Antigua and Barbuda has officially launched its highly anticipated Culinary Month 2026 with a spectacular evening at the prestigious James Beard Foundation’s Platform. The event, held on October 15, 2023, marked the beginning of a three-year countdown to the island nation’s grand culinary celebration. The evening showcased the rich gastronomic heritage of Antigua and Barbuda, featuring a curated menu by renowned local chefs and an immersive cultural experience that highlighted the islands’ vibrant traditions and flavors. Attendees, including international food critics, celebrity chefs, and tourism industry leaders, were treated to a sensory journey through the Caribbean’s culinary landscape. The event also served as a strategic platform to promote Antigua and Barbuda as a premier destination for food tourism, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. Culinary Month 2026 aims to position the twin-island nation as a global hub for gastronomic innovation and cultural exchange, further boosting its tourism sector and international reputation.
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US House set for crunch vote on ending historic government shutdown
The United States House of Representatives is poised to hold a critical vote on November 12 on a budget bill aimed at ending the longest government shutdown in the nation’s history. This legislative action comes on the 42nd day of the impasse, which has left a million federal workers without pay, disrupted food stamp programs for low-income Americans, and caused significant delays in air travel ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. The Senate has already advanced a funding package that would keep federal agencies operational for two months, and the bill is now headed to the House for approval. Despite a narrow Republican majority, GOP leaders are optimistic about the bill’s passage, while top Democrats have vowed to oppose it. President Donald Trump has signaled his willingness to sign the bill into law, emphasizing the need to reopen the country. The shutdown, which began on October 1, has had widespread repercussions, including the cancellation of nearly 1,200 flights on November 11 as unpaid air traffic controllers called in sick. Lawmakers have resorted to unconventional means to reach Washington for the vote, with some carpooling or even riding motorcycles. The House Rules Committee advanced the bill in a party-line vote early on November 12, rejecting Democratic amendments to extend health insurance subsidies. The chamber is expected to reconvene later in the day for a one-hour debate before the final vote.
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Road fatality victim identified
Authorities have confirmed the identity of the individual who tragically lost their life in a fatal road traffic accident on Four Square Road in St Philip nearly a week ago. The victim has been identified as 29-year-old Rajani Obrien Parris, a resident of Lucas Street in the same parish. According to police reports, the incident occurred at approximately 11:20 p.m. on November 11, when a motor vehicle traveling towards St Patricks collided with a pedestrian. Emergency medical teams arrived promptly at the scene and conducted an initial assessment, but the pedestrian showed no signs of life. A medical doctor later confirmed the fatality at the location. The deceased was officially identified by a family member. Law enforcement is now urging anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward and contact the District ‘C’ Police Station at 416-8200 or 416-8204 to assist with the ongoing investigation.
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UPP Motorcade Set For 10 A.M. Today
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — The United Progressive Party (UPP) is set to commence its island-wide motorcade today, Sunday, November 16, at 10 a.m. from Rising Sun Field. The event, described by the party as a peaceful protest, aims to galvanize public support for an independent investigation into what the UPP has termed the ‘Vehicle-Gate’ scandal. The opposition party alleges significant misconduct within the Ministry of Public Works, insisting that only an external probe can uncover what they claim to be a multi-million-dollar conspiracy. This demonstration follows a week of setbacks, as police initially denied approval for a whistle-stop and motorcade planned for November 9. However, the UPP later received permission for today’s event. Party officials are urging supporters and the general public to join the motorcade as it sets off this morning, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in government operations.
