The 2025 Write-Tukubuli Virtual Literary Festival recently concluded its week-long celebration of Caribbean and Dominican literary excellence, drawing over seventy writers from the Dominican diaspora and beyond. The festival, a collaborative effort among Dominica’s leading literary organizations—Waitukubuli Writers, Piton Noire Collective, Nature Isle Literary Festival, and Domnichen Poetic Circle—was supported by TDN Network as the main media partner. The event featured a diverse program, including panel discussions, author interviews, and workshops, all aimed at nurturing emerging talent and exploring the future of storytelling. The festival was primarily hosted on the @writetukubuli YouTube channel, which streamed the entire program live and now serves as an archive for global audiences. The closing ceremony, a six-hour live broadcast, included DJ performances, open-mic segments, and special presentations, providing a fitting conclusion to the week’s festivities. Organizers reflected on the festival’s significance, with Roy Sanford of Waitukubuli Writers noting the enthusiastic participation as a testament to the vitality of Dominica’s literary scene. Sam George of the Piton Noire Collective highlighted the festival’s potential to attract writers from diverse genres, while Les Li of the Domnichen Poetic Circle described the event as a symbol of Dominica’s literary resurgence. Celia Sorhaindo, via the Nature Isle Literary Festival Facebook page, emphasized the event’s alignment with the vision of the late playwright Dr. Alwyn Bully, celebrating and inspiring Caribbean writers. For those interested in revisiting the festival’s highlights, the content remains accessible on YouTube.com/@writetukubuli.
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Barbadians traveling to Europe will soon need to provide biometric data
Starting October 2025, Barbadians traveling to Europe will encounter significant changes in entry requirements as the European Union rolls out its new digital border management systems. The European Commission has announced the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025, which will mandate non-EU nationals, including Barbadians, to provide biometric data—a facial image and four fingerprints—at the border for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This data will be securely stored for three years, replacing the traditional passport stamping process. The EES is expected to be fully operational across 29 European countries by April 10, 2026. Additionally, Barbadians and other visa-exempt travelers will need to obtain travel authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), set to launch in late 2026. The ETIAS application, costing €20, will be valid for three years or until the traveler’s passport expires, with exemptions for those under 18 or over 70. The European Commission has initiated a public awareness campaign, providing resources such as brochures, infographics, and videos to help travelers understand the new requirements. Officials emphasize that these measures aim to streamline travel processes while urging travelers to prepare in advance to avoid disruptions. For more details, Barbadians are encouraged to visit the official EU travel website.
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Parl Rep Roland Royer says Clifton Back Road proves no community is left behind
In a significant stride toward community development, Agriculture Minister and Parliamentary Representative for the Cottage Constituency, Roland Royer, inaugurated the $1.2 million Clifton Back Road project on Wednesday. This initiative underscores the government’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that no community, irrespective of its size, is overlooked. The project, which commenced in late 2024, encompasses the rehabilitation of 400 meters of roadway, featuring new slipper drains, retaining walls, culverts, and the replacement of the main water line. Funded by the Government of Dominica and the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) 10 program, the project is administered by the Caribbean Development Bank. Royer expressed profound pride and gratitude during the commissioning ceremony, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of the BNTF Country Office and the Ministry of Community Development. He emphasized that the project would provide safer access, enhanced connectivity, and an improved quality of life for residents. Additionally, Royer highlighted the contribution of the Dominica Water and Sewerage Company (DOWASCO), which invested $100,000 in new water lines, ensuring the project not only meets transportation needs but also fortifies essential infrastructure. This development marks a tangible step toward inclusive growth and community empowerment in Dominica.
