The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has issued a stark warning, calling for increased global investment in disaster risk reduction and resilience-building. The agency highlights that escalating climate impacts are causing unprecedented levels of displacement worldwide. In a recent press release, IOM pointed to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Beryl in Union Island, St Vincent and the Grenadines, as a poignant example of the urgent need for preemptive resilience investments.
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Youth leadership push as Mr Executive Challenge 2026 launches
The Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation has relaunched its youth entrepreneurship competition, the Mr Executive Challenge 2026, with an expanded format and a historic milestone: the inclusion of the Barbados Seventh-day Adventist School as the first private school participant in the event’s history. The initiative, unveiled at the Solidarity House auditorium on Monday, aims to foster innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills among students. The launch event brought together educators, entrepreneurs, and past participants to highlight the programme’s broader scope and enhanced offerings. Winston Cumberbatch, founder of the Mr. Executive and Gentleman’s Challenge, emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent, stating, “Every great business starts with a small, brave step.” Celeste Foster, Executive Chair of the foundation, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to empowering youth: “Our mission remains to create opportunities where youth can explore, experiment, and execute their ideas.” David Simpson, President of the Barbados Small Business Association, praised the competition for equipping students with essential business and leadership skills, while marketing specialist Michelle Whitelaw encouraged participants to view the challenge as a transformative journey. The 2026 edition will feature leadership workshops, team-building sessions, mentorship opportunities, and final business presentations, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of youth entrepreneurship in Barbados.
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Call for urgent action to close Caribbean water security gap
Alva Browne, Permanent Secretary of Grenada’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Public Utilities, Civil Aviation and Transportation, has issued a compelling call for urgent measures to bridge the water security gap in the Caribbean. Speaking at the Regional Water Week 2025 in Chile, Browne emphasized the pressing challenges faced by Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including Grenada, due to hydro-climatic extremes. He highlighted the region’s oscillation between severe droughts and devastating floods, as exemplified by Grenada’s 2024 water crisis followed by catastrophic flooding. Browne underscored the necessity of long-term solutions, such as infrastructure upgrades, enhanced water management, and conservation efforts, while acknowledging Grenada’s progress through initiatives like the G-CREWS Project. This initiative focuses on modernizing infrastructure, institutional reforms, and establishing a Water Resource Management Unit. Additionally, Browne praised regional efforts by countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Lucia, and Guyana to integrate water management into climate adaptation and sustainable development strategies. He stressed the importance of moving from planning to action, emphasizing three critical pillars: integration, investment, and inclusion. Browne also commended regional organizations like GWP-Caribbean, CDEMA, CARPHA, and the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association for fostering knowledge exchange and preparedness. Concluding his address, Browne called for collaborative action, urging the Caribbean to work with Latin American partners, the European Union, and the global community to ensure the next decade is marked by tangible progress rather than continued analysis.
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Admiral Holsey to visit Grenada for key leader engagements
US Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, Commander of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), is set to embark on a pivotal two-day visit to Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada on October 14–15. This marks his inaugural trip to both nations since taking the helm of SOUTHCOM in November last year. The visit aims to bolster security cooperation with these key Caribbean partners, reflecting the United States’ enduring commitment to regional stability. During his stay, Adm. Holsey will engage in high-level discussions with Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne and Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell. Additionally, he will meet with Antigua and Barbuda’s Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Telbert Benjamin, and the Acting Commissioner of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF), Randy Connaught. The agenda will focus on reinforcing longstanding security partnerships and addressing shared challenges such as transnational organized crime, illicit trafficking, and border security. Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada play a crucial role in collective efforts to enhance security in the Eastern Caribbean. Adm. Holsey’s visit underscores the United States’ dedication to fostering collaboration with regional allies to ensure a safer and more stable Caribbean. The US Embassy in Barbados highlighted the significance of this visit in advancing mutual security objectives.
