Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • TOTING FOR TOILETS

    TOTING FOR TOILETS

    Decades of unaddressed infrastructure failures have left both correctional officers and incarcerated people at Trinidad and Tobago’s Port of Spain Prison trapped in unacceptable living and working conditions, leading the national Prison Officers’ Association (POA) to publicly pressure the Ministry of Homeland Security to approve the purchase of critical replacement water pumps.

    POA Public Secretary Lester Logie outlined the gravity of the crisis during an address to union members on Wednesday, urging the ministry’s permanent secretary to issue immediate authorization to acquire the three pumps the facility has lacked for an extended period. Without functioning pumping equipment, every section of the prison – from senior leadership offices to correctional officer dormitories and the facility’s Emergency Response Unit quarters – has been cut off from reliable running water.

    Logie detailed the grim daily reality for people at the prison: correctional staff are forced to manually carry water to flush toilets and bathe, a burden that even extends to the superintendent’s own office. Incarcerated people face the same dehumanizing conditions, hauling water to their cells for hygiene and toilet use.

    What makes the situation even more unacceptable, Logie argued, is that funding for the low-cost pumps already exists through revenue generated by the prison’s on-site commissary. The commissary, where family members purchase personal items for incarcerated people, generates consistent profits that Logie says should be allocated to improving core prison operations. He questioned where these accumulated profits have been diverted, noting that the small cost of three 3-horsepower pumps should not be an insurmountable barrier.

    “We cannot have officers continuing to work in these conditions, making requests to the association for these types of basic items when there is an available source of funds that are clearly being used for other things that are not critical for the running of the prison,” Logie said. The union leader is now calling for a full public accounting of all commissary revenue, to ensure funds are directed toward the improvement of the Prison Service as they were intended.

    The water crisis is not the only unaddressed hazard at the facility, Logie added. He revealed the prison recently faced a severe rat infestation in its ration storage room, but management took no action until the POA escalated the issue directly to the Minister of Homeland Security. Rather than prioritizing pest control to protect food supplies, Logie said prison leadership focused instead on disciplining officers who reported the problem, launching an investigation to identify which staff member shared information with the union.

    Logie urged correctional officers to continue reporting unsafe working conditions to the union regardless of potential pushback from management, emphasizing that exposing these failures is the only path to reform. He has now called for direct intervention from Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to resolve the crisis.

    As of Wednesday, repeated attempts by journalists to reach Minister Alexander and acting Commissioner of Prisons Carlos Corraspe for comment on the allegations went unanswered.

  • Advocate slams Govt’s delay explanation

    Advocate slams Govt’s delay explanation

    Migration and human rights activists in Trinidad and Tobago are pushing back against the government’s official justification for widespread delays in processing migration and residency applications, arguing that the policy punishes law-abiding migrants who have followed all regulatory requirements to gain legal status. The criticism comes in direct response to recent remarks from Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander, who blamed the backlog on undocumented migrants crossing the country’s porous borders to sneak into the ongoing registration exercise, falsely claiming long-term residency in the nation.

    Speaking via telephone with the Express on Thursday, leading migrant rights advocate Sofia Figueroa-Leon rejected Alexander’s explanation as logically inconsistent and fundamentally unfair. She emphasized that there is no connection between the alleged illegal entry of new arrivals and the thousands of migrants who already completed all pre-requisite steps for registration, including submitting online applications and attending mandatory in-person appointments.

    Figueroa-Leon argued that if the government is facing operational challenges in securing its borders or managing the registration process, those issues should be addressed directly rather than shifting the burden onto compliant applicants. “If they lack sufficient staffing or the capacity to manage the process, that is an administrative failure on the government’s part, not a problem that migrants should have to bear,” she noted. “Migrants came forward voluntarily to complete the registration process because they want to live legally in this country. They fulfilled their end of the agreement, so it is the government’s responsibility to hold up its end. Putting all applications on hold because of border control failures is unprofessional and not a serious policy response. The ball is now firmly in the government’s court to move forward with processing.”

    Her criticism was echoed by other migrant support leaders and registered applicants, who echoed the call for the government to separate border enforcement from the processing of lawfully completed applications. Angie Ramnarine, coordinator of the Romaine Migrant Support Group, noted that it was predictable that registered migrants would encourage family members to join them after the government launched the regularization exercise, adding that securing national borders has always been the government’s core responsibility. “Rather than punishing people who already followed all the rules, the government should focus on doing its job to stop unauthorized new arrivals,” Ramnarine said.

