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  • Global Oil Price Surge Could Lead to Higher Fuel Costs in Antigua and Barbuda

    Global Oil Price Surge Could Lead to Higher Fuel Costs in Antigua and Barbuda

    Consumers in Antigua and Barbuda face imminent increases in fuel costs as global oil market volatility begins impacting the import-dependent nation. The chief executive of the West Indies Oil Company (WIOC) has confirmed that rising international prices are already significantly affecting the cost of imported refined petroleum products.

    According to WIOC’s analysis, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude had already experienced a substantial 35% price escalation before recent geopolitical conflicts, climbing from approximately $68 to over $103 per barrel. This upward trend has particularly affected WIOC’s operations since the company imports refined products including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel rather than crude oil.

    The company reports dramatic supplier price increases reaching up to 70% for certain refined fuels, with overall cost escalations approaching 50%. Regional gasoline prices have already risen by just over 20%, though further increases appear inevitable.

    WIOC clarified that retail fuel pricing falls under government jurisdiction through the Ministry of Finance, not within the company’s control. This regulatory framework means government officials must determine whether to transfer these increased import costs to consumers through higher pump prices.

    The petroleum company further explained its limited ability to cushion the price shock, noting that operating margins are fixed by government regulation rather than market mechanisms. This structural constraint prevents WIOC from absorbing the substantial cost increases internally.

    Economists anticipate broader economic repercussions across the twin-island nation, which relies heavily on imported goods. Transportation expenses, grocery costs, hardware prices, and various other consumer goods are expected to become more expensive as fuel surcharges ripple through the import-dependent supply chain.

  • Dominica to see audit of fire hydrants as system is upgraded

    Dominica to see audit of fire hydrants as system is upgraded

    Following a devastating fire incident, Dominica’s National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore has mandated an immediate nationwide audit of fire hydrants, declaring fire emergencies matters of national security. The directive came during a formal ceremony where two new trucks were handed over to the Fire and Ambulance Service, highlighting critical infrastructure vulnerabilities exposed by the March 2nd blaze that destroyed multiple buildings including a Jollys Pharmacy branch in Roseau.

    Minister Blackmoore emphasized that fire personnel must have ‘immediate, unfettered access’ to functional hydrants during emergencies, sharply criticizing the current practice of having to locate personnel to unlock hydrants during critical moments. ‘This nonsense of having to call men when they are sleeping and looking for someone to come unlock hydrants has to stop in this country,’ Blackmoore stated unequivocally.

    The comprehensive audit will be conducted jointly by the Fire and Ambulance Services and the Dominica Water and Sewerage Company Ltd (DOWASCO), with particular focus on housing development areas to ensure both sufficient numbers and strategic placement of hydrants. The minister framed the recent fire as a learning opportunity to evaluate emergency response effectiveness and address systemic gaps in the island’s disaster preparedness infrastructure.

    Authorities have confirmed the March incident resulted in no injuries but revealed pressing needs for infrastructure modernization. In response, the government has mobilized multiple resources including financial incentives for fire personnel as part of broader efforts to upgrade the island’s emergency response capabilities.

  • ABLP Announces Town Hall Meeting for St. Philip’s North By-Election

    ABLP Announces Town Hall Meeting for St. Philip’s North By-Election

    With the March 16 by-election drawing near, the political landscape in Antigua and Barbuda is heating up as the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) escalates its campaign efforts. The party has organized a pivotal town hall meeting in the St. Philip’s North constituency, a strategic move designed to foster direct voter engagement.

    The event will be headlined by ABLP candidate Randy Baltimore, who will be joined by key members of the party’s campaign team. This forum is structured as an open dialogue, providing a platform for constituents to voice their concerns and inquire about local development agendas. The discussion is anticipated to cover a spectrum of issues, from community-specific challenges to broader developmental priorities for the constituency.

