By QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Hunger is not inevitable. The world already possesses many of capacity, tools, technologies and knowledge needed to ensure food security for all. Yet in 2025, 645 million people still faced hunger, while about one in three people worldwide could not afford a healthy diet. At a time when scientific advances and new technologies are reshaping entire economies and societies, innovations that can help people around the world better produce and access nutritious foods, improve livelihoods and build resilience remain out of reach. The challenge is not a shortage of innovation, but a shortage of adoption at scale: turning proven solutions into locally adapted, affordable and investable options that farmers and agrifood enterprises can use, sustain and scale. This idea is at the heart of this year's World Food Day theme: "Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow." The transformation of agrifood systems is a comprehensive approach, under the overall guidance of the Four Betters – better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind. Digital advisory services can give farmers access to weather forecasts, market prices and tailored guidance, helping them make better decisions on planting, farm management and marketing. Animal disease surveillance and early-warning systems can detect emerging threats earlier, giving veterinary services and livestock keepers more time to act before outbreaks spread. Soil moisture and nutrient sensors and precision irrigation can help farmers use resources and inputs more efficiently. Satellite and geospatial tools are enabling countries to monitor forests and changes in land use. Better market data and early-warning systems can also help governments anticipate pressures on food prices, supplies and trade, and respond sooner. For generations, farmers, Indigenous Peoples and local communities have conserved and developed crop varieties, harvested and managed scarce water, cared for soils, and managed landscapes and biodiversity. Agricultural systems built around such knowledge and practices are now recognized and supported through FAO’s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) programme. Such knowledge remains an important source of innovation today, including when combined with modern science and technology to help producers adapt to changing climatic and environmental challenges. Yet too many proven innovations remain unavailable, unaffordable or insufficiently adapted to local farming conditions. For millions of small-scale producers, particularly women and young people, limited access to finance, technologies, infrastructure, information, markets and connectivity continues to constrain adoption and scale. Closing this gap requires stronger links between science, innovation and delivery, working with institutions, governments, the private sector, producer organizations and communities. FAO is also innovating through institutional design, including shared digital platforms, public extension systems, cooperatives and other delivery models that can lower access costs and expand coverage. Co-creating solutions with users helps ensure that innovations respond to local needs, are technically and economically viable, and are more likely to be adopted, sustained and scaled. Agricultural research is widely considered one of the highest-return investments in rural development. Greater investment must be matched by the infrastructure, institutions, skills and partnerships needed to take successful innovations to scale. Adopting innovative practices will be critical to reducing the environmental footprint of agrifood systems, which account for around one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions and more than an estimated 70 percent of freshwater withdrawals. It is also critical to helping farmers and other producers adapt to climate extremes. Innovations must be adapted to local realities and needs, supported by appropriate policies and backed by investment over time. Governments can create enabling conditions and invest in research, infrastructure and extension services; businesses can turn ideas into affordable products and services; and producers and communities can provide the knowledge needed to make them work in practice and impact. This agenda matters just as much to major industrialized economies. Better data and analytical tools can help anticipate supply disruptions and emerging risks in increasingly complex food markets. Innovation can strengthen supply chains, support competitiveness and help protect consumers when shocks in one part of the world affect prices and availability elsewhere. But innovation delivers impact only when it can be translated into investable and bankable projects. That requires linking science and technology with sound project design, viable business models, risk-sharing instruments and public and private finance, so that promising solutions can move from pilots to commercial scale and generate measurable economic, social and environmental returns. Every harvest grows from what came before. Every breakthrough builds on knowledge, old and new. When innovation reaches and serves the people and communities who need it, tomorrow's harvest can truly take root to nourish the future.

