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  • Labour Department Corrects 2026 Public Holiday List, Updates National Day of Prayer Date

    Labour Department Corrects 2026 Public Holiday List, Updates National Day of Prayer Date

    The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has issued an official correction to its 2026 public holiday schedule after discovering an error in previous publications. The Labour Department, operating under the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Public Safety, Immigration & Labour, announced that the date for the National Day of Prayer was incorrectly listed in Official Gazette numbers 60 and 61.

    The corrected schedule now establishes September 10th, 2026, as the official observance date for the National Day of Prayer. This adjustment comes as part of the nation’s compliance with the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act of 2005, which governs the official recognition of national holidays.

    The comprehensive 2026 public holiday calendar includes thirteen designated days: New Year’s Day (January 1), Good Friday (April 3), Easter Monday (April 6), Labour Day (May 4), Whit Monday (May 25), Carnival Monday (August 3), Carnival Tuesday (August 4), National Day of Prayer (September 10), Independence Day (November 1), V.C. Bird Day (December 9), Christmas Day (December 25), and Boxing Day (December 26).

    Notably, the government has clarified that Independence Day will be observed on Monday, November 2nd, 2026, creating a long weekend for citizens. This practical adjustment follows the common practice of moving holiday observances to adjacent weekdays when they fall on weekends.

    The Labour Commissioner’s office has emphasized the importance of this correction for both public and private sector planning, ensuring that businesses, government agencies, and citizens can appropriately schedule activities around the officially recognized holidays.

  • Belize, Guatemala and Mexico Talk Protection of Maya Forest

    Belize, Guatemala and Mexico Talk Protection of Maya Forest

    In a significant environmental diplomacy move, Belize is currently hosting a pivotal trinational summit with neighboring Guatemala and Mexico to address the conservation of the Greater Maya Forest. The high-level workshop, taking place in Placencia from March 22-28, 2026, represents a coordinated effort to protect one of Central America’s most critical remaining tropical forest systems.

    Delegations from Belize’s Forest Department, Guatemala’s National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP), and Mexico’s National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) are collaborating to develop a comprehensive joint action plan. The agenda focuses on identifying priority conservation zones, establishing cross-border protection protocols, and exchanging innovative management strategies for protected areas within this vital ecological corridor.

    Beyond conference room discussions, participants will engage in field expeditions to critical habitats including Mountain Pine Ridge and the Chiquibul Forest. These site visits are designed to provide firsthand understanding of the ecological challenges and conservation needs within Belize’s diverse landscapes.

    Official statements from the Belize Forest Department emphasize that this collaborative initiative demonstrates the sustained commitment of all three nations to implement effective transnational conservation measures. The Greater Maya Forest represents not only a biodiversity hotspot but also a cultural heritage site of global significance, making its protection a regional priority with international implications.

    This trilateral cooperation marks a progressive approach to environmental governance, recognizing that ecological preservation requires coordinated efforts across national boundaries to address deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and climate change impacts effectively.

  • Who will be the next Police Commissioner? Ronald Phillip acting for now

    Who will be the next Police Commissioner? Ronald Phillip acting for now

    The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force faces a leadership transition as Deputy Commissioner Ronald Phillip assumes the role of Acting Commissioner pending the appointment of a permanent successor. This development follows the conclusion of Police Commissioner Verne Garde’s contract in March 2026, concluding his 18-month tenure as the nation’s top law enforcement official.

    Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre confirmed the interim arrangement during Monday’s pre-Cabinet press briefing, indicating that a definitive appointment would be finalized between April 1 and April 15. The announcement sets in motion a critical selection process for one of the nation’s most significant security positions.

    Commissioner Garde’s leadership period was marked by substantial operational achievements, most notably the largest confiscation of illegal firearms and ammunition in Saint Lucia’s recorded history. Official crime statistics from January to October 2025 further demonstrated an 18% reduction in overall criminal incidents compared to the corresponding period in 2024, signaling progress in the force’s crime reduction initiatives.

    Among Garde’s notable contributions was the development and presentation of a comprehensive “127 Steps to Order” operational blueprint, delivered to the Prime Minister earlier this year. This strategic document outlined multi-faceted approaches to combat criminal activity across the island nation, establishing a framework for continued security enhancements.