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Calls for leaders’ debate intensify as campaigns heat up
In a bold move to engage the electorate, United Workers Party (UWP) Political Leader Allen Chastanet has publicly challenged Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre to a national debate on policy issues. Speaking to supporters in Anse La Raye following the announcement of the December 1 general election, Chastanet emphasized that Saint Lucians deserve a transparent and honest discussion between political leaders. He urged Pierre to set a date for what he termed an “open and honest conversation” about the nation’s future. This challenge comes just six days after Prime Pierre expressed conditional openness to a televised debate, provided it is structured and fact-based. Pierre had previously remarked, “Well-structured debates are very good, but you can only debate when your debater is living in the world of reality.” Despite similar calls in past election cycles, no debates have materialized. With only 21 days of campaigning remaining, many question whether such an event can be organized in time. However, political observers argue that a televised debate could provide voters with much-needed clarity on critical policies, addressing funding, timelines, and feasibility in ways that rallies and soundbites often fail to do. Development professional Ajani Lebourne, who focuses on youth, politics, and leadership, has also advocated for a leaders’ debate, warning that declining voter participation threatens the country’s democratic health. Saint Lucia Rhodes Scholar Rahym Augustin-Joseph echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for detailed analysis of party platforms and leadership styles. Both men agree that a national debate is essential to restore trust in political institutions and ensure the electorate makes informed decisions.
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impactUs conference to tackle ‘crisis of hidden leadership’
The impactUS conference, a transformative leadership and personal-branding event, is set to revolutionize how executives lead and communicate across the Caribbean. Founded by Shermalyn Sidonie-John, a renowned brand marketing strategist, TEDx Speaker, and the visionary behind The Influential BossLady, this initiative challenges outdated leadership models and addresses what she terms ‘the million-dollar problem of invisible leadership.’ Scheduled for November 29, 2025, at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, the one-day event will convene executives, founders, and high-achieving professionals from across the region for a day of leadership transformation. This year’s theme, ‘Creating Leaders Who Multiply Leaders,’ focuses on empowering leaders to redefine success through authenticity, visibility, and legacy. In an interview with St. Lucia Times, Sidonie-John emphasized that impactUS was designed to help leaders anchor their true selves in their communication and influence. ‘Leadership today demands transparency, not perfection,’ she stated. ‘When leaders remain invisible, organizations lose trust, innovation stagnates, and the next generation lacks a blueprint to follow.’ Citing Gartner’s 2024 Global Leadership Research, she highlighted that 76% of employees believe their leaders fail to engage authentically in professional development. To bridge this gap, Sidonie-John developed The Influence Capital Blueprint, a proprietary framework that transforms visibility into measurable influence. The blueprint is structured around three pillars—presence, trust, and legacy—guiding leaders to convert personal authenticity into professional advantage. During impactUS, Sidonie-John will lead four signature sessions: ‘Executive Presence That Multiplies Influence,’ ‘Leader-as-Coach & Communicator,’ ‘Creating Leaders Who Multiply Leaders,’ and ‘The 90-Day Multiplication Blueprint.’ These sessions are designed to equip attendees with actionable strategies to enhance leadership visibility and impact. Sidonie-John challenges the notion that visibility equates to vanity, asserting that it is instead a form of value creation. ‘People are tired of perfection. They crave real insight: how you failed, what you learned, and how you rose. That’s what multiplies influence,’ she explained. She also refuted the outdated narrative that visibility equals arrogance, stating, ‘If we remain unseen, how can emerging leaders see themselves in us? Visibility builds pipelines of purpose.’ The Influential BossLady, led by Sidonie-John, has become a trusted partner for corporations aiming to strengthen leadership communication, rebuild trust, and future-proof their talent pipelines. ‘It’s about developing leaders who inspire loyalty, drive innovation, and leave a legacy that outlives their title,’ she added. At impactUS, women leaders from Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean will gather to share insights in a safe, empowering environment designed for genuine growth. ‘Every leader carries a brand that transcends their position,’ Sidonie-John concluded. ‘That brand, the one called you, will outlive any title or company. Your influence is your legacy.’
