The Development Control Authority (DCA) of Antigua and Barbuda has officially announced the approval of the master plan submitted by Yida International Investment Antigua Ltd. for proposed developments within the Special Economic Zone. This decision follows a comprehensive review process conducted in alignment with national development and environmental standards. The DCA, in collaboration with relevant government agencies, has confirmed that the planned developments will not adversely affect the mangrove conservation area or its ecosystem within the designated zone. Detailed assessments, including satellite imagery, drone footage, and field photographs, have verified that the mangroves remain undisturbed and in a healthy state. To ensure the continued protection of these vital natural habitats, the DCA will implement rigorous supervision throughout the project’s execution, enforcing strict compliance with environmental protection requirements. The Authority has also reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and public confidence by making these findings accessible to the public. Additionally, the DCA encourages community members to provide feedback, comments, and recommendations through its official channels, as it continues to promote responsible and sustainable development within the Special Economic Zone.
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$18K Missing Funds Lead to Ex-Employee Arrest
In a significant development, 29-year-old Mitzellie Sujellie Cruz has been arrested and charged with fourteen counts of theft following an investigation into the misappropriation of company funds at BIOMEDS Limited. The case came to light on July 10, 2025, when Vicki Andrea Quetzal, the company’s manager, reported financial irregularities discovered during an internal audit. Authorities revealed that Cruz allegedly embezzled $18,322.50 BZD (Belize Dollars) collected from various clients between May and June 2025. At the time of her arrest, Cruz was no longer employed by the company. BIOMEDS Limited, formerly known as Belize Chemicals, has been a prominent player in the industry for over a decade. The incident has raised concerns about internal financial controls and accountability within the organization. The case is currently under further investigation, and Cruz is expected to face legal proceedings in the coming weeks.
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Mixed fortunes for Saint Lucia in ECVA volleyball
In a gripping showdown at the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Under-23 Men’s Championship on Thursday, November 13, hosts Antigua & Barbuda staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Saint Lucia in a five-set thriller. The match, held at the YMCA in St John’s, showcased resilience and tactical brilliance as Antigua & Barbuda overturned a two-set deficit to clinch the victory with scores of 22-25, 16-25, 27-25, 25-21, 15-12.
Saint Lucia had entered the match with momentum, having earlier defeated Anguilla in straight sets (27-25, 25-17, 25-12). Their star player, outside hitter and team captain Daniel Myers-James, delivered a standout performance with 15 points against Anguilla and later led his team with 24 points in the clash against Antigua & Barbuda. Middle blocker Peter Emmanuel also contributed significantly with 12 points.
Despite Saint Lucia’s dominance at the net, recording 14 blocks compared to Antigua & Barbuda’s five, the hosts excelled in attack points, scoring 57 against their opponents’ 41. This offensive prowess proved decisive in turning the tide of the match.
Saint Lucia’s head coach, Levi Leonce, acknowledged the challenges faced during the game. “A loss is always unfortunate, but Antigua came to fight today. We struggled with service errors and execution breakdowns. However, each match offers valuable lessons, and we will make the necessary adjustments to come back stronger tomorrow,” he stated.
The championship continues with Saint Lucia set to face Grenada on Friday and Dominica on Saturday, both at 4 p.m. Dominica remains unbeaten after three games, while Antigua & Barbuda have secured victories in both their fixtures so far.
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Multiple government offices at Warrens close due to environmental and AC issues
The Warrens Office Complex faced significant disruptions on Friday as environmental and air-conditioning issues forced the closure of several government departments. The Land Registry Department, situated on the Ground Floor, was shut down for the day due to unspecified environmental concerns. Officials have assured the public that the department will reopen once conditions improve. Similarly, the Ministry of Energy and Business, located on the First Floor, remained closed as it grappled with persistent air-conditioning problems. Members of the public seeking services such as liquor licences or assistance from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) were redirected to the Trinity Business Centre at Country Road, St Michael. Temporary contact numbers were provided for urgent inquiries: DCCA – 535-7000, Ministry’s Executive Officer – 832-2393, and Ministry’s Executive Secretary – 266-8416. On the Third Floor, the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector also closed its doors due to air-conditioning malfunctions, with staff working remotely to maintain service continuity. Despite these closures, two key units within the complex—the Labour Department on the Second Floor and the Barbados Employment Career and Counselling Service on the First Floor—remained operational. Authorities have apologized for the inconvenience and promised to provide updates as normal operations resume across the affected offices.
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Obesity, Cancer, or Diabetes? No U.S. Visa for You
In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration has introduced new visa guidelines that could deny entry to the United States for individuals with chronic health conditions such as obesity, cancer, or diabetes. The directive, which instructs immigration officers to consider these conditions during the visa application process, aims to protect American taxpayers from potential financial burdens associated with healthcare costs for immigrants. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott emphasized the administration’s commitment to prioritizing American interests, stating, ‘This policy ensures our immigration system does not become a financial strain on taxpayers.’ However, the move has sparked criticism from immigration advocates. Sarah Krieger of the National Immigration Law Centre described the policy as ‘unusual and concerning,’ warning that it could disproportionately affect vulnerable applicants who might otherwise qualify for entry. The new guidelines align with a broader February order aimed at preventing taxpayer-funded benefits from going to ‘unqualified aliens.’ Critics argue that the policy could lead to confusion among immigration officers and unjustly block eligible individuals from entering the country.