    The transition occurs at a pivotal moment for Saint Lucia’s law enforcement infrastructure, with the incoming commissioner expected to build upon recent gains while addressing persistent security challenges. The appointment process will likely consider both internal candidates and potential external applicants capable of advancing the force’s modernization and community engagement objectives.

  • CCJ Reopens Belize Redistricting Case

    CCJ Reopens Belize Redistricting Case

    In a significant judicial development, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has reinstated a pivotal constitutional challenge regarding Belize’s electoral constituency boundaries. The region’s highest court determined that the Belize Court of Appeal had erroneously dismissed the case on procedural technicalities, emphasizing that such matters should not obstruct the path to justice.

    The court’s ruling specifically addressed the appeal filed by Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan, simultaneously overturning a previous costs order that had mandated him to personally cover the state’s legal expenses. The CCJ characterized this financial penalty as fundamentally unjustified.

    This litigation originates from a February 2025 claim submitted by citizen Jeremy Enriquez, who contends that Belize’s current electoral map relies on obsolete demographic data, thereby violating constitutional guarantees of equal representation. While the CCJ revived the main appeal, it declined Enriquez’s separate request for special leave to appeal another aspect of the case.

    The judicial journey began when High Court Justice Tawanda Hondora rejected an injunction application to postpone Belize’s 2025 general election while simultaneously issuing the controversial costs order against Ramlogan. With the CCJ’s decision, the constitutional challenge now returns to the Belize Court of Appeal for substantive consideration of the representation rights issues at the heart of this dispute.

  • Urgent Appeal Issued for Blood Donations for Jacqueline Wetherill

    Urgent Appeal Issued for Blood Donations for Jacqueline Wetherill

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Health authorities in Antigua have launched an immediate public appeal for blood donations to assist patient Jacqueline Wetherill, who requires urgent medical support. The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Blood Bank is accepting donations from all eligible individuals during extended hours from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

    Medical organizers emphasize that the situation requires prompt community response, noting that all blood types are acceptable for donation. The appeal targets both regular and first-time donors who meet health requirements, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining blood supplies for emergency medical care.

    The hospital has streamlined its donation process to accommodate the urgent need, ensuring efficient screening and collection procedures. This emergency call demonstrates the vital role community blood donations play in supporting critical healthcare services and individual patient care throughout Antigua’s medical system.

  • Dominica’s Chinese Ambassador reports on China’s trajectory following Two Sessions wrap up

    Dominica’s Chinese Ambassador reports on China’s trajectory following Two Sessions wrap up

    The Chinese Ambassador to Dominica, H.E. Chu Maoming, has formally announced the successful conclusion of China’s pivotal annual political gatherings—the Fourth Session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Fourth Session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Addressing international media at a briefing held at the Chinese Embassy over the weekend, Ambassador Chu framed the ‘Two Sessions’ as both a cornerstone of China’s domestic political calendar and a critical window for global observation of the nation’s strategic direction.

    The Ambassador provided a comprehensive overview of the sessions’ key resolutions, with particular emphasis on economic resilience and technological advancement. He reported that China’s GDP expanded by 5% in 2025, reaching a total of 140.19 trillion yuan ($19.63 trillion USD), amidst a complex global landscape. This growth was bolstered by robust foreign trade, a fundamental equilibrium in the balance of payments, and a 19.1% surge in newly established foreign-funded enterprises.

    A significant portion of the address highlighted China’s breakthroughs in cultivating ‘new quality productive forces.’ Ambassador Chu cited world-leading advancements in artificial intelligence, biomedicine, robotics, and quantum technology. He specifically noted milestones including breakthroughs in domestic chip R&D, the expansive sector-wide application of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, the official commissioning of the domestically built Fujian aircraft carrier, and the production of over 16 million new-energy vehicles.

    On foreign policy and ecological fronts, the Ambassador outlined progress in unilateral visa-free entry policies and Belt and Road cooperation. He detailed achievements in green development, revealing that non-fossil energy’s share in total consumption hit 21.7% and that installed capacity for new-type energy storage surpassed 130 gigawatts. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to global climate goals through its newly announced 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions.

