Six months ago, following a disappointing defeat in the most recent general election, Allen Chastanet, leader of Saint Lucia’s United Workers Party (UWP), announced the party would launch a comprehensive internal performance review, with the entire process expected to wrap up within half a year. As that deadline draws near, the review is still ongoing, and the party has not yet announced a firm date for its leadership convention, leaving supporters waiting for clarity on the opposition party’s future direction. Critics have suggested the extended timeline is a sign of internal stagnation, but Chastanet pushed back against that narrative during a press briefing held Tuesday, insisting that meaningful work is advancing behind closed doors. The core sticking point that has slowed progress, he explained, is a fundamental strategic debate dividing party stakeholders: should the UWP first resolve the structural and operational weaknesses uncovered by the internal review, or hold its long-awaited convention first and roll out reforms after new leadership is confirmed? During the briefing, Chastanet openly acknowledged that the party’s internal structures have clear flaws that demand attention. “There are clearly things within the party that we need to look at,” he told reporters from the St. Lucia Times, adding that meaningful organizational change requires widespread consensus from party members to succeed. “You need to get buy-in to what that change is going to be. And that’s what the party’s process is right now. Change within any organisation can be difficult.” When Chastanet first announced the review back in March, he explicitly stated that the convention would ultimately formalize the party’s leadership going forward, a comment that fueled speculation about potential challenges to his position. Today, the UWP leader does not shy away from the open questions about his leadership, calling the scrutiny entirely reasonable. “There’s significant questions about my leadership. And that’s fair. That’s a fair question,” he said. He added that lingering uncertainty around the top party position has created a drag on reform efforts, with many members hesitant to fully commit to organizational overhauls while the leadership question remains unresolved. In the coming weeks, a series of high-stakes closed-door meetings will be held to settle the debate over the convention and review timeline. “There will be a couple of critical meetings coming up to make a determination. Do we go and have a convention earlier and have a staged process to the changes we think that the party thinks needs to be taking place? Or do we make the changes and go to the convention afterwards?” Chastanet explained, noting that a final decision on the path forward is expected within the next few weeks. Chastanet rejected claims the party has been inactive during this period of internal deliberation, noting that party leadership has remained actively engaged in planning and stakeholder outreach. “I think it’s unfair to say that the party’s doing nothing. The party is extremely active,” he said. That said, he did concede that he wants to see more engagement and organizing work at the local grassroots level across the island. Despite the current internal challenges and the post-defeat slump in public confidence, Chastanet stressed that the UWP remains a robust, competitive political force. He did, however, acknowledge that the party has significant work ahead to rebuild trust with voters after its general election loss. “I will accept that we have to do more to build up people’s confidence in the party,” he said. “And that is why this part of the process is so important that you get it right.”
博客
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China In My Eyes
The clock is ticking for creators and storytellers hoping to participate in the highly anticipated “China in My Eyes” Short Video & Article Competition, with all submissions set to close at the end of Tuesday, September 1. This global storytelling opportunity, hosted by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Grenada, invites participants from all backgrounds to share their unique personal perspectives, experiences and observations of China through two accessible formats: original short-form videos (submitted as MP4 files) or written articles (accepted as editable text or clear screenshots).
To enter, participants simply need to send their completed work to the official submission email [email protected], along with a working contact phone number for future correspondence. A total of 112 winners will be selected to take home impressive, high-value prizes, including brand-new laptops, smartphones and tablets, making the competition a rewarding opportunity for creators of all skill levels.
Organizers have stressed that time is extremely limited for those who have not yet finalized their submissions, urging interested creators to submit their unique China-focused stories as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this opportunity. Any participants with questions about submission guidelines, eligibility or technical requirements are encouraged to reach out to the organizing team for clarification ahead of the closing deadline.
Following the close of submissions, competition results are scheduled to be published in early September on the official Facebook page of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Grenada. As a hosting platform for the competition announcement, NOW Grenada has issued a standard content disclaimer: the outlet is not liable for any opinions, statements or media content shared by participating contributors, and users can access a dedicated reporting link to flag any inappropriate or abusive content posted through the initiative.
