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  • Gov’t will enforce taxes, not raise them — PM

    Gov’t will enforce taxes, not raise them — PM

    Eight years after St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) first slid into a state of high risk of debt distress, the island nation’s newly elected government has laid out a balanced fiscal strategy that prioritizes strengthened tax enforcement over new tax hikes, paired with private sector-led growth and targeted debt restructuring to reverse the country’s strained fiscal position.

    Prime Minister and Finance Minister Godwin Friday outlined the administration’s approach during a joint press briefing with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Kingstown on Tuesday, held alongside the release of the IMF’s latest economic outlook for SVG. Friday, whose New Democratic Party (NDP) secured a landslide 14-1 victory over the long-ruling Unity Labour Party in the November 2025 general election, ended 25 years of opposition rule and inherited a daunting fiscal landscape: as of December 31, 2025, the country carries a total national debt of 3.5 billion Eastern Caribbean dollars, with a debt-to-GDP ratio hovering between 113% and 120% per World Bank data.

    Framing the government’s core revenue strategy, Friday emphasized systemic tax reform and modernization, with a near-term focus on closing compliance gaps rather than raising existing tax rates. “We’ve identified property tax enforcement as one of our key priority areas,” he explained, noting that current compliance rates for property taxes sit at just 20% — a figure he called shockingly low. “Simply making the existing system work, without changing rates or adding new financial burdens for taxpayers, will deliver significant revenue gains. That’s the approach we are adopting to strengthen our revenue position,” the prime minister said, adding that broader tax system modernization efforts are underway but declined to share further details.

    On the expenditure side, the administration plans to pursue targeted rationalization of large recurring spending items, including public sector wage bills, pension obligations, and government subsidies, while directing limited public resources toward high-impact productive investments to drive economic expansion. Friday highlighted agriculture, tourism, and the blue economy as key growth sectors, noting that tourism has already posted solid gains over the past two to three years, while the blue economy holds untapped transformative potential for the island nation.

    Against a backdrop of limited fiscal space that rules out large-scale public-led investment, Friday made clear that the government’s growth strategy centers on private sector leadership, attracting both domestic private capital and foreign direct investment to drive expansion. “The scope for government to lead the large-scale investments we’ve seen in the past is very limited right now, because we simply don’t have the fiscal room for that,” he noted.

    To address the country’s heavy debt burden directly, Friday laid out a three-pronged strategy combining active debt management operations, fiscal adjustment, and a new citizenship by investment (CBI) programme — a key campaign promise from the NDP that the party has said will not add to existing national debt. The plan includes debt swapping and refinancing to replace higher-interest debt obligations with lower-cost alternatives, and Friday stressed that while the government is negotiating with bilateral and multilateral partners to ease its debt load, it remains fully committed to meeting all its existing financial obligations. The end goal, he said, is to free up critical fiscal space to maintain core government functions and fund new strategic investments.

    Under the proposed CBI programme, which would grant citizenship in exchange for qualified investments, Friday confirmed that all generated revenue will be prioritized for debt reduction and capital projects, rather than covering routine day-to-day government spending, a model aligned with how other Caribbean nations have structured similar programmes. IMF Mission Chief for SVG Sergei Antoshin noted during the briefing that a well-designed CBI programme could deliver a modest boost to fiscal revenue, but also carries inherent risks that require careful structural planning to maximize benefits. Friday responded that he broadly accepts the IMF’s guidance, noting that the government’s revenue allocation strategy aligns with that risk-mitigation approach.

    Currently, SVG’s baseline annual growth projection sits at around 2.7% — a rate Friday says is too slow to address the full scale of the country’s fiscal and social challenges. “We need faster growth than that, and we have a clear roadmap to deliver it. We are working to put all these measures in place as quickly as possible,” he said. The prime minister framed growth, debt sustainability, and social protection as mutually dependent objectives, noting that long-term stability depends on getting the balance right: “Sustainability only comes when we can meet our debt obligations, invest in our productive sectors, and build the infrastructure that generates further growth. These are significant challenges, and we are fully aware of the work ahead of us.”

