In a significant development for Caribbean aviation, Surinam Airways and LIAT Air have initiated formal discussions to establish an interline partnership agreement. This strategic collaboration aims to substantially enhance air connectivity between the Caribbean region and South America, creating a more integrated transportation network for travelers.
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ABHTA Launches “Unveiling Hospitality Professionals” Series with Executive Chef Brian Joseph
The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) has launched the third season of its acclaimed ‘Unveiling Hospitality Professionals’ series, showcasing Executive Chef Brian Joseph of Hawksbill Resort Antigua as its inaugural feature. Chef Joseph’s narrative represents an extraordinary odyssey of culinary passion, relentless perseverance, and profound purpose that spans over three decades.
His culinary initiation began during childhood at Greenbay’s Seawall, where young Brian and friends transformed survival into artistry by preparing freshly caught seafood and foraged bananas washed ashore from Dominican vessels. This early exposure to resourceful cooking evolved into a distinguished professional journey commencing with formal training at Devi Anchorage Hotel in 1988.
Chef Joseph’s career trajectory accelerated at Hawksbill Beach Resort (Kuoni) in 1989, where his dedication propelled him through every kitchen station—from À la Carte and Buffet to Breakfast, Lunch, and Grill services. His exceptional talent secured international training opportunities in the United Kingdom, including placements at Kensington’s Royal Lancaster Hotel and apprenticeships under culinary luminaries Rick Stein at The Seafood Restaurant, Jamie Oliver at Fifteen Cornwall, and Chef Tom at Watergate Bay Hotel.
As one of the youngest and only Black chefs in these prestigious kitchens, Chef Joseph carried his Caribbean heritage with professional pride. After returning to Antigua, he served as Executive Chef at Halcyon Cove Resort before assuming his current role at Hawksbill Resort in 2004, where he has maintained culinary excellence for two decades.
His mantle of honors includes Chef of the Year (2006) from the Antigua Hotel and Tourism Association, Manager of the Year (2010) at Halcyon Cove Resort, and the prestigious 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from ABHTA. A career pinnacle occurred in 2009 when he performed live culinary demonstrations for over 300 guests at England’s Eden Project Summer Night in Cornwall.
Chef Joseph’s journey stands as testament to transformative potential within the hospitality industry, demonstrating that passion, hard work, and positive mindset can overcome humble beginnings. The ABHTA’s third season continues to highlight hospitality’s integral connections to environmental sustainability, entertainment, education, sports, and agricultural development in Antigua and Barbuda.
New episodes premiere biweekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays via ABHTA’s digital platforms, celebrating the professionals shaping the nation’s hospitality landscape.
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STATEMENT: Clarification on government grants to government-assisted schools
ROSEAU, DOMINICA – In response to emerging concerns within the educational sector, the Government of Dominica has issued an official clarification regarding salary management practices at government-assisted schools. This statement comes following the circulation of a letter from St. Mary’s Academy staff on February 4, 2026, prompting governmental intervention to ensure factual accuracy and public transparency.
According to the clarification, government-assisted institutions operate as independent entities while receiving monthly grants specifically allocated for staff compensation. The government emphasized that with the notable exceptions of St. Martin Primary, St. Luke’s Primary, and St. John’s Primary Schools, educators at these facilities are not classified as government employees. Consequently, the administration of salary disbursements falls under the purview of individual school authorities rather than central government management.
The Ministry of Finance maintains a established protocol ensuring that financial assistance to these educational institutions is distributed no later than the final business day of each month, provided all necessary requirements have been satisfactorily met. Although staff members at these schools do not hold public officer status, the government has consistently facilitated their compensation through structured grants, recently including negotiated salary enhancements of 3% and 2% in collaboration with the Dominica Association of Teachers, along with corresponding back-pay adjustments.
Government officials acknowledged the critical contribution of both government-assisted and private educational institutions within the national framework. While maintaining their independent operational status, these schools are strongly encouraged to promptly collect available grants to ensure timely remuneration for their educational professionals.
