By Michelle Brathwaite When The Bahamas hosted the Fourth Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Escazú Agreement in April, it marked the first time the conference had been held in the Caribbean. For a region on the front lines of climate change, biodiversity loss and intensifying development pressures, the moment could not be more timely. The Escazú Agreement is a landmark regional treaty that guarantees the rights to access information, public participation, and justice in environmental matters. At its core, it is about how decisions are made, who has a voice, and how human rights are protected when development and environmental protection intersect. For small island and coastal states, where ecosystems are fragile and communities depend directly on land, sea and natural resources, these principles are fundamental. Ten of the 19 countries that have ratified the Escazú Agreement are from the Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Their leadership reflects a growing regional commitment to transparency, participation, accountability and the protection of environmental human rights defenders. I encourage other Caribbean States to follow their example. The urgency is clear. Climate change is intensifying storms, flooding and sealevel rise. Biodiversity loss threatens food security and livelihoods. At the same time, development pressures continue to grow. Decisions taken today will determine whether development strengthens resilience and inclusion or deepens inequality and environmental harm. These issues were front and centre at an official COP side event organized by the UN Human Rights Office. Speakers representing diverse sectors of society engaged openly on the human rights obligations of States and responsibilities of businesses and one message was clear: communities affected by environmental decisions must be informed early and able to participate meaningfully. This is not only a human rights obligation; it is also sound policy. When communities are excluded, projects often face resistance, delays and loss of trust. When participation is genuine and timely, decisions are stronger, risks are better managed, and outcomes are more sustainable over time. But challenges remain. Greater awareness is still needed of the protections and opportunities the Agreement offers – not only for communities, but also for States and businesses. One of the Agreement’s most important provisions is Article 9, which focuses on the protection of environmental human rights defenders. Across the Caribbean, individuals and communities work courageously to protect ecosystems and the rights of others, often with limited resources and at personal risk. Intimidation or reprisals against those who raise environmental concerns are incompatible with international human rights law and with the commitments States have made under the Escazú Agreement. They also undermine the principles of participation and trust that Caribbean countries reaffirmed at the COP. States in the region should ensure that individuals working to defend the environment and human rights are able to carry out this work safely and without intimidation. And businesses operating in the Caribbean must ensure that their activities do not contribute – directly or through their value chains – to threats, criminalization or reprisals against those who raise environmental concerns. The UN Human Rights Office for the Caribbean remains committed to supporting States through capacitybuilding, and technical assistance on the rights of access to information, public participation in decisionmaking, access to justice, and the application of a human rightsbased approach to environmental action. Hosting COP4 in The Bahamas was a powerful reminder that the Caribbean is not only vulnerable – it is also leading. With continued cooperation and political will, the Escazú Agreement can help ensure that development is inclusive and participatory and that it protects the right to a healthy environment for present and future generations. Michelle Brathwaite is Regional Representative of the UN Human Rights Office for the Caribbean Community

In an effort to continue strengthening ties with one of its vital global markets, the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) recently completed a comprehensive sales and outreach mission to the United Kingdom. Under the leadership of CEO Stacey Liburd, the delegation focused on high-level trade activations and diaspora community building to drive long-term visitor demand and market performance. The mission opened with a two-day diaspora outreach programme led by Melinda Telesford, Marketing Executive at the GTA. The sessions combined both face-to face and online platforms, moving beyond mere updates, and focused on how the UK-based diaspora can act as a strategic engine for tourism. Discussions were held to explore how the community can leverage their networks and expertise, to drive advocacy and visitation to the Spice Isle. A defining moment of the mission was the GTA’s participation in the exclusive Virtuoso On Tour UK & Ireland. By engaging directly with a cohort of 30 travel advisors, the delegation successfully reinforced Grenada’s competitive edge within the premium travel sector, a primary driver of sustainable tourism for the islands. “The UK continues to be a strategically important market for Grenada, and this mission provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen and deepen our relationships across key segments,” said CEO Stacey Liburd. “Engagement with our diaspora community and trade partners reaffirmed a strong and growing interest in Grenada’s distinctive tourism offering. We leave the UK encouraged by the level of enthusiasm and confident in the momentum generated as we look ahead to the upcoming seasons.” Beyond community outreach, CEO Liburd spearheaded a series of media and trade engagements designed to synchronize in-market partners with the GTA’s 2026 strategic roadmap. These engagements were engineered to convert existing destination interest into sustained visitor demand, ensuring that Grenada’s market performance remains on a high-growth trajectory. “The conversations we had with our UK diaspora community were both encouraging and eye-opening,” stated marketing executive Melinda Telesford, “There is a wealth of networks and expertise within the community that we can tap into and the willingness to contribute to Grenada’s growth was evident. This outreach was just the beginning of what we believe will be a powerful and ongoing partnership.” This mission reflects the GTA’s multi-dimensional approach to market development, weaving together trade relations, market positioning and community advocacy. The Grenada Tourism Authority continues to utilize these targeted activations to diversify and scale Grenada’s global destination profile.