At 29 years old, Dywany St. John is a farmer, police officer and now the 2026 CARICOM Young Farmer of the Year. But behind the regional recognition is a story that could challenge how young people view agriculture and the opportunities that exist within the sector. For St. John, who is from Wesley in Dominica's northeast, farming is part of a family tradition stretching across generations. “I've been farming for myself for about 12 years now,” he said. “I was born into a farming family, and I just inherited the lifestyle of farming.” His late father, Sherlock St. John, was a farmer, as was his grandfather. Today, St. John is carrying that tradition forward while approaching agriculture as both a livelihood and a business. He operates approximately 15 acres across several plots, combining crop and livestock production. He grows bananas, plantains, tannia, potatoes, avocado and citrus, while also raising cattle, goats, sheep and pigs. And he does all of this while serving as a police officer. “When I'm not on the job, I go to the farm,” St. John explained. His days off are often spent working the land, while on days when he begins police duties later, he uses his mornings for farming. He describes it simply as going “from work to work.” St. John's experience offers an important example at a time when encouraging greater youth participation in agriculture is increasingly important to the future of food production and food security. He believes one of the first barriers that must be addressed is how farming itself is perceived. “With farming, it's all about the mindset towards farming,” he said, challenging the idea that agriculture should be viewed as work for people of a particular social or economic background. “Doctors are doing farming, lawyers are doing farming, more police officers are actually doing farming,” he added. “Farming does make a decent amount of income once you put your mind to it.” For St. John, farming also requires patience, planning and an understanding of the business behind food production. He currently supplies produce to buyers approximately every two weeks, including bananas, plantains, dasheen and avocado depending on what is ready for harvest. He says farmers also have a responsibility to communicate with buyers, understand their markets and plan production accordingly. The lesson is an important one for young people considering agriculture: producing food is only one part of farming. Understanding markets and treating the farm as an enterprise are also essential. St. John sees another advantage that few industries can claim: people will always need food. “If I wasn't a police officer, I would be farming full time,” he said. “I advise a lot of young people they should actually look into farming.” His reasoning is simple. “People actually need you three times a day or sometimes four times a day because you eat three times a day or sometimes four.” That connection between farmers, livelihoods and the availability of food makes increasing participation in agriculture particularly important to strengthening food security. Young farmers can play a significant role in that future bringing new ideas, building agricultural enterprises and increasing local food production while creating livelihoods for themselves and others. Supporting more people to enter and remain in agriculture, however, requires more than encouragement. Innovative and improved initiatives that respond to the needs of different groups can help increase participation in agricultural sector activities. As part of these efforts, IOM Dominica, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, the National Association of Youth in Agriculture (NAYA) and Kubuli Farms will launch a Farmer's Field School on 9th October 2026, with interventions aimed at increasing participation among groups including men, youth and migrants. The initiative will provide another avenue for participants to strengthen their knowledge and agricultural practices through practical “learning by doing”. For young people considering their future, stories like St. John's demonstrate that agriculture can represent more than traditional farming. It can provide income, entrepreneurship and an opportunity to contribute directly to the country's food security. St. John is also clear about where he wants to build that future. For one of the Caribbean's leading young farmers, building Dominica starts from the ground up. “I'm not leaving Dominica for nothing,” he said. “I have no interest in leaving Dominica. I'm gonna help to build Dominica.”

The Dominica State College (DSC) is strengthening its efforts to diversify its funding sources, with the College securing support through four grants from the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN), the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), Mercy Corps and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL). The grants will support initiatives aligned with key institutional priorities, including capacity building, policy strengthening, online learning development, technology and campus infrastructure, while creating additional opportunities to enhance the student and staff experience. One of the grants already announced is a US$20,000 award from ARIN, which is supporting the establishment of the DSC Youth Internet Governance Lab through the College’s Innovation Hub. The initiative will give students hands-on experience in addressing campus connectivity challenges while developing skills in technology, research and Internet governance. The Dominica State College is pleased to benefit from another grant in partnership with Mercy Corps, funded by the United States Government. A core pillar of the partnership between Mercy Corps and Dominica State College (DSC) is the creation and integration of the Wood Innovation Studio, established under the Caribbean United programme. This specialized studio is designed to merge traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, providing students with a hands-on learning hub focused on sustainable carpentry, design, and localized fabrication. By introducing cutting-edge tools alongside entrepreneurial training, the studio will help transform local wood resources into employment opportunities while equipping young people with practical, market-driven skills to support economic independence and foster grassroots innovation across Dominica. The College is also continuing its partnership with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), with support focused on policy strengthening and the development of online learning. This collaboration is expected to contribute to the College’s efforts to further strengthen its capacity for online and flexible learning. Meanwhile, through BNTF's Cycle 11, DSC is set to benefit from support toward a campus infrastructural enhancement project, contributing to ongoing efforts to improve the College’s physical environment and facilities. The growing success in securing external funding forms part of DSC’s broader effort to become more self-reliant and diversify its sources of financial support, while creating additional resources to advance institutional development. Through partnerships with grant-making and development organizations, DSC continues to pursue opportunities that support innovation, institutional strengthening, infrastructure, technology and improved learning experiences. These four grants represent an important step in the College’s ongoing efforts to build a more sustainable, resource-diverse and resilient institution. DSC acknowledges the grant mobilization efforts of Malisa Richards, under the supervision of Dr. Hermancia Eugene-Zamore, through the Office of Academic Affairs, which have contributed to securing this valuable opportunity for the College and its students.

