Shevern John, the New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate and a former senator, has made a heartfelt appeal to her former students, urging them to elect her as their Member of Parliament (MP) in the upcoming general election. Speaking at the NDP’s Warm Up Rally in London on Saturday, John emphasized her dedication to her students and her vision for their future. She highlighted her extensive efforts as a teacher, from academic support to sports training, and her ongoing commitment to their personal and professional growth. John criticized the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) for offering short-term jobs and stipends, which she described as mere distractions rather than genuine empowerment. She called for meaningful employment, training, and mentoring, aligning with the NDP’s Youth Guarantee Pledge, which promises job opportunities, training programs, and internships for young people by the end of the first term of an NDP government. John also outlined her plans for North Windward, emphasizing her readiness to deliver on her promises and eventually pass the baton to one of her students. She urged her former students not to be swayed by temporary offers and to vote for a future that values their dignity and potential.
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CARICOM SG commends St Vincent and the Grenadines on regional integration leadership on occasion of 46th independence celebration
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has lauded Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for its exemplary leadership and steadfast commitment to regional unity as the nation commemorates its 46th Independence anniversary on October 27. In a formal statement, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett extended her congratulations to Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, highlighting the country’s recent milestone in fully implementing the free movement regime alongside three other CARICOM member states. This achievement underscores Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ enduring dedication to regional integration. Dr. Barnett also commended the nation’s proactive role in enhancing intra-regional connectivity, particularly as the lead Head of Government for Transport within the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet, overseeing both maritime and aviation sectors. In her message, Dr. Barnett emphasized the significance of the anniversary theme, “Celebrating Our Identity, Inspiring Our Future,” which encourages reflection on unity and national pride while fostering continued development. CARICOM expressed its best wishes for the nation’s ongoing growth and prosperity, acknowledging its invaluable contributions to the regional community.
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Jamaica braces for a possible category 5 Hurricane Melissa; Dominica moves to ensure safety of students in Jamaica and Cuba
Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, now classified as a Category 5 storm, approaches with devastating force. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued the upgrade early Monday, predicting destructive winds and catastrophic flooding for the island. As of 12:00 GMT, the hurricane was located 135 miles southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, with sustained winds reaching 160 mph. Forecasters warn that Melissa could intensify further in the next 12 to 24 hours, posing an unprecedented threat to the region. The storm’s slow movement is expected to bring prolonged rainfall, with up to 40 inches anticipated in some areas over four days. Authorities have declared the entire island ‘threatened’ and ordered evacuations in vulnerable areas, including parts of Kingston. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has mandated immediate evacuations, and all 881 emergency shelters are now operational. Residents in flood-prone zones are urged to seek safety as life-threatening storm surges and damaging winds are expected overnight or early Tuesday. Hurricane Melissa has already wreaked havoc on Hispaniola, shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic, claiming at least four lives and causing widespread flooding. In Haiti, three fatalities and hundreds of flooded homes have been reported, while in the Dominican Republic, a 79-year-old man was swept away by floodwaters in Santo Domingo. A 13-year-old boy remains missing after being carried away by strong currents. Meanwhile, Dominica’s Ministry of Education has confirmed the safety of Dominican students in Jamaica and Cuba, ensuring they are well-prepared and supported. The government continues to monitor the situation and maintain communication to safeguard all affected individuals.
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Grenada Contemporary 2025 opens 30 October
The Grenada Contemporary Exhibition, a cornerstone of Caribbean visual art, is set to return for its 8th edition on Thursday, 30 October 2025, at Art House 473. The event, running from 6 pm to 7:30 pm, offers free admission to the public, inviting all to immerse themselves in one of the region’s most vibrant artistic platforms. Since its inception under the Susan Mains Gallery, the exhibition has grown into a critical and creative benchmark, showcasing the works of 91 artists across various disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. This year’s theme, ‘Dreevay,’ a Caribbean term symbolizing wandering and movement, explores the idea that art thrives in motion, capturing the spontaneous and ever-evolving essence of Caribbean life. Curated by Asher Mains, the exhibition features over 25 artists whose works delve into themes of identity, ecology, migration, and belonging. The event will also include an artist talk on Saturday, 1 November, featuring Russell Watson from Barbados, who will share insights into his photography and video art practice. Grenada Contemporary continues to assert the Caribbean as a hub of artistic innovation, offering a space where visual, political, and poetic expressions converge. Parking is available at Lavo Lanes, with a shuttle service provided. For media inquiries, contact [email protected].
