Carib Scope

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  • Robert De Niro’s Nobu Beach Inn in Barbuda Targets Late 2026 Construction Completion

    Robert De Niro’s Nobu Beach Inn in Barbuda Targets Late 2026 Construction Completion

    Luxury hospitality brand Nobu Hospitality is advancing a high-end beach resort development on the Caribbean island of Barbuda, with construction of the Nobu Beach Inn projected to wrap up by the end of 2026. While an official guest opening date has not been confirmed to the public, the brand has opened pre-registration for customers interested in receiving project updates. This new resort is a collaborative venture between Nobu, Hollywood actor Robert De Niro, Australian investor James Packer, and seasoned hotelier Daniel Shamoon, marking a major expansion of the brand’s footprint in the region.

    The property is sited along Barbuda’s undeveloped southwest coast, spanning a sprawling 400 acres of land with two full miles of pristine beachfront access. In terms of accommodation, the resort will feature 36 guest bedrooms housed across 17 exclusive private villas, alongside 25 premium beachfront residences that are currently being offered for private sale. Starting prices for these luxury residences are set at $12 million, and buyers will gain full access to all of the resort’s shared amenities and services. Residence owners also have the option to enroll their properties in the resort’s rental program, allowing them to generate rental income when they are not using their units.

    To meet the expectations of high-end leisure travelers, the development includes a comprehensive range of recreational and hospitality facilities. Planned amenities include multiple signature Nobu restaurants, a private beach club, an ocean-facing infinity pool, a full-service spa, a dedicated fitness pavilion, a children’s activity club, and an open-air outdoor cinema. The resort will also feature hard court facilities for both tennis and padel, plus a fully equipped water sports center that will offer popular activities including sailing and water skiing.

    This new project builds on Nobu Hospitality’s existing established presence on Barbuda. The brand first opened a Nobu Barbuda restaurant and beach lounge on the island’s Princess Diana Beach back in 2020, and partner Robert De Niro has a decades-long personal connection to the area. De Niro shared that he first visited Barbuda more than 30 years ago, and from the project’s earliest planning stages, the team has prioritized designing the resort to complement, rather than overshadow, Barbuda’s unspoiled natural landscape and coastal ecosystem.

    A recent hotel industry report published earlier this week incorrectly stated that the resort would open to guests in late 2026. In response to the report, Nobu Hospitality clarified its current timeline on its official project page, confirming that only construction completion is targeted for the end of 2026, with a launch date for guest operations still to be determined.

  • Indian Seafarer Killed in Attack on Antigua and Barbuda-Flagged Ship Near Strait of Hormuz

    Indian Seafarer Killed in Attack on Antigua and Barbuda-Flagged Ship Near Strait of Hormuz

    A fatal assault on a Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk cargo vessel transiting the Arabian Sea off the coast of Oman has left one Indian maritime worker dead and triggered an urgent international investigation into the nature and perpetrators of the attack. The incident, which unfolded on Wednesday, September 23, targeted the MV Cape Dao, a bulk carrier en route from the United Arab Emirates to India, according to official updates from Oman’s Maritime Security Centre.

    Following the strike, the vessel suffered significant damage that ignited a blaze in its engine room, leaving the ship dead in the water. Quick response teams from the Omani navy deployed immediately to the scene of the emergency, successfully evacuating all 27 surviving crew members from the burning vessel and bringing them to safety.

    In subsequent identifications released by Indian news outlets, the deceased seafarer was named as Suraj Yadav, a native of Uttar Pradesh state in northern India. Of the full 28-person complement on board the MV Cape Dao at the time of the attack, 20 were citizens of India, marking the heavy Indian representation in the commercial vessel’s crew.

    To date, key details about the attack remain unconfirmed, with conflicting accounts emerging from initial intelligence and on-scene reports. Some sources have documented the strike as coming from two torpedoes, while early assessments from maritime security agencies categorized the weapon involved as an unknown projectile. No group or nation has yet claimed responsibility for the assault, and official investigations are still working to pinpoint both the perpetrators and the underlying motive for the attack on the commercial vessel.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Youth Parliament Delegation Visits St. Kitts and Nevis

    Antigua and Barbuda Youth Parliament Delegation Visits St. Kitts and Nevis

    A high-level delegation from the National Youth Parliament Association of Antigua and Barbuda (NYPAAB) arrived in St. Kitts and Nevis on September 23, kicking off a new round of regional diplomatic engagement centered on expanding youth parliamentary collaboration across the Eastern Caribbean.