Dominica’s senior men’s national football team suffered a heavy 8-1 defeat to Guyana on Sunday in their CONCACAF Nations League League B encounter in Puerto Rico. The Bouyon Boyz endured a difficult afternoon, trailing 4-0 at halftime before Guyana added four more goals after the break. Reon Cuffy scored Dominica’s lone goal of the match. Head coach Kurt Herd accepted responsibility for the team’s approach to the game, saying his instructions to the players ultimately contributed to the disappointing performance. “Yeah, sure. I'll take responsibility because I told the boys to go and play football,” Herd said. “And they attempted to play football, probably overplay, and shot themselves in the foot a little bit, but ultimately I've given them instructions to go and play football, and that's been our downfall.” Herd said the team struggled to maintain its discipline and organisation after falling behind. “After that, heads go down, we're not making the runs, we're not tracking runners, the boys start to make silly decisions on the field, and ultimately we let ourselves down very badly there tonight,” he said. The coach also acknowledged the challenges facing the national team and the gap in preparation and player development that Dominica must address. “We're dealing with amateur football players, technically aren't good enough, physically not good enough, and I almost feel like I've been sent into a gunfight with a teaspoon, to be honest,” Herd said. “But I hold my hands up and I take the blame for that.” The defeat leaves Dominica facing a difficult challenge as the team looks to secure its position in CONCACAF Nations League League B. With remaining matches still to be played, the Bouyon Boyz will need to regroup quickly and produce positive results in their upcoming fixtures. Points will be vital as Dominica looks to improve its position and avoid the threat of relegation. Herd said the team must learn from the experience and find a way to respond. “We have to recognise” the challenges facing the group, he said, while accepting that “I'm always the face of it as the coach, so it's me that takes the brunt of it, and rightly so.” Herd also addressed the absence of forward Troy Jules, explaining that Jules informed him the night before the match that he no longer wished to represent the national team under Herd’s tenure. “Unfortunately Troy, just a difference of professional opinion,” Herd said. “Troy last night made himself unavailable, said that he no longer wanted to represent the national team under my tenure, which is fine, I respect that.” Herd said the decision was therefore made to remove Jules from the squad for the match. “Not anything personal, Troy's a great guy, but certainly a difference of professional opinion,” he added. The Bouyon Boyz will regroup ahead of the November international window, when the team will have another opportunity to fight for crucial points and keep its League B campaign alive.

Dominica's senior men's national football team suffered a 5-1 defeat to Guyana on Thursday in their CONCACAF Nations League League B encounter at the Estadio Centroamericano in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. The Bouyon Boyz struggled to contain Guyana, conceding five goals in a disappointing result that further complicates their position in League B. Dominica managed to find the back of the net through Troy Jules, scoring the team's first goal of the current CONCACAF Nations League campaign. Despite the defeat, captain Marcus Bredas identified the team's ability to create scoring opportunities and finally get on the scoresheet as positives to take from the encounter. Speaking to the media after the match, Bredas admitted that the team lacked discipline following Guyana's opening goal. "After the first goal, you can see the boys, they lack a bit of discipline, and that's what happened," the captain said. With Dominica set to face Guyana again on Sunday, Bredas stressed the importance of returning to the training ground, addressing the team's shortcomings and preparing for the next encounter. "The game has passed, so we have to go back on the training ground, fix what we have to fix and hopefully come out and be victorious in the next match," he stated. Despite the heavy defeat, the captain remained encouraged by Dominica's attacking efforts, particularly the team's first goal of the competition. "Obviously, the goal, because that is our first goal in the League itself. So, I mean, that is a big positive. We can score goals, but also we can score a bit more," Bredas explained. He also pointed to the team's improved ability to create chances but acknowledged that Dominica failed to make the most of those opportunities. "I think that is the positive. We created more," he added. Dominica will have little time to dwell on Thursday's result, with the two teams scheduled to meet again on Sunday. The Bouyon Boyz will be looking to make the necessary adjustments and produce a better performance in their next encounter. Bredas reiterated that the team must put the defeat behind them and focus on securing a positive result in the return fixture. Dominica will play Guyana again on Sunday October 4th.