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Magnitude 5.2 Earthquake Shakes Antigua and Barbuda, Felt Across Eastern Caribbean
A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck the Eastern Caribbean on Monday morning, sending tremors across several islands, including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Guadeloupe, and Martinique. The seismic event occurred at approximately 8:38 a.m., with its epicenter located about 161 kilometers off the coast of Marigot, Dominica, according to regional seismic monitoring agencies. In Antigua and Barbuda, the quake was strongly felt in areas such as St. John’s, Bolans, and All Saints, with the shaking lasting nearly 45 seconds. Residents reported rattling furniture and swaying light fixtures during the brief but intense tremor. While no damage or injuries have been reported thus far, local authorities remain vigilant for potential aftershocks. The Eastern Caribbean is situated along the boundary of the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates, a region known for its high seismic activity. This incident underscores the persistent earthquake risks in the area and highlights the importance of ongoing preparedness efforts.
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OECS to benefit from lower insulin prices
Health policymakers and senior officials from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) convened in Grenada this week for the 38th OECS Pharmaceutical Procurement Service (PPS) Policy Board meeting and the 11th Council of OECS Health Ministers. The gatherings aimed to enhance regional cooperation in improving access to essential medicines and health services. On October 21, 2025, the PPS Policy Board engaged in extensive discussions, focusing on a groundbreaking public-private partnership already operational in St. Lucia and St. Kitts and Nevis. This initiative significantly reduces the cost of insulin, a vital medication for individuals with diabetes, marking a transformative step toward pharmaceutical equity in the region. Grenada’s Minister of Health, Hon. Philip Telesford, who chairs the OECS Council of Health Ministers, officially announced the initiative during a press briefing on October 22, 2025. He urged other member states to adopt similar models to expand affordable insulin access, emphasizing its potential to save lives and alleviate financial burdens for thousands of families. Francis Burnett, Interim Head of OECS-PPS, highlighted the initiative as a major advancement, noting that reduced insulin prices would benefit both public health and procurement budgets. The OECS currently procures approximately 120,000 vials of insulin annually. Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, underscored the importance of regional solidarity in addressing geopolitical, financial, and health challenges. The meetings also addressed broader health priorities, including strengthening pooled procurement systems, expanding access to specialized health services, and enhancing collaboration to tackle potential funding reductions. The two-day event combined technical and strategic planning, resulting in agreements to deepen cooperation and deliver tangible health benefits across the OECS region.
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Melissa Becomes Monster Category 5 Hurricane
Hurricane Melissa has escalated into a formidable Category 5 storm, posing a severe threat to Jamaica with its potential for devastating rainfall, destructive winds, and life-threatening storm surges. As of Monday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami reported that Melissa was positioned approximately 130 miles south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, and about 315 miles south-southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba. The hurricane boasts maximum sustained winds of 160 miles per hour and is advancing westward at a sluggish pace of just 3 mph. Forecasters predict that Melissa will make landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, subsequently traversing Cuba and the Bahamas through Wednesday. The NHC has issued warnings that the storm’s slow movement could result in up to 30 inches of rainfall across Jamaica, exacerbating the risk of flooding and other hazards. Melissa is now recognized as the most potent hurricane in recent history to directly threaten Jamaica. The storm’s intensity has already claimed lives, with at least three fatalities reported in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, where another individual remains missing. In response to the impending crisis, Jamaican authorities have activated emergency shelters and mandated evacuations for residents in low-lying and coastal areas.
