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  • Crop Over public safety, traffic management and conduct advisory

    Crop Over public safety, traffic management and conduct advisory

    As the iconic 2026 Crop Over festival enters its concluding stretch of major celebrations, the Barbados Police Service has announced a comprehensive multi-agency security deployment designed to guarantee a safe, orderly experience for all attendees, residents, vendors, and visitors across the island.

    The coordinated security plan integrates support from the Barbados Defence Force, which will assist local law enforcement in maintaining a robust, effective security posture at all flagship public events. This inter-agency collaboration is structured to boost overall public safety readiness, streamline crowd management protocols, and preserve the security of event venues, emergency access routes, and adjacent residential communities throughout the final festival phase.

    Police Commissioner Sonia Boyce emphasized that Crop Over stands as a cornerstone of Barbados’ national cultural identity, and every attendee shares responsibility for protecting the festival’s positive reputation. She urged all participants to adhere to local laws, respect the rights of fellow festival-goers, and cooperate fully with police officers, event marshals, band security teams, event organizers, emergency personnel, traffic wardens, and all authorized support staff.

    ### Remaining Flagship Events
    The final phase of the 2026 festival includes five major public events: the Pic-O-De-Crop Final, Foreday Mornin’ Jam, Bridgetown Market, Grand Kadooment Day, and Cohobblopot, alongside dozens of related private parties and fetes hosted across the island. The public is strongly advised to verify official event notices for updated information on start times, parade routes, entry access points, temporary road closures, and traffic diversions before departing for any event.

    ### Public Conduct Expectations
    Law enforcement officials are clear that all attendees must act responsibly throughout the remaining celebrations. Prohibited behavior that will be met with firm enforcement action includes disorderly conduct, physical altercations, threats, harassment, assault, possession of offensive weapons, property damage, obstruction of police duties, public intoxication, dangerous driving, littering, and any activity that risks a breach of the public peace.

    Attendees are reminded that police may issue lawful directions to preserve public order, manage large crowds, protect emergency access routes, and regulate traffic. Failure to comply with these directions, obstruction of officers on duty, or reckless behavior that endangers other attendees can result in immediate arrest and criminal prosecution.

    ### Strict Warning Against Unauthorized Band Incursion
    Officials have flagged unauthorized band entry as a top safety priority for the Foreday Mornin’ Jam and Grand Kadooment events. The common practice of unregistered attendees entering parades, following bands too closely, blocking movement, or interfering with registered participants — widely referred to as band incursion or band-hopping — is classified as dangerous, disrespectful, and unlawful when it causes obstruction, public disorder, trespassing on restricted areas, harassment, assault, theft, property damage, public nuisance, or breaches of the peace.

    Only registered revellers, authorized band personnel, approved service vehicles, event officials, emergency staff, and other explicitly approved individuals are permitted to enter or travel with registered parade bands in controlled areas. Spectators must remain behind designated barriers, on designated sidewalks, or in other areas marked by police and event organizers. Individuals without valid wristbands, official costumes, event credentials, or other authorization are prohibited from forcing entry into bands, removing barriers, climbing over fencing, interfering with band trucks, blocking masqueraders, harassing participants, or creating crowd bottlenecks along parade routes.

    Uniformed police and authorized security personnel will intervene immediately to address perimeter breaches or interference with band movement. Offenders may be removed from the event route, arrested, and charged if evidence supports a criminal violation. Parents and guardians are also requested to ensure minors do not enter closed road or band areas in a manner that endangers themselves or other attendees.

    ### Zero Tolerance for Impaired Driving
    The public has received a stark warning against operating any vehicle while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medication, fatigue, or any other substance or condition that negatively impacts judgment, coordination, or reaction time.

    For attendees planning to consume alcohol, officials advise pre-arranging safe travel: identifying a sober designated driver, using a licensed taxi service, booking a ride-share, utilizing public transit, or remaining at a safe location until you are fit to travel. All road users must adhere to posted speed limits, traffic signals, seat belt and helmet requirements, vehicle licensing and insurance rules, and all temporary traffic arrangements put in place for the festival.