The initiative aims to help soursop exporters meet GLOBALG.A.P. standards, enhance food safety, improve traceability, and expand access to international markets 29 April, 2026 - St. George’s, Grenada - Building on ongoing efforts to strengthen Grenada’s soursop value chain, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry and the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), has launched a targeted certification pilot aimed at advancing compliance with international food safety standards and improving export readiness. This latest intervention forms part of the project “Enhancing Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Capacity and Market Access for Grenadian Soursop Exports” and represents a critical shift from foundational capacity building to market-oriented compliance and certification. The initiative will support two selected packhouses and ten associated farmers in achieving GLOBAL G.A.P. certification. GLOBAL G.A.P. certification is a globally recognized, voluntary farm assurance standard that verifies safe, sustainable, and ethical agricultural production. It focuses on food safety, environmental protection, worker welfare, and product traceability from farm to retailer, acting as a "passport"; for producers to access global markets. It strengthens risk management through structured food safety controls and increases buyer confidence in the quality and safety of produce. The addition of Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements further aligns producers with United States regulations, supporting compliance with evolving import standards. A national training workshop held at the Grenada National Stadium on April 21, 2026, officially launched the pilot initiative. The session focused on implementing GLOBAL G.A.P. Integrated Farm Assurance Fruit and Vegetables GFS v6, along with the FSMA Add-on requirements. These are voluntary, audit-based modules designed to verify that farms and food facilities comply with specific Food and Drug Administration (FDA) preventive control, produce safety, or import rules. With 31 participants representing a wide range of stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, the Grenada Bureau of Standards, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), farmers, exporters, and other private sector representatives, attendance considerably exceeded expectations due to the workshop's significant importance. The first week of launch activities signaled the beginning of the certification pathway. In addition to the training workshop, the participating packhouses and farms underwent on-site preliminary assessments to evaluate their current level of compliance with GLOBALG.A.P. and FSMA requirements. Based on these evaluations, customized corrective action plans will be developed for each entity, identifying the specific improvements needed to achieve certification in a practical and targeted way. Training and technical assistance were led by the FAO, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry of Grenada, with support from Inversiones Riel S. de R.L., a technical consulting firm from Honduras specializing in SPS systems and international certification processes. “We are pleased to support the launch of this pilot initiative to advance GLOBALG.A.P. certification within Grenada’s soursop value chain. This effort represents an important step in strengthening food safety, improving production standards, and expanding market access for our stakeholders. By aligning with internationally recognized certification systems, we are positioning our exports to compete more effectively”, stated Mr. Thaddeus Peters, Chief Agriculture Officer (Ag.). Mr. Ricardo Pineda, Lead Consultant, Inversiones Riel S. de R.L noted, “We are pleased to have successfully completed Phase 1 with the selection of two highly qualified exporters. This milestone lays a strong foundation for certification under GLOBALG.A.P. IFA v6 with the FSMA add-on by November 2026, opening new opportunities for Grenada’s soursop in high-value international markets.” "This process is pushing us to tighten our operations and be more consistent across the board; it will be challenging, but it's exactly what we need to grow and compete in more demanding markets"stated Marlon St. Louis, General Manager of Simply Pure Agroprocessing, in response to the initial activities. FAO Plant Production and Protection Specialist, Ms. Anne Desrochers emphasized, “While this pilot presents a valuable opportunity to advance GLOBALG.A.P. certification, it is not a passive process. Selected farmers and packhouses must commit time, resources, and consistent effort to implement the required improvements, an essential step toward achieving certification and accessing higher-value export markets.” The next phase of the pilot will focus on intensive, hands-on training and technical support across key certification areas, including good agricultural practices, record-keeping, traceability, post-harvest handling, and audit preparedness.

