The GEMS Foundation announces the extension of the application deadline for the 2025 Phillip Nassief Entrepreneurship Challenge to December 6, 2025, providing additional time for entrepreneurs across Dominica to finalize and submit their entries. This decision was made to allow more entrepreneurs to benefit from this opportunity. Furthermore, in recognition of the busy Creole season, a vibrant period that engages many of the island’s small businesses, particularly those involved in food, hospitality, culture, tourism, and entertainment, the Foundation aims to ensure that these entrepreneurs have a fair and convenient opportunity to participate once the national festivities conclude. The Phillip Nassief Entrepreneurship Challenge, supported by the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC), continues to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that defined the late Phillip Nassief’s legacy. The initiative seeks to empower and strengthen small businesses within Dominica’s hospitality and tourism value chain, including enterprises in food and beverage, agro-processing, wellness, technology, transportation, marketing, and other related sectors that add value to the local economy. Following the extended submission period, the Judging Phase will conclude on January 28, 2026, after which seven (7) outstanding applicants will be shortlisted to participate in the final stage — the LIVE Ultimate Pitching Challenge on February 19, 2026. These finalists will benefit from a pitch preparation and mentoring session facilitated by experienced business and innovation professionals to help them refine their presentations and business models before the main event. The top three winners of the Challenge will receive financial awards of EC$20,000 (1st Place), EC$15,000 (2nd Place), and EC$10,000 (3rd Place) to support their business growth, efficiency, and sustainability. The GEMS Foundation encourages all applicants who have already started the process to review and complete their submissions, ensuring that all required documents are included by the new deadline. The extension provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs who may have missed the original cutoff to now apply and be part of this empowering journey.

Police officers from across the Caribbean are sharpening their ability to deliver justice grounded in evidence and human rights. Around 40 senior officers from 10 countries have completed an intensive crime scene investigation training under the PACE Justice Programme, a flagship initiative by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU) that aims to strengthen justice systems and promote people-centered justice throughout the region. Needs assessments by UNDP revealed that crime scene handling and investigative case-building remain critical areas for capacity strengthening in the Caribbean judicial systems. Directly responding to these needs, the five-day workshop focused on advanced investigative strategies, evidence-based case building, and crime scene management. Participants engaged in hands-on sessions covering evidence collection, forensic documentation, and the use of modern investigative tools. Delivered by UNDP and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in collaboration with the Regional Security System (RSS) and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL), the training took place from 29 September – 3 October at the RSS Headquarters in Barbados.  Officials addressing the training workshop noted that equipping senior officers with advanced skills to conduct thorough, rights-based investigations is a vital step towards reducing case backlogs and building public trust in justice systems across the Caribbean. This lies at the heart of the PACE Justice Programme – enhancing institutional capacities across criminal justice processes in the Caribbean to ensure cases are managed more effectively and efficiently. Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Attorney General of Barbados, Mr. Timothy Maynard, noted, “Police investigation is a cornerstone of any functioning justice system. The public’s confidence in the justice system begins with the integrity and professionalism of police investigations. That is why this training is so vital. Justice must be people-centered — accessible, responsive, and inclusive, grounded in the lived realities of those it serves.” Assistant Superintendent Cecil Watson of the RSS highlighted, “The structured in- country mentorship component will provide direct, hands-on guidance tailored to the complexities of national cases and specific country needs.” He added that the training complements other capacity-building initiatives across the region, including those tailored to junior officers: “Together, these efforts form part of a wider strategy to elevate policing standards, enhance justice delivery, and build stronger, more resilient law enforcement institutions in the Caribbean.  Attaché – Security, Justice & Human Rights at the Delegation of the European Union to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM, Mr. Alessandro Tedesco, said, "The presence of European trainers here is a tangible sign of the EU’s commitment to enhancing law enforcement capacities in the Caribbean, fostering a comprehensive and collaborative effort for justice reform. The EU is fully committed to supporting this training and the broader objectives of the PACE Justice Programme to ensure sustainable improvements in the region’s justice systems.” UNDP Resident Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Ms. Limya Eltayeb, said, “This initiative represents a powerful example of what we can achieve through collaboration – bringing together regional expertise and international partners to enhance the quality of police investigations. The workshop is part of a broader reform effort under the PACE Justice Programme, which also includes technology upgrades, legislative support, and regional peer learning to modernize justice delivery and strengthen institutions in the Caribbean.” PHOTO CAPTION : Police officers take part in practical exercises at the crime scene investigation training workshop delivered in Barbados by UNDP's PACE Justice Programme and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in collaboration with the Regional Security System (RSS) and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL).