  • API apologises for ‘genuine error with malicious intent’

    API apologises for ‘genuine error with malicious intent’

    A state-run public information agency in the Caribbean has found itself embroiled in minor political controversy after a costly administrative error triggered multiple conflicting apologies this week. On Tuesday, the Agency for Public Information (API) mistakenly distributed a media advisory announcing that former Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves would host a press conference on April 28, 2026, a date more than two years in the future at the time of the error.

    The blunder comes five months to the exact day after opposition leader Godwin Friday was sworn in as the new prime minister, ending Gonsalves’ historic 25-year consecutive tenure in the nation’s top office.

    Within minutes of the first incorrect advisory going out, API dispatched a follow-up email to correct the mistake. That initial correction, signed by acting API director Nadia Slater, included a contradictory phrasing that only amplified confusion: it claimed the agency “sincerely apologises for the typing error in the previous email and wishes to indicate that it was a genuine error with malicious intent.” The contradictory wording immediately sparked speculation about whether the gaffe was a deliberate political slight rather than an innocent mistake.

    To address the growing confusion, API issued a third formal, press release-style apology hours later, walking back the contradictory language from the first correction. In this statement, the agency emphasized that the misidentification of the prime minister was purely accidental, stemming from a routine administrative oversight during draft preparation.

    “There was NO disrespect, political motive, or malicious intent whatsoever,” the statement read, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to upholding strict standards of professionalism, accuracy, and accountability across all official communications.

    The agency acknowledged that it failed to meet its own quality benchmarks with the erroneous correspondence, attributing the mistake to unintended human error. “We regret any misunderstanding or concern caused by this error and thank the public and members of the media for your understanding,” the statement continued. API officials noted that internal procedural changes are already underway to strengthen pre-release review processes, with the goal of preventing similar embarrassing missteps in the future. Unlike the first correction, this final formal apology was only signed “Director (Ag.)” with no specific named signature.

  • Bagga man, 70, nabbed at AIA trying to take ganja to Holland

    Bagga man, 70, nabbed at AIA trying to take ganja to Holland

    A 70-year-old Vincentian musician who has resided in the Netherlands for a number of years has been handed total fines of EC$770 after being caught with nearly 2 kilograms of cannabis at St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport, as he waited to board an international flight bound for the United Kingdom.

    The man, Kelroy Edwards, a native of the coastal town of Barrouallie in St. Vincent, pleaded guilty this week at the territory’s Serious Offences Court to three related charges. The charges stem from an April 26 incident where airport law enforcement found the 1,986 grams (4.4 pounds) of cannabis in his checked luggage ahead of his Virgin Atlantic flight to the UK. Edwards admitted that a friend gave him the cannabis, and claimed he mistakenly believed transporting the drug was legal, as he was set to deliver it to contacts waiting for him in Amsterdam.

    Prosecutor Renrick Cato, an Inspector with the local police, laid out the full facts of the case for the court: the cannabis was discovered in six individually plastic-wrapped and taped packages hidden inside a black duffel bag that Edwards had checked in for his outbound flight. When questioned by on-duty police officer PC1021 Thomas after the seizure, Edwards repeated his claim that he did not know crossing international borders with the drug was against St. Vincent’s law. Edwards told investigators he believed carrying cannabis was permitted because the substance is allowed for personal and medicinal use in Amsterdam, where he currently lives.

    In mitigation arguments to the court, Edwards’ defense attorney Grant Connell noted that his client had expressed clear remorse for his mistake, fully cooperated with police investigators throughout the process, and had no prior criminal convictions on his record.

    Chief Magistrate Colin John handed down the sentence on Monday: Edwards received an EC$270 fine for the attempted exportation charge, and an additional EC$500 fine for possession of cannabis with intent to traffic. The magistrate ordered that both fines be paid immediately, with a default three-month prison sentence for non-payment. The charge of possession with intent to supply the drug was dismissed, with Edwards reprimanded and discharged on that count. The court also ordered the entire seized cannabis shipment to be destroyed.

