Scotland’s recent vote on independence was closely watched in the Caribbean, writes Ryan Bachoo, 25, a Commonwealth orrespondent from Trinidad and Tobago, but he argues that news coverage of the historic vote revealed bias in the media. So Scotland stayed. And my draft of this version of the prodigal son leaving home is now in …

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Scotland’s referendum renewed heady thoughts of independence in Barbados, but Ariela St. Pierre-Collins, 16, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, says there are benefits for Barbados as a Small Island Developing State to continue its relationship with the UK. I followed with interest the recent referendum in Scotland as its population voted on whether or not to …

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The cost of attending the recent Small Island Developing States conference drew criticism from some quarters, but Lyn-Marie Blackman, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, argues the venture is an investment. ‘Samoa bound’ is the heading of the article which goes on to state that the Barbados government has sent a ten-member delegation to Samoa for …

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Cricket is a unifying sport in the Caribbean, writes Ryan Bachoo, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Trinidad and Tobago, but he argues that the league needs administrative attention to improve the quality of play. Caribbean and cricket go hand in hand. It is, without a doubt, the single unifying factor in the West Indies region, bringing …

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Modi and Obama are similar in their world-wide prominence, writes Ryan Bachoo, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Trinidad and Tobago, but Obama’s challenges in maintaining popularity may hold lessons for Modi. Much like Barack Obama in 2008, India’s new Prime Minister Narendra Modi has risen to a wealth of international fame since winning elections in …

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Testing is an essential step in fighting the HIV health epidemic, writes Lyn-Marie Blackman, 28, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, but it is a step she says too many in Barbados avoid out of fear or false security. The HIV epidemic has been with us for the past three decades with still no known cure. HIV …

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The past year was full of grim news, especially concerning the welfare of children, writes Ryan Bachoo, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Trinidad and Tobago, who challenges the Commonwealth to assist children in war zones. From a global standpoint, it’s been a terrible year. As I write, there is a siege in Sydney where a 49-year …

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Journalists can unwittingly marginalise minority groups by misusing language or relying on stereotypes, writes Leigh-Ann Worrell, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, who offers tips on inclusive writing. Representation matters. It is a truism which marginalised groups have known all too well. When those on the fringes are seen reflected in public discourse, the same tired tropes are …

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Exploring little-known historic spots becomes an opportunity to learn about culture and let the imagination soar, writes Latoyaa Roberts, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Trinidad and Tobago. A drive around Tobago, located in the Caribbean, produces several stops at historical sites that have often vanished from our memories. These derelicts are of historical and cultural importance …

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Reaction to the Charlie Hebdo shootings has been strong, but Craig Dixon, aka Juleus Ghunta, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Jamaica, argues for a closer look at freedom of speech and the role of politics. The Charlie Hebdo shooting in France has been, quite rightly, widely condemned. Some Jihadist groups, however, including the Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda …

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