The Dominica Government reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting all educational sectors, emphasizing the importance of continuous dialogue and cooperative engagement to address concerns effectively, ultimately prioritizing the best interests of both students and educators throughout the nation.
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Authorities move to clear illegally docked vessels from The Carenage
The Grenada Ports Authority (GPA) has initiated decisive enforcement measures to address critical environmental and public safety concerns in The Carenage inner harbor, setting a firm Friday deadline for the removal of illegally docked vessels. Following years of warnings and unheeded compliance notices, officials are now coordinating with coast guard and police forces to restore safety and environmental integrity to one of Grenada’s most iconic waterfront areas.
During a comprehensive joint inspection conducted Wednesday evening, GPA officials documented multiple systemic issues including severely restricted public access pathways, navigational hazards, and substantial environmental contamination. The situation has been exacerbated by vessels permanently moored in the harbor without proper waste containment systems, leading to direct discharge of black and grey water into the marine environment.
GPA General Manager Franklyn Redhead explained the unique geographical challenges compounding the pollution problem: “The harbor’s enclosed design creates an extremely slow flushing rate, preventing natural dispersion of contaminants and creating accumulated long-term environmental and health risks.” He emphasized that most vessels lack holding tanks, making the harbor effectively an open sewer.
The regulatory timeline reveals extensive forbearance by authorities. Initial removal notices were issued nearly three years ago, with vessel owners receiving two separate 90-day compliance periods—both ignored without consequence. Redhead stated the current 30-day notice expires Friday, February 6th, after which coordinated removal operations will commence on Monday, February 10th.
Beyond environmental concerns, the situation presents tangible safety hazards. Vessels docked in direct operating zones create risks for legitimate commercial traffic and themselves, while deteriorating infrastructure has created physical dangers for pedestrians. Eroded sidewalks, flooded roadways, and obstructed access points particularly endanger elderly and disabled citizens attempting to navigate the waterfront.
Grenada Tourism Authority Chairman Randall Dolland highlighted the tourism implications: “These conditions fundamentally undermine our reputation as a safe destination. Everyone should be able to walk safely along The Carenage—this is non-negotiable for both residents and visitors.”
Authorities have identified alternative berthing locations at no cost to vessel owners, including the outer harbor near Melville Street, the Lagoon, and Clarke Court Bay. These areas provide safer, more appropriate mooring conditions without the environmental constraints of the inner harbor.
The GPA operates under clear legal authority granted by the Ports Authority Act, CAP 247, which designates the Port of St George’s as extending from Point Salines to Moliniere. The restricted zone encompassing The Carenage runs from Sails Restaurant to the W E Julien Building.
Limited exceptions will be granted for cargo vessels actively offloading goods, but no permanent berthing will be permitted. Vessel owners seeking temporary access must now apply directly to the Ports Authority for consideration.
The enforcement operation represents a significant shift from years of patient negotiation to decisive action, with authorities pledging to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure safe and professional implementation of harbor regulations.
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Belize City Council Moving to Secure 13 Park Titles
The Belize City Council has initiated a significant administrative process to obtain formal legal titles for approximately 13 municipal parks, addressing longstanding ownership ambiguities that have plagued the city’s public spaces. Mayor Bernard Wagner announced the landmark effort, emphasizing the necessity of securing definitive ownership documents for cherished community areas including Memorial Park, Rock Park, Wilton Cumberbatch, and Manatee Park.
For decades, the council has managed these recreational spaces without holding official titles, creating vulnerabilities to competing land claims and development pressures. “I have to leave here better than I found it,” stated Mayor Wagner, articulating his administration’s commitment to institutional strengthening. “Many times, in some of these parks, people make claim to spaces,” he noted, highlighting the practical challenges of managing public assets without clear legal standing.
The titling initiative represents a strategic shift toward formalized urban governance that will enable comprehensive park rehabilitation and long-term planning. With secured ownership, the council anticipates enhanced ability to implement upgrades, perform consistent maintenance, and pursue structured development of these community assets. The formalization process additionally creates a legal barrier against unauthorized encroachment, ensuring these green spaces remain permanently dedicated to public use.