    Led by NYPAAB President Ezekiel Francois, the visiting delegation includes key organizational leaders: Vice President Rainer Santos Mercado, External Affairs Officer Esther McKenzie, and Celine Edwards, who serves as the Youth Member of Parliament for All Saints East & St. Luke.

    This trip coincides with a major milestone for the regional youth parliamentary network: the partner organization in St. Kitts and Nevis is celebrating 25 years of its founding, a testament to the long-running work of youth civic engagement across the bloc. Over the past four years, the partnership between NYPAAB and regional youth parliamentary bodies has already delivered tangible results, with a packed schedule of collaborative activities. These include the 2022 and 2023 regional youth parliamentary sittings, the 2023 Eastern Caribbean Youth Parliamentary Network (ECYPN) gathering, and joint initiatives with the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) that bring parliamentary representatives together to share governance insights, exchange on-the-ground experiences, and deepen cross-border collective action.

    As NYPAAB joins its regional counterparts to honor this 25-year milestone, the organization has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to nurturing substantive, mutually beneficial relationships with youth parliamentary groups across the Eastern Caribbean. Beyond collaboration on existing initiatives, the association’s core mission focuses on cultivating a new generation of skilled, informed parliamentary leaders who can shape the future of regional governance and address shared challenges facing young people across the subregion.

  • St. Philip’s North to Host Fitness Jam and Free Health Fair Oct. 3–4

    St. Philip’s North to Host Fitness Jam and Free Health Fair Oct. 3–4

    Residents of St. Philip’s North and surrounding areas will soon have a new opportunity to prioritize physical health, connect with neighbors, and access critical health resources when a weekend of community-focused wellbeing events kicks off on October 3 and 4, 2026. The series of activities opens on the morning of Saturday, October 3, with the Sunrise Fitness Jam & Socarobics, an energetic group event organized by the ABLP St. Philip’s North Youth Arm. Hosted at the Willikies Basketball Court from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and emceed by popular entertainer Supa Dymond, the morning will blend high-energy movement and live entertainment. Guided socarobics sessions will be led by experienced instructors Timzo and Lynnique, with the St. Philip’s North Cheerleaders bringing additional high-energy performances to get attendees moving and excited. Built around the theme “Move. Vibe. Connect.”, the event is designed to bring community members together through shared physical activity, with organizers encouraging all participants to wear red and white clothing to show community spirit. Tickets for the Sunrise Fitness Jam are priced at $20 per person, and admission includes a full breakfast for attendees following the morning of activity. The focus on community health continues the next day, Sunday, October 4, with Hon. Randy Baltimore’s Health & Wellness Fair, hosted at the Glanvilles Polyclinic from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. Unlike the active Saturday event, Sunday’s gathering centers on proactive health care, offering attendees free preventative health screenings to help catch potential health concerns early. Attendees are still encouraged to bring comfortable clothing and sneakers, as there will be light interactive activities for visitors to take part in throughout the afternoon. Combined, the two back-to-back events create a holistic approach to community wellbeing, bridging recreational fitness and accessible health care. Saturday’s fitness jam creates a casual, fun space for residents to get active, socialize with neighbors, and build healthy habits as a group, while Sunday’s wellness fair offers a dedicated, low-cost environment for people to ask clinical questions, get evidence-based health guidance, and invest time in checking in on their personal health. Organizers have extended an open invitation to all St. Philip’s North residents, as well as members of the general public from across the region, to join one or both events, framing the weekend as a chance to prioritize fitness, spend time with family, and strengthen broader community bonds. Anyone interested in purchasing tickets for the Sunrise Fitness Jam & Socarobics or seeking additional details about either event can reach out to organizers at (268) 775-7979 or (268) 770-2298, or connect with the ABLP SPN Youth Arm for updates.

  • Grassroots table tennis gets coaching boost

    Grassroots table tennis gets coaching boost

    A groundbreaking grassroots development program is set to transform primary school table tennis in Saint Lucia, with organizers preparing for the island’s largest and most competitive youth season in history. Supported by a cross-sector partnership between the Saint Lucia Table Tennis Association, the Department of Youth Development and Sports, and the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee, the initiative has already brought more than 30 teachers from all eight of the country’s education districts through official International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Level 1 coach certification training.