    Gabriela Alvarado, a 40-year-old migrant who completed her registration years ago and has lived in the country with her family for more than a decade, also called Alexander’s comments unfair. “I stood in long lines, filled out all the required paperwork, paid my $700 fee, and did everything by the book, and we are still waiting for approval,” Alvarado said. “It’s unjust that we have to pay for the government’s failures.”

    The controversy comes as the country’s first-ever Migrant Registration Framework wraps its initial phase, which has already drawn nearly 30,000 applications from people representing more than 60 nationalities. Venezuelan nationals make up the overwhelming majority of applicants, with children accounting for more than half of the total registered population. The regularization program grants approved applicants temporary legal status to live and work in Trinidad and Tobago through September 2026.

    Even before the latest delay controversy, the program has faced widespread criticism from civil society groups. After the initial online registration portal closed earlier this year, hundreds of undocumented migrants who missed the deadline due to system glitches or a lack of clear public outreach pleaded with authorities for a final extension to sign up. Civil society organizations have also raised ongoing concerns about a lack of transparency from national security officials, documenting multiple cases where migrants who visited immigration offices to ask for application updates were instead served deportation orders.

  • POSGH Central Block at ‘97%’

    POSGH Central Block at ‘97%’

    Years of delays and unforeseen disruptions are drawing to a close for one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most high-profile public infrastructure projects, with the long-awaited Central Block expansion of Port of Spain General Hospital now entering its final construction phase. Officials confirmed this week that the $1.3 billion, 540-bed facility is 97% complete as of June 23, 2026, and is on track to reach substantial completion by the new target date of July 14.

    The update came in an official response from Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to local outlet *Express*, which had requested confirmation on whether the project had met its earlier revised completion deadline of June 30.

    Project management lead, the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago, has set the July 14 milestone for the completion of all core structural and utility work, including mechanical systems, electrical wiring, plumbing, and information and communications technology infrastructure — all required pre-requisites before the facility can be formally handed over to health authorities for operational setup.

    In a statement, the ministry highlighted that the project has made meaningful progress in transforming what was long a half-finished, underutilised construction site into a functional healthcare space nearing active service. Preparations for handover are already well underway, with the entire new wing having undergone a full deep cleaning to prepare for the arrival of clinical teams and patients. Once substantial completion is certified, the Central Block will be transferred officially to the Ministry of Health to launch full clinical operations.

    First approved for construction by the previous Trinidad and Tobago government back in 2017, the project has faced a cascade of setbacks that pushed its completion far beyond initial timelines. Two of the most impactful disruptions were a 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck the region in 2018, which caused construction delays and required structural reassessments, and the global Covid-19 pandemic that disrupted supply chains, slowed worker availability, and paused work on site for extended periods. The project’s progression towards completion marks a major win for public healthcare access in the region, addressing years of unmet demand for expanded hospital capacity.

  • TDC continues to honour the legacy Runako Morton through Youth Cricket

    TDC continues to honour the legacy Runako Morton through Youth Cricket

    On July 1, 2026, youth competitive cricket returned to Charlestown, Nevis’ iconic E T W Park with the launch of the annual Runako Morton TDC Primary Schools Cricket Tournament, backed for another year by lead sponsor St. Kitts Nevis Anguilla Trading and Development Company Limited (TDC).

    Now a staple of Nevis’ local youth sports calendar, the tournament was created and sustained to honor the memory of Runako Morton, one of Nevis’ most celebrated and accomplished professional cricketers, whose career left an indelible mark on the island’s sporting culture. Beyond organizing competitive play for young talent, the annual event is designed to carry Morton’s legacy forward, offering school-aged aspiring cricketers a structured platform to hone their technical skills, build on-field confidence, and internalize the core values that define competitive sport.

    Unlike many youth competitions that focus solely on winning, this tournament prioritizes character development alongside athletic growth, aiming to instill lifelong values including teamwork, discipline, mutual respect, leadership, resilience, fair play and good sportsmanship in all participating young players – values that translate to success off the cricket pitch in academics, personal growth and community life. This year, eight primary schools from across Nevis will compete for the title: St. Thomas’ Primary, Charlestown Primary, Voilet O Jeffers Nicholls Primary, Maude Crosse Primary, Ivor Walters Primary, Elzabeth Pemberton Primary, St. James’ Primary and Joycelyn Liburd Primary. All teams will compete in a welcoming yet competitive environment built to showcase emerging young talent across the island.