By: Chalsey Gill Anthony, Environmental Communicator, on behalf of Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) When a hurricane barrels through the Caribbean, recovery doesn’t just depend on rebuilding homes and roads. It depends on whether farmers can afford to replace lost livestock, whether fishers can access damaged docks or launching areas, whether market vendors can access refrigeration to preserve perishable goods, and whether tourism workers can survive months while hotels remain closed. These are the people who keep food on our tables, keep goods moving, and sustain the local economy. Yet, when disasters strike, they are often the ones left waiting the longest for help. Where Governments and Traditional Insurance Fall Short Governments do step in, of course. After major storms, ministries coordinate emergency aid, negotiate loans, and restore infrastructure. But the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC)’s research highlights that governments are focused on the “big picture.” They fix roads, restore the power grid, and manage national relief. But they cannot meet the thousands of small, urgent needs of individual workers and households quickly enough. Things like restoring a farmer's contaminated well, replacing a fisher's equipment, or helping a vendor secure a new market permit can take too long to address. Meanwhile, private insurers serve those who can afford policies, usually businesses with formal assets. For informal workers like farmers without land titles, fishers who can’t insure small boats, vendors without registered stalls, traditional insurance is simply out of reach. That leaves a huge gap when disaster strikes. Meso-Level CDRFI Bridges the Gap This is where meso-level Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI) becomes a bridge. It links the scale of government and insurance with the trust and reach of community organizations. Here’s how it works: Community institutions, like cooperatives, credit unions, and NGOs, act as the direct link to people on the ground. They know who is most vulnerable, and are trusted by members. Financial tools, like parametric insurance and community savings funds, are pooled and managed through these groups, making payouts faster and fairer. Governments and private insurers provide the wider safety net and financial backing, ensuring that the system is sustainable and affordable. Instead of operating separately, these three levels work together. Communities identify needs, governments reduce risk exposure through policy, and insurers provide capital. The result?  Livelihoods are protected, and national budgets face less strain. Consider this: CPDC’s research across five Caribbean countries found that 79% of organizations serving vulnerable workers have no budget for disaster response. Without meso-level CDRFI, those organizations are stranded when disasters hit. With it, they can access financial resources, deliver support directly to members, and reduce the wait time between disaster and recovery. This bridge also builds trust. Research confirms that credit unions and cooperatives hold the highest trust ratings in our communities. By placing them at the center of disaster protection, meso-level CDRFI ensures that recovery is not just about money, but about fairness, transparency, and local decision-making. Building Resilience for the Future In a time when climate risks are rising, the Caribbean needs real solutions that work for our people. Farmers, fishers, vendors, and tourism workers need systems that connect them to wider resources while respecting the realities of informal work. Meso-level CDRFI is one way to strengthen that chain. To understand how these bridges can transform disaster response in the region, explore the Risk Resilience Hub to learn more about meso-level CDRFI. Use it as a guide to strengthen your community’s resilience, contributing to a smarter, more connected Caribbean future. Hurricane Beryl, Grenada Loss of livestock, on ravaged farm- Beryl Produce on sale at Market, Belize (contributed)

Young people from across Barbados recently placed resilience financing at the center of national discussions, as they joined government leaders and international partners in a special National Youth Platform to mark the 2025 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) on October 13. Under the global theme “Fund resilience, not disasters,” participants underscored the urgent need to increase investments that protect communities from climate and disaster risks. Throughout the morning, youth leaders highlighted how disasters disrupt education, livelihoods, and well-being, but also demonstrated the creativity and innovation they bring to resilience building. Interactive “resilience labs” gave young participants space to exchange solutions, from climate-smart technologies to community-driven approaches, showing that youth are not only vulnerable to hazards but active agents of change. This year’s IDDRR theme calls for a decisive shift: from spending vast sums on disaster response and recovery to investing proactively in measures that reduce risks before disasters strike. For Small Island Developing States such as Barbados, where hurricanes, flooding and other coastal hazards pose an existential threat, financing resilience is both a necessity and a smart investment in sustainable development. Opening the event, Captain Robert Harewood, Deputy Director of the Department of Emergency Management, welcomed participants and stressed that engaging youth in national resilience