Kelvin Jacob, Chief Cultural Officer of Grenada’s Ministry of Tourism, Creative Economy, and Culture, delivered a compelling address at the World Poetry, Dance, Music, and Visual Arts Salon during the 3rd Liangzhu Forum in Hangzhou, China. Describing Grenada as ‘a small island with a vast soul,’ Jacob positioned the nation as a creative hub that bridges diverse histories and geographies. His presentation, titled ‘Shared Beauty, Shared Civilisation,’ emphasized the unifying power of culture and creativity in a fragmented world. Jacob highlighted Grenada’s rich cultural tapestry, where African rhythms, European languages, and indigenous traditions coexist harmoniously. He also underscored the island’s growing cultural partnership with China, citing initiatives such as the Confucius Institute at T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) and artistic exchanges between Grenadian and Chinese performers. Jacob praised these collaborations as ‘cultural diplomacy at its finest,’ advocating for artists as ‘architects of peace’ who build bridges where politics often create borders. Beyond the forum, Jacob’s itinerary includes cultural and educational exchanges in Yiwu, Beijing, and Shanghai, aimed at strengthening ties in art, heritage, and tourism. The Ministry lauded his participation as a milestone in Grenada’s global cultural influence. Jacob concluded with a powerful message: ‘If we can share our beauty, we can shape our civilisation,’ urging global leaders to prioritize creativity in fostering mutual understanding and progress.
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Former APNU+AFC parliamentarian, other person arrested with marijuana in bus
In a significant law enforcement operation, former APNU+AFC parliamentarian Devin Sears was apprehended late Monday night after police discovered over 300 kilograms of marijuana in a bus he was driving. The arrest occurred on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway near Bamia, where the vehicle was intercepted during a routine patrol. Sears, a 39-year-old educator and political activist from Mackenzie, Linden, was accompanied by Albert Sandy, a 69-year-old farmer from Tacama Waterfront, Upper Berbice River. The bus, registered under the Region 10 Tourism Committee Inc., was subjected to a search after Sears exhibited suspicious behavior, including profuse sweating. Upon inspection, authorities uncovered 22 black plastic bags and four large brown canvas bags filled with suspected cannabis. While Sears remained silent during the arrest, Sandy admitted ownership of the narcotics, claiming he had paid Sears to transport him to Parika. Both men were taken into custody and are awaiting charges as the investigation continues.
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LISTEN: Pringle Denies Involvement in Vehicle Scandal, Calls Allegations Political Distraction
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has vehemently refuted allegations linking him to the ongoing controversy surrounding government vehicle procurement, labeling the accusations as politically driven distractions. In a strongly worded audio statement, Pringle demanded that those making the claims provide concrete evidence and take full responsibility for their assertions. He emphasized that accountability should be based on verifiable facts rather than unsubstantiated rumors. Pringle also called for an independent investigation not only into the vehicle procurement issue but also into the broader operations of the Public Works Department, hinting at potential systemic irregularities. He argued that focusing solely on the vehicle scandal without examining the department’s overall conduct would be shortsighted. Additionally, Pringle dismissed calls for his resignation as premature and unfounded, urging a measured approach to addressing the controversy. His remarks come at a time when the vehicle procurement scandal has sparked widespread public debate and cross-party scrutiny, raising questions about transparency and governance.
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Govt unveils $390M Queen Elizabeth Hospital expansion project
The Barbadian government has secured a $195 million loan to fund a significant expansion of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), a move expected to increase the facility’s capacity by approximately 40%. Health Minister Senator Jerome Walcott announced the groundbreaking initiative on Monday, highlighting that construction is slated to commence before the end of the year. The project, financed through a deferred payment agreement with a Chinese consortium, carries an interest rate of 3.5% over an 11-year term. The loan agreement was formalized during a ceremony at Government Headquarters. The expansion will add 19,320 square metres to the existing 50,000-square-metre hospital, featuring two new towers connected to the current structure via a bridge over Martindale’s Road. One tower will house a state-of-the-art laboratory, four new wards with 96 additional beds, a burn unit, and expanded outpatient facilities, while the second will include a cutting-edge cancer treatment center and administrative offices. The oncology unit will be equipped with advanced technologies, such as a linear accelerator, brachytherapy, a PET scanner, and a cyclotron, elevating cancer care in Barbados to unprecedented levels. Additionally, the project will address long-standing staff requests by incorporating amenities like a gym and a crèche for nurses’ children. The new laboratory is designed to tackle emerging diseases and antimicrobial resistance, addressing challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction is estimated to take 42 months, with 60% of the labor provided by Chinese contractors and 40% by local workers. Finance Minister Ryan Straughn emphasized the project’s significance as a major social investment, underscoring its role in improving healthcare accessibility, reducing waiting times, and enhancing working conditions for medical professionals. The expansion is part of a broader health system transformation, including polyclinic refurbishments and equipment upgrades, funded by the Saudi Fund for Development and Barbadian credit unions. Straughn assured citizens that the project reflects prudent fiscal management and will yield long-term benefits for the nation’s healthcare ecosystem.