    Enforcement action will be taken against drivers engaging in dangerous operation, reckless maneuvers, unauthorized parking, blocking emergency access, unlawfully carrying passengers, operating unroadworthy vehicles, or driving without due care and attention.

    ### Traffic Management Updates
    Temporary road closures, traffic diversions, no-parking zones, and one-way traffic systems will be implemented for all major Crop Over events. All motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are required to comply with all instructions from uniformed police officers and observe all posted traffic signs, barriers, and route restrictions.

    Vehicles may not be parked or left standing in no-parking zones, emergency routes, parade routes, bus lay-bys, junctions, private entrances, or any other restricted area. Vehicles that create obstructions may be ticketed, towed, or otherwise handled in accordance with local law. Emergency access for ambulances, fire trucks, police vehicles, and other authorized emergency services must remain clear at all times.

    ### Legal Penalties for Offenses
    Officials have reminded the public that violations may be prosecuted under a range of local legislation, including the Road Traffic Act, the Public Order Act, the Police Act, liquor license regulations, and national criminal laws covering assault, offensive weapons, theft, and property damage, alongside temporary event-specific rules legally enacted for the festival period.

    Penalties vary based on the charged offense and judicial ruling, and can include fixed penalties, substantial fines, vehicle seizure and removal, compensation orders, probation, community service, and imprisonment. For specific breaches of temporary traffic rules and failure to comply with police directions, offenders can face summary conviction resulting in fines and, in serious cases, custodial sentences.

    Commissioner Boyce stressed that ignorance of local law is not a valid legal defense. Individuals who engage in violence, harassment, theft, reckless driving, impaired driving, obstruction of parade bands, or refusal to comply with police directions should expect immediate, decisive enforcement action.

    ### Official Personal Safety Guidance
    Law enforcement has released 11 key safety tips for attendees:
    1. Plan your travel route in advance of leaving home and allocate extra time for potential delays.
    2. Use only official designated parking areas, and never leave valuables visible inside your vehicle.
    3. Travel in groups whenever possible, and agree on a designated safe meeting point in case of separation.
    4. Keep mobile devices fully charged, and only carry the cash and identification you need for the day.
    5. Leave expensive or excessive jewelry at home to reduce the risk of opportunistic theft.
    6. Stay hydrated, use sun protection to avoid heat-related illness, and seek prompt medical attention if you feel unwell.
    7. Parents and guardians must keep minors under close supervision at all times.
    8. Report suspicious packages, unsecured weapons, disorderly behavior, missing persons, or emergencies immediately to the nearest uniformed police officer.
    9. Never accept drinks from unknown individuals, and do not leave your drinks unattended at any time.
    10. Respect local residents, businesses, and private property adjacent to event and parade routes.
    11. Follow all instructions from police, marshals, emergency services, and event officials without delay.

    In closing, Commissioner Boyce shared: “Crop Over is one of Barbados’ most cherished national celebrations. The Barbados Police Service wants everyone to enjoy the music, culture, colour and fellowship of the season, but enjoyment must never come at the expense of public safety, public order or respect for others. I am asking every reveller, spectator, driver, vendor and visitor to do your part. Stay out of bands unless you are authorised to be there, do not drink and drive, obey the traffic arrangements, look out for one another and cooperate with the police officers and authorised support personnel who are there to protect you.”

    The Barbados Police Service will issue additional public updates on traffic management, event security, and road closures as final arrangements are confirmed. Officials thanked the public in advance for their cooperation, noting that cross-agency collaboration and public participation are critical to delivering a safe, peaceful, and enjoyable 2026 Crop Over festival for all attendees.

  • Judgement Reserved in Wilbert Banks Murder Trial

    Judgement Reserved in Wilbert Banks Murder Trial

    Five years after the fatal shooting of Belize City bicycle technician Wilbert Banks, the criminal trial of the man accused of masterminding his killing has entered its final stage, with the judge delaying the verdict to the end of the month.

    Krismar Espinosa, 36, stands charged with orchestrating the 2021 murder that left Banks dead from multiple gunshot wounds. Following days of witness testimony and closing arguments from both legal teams, Supreme Court Justice Nigel Pilgrim announced he would reserve his ruling until July 31, giving time for careful review of all evidence presented in court.

