In a groundbreaking initiative to foster self-reliance and enhance food security, the Ministry of Agriculture in Barbados has joined forces with the One Family Programme to empower vulnerable households through backyard farming. The collaboration was officially launched at a ceremony held at the ministry’s Graeme Hall headquarters on Friday, coinciding with the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and following World Food Day. The event marked the symbolic presentation of two grow boxes, which will serve as the foundation for a broader community-driven effort to encourage sustainable food production. Senior Agricultural Officer Bret Taylor emphasized the practicality of the initiative, noting that each grow box can yield up to 25 to 30 heads of lettuce, alongside herbs and peppers, demonstrating the potential of small spaces for diverse crop cultivation. “This initiative is designed to show households how they can achieve self-sufficiency,” Taylor explained. “It’s about maximizing limited space to grow a variety of crops, fostering both nutrition and independence.” Nicole Daniel, social development project manager with the One Family Programme, highlighted the transformative potential of the partnership. “These grow boxes are more than just containers of soil and seedlings—they are powerful tools for empowerment, teaching families that even the smallest spaces can yield meaningful results,” she said. The programme, which supports 1,000 of the most vulnerable families in Barbados, aims to transition participants from dependency to independence through mentorship, training, and community support. The initial phase of the project will involve 50 families, selected for their interest and aptitude in gardening, with technical assistance provided by the Ministry of Agriculture. Daniel also revealed that 25 barrels, donated by pharmaceutical supplier Aventa Barbados (formerly Collins Limited), will be utilized in the initiative. Beyond improving household nutrition, the project seeks to strengthen community bonds by encouraging families to share and trade their produce. “When one family plants a seed, another can help it grow,” Daniel said. “This exchange of resources—whether it’s thyme for lettuce or peppers for herbs—embodies the spirit of empowerment that defines the One Family Programme.”
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Woburn Clarkes Court Bay MPA stakeholder consultations
The Grenada Sustainable Development Trust Fund (GSDTF), in collaboration with the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund and Global Affairs Canada, is set to organize a series of stakeholder consultations from October 21 to 23, 2025. These meetings will focus on the Enhanced Management and Monitoring of the Woburn Clarkes Court Bay Marine Protected Area (WCCBMPA), a critical initiative aimed at bolstering marine conservation in Grenada. The consultations will engage local communities, business leaders, and fishermen from Woburn, St. George, fostering a collaborative approach to sustainable marine resource management. This project is part of the broader Caribbean Organisations for a Resilient Environment (CORE) initiative, which seeks to enhance climate resilience among vulnerable groups across eight Caribbean nations, including Belize, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname. The consultations will address key issues such as enforcement, zoning, and ecological monitoring, while promoting gender-responsive and climate-resilient conservation strategies. The GSDTF encourages all stakeholders to participate in these pivotal discussions, emphasizing the importance of collective action in safeguarding Grenada’s marine biodiversity.
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosts 3rd Immigration Symposium
On Thursday, 16 October 2025, Grenada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development hosted the third edition of its Immigration Symposium series. The event, themed ‘How can Grenada maximise revenue collection under the current immigration regime, without compromising its tourism product?’, aimed to foster a national dialogue on immigration reform. Key stakeholders from the immigration and travel sectors, including representatives from the Department of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Grenada Airports Authority, Immigration Department, and Grenada’s overseas missions and consulates, gathered to explore innovative policy reforms, operational efficiency, and sustainable revenue generation. Discussions centered on optimizing immigration procedures, enhancing visitor experiences, generational citizenships, and identifying new revenue streams aligned with Grenada’s commitment to a vibrant tourism sector. This symposium built on the outcomes of previous sessions held in April and July 2025, which focused on aligning immigration and border-related policies with national development goals, particularly in ports, maritime economy, customs modernization, and institutional interlinkages. The event also addressed structural limitations at Grenada’s ports and the growing need for digital transformation in border management. Stakeholders explored opportunities for public-private partnerships (PPPs), climate-smart strategies, and technological solutions to modernize customs and immigration systems. The symposium reaffirmed the commitment to cross-ministerial collaboration and compliance with relevant laws, as part of Grenada’s broader effort to modernize its immigration systems while safeguarding its tourism sector.
