The government’s second Seven Seas desalination plant is poised to commence operations this weekend, significantly enhancing the national water supply by adding approximately two million gallons of water daily. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, announced the imminent launch during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, emphasizing the facility’s role in improving water accessibility across the island. The plant’s initial production phase will include rigorous testing and system adjustments, meaning immediate improvements may not be apparent to residents. Communities in the northern regions, including Hodges Bay, Coolidge, New Winthorpes, Barnes Hill, Blue Waters, and Cedar Valley, are expected to benefit from the increased water output. This initiative is a critical component of the government’s comprehensive strategy to bolster water reliability, particularly in drought-affected areas, and is part of broader infrastructure upgrades overseen by the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA).
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The National Bank of Dominica awarded 2025 ECCU Distinguished Bank of the Year
The National Bank of Dominica Ltd. (NBD) has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing top honors in three major categories at the 2025 ECCU Bank of the Year Awards. The ceremony, held in St. Kitts, saw NBD being recognized for its Technological Innovation, Customer Service, and the coveted ECCU Bank of the Year Award. This achievement underscores the bank’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the financial sector.
Established in 2024, the ECCU Distinguished Bank of the Year Award aims to celebrate financial institutions that demonstrate strategic foresight and innovative business practices. This year’s competition was particularly intense, with seven commercial banks submitting a total of 34 entries. Over 3,000 members of the public participated in the online voting process, reflecting widespread engagement and interest.
In addition to its three wins, NBD was also a finalist in all six award categories, including Corporate Social Responsibility, Financial Education and Empowerment, and Support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This broad recognition highlights the bank’s comprehensive approach to banking and its dedication to serving the community.
NBD’s victory in the Technological Innovation category is a testament to its ongoing efforts to revolutionize digital banking in Dominica. By introducing modern solutions that enhance accessibility, convenience, and security, the bank has positioned itself as a leader in the digital transformation of the financial sector. The Customer Service Award further cements NBD’s reputation for providing attentive, professional, and customer-centric service.
The ECCU Bank of the Year Award, the most prestigious honor of the night, recognizes NBD’s overall leadership, strategic vision, and consistent delivery of excellence. The bank’s statement expressed pride in this achievement, noting that it reflects NBD’s extensive contributions to financial stability, community empowerment, and innovation-driven progress.
As NBD celebrates these accolades, it remains committed to expanding its services, promoting financial inclusion, supporting national progress, and fostering the growth of communities and businesses within Dominica and the broader region.
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Saint Lucia downed by Cuba in Concacaf curtain-raiser
The Saint Lucia national men’s football team faced a challenging start to the Concacaf Friendly Series on Wednesday, November 12, succumbing to a 3-0 defeat against Cuba. The match, held at Cibao Stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, marked a tough beginning for the Caribbean squad in Group A. Despite missing key players, head coach Stern John entrusted Canada-based forward Caniggia Elva with the captain’s armband. The team’s lineup included Donavan Jn Baptiste, Trent Alexander, and Ridel Stanislas in attack, with Bayan Aman and Hamaiel Charlery controlling the midfield. The defense was anchored by Kurt Frederick, Melvin Doxilly, Joshua Sololon-Davies, and Ajani Louis, while Vino Barclett guarded the goal. The game remained balanced in the early stages, but Cuba’s Romario Torres broke the deadlock in the 38th minute, scoring his first goal for the senior national team. Yasnier Matos extended the lead just before halftime, and Dairon Reyes sealed the victory in the 53rd minute. This match also marked the debut of Cuban coach Pedro Pablo Pereira. Cuba, historically the first Caribbean team to compete in the FIFA World Cup in 1938, narrowly missed advancing to the final round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Meanwhile, Saint Lucia, ranked 164th in the FIFA World Rankings, finished third in Group C of the Second Round of Concacaf Qualifiers. The team will next face St Vincent & the Grenadines on November 15. The Concacaf Friendly Series, featuring 16 nations, commenced during the November FIFA international match window, with games hosted across the Dominican Republic, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, and the Cayman Islands.
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Antigua and Guyana Agree on Food Import Plan to Cut Cost of Living
In a strategic move to alleviate the rising cost of living, the governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Guyana have inked a collaborative agreement to streamline food imports. The initiative aims to secure affordable fruits, vegetables, and other essential produce for local markets, directly benefiting consumers. The decision emerged from high-level discussions between Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali during the COP30 conference in Belize. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, announced that Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. has been tasked with coordinating efforts with Guyana to implement the plan. ‘This initiative will enable us to source food items at reduced rates, leading to tangible price reductions once fully operational,’ Merchant stated during a recent Cabinet media briefing. The partnership underscores the government’s broader strategy to enhance food security and mitigate the impact of global market fluctuations on local prices. Currently, nearly 90% of Antigua and Barbuda’s food imports originate from North America, a dependency that has left the nation vulnerable to external economic shifts. By diversifying supply sources within the CARICOM region, the agreement seeks to stabilize food costs and ensure long-term affordability for consumers. This effort complements earlier Cabinet decisions to reduce tariffs on essential food items, including fresh produce, canned proteins, and infant foods.
