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  • Official Visit of H E Delcy Rodriquez

    Official Visit of H E Delcy Rodriquez

    On April 9, 2026, the Government of Grenada hosted a landmark diplomatic moment, welcoming Venezuela Acting President Delcy Rodriguez for her first official visit to the Caribbean island nation. Rodriguez was joined by a full delegation of senior Venezuelan government officials for the one-day diplomatic engagement, which unfolded in a warm and collaborative atmosphere designed to advance the decades-long friendship between the two states.

    The visit began with Rodriguez’s departure from Venezuela’s Maiquetía International Airport, where an official aircraft transported the delegation directly to Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport. Upon landing, the Venezuelan leader received a formal ceremonial welcome from Grenadian government representatives, complemented by an honour guard organized by the Commissioner of Police and personnel from the Royal Grenada Police Force.

    Following her arrival, Rodriguez carried out her first scheduled engagement: a courtesy call with Dame Cécile La Grenade, Grenada’s Governor-General, at the Governor-General’s official office in Point Salines. Next, she moved to Grenada’s Parliament building for an in-depth working meeting with Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, who was joined by a select group of his cabinet ministers for the talks.

    The discussion spanned three core areas: bilateral cooperation initiatives, shared regional policy priorities, and other topics of mutual interest to both governments. During the talks, both delegations reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening diplomatic bonds and expanding collaborative work across a range of high-priority sectors. Key areas identified for enhanced partnership include energy security, inclusive economic development, climate-resilient agriculture, professional skills training, and expanded educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

    Representatives from Grenada’s government and public extended gratitude for Rodriguez’s visit, highlighting the enduring spirit of solidarity and collaborative partnership that has defined relations between Caracas and St. George’s for decades. For her part, Rodriguez offered sincere thanks to the Grenadian government and people for the warm hospitality extended to her and her delegation throughout the engagement. The historic first official visit concluded the same day, on April 9, 2026, marking a new step forward in bilateral relations between the two Caribbean and Latin American nations.

    This report was issued from the Office of the Prime Minister of Grenada.

  • Air Services Limited plane crashes in rough terrain

    Air Services Limited plane crashes in rough terrain

    On Friday, 10 April 2026, a single-engine Cessna 208 operated by regional Caribbean carrier Air Services Limited (ASL) crashed in dense, mountainous forestland in Guyana, triggering an urgent large-scale search and rescue operation, local aviation officials confirmed.

    The aircraft, registered under the identification number 8R-YAC, was operating a short domestic flight from Mahdia to Imbaimadai when it lost contact with air traffic controllers. According to official records released by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the plane departed Mahdia at 8:10 a.m. local time and was scheduled to land at its destination just 30 minutes later, at 8:40 a.m. When the Cessna failed to send an arrival confirmation, aviation regulators launched an immediate missing aircraft check just four minutes after the expected landing time, at 8:44 a.m.

    Initial reports from the GCAA confirm that only one person was on board at the time of the crash: a foreign pilot contracted to fly for ASL. Investigators also noted that severe adverse weather conditions were present across the flight route when the aircraft went missing, a factor that will be examined as part of the upcoming accident probe.

    Thanks to recent upgrades to Guyana’s national search and rescue infrastructure, teams were able to quickly narrow down the plane’s approximate crash location. First, an ASL reconnaissance aircraft spotted the downed plane from the air, and the sighting was later independently verified by two Trans Guyana Airways Cessna Caravans and a Britten-Norman Islander survey plane.

    Authorities have now mobilized a full rescue response, led by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). The operation includes elite special operations troops, specialized medical personnel, and a recently acquired Bell helicopter fitted with a winch to access the hard-to-reach terrain. A senior official involved in the mission noted that rescue teams will need to rappel and hike across steep, unforgiving mountain slopes to reach the crash site, adding that the operation is in a time-sensitive race against the clock.

    As of the latest update from the GCAA, the incident response remains active, and all current details are considered preliminary pending full on-site verification by recovery and investigation teams.