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Traffic delay: The Carenage, St George’s
Motorists and local residents in St George’s, Grenada, are being warned to prepare for ongoing overnight traffic disruptions along one of the capital’s busy thoroughfares, the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) Traffic Department has confirmed. Starting Tuesday, August 25, 2026, traffic flow along The Carenage, stretching from its intersections with both Hughes Street and Young Street, will be subject to significant nightly delays. The restrictions will be in effect from 7:00 p.m. through 3:00 a.m. each night, and will remain in place until the RGPF issues an update concluding the work. The temporary hold-up in regular vehicle movement is required to accommodate critical infrastructure work being carried out by the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA), specifically a large-scale pipe-laying project aimed at upgrading Grenada’s water and sewerage network. In an official statement released by the Office of the Commissioner of Police, the RGPF extended a sincere apology to the public for any inconvenience the scheduled construction and traffic changes may cause to daily commutes, business operations, and leisure travel. The department also urged road users to plan alternate routes in advance and expressed gratitude for the public’s expected patience and cooperation as the essential infrastructure upgrade moves forward. This announcement comes as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize Grenada’s public utilities, with long-term benefits expected for residents and visitors alike once the project is completed.
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Kylla Herbert to be honored by SPBS for Professional Excellence and Community Leadership.
A trailblazing leader whose career has blended business achievement, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment will receive top honors from the St. Philip Benevolent Society (SPBS) this September. Kylla Herbert, a Bronx-based financial services executive and cultural organizer, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of SPBS’ Professional Excellence and Community Leadership award, in recognition of more than 20 years of impact across business, cultural advocacy, and youth development work.
Herbert’s foundational values of discipline and commitment to excellence took root during her undergraduate years at Ursinus College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics. That rigorous academic training shaped the analytical thinking and resilience that would define her later leadership across professional and community spaces.
For over two decades, Herbert has built and led a successful financial services firm that serves a diverse client base: from individual households and families to small business owners and growing enterprises. Her mission goes far beyond standard client service: she centers her work on expanding access to financial literacy, resources, and confidence, helping people from all backgrounds build stable, long-term financial futures that benefit both their families and their broader communities.
Her impact reaches far beyond the boardroom, rooted in a family legacy of community service. Herbert serves as Executive Director of the South Jersey Caribbean Cultural & Development Organization (SJCCDO), an institution founded by her late father Nkem Tshombe. Carrying forward her father’s mission, Herbert leads the organization in advancing Caribbean cultural pride and public service through arts programming, educational initiatives, community outreach, and cross-cultural engagement.
One of SJCCDO’s most visible and beloved contributions is the annual South Jersey Caribbean Festival, a decades-long celebration that highlights the depth, diversity, and vibrancy of Caribbean heritage to audiences across the region. Under Herbert’s direction, the organization has expanded its work to prioritize four core pillars: cultural preservation, youth development, inclusive community engagement, and cross-cultural connection between Caribbean communities and their neighbors.
Herbert’s longstanding commitment to investing in young people also extends to athletic development and diaspora connection. She serves as Coordinator and Chairperson of the St. Kitts and Nevis Penn Relays Committee, which organizes logistics and support for the CEMSS Eagles track and field team when they travel to Pennsylvania to compete in the iconic Penn Relays competition. In this role, she creates tangible opportunities for young Caribbean athletes to showcase their skills, while strengthening ties between the Caribbean islands and the global Caribbean diaspora in the United States. Her work is guided by a core belief: investing in the next generation is the most impactful investment a community can make in its future.
Off the clock, Herbert carries forward the love of exploration and connection nurtured by her mother, who introduced her to travel and diverse cultural perspectives during childhood family trips. Today, she continues to prioritize travel, lifelong learning, and photography, and cherishes time spent with her son and extended family.
