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Antigua and Barbuda Unveils National Basketball Team for FIBA Caribbean Qualifiers

The Antigua and Barbuda Basketball Association (ABBA) has officially confirmed the final squad for its senior men’s national basketball team, which is set to compete in the upcoming FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Qualifiers hosted in Georgetown, Guyana. The tournament is scheduled to run from July 8 to 12, bringing together 10 Caribbean nations split into two competitive groups.

Antigua and Barbuda, nicknamed the Bulldogs for international competition, has been drawn into Group A alongside host nation Guyana, Dominica, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Bermuda. The parallel Group B consists of Barbados, Haiti, Grenada, the Cayman Islands, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. All squads will compete in a single round-robin format, where every team faces off against each other in their group once over the five-day tournament.

After weeks of tryouts and selection processes, ABBA has named the 12 athletes who will represent the nation on the regional stage. The roster includes Kareem Edwards of Cuties Ovals Ojays, three players from Lava Smoke Elite Stingerz – Jamine “Muff” Charles, Alexis Jackson, Darnell Azille, and Seth Joseph – Cohen Desouza of JSC Red Hawks, three college-based players starring at U.S. institutions: Preston Merrick of Harvard University, Xavier Spencer of Lindenwood University, and Jaden Andrew of Emory & Henley College, plus T-Shawn Lewis of Da Project, Danny Perez of Daryll Matthew Ottos, and Javonte Daley of EZ Fit Flyers.

The team’s coaching and support staff has also been finalized ahead of the qualifiers. Veteran George Hughes will lead the squad as Head Coach, supported by assistant coaches Bradbury Browne and Cedric David. Rounding out the official delegation are Team Operations Manager Inga Francis, Players Manager Christopher Khouly, Media Relations Officer J’nai Spencer, Physiotherapist and Trainer Natrecia Mussington, Equipment Manager Marlon Charles, and Head of Delegation Vere Cornelius.

The Bulldogs’ tournament path is already mapped out ahead of their departure, which is scheduled for tomorrow, one week ahead of kickoff. They will open their qualifying campaign on July 8 with a matchup against Bermuda. The following day, Antigua and Barbuda will face host Guyana in a highly anticipated rematch of the 2018 Caribbean Qualifiers finals. The squad will take on Dominica on July 11 before closing out their group stage play against Turks and Caicos on the final day of the tournament, July 12.

Only the top finisher from each group will earn the right to advance to the next stage of the pre-qualification process, which is currently slated to take place in November 2026, bringing the qualifying journey for the 2029 FIBA AmeriCup one step closer to the main tournament.

5 7 月, 2026
Prime Minister Says Antigua and Barbuda Remains One of the Caribbean’s Safest Countries

Against a backdrop of rising violent and petty crime trends across the Caribbean, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly reaffirmed that Antigua and Barbuda continues to rank among the region’s safest nations for both locals and international visitors.

Speaking during an appearance on the local Brown and Brown Show this past Sunday, the country’s leader emphasized that upholding public security is a non-negotiable top priority for his administration, a commitment tied directly to protecting the island nation’s reputation as a desirable place to live and travel. “I want to make sure that Antigua and Barbuda remains safe,” Browne stated clearly during the interview.

Browne did not shy away from acknowledging the homicides that have already occurred in Antigua and Barbuda in 2024, noting that as the country reaches the midpoint of the year, the total number of fatal violent incidents stands at four. When put in regional context, however, Browne argued that the nation’s homicide rate remains far lower than most of its neighbors. “When you look at what is happening in other Caribbean countries within the OECS, we’re doing remarkably well,” he said. “So we’re doing well in the circumstances.”

The prime minister added that nearly all of this year’s killings have grown out of unresolved domestic conflicts, rather than random violent attacks targeting residents or tourists. He used the address to issue a public appeal to all citizens, urging communities to work through disagreements through peaceful dialogue rather than turning to deadly force. “I just want to encourage our people to continue to resolve their conflicts amicably and not to resort to the type of violence that will result in homicides and increase our homicide rates,” he said.