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James champions people-centred approaches to Caribbean sargassum challenge
At the 3rd EU–Caribbean Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum, held on October 8, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium, Honourable Kerryne James, Grenada’s Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy, delivered a compelling address advocating for inclusive, community-driven strategies to address the persistent sargassum crisis in the Caribbean. Minister James emphasized that sustainable solutions must transcend technical innovation and financial investment, focusing instead on social inclusion and community empowerment. She highlighted the critical role of women, youth, and coastal communities in shaping effective sargassum management strategies, ensuring equitable benefits within the emerging blue-green economy. Minister James asserted, ‘The sargassum crisis is not just an environmental challenge; it is a litmus test for the inclusivity of our development pathways.’ She outlined Grenada’s pioneering efforts to transform sargassum into high-value products such as fertilizers, bioenergy, and construction materials, creating employment and strengthening local livelihoods. Minister James also called for enhanced regional collaboration and international support, urging the EU–LAC Global Gateway Investment Agenda (GGIA) to prioritize equity, innovation, and capacity-building in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Her intervention underscored Grenada’s leadership in fostering climate resilience and sustainable development across the Caribbean.
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Engineers honour excellence at annual awards dinner
The newly inaugurated Geriatric Hospital at Waterford, St. Michael, has been crowned Project of the Year by the Barbados Association of Professional Engineers (BAPE) at its Annual Engineering Awards and Dinner. The accolade was accepted by Engineer Orson Alleyne on behalf of Steinbok Management Services Inc., the project management firm behind this groundbreaking healthcare facility. The hospital, celebrated for its innovative design, sustainable features, and compassionate care, stood out among notable contenders, including the Digital Innovation and Health Tech Hub at Newton and the Oceana Innovation Hub at Bay Street. Alleyne expressed profound gratitude, emphasizing that the award underscores the collective efforts of a multidisciplinary team comprising engineers, architects, environmental scientists, contractors, and client representatives. He highlighted the hospital’s unique integration of renewable energy, such as a 350-kilowatt photovoltaic system, a tertiary water reclamation plant, and environmentally responsive architecture, as a testament to engineering’s potential to drive social transformation. The project, a collaboration with design and technical partners like Archis Design Group, Spencer Thorne Consultants, and CO Williams Construction Ltd., was envisioned as more than just a building—it is a cornerstone for the future of healthcare in Barbados, designed to serve the nation’s most vulnerable citizens. Alleyne also extended thanks to Steinbok Management Services for their dedication and professionalism, as well as to the Barbados Tourism Investment Inc. and the Ministry of Health and Wellness for their leadership. The ceremony also honored Akeem Nurse with the BAPE President’s Award for revamping the organization’s website, while Karen Walkes and Richard Edghill were recognized as Fellows. Keith Best, a longstanding member of the Barbados National Standards Institute, was acknowledged as an honorary member. Outgoing President Sandra Mason, in one of her final acts as head of state, presented the awards and received a gift from the association as her tenure concludes.
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Grenada secures back-to-back victories in international friendlies
The Grenada Senior Men’s National Team (SMNT) showcased exceptional form during the FIFA October window, securing back-to-back victories against the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Cuba at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium. The team’s impressive performances extended their winning streak to five consecutive matches, solidifying their growing reputation in international football.
Grenada kicked off the window with a dominant 4–1 triumph over BVI on October 8. Myles Hippolyte set the tone with a first-half brace, scoring in the 10th and 39th minutes. Despite a brief response from BVI in the second half, Deanroy Phillip came off the bench to deliver a stellar performance, netting two goals in the 76th minute and stoppage time (90+3′) to seal the victory.
On October 11, the SMNT faced Cuba in a more tactical encounter. Grenada’s disciplined approach and cohesive teamwork paid off, with D’Margio Wright-Phillips opening the scoring and Captain Shavon John-Brown adding a second goal before halftime. The team’s defensive resilience and controlled midfield play effectively neutralized Cuba’s attacking threats, resulting in a confident 2-0 win.
Head Coach Anthony Nixon Modeste praised the team’s progress, stating, ‘These results reflect the hard work being done behind the scenes and the players’ commitment to representing Grenada with pride and purpose. We are seeing a team that is growing in confidence, depth, and cohesion.’