  • DJ Bravo serves up new single, ‘Table’, on Santa Jamaica Riddim

    DJ Bravo serves up new single, ‘Table’, on Santa Jamaica Riddim

    For years, Dwayne “DJ Bravo” has captivated audiences as one of international cricket’s most iconic personalities, celebrated equally for his on-field brilliance and his off-field larger-than-life, entertainment-focused persona. Now, the global star is stepping into an unexpected new creative space with the release of his latest musical project, the thoughtful single “Table”, featured on the dynamic, rhythm-driven *Santa Jamaica Riddim* compilation from Digital1 Muzic.

    Unlike many of Bravo’s previous upbeat, high-energy releases, “Table” pulls the artist into a far more reflective creative lane. The track takes a playful but pointed look at the unspoken dynamics that shape modern romantic partnerships, centering its core hook around a provocative question that cuts through superficial dating culture: What are you really bringing to the table? For long-time fans who know Bravo primarily through his charismatic public persona, the track marks a deliberate departure from the entertainer’s well-known “player” image, revealing a grounded, nuanced perspective on love, loyalty, and what makes a partnership last.

    Beneath its lighthearted tone, “Table” addresses a deeper cultural truth: in an era where social media and superficial appearances often dominate how people present themselves and evaluate potential partners, the track serves as a timely reminder that romantic partners bring far more value to relationships than surface-level attraction. It shines a spotlight on the quiet, foundational qualities that truly sustain long-term connection: genuine substance, mutual support, aligned mindset, and shared positive energy – traits that rarely make it to viral highlight reels, but end up defining the strength of any lasting bond.

    The single itself is a collaborative creative work, co-written by Bravo alongside songwriter Tommy Sanchez, with production handled by Richard “DIGITAL1” Roache and 47 Productions. Clendon Auguste oversaw mixing and mastering for the track, which was recorded at Trinidad’s 47 Studios by 47 Ronzy. The final product strikes a careful balance between authentic Caribbean island sound that draws from Bravo’s Trinidadian roots and accessible, cross-cultural production that appeals to global music listeners.

    To accompany the audio release, a full official music video, directed by Christian Burkett and Ian Davis of Audio Rose Productions, has also been launched, translating the track’s core message into vivid visual storytelling. Released under the 47 Productions label, “Table” is positioned as more than just a new song – it’s designed to spark open, honest conversation about what people really value in modern relationships. The single is available for streaming right now on all major digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, TIDAL, Amazon Music, Deezer, and dozens of other streaming services, while the official music video is available to view for free on YouTube.

  • Fire leaves former national footballer, 78, homeless

    Fire leaves former national footballer, 78, homeless

    A devastating out-of-control fire broke out in the central Paul’s Avenue district shortly after midnight on Thursday, leaving a 78-year-old former St. Vincent and the Grenadines national football player George “Fatpants” Forbes completely homeless, after the blaze gutted his entire property and caused significant damage to multiple nearby commercial and community structures, including the broadcast studios of popular local station Boom FM 106.8.

    Forbes, a retired athlete who first stepped onto the national football pitch more than half a century ago, shared his harrowing account of escaping the inferno. The veteran footballer told reporters he had returned home from a round of routine hospital tests around 1 p.m. that day. After a brief visit from a friend, he fell asleep around 7 p.m., woke a few hours later for a short walk to a nearby area, then returned to bed to rest. It was not until after midnight that he was jolted awake by the acrid stench of smoke seeping through his home.

    “When I saw smoke pouring from the bedroom, I knew I couldn’t go back inside to salvage any of my belongings — I’m an elderly man with health issues,” Forbes recounted. “I just managed to crawl out of the building, then made my way straight to the local police station to report the fire.” The former player escaped without physical injury, but lost every personal possession he owned in the blaze. He expressed gratitude to his relatives, who immediately stepped up to provide him with temporary accommodation after the disaster.

    Forbes began his celebrated football career in 1968 at age 21, starting out with Sion Hill-based side Somerset. He went on to play for his hometown team Avenues, then later joined the Eagles squad, before earning his first call-up to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines national team, where he represented his country between 1971 and 1973.

