In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, particularly in Jamaica, celebrities are stepping up to contribute their time, influence, and resources to aid recovery efforts. Among the first to act is British actress Jodie Turner-Smith, who has launched a T-shirt campaign in collaboration with the global health and humanitarian organization Project HOPE. The campaign, which began this past weekend, features the ‘Deh Yah Still’ T-shirt, available in both adult and children’s sizes on https://everpress.com/. Turner-Smith, born in the UK to Jamaican immigrants, has always maintained a strong connection to her cultural roots, which inspired this initiative. The T-shirt design, inspired by a photo of Turner-Smith and her daughter in Jamaica, symbolizes hope, community, resilience, and reverence for the island. The phrase ‘deh yah still,’ written in the sand, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of the Jamaican people. Turner-Smith urges everyone to support the cause by purchasing the T-shirt and sharing the campaign with friends and loved ones. American actress Jennifer Aniston has also shown her support by reposting the campaign on her Instagram. The T-shirts are available in a variety of colors, including Burgundy, Bottle Green, Ecru, Melange Grey, Navy Blue, Sweet Lilac, and White. This initiative highlights the importance of collective action in times of crisis and the significant role celebrities can play in mobilizing resources and awareness.
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‘Painful chapter’
The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has brought profound emotional and logistical challenges to Jamaica, as recovery teams struggle to retrieve bodies from storm-ravaged communities. Information Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon described the process as one of the most painful aspects of the disaster response, with some victims still trapped in inaccessible areas only reachable by helicopter. Speaking at a post-hurricane media briefing, she emphasized the emotional toll on both responders and families, as the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) work tirelessly to recover bodies scattered across isolated western parishes. The death toll has risen to 32, with eight additional cases under investigation to determine if they are storm-related. Recovery efforts have been hampered by impassable roads and washed-out bridges, forcing reliance on aerial missions. Helicopters have been crucial for transporting both the deceased and emergency supplies, though unstable terrain and lack of safe landing zones have added to the complexity. Morris Dixon stressed the importance of timely reporting from local representatives, who play a critical role in identifying marooned communities and prioritizing rescue missions. Meanwhile, Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr. revealed that 25 communities remain cut off, with hundreds of families displaced and many having lost everything. The government’s relief operation has expanded into a large-scale logistical effort involving multiple agencies and international partners, including Food For the Poor and the World Food Programme. Over 40,000 relief packages have been prepared, with plans to sustain affected families in the coming weeks. Despite challenges, Charles affirmed that aid has reached every parish, with social workers, JDF soldiers, and partners working tirelessly even in areas with no connectivity.
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Caribbean authorities enhance collaborative efforts on climate and land use strategies at gathering in Barbados
Delegates from twelve Caribbean nations convened in Barbados from October 30 to 31, 2025, to bolster regional efforts in climate resilience and sustainable land management. The summit, organized under the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM), aimed to strengthen collaboration with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This meeting followed resolutions from the 4th PISLM Ministerial Council held in Grenada earlier in June 2025, which called for a robust regional framework to enhance access to international climate funding. Hon. Adrian Forde, Barbados’s Minister of Environment and National Beautification and PISLM Council Chair, emphasized the Caribbean’s disproportionate vulnerability to climate change despite its minimal contribution to global emissions. He advocated for “concessional, rapid, and predictable finance” as both a necessity and a right for the region. Forde also expressed solidarity with Jamaica, acknowledging the challenges it faces and the potential policy hurdles in addressing climate-related issues. Dr. Ronen Francis, PISLM Executive Director, highlighted the organization’s commitment to restoring degraded lands, improving ecosystem services, and enhancing community livelihoods. He stressed the importance of collaboration among governments, development partners, and local communities to achieve sustainable land management and drought resilience. The conference also showcased progress in various GEF-funded projects, including the SOILCARE initiative, Integrated Landscape Management in Carriacou, and the Caribbean Drought Initiative. PISLM reaffirmed its role in translating global environmental commitments into actionable local strategies, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for the Caribbean.