planning is key to ensuring a safer future for Barbados, while United Nations Resident Coordinator Simon Springett called for closer intergenerational dialogue so that youth priorities feed directly into policy and financing decisions, and shaping innovative responses to challenges that affect their present and future. Mr Springett further noted: “This initiative, supported by several key partners, is both timely and essential. No one single entity can tackle these challenges alone. We must strengthen our collective response to enhance the resilience of our region. The National Youth Platform contributes to these efforts.” “Countries, rich and poor, are facing disasters that are larger and more destructive. This is partially driven by an increase in extreme weather events, but it is also driven by risk-blind investments, which increase the exposure and vulnerability of people and assets,” said Saskia Carusi, deputy chief of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction – regional office for the Americas and the Caribbean. The Government of Barbados also reaffirmed its commitment to building resilience. Speaking on the occasion, Hon. Wilfred Abrahams, Minister of Home Affairs and Information, emphasized that investing in resilience is not an expense but a necessity for sustainable development. “Every dollar spent on resilience saves many more in recovery. Investing in resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and community preparedness is not a cost — it is a safeguard for the future. The global community must shift financing from reaction to prevention, from disaster relief to resilience-building. For Small Island Developing States, this shift is not a luxury; it is the difference between vulnerability and viability,” he stated. The event also featured a youth-led panel discussion on the theme “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters – A Youth Perspective.” The panel brought together young leaders from Barbados and across the Caribbean to explore how youth innovation, financing, and partnerships can drive greater investment in resilience. Participants discussed the importance of risk-informed public and private investments, collaboration across sectors, and ensuring that young voices shape the decisions that affect their present and future. Maria Marshall, UNICEF Youth Advocate for the Environment, highlighted that young people should not be seen merely as victims of disasters but as powerful agents of change. “To assume we are just victims would be unfair and untrue. Young people can be powerful agents of change. Involving young people in disaster planning could be constructive,” she said. She added that “the youth bring fresh ideas, energy, and local knowledge that is intricate to their experiences and would improve community resilience.” A highlight of the platform was the official launch of the World Tsunami Awareness Day 2025 Film Festival, which will take place in November. The Festival aims to raise awareness of tsunami hazards in the Caribbean and promote preparedness through film and community engagement. By the close of the event, youth participants presented key recommendations to strengthen national and regional resilience strategies. They were encouraged to drive innovation in disaster risk reduction and to ensure their voices are firmly represented in national platforms and decision-making.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has donated a 40-inch Vizio Smart TV and a mobile stand to the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services (MOHWSS) to enhance health education, public awareness, and outreach activities across the island. The official handover took place on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, with Nicole Slack-Liburd, PAHO Country Programme Specialist, presenting the donation to Dr. Kyra Paul-L’Homme, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services. Also in attendance was Mignon Rolle-Shillingford, Coordinator of the Health Promotion Unit. According to Slack-Liburd, the donation will directly support the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and other public health initiatives of the Ministry. She noted that thecontribution reflects PAHO’s commitment to bringing health information closer to communities: “A core principle of the primary healthcare approach is meeting people where they are,” she said. “The inclusion of a mobile cart ensures that this device can be used not only at health facilities but also at various locations in communities across Dominica.” The equipment will allow for the display of educational materials, health messages, and awareness videos during community outreach, school visits, and health fairs — promoting a stronger connection between health professionals and the public. Slack-Liburd also highlighted PAHO’s continued support for Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) 2025, which included the dissemination of electronic and printed materials and assistance for extended vaccination service hours at the Fond Cole Health Centre and nearby communities. In expressing gratitude, Dr. Paul-L’Homme thanked PAHO for its steadfast partnership and support in advancing Dominica’s health promotion efforts. She emphasized that the donation would enhance the Ministry’s ability to deliver effective, engaging, and accessible health education to all citizens. PAHO’s collaboration with the Government of Dominica continues to focus on building healthier communities through innovation, accessibility, and empowerment.

