The Rotary Club of Dominica commemorated its 51st anniversary with a grand celebration at the Old Stone Restaurant in Roseau on November 5, 2025. The event brought together a diverse group of attendees, including current members, past presidents, honorary Rotarians, and distinguished guests, all gathered to honor over five decades of dedicated service to the nation and local communities. The occasion was marked by reflections on the club’s remarkable journey and its enduring commitment to making a difference. Established on November 2, 1974, the Rotary Club of Dominica has been a beacon of volunteerism and leadership, spearheading initiatives in education, healthcare, youth development, and community resilience. Over the years, the club has collaborated with both local and international partners to uphold Rotary’s guiding principle, ‘Service Above Self.’ The anniversary dinner highlighted key achievements, including literacy programs, clean water projects, and disaster relief efforts following Tropical Storm Erika and Hurricane Maria. Dr. Jermaine Jewel Jean-Pierre, the club’s president, expressed gratitude for the unwavering dedication of its members, emphasizing the club’s ongoing mission to foster a better Dominica through service, fellowship, and innovation. The evening also featured heartfelt tributes to former leaders and moments of camaraderie, as attendees reaffirmed their commitment to Rotary’s core values. As the club embarks on its 52nd year, it remains focused on addressing critical national issues such as youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and digital literacy, continuing its legacy of positive global impact.
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‘Kiffo’ Charles making power plays in Choiseul/Saltibus
Keithson ‘Kiffo’ Charles, a long-time resident of Choiseul, has officially entered the political arena as the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) candidate for the Choiseul/Saltibus constituency. Despite his lack of prior political experience, Charles made a striking debut at his campaign launch on November 2, held at the La Fargue playing field. The event, described by the SLP as the largest turnout for a candidate launch this election cycle, showcased Charles’ vision for unity, cultural revival, and community development. In his inaugural speech, Charles emphasized his deep connection to the community, stating, ‘I am not a stranger asking for your vote. I am your neighbour, Kiffo, asking for your trust.’ He paid tribute to his late uncles, Dr. Augustine Charles and Joseph Charles, who were influential figures in his life, and outlined his plans to invest in youth development, restore local culture, and improve infrastructure. Charles also took aim at incumbent MP Bradley Felix, questioning his accomplishments over nine years in office. ‘Did you build the mini stadium for our youth? Did you finish the warehouses you promised?’ he challenged. Among his proposals are upgrades to the Choiseul Village Beach jetty and boardwalk, road rehabilitation, and the revival of cultural events like the Choiseul pageant and Calypso competition. Charles has already begun making tangible progress, commissioning lighting for the Delcer playing field and initiating work on the neglected Park Estate Road in Saltibus. While incumbent Bradley Felix remains confident, dismissing Charles as a ‘new candidate,’ the race is heating up, with many labeling Choiseul/Saltibus as a constituency to watch.
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Guyana required to pay for requesting countries’ lawyers in extradition cases
Guyana is legally obligated to cover the legal expenses of countries requesting extradition, as stipulated by the United Kingdom-United States Extradition Treaty inherited at independence in 1966. Article 13 of the treaty mandates that the requesting party bears all extradition-related costs. This provision has come under scrutiny following revelations that Guyana paid US$62,558.78 to Jamaican lawyer Terrence Williams for his services in an extradition case involving Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed. Attorney General Anil Nandlall confirmed that this practice aligns with international norms, citing a similar instance where the U.S. funded legal representation for Guyana in the extradition of Marcus Bisram. The decision to hire foreign lawyers, approved by the U.S., was aimed at avoiding perceptions of bias. Meanwhile, the Mohameds, accused of wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering, face extradition to the U.S. Their defense team has challenged the prosecution’s claims, questioning the evidence presented. The case has also intersected with Guyana’s political landscape, as Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, is poised to become the next Opposition Leader.
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Father and daughter killed in plane crash carrying hurricane relief supplies to Jamaica
A tragic plane crash in Florida claimed the lives of a father and daughter who were en route to Jamaica on a humanitarian mission to aid hurricane victims. Alexander Wurm, 53, and his 22-year-old daughter, Serena Wurm, died when their aircraft plunged into a waterway in Coral Springs, a suburb of Fort Lauderdale, shortly after takeoff on Monday. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the incident. The plane, which departed from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, was destined for Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Officials confirmed that the aircraft struck trees before entering the water, but no injuries were reported on the ground. The Wurms were members of the Ignite the Fire Ministry, which released a statement honoring their legacy of service and compassion. Alexander was described as a devoted humanitarian who traveled globally to support those in need, while Serena was praised for her empathy and commitment to humanitarian work. They are survived by their wife and mother, Candace, and their two children, James, 17, and Christiana, 20. The crash occurred amid ongoing relief efforts in Jamaica, which continues to grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that caused widespread devastation last month. According to the United Nations Development Programme, the hurricane has left over 4.8 million tons of debris, severely hindering recovery efforts and access to essential services.
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Two schools remain closed following staff deaths
Luther Thorne Primary School and St Stephen’s Nursery in Barbados remain closed today as staff members undergo counselling following the tragic deaths of two colleagues over the weekend. The Ministry of Educational Transformation issued a statement confirming that teachers, students, and staff were met with the heartbreaking news upon their arrival at school on Monday. Both institutions were closed early yesterday to allow the school communities to grieve and process the loss. The ministry has arranged for counselling services to be provided to those in need of emotional support, and the schools will remain closed today, Tuesday, to facilitate these sessions for staff members. The Ministry of Educational Transformation also expressed its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, acknowledging the profound impact of their loss on the school communities.