Complementing this effort, the council continues to encourage public-private partnerships through its adoption program, where local businesses contribute to maintaining and improving parks and roundabouts. Mayor Wagner characterized the titling process as essentially “just to formalize” existing arrangements, transforming de facto management into de jure ownership for the lasting benefit of Belize City residents.
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Vertiver Contemporary launches new art exhibition by Francilia Agar, ‘I Am Dominica’
Vertivert Contemporary Fine Art Gallery in Dominica is currently hosting “I Am Dominica,” a compelling solo exhibition featuring the latest works of Dominican artist Francilia Agar. The showcase launched on February 3rd at Melrose House in Roseau, strategically timed to coincide with the island’s Carnival celebrations.
Agar’s artistic practice demonstrates masterful manipulation of color, dynamic movement, and rich texture. Her creations serve as visual narratives that capture Dominica’s breathtaking natural scenery, collective cultural memories, and profound sense of identity. This exhibition represents an expansion of the thematic exploration began in her critically acclaimed 2024 show, “I Am Kalinago,” which examined concepts of heritage and belonging.
Born in Sineku, Dominica, and adopted at age two, Agar has developed a multifaceted career as a pianist, educator, and interdisciplinary artist. Though presently residing in Arizona, she maintains strong ties to her Caribbean roots, regularly returning to exhibit her work and participate in Dominica’s artistic community.
Her paintings reveal a fascinating visual dialogue between the lush tropical vegetation of the Caribbean and the arid desert landscapes of the American Southwest. This unique perspective emerges through Agar’s intuitive approach to mark-making, creating artwork that bridges her dual environmental experiences while celebrating her Dominican origins.
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PM tells World Governments Summit that Grenada never suspended debt payments
Grenada’s government has formally announced the continuation of its fiscal emergency provisions through 2027, maintaining the suspension of the Escape Clause within the nation’s Fiscal Resilience Act. This decision, confirmed by Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall during parliamentary budget proceedings, represents the latest development in the Caribbean nation’s strategic approach to economic management during periods of crisis.
The current administration’s fiscal policy framework has evolved significantly in recent years. Historical parliamentary records indicate that Grenada initially activated emergency fiscal measures under the previous Fiscal Responsibility Act from 2020 to 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, the ruling National Democratic Congress government replaced this legislation with the new Fiscal Resilience Act, creating a more adaptable framework for economic challenges.
Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell highlighted Grenada’s economic resilience during international discussions at the 2026 World Governments Summit, noting that the country successfully avoided both debt payment suspensions and drastic financial restructuring despite the dual challenges of the pandemic and Hurricane Beryl’s devastation in July 2024. The Prime Minister credited Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment program—recently rebranded as the Investment Migration Agency—for providing crucial economic stability through significant revenue contributions.
The government’s approach to debt management has been strategic and measured. While Grenada participated in the Paris Club Debt Service Suspension Initiative in 2020, this arrangement required interest and penalty payments during the suspension period from May to December 2020. More recently, in August 2024, the government activated hurricane contingency provisions to defer approximately $17 million in bondholder payments following Hurricane Beryl, which caused an estimated $30 million in damages to the nation.
This extended suspension of fiscal rules means that between 2020 and 2026, standard fiscal regulations were only fully operational during 2023, demonstrating the prolonged period of economic adaptation Grenada has maintained in response to consecutive crises.
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Disabled Barbadians to be trained as certified accessibility assessors
Barbados is pioneering a transformative approach to accessibility by empowering members of its disabled community as certified accessibility professionals. Fourteen individuals are undergoing specialized universal design training through an innovative partnership between the Barbados Council for the Disabled (BCD), the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector, and Springboard Consulting under the Job Start Programme.
At the program’s inauguration at BCD headquarters, President Patricia Padmore-Blackman framed the initiative as a landmark advancement in the nation’s inclusion efforts. “This training represents more than skill development—it’s about unlocking unlimited possibilities for employment, independence, and personal growth,” she stated. “We’re building confidence and opening doors for meaningful contribution.”
