The world-renowned floating book fair, Logos Hope, is set to dock once again at St George’s, Grenada, from November 21 to 30, 2025. Operated by the non-profit organization GBA Ships, this unique vessel travels globally with a mission to disseminate knowledge, foster hope, and provide assistance. Following its successful visit in February 2025, which attracted thousands of visitors, Logos Hope is poised to captivate audiences once more with its extensive collection of over 5,000 book titles, catering to diverse interests and age groups. Topics range from science and technology to arts, cookery, medicine, languages, faith, and personal development. Beyond the literary offerings, the ship’s Visitor Experience Deck features a Welcome Area with an introductory film and interactive displays, an International Café serving refreshments, and opportunities to meet the international crew who share inspiring stories. Admission is free for children under 12 and seniors over 65, while adults aged 13-64 are charged EC$5 per person, excluding port fees. Each ticket purchase includes a complimentary book. For further details, contact Project Manager Ema Smithdorff at [email protected].
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AT&LU President Bernard de Nully urges more consultations to address workers’ concerns
Bernard de Nully, President of the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU), has emphasized the critical need for increased dialogue and consultations to address the pressing challenges confronting workers across the Caribbean. His remarks followed a specially convened session of the Caribbean Conference of Labour, which united trade unionists and employer representatives to deliberate on workers’ rights and other urgent matters. The meeting, facilitated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the CARICOM Secretariat, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving labor-related goals. De Nully highlighted the necessity of social dialogue, stating, ‘We came to the understanding that social dialogue is quintessentially important if we are to meet the objectives that we set for ourselves.’ Among the key issues discussed was migration, with de Nully stressing that all workers, regardless of nationality or migrant status, must be guaranteed the right to free association and trade union representation. ‘These are rights that are enshrined in our Constitution,’ he affirmed, reinforcing the legal foundation for these protections.
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Caribbean Travellers Facing Record U.S. Visa Delays in 2026.
Several Caribbean nations, including Barbados, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, and Mexico, are currently experiencing significant delays in U.S. visa processing, compounded by new travel restrictions set to take effect in 2025. U.S. consulates across the region are overwhelmed by soaring demand and insufficient staffing, resulting in extensive backlogs that are disrupting travel plans for tourists, business professionals, and students alike. In some cases, applicants are forced to wait nearly a year or longer just to secure an interview appointment, prompting many to alter or cancel their travel arrangements. In Mexico, first-time visitor visa applicants face wait times of up to 458 days due to the overwhelming demand and limited consular resources. Similarly, in Jamaica, the U.S. Embassy reports delays of six months or more for interview appointments, causing significant disruptions for both leisure and business travelers. The Dominican Republic is among the hardest hit, with wait times stretching to 11 months or longer, leaving those with urgent travel plans in a precarious position. While the Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago experience comparatively moderate delays, applicants are still advised to plan well in advance, as interview slots remain scarce. Barbados, though faring slightly better with wait times averaging 36 days, also recommends early applications to account for potential additional checks. Across the Caribbean, the combination of high demand and limited consular staffing has created a challenging environment for U.S. visa applicants, underscoring the need for early planning and flexibility for those intending to travel to the United States in 2025.
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Barbados ‘making significant progress’ in tax compliance
Barbados has reiterated its unwavering dedication to international tax transparency and compliance standards during a pivotal meeting of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Global Forum. The event, held at the Hilton Barbados Resort, focused on assessing the island nation’s adherence to global tax obligations. Ryan Straughn, Minister in the Ministry of Finance, emphasized Barbados’ significant strides in aligning with international tax frameworks and its resolve to uphold these standards. Straughn highlighted the critical role of tax transparency and information exchange in fostering investment and economic growth, particularly for small states like Barbados. He detailed extensive reforms undertaken to meet global requirements, enhance governance, and bolster investor confidence, which have contributed to 17 consecutive quarters of economic growth. Straughn also addressed the evolution of Barbados’ corporate tax policy, noting the reduction of corporation taxes to 5.5% in 2018 and the subsequent adjustments necessitated by the OECD’s global minimum tax of 15%, effective in 2024. He underscored the importance of tax certainty for investors, stating that Barbados is no longer a low-tax jurisdiction. Additionally, Straughn outlined ongoing efforts to modernize the business environment, including digitization initiatives by the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) and the Central Bank’s plans for digital payments. Revenue Commissioner Jason King reaffirmed Barbados’ commitment to international standards, highlighting the BRA’s strengthened legislative and technical capacity and its readiness to implement the Common Reporting Standard 2.0 and the crypto asset reporting framework.
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‘Youth homelessness driving surge in crime’
Barbados is grappling with a deepening crisis as an increasing number of young men, many of them homeless, are turning to crime out of sheer necessity, according to Fabian Sargeant, the executive director of the Men Empowerment Network Support (MENS). Speaking on Tuesday, Sargeant highlighted the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the root causes of this troubling trend.
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Renderings Released for New UWI Five Islands Campus Sports Complex
The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus has recently unveiled the highly anticipated architectural renderings for its new state-of-the-art sports complex. This ambitious project, designed to elevate the university’s athletic and recreational facilities, promises to become a landmark for sports enthusiasts and students alike. The complex will feature cutting-edge amenities, including a modern track and field stadium, multi-purpose courts, a fully equipped gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for sports science and wellness programs. The design emphasizes sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems. The project is part of UWI’s broader initiative to foster holistic development and promote a culture of excellence in sports. Construction is slated to begin in the coming months, with completion expected within two years. The new sports complex is poised to enhance the campus experience, attract top-tier athletes, and serve as a hub for regional sporting events.
