The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services announced on Friday that they are closely monitoring a tropical wave currently positioned near 40 degrees west, approximately 1,000 miles east of the Windward Islands. The wave is accompanied by a significant area of showers and thunderstorms. According to the National Hurricane Centre (NHC), there is a low probability of tropical cyclone formation, with a 10% chance within the next 48 hours and a 30% chance over the next seven days. Despite the uncertainty regarding its development, the system is expected to bring cloudy skies, moderate to heavy showers, and thunderstorms to St. Vincent and the Grenadines from late Sunday into Monday. Weather models predict rainfall accumulations of 50–75 mm (2–3 inches), with higher amounts likely in mountainous regions. Additionally, strong surface winds are anticipated, which could agitate coastal waters. The bulletin warned that flash flood watches or warnings may be issued as the wave approaches, urging residents to stay informed about its progress.
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Finding my mind
Last week marked World Mental Health Day, a time to reflect on the complexities of mental well-being. While mental stress is often linked to workplace challenges, it is crucial to distinguish between temporary stress and mental illness. Mental stress, though uncomfortable, can be a catalyst for innovation and problem-solving. However, mental illness, such as memory loss, presents a more profound and often misunderstood challenge.
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Message from Kemar Cumberbatch, president of the Barbados Co-operative & Credit Union League Limited, on the occasion of International Credit Union Day 2025
International Credit Union (ICU) Day serves as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of collective effort, particularly among communities often overlooked in traditional financial systems. In Barbados, the credit union movement has forged a deeply rooted and mutually beneficial relationship with the working-class and middle-income populations for generations. Today, 24 financial cooperatives operate under the Barbados Co-operative & Credit Union League Limited, showcasing the strength of shared resources and unified goals. What began as a grassroots initiative to address financial exclusion has evolved into a multibillion-dollar sector that continues to uplift individuals and communities alike. This year’s ICU Day theme, ‘Cooperation for a Prosperous World,’ resonates profoundly with Barbados’ credit union movement, highlighting its resilience and success. Since its inception in 1948, ICU Day has been a time to reflect on the movement’s history, celebrate its achievements, and honor the individuals who have driven its growth. It also serves as a platform to raise awareness about the critical role credit unions play globally in empowering members and improving lives. In Barbados, credit unions have remained steadfast through the island’s social and economic challenges, now holding nearly $3 billion in savings and $3.4 billion in total assets. Members increasingly rely on these institutions for business development, housing, education, transportation, and personal financial empowerment. The Barbados Co-operative & Credit Union League, headquartered in St. Michael, acts as the sector’s strategic hub, providing leadership training, governance support, and financial literacy programs. The league also champions initiatives to enhance technological capabilities and cybersecurity while advocating for the sector’s inclusion in the national deposit insurance program. As Barbados celebrates International Credit Union Day 2025, the movement reaffirms its commitment to cooperation, honoring its shared history and embracing future opportunities to build a prosperous and inclusive future for all.
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Young Barbadians champion resilience financing
On October 13, Barbados marked the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction with a National Youth Platform, bringing together young people, government leaders, and international partners to focus on resilience financing. The event, themed ‘Fund Resilience, Not Disasters,’ emphasized the critical need to invest in measures that protect communities from climate and disaster risks. Youth leaders highlighted the devastating impacts of disasters on education, livelihoods, and well-being, while showcasing their innovative contributions to resilience-building. Interactive ‘resilience labs’ provided a space for young participants to exchange solutions, from climate-smart technologies to community-driven approaches, demonstrating their role as active agents of change. Captain Robert Harewood, Deputy Director of the Department of Emergency Management, opened the event by stressing the importance of involving youth in national resilience planning. United Nations Resident Coordinator Simon Springett called for intergenerational dialogue to ensure youth priorities inform policy and financing decisions. Saskia Carusi of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction highlighted the increasing scale of disasters driven by extreme weather and risk-blind investments. The Government of Barbados reaffirmed its commitment to resilience, with Minister Wilfred Abrahams emphasizing that investing in resilience is a necessity for sustainable development. A youth-led panel discussion explored how youth innovation, financing, and partnerships can drive greater investment in resilience. UNICEF Youth Advocate Maria Marshall underscored the importance of viewing young people as agents of change rather than victims. The event concluded with the launch of the World Tsunami Awareness Day 2025 Film Festival and the presentation of youth recommendations to strengthen national and regional resilience strategies.
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The Missing Meso-Level finance in disaster relief
When hurricanes devastate the Caribbean, the path to recovery extends far beyond rebuilding homes and infrastructure. It hinges on the ability of farmers to replace lost livestock, fishers to access damaged docks, market vendors to preserve perishable goods, and tourism workers to endure prolonged hotel closures. These individuals are the backbone of local economies, ensuring food security and the flow of goods. Yet, they are often the last to receive aid when disasters strike. While governments and traditional insurance systems play a role, they frequently fall short in addressing the urgent, small-scale needs of vulnerable communities. Governments focus on large-scale recovery efforts, such as restoring power grids and roads, but struggle to address individual needs like replacing a farmer’s contaminated well or a fisher’s equipment. Private insurers, meanwhile, cater primarily to businesses with formal assets, leaving informal workers—such as farmers without land titles or vendors without registered stalls—unprotected. This gap is where meso-level Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI) steps in. By connecting government resources, private insurance, and community organizations, CDRFI creates a collaborative system that delivers faster, fairer, and more localized support. Community institutions like cooperatives and NGOs act as direct links to vulnerable populations, leveraging their trust and local knowledge to distribute financial tools such as parametric insurance and community savings funds. Governments and private insurers provide broader financial backing, ensuring sustainability. This integrated approach not only protects livelihoods but also reduces strain on national budgets. Research by the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) reveals that 79% of organizations serving vulnerable workers lack disaster response budgets, leaving them stranded during crises. Meso-level CDRFI empowers these organizations to access resources, deliver aid directly, and accelerate recovery. Beyond financial support, this model fosters trust, transparency, and local decision-making, essential for long-term resilience. As climate risks escalate, the Caribbean must adopt solutions tailored to its unique challenges. Meso-level CDRFI offers a promising pathway to connect informal workers with broader resources, ensuring a smarter, more resilient future for the region.
