作者: admin

  • All Saints Road Upgrade Moves Into Active Construction Phase

    All Saints Road Upgrade Moves Into Active Construction Phase

    Survey teams have commenced operations for a comprehensive upgrade of All Saints Road, heralding the launch of what government officials are calling one of the nation’s most pivotal infrastructure initiatives in recent history. The Ministry of Works has officially announced that the reconstruction project is being spearheaded by Amdex, a collaborative venture between Canada’s Dexter Company and local engineering experts. This partnership is expected to bring advanced technical expertise to the endeavor, which aims to transform a crucial transportation artery. The project will cover over 10 miles, stretching from the V.C. Bird bust in St John’s to English Harbour. Preparatory activities are already underway, with survey teams and materials-testing crews actively working on-site. In a coordinated effort, the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) will replace outdated water pipes along the route, ensuring that the road does not require future excavation. To mitigate inconvenience for commuters, the Ministry of Works is devising detailed traffic-management strategies, including temporary diversions and phased road closures as construction progresses. The government has pledged to provide regular updates as the project advances.

  • Derek Walcott Library added to UNESCO World Register

    Derek Walcott Library added to UNESCO World Register

    The Derek Walcott Library, housed at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, has achieved a prestigious milestone by being inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Regional Register for Latin America and the Caribbean. This recognition was announced during the program’s annual regional meeting, held from November 10 to 13, 2025, in Lima and Cusco, Peru. Among 71 nominations from 15 countries, 29 were approved, with the Derek Walcott Library standing out as a significant addition. The UNESCO Memory of the World Programme aims to protect documentary heritage at risk of being forgotten, damaged, or lost. The inscription highlights the cultural, historical, and literary significance of Sir Derek Alton Walcott’s personal collection, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the mind and influences of the Nobel Laureate. The library features Walcott’s original bookshelves, works he authored, titles gifted by peers and collaborators, and a diverse array of materials reflecting his engagement with Caribbean literature, art, theatre, history, and global cultures. Donated to the College in 2020 by Sigrid Nama, the collection serves as a preserved record of Walcott’s creative world and the broader literary dialogues that shaped his legacy. Additionally, the Saint Lucia National Commission for UNESCO acknowledged Kathy Birch-McDiarmed, Head Librarian of the Hunter J. Francois Library and Vice President of the Memory of the World Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean, for her ongoing efforts to safeguard and promote documentary heritage across the region. The inscription underscores the importance of preserving the Derek Walcott Library as a vital repository of literary memory for the Caribbean and the world.

  • Suriname krijgt gouden kans door Bolivia te verslaan

    Suriname krijgt gouden kans door Bolivia te verslaan

    Suriname is on the brink of a historic moment in its football history. Having secured a spot as one of the best second-placed teams in the CONCACAF qualifiers, Suriname has advanced to the intercontinental playoffs. In March, they will face Bolivia, a seasoned South American team, but not an insurmountable opponent. This match will determine whether Suriname progresses to the playoff final and edges closer to its first-ever World Cup appearance.

    Suriname’s journey to the playoffs was dramatic. Despite a 1-3 loss to Guatemala in their final qualifying match, an own goal by Guatemala in stoppage time ensured Suriname retained second place, narrowly edging out Honduras. The intercontinental playoffs feature six teams from different continents vying for the last two World Cup spots. Suriname will start in the semifinal against Bolivia, with a potential final against the winner of the Asian playoff bracket (likely Iraq) if they succeed.

    On paper, Bolivia appears stronger, ranked 76th in the FIFA rankings compared to Suriname’s 123rd. However, playoff matches are notoriously unpredictable, and Suriname carries momentum from its recent rise. Bolivia, though experienced from facing South American powerhouses like Brazil and Argentina, has struggled in away games and against teams that transition quickly.

    For Suriname to triumph, they must focus on five key strategies: maintaining a compact defense, seizing early initiative, capitalizing on transitions, staying mentally sharp, and leveraging their key players’ strengths. A victory would not only boost national pride but also enhance Suriname’s international visibility, attract sponsors, improve infrastructure, and foster youth development. A World Cup berth could propel Suriname’s football development to new heights, akin to the transformations seen in Iceland and Costa Rica.

    The playoff semifinal against Bolivia is a single-match showdown, with the winner advancing to the final. Two victories separate Suriname from the 2026 World Cup. This is a golden opportunity for Suriname to make history, unite its people, and elevate its football legacy on the global stage.

