On July 15, Caribbean regional airline LIAT marked a landmark milestone for regional connectivity when its first direct flight from Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe touched down at Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport, carrying 33 passengers to open a groundbreaking new air corridor between the two Caribbean islands. The new year-round service will operate on a twice-weekly schedule, with flights landing in Montego Bay every Tuesday and Saturday, creating a permanent, convenient link between the French Caribbean and Jamaica’s top tourism hub.\n\nIndustry and government stakeholders across the region have framed the new route as far more than an expansion of airline service: it is a transformative step toward deeper economic, social and cultural integration across the Caribbean archipelago. For decades, travel between neighboring Caribbean islands often required inconvenient connections through North American hubs or multiple regional airports, adding time, cost and friction to personal, tourism and business trips. The new direct connection eliminates that barrier, unlocking a host of shared opportunities for both destinations.\n\nFor Jamaica, the route aligns with a key strategic priority of the country’s tourism sector: diversifying its source markets beyond traditional core markets of North America and the United Kingdom. By opening a direct gateway to the French Caribbean, the service makes it far easier for French and other European vacationers to reach Jamaica’s world-famous beaches, culture and attractions, while also strengthening Montego Bay’s growing reputation as a regional aviation hub for the broader Caribbean.\n\nGuadeloupe stands to gain equally from the new connection. The direct link opens the door to growing multi-island Caribbean itineraries that combine the distinct cultural experiences of French-speaking and English-speaking island destinations, a product that is increasingly popular with international travelers seeking immersive regional vacations. Beyond tourism, the route is expected to drive growth in business and conference travel, simplify family visits for communities spread across the region, create new opportunities for partnerships between airlines and cruise lines, and expand cultural exchanges across music, cuisine, festivals and sports.\n\nJamaica’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Hon. Tova Hamilton, emphasized the transformative potential of the new route during welcoming ceremonies for the inaugural flight. She rejected the idea of Caribbean islands operating in isolation, noting that the region can only unlock its full collective potential through greater connectivity. “Every seat on this aircraft represents opportunity,” Hamilton said. “The Caribbean cannot reach its full potential as a collection of isolated islands. Our strength lies in moving people, goods, and culture more freely across our borders.”\n\nThat vision was echoed by LIAT Air Chief Operating Officer Obiukwu Mbanuzuo, who framed the new route as a symbolic as well as practical milestone for the regional carrier. For LIAT, which has long centered its mission on connecting Caribbean communities, the new service is more than just an addition to the airline’s route network. “It is a connection between two nations, their peoples and their economies,” Mbanuzuo said.
作者： admin
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Guyana MV Barima-ramp: 67 mensen gered, zoekgebied en middelen uitgebreid
A massive multi-agency search and rescue operation is continuing at full pace after the cargo-passenger vessel MV Barima capsized in waters off the coast of Guyana. As of mid-afternoon local time, rescuers have pulled 67 people alive from the water, according to official updates from Guyana’s Search and Rescue Coordination Centre. Among those rescued are 41 adult men, 11 adult women, and 15 children, consisting of six boys and nine girls.
All survivors have been transferred to local medical facilities for care, including major hospitals in the towns of Charity and Lima. Guyana’s Minister of Health Frank Anthony is leading the national medical response effort, backed by teams of emergency first responders. Psychosocial support services have also been activated for family members of those affected by the incident, with a dedicated support hub set up at Georgetown’s Umana Yana convention center.
Since the first light of the operation’s latest working day, the active search zone has been expanded dramatically, growing from an initial 400 square kilometers to more than 1,070 square kilometers. Both air and maritime search units from Guyana’s Region Two and Region Three have been deployed to the area, and the full operational capacity of the mission has been significantly boosted. Resources for the ongoing effort have been contributed by both the Guyanese government and private sector stakeholders, while local commercial fishermen with intimate knowledge of the area’s coastal and riverine waters have also joined the rescue efforts to support official teams.
Three dedicated command centers are now fully operational to coordinate the mission, based in Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, and Georgetown’s Umana Yana. Family members of both rescued people and those still listed as missing are being kept fully informed and closely integrated into all stages of the response process.
Both the captain and first mate of the MV Barima, who are among the survivors rescued from the capsizing, have returned to the search area to share critical local knowledge and assist ongoing rescue operations. Regional community leaders in Region Two, alongside Guyana’s Civil Defence Commission and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, are working in tandem to deliver targeted mental health support to survivors and their families.