Condemnation of the U.S. blockade against Cuba once again took center stage in the general debate of the United Nations General Assembly. At least 43 heads of delegations—including presidents, prime ministers, and foreign ministers, as well as representatives from various countries participating in the high-level segment of the 81st session—included in their statements calls to lift the sanctions against the island and expressed concern about their consequences for the Cuban people. From the United Nations podium, references to Cuba came from different regions and converged on the need to end the U.S. economic, commercial, and financial blockade and, in several cases, the energy blockade established in 2026, which prevents fuel from reaching Cuba and affects every aspect of the nation’s life. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who opened the general debate, expressed concern about the situation in Cuba and stated that the world is watching “with horror as collective punishment is imposed on 10 million people through an illegal economic and energy embargo.” Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called from the UN podium for the lifting of “the unjustified economic embargo against Cuba,” highlighting its consequences for the Cuban economy and the well-being of the population. “We call for an end to the energy blockade against Cuba and for its removal from the unilateral list of states allegedly sponsoring terrorism,” he added. Solidarity with Cuba was particularly widespread among Caribbean countries. Notable was the statement by Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Amor Mottley, who called for the Caribbean to be consolidated as a Zone of Peace and reiterated her country’s categorical rejection of the embargo and coercive measures against Cuba. “We are deeply concerned about the worsening humanitarian pressures facing the Cuban people. Too many are suffering,” she stated, emphasizing the consequences of “restrictions on trade, finance, and access to fuel—all of which exacerbate the hardships, not only for Cuban citizens but for everyone who studies and lives there.” The Bahamas, for its part, called for the lifting of the reinforced blockade against Cuba, an end to the fuel blockade, and Cuba’s removal from the U.S.’s unilateral list of state sponsors of terrorism. In the case of Guyana, its president, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, stated: “We reiterate our call for a viable solution for Cuba—one that is peaceful, people-centered, development-focused, and allows for the full aspirations of the Cuban people to be realized. Guyana reiterates CARICOM’s offer to play a meaningful role in achieving this objective.” Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre, stated: “Cuba has long been recognized for its consistent contribution to health, education, and development throughout our region and beyond. Saint Lucia stands in solidarity with the Cuban people in their hope for a better future, supported by the friendship and solidarity of the international community.” In total, statements from Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname joined the expressions of solidarity with Cuba during the general debate. Cuba was represented at this debate by its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, who carried out an extensive diplomatic agenda in New York. In his address to the General Assembly, Rodríguez denounced that Cuba faces “multidimensional aggression” from the U.S. government and stated that this policy has intensified since January 2026 with new measures such as the fuel embargo. As he explained, these measures have had effects that go beyond bilateral relations and affect third countries, companies, and commercial operations linked to Cuba. “The impact of such a strict and ruthless blockade has a human face,” stated the Cuban foreign minister. “The economic war is directed against the people. It falls upon the Cuban population as a whole. It claims lives, causes individual and collective pain, and generates anguish. It is not ‘collateral damage,’” he noted. Rodríguez also warned the General Assembly about what he described as a persistent threat of the use of military force against Cuba and maintained that any aggression would have serious consequences for Cubans and Americans alike. At the conclusion of his remarks, the Cuban foreign minister summarized Havana’s position with a phrase that has defined Cuban diplomacy during this session: “Cuba is not a threat; the blockade is.”

