The Caribbean Development Bank is financing a new digital support network for regional entrepreneurs through a partnership with RevUP Caribbean. A technical assistance grant of 250,000 US dollars will fund the RevUP Founders Growth and Community Support Network. This platform, operated on Zoho technology, offers tiered memberships that provide resources, mentorship, and investor connections.
Sandra Glasgow, managing director of RevUP Caribbean, described the initiative as a lifelong digital ecosystem for business founders. She said it would serve as a permanent resource for scaling their companies. Lisa Harding, the CDB's Division Chief for Private Sector, stated the bank's commitment to acting as a partner for homegrown entrepreneurs...
A new collaborative medical degree program has been launched by the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus and the University of Ghana. Professor Clive Landis, Principal of the Cave Hill Campus, announced the initiative during a forum that also welcomed a visit from the Asantehene, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The program follows a 3+3 structure, with students completing three years of preclinical studies in Barbados and three years of clinical training in Ghana. Graduates will receive two degrees and be fully accredited to practice medicine in either nation. Professor Landis explained that the partnership effectively utilizes Barbados's surplus preclinical capacity and Ghana's surplus clinical capacity. He also noted that...
The Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, has confirmed that the eligibility of dual citizenship candidates will be decided in court. He stated that his Unity Labour Party had previously objected to the nominations of New Democratic Party leader Godwin Friday and East Kingstown candidate Fitz Bramble due to their Canadian citizenship. Gonsalves cited constitutional provisions which he said disqualify individuals owing voluntary allegiance to a foreign power.
He referenced a prior Court of Appeal ruling involving former St Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Denzil Douglas, which found that holding a foreign passport signifies such allegiance. Gonsalves pointed out that Friday had acknowledged carrying a Canadian...
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has launched Operation Festive Shield, a comprehensive security plan for the Christmas and Carnival seasons. This initiative, beginning in Port of Spain and the Western Division, focuses on high-visibility patrols and intelligence-led operations to protect commercial and entertainment areas.
The strategy is built upon four key components: an increased police presence in crowded public spaces, targeted actions against repeat offenders, coordinated traffic management, and partnerships with community and business stakeholders for rapid response. Support will be provided by various specialized police units and private security.
Law enforcement priorities include reducing robberies and street crimes...
A new United Nations report identifies Haiti as one of six countries facing the highest risk of famine. The analysis from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Programme warns that a catastrophic hunger emergency could persist through mid-2026, driven by conflict, economic collapse, and limited humanitarian access.
In Haiti, escalating gang violence and political instability have severely disrupted food production and distribution. Nearly half the population, approximately 4.9 million people, is experiencing acute food insecurity. The report states that without urgent intervention, some communities could fall into famine conditions.
The UN agencies call for immediate action to save lives and protect livelihoods...
Minister Daryl Vaz has stated that an official investigation found no evidence supporting claims of stolen hurricane relief goods from a recent airlift. The minister reported that the shipment was cleared by a customs broker directly on the airport tarmac and was transferred to a receiving truck without being moved to any off-site location.
He confirmed that photographs and a cargo manifest were reviewed, showing that items reportedly missing, including a stove and Starlink devices, were not part of the original shipment. The minister emphasized that the pallets' seals and wrapping were intact, a point verified by the attending customs officer.
While acknowledging historical issues with customs procedures, Vaz explained that a special...
A consortium led by ExxonMobil Guyana has achieved a new production milestone, reaching 900,000 barrels of oil per day from its Stabroek Block operations. This record output follows the recent startup of the Yellowtail project, which has achieved its initial production capacity of 250,000 barrels daily.
The venture, which includes co-venturers Hess and CNOOC, has committed over 60 billion dollars to develop seven sanctioned offshore projects. President Alistair Routledge credited the achievement to close collaboration with the Guyanese government and local partners. He stated that the group is building a world-class energy sector delivering significant value for the nation.
Future developments like Uaru and Whiptail are expected to...
President Mohamed Irfaan Ali has declared that Guyana must monetize its substantial gas reserves from the Stabroek Block by 2030. He announced this firm deadline to investors and industry leaders at the inaugural Berbice Development Summit, stating his administration would not support any plan failing to meet that goal. The president emphasized his commitment to finalizing the project before his term concludes.
The government plans to transform the Berbice region into an industrial and logistical hub, supported by major infrastructure projects. These initiatives include a new Berbice River bridge, a four-lane highway, and the Corentyne River Bridge connecting Guyana and Suriname. President Ali affirmed that this entire infrastructure...
A groundbreaking regional student census has launched across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, representing a global first. Director General Dr. Didacus Jules stated that every student from kindergarten through Form 5 is participating in this comprehensive initiative, not just a sample. The project is designed to gather student perspectives to help shape more inclusive and equitable education systems.
The anonymous census will provide data to inform the new ten-year OECS Education Sector Strategy. Officials explained that the results will help policymakers understand learner needs and improve school environments. Parents and community members are being asked to encourage student participation.
All collected data will...
