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  • Construction Begins on Five Islands Primary School, Says Education Minister

    Construction Begins on Five Islands Primary School, Says Education Minister

    The Five Islands region has officially commenced construction on a new primary school, marking a significant milestone in educational infrastructure development. Education Minister Daryll Matthew announced the project’s initiation, characterizing it as a pivotal advancement for both education and community expansion in the area.

    Minister Matthew emphasized that this undertaking represents a substantial commitment to enhancing educational facilities while simultaneously addressing the needs of a rapidly developing community. “Construction has officially begun on the Five Islands Primary School, marking another major step forward for education and community development in the Five Islands area,” Matthew stated during the announcement.

    The project emerges as a direct response to increased developmental activity and population growth observed in the Five Islands vicinity in recent years. Education officials indicate the new institution will serve families within the core community and surrounding neighborhoods, providing modernized facilities designed to enhance student learning experiences.

    Visible construction activity is already transforming the project site, with preliminary stages including land clearing and foundation work currently underway. The development forms part of a broader governmental investment strategy targeting comprehensive infrastructure improvement and community development initiatives across the region.

  • Olieprijs schiet boven US$ 119 door oorlog in het Midden-Oosten

    Olieprijs schiet boven US$ 119 door oorlog in het Midden-Oosten

    Global oil markets experienced unprecedented volatility on Monday as Brent crude prices surged to $119.50 per barrel, marking the highest level since 2022 and recording the largest single-day price increase in history. The dramatic price movement stems from escalating military conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran that have severely disrupted oil production and transportation infrastructure across the Middle East.

    The crisis has been particularly amplified by effective closures of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint that normally facilitates approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Simultaneously, production declines across major oil-producing nations have compounded supply concerns. Iraq has reported approximately 70% production decreases from key oil fields as storage facilities reached maximum capacity, while Kuwait has announced temporary production reductions and delivery suspensions.

    Market analysts anticipate that major producers including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates may implement additional production cuts as storage capacities face increasing strain. The geopolitical landscape further intensified following the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new supreme leader after the death of his father, signaling continued hardline control in Tehran during ongoing regional conflicts.

    Global economic repercussions are already materializing, with U.S. gasoline prices reaching approximately $3.22 per gallon—the highest level in years. Economic experts warn that consumers and businesses face potentially prolonged periods of elevated fuel costs due to damaged infrastructure, disrupted logistics networks, and increased transportation risks, even if military conflicts see relatively swift resolution.

    International coordination efforts are underway to address mounting energy price pressures. Political leaders from G7 nations, including the United States and European members, are discussing potential releases from strategic petroleum reserves to stabilize markets. These developments underscore the continued vulnerability of global energy markets to Middle Eastern tensions, where substantial portions of worldwide oil production remain concentrated. Economists caution that prolonged conflict could trigger heightened inflationary pressures and additional strain on the global economic recovery.

  • New Grand Bay fire station to house 16 officers, La Plaine facility to be funded by US gov’t

    New Grand Bay fire station to house 16 officers, La Plaine facility to be funded by US gov’t

    The Commonwealth of Dominica is significantly enhancing its emergency response capabilities through a dual strategy of infrastructure development and equipment modernization. Rayburn Blackmoore, Minister for National Security, unveiled these advancements during a formal ceremony last week for the handover of two new fire trucks to the national Fire and Ambulance Service.

    A major pillar of this initiative is the construction of two new fire stations. Work is currently underway on a facility in Grand Bay, which is designed to accommodate a contingent of 16 fire officers and will be fully equipped with the necessary operational appliances. In a parallel development, Minister Blackmoore confirmed a collaborative project with the United States Government, which has provided funding for a new emergency services building in the village of La Plaine. The contractor for the La Plaine project has already begun mobilization, with physical construction slated to commence before the end of this month.

    Beyond infrastructure, the government is also investing in state-of-the-art mobile equipment. Minister Blackmoore revealed that an additional custom-built fire truck is currently in production. He highlighted the complexity and extended timeline of such manufacturing processes, noting that it typically requires over a year to complete a single vehicle. This new unit represents a substantial investment of approximately $1.5 million (USD). While initially scheduled for delivery to Dominica in April, the Minister indicated a potential short delay, advising that the truck may now arrive around a month later than planned due to minor setbacks in the production schedule.