  • ESFN Hosts Water Conservation Workshop For Youths at Mill Academy

    ESFN Hosts Water Conservation Workshop For Youths at Mill Academy

    In a proactive push to embed environmental stewardship in younger generations, the EcoShores Sustainable Futures Network (ESFN) brought its innovative Water Conservation Creative Workshop to Mill Academy this April, turning learning about resource protection into an interactive, engaging experience for participating students.

    Designed to connect everyday personal choices to global water security, the workshop opened a space for young participants to brainstorm practical, accessible changes that cut down on unnecessary water waste. From the first activity, the room buzzed with palpable excitement: students leaned into discussions, sharing straightforward yet impactful habits they could adopt at home, such as shutting off taps mid-tooth-brush, harvesting rainwater for gardening, and cutting out routine overuse of water in daily chores. These thoughtful, grounded suggestions did more than showcase student engagement — they reinforced a core truth of environmental action: meaningful conservation grows from early education and consistent, small-scale choices made by individuals across communities.

    Unlike traditional classroom lessons on sustainability, the ESFN event blended educational content with hands-on creative expression, aligned with global observances for World Water Day. Students first completed guided worksheets that mapped out how local and global communities rely on clean freshwater systems, then translated their new understanding into visual art, using color and drawing to bring their water-saving ideas to life. The vivid, diverse artworks not only sparked deeper conversations about collective water protection but also highlighted values of diversity and inclusion through the creative process, tying individual expression to a shared global mission.

    Beyond the workshop activities, participating students added their perspectives to ESFN’s ongoing World Water Day community initiative, first launched during a creative expression event held March 21, 2026. Each student’s drawing and personal message about water conservation became a new contribution to a growing public record of youth-led environmental thought, weaving young voices into a larger narrative of innovation and stewardship. The workshop itself wrapped up by reaffirming two core priorities: the urgent importance of protecting global water resources, and the critical role of education in empowering coming generations to lead climate and conservation action. By centering youth voice and combining discussion with hands-on creative work, ESFN has continued its track record of nurturing both a sense of responsibility and imaginative problem-solving among young people — ensuring the call for water protection is carried forward with renewed energy and optimism.

    As a registered non-profit organization, ESFN focuses its work on advancing sustainability, environmental conservation, and community power across Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the Southern United States. The organization targets a range of pressing interconnected challenges, from climate justice and biodiversity loss to youth development, technological innovation for sustainability, and environmental education. Through a portfolio of public initiatives including the ESFN Volunteer Explorer Program, World Wetlands Day Awareness campaigns, the Build Your Future youth development program, Community Swim Program, and the Endeavour Publication, ESFN cultivates creative, community-led solutions to protect marine and coastal ecosystems, with the end goal of building a more resilient, sustainable future for all groups. A core commitment of the organization is amplifying creative media and cultural expression from vulnerable communities, with a consistent focus on centering youth leadership and engagement in all its work.

  • Controversiële Venezolaanse pin veroorzaakt diplomatieke storm met Guyana

    Controversiële Venezolaanse pin veroorzaakt diplomatieke storm met Guyana

    A long-simmering territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela has reignited diplomatic tensions this week, after Guyana formally raised grave concerns to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) over a provocative symbolic gesture from Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez. During a series of recent official international visits, Rodríguez wore a custom lapel pin shaped after a map that depicts the resource-rich Essequibo region as part of Venezuelan territory – a claim Venezuela has asserted for more than a century that Guyana rejects as unlawful.

    The Essequibo region makes up nearly two-thirds of Guyana’s entire sovereign territory, holding vast untapped reserves of oil, minerals, and other natural resources that have become a core point of friction between the neighboring South American nations. The long-running border dispute has seen a marked escalation in symbolic displays of Venezuelan claims since the high-profile January arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by United States authorities; the Essequibo-shaped pin is now commonly worn by Venezuelan government officials, state media personalities, ruling party legislators and cabinet members, according to diplomatic accounts.