  • U.S Coast Guard Unleashes Historic Cocaine Seizure in $362M Blow to Cartels

    U.S Coast Guard Unleashes Historic Cocaine Seizure in $362M Blow to Cartels

    In a landmark operation, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) offloaded a staggering 49,000 pounds of cocaine at Port Everglades, marking one of the largest single-ship drug seizures in history. The haul, valued at approximately $362 million, was the result of 15 separate interceptions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean by the crew of the USCG Cutter Stone, alongside aircrews and partner agencies. Vice Adm. Nathan Moore, Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, emphasized the significance of the seizure, stating, ‘This is more than just a pile of cocaine. It represents a tangible victory in our fight against transnational criminal organizations and narco-terrorism.’ The operation underscores the USCG’s commitment to disrupting drug trafficking networks and protecting communities. Terry Cole, Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), highlighted the broader impact, noting that such seizures weaken criminal organizations and save lives. The majority of the cocaine originated from Colombia and Ecuador. This seizure follows a series of significant drug interdictions by the USCG, including a record-breaking 38-ton haul in August 2025. Officials reported that 80% of U.S.-bound narcotics seizures occur at sea, emphasizing the critical role of maritime operations in combating drug trafficking.

  • Earth’s treasures

    Earth’s treasures

    On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa unleashed unprecedented destruction upon Jamaica, with sustained winds of 185 mph and gusts reaching 213 mph, rivaling the intensity of an EF5 tornado. Spanning 60 miles in diameter, with tropical storm winds extending an additional 165 miles, Melissa brought wave surges of up to 13 feet and torrential rainfall between 15 to 40 inches. Moving at nine mph, the hurricane subjected residents to seven hours of relentless terror. Despite the catastrophic conditions, many homes survived, sparking questions about their resilience.

  • OPINION: Under PM Browne’s leadership, Antigua and Barbuda remains solidly on course

    OPINION: Under PM Browne’s leadership, Antigua and Barbuda remains solidly on course

    In the midst of heightened political discourse in Antigua and Barbuda, the Gaston Browne Administration stands as a testament to resilience, progress, and effective leadership. Recent weeks have seen a surge in political commentary, ranging from passionate debates to speculative narratives. While democratic engagement is essential, some voices have veered into exaggerated claims of national decline, often driven by personal ambition rather than factual analysis. It is crucial to restore balance and reaffirm the tangible achievements under Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s stewardship. The administration has spearheaded one of the Caribbean’s fastest post-COVID economic recoveries, expanded social housing, and made strategic investments in infrastructure, benefiting thousands of citizens. These accomplishments reflect stable governance and disciplined economic management, rather than political theatrics. Amid global challenges such as inflation, energy shocks, and climate impacts, Antigua and Barbuda has demonstrated remarkable resilience. The administration has confronted these issues with competence and creativity, fostering national confidence and progress. The people of Antigua and Barbuda recognize that stability, progress, and leadership are not accidental but the result of dedicated governance. As the nation continues its transformative journey, it is imperative for all citizens to unite in confidence, leaving behind divisive narratives and embracing a shared vision for a brighter future under Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s leadership.

  • LETTER: It’s Time to Abolish Antigua & Barbuda’s Outdated Bigamy Law

    LETTER: It’s Time to Abolish Antigua & Barbuda’s Outdated Bigamy Law

    In a bold and impassioned letter to the editor, a concerned citizen of Antigua and Barbuda has called for the immediate abolition of the country’s archaic bigamy law, labeling it as outdated, hypocritical, and out of touch with modern societal values. The writer, who identifies as an ordinary citizen rather than a legal or political expert, argues that the law unjustly intrudes into the private lives of consenting adults under the guise of protecting morality. The recent high-profile bigamy case has reignited public debate, highlighting the law’s irrelevance in a society where diverse relationship structures are increasingly common. The author emphasizes that a free society should respect individual choices, provided they are consensual and do not harm others. They criticize the law as a colonial relic rooted in a singular religious perspective on marriage, which no longer aligns with the cultural diversity and progressive ideals of Antigua and Barbuda. The letter also points out the absurdity of diverting limited police resources to investigate consensual relationships while more pressing issues like domestic violence, financial crimes, and missing children remain under-addressed. The writer concludes with a powerful plea for the government to demonstrate its commitment to modernization, freedom, and human dignity by repealing the bigamy law and allowing adults to build their lives without fear of criminalization.