  • Foreign Minister Greene Meets UK Minister Chris Elmore to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation Ahead of CHOGM 2026

    Foreign Minister Greene Meets UK Minister Chris Elmore to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation Ahead of CHOGM 2026

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Minister E.P. Chet Greene convened with UK Minister Chris Elmore during official proceedings in London, marking a pivotal step in bilateral cooperation ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026. The high-level discussion, occurring alongside Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Meeting activities, focused extensively on logistical and security preparations for the upcoming summit scheduled for November in St. John’s.

    Minister Greene formally acknowledged the United Kingdom’s existing contributions to security infrastructure and project management support, characterizing the assistance as instrumental to hosting preparations. The Foreign Minister articulated anticipation for welcoming Commonwealth leadership to Antigua and Barbuda, emphasizing the event’s potential to catalyze strengthened partnerships within the 56-nation alliance.

    In response, Minister Elmore, serving as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, guaranteed the UK’s sustained commitment to the event’s success. The dialogue explored possibilities for expanded technical and security assistance, with both parties expressing willingness to address emerging requirements as the November summit approaches.

    The officials reaffirmed the historical ties between their nations, dating back to Antigua and Barbuda’s independence from Britain in 1981, and committed to enhancing collaboration across mutual interests. Minister Greene highlighted CHOGM’s dual function as both a platform for national presentation and a catalyst for revitalized international relations within the Commonwealth framework.

    The London meeting formed part of Minister Greene’s broader diplomatic itinerary commemorating Commonwealth Day, underscoring the ongoing strategic dialogue between the two nations as they coordinate one of the most significant international gatherings in the Caribbean region for 2026.

  • Rihanna’s Beverly Hills home hit by gunfire, police say

    Rihanna’s Beverly Hills home hit by gunfire, police say

    In a startling security breach, the Beverly Hills residence of global music icon Rihanna became the target of a shooting incident on Sunday afternoon. According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 13:15 local time following reports of gunfire.

    Law enforcement officials confirmed to media outlets that the property belongs to the Barbadian superstar, born Robyn Fenty. Evidence collected at the location included shell casings from an assault rifle, indicating the severity of the weapon used in the attack.

    The suspect, identified as a woman in her thirties, allegedly fired seven rounds from a vehicle parked outside the gated property before fleeing the scene. Police successfully tracked the vehicle approximately eight miles from Rihanna’s home, where the suspect was apprehended and taken into custody without further incident.

    Crucially, no injuries were reported from the shooting. A law enforcement source revealed to the Los Angeles Times that Rihanna was present inside the mansion during the attack, heightening concerns about celebrity security in exclusive neighborhoods.

    The incident occurs during a particularly significant period for the artist. Recently celebrating the 20th anniversary of her debut album release, Rihanna has transitioned from music stardom to business mogul status with her wildly successful Fenty Beauty cosmetics line and lingerie company, amassing a billion-dollar fortune according to Forbes.

    This security scare follows previous legal challenges for the power couple. Just months earlier, Rihanna’s partner A$AP Rocky was acquitted of firearms charges in a separate case, during which Rihanna attended court proceedings with their children.

    The couple, who share three children including a daughter born last September, had publicly announced Rihanna’s latest pregnancy at the 2025 Met Gala. Police investigations continue as authorities work to determine the motive behind the targeted attack.

  • OP-ED: Is the region ready to consider the establishment of Petrocaricom? (SHRIDATH RAMPHAL CENTRE TRADING THOUGHTS)

    OP-ED: Is the region ready to consider the establishment of Petrocaricom? (SHRIDATH RAMPHAL CENTRE TRADING THOUGHTS)

    Energy security has reemerged as a critical priority for Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states, prompting calls for a consolidated regional approach to address growing vulnerabilities. Despite years of policy discussions aimed at developing secure, reliable, and affordable energy supplies, tangible outcomes remain limited across the region.

    The dissolution of Venezuela’s PetroCaribe initiative, established in 2005 under President Chavez, has created a significant energy void for Eastern Caribbean states. This program previously provided petroleum products under concessional financial terms, offering economic relief to small, open economies. Recent geopolitical shifts, including United States control over Venezuela’s petroleum resources, have exacerbated supply sustainability concerns, particularly for Eastern Caribbean nations.