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IICA and FAO convene regional conference on advancements in sweet potato cultivation to enhance food security and climate adaptation
The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have reinforced their commitment to agricultural innovation and regional collaboration by hosting the first virtual symposium, ‘Next Generation Sweet Potato Production in the Caribbean – Annual Project 2025.’ Held on October 15, 2025, via Zoom, the event attracted over 90 participants from 13 Caribbean nations, including technical experts, government officials, farmers, and researchers. The symposium focused on leveraging genetic diversity in plants and soil microbes to enhance sweet potato cultivation in Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, and St. Lucia. Funding for the initiative is provided by the FAO International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture Benefit-sharing Fund, with additional support from the European Union. The project is coordinated by IICA in partnership with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and the Ministries of Agriculture of the participating nations. Gregg Rawlins, IICA’s Representative for the Eastern Caribbean States, emphasized the project’s alignment with CARICOM’s 25 by 25+5 initiative, which aims to reduce regional food imports by 25% by 2030. He highlighted the initiative’s role in promoting resilience, self-sufficiency, and inclusivity by empowering women, youth, and persons with disabilities in agriculture. Juan Cheaz, FAO’s Trade and Markets Officer, underscored the sweet potato’s versatility, resilience, and nutritional value, stressing the importance of reliable access to clean planting materials for boosting productivity. Gregory Bailey, Antigua and Barbuda’s Director of Agriculture, reflected on the crop’s cultural and historical significance, calling for renewed collaboration to build a sustainable agricultural future. The symposium featured insights from Dr. Alexandre Mello of the International Potato Centre (CIP) on sweet potato genetic diversity and its potential to address global food security and climate challenges. Breakout sessions focused on biocontrol methods, genetic resource management, and strategies to expand research and farmer participation. Since its launch in late 2024, the project has identified 12 farmer-preferred cultivars for virus cleaning and conservation, trained over 100 technicians, and advanced research on biocontrol techniques, marking significant progress in regional agricultural innovation.
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PickUP Barbados marks five years of driving change
This week marks the fifth anniversary of PickUP Barbados, a homegrown ride-hailing company that has revolutionized transportation across the island while generating hundreds of jobs and fostering stronger community ties. According to regional manager Hannah Gill, the platform currently boasts approximately 600 registered drivers, with ride volumes consistently increasing each year. This growth has translated into more opportunities for the taxi community, as the app eliminates the need for drivers to wait in specific locations for work. Since its inception, PickUP has upheld its commitment to drivers by maintaining stable commission rates and offering additional perks, such as preferred financing through Signia Globe and discounts on tires and batteries via Quality Tyre Plus. Gill emphasized that these initiatives are among the company’s most significant achievements, adding, “We’ll continue to work for the drivers to keep getting value for them.” Beyond employment, PickUP has deepened its community engagement. Earlier this year, the company introduced a wheelchair-accessible vehicle category on its app, collaborating with the National Council for the Disabled to provide $2,000 in ride credits to members. In June, free rides were offered to blood donors, and a long-term partnership was established with the Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown. Additionally, PickUP sponsored the FEMUND World Domino Championships Barbados team, showcasing its support for local passions and traditions. Reflecting on the challenges of the past five years, Gill highlighted the complexities of launching during the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating local regulations, and understanding the unique culture of drivers and passengers in a tourism-driven economy. She stressed the importance of having a locally based, 24/7 support team, noting that local knowledge can significantly impact a tourist’s holiday or a commuter’s day. Looking ahead, PickUP plans to implement technological advancements while remaining focused on local sustainability and driver support. Gill concluded, “The vision of success is rooted in local sustainability… continuing to elevate the transport sector, maintaining income stability for drivers, and impacting the community through give-back efforts.”
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Uber moves to calm backlash
Uber has officially announced that its platform in Barbados, set to launch next Wednesday, will exclusively feature licensed taxis. This decision comes in response to concerns raised by local drivers who feared the introduction of private vehicles could undermine the island’s taxi industry. In a recent statement, Uber clarified that its service in Barbados will strictly adhere to the Transport Authority’s regulations, ensuring that fares are fully compliant and drivers are paid the mandated rates. The company emphasized that only the Uber Taxi product will be available on the app, accessible solely to licensed taxi operators. Additionally, Uber acknowledged that during the initial testing phase, some fare discrepancies occurred due to automated discounts but assured drivers that they would receive compensation based on the regulated rates. This move aims to align Uber’s operations with local industry standards while addressing the apprehensions of Barbados’ taxi community.
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Estephane says he’s ‘for all’ as SLP candidate for Babonneau
The Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) officially introduced John Paul Estephane as its candidate for the Babonneau constituency during a vibrant event held at the Caribbean Cinemas Parking Lot last weekend. Supporters from all 17 constituencies gathered to witness the launch, signaling strong party unity ahead of the next general election. Estephane, who will contest the seat currently held by Dr. Virginia Albert-Poyotte, represents the SLP’s strategy to infuse fresh talent while upholding its commitment to community-focused leadership. In his address on October 12, Estephane expressed profound gratitude for the trust bestowed upon him and vowed to lead with inclusivity and unity. He declared, ‘My people of Babonneau, it is with great humility and gratitude that I accept your endorsement to contest the next election for the Saint Lucia Labour Party and serve as your parliamentary representative.’ Echoing his campaign slogan, ‘Everyone included, everyone empowered — John Paul for all,’ Estephane highlighted his humble beginnings in Des Barras, emphasizing his journey as a testament to the resilience of ordinary Saint Lucians. He outlined key initiatives aimed at improving local livelihoods, including the creation of a vendor’s market to support farmers and small producers, the establishment of an Early Childhood Education Centre to tackle absenteeism, and the enhancement of sporting facilities for youth development. Estephane also pledged to continue the work initiated by Dr. Albert-Poyotte, particularly in housing and land access, aligning with the Prime Minister’s policies. Framing the upcoming election as a pivotal choice between progress and regression, Estephane urged supporters to remain steadfast, stating, ‘This election is about staying with a Saint Lucia Labour Party that has brought benefits to every sector of this society… We cannot go back, we won’t go back. We are moving forward.’ His endorsement adds significant momentum to the SLP’s ongoing campaign as the party continues its series of candidate launches across Saint Lucia.