Annie Samuel-Etienne, a past student of Wesley High School, has been officially hooded by Virginia University of Lynchburg, having been conferred the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Administration, graduating with high honors. Dr. Samuel-Etienne, who currently serves as a Director of Programs and has worked extensively with the State of Florida, has built an impressive career dedicated to supporting at-risk communities in South Florida. Her leadership and commitment to service have made a meaningful impact across the region. Now officially Dr. Samuel-Etienne, she continues to make her community proud through her achievements and dedication to excellence. We extend heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Samuel-Etienne and wish her continued success in all her future endeavors.

The Dominica Amateur Basketball Association proudly announces a historic milestone for the nation as Dominica’s Senior Men’s National Basketball Team prepares to compete in its first-ever senior men’s tournament sanctioned by FIBA. Dominica will participate in the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers, scheduled for July 8–12, 2026, in Georgetown, Guyana. Group A Line-Up Dominica has been drawn in Group A alongside: Guyana (Host) Dominica Turks & Caicos Islands Antigua & Barbuda Bermuda A Historic First for Dominica This marks the first time in history that Dominica’s Senior Men’s National Team will compete in a senior men’s tournament at the FIBA level — a major breakthrough for basketball development in Dominica. The Dominica Amateur Basketball Association (DABA) views this as a defining moment in the growth and elevation of the sport across the island. “This is a proud and defining moment for Dominica basketball. Our participation represents years of growth, commitment, and belief in our athletes. We are stepping onto the regional stage ready to compete and represent our country with pride.” More Than a Tournament Participation in this competition provides: Valuable international exposure for players A pathway toward AmeriCup qualification Increased visibility for Dominica basketball Opportunities for athlete development and recruitment Looking Ahead DABA will now move into the preparation phase, including: National team selection Training camps Strategic partnerships and support initiatives This historic debut signals the beginning of a new era for basketball in Dominica. Call to Support The Dominica Amateur Basketball Association calls on all Dominicans, both locally and abroad, to rally behind the team as they represent the Nature Isle on the regional stage. History is being made. Dominica is ready.

