In a remarkable achievement, private chef Vito Walter has been awarded the prestigious Food & Beverage Category Award at the WOW Factor Awards 2025. This accolade celebrates Walter’s exceptional contributions to the culinary arts, particularly his innovative approach and unwavering commitment to quality. Operating within Antigua and Barbuda’s vibrant hospitality sector, Walter has redefined the dining experience through his bespoke menus and meticulous presentation, setting a new standard for private chefs worldwide. The WOW Factor Awards, known for recognizing excellence across various industries, highlighted Walter’s professionalism, creativity, and impact on the culinary landscape. His win not only underscores his personal dedication but also shines a spotlight on the growing influence of private chefs in elevating gastronomic experiences. This recognition serves as a testament to Walter’s ability to blend artistry with service, making him a standout figure in the industry.
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Karen Grenado-Wong Honoured for Excellence in Hospitality and Tourism
Karen Grenado-Wong, a distinguished professional from Sandals Grande Antigua, has been crowned the 2025 winner in the Hospitality and Tourism category at the prestigious WOW Factor Awards. This annual accolade recognizes individuals who exhibit extraordinary dedication, leadership, and service excellence across diverse industries. Grenado-Wong’s achievement underscores her unwavering commitment to elevating Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector, setting a benchmark for excellence in the Caribbean hospitality industry. Her recognition not only celebrates her personal accomplishments but also highlights the high standards and customer-centric values that have solidified Antigua and Barbuda as a top-tier destination. The award serves as a source of inspiration for her peers, encouraging them to strive for similar heights in their professional endeavors. Additionally, the news platform promoting this story invites businesses to advertise through customizable digital marketing packages, offering a unique opportunity to reach a wide audience in Antigua.
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Jeannette Bowery Wins WOW Factor 2025 Award for Sales and Marketing
Jeannette Bowery, a distinguished professional at Hadeed Motors Ltd., has been honored as the Sales and Marketing Category Winner at the prestigious WOW Factor Awards 2025. This annual event, held in Antigua and Barbuda, recognizes exceptional achievements and professionalism across various industries. Bowery’s victory underscores her remarkable contributions to customer engagement and innovative marketing strategies within the automotive sector. The WOW Factor Awards organizers lauded Bowery’s unwavering dedication and outstanding performance, highlighting her role in elevating service standards within the local business community. Her success not only reflects her personal commitment but also sets a benchmark for excellence in the industry. The award ceremony celebrated her ability to blend creativity with customer-centric approaches, making her a standout figure in the competitive automotive market. Additionally, the event served as a platform to promote digital marketing opportunities, encouraging businesses to leverage customizable and flexible advertising packages to enhance their visibility and reach.
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Antigua and Barbuda Honours Top Professionals at WOW Factor Awards 2025
The 2025 WOW Factor Awards, hosted by iRise Management, illuminated the John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Centre on Saturday evening, spotlighting the spirit of excellence and exceptional customer service across Antigua and Barbuda. This annual gala recognized outstanding professionals from diverse industries for their innovation, dedication, and exemplary service. Among the distinguished honorees were Stosh Browne of Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB), who clinched the Financial Services award, and Brian Branker of Caribbean LNG Inc., celebrated in the Manufacturing, Energy, and Telecoms category. Priscilla Joseph of St. John’s Catholic Primary was lauded in Sports and Education, while Vito Walter, a private chef, triumphed in the Food and Beverage sector. Other notable winners included Qasim Henry of Antigua Inside Out for Transportation and Tours, Jeannette Bowen of Hadeed Motors Ltd. for Sales and Marketing, and Shallamar-Ann Williams of Shally’s Balloons Plus for Entrepreneurship. In the creative and entertainment sphere, Lennard “Young Lyrics” Henry was honored in I.T., Media, and Entertainment, while Karen Grenado-Wong of Sandals Grande Antigua took home the Hospitality and Tourism award. Anderson Tuitt of the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) was recognized in Law Enforcement and Safety, Charisse Pigott-Benta of the Social Security Board in Public Sector and Statutory Corporations, and Shenelle Benjamin, an emergency room nurse at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, in Health and Wellness. The event, bolstered by sponsors such as GIC Insurance, Paperclips, Harney Motors, and Falmouth Harbour Marina, underscored the nation’s commitment to raising standards and inspiring excellence across all sectors.