History was made in St. Maarten today with the official media press launch of Project INSPIRE, a two-year pilot initiative being implemented through a partnership between Education, Consulting, Academic Advising and Mentoring (ECAAM) of Dominica and the SKOS Catholic Education Foundation of St. Maarten. The initiative aims to strengthen educational support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN), enhance educators' capacity, and promote more responsive, inclusive learning environments. According to SKOS Training Center Curriculum Director, Ms. Gianne Wilson De-Weever, Project INSPIRE is designed to improve educational outcomes for students with SEN while equipping teachers with strategies to better respond to diverse learning needs. Project Inspire stands for: Inspiring, Nurturing, Support, for Professional, and Responsive, Inclusive Education. ECAAM Facilitator Ms. Ivy Benjamin explained that the programme takes a holistic approach to special education, beginning with teacher and manager training, followed by practical application of the strategies learned, parent workshops and awareness campaigns designed to encourage broader societal understanding of students and persons living with disabilities. Benjamin said the two-year pilot will focus on strengthening instruction, assessment and student support through regional collaboration, professional development and the use of effective teaching strategies. ECAAM Lead Consultant Beverly LeBlanc noted that the initiative will support educators at Sister Regina Primary School, St. Dominic Primary School, St. Dominic High School, St. Joseph Catholic School of Education, Sister Borgia Elementary School and St. Maarten Seventh Day Adventist School. The programme is intended to help educators better understand individual student needs, adapt classroom practices and create environments that encourage participation, engagement and inclusion. Project INSPIRE Pilot is made possible by the generous financial support of the following businesses based in St. Maarten, Winair, Winward Island Bank, Artmenia Events Planning, Accessible Ventures, and The Hope-Ros Family. Following the launch, SKOS Catholic Education Foundation Executive Director Lilia Aventurin-Hodge, speaking to Richie Ferrol Media Services, described the initiative as timely and necessary for improving the learning environment for students with disabilities in St. Maarten. Aventurin-Hodge commended LeBlanc for her competence, passion and commitment, describing the launch as a strong beginning for the two- year pilot. She also emphasized the broader goal of ensuring that children are supported to become functional members of society. Project INSPIRE will continue for two years under the agreement between ECAAM and the SKOS Catholic Education Foundation of St. Maarten.

FAO highlighted investment, stronger agricultural ecosystems and partnerships with financial institutions as key to boosting local production, strengthening resilience, and reducing the Caribbean’s dependence on food imports. — The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) highlighted the need for faster action to strengthen agricultural ecosystems and expand tailored credit access for small producers at the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA 2026) under way at Ocean Coral Spring in Trelawny, Jamaica. Speaking at the Opening Ceremony on 27 September 2026, Rene Orellana Halkyer, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, framed the gathering as a key opportunity for agrifood system transformation. Addressing ministers and delegates, Mr. Halkyer highlighted that the 20 th edition is not only a milestone but a call to move faster, together, from commitment to implementation. Held under the theme “The New F.A.C.E of Caribbean Food Systems,” CWA 2026 brings together 11 ministers of agriculture, CARICOM officials, development partners, farmers, fisherfolk, youth, and private sector representatives from over 40 countries through 2 October. Advancing subregional production and resilience Orellana Halyker noted that the regional commitment to the “25 by 2025+5” agenda provides vital momentum to reduce food import dependency and strengthen climate resilience. He cited tangible progress across CARICOM Member States in digital tools, soil analysis, crop and pest management, traceability and certification, alongside water- efficient production, climate adaptation technologies and protected cultivation in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Closing the finance gap for small producers On 28 September 2026, Mr. Halkyer joined a ministerial panel titled “Achieving the Region’s Vision 25 by 2025 + 5: The Roadmap for Regional Food Security and Food Systems Transformation.” The panel featured Ministers of Agriculture Honourable Lisa C. Jawahir of Saint Lucia, Honourable Floyd Green of Jamaica, Honourable Rodwell Ferguson of Belize, and Honourable Shantal Munro-Knight of Barbados, alongside Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim, Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). Echoing the call from ministers on the panel to move “From Rhetoric to Action”, he stated that with traditional grant finance decreasing significantly, closing the financing gap is now one of the most important roles for organizations such as FAO. “This new historical context demands that we work as mobilizers of financial resources from the multilateral banks, in alliance with the commercial banks,” he said. With governments facing limited fiscal space, Orellana Halkyer noted that multilateral and commercial banks can channel resources from their private windows into agricultural value chains, including small producers, their associations and cooperatives. He urged the region to strengthen its microfinance institutions and cooperatives, and pointed to investment opportunities in irrigation technology, livestock, and cold-chain logistics. He also highlighted tourism as a distinct Caribbean advantage, one that can drive local food production while creating jobs for local communities. Orellana Halkyer explained that Jamaica’s national agriculture plan points clearly towards strengthening markets for producers and noted that the upcoming ADAPT Jamaica project with the Green Climate Fund, valued at USD 50 million, will include a credit component for small producers. “These kinds of concrete things are what we have to do at this particular moment, in which we have to strengthen the private sector, the community sector and the cooperative sector,” he said.

