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  • CARICOM praises regional nursing leadership amid post‑hurricane challenges

    CARICOM praises regional nursing leadership amid post‑hurricane challenges

    Amidst a landscape shaped by natural disasters, workforce shortages, and mounting public health challenges, Caribbean nursing leaders have demonstrated remarkable resilience in advancing the region’s healthcare agenda. The Regional Nursing Body (RNB) commenced its pivotal four-day assembly in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, on March 23, 2026, bringing together executive, education, and practice committees to address critical healthcare priorities.

    Helen Royer, Director of Human Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, opened the proceedings by acknowledging the extraordinary contributions of nursing professionals during the devastating Hurricane Melissa. Their rapid mobilization and unwavering dedication, she emphasized, exemplified the strength of the Caribbean’s healthcare workforce during times of unprecedented crisis.

    The meeting highlighted significant achievements from the previous year, including the successful implementation of the Japan-supported assessment of the CXC-managed Regional Examination for Nurse Registration. Substantial progress was also reported in developing a Draft Strategic Framework to guide the RNB’s 2026–2035 Strategic Plan, alongside advancements in harmonizing education, practice, and regulatory standards for midwives across CARICOM member states.

    Despite these accomplishments, delegates confronted persistent challenges including demographic shifts, the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, and the ongoing impact of health professional migration. The meeting agenda focused on strategic responses to these issues, particularly exploring the expanded role of Advanced Practice Nurses in managing NCDs and mental health conditions. Additional priorities included developing innovative strategies to address workforce shortages, enhancing educator capacity through international partnerships, and establishing ethical mobility mechanisms for health professionals during emergencies.

    The CARICOM Secretariat expressed confidence that these deliberations would contribute to building a more resilient, responsive, and unified regional nursing sector, ultimately supporting universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goals across the Caribbean region.

  • Inflatie stijgt naar 10,8%: prijzen licht omhoog in februari

    Inflatie stijgt naar 10,8%: prijzen licht omhoog in februari

    The General Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released preliminary data indicating a significant inflationary surge, with consumer prices climbing to 10.8% year-over-year in February 2026. Month-over-month analysis reveals a more modest increase of 0.2% compared to January 2026 figures.

    While the monthly growth rate appears contained, annual price pressures remain substantial, indicating consumers are paying approximately ten percent more for goods and services compared to the same period last year. The Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks price movements across a basket of goods and services, demonstrates considerable variation across different economic sectors.

    Notably, the ABS report reveals critical data gaps in Marowijne, Brokopondo, and Sipaliwini regions where price monitoring is not conducted, potentially distorting the accurate assessment of actual inflation impacts across the nation.

    February witnessed extreme price volatility at the product level, with individual items experiencing both dramatic decreases (up to 36%) and extraordinary increases (reaching 600%). This disparity highlights how aggregate inflation figures represent averages that may not reflect individual consumer experiences.

    The situation appears to have intensified in March with fuel price hikes triggering substantial increases across goods and services. Complete data for March’s inflationary trends will become available by late April, providing a more comprehensive picture of the ongoing economic pressures.

  • Electoral Commission Publishes Full List of Registration Sites and Opening Hours

    Electoral Commission Publishes Full List of Registration Sites and Opening Hours

    The Antigua & Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) has launched a nationwide voter registration initiative, establishing a comprehensive network of registration units across all constituencies to facilitate democratic participation. This strategic deployment ensures accessibility for citizens throughout the twin-island nation.

    In St. John’s urban areas, registration services are centralized at key locations: Villa Primary School serves St. John’s City West, while the Central Registration Unit on Factory Road accommodates both St. John’s City East and City South constituencies. Rural constituencies surrounding the capital benefit from diverse venues including the Multipurpose Cultural & Exhibition Centre (Rural West), Noel Nyah Roberts Sports Complex (Rural South), Chaia’s Building opposite the Lions Den (Rural East), and Yorks Community Centre (Rural North).

    Beyond the capital region, registration facilities span the entire country: St. Mary’s North utilizes the Former Christian Faith Academy on Valley Road, while St. Mary’s South operates from Turner’s Apartments in Bolans. All Saints East & St. Luke constituents can register at the Roman Catholic Church Hall on Roman Hill, with All Saints West utilizing the Former Community Access Centre.

