In a dazzling display of talent and cultural pride, ZebadiJah Maxwell from Tarreau emerged victorious as the new Miss Wob Dwiyet 2025. The prestigious pageant, held at the Massacre Indoor Sporting Facility, saw Maxwell triumph over six other contestants in a night filled with elegance and celebration. The event showcased the rich cultural heritage of Dominica, with participants competing in various categories that highlighted their poise, talent, and creativity. Maxwell not only secured the coveted title but also earned additional accolades, including Miss Photogenic and Best Performing Talent. The competition also recognized other outstanding participants, with Niah Massicot as the 1st Runner Up and Kinajè Felix as the 2nd Runner Up. Special awards such as the People’s Choice Award, Creole Poise Award, and Miss Amity were also presented, celebrating the diverse talents and contributions of the contestants. The event was supported by sponsors like the Miss OECS Pageant Committee, National Bank of Dominica, and National Cooperative Credit Union, underscoring the community’s commitment to preserving and promoting cultural traditions.
博客
-
Educators honoured for inspiring excellence as Teachers Week heads to climax
This week, the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) is celebrating Teachers’ Week by honoring 11 remarkable educators with the esteemed Top TIER Awards. These awards recognize their unwavering dedication, impactful service, and profound influence on students’ lives. The culmination of the week-long celebration will be the President’s Reception, scheduled for Friday at 7 pm at the BUT Headquarters in Merryhill, Welches. Here, the awardees will receive both the President’s Choice and Top TIER Awards under the theme, “Teachers – The Heart of Educational Transformation.”
The 2023 recipients include Jeffrey Odle (President’s Choice – St Leonard’s Boys’), Bradley Murray (Lester Vaughan School), Ulric Batson (Hilda Skeene Primary), Hugh Griffith (Ignatius Byer Primary), Shamel Edwards (Ministry of Educational Transformation), Sonia Wickham (St Luke’s Brighton Primary), Fabian Massiah (St Leonard’s Boys’), Erika Leacock (The Lodge School), Natasha Agard (St Lucy’s Primary), Brenda Chaplin-Edwards-Drakes (Gordon Greenidge Primary), and Joanne Derrick-Harris (Derrick Smith School and Vocational Centre).
According to Cherise Rock, BUT Public Relations Officer, the Top TIER Award celebrates educators who “inspire, encourage, and respect” their students and colleagues. Rock also announced the first Top TIER teacher for 2025, emphasizing the award’s significance in recognizing excellence in education.
Shamel Edwards, a peripatetic reading teacher at the Ministry of Educational Transformation, expressed her gratitude for the recognition. “I feel so honored and blessed. I do everything with my heart, and their win is a win for me,” she said. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Odle, the President’s Choice Awardee from St Leonard’s Boys’ School, shared his joy after over 40 years in education, stating, “It’s probably the first time I’ve been recognized for anything.”
Fabian Massiah, a Physical Education teacher at St Leonard’s Boys’, also expressed his gratitude, saying, “Twenty-one years isn’t 21 days. I do it for the boys, and I believe my purpose is here.”
Teachers’ Week will continue with a Professional Development Workshop on Thursday at the Sky Mall Seminar Room, focusing on the theme “AI is Here,” before concluding with Friday’s President’s Reception, where the Top TIER teachers will be formally honored.
-
LIVE: Dominica National Youth Rally 2025
In today’s digitally-driven world, the act of sharing content—whether through tweets, pins, or other social media platforms—has become a cornerstone of modern communication. This phenomenon transcends mere information dissemination, evolving into a powerful tool for connection, influence, and engagement. Social sharing allows individuals and organizations to amplify their voices, reach broader audiences, and foster meaningful interactions. The simplicity of clicking ‘share,’ ‘tweet,’ or ‘pin’ belies the profound impact these actions have on shaping public discourse, driving trends, and even influencing decision-making processes. As digital platforms continue to evolve, the strategies behind effective sharing are becoming increasingly sophisticated, emphasizing the importance of timing, relevance, and authenticity. This trend underscores the transformative role of social media in bridging gaps, building communities, and redefining how we communicate in the 21st century.