    Ernie France, Head of TDC’s Nevis Operations, reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to the tournament in his opening remarks, noting that youth investment remains a core priority for the local business. “At TDC, we believe that investing in our youth is one of the most meaningful investments we can make,” France said. “The Runako Morton Primary Schools Cricket Tournament not only celebrates athletic excellence but also helps shape future leaders by teaching the values of commitment, discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. We are proud to continue supporting this outstanding initiative and to honour the enduring legacy of Runako Morton, whose passion, determination, and achievements continue to inspire our young cricketers on Nevis.”

    Organizers and sponsors alike note that the tournament fills a critical role in Nevis’ broader cricket ecosystem: it acts as an early scouting platform to identify and nurture the next generation of professional cricketing talent from the island, while reinforcing the deep sporting heritage that defines Nevis’ local community. For participating students, it is more than a school competition – it is a chance to connect with one of the island’s greatest sporting heroes while building skills that will serve them for life.

  • Prime Minister Drew pleased with strong progress and job creation at Basseterre High School Construction Site

    Prime Minister Drew pleased with strong progress and job creation at Basseterre High School Construction Site

    BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts – July 1, 2026 – On Wednesday afternoon, Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew led an on-site inspection of the long-awaited new Basseterre High School construction project, pushing back against public rumors of stalled work and showcasing the tangible, rapid progress that has transformed the site over the government’s term in office.

    Accompanied by the project’s lead manager Vivake Khan, Drew walked the entire active construction zone, where dozens of local construction workers and specialized technical teams are currently advancing work on what stands as one of the federation’s largest and most consequential public education infrastructure investments in recent decades.

    The prime minister’s visit was explicitly scheduled to address growing speculation among members of the public that little to no work had been carried out on the site. In remarks to reporters and stakeholders during the tour, Drew emphasized that he wanted citizens to see the scale of progress firsthand, rather than relying on secondhand claims.

    “We have heard repeated claims that nothing is happening at the Basseterre High School site,” Drew noted during the tour. “That is why I came here today: I want every person in our country to see just how much work is actually underway. I believe most people will be genuinely surprised by how far we have come in such a short period.”

    Drew drew particular attention to the large local workforce currently employed at the site, framing the project as a win for both education and national employment. “We have dozens of local workers here on site, working alongside international technical experts, and we are incredibly proud that this major public investment is putting paychecks in the pockets of our own citizens,” he said.

    For the current Labour Government, the new Basseterre High School is the fulfillment of a decades-old unmet national promise. Drew highlighted that prior administrations allocated $21 million to the project without laying a single foundation block, but in just three and a half years, his government has moved the project to active, large-scale construction. “Walk this site with me, and you will not just see laid blocks – you will see poured concrete, erected structural steel, and locally sourced quarry materials. This is tangible, real progress that cannot be denied,” Drew said.

    The prime minister confirmed that his administration will maintain close, regular oversight of the project to ensure it stays on its scheduled completion timeline. Once finished, the new facility will be a fully turnkey, climate-resilient campus designed to withstand the growing threats of extreme weather in the Caribbean. It will come fully equipped with modern learning spaces, state-of-the-art science laboratories, updated digital education technology, and new furniture and equipment, giving students and teaching staff a unified, safe, and innovative environment for learning.

    Beyond its core educational benefits, the multi-million-dollar project is delivering sustained economic benefits across Saint Kitts and Nevis. It has created ongoing full-time and part-time employment for local construction workers, and spurred new opportunities for local suppliers and related service sectors, boosting near-term economic activity while building a stronger foundation for the country’s long-term human development.

  • Gonsalves confirms ULP gov’t was in talks to lease cruise port

    Gonsalves confirms ULP gov’t was in talks to lease cruise port

    St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves, head of the Unity Labour Party, has broken his silence on the newly signed cruise terminal concession deal with Global Ports Holdings (GPH), confirming that his administration held extensive, multi-round negotiations with the international port operator before leaving office following the November general election.

    Earlier this month, on June 10, the newly installed New Democratic Party (NDP) government formalized a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with GPH that sets the stage for exclusive negotiations over a 30-year concession agreement. The deal outlines a planned EC$250 million investment to carry out phased modernization work on the Kingstown cruise terminal, with provisions that allow local Vincentian investors to acquire up to a 30% stake in the project and guarantee local representation on the venture’s board of directors.

    Speaking this week on Star Radio, the Unity Labour Party’s official broadcast platform, Gonsalves launched pointed criticism of the NDP administration, accusing the sitting government of moving forward with a 30-year commitment without disclosing critical detailed terms of the arrangement to the public. He stressed that while the NDP has publicly announced the MOU, it has released no specific information about the core financial terms that will shape the project’s long-term impact on the country.

