Small Business Week (SBW) 2025 has officially commenced, marking another pivotal moment for the small business sector in Barbados and the wider Caribbean. This year’s theme, ‘Navigating Business in the Age of AI and Digital Trade,’ underscores the urgent need for strategic dialogue and actionable policies to address the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and digital commerce on small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
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Bajan chefs gear up to defend Caribbean title
As the 2025 Taste of the Caribbean Competition approaches, Barbados’ national culinary champions are intensifying their preparations to defend their title on home soil. The event, hosted for the first time in Barbados, will take place from November 16 to 18 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados. The Barbados National Culinary Team, led by team manager and head coach Javon Cummins, aims to showcase the country’s innovative approach to Caribbean cuisine. The team includes senior chef Rynaldo Joseph, junior chef Dejuan Toppin, pastry chef Rickeena Kirton, and mixologist Alex Chandler, all of whom are former champions. Their rigorous training schedule, which began on August 17, focuses on technical drills, speed under pressure, and reimagining traditional Bajan dishes. The team is also incorporating new elements such as a sparring partner system, weekly mock competitions, and mental conditioning to enhance performance. The competition will feature teams from Saint Lucia, Grenada, Guyana, Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, Turks and Caicos, Bonaire, Puerto Rico, and Anguilla. The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) emphasized the event’s significance as a platform for tourism, cultural diplomacy, and talent development. The public is encouraged to follow the team’s progress and support upcoming fundraising events via the BHTA’s social media pages.
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President of Dominica, H. E. Sylvanie Burton to receive award and be inducted into Global Power Women’s Network
The Office of the President of the Commonwealth of Dominica has announced that Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, DAH., will be honored with the Global Inspirational Leadership Award and inducted into the Global Power Women Network. The prestigious recognition will be conferred on September 25, 2025, during the Global Power Women’s Conference in New York City. This accolade celebrates President Burton’s exceptional leadership, steadfast dedication to gender equality, and her visionary policies that empower communities and foster global progress, as stated in an official government press release. The award underscores her innovative approach to policy-making, which aligns with the conference’s theme, “The Power Shift: Women Reimagining Leadership, Legacy and Global Prosperity.” President Burton’s induction into the network will follow her keynote speech at the event, attended by global leaders, innovators, and trailblazers. The annual Global Power Women’s Conference, organized by the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD) UK and Amazons Watch Magazine (AWM), aims to amplify women’s voices in leadership, foster cross-sector collaboration, and strategize for sustainable global growth. The initiative originated from the 2023 Global Power Women Conference held at the New York Hilton Midtown.
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Magistrate calls for State-funded paternity tests in child cases
A senior magistrate in Barbados has called for the implementation of state-funded, mandatory DNA testing in all child maintenance cases, emphasizing its necessity to ensure fairness and certainty for fathers involved in legal disputes. Acting Chief Magistrate Deidre McKenna proposed this measure during a panel discussion titled ‘Financial Child Support Delinquency,’ hosted by the Men of Character Men’s Fellowship at the Mount of Praise Wesleyan Holiness Church on Monday. McKenna, who regularly presides over child maintenance cases, highlighted the current system’s reliance on verbal acknowledgment of paternity, which often lacks definitive proof. She suggested that DNA testing should be automatic when a man is brought before the courts for maintenance, ensuring clarity before proceeding with financial arrangements. McKenna also advocated for the state to cover the cost of these tests, which currently amount to $800 per test, as many individuals struggle to afford them. She shared a poignant case where a man discovered he was not the biological father of a child he had supported for nine years, underscoring the emotional and financial toll of paternity uncertainty. Additionally, McKenna noted that maintenance orders should include provisions for shared medical, dental, and educational expenses to ensure funds are used appropriately. While she acknowledged that women are also occasionally ordered to pay child maintenance, McKenna’s proposal aims to address systemic issues in paternity disputes and child support enforcement.
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Creole Heart Beat Phrase 4 Today – ‘Donmnik ka pwépawé pou sélébwé endépandans li!’
In a groundbreaking development, researchers have unveiled a new AI-powered image recognition system that promises to revolutionize the way we interact with digital media. The technology, showcased in a recent demonstration, leverages advanced machine learning algorithms to accurately identify and categorize images with unprecedented precision. This innovation is expected to have far-reaching implications across various industries, including healthcare, security, and e-commerce. The system’s ability to process vast amounts of visual data in real-time could enhance diagnostic accuracy in medical imaging, improve surveillance capabilities, and streamline online shopping experiences. As the technology continues to evolve, experts anticipate its integration into everyday applications, making it an indispensable tool in the digital age.
