The Pierre Charles Secondary School (PCSS) community is in deep mourning following the sudden passing of Assistant Principal Claudia Toussaint. The tragic incident occurred yesterday afternoon when Toussaint, after reportedly feeling unwell, collapsed on the school premises. She was immediately rushed to the Grand Bay Health Centre, where medical professionals pronounced her dead. The cause of her sudden demise remains undisclosed. Dominica News Online (DNO) has expressed heartfelt condolences to Toussaint’s family, friends, and colleagues, acknowledging her significant contributions to the school and the broader educational community. Her untimely death has left a profound void, with students and staff grappling with the loss of a dedicated and beloved educator.
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LETTER: I was sexually abused, by my aunt’s husband from age 13, until I was 17
In a deeply personal account, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse shares her harrowing journey, shedding light on the long-lasting impact of such trauma. After losing her mother at the age of 10 and with her father incarcerated, she was sent to live with her maternal aunt. Initially, she admired her aunt and sought her companionship. However, her life took a dark turn when her aunt’s husband returned from prison. What began as subtle grooming—through gifts, money, and undermining her aunt’s authority—escalated into years of sexual abuse, starting when she was just 13. Despite her attempts to seek help by confiding in her aunt and later her cousin, the abuse continued unabated until she turned 17. Her aunt dismissed her pleas, prioritizing her marriage over the safety of her niece. At 18, she was forced to leave the household after a trivial argument, finding refuge with her grandmother. It wasn’t until she became a mother herself that she fully grasped the extent of the trauma she had endured. Her attempts to confront her aunt as an adult were met with denial and betrayal, as her aunt labeled her a liar and turned the family against her. Despite the pain, she remains determined to protect her own children and break the cycle of abuse. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out and seeking justice for survivors of sexual violence.
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Ambassador Calvin Ayre Praises the Government as a “Fantastic Partner”
Renowned businessman and investor Calvin Ayre has lauded the Government of Antigua and Barbuda for its robust and productive collaboration in fostering real estate and business development on the island. Ayre, who has been involved in numerous projects in Antigua, emphasized the government’s supportive role in creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurs. He described the partnership as ‘everything an entrepreneur could hope for,’ highlighting the government’s willingness to listen, eagerness to collaborate, and focus on the broader benefits projects bring to citizens. Ayre’s remarks were made in connection with the upcoming Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Antigua, a high-end tourism initiative aimed at driving economic growth. He credited the project’s success to the effective engagement between the investor community and the public sector, underscoring the importance of this collaboration in achieving shared goals. The Nikki Beach development is part of a larger strategy to enhance Antigua and Barbuda’s appeal as a luxury tourism destination, further solidifying its position in the global market.
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Port Castries drug sweep leads to arrest of Ti Colon woman
In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, Erica Felix, a 34-year-old resident of Ti Colon, has been charged with nine drug-related offences. The charges, brought by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, include three counts of importing a controlled drug, three counts of possession of a controlled drug, and three counts of possession with intent to supply. The charges are linked to a major police operation targeting MDMA importation. The coordinated operation, carried out on November 4, 2025, by the Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit, focused on areas in Ti Colon and Sarrot. Felix was apprehended during the sweep and taken into custody. Following a court appearance the next day, she was remanded and is set to reappear in court on December 11, 2025. This arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking at Port Castries, where authorities seized MDMA crystal, cannabis, and cannabis resin.
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Shed 4 at Bridgetown Port closed for cleaning
Operations at Shed 4 of the Bridgetown Port in Barbados were halted today following an environmental issue that impacted the Customs Office. Barbados Port Inc. announced that the situation necessitated industrial cleaning, leading to the temporary suspension of cargo activities. Despite the closure, port officials confirmed that container services and the delivery of personal effects from Shed 2 remain unaffected and will continue as usual until 11 p.m. The port authority anticipates that commercial operations at Shed 4 will resume by Wednesday, ensuring minimal disruption to overall port activities.
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Police probe violent home invasion in Cades Bay
Authorities in Antigua are actively investigating a harrowing home invasion and assault that unfolded in Cades Bay on the evening of November 6. The incident, which occurred at approximately 10 p.m., involved a 49-year-old woman who was reportedly attacked by her ex-boyfriend after he forcibly entered her residence. The woman was at home with a friend when the suspect allegedly broke in through a living-room window. Witnesses claim the assailant dragged the victim from her bed, slammed her against a wall, and proceeded to assault her. The friend intervened, sparking a brief physical altercation before the suspect fled the scene. Police discovered clear evidence of forced entry and provided both women with medical forms, urging them to seek immediate treatment. As of now, it remains unclear whether the suspect has been apprehended, and the investigation continues.
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Pinelands sweep Cavs to claim BABA Second Division Title
KFC Pinelands reaffirmed their supremacy in the Barbados Amateur Basketball Association (BABA) Second Division, securing the championship with a decisive 58–49 victory over the Fusionz Boutique Station Hill Cavaliers on Sunday night at the Barbados Community College (BCC). This win completed a 2–0 series sweep, cementing their dominance in the league.
