The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has raised significant concerns over the legality and timing of the Barbados government’s decision to allow CARICOM nationals from Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines to live and work freely in Barbados starting October 1, 2025. Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne KC criticized the announcement as “tainted with illegality,” emphasizing that it lacked prior parliamentary approval. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Thorne reaffirmed the DLP’s support for regional integration and labor mobility but insisted that such policies must be firmly rooted in law. “Even a prime minister who believes she is all-powerful is still subject to the rule of law,” he stated, calling the decision an “arbitrary exercise of authority.” Thorne highlighted that the relevant immigration and citizenship bills are still under review by a Joint Select Committee on Governance, rendering any current actions by state agencies legally unsound. He urged government departments, including Immigration and the Barbados Revenue Authority, to refrain from implementing the policy until it is properly legislated. Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator Maxine McClean, echoed these concerns, stressing the importance of legal frameworks for effective regional integration. She also questioned the implications of Citizenship by Investment Programmes (CBIs), particularly in Dominica, where the number of passports issued far exceeds the population. Attorney-at-law Corey Greenidge provided a legal analysis, pointing out discrepancies between draft legislation and public statements by Prime Minister Mia Mottley. He raised concerns about the reduced citizenship qualifying period of six months and its potential impact on voter eligibility. Thorne reiterated that the DLP’s stance is not anti-regional but pro-law, urging Barbadians to engage with the Joint Select Committee’s work and participate in public consultations. He warned that the party would consider seeking judicial review if the initiative violates the law.
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Antigua’s Curtain Bluff Named Caribbean’s Leading Green Resort
Curtain Bluff, a luxurious resort in Antigua and Barbuda, has been honored as the Caribbean’s Leading Green Resort at the prestigious World Travel Awards Caribbean & North America Gala 2025. The event, held on October 4 at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucian in Saint Lucia, celebrated excellence in the tourism and hospitality industry across the region. The resort was recognized for its unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and eco-friendly initiatives, setting a benchmark for environmentally conscious hospitality. Graham Cooke, founder of the World Travel Awards, lauded the winners as “stellar examples of tourism excellence,” while Louis Lewis, CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, highlighted the event’s significant impact on boosting the island’s tourism sector. The ceremony also saw other Caribbean destinations and businesses clinching top honors. Saint Lucia secured titles such as Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon and Adventure Destinations, while Jamaica was named Caribbean’s Leading Destination, Cruise Destination, and Tourist Board. The Bahamas took home the award for Leading Luxury Island, and Turks & Caicos was celebrated for its pristine beaches. Notable resort winners included Jade Mountain Resort (Luxury Honeymoon Resort), Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort (Luxury Resort), and Beaches Turks & Caicos (All-Inclusive Family Resort). In North America, The Surrey in New York was crowned Leading Luxury Hotel, and Four Seasons Resort Lanai won Leading Luxury Resort. The aviation sector also saw accolades, with Bahamasair named Caribbean’s Leading Airline, interCaribbean Airways recognized for Leading Cabin Crew, and Delta Air Lines claiming North America’s Leading Airline. Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards continues to set the gold standard for excellence in the global tourism industry, celebrating innovation, sustainability, and exceptional service.
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Nevis Delegates Khayla Claxton and Keyana Warner to Showcase Excellence at CTO Youth Congress 2025
Two outstanding young representatives from Nevis, Khayla Claxton and Keyana Warner, are gearing up to showcase their talents at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Regional Tourism Youth Congress, scheduled for October 02, 2025, in Barbados. Claxton, a student at Gingerland Secondary School and Nevis’s Youth Junior Minister of Tourism, will join peers from 14 other Caribbean territories to present innovative ideas on the future of regional tourism. She is supported by a team from the Nevis Ministry of Tourism, her teacher chaperone Tamara Morton, and reigning CTO Youth Tourism Minister Keyana Warner, who also hails from Nevis. Premier Mark Brantley, Minister of Tourism in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), praised both delegates for their dedication and preparation, expressing high hopes for their success. Claxton recently participated in interactive workshops focused on workplace readiness, leadership, and the application of XR and AI technologies in tourism. Meanwhile, Warner is set to make history as the first Caribbean Junior Minister of Tourism invited to speak at the conference’s opening ceremony, sharing the stage with CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper. Premier Brantley highlighted the significance of this achievement, emphasizing Nevis’s commitment to nurturing excellence among its youth. The 2025 CTO Youth Congress promises to be a platform for fresh ideas and the next generation of Caribbean leaders, with Claxton and Warner proudly representing Nevis.
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Premier Brantley Updates on Nevis Geothermal Project as NIA Awaits CDB Review of Bids
The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) is currently awaiting a response from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) regarding the evaluation of bids for the drilling of production wells in the Nevis geothermal project. Premier Mark Brantley, Minister of Finance and Energy, provided an update during his September 30 press conference, explaining that five companies have submitted proposals for the project’s next phase. The evaluation process involves two stages: a technical review, which has already been completed, and a financial review, which is pending the CDB’s ‘No Objection’ approval. Premier Brantley emphasized the importance of this step to ensure transparency and fairness, despite the delays it may cause. The project aims to establish a 30-megawatt geothermal plant in Nevis, which will not only meet the island’s baseline power needs but also enable energy transmission to St. Kitts via undersea cables. Premier Brantley addressed concerns about resource ownership, clarifying that the geothermal resources remain under Nevis’s control and that collaboration with the Federal Government is aimed at benefiting the entire Federation. The project has garnered significant international funding, including $20 million from the Saudi Fund for Development and $17 million from the CDB, with the goal of reducing fossil fuel dependency and enhancing energy security in the region.
