news and current affairs.
Skerrit is confident Dominica's voter confirmation starts October 15
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit expressed confidence that Dominica's Electoral Commission will meet the October 15 start date for the national voter registration campaign, following a recent amendment that extends the original timeline. Skerrit told reporters this week that both the government and Parliament expect the Commission to be ready by the new date. The campaign, initially set for September, was delayed to October after Parliament approved an amendment to the Registration of Electors Act on August 30, granting the Commission an additional month. The government has called the extension a “technical adjustment” to ensure the Commission’s operational readiness. Skerrit emphasized that the government has provided all necessary...
Mottley hails Jeffrey Bostic as the next president of Barbados
Prime Minister Mia Mottley has praised President-elect Jeffrey Bostic as a leader of integrity, wisdom, and resilience, capable of uniting Barbados and leading it into the next phase of its republican journey. Speaking at a joint parliamentary session on Tuesday, Mottley highlighted Bostic’s reputation for respect across various sectors and his leadership under pressure. Mottley, who nominated Bostic alongside Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne, noted that his career represents both continuity and progress. She emphasized his service from the Barbados Defence Force to his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring his maturity, experience, and vision. Mottley also acknowledged outgoing President Dame Sandra Mason, praising her...
World Bank urges Latin America to boost growth with entrepreneurship
The World Bank says Latin America and the Caribbean can overcome its long-standing low-growth cycle by harnessing entrepreneurship to create jobs, boost productivity, and foster innovation. In its latest report, the World Bank forecasts regional growth at 2.3 percent in 2025 and 2.5 percent in 2026, marking it as the slowest-growing area globally amid inflation, high debt, and weak investment. The report emphasizes the importance of accelerating reforms to improve the business climate and attract private capital. However, challenges such as global demand declines, falling commodity prices, and rising inflation continue to weigh on the region’s recovery. William Maloney, the World Bank’s chief economist for LAC, stressed that...
Herschel Walker confirmed as U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas
After nearly 15 years without a U.S. ambassador in Nassau, Herschel Walker has been confirmed by the Senate as the next ambassador to the Bahamas. The vote, which took place on Tuesday, was part of a broader approval of over 100 nominees, facilitated by recent Senate rule changes aimed at speeding up confirmation for President Donald Trump’s selections. At 63, Walker fills a position that has been vacant since 2011, one of the few ambassadorial roles worldwide still unfilled after more than a decade. His appointment comes as the U.S. expresses increasing concerns over China’s growing influence in the region. Walker, a former NFL star, aims to strengthen U.S. ties with the Bahamas, which is located just 60 miles off the coast of...
Jamaica’s Labour Minister warns against overseas job scams
Jamaica’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., has once again warned citizens seeking overseas employment to use only official channels to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes. He highlighted that scammers often impersonate the Ministry, even using his image to create the illusion of recruitment through platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Charles emphasized that there are no registration or placement fees for the Ministry’s Overseas Employment Programme. He clarified that while licensed private entities may assist with recruitment, the government-run agricultural programme is solely managed by the Ministry. The Minister reiterated that any request for payment beyond the visa fee is a sign of a scam...
Police investigate the death of missing Jamaican student Shantina Sergeant
Police in Clarendon and Manchester have launched an investigation following the discovery of a decomposed body, believed to be that of missing Christiana High School student, 13-year-old Shantina Sergeant. The body was found behind her family home in Baillieston, Clarendon, on Monday evening. Shantina, who lived on Riverside Drive, was reported missing by her father, Lawrence Sergeant, on October 3. On October 6, a police team from Christiana Police Station found the body, which was concealed under a zinc sheet and a burnt-out refrigerator. The body is strongly suspected to be that of the missing teenager. The investigation is now under the jurisdiction of the Manchester police. Superintendent Carey Duncan confirmed that authorities...
Guyana opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed vows to fight US tax evasion charges
Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the Guyana opposition party We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), has vowed to continue his political and legal fight despite facing an 11-count indictment filed by the United States government. The indictment, unsealed on October 2, 2025, accuses Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, of orchestrating a gold export fraud scheme, evading taxes and royalties, and bribing officials to facilitate the illegal shipment of gold. The charges, which include conspiracy, mail and wire fraud, and money laundering, allege that Mohamed’s Enterprise, a gold export company, circumvented Guyana’s revenue system by reusing customs seals and export declarations. In response, Mohamed insisted he would continue his duties as...
Tornado strikes Trinidad, damaging homes and uprooting trees
A rare tornado struck residential communities west of Port of Spain on Tuesday, October 7, causing significant damage across Westmoorings, Victoria Gardens, and parts of Chaguaramas. The tornado, which touched down around 11:55 a.m. local time, hit Cherry Crescent North in Westmoorings, damaging at least four homes and impacting nearby properties as it moved east-northeast across the western peninsula. Trees were uprooted, and rooftops were torn off as strong winds whipped through the area. While no injuries or fatalities were reported, residents described chaotic scenes as debris flew and power lines swayed. Emergency responders were sent to assess the damage. Preliminary reports suggest the tornado was weak to moderate, though the...
Sandals to invest $500 million in new Beaches resort in St. Vincent
Sandals Resorts International (SRI) CEO Adam Stewart announced plans to design a new Beaches resort at Mt Wynne in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, marking a US$500 million investment in the island’s tourism sector. Speaking at a signing ceremony in Buccament Bay on Monday, Stewart announced that the resort would feature 500 rooms and create nearly 2,000 jobs for local residents upon full operationalization. Stewart explained that while Sandals initially planned to build the Beaches resort at Buccament Bay, the company pivoted to launch a Sandals resort there in 2024 due to the pandemic. The new Beaches resort will showcase local culture and volcanic heritage, with features such as the Red Lane Spa incorporating the island’s volcanic...
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