    Additional constituencies feature strategically chosen locations: St. George at Potters Village, St. Peter at Precision Centre in Paynters, St. Philip North at Glanvilles Community Centre, and St. Philip South at the St. Philip Post Office. St. Paul residents will register at the Former Real Local Art Gallery on Horsford Hill, while Barbudans are served at the Low School on the sister island.

    The Commission has established extended operating hours to maximize accessibility, maintaining weekday operations from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM and weekend hours from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM until further notice. This schedule accommodates both traditional and non-traditional work hours, ensuring broad demographic access.

    The ABEC, headquartered on Queen Elizabeth Highway in St. John’s, encourages all eligible citizens to complete their registration promptly. Further information is available through their official communication channels and website at www.abec.gov.ag.

  • Barbados Port Inc. wins OAS award

    Barbados Port Inc. wins OAS award

    Barbados Port Inc. (BPI) has secured the coveted CIP Maritime Award of the Americas for Digital Transformation, a prestigious honor administered by the Secretariat of the Inter-American Committee on Ports (CIP) of the Organization of American States (OAS). The recognition celebrates BPI’s groundbreaking development and implementation of an innovative Port Community System (PCS), marking a significant milestone in Caribbean maritime digitalization.

    Engineered internally by the port’s Digital Innovation and Development team, the PCS represents the most substantial digital advancement in the port’s history. Launched at the beginning of 2025, the system has revolutionized port operations through enhanced data exchange protocols and superior coordination among all port stakeholders. The comprehensive platform serves as a unified access point for multiple critical functions including real-time cargo and vessel tracking, digital processing of manifests and delivery orders, and electronic payment systems.

    A key component, the national Maritime Single Window, enables seamless electronic information exchange between ships and port authorities, while the integrated Trade Information Portal provides vital trade-related data to streamline business processes and ensure compliance with both national and international trade regulations. These innovations have collectively driven substantial improvements in overall port efficiency and service quality.

    BPI Chief Executive Officer David Jean-Marie praised his team’s achievement, stating: ‘We are immensely proud of activating this sophisticated digital platform. The system significantly enhances trade facilitation, operational efficiency, and supply chain transparency while strengthening our port’s competitiveness and sustainability within the Caribbean maritime sector.’

    The digital transformation has yielded remarkable results, eliminating the previous requirement for approximately 52 separate paper documents across customs, immigration, port health, and vessel agent operations. Online payments now constitute over 80% of all financial transactions conducted through the port. BPI continues to enhance the PCS and develop additional digital tools to further improve service delivery.

    The CIP Maritime Award of the Americas, now in its twelfth edition with the theme ‘Recognising Outstanding Port Management,’ received 30 submissions from 11 countries across the Americas. The jury committee selected winners based on rigorous criteria including verifiable performance indicators, exceptional operational achievements, and clearly demonstrated objectives. The award recognizes excellence, innovation, leadership, sustainability, and replicability in port and maritime management across 34 OAS-CIP member states.

  • Life without reliable water in Monier

    Life without reliable water in Monier

    Nestled within the picturesque hills of Monier, Grand Rivière, the communities of Monier Terraces and Ma Kanna Heights present a deceptive facade of tranquility. Behind this serene exterior lies a persistent struggle for one of life’s most basic necessities: reliable access to clean water. Residents of these elevated neighborhoods have developed complex survival strategies amid what many describe as years of water scarcity and institutional neglect.

    The current dry season has exacerbated an already critical situation, with some households reporting complete absence of piped water for periods exceeding one month. The Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) acknowledges the particular challenges facing high-elevation homes, where water pressure deficiencies prevent consistent distribution. When service resumes after interruptions, lower-elevation residents typically consume available resources through intensive usage like laundry and tank-filling, leaving uphill communities without adequate supply.

    Canice John, a property owner in Ma Kanna Heights who accommodates five tenant families, illustrates the practical difficulties: “I notify tenants when tanks are full, but WASCO frequently cuts supply immediately after everyone begins washing.” His solution has been progressive investment in storage infrastructure, now totaling four tanks with 2,600-gallon capacity and plans for additional units.