Preserving the public’s sense of safety, Browne stressed, is critical for every group that calls or visits the islands: “Antigua and Barbuda must be safe for the nationals, the citizens, the residents and also for visitors who come to this country. They must feel as though they’re coming to a place where they can enjoy themselves without having to worry about crime and violence.”

Beyond fatal violence, Browne also addressed growing public concern over a recent spike in non-violent petty crime, specifically a rise in street chain-snatching incidents targeting passersby. He confirmed that law enforcement agencies are currently developing targeted intervention strategies to crack down on the perpetrators of these crimes. According to information shared with the prime minister, most of those responsible for the thefts are young people, with a number of the suspects still teenagers.

To address the root causes of youth involvement in crime, Browne highlighted the existing intervention programs run by his administration. In recent years, he said, many young people involved in gang activity have been connected to these programs, which offer vocational skills training to help participants build stable, legal livelihoods and steer clear of criminal activity long-term.

5 7 月, 2026
Prime Minister Says Hostile Global Climate Makes Governing Antigua and Barbuda More Difficult

In a public appearance on the Sunday broadcast of the Brown and Brown Show, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a stark assessment of the Caribbean nation’s current governing landscape, labeling this moment among the most problematic periods in the country’s modern history. At the core of his concerns is the increasingly confrontational global geopolitical climate, which Browne argues has created uniquely steep barriers for small island developing states working to advance and defend their national interests.

Browne emphasized the severity of the geopolitical headwinds facing his administration, repeating for emphasis that the international operating environment today is outright hostile. For small, economically and politically vulnerable nations like Antigua and Barbuda, he noted, maneuvering through this tense global landscape has become an extraordinary challenge that tests the limits of governing capacity.

Despite these mounting headwinds, Browne reaffirmed that his administration remains unwavering in its commitment to its long-term strategic vision: positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a global “lifestyle superpower” that attracts residents and visitors with its high quality of life, natural beauty, and stable social environment. He added that the government will continue to uphold its core principle of maintaining respectful, constructive diplomatic ties with all international partners, even as it actively advocates to protect Antigua and Barbuda’s sovereignty and long-term safety.

“Our goal is clear: we are making the case consistently to ensure that no actions from outside forces undermine our nation,” Browne said. “I am committed to making certain that Antigua and Barbuda remains a secure place for all who live and visit here.”

Turning to domestic public safety issues, Browne highlighted a key success for the nation: Antigua and Barbuda maintains a far lower homicide rate than many of its regional neighbors, a statistic that underscores its ongoing status as a relatively safe destination for both local residents and international tourists. Addressing recent rising concerns over lower-level street crime, the Prime Minister called on local citizens to pursue peaceful resolutions for personal conflicts, and confirmed that national police forces have ramped up operations to crack down on petty theft. Specifically, he referenced a recent uptick in chain-snatching offenses largely perpetrated by young offenders, noting that targeted interventions are already underway to curb the trend.

Looking ahead, Browne struck a determined tone, emphasizing that the administration would not deviate from its planned path despite the array of challenges it faces. “Challenges will always emerge, and we have faced no shortage of them in recent years,” he said. “But we will continue to put in the work to stay the course and deliver for the people of Antigua and Barbuda.”

5 7 月, 2026
Prime Minister Hails 103-Year-Old Irenie Mussington as ‘National Treasure’

A remarkable centenarian from Antigua and Barbuda has received high honors and national recognition after marking her 103rd birthday, with the country’s top leader calling her an irreplaceable cultural and national asset.

Irenie Mussington celebrated the extraordinary life milestone earlier this week at a special event that drew a cross-section of attendees, ranging from senior government officials to her close family and local community leaders. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, Minister of Social and Urban Transformation Rawdon Turner, and representatives from the government’s Community Development and Citizens’ Engagement Division. To mark the occasion, Mussington was presented with a ceremonial EC$10,000 cheque from the national government, alongside two handcrafted fruit baskets as a token of the nation’s appreciation.

Speaking publicly on the popular *Brown and Brown Show* this past Sunday, Prime Minister Gaston Browne shared his reflections on the celebratory event, offering effusive praise for Mussington’s decades-long life and her striking mental clarity at over a century old.