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Suriname pleit voor versterking CELAC-EU-partnerschap
Suriname, represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation Melvin Bouva, emphasized the importance of deepening the CELAC-EU partnership and maintaining regular dialogue on shared challenges such as climate change, security, and peace. Speaking at the fourth CELAC-EU Summit of Heads of State and Government held on November 9, 2025, in Santa Marta, Colombia, Bouva called for enhanced trade relations and improved movement of people and goods between the two regions. The summit, organized by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union (EU), brought together leaders from 27 EU member states and 33 CELAC countries. Bouva highlighted the summit as a pivotal moment to strengthen long-standing cooperation based on shared interests and historical economic, social, and cultural ties. He expressed concern over rising tensions in the Caribbean and firmly opposed any external military presence that could threaten regional stability. As a member of CARICOM, Suriname advocated for peaceful coexistence, closer regional collaboration, and adherence to the principle of non-interference. The government remains committed to maintaining peace and security in alignment with the UN Charter. Bouva also noted Suriname’s focus on sustainable growth, strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, and promoting economic and climate diplomacy as the country approaches its 50th independence anniversary on November 25, 2025. He highlighted Suriname’s unique position as one of the world’s most forested nations, with over 90% of its territory covered by forests, absorbing more carbon than it emits. Bouva urged high-emission countries to take responsibility by compensating nations like Suriname for their contributions to forest conservation. Additionally, Suriname stressed the need for improved access to climate financing and expressed support for the renewed CELAC-EU Roadmap 2025–2027, aimed at deepening bi-regional cooperation between Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe in the pursuit of partnership and peace.
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The data courier problem
In a recent anecdote shared by Jonathan Reid, Barbados’ Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science, and Technology, the inefficiencies of the nation’s public services were starkly highlighted. While accompanying a loved one at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Reid found himself repeatedly explaining the patient’s condition to different healthcare providers. This scenario, all too familiar to many Barbadians, underscores a systemic issue: the failure of government agencies to share data effectively. Despite the Data Protection Act 2019 allowing internal data use, the lack of interoperable systems means citizens must redundantly provide the same information across various departments. This inefficiency permeates the public sector, from renewing driver’s licenses to applying for business permits. A recent case involving a vehicle registration mix-up further illustrates the problem. After renewing her motor insurance, a citizen discovered her number plate had been reassigned due to a data disconnect between the Barbados Revenue Authority and the Licensing Authority. Despite her insurer’s confirmation of payment and notifications to the BRA, the information failed to reach the Licensing Authority, leaving her to navigate a bureaucratic maze to reclaim her registration. This incident highlights the broader issue of data silos within government systems. While ministries have made strides in digitizing internal operations, these efforts often lack integration with other agencies. For instance, a tax compliance platform by the BRA could streamline business licensing or procurement processes if designed with inter-agency access in mind. However, without a national data governance framework, such potential remains untapped. The root of the problem lies not just in fragmented systems but also in a fragmented mindset. Barbados’ educational institutions focus on producing programmers and network administrators but lack emphasis on systems integration and enterprise design. This gap is mirrored in the private sector, where few businesses utilize APIs or shared platforms for secure data exchange. To move forward, Barbados must adopt a national data governance framework, supported by systems-integration experts and clear data standards. By fostering interoperability and stewardship, the government can ensure that information entered once serves multiple lawful purposes. This approach will not only enhance efficiency but also rebuild public trust. In the end, digital maturity is not about the volume of data a government holds but how effectively it uses that data to serve its citizens.
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Fontaine condemns ID rule change for voter confirmation; calls for use of birth certificate to be restored
Dr. Thomson Fontaine, leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), has launched a scathing critique of Dominica’s Electoral Office, alleging that recent changes to voter confirmation requirements threaten the nation’s democratic integrity. Speaking at a press conference attended by opposition leaders Bernardo Hurtault of the Dominican Freedom Party and Joshua Francis of the United Progressive Party, Fontaine called for urgent reforms to restore public confidence in the electoral system. The controversy stems from Statutory Rules and Orders No. 39 (SRO-39), enacted on October 14, 2025, which mandates government-issued identification—such as passports, social security cards, or driver’s licenses—for voter confirmation. Birth certificates, previously accepted, were abruptly removed from the list of valid documents. Fontaine argued that this change disproportionately impacts impoverished citizens who cannot afford the cost of obtaining such IDs, accusing the ruling Dominican Labour Party of selectively funding passport applications for its supporters. He condemned the move as a violation of Section 17(1) of the Registration of Electors Act 2025, which requires continuous voter registration, and criticized the Electoral Office for halting new registrations and reassigning officers without replacements. Fontaine also highlighted past incidents of political repression, including arrests during electoral reform protests and allegations of police brutality. He described these actions as part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent and maintain the current administration’s power. Fontaine demanded the reinstatement of birth certificates as valid voter identification and the resumption of lawful registration practices, vowing to collaborate with other opposition parties to safeguard free and fair elections in Dominica.