    The water distribution pattern reveals puzzling inconsistencies, with adjacent households sometimes receiving completely different service levels. One resident noted, “We received water two days ago, but most neighbors appear to be on a different connection—probably from Hill 20.”

    While some residents resort to collecting water from rivers or workplace taps, those who can afford it invest increasingly in private water storage systems. Christopher Alexander, another long-term resident, has installed multiple tanks including a 1,000-gallon rainwater collection unit. He identifies uncontrolled development as compounding pressure on already strained infrastructure: “When building houses now, there should be certain planning prerequisites.”

    Despite government promises regarding pipeline improvements and rainwater harvesting initiatives, residents report receiving only “general bulletins” without area-specific solutions. WASCO offered no response regarding network improvements or long-term plans for Monier prior to publication.

    The community’s adaptation efforts face practical constraints—modern architectural designs often complicate rainwater harvesting, while narrow, unpaved roads prevent water truck access for many households. What emerges is a portrait of resilience amid systemic failure, with residents developing increasingly sophisticated coping mechanisms while awaiting meaningful institutional intervention.

  • Dominica strengthens marine protection framework as new research highlights global importance of local sperm whale habitat

    Dominica strengthens marine protection framework as new research highlights global importance of local sperm whale habitat

    In a landmark move for marine conservation, the Caribbean nation of Dominica has formally established the world’s first Sperm Whale Reserve through the creation of a dedicated governance board and operational team. The decision, approved by Cabinet on March 24th, represents a comprehensive implementation of the Sperm Whale Reserve Act designed to protect one of the ocean’s most intelligent creatures.

    The newly formed Sperm Whale Reserve Board will provide strategic oversight, policy direction, and governance framework for managing the protected marine area. This governing body will guide conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding sperm whale populations while ensuring sustainable use of marine resources within the designated reserve.

    Complementing the board’s establishment, Cabinet approved the creation of two critical operational positions: Chief Sperm Whale Reserve Officer and Sperm Whale Reserve Rangers. The Chief Officer will coordinate all reserve activities, while the Rangers will conduct monitoring, enforcement, surveillance, and public education programs to ensure compliance with conservation regulations.

    This conservation initiative comes at a pivotal moment as international scientific research continues to highlight Dominica’s exceptional role in sperm whale preservation. A groundbreaking study by Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative) documented one of the most comprehensive recordings of a sperm whale birth ever captured, which occurred off Dominica’s coast on July 8, 2023. Using drone footage, underwater audio, and behavioral observations, researchers captured rare cooperative behavior among 11 whales assisting a newborn calf—the most extensive natural record of any cetacean birth to date.

    Dominica’s waters host one of the world’s most studied and socially stable sperm whale family units, making the island a globally significant site for understanding whale communication, behavior, and evolution. Dominican researchers played crucial roles in the international study, with findings underscoring both the ecological importance of the island’s marine environment and the necessity of long-term conservation measures.

    Government officials emphasize that the reserve’s establishment aligns with Dominica’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainable development, and climate resilience. The initiative positions the island nation as a leader in marine conservation at a time when scientific evidence increasingly demonstrates the global value of its unique marine ecosystems.

  • Trevor Walker says he expects increased margin of votes in the next general election

    Trevor Walker says he expects increased margin of votes in the next general election

    In a striking display of political confidence, candidate Trevor Walker has publicly projected a significantly expanded victory margin for himself in the approaching general election. This bold forecast suggests a substantial shift in voter sentiment compared to previous electoral outcomes. Political analysts are now examining whether this prediction reflects internal polling data, changing demographic patterns, or response to recent policy initiatives. The statement comes at a critical juncture in the election cycle, potentially aiming to influence both undecided voters and campaign donors. Walker’s declaration may represent a strategic attempt to project an aura of inevitability around his candidacy, though opponents have been quick to dismiss it as premature overconfidence. The actual voting margin will ultimately depend on numerous factors including campaign performance, public debates, and evolving voter priorities in the remaining campaign period.

  • WATCH: PM Tells Opposition “Get Your Act Together” Ahead of Election Date

    WATCH: PM Tells Opposition “Get Your Act Together” Ahead of Election Date

    In a striking pre-election confrontation, the Prime Minister has issued a blunt directive to opposition parties, urging them to ‘get your act together’ as the nation approaches a pivotal electoral contest. The commanding statement, captured on video and rapidly circulating across media platforms, signals an intensification of political hostilities during this critical campaign period.