    Party organizers emphasize that this initiative is a core component of their democratic outreach, aiming to bridge the gap between the electorate and their representatives. The town hall is positioned not merely as a campaign rally but as a genuine opportunity for residents to shape the political conversation and hold the candidate accountable.

    This gathering is part of a wider surge in political activities, with various parties ramping up their presence through public meetings, community outreach, and targeted events. The by-election campaign is characterized by a concerted effort from all sides to connect with voters on a personal level, underscoring the high stakes of the upcoming poll.

  • SLBMC Staff Attend Regional Critical Care Training in Barbados

    SLBMC Staff Attend Regional Critical Care Training in Barbados

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Three distinguished healthcare experts from Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre have returned from an intensive sub-regional training program in Barbados focused on advanced management techniques for Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases. The delegation comprised Dr. Tessy Fenton Lee, a consultant paediatrician; Gail Ann Fortune, consultant intensivist; and Germira Browne, the ICU unit manager.

    The comprehensive five-day workshop represented a significant capacity-building initiative for Caribbean medical professionals, combining cutting-edge clinical protocols with hands-on simulation exercises. This blended learning approach equipped participants with enhanced skills to address severe respiratory complications and other critical medical conditions requiring intensive care intervention.

    Organizers designed the program specifically to bolster regional preparedness for potential health crises, including seasonal epidemics and pandemic scenarios. The curriculum integrated evidence-based medical guidance with practical emergency response training, creating a robust framework for improving patient outcomes during respiratory health emergencies. This training initiative marks a strategic investment in strengthening the Caribbean’s collective healthcare resilience and standardizing critical care responses across the island nations.

  • Paddlers Received at Belcan Bridge with Drums and Roaring Cheers

    Paddlers Received at Belcan Bridge with Drums and Roaring Cheers

    In an unprecedented display of solidarity, participants of the 2026 La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge transformed the traditional competition into a powerful protest march on March 9th. More than twenty canoe teams arrived at Belcan Bridge in perfect synchronization, creating a striking visual of unity as they paddled in a single straight formation with no team advancing ahead of others.

    The emotional arrival was amplified by hundreds of supporters who gathered at the bridge with drums, music, and enthusiastic cheers. As the canoes approached, paddlers raised their oars and Belizean flags in a coordinated gesture of national pride and collective purpose.

    Participants articulated that their demonstration aimed to preserve the fundamental spirit of the historic race. One competitor emphasized to News 5 Belize: ‘The people are the ones that support us and motivate us and give us the strength to paddle.’ Another paddler framed the protest in emotional terms: ‘This is about love; it’s about Belize. We don’t want the race to die out.’

    Jesus Linares, President of the Belize Canoe Association, who actively participated in organizing the protest arrival, stated: ‘A lot of people thought this was talking, but this was not all talking.’ The movement garnered support from former participants as well, with ex-paddler Raynard Humphreys noting from the Civic Center observation point: ‘I am extremely impressed and proud to see that our Belizeans, for once, we stand up to something.’

    The demonstration represents a significant moment in Belizean sporting culture, showcasing how athletic events can serve as platforms for community expression and cultural preservation.

  • Agro Expo 2026 Set for March 31 at Botanical Gardens

    Agro Expo 2026 Set for March 31 at Botanical Gardens

    Antigua and Barbuda’s agricultural sector is poised for a vibrant showcase as the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy announces Agro Expo 2026. Scheduled for March 31st at the picturesque Antigua Botanical Gardens, this event will place special emphasis on engaging the next generation of agricultural pioneers and promoting technological innovation within the industry.

    The exposition, running from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, will feature a diverse array of agricultural displays including student garden projects, livestock exhibitions, and fresh local produce markets. A highlight of the day will be the prestigious Inter-school Garden Competition prize ceremony, honoring exceptional student and institutional contributions to agricultural education and practice.