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Gonsalves to campaign for St. Lucian party with policies he opposes in SVG
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is set to travel to St. Lucia to campaign for the re-election of the St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP), despite opposing some of its policies in his own country. The SLP, led by Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre, is aiming to secure a second consecutive term in the upcoming December 1 elections, a feat not achieved in St. Lucia since 2006. The SLP and Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party (ULP) share a political alliance, though they diverge on key issues such as VAT-free shopping days and citizenship by investment (CBI) programs. Gonsalves has criticized these policies as gimmicks, particularly when proposed by SVG’s opposition, the New Democratic Party (NDP). In St. Lucia, the SLP has proposed a VAT-free shopping day in December, following a bonus salary payment to public sector workers. Meanwhile, in SVG, the NDP has promised similar measures, including VAT reductions and increased public assistance, if elected. Gonsalves dismissed these proposals, labeling them as impractical. The political dynamics between the two nations highlight regional policy debates and the interconnectedness of Caribbean politics. Gonsalves’ decision to campaign in St. Lucia underscores his commitment to regional solidarity, despite local criticisms and policy disagreements.
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Argentinians friends of Cuba paid tribute to Fidel Castro
The House of Friendship, a hub for the Argentine Movement of Solidarity with Cuba (MASCuba) in Buenos Aires, hosted a significant commemoration event that attracted a large and attentive audience. The gathering was a powerful reminder of unwavering support for Cuba’s revolutionary legacy and its people, who are currently grappling with multiple crises, including the aftermath of a devastating hurricane, the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the persistent U.S. embargo. The event featured a series of influential speakers who highlighted the enduring spirit of solidarity between Argentina and Cuba. Ruben Zaccaro, a prominent leader of MASCuba, inaugurated the proceedings, followed by Hugo Fontana, an Argentine architect who contributed to Cuba’s early development post-revolution. Stella Calloni, a respected Argentine political scientist, and Esteban Luchetta also shared their insights. Jorge Marti, head of the Cuban Mission, and Erenia Garcia, president of the Union of Cuban Residents in Argentina (URCA), concluded the event. Zaccaro reflected on Fidel Castro’s revival of Jose Marti’s emancipatory ideals, which inspired the historic attack on the Moncada Barracks—a pivotal moment that ignited the Cuban Revolution.
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Health Authorities Mark World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is actively participating in World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW), underscoring its dedication to combating the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Often termed the ‘silent pandemic,’ AMR occurs when microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to medications, rendering infections increasingly difficult or impossible to treat. Aligning with the WAAW 2025 theme, ‘Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,’ CARPHA is advocating for the responsible use of antimicrobials and showcasing the progress made through its Integrated AMR Programme. This initiative, supported by key partners such as the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Fleming Fund, and the Pandemic Fund Project, exemplifies regional collaboration. The programme enhances surveillance, laboratory capacity, and coordinated actions across sectors to detect, understand, and respond to AMR in the Caribbean. A significant milestone is the establishment of the Caribbean Antimicrobial Resistance Alliance (CARA), a joint effort between CARPHA and UKHSA, which serves as the technical backbone of CARPHA’s AMR agenda. CARA is advancing AMR Reference laboratory capacity across Trinidad, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia, developing a regional AMR surveillance system, and harmonizing standards and expertise. CARPHA has also expanded its Jamaica and Saint Lucia laboratories as regional reference hubs for AMR testing, reducing delays and improving pathogen detection. Through partnerships with UKHSA, CARPHA has bolstered workforce capacity, receiving technical experts to enhance surveillance, laboratory systems, and emergency response. Additionally, CARPHA, PAHO, and UKHSA have organized regional training workshops on phenotypic testing, molecular testing, and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). Dr. Lisa Indar, CARPHA Executive Director, emphasized the urgency of collective action, stating, ‘Antimicrobial resistance threatens the health and development of every Caribbean nation. Success requires responsibility from governments, healthcare providers, veterinarians, farmers, laboratories, and the public.’ CARPHA continues to support Member States in preserving the effectiveness of life-saving medicines through strengthened surveillance, testing capacity, and One Health partnerships. During WAAW, CARPHA urges all stakeholders to champion responsible antimicrobial use and support AMR prevention initiatives.
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Eight will always be more than seven
In a bold assertion, Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, leader of the Unity Labour Party (ULP), expressed unwavering confidence in his party’s electoral prospects, stating that losing any seat between West St. George and North Windward is ‘completely out of any comprehension.’ However, a closer examination of the electoral trends in key constituencies reveals a more nuanced picture, challenging the ULP’s perceived invincibility.