Across every sphere of her work, Herbert has embodied a simple, powerful truth: that true leadership is measured not just by personal professional success, but by how many lives are lifted up, how many new opportunities are created, how many cultural traditions are preserved for future generations, and how much stronger communities become as a result of that work.
The honor will be bestowed at the SPBS Dr Stewart O. Williams Annual Awards Gala, scheduled for September 5, 2026, at Maestros Catering Hall located at 1703 Bronxdale Ave in the Bronx, New York. This year’s gala, held under the patronage of Dr. Irvin Sweeney and Mrs. Vernice “Debbie” Williams, carries the theme “Rooted in Service, Grounded in Giving Back”. The event’s keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Maurice Duggins, a prominent Kittitian family practice physician based in Kansas. Community members are invited to attend the gala to support the awards program and celebrate Herbert’s contributions.
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Moeen, Bowlers help Falcons topple Tridents
The 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) delivered another dramatic night of T20 cricket on Tuesday, as the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons claimed a resounding 30-run victory over the previously unbeaten Barbados Tridents at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The result marked a return to winning form for the hosts, and it was crafted by a standout all-round performance led by captain Moeen Ali and a devastating collective bowling display.
The game got off to a flying start for the Tridents when fast bowler Daniel Sams trapped Rahkeem Cornwall lbw with a pinpoint yorker on the very first delivery of the innings, leaving the Falcons reeling at the top of the order. Openers Amir Jangoo and Karima Gore each got starts but failed to convert them into a substantial match-changing partnership, putting the Tridents firmly in control of the game. At that stage, projections had the Falcons finishing no higher than 120, a total that would have made for an easy chase for the unbeaten tournament leaders.
Ali had other plans, however. The Falcons captain stepped into the crease and turned the contest on its head, shifting the entire momentum of the match with aggressive, calculated batting that dominated the closing stages of the innings. He shared a critical 75-run stand with Shamar Springer, who provided the perfect steady support to let Ali take on the Tridents bowling attack. The turning point came in the final over, when Ali smashed three consecutive sixes off Sams, powering the Falcons to a surprise total of 155 for 5 at the break. In a stunning late-innings surge, the side added 72 runs off just the final 36 deliveries, turning a likely sub-par total into a challenging target.
The Tridents’ chase got off to an eventful start, with debutant Shian Brathwaite dropped off his first T20 ball, but he could not capitalize on the opportunity, falling for just seven runs shortly after. A big breakthrough for the Falcons came when Rahkeem Cornwall returned to the attack to remove dangerous wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, leaving Rivaldo Clarke and Kevlon Anderson to rebuild the Tridents innings. The pair put together a solid partnership that brought the Tridents back into contention, reaching 93 for 3 with the match evenly poised in the chase.
What followed was a dramatic middle-order collapse that sealed the Tridents’ fate. Anderson was caught in the deep by Springer off the first ball of the collapse, and Sherfane Rutherford fell to a brilliant catch by substitute fielder Anderson Phillip off the very next delivery. The sudden double strike left inexperienced batters at the crease, and the Tridents innings unravelled at breakneck speed. The side lost four wickets in just two overs, and eventually their final seven wickets for a mere 32 runs, collapsing all out for 125.
Joshua James was the standout bowler for the Falcons, claiming three key wickets for just 18 runs to put the result out of reach. Leg spinner Shadab Khan delivered a decisive match-winning spell in the 13th and 14th overs, putting constant pressure on the Tridents batters, and Sufyan Moqim wrapped up the win by taking the final two wickets on consecutive deliveries.
The victory wraps up the Falcons’ four-match home stand, which was backed by enthusiastic support from the local fanbase throughout. The Antigua-based side will now hit the road to take on the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots at Warner Park this coming Sunday. For the Tridents, this defeat marks their first loss of the 2026 CPL campaign, and they will look to bounce back on Friday when they face defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders at Queen’s Park Oval.
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Government Helping BEL Pay Down Millions Owed to Mexico’s CFE
As of August 25, 2026, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), the country’s primary power provider, is facing a pressing financial crisis, with tens of millions of dollars in unpaid debt owed to Mexico’s state-owned national energy utility Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) – a gap the utility cannot close on its own, according to BEL leadership.