The Dominica Amateur Basketball Association (DABA) is set to deliver another exciting slate of games as Week 3 of the national basketball competition tips off from Wednesday, May 6 to Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Massacre Indoor Sports Complex. With teams beginning to find their rhythm and standings taking shape, Week 3 promises intense matchups, emerging rivalries, and standout individual performances as clubs push for early dominance. WEEK 3 GAME SCHEDULE Wednesday, May 6, 2026 7:00 PM: Dr. Darroux PSC Falcons 2 vs Possie Pacers 9:00 PM: Police Sports Club vs BAA Sharks Thursday, May 7, 2026 7:00 PM: West Coast Ballers vs D-Treads Blazers 2 9:00 PM: Dr. Darroux PSC Falcons 1 vs Happy 767 SC Dominators Friday, May 8, 2026 7:00 PM: Denise Charles Seahawks vs Convenience Plus Mahaut Gators 9:00 PM: Marigot Sunrise vs Prowlers Saturday, May 9, 2026 7:00 PM: Perky’s Pizza 767 SC Young Ballers vs D-Treads Blazers 2 9:00 PM: Dr. Darroux PSC Falcons 1 vs D-Treads Blazers 1 COMPETITION HEATING UP As the competition progresses, teams are placing greater emphasis on execution, consistency, and depth. Clubs such as the Dominators, Falcons, Blazers, and Sharks will be looking to assert their dominance, while rising teams like the Ballers, Pacers, and Prowlers aim to disrupt the standings and build momentum. Week 3 is expected to be a turning point, with several teams playing multiple games that could significantly impact their position in the league. Coaches and players alike understand the importance of these matchups as they look to secure playoff positioning early in the season. FAN EXPERIENCE & COMMUNITY SUPPORT DABA continues to encourage fans, families, and basketball enthusiasts across Dominica to come out and support the teams. The Massacre Indoor Sports Complex is expected to come alive each night with energy, entertainment, and competitive basketball at its finest. “This is where the competition truly begins to take shape,” said a DABA representative. “Week 3 will showcase the depth of talent in Dominica and the passion that continues to drive the sport forward.” Basketball fans are urged to attend, support their favorite teams, and be part of the growing excitement surrounding the national league. All games are open to the public.

Over 50 Government leaders, regional institutions, youth representatives, development partners and United Nations agencies yesterday convened in Saint Lucia for a Sub-Regional Consultation on the Joint Programme for Prevention of Youth Crime and Violence in the Eastern Caribbean, hosted by the United Nations Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Multi-Country Office (MCO). The one-day consultation bought together a wide cross section of stakeholders and youth advocates from beneficiary countries - Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and SaintVincent and the Grenadines - to advance a joint, prevention-focused response to rising levels of youth crime and violence across the sub-region. The meeting focused on validating the Joint Programme’s design, results framework, and governance arrangements to ensure it is ready for implementation. Simon Springett, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, in his virtual opening remarks to the forum, made a call for a whole-of-society approach to tacking the issue of youth crime and violence. The UN Head told the youth present they were preparing to shape a world marked by profound complexity—climate change, conflict, and the rise of crime and violence – which collectively threatened social cohesion, citizen security, economic resilience, and sustainable development. “In very real terms, your future is under pressure. This is why as a United Nations we remain committed to working with Governments and partners to advance peace and security across the region,” he added, noting that ultimately, theprogramme’s success will not be measured by frameworks or strategies, but by whether young people across the region feel safer, more supported, and more hopeful about their futures. Young people, particularly boys and young men, are disproportionately affected by crime and violence as both victims and perpetrators — a challenge linked to structural inequality, socio-economic exclusion, weak protective environments and unmet psychosocial needs. The Joint Programme for Prevention of Youth Crime and Violence adopts a public health and socio‑ecological approach, delivering a coordinated package of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention interventions for adolescents and young people aged 10 to 29. It places strong emphasis on youth rights, gender equality, positive masculinities, resilience-building and meaningful youth participation. Saint Lucia’s Minister with responsibility for Home Affairs and Crime Prevention, the Hon. Jeremiah Norbert in welcoming the initiative told the forum : “Today we gather around a simple but powerful truth: the future of Saint Lucia depends on the choices , opportunities and pathways available to our young people… If we are serious about preventing youth crime , then we must be equally serious about restoring dignity and hope among young people. Let us choose prevention over reaction , opportunity over exclusion, and hope over despair, for in doing so, we do not just change outcomes we change lives.” Meanwhile, Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture, Youth , Sport and Community Development, for the Commonwealth of Dominica, the Hon. Oscar George lauded organizers for prioritizing and investing in the important consultation. “Getting all of us here this morning speaks volumes on the importance placed on the issue of youth crime. So, I want to really commend the UN team for this. We are here for an important exercise, and the reality is, in our small islands across the region, our greatest resource, is our vibrant youth. If we want to attain sustainable growth, productivity and improved standards of living, that we all strive for, we must pay a lot more emphasis on positive youth outcomes or the lack there of,” Minister George underlined. Also participating in the forum was Abebech Assefa, Counsellor (Development) and Head of Cooperation, Eastern Caribbean, High Commission of Canada. She told the meeting: “Canada welcomes the Joint Programme’s emphasis on prevention, youth participation, genderresponsive approaches, and strong and accountable institutions. These priorities closely align with Canada’s broader engagement in the Caribbean and our belief that shared security and respect for human rights must go hand in hand.” Youth and youth advocates, including country representatives of the UN Youth Advisory Group, were also well represented and actively helping to co-create the new Joint Programme. Don Lucien, a Spoken Word Artist and Youth Rehabilitation Advocate from Saint Lucia, used the forum to warn of the pitfalls facing youth which can unwittingly lead them down a path of incarceration as was his fate. He, however, used his craft to share his redemption storyachieved through faith and giving back. During the consultation, participants sought to validate a shared Theory of Change, agreeing on priority interventions tailored to national contexts, and defining governance and coordination mechanisms to guide implementation. The process also reinforces the importance of data-driven decision-making, safeguarding and strong national and regional systems that can identify and support youth most at risk. Following the consultation, stakeholders are expected to endorse a regionally aligned and country-responsive Joint Programme framework that will contribute to reduced youth involvement in crime and violence, improved well-being, and stronger, more cohesive communities across the Eastern Caribbean Caribbean.

Over 50 Government leaders, regional institutions, youth representatives, development partners and United Nations agencies yesterday convened in Saint Lucia for a Sub-Regional Consultation on the Joint Programme for Prevention of Youth Crime and Violence in the Eastern Caribbean, hosted by the United Nations Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Multi-Country Office (MCO). The one-day consultation bought together a wide cross section of stakeholders and youth advocates from beneficiary countries - Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and SaintVincent and the Grenadines - to advance a joint, prevention-focused response to rising levels of youth crime and violence across the sub-region. The meeting focused on validating the Joint Programme’s design, results framework, and governance arrangements to ensure it is ready for implementation. Simon Springett, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, in his virtual opening remarks to the forum, made a call for a whole-of-society approach to tacking the issue of youth crime and violence. The UN Head told the youth present they were preparing to shape a world marked by profound complexity—climate change, conflict, and the rise of crime and violence – which collectively threatened social cohesion, citizen security, economic resilience, and sustainable development. “In very real terms, your future is under pressure. This is why as a United Nations we remain committed to working with Governments and partners to advance peace and security across the region,” he added, noting that ultimately, the programme’s success will not be measured by frameworks or strategies, but by whether young people across the region feel safer, more supported, and more hopeful about their futures. Young people, particularly boys and young men, are disproportionately affected by crime and violence as both victims and perpetrators — a challenge linked to structural inequality, socio-economic exclusion, weak protective environments and unmet psychosocial needs. The Joint Programme for Prevention of Youth Crime and Violence adopts a public health and socio‑ecological approach, delivering a coordinated package of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention interventions for adolescents and young people aged 10 to 29. It places strong emphasis on youth rights, gender equality, positive masculinities, resilience-building and meaningful youth participation. Saint Lucia’s Minister with responsibility for Home Affairs and Crime Prevention, the Hon. Jeremiah Norbert in welcoming the initiative told the forum : “Today we gather around a simple but powerful truth: the future of Saint Lucia depends on the choices , opportunities and pathways available to our young people… If we are serious about preventing youth crime , then we must be equally serious about restoring dignity and hope among young people. Let us choose prevention over reaction , opportunity over exclusion, and hope over