    With the 14th Five-Year Plan concluded, Ambassador Chu looked ahead to the implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan in 2026. He disclosed China’s main development targets for the year, which include GDP growth between 4.5% to 5%, the creation of over 12 million new urban jobs, and a targeted reduction of approximately 3.8% in carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP, signaling a continued focus on high-quality and sustainable development.

  • High Court Awards $205K to Wrongfully Dismissed Principal

    High Court Awards $205K to Wrongfully Dismissed Principal

    In a landmark ruling with significant implications for Belize’s education sector, the High Court has ordered compensation of BZD $205,493.39 to former acting principal Isaac Longsworth for wrongful termination from Saint Barnabas Anglican Primary School. Justice Martha Lynette Alexander’s judgment not only resolves Longsworth’s protracted legal battle but also establishes crucial precedent regarding teacher retirement policies.

    The case originated in 2017 when Longsworth was dismissed following disciplinary proceedings involving multiple educational authorities. The High Court had previously declared the termination unlawful in 2019, finding procedural violations that denied Longsworth a fair hearing. While initial compensation covered only eleven months, the Court of Appeal subsequently mandated full assessment of lost earnings from October 2019 onward.

    During compensation proceedings, the court addressed two pivotal issues: career progression assumptions and mandatory retirement age. Justice Alexander accepted that Longsworth’s abrupt dismissal prevented completion of his Educational Leadership Certificate, warranting advancement to pay scale 17. However, claims for further increases based on hypothetical master’s degree attainment were rejected due to insufficient evidence.

    The retirement age controversy proved particularly consequential. Defense arguments asserting mandatory retirement at 55 were rejected after meticulous examination of the School Teachers’ Pensions Act and Teaching Service Commission Handbook. Justice Alexander determined that while teachers may optionally retire at 55, statutory language clearly establishes 60 as the compulsory retirement age across Belize’s education system.

    The court acknowledged Longsworth’s employment prospects were severely damaged but declined to find permanent unemployability. Compensation was calculated through March 11, 2026, plus twelve months transitional salary, with a ten percent contingency reduction reflecting normal labor market uncertainties. The award includes salary adjustments, allowances, and statutory deductions, with six percent annual interest accruing since October 2019.

    Critically, the judgment protects Longsworth’s retirement benefits by directing the Accountant-General to calculate his pension and gratuity upon reaching age 60 in 2030 as if continuous employment had been maintained, ensuring his unlawful dismissal doesn’t prejudice future entitlements.

  • Update: UWI Administration Summons Student Guild To A Meeting

    Update: UWI Administration Summons Student Guild To A Meeting

    An escalating transport crisis at the University of the West Indies prompted an emergency summit between student representatives and campus administration. The University’s Guild of Students was urgently convened with the Campus Registrar to address mounting frustrations over a paralyzed shuttle system and broader security concerns that have left numerous students stranded.

    During the high-stakes briefing, the Registrar provided a technical breakdown of the logistical failures. It was disclosed that one shuttle is currently undergoing repairs for a clutch malfunction, with an expected return to operational status by Tuesday. In a related development, two additional vehicles were submitted to the licensing authority for mandatory inspection. Although these shuttles successfully passed mechanical evaluation by Monday afternoon, their return to service remains delayed due to bureaucratic processing. The Registrar outlined that official certification documents are scheduled for collection on March 24th, after which they must be presented to the insurance provider. Administration projections indicate that if the shuttles fail to resume operations on Tuesday, a full restoration is guaranteed by Wednesday morning.

    The negotiations revealed a fundamental philosophical divide regarding the institution’s responsibility toward student transportation. The Guild leadership, representing the student body, forcefully challenged the administration’s characterization of the shuttle service as merely supplementary. A Guild spokesperson emphasized that the Council explicitly communicated its disagreement with this peripheral classification, asserting the service’s essential role in campus operations.

    This advocacy produced a significant policy concession. In response to the Guild’s unwavering pressure, the Registrar recalibrated the administration’s position, committing to treat future transportation disruptions with heightened priority and accelerated response protocols.

    Despite these assurances, the Guild maintains a firm stance on accountability. Student leaders have been promised a comprehensive update by Wednesday afternoon. The Council has unequivocally stated its commitment to resolving the matter but warned of impending escalations should the administration fail to meet its communicated deadline, signaling readiness to initiate further actions if necessary.

