The Department of Gender Affairs under the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has officially launched the nomination process for the 2025 International Men’s Month Awards. Scheduled to take place under the theme “Power • Purpose • Perspective – Shaping a Positive Future for Caribbean Men,” the event aims to celebrate men who have made significant contributions to the development of Nevis and the broader Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. The awards will honor individuals across various fields, including Education, Climate-Friendly Small Business, Community Activism, Creative Economy, Human Services, Law and Security, and Culinary Arts. Nominations are open to the public and can be submitted via an online form or by scanning a QR code on the official flyer. The deadline for submissions is October 29, 2025. The Department of Gender Affairs is calling for widespread participation to recognize the achievements of men who are shaping a brighter future for the Caribbean region.
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Global Hotelier Avi Phookan to Lead Four Seasons Resort Nevis as New General Manager
Four Seasons Resort Nevis has announced the appointment of Avi Phookan as its new General Manager, effective September 22, 2025. A distinguished hotelier with a wealth of international experience, Phookan is set to bring his expertise in luxury hospitality and sustainability to the Caribbean destination. His most recent role was as General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Lanai in Hawaii, where he spearheaded innovative guest experiences and championed award-winning environmental initiatives. Phookan expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Nevis team, emphasizing his commitment to honoring the island’s rich heritage, supporting local communities, and delivering exceptional guest experiences that embody the essence of Nevis and the Four Seasons brand. With a career spanning North America, the Middle East, Central America, and the Caribbean, including leadership roles in Grand Cayman and St. Kitts, Phookan’s global perspective and operational acumen are expected to elevate the resort’s standing as a premier luxury destination. A graduate of Institut Hôtelier César Ritz in Switzerland and holder of a certification in Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management from Cornell University, Phookan’s credentials underscore his readiness to lead Four Seasons Resort Nevis into its next chapter of excellence.
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UN marks 80th anniversary, urges nations to rekindle spirit of cooperation
MANHATTAN, New York — Global leaders convened at the United Nations headquarters this week to mark the organization’s 80th anniversary, reflecting on its origins in the aftermath of World War II and urging a renewed commitment to address today’s pressing global challenges. The event, blending historical reflection, cultural performances, and urgent appeals, served as a poignant reminder of the UN’s founding mission: to prevent a return to hatred and unchecked ambition.
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Dominican beaches overwhelmed by sargassum, citizens demand action
The Dominican Republic is grappling with a severe sargassum crisis, as vast quantities of the invasive seaweed have inundated its beaches, prompting widespread concern among citizens and environmental groups. Over the weekend, social media was flooded with images of popular coastal areas like Boca Chica, where once-clear waters have turned murky brown under layers of algae. This environmental disaster threatens not only the nation’s tourism industry but also local fishing communities and marine biodiversity.
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Taiwan’s Participation in ICAO: A Cornerstone for Safe Skies and a Sustainable Future
From September 23 to October 3, 2025, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will convene its 42nd Assembly in Montreal, themed ‘Safe Skies, Sustainable Future.’ However, Taiwan, a key player in East Asia’s aviation landscape, remains excluded from the organization’s meetings and data-sharing platforms. This exclusion not only undermines regional safety but also contradicts ICAO’s mission of fostering global cooperation. Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) oversees the Taipei Flight Information Region (FIR), a strategic hub connecting Northeast and Southeast Asia, handling over 1.6 million flights annually. Despite its critical role, Taiwan’s absence from ICAO limits coordination and poses risks in one of the world’s busiest airspaces. Taiwan’s aviation sector is deeply integrated into global networks, with its 17 airports serving 64 million passengers in 2024. Taoyuan International Airport ranks among the top globally, and Taiwan’s aviation safety record is exemplary, with zero accidents per million departures from 2020 to 2024. Additionally, Taiwan supports ICAO’s sustainability goals, implementing initiatives like CORSIA and launching a sustainable aviation fuel pilot program. However, China’s unilateral actions, such as declaring danger zones and activating new air routes without ICAO-required notice, have disrupted operations and endangered passengers. The 2022 missile exercises around Taiwan further highlighted the need for ICAO-facilitated dialogue and risk mitigation. Rising turbulence linked to climate change has also impacted global flights, and while Taiwan has enhanced its training and planning protocols, its lack of access to ICAO’s Secure Portal and real-time data hampers its ability to adapt. ICAO’s ‘No Country Left Behind’ initiative emphasizes universal participation, and granting Taiwan access to its platforms would improve data sharing, coordination, and compliance with global standards. As ICAO opens its 42nd Assembly, it has an opportunity to align principle with practice by including Taiwan in its Assembly, technical bodies, and data platforms. This would enhance global oversight and advance ICAO’s vision of an inclusive, sustainable aviation system. The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has long supported Taiwan’s efforts to engage meaningfully with ICAO, and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) deeply appreciates this continued support.
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Update: Police provide update on two recent shooting incidents
In a recent development, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) has provided an update on two separate shooting incidents that occurred on September 18, 2025, leaving two men injured. The victims have been identified as Keszron Duporte of Halfway Tree and Leon “Copper” Didder of Nisbett Settlement, Newcastle.
The first incident took place in Halfway Tree, St. Kitts, between 10:00 and 10:30 a.m. According to preliminary investigations, Duporte was driving towards Basseterre when a black jeep pulled alongside his vehicle and the driver opened fire. Duporte sustained a gunshot wound to his right forearm and was treated at the Joseph N. France General Hospital before being discharged.