Dominica State College (DSC) is strengthening its commitment to innovation and digital education with the establishment of the DSC Youth Internet Governance Lab, a new student-led initiative being implemented through the College’s Innovation Hub. Supported by a US$20,000 grant, the project will give students the opportunity to investigate real connectivity challenges across the DSC campus, including Wi-Fi interference, coverage gaps and wireless signal disruptions. Students from Computer Science, Information Technology, Telecommunications, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Education, and Law/Paralegal Studies will work together on research involving campus connectivity mapping, IPv6 readiness, routing security, accessibility and Internet governance. The initiative will transform everyday campus connectivity challenges into practical learning opportunities, allowing students to develop technical skills while examining the broader policy, legal and accessibility issues surrounding digital connectivity. The project will culminate in a DSC Youth Internet Governance Forum in 2027, where students will present their findings and recommendations for strengthening connectivity resilience in small-island environments. A key outcome will also be the development of an open Small Island Campus Connectivity and Youth Internet Governance Toolkit, which could be adapted by other colleges across the ARIN Caribbean region. Through this initiative, Dominica State College is placing students at the centre of innovation, research and digital problem-solving—helping to prepare the next generation to not only use the Internet, but to understand and help shape its future.

Grenada is expanding its sports tourism offering with the upcoming Grenada & Carriacou Open Water Swim, a regional swimming event taking place from November 19 to 22, 2026, with activities across both Grenada and Carriacou. Supported by the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA), the event forms part of a wider effort to develop sporting events that can attract new visitors to the destination while generating greater tourism activity across the Tri-Island State. It also supports the GTA’s growing calendar of events and experiences in Carriacou, aimed at strengthening the island’s visibility and creating more consistent opportunities for visitor spend throughout the year. Organized by Jason Gooding of Odessey Timing and Events, the four-day programme will combine competitive open-water swimming with destination experiences across Grenada and Carriacou. Activities will include a swim from Paradise Beach to Sandy Island in Carriacou, guided swims, tours of the Underwater Sculpture Park,and a full programme of races at Grand Anse Beach. The event builds on an earlier open-water swim staged in Grenada in February, which attracted a strong contingent of international participants. The longer-term ambition is to grow the Grenada & Carriacou Open Water Swim into a recognizable regional fixture, drawing competitors as well as families, supporters and spectators. Carriacou offers a particularly strong setting for that growth. It's clear waters, beaches and coastline lend themselves naturally to open-water and endurance sports, while the scale and character of the island offer participants an experience that can distinguish the event within the regional sporting calendar. Sports tourism also has the potential to generate incremental visitation, attracting travellers who may not otherwise have chosen Grenada or Carriacou. Its economic impact extends beyond the competitors themselves, with accompanying families and supporters creating demand for accommodation, restaurants, transportation, excursions and other local services. Kirl Grant-Hoschtialek, Chief of Operations and Acting CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, said the inclusion of Carriacou is part of a strategy to extend the benefits of tourism across the Tri-Island State. “As we expand Grenada’s sports tourism offering, we also want to ensure that the benefits of that growth are felt across the Tri-Island State. Events like this help increase visibility for Carriacou, encourage greater visitor movement and spend, and create opportunitiesfor local businesses and communities to participate more directly in the tourism economy. It also forms part of the GTA’s broader work to build out a stronger calendar of events and experiences in Carriacou, creating more consistent opportunities to attract visitors and generate economic activity throughout the year.” Event organizer Jason Gooding added, “People who participate in sports are often looking for more than the competition itself. They want to explore, experience the destination and combine an active lifestyle with travel. Our aim is to create more events that put Grenada and Carriacou on the map for sports tourism and give participants the opportunity to enjoy a true sports holiday while discovering the islands.” The Open Water Swim joins a growing calendar of events helping to broaden Carriacou’s tourism offering and stimulate activity at different points throughout the year. These include events such as the Lobster, Lambie and Seafood Festival, Corn Festival, Carriacou Cooldown, Maroon Festival and Kayak Mas. Through its support for sporting, cultural, wellness and community-based experiences, the GTA is continuing to broaden the range of events that can attract visitors to Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique while creating greater opportunities for tourism expenditure to reach local businesses and communities. The Grenada & Carriacou Open Water Swim will conclude on Sunday, November 22 with the main race programme and awards at Grand Anse Beach.