    Gonsalves recalled that his own administration engaged in multiple rounds of talks with GPH representatives, including a face-to-face meeting with GPH Chairman Mehmet Kuhmen. Shortly before the November 2025 general election that ended the Unity Labour Party’s term, GPH submitted a draft proposal to his administration, though Gonsalves has not released the specific content of that document. He also confirmed that GPH was one of multiple firms that approached his government to pitch proposals for upgrading the country’s cruise infrastructure.

    When GPH first presented its vision for the project, Gonsalves said, he walked the initial delegation through the existing port site and shared his administration’s development blueprint: constructing a brand-new terminal on the old port land, followed by a hotel and a purpose-built performing arts centre on adjacent parcels. Gonsalves noted that GPH representatives immediately signaled they were not interested in pursuing a development of that scale.

    As part of his administration’s due diligence, Gonsalves said he consulted with Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who reported that Antigua’s existing partnership with GPH in St. John’s has been satisfactory. However, Gonsalves also highlighted cautionary examples from other Caribbean nations: an agreement with GPH reached by the former Timothy Harris administration in St. Kitts and Nevis was ultimately scrapped after a review found it did not serve the country’s best interests, while a cruise port concession signed by the Freundel Stuart administration in Barbados was put on hold when the Mia Mottley-led government took power.

    Despite those past canceled deals, Gonsalves clarified that he does not oppose a partnership between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and GPH. His research, he said, confirmed that GPH is a well-established, professional operator with strong industry standing.

    After the third round of talks with GPH, Gonsalves said, his administration intentionally paused progress to request full, specific details of the proposed agreement, a step the NDP has skipped according to the opposition leader. He emphasized that while he understands GPH is a for-profit enterprise that is not operating as a philanthropic organization, the government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines have a non-negotiable stake in securing a fair, transparent deal.

    Gonsalves shared tentative terms that were discussed during his administration’s talks: GPH initially proposed an investment of US$30 million, with the option to allocate additional capital later. The phased plan the firm presented called for first repairing and upgrading the existing terminal facility, then building an additional new terminal. GPH proposed managing both facilities (without claiming ownership) in exchange for a long-term concession lease, drawing revenue from management fees and a share of head tax collected from cruise lines. However, Gonsalves stressed that GPH never finalized key details during his term, including the exact length of the proposed lease, the projected financial return for the firm, and what percentage of head tax revenue GPH would retain.

    “The devil is in the details, which is why we never signed on to anything,” Gonsalves said. He called on the NDP government to release full transparency, arguing that key details – including total project costs over the 30-year term, full financing structures, and the split of head tax revenue – must be publicly vetted to avoid a scenario where the country ends up paying out more than the value of GPH’s initial investment. “What worries people is that you agree in advance that you’re going to give them 30 years without knowing any details,” he added.

  • Government breaks ground on new Cruise Terminal at Port Zante, advancing Saint Kitts’ home-porting ambitions

    Government breaks ground on new Cruise Terminal at Port Zante, advancing Saint Kitts’ home-porting ambitions

    On July 1, 2026, the government of Saint Kitts and Nevis officially launched construction on the long-awaited New Cruise Terminal Development Project at Basseterre’s Port Zante, marking a pivotal step forward in the federation’s plan to establish itself as a top regional cruise home-porting destination. The initiative is being executed by the St. Christopher Air & Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA), as a cornerstone of the national strategy to upgrade the country’s tourism sector, modernize critical maritime infrastructure, and unlock new, sustained economic growth across the islands.

    Unlike traditional stopover ports that only host cruise ships for day visits, this purpose-built facility is designed to support full home-porting operations. This means cruise lines will be able to launch and conclude entire itineraries in Saint Kitts, allowing the destination to shift far beyond its historic role as a temporary port of call. Industry and government leaders project this shift will deliver widespread economic benefits: higher overall visitor spending, increased demand for overnight hotel stays before and after cruises, growing demand for expanded air connectivity, and new revenue opportunities for local businesses and communities across the federation.

    The new terminal will be outfitted with cutting-edge amenities to deliver a smooth, streamlined experience for travelers. Key features include upgraded high-volume passenger processing systems, advanced security and baggage screening technology, and modern digital immigration processing tools, all built to match the efficiency and quality of infrastructure at the country’s Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.