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World Bank Mission to Grenada to advance Skills and Innovation Project
The World Bank is set to undertake a pivotal Implementation Support Mission in Grenada from October 23 to 24, 2025, as part of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Skills and Innovation Project (SKIP). This mission aims to evaluate the progress of ongoing initiatives and reinforce the execution of strategies to achieve key milestones. The agenda includes a comprehensive review of primary activities, discussions on the annual action plan and budget, and an examination of cross-cutting themes such as procurement, financial management, and environmental and social considerations. The first day will feature site visits to two beneficiary institutions—the New Life Organisation (NEWLO) and the T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC)—to assess training environments and interact with faculty and students. The second day will focus on the Annual Action Plan and Budget for 2026, alongside sessions on procurement, financial management, and stakeholder engagement at the Grenada Investment and Development Corporation (GIDC) compound. The mission will also delve into Component 2 of the project, which emphasizes strengthening post-secondary institutions to deliver priority skills and foster innovation. Senior officials from Grenada’s Ministry of Education, led by the Permanent Secretary, will participate, alongside representatives from various ministries and the GIDC. The World Bank team, headed by Senior Economist Victoria Levin, will provide technical support for project management and monitoring. The OECS SKIP initiative underscores a collective commitment to enhancing post-secondary education and equipping the region’s youth with essential technical, entrepreneurial, and innovation skills, thereby fostering inclusive growth and creating opportunities for employment and lifelong learning.
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CDB urges stronger disability inclusion across Caribbean
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has issued a compelling call to regional governments, urging them to prioritize disability inclusion in their development agendas. Speaking at the Caribbean Disability Conference held at the Wyndham Grand Barbados in St Philip, CDB President Daniel Best emphasized that systemic barriers continue to marginalize people with disabilities, despite increasing public awareness. The four-day conference, attended by policymakers, advocates, and individuals with disabilities, aims to bolster inclusion efforts across the Caribbean. Best highlighted the findings of a 2025 regional disability assessment report, which underscored the pressing need to dismantle these barriers and ensure full societal participation for the disabled community. He pointed out that individuals with disabilities often face voicelessness, invisibility, neglect, isolation, prejudice, and abuse, while their families and caregivers grapple with emotional strain and mental health challenges. Best stressed that disability is not a distant reality but a possibility for anyone, urging collective action to address these issues. During the event, the CDB presented a cheque to the Barbados Council for the Disabled (BCD) to fund initiatives such as assistive technologies, training, and projects aimed at improving accessibility. BCD President Patricia Padmore-Blackman lauded the support, noting its potential to drive innovation and technical advancements for people with disabilities. The CDB also reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive development, following the April Global Disability Summit in Berlin. Vice President of Operations Isaac Solomon emphasized the bank’s dedication to ensuring that at least 15% of national development programs incorporate disability inclusion. Best highlighted the CDB’s Special Education Needs and Inclusive Education Policy and Strategy (SEND Policy), designed to transform traditional education systems into inclusive ones. He reiterated that inclusion is not charity but justice, and the CDB will continue to provide financing for early identification, curriculum adaptation, and infrastructure to support individuals with special needs.