    In a formal letter addressed to Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and current chair of CARICOM, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali underscored that Rodríguez’s choice to wear the pin during official engagements amounts to an explicit reaffirmation of Venezuela’s illegal claim to Guyanese territory. Ali further warned that allowing such displays during official visits hosted by third countries could be misinterpreted as quiet acceptance or tolerance of Venezuela’s territorial demands by the receiving nations, undermining Guyana’s position in ongoing international legal proceedings.

    “CARICOM’s principled support for Guyana must be reflected not just in words, but in the protocols and conduct observed during official meetings,” Ali added in the letter.

    The origins of the dispute stretch back to an 1899 border arbitration ruling reached during the British colonial era, which Venezuela has long argued unfairly deprived it of the Essequibo region. Today, the competing territorial claims are being adjudicated by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) based in The Hague, Netherlands, with the case still pending a final ruling.

    For her part, Rodríguez defended her decision to wear the disputed pin, claiming the map that includes Essequibo as Venezuelan territory is “the only map of Venezuela I recognize.” She reaffirmed Venezuela’s long-standing claim to the entire region and expressed confidence the ICJ will ultimately uphold the country’s historic territorial position.

    Ali used his letter to remind CARICOM of the bloc’s long-standing unwavering commitment to upholding Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He argued that Venezuelan officials should not be permitted to display territorial symbols and maps asserting claims to Essequibo in official international forums, noting that such actions could prejudice the ongoing legal process at the ICJ. Ali also separately condemned the inclusion of Essequibo as Venezuelan territory on official Venezuelan state maps, calling it a calculated, deliberate provocation that Guyana will continue to reject in full.

    By Tuesday evening, CARICOM issued an official response to Guyana’s complaint, acknowledging receipt of Ali’s letter and affirming that official regional platforms and gatherings should not be used to advance or legitimize territorial claims that are currently the subject of pending international legal proceedings. The bloc reaffirmed its “long-standing and unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana, and for a peaceful negotiated resolution to the dispute through proper international legal channels.”

    In recent years, tensions over the region have spilled beyond diplomatic rhetoric. Venezuela has deployed armed patrols to offshore oil blocks licensed by Guyana and currently operated by United States energy firms, repeatedly issuing demands that oil production activities in the area halt. To date, those threats have been ignored by the energy companies operating the offshore platforms, and production has continued uninterrupted.

  • Top-Level Sailing and Caribbean Spirit Cement Modernised Antigua Sailing Week as Instant Classic

    Top-Level Sailing and Caribbean Spirit Cement Modernised Antigua Sailing Week as Instant Classic

    One of the Caribbean’s most iconic sailing competitions, the 2026 edition of Antigua Sailing Week, delivered four days of unforgettable racing marked by wildly shifting conditions, razor-tight standings, and a reimagined fleet format that united competitive sailors and casual cruising enthusiasts from every corner of the globe. Held across a full circumnavigation of the tropical island, the event blended high-stakes on-water competition with lively shoreside celebrations, all anchored by Antigua’s world-famous natural coastal beauty.

    Alison Sly-Adams, president of Antigua Sailing Week, explained that the event’s core mission centered on leveraging the island’s unique geography to deliver one-of-a-kind point-to-point courses, balanced by social gatherings that foster connection among participants. This year’s updated fleet structure successfully merged competitive racing fleets with a rally cruising division, creating an inclusive experience that catered to elite racers and leisure sailors alike.

    The regatta kicked off from the historic starting point of English Harbour, heading toward Green Island on opening day. Moderate trade winds set a steady rhythm for the fleet, giving crews front-row seats to Antigua’s dramatic, turquoise-fringed coastline. After crossing the day’s finish line, sailors gathered for the laid-back Barefoot on the Beach event hosted by the Falmouth Ocean Club, setting the tone for the week’s signature blend of fierce competition and warm camaraderie.

    Day two brought a sharp increase in difficulty, with shifting breeze and rolling North Swell that tested the tactical skills of both racing and cruising crews. While focused teams began to carve out early leads, the competition remained tight across every racing class, with crews wrapping up the day at The Hut at Little Jumby, a beloved destination on Antigua’s northeast coast.