    Along with Forbes’ home, the blaze completely destroyed an adjacent structure that housed the High Voltage Mas tent, a facility that previously operated as a local preschool. The connected building that hosts Jujube Bookstore, Boom FM 106.8’s broadcast studios and IK TV also suffered major damage from the fire and smoke.

    In an official statement posted to its social media channels shortly after the incident, Boom FM announced that the station would suspend all on-air broadcasting for the coming days while teams assess and repair the damage to its facilities. “Our team is working tirelessly to fully restore our broadcast signal as quickly as possible, and we thank our audience for your continued patience and support through this challenging time,” the statement read.

  • City Council takes govt to court over possession of Constabulary Training Complex building

    City Council takes govt to court over possession of Constabulary Training Complex building

    A high-stakes legal dispute over ownership of a prime historic property in central Georgetown, Guyana, has escalated to the country’s High Court, with the city’s Mayor and City Council taking both the national government and a private security firm to court over allegations of illegal trespassing and wrongful occupation.

    The vacant Water Street building, which previously served as the City Constabulary Training Complex, is at the center of the conflict. The legal claim was formally filed by Town Clerk Candace Nelson on behalf of the municipal government, acting in accordance with a formal Council resolution that authorized Mayor Alfred Mentore to pursue legal recourse against the two respondents: Attorney General (representing the Guyana government) and private security provider RK Security.

    According to court documents, the municipal government argues the 200-plus-year-old property has been legally owned by public municipal transport authorities since the 1800s, meaning neither the national government nor the private security firm have any legal right to occupy or remain on the site. The claimants are asking the High Court to officially affirm their ownership rights and confirm the trespassing allegation.

    The legal action was triggered after Mayor Mentore made a critical discovery during a site visit on March 27, 2026, when he found members of the Guyana Police Force present on the property and a new official signage posted along the site’s perimeter fence, signaling an imminent government takeover. Beyond a declaration of trespassing, the municipal government is also seeking two key court orders: a mandatory directive requiring the government and RK Security to immediately vacate the building and all premises, and a permanent injunction barring the respondents from entering the site or carrying out any construction or development work on the land.

    Compounding the legal claims, the Mayor and City Council is also seeking GY$5 million in general damages, in addition to covering all legal costs associated with the court proceedings. The dispute has already sparked public disagreement from top government officials: Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand has publicly asserted that the property legally belongs to the State, with ownership tracing back to the colonial era. However, Mayor Mentore pushed back on these claims in a public statement this Friday, affirming that the municipal council holds concrete, verifiable documentation proving its long-standing ownership of the Water Street site.

    The case marks a significant public conflict between municipal and national authorities in Guyana over land rights, with the outcome set to set a key precedent for intergovernmental property disputes across the country.

  • SSB Holds Public Consultations on Contribution Changes… But Are People Hearing About It?

    SSB Holds Public Consultations on Contribution Changes… But Are People Hearing About It?

    As of April 2026, Belize’s Social Security Board (SSB) has been conducting a multi-stop national tour of public consultations, designed to solicit community feedback on sweeping proposed changes to the country’s social security contribution framework. But the initiative has been hampered by significant communication gaps that have left many eligible participants confused about when and where sessions are being held, and unable to engage with a policy process that will directly impact their earnings and long-term social benefits.

    The reform consultation process was first announced in a 22-second promotional video released by the SSB on February 26, which outlined a schedule of sessions across nine districts around the country, kicking off with a Belize City gathering on March 5. That first session passed more than a month ago, with the tour rolling through March to include stopovers in Santa Elena, Corozal, Orange Walk and Independence. The tour is scheduled to continue through mid-April, with a session planned for San Pedro this week, followed by gatherings in Placencia on April 14 and Punta Gorda on April 16, per the original announcement.

    The policy changes up for discussion carry major stakes for both workers and employers across Belize. The SSB’s two core proposed amendments are a shift from a fixed wage-based contribution calculation model to a percentage-based system, and an increase in the minimum contribution floor to $130. Discussions also cover how contribution costs are split between employers and employees. Any adjustment to these terms will immediately impact workers’ take-home pay, and will shape the social security benefits they can access after retirement or during periods of need.