    The prosecution’s case is anchored by the testimony of a key witness: Banks’ former girlfriend, who was Espinosa’s romantic partner at the time of the killing. Citing credible threats to her personal safety and that of her young child, the witness was granted permission to deliver her testimony remotely via video link. She told the court that Espinosa pressured her to lure Banks to the Lake Garden neighborhood, threatening to kill her and her son if she refused to comply with the plan.

    Per the witness’s account, she contacted Banks under the pretense of requesting a ride to the nearby town of Ladyville. When the pair arrived at the prearranged location in Lake Garden, Espinosa emerged from hiding and opened fire directly into the vehicle Banks was driving. Though Banks managed to speed away from the attack to escape, he ultimately crashed his vehicle a short time later. A post-mortem examination conducted after his death confirmed that he died from a total of seven gunshot wounds inflicted during the attack.

    Investigators first connected Espinosa to the crime after recovering the witness’s cell phone in close proximity to the crash and attack site. Law enforcement later traced the device’s ownership to the shared residence of Espinosa and the witness in Lords Bank. The witness fully cooperated with authorities throughout the investigation and has not faced any charges connected to Banks’ killing, while Espinosa was taken into custody and formally charged with murder.

    Breaking with the common practice of defendants declining to testify, Espinosa took the witness stand in his own defense to deny any role in the killing. He told the court that he was at his own home at the time of the shooting, maintaining his complete innocence in the case. After both the prosecution and defense delivered their final closing arguments summarizing their positions, Justice Pilgrim adjourned the trial and scheduled the delivery of the final verdict for two weeks after the hearing, on July 31.

  • Derde helft WK 2026: Messi en Argentinië tegen Yamal en Spanje

    Derde helft WK 2026: Messi en Argentinië tegen Yamal en Spanje

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to deliver one of its most anticipated finals in history on July 19, as two contrasting powerhouses of modern football go head-to-head at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium: defending champion Argentina, led by global icon Lionel Messi, will bring its free-flowing attacking firepower against Spain, a tactically sharp defensive juggernaut captained by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

    This match carries historic stakes for Argentina, which already claims three World Cup titles. A victory would make it the first nation to win back-to-back World Cup crowns since Brazil achieved the feat in 1958 and 1962, cementing its place among the greatest international teams of all time. Through seven consecutive wins en route to the final, Argentina has already proven its offensive dominance, racking up a tournament-high 19 goals, outscoring every other side by a wide margin. Its unbroken 13-match World Cup winning streak, dating back to its opening loss to Saudi Arabia in 2022, underscores the team’s relentless momentum heading into the title decider.

    Standing in Argentina’s path is Spain, the current European champion and second-ranked team in the FIFA global rankings, which has built its tournament run on a foundation of almost unbreakable defense. Through seven unbeaten matches (six wins and one draw), Spain has conceded just one single goal across the entire competition, making it the tightest defensive unit in this 48-nation expanded tournament. The side has already dispatched elite European competitors France and Portugal to earn its place in the final, stretching its overall unbeaten streak across all international matches to an extraordinary 37 games — its last defeat came against Colombia in March 2024.

    Beyond the clash of playing styles — all-out attacking spectacle against disciplined tactical defensive solidity — this final also represents a symbolic meeting of football’s present and future. What makes the matchup even more compelling is the decades-old personal connection between the two team leaders: when Yamal was an infant, he was photographed alongside Messi as part of a UNICEF campaign, a full 20 years before the pair would meet on the sport’s biggest global stage.

    The historic match will kick off at 16:00 local time inside MetLife Stadium, which holds 82,500 spectators, and will feature a first-of-its-kind halftime show modeled on the popular spectacle of the NFL’s Super Bowl. The 11-minute performance, which could be extended to 30 minutes, will feature global pop superstars Madonna and Justin Bieber. U.S. President Donald Trump will also attend the match and present the World Cup trophy to the winning side, elevating the event beyond a simple sports competition to a major global cultural spectacle.

