The Saint Lucia Semi Professional Football League witnessed a weekend of intense action and unexpected outcomes, with defending champions La Clery solidifying their position at the top of the table. Despite having a game in hand, La Clery showcased their dominance with a commanding 4-1 victory over South Castries. The match marked their return to the field after a three-week hiatus following the tragic passing of young talent Ajani Hippolyte. Yanic Noel, Daniel Martie, and Mervin St Romain scored in the first half, while Malik St Prix added another in the second half, securing La Clery’s continued supremacy. Meanwhile, former leaders Mabouya Valley stumbled, suffering a 1-0 defeat to Soufrière, who capitalized on home advantage to secure only their third win in 12 matches. Jahzani Henry’s early goal proved decisive, leaving Mabouya Valley struggling to close the gap on La Clery, who now lead by 11 points. In other matches, Canaries edged Central Castries 2-1, with Jadan Longville and David Henry scoring either side of halftime. Despite a late goal from Messiah Pinel, Central Castries failed to salvage a draw, extending their winless streak since early September. Dennery also made strides, climbing off the bottom of the table with a resounding 4-1 victory over Choiseul, thanks to goals from Elijah Joseph and a brace from Denelson Jones. The weekend’s results have reshaped the league standings, with La Clery firmly in control and several teams battling to avoid relegation.
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Son After Father Dies Waiting at NRH: “If You Don’t Love the Job, Leave It”
A tragic incident at Belize’s Northern Regional Hospital (NRH) has reignited concerns over the country’s public healthcare system. Eusebio Espinosa Senior, a 92-year-old man, passed away over the weekend while awaiting medical attention. His son, Eusebio Espinosa Junior, recounted the harrowing experience, stating that despite repeated pleas for help, his father was left unattended until it was too late. The elderly man was brought to the hospital on Saturday evening after experiencing severe pain and discomfort. Despite undergoing triage, they were instructed to wait outside as staff attended to other patients. Espinosa Junior claimed that by the time medical personnel responded, his father had already stopped breathing. The emergency area was reportedly overcrowded, with limited staff on duty. Health and Wellness Minister Kevin Bernard has ordered a full investigation into the incident, vowing to hold those responsible accountable if negligence is confirmed. Espinosa Junior expressed skepticism about the investigation’s outcome but emphasized the need for systemic improvements, including increased staffing and better emergency response protocols. He also urged healthcare workers to reconsider their roles if they lack passion for their jobs, stating, ‘If you don’t love what you’re doing, you need to carry on with another occupation.’ The incident has sparked widespread calls for urgent reforms in Belize’s healthcare system to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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FLASH : 3 departments in red, 4 in orange, the worst to come
Haiti and several Caribbean nations are bracing for the devastating impact of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which has already triggered widespread alerts and emergency preparations. As of October 28, 2025, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that Melissa, with maximum sustained winds of 280 km/h and higher gusts, was located 640 km southwest of Port-au-Prince. The hurricane is moving slowly westward but is expected to shift northeastward, bringing catastrophic conditions to Jamaica, Cuba, the Bahamas, and Hispaniola. Haiti’s southern regions, including the departments of South, Grande Anse, and Nippes, are under red alert, while other areas are on orange alert. The storm is predicted to cause flash floods, landslides, and significant infrastructure damage, with rainfall totals potentially reaching 40 inches (1 meter) in some areas. Coastal regions face life-threatening storm surges and rip currents. Authorities have issued urgent warnings, advising residents to remain vigilant, avoid flood-prone areas, and follow safety guidelines. Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and eastern Cuba are also preparing for severe impacts, including torrential rains, destructive winds, and storm surges. The Southeast and central Bahamas, along with the Turks and Caicos Islands, are under hurricane warnings, with significant rainfall and storm surges anticipated. The Haitian Maritime and Navigation Service has suspended all coastal activities in the southern zone until further notice. Civil protection agencies across the region are urging communities to prioritize safety and stay informed through official channels.