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CARPHA rep highlights Caribbean variables to global audience at World Health Summit
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the leading public health authority within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), played a pivotal role at the World Health Summit (WHS) 2025, held in Berlin, Germany, from October 12 to 14, 2025. The summit, themed ‘Taking Responsibility for Health in a Fragmenting World,’ attracted over 4,000 on-site delegates from 144 countries and more than 40,000 virtual participants. With over 400 speakers, the event boasted balanced gender representation, according to a CARPHA statement. Representing the Caribbean, CARPHA’s Executive Director, Dr. Lisa Indar, was the sole regional speaker, shedding light on the distinct public health challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean. Dr. Indar emphasized the region’s vulnerabilities, including small geographic sizes, interconnected networks, porous borders, fragile healthcare systems, reliance on tourism, and susceptibility to natural disasters and climate change. She underscored the necessity for tailored health strategies to mitigate the rapid spread of infectious diseases both within and beyond the region. Dr. Indar highlighted CARPHA’s initiatives, such as developing early warning systems, enhancing laboratory capabilities, workforce training, and fostering partnerships for pandemic prevention and response, supported by the Pandemic Fund grant. She also addressed critical issues like mental health, climate change, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and the aging population. Her participation extended to high-profile sessions, including discussions on global health emergencies, pandemic resilience, and mental health action. Additionally, Dr. Indar engaged in side meetings with international collaborators, focusing on integrating climate services into health systems and collaborative surveillance. CARPHA lauded the summit as a crucial platform for strengthening global health partnerships and addressing pressing public health challenges.
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Fire Service responds to 86 emergencies last weekend
The Saint Lucia Fire Service (SLFS) experienced an exceptionally active weekend from October 10 to October 13, 2025, responding to a total of 86 emergency calls, as confirmed by SLFS representative Cheria St. Rose. The majority of these calls—84 in total—were ambulance responses, with only two incidents involving fires. Medical emergencies dominated the ambulance calls, with 50 cases reported island-wide. Additionally, the SLFS addressed five assault-related injuries, eight motor vehicle collisions, ten trauma incidents such as falls and cuts, and 11 non-emergency cases. On October 11, the Babonneau Fire Station was particularly busy, handling two consecutive road accidents in Union, Gros Islet. The first collision involved a motorcycle, a minibus, and an SUV, resulting in abrasions to a male motorcyclist. While emergency teams were managing this scene, a second accident occurred just 50 feet away when a truck was forced off the road by a white Mitsubishi van, injuring a male passenger. Both individuals were treated on-site and transported to the Owen King European Union (OKEU) Hospital. Later that evening, another severe motorcycle accident took place on the Millennium Highway involving a white minibus, leaving the motorcyclist with head, jaw, and arm injuries. He was rushed to OKEU Hospital in serious condition. On October 12, a BMW X3 veered off the road in Soufrière, injuring the female driver, who was taken to Soufrière Hospital in stable condition. That same night, a Toyota Rush carrying five passengers crashed into a ditch south of the Ti Rocher Micoud junction. One passenger was unresponsive, while another left the scene privately. The remaining passengers were treated and transported to St Jude Hospital. The SLFS also dealt with two fire incidents: a bush fire in Cas En Bas, Gros Islet, and a pole fire in La Pointe, Micoud. The SLFS has urged motorists to drive cautiously, especially in high-risk areas, and to report emergencies promptly.
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San Ignacio Police Seize High-Powered Weapon, Ammunition
In a significant operation on October 17, 2025, the San Ignacio Police conducted a search at a residence on Maya Street, leading to the seizure of a high-powered firearm and a substantial cache of ammunition. The raid resulted in the detention of three individuals who failed to produce a valid firearm license. Among the confiscated items were a GIVATI-brand 9mm rifle-type firearm (serial number GFX0006), two magazines, a drum magazine, 195 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and 20 rounds of .223 ammunition. These were concealed in a bucket within a room of the property. The suspects were transported to the San Ignacio Police Station and are awaiting formal charges related to the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The police have indicated that their investigation is still ongoing.