despair, for in doing so, we do not just change outcomes we change lives.” Meanwhile, Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture, Youth , Sport and Community Development, for the Commonwealth of Dominica, the Hon. Oscar George lauded organizers for prioritizing and investing in the important consultation. “Getting all of us here this morning speaks volumes on the importance placed on the issue of youth crime. So, I want to really commend the UN team for this. We are here for an important exercise, and the reality is, in our small islands across the region, our greatest resource, is our vibrant youth. If we want to attain sustainable growth, productivity and improved standards of living, that we all strive for, we must pay a lot more emphasis on positive youth outcomes or the lack there of,” Minister George underlined. Also participating in the forum was Abebech Assefa, Counsellor (Development) and Head of Cooperation, Eastern Caribbean, High Commission of Canada. She told the meeting: “Canada welcomes the Joint Programme’s emphasis on prevention, youth participation, genderresponsive approaches, and strong and accountable institutions. These priorities closely align with Canada’s broader engagement in the Caribbean and our belief that shared security and respect for human rights must go hand in hand.” Youth and youth advocates, including country representatives of the UN Youth Advisory Group, were also well represented and actively helping to co-create the new Joint Programme. Don Lucien, a Spoken Word Artist and Youth Rehabilitation Advocate from Saint Lucia, used the forum to warn of the pitfalls facing youth which can unwittingly lead them down a path of incarceration as was his fate. He, however, used his craft to share his redemption storyachieved through faith and giving back. During the consultation, participants sought to validate a shared Theory of Change, agreeing on priority interventions tailored to national contexts, and defining governance and coordination mechanisms to guide implementation. The process also reinforces the importance of data-driven decision-making, safeguarding and strong national and regional systems that can identify and support youth most at risk. Following the consultation, stakeholders are expected to endorse a regionally aligned and country-responsive Joint Programme framework that will contribute to reduced youth involvement in crime and violence, improved well-being, and stronger, more cohesive communities across the Eastern Caribbean. Caribbean.

Beneficiaries of the Petite Savanne Resettlement at Bellevue Chopin have begun signing the final documents to secure ownership of their homes. The Agreement of Transfer and the Memorandum of Encumbrance transfer ownership of the property and outline conditions attached to the land, clearing the way for Certificates of Title to be issued. This follows Cabinet’s approval of a policy to grant full ownership of Government- constructed homes at no cost to beneficiaries. The policy outlines the criteria for ownership of the home and provides that Government will also cover the cost of registering the titles. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has identified twenty-two standalone homes at Bellevue Chopin as the first phase of implementation. Consultations were held with residents on the terms and conditions of the transfer, giving them the opportunity to seek clarity before receiving full ownership. “This initiative reflects our commitment to the long-term security of our beneficiaries. By removing the financial burden and transferring ownership, we are giving families a solid foundation on which to build their future. We remain committed to advancing this process until every eligible family is secured,” said Minister for Housing, Hon. Melissa Poponne-Skerrit. Documentation for the first set of transfers has been submitted to the Land Registry, paving the way for the official issuance of Certificates of Title.

The Government of Dominica has accorded an Official Funeral to the former Government Minister Ian Pinard who passed away on April 17, 2026. The funeral service will be held at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Pointe Michel on Friday, May 8, 2026. The late Ian Pinard gave many years of service to the people of Dominica, including as Parliamentary Representative for the Soufriere Constituency, after being elected to Parliament in 2005 and again in 2014. He was Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education and later Minister for Public Works and Ports. He was actively engaged in national development, serving in senior executive roles at Petro Caribe Dominica and at the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA), where he most recently held the position of Chief Executive Officer. The Government acknowledges his contribution to public service and national development, and joins the nation in reflecting on his legacy and service to country. Friday, May 8, the day of the funeral, has been declared a Day of National Mourning, and all flags will be flown at half-staff. Public viewing will take place from 2:00 p.m. and the funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m., followed by interment at the Pointe Michel Catholic Cemetery. The Government of Dominica extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and the people of the Soufriere Constituency.