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Food and Rum Festival ends with golden celebration
The 2025 Barbados Food and Rum Festival culminated in a dazzling extravaganza known as the Liquid Gold Feast, a night that seamlessly blended gourmet cuisine, mesmerizing music, and exquisite décor. Held at a venue recently transformed after hosting CARIFESTA, the event was a sensory delight that left attendees in awe. From the moment guests arrived, they were greeted with meticulous attention to detail, including a make-up touch-up station to combat the tropical heat. The evening’s ambiance was set by the smooth harmonies of G-Syndicate, who reimagined soca classics like Gorg’s ‘I Got My Rum’ into soulful ballads. Inside, the venue was a visual masterpiece, adorned with décor that reflected the island’s vibrant culture. Barbados’ top chefs and mixologists showcased their craft, offering dishes and cocktails that celebrated local flavors. The Darrien Bailey Band electrified the crowd with renditions of Michael Jackson’s ‘Rock with You’ and Whitney Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody,’ while Brian Carter’s dual-recorder performance of Teddy Swims’ ‘Lose Control’ left the audience spellbound. Kweku Jelani added a reggae flair with Bob Marley’s ‘Lively Up Yourself,’ and Shadia Marshall delivered powerhouse performances of Tina Turner’s ‘Simply the Best’ and Cher’s ‘Believe.’ The night peaked with DJ Puffy’s high-energy set, ensuring the crowd remained in a festive frenzy. Attendees, dressed in shimmering metallics and dapper suits, matched the event’s bold style. Despite minor hiccups like limited signage and the early depletion of curry oxtail, the Liquid Gold Feast was a resounding success, leaving patrons like Sonia from Tobago eager to return. The event not only lived up to its name but also set a high bar for future festivals.
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Two Men Arrested for Unlawful Possession of Cannabis
In a significant crackdown on illegal drug activities, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda apprehended two individuals for unlawful possession of cannabis on November 10, 2025. The arrests followed the execution of search warrants at two distinct locations: a private residence in Cedar Valley Gardens and a commercial establishment on Upper Fort Road. The operation, spearheaded by the Narcotics Department and the K-9 Unit, commenced at approximately 3:25 p.m. at the Cedar Valley Gardens residence, where authorities confiscated a considerable sum of both EC and US currency. Subsequently, a second search at the Upper Fort Road business premises led to the discovery and seizure of 2 pounds and 3 ounces of cannabis. The contraband was promptly transported to Police Headquarters for further analysis. Both suspects, identified as male, were taken into custody and are awaiting formal charges as investigations continue. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug-related offenses in the region.
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Economist to private sector: Take greater risks to drive growth
Renowned economist Jeremy Stephen has called on the private sector to abandon its risk-averse mindset and embrace bolder investments, emphasizing that over-reliance on government spending is hampering economic growth and perpetuating unsustainable public debt levels. Speaking in response to the Latin American Economic Outlook 2025 report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Stephen highlighted the urgent need for governments to prioritize mobilizing private investment and move away from ineffective tax incentives. He stressed that innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds, could play a pivotal role in attracting both local and foreign investors. Stephen argued that excessive dependence on government initiatives fosters complacency, stifling the economy’s potential. He pointed to Barbados’ weak private sector participation as a key factor behind its unsustainable debt, urging businesses to take calculated risks despite the challenging environment. The OECD report underscores Barbados’ heavy reliance on tourism, which leaves the economy vulnerable to external shocks and limits inclusive growth. It advocates for diversification into sectors like creative industries, renewable energy, and digital services to build resilience. Stephen also criticized the lack of private initiatives in exploring new tourism markets, citing the absence of self-funded roadshows to regions like China and the Middle East. He emphasized the need for a stronger enabling environment to encourage risk-taking and innovation. The report recommends a comprehensive strategy to mobilize private investment, reduce government dependency, and improve fiscal space. Stephen concluded that redefining the public-private partnership model is essential for reducing Barbados’ debt and securing sustainable growth.
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Five Cruise Ships Dock in Antigua in One Day
St John’s Harbour in Antigua & Barbuda witnessed a historic event as five cruise ships docked simultaneously, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s tourism industry. Port officials hailed the occasion as a testament to the country’s growing appeal as a premier cruise destination. The arrival of thousands of passengers during the 2025–26 cruise season underscored the success of ongoing investments in infrastructure and visitor experiences. The bustling harbour, described as a showcase of “Caribbean hospitality at its finest,” provided a vibrant backdrop for the day’s activities. Local businesses in the capital city benefited greatly as tourists explored shops, heritage sites, and nearby beaches. The Antigua Cruise Port emphasized its commitment to maintaining high standards of service and sustainability, ensuring the continued growth of the tourism sector. The event was celebrated as a “breathtaking sight” and a clear indicator of the country’s thriving tourism industry.
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Man Accused in Law Student’s Death to Face February Committal Hearing
A committal hearing has been scheduled for February 2026 in the case of Victor Ince, the 24-year-old man accused of causing the death of Joyleen Abraham, a visiting Guyanese law student. Ince, a resident of Lightfoot West, appeared before Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel earlier this week, where the hearing date was set for 11 February 2026. He faces two serious charges: forcibly confining Abraham and unlawfully causing her death. The tragic incident occurred on 7 May when Abraham, a student at the University of Guyana, was visiting Antigua. According to police reports, she allegedly jumped from a moving vehicle driven by Ince along a by-road between New Winthorpes Village and Jabberwock. Abraham was pronounced dead at the scene. The vehicle involved was seized for forensic analysis, and Ince was subsequently detained for questioning. The case is now set to proceed to the committal stage early next year, marking a significant step in the legal process.