    The Prime Minister’s admonition reflects mounting governmental frustration with what it characterizes as disorganized opposition strategies. This public chastisement represents an unusual departure from conventional political discourse, suggesting a calculated attempt to frame opponents as unprepared for national leadership responsibilities.

    Political analysts interpret this development as a strategic maneuver to dominate the pre-election narrative by questioning opposition competence rather than engaging in policy debates. The timing appears deliberately chosen to maximize media impact during a period when undecided voters begin evaluating their electoral options.

    The unusually direct language potentially establishes a confrontational tone for the remaining campaign cycle, possibly indicating the governing party’s confidence in its electoral position. This approach risks galvanizing opposition support while simultaneously appealing to voters seeking decisive leadership.

    Historical context reveals that such direct confrontations typically occur when governing parties perceive advantage in highlighting comparative stability against what they portray as opposition disarray. The statement’s delivery style suggests careful orchestration for maximum rhetorical impact and media amplification.

    This political theater unfolds as election authorities finalize logistical preparations for the forthcoming national vote, with all parties accelerating their campaign activities across the country. The Prime Minister’s challenge will likely trigger counter-responses that could define the campaign’s final phase dynamics.

  • DNA to sit out snap general election

    DNA to sit out snap general election

    In a significant political development, the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) has announced it will not participate in the impending snap general election anticipated to be called within the next three months. The party’s management committee reached a unanimous decision to abstain from the electoral contest, marking a pivotal moment for the nation’s political landscape.

    Established in April 2017 amid factional disputes within the United Progressive Party (UPP) following their 2014 electoral setback, the DNA has consistently confronted allegations of being engineered to fragment opposition voting blocs. This perception was bolstered by its founding membership, which comprised numerous former UPP officials. The party’s electoral track record has failed to dispel these criticisms, suffering a particularly devastating performance in the 2023 general election that precipitated the resignation of a majority of its candidates.

    Under the leadership of former Member of Parliament and Senator Joanne Massiah, the DNA issued a concise official statement urging all electoral participants to operate within legal boundaries while advocating for elections that are ‘free and fair, and free from fear.’ Despite its withdrawal, the party reaffirmed its dedication to contributing to Antigua and Barbuda’s sustained national development and expressed gratitude to its members and supporters for their ‘unwavering support’ throughout its challenging history.

  • JCI Antigua Hosts 5th Annual Recycle and Create Competition in Observance of National Recycling Day

    JCI Antigua Hosts 5th Annual Recycle and Create Competition in Observance of National Recycling Day

    Antigua’s Multipurpose Cultural Centre became a hub of youthful environmental innovation on March 24th as JCI Antigua hosted its fifth annual Recycle and Create Competition in honor of National Recycling Day. The event showcased exceptional creativity from over 28 participants representing multiple schools across the island, who transformed discarded materials into purposeful artworks and functional creations.

    JCI Antigua President Collet Gordon addressed the gathering with enthusiastic praise for the competitors, noting their demonstrated commitment to sustainable practices. ‘The visionary concepts and executed projects displayed here today confirm that our younger generation recognizes their environmental responsibility and possesses the willingness to champion meaningful change,’ Gordon stated. ‘By converting waste materials into valuable creations, these students are fundamentally reshaping perspectives on consumption patterns, conservation ethics, and community engagement.’

    The competition has established itself as a significant platform for promoting environmental consciousness among youth while encouraging creative problem-solving. This year’s award recipients included: Shemarie Williams from Pares Primary School (1st Place), Tareas Joseph representing Liberta Primary School (2nd Place), and K’Nizia Thomas of Old Road Primary School (3rd Place).

    JCI Antigua extended gratitude to the Ministry of Education, sponsoring organizations, collaborative partners, supporting entities, participating educational institutions, and all contributors who facilitated the event’s success. Through initiatives like the Recycle and Create Competition, the organization reaffirms its dedication to empowering Antigua and Barbuda’s youth, cultivating innovation, and advancing environmental stewardship throughout the community.