The Ocean Oasis Hotel, a newly inaugurated 4-star luxury resort in Castle Comfort, Dominica, has been hailed as a testament to the nation’s economic and tourism ambitions. Officially opened on Friday, the hotel, developed under the Citizenship By Investment (CBI) Programme, features 37 oceanfront rooms and a Presidential Suite, offering panoramic views, modern design, and exceptional service. Jullan Defoe, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, described the project as the ‘Dominica Dream in Action,’ emphasizing its role as a symbol of determination, innovation, and national pride. Representing Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton, Defoe highlighted the hotel’s significance in boosting Dominica’s tourism sector, which already contributes nearly 40% of the country’s GDP. He stressed that every new hotel room creates jobs, generates income, and fuels economic growth, benefiting a wide range of industries, from agriculture to crafts. Defoe also underscored the importance of expanding tourism infrastructure, particularly in anticipation of the 2027 opening of Dominica’s international airport, which will enhance global connectivity. He praised the Ocean Oasis as a beacon of progress, elevating Dominica’s brand as a top eco-luxury destination. The minister encouraged Dominicans to embrace their role as ambassadors, emphasizing the importance of warm, authentic service in creating memorable experiences for visitors. He expressed confidence that the success of Ocean Oasis would inspire further investments and development, paving the way for a brighter economic future for Dominica.
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Local golfers raise $120K for Jamaica hurricane relief
In a remarkable display of solidarity, the Saint Lucia Golf Association (SLGA) successfully organized the Hurricane Melissa Relief Tournament, raising an impressive $120,000 for the Jamaica Golf Association (JGA). The event, held on November 8 at the Cap Estate Golf and Country Club, saw 48 golfers compete in a relaxed better-ball format, showcasing both skill and camaraderie. The tournament was a direct response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that struck western Jamaica just 11 days prior, claiming at least 45 lives and causing an estimated $6 billion in damages. The Jamaican golf community, including players, caddies, and facilities, suffered significant losses, making the SLGA’s initiative all the more impactful. Key figures like Dwayne King and Andre Dhanpaul spearheaded the effort, with over 80 sponsors, including Xhale Luxury Villa and Jade Mountain, lending their support. Sandals Saint Lucia hosted the event, which also featured a silent auction offering prizes such as dinners, day passes, and rafting experiences. The winning team of Anselm Mathurin and Simone Skinner shot an impressive 12-under 59. Jodi Mun-Barrow, president of the JGA, expressed profound gratitude, emphasizing the emotional and financial relief provided by the SLGA’s generosity. The tournament not only highlighted the resilience of the golfing community but also underscored the power of collective action in times of crisis.
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Antigua Government Projects Job Growth as Port Expansion Accelerates (+PHOTOS)
The government of Antigua and Barbuda has unveiled ambitious plans for port modernization, projecting significant job creation and economic transformation as part of a broader strategy to establish the nation as a regional logistics hub. Prime Minister Gaston Browne emphasized that the EC$500 million investment in upgrading cargo and cruise facilities will enhance operational efficiency, increase cargo-handling capacity, and reduce turnaround times. These improvements are expected to bolster the country’s competitiveness in international trade and attract larger cargo volumes. Browne highlighted that the establishment of a fully operational transshipment port will spur the growth of ancillary industries, including bunkering, ship repair, marine supplies, and warehousing. These emerging sectors are anticipated to create entrepreneurial opportunities and increase demand for skilled labor. The Prime Minister noted that the project will generate employment across various fields, offering opportunities for technicians, engineers, logistics specialists, and young professionals seeking new career paths. Additionally, the port expansion is projected to open new markets for local producers, increase government revenues through taxes and fees, and strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s role in global trade. Browne described the acquisition of advanced port equipment, such as new cranes, as a symbol of national progress and a critical step toward building a diversified, agile, and globally connected economy.
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Senator Joseph and Minister Nicholas Meet Residents Over Water Concerns in Cooks and Golden Grove Extensions
Senator Michael M. Joseph and Minister Melford Nicholas, responsible for Information, Communications Technologies, Utilities, and Energy, embarked on a significant visit to Cooks Extension and Golden Grove Extension on Friday. The purpose of their visit was to engage with residents who have endured over 15 years without access to APUA water. This prolonged water shortage has been attributed to the land developer’s failure to provide the necessary infrastructure, leaving households reliant on alternative water sources for more than a decade.
During the walkthrough, community members seized the opportunity to voice their grievances and share their daily struggles directly with the officials. Senator Joseph emphasized that this visit underscores the government’s renewed dedication to ensuring reliable water access for all communities across Antigua and Barbuda. He further highlighted that both Minister Nicholas and Prime Minister Gaston Browne have committed to addressing the infrastructure deficiencies that have plagued the area for years.
