Ambassador Ricardo Panka was warmly welcomed at the Surinamese Embassy in The Hague on Friday, marking the beginning of his new diplomatic role. Upon his arrival at Schiphol Airport, he was escorted to the embassy, where he was greeted by the full embassy team, friends, acquaintances, and prominent members of the Surinamese-Dutch community. The reception included a blessing by Apostle Melvin Heuvel, who wished Panka success in his new duties. Panka was appointed as the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Suriname by President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons on November 14, with The Hague as his permanent base. His appointment is seen as a significant step in strengthening diplomatic ties between Suriname and the Netherlands. Panka is expected to present his credentials to King Willem-Alexander soon, ahead of the king’s state visit to Suriname from December 1 to 3, coinciding with the country’s 50th anniversary of independence. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof will also travel to Paramaribo next week for the official jubilee celebrations. Panka, known for his role as a connector with extensive experience in policy, community development, and diaspora initiatives, has previously worked on youth participation, educational programs, and cultural projects in Suriname and the diaspora. In the Netherlands, he has collaborated closely with social organizations and cultural institutions, making him a familiar figure within the Surinamese community. Upon his arrival, Panka expressed his focus on cultural exchange, economic cooperation, strengthening the agricultural sector, educational relations, and active involvement of the Surinamese community in development projects. He emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing and collaboration between the two countries. ‘The Surinamese community in the Netherlands serves as a vital bridge between our nations. I look forward to deepening this bond,’ he said. Panka also highlighted the recent reduction in the fee for the PSA pass (Persons of Surinamese Origin) by the Surinamese government but noted that high ticket prices remain a challenge for many.
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Antigua and Barbuda Producing 11 Million Gallons of Water Daily — A Record Output
Antigua and Barbuda has reached a historic milestone in its water production, now generating over 11 million gallons of desalinated water daily—the highest output in the nation’s history. This achievement was announced during the Throne Speech on Thursday by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, who highlighted the country’s significant progress in addressing long-standing water shortages.
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Government Credits Foreign Direct Investment for Antigua and Barbuda’s Rapid Economic Expansion
Foreign direct investment (FDI) has been the cornerstone of Antigua and Barbuda’s remarkable economic growth over the past 25 years, according to Governor General Sir Rodney Williams. In his Throne Speech delivered on Thursday, Sir Rodney highlighted how sustained inflows of overseas capital have propelled the nation’s economy from US$802 million in 2000 to over US$2 billion today. He emphasized that FDI has been instrumental in driving development across key sectors, including construction, hospitality, banking, housing, and public infrastructure, laying the foundation for the country’s “solid, stable, and soaring” progress.
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STATEMENT: UN Secretary-General Message on World Children’s Day (with video)
On the occasion of World Children’s Day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the urgent need to safeguard children’s rights, emphasizing that the future of humanity hinges on the well-being of its youngest members. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, the most universally ratified treaty in history, was signed 36 years ago, affirming the fundamental principle that protecting children is essential for building a better world. However, Guterres warned that children’s rights are increasingly under threat. Poverty, emergencies, and climate change are disrupting education and jeopardizing futures, while the digital world introduces new risks. Many children are forced into labor or caregiving roles, bearing responsibilities far beyond their years. Tragically, famine and conflict have stripped thousands of children of their most basic right: the right to life. Guterres stressed that while every child’s circumstances are unique, their rights are universal, regardless of identity or location. This World Children’s Day, he urged the global community to listen to children, amplify their voices, and unite in creating a safe and equitable world for every child. The future, he concluded, will be defined by how we care for the next generation.
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Antigua and Barbuda Marks 300% GDP Growth as First Quarter of Century Closes
Antigua and Barbuda has achieved an extraordinary economic milestone, with its national output surging by over 300% in the past 25 years. The country’s economic performance has climbed from US$802 million in 2000 to an anticipated US$2 billion by 2025. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams emphasized this remarkable achievement during his Throne Speech at the opening of Parliament, describing it as a testament to the nation’s resilience and strategic planning. Despite facing significant challenges, including hurricanes, droughts, flooding, the global financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Antigua and Barbuda has emerged stronger, thanks to the collective efforts of its workers, entrepreneurs, and successive governments. Sir Rodney attributed this success to a combination of factors, including robust foreign direct investment, a thriving construction and hospitality sector, enhanced educational opportunities, and a stable socio-political environment characterized by low crime rates. The country’s per capita income now exceeds EC$60,000, and it ranks 53rd on the United Nations Human Development Index—the highest among Caribbean nations. Looking ahead, the government is optimistic about sustaining this growth trajectory, with plans to invest in infrastructure, tourism, and education to drive further economic expansion in the coming decades.