    Light winds dominated the third day of racing, compressing the fleet and shifting the focus from speed to tactical patience. With racing gains coming incrementally, many crews took advantage of the slow pace to socialize on the water, while cruisers enjoyed sunbathing and swimming before heading to the Heineken Riddim and Tides Beach Festival at Ffryes Beach for an evening of live music and local food.

    The fourth and final race day delivered ideal, consistent breeze for the homeward leg from Antigua’s west coast back to English Harbour. Competitive racing fleets faced a challenging upwind beat in the final miles, while cruising crews maintained a relaxed Caribbean pace, stopping to explore scenic beaches and hidden coves along the way before completing their full circumnavigation of the island.

    The closing prize-giving ceremony was held at Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with sweeping views of the centuries-old Fort Berkeley Gunpowder Magazine and the iconic limestone Pillars of Hercules. Competitors mingled among the historic stone structures, sipping local Antiguan rum and enjoying a set of Caribbean rhythms and classic rock from the 17-61° band before awards were distributed.

    Organizers opened the ceremony by thanking title sponsors, community partners, and more than 50 dedicated volunteers whose work made the event run smoothly. Top honors went to the crew of *Kali*, racing under the name Kermode-Grizzly led by Great Lakes skipper Chuck Bayer. The team dominated CSA Class 1 all week, taking both corrected and line honours across all four days of racing to claim the event’s most prestigious award, the Lord Nelson Trophy. Calling the win a once-in-a-lifetime achievement, Bayer said he was deeply honored to join the ranks of legendary sailors whose names appear on the iconic trophy.

    In CSA Racing Class 2, the Dutch crew of Contigo Team HI-1 secured an impressive four straight first-place finishes, holding off stiff daily competition from other teams in their class. Skipper Rien van der Post joked that the crew’s most cherished win came on the final day, when they beat the official Race Committee boat to the finish line – a first for the team, which normally races traditional Lemsteraak ships back home in the Netherlands.

    Bernie Evan-Wong, sailing his Mumm 36 *High Tension*, claimed victory in a closely contested CSA Racing Class 3. Evan-Wong credited his crew’s steady focus through wildly shifting conditions, noting that a bold tactical call on the final day made all the difference. “We did a lot of upwind sailing, and our strong point is off the wind, so we really had to work hard,” he explained. “On the last day, we managed to stay on the edge of a squall, play the shifts, and then tack out at just the right moment, and in the end, that’s what won it for us.”

    For the Multihull CSA Class, the classic 1987 Condor 40 *Troika*, co-owned by Sam Masterman, took home the Governor General’s Cup. Masterman praised the event’s new format and course design, noting that the structure created a fun experience for every skill level. “We had two to three crew on board, depending on the day, and it was a mix of racers and non-racers,” he said. “The way the courses were set up meant that everyone was able to have a good time whether they had a lot of experience or only a little.”

    Beyond class titles, a series of special awards recognized outstanding contributions to the spirit of Antigua Sailing Week. The Jan Santos Trophy went to Neal Charles, a behind-the-scenes volunteer whose tireless work ensured the event ran smoothly. The Caribbean Sailing Association Travellers Trophy was awarded to *Apollo* owner Donald Nicholson for his consistent participation in regional sailing events, while Katy Campbell’s *Panacea X* claimed top honours in the Race Charter division for the second consecutive year. The event also highlighted its youth development work, awarding the Youth Trophy to Ashley Joshua, who progressed through the organisation’s Youth to Keel programme to compete this year aboard *Eira*. The Women’s Trophy went to Sanne Bast of *Ilios*, recognizing her commitment to the regatta both on and off the water, from welcoming visiting media to helping restore and race her team’s boat.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Hosts Advance Visit on the Road to CHOGM

    Antigua and Barbuda Hosts Advance Visit on the Road to CHOGM

    A key milestone in preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) got underway this week, as a cohort of diplomatic representatives from across Commonwealth member states touched down in Antigua and Barbuda on Tuesday for a two-day preliminary inspection visit. The trip, which also includes senior officials from the Commonwealth Secretariat, is a core component of the host nation’s strategy to strengthen technical, operational and protocol coordination — all critical foundations for delivering a successful global summit scheduled to run from November 1 to 4, 2026.