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FEATURED PHOTO: Sunset in Pottersville
A captivating image has recently sparked widespread curiosity across social media platforms, yet its origins remain shrouded in mystery. The photograph, credited to Raymond Vigilant, has been shared extensively, accompanied by hashtags such as #Share, #Tweet, #Pin, and #Related. Despite its viral status, no additional context or background information has been provided, leaving viewers to speculate about its significance. The image, hosted on a news platform, features a striking visual composition, but its purpose and connection to current events are unclear. As the online community continues to dissect and share the photo, questions about its authenticity and intent persist. The lack of accompanying details has only heightened the intrigue, making it a subject of fascination and debate.
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Push for digital infrastructure to match tourism investment
The Caribbean region must treat digital infrastructure with the same level of urgency and coordination as it does tourism, according to Giovanni King, Chair of the Caribbean Data Centre Association. Speaking at a virtual forum hosted by the Small Business Association (SBA) titled ‘Business in the Age of Gen AI,’ King emphasized the critical role of data gateways in driving economic growth. He likened these digital entry points to airports, describing them as shared, neutral, and essential for regional development. King highlighted that while Caribbean nations routinely invest in tourism-related infrastructure such as airports, hotels, and entertainment, similar attention must be directed toward the digital economy. Cable landing stations, which serve as the primary hubs for internet data, are as vital to digital services as airports are to tourism. These gateways enable efficient information flow through competitive local networks, enhancing business operations. However, much of the region’s data traffic is routed internationally, even for intra-island communication, leading to increased costs and slower connectivity. King advocated for better utilization of existing infrastructure, keeping local traffic within the region and reserving international connections for necessary cases. He praised the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) for supporting this transition. King also stressed the importance of neutral governance for digital gateways, drawing parallels to airports managed to accommodate multiple carriers. He warned that without neutrality and regional collaboration, Caribbean states risk stifling digital growth, resulting in limited access, higher costs, and reduced competition. As small businesses increasingly adopt artificial intelligence, King urged vigilance in data protection, outlining four pillars: sovereignty, infrastructure, governance, and human awareness. He emphasized the need for data sovereignty, questioning whether Caribbean states are prepared to ensure local or regional control of data, especially in cross-border scenarios. King also highlighted the human element as the weakest link in data security, calling for staff training and robust consent policies to maintain customer trust.
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Deputy Governor-General for Nevis to Host Special Event in Support of Differently Abled Persons
Her Honour Mrs. Hyleeta Liburd O.B.E., M.H., Deputy Governor-General for Nevis, is set to host a special event on Thursday, September 25, 2025, in support of individuals with special needs. The event, taking place at Government House from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., aims to celebrate, uplift, and empower the differently abled community while raising funds for the Cecele Browne Integrated School. Mrs. Liburd expressed her passion for supporting those with challenges, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their value and potential in society. She encouraged the public to attend and contribute to the cause, highlighting the school’s critical role in providing education and care for differently abled students. The evening promises to be a meaningful celebration of inclusivity and community support.
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Prime Minister Drew lauds Yeoman Service of Sir Edmund W Lawrence ahead of State Funeral
The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis has announced a State Funeral to commemorate the life and legacy of Sir Edmund Wickham Lawrence, former Governor-General and a pivotal figure in the nation’s development. The solemn event, scheduled for October 2, 2025, will include a Lying-in-State at Government House, a funeral procession through Basseterre, and a service at Wesley Methodist Church. The procession will pause at the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank Limited, a testament to Sir Edmund’s transformative role in the country’s financial sector. Prime Minister Terrance Drew praised Sir Edmund as a visionary leader whose contributions laid the foundation for economic growth and financial empowerment. Sir Edmund’s legacy includes founding key institutions like National Caribbean Insurance and National Bank Trust, which continue to drive prosperity. The government invites the public to join in honoring this national icon, whose impact remains deeply embedded in the fabric of society.
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Official funeral arrangements announced for Former Governor-General Sir Edmund Wickham Lawrence
The Federal Cabinet of Saint Kitts and Nevis has officially announced the funeral arrangements for the late former Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Edmund Wickham Lawrence, GCMG, OBE, CSM, JP. Sir Edmund, who passed away on September 7, 2025, served as the nation’s third Governor-General from 2013 to 2015. In recognition of his significant contributions to the country, he will be honored with a State Funeral. The service is scheduled for Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Wesley Methodist Church in Basseterre. A Lying-in-State ceremony will precede the funeral at Government House from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., offering the public an opportunity to pay their respects. Additionally, the Federal Cabinet has declared a national half-holiday on October 2 to allow citizens to participate in this solemn occasion. Books of Condolence will be available at Government Headquarters and Government House for those wishing to express their sympathies. Sir Edmund’s legacy is deeply rooted in the nation’s history, particularly through his pioneering role in economic development as the founding General Manager of the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank. His tenure as Governor-General was marked by integrity, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to public service. The Government and people of Saint Kitts and Nevis extend their heartfelt condolences to his wife, Lady Lawrence, and the entire Lawrence family. As the nation prepares to bid farewell, it celebrates the life of a remarkable leader whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the country. May his soul rest in eternal peace.