New details released by officials confirm that the MV Barima was fully equipped with required safety gear at the time of the incident, including 250 life vests, six inflatable lifeboats, and two rigid-hull lifeboats. The vessel, which has a total cargo capacity of 284 tons, was carrying 268 tons of cargo, 116 passengers, and 17 crew members when it capsized. It is legally certified to carry more than 300 passengers, underwent its most recent dry dock inspection and maintenance in 2024, and had new engines installed ahead of the incident. The vessel operated regular service on the route, making roughly three to four trips to Port Kaituma each month.
Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill confirmed that specialized assets have been added to the search effort to boost intensity, including vessels fitted with underwater scanning equipment and teams of professional divers. The underwater scanners allow search teams to map the seabed and locate potential wreckage or missing people without relying solely on visual or acoustic detection. Divers have been deployed to conduct targeted searches inside the sunken hull of the capsized vessel, with officials saying no possible avenue to locate missing people will be left unexplored.
The Guyanese government is coordinating closely with the regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre to align the response effort. Prime Minister Mark Phillips is leading the overall government response, supported by multiple cabinet ministers. Both President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo have taken active roles in the operation, ensuring that all required resources, personnel, and funding are immediately available to support the rescue mission.
Officials have reiterated that the search and rescue operation will continue non-stop until all people who were on board the MV Barima are accounted for.
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Trainingscentrum kinderen met een beperking in Geyersvlijt wordt heropent
After years of sitting idle and falling into disrepair, a long-shuttered training facility for children with disabilities in Geyersvlijt is set to get a new lease on life, following an official restoration initiative launched by Suriname’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing (Sozavo). The government body has confirmed that preliminary preparations are already underway, with a target reopening date set for the middle of 2027. Once fully restored, the center will once again serve as a dedicated hub for disabled children and young people, providing specialized education, vocational skills training, and tailored social support that many in this community currently lack access to.
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Two Dominican youth represent country at CARYFED 2026 forum in Grenada
As regional conversations around youth-led sustainable development gain momentum across the Caribbean, two young Dominicans are stepping onto the international stage to represent their island nation at the 2026 Caribbean Youth Forum for Environment and Development (CARYFED), hosted in Grenada from July 14 to 24. The delegation is backed by Project Discovery Dominica, a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing a new cohort of environmentally conscious and community-focused leaders, marking the latest milestone in the group’s rapid growth since its official launch just two years ago.
The partnership between Project Discovery Dominica and CARYFED stretches back years, laying the groundwork for the organization’s current work. In 2023, three young Dominican participants attended the CARYFED gathering in Trinidad and Tobago, where they gained hands-on leadership training and deepened their understanding of cross-regional sustainable development challenges and youth engagement strategies. That transformative experience inspired a group of local young leaders to formally establish Project Discovery Dominica in 2024 as a national platform for youth empowerment centered on environmental stewardship. Later that same year, Dominica itself hosted the annual CARYFED forum, welcoming hundreds of youth delegates from across the Caribbean and cementing the country’s reputation as a committed supporter of youth leadership in the climate and environmental space.
This year, 19-year-old students Geyoudena Desir and Reece Lantan, both attendees of Dominica Grammar School, have been selected to carry the island’s flag at the Grenada forum. For Desir, who currently serves as Project Discovery Dominica’s Communications Officer, the opportunity is a full-circle moment: she attended the 2024 CARYFED forum on her home island, the same event that launched the organization she now helps lead. “My first CARYFED Forum was held in Dominica, and it was an incredible experience. It was also the year Project Discovery Dominica was launched,” Desir shared ahead of the trip. “Although I was unable to attend last year’s forum, I am thrilled to participate in this year’s CARYFED Forum in Grenada. This is my first visit to the island, and I look forward to fully immersing myself in the experience. CARYFED has consistently created meaningful opportunities for young people across the region. As a representative of Project Discovery Dominica, I hope to use the knowledge, experience, and networks I gain to strengthen our chapter and share those opportunities with youth throughout Dominica.”
For first-time delegate Lantan, the forum represents a chance to grow as a leader and encourage more of his peers to engage with environmental action. “I expect CARYFED to be both an interesting and enjoyable experience, and I am looking forward to learning and growing throughout the forum,” he said. “I would encourage other young people to get involved in opportunities like this. I hope to return with a new perspective that will help create a better future and inspire other young people to enjoy the same life-changing experience.”