    To contextualize both teams’ roads to the final:
    Argentina has recorded seven wins from seven matches, scoring 19 goals and conceding seven. Its group stage run included victories over Algeria (3-0), Austria (2-0), and Jordan (3-1). In the knockout rounds, it edged past Cape Verde (3-2), Egypt (3-2), Switzerland (3-1), and England (2-1) to secure its final spot.
    Spain enters the final unbeaten, with six wins and one draw from seven matches, scoring 13 goals and conceding just one. It opened the tournament with a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, followed by a 4-0 rout of Saudi Arabia and a 1-0 win over Uruguay in the group stage. Knockout wins over Austria (3-0), Portugal (1-0), Belgium (2-1), and France (2-0) sealed its place in the title match.

    This 2026 World Cup final, the first of the expanded 48-team format hosted across three North American nations, marks a clear milestone in the evolution of global men’s football. For Argentina, a win would not only etch the nation into World Cup history books but also reinforce Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest players to ever step onto the pitch. For Spain, a victory would validate its long-standing focus on tactical discipline and defensive excellence, while showcasing the potential of the next generation of football talent led by the young Yamal. The symbolic narrative of two connected figures from different generations meeting for football’s biggest prize reminds audiences worldwide that football is far more than a game: it is a shared, universal language that connects generations, continents, and cultures. As the sport looks ahead to the 2030 World Cup co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, this final will stand as a defining celebration of the game’s past, present, and bright future, set to be remembered for decades as an iconic clash of football’s opposing, equally compelling strengths.

  • Heartfelt Tribute Honours Sir Garfield Sobers’ Enduring Legacy

    Heartfelt Tribute Honours Sir Garfield Sobers’ Enduring Legacy

    The global cricket community is mourning the loss of Sir Garfield Sobers, one of the most decorated all-round cricketers to ever step onto the pitch, as a new heartfelt tribute honors his decades-long impact on the sport and countless lives across the Caribbean and beyond.

    Widely celebrated as the crown jewel of West Indies cricket, Sir Garfield Sobers left an indelible mark that stretched far beyond his historic on-field achievements, according to the personal tribute shared this week. The author of the tribute, a former young cricketer who grew up inspired by Sobers, reflected on the transformative role the Sir Garfield Sobers International Under-19 Cricket Tournament played in their own athletic development. For emerging young talents across the globe, the tournament has long served as a critical launching pad, giving rising stars the competitive experience and exposure needed to advance their careers—an opportunity that would not have existed without Sobers’ commitment to nurturing the next generation.

    Beyond the structured tournament that carries his name, the tribute highlights the personal generosity and mentorship Sir Garfield extended to aspiring players over many decades. The author recounts how Sobers offered consistent personal encouragement, shared hard-earned wisdom about both cricket and life, and provided unwavering support at key moments, shaping their journey in ways that extended well beyond the boundary rope. That kindness, the tribute notes, remains a cherished core memory that continues to ground the author’s own work in cricket today.

    Framing Sir Garfield’s passing as the completion of his “final innings” after a full, extraordinary life, the tribute emphasizes that his legacy will not fade. It will live on in the hearts of Caribbean people who saw him as a source of regional pride, in the annals of world cricket that forever rank him among the sport’s greatest talents, and in every young player who steps onto the field inspired by his example.

    The tribute closes with formal condolences, extended to Sir Garfield Sobers’ immediate family, the government and people of his home nation Barbados, and cricket fans and loved ones around the world who are grieving the loss of a true sporting icon.

  • Director of Nursing Honored for 42 Years of Service at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre

    Director of Nursing Honored for 42 Years of Service at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre

    At a time when healthcare systems around the globe continue to recognize the irreplaceable contributions of frontline medical staff, Antigua and Barbuda’s Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has shone a spotlight on one of its most long-serving and dedicated team members. Director of Nursing Jacqueline JnoBaptiste is being celebrated for marking an extraordinary 42 years of continuous service in the nursing profession, a career that has touched thousands of patient lives and shaped the standard of care at the leading national medical facility.

    The institution’s official recognition highlights the core values that have defined JnoBaptiste’s decades-long career: unwavering dedication to patient welfare, deep-seated compassion for every person under her care, and a consistent drive to elevate the quality of healthcare and public services delivered to local communities across Antigua and Barbuda. Unlike many professionals who shift careers over a 40-year period, JnoBaptiste has remained rooted in nursing, growing her expertise and taking on increasing levels of responsibility throughout her tenure.