The comprehensive curriculum prepares participants to professionally evaluate buildings and public spaces against accessibility standards. Rosanna Tudor, BCD Operations Manager, emphasized the program’s focus on creating professional opportunities: “Our members will become trained assessors who can work independently, bringing firsthand understanding of accessibility challenges.”
Minister of Labour Colin Jordan characterized universal design as both an economic imperative and social responsibility. “Universal access means treating people like people,” Jordan asserted. “It enables businesses to tap into broader talent pools while increasing productivity and fostering loyalty.” He illustrated how accessibility features like curb cuts and video captions benefit diverse groups beyond the disabled community, from parents with strollers to non-native English speakers.
Nadine Vogel, CEO of Springboard Consulting, highlighted the program’s practical approach: “We’re ensuring accessibility works for individuals with physical, hearing, or vision challenges. Participants will leave with comprehensive assessment tools to evaluate every aspect of universal design.”
The initiative marks a significant shift from policy discussion to practical implementation, positioning Barbados at the forefront of inclusive development by leveraging the expertise of those who understand accessibility challenges most intimately.
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Landvreugd voorzitter van MAS: focus op financiën en groei scheepvaart
President Jennifer Simons has formally installed Delano Landvreugd as the new Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for Suriname’s Maritime Authority (MAS). The appointment signals continuity with the strategic direction established by previous leadership while introducing strengthened governance protocols. Landvreugd immediately emphasized transparency, rigorous oversight, and organizational professionalism as foundational pillars of his mandate.
The newly constituted board comprises members P. Dawsa, A. Dankerlui, S. Biervliet (Pakkitow), S. Sitaram, S. Badjalala, and J. Koese. According to Suriname’s Communication Service, Landvreugd committed to fostering constructive collaboration both within the board and with MAS executive leadership. He acknowledged that operational adjustments would be implemented where necessary to enhance organizational effectiveness.
A key presidential directive requires the board to address specific concerns identified in submitted reports, with particular attention to enhanced monitoring of financial flows within the institution. Landvreugd acknowledged there is always room for improvement and pledged full board engagement toward achieving established objectives.
The Chairman anticipates structured and transparent dialogue between the Board of Commissioners and executive management, expecting complete openness in all collaborative efforts. Notably, the maritime authority will intensify its focus on developments within Suriname’s burgeoning oil and gas sector, anticipating increased vessel traffic in national waters. Beyond ensuring navigational safety, Landvreugd identified potential revenue generation opportunities that could contribute significantly to state coffers.
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Cleveland Students To Learn About Agriculture in Belize
A cohort of four students from Cleveland is scheduled to arrive in Belize this Friday for an immersive educational program focused on agricultural innovation and sustainable business practices. The initiative represents a cross-cultural exchange designed to foster global awareness and community leadership among young learners.
The program is jointly organized by two American educational organizations: Prolific Achievers Academy and entrepreneurial network Pink and Black Honors. According to Aharon Ben-Keymah, founder of Prolific Achievers Academy, the program aims to transform urban students into globally-conscious leaders by exposing them to diverse agricultural environments.
“We’re transporting students from an industrial urban setting to a verdant oasis to unlock substantial opportunities for their home community,” Ben-Keymah explained in statements to News 5 Cleveland, highlighting the transformative potential of international agricultural education.
The curriculum will encompass hands-on learning experiences across multiple disciplines including sustainable farming techniques, fashion innovation utilizing agricultural materials, and ecological landscape design. Among the participants, Slader Moss-Coleman expressed particular interest in studying landscape architecture and agricultural systems, noting: “I anticipate gaining innovative perspectives on garden construction methodologies and layout configurations that could enhance environmental quality and promote healthier ecosystems.”
For Belize, the initiative presents a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the nation’s advancements in agricultural technology, creative industries, and environmental conservation to international youth. Educational leaders emphasize the growing importance of agribusiness education, with Ben-Keymah observing: “We perceive increasing demand for youth engagement in the expanding agribusiness sector.” The program underscores the evolving nature of agricultural education as a gateway to international cooperation and sustainable development.