The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports has officially appointed Orlandette Crabbe as Chief Education Officer, confirming her role after serving in an acting capacity. Her tenure will take effect in June 2024.

In her new position, Crabbe will oversee the administration and management of the Department of Education, ensuring that educational standards across the Territory are upheld and continually developed.

Crabbe brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked extensively within the education sector. Her career includes teaching positions at Belle Vue Primary School, Althea Scatliffe Primary School, and Ingleside Elementary in Norfolk, Virginia. She later advanced to leadership roles as Assistant Principal of Althea Scatliffe Primary and Principal of Joyce Samuel Primary. Additionally, she has served as an adjunct lecturer at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

As Chief Education Officer, Crabbe will advise the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, oversee all schools within the education system, and spearhead educational planning initiatives.

Crabbe holds a Bachelor of Arts in Preschool, Pre-K, and Primary Education from Florida A&M University and a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from Florida State University.

Dr. Marcia Potter, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, praised Crabbe’s appointment, emphasizing her contributions to the Territory’s education system.

“Education is the bedrock of any successful nation. Mrs. Crabbe has an extensive history of excellence within the Public Service, and we are excited at the opportunity for her to continue this progress as Chief Education Officer,” said Dr. Potter. “This is a critical role that plays a key part in shaping the minds of our students and future leaders. I wish her every success.”

George Foreman, the two-time heavyweight boxing champion and successful entrepreneur, passed away on March 21, 2025, at the age of 76. While Foreman was primarily associated with his Texan roots, his life and career bore notable connections to the Caribbean region, from historic fights in Jamaica to his personal ties to the islands.

On January 22, 1973, Foreman faced undefeated heavyweight champion Joe Frazier in a bout famously dubbed “The Sunshine Showdown.” Held at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, this fight became one of the most significant moments in boxing history. Foreman dominated Frazier, knocking him down six times within two rounds before securing a technical knockout victory. The match not only cemented Foreman’s place among boxing’s greats but also spotlighted Jamaica as a key venue for world-class sporting events.

Photo: Theguardian.com

Following his victory in Jamaica, Foreman went on to defend his title before facing Muhammad Ali in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” on October 30, 1974, in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). In what became one of the most famous fights of all time, Ali employed his “rope-a-dope” strategy, absorbing Foreman’s powerful punches before mounting a counterattack that led to an eighth-round knockout. The loss reshaped Foreman’s career, but he would later make a stunning comeback to reclaim the heavyweight title in 1994 at the age of 45.

Beyond the ring, Foreman’s personal life also connected him to the Caribbean. His wife, Mary Joan Martelly, hails from the region, and together they dedicated efforts to various philanthropic causes, particularly focused on children’s health and welfare. Additionally, in the 1980s, Foreman made headlines when he traveled to the Caribbean in a daring attempt to retrieve two of his children after his ex-wife had taken them out of the United States without his consent. His actions showcased his deep commitment to his family.

Foreman became a household name outside of boxing with the launch of the George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine in 1994. The grill’s design, which allowed fat to drain away from food, became immensely popular among health-conscious consumers. With over 100 million units sold worldwide, Foreman’s endorsement of the product reportedly earned him up to $8 million per month at its peak.

He will be remembered as a champion, entrepreneur, and family man, Foreman’s impact continues to resonate both in the sporting world and beyond.