    Today, JnoBaptiste holds the senior leadership position of Director of Nursing, where she oversees all nursing operations at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, guiding a large team of nurses and shaping clinical care protocols for the facility. In its formal statement recognizing JnoBaptiste’s service milestone, the medical centre extended warm congratulations to the veteran nursing leader, emphasizing that her decades of work have left a lasting, positive mark not only on patient outcomes at the hospital but also on the broader healthcare profession across the twin-island nation.

  • New Police Officers Told Every Traffic Stop and Every Investigation Matters

    New Police Officers Told Every Traffic Stop and Every Investigation Matters

    On Thursday, July 16, 2026, Antigua and Barbuda marked a key milestone for its law enforcement community with the passing out parade for the Royal Police Force’s 50th Recruit Training Course. During the official graduation ceremony, Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin delivered a keynote address that centered on the profound impact of everyday policing decisions and the critical responsibility that comes with serving the public.

    Benjamin told the newly minted officers that every routine action they take – from responding to resident complaints to pulling over motorists during traffic stops and leading criminal probes – directly shapes how the public views and trusts the entire Royal Police Force. He emphasized that policing is far more than a routine role focused solely on enforcing national and local laws; instead, it requires consistent, respectful service to every member of the community, regardless of background. Every single interaction between an officer and a citizen, he noted, leaves a lasting impression that can either strengthen or erode public confidence over time.

    “There are no shortcuts to delivering high-quality, ethical service to the Antiguan and Barbudan public,” Benjamin told the graduating class. “Every complaint demands thorough, professional investigation, conducted with unwavering respect for the rights and inherent dignity of every person involved.”

    The Attorney General stressed that the legal authority new officers gain with their graduation comes hand-in-hand with profound personal and professional responsibility. “Today, you are not just leaving here with a certificate confirming you completed your training,” he said. “You are accepting a sacred public trust. From this day forward, you are the guardians of the law, the protectors of vulnerable community members, and the public face – the ambassadors – of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.”

    Benjamin also pushed back against the idea that policing can be treated as a standard 9-to-5 occupation. “Policing is never just an eight-hour job,” he explained. “It is not a career for people who only watch the clock or count down to their next paycheck. It demands commitment beyond scheduled shifts.”

    He encouraged the new recruits to cultivate consistent traits of dependability, courtesy, and calm resilience, even when facing high-stakes, volatile scenarios. The force, he argued, urgently needs officers who can retain their professional bearing and empathy when confronting adversity. “We need men and women who show up reliably, treat all people with courtesy and politeness, and remain sensitive to the needs of community members who are struggling,” Benjamin said. “We need people who can hold their composure and stay true to professional standards, even when the situation pushes them to their limits.”

    Beyond addressing the graduating officers, Benjamin also issued a call to senior leadership and experienced personnel within the Royal Police Force, urging them to take an active role in mentoring the new recruits. He noted that experienced officers carry a formal responsibility to provide clear leadership and steady guidance as the new graduates transition from training to active frontline duty. “These new officers need your support and guidance to build successful, long careers in law enforcement,” he said. “It is your responsibility to lead by example and make sure they do not lose their way as they adjust to the realities of policing work.”

    The ceremony itself capped off the 50th iteration of the force’s recruit training program, welcoming a cohort of new officers to fill active service roles across Antigua and Barbuda, and reinforcing the force’s ongoing commitment to upholding professional, public-centered policing.

  • Magnitude 3.2 Earthquake Reported Near Dominica

    Magnitude 3.2 Earthquake Reported Near Dominica

    A light magnitude 3.2 earthquake shook areas near the Caribbean island nation of Dominica in the early hours of Friday, July 17, regional seismic monitors have confirmed. According to the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWI SRC), the tremor hit at 4:51 a.m. local time, which translates to 08:51 UTC, with its epicenter tracked to coordinates 15.26°N latitude and 61.33°W longitude. The geological event originated at a particularly shallow depth of just 5 kilometers below the Earth’s surface.