“One hundred and three years and still going strong, still in full control of all her faculties. That is simply an extraordinary achievement,” Browne told listeners. “This distinguished, warm-hearted lady is unmistakably a national treasure, and our entire administration was honored to join in celebrating her 103rd birthday.”

The prime minister also opened up about a heartfelt interaction he had with Mussington during the gathering, where she passed along an unexpected message of approval for the current direction of Antigua and Barbuda.

“Mussington told those gathered: ‘Tell the Prime Minister that the country is running well. Look, I have lived 103 years, and I am deeply impressed by the way his administration is guiding this nation forward,’” Browne recounted.

Browne emphasized that this unsolicited praise carried unique weight, coming from a person who has directly witnessed more than 100 years of the island nation’s social, political, and economic evolution.

“When you receive this kind of heartfelt commendation, especially from someone who has lived through every major chapter of our country’s modern history, it truly warmed my heart to hear those words,” he said.

For the prime minister, Mussington’s approval has served as meaningful reinforcement of the administration’s core mission: to prioritize public service for all residents of Antigua and Barbuda, and to sustain targeted efforts to raise the overall quality of life across both islands.

5 7 月, 2026
PHOTOS: Their Excellencies Sir Rodney and Lady Williams highlight successful London visit

In June 2026, the Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, His Excellency the Right Honourable Sir Rodney Williams, and his wife Her Excellency Sandra, Lady Williams — President of the Halo Foundation and the nation’s Goodwill Emissary — traveled from the twin Caribbean islands to London for an intensive multi-purpose schedule of charitable, diplomatic and cultural engagements headlined by the 10th anniversary Halo fundraising Ball.

Hosted this year at the luxury Chancery Rosewood venue in London’s exclusive Mayfair district, the 2026 Halo Ball marked a decade of fundraising for the foundation’s community-focused initiatives. Previous iterations of the event have been hosted by leading London hospitality brands including the Peninsula, the Dorchester, the Royal Lancaster, Rosewood High Holborn and the Waldorf Hilton. This year’s gathering drew more than 400 high-profile guests, including visiting delegates ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be hosted by Antigua and Barbuda. Funds were raised through a combination of live and silent auction lots, featuring distinctive local Antiguan products such as craft-made gin that blended the event’s philanthropic mission with a celebration of Caribbean cultural heritage.

The 2026 ball drew meaningful support from a roster of prominent international and regional benefactors, including the Calvin Ayre Foundation, Barbuda-based PLH, and Moongate — an upcoming boutique luxury resort set to open at Half Moon Bay in Antigua and Barbuda. The evening’s entertainment was curated to highlight Caribbean musical talent: local group The Strays, featuring Hani Hechme, Tony Mayers, Adam Kirby, Jashan Hughes and Rey Wowor Graham, headlined the lineup, alongside a critically acclaimed acoustic set by artist Annie. Full audiovisual production for the event was delivered by Antigua and Barbuda’s own Visual Echo, and the London Community Gospel Choir was contributed by London-based supporter Karl Williams to cap the evening’s performances. Among other high-profile musical guests connected to the foundation, Halo Goodwill Ambassador Kathy Sledge — the legendary lead vocalist of Sister Sledge, famed for global hits including *We Are Family* — has contributed her expertise and time to elevate the foundation’s musical programming for years, a standout example of world-class artists donating their time for public good rather than personal profit.

The event also drew connections to another globally celebrated family of Antiguan-Sierra Leonean heritage, the Kanneh-Masons — a multi-talented musical household of seven children often compared to the iconic Von Trapp family from *The Sound of Music* — whose rise to international prominence has transformed global representation for Black classical musicians. The UK’s world-famous Kingdom Choir, which rose to global acclaim for its performance at the 2018 wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has also previously partnered with Halo’s Wings of Charity initiative.

One of the foundation’s most beloved and consistent supporters is Antigua and Barbuda’s only living National Hero, legendary cricketer Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Alexander Richards — universally known by his adoring fans as G-BOAT, the greatest batsman of all time in Test match cricket. Known for his understated, no-fuss generosity, Sir Vivian has repeatedly donated rare autographed memorabilia for Halo’s auctions, giving freely from his personal collection to lift vulnerable communities out of hardship.