    Organizers have curated an interactive experience designed to foster family engagement and public learning about sustainable farming practices. With an admission fee of $5, the event aims to be accessible while generating support for emerging agricultural talent. The ministry emphasizes that the expo represents a strategic investment in the nation’s food security future by encouraging youth participation, supporting young farmers, and recognizing environmental stewardship initiatives that will shape the agricultural landscape for decades to come.

  • Iranian assembly selects son of slain cleric as new supreme leader as oil prices spike in US

    Iranian assembly selects son of slain cleric as new supreme leader as oil prices spike in US

    Iran’s Assembly of Experts has formally appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the nation’s new Supreme Leader, following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during combined U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Tehran on February 28. The decisive appointment solidifies hardline control over Iran’s political and security apparatus during escalating Middle Eastern tensions.

    The 88-member clerical body convened under extraordinary security measures to elect Mojtaba Khamenei, who had long been considered the foremost candidate. State television announced his designation as the “third Leader of the sacred system of the Islamic Republic” shortly after midnight local time. Security chief Ali Larijani confirmed the transition of power.

    Mojtaba Khamenei assumes ultimate authority over all state matters, with Iran’s armed forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps promptly pledging allegiance to the new leader. The IRGC issued statements affirming absolute readiness to execute his directives.

    The succession occurs amid intensified hostilities between Iran and Western powers. U.S. President Donald Trump previously asserted that Washington should influence the selection process, warning that any leader lacking American approval “won’t last long.” Israel had similarly threatened preemptive actions against whoever assumed leadership.

    The conflict has exacted significant human costs, with the U.S. military reporting a seventh service member fatality from Iranian retaliatory strikes. Meanwhile, Tehran residents describe environmental catastrophes including thick black smoke and acidic rainfall following attacks on oil infrastructure, creating potentially hazardous air quality.

    Global energy markets have responded dramatically to the instability. Oil prices surged approximately 8% in a single trading session, reaching $119.50 per barrel—the largest dollar-value increase recorded. This approaches historical peaks last witnessed in 2008, when prices exceeded $147 per barrel.

    President Trump declined to directly address the leadership appointment when questioned, stating only that conflict resolution would require mutual agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

  • AZP viert 60 jaar zorg: regering investeert SRD 60 miljoen in modernisering

    AZP viert 60 jaar zorg: regering investeert SRD 60 miljoen in modernisering

    PARAMARIBO – Suriname’s Academic Hospital Paramaribo (AZP) celebrated its 60th anniversary with a major government commitment to healthcare modernization. Health Minister André Misiekaba announced a minimum investment of SRD 60 million to upgrade critical departments at the nation’s premier medical institution, founded on March 9, 1966.

    The anniversary celebrations featured an interfaith prayer gathering under the theme ‘Strong Together, Forward Together,’ reflecting on six decades of service to the Surinamese community. Hospital Director Claudia Redan emphasized that the institution’s legacy rests on its dedicated staff rather than physical infrastructure, describing healthcare work as a calling rather than mere employment.

    ‘Do good and don’t look back,’ Redan stated, addressing her team. ‘Working in healthcare isn’t just a job – it’s a vocation. Hundreds of patients depend on us daily, beyond what social media captures: 560 inpatients, over 100 emergency cases, and more than 2,000 outpatient visits.’

    Lloyd Pool, Chairman of the General Staff Union, acknowledged the persistent challenges faced by healthcare workers, noting that while thousands of employees have retired over six decades, ‘the hospital itself cannot retire – we continue for the community.’

    The substantial investment will fund several critical upgrades:
    • Doubling operational operating theater capacity
    • Expanding Intensive Care Unit (ICU) from current levels to 16 beds initially, then to 21 beds
    • Modernizing neonatal intensive care facilities
    • Accelerated renovation of Emergency Department services

    Additional initiatives will focus on recruiting specialized nurses and implementing measures to counter brain drain in the healthcare sector. Minister Misiekaba acknowledged existing challenges regarding salaries and allowances but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the sector.