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Wales hunting second Concacaf Caribbean Cup Win
Weymouth Wales, the reigning champions of the Barbados Premier League and Knockout, are set to face Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force in a pivotal Concacaf Caribbean Cup match tonight at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. This encounter holds immense significance as it could shape the trajectory of Wales’ historic campaign, marking the first time a Barbadian team has participated in this prestigious tournament. Currently positioned third in Group B with three points from two matches, Wales trails Jamaica’s Cavalier FC by a single point, with a crucial home game against Cavalier scheduled for October 1. Both Wales and Defence Force are tied on points, with Wales holding a slight edge on goal difference. Head coach Asquith Howell emphasized the high stakes of the match, stating that every game is critical for advancing to the next round. Howell acknowledged the quality of Defence Force, the top team in Trinidad and Tobago’s premier league, but expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation. He also called on Barbadian fans to rally behind the team as they aim for regional glory, highlighting football’s role in inspiring the nation’s youth.
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Skerrit on new Contour flights: You asked, we delivered, now fill those seats
Dominica has achieved a significant milestone in its aviation history with the introduction of its first nonstop flights to St. Thomas and San Juan, operated by Contour Airlines. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, speaking at the official welcome ceremony, emphasized the importance of this new service, which fulfills a long-standing request from residents of St. Thomas for direct connectivity to Dominica. The flights will operate between Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas and Douglas–Charles Airport in Dominica, with additional routes linking Dominica to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Skerrit urged travelers to prioritize these flights to ensure their sustainability, stating, ‘Contour Airlines is here to stay, but their success depends on us filling those seats.’ Acting Tourism Minister Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite highlighted the broader implications of this development, noting that it enhances Dominica’s global connectivity and supports its tourism-driven economy. ‘This service is more than a new flight; it’s a step toward a more inclusive and interconnected Dominica,’ she said. Ben Munson, President of Contour Airlines, expressed optimism about the service’s potential, citing strong initial bookings and the strategic importance of these routes in bridging Dominica with key markets in the Caribbean and North America. The flight schedule includes three weekly nonstop services to St. Thomas and four weekly flights to San Juan, marking a new era of accessibility and opportunity for Dominica.
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Melvin Hill Bridge repairs to start this weekend
The much-anticipated repair work on the Melvin Hill Bridge in St Joseph is finally set to move forward, with preparatory activities scheduled to begin this weekend. The bridge, a critical infrastructure link, was closed over a month ago due to safety concerns, leaving residents and commuters reliant on an alternate route. Contractors from the China National Complete Plant Import and Export Corporation (COMPLANT), in collaboration with local sub-contractor C.O. Williams Construction Ltd., will initiate debushing operations to facilitate a comprehensive site assessment by utility companies. Adrian Mayers, Project Manager at C.O. Williams Construction, emphasized that this assessment is crucial for identifying necessary relocations of utility services before full-scale repairs can commence. Since the bridge’s closure, the bypass route from Springfield to Newton Crescent has served as the primary alternative. The Ministry of Transport and Works has recently upgraded this route, addressing issues such as tree trimming, pothole repairs, and culvert replacement. Jenifer King, Chief Technical Officer at the Ministry, announced that paving of the bypass road is expected to begin next week. The Transport Board, which had initially expressed concerns about vehicle safety on the alternate route, has lauded the Ministry’s efforts. Operations Manager Gena Boyce confirmed the Board’s satisfaction with the improvements and anticipates the road will be fully operational for buses and other vehicles within two weeks. The Melvin Hill Bridge was deemed unstable and closed last month, prompting the Ministry to reiterate its warning to the public to avoid the bridge and use the bypass route once it officially opens.
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Met Office to continue to monitor Humberto
Tropical Storm Humberto, currently situated over the central Atlantic, is rapidly gaining strength and is projected to escalate into a hurricane within the next 24 hours, according to the latest updates from meteorologists. As of 11 a.m. AST on Thursday, the National Hurricane Center reported the storm’s position at latitude 21.4 North, longitude 56.8 West, approximately 465 miles east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands. Humberto is advancing northwest at a speed of 8 mph, with maximum sustained winds nearing 50 mph. Forecasters anticipate the storm will continue to intensify as it traverses the warm Atlantic waters, potentially reaching hurricane status by Friday. Despite its growing strength, Humberto currently poses no immediate threat to land, and no coastal watches or warnings have been issued. The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service, in coordination with the National Hurricane Center, is closely monitoring the storm’s trajectory. The central pressure of the storm was recorded at 1004 mb (29.65 inches). Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and stay informed as the Atlantic hurricane season reaches its peak.