The second shooting occurred earlier that same morning on Nevis, between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. Didder was reportedly confronted by two masked and armed men as he approached his vehicle in Newcastle. The suspects fired multiple shots, hitting him in the left upper arm and forearm. Despite his injuries, Didder managed to escape and was transported by private vehicle to the Alexandra Hospital, where he received treatment and was later discharged.
The RSCNPF has confirmed that investigations into both incidents are still ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigations.
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Knight Riders clinch CPL title in tense final against Amazon Warriors
In a nail-biting showdown at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) emerged victorious in the 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final, defeating the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) in a match filled with dramatic twists and turns. This victory marked a redemption for TKR, who had faced defeat against the same opponents in the 2023 final at the same venue. The Warriors, after winning the toss, opted to bat first but struggled early on. Their innings faltered as key players like Quentin Sampson, Shai Hope, and Shimron Hetmyer fell in quick succession, leaving them at a precarious 65/5. Despite a late fightback, GAW managed only 130/8, with Saurabh Netravalkar’s exceptional bowling (3/25) being a standout performance. TKR’s chase began explosively, but the Warriors fought back with crucial wickets, including those of Colin Munro and Nicholas Pooran. Sunil Narine’s counterattack and Kieron Pollard’s explosive three sixes in the 14th over shifted the momentum decisively in TKR’s favor. However, a late collapse saw Pollard, Andre Russell, and Alex Hales dismissed in quick succession, reigniting hopes for GAW. Ultimately, Akeal Hosein’s composed finish, including a six and a four, sealed the win for TKR, who clinched the CPL 2025 title in front of a stunned home crowd.
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Offerings from the Homeland for a son fallen in the line of duty
In a solemn ceremony held in Taguasco, Sancti Spíritus, Cuba paid tribute to Captain Leonel Mesa Rodríguez of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR), who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. The farewell was marked by the presence of high-ranking officials, including Army General Raúl Castro Ruz and President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, who sent floral wreaths to honor the fallen officer. The event was also attended by Political Bureau member and Interior Minister Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, along with local Party leaders, family members, and colleagues.
First Colonel Eddy Sierra Arias, head of the PNR, delivered a heartfelt eulogy, praising Captain Mesa Rodríguez for his unwavering commitment, dedication to public safety, and tireless fight against crime. Throughout his distinguished career, Captain Mesa Rodríguez earned numerous accolades, including medals for his service in Ethiopia and for his long-standing contributions to the PNR. His legacy is further cemented by the profound respect and affection of the people of Caibarién, where he served with distinction.
In a swift response to the crime, combined forces from the Ministry of the Interior apprehended the suspect responsible for Captain Mesa Rodríguez’s death in Remedios. The arrest led to the recovery of the officer’s service weapon and the knife used in the attack. The detainee will face stringent criminal proceedings, in line with Cuba’s revolutionary justice system, ensuring that the severity of the crime is met with appropriate consequences.
This tragic event underscores the risks faced by law enforcement officers and the collective resolve of the Cuban people to uphold justice and honor their fallen heroes.
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Recover all possible generation capacity before major repairs to the Guiteras plant
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez visited the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant in Matanzas last Saturday as part of a nationwide tour to assess the recovery of the National Electric System (SEN). The plant, a cornerstone of Cuba’s energy infrastructure, is currently operating below its maximum capacity of 250 MW due to a failure in its high-temperature reheater. This issue has forced a reduction in its operating load, highlighting the urgency of the upcoming capital maintenance scheduled for December. The President emphasized the need for meticulous preparation to ensure high-quality implementation of the maintenance, which is the first in 15 years despite technical standards recommending it every seven to eight years. Rubén Campos Olmo, the plant’s General Director, outlined two maintenance strategies: one focused on basic equipment repairs and another, more extensive, involving a 180-day shutdown. The project includes chimney repairs, condenser tube replacements, and maintenance of regenerative air heaters. Despite operational challenges exacerbated by the U.S. economic blockade, the plant’s workforce of over 400 remains resilient. Campos Olmo highlighted the difficulties in sourcing parts and equipment due to the blockade, including delayed deliveries and retained shipments. The President praised the workers’ commitment, expressing confidence in their ability to stabilize the SEN. The visit underscored the plant’s critical role in Cuba’s energy sector and the broader challenges facing the nation’s infrastructure.
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Dominican Republic and Spain sign agreement to promote spanish in diplomacy
In a significant move to bolster the influence of the Spanish language in international diplomacy, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) has inked a memorandum of understanding with Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation. The agreement, formalized by Vice Minister Rubén Silié and Spain’s Secretary of State Susana Sumelzo Jordán, seeks to amplify the presence of Spanish in global legal frameworks, arbitration processes, and multilateral organizations. Key initiatives outlined in the memorandum include the translation of official documents into Spanish, the commemoration of Spanish Language Day, the backing of ‘Groups of Friends of Spanish,’ the promotion of Spanish in diplomatic academies, and the encouragement of its use as a criterion for staff selection in international bodies. The signing ceremony, hosted at MIREX headquarters, saw the participation of high-ranking officials from both nations, including deputy ministers, ambassadors, and representatives from INFOTEP and the Ministry of Science and Technology. This collaboration highlights a concerted effort to safeguard and elevate the status of the Spanish language on the world stage.