Proceeds from the 10th anniversary Halo Ball will fund five targeted charitable initiatives scheduled for 2026, aligned directly with Antigua and Barbuda’s national development priorities and delivered in partnership with organizations across the Commonwealth network. The funding commitment underscores the small island nation’s longstanding dedication to local, regional and global collective good.

Beyond the Halo Ball, the June tour included a packed schedule of engagements designed to strengthen diplomatic ties, expand cultural exchange and advance global heritage preservation efforts. At Royal Ascot, Sir Rodney and Lady Williams joined the event’s prestigious Royal Enclosure, which welcomed a total crowd of nearly 80,000 attendees over the course of the race meeting. Lady Williams was honored to present the award for the race’s best turned-out horse, awarding a cash prize to the winning stable.

“I’m a stickler for underdogs, I’m rather happy that the horse which caught my eye originated from a small stable,” Lady Williams shared. “I’m hoping it meant something special to the groomsmen and stable hands.” Sir Rodney presented additional trophies to winning teams, highlighting the growing collaboration between sport, philanthropy and public governance across the Commonwealth.

The tour also included a series of high-level diplomatic engagements: the delegation was invited to an annual dinner at St James’s Palace hosted by the Royal Drawing School, strengthening an ongoing partnership between Antigua and Barbuda and the venerable British arts institution. The day following the Halo Foundation’s Wings of Charity reception, the delegation held constructive bilateral talks with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Lady Starmer at 10 Downing Street, before joining the couple as invited guests at the Trooping the Colour ceremony.

Antigua and Barbuda’s London-based Tourist Office, led by director Cherrie Osborne, earned widespread praise for its work supporting the Halo Ball, curating custom gift bags for high-profile guests that featured products from Antiguan and global charities. Osborne’s team also expanded the event’s reach by inviting leading international travel wholesalers, travel writers and tourism retailers to attend, drawing coverage from senior editors of major UK broadsheet and tabloid media outlets. Lady Williams also curated original on-the-ground content for features on Antigua and Barbuda in *International Kreole Magazine* as part of the tour’s cultural outreach.

Throughout the visit, Sir Rodney emphasized Antigua and Barbuda’s growing role as an active, influential member of the global community, noting that the tour’s core mission was to elevate the nation’s international profile, strengthen its global standing and highlight the country’s readiness to host the upcoming CHOGM. As Patron of the Commonwealth Heritage Forum and President of the West India Committee, Sir Rodney led a series of working meetings and planning sessions during the visit. As President of the Antigua and Barbuda Branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society — of which Sir Rodney serves as Patron — Lady Williams also used the visit to advance detailed planning for the branch’s 2026–2027 program of activities.

The delegation publicly commended Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to the UK, Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, for her discreet, effective leadership and the tireless work of her mission team, which was instrumental in coordinating the full schedule of engagements and advancing the nation’s shared diplomatic and philanthropic goals. Joint working sessions during the visit further aligned the delegation’s priorities with those of Commonwealth institutions and UK-based cultural organizations.

“A truly memorable moment meeting Former Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Scotland and Honourable Richard Evans at Wings of Charity,” Lady Williams shared. “Grateful for the opportunity to spend time with such inspiring individuals whose dedication to community and service continues to make a difference.” The Commonwealth Secretariat was represented at the senior leadership level, though the current Secretary-General, the Honourable Shirley Botchwey — the first woman and first African national to hold the post — was unable to attend due to a previously scheduled overseas official visit; Botchwey joined the 2025 Halo event in person.

Senior representatives from the British royal household also attended the Wings of Charity reception, including personal communications executives for King Charles III and Queen Camilla, multiple senior private secretaries, and the King’s official biographer and his spouse. The opening drinks reception was attended by His Honour the Duke of Gloucester, first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and his wife Her Grace Brigitte, who held meetings with Antiguan charity leaders and European business executives to highlight cross-border collaboration for development.

Event organizers noted that strict capacity management to preserve the quality of the evening meant that approximately 15% of guest requests ultimately had to be declined, a necessary tradeoff to maintain the event’s intimate, focused atmosphere.