Prime Minister Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit will, on Tuesday, October 14, move a motion in the Parliament seeking approval to confer the Dominica Award of Honour (D.A.H.), the country‟s highest national award, on the late Prime Ministers Roosevelt „Rosie‟ Douglas and Pierre Charles. The motion recognizes the extraordinary national service and leadership of both former prime ministers, whose contributions advanced Dominica‟s development and who inspired citizens through their dedication to social justice, education and community upliftment. “Rosie Douglas and Pierre Charles led Dominica with vision and courage,” Prime Minister Skerrit said ahead of Tuesday‟s sitting. “This is a moment for the nation to honour two leaders who gave their all to our people. Their example continues to inspire our spirit of resilience and our collective pursuit of a stronger, more united Dominica.” The honours will be conferred posthumously during the official 47th anniversary of independence observance ceremony on November 3. Roosevelt „Rosie‟ Douglas assumed office as Prime Minister of Dominica in February 2000 and served until his untimely passing on October 1, 2000. Following his death, Pierre Charles succeeded him as Prime Minister on October 3, 2000 until his passing on January 6, 2004. The Government of Dominica invites all citizens to join in honouring their legacy of service, unity and nation-building.

On the morning of October 13, President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the Global Leaders’Meeting on Women at the National Convention Center in Beijing and delivered the keynote address. On this crisp autumn day, the flags of various countries and the United Nations formed a grand array. President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan cordially shook hands and took a group photo with the heads of delegations from participating countries and international organizations as well as their spouses. Following warm applause, President Xi delivered a keynote address titled “Carrying Forward the Spirit of the Beijing World Conference on Women and Promoting the New and Accelerated Process for Women’s All-Round Development.” President Xi noted that women play an important role in creating, promoting and carrying forward human civilization. The international community has a shared responsibility to advance the cause of women. Thirty years ago, the Fourth World Conference on Women set the lofty goal of “Action for Equality, Development and Peace,” and adopted the landmark Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Gender equality has been etched in the agenda of our times, galvanizing the whole world in its unwavering pursuit of this goal. Over the past 30 years, guided by the spirit of the Beijing World Conference on Women, the cause of women has been thriving around the world, adding brilliant splendor to the progress of human civilization. Equality between men and women is now a universal consensus of the international community. Prominent progress has been achieved in women’s empowerment. Their educational attainment has been steadily improving, and women are playing an ever more important role in economic, political, cultural, and social affairs. A great many outstanding women have stepped up to take the international stage, living their lives to the full and making contributions with their wisdom and strength. President Xi noted that complex challenges still hamper women’s all-round development, and equality between men and women remains a lofty yet arduous task. Looking ahead, we should rededicate ourselves to the purpose of the Beijing World Conference on Women, build greater consensus, broaden the paths forward, and take more concrete actions to accelerate the new process of women’s all-round development. To this end, President Xi made four proposals. Read more at: https://www.mfa.gov.cn/eng/xw/zyxw/202510/t20251013_11731616.html

Miami Carnival has long been a showcase of Caribbean rhythm and unity, where islands bring their best sounds to one of the diaspora’s most anticipated cultural celebrations. This year, Bouyon, the signature genre from Dominica, is set to command new attention with Big Bad Bouyon — a key event in the newly launched Big Bad Festival , a three-day Caribbean music experience curated by Jay Upscale. From October 10–11, 2025, Soca, Dancehall, Konpa, and Bouyon come alive at Big Bad Festival. While Soca and Dancehall have typically dominated the Miami Carnival scene, this year, Saturday night belongs to Bouyon — the energetic, rhythm-driven call-and-response music born in the Nature Isle that has been steadily gaining global recognition. Known for curating musical events in the tri-state area, Jay Upscale the festival’s founder, is privy to the meteoric rise of the genre. “Bouyon is more than music, it’s an energy, a movement,” he says, “Bringing it to Miami Carnival isn’t just about diversifying the sound; it’s about showing how deeply the Caribbean diaspora connects through rhythm.” The Big Bad Bouyon event will take place at Toe Jam , an edgy and intimate venue in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District. The lineup is led by Ridge , a two-time Caribbean Music Awards Bouyon Artist of the Year winner, alongside performers 1T1 , Edday , Shelly , Reo , Trilla-G , Infrared, DJ Luchshiy , and Unstoppable Shax . The night promises to capture the genre’s raw pulse — one rooted in Dominica’s carnival culture yet resonating far beyond the island. For Ridge, the Miami debut marks a milestone for Bouyon’s growing international reach. “To perform bouyon on a Miami Carnival stage is such a good feeling,” Ridge says. “Bouyon music is the hottest genre right now going into the Carnival. It’s proof that our sound — born in the streets and studios of Dominica — now moves crowds across the world” Big Bad Festival unfolds across three major nights. Carnival Friday opens with performances by Skinny Fabulous , Problem Child , and Lady Lava , setting the tone with Soca anthems, while Big Bad Brunch will close off the event on Monday October 13th. Saturday spotlights Bouyon in its purest form. For Shelly of Signal Band , one of Dominica’s leading Bouyon groups, Miami’s embrace of the genre represents a cultural breakthrough. “Bouyon has always been about expression and identity,” he explains. “It is truly an honour representing the music that I grew up on in Dominica.” From the streets of Roseau to stages in London and now Miami, Bouyon continues to expand its footprint, evolving while staying true to its roots in rhythm and community. As the Caribbean diaspora gathers this October, Big Bad Bouyon is more than just another event, it’s a declaration that Dominica’s sound has arrived on one of the world’s biggest carnival stages. Credit" On Target Comm

