In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has swiftly mobilized a high-level team to assist Jamaica. Led by Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar, the team includes representatives from CARICOM, CDEMA, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology. Their primary objective is to assess and address the urgent public health needs across the island. Dr. Indar has already met with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton to strategize CARPHA’s response. The team has also conducted visits to hospitals and shelters in the most severely affected parishes, including St. Elizabeth, St. James, Trelawny, Manchester, Hanover, and Westmoreland. Concurrently, the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, has rolled out a series of support measures for students impacted by the hurricane. These include the provision of safe spaces, psychosocial services, flexible academic arrangements, and a significant 50% tuition discount for the first semester. Additionally, face-to-face classes at the western campus have been postponed to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.
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Solar Tours & Travel earns silver medal at Stella Awards
Solar Tours & Travel, a prominent destination management company, has been honored with a silver medal in the International and US Territories Best DMC category at the 2025 Stella Awards. This prestigious accolade, organized by Northstar Meetings Group, recognizes excellence and innovation in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) industry. The awards celebrated 248 global organizations for their outstanding contributions. For Solar Tours & Travel, this achievement signifies a significant milestone, as the company has advanced from its 2024 bronze medal to silver. Carmelita Xavier, CEO of Solar Tours & Travel and a 2023 Gimie’s Lifetime Award winner, expressed her elation, stating, ‘We are beyond thrilled. This recognition truly reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion our team puts into delivering exceptional experiences for our clients. We look forward to attaining gold in 2026.’ The Stella Awards honor excellence across various industry segments, including hotels, convention centers, airlines, cruise lines, and destination management organizations. This year’s winners were selected from over 10,000 votes and 1,009 nominations, evaluated based on criteria such as overall excellence, food and beverage offerings, staff professionalism, and sustainability initiatives. Shalise DeMott, senior vice president of Northstar, emphasized that the awards celebrate the consistent contributions of industry leaders who set new standards for service and innovation. Winners are nominated and voted on by event planners, followed by a rigorous review by a distinguished panel of judges.
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Veteran Broadcaster ‘Nat Moses’ Laid to Rest at Official Funeral
The nation of Antigua and Barbuda came together on Tuesday to honor the life and legacy of Kenneth Nathaniel Francis, affectionately known as “Nat Moses,” during an official funeral service at St. George’s Anglican Church. Francis, a revered broadcaster, master of ceremonies, and former Member of Parliament, passed away on October 8, leaving behind a legacy of cultural and political contributions that spanned decades. His unmistakable baritone voice and unwavering commitment to public service made him a household name and a beloved figure across the islands. The church was filled with mourners from all walks of life, including Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, and Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle, reflecting the profound impact Francis had on his community. Senator Michael Freeland delivered a heartfelt eulogy, describing Francis as the voice that carried the nation through carnival, late-night radio, and countless cultural events. His broadcasting career, which lasted over four decades, was marked by his dedication to the performing arts and civic engagement. Sir Stedroy Benjamin, a childhood friend, paid tribute by reciting lines from Rudyard Kipling’s “If—,” a poem that encapsulated Francis’s resilience and integrity. Family members shared emotional tributes, recalling his humility, humor, and kindness. Francis’s brother expressed pride in his sibling’s accomplishments but lamented that he was never given a well-paying job in broadcasting, a sentiment that resonated with many in attendance. The service featured scripture readings, hymns, and a homily that celebrated Francis’s life of service and faith. His casket, draped in the national flag, was carried by the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda to the Anglican Cemetery at Fishers Creek, where he was laid to rest. The flag was presented to his widow, Yvette Southwell-Francis, as a symbol of national gratitude. The ceremony concluded with Francis’s son delivering his father’s iconic radio sign-off, “Good morning, world,” bringing tears and applause from the crowd—a fitting farewell to a man whose voice will forever echo in the hearts of Antiguans and Barbudans.
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Fewer Babies and Rising Deaths from Chronic Illnesses in Belize
In 2024, Belize experienced significant shifts in its health landscape, characterized by declining birth rates, escalating chronic illnesses, and a concerning number of preventable deaths. According to the latest data from the Belize Health Information System, the country recorded only 5,791 births, marking the lowest figure since 1984. Notably, 14% of these births were to adolescent mothers aged 10 to 19, with a nearly even gender distribution among newborns. Concurrently, Belize reported 2,384 deaths, with men accounting for 60% of fatalities. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and cerebrovascular disease were the leading causes of death across all age groups, with cancer alone responsible for 404 new diagnoses and 285 deaths. Breast, cervical, and prostate cancers were the most prevalent, disproportionately affecting individuals over 60, particularly women. Diabetes and hypertension also saw a rise, with 1,372 new diabetes cases and 2,264 new hypertension cases diagnosed in 2024. Infectious diseases remained a challenge, with 244 new HIV infections and 1,186 dengue fever cases reported. Mental health issues were highlighted by 27 suicide deaths, predominantly among males, while road traffic incidents claimed 132 lives, with young men aged 20 to 39 being the most affected. These trends underscore the urgent need for targeted health interventions and public safety measures in Belize.
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UWI Five Islands to Host Public Webinar on Earthquake Preparedness Amid Surge in Seismic Activity
In response to over 20 earthquakes recorded in Antigua within a single week, The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus is organizing a crucial public webinar on seismic preparedness. Scheduled for Thursday, November 6th, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. AST, this free virtual event aims to equip residents with essential knowledge on earthquake safety. The webinar will feature insights from leading experts, including representatives from the UWI Seismic Research Centre, the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), and UWI’s STA & FIC Teams. Topics will cover recent seismic activity, national safety protocols, and community readiness strategies. This initiative underscores the urgent need for public awareness and preparedness in the face of increasing seismic threats across the Caribbean. The event is a collaborative effort involving the UWI Seismic Research Centre, NODS, The Guild of Students, and Students of MGMT3089. Attendees can join via Zoom using the provided link: https://bit.ly/FICEarthquakeWebinar. Media inquiries and RSVPs should be directed to the event organizers.
