The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) has secured a significant boost to its breast cancer awareness efforts with a $10,000 XCD donation from the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). This contribution supports the 13th annual PINKparty campaign, which has achieved a record-breaking fundraising milestone this year. The funds raised will be directed toward the hospital’s ambitious goal of acquiring a new mammogram system, estimated at $250,000 XCD, to enhance breast cancer care in Antigua and Barbuda. The CIU’s donation underscores its ongoing partnership with SLBMC, which also included sponsorship of the recent Multidisciplinary Cancer Symposium. This event united regional healthcare professionals to explore innovative strategies in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Charmaine Quinland-Donovan, CEO of the CIU, emphasized the Unit’s dedication to fostering tangible community impact through healthcare initiatives. She stated, ‘Supporting SLBMC’s PINKparty campaign allows us to play a meaningful role in advancing cancer awareness and care.’ SLBMC expressed profound gratitude for the CIU’s unwavering support, noting that contributions like these bring the hospital closer to its $100,000 fundraising target. While October concludes Breast Cancer Awareness Month, SLBMC encourages continued engagement through donations and the purchase of commemorative PINKparty T-shirts.
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432 Graduate from UWI Five Islands Life Long Learning Unit
The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus marked a significant milestone on Thursday by awarding certificates to 432 graduates from its Life Long Learning Unit. The ceremony, held at the campus’s Assembly Hall, was graced by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, alongside university officials, families, and friends. Paula Lee, Head of the Life Long Learning Unit, highlighted the increasing number of graduates as a testament to Antigua and Barbuda’s dedication to continuous education and skills enhancement. Nickishia Carr-Ramkellawan, an employee of CARDI, emerged as the top achiever, having completed four courses with the highest average. Dr. Camille Samuel, the Campus Registrar, delivered an inspiring address, encouraging graduates to embrace the values of active listening, responsible action, and the application of their knowledge to benefit others. Notably, the ceremony also celebrated the achievements of 11 inmates from His Majesty’s Prison, who successfully completed the Seeds of Hope Programme through scholarships. With its 2026 programme already announced, the Life Long Learning Unit is urging prospective students to register early to secure their spots.
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Andrew removed from roll of the peerage after losing prince title and Windsor home
In a decisive move, Buckingham Palace has confirmed the removal of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s name from the roll of the peerage, marking a significant step in the formal revocation of his royal titles. The announcement, made late Thursday evening, follows months of mounting pressure surrounding Andrew’s controversial private life. This decision strips him of his “prince” title and necessitates his departure from his royal residence in Windsor. The dramatic statement from the Palace comes in the wake of renewed allegations in a posthumous memoir by Virginia Giuffre, who claims she was coerced into sexual encounters with Andrew as a teenager—allegations he has consistently denied. While Giuffre’s brother, Sky Roberts, has expressed approval of King Charles’s action, he emphasized to the BBC that further investigation is necessary to address the gravity of the accusations. This development underscores the monarchy’s efforts to distance itself from scandal and uphold its public image.
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QEH’s Paediatric Department gets needed equipment
The Paediatrics Department at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Barbados has received a significant boost in its capacity to provide enhanced care and comfort to its young patients, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Rotary Club of Barbados South Charitable Trust, CIBC Caribbean, and the Bridge Supermarket. A generous donation of $75,000 worth of specialized medical equipment has been made to the department, marking a pivotal moment in the hospital’s commitment to improving pediatric healthcare.
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Ann Hill School celebrates 43 years of excellence
Ann Hill School commemorated its 43rd anniversary with a vibrant celebration that united students, staff, parents, and supporters. The event, held under the school’s annual theme, ‘Nothing is impossible with God,’ also featured the induction of eight prefects, symbolizing a new chapter in the institution’s legacy. Principal Emelda Bell addressed the gathering, highlighting the school’s enduring mission to foster integrity, discipline, teamwork, and resilience among its students. She emphasized the importance of nurturing well-rounded citizens of Barbados and lauded the unwavering dedication of teachers and parents. Bell urged parents to continue supporting their children’s growth, while teachers were praised for their commitment and care. Reverend Kenroy Marshall, guest speaker and project accountant in the Ministry of Educational Transformation, inspired students and prefects to embrace leadership rooted in kindness. He encouraged them to be catalysts for positive change within the school community, emphasizing that leadership begins with simple acts of compassion. Marshall challenged the new prefects to serve as bridges between teachers and peers, urging them to initiate change rather than wait for it. The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt prayer and a collective pledge by students to uphold the school’s motto, reaffirming their faith and determination to achieve greatness.