  • St Mary’s Academy commemorates passed student who lost battle with cancer

    St Mary’s Academy commemorates passed student who lost battle with cancer

    The St. Mary’s Primary School community in Dominica is grieving the tragic passing of former student Taahir Tyson, a remarkable fourteen-year-old whose courageous battle with cancer ended on March 12, 2026. In an emotional tribute shared via social media, the educational institution remembered Tyson as an exceptional individual whose character and spirit left an enduring impact on those who knew him.

    School administrators described the departed youth as embodying extraordinary bravery, intellectual brightness, and profound kindness during his academic years. His warm demeanor, respectful attitude, and consistently joyful presence reportedly touched numerous lives within the school community. The official statement emphasized that Tyson’s gentle spirit and radiant smile became defining characteristics that fellow students and faculty members cherished.

    Beyond the academic sphere, Tyson demonstrated his fighting spirit as an active participant in the Dominica Boxing Association. President Job Joseph characterized the young man as a ‘true fighter’ who approached his health challenges with the same determination he displayed in athletic pursuits. The boxing community had previously organized fundraising initiatives to assist Tyson’s family with mounting medical expenses during his treatment.

    Educational institution representatives extended profound condolences to Tyson’s father, Albert Tyson—a former teacher at St. Mary’s Primary—along with his mother Tessa Talbert and surviving siblings. The school’s message conveyed heartfelt sympathy and offered spiritual support during what they described as an immensely difficult period for the family.

    The widespread outpouring of community support highlights how deeply Tyson’s journey resonated across Dominica, uniting educational, athletic, and broader social circles in shared remembrance and respect for his courageous struggle against illness.

  • Young Boyz to play Azerbaijan in FIFA Series

    Young Boyz to play Azerbaijan in FIFA Series

    A significantly revamped Saint Lucia men’s national football team is poised for an unprecedented international encounter as they travel to Azerbaijan for their inaugural FIFA Series 2026 match. Dubbed the Piton Boyz, the Caribbean squad will confront their Eurasian counterparts on Friday, March 27th, at Sumqayit’s Mehdi Huseynzade Stadium, located approximately 31 kilometers from Azerbaijan’s capital city of Baku.

    The 2026 FIFA Series, building upon the successful pilot program launched in 2024, represents FIFA’s ambitious global initiative featuring 50 national teams competing across 13 groups in 12 host nations spanning all six continents. This innovative tournament provides participating teams with invaluable opportunities to experience international competition under FIFA’s organizational framework while facing opponents from geographically and tactically diverse footballing regions.

    Originally scheduled to include two matches for Saint Lucia, the tournament format underwent modification following Oman’s withdrawal due to regional geopolitical tensions involving Iran. This adjustment means Sierra Leone will now play single matches against both visiting teams instead of the initially planned fixtures.

    Saint Lucia’s roster reveals a notable transformation from recent campaigns, particularly marked by the absence of veteran goalkeeper Vino Barclett for the first time since March 2023. The goalkeeping duties will fall to either Devone St Prix or 22-year-old Darren Donaie, supported by a defensive line featuring Melvin Doxilly, Alvinus Myers, and Doneal Lionel. While Choiseul’s Ajani Louis earns his second national team call-up, the promising defender awaits his international debut.

    The midfield showcases an exceptionally youthful contingent, featuring 21-year-old Shaquan “Ants” Nelson, 20-year-olds Bayan Aman and Mervin St Romain, 18-year-old Eymani Butcher, and 17-year-old Thierry Morille all vying for playing time. The offensive lineup sees the return of 22-year-old Kegan Caull and 21-year-old Jahlil Evans, while 17-year-old Shevon Byron and 21-year-old Colorado Rapids forward Donavan Phillip stand poised to potentially make their senior international debuts. The squad completed its assembly in Baku on Monday ahead of the historic encounter.

    From a competitive standpoint, Azerbaijan currently occupies 126th position in FIFA’s world rankings while enduring a five-match winless streak against formidable European opponents including France and Ukraine in UEFA and World Cup qualifying matches. Meanwhile, Saint Lucia, ranked 167th globally, has secured just one victory in their previous five outings—a 2-1 triumph over Barbados in World Cup qualification proceedings last June.