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Miss Universe Belize Joins Walkout at Sashing Ceremony
The Miss Universe sashing ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, took an unexpected turn as several contestants, including Miss Universe Belize Isabella Zabaneh, staged a walkout. The incident unfolded during a livestreamed event when Miss Universe Mexico 2025, Fátima Bosch, was publicly confronted by Nawat Itsaragrisil, Vice President for Asia and Oceania of the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) and head of the local organizing committee. Nawat questioned Bosch for skipping a sponsor shoot and insufficiently promoting Thailand as the host country, leading to visible discomfort and her eventual departure. Several contestants followed in solidarity, with Nawat attempting to restore order by calling for security and warning participants to sit down if they wished to continue in the competition. Bosch later described Nawat’s actions as ‘disrespectful,’ emphasizing the importance of empowering women and protecting their voices. Reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig also walked out, posting on Instagram about the significance of standing up for oneself and setting boundaries. The MUO issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to collaboration with local partners and confirming that all scheduled events would proceed as planned. The 74th Miss Universe coronation is set for November 21.
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Consultation Confirms Gaps in Inclusion as Saint Lucia Advances Disability Policy
Saint Lucia has concluded a comprehensive nationwide consultation aimed at shaping its forthcoming National Policy for Persons with Disabilities. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment, took place from October 13 to 23, 2025, and involved over 200 participants across 14 sessions. Facilitated by Dr. Clementia Eugene, the consultations brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including individuals with disabilities, caregivers, service providers, and advocates. The process highlighted Saint Lucia’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Marrakesh Treaty. However, participants identified persistent challenges in accessibility, employment, healthcare, and social protection, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and sustained investment. The draft policy, rooted in principles of equity, autonomy, and respect for diversity, envisions a future where persons with disabilities and their families enjoy equal rights and opportunities to participate fully in national life. Key recommendations included enhanced support for independent living through training, respite care, and financial assistance, as well as inclusive access to cultural, recreational, and sporting events. Dr. Eugene will now integrate the feedback into a revised draft, accompanied by an implementation plan and monitoring framework. Once finalized, the policy is expected to serve as a blueprint for fostering a more inclusive and equitable society in Saint Lucia, ensuring dignity, accessibility, and opportunity for all.
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Antiguan Creative Chaneil Imhoff Designs Official Logo for CHOGM Antigua & Barbuda 2026
In a momentous ceremony held at Sandals Grande Antigua on November 4, 2025, Antiguan creative and communications specialist Chaneil Imhoff was unveiled as the winner of the logo design competition for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Antigua & Barbuda 2026. The event, attended by Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne, Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams, Commonwealth Secretary-General representative Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, and CHOGM Task Force Chair Clarence Pilgrim, marked a historic milestone for the nation as it prepares to host global leaders in 2026. Imhoff’s winning design, featuring an abstract frigate bird, symbolizes freedom, resilience, and the unity of the Commonwealth. The logo incorporates the red, yellow, blue, and black of Antigua and Barbuda’s national flag, complemented by teal and magenta tones from the Commonwealth palette. In her remarks, Imhoff expressed profound gratitude, describing the honor as a testament to the power of local creativity and the Orange Economy. She emphasized the economic and cultural significance of creative industries, urging greater investment to empower Antiguans and Barbudans on the global stage. A seasoned entrepreneur and mental health advocate, Imhoff is the founder of Avada Digital and WISH – the Wadadli Initiative for Self-care and Healing, and the host of Government in Motion on ABS Television. Her design now stands as a beacon of Antigua and Barbuda’s readiness to engage with the world.
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Against all odds: Baby Niah’s miraculous journey from 25 weeks to thriving infant
Baby Niah Felix, born at just 25 weeks gestation and weighing a mere 1.2 pounds, has defied all odds and continues to astonish her parents, Anne Charles and Thomas Felix, with her miraculous progress. Now an eight-month-old, Niah is thriving at home, achieving all the milestones of a healthy baby. Her journey began when Anne unexpectedly went into preterm labor while visiting her mother in Trafalgar. Despite the initial skepticism from hospital staff due to limited resources, Niah fought through the challenges. She spent three months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where she was placed on a ventilator and later a CPAP machine before breathing on her own. Her parents credit her survival to her resilience, the unwavering support of their family, and the dedicated care of the hospital staff. Anne and Thomas expressed their deep gratitude to the doctors and nurses at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital (DCFH), who they now consider family. Niah’s story is a testament to the strength of premature infants and the critical role of specialized neonatal care. On World Patient Safety Day 2025, Health Minister Kassani Laville highlighted the remarkable outcomes of the DCFH’s NICU, which has successfully cared for over 1,100 neonates, including three born at 25 weeks gestation.
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Policewoman charged with fatal accident involving student
A 35-year-old policewoman, Yonelle Cumberbatch, has been formally charged in connection with a fatal traffic accident that claimed the life of a 15-year-old student. The incident occurred on October 30, 2025, on Success Public Road, East Coast Demerara, Guyana. Corporal Cumberbatch, who was driving Motor Car # PAB 214, collided with Navindra Mahes, a pedestrian, who later succumbed to his injuries. On November 4, 2025, Cumberbatch appeared before Senior Magistrate Abigail Gibbs at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, where she was charged with causing death by dangerous driving. She was granted bail set at GY$500,000 and is required to surrender her passport and report to the police monthly as part of her bail conditions. The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting concerns over road safety and accountability.