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Hilaire, UWP react to CCJ ruling in customs case
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has delivered a landmark ruling, dismissing Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet’s appeal in a protracted customs case tied to the importation of a Land Rover Discovery vehicle. The decision, issued on October 15, 2025, upheld prior judgments from the High Court and the Court of Appeal, affirming that the Comptroller of Customs acted lawfully in withdrawing the charges. The CCJ further stated that seeking judicial review of the Comptroller’s decision was “legally misconceived.” Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire hailed the verdict as a personal vindication after nearly a decade of legal and political scrutiny. In a social media post, Hilaire emphasized his resilience, vowing to continue serving his constituents despite ongoing challenges. The United Workers Party (UWP), however, criticized the ruling, labeling it a blow to accountability and transparency in Saint Lucia. The party argued that the decision prevented a full examination of the facts, leaving the public in the dark. The CCJ’s ruling marks the definitive conclusion of the case, with no further appeals possible, and the court lamented the case’s excessive consumption of judicial resources.
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LIVE NOW: Opening of NDFD Creole in the Streets 2025
In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, the ways in which users share content have undergone significant transformations. From the early days of simple tweets to the more visually-driven pins, the methods of sharing have become increasingly diverse and sophisticated. Initially, Twitter revolutionized the way people communicated online with its 140-character limit, encouraging concise and rapid information dissemination. As social media platforms expanded, Facebook introduced the ‘Share’ button, allowing users to easily repost content across their networks. More recently, Pinterest emerged with its unique ‘Pin’ feature, enabling users to curate and share visual content in a more organized and aesthetically pleasing manner. These developments reflect the growing demand for varied and user-friendly sharing options, catering to different preferences and needs. The evolution of sharing mechanisms not only enhances user experience but also influences how information spreads across the digital sphere, shaping online interactions and content consumption.
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LIVE: Opening Ceremony of Creole in the Streets 2025
In today’s hyper-connected world, social media platforms have become the cornerstone of digital interaction, with sharing functionalities like ‘Share’, ‘Tweet’, and ‘Pin’ playing pivotal roles in content dissemination. These tools empower users to amplify their voices, spread information rapidly, and engage with global audiences in real-time. The act of sharing not only enhances personal expression but also drives collective movements, influences public opinion, and shapes cultural trends. As social media continues to evolve, its impact on communication, marketing, and societal dynamics grows exponentially. Understanding the mechanics and implications of these sharing features is crucial for navigating the digital landscape effectively.
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NODS Urges Drivers to Return Emergency-Designated Vehicles to Government Motor Pool
The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), acting on behalf of the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board, has issued a public notice urging drivers of vehicles designated for emergency or disaster use to return them to the Government’s Motor Pool immediately. This directive aims to ensure that these vehicles are properly accounted for and maintained, ready for deployment in future crises. The announcement underscores the importance of preparedness in disaster management, particularly in a region prone to natural disasters. The notice also highlights the collaborative efforts between NODS and the Transport Board to streamline emergency response mechanisms. Additionally, the message includes a promotional offer for advertising on Antigua’s most visited news site, emphasizing customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. For inquiries, interested parties are encouraged to contact [email protected].
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Students take to the streets for climate action
On a vibrant Thursday morning, the streets of Bridgetown, Barbados, resonated with the impassioned voices of primary and secondary school students chanting, “Beyond talk! More action!” This marked the second annual Student Climate March, a pivotal event of the Barbados Youth Climate Action Summit, orchestrated by the Ashley Lashley Foundation under the theme “Beyond Talk, More Action.” The march commenced at Queen’s Park, with students brandishing creatively hand-painted placards bearing urgent messages such as “Rising Temperatures Rising Action” and “The climate is changing, why aren’t we?” These slogans underscored their call for heightened environmental awareness and decisive action. Ashley Lashley, the foundation’s founder, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing its mission to empower youth in climate advocacy. “This initiative is about fostering awareness and sensitization among our youth, helping them realize they have a voice in shaping a sustainable future,” she remarked. Participants from schools like Grantley Adams Memorial Secondary, Lester Vaughan School, and St Giles Primary united in chants such as “Climate action, who’s it for? For we future, that’s for sure!” Lashley also highlighted students’ growing concerns about the tangible impacts of climate change, particularly the rising temperatures affecting their classrooms. The march concluded with gratitude expressed to all participants, who were treated to refreshments. As the event wrapped up, the lingering chant, “This is our future, we gotta act now!” served as a powerful reminder of the urgency of their cause.