  • Barbados wins Destination of the Year at the 2025 Balearica (Africa) Awards

    Barbados wins Destination of the Year at the 2025 Balearica (Africa) Awards

    Barbados has achieved a significant milestone in its tourism strategy, securing the prestigious ‘Destination of the Year: African Diaspora’ award at the Balearica (Africa) Tourism Awards. This accolade, presented on November 2 at the Hilton London, Canary Wharf, highlights Barbados’ growing appeal among African travelers and its efforts to strengthen cultural and historical ties with the African continent. The award underscores the island’s commitment to promoting its vibrant heritage and re-energizing initiatives to attract visitors from Africa’s burgeoning travel market. Kyle Gittens, Director of Emerging Markets at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), emphasized the award’s importance in positioning Barbados as a top choice for African travelers, celebrating the shared cultural connections between the regions. The Balearica Awards, known for recognizing excellence in African tourism, awarded Barbados the golden Balearica Statuette, symbolizing immortality and inspired by the crowned crane, a revered symbol in ancient Egyptian culture. This recognition precedes the 2025 GUBA Awards, held for the first time in Barbados under the theme ‘Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny: Build. Connect. Renew.’ The island also welcomed His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the King of Ashanti, marking a historic moment as the first visit by the occupant of the Golden Stool to the Caribbean. His Majesty’s address to students at the University of the West Indies and a chartered SmartWings flight from Ghana to Barbados further symbolized the strengthening of ties between Africa and the Caribbean. Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley expressed confidence in achieving direct airlift between the continent and the island, reinforcing Barbados’ role as a bridge uniting communities across the Atlantic.

  • I AM youth conference focuses on empowerment, entrepreneurship, mental health

    I AM youth conference focuses on empowerment, entrepreneurship, mental health

    The third annual I AM Conference kicked off at the Hilton Barbados on Wednesday, uniting young Barbadians, students, and budding entrepreneurs for a four-day event focused on business innovation, mental health, and community empowerment. Organized by the Ministry of Youth, the conference aims to inspire and guide participants toward shaping their futures. Permanent Secretary Joy Adamson emphasized that the agenda was shaped by direct feedback from young people, ensuring relevance and impact. The conference features diverse sessions on entrepreneurship, sports, education, and mental health, with a special focus on practical skills and opportunities. Highlights include a youth pitch tank competition, where participants can present business ideas for a chance to win funding, and a showcase of Barbados’ indigenous sport, road tennis. Health and wellness are also prioritized, with sessions dedicated to improving physical and mental well-being. Practical support for career readiness, such as the ‘Dress for Success’ workshop, equips attendees with skills for job interviews and professional development. The Minister of Youth urged participants to fully engage, absorb knowledge, and share insights with peers, underscoring the conference’s role in fostering future leaders. Over the next three days, discussions will expand to include housing, robotics, financial literacy, and career planning, offering a comprehensive roadmap for youth empowerment in Barbados.

  • Children urged to speak up on World Children’s Day

    Children urged to speak up on World Children’s Day

    On the occasion of World Children’s Day, UNICEF has called upon young Barbadians to amplify their voices and actively advocate for their rights. Speaking at the national child rights ambassadors graduation ceremony held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC), UNICEF monitoring and evaluation specialist Patrice Bosso emphasized the importance of ensuring that children’s voices are central to national discourse. He urged the newly appointed ambassadors and their peers across Barbados to reflect on their aspirations and take proactive steps to secure their futures. Bosso highlighted the transformative impact of the child rights ambassador programme, launched a year ago in collaboration with the Ministry of People’s Empowerment. The inaugural group of 19 ambassadors has been instrumental in promoting children’s rights through various creative and advocacy-driven initiatives within their schools and communities. This year’s World Children’s Day theme, “My Day, My Rights,” underscores the need to prioritize children’s lived experiences and ensure their rights are actively pursued. Bosso also acknowledged Barbados’ longstanding dedication to child rights, referencing the country’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 35 years ago. He stressed that safeguarding children’s rights requires consistent action and investment, describing them as a “living promise” rather than mere rhetoric. UNICEF remains committed to empowering young people and integrating their perspectives into policymaking and development efforts to build resilient communities.