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Republic posts record US$329 million profit
Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) has announced a record-breaking profit of US$329 million for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, marking a significant increase of US$29 million (9.7%) compared to the previous year’s US$300 million. This milestone underscores the earnings available to shareholders and reflects the company’s robust financial health. Chairman Vincent A. Pereira credited this exceptional performance to sustained loan growth, enhanced operational efficiency, and prudent risk management. Pereira emphasized that the past year was characterized by strong performance, disciplined execution, and meaningful progress, even in the face of a challenging global and regional economic landscape. The Board of Directors declared a final dividend of US$0.58 per share, bringing the total annual dividend to US$0.90 per share, a 5.3% increase from the previous year. Pereira highlighted RFHL’s solid capital and liquidity positions, which provide a strong foundation for continued growth and innovation across its sixteen countries of operation. The company has also prioritized strategic initiatives such as improving customer experience, accelerating digital transformation, and embedding sustainability and governance into its operations. Additionally, RFHL has demonstrated a strong commitment to social impact through various community investment programs, focusing on youth development, small business growth, and building inclusive economies. Looking forward, Pereira expressed confidence in the group’s ability to navigate global uncertainties and market volatility, reaffirming its strategic focus on delivering sustainable value to shareholders, exceptional service to customers, and fostering a culture of integrity, innovation, and inclusion.
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Over 400 Government Buildings to Be Repainted, Building Repair Fund Launched
The government of Antigua and Barbuda has unveiled an ambitious national beautification project aimed at revitalizing the country’s infrastructure. The initiative will involve the repainting of over 400 government-owned buildings, starting with state offices in the capital, St. John’s. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, revealed that the Cabinet has allocated a substantial budget for this endeavor, which aligns with the administration’s broader transformation and modernization goals. Merchant emphasized that the project is expected to inspire private sector participation, encouraging businesses to refurbish their properties as well. The initiative is complemented by the establishment of a Building-Repair Fund, designed to finance the restoration and maintenance of public offices nationwide. This fund will address the structural needs of government properties, ensuring their long-term sustainability. The beautification campaign is part of extensive preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which Antigua and Barbuda will host. Officials believe these efforts will enhance the nation’s appearance and infrastructure, showcasing its readiness to welcome international delegates.
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West Indies fall well short in final T20I, New Zealand take series 3-1
New Zealand clinched a decisive eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the final T20 international on November 12, securing a series win in front of a lively crowd at the University Oval in Dunedin. Unlike the closely contested earlier matches in the five-game series, this encounter was one-sided, marking an anticlimactic conclusion to what had been a fiercely competitive battle between the two teams. The West Indies, needing a win to level the series after a rain-affected fourth game, struggled from the outset. They lost four wickets during the powerplay and were reeling at 48-5 before Roston Chase and Jason Holder staged a brief recovery with a 42-run partnership. However, their efforts were insufficient as the team was eventually bowled out for 140, thanks to a late flourish from Romario Shepherd, who scored 36 off 22 balls. Jacob Duffy was the standout bowler for New Zealand, claiming 4-35. In response, the Black Caps chased down the target with ease, powered by Devon Conway’s 47 and Tim Robinson’s 45, sealing the win in just 16 overs. West Indies captain Shai Hope acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, particularly in the powerplay, but praised the lower-order resilience. He emphasized the need for better mental preparation ahead of the upcoming One Day International series, which begins on Saturday.
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Woman found injured after alleged shooting in Bexon
Emergency services were dispatched to Bexon on Wednesday evening following reports of a shooting incident. At approximately 8:17 p.m. on November 12, the Saint Lucia Fire Service received a distress call regarding a traumatic event. Upon arrival, responders discovered a 33-year-old woman in the driver’s seat of a vehicle, exhibiting multiple penetrating wounds. Initial assessments revealed the woman had no vital signs, prompting immediate life-saving interventions by the fire service team. She was subsequently transported to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment. Authorities have preliminarily classified the incident as an “alleged gunshot wounding.” However, further details regarding the circumstances of the shooting or the victim’s current condition remain undisclosed. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have yet to release additional information.
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‘Pride of St Michael’: Residents honoured for service, community impact
In a prestigious ceremony at the State House on Wednesday, 50 residents of St Michael were celebrated for their decades-long dedication to community service and national development. The event, split into morning and evening sessions, saw 25 individuals honored in each segment. Among the evening awardees was Rodney Grant, CEO of the Pinelands Creative Workshop, recognized for over 40 years of leadership in community and cultural development. Grant emphasized the transformative power of the arts in empowering at-risk families and preserving Barbados’ cultural heritage, stating that the award was a collective achievement for the Pine community. Another notable honoree, Sophia Mechelle Greaves-Broome, was acknowledged for her 30 years of work in youth and community development, describing the recognition as a celebration of a legacy. Kathy Bernadette Harris, a long-time advocate for children and families, expressed humility at being honored, while Christopher Wayne Griffith, known for his contributions to community policing and youth engagement, felt honored to be recognized for his years of service. President Dame Sandra Mason praised the honorees for their selflessness and commitment, urging them to continue inspiring others. Minister of State Davidson Ishmael and MPs Corey Layne and Marsha Caddle also commended the recipients, emphasizing the importance of their ongoing contributions to society.
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Government Orders Disconnection of Utilities to Unauthorised Beach Vendors at Morris Bay, Darkwood Beach, Fryers Beach, and Fort James
The government of Antigua and Barbuda has taken decisive action to address unauthorized vending operations along its public beaches. The Cabinet has instructed the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and other relevant agencies to disconnect electricity and utilities from unapproved vending structures at key locations, including Morris Bay, Darkwood Beach, Fryers Beach, and Fort James. This move is part of a comprehensive effort to regulate vending activities and ensure orderly development across the nation’s beaches.