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Nestor guides Mean Green to historic 3-0 start
The University of North Texas (UNT) women’s basketball team celebrated a historic milestone on Thursday, November 13, as they secured their third consecutive victory, marking their first 3-0 start since 2002. The Mean Green dominated Nelson University with a resounding 102-50 win, extending their home winning streak at The Super Pit to 14 games.
Megan Nestor, the senior center from Saint Lucia, delivered another stellar performance, recording her third straight double-double of the season with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Nestor, who is averaging 14.3 points and 11.7 rebounds this season, made her mark in just 19 minutes of play, shooting 8-16 from the field and 4-7 from the free-throw line. This game also marked her season-high in scoring.
Despite an early 12-4 lead by Nelson, UNT quickly regained control after a timeout called by head coach Jason Burton. The Mean Green unleashed a 19-0 run in the final 5:52 of the first quarter, which eventually extended to 23-0 before Nelson managed to score again. UNT’s relentless defensive pressure forced 30 turnovers, including 23 steals, just one shy of the program’s single-game record.
Burton emphasized that the team’s focus was on disrupting Nelson’s rhythm rather than forcing turnovers. ‘We thought from a game plan standpoint that if we applied pressure, we could create some turnovers, and the times we did that, we did a great job,’ he said.
Andi Schissler played a crucial role in the first half, scoring 10 of her 17 points during the decisive run. Schissler was the second-leading scorer for the night, while three other UNT players also reached double figures. Notably, all 11 available players contributed to the scoreboard for the second consecutive game, showcasing the team’s depth and cohesion.
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Cashier/Administrative Assistant Wanted at Champion Footwear
Champion Footwear at Heritage Quay is currently on the lookout for a qualified individual to fill the position of Cashier/Administrative Assistant. The ideal candidate must hold a CXC certification and a high school diploma, along with prior experience in both retail and office administration. Applicants must be at least 25 years of age to be considered for this role. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resumes either via email or in person at the Champion Footwear location. For additional details or inquiries, please contact the company directly at 562-1970. This opportunity is perfect for those looking to leverage their administrative and customer service skills in a dynamic retail environment.
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Preville slams Estephane’s youth record at Babonneau meeting
In a heated public meeting at the Babonneau Playing Field on Thursday night, United Workers Party (UWP) candidate Titus Preville launched a scathing critique against his political rival, John Paul Estephane, questioning his contributions to the constituency during his tenure. Preville challenged Estephane’s claims of being a longstanding Labour Party member, pointing out his lack of support for the outgoing parliamentary representative, Dr. Virginia Albert-Poyotte, particularly in addressing youth issues.
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GHTA National Culinary Team at 2025 Taste of the Caribbean Competition
The Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA) has announced with great enthusiasm that its National Culinary Team will represent Grenada at the 2025 Taste of the Caribbean Competition. This highly anticipated event, organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), will be held in Barbados from November 16 to 18, 2025. The competition is a prestigious platform where top culinary talents from 12 Caribbean destinations converge to showcase their skills and celebrate the region’s diverse flavours. Grenada’s team, led by Team Captain Chef Andre Church of RTA Services, includes a stellar lineup of culinary experts such as Team Logistics Manager Chef Belinda Bishop of Flavours of Grenada, Senior Chef Elvis George, Junior Chef Rashid Cromwell, Pastry Chef Sasha Lessey, and Mixologist Antonio Bayne. Under the leadership of GHTA CEO Arlene Friday, the team is poised to highlight Grenada’s unique culinary heritage and creativity on a regional stage. Friday expressed her pride in the team’s formation, stating, ‘It has been a dream of mine to re-establish our National Culinary Team. I am excited to see our team represent the rich and diverse flavours that define Grenada’s cultural identity.’ The GHTA also extended gratitude to its sponsors, including the GHTA Tourism Enhancement Fund, interCaribbean Airways, and numerous local businesses and institutions, for their support in making this participation possible. Special recognition was given to Coach and mentor Chef Ramces of Six Senses La Sagesse for his invaluable guidance.
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2 independents among 32 candidates for Nov. 27 election
The upcoming general election in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, scheduled for November 27, has seen 32 candidates nominated to contest the 15 parliamentary seats, including two independent candidates. Among them are Kenna Questelles, contesting the West St. George constituency, and Doris Charles of the National Liberation Movement (NLM), vying for South Leeward. Questelles, represented by the torch symbol, and Charles, symbolized by the bicycle, bring the total number of female candidates to nine, accounting for nearly one-third of all nominees.
Doris Charles, a former diplomat under the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) and wife of ex-Central Leeward MP Maxwell Charles, emphasized the significance of her nomination for the NLM, a party established in 2022. She highlighted the party’s commitment to values such as accountability, pragmatism, and transparency, while the bicycle symbol represents forward movement and progressive thinking. Meanwhile, Kenna Questelles, a former executive member of the Women’s Arm of the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), has pledged to focus on youth empowerment if elected. Her proposals include establishing a digital youth service agency, providing training and employment opportunities, and launching an annual innovation award to support youth-led start-ups.
The election is expected to be a fierce contest between the ULP, aiming for a historic sixth consecutive term, and the NDP, seeking to regain power after being ousted in 2001. However, the nomination process has not been without controversy. The ULP challenged the candidacy of Opposition Leader Godwin Friday and Fitz Bramble, citing their Canadian citizenship as a violation of the Constitution. Despite the challenges, their nominations were upheld by returning officers, though Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has vowed legal action.
As the election approaches, the focus remains on the candidates’ platforms and the potential impact of independent voices in shaping the nation’s political landscape.