    Despite the high stakes of the reform process, public access to basic event details has been inconsistent at best. The original 22-second announcement video only provided broad dates and locations, with no mention of specific start times or event venues for any of the scheduled sessions. On the SSB’s official website, a homepage banner confirms the consultations are underway, but directs anyone seeking more information to contact the board’s communications officer via email, rather than posting public details directly.

    While some sponsored flyers for the sessions have been pushed to Belizeans’ Facebook feeds, these promotional materials are not posted to the SSB’s own official Facebook page, and the details included on flyers often contradict the original schedule announced in February. One flyer for the upcoming Punta Gorda session, for example, lists a time of 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the local SSB branch, but cites an event date of April 30 — two full weeks later than the April 16 date listed in the original announcement. A separate flyer for an Orange Walk session lists a gathering on April 14 at El Gran Mestizo Resort, while the original schedule had marked an Orange Walk consultation for March.

    It remains unclear whether these conflicting dates reflect last-minute scheduling changes, widespread printing errors, or uncoordinated promotional efforts from third parties, and the SSB has not issued any public clarification to resolve the discrepancies. To its credit, the agency has pinned a notice on its Facebook page advertising a live-streamed stakeholder consultation scheduled for April 16 at 1:30 p.m., creating an alternative access point for community members who cannot attend in-person sessions or cannot find information about local gatherings.

    For members of the public who do want to review the full details of the proposed amendments ahead of providing feedback, the SSB has posted a complete presentation document linked on its official website under the events tab, where the purpose of the consultations is outlined clearly.

  • BEL Proposes Monthly Cost Adjustments

    BEL Proposes Monthly Cost Adjustments

    Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), the country’s primary power provider, has submitted a formal regulatory proposal that would introduce automatic monthly adjustments to customer electricity bills, a shift designed to mitigate the growing financial strain caused by persistent swings in global and domestic energy costs that have outpaced current fixed tariff structures.

    Filed on April 1 as part of the company’s 2025–2026 Annual Review Proceeding, the request includes a plan to maintain the existing base Mean Electricity Rate (MER) at $0.4428 per kilowatt-hour and hold the Reference Cost of Power (RCOP) steady at $0.3033 per kilowatt-hour, meaning consumers would not face an immediate jump in base electricity rates if the plan is approved by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Belize’s independent energy regulatory body.

    The core policy change at the heart of the proposal is the new automatic monthly Cost of Power (COP) adjustment framework. BEL officials argue the mechanism is a critical response to long-standing cost volatility stemming from structural characteristics of Belize’s national energy system. Though the country maintains a diversified energy portfolio that includes hydroelectric generation, biomass power, imported energy, and thermal production, this diversity has not insulated the provider from extreme price fluctuations. BEL’s filing documents show that actual power generation costs have varied from as little as $0.16 per kilowatt-hour to $0.46 per kilowatt-hour during extreme market events. When paired with ongoing delays in the development of new lower-cost energy infrastructure, these swings have eroded BEL’s financial stability, the company explained.

    To prevent sudden, jarring changes to consumer bills, the proposed framework includes built-in guardrails: monthly adjustments would be capped at plus or minus 5 percent of the fixed RCOP. All adjustments would be calculated using a six-month rolling average of verified actual power costs, a design intended to smooth out short-term price spikes while ensuring changes reflect real market conditions rather than projections. Any gap between the actual cost of power and the approved RCOP would be clearly marked as a separate line item on customer bills, either as a cost recovery for underpayments or a rebate for overpayments. Deferred balances from under-recovery or over-recovery periods would be tracked systematically and settled incrementally over time, rather than being passed to consumers in a single large adjustment.

    BEL says the new model would replace the current regulatory approach, which relies on infrequent but very large tariff overhauls, with smaller, more predictable monthly changes. This shift would cut the risk of sudden, unaffordable bill jumps for households and businesses while improving overall transparency around how power costs are calculated, the company argues.