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Sneaker Day campaign tackles inactivity, encourages Barbadians to move
The National Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Commission in Barbados is calling on citizens to embrace healthier habits by participating in National Sneaker Day 2025 on Friday, September 26. This island-wide initiative, backed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, aims to promote physical activity and raise awareness about the dangers of NCDs, which are the primary cause of mortality and disability in the country. From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., individuals and groups are encouraged to wear sneakers to work and incorporate short bursts of movement into their daily routines. Participants can share their activities on Instagram by posting selfies or videos showcasing their efforts, such as jogging in place, taking the stairs, stretching at their desks, or walking around the office. To enter the competition, participants must use the hashtag #BBSneakerDay2025, tag @ncdcommissionbarbados, and follow @mohbarbados. Prizes include a $100 Payless voucher, a one-month gym membership at Beyond Limits Fitness Centre, tickets to Atlantis Submarines, and group passes to Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary. Winners will be announced on October 10, 2025, across four categories: Most Creative Post, Most Liked Post, Individual Winner, and Group Winner. This campaign is part of a larger strategy to combat NCDs like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, emphasizing the importance of preventive health measures.
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Court Adjourns Tresspassing Case Against UPP Members and Supporters
The Magistrates’ Court has postponed a high-profile case involving citizens charged with trespassing for accessing a beach, leaving the legal dispute unresolved until later this year. Defense attorney Sherfiel Bowen, representing the defendants, has filed an application to dismiss the charges, citing 16 legal grounds for the case’s alleged defects. Oral arguments on the dismissal motion are scheduled for November 6, with the prosecution required to submit their response by October 23. Bowen expressed confidence in the application’s success, stating, ‘If my application prevails, and I’m very confident that it will, it will be the end of the matter.’ Should the motion fail, the trial is set to commence on December 15. Bowen also emphasized the broader implications of the case, noting that it could spark a vital public discussion about beach access as a fundamental right in Antigua. ‘Access to a beach is one of the fundamental rights of Antigua,’ he asserted, suggesting that a trial might help clarify and reinforce this right. Opposition members were present at the courthouse, showing solidarity with the defendants and reaffirming their commitment to protecting public beach access. ‘We have to continue to fight for access to our beaches,’ one member declared, vowing to ensure that public entry remains protected and visible. The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the tension between public rights and private interests in the region.
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Creatives and artistes called to register for national insurance
In a significant move to bolster support for self-employed individuals, Barbados has introduced a new Self-Employed Unit under the Ministry of Labour, Social Security, and The Third Sector. Minister Colin Jordan emphasized that creative professionals and artists are now eligible for the same National Insurance protections as traditional employees, marking a pivotal step in recognizing their contributions to the island’s culture and economy. Speaking at the unit’s launch, Jordan highlighted the vital role of creatives as ‘custodians’ and ‘storytellers’ who preserve Barbados’ rich history and heritage. He urged them to register for National Insurance, a benefit many in the arts sector have overlooked. Jordan acknowledged the challenges faced by self-employed creatives, whose work is often undervalued and perceived as a hobby rather than legitimate employment. To address this, the initiative offers flexible payment options tailored to their seasonal income, ensuring they can contribute during peak periods like Carnival or Crop Over without financial strain. While the unit is open to all self-employed individuals, Jordan singled out creatives as a ‘special group of people’ essential to maintaining Barbados’ cultural identity. This initiative aims to provide long-overdue security and recognition to those who enrich the nation’s cultural landscape.