    Led by experienced coaching educator Aleena Edwards, the intensive training program equips participating educators with core competitive table tennis expertise, covering fundamental strokes, skill-building techniques, modern training methodology, and event organization. Designed for entry-level competitive coaches, the course follows strict international standards: candidates must complete a minimum of 24 hours of in-person hands-on training, pass a practical coaching assessment, log 30 hours of post-course on-the-ground coaching experience, and complete five additional hours of supervised coaching practice.

    Edwards noted that the program has exceeded all early expectations, even requiring organizers to cap participant numbers to avoid straining available equipment and training facilities. “Usually, the most you see is 30 persons, but we have a little bit more,” she shared. “For me, that’s very impressive. What’s even more encouraging is how committed this group has been. Many programs see participants drop off after the first couple of days, but every single candidate here has stayed the course and shown steady improvement from day one. This is a model other Caribbean territories can absolutely replicate.”

    The timing of the coach training initiative comes as Saint Lucia’s national table tennis program already rides a wave of historic recent success. The country has secured qualification for the Central American & Caribbean Games, notched up Pan American match wins against Costa Rica and Mexico, and claimed the Caribbean Youth Championship title in recent months.

    National coach Chris Wells, who collaborates with the Department of Youth Development and Sports, emphasized that the school-focused program will build on this momentum to drive long-term growth for the sport across the island. “This is the first time we will be having so many teachers being trained to teach the sport at the grassroots level,” Wells told local outlet St Lucia Times. “Having a strong core of trained coaches in every education district across the country is an enormous advantage, especially given how rigorous and well-structured this certification course is.”

    Originally scheduled to kick off in January, the 2026 primary school table tennis season will now launch earlier, in October. Officials project that expanded access to trained coaching across all districts will draw more participating schools and young athletes than ever before, creating a deeper talent pool and a far more competitive seasonal tournament structure than any previous year. Edwards added that the investment in grassroots coaching will pay dividends for years to come, predicting a significant increase in the number of high-performing competitive players emerging from Saint Lucia in the near future.

  • Jury to hear murder case next week

    Jury to hear murder case next week

    Nearly five years after Kevin Atherley was found dead with multiple stab wounds in rural Barbados, his accused killer Joel Philemon Maynard will have his case laid out before a 12-member jury when testimony begins next Monday at the country’s Supreme Court.

    Maynard, a 38-year-old resident of Padmore Village, has repeatedly maintained his innocence in the September 26, 2019 killing, entering a formal not guilty plea to the charge of first-degree murder. Atherley’s remains were discovered shortly after his death in Harrow Land, a district in the parish of St Philip, and coroners confirmed he had sustained several penetrating wounds before his death.

    Court officials completed empanelling the jury earlier this week, which is made up of seven women and five men. The high-profile case will be overseen by Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell at the Supreme Court’s No. 4 courtroom.

    Opening the prosecution’s case on Wednesday, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Alliston Seale SC, who is working alongside acting Senior State Counsel Paul Prescod and State Counsel Tomeisha Sobers, told the court that the victim and the accused had a long-running friendship that deteriorated into conflict in the days leading up to Atherley’s death.

    According to the prosecution’s narrative, on the day of the killing the two men encountered each other on an isolated path, where a heated confrontation turned violent. The clash left Atherley with multiple fatal wounds across his body, Seale said.

    Law enforcement launched an extensive investigation immediately after the body was discovered. The probe wrapped up nearly 12 months after the incident, when authorities took Maynard into custody for questioning. He was formally charged with murder following the interview, Seale confirmed. Maynard’s legal defense is being led by attorney-at-law Sian Lange, who will challenge the prosecution’s evidence over the course of the trial.

  • IATA Calls for Transparency and Regional Coordination on Proposed Antigua andBarbuda Passenger Charge Increase

    IATA Calls for Transparency and Regional Coordination on Proposed Antigua andBarbuda Passenger Charge Increase

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents more than 370 airlines covering 85% of global air traffic, has raised urgent concerns over a planned $10 increase in passenger service charges by the government of Antigua and Barbuda, warning the change could erode the Caribbean nation’s air connectivity and competitive position in the global tourism market.