    Speaking at the official groundbreaking ceremony, SCASPA Chief Executive Officer Adeola Moore framed the project as a major milestone in the authority’s ongoing work to build competitive, growth-focused infrastructure for the nation. “This project reflects SCASPA’s commitment to investing in facilities that are modern, efficient, resilient, and future-ready,” Moore stated. “Once completed, the terminal will significantly enhance the guest arrival and departure experience through improved passenger processing, state-of-the-art security and baggage screening systems, and modern immigration technologies comparable to those at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.”

    Minister of Tourism Marsha Henderson emphasized that the development represents more than just an infrastructure upgrade—it is a foundational investment in the long-term prosperity of Saint Kitts and Nevis. “This new cruise terminal represents vision, partnership, innovation and confidence in the future of Saint Kitts and Nevis as one of the Caribbean’s premier cruise destinations,” Henderson said at the ceremony. “Today, we take a bold step beyond being a port of call as we position Saint Kitts and Nevis to becoming a transit port, joining the likes of Antigua and Barbados.”

    Henderson went on to outline the multifaceted benefits of the home-porting model for the local economy, noting that it will drive higher visitor spending, boost hotel occupancy rates, strengthen air connections to the islands, and create new opportunities for local small and medium businesses across the entire tourism supply chain. “This project is far more than an investment in infrastructure. It is an investment in our people, our businesses, and the long-term prosperity of our nation,” she added.

    The minister also confirmed that all preparations for the launch of home-porting operations remain on track for a November 2027 opening. She shared that major cruise line P&O Cruises has reported strong early booking momentum for itineraries that will depart from the new Port Zante terminal, while regional and local travel advisor sales programs are in the final stages of development.

    For the Saint Kitts and Nevis government, the project underscores its ongoing commitment to building modern, resilient infrastructure, advancing sustainable tourism growth, and securing the federation’s position as a leading Caribbean cruise destination for decades to come.

  • CARICOM To Address Issues Faced By Rastafarians

    CARICOM To Address Issues Faced By Rastafarians

    The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has announced plans to convene a multi-stakeholder gathering focused on advancing equal rights for Rastafarian communities across the region, responding to decades of systemic exclusion that have impacted the group both locally and globally.

    The landmark decision emerged from the 42nd Inter-Sessional Meeting of CARICOM’s Conference of Heads of Government, held on May 8, 2026. During closed deliberations, regional leaders confirmed that widespread disparities persist for Rastafarians in core areas of public life, from access to education and formal employment to equitable participation in community governance. Leaders reaffirmed their collective commitment to securing full legal and social recognition of Rastafarians as equal members of Caribbean society, prioritizing the protection of their fundamental human rights.

    To drive coordinated action, member states have approved the formation of a special regional committee, with delegations from five nations: Barbados, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. The panel will lead ongoing conversations around policy reform to address challenges facing Rastafarian communities at both the regional and international levels.

    Leaders also highlighted a series of progressive national actions already implemented across member states to redress historical injustices against the Rastafarian community. These steps include formal public apologies for state-sponsored discrimination, targeted land grant programs for Rastafarian families, and updated labor legislation that prohibits workplace bias based on religious and cultural identity. Regional leaders framed these existing national initiatives as blueprints for building a unified, region-wide strategy that can scale successful interventions across all CARICOM member states.

    Founded in 1973 through the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, CARICOM has grown to become one of the most successful examples of regional integration in the developing world. A 2001 revision of the founding treaty established the bloc’s single market and economy, expanding cross-border cooperation to drive shared economic growth. Today, the bloc counts 15 full member states and six associate members, serving a combined population of roughly 16 million people, 60 percent of whom are under the age of 30. CARICOM’s core mission is organized around four central pillars: economic integration, coordinated foreign policy, human and social development, and cross-border security cooperation. Headquartered in Georgetown, Guyana, the CARICOM Secretariat serves as the bloc’s central administrative body, working to advance a shared vision of an inclusive, resilient, and competitive regional community where all citizens can access equal opportunity, enjoy guaranteed human rights and social justice, and contribute to shared cultural and economic prosperity.

  • Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Launches First Leadership Development Programme

    Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Launches First Leadership Development Programme

    In a landmark move aimed at strengthening healthcare governance and nurturing the next generation of medical leaders, the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has launched its first-ever comprehensive leadership development programme. Designed to address growing gaps in managerial and strategic expertise across Antigua and Barbuda’s public healthcare system, the initiative marks a significant turning point for the island nation’s flagship medical facility.