The matches also highlighted the Grenada Football Association’s (GFA) strategic focus on youth development and talent integration. Two standout players from the U17 national program, Raheem Raeburn and Josh Thomas, were called up to the senior squad, showcasing the GFA’s commitment to bridging youth development with senior-level opportunities. Additionally, A J Paterson made a notable return to the national team after a three-year hiatus, bringing experience and stability to the midfield.
GFA President Marlon Glean emphasized the broader vision, saying, ‘We are proud of the progress being made, not just in results but in the culture we are building within the national team. Our mission is to create a sustainable football program that allows players, from grassroots to elite, to grow, compete, and thrive at every level.’
The GFA also expressed gratitude to fans, supporters, sponsors, and match officials for creating an electric atmosphere at both fixtures, which played a crucial role in motivating the players. With these victories, Grenada’s SMNT now turns its focus to upcoming competitive fixtures on the international calendar, aiming to build on their recent success.
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Gaza hostages, prisoners freed after ceasefire deal signed
In a historic moment for the Middle East, US President Donald Trump announced the ‘dawn of a new Middle East’ as he presided over the signing of a landmark ceasefire agreement on October 13. The agreement, formalized in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, brought an end to a two-year-long devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas. The signing ceremony saw Trump joined by leaders and mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, symbolizing a united effort towards peace. Earlier, addressing the Israeli parliament, Trump lauded the deal as a triumph of persistent diplomacy. The agreement’s implementation triggered emotional responses across the region. In Israel, 20 freed hostages were transported to hospitals for reunions with their families after over two years in captivity, while the remains of deceased hostages were handed over to the Red Cross. Simultaneously, celebrations erupted in the West Bank and Gaza as 250 Palestinian prisoners and over 1,700 administrative detainees were released from Israeli custody. Buses carrying the freed individuals were greeted by jubilant crowds, with families embracing relatives they had not seen for years. Dr. Daniel Trotzky, medical deputy director of Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, emphasized the long road to recovery for the freed hostages, noting their stable condition and the multidisciplinary support they are receiving. In Washington, the Trump administration received widespread, though not unanimous, praise from former top US officials, including Hillary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, and Kamala Harris, for its role in brokering the deal. As the region begins to heal from the scars of conflict, a sense of profound relief and cautious optimism prevails.
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Nationale aanpak tegen nieuwe cassaveziekten
The Directorate of Agricultural Development Inland (DAOB), under the Ministry of Regional Development, has reported new cases of cassava diseases in several agricultural regions, including Marowijne, Brokopondo, and Sipaliwini. The diseases identified include Frog Skin Disease and a suspected new strain known as Witches’ Broom. These outbreaks are particularly concerning as cassava is a staple food and a vital income source for many farmers in both inland and coastal areas. Similar issues were reported last October, and neighboring regions like French Guiana and Brazilian states Amapá and Pará have also faced emergencies due to these diseases. To combat the spread, DAOB has initiated a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, CELOS, local cooperatives, farmer organizations, and international partners. The national strategy focuses on early detection, laboratory research, farmer surveys, education on disease prevention, and the protection of healthy cultivation zones. The approach aligns with the One Health framework, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. DAOB urges farmers and organizations to participate in ongoing research and surveys to develop a targeted action plan aimed at enhancing the resilience and sustainability of the cassava sector. The project is coordinated by Deputy Director Cyrano Asoiti under the leadership of Director Hermien Pavion. Suriname aims to mitigate the impact of plant diseases and secure agricultural production through this unified effort.
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Tropical Storm Lorenzo Strengthens Over the Central Atlantic
Tropical Storm Lorenzo has shown signs of intensification as it continues its northwest trajectory across the central tropical Atlantic, according to the latest updates from the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. As of Monday morning, the storm was positioned approximately 1,150 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands, boasting maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 km/h). Lorenzo is currently moving at a speed of 16 mph (26 km/h), with a gradual deceleration anticipated overnight before it shifts northward on Tuesday. Forecasters predict minimal changes in the storm’s strength through early Tuesday, though some gradual intensification could occur by midweek. The storm’s tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 160 miles (260 kilometers) from its center, with a minimum central pressure estimated at 1002 millibars (29.59 inches). At present, no coastal watches or warnings have been issued. The situation remains under close monitoring as Lorenzo progresses across the Atlantic.