    Under the current proposal, every international passenger—including local residents—would face a $50 charge on both arrival and departure. For a round-trip journey, this adds an extra $20 to total travel costs, a significant increase that comes at a delicate moment for Antigua and Barbuda’s aviation sector. Data from the first half of 2026 already shows a 2.6% drop in passenger volumes compared to the same period in 2025, a decline that IATA argues could deepen if travel costs rise further.

    While airlines operating in the region have repeatedly stated they support sustainable funding for core aviation priorities—from safety oversight to planned infrastructure upgrades at V.C. Bird International Airport and Barbuda International Airport—industry stakeholders say they have been denied critical details about the proposal. To date, there has been no public clarification on how the size of the proposed increase was calculated, what total revenue the government expects to raise, or how the new funds will be allocated across airport development, day-to-day operations, and civil aviation safety oversight.

    The timing of the national charge hike is also particularly problematic, IATA notes, because the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) member states are currently negotiating a region-wide harmonized funding framework for the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA). The ECCAA is the regional body responsible for aviation safety oversight across most of the Eastern Caribbean, and earlier in 2026, participating OECS prime ministers agreed to develop a coordinated, cross-border framework that includes shared legislation, aligned implementation timelines, and a sustainable, collective funding model. The draft framework currently under discussion proposes a $2.50 charge on both arrival and departure for travel across participating states, far lower than the national increase proposed by Antigua and Barbuda.

    Antigua and Barbuda’s government has stated that a portion of the new revenue from its charge increase will go toward ECCAA funding, but stakeholders have yet to receive clear details on how the full proposed increase was determined or how funds will be split between national projects and regional ECCAA obligations. IATA warns that moving forward with a unilateral national charge before the regional framework is finalized and publicly debated risks undermining months of work to build a coordinated regional approach to aviation funding that works for all OECS members.

    As a leading tourism destination competing for international visitors, foreign investment, and new air services, Antigua and Barbuda’s competitiveness depends heavily on affordable travel, IATA emphasizes. Any increase to passenger travel costs must therefore undergo rigorous impact assessment to understand how it will affect destination affordability, tourist demand, long-term connectivity, and sustained economic growth from aviation.

    “It is essential that the government clearly explains the rationale for the proposed increase and how the additional revenues will be used,” said Peter Cerda, IATA’s Regional Vice President for the Americas. “Any contribution toward ECCAA funding should be advanced through the agreed regional framework, supported by transparent governance and funding mechanisms that ensure revenues collected for aviation safety oversight are dedicated to that purpose and transferred accordingly. This would also facilitate informed stakeholder consultation and maintain confidence in efforts to support aviation development and oversight across the region. Separating the regional ECCAA initiative from proposals for national passenger charge increases would allow each measure to be considered independently and assessed on its own merits.”

  • Tough day for Barbadian pair at Junior World Triathlon Championships

    Tough day for Barbadian pair at Junior World Triathlon Championships

    The 2024 Junior World Triathlon Championships held in Pontevedra, Spain, delivered mixed outcomes for two young Barbadian triathletes on Thursday, as both walked away with critical high-level competition experience despite underwhelming on-track results.

    Sixteen-year-old Alexis Lashley put up a gritty fight across all three stages of the race, even as her final ranking landed far outside the upper echelon of competitors. Lashley turned in a strong performance in the opening swim leg, kept pace with her lead pack through the cycling segment, and closed out the event with a consistent run. She ultimately crossed the finish line in 61st place, a result that fell short of her own personal goals. But with two more years of eligibility remaining in her current age group, the tournament marked a pivotal introduction to the intensity of elite global competition, particularly against traditionally dominant European triathlon contenders.

    For 17-year-old Luke McIntyre, the race ended far earlier than expected, after a chaotic racing incident in the transition zone immediately following the swim leg left him injured. A mass pile-up of young competitors left McIntyre trampled, with a kick to the head that triggered immediate adverse symptoms. The young athlete pushed through the pain to start the cycling leg, attempting to complete one full lap of the course before worsening headaches and debilitating dizziness forced him to withdraw from the event. Following prompt evaluation and treatment from on-site medical teams, McIntyre was cleared to return to training and is already on the mend with no serious long-term injuries reported.