    The programme, which was developed in consultation with regional healthcare management experts, targets mid-level and senior clinical and administrative staff at the centre. Over the course of six months, participants will engage in a structured curriculum that combines hands-on practical training, mentorship from veteran healthcare leaders, and interactive workshops focused on key competencies. Key modules include crisis resource management, patient-centered care strategy, cross-departmental team collaboration, financial stewardship for medical facilities, and adaptive leadership in evolving public health landscapes.

    Hospital administrators note that the launch comes amid a broader push to upgrade the country’s healthcare infrastructure and improve service delivery outcomes. For years, the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, which serves as the primary referral hospital for Antigua and Barbuda, has faced challenges related to transitioning leadership as long-tenured senior staff prepare for retirement. This new programme is intended to create a structured pipeline of trained leaders who can step into critical roles seamlessly, avoiding disruptions to patient care.

    “This is more than just a training course – it’s an investment in the future of healthcare for all Antiguans and Barbudans,” said the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer in a press briefing ahead of the programme’s launch. “We’ve seen firsthand how strong, empathetic leadership directly impacts patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes. By equipping our talented staff with the strategic skills they need to lead, we’re building a stronger, more resilient healthcare system for generations to come.”

    Initial feedback from the first cohort of 25 participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting that the programme fills a long-unmet need for professional development focused specifically on healthcare leadership in the region. Organizers plan to expand the initiative to include junior staff in future iterations, with the goal of fostering a culture of continuous leadership growth across the entire facility. The programme’s progress and outcomes will be evaluated at the conclusion of the six-month curriculum, with findings shared with other regional healthcare facilities looking to implement similar development schemes.

  • ABWU Deputy General Secretary Chester Hughes Graduates with Law Degree in the United Kingdom

    ABWU Deputy General Secretary Chester Hughes Graduates with Law Degree in the United Kingdom

    A senior labor leader from Antigua and Barbuda has marked a major career and academic milestone, wrapping up years of rigorous combined work and study to graduate with top honors from a leading UK higher education institution. Chester Hughes, Deputy General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU), crossed the graduation stage on Tuesday to collect his Bachelor of Laws with Upper Second-Class Honours from Arden University, based in the United Kingdom.

    Following the official ceremony, Hughes gathered with close family and friends to celebrate the achievement, which caps off years of intentional late nights, early mornings, and careful prioritization that let him complete his degree while continuing to hold one of the union’s most senior executive leadership roles. Unlike traditional full-time students, Hughes balanced the heavy workload of labor advocacy, union leadership, and personal responsibilities alongside his academic requirements, a challenge that he says shaped his entire learning journey.

    In reflecting on the years he spent working toward the degree, Hughes emphasized that the experience was as demanding as it was transformative. He described the program as both “challenging and rewarding,” noting that successfully juggling competing demands from his career, coursework, and personal life relied on consistent discipline, unwavering resilience, and relentless determination. Many modules introduced him to entirely new legal frameworks and concepts that felt overwhelming at the start, but he worked steadily through each subject, gradually expanding his legal knowledge, deepening his nuanced understanding of the field, and building confidence in his new skills. For Hughes, this entire academic journey has equipped him with irreplaceable expertise and perspective that he plans to bring back to his work advocating for workers, leaving him eager to step into the next phase of his career with clear purpose and renewed enthusiasm.

    The ABWU has formally extended its warmest congratulations to Hughes on the groundbreaking achievement. Union leadership emphasized that Hughes’ successful completion of the degree while continuing to serve working people is a powerful testament to his core commitment to both personal growth and the advancement of the global labor movement, which he advances through intentional education and values-based leadership. The organization’s entire Executive Council, administrative staff, and rank-and-file membership share the collective belief that this new academic credential will amplify Hughes’ ability to serve workers across Antigua and Barbuda with exceptional distinction, especially in core priority areas including labor legislation, industrial relationship management, collective bargaining negotiation, and advancing systemic social justice for working communities.

    Looking ahead, Hughes will continue his legal training later this year: he plans to depart Antigua and Barbuda over the coming summer to enroll in the required Bar Training Course, a critical prerequisite for practicing law that marks the next key phase of his combined legal and labor career. The ABWU has expressed full confidence in Hughes and extended well wishes for his upcoming training, noting that all his academic and professional work is rooted in a commitment to advancing justice for the working class. Beyond celebrating one leader’s achievement, the union highlighted that Hughes’ accomplishment is a source of tremendous organizational pride, and serves as a motivating example for working people across Antigua and Barbuda to prioritize lifelong learning and pursue ongoing professional excellence regardless of existing career and personal responsibilities.