Upon their return to Dominica, the pair are tasked with a key mission: to revitalize Project Discovery Dominica by recruiting new young members, designing accessible local environmental programs, and motivating more youth to step into leadership roles in their schools and hometown communities. Organization chairperson Beverly Leblanc emphasized that investing in these young delegates is equivalent to investing in Dominica’s long-term future. “Our investment in young people is an investment in the future of Dominica. We are incredibly proud of our delegates as they represent our country and Project Discovery Dominica on the regional stage,” Leblanc said in a formal press statement. “Their participation is not only an opportunity for personal growth but also a chance to bring back fresh ideas, strengthen youth leadership, and help shape the next chapter of Project Discovery Dominica. We are excited about the energy, innovation, and vision they will bring as we work together to expand opportunities for young people across the island.”
To date, Project Discovery Dominica remains focused on its core mission: creating accessible opportunities that build leadership capacity, foster a culture of volunteerism, embed environmental responsibility, and encourage active youth citizenship. The organization works to equip young Dominicans with the technical knowledge, practical skills, and cross-regional professional networks they need to become effective advocates for sustainable development across the island. As Desir and Lantan prepare to engage with hundreds of regional youth leaders in Grenada, the organization extended its well wishes for a productive and transformative forum, highlighting the critical role this participation plays in advancing both local and regional environmental goals.
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DASPA pays tribute to Otis Francis following fatal Woodbridge Bay Port accident
A devastating workplace accident at Dominica’s Woodbridge Bay Port has claimed the life of a long-serving port employee, leaving the local maritime community in mourning. Forty-seven-year-old Otis Francis, a resident of Tarish Pit, suffered fatal injuries in the incident shortly after midnight on Friday, July 17, while he was part of a crew unloading cargo from a berthed vessel at the facility.
Preliminary law enforcement accounts confirm a shipping container fell onto Francis during the unloading operation. First responders pronounced him dead at the accident scene immediately after the incident, and the Dominica Police Force has launched a full formal investigation to document the exact circumstances that led to the fatal event and identify any contributing safety gaps.
Francis had built an eight-year career as a stevedore with the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA), the government body that manages the island’s key sea and air port infrastructure. In an official public statement released after the accident, DASPA’s Board of Directors, senior management, and all staff joined to pay tribute to Francis’s legacy at the port.
The statement highlighted that Francis consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, unwavering commitment, and a rigorous work ethic throughout his tenure. These traits, the authority noted, earned him widespread respect and sincere appreciation from colleagues, industry partners, and every stakeholder he interacted with during his years of service. His contributions to smooth port operations and the growth of Dominica’s maritime community will not be forgotten, the statement added.
“While no words can truly ease the pain of such a sudden and great loss, we hope the Francis family will find strength in the love and support of those around them and comfort in the cherished memories of his life and legacy,” the statement read. DASPA extended its deepest heartfelt condolences to Francis’s immediate family, extended relatives, close friends, and fellow port employees, joining the entire community in mourning and praying for peace and comfort for all those affected by the tragedy. May Otis Francis rest in eternal peace.
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TMF Beach 2026 draws massive crowd for opening day
The much-anticipated 2026 edition of the Tipsy Music Festival (TMF) Beach launched with a burst of energy on Saturday, drawing hundreds of excited music fans to the Copacabana Beach Club along Bay Street in St. Michael for the first day of the two-day coastal celebration. The sun-soaked beachfront venue filled rapidly as attendees clad in vibrant beachwear and swimwear turned the space into a nonstop party, with infectious rhythms, group dancing, and interactive entertainment keeping the atmosphere electric from the early afternoon through the entire evening.
Originally scheduled to run from noon to 8 p.m., the festival kicked off with a series of high-octane DJ sets that grabbed the crowd’s attention from the very first beat. Renowned selectors Sheldon Papp, Jus Jay, and Noah Powa rotated behind the mixing decks, blending an infectious mix of soca, dancehall, and beloved party anthems that kept attendees moving and grooving in the sand long before the first live performer took the stage around 7 p.m.
Emerging artist Doejay opened the live segment of the evening, earning a roaring response from the crowd with performances of his breakout hits “Good Better Best” and “2 Bad”. Fans sang every word back to him throughout his set, prompting DJ Jus Jay to invite the rising star back for an encore performance of his brand-new soca release, “Bartender”.