The American Canadian School of Medicine (ACSOM), in partnership with the RayAsta Foundation and the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, will host Stroke Awareness Day on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the ACSOM campus on Ross Boulevard, Picard, Portsmouth. The event aims to raise awareness about stroke prevention, recognition, and rehabilitation while offering free health screenings and educational sessions to the public. Screenings will include blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI, waist circumference, cardiovascular risk assessments, and cognitive and reflex tests. Participants will also benefit from interactive education and training sessions covering stroke anatomy and risk factors, lifestyle and prevention strategies, rehabilitation, and resources for family caregivers. Games, refreshments, and opportunities to meet ACSOM students and faculty will also be available. “Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and death,” explains Dr. Sofiia Kozyreva, a rehabilitation specialist and faculty member at ACSOM. “Awareness of risk factors can help prevent strokes, and early detection along with timely medical intervention can significantly improve outcomes.” Dr. Kozyreva emphasizes that prevention through education—such as managing blood pressure, diabetes, diet, and smoking habits—plays a vital role in reducing the risk of stroke. “Some of these risk factors can even be screened for right at our event,” she added. Stroke Awareness Day forms part of ACSOM’s commitment to community health education and early disease prevention in Dominica. The RayAsta Foundation is proud to partner in this initiative, strengthening its mission to empower communities through health and awareness.

By: Chalsey Gill Anthony, Environmental Communicator, on behalf of Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) Ask any farmer, fisher, or vendor across the Caribbean how they prepare for storms, and the answer may vary. It may be a call to a close family or friend, a community partner’s “susu” group or syndicates, or a few hard-earned dollars stashed away for a rainy day.  It's a system rooted in trust and tradition. People feel confident and at ease when their contributions are managed by people they know and trust. They can keep track of the money. They know who is in charge. They can see where the money goes. It feels safe. Traditional insurance, on the other hand, often feels far away. It’s seen as expensive, complicated, and built for others, not for informal workers who do not have the paperwork, land titles, or steady income streams that policies usually demand. And many simply don’t trust it. The Limits of Savings Alone That’s why, across five Caribbean countries, the  Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC)  research found that savings is the primary form of disaster preparation. But surprisingly, 80% of surveyed organizations do not collect regular membership fees, which also suggests that paying monthly insurance premiums can be out of reach. And there's a lack of trust in payouts. Who wants to pay a company for years, only to have them deny a claim when you need it most? But savings has limits. A partner’s “susu” group or syndicates might help a few fishers replace damaged nets, but not rebuild dozens of boats. A cooperative’s emergency fund might restock a handful of vendors, but not cover an entire market wiped out by a storm. And because most organizations don’t collect regular membership fees, there simply isn’t enough money to stretch across big, repeated disasters. What is Meso-Level CDRFI? This is where meso-level Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI) comes in. “Meso” means “in the middle.” It bridges the gap between national disaster relief programs (macro) and what individual households can do (micro). It works through trusted community institutions, credit unions, cooperatives, CSOs, that already manage people’s money and livelihoods. How Meso-Level CDRFI Strengthens Savings Meso-level CDRFI doesn’t replace savings; it strengthens them through three layers of protection: Parametric Insurance:  provides fast payouts when a hurricane or flood meets pre-agreed triggers. No paperwork, no delays. Indemnity Insurance:  covers specific losses that parametric payments might miss, like damaged crops or destroyed equipment (boats, market stalls, etc). Community Savings Funds:  keeps local savings central but links them to bigger financial tools, so money goes further when shocks are large. This combined model builds on what communities already trust, savings and local management, while adding stronger financial tools for bigger disasters. It respects the reality that Caribbean people value self-reliance and community control, but recognizes that the scale of today’s climate risks demands more than tradition alone. This way, when disasters are stronger and more frequent, communities don’t run out of money halfway through recovery.  Why This Matters for the Caribbean The stakes are real. Hurricane Beryl destroyed 75% of Barbados’s fishing boats, leaving many families without income. Floods in Dominica wiped out crops before farmers could replant for the next season. These are losses that savings alone cannot cover. For the Caribbean to thrive in the face of rising climate risks, communities need more than tradition. They need protection that is both trusted and sustainable. Meso-level CDRFI combines the best of both worlds: the trust of local savings with the strength of shared insurance. Together, they make sure Caribbean communities can bounce back faster, without losing what they’ve worked so hard to build. Explore the Risk Resilience Hub to learn more about why savings matter, where they fall short, and how communities can combine old traditions with new tools for smarter climate protection.