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LIAT’s Comeback Will Support Africa–Caribbean Air Link Through Air Peace, GG says
The Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams, announced during the Throne Speech on Thursday that the revival of LIAT will play a pivotal role in enhancing regional connectivity as Air Peace prepares to launch direct flights between Africa and Antigua. Sir Rodney emphasized that LIAT’s resurgence symbolizes the sustainability of an airline once deemed a “dead horse,” positioning it as a crucial link for passengers arriving from the African continent. The expanded operations of LIAT are expected to transform Antigua and Barbuda into a regional hub, facilitating the movement of African tourists and business travelers to neighboring islands—a development seen as a significant economic opportunity for the Eastern Caribbean. Sir Rodney highlighted that LIAT’s expansion beyond the Eastern Caribbean reflects a broader recovery in the aviation sector, reinforcing Antigua’s strategic role in interregional travel and tourism growth. The Throne Speech also underscored the government’s infrastructure investments, including runway resurfacing at V.C. Bird International Airport and upgrades to roads and utilities, which are essential for accommodating increased passenger traffic. With Air Peace set to commence regular flights to Antigua, LIAT’s network will be instrumental in efficiently distributing incoming visitors across the Caribbean. Sir Rodney likened LIAT’s renewed mission to a “phoenix,” rising to meet the next phase of regional air connectivity.
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Serious Crime Falls 10% as Government Plans New Forensic Services Bill in 2026
Antigua and Barbuda has witnessed a significant 10% reduction in serious crime this year, as announced by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams during the Throne Speech at the opening of Parliament. The decline, attributed to effective leadership within the Royal Police Force and enhanced community policing initiatives, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s public safety efforts. Sir Rodney outlined a series of ambitious reforms set to modernize law enforcement and criminal justice by 2026, including the establishment of the Antigua and Barbuda Forensic Services. This new agency will focus on drug analysis and the development of specialized biology and chemistry divisions, equipping investigators with advanced scientific tools currently unavailable locally. Additionally, plans to expand the Industrial Court with more judges aim to expedite labor-related case resolutions, while the government reaffirms its commitment to transparency and the rule of law. Antigua and Barbuda’s ranking as second in the Caribbean and 38th globally on the 2025 Rule of Law Index underscores these efforts. Rehabilitation within His Majesty’s Prison also received renewed attention, with a focus on reducing recidivism through skills-training programs and the recruitment of qualified correctional officers. The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force was commended for its joint security initiatives with the police, particularly during high-profile events. Sir Rodney emphasized that this comprehensive strategy—combining modern policing, forensic advancements, and structured rehabilitation—is essential to sustaining the nation’s improving public safety landscape.
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Antigua and Barbuda to Roll Out National Health Insurance in 2026
Antigua and Barbuda is set to implement a National Health Insurance (NHI) system in 2026, marking a significant shift from the 46-year-old Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS). The new system aims to provide broader coverage, enhance protection for vulnerable populations, and ensure portability across CARICOM member states. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams announced the initiative during the Throne Speech at the opening of Parliament, emphasizing the government’s commitment to modernizing healthcare in response to evolving national needs. The NHI will expand the range of covered diseases, address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension, and ensure equitable access to care for all citizens, particularly the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. The transition aligns with ongoing upgrades to health infrastructure, including a new mental health facility in Seaview Farm and a state-of-the-art dialysis center at the old Holberton site, which will also support kidney transplants. Sir Rodney also highlighted the government’s focus on promoting healthier lifestyles to combat rising NCD rates. As the 2026 rollout approaches, details on contribution rates and benefits are expected to be unveiled, positioning the NHI as a cornerstone of universal healthcare access in Antigua and Barbuda’s next phase of development.
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STATEMENT: Address by Hon. Dr Cassandra Williams on Universal Children’s Day (with audio)
In a heartfelt address on November 20, Hon. Dr. Cassandra Williams of Dominica marked Universal Children’s Day with a poignant message centered on the theme, ‘My Day, My Rights.’ Speaking to her fellow citizens, Dr. Williams emphasized the importance of recognizing children as more than just passive recipients of care but as active holders of fundamental rights. She highlighted the global significance of the day, which serves as a reminder to uphold and protect the rights of children everywhere. Dr. Williams called for collective action to ensure that every child has access to education, healthcare, and a safe environment. Her speech underscored the need for societal commitment to nurturing the potential of young minds and fostering a future where children’s rights are universally respected and implemented.
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Ms. Deravairere of L’Etoile Du Matin Prescolaire shares importance of Community Outreach Day
Ms. Georgette Deravairere, the principal of L’Etoile Du Matin Préscolaire (The Morning Star Preschool), recently emphasized the significance of Community Outreach Day, celebrated earlier this week. Known affectionately as Miss D within the community, she has been actively recognizing local businesses as part of Early Childhood Development Month, an initiative by the Ministry of Education/Early Childhood Education. Ms. Deravairere believes that fostering connections between schools, families, and the broader community is essential for the holistic development of children. She asserts that such partnerships support children’s safety, well-being, and social skills, while also strengthening ties between families, schools, and organizations. To this end, Ms. Deravairere and her team distributed tokens of appreciation to various community stakeholders, including Emerald Healthcare Ltd, Lindo Mart Supermarket, Waitucare Daycare Center, Nagico Insurance, Bullseye Pharmacy, Central Co-operative Credit Union Ltd, Deliverance Baptist Church, and D&D Plumbing & Electrical Inc. She envisions a lifelong commitment to building these connections, ensuring that children receive the nurturing environment they need to thrive. Ms. Deravairere’s efforts underscore the importance of community involvement in early childhood education, creating a supportive network that benefits both children and their families.