Organizers emphasized that none of the tour’s or the ball’s successes would have been possible without the dedication, hard work and generosity of the Halo Foundation’s volunteer team, highlighting the abundance of intellectual and technical talent that exists within Antigua and Barbuda’s local community.

The full June program of activities advanced ongoing partnerships with Commonwealth and regional institutions to advance heritage preservation, philanthropy and community development across the Caribbean. Cultural diplomacy remained a core pillar of the tour, strengthening ties between Antigua and Barbuda, the United Kingdom, and the broader Commonwealth family. Delegates reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing collaboration with museum leaders, non-profit funding partners, vulnerable community groups, and young Antiguans and Barbudans residing in the UK.

5 7 月, 2026
Shawn Weathered Finishes Second in Masters A at John T. Memorial Bicycle Race in Anguilla

On Saturday, Anguilla played host to the annual John T. Memorial Bicycle Race, a beloved regional competition that draws competitive cycling talent from across the Caribbean. Among the standout performers of the day was Shawn Weathered, riding as a member of Team Pillars Cycling, who claimed an impressive second-place position in the hotly contested Masters A category.

Following the conclusion of the race, the Antigua and Barbuda Cycling Federation officially issued a public statement celebrating Weathered’s hard-won podium result. In their message, the federation framed the top-three finish as yet another strong showing for Antigua and Barbuda on the competitive regional cycling circuit, building on the country’s growing reputation for nurturing talented competitive riders.

Alongside recognizing Weathered’s achievement, the national governing body for cycling in Antigua and Barbuda extended warm wishes to the rider, expressing hope that he will build on this momentum and continue to notch successful results in all upcoming competitions he enters. The result marks a key milestone for Weathered’s 2024 competitive season, and underscores the strength of Caribbean regional cycling competition that brings athletes together from across island nations to compete at the highest amateur levels.

5 7 月, 2026
Rising Fencing Star Nayla Martin to Represent Antigua and Barbuda on the International Stage

The Caribbean twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda has unearthed another remarkable young sporting talent: up-and-coming fencer Nayla Martin, who is gearing up to carry her country’s flag at top international tournaments throughout the upcoming competitive season.

After building a formidable track record on Europe’s competitive junior fencing circuit over the past years, Martin’s elevation to represent her home country marks a pivotal, long-awaited milestone in her burgeoning athletic career. The official confirmation of her national representation comes on the heels of a breakout 2023-2024 season that solidified her status as one of the most exciting young prospects in the sport. Martin not only claimed the top podium spot at the prestigious Internationales Ditzinger Young Masters but also took home gold at a major tournament in St. Gallen, Switzerland, and secured a third-place finish in another high-profile competition in Zurich. These consistent, standout results caught the attention of Antigua and Barbuda’s sporting authorities, paving the way for her to compete under the national flag.

For Martin, the opportunity to represent Antigua and Barbuda is far more than a career step—it is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. “I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited to represent Antigua and Barbuda on the international stage,” she shared in a statement following the announcement. “I’m looking forward to the experiences ahead, continuing to learn, improve, and proudly carry our flag wherever I compete.”

The young fencer also extended sincere gratitude to the network of supporters that have helped her reach this point, including her coaches, training partners, family, and growing base of fans, all of whom have stood by her through every stage of her athletic journey. A unique side note to Martin’s story is her family roots: she is the daughter of Zamoni Martin, one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most iconic and beloved soca music stars. Though raised immersed in the Caribbean nation’s vibrant entertainment and music culture, Martin chose to carve her own path in competitive sport, forging a distinct legacy of her own while still lifting up her home country.

Now, fresh off a string of award-winning performances, Martin has shifted her full focus to the challenges of the upcoming international season. She is eager to test her skills against the best young fencers from across the globe, using each competition as an opportunity to refine her technique and gain valuable experience.

As Antigua and Barbuda works to grow its footprint in global competitive sports, Martin’s journey stands out as a powerful example of young talent chasing excellence while honoring their national identity. Fans across the country and the large Antigua and Barbuda diaspora around the world have already rallied around the young fencer, and are expected to turn out in force to cheer her on as she begins this exciting new chapter of her career.