    Dr. R. Mark Kirton, Director of the Centre for International and Border Studies in Guyana, proposes PetroCARICOM as a strategic regional mechanism to address these challenges. This initiative would leverage emerging regional energy producers, with Guyana as the leading oil producer and Suriname poised to become a near-future producer. Trinidad and Tobago’s existing refinery infrastructure at PetroTrin further enhances regional capacity potential.

    A strategically located refinery in Guyana represents a cornerstone proposal, capitalizing on proximity to Suriname’s oil fields and establishing a regional energy hub. This facility could process crude oil from both nations while creating a strategic regional energy reserve to mitigate supply disruptions during emergencies, natural disasters, or price volatility periods.

    The Caribbean Development Bank is suggested as the operational authority for a regional payment mechanism utilizing local currencies, adding financial integration to the energy cooperation framework. Such convergence around energy security could rekindle mutual trust, reduce regional fragmentation, and decrease dependence on international suppliers.

    Professor Justin Robinson’s recent commentary underscores the urgency, noting that ‘no one is coming to save us’ amid the ‘compound failure of a development model built on cushions that no longer exist.’ The PetroCARICOM proposal emerges as a potential catalyst for achieving strategic autonomy while honoring the integration vision of CARICOM’s founding leaders in 1973.

  • Pilgrim Urges Antiguans and Barbudans to “Embrace This Moment With Pride and Purpose” on Commonwealth Day

    Pilgrim Urges Antiguans and Barbudans to “Embrace This Moment With Pride and Purpose” on Commonwealth Day

    Antigua and Barbuda commemorated Commonwealth Day with heightened significance this year, as the dual-island nation undertakes preparations to host the prestigious Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2026. Dr. Clarence E. Pilgrim, Head of the CHOGM 2026 Taskforce, articulated the profound importance of this global observance during Monday’s ceremonies.

    In his official address, Dr. Pilgrim emphasized that Commonwealth Day celebrates the unique connective fabric linking nearly one-third of humanity across geographical and cultural boundaries. He highlighted the organization’s foundational commitment to peace through voluntary association, mutual respect, and collaborative governance. “At the very heart of the Commonwealth lies a fundamental and enduring principle: peace among nations,” Pilgrim stated, noting the association’s role as a forum where “dialogue prevails over division” and shared democratic values guide collective action.

    The 2026 CHOGM represents unprecedented scale for Antigua and Barbuda, marking the largest international conference ever hosted by the nation. The summit will convene government leaders, ministerial delegations, youth representatives, business executives, and civil society advocates from all 56 member states. Pilgrim characterized the event as both a monumental honor and strategic opportunity to position the country at the epicenter of Commonwealth diplomacy.

    Describing CHOGM 2026 as a historic chance to reinvigorate the organization, Pilgrim outlined ambitions to develop a renewed framework for cooperation, peacebuilding, and sustainable prosperity across member states. The meeting assumes particular importance amid growing pressures on global multilateral institutions, offering a platform to strengthen confidence in international partnerships.

    The Taskforce head issued a rallying cry to citizens and residents, urging patriotic engagement with the preparatory process. “The success of CHOGM will reflect the unity, professionalism and hospitality of our people,” he affirmed, framing the event as a nation-defining endeavor. The biennial summit, never before hosted by Antigua and Barbuda, serves as the principal gathering for addressing global challenges and development priorities within the Commonwealth framework.

  • U.S. National Arrested in Connection with Cannabis Importation

    U.S. National Arrested in Connection with Cannabis Importation

    A coordinated law enforcement operation at V.C. Bird International Airport resulted in the arrest of an American citizen for narcotics violations on Saturday, March 7th. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Fady Aziz Saloum from the United States, was apprehended during a multi-agency initiative involving the Narcotics Department, K-9 Unit, and Customs Enforcement Unit.

    The operation unfolded at approximately 4:30 p.m. when a trained detection canine alerted officers to a black suitcase belonging to Saloum, who had arrived in Antigua aboard United Airlines Flight 2020 originating from Pennsylvania. A subsequent search of the luggage revealed twenty-three individually wrapped cannabis joints and one blue zip-lock bag containing vegetable matter consistent with the appearance of marijuana.