Residents expressed gratitude for the officials’ engagement and conveyed cautious optimism that the promised improvements would soon materialize. The visit marks a pivotal step in the government’s efforts to bridge the gap in essential services and improve the quality of life for affected communities.
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Night Works Crews Push Ahead with Base Preparation on Bendals Road
In a significant development for local infrastructure, nighttime construction crews have made substantial progress in base preparation along Bendals Road. The ongoing project, which aims to enhance the road’s durability and safety, has been strategically scheduled during off-peak hours to minimize disruption to daily commuters. Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and advanced engineering techniques, the crews are meticulously laying the groundwork for future asphalt paving. Local authorities have praised the initiative, emphasizing its importance in improving transportation efficiency and reducing long-term maintenance costs. Residents are advised to remain cautious while traveling through the area, as temporary traffic adjustments remain in effect. The project is expected to be completed within the projected timeline, marking a pivotal step in the region’s infrastructure modernization efforts.
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COP30: Klimaatdemonstranten eisen gehoord te worden
Thousands of activists from diverse environmental and social movements took to the streets of Belém, Brazil, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), marking the largest protest day of the annual summit. Demonstrators, clad in symbolic attire, marched approximately 4 kilometers along a route passing the conference’s main venue. Some wore black dresses to symbolize a funeral for fossil fuels, while others donned red shirts representing the blood of environmental defenders. Chants, massive flags, and protest signs filled the air as activists called for urgent climate action.
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Improvements Continue In Paynters Development
Paynters Development, a prominent player in the real estate and construction sector, has reported substantial advancements in its ongoing projects. The company has been actively implementing a series of strategic improvements aimed at enhancing the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of its developments. These enhancements span across various aspects, including architectural design, construction methodologies, and environmental considerations. Industry experts have lauded Paynters for its commitment to innovation and its ability to adapt to evolving market demands. The company’s latest initiatives are expected to set new benchmarks in the industry, fostering greater customer satisfaction and long-term value creation. With a robust pipeline of projects, Paynters Development continues to solidify its position as a leader in the competitive real estate landscape.
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LETTER: Patient Appeals for Urgent Fix to Ozempic Delays at Medical Benefits
As a diabetic patient reliant on the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) for essential medication, I have been prescribed Ozempic for the past eight months after other treatments failed to manage my blood sugar effectively. While the medication has been beneficial, the bureaucratic hurdles in accessing it have become a significant burden.
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Haitian gang members exchange fire with Marines protecting US Embassy in Port-au-Prince
In a stark reminder of Haiti’s escalating security crisis, suspected gang members opened fire on American forces guarding the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince earlier this week, according to a spokesperson. The incident underscores the precarious situation in the Caribbean nation, where gangs now control 90% of the capital, extorting businesses and battling for territory with heavy weaponry. Haitian police have yet to comment on the exchange of fire. The US continues to maintain its embassy in Haiti, but the State Department has repeatedly warned American citizens against traveling to the country due to rampant kidnappings, crime, terrorist activity, and civil unrest. The United Nations reports that gang violence has displaced over 1.3 million Haitians in recent years. The security situation has worsened significantly since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, which created a power vacuum that remains unresolved, with no elections held to replace him. In late September, the UN Security Council approved the deployment of a 5,500-strong international force to combat Haiti’s heavily armed criminal groups. However, a smaller Kenyan police contingent has struggled to contain the violence, which claimed 5,600 lives last year, according to the UN Human Rights Office.
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LETTER: Rent Prices in Antigua are out of hand
The residential rental market in Antigua has reached a critical juncture, with mounting concerns over its unaffordability for local citizens. Once a balanced sector, the market has now spiraled into chaos, leaving many residents unable to secure basic housing. Rental prices have soared to exorbitant levels, far exceeding the financial capabilities of the average Antiguan worker. This alarming situation is largely attributed to the lack of regulatory oversight, allowing landlords to set rates without restraint. The absence of rent caps, standardized pricing guidelines, and effective monitoring has created a profit-driven market, further exacerbated by the surge in short-term rentals and the willingness of foreign workers and visitors to pay premium prices. The consequences are dire: young professionals are unable to achieve independence, families are forced into cramped or substandard living conditions, and some residents are pushed into unsafe environments due to a lack of alternatives. The government must take decisive action to address this crisis. Implementing policies such as rent controls, incentives for affordable housing development, and measures to curb speculative pricing are essential to restore balance. Successful examples from other nations demonstrate that regulation can protect citizens without undermining responsible landlords. Housing is a fundamental human necessity, not a luxury. Ensuring affordable and dignified living conditions for all Antiguans must become a national priority. The time for regulatory intervention in the rental market is not just justified—it is long overdue.