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Cooks Landfill Road Upgrade Strengthens Community Access and Infrastructure
Significant infrastructure improvements are currently in progress along Cooks Landfill Road, marking a pivotal step in the broader initiative to fortify the national road network. These enhancements are primarily focused on elevating safety standards, improving accessibility, and bolstering the overall resilience of the transportation system. The ongoing concrete works are part of a strategic plan to address long-standing concerns and ensure the road network can withstand future challenges. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of these upgrades in fostering safer travel conditions and supporting community connectivity. The project aligns with national objectives to modernize infrastructure and promote sustainable development. Residents and commuters are encouraged to stay informed about progress updates and potential temporary disruptions as the work continues.
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Barbados calls for global recognition of small islands after Hurricane Melissa devastation
The aftermath of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa has reignited urgent calls from Barbados for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to be formally acknowledged as a vulnerable group within international climate agreements. Environment Minister Adrian Forde emphasized the dire financial challenges Caribbean nations face during disasters, describing them as ‘political contortionists’ forced to reallocate resources to address immediate crises.
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Inside the head of a police officer on Independence Parade
As a proud member of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, I stood in my immaculate uniform, shoes gleaming under the lights, and a fresh haircut framing my confident yet anxious smile. It was the nation’s 46th anniversary, a celebration of freedom from oppression and the chains that once bound our ancestors. Yet, as I stood there, a burning question consumed me: How independent are we, truly? How free are we as a police force, compelled to stage annual spectacles for the public we serve? How free are we as a nation, waiting not for inspiration but for handouts from the Prime Minister’s “goodie bag”? And how free are we as a government that prioritizes financial aid over sustainable development, or shifts blame onto those tasked with crime prevention rather than addressing the root causes? My frustration grew as I listened to speeches masking political agendas with national pride. I was devastated, tempted to turn away from the parade entirely. My disappointment stemmed not from being overlooked by the Minister of National Security or from seeing less deserving colleagues in prominent roles. It came from the Prime Minister’s failure to address crime mismanagement, his refusal to apologize for past mistakes, and his inability to inspire unity in a politically divided nation. As a citizen and a police officer, I urge my fellow officers to cast their votes in the upcoming general election with a clear question in mind: “Am I free?” Let us vote not for personal gain but for the future of our children, our neighbors, and our nation. We are not disposable, no matter how much they make us believe otherwise.
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New MRI Facility “One of the Most Advanced in the Region,” Says Prime Minister Drew
In a significant development for healthcare in St. Kitts and Nevis, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew has praised the construction of a state-of-the-art MRI facility at the Joseph N. France General Hospital, calling it “one of the most advanced in the region.” The announcement was made during a parliamentary address on October 31, 2025. Dr. Drew highlighted the facility’s cutting-edge technology and robust design, emphasizing its ability to withstand Category Five hurricanes. This marks a pivotal upgrade from the current containerized MRI system, offering enhanced diagnostic capabilities for a range of diseases. The Prime Minister also commended Huggins Construction for their meticulous work in meeting manufacturer specifications, ensuring the facility’s excellence. The MRI machine is slated for delivery in the first quarter of 2026, promising to revolutionize healthcare accessibility and quality in the Federation.
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Economist warns Barbados’ recovery fuelled by ‘short-term’ industries
Barbados’ recent economic growth, driven primarily by tourism and construction, may lack long-term sustainability without significant diversification, warns prominent economist Dr. Antonio Alleyne. While acknowledging the Central Bank of Barbados’ report highlighting a 2.7% GDP growth and a reduced unemployment rate of 6.1%, Dr. Alleyne cautioned that these gains are heavily reliant on seasonal industries.