    Law enforcement officials confiscated the substances and transported both the evidence and suspect to Police Headquarters for detailed investigation. The seized materials were later weighed and quantified as fifty-six grams of cannabis, with an estimated street value of EC$560.00.

    The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has emphasized its ongoing commitment to enhancing drug interdiction capabilities at all points of entry. Authorities reiterated that the importation and possession of controlled substances constitute serious criminal offenses under the nation’s legal framework, warning travelers of stringent enforcement measures.

  • US airports see long delays due to shutdown-linked staff shortages

    US airports see long delays due to shutdown-linked staff shortages

    A critical breakdown in airport security operations unfolded across the United States on Sunday, with security queues exceeding three hours at major hubs as the ongoing partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) triggered severe staffing shortages. The political impasse over federal immigration reform, which caused DHS funding to lapse in mid-February, has now directly impacted spring break travel, creating unprecedented delays for passengers nationwide.

    Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport experienced some of the most extreme disruptions, with TSA lines stretching beyond three hours and prompting official advisories for travelers to arrive four to five hours before scheduled departures. The airport administration issued a statement acknowledging the volatile situation, noting that ‘security operations may impact from one day – and even one shift to the next’ as federal workers grapple with uncertain pay and working conditions.

    The crisis extended to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, where security lines overflowed into parking structures, requiring seven circular queues before reaching screening areas. CNN affiliate WWL captured footage of the extensive delays, with passenger Gal Jurick describing the labyrinthine waiting process. Airport authorities confirmed the disruptions stemmed directly from ‘a shortage of workers at the security checkpoint’ caused by the partial federal shutdown.

    Similar scenes emerged at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Charlotte Douglas International, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, where photographs documented security queues extending beyond terminal buildings onto exterior pavements. The staffing crisis intensified as TSA employees received only partial compensation on February 28 and face their first completely missed paycheck on March 14.

    The political blame game escalated as DHS spokesperson Lauren Bis attributed the ‘chaos’ to Democratic lawmakers ‘holding spring break travel hostage for political points.’ Meanwhile, the department faces leadership transition following President Trump’s dismissal of Secretary Kristi Noem and the nomination of Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin as replacement effective March 31.

  • CBvS verwerkt activiteiten buitenlandse oliemaatschappijen in economische statistieken

    CBvS verwerkt activiteiten buitenlandse oliemaatschappijen in economische statistieken

    The Central Bank of Suriname (CBvS) has implemented a major statistical revision by incorporating foreign oil companies’ operations into the country’s external sector statistics. This strategic move aims to provide a more accurate representation of Suriname’s economic landscape as the offshore oil sector gains increasing importance for the nation’s development.

    The revision, applied retroactively from Q1 2021 through Q4 2025, was published on the central bank’s website in late February. CBvS officials emphasized the necessity of this adjustment given the substantial expansion of offshore oil activities in recent years, particularly following the investment decision for Block 58 in October 2024, which triggered significant foreign investments in production preparations.

    This statistical overhaul reveals profound impacts on key macroeconomic indicators. The current account deficit dramatically increased from $192 million to approximately $2.5 billion for 2025, primarily driven by oil companies’ intensive investment phase requiring substantial imports of technical, engineering, and construction services.

    Crucially, the expanded current account deficit is nearly entirely offset by foreign direct investments from parent companies into their Surinamese subsidiaries, reaching approximately $2 billion in 2025. According to the CBvS, this equilibrium means the higher deficits do not exert pressure on the country’s international reserves.

    The revised data also shows Suriname’s international investment position shifting from -$2.8 billion to -$6.6 billion as of December 2025, mainly due to increased direct investment liabilities. Additionally, the nation’s external debt position expanded by approximately 70% to $9.5 billion, incorporating $3.9 billion in foreign oil company debts.

    While international reserves remain unchanged, the import coverage ratio statistically declined from 7.1 months to 3.5 months due to increased service imports. The central bank clarified this represents a statistical effect rather than an actual reserve deterioration and will provide alternative calculations for policy analysis excluding oil company imports.

    The CBvS reports approximately 90% of active foreign oil companies now regularly submit data, enabling statistics that better align with international standards and creating a stronger foundation for economic analysis and policy formulation, particularly regarding the offshore oil sector’s continued development.