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New York/Stubbs Masters, North East Masters continue to win
The 2025 SVG International Masters T20 Cricket Festival witnessed thrilling performances on Day 2, with New York/Stubbs Masters and North East Masters securing their second consecutive victories in the Festival Division. New York/Stubbs Masters triumphed over Clarke Road Veterans by 51 runs at the Sion Hill Playing Field, thanks to a strong batting display. Mark Audain’s 54, Max Richardson’s 41, and Nurlon Williams’ 25 propelled their total to 177 for 7 in 20 overs. Clarke Road Veterans, despite Gregory Mahabir’s 53 and Ravi Samaroo’s 25, were restricted to 126 for 9, with Orlando Mofford’s impressive 4 for 16 sealing the win. Meanwhile, North East Masters edged past Cricket Canada Masters Council by 1 wicket with 2 balls remaining. Cricket Canada Masters Council posted 101 all out, with Vinay Devisetty scoring 34. North East Masters, led by Shane Shillingford’s 42 and Deighton Butler’s unbeaten 36, narrowly reached the target. In another exciting match, RSVG Police Masters defeated Sarasota International Cricket Club 40+ by 6 runs, with Hyron Shallow’s 58 being the highlight. The Fete Division also saw intense action, with Windies Masters, Monroe Road Masters, and Canada Masters Cricket Club securing victories. Windies Masters defeated D & D Auto World by 6 wickets, while Monroe Road Masters overcame AMAAS Sporting Services Barbados Veterans by 5 wickets. Canada Masters Cricket Club dominated Trinbago Leatherbacks with a 10-wicket win, thanks to Naveed Sehrai’s explosive 109 not out. AMAAS also shone in Group B, defeating VJ’s North Windward Masters by 153 runs, with Andy Payne’s 109 leading the charge. Day 3 promises more excitement with 10 matches scheduled across both divisions.
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Grenada unites to save its national bird
Grenada is intensifying efforts to protect its national bird, the Grenada Dove (Leptotila wellsi), one of the rarest bird species globally and endemic to the island. With fewer than 200 individuals remaining, the dove clings to survival in two small, fragmented dry forest areas on Grenada’s southwest and west coasts. These habitats are under severe threat from commercial development, unregulated dumping, invasive predators, and habitat encroachment.
In a significant move, over 50 experts convened at St George’s University on October 8–9 for the Grenada Dove Conservation Action Plan (CAP) Stakeholder Workshop. Organized by the Gaea Conservation Network and supported by the American Bird Conservancy and BirdsCaribbean, the workshop aimed to address the dire challenges facing the species. Participants included representatives from government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and community organizations.
Lisa Sorenson, Executive Director of BirdsCaribbean, emphasized the dove’s cultural and ecological significance, stating, ‘The Grenada Dove is more than a rare bird — it’s a national treasure and a symbol of pride. Protecting it means defending the island’s dry forests, one of the most threatened ecosystems in the Caribbean.’
The workshop highlighted the urgent need for habitat restoration, strengthened legal protections, predator control, and community engagement. A draft Conservation Action Plan was developed, focusing on expanding protected areas, halting destructive activities, and fostering public and political support. Jody Daniel, President of Gaea Conservation Network, stressed the importance of collective action: ‘Saving the Grenada Dove will take everyone — scientists, government, communities, and the tourism sector.’
The Grenada Dove, classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List, faces multiple threats, including predation by mongooses, habitat degradation, and weak enforcement of existing protections. The species’ survival hinges on decisive, coordinated efforts to safeguard its remaining habitats and address systemic challenges.
Justin Springer of Re:wild underscored the broader implications of the conservation efforts: ‘Protecting the Grenada Dove means protecting the heart of the island’s biodiversity. It’s a powerful reminder that when local people lead conservation, species have a real chance to recover.’
The workshop outcomes will be refined into a comprehensive Conservation Action Plan, guiding recovery efforts over the next decade. The initiative represents a critical step toward securing the future of this iconic species and the unique ecosystems it inhabits.
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Prime Minister Unaware of Possible BTS Strike
Belize Prime Minister John Briceño has expressed unawareness of a potential strike by the Belize Tax Service (BTS) employees, despite growing concerns over the government’s plan to transition the BTS into a semi-autonomous entity known as the Statutory Authority Revenue Agency (SARA). The proposed reform aims to enhance efficiency and accountability in tax administration, but it has reportedly sparked discontent among BTS staff.
When questioned about the strike rumors, Briceño responded, ‘Well, you’re giving me news. I’m not aware of it.’ He emphasized that while workers have the right to protest, his administration would seek clarification from relevant authorities. ‘As I always say, it is your right as a citizen that if you want to strike or not, that’s on them,’ the Prime Minister stated.
Briceño defended the SARA initiative, highlighting its potential to improve public service delivery and strengthen oversight. ‘What is important behind SARA is to be able to move it into a semi-autonomous body and provide better service to our citizens,’ he explained. ‘And also to hold accountable the employees who provide that service. That’s very important for us.’
The Public Service Union (PSU), representing BTS employees, had previously written to the Prime Minister, expressing concerns about the transition’s impact on national revenue and member welfare. However, over a month after their initial letter, the union claims to have received no acknowledgment or response. As of now, Briceño has not confirmed whether discussions with the PSU have taken place.