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COMMENTARY: Caribbean Gold: Anti-Aging from the Sea
The Caribbean is poised to transform an environmental challenge into a groundbreaking opportunity by harnessing the untapped potential of Sargassum seaweed. Known for its invasive presence on beaches, Sargassum is now gaining recognition as a rich source of bioactive compounds with significant applications in anti-aging and regenerative skincare. Compounds like terpenoids, fucoxanthin, and fucoidan, found in abundance in Sargassum, offer skin-brightening, elasticity-enhancing, and anti-wrinkle properties, making it a valuable resource for the booming global cosmeceutical market, projected to reach $88 billion by 2030. This innovation could not only clean up Caribbean beaches but also position the region as a leader in marine-based wellness and sustainability. The Dominican Republic has already begun exporting Sargassum to Finland for cosmetic and food industry applications, while Barbados, St. Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago are actively collecting the seaweed for similar purposes. However, challenges such as fragmented governance, limited R&D infrastructure, and brain drain of scientific talent hinder progress. To overcome these barriers, a regional innovation ecosystem is essential, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government. By investing in marine science capacity and youth programs, the Caribbean can create jobs, boost economic diversification, and establish itself as a hub for marine-based anti-aging innovation. Flagship products like ‘Ocean Renewal Serum’ and ‘Marine Radiance Cream’ could revolutionize the skincare industry, while eco-tourism initiatives like ‘Rejuvenate Naturally – The Caribbean’s First Anti-Aging Eco-Tourism Sanctuary’ could attract wellness travelers seeking sustainable longevity solutions. This transformative approach not only addresses the Sargassum influx but also builds a legacy of prosperity, wellness, and scientific excellence for the Caribbean.
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Minister GBB: Aanlegsteiger Leonsberg ten onrechte uitgegeven als privéterrein
In a significant development, Minister Stanley Soeropawiro of Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) has confirmed to Starnieuws that the Leonsberg pier, a vital transportation hub used daily by hundreds of passengers, was indeed sold as private property during the previous administration. ‘It is true: this pier was formally issued as a private parcel in the last governance period. That is a fact,’ stated Soeropawiro. ‘However, this is also one of the clearest examples of how misguided policies can directly harm public interest.’
The sale has dealt a severe blow to dozens of boat operators who rely on the pier for their livelihoods. Without access to the docking facility, these operators, who have long facilitated passenger transport between Leonsberg and Nieuw-Amsterdam—often maintaining the pier themselves—are now left stranded. The minister acknowledged their concerns, assuring that his ministry is actively working on a solution while further investigating the matter.
Soeropawiro emphasized that the sale of the pier is ‘one of many missteps we have encountered at the ministry.’ He highlighted the current government’s commitment, under President Jennifer Simons, to restore public facilities to the people. ‘The public deserves fair governance. Public land is not private property,’ he asserted. ‘Those who approved such transactions will be held accountable. This government will restore order—step by step, case by case.’
The minister vowed that the government will not allow public infrastructure to fall into private hands. ‘This marks the beginning of rectifying what was wrong,’ he concluded.
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Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025 winners announced by Royal Commonwealth Society
The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) has unveiled the winners of The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) for 2025, the world’s oldest international essay contest for school students. This year’s competition achieved a historic milestone, receiving an unprecedented 53,434 entries from all 56 Commonwealth member nations—a 53% increase from 2024. Entries poured in from 54 countries, with significant contributions from Ghana, Nigeria, Malaysia, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the Maldives. The theme, *Our Commonwealth Journey*, encouraged participants to reflect on the Commonwealth’s evolution since its inception in 1949, exploring its diverse cultural, geographical, and societal impact across five continents and a population of 2.7 billion people. A distinguished panel of judges, including luminaries like Sir Ben Okri, Imtiaz Dharker, and Victoria Hislop, selected the winners. The senior winner, Kaira Puri (17) from India, was recognized for her essay *When the Gates Open: From Mud to Stone*, which intertwines mathematics, economics, and personal experience. The junior winner, Vivaan Agarwal (14), also from India, impressed with *Pixels, Poetry and Bridging the Partition Between Us*, advocating for unity and dialogue. Runners-up included Pandora Onyedire (17) from Nigeria and Lakshmi Manognya Achanta (14) from Singapore, whose works explored identity, hope, and cultural heritage. The RCS extended heartfelt gratitude to participants, volunteer judges, and supporters, emphasizing the competition’s role in fostering creativity, empathy, and global connection among young writers.
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Final Information Session Announced for 2026 Caribbean Science Olympiad
The Caribbean Science Foundation (CSF) is gearing up for the highly anticipated 2026 Caribbean Science Olympiad (CSO) with its final preparatory session scheduled for Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. AST. This virtual event, hosted on Zoom, aims to provide comprehensive guidance to aspiring participants, covering essential details such as competition rules, entry requirements, and the judging process. Attendees will also have the chance to address any queries or concerns directly with organizers.
The CSO, a flagship event for science and technology in the region, welcomes individual competitors and teams from schools, clubs, and associations across the Caribbean. Participants can compete in three distinct categories: Robotics & Electronic Systems, Computer Coding, and Mathematics. The competition is divided into three age groups: Level 1 (13–15), Level 2 (16–18), and Level 3 (19–21). Winners will be awarded platinum, gold, silver, and bronze medal certificates, along with cash prizes.