The momentum only built from there, as fast-growing local favorite Lastacia took the stage and turned the entire crowd into a massive unified choir, with hundreds of voices singing every lyric to her chart-topping hit “Active”. Backed by two dynamic backup dancers, Lastacia’s high-energy choreography amplified the crowd’s excitement and pushed the energy level even higher.
One of the most memorable moments of the opening night came when Jagwa De Champ – introduced by Jus Jay as “the DJ known for bashment” – stepped into the spotlight. The crowd erupted into cheers before he even sang a single note, chanting the lyrics to his hit track in unison. His performance of fan favorite “Ching Ching” quickly became one of the evening’s biggest highlights, with the accompanying viral dance challenge drawing widespread, enthusiastic participation from fans across the venue. Jagwa further ramped up the fun by inviting multiple attendees on stage to dance alongside him, where they showed off both freestyle moves and choreographed routines to the delight of the entire crowd.
Beloved staples Leadpipe & Saddis kept the energy sky-high with a set packed full of their most popular hits, keeping the entire crowd singing from their first song to their last. Saddis also treated the audience to a preview of his entry for the prestigious Sweet Soca competition, “Skyfall”, which earned a warm, enthusiastic reception from the assembled fans.
Closing out the opening night’s live performances was Jordan English, who delivered a crowd-pleasing set featuring many of his best-known tracks, including his viral breakout hit “Weatherman”. His high-energy performance brought the first day’s stage programming to a rousing, memorable conclusion.
Throughout the entire evening, festivalgoers could be spotted waving their branded yellow Tipsy cups, dancing in groups, capturing clips of their favorite performances, and singing along with every act that took the stage. The area surrounding the stage stayed packed from start to finish, as attendees embraced the youthful, high-octane vibe that has become the signature of the TMF Beach event.
With a carefully curated lineup that balances established, beloved artists and exciting emerging talent, TMF Beach 2026 delivered a standout opening night that has built massive anticipation for the festival’s second and final event: the highly anticipated TMF All-White Party, scheduled to take place Sunday, July 19, at the National Botanical Gardens, running from 3 p.m. through midnight. The Tipsy Music Festival is organized annually by Twisted Entertainment.
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DOMLEC: Geothermal energy helps cut July fuel surcharge to 33 cents
Dominica’s primary electricity provider, Dominica Electricity Services Ltd (DOMLEC), has announced that its July 2026 fuel surcharge will be set at 33 cents per kilowatt-hour, a reduction made possible by the rapid scaling of geothermal energy integration into the island’s national power grid, according to the company’s Public Relations Officer Ayeola George.
In an official statement released to the public, George outlined the sharp, steady growth of geothermal energy’s share in Dominica’s renewable generation mix over the first half of 2026. Back in March, geothermal contributed just 6 percent of the country’s total renewable power output. By April, that share had jumped nearly four and a half times to 26 percent. When combined with the existing hydroelectric power capacity, total renewable energy penetration across the national grid reached 51 percent that month.
This upward trajectory continued through the spring, George confirmed, with total renewable penetration climbing to 58 percent in May. By the end of June, the milestone figure of 68 percent was reached, marking renewables as the dominant source of electricity generation for the island nation.
This shift away from fossil fuel-dependent generation has delivered immediate tangible benefits for both DOMLEC and its customers, George explained. As renewable energy output grows month over month, the country’s reliance on diesel for power generation has fallen dramatically. From January’s consumption level of 373,000 gallons of diesel, the monthly usage dropped by almost half to just 194,000 gallons by June 2026.
While DOMLEC has no ability to influence global or regional diesel pricing, the reduced reliance on the fossil fuel has drastically cut its impact on overall electricity generation costs. “The cost-benefit of expanding geothermal energy is significant — not just for DOMLEC as a company, but for every single one of our customers,” George emphasized.
Without the integration of geothermal capacity into the grid, George noted, the July 2026 fuel surcharge would be nearly double the current rate, coming in at 63 cents per kilowatt-hour instead of the 33 cents that customers will see on their upcoming bills. “This is the true, tangible impact of investing in geothermal,” she said.