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Caribbean Fisheries Mechanism pens agreement with OECS, UWI
In a landmark event during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) 2025, the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) solidified their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The ceremony, held on September 30, 2025, in Saint Kitts and Nevis, marked the first bilateral agreement between the two organizations. Dr. Marc Williams, Executive Director of the CRFM Secretariat, and H.E. Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, formalized the agreement, emphasizing its significance in enhancing regional cooperation. The MoU aims to strengthen collaboration in fisheries governance, blue economy integration, safety at sea programs, and economic development for fisherfolk, with a focus on empowering youth and women in the fisheries value chain. Additionally, the CRFM signed a separate MoU with the University of the West Indies (UWI) on September 9, 2025, focusing on advancing the blue economy, marine spatial planning, and climate change resilience through academic and educational partnerships.
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72-year-old artist wins six gold medals in JCDC visual arts competition
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Nugent Hewitt, a 72-year-old Manchester-born artist, has proven that age is no barrier to artistic excellence. Recognized as the Most Outstanding Overall Artist in the 2025 Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Visual Arts Competition, Hewitt secured six gold medals and one silver medal this year. His remarkable achievement underscores a lifelong dedication to his craft.
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Gov’t committed to strengthening services for the homeless
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has reiterated the Government’s dedication to enhancing rehabilitation and mental health programs within the poor relief system to improve the care and well-being of homeless individuals. His remarks were made during the Wellness in the Park event held at St William Grant Park in downtown Kingston on Friday, commemorating World Homeless Day. The event, organized by the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, offered homeless persons hot meals, grooming services, medical check-ups, care packages, and other essential services. Minister McKenzie praised municipal corporations and stakeholders across Jamaica for hosting similar events in honor of World Homeless Day. He emphasized the Government’s ongoing efforts to bolster support for the homeless, including a recent islandwide survey conducted by the Poor Relief Department. The findings from this survey are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping policies tailored to the needs of the homeless population. ‘This survey will enable us to plan effectively to address the demands of Jamaica’s homeless community,’ McKenzie stated. Additionally, he urged young attendees to embrace positive values and avoid negative influences that could lead to homelessness and social instability. ‘Students, I urge you to avoid bad company and adopt values that will make you better individuals. You are the future of Jamaica, and your contributions are crucial in eradicating the challenges we face,’ he added.
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Scholarship opens doors for aspiring mathematician
KINGSTON, Jamaica — At just 12 years old, Sutay Kameka, a gifted and ambitious student, has already carved out a path toward her dream of becoming a mathematician. Recognized for her exceptional performance in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations, Sutay was one of 14 students awarded a scholarship by the JN Foundation, a program dedicated to nurturing young talent. With an overall PEP score of 363.6, she secured the parish scholarship for St Thomas, a milestone she describes as both thrilling and transformative.
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Cool It, Xclusive win in Big Ballers Football League
The Big Ballers Football League witnessed another thrilling round of matches on October 11, with Cool It FC and Xclusive FC delivering standout performances. Cool It FC continued their unbeaten streak with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over 1st Engineer Battalion at the Northeastern Regional Multipurpose Sporting Facility in Sangre Grande. The decisive moment came in the second half when Ryan ‘Frye’ Stewart showcased his brilliance with a perfectly executed free kick, securing the win and maintaining their reputation as the league’s most formidable defense.
Meanwhile, Xclusive FC bounced back from their previous defeat with an emphatic 5-1 triumph over Boys Town Strikers. Despite a competitive first half, Xclusive capitalized on a turnover to score the opening goal. Boys Town briefly equalized after the break, but Xclusive quickly regained control, netting three more goals in rapid succession to seal their dominance.
In other league action, Manzanilla Challengers Rebirth defeated Dream Team 3-1, with Jerry Williams, Josimar Belgrave, and Darkeil Ferreira finding the net. Seed of Greatness Biche also impressed, overpowering Eastern County 4-2 with an early goal surge led by Shirvin Charles, Derrick Ali, and Nicholas Lanes.
The league continues on October 17 and 18, with key matchups including Cool It FC vs Dream Team and Seed of Greatness vs Xclusive FC, promising more excitement for football enthusiasts.
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Jamaica moves to ratify key marine protection treaty under Cartagena Convention
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica is on the verge of ratifying the Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW), a pivotal move under the Cartagena Convention, signaling its unwavering commitment to environmental preservation. This development underscores the nation’s dedication to protecting marine biodiversity and enhancing environmental governance across the Caribbean region.