-
NSDC celebrates a quarter-century of skills training
The National Skills Development Centre (NSDC) is commemorating its 25th anniversary by reflecting on its transformative journey in upskilling Saint Lucians while setting the stage for an ambitious future. During a press briefing on October 28 at its Bisee headquarters, General Manager Dr. Selma St Prix unveiled plans to evolve NSDC into a collegiate institution, bridging secondary and tertiary education, particularly in technical and vocational fields. ‘We want to collegiate the NSDC,’ she stated, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to at-risk youth under its corporate social responsibility framework. The new structure will align with both technical and academic frameworks, enabling seamless progression for students from technical institutes to NSDC and onward to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. NSDC, established at the turn of the century and officially launched in February 2021, has gained recognition locally and internationally despite financial challenges. The institution is actively fundraising to enhance its facilities and expand its programs. Recent initiatives include the launch of the Choiseul arts and crafts center and collaborations with international partners like Sandals University. NSDC offers a diverse range of courses, from culinary arts to information technology, and aims to attract more male students by introducing cutting-edge programs in mobile app development, virtual reality, gaming, and artificial intelligence. To mark its silver jubilee, NSDC hosted a church service, a games night, and will hold a fundraising show on November 8, auctioning off the skills of professional men to corporate sponsors. Proceeds will improve the accessibility of NSDC’s building. Over the past 25 years, NSDC has trained thousands in hospitality, tourism, construction, agriculture, and more, earning praise from employers for its transversal and life skills training. Dr. St Prix recently participated in a World Bank panel on improving young men’s educational outcomes, underscoring NSDC’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
-
Farmers Urged to Strengthen Biosecurity as Antigua & Barbuda Steps Up Fight Against African Swine Fever
In a decisive move to curb the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF), authorities in Antigua & Barbuda have issued a stern call to farmers to bolster biosecurity measures. The highly contagious viral disease, which poses a significant threat to pig populations, has prompted the government to implement stringent protocols to safeguard the nation’s livestock industry. Farmers are being advised to enhance sanitation practices, restrict farm access, and report any signs of illness in their herds immediately. The government has also ramped up surveillance and public awareness campaigns to ensure early detection and containment of the disease. This proactive approach underscores the country’s commitment to protecting its agricultural sector and preventing economic losses associated with ASF outbreaks.
-
Sir Calixte George to be honoured for lifetime of service
Sir Calixte George, a distinguished agronomist, educator, and statesman from Saint Lucia, will be honored with the Doctor of Laws (LLD) (Honoris Causa) by the University of the West Indies (UWI) during its 2025 graduation ceremonies. This recognition celebrates his over six decades of public service, scientific research, and contributions to national development. Sir George, an alumnus of St. Mary’s College, earned his BSc in Agriculture from the University College of the West Indies and an MSc in Soil Science from the University of Reading, UK. His career includes pivotal roles such as Chief Research Officer and Acting Chief Agricultural Officer in Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture, and Executive Director of the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI). He also transformed the banana industry as Managing Director of the Saint Lucia Banana Growers’ Association and played a key role in establishing the Windward Islands Banana Development and Exporting Company Limited (WIBDECO). Beyond agriculture, Sir George served in various governmental roles, including President of the Senate and Leader of Government Business, and was instrumental in liberalizing telecommunications in the OECS. Knighted as a Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia, he continues to contribute to public life through his writings and autobiography. The UWI’s recognition of Sir George and other honorees reflects its commitment to celebrating excellence and innovation across the Caribbean.
-
PHOTOS: Night Roadworks Underway in Liberta
In a bid to bolster road infrastructure and ensure smoother community access, construction crews in Liberta have been working tirelessly into the late hours, focusing on asphalt paving projects. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize and enhance the region’s transportation network, addressing long-standing issues of road quality and connectivity. The late-night operations aim to minimize disruptions to daily traffic while accelerating the completion timeline. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of these upgrades, highlighting their potential to improve safety, reduce travel times, and stimulate economic growth by facilitating better access to businesses and services. Residents have expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging the temporary inconvenience but appreciating the long-term benefits of the project.