5 7 月, 2026
OPINION: Modern-day slavery in migrant labour markets

Migrant labour is one of the most pressing cross-cutting issues of our interconnected global economy, with every region across the world experiencing large-scale movement of workers seeking better economic and social opportunities. By standard definition, a migrant worker is an individual who leaves their home country to seek employment abroad, a categorization that clearly excludes the enslaved African people forcibly trafficked to Caribbean sugarcane plantations during the 17th century – a historical atrocity inflicted through coerced capture and trade, not voluntary movement for work.

Today, a troubling paradox haunts the global system of migrant recruitment: many employers disguise exploitative practices behind the veneer of formal contract work, routinely offering migrant workers lower wages than their local peers and forcing them into deplorable working conditions. Credible reports have documented widespread abuses: overcrowded, unsanitary living quarters, illegal confiscation of workers’ passports to restrict movement, and mandatory overtime without the additional compensation required by law.

Under international human rights norms, national governments bear ultimate responsibility for addressing these abuses. Through robust legislation, proactive monitoring, and strict enforcement of existing protections, states must guarantee that the fundamental human and labor rights of all workers – migrant and native-born alike – are not violated or eroded. The inherent dignity of migrant workers demands consistent respect, and can never be dismissed or trampled for the sake of corporate profit.

Migrant workers are inherently entitled to equal treatment to that extended to native-born workers. Any employer that withholds this right acts unconscionably and dishonestly. Bad actors that operate underground to exploit vulnerable migrant labor must be publicly exposed and held fully accountable under the law. These discriminatory, exploitative practices have no place in a fair global economy, and it remains unacceptable that they continue to occur with widespread impunity across multiple regions.

In fact, this systemic exploitation of contracted migrant workers is increasingly recognized as a modern form of slavery, impacting large workforces recruited from China, India, Latin America and the Caribbean. While these workers typically receive nominal wages and, outside of cases of explicit human trafficking, are not violently forced to migrate, deceptive recruitment practices are still rampant. As defined by anti-slavery advocates, modern slavery describes any situation where exploitation is enabled by coercion, intimidation, deception, or abuse of power, leaving victims with no ability to escape their circumstances. This includes forced labor, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and debt bondage. Unlike the chattel slavery of previous centuries, modern slavery thrives in the legal and social gray areas of globalization, hidden behind the facade of legitimate, formal business operations.

According to Wiam Milles of the Elizabeth Heyrick Society, citing data from the International Labour Organization, more than 50 million people globally are currently trapped in situations of modern slavery. Wherever the core principles of decent work are breached, the global employment system stands guilty of systemic injustice. It is fundamentally unfair and wrong to deny migrant workers equal pay, restrict their freedom of movement, fail to provide safe working conditions, and block their right to organize and bargain collectively through trade union representation. This analysis was contributed by Dennis De Peiza, a labor and employment relations consultant at Regional Management Services Inc. (Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official editorial position of the publication.)

5 7 月, 2026
Onderwijsminister onderzoekt betere begeleiding voor jeugdigen in detentie

In the wake of a high-profile AI-fueled image scandal involving four secondary school students in Suriname, the nation’s Minister of Education, Science and Culture Dirk Currie is advancing a cross-ministerial initiative to revamp support systems for young people who have come into contact with the justice system, aiming to give them a second chance to rebuild their lives.

The scandal that prompted this new push dates back to June 24, when four students from Suriname’s Arthur A. Hoogendoorn Atheneum (AAHA) were taken into custody. Authorities alleged the group used artificial intelligence to generate and distribute non-consensual pornographic deepfake images of their fellow classmates. While the four young people have since been released from detention, the incident has sparked sustained policy focus from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture. In the immediate aftermath of the scandal, Currie already called for a sweeping, multi-pronged approach to boost youth awareness of responsible AI use, and held direct talks with AAHA’s school leadership.

This week, Currie carried out an exploratory visit to the Opa Doeli Youth Transition Center, a facility that supports young people entering the justice system, to flesh out his policy goal of offering future prospects to youth who have made harmful mistakes. During the visit, the minister held in-depth discussions with the center’s leadership, he confirmed in comments shared by Suriname’s Communication Service.