    Financial data included in the filing underscores the urgency of BEL’s request. For the 2024–2025 regulatory period, the provider recorded an under-recovery of roughly $6.7 million, meaning actual costs were $6.7 million higher than revenue collected from current tariffs. That gap is projected to balloon to $22.8 million for 2025–2026, and grow further to $40.35 million in 2026–2027 before falling to $25.78 million in 2027–2028. Cumulative regulatory under-recovery balances could exceed $110 million by 2027, a level that would create severe cash flow risks for the company, BEL forecasts. Under the proposed monthly adjustment system, the company projects incremental monthly recoveries would fall between $1.3 million and $1.6 million, a gradual pace that would steadily shrink the growing deferred balance over the coming years. The proposal now awaits review and a final ruling from the PUC.

  • PM says his gov’t can do better at communicating with the people

    PM says his gov’t can do better at communicating with the people

    Four months after the New Democratic Party (NDP) swept into power in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, ending 25 years of opposition, Prime Minister Godwin Friday has openly addressed public criticism that his new administration has failed to effectively push back against opposition narratives and communicate its progress to voters. In a candid interview with Hot 97 FM on Friday, the prime minister — who also holds key portfolios including finance, legal affairs, justice, economic planning and private sector development — opened up about the dual challenges his government is navigating: cleaning up the fiscal mess left by the previous Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration and improving public outreach.

  • GTA bolsters market presence with strategic Barbados mission

    GTA bolsters market presence with strategic Barbados mission

    The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) has recently concluded a targeted sales mission to neighboring Barbados, marking another key step in its long-term strategy to deepen regional tourism cooperation and solidify Grenada’s standing as a top travel choice for both Caribbean and international visitors. Unlike broad international outreach, this regional mission prioritizes strengthening bonds with nearby industry stakeholders that play an outsized role in driving intra-Caribbean travel, a fast-growing segment that has gained renewed attention in post-pandemic Caribbean tourism recovery.

    During the mission, GTA representatives held face-to-face discussions with a wide range of core tourism partners, including local travel agents, corporate industry leaders, and airline stakeholders. These on-the-ground engagements gave the GTA team firsthand insight into how Grenada’s travel offering is perceived across regional markets, highlighting existing strengths while uncovering untapped opportunities for expansion in three high-potential segments: luxury getaways, experiential cultural travel, and multi-destination Caribbean itineraries. A major priority of the outreach was raising awareness of Grenada’s lineup of one-of-a-kind annual festivals, headlined by the iconic Spicemas carnival, the popular Grenada Chocolate Festival, and the newly launched Lobster, Lambie and Seafood Festival that showcases the island’s world-class coastal cuisine.

    Stacey Liburd, Chief Executive Officer of the GTA, emphasized the outsized importance of these regional engagement efforts to Grenada’s overall tourism growth strategy. “These regional missions are critical to fostering the partnerships that drive our tourism growth,” Liburd said. “Our discussions with the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) and other industry leaders have laid a solid foundation for future joint marketing initiatives and improved airlift connectivity, positioning Grenada as a multi-dimensional Caribbean leader.”

    Beyond B2B stakeholder meetings, the GTA delegation expanded its public reach through targeted media partnerships and a collaborative promotional campaign with Virgin Atlantic, one of its key airline partners. The campaign centered on a radio contest that awarded a lucky winner a free round-trip ticket to Grenada, an activation that generated widespread public excitement and increased grassroots awareness of the island’s travel offerings among Barbadian travelers.

    Samantha Thomas, Marketing Executive at the GTA, noted that the mission delivered immediate, tangible results by equipping regional trade partners with the tools to sell Grenada more effectively. “Our mission in Barbados enables information sharing, which gives agents the confidence to effectively speak about Grenada’s evolving products,” Thomas explained. “Through our training sessions and interviews, we saw an immediate surge in interest for our diverse accommodation sector and upcoming festivals. Providing these partners with real-time tools and event details ensures that the high demand we’re seeing translates directly into economic growth for Grenada.”

    Looking ahead, the GTA plans to build on the momentum generated by the Barbados mission, with a full calendar of upcoming events and a continued commitment to expanding regional partnership networks. By closing the gap between the island’s unique on-the-ground experiences and regional travel trade networks, the authority is working to steadily elevate Grenada’s reputation as the premier destination for discerning travelers throughout the Caribbean, with the ultimate goal of driving consistent, long-term growth in visitor arrivals and tourism-related economic activity.