Perky’s Pizza 767 Young Ballers delivered a strong and composed performance to defeat the Convenience Plus Mahaut Gators 70–64 in an exciting matchup at the Massacre Indoor Sports Facility on Thursday evening. The game tipped off at 7:08 PM with both teams showing early intent. The Young Ballers edged ahead in the first quarter, taking a narrow 23–21 lead. The Convenience Plus Mahaut Gators responded in the second quarter with improved defensive pressure and execution, outscoring their opponents 14–11 to keep the contest tight heading into halftime. Coming out of the break, Perky’s Pizza 767 Young Ballers found their rhythm offensively, putting together a strong 19-point third quarter to regain control of the game. Despite a determined effort from the Gators in the final period, the Young Ballers maintained their composure down the stretch, closing out the game with a 17–14 fourth quarter to seal the victory. The win highlights the Young Ballers’ ability to execute in key moments, particularly in the second half, while the Convenience Plus Mahaut Gators showed resilience and competitiveness throughout the contest. Quarter Scores: Q1: Young Ballers 23 – Gators 21 Q2: Gators 14 – Young Ballers 11 Q3: Young Ballers 19 – Gators 15 Q4: Young Ballers 17 – Gators 14 Final Score: Perky’s Pizza 767 Young Ballers 70Mahaut Gators 64 Perky’s Pizza 767 Young Ballers now look to build on this momentum as the competition continues, while the Convenience Plus Mahaut Gators will regroup and aim to bounce back in their next outing.

– The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA), and key industry stakeholders, has advanced its cruise sector strategy through targeted participation in two major industry events, Seatrade Cruise Global and CLIA Cruise360. At Seatrade Cruise Global, the cruise industry’s leading international conference, Grenada’s delegation engaged directly with senior cruise line executives and partners to reinforce relationships, communicate destination developments, and support long-term sector growth. Led by GTA Chairman Randall Dolland, the delegation brought together key public and private sector partners, including Nautical Development Manager Shanai St Bernard, General Manager of the Grenada Port Authority Frank Redhead, GPA representative Gail Ann Newton and private sector representatives Anya Chow Chung and Sheldon Alexander of Huggins & Company Ltd. Discussions focused on enhancing Grenada’s competitiveness within the regional cruise landscape, with updates provided on key destination developments, including planned enhancements at Fort George and anticipated improvements at Grand Etang National Park. “The cruise sector remains a critical pillar of Grenada’s tourism industry, and our engagement at Seatrade reflects a deliberate and collaborative approach to strengthening our relationships with cruise partners,” said Randall Dolland, Chairman of the Grenada Tourism Authority. “Our focus is on ensuring that Grenada continues to deliver a high-quality visitor experience while positioning the destination for sustainable, long-term growth within an increasingly competitive market.” The delegation also engaged with major cruise stakeholders, including Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) partners, where discussions highlighted the continued importance of service excellence, training and the delivery of authentic local experiences in maintaining competitiveness within the Caribbean cruise market. Complementing these high-level engagements, GTA’s nautical team further expanded destination visibility at CLIA Cruise360, the Cruise Lines International Association’s flagship trade show, which brought together more than 1,000 travel advisors from across the United States. The team engaged directly with travel advisors, positioning Grenada not only as a cruise destination but as a broader, experience-rich option for travellers. Interest from advisors extended beyond cruise itineraries to include destination stays, reinforcing growing demand for culturally immersive and multi-dimensional Caribbean experiences. “Engagement at Cruise360 allows us to connect directly with travel advisors who are shaping how visitors experience destinations like Grenada,” said Shanai St Bernard, Nautical Development Manager at the Grenada Tourism Authority. “There is a growing interest in destinations that offer a genuine sense of connection, and Grenada’s strength lies in its people, its culture and the authenticity of the experiences we offer both on and beyond the shore.” Together, these engagements underscore Grenada’s continued focus on strengthening industry partnerships, expanding market reach and ensuring that the destination remains competitive, relevant and aligned with evolving traveller expectations.