    In an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY from the championships venue, Dr. Garth McIntyre, president of the Barbados Federation of Island Triathletes, framed the results as a critical learning opportunity for both the athletes and the national governing body. He noted that even with the disappointing outcomes, the pair gained invaluable exposure to top-tier international competition that will serve them well in future events.

    “Both athletes performed admirably against the best young triathletes in the world,” Dr. McIntyre said. “This isn’t a setback—it’s a foundational experience. Alexis held her own against much more seasoned competitors, and even though Luke couldn’t finish, he got a firsthand look at the intensity of this level of racing.”

    Dr. McIntyre added that both young competitors are already looking ahead to the 2025 racing season and have outlined clear goals to improve on this year’s results. Their participation in the Spanish world championships has ruled them out of Barbados’ upcoming National Championships scheduled for this Sunday, but Dr. McIntyre confirmed both are expected to return to competitive action quickly.

    The next major milestone for the pair is the CARIFTA Triathlon, set to take place in just four weeks on October 23 and 24 in Bermuda. Following a short rest period to recover from the world championships, both athletes will resume targeted training for the regional event. Two weeks after the CARIFTA games, Lashley is also scheduled to represent Barbados at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.

  • Bangladesh Donates Commonwealth Flags For Chogm 2026

    Bangladesh Donates Commonwealth Flags For Chogm 2026

    On September 24, 2026, in central London, a symbolic act of Commonwealth solidarity took place as Bangladesh’s acting High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr M. Nazrul Islam, formally handed over a donation of professionally produced flags to Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, Antigua and Barbuda’s top diplomatic representative to the UK. The contribution, first pledged earlier this year, will directly support Antigua and Barbuda’s preparations to host the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled to run from November 1 to 4 in the Caribbean nation.

    The donated package includes complete sets of national flags for every member state of the Commonwealth, alongside official Commonwealth organizational flags, covering three distinct formats: indoor display flags, outdoor event flags, and desktop flags for official meetings. All of these banners will be installed across the multiple venues that will host CHOGM sessions, side events, and official receptions during the gathering.

    E. P. Chet Greene, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, offered warm praise for the gesture in remarks following the handover. He emphasized that this generous donation embodies the collaborative, purpose-driven partnership that forms the core identity of the Commonwealth bloc, noting that the flags will serve as a visible, meaningful centerpiece of preparations as the country prepares to welcome hundreds of leaders and diplomatic delegates from across the globe.

    High Commissioner Hill echoed this gratitude, extending appreciation to Dr Islam, as well as the government and people of Bangladesh for the thoughtful, targeted contribution. She highlighted that the flags are more than just decorative items—they are tangible symbols of the Commonwealth’s core identity: a diverse community of nations bound together by shared values and collective purpose. “They will help bring that spirit to life as we prepare to host this important gathering in Antigua and Barbuda,” Hill added.

    Dr Islam expanded on the origin of the donation, explaining that the pledge was first made by Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, who currently serves as President of the United Nations General Assembly, during the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting (CFAMM) held in London last March. He framed the gift as a reflection of Bangladesh’s longstanding commitment to the Commonwealth community, and pointed out that the flags themselves showcase Bangladesh’s globally recognized high-quality textile manufacturing. “These flags are a token of love from the People of Bangladesh for Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Commonwealth Family,” Dr Islam said, adding that Bangladesh stands in full solidarity with Antigua and Barbuda as it puts the final touches on preparations for the major international summit.

  • PHOTO: FM Greene Meets Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister at UN General Assembly

    PHOTO: FM Greene Meets Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister at UN General Assembly

    High-level diplomatic engagement between two UN member states has unfolded on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, bringing top foreign policy leaders of Pakistan and Antigua and Barbuda together for bilateral discussions.

    Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, who serves as both Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, sat down for the meeting with His Excellency E.P. Chet Greene, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs. The gathering, which took place during the annual high-level week of the UN General Assembly, comes as part of the wide slate of bilateral negotiations that regularly occur between world leaders when they gather in New York for the global policy gathering. These sideline meetings have long served as key opportunities for nations of different sizes and regional backgrounds to strengthen bilateral ties, align on shared global priorities, and discuss areas of potential future cooperation outside the formal schedule of General Assembly debates.