    Describing AZP as an indispensable symbol of quality care in Suriname, the minister concluded: ‘This hospital cannot and must not fail. Congratulations on 60 years of dedication, and onward to the next 60 years.’

  • CARICOM Private Sector Organization commends Afreximbank’s $5 billion commitment to boost trade and investment in CARICOM

    CARICOM Private Sector Organization commends Afreximbank’s $5 billion commitment to boost trade and investment in CARICOM

    In a landmark development for intercontinental economic relations, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has elevated its financial commitment to the Caribbean region from $3 billion to $5 billion. The announcement was formally made during high-level discussions with CARICOM Heads of Government in Saint Kitts and Nevis on February 24, 2026, signaling a new era of Afro-Caribbean economic integration.

    Dr. George Elombi, President of Afreximbank, presented a comprehensive strategic framework designed to deepen economic cooperation through enhanced trade mechanisms and investment partnerships. The expanded financial package represents one of the most significant cross-regional economic initiatives in recent history, with particular focus on developing critical infrastructure and financial systems.

    Central to this initiative is the establishment of the Afreximbank Caribbean Trade Centre in Bridgetown, Barbados, which will serve as the institution’s regional headquarters. The state-of-the-art facility, scheduled to break ground later this year, will include conference capabilities and luxury accommodations to facilitate business exchanges.

    The banking institution has also committed to supporting the creation of a Caribbean Export-Import Bank, a visionary project aimed at strengthening the region’s autonomous trade financing capabilities. Simultaneously, Afreximbank is collaborating with regional central banks to develop the CARICOM Payment and Settlement System (CAPSS), which will streamline cross-border transactions and reduce dependency on foreign currencies.

    Physical connectivity between the two regions receives particular emphasis, with Afreximbank pledging financial support for enhanced air and maritime links. This infrastructure development is considered crucial for unlocking the full potential of trade relations between the African Union and CARICOM nations.

    The institutional framework for this partnership is reinforced through the African Caribbean Business Council (ACBC), established via a trilateral memorandum of understanding between CPSO, Afreximbank, and the Africa Business Council. This platform will facilitate structured private sector cooperation through trade forums, business matchmaking services, and capacity-building programs specifically designed to empower SMEs, women entrepreneurs, and youth-led enterprises.

    Dr. Patrick Antoine, CEO of the CARICOM Private Sector Organization, characterized the enhanced commitment as “a major milestone in strengthening economic cooperation between the African Union and the Region.” He emphasized the CPSO’s dedication to ensuring these initiatives yield tangible benefits through increased trade volumes, expanded business opportunities, and sustainable economic development throughout the Caribbean.

  • Liquor Sales Banned in St. Philip’s North on By-Election Day

    Liquor Sales Banned in St. Philip’s North on By-Election Day

    Authorities in St. Philip’s North have implemented a comprehensive ban on alcohol sales during the upcoming by-election, invoking legal statutes to ensure electoral integrity. The electoral commission has activated Section 27 of the Representation of the People Act (Cap. 379), prohibiting all commercial distribution of intoxicating liquors within the constituency while polling stations remain operational.

    The regulatory measure extends to all establishments holding valid licenses under the Licensing (Intoxicating Liquor) Act, effectively suspending alcohol-related commerce during voting hours. This temporary prohibition aims to maintain public order and prevent potential influences that might compromise the democratic process.

    Non-compliance carries severe penalties, with offenders facing summary convictions including fines reaching $3,000 or incarceration for up to twelve months. The strict enforcement mechanism underscores the government’s commitment to upholding electoral laws without exception.

    This alcohol sales restriction forms part of broader preparations for the March 16 by-election, where constituents will determine their new parliamentary representative. The commission emphasizes that such measures are standard procedure for ensuring free and fair elections, though specific implementation timing varies by jurisdiction and electoral circumstances.