    Due to the quake’s proximity to populated areas and shallow subsurface origin, the tremor was detectable and felt by local residents. UWI SRC confirms that seismic technicians manually reviewed the event data to verify its location, magnitude, and depth before issuing the public notice. As of the latest updates from local authorities, there have been no immediate reports of structural damage, injuries, or casualties connected to the earthquake.

    In a public call for citizen science participation, the UWI SRC is urging all Dominicans who felt the shaking to submit their personal observations via the center’s official felt report system. This crowdsourced data plays a critical role in helping seismologists refine their understanding of how the earthquake propagated through local geology and what impacts it had across different communities.

    Geographically, Dominica sits within the highly seismically active eastern Caribbean zone, a region shaped by the constant movement and interaction of tectonic plates beneath the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. This tectonic activity makes small, light earthquake events relatively common along the island chain, with most posing minimal risk to infrastructure or public safety.

  • Barbados declares national mourning as Sir Gary to receive State Funeral

    Barbados declares national mourning as Sir Gary to receive State Funeral

    The Caribbean nation of Barbados has entered a period of national grief following the death of Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers, one of its most revered national heroes and the greatest cricket players to ever grace the sport. In an official national address delivered on Friday, July 17, Prime Minister Mia Mottley confirmed the passing of the icon, universally known to fans and loved ones as Sir Gary, and outlined official plans to honor his extraordinary life and legacy.

    Per the government’s official proclamation, July 17 has been formally designated as the first Day of National Mourning. A second national day of remembrance will be held on the date of Sir Garfield Sobers’ interment, with all official government functions canceled across both days to allow the nation to pause and pay tribute. In addition, Mottley ordered that the national flag of Barbados be lowered to half-staff effective immediately, and it will remain at half-staff through the date of the funeral and burial.

    To ensure the ceremony honors Sobers’ standing as a national icon, the Prime Minister announced that Senator Lisa Cummins has been appointed to lead coordination of the state-level funeral, working in close partnership with the Barbados Cabinet Office and the Barbados Defence Force. Mottley confirmed that additional details regarding the exact date, venue and full arrangements for the state funeral will be released to the public in due course by Cummins’ coordination team.

    Opening her address, Mottley framed the moment as a solemn hour not only for Barbados, but for the entire Caribbean region and the global cricket community. “It is with profound sadness that I now advise the people of Barbados, the region and the wider cricketing world of the passing of The Right Excellent Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers, our beloved Sir Gary,” she said.

    On behalf of the government and people of Barbados, the Prime Minister extended formal condolences to Sobers’ entire family, including his three children Matthew, Daniel and Genevieve, stepchildren Stuart and Trisha, his grandchildren, former wife Prue, brother Cecil, as well as his extended network of friends, colleagues and millions of admirers across the globe.

    In closing her emotional tribute, Mottley paid homage to Sobers’ indelible impact on his home nation and the world of sport. “Sir Gary, Barbados stands for you. The West Indies stands for you. The world stands for you,” she said. “For an innings that was so well played, Sir Gary, so well played. We will always love you.”

  • Regional Officers Complete Close Protection Training in Antigua Ahead of CHOGM

    Regional Officers Complete Close Protection Training in Antigua Ahead of CHOGM

    A cohort of cross-agency and regional law enforcement personnel has wrapped up a rigorous two-week Close Protection Officer (CPO) training course hosted at the Sir Wright F. George Police Academy, marking a key milestone in security preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and other high-stakes national events across the region. The training initiative was developed and delivered in close partnership with the Regional Security System (RSS), a regional security coordination body that supports Caribbean nations in addressing shared public safety and security challenges. Unlike standard local training programs, this course brought together a diverse group of security professionals from multiple jurisdictions and agencies, blending local expertise with regional experience to standardize best practices for close protection operations. Participants included officers from Antigua and Barbuda’s core security agencies: the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, the national Immigration Department, and the Customs Department. They were joined by law enforcement personnel from six other Caribbean nations: Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, creating a collaborative learning environment that crossed national borders. Over the 14-day intensive program, attendees built on their existing security knowledge and refined hands-on practical skills critical to elite close protection work. Trainees covered core competencies ranging from threat assessment and route planning to emergency response protocols, all tailored to the specific security demands of protecting high-profile dignitaries and other at-risk protected persons during large international summits. Beyond technical skill building, the course delivered a secondary, equally important benefit: it deepened established regional partnerships and fostered closer working relationships between security agencies across the Caribbean. By training side-by-side, officers from different nations built personal connections and aligned on operational protocols that will streamline cooperation during cross-border security operations for major events. In a formal statement following the course’s conclusion, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda issued a public expression of gratitude to the RSS for its partnership in developing and delivering the program, as well as to the participating instructors and all attending officers for their dedication to raising regional security standards. “Together, we continue to build a safer and more secure Caribbean,” the force emphasized in its closing statement, underlining the shared regional commitment to proactively preparing for major events and addressing evolving security challenges across the bloc.