Currie has already coordinated on the initiative with Harish Monorath, his counterpart at the Ministry of Justice and Police. In the coming weeks, a joint working meeting is set to convene between education experts and Opa Doeli’s leadership to map out concrete improvements. The core agenda for this meeting: identifying structural changes to allow detained young people to continue their formal education uninterrupted, and better align existing resocialization programs with available education offerings.

Currie emphasized that sustained, accessible education is a foundational pillar for successful reintegration of young offenders into broader society. “Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that when young people complete their sentences, they are welcomed and supported to rejoin community life in a meaningful way,” he said. Turning back to the AAHA incident, the minister added that school leadership is currently working through a careful process to map a safe, supportive return to classes for the four students involved. “We cannot condemn young people to a lifetime of punishment for one mistake,” Currie stressed. “The core of our work is to give every young person the chance to course-correct and build a positive future.”

5 7 月, 2026
Archer eyes bigger role for creative sector beyond Crop Over

At the official launch of the 2026 Crop Over Festival, held Saturday at Queen’s Park during the traditional Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes, a senior Barbadian government official has outlined an ambitious vision to reshape the nation’s creative economy, moving it beyond seasonal activity to become a sustained, year-round driver of income and opportunity. Senator Shane Archer, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office with oversight for Youth and Culture, used his keynote address to frame the iconic national festival as standing at a critical turning point — one that requires intentional evolution to unlock greater economic value while preserving its unmistakeable Barbadian identity. Against a backdrop of colorful performances, infectious music and joyful community celebration that captures the spirit of the annual harvest festival, Archer laid out his vision for a reimagined cultural sector that delivers consistent benefits to creative practitioners long after the final notes of Crop Over fade each year. “We are standing on history, feeling the energy of the present and building towards a future that must be more organised, more inclusive, more professional, more profitable for practitioners, and more deeply rooted in Barbadian culture,” Archer told the gathered crowd. The minister acknowledged that the festival’s current operational structure has gaps that need addressing, pointing to planning, cross-stakeholder coordination, internal communication, production workflows, and overall attendee experience as key areas for improvement. “We have already identified places where improvements can be made. Those lessons will be taken seriously,” Archer said, confirming that government representatives have already held extensive consultations with creative workers, performing artists, event promoters and other core stakeholders to gather input for reform. He emphasized that widespread public and industry support for strengthening the festival creates a strong foundation for change, noting “People love Crop Over. People want it to succeed. People want stronger systems, and people are ready to build it.” Looking ahead to the 2026 event and long-term sector reform, Archer stressed that earlier, more intentional planning and sharper execution will be critical to shifting the nation’s approach to cultural production. The core of his proposal is abandoning the long-held framing of culture as a seasonal, weeks-long activity, and instead building an ecosystem that supports creative work and income generation across the entire calendar. “That means stronger preparation, earlier engagement, sharper execution, and clearer pathways for practitioners to plan their year,” he explained. “It means moving beyond the idea that culture is something that we remember for a few weeks…culture must live. Culture must work all year, but most importantly, culture must earn all year.” Archer also used the occasion to redefine the mandate of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), the public body that oversees cultural activity in Barbados. He noted that the NCF was never intended to function solely as an events coordination office, and that its core mission is to empower Barbadians to grow and develop through engagement with their native culture. “We inherit the vision. We also inherit the duty to update the systems that carry that vision,” he said. Tying the 2026 festival to two landmark national milestones — the 60th anniversary of Barbados’ independence and the sixth year since the nation became a republic — Archer framed Crop Over as one of the most powerful expressions of Barbadian national identity forged over the country’s modern history. “Across those six decades, Crop Over has been one of the clearest expressions of nationhood,” he said. Through its diverse artistic forms, including calypso, soca, steel pan, masquerade, dance, visual art and local cuisine, the festival shares a clear message about Barbados with the global community, he added: it “tells the world that Barbados is a place of imagination, discipline, resilience, brilliance, style and depth.”

5 7 月, 2026