-
Controverse en internationale bezorgdheid bij politie-invallen in Rio de Janeiro
A violent police operation targeting drug traffickers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has resulted in the deaths of at least 119 people, nearly double the initially reported toll of 60. The victims included 115 members of the powerful criminal organization Comando Vermelho and four police officers, according to local authorities. However, the public prosecutor’s office suggested an even higher death toll of 132. The operation, involving approximately 2,500 officers, focused on the Penha Complex and Alemao Complex neighborhoods in the city’s north. It was supported by armored vehicles, helicopters, and drones, with intense gunfire exchanges reported between police and suspected gang members. Authorities stated that suspects barricaded themselves in buses and deployed explosive drones during the clashes. Victor Santos, Rio’s security chief, acknowledged that the high casualty count was “expected but not desired,” while Governor Claudio Castro labeled the situation as “narco-terrorism” and emphasized that the police were “the only real victims.” The operation has drawn widespread criticism, with residents describing it as a “massacre” and accusing police of extrajudicial executions. Mourning families gathered at sites where bodies were laid out, with one resident from Penha Complex stating, “The state came for a bloodbath, not a police operation. They came purely to kill, to take lives.” Activist Raul Santiago condemned the violence, citing evidence of executions with shots to the back of the head or back. Brazilian Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski revealed that President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was “shocked” by the death toll and surprised that the operation occurred without federal government knowledge. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern, urging a swift and thorough investigation and emphasizing that police operations must comply with international human rights standards. Police raids in Brazil’s favelas are often deadly, with approximately 700 deaths recorded in Rio in 2024 alone. Human rights organizations have questioned the timing of such operations, which frequently precede major international events. Rio is set to host the C40 World Mayors Summit and the Earthshot Prize next week, followed by the UN Climate Summit COP30 in November. Santos denied any connection between the raid and these upcoming events.
-
Lovell Pays Tribute to Former Education Minister Basil Peters for Transformative Role in Nation’s School System
Opposition leader Harold Lovell has commemorated the late Hon. Basil Peters, lauding him as a forward-thinking leader whose transformative contributions to education significantly shaped the modern school system in Antigua and Barbuda. In a heartfelt message marking the nation’s 44th Independence anniversary, Lovell highlighted Peters’ pivotal role as Minister of Education from 1971 to 1976 under the Progressive Labour Movement (PLM) administration, led by Premier George Walter. Lovell emphasized that Peters’ enduring legacy underscores the principle that a robust and stable nation is rooted in an educated populace. During his tenure, Peters spearheaded the expansion of secondary education by founding Ottos Comprehensive, All Saints Secondary, Jennings Secondary, and Pares Secondary schools—institutions that remain vital to the education of thousands of students today. Lovell noted that Peters’ visionary approach continues to inspire educators and policymakers, as his groundbreaking initiatives laid the foundation for an education system that has driven national progress. “May his vision continue to inspire us to soar higher through education,” Lovell concluded, paying homage to Peters’ lasting impact.
-
Certification of nurses in Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives
Grenada has taken a significant step forward in enhancing reproductive health services by certifying 10 district nurses in Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs). This initiative, spearheaded by the Grenada Planned Parenthood Association (GPPA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Religious Affairs, aims to provide women with extended contraceptive coverage of up to 10 years at the community level. The certification programme, funded by Global Affairs Canada through the Build Back Equal Project and administered by the UNFPA Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean, adheres to the protocols established by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). Key contributors to the programme’s design include Consultant Dr Mark Hathaway and Rudolfo Gomez Ponce de Leon, with facilitation by Dr N’Kosha Fletcher and Nurse Lynthia Buckmire. To achieve certification, nurses completed a rigorous training programme, including practical sessions on the insertion of IUDs and Jadelle implants, as well as PAHO online courses. Since its implementation, 227 women have directly benefited from the initiative, and four additional healthcare providers are currently undergoing training, further expanding the team of experts available to serve the community.