  • Caribbean Students shine in 2025–2026 YES Competition with innovative environmental solutions

    Caribbean Students shine in 2025–2026 YES Competition with innovative environmental solutions

    Macmillan Education Caribbean has officially announced the results of the 2025–2026 iteration of its annual Young Environmental Scientists (YES) Competition, a regional initiative that celebrates the creative problem-solving, sharp analytical thinking, and environmental commitment of primary and secondary school students across the Caribbean basin. Now a staple annual event for young science enthusiasts across the region, the YES Competition invites student teams from participating countries to identify pressing local environmental issues, then design and execute evidence-based, practical solutions tailored to their communities, all while building core skills in collaboration and critical thinking.

    In the primary school division, the 2025–2026 championship title went to the Eco-Hero Team from Tunapuna Presbyterian Primary School in Trinidad and Tobago. The team impressed judges with their community-focused project aimed at cutting single-use plastic consumption on their school campus. Their intervention centered on encouraging fellow students to bring and reuse personal reusable utensils, eliminating reliance on disposable plastic cutlery for school meals and activities. To embed long-term behavior change, the team rolled out targeted awareness campaigns, hosted a school-wide poster contest to spread their message, and collected ongoing data to track shifts in student habits. Judges highlighted that the project powerfully demonstrated how small, accessible local actions can add up to substantial environmental benefits for school communities. Second place was awarded to the SVG Wildlife Warriors from Calliaqua Anglican Primary School in St Vincent and the Grenadines, while third place went to the Sea to Structure Solutionists of Grand Roy Government School in Grenada.

    For the secondary school division, the top prize was claimed by the ResistRx team from Queen’s College in Guyana, marking the institution’s second consecutive win at the YES Competition. The team’s groundbreaking research focused on a underaddressed environmental threat: the public health and ecological risks of improper antibiotic disposal. ResistRx mapped how antibiotic residues enter local ecosystems primarily through unsorted household waste and unregulated disposal practices on small-scale farms, documenting how these residues accumulate in soil and accelerate the development of dangerous antimicrobial resistance—a growing global public health concern. The team paired their research with actionable, scalable recommendations: establishing dedicated community collection bins for unused medications, introducing targeted composting guidelines for small-scale agricultural producers, and launching a regional public education campaign to raise awareness of the issue. A small pilot survey conducted by the team revealed that while public knowledge of improper antibiotic disposal risks was limited, a majority of community members expressed willingness to adopt safer disposal practices if given the infrastructure and information to do so. In a surprise showing for the secondary division, Trinidad and Tobago’s Five Rivers Secondary School claimed both second and third place, with the GASH – Giant African Snail Hunters Association taking second and the Wes4G 4-H Club securing third.

    All winning teams will take home a range of prizes designed to support their ongoing science education. First-place teams in both divisions receive a half-day hands-on science workshop, a full classroom set of science reference books, a US$250 bookstore voucher, and individual and team trophies, medals, and certificates. Second-place teams receive a US$100 bookstore voucher alongside their medals, trophies, and certificates.

    With the 2025–2026 awards finalized, organizers have already opened the call for greater regional participation for the 2026–2027 competition. Dr. Katy Anyasoro, Marketing Manager at Macmillan Education Caribbean, emphasized the growing impact of the event across the region. “The competition continues to grow as a regional platform for showcasing Caribbean students’ innovation and environmental stewardship,” she said. “This year’s projects, which ranged from reducing plastic waste to addressing antimicrobial resistance, reflect the increasing awareness among young people of the need for sustainable solutions to real-world challenges.”

    In the coming weeks, the public will be able to access a public highlight reel featuring standout project submissions from across the region, alongside photographs from national award ceremonies held in all participating countries. Open to students between the ages of 7 and 18, the YES Competition is designed to nurture the next generation of Caribbean environmental scientists and sustainability leaders by giving young people the opportunity to lead hands-on research, collaborate on team-based solutions, and turn their ideas for local environmental change into action.