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High Court grants bail to GECOM accountant on larceny charge
In a significant legal development, the High Court of Guyana has granted bail to Dikimbie Gittens, a 30-year-old assistant accountant at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), who faces charges of embezzling GY$5 million from the election management authority. Gittens, who had been in custody since his initial court appearance on September 25, was released on October 6 after his attorney, Brenden Glasford, successfully petitioned High Court Judge Jacqueline Josiah-Graham for bail. The bail was set at GY$500,000, with specific conditions attached. Gittens is scheduled to reappear in the Magistrates’ Court on November 5. Glasford argued that the magistrate’s earlier decision to deny bail was inconsistent with the provisions of the Bail Act 2022. Gittens, a resident of Onderneeming, Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, is accused of larceny by a clerk or servant under the Criminal Law Offences Act. The alleged theft occurred between September 15 and 16, 2025, at the GECOM Secretariat in Georgetown. Police were alerted after discrepancies in funds intended for polling day workers were discovered. A total of 13 individuals were initially detained but were later released on station bail. The case continues to unfold as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the missing funds.
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Beekeepers unite to build national brand through “Buzz to Brand” workshop
The Copper and Lumber Event Centre in Nelson’s Dockyard buzzed with activity on October 16th as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Antigua and Barbuda Intellectual Property & Commerce Office (ABIPCO), and the Antigua and Barbuda Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. (ABBC) inaugurated a two-day workshop titled ‘Buzz to Brand: Celebrating Identity and Empowering the Beekeeping Community.’ This event marked a pivotal moment for the local beekeeping industry, showcasing how intellectual property (IP) can bolster community-based enterprises and transform national products into enduring legacies.
In her opening address, Ms. Ricki Camacho, Registrar of ABIPCO, hailed the initiative as a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and transformation. She lauded the dedication of all partners and expressed gratitude to WIPO for their technical expertise and to her ABIPCO colleagues for their steadfast support. Ms. Jess Honculada, Senior Counsellor at WIPO, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to fostering inclusive development through IP. She highlighted the workshop’s alignment with WIPO’s mission to empower local industries by leveraging IP tools to promote identity, innovation, and sustainability.
Mr. Gregory Bailey, Director of Agriculture, representing the Ministry of Agriculture, underscored the indispensable role of bees in sustainable agriculture and food security. He described beekeeping as more than an economic activity—it is a philosophy of environmental stewardship. ‘Sustainability,’ he remarked, ‘entails producing in ways that safeguard our environment, nurture our communities, and secure our future.’ He also noted that pollination is critical to over 75% of flowering plants and nearly 35% of global food production, underscoring the vital contributions of beekeepers to agriculture and biodiversity.
The workshop also featured an Entrepreneurial Exhibition, curated by Mr. John Mussington, Chairman of the Barbuda Council and a Barbudan beekeeper, and Ms. Taril Walker Bowen, Vice President of the ABBC. The exhibition showcased a variety of locally crafted products, including honey-based goods, handmade candles, and artisan creations, highlighting the ingenuity of local entrepreneurs and the versatility of beekeeping by-products. The day concluded with a honey tasting session, allowing attendees to savor the distinct flavors of Antigua and Barbuda’s locally produced honey.
Due to adverse weather conditions, the first day of the workshop ended at 12:30 p.m. and was set to resume on October 17th, continuing the dialogue on empowering the beekeeping sector through innovation, collaboration, and identity.
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Earthquake Felt Near Antigua and Barbuda
A minor earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale was detected northeast of Antigua and Barbuda on the evening of Monday, October 20, 2025. The seismic event, recorded by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Seismic Research Centre, occurred at approximately 9:09 p.m. local time. The tremor originated at a depth of 20 kilometers, with its epicenter pinpointed at coordinates 17.99°N, 62.43°W. This location places the quake approximately 117 kilometers northwest of St. John’s, 83 kilometers northeast of Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, and 135 kilometers north of Brades, Montserrat. Although some residents in Antigua experienced a brief shaking, there have been no reports of structural damage or injuries. The UWI Seismic Research Centre emphasized that the data was automatically generated and remains preliminary, awaiting further analysis by experts. Antigua and Barbuda is situated in a seismically active region of the eastern Caribbean, where moderate tremors are not uncommon due to the ongoing interaction between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates.
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BWA grapples with $100m owed as disconnections rise, some stay off water grid
The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) is intensifying its efforts to combat illegal water connections as it grapples with a staggering debt exceeding $100 million, largely attributed to unpaid bills. Acting CEO Christopher Mapp disclosed in an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY that the authority is investigating suspected cases of unauthorized water access by both residential and commercial users who were previously disconnected for non-payment.