The Dominica Amateur Basketball Association (DABA) will officially launch its Women’s Basketball League with “Ladies Night,” a special 3x3 Basketball Tournament on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. at the Massacre Indoor Sports Complex. The event will mark an important step in DABA’s continued effort to strengthen and expand opportunities for women and girls in basketball across Dominica. Ladies Night will bring together female basketball players and teams for an evening of competitive 3x3 action, entertainment and celebration, while officially signalling the beginning of a renewed national women’s basketball programme. A New Chapter for Women’s Basketball The return of organized women’s league basketball forms part of DABA’s wider development programme, with the Association placing increased emphasis on creating structured opportunities for female athletes to train, compete and progress within the sport. The November 7 opening is designed to be more than simply the start of another competition. DABA wants the Women’s League to provide a sustainable pathway through which young girls can progress from grassroots and school basketball into clubs, national competitions and ultimately national-team representation. The 3x3 format will provide an energetic introduction to the new league, highlighting the speed, skill, teamwork and competitiveness of Dominica’s female basketball players. More Than Basketball DABA is inviting basketball fans, families, young athletes, former players and the wider public to come out and support the women taking the court. The evening will combine basketball, music and entertainment, creating an atmosphere that celebrates women in sport while introducing a new chapter for basketball development in Dominica. DABA also hopes the launch will encourage more women and girls to become involved not only as players, but also as coaches, referees, administrators and other contributors to the growth of the game. The Association is encouraging businesses and community partners to support the Women’s League as it develops, helping to provide the resources and opportunities necessary to build a sustainable female basketball programme.

Dominica's senior men's national football team suffered a 2-0 defeat to Puerto Rico in the CONCACAF Nations League on Sunday, September 27, despite a much-improved second-half performance from the Bouyon Boyz. Head coach Kurt Herd admitted that his team failed to execute its game plan in the first half, allowing Puerto Rico to take control of the encounter and capitalise on Dominica's mistakes. "We didn't start the game as we wanted to, but the structure and things that we set up in, we didn't follow the plan in the first half. We didn't problem-solve again, and it caused us problems," Herd said in his post-match assessment. The coach acknowledged that Dominica struggled to create opportunities in the opening half, spending much of the time defending against a Puerto Rican side that took advantage of the team's technical errors. "We didn't create enough chances, we weren't dangerous enough going forward. We had to defend a lot in the first half, and that was very, very tough," he explained. However, Herd was encouraged by his team's response after the break, following tactical adjustments that allowed Dominica to enjoy more possession and adopt a more attacking approach. "We switched up in the second half, we got a lot more of the ball, we tried to be more proactive," the coach noted. Dominica showed greater attacking intent after the interval, creating several opportunities but failing to find the back of the net. Herd was pleased with the improvement, particularly the team's defensive organisation, as the Bouyon Boyz kept Puerto Rico from scoring in the second half. Despite the defeat, Herd remains committed to an attacking philosophy, insisting that Dominica will not abandon its style of play against stronger opposition. Looking ahead, Dominica faces another difficult challenge against Guyana, with Herd indicating that tactical adjustments and possible changes to the starting eleven will be considered ahead of the encounter. He noted that the coaching staff will assess the fitness and condition of the players before deciding on the team's approach. Dominica will now turn its attention to the upcoming fixtures against Guyana to be played in Puerto Rico later this week. Match Results Date Match Result September 24 Dominica vs Cayman Islands 0-0 September 24 Puerto Rico vs Guyana 0-1 September 27 Guyana vs Cayman Islands 2-0 September 27 Dominica vs Puerto Rico 0-2 by;Garvin Richards Dominica Team Media Officer