George also acknowledged that customers experienced a number of power outages across June, but highlighted that even with those operational challenges, DOMLEC still achieved the landmark 68 percent renewable penetration rate. She thanked the Dominican public for their patience and understanding as the company and its partner organizations continue the ongoing work of integrating more renewable energy resources into the national grid.
The achievement of 68 percent renewable penetration through geothermal and hydro power is being hailed as a major milestone for Dominica’s energy transition, positioning the island as a growing leader in Caribbean renewable energy adoption.
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Multiple dead, others injured after West Coast boat collision
A devastating head-on collision between two vessels in the early hours off the western coast of the Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia has left at least three people dead, multiple others injured, and one unaccounted for, local emergency sources have confirmed. The tragic incident unfolded around midnight in the coastal waters between the Soufrière and Canaries districts, when a southbound boat and a northbound vessel crashed directly into one another. Multiple passengers on the two craft sustained life-altering injuries, ranging from compound fractures of the arms and legs to other severe traumatic conditions requiring urgent medical intervention. Local outlet St. Lucia Times conducted an interview with a first responder who took part in the immediate rescue operation, recalling the chaotic, high-stakes effort to pull survivors from the collision site. The rescuer detailed that many passengers who survived the impact were found clinging to fragmented pieces of wreckage amid open water before rescue teams could reach them. All recovered survivors were eventually brought to a nearby beach to receive on-site first aid before being transferred to local medical facilities for further care. As of press time, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has not yet published any official statement confirming details of the collision, including the identities of those involved or the root cause of the crash. Investigations into the incident are still in their early stages, with authorities yet to begin public disclosure of preliminary findings.
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UPDATE: Guyanese National Fatally Shot in Potters Village
On a quiet Sunday afternoon in Potters Village, Antigua, a brazen fatal shooting has left a small community reeling from violence, after a Guyanese national identified only as Leyandrew was killed in what law enforcement officials suspect was a pre-planned targeted attack.
Local residents told reporters they first heard the crack of multiple gunshots ring out through the neighborhood before they stumbled on the victim at the scene. According to witness accounts, the entire attack unfolded in mere seconds, catching nearby residents off guard and leaving widespread fear and unease across the tight-knit community. Initial early reporting had labeled the killing an apparent drive-by shooting, with witnesses counting at least four separate shots fired before the gunmen fled.
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, responding police officers moved quickly to secure and cordon off the crime scene, launching a formal criminal investigation into the homicide. Investigating teams have outlined their next steps, which include door-to-door interviews with local residents who may have seen or heard details related to the attack, as well as a full review of all available evidence – most notably nearby surveillance footage that could capture critical clues about the attackers and their escape.
As of the latest update, law enforcement has not identified a clear motive for the killing, and no suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the shooting. This fatal incident marks the latest homicide to impact Antigua and Barbuda, a nation that continues to grapple with rising gun violence as investigators and policymakers work to curb the spread of illegal weapons and violent crime across the twin islands.
Outlets covering the developing story have extended their sincere condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones, who are now grappling with the sudden loss of Leyandrew. This remains an active, developing investigation, and new details will be released to the public as they become available to authorities.
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Ferry carrying 116 people capsizes off Guyana; at least 53 rescued
In an emergency unfolding off the North Atlantic coast of Guyana, a passenger ferry carrying 116 passengers and crew members has capsized, with 53 people pulled from the water as of Sunday, local authorities confirmed in official statements.
The vessel, identified as the MV Barima, was traveling north from Guyana’s capital city of Georgetown to its destination of Port Kaituma when the incident occurred, according to Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who is personally overseeing the government’s emergency response to the disaster.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill shared details of the response via his official Facebook page, noting that local emergency operations centers received an initial distress signal from the vessel at 11:01 p.m. local time. The call immediately triggered a large-scale multi-party search and rescue operation, with both government-operated and private watercraft deployed to the incident zone to assist with recovery efforts.
The capsizing took place in waters close to the mouth of the Pomeroon River, according to official mapping of the incident location. As of Sunday afternoon, full details of the ongoing search operation remained undisclosed, and officials have not yet confirmed whether there have been any fatalities among the people who remain missing. Despite the uncertainty, Guyanese officials have publicly stated that they hold hope for rescuing more of the missing passengers in the coming hours.
Edghill also confirmed that the MV Barima was outfitted with required safety equipment ahead of its voyage: the vessel carried 250 life jackets, two rigid life rafts, and an additional six inflatable life rafts for emergency use.