Lynn Young, BEL’s Executive Chairman, confirmed that the Briceño administration has intervened to help the utility meet its critical financial obligations to CFE, bringing the total outstanding debt down significantly from its peak earlier this year. “In early January, the total debt sat at roughly $55 million,” Young explained in a recent public briefing. “The last figure I reviewed put it at $30 million, around $20 million of which is currently overdue. With consistent government support, we have chipped away at the total balance steadily through 2026, and we remain in ongoing dialogue with CFE leadership about our repayment schedule.”
Young outlined that the root of the utility’s financial strain is a fundamental mismatch between the rising cost of energy generation and the rates BEL charges residential and commercial customers. Currently, the utility brings in approximately $6 million in total weekly revenue, but diesel fuel alone – a key input for power generation – costs $3 million per week. After accounting for mandatory payments to CFE, domestic hydropower provider Hydro Belize, fuel suppliers, full-time staff, and contracted vendors, all of the utility’s operating revenue is exhausted, leaving no buffer to pay down accumulated debt.
A recently implemented Cost of Power Adjustment (COPA) mechanism is designed to partially offset rising generation costs, but Young noted that the adjustment is not large enough to close the entire gap. For example, last month’s unplanned extra generation cost hit 4.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, while the COPA only adds a 1.5 cent per kWh surcharge to customer bills. This 3 cent per kWh gap left BEL with a $5 million shortfall for the month alone, requiring additional government support to cover outstanding obligations to CFE.
When questioned about the policy decisions that led Belize’s energy sector to this point, Young defended earlier choices to rely heavily on CFE for imported power, noting that current challenges were unforeseeable based on available information at the time. “No one could have predicted that CFE would face operational instability,” Young said. “It is a massive system serving an energy-rich nation, so relying on cheap, reliable power from CFE looked like a sound decision when we made it, especially given that Belize had not added new domestic generation capacity in years. We make decisions based on the information we have at the time; there’s no use rehashing past calls now. As the saying goes when playing dominoes, you have to play the hand you’re dealt. Our focus now is moving forward to fix the system.”
In addition to BEL’s immediate debt crisis, a major $77 million solar energy project designed to boost Belize’s domestic power generation capacity and reduce reliance on imported energy remains stalled three years after the Briceño administration signed a development agreement with Saudi partners in 2023. Public Utilities Minister Michel Chebat explained that the delay stems from lengthy domestic procurement requirements and strict conditions imposed by Saudi stakeholders. “Unfortunately, Saudi Arabia’s procurement approval process is far longer than ours, and they have additional mandatory conditions that we have to satisfy,” Chebat explained. “One key requirement is that Saudi engineers must lead a large portion of the project’s work, which adds layers of coordination that slow progress. That said, I can confirm that our government is prioritizing this project and pushing to move it forward as quickly as possible.”
Chebat also highlighted a separate new initiative to lower long-term power costs for Belizeans: the government recently signed a $125 million compact with the Millennium Cooperation, earmarked specifically for energy cost reduction programs. “All of these ongoing investments are aligned with our core goal of bringing down power costs across the country,” Chebat added. “Of course we want these improvements in place today, and we agree they should have been delivered by now – but we are working steadily to get them across the finish line.”
In a separate update, Young also addressed growing customer complaints about high power bills, confirming that rising seasonal temperatures driving increased energy use – not the rollout of new smart meters – is the primary cause of higher monthly statements.
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FAO calls for greater investment in Latin America and Caribbean Agrifood Systems
Against a backdrop of persistent food insecurity, fragmented financing, and growing climate threats, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has issued an urgent call for expanded, unified investment to strengthen and sustain agrifood systems across Latin America and the Caribbean.
A two-day stakeholder gathering, held on August 18 and 19, brought together 70 cross-sector delegates to map a path forward for turning the region’s vast agricultural potential into tangible, impactful investment projects. Attendees included representatives from national governments across the region, leading regional and global development bodies, commercial financial institutions, international aid agencies, private sector enterprises, and family farming advocacy groups.