In a continued effort to strengthen regional ties, and share the rich, vibrant spirit of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) recently concluded a successful series of promotional activations in Barbados. This initiative formed part of GTA’s strategic commitment to deepening regional connectivity and positioning the Tri-Island State as a premier destination within the Caribbean. The activations highlighted Grenada’s diverse offerings, with a particular focus on its accommodation sector, cultural calendar, and signature events. Stakeholders and attendees were given a compelling preview of what’s to come, as the team spotlighted upcoming festivals and immersive experiences that underscore the unique appeal of Pure Grenada, The Spice of the Caribbean. “This promotion in Barbados builds on an earlier sales mission this year, where we recognized the need for more strategic engagement with travel agents and media,” said Tornia Charles, Chief Marketing Officer at the GTA. “This activation featured an exclusive Travel Agent and Media Dinner, bringing together over 50 key stakeholders for an evening of connection and insight into Grenada’s expanding tourism product. These activities are vital to strengthening partnerships and keeping Grenada top of mind as a leading Caribbean destination.” The promotional efforts continued with a vibrant consumer pop-up event where the energy and flavour of Grenada came alive. Visitors enjoyed live entertainment, including a powerful performance by Sakinah Ambrose, second-place winner of the Groovy Monarch competition 2025, who wowed the crowd with her talent and stage presence. Attendees also got to indulge in authentic Grenadian oil down, while participating in exciting giveaways courtesy of various tourism stakeholders. The event created an electric atmosphere that captured the warmth of the destination. The success of the Barbados activations was made possible through strong partnerships with key players in the accommodation, transportation, and entertainment sectors, as well as airline partners. “We are thrilled by the enthusiastic reception we received in Barbados,” said Stacey Liburd, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority. “These regional engagements are critical to our mission. They not only build awareness but also foster invaluable partnerships that drive tourism growth. Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique offer a world of experiences, and we’re excited to share them with our Caribbean neighbours and beyond.” The Grenada Tourism Authority remains steadfast in its mission to elevate the profile of the Tri-Island State both regionally and internationally. With a robust calendar of events ahead and continued investment in partnerships and promotions, Grenada is poised for even greater visibility and growth.

The Dominica Labour Party will on Thursday, October 9, 2025 host the Rosie Douglas Memorial Lecture at the State House Conference Room beginning at 6:30 p.m. The lecture will be delivered by the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Hon. Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves. The event holds special significance as it commemorates the 25th anniversary of the passing of the late Prime Minister Roosevelt “Rosie” Douglas, a leader whose vision, activism and unyielding commitment to social justice and Caribbean unity left an indelible mark on Dominica and the wider region. Douglas passed away on October 1, 2000, just eight months after assuming office as Prime Minister, following general elections held on January 31. The Memorial Lecture provides an opportunity for reflection on his contributions to nation-building and the empowerment of small states. Dr. Gonsalves, a regional colleague of Douglas, is expected to explore the themes which defined his public life such as unity among Caribbean nations, the advancement of people-centered development, and the strengthening of bonds between the Caribbean, Africa and the global community. The event is open to all who wish to honour the memory and legacy of the late Dominican leader, Rosie Douglas. Credit: The Sun