 57 individuals have lost their lives in 13 separate attacks, though no concrete evidence has been presented to link the victims to drug trafficking. In a retaliatory measure, Venezuela has suspended a significant gas agreement with Trinidad and Tobago, accusing the island nation of aligning itself with U.S. military interests. Concurrently, Trinidad and Tobago is reportedly preparing to deport hundreds of undocumented Venezuelan migrants. While the timing of this action has raised eyebrows, government officials assert that the deportation plan has been in the works for two months, independent of the current diplomatic rift.