Long recognized as one of the world’s leading powerhouses for global food production, Latin America and the Caribbean currently faces overlapping structural challenges that threaten its food security and agricultural resilience. The region is disproportionately exposed to intensifying climate hazards that erode crop yields and disrupt supply chains, while existing funding streams for agrifood system development remain chronically insufficient and poorly coordinated across stakeholders.
In remarks at the gathering, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean Rene Orellana Halkyer laid out the stark gap between the region’s agricultural potential and its current hunger outcomes. “Latin America and the Caribbean is a global agrifood powerhouse, but 32 million people still suffer from hunger, and nearly 70% of food producers face barriers to accessing formal finance,” Halkyer noted.
Over the course of the meeting, stakeholders aligned on five core priority areas to guide future investment. Foremost among these is the development of place-based investment portfolios that integrate small-scale production, critical rural infrastructure, streamlined market access, targeted technical support, and customized financial products designed to meet the unique needs of local producers.
Attendees also emphasized the critical role of capacity-building interventions, including expanded financial literacy training, ongoing technical assistance for sustainable production practices, improved business management support for small producers, and investments to strengthen rural producer organizations. The meeting further highlighted the urgent need for deeper cross-sector collaboration between national governments, commercial and development banks, private investors, private enterprises, academic institutions, and local rural communities to align efforts and avoid fragmented funding.
Climate adaptation and mitigation were positioned as central pillars of all future agrifood investment planning. Key climate-focused priorities identified include scaling up support for low-carbon, climate-resilient sustainable farming practices, large-scale ecosystem restoration projects, climate-resilient rural infrastructure, improved integrated water resource management, and expanded access to index-based agricultural insurance that protects small producers against climate-linked crop losses.
small and medium-sized family farmers, their representative organizations, and marginalized rural communities were formally centered as core beneficiaries and partners in the regional financing agenda, addressing a longstanding gap in traditional agricultural investment frameworks that have often sidelined small-scale producers.
Currently, the FAO administers more than US$1 billion in agrifood project funding across more than 400 active initiatives in 32 countries across the region. Through these projects, the organization works to bridge gaps between local community needs and global sources of financing, technical knowledge, innovative agricultural practices, and targeted investment.
The August stakeholder meeting included official participation from government delegations of major regional agricultural economies including Chile, Brazil, Guatemala and Costa Rica, alongside representatives from key regional blocs and development institutions such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the World Bank, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO), and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR). Private sector participants included major global banking group BBVA and impact investment firm Vox Capital, marking growing private sector interest in sustainable agrifood investment across the region.
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Dominica State College set to welcome class of 2028 for Freshers’ Week
As the 2026-2027 academic year approaches, Dominica State College (DSC) is putting the final touches on preparations for its annual Freshers’ Week, a four-day welcoming event set to run from September 1 to 4 that will greet roughly 500 first-year students making up the institution’s incoming Class of 2028.
Per an official press release issued by the college, this welcoming event is organized to take place immediately following DSC’s 26th annual Orientation Ceremony, marking the formal entry of the new cohort into the higher education institution. Unlike general orientation sessions, the structured four-day Freshers’ Week agenda is built to serve multiple key purposes for incoming learners. Beyond completing mandatory administrative steps including official course registration and final enrollment processing, students will get dedicated time to explore the DSC campus, acclimate to the rhythms of college life, and learn about the full range of academic, wellness, and support resources available to them throughout their studies.
College organizers note that the entire initiative is rooted in a core goal: to help new students make a seamless, low-stress transition from secondary education to tertiary learning, equipping them with all the practical tools and key information they need to lay a strong foundation for their academic careers from day one.
This academic year, several DSC programs have already seen notably high interest from incoming students. These popular offerings include the Certificate in Pre-Health, Associate Degrees in Hospitality, General Business Administration, Biology and Architecture, as well as the college’s Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management.