  • Corinth Secondary cricket back from rewarding Trinidad tour

    Corinth Secondary cricket back from rewarding Trinidad tour

    A group of young cricketers from St Lucia’s Corinth Secondary School have returned home celebrating a landmark developmental tour of Trinidad & Tobago, where they competed against two local cricket academies and gained invaluable cross-regional match experience that will shape their growth in the sport. The tour ended with an even overall record: two wins in 50-over format play, and two losses in the shorter T20 segment of the trip, with one scheduled fixture falling to inclement weather.

    The team’s first 50-over clash against AK Cricket Academy got the tour off to a dominant start. AK Cricket Academy was bowled out for just 168 runs in 37 overs, driven by standout bowling performances from Jean Claude Emmanuel, who claimed 4 wickets while conceding only 23 runs. Neil Poyotte added 2 wickets for 37 runs, and all-rounder Daniel Lorde picked up 2 wickets for 27 runs to wrap up the batting innings. Corinth chased down the required target with 18 full overs remaining, anchored by Lorde’s 53-run knock and Emmanuel’s solid 44 runs to secure a comfortable first win.

    Corinth carried their 50-over momentum into the second match to claim the series against AK Cricket Academy. AK posted a stronger total of 260 runs in 45 overs this round, but Corinth’s bowling attack once again stepped up to contain the opposition. Poyotte led the attack with 4 wickets for 24 runs, Lorde took 3 wickets for 57 runs, and Ethan St Marthe claimed 3 wickets for just 29 runs to limit AK’s scoring. The Corinth batsmen delivered again, chasing down the 261-run target in 41 overs to finish at 262 for 8. Emmanuel anchored the run chase with an impressive unbeaten century of 106 runs, with supporting scores from Lorde (32), Kaleb Charles (30) and Zidane Wilson (20) sealing the victory.

    A third 50-over fixture scheduled against the Aranguez Under-19 Cricket Team was ultimately canceled due to uncooperative bad weather, cutting short one planned opportunity for the young squad. Moving on to the T20 segment of the tour, Corinth faced off against the Keston Lewis Cricket Academy, where the home side claimed victory in both shortened-format matches. Despite the two losses, Corinth’s bowlers turned in strong performances: St Marthe claimed 3 wickets for 34 runs, Charles took 3 wickets for just 21 runs, and Poyotte finished with 2 wickets for 19 runs against the experienced local side.

    Even with the mixed win-loss record, head coach Kwame Joseph framed the entire tour as a resounding success for the developing program, emphasizing that the core goal of the trip was not just winning matches, but giving young players exposure to high-level regional cricket. Speaking to local outlet St Lucia Times, Joseph highlighted the unique growth opportunities the tour provided. “It was a very exciting and informative trip for the players. They were exposed to different conditions, different pitches, and I think they really enjoyed it,” he said.

    Joseph added that competing against Trinidadian players gave his squad critical insight into refining their approach to the longer 50-over format, helping them build the temperament and strategic thinking needed to construct consistent innings. The coach also credited the widespread community support that made the tour possible, noting that the parent committee led multiple fundraisers to collect all the necessary funds for the trip, while local businesses in the Corinth area also contributed to make the cross-regional tour a reality.

    Looking ahead, Joseph has already set his sights on the next adventure for the Corinth Secondary School cricket program, with plans to tour Guyana in 2027. He expressed hope that the Trinidad & Tobago tour is just the first of many developmental opportunities for the school’s young cricketers, as the squad continues to build skill and gain experience competing against top young talent across the Caribbean.