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Grenada debuts at International Cultural Youth Festival, Beijing
Grenada made its debut at the 2025 International Cultural Youth Festival, hosted by YOOFU, an international youth cultural education company, in Beijing’s Jingshan Park. The event, which took place over the weekend, aimed to foster friendship, cultural exchange, and learning among young people from around the globe. Grenada was the sole Caribbean nation represented at the festival, joining countries such as France, Italy, Ethiopia, Kenya, and the United States. The Embassy of Grenada in Beijing seized the opportunity to showcase the island’s unique culture, products, and investment potential, drawing significant attention from attendees. Tricia Bethel, First Secretary at the Embassy, expressed her enthusiasm about Grenada’s participation, noting the remarkable turnout and the excitement among young visitors. Chad John, a long-time supporter of the embassy, highlighted the festival’s role in broadening the horizons of young attendees, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchanges in fostering global awareness. The YOOFU International Cultural Youth Festival continues to serve as a vital platform for cultural diplomacy, uniting nations through music, food, art, and youthful curiosity. Grenada’s involvement underscores its commitment to strengthening international ties and promoting its cultural and economic offerings on a global stage.
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Counting the cost: Overseas travels of Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell
Since taking office in June 2022, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has redefined the nation’s foreign policy approach, emerging as one of the Caribbean’s most internationally active leaders. Over the past four years, Mitchell has embarked on 51 overseas trips, averaging two per month, with an estimated 408 days spent abroad—nearly one-third of his tenure. This unprecedented level of engagement for a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) with a population of just 123,000 reflects a strategy of continuous global visibility, positioning Grenada as an investment-ready micro-state. However, this diplomatic ambition comes at a significant financial and administrative cost. Each trip, involving a six-member delegation, costs between US$35,000 and $45,000, cumulatively amounting to approximately US$1.8 to $2.3 million. Critics argue that such expenditures could have been redirected to domestic priorities like healthcare or education, while supporters highlight the potential for securing global financing and partnerships. Beyond the financial impact, Mitchell’s frequent absences have slowed inter-ministerial coordination and delayed critical policy decisions, raising questions about the balance between international diplomacy and domestic governance. As Grenada navigates these challenges, the debate centers on whether the Prime Minister’s global outreach demonstrably advances national interests or strains limited resources.
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Two people found dead in vehicle in Fenton
In a grim turn of events during St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ 46th anniversary of independence, authorities discovered two bodies in a vehicle in the Fenton mountains on Monday afternoon. Initial reports from iWitness News indicate that the deceased are an adult male and female, both exhibiting gunshot wounds, according to reliable sources. If confirmed as homicides, these deaths would mark the third killing in the nation within less than 24 hours. Earlier on Monday, police initiated a homicide investigation into the death of Uriah Fields, a 42-year-old security guard and fisherman from Diamond. Fields was fatally shot near the ‘Racetrack’ in his community on Sunday night. Officers responding to reports of gunfire found Fields motionless with apparent gunshot injuries. Investigators are urging anyone with information to contact the authorities via the provided phone numbers or share details confidentially with a trusted police officer. The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force has expressed its deepest condolences to Fields’ family and friends during this challenging period.
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Windies claim first T20I against Bangladesh
The West Indies have claimed a 1-0 lead in the Dutch-Bangla Bank T20 International Series after a hard-fought victory against Bangladesh on October 27. The match, held at the Bir Shreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram, drew a lively crowd as both teams geared up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The game also marked a milestone for former West Indies captain Rovman Powell, who celebrated his 100th T20 International appearance in a revamped squad following their recent loss to Nepal.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the West Indies faced early struggles, scoring just 35 runs in the powerplay. However, a 50-run partnership between the openers set the stage for a recovery. Captain Shai Hope led the charge with a blistering 46 off 28 balls, while Powell overcame a sluggish start to contribute 44 runs off 28 deliveries. Their 83-run partnership propelled the West Indies to a competitive total of 165-3, with 64 runs coming in the final five overs.
Bangladesh’s chase began shakily, losing four wickets in the powerplay and ending the phase at 42-4. Despite valiant efforts from Tanzid Hasan Sakib (33) and Nasum Ahmed (20), the West Indies maintained relentless pressure, taking wickets at crucial intervals. The match reached a dramatic conclusion in the final over when Taskin Ahmed accidentally stepped on his stumps, sealing a 16-run victory for the West Indies.
The Men in Maroon will aim to capitalize on this momentum in the second match, scheduled for October 29 at the same venue, as they seek to secure the series.