After Freshers’ Week concludes on September 4, new students will have a short gap before formal academic instruction kicks off across all programs on September 8. In closing its announcement, DSC shared that the entire college community is eager to welcome the incoming Class of 2028, and remains committed to supporting every student through their entire college journey. The institution’s priorities for the new cohort are clear: fostering strong academic outcomes, supporting meaningful personal growth, and helping students build connections and memories that will last long after graduation.
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Four new members elected to Dominica Calypso Association executive
The Dominica Calypso Association (DCA) has refreshed its leadership team after holding its annual general meeting (AGM) on August 22, 2026, kicking off a new term focused on advancing the iconic Caribbean musical tradition ahead of the 2027 performance season.
Seven hopeful candidates competed for four open seats on the DCA’s nine-member executive board, a contest that followed a wave of departures that created the vacancies. Four incumbent members—Chester “Daddy Chess” Letang, Jerry “Oracle” Lloyd, Andy “Andy” Carter and Keith “Tronada” Hurtault—stepped down from their roles earlier this year, while the term of sitting executive member Augustus “Liberator” St. Louis reached its scheduled end, leaving four spots open for new leadership.
Before members cast their ballots, DCA leadership presented the official annual reports from both the association’s President and Treasurer, giving full transparency into the organization’s recent activities and financial standing to all voting attendees. When the votes were counted, four candidates emerged victorious: Marsha Dangleben secured 25 votes to claim the top spot, followed by Jarnillia “Mika” Phillip with 23 votes, Daniel “Danian” Theodore with 20 votes, and Steve “Triumph” Williams with nine votes. The unsuccessful candidates included Shirvon “Vigilante” Vigilante, who earned eight votes, and Jerry “Hexi” Williams and Wilfred “Intruder” Peltier, who each picked up five votes.
DCA Public Relations Officer Peter Letang framed the AGM as a critical turning point for the future of calypso in Dominica, a cultural art form deeply tied to the island’s national identity and annual carnival celebrations. The newly expanded executive committee is set to waste no time getting to work, with its first full organizational meeting scheduled for this coming Wednesday. During that inaugural gathering, members will assign specific roles and responsibilities across the executive team, before turning their full attention to coordinating logistics, programming, and promotion for the 2027 calypso season.
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Music icon Dolly Parton dies at 80
After a trailblazing six-decade career that redefined country music and cemented her status as a global cultural icon, Dolly Parton has passed away at the age of 80, CBS has confirmed.
Parton’s death was announced by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who also served as the star’s long-time head of security, in a pre-recorded statement shared across major social media platforms. In the emotional address, Seaver described the announcement as both a profound honor and a moment of heartbreak. “It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” he said, adding that Parton “has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus.”
The beloved singer-songwriter had navigated significant health obstacles for several years prior to her death, though Seaver did not release specific details surrounding the official cause of death.
Public concern over Parton’s health first emerged in October of the previous year, when her sister Freida Parton took to social media to request prayers from the star’s global fanbase. The singer quickly moved to ease worry, releasing a statement confirming she was not facing a serious, life-threatening illness and that she was in stable condition.
But in May of this year, Parton shared an update with fans that revealed the growing severity of her health struggles. In a social media video, she confirmed she was seeing positive results from ongoing medical treatment, but opened up about long-term health issues that had disrupted her daily life and career. She had lived with recurring kidney stones for decades, she explained, and in recent years, complications with her immune system and digestive tract had become progressively more difficult to manage.
Acknowledging that she could no longer meet the physical demands of her usual performance standards, Parton made the decision to cancel all of her upcoming scheduled shows in Las Vegas, disappointing fans but earning widespread understanding and support for her prioritization of rest and recovery.
Across her 60-year career, Parton grew from a rising young country performer to a cross-genre superstar, racking up hundreds of chart-topping hits and expanding her career into hit television series and blockbuster feature films. Beyond her entertainment work, she was also widely celebrated for her extensive philanthropy, including her decades-long Imagination Library program that has delivered free books to millions of children across the globe.