    Speaking on the significance of the pre-summit visit, Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda, framed the trip as one of the most critical staging steps ahead of the formal summit. The advance trip gives member state delegations a first-hand opportunity to assess the host country’s ongoing preparations, she explained.

    “Representatives get to walk through every venue and facility that will be used for the summit, and they can return to their home capitals to confirm that Antigua and Barbuda is fully organized, well on track with preparations, and ready to welcome the Commonwealth,” Hill said. The senior diplomat noted that she has already been encouraged by the feedback from the visiting delegation, adding that the positive energy and engaged questions from attendees signal strong early momentum for the visit. “I am extremely optimistic that Antigua and Barbuda has put forward a strong showing, and that this advance visit has gotten off to an excellent start,” she said.

    The day’s official agenda opened with a formal welcome and briefing session held at the American University of Antigua (AUA) Conference Centre, followed by a guided tour of the AUA campus. Ann-Marie Layne, Director General of Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, emphasized that integrated cross-stakeholder coordination is essential to pulling off a seamless 2026 CHOGM, and expressed the host nation’s eagerness to collaborate with all participating parties.

    “As a small island developing state, Antigua and Barbuda feels deeply honored to be chosen as the host of this major Commonwealth gathering. We view this not just as a solemn responsibility, but as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to highlight the strength, resilience and shared unity of the Commonwealth, and advance productive dialogue under our official summit theme: ‘Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth,’” Layne told the assembled delegation.

    She added: “We are fully committed to working closely with every delegate in attendance to ensure all operational, technical and protocol standards are met at the highest level. Your presence here this week embodies the collaborative spirit that the Commonwealth stands for, and we greatly value your partnership throughout this preparation process.”

    Following the opening briefing and campus tour, Tuesday’s schedule also included guided visits to key local infrastructure and venues: V.C. Bird International Airport, the Sticky Wicket event complex, and the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground. On Wednesday, the delegation will turn its attention to a range of cultural and official sites, including Government House, the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, and the SJPC House of Restoration Ministries.

    Among the countries sending representatives to this first advance inspection are Australia, Samoa, Malaysia, Mozambique, Uganda, Rwanda, and Ghana. A second delegation of Commonwealth representatives is scheduled to arrive for a follow-up visit in early May, and the host nation is also supplementing in-person tours with virtual walkthroughs of venues and historic sites for delegations that cannot travel to Antigua and Barbuda at this stage.

  • Meteorological Service Pays Tribute to Pioneering Forecaster Philbert Mason

    Meteorological Service Pays Tribute to Pioneering Forecaster Philbert Mason

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda is mourning the loss of one of its most respected public science figures this week, as former Deputy Director of the national Meteorological Service Philbert Mason passed away at 75 early Wednesday morning in New York.

    A trailblazer who shaped the country’s weather forecasting infrastructure over nearly four decades, Mason dedicated 37 years of his career to advancing the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service (ABMS). For generations of island residents, he became a steady, trusted voice during the region’s most high-stakes weather events—particularly when hurricane seasons brought life-threatening storm systems toward the small island nation.

    Beyond his technical work to build the country’s meteorological programming, Mason was widely celebrated for his unique ability to deliver critical weather updates to the public with calm clarity and unshakable confidence. This consistent, approachable communication earned him widespread trust across Antigua and Barbuda, turning him into a well-known and beloved public figure far beyond the confines of the weather service.

    In an official statement released this week, the ABMS leadership and staff extended their deepest sympathies to Mason’s family, friends, and former colleagues who worked alongside him throughout his decades-long career. The service noted that Mason’s professionalism, visionary leadership, and relentless commitment to excellence laid the foundation for the modern meteorological work the organization carries out today, and that his legacy will continue to inspire current and future teams at the ABMS for years to come.