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Police say military aircraft, paratroopers not linked to regional tensions
The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) issued a statement late Sunday night to address public concerns regarding recent military aircraft activity and paratroopers observed in the region. The RSVGPF emphasized that these activities are not connected to regional tensions or foreign military operations but are instead part of planned Independence Day celebrations. The events, which include ceremonial exhibitions, are professionally supervised and form part of the official program marking the nation’s 46th Anniversary of Independence. The RSVGPF acknowledged that in the current climate of international uncertainty, citizens may be naturally curious or concerned about unfamiliar aerial maneuvers. However, the constabulary urged the public to distinguish between verified information and online speculation, rejecting any claims of jamming devices, airspace restrictions, or security threats as entirely false and misleading. The statement followed the circulation of a video on social media showing a paratrooper landing on the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines building in Kingstown, which sparked various theories about the individual’s intentions. The RSVGPF called on media entities and citizens to verify information through official channels and encouraged Vincentians to focus on the spirit of unity and pride during the celebrations. Meanwhile, the participation of Guyanese skydivers in the Independence Day parade at Arnos Vale was intended to be a surprise, though a Facebook post by the team hinted at their involvement. The post has since been removed. Tensions in the southern Caribbean remain high, particularly with the recent docking of the USS Gravely in Trinidad and Tobago and the Trump administration’s announcement of increased military presence in the region under the guise of counter-drug initiatives. Critics argue that these deployments may be a pretext for a potential land invasion of Venezuela.
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Pastor Calls for National Unity: ‘Political Division Has Reached the Church’
During Antigua and Barbuda’s 44th Independence Thanksgiving Service, Pastor Fitzgerald Semper delivered a powerful sermon urging national unity, highlighting the pervasive impact of political and social divisions on the country. Speaking to a packed congregation at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Creekside, Semper emphasized that the nation’s Independence theme, “Solid, Stable, Soaring,” could only be realized by addressing the deep-seated fractures caused by partisan politics and mistrust. He lamented that even the church has not been immune to these divisions, stating, “The political divide has even reached inside of the church. We must break down those walls if we are to be solid as a people.” Semper warned that progress is impossible when citizens “pull in different directions,” questioning, “Half the people doing one thing and half pulling the other way — how can we be solid?” His message resonated deeply with the audience, which included the governor general, acting prime minister, opposition leader, and members of Parliament. Many attendees applauded his call to transcend political allegiances, with one church elder describing it as “refreshing” and another noting that the sermon “hit home.” Semper urged leaders to model transparency, humility, and dialogue, emphasizing that governance requires accountability and openness to counsel. Grounded in scripture and civic reflection, his sermon framed unity as a moral imperative for the nation’s advancement. As the congregation prayed for national harmony, Semper’s words served as both a caution and a vision for Antigua and Barbuda to overcome division and rediscover its shared purpose.
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Nieuwe sport- en educatiehub voor jongeren in Reeberg geopend
The district of Reeberg in Wanica, Suriname, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art sports complex, marking a significant milestone for local youth development. Officially opened during the Sports and Education Fair, the facility on Roodbontstraat is a project spearheaded by the Y-Academy Foundation, led by Chairman Gino Naarden. The complex aims to provide a safe and accessible space for young people to engage in sports, play, and foster both physical and mental growth. The Ministry of Youth Development and Sports (JOS) has endorsed the initiative, with Acting Sports Director Enrique Ralim praising the foundation’s efforts and pledging active collaboration. ‘Such initiatives are invaluable for youth development. The ministry will be actively involved in Y-Academy’s next event,’ Ralim stated. He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to supporting organizations dedicated to youth and sports development, noting that investments in sports translate into investments in the nation’s future—promoting health, mental resilience, and societal stability. Y-Academy’s innovative approach combines sports and education to empower local communities through talent development. Naarden officially handed over the complex to Reeberg residents, urging them to maximize its potential. ‘Healthy youth are the foundation of a strong Suriname. It starts here, in our neighborhoods,’ he stressed. Local children, including Jamie, Meredientje, and Shesharya, expressed their excitement, describing the new sports field as a dream come true—a dedicated space to play, learn, and grow together.