Preliminary elimination rounds are set for mid to late December 2025, with the grand finals taking place from January 12 to 18, 2026. The CSF has been actively promoting the event through media appearances, including interviews with Professor Cardinal Warde on platforms like Antigua Barbuda Today and Mornin’ Barbados. This November session is the fourth and final installment in a series of briefings designed to equip participants for the prestigious competition.
For more details and to join the session, visit the official website: caribbeanscience.org/cso or use the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/s/86884952617.
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Antigua and Barbuda’s Judiciary Rated Among Region’s Cleanest
In the latest World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, Antigua and Barbuda has demonstrated remarkable stability, securing the 38th position globally out of 143 countries and ranking fifth in Latin America and the Caribbean. The 2025 Index reveals that the nation maintained an overall score of 0.64, unchanged from 2024, despite a global downturn in governance and institutional integrity. Notably, 68% of countries worldwide experienced a decline in rule-of-law performance, marking the sixth consecutive year of deterioration. Antigua and Barbuda excelled in key areas such as ‘Absence of Corruption,’ ‘Fundamental Rights,’ and ‘Order and Security,’ with its judiciary earning a high integrity score of 0.80, and the police and military scoring 0.73, indicating minimal perceptions of bribery or abuse. However, the legislature remains a weak point, scoring only 0.39 on the corruption scale, well below the regional average, reflecting ongoing public skepticism about political transparency. The executive branch scored 0.59, showing moderate confidence in government accountability. Under ‘Constraints on Government Powers,’ the country scored 0.62, supported by judicial independence and a strong record of lawful transitions of power. Yet, limited access to government data and slow administrative processes dragged down the ‘Open Government’ rating to 0.52. Civil justice emerged as a standout strength with a score of 0.68, highlighting impartiality and low corruption within the court system. Criminal justice scored 0.53, indicating moderate efficiency in investigations and adjudication but weaknesses in correctional systems. The 2025 Index underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s institutional resilience, as its performance remained steady amidst global erosion of rule-of-law safeguards. The World Justice Project described the overall findings as ‘sobering,’ emphasizing the weakening of democratic checks and civic freedoms worldwide. Nevertheless, the Index serves as a crucial tool for identifying strengths to build upon and weaknesses to address.
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“A true taste of the Caribbean” – GCG opens Bistro Vibes at Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport
In a move that promises to elevate the travel experience, GCG has unveiled its latest venture, Bistro Vibes, at Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport. This new dining establishment aims to encapsulate the essence of Caribbean culture, offering passengers a genuine taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage. Strategically located within the airport, Bistro Vibes is designed to cater to both departing and arriving travelers, providing a unique blend of local flavors and international appeal. The menu features a curated selection of traditional Caribbean dishes, crafted with locally sourced ingredients to ensure authenticity. This initiative not only enhances the airport’s amenities but also serves as a cultural ambassador, introducing visitors to the vibrant gastronomy of the Caribbean. GCG’s investment in Bistro Vibes underscores its commitment to promoting regional tourism and supporting local economies. By integrating cultural experiences into the travel journey, the company is setting a new standard for airport dining worldwide.
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Steel pan legend to deliver keynote at Antigua and Barbuda Independence Gala
The rhythmic allure of the steel pan, led by the virtuoso Khan Cordice, is set to captivate audiences at the 44th Antigua and Barbuda Independence Gala. The event, scheduled for Saturday, November 8, at the Toronto Grand Convention Centre, will feature Cordice as the Keynote Speaker, where he will share his artistic journey and profound insights into Caribbean music culture.
Cordice’s journey with the steel pan began serendipitously during his youth in Antigua and Barbuda. What started as an after-school visit to a steelpan yard with a friend quickly transformed into a lifelong passion. His innate talent was evident from the moment he first touched the instrument. By the age of 19, Cordice had already made history as the youngest arranger to win Panorama, the prestigious national steelpan competition of Antigua and Barbuda.
Over the years, Cordice’s prowess has only grown. Leading the Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra, he has secured an impressive 11 Panorama victories, including consecutive wins in 2024 and 2025—a record in his homeland. His excellence extends beyond Antigua and Barbuda; in 2025, he clinched the Panorama title in Trinidad and Tobago with the Republic Bank Exodus Steel Orchestra.
Beyond his musical achievements, Cordice is a cultural ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda. A former educator and now the country’s Director of Culture, he tirelessly promotes Caribbean artists on international stages, from North America to Japan. His dedication to preserving and elevating Caribbean culture has made him a beacon of excellence and pride for his nation.
The upcoming Independence Gala in Toronto promises to be a celebration of Caribbean heritage, with Cordice’s steel pan melodies serving as a testament to the region’s rich artistic legacy.