  • St Vincent to get first taste of CPL, Barbados to host final

    St Vincent to get first taste of CPL, Barbados to host final

    The 2026 edition of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is set to break new ground for one of the Caribbean’s most beloved sporting competitions, with a series of historic firsts announced alongside the release of the full tournament fixture list this week. Scheduled to run from August 7 to September 20, this year’s expanded contest will feature 39 matches contested across multiple islands by seven competitive franchises, and for the very first time in the tournament’s 14-year history, top-tier CPL cricket will be played in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

    The opening matches of the 2026 tournament will kick off at St Vincent’s iconic Arnos Vale Stadium, a scenic venue that will introduce the electric atmosphere of professional Caribbean T20 cricket to a whole new audience of local fans. The seven teams competing for the 2026 title include the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, Barbados Royals, Jamaica Kingsmen, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St Lucia Kings, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, and defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders, who will return to defend the crown they claimed in the previous edition.

    In a second landmark milestone for the 2026 season, Barbados has been selected to host the CPL final for the first time ever, marking a historic conclusion to what organizers say will be the biggest tournament in CPL history to date.

    Pete Russell, Chief Executive Officer of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming groundbreaking season in an official statement. “With an expanded tournament in 2026, we are delighted to be bringing CPL cricket to St Vincent & the Grenadines for the first time,” Russell said. “We are equally excited about hosting finals week in Barbados, where we have ambitious plans to deliver the biggest and most memorable finale in the tournament’s 14-year history. Each year, our goal is to raise the bar, and I am more confident than ever that CPL 2026 will be our best season yet.”

    The expansion of the tournament to include a new host nation marks a key milestone in the CPL’s ongoing growth across the Caribbean region, creating new opportunities for local fan engagement and boosting the profile of cricket across smaller island nations. With just months to go before the first ball is bowled, anticipation is already building across the region for what promises to be a record-breaking edition of the region’s premier T20 cricket competition.

  • APUA Team Returns Home After Securing Second Place at Regional Linesworker Rodeo

    APUA Team Returns Home After Securing Second Place at Regional Linesworker Rodeo

    A competition delegation from the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has arrived back home this Tuesday, bringing home impressive silver medals from two distinct competition divisions at the annual Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) Linesworker Rodeo. The regional event, which wrapped up over the weekend on the island of Dominica, saw APUA’s squads take second place in both the experienced professional category and the apprentice trainee division.

    This dual podium finish stands out as one of the strongest recent showings for Antigua and Barbuda’s primary utility provider, with organizational leaders quick to frame the results as a direct endorsement of the rigorous training, technical expertise, and collaborative culture that defines APUA’s lineswork teams.

    Now in its established annual cycle, the CARILEC Linesworker Rodeo is far more than a simple athletic or competitive event. It gathers skilled utility workers from 16 member jurisdictions across the Caribbean region, challenging participants to execute complex electrical repairs, maintenance procedures, and emergency response maneuvers in highly realistic simulated field conditions. The competition is structured to evaluate not just speed and technical precision, but also strict adherence to global best safety practices, a non-negotiable standard for linework that operates in high-risk environments.

    Beyond the competitive rankings, APUA officials emphasized that the event delivers lasting, tangible value for utility providers across the region. It acts as a critical networking hub, where frontline workers and organizational leaders can strengthen working relationships between Caribbean utilities, share innovative approaches to common industry challenges, and align on updated best practices for electrical infrastructure maintenance and worker protection.

    For APUA specifically, leadership noted that the dual second-place finishes offer more than just accolades. The experience confirmed that the organization’s internal work standards meet and often exceed regional benchmarks, while also providing valuable professional development opportunities for all participating team members that will translate to improved service for Antigua’s residential and commercial utility customers.

    Looking ahead, APUA has already set its sights on the 2025 iteration of the CARILEC Linesworker Rodeo, with plans to build on this year’s momentum and push for even stronger results when the next competition convenes.