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Sanction parents, too, says acting DPP
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Alliston Seale SC has proposed that parents proven negligent in managing their children’s behavior should face sanctions if their children commit serious crimes. Speaking passionately, Seale emphasized that no 13-year-old should be allowed to engage in harmful activities like drug use and carrying knives without intervention. He argued that parents must take greater responsibility, not just voluntarily but with legal consequences if they fail. Seale cited international examples, including a U.S. case where a mother was jailed for six years after her six-year-old shot a teacher at school. He stressed that parental involvement extends beyond material provision to active engagement in a child’s development, including monitoring technology use and ensuring adequate rest. Seale also highlighted the importance of teaching children conflict resolution skills and preparing them for real-world challenges. His remarks came during sentencing submissions for Tyreke Benskin, who pleaded guilty to the 2020 murder of 22-year-old Shakeem Holder. Seale noted troubling signs in Benskin’s past, such as his fascination with knives, and lamented the lack of early intervention. While acknowledging Benskin’s remorse and potential for rehabilitation, Seale underscored the collective responsibility of society in addressing juvenile delinquency. Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell is set to deliver the sentence on February 27.
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Venezuela announces ‘massive mobilization’ of military forces as America’s largest warship sails into region
Venezuela has announced a large-scale military mobilization in response to the increasing presence of US warships and troops in the Caribbean Sea. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López stated that land, air, naval, and reserve forces will conduct exercises through Wednesday, framing the deployment as a defensive measure against what he termed the “imperialist threat” posed by the US. The exercises will also involve the Bolivarian Militia, a civilian reserve force established by the late President Hugo Chávez and named after Simon Bolivar, the revolutionary leader of Latin American independence. Padrino López emphasized that the operation, directly ordered by President Nicolas Maduro, aims to enhance command, control, and communications while safeguarding national sovereignty. This move comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations, as the US continues to bolster its military presence in the region. The US Navy recently announced the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, America’s largest aircraft carrier, in the US Southern Command area of operations, which encompasses most of Latin America. The carrier strike group includes nine air squadrons, two guided missile destroyers, an integrated air and missile defense command ship, and over 4,000 sailors. The US has justified its military build-up as part of efforts to combat drug trafficking, conducting strikes on alleged drug boats in recent weeks. However, Venezuelan officials suspect the US is pursuing regime change, a strategy some Trump administration officials have privately acknowledged. Last month, President Trump authorized CIA operations in Venezuela and hinted at potential military strikes, though administration officials later clarified that no such actions are currently planned. Padrino López linked the Venezuelan military deployment to Maduro’s “Independence Plan 200,” a civic-military strategy aimed at mobilizing conventional forces alongside militias and police to defend the nation. Venezuela’s Bolivarian National Armed Forces comprise approximately 123,000 members, with Maduro claiming over 8 million reservists in the volunteer militias, though experts question the accuracy of these figures and the troops’ training quality. The US military presence in the region now includes around 15,000 personnel, with significant naval assets such as the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, and advanced aircraft like F-35 fighter jets and MQ-9 Reaper drones deployed to Puerto Rico. US bombers have also conducted training missions near the Venezuelan coast, including an “attack demonstration” in late October.
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The Barracks Art Gallery Presents a Retrospective of Former Antiguan Artists: Preserving Our Creative Heritage
The Barracks Art Gallery in Redcliffe Quay is proud to unveil a landmark retrospective exhibition, honoring the works of past artists from Antigua and Barbuda. This initiative is a vital effort to safeguard and chronicle the artistic heritage of the twin-island nation, ensuring that its cultural legacy endures for future generations. The exhibition is a cornerstone in the broader mission to compile a comprehensive archive of Antigua and Barbuda’s visual arts history.
‘Understanding our past is essential for progress,’ emphasizes the gallery’s curatorial team. ‘By meticulously collecting and archiving the stories and creations of our artists, we are not only preserving individual legacies but also weaving together the rich cultural tapestry of our nation.’
As part of this ambitious project, The Barracks Art Gallery is calling on the public to contribute information, photographs, artworks, and anecdotes related to earlier generations of Antigua and Barbuda artists. This collaborative endeavor aims to ensure that these valuable resources are meticulously documented, securely stored, and made accessible for future research and inspiration.
This retrospective exhibition represents the inaugural step toward the establishment of a National Gallery of Antigua and Barbuda – a permanent institution envisioned as a beacon for celebrating, protecting, and promoting the nation’s artistic achievements for years to come.
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Antigua’s Government House Project Presented at Landmark Conference in Dubai
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) is set to make history with its 2025 General Conference, marking the first time the event will be held in the Middle East, Africa, or South Asia since its inception in 1946. Dubai, chosen as the host city, will serve as a global platform for cultural dialogue and innovation, reinforcing its position as a leading hub for international collaboration. The conference, themed ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,’ will delve into critical issues facing the museum sector, including the preservation of intangible heritage, youth empowerment, and the integration of emerging technologies. These sub-themes aim to foster discussions on how museums can adapt and thrive in an era of rapid societal transformation. Meanwhile, at this year’s conference, Dr. Gabriella Howell, Director of The Heritage Trust (Antigua & Barbuda) Inc., presented the groundbreaking Government House Museum project. Scheduled to open in 2026, the museum will uniquely serve dual purposes: functioning as the Official Offices of the Governor-General while also welcoming the public as a museum. This innovative hybrid model challenges traditional museological boundaries by blending historical curation with contemporary governance, offering visitors a dynamic exploration of colonial legacies and modern narratives. Dr. Howell emphasized the project’s significance, stating, ‘By reimagining Government House as both a functional political space and a public-facing museum, we are crafting a new paradigm where the house museum actively shapes national identity, bridging historical continuity with contemporary relevance.’ The Government House Museum promises to be a living heritage site, inviting visitors to engage with the past and present in a transformative way.