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Barbados Food and Rum Festival launched with flavour and flair
The 14th edition of the Barbados Food and Rum Festival kicked off with great fanfare on Saturday at Golden Square Freedom Park, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the culinary extravaganza set to unfold from November 6 to 9, 2025. Under the theme ‘Barbados is on the Menu,’ the festival promises to celebrate the island’s rich gastronomic traditions while embracing modern culinary innovations. Carol Roberts, CEO of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), emphasized that the theme is more than just branding—it’s a commitment to showcasing the unique flavors and essence of Bajan cuisine. Roberts highlighted Barbados as the Caribbean’s culinary capital, honoring its traditions and the creativity of its award-winning chefs. Returning favorites include the Rise and Rum breakfast beach party at Copacabana Beach Club and the Liquid Gold Feast at Carifesta House. A new addition, the Community Cook-Off Competition, will feature parish representatives mentored by festival chefs, with $15,000 in prizes for the top three contestants. Judith Giovine, Competition Coordinator, noted that the event celebrates local ingredients, farmers, and the passion of home cooks. Cheryl Carter, COO of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), underscored the festival’s cultural and economic impact, calling it a platform to share Barbados’ heritage and connect with the world. Culinary Coordinator Henderson Butcher revealed an impressive lineup of international Bajan chefs, including Jason Howard, Renee Blackman, and Michael Harrison, who are returning to their roots to celebrate their homeland’s culinary legacy.
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Logos Hope is returning to Saint Kitts and Nevis
The world-renowned floating book fair, Logos Hope, is making a triumphant return to Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, from October 30th to November 4th, 2025. This iconic vessel, celebrated as the largest of its kind, will dock at Port Zante, offering an unparalleled literary and cultural experience to visitors of all ages. Following its memorable visit in 2017, which drew thousands of eager participants, Logos Hope is back with an even more extensive collection of over 5,000 book titles. These books span diverse genres, including science, sports, arts, medicine, languages, and faith, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Families can explore children’s books, academic texts, dictionaries, and atlases, all available at affordable prices. Beyond the book fair, the ship’s Visitor Experience Deck invites guests to immerse themselves in interactive displays, a short introductory movie, and the International Café, which serves a variety of treats like ice cream, drinks, and snacks. The event’s schedule is designed for convenience, with extended hours from Thursday to Saturday (10 AM to 9 PM), Sunday and Monday (1 PM to 9 PM), and Tuesday (10 AM to 7 PM). Entry is priced at just 5 XCD, making this a budget-friendly outing for locals and tourists alike. Logos Hope continues to be a beacon of knowledge and cultural exchange, bringing communities together through the joy of reading and exploration.
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Statement on the Passing of Legend Bernard Julien by Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies
The cricketing world is in mourning following the passing of Bernard Julien, a revered figure in West Indies cricket history. Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies, paid tribute to Julien, reflecting on his remarkable career and the profound impact he had on the sport and the region. Julien, a key player in the 1975 World Cup victory, was celebrated for his skill, composure, and integrity both on and off the field. His contributions during the tournament, including pivotal performances against Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and in the final at Lord’s, were instrumental in securing the West Indies’ first men’s world title. Over his career, Julien played 24 Test matches, scoring 866 runs and taking 50 wickets, while in One Day Internationals, he claimed 18 wickets. Known for his smooth left-arm swing bowling and balanced batting, Julien was admired for his calm temperament and thoughtful approach to the game. His career, however, was not without controversy, as his participation in tours to South Africa during the apartheid era highlighted the moral and political challenges of the time. Dr. Shallow emphasized the importance of reflection and inclusion, calling for a regional act of acknowledgment and pardon to honor all contributors to West Indies cricket. Cricket West Indies extended its deepest condolences to Julien’s family and loved ones, celebrating his enduring legacy and the peace he found in knowing his contributions would always be remembered. May he rest in peace.
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Lady Williams Recovering After Spinal Surgery, Thanks Supporters for Kindness and Prayers
Lady Sandra Williams, the esteemed wife of Antigua and Barbuda’s Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, has garnered an outpouring of support from both local and international communities following her recent spinal surgery. In a heartfelt Facebook post shared on Thursday, Lady Williams expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming kindness, prayers, and encouragement she has received from friends, supporters, and well-wishers worldwide.
A dedicated advocate for humanitarian causes, Lady Williams reassured the public that her recovery process will not impede her ongoing charitable endeavors. She emphasized that the Halo Foundation, the nonprofit organization she founded and has led for over a decade, remains steadfast in its mission to support the most vulnerable populations.
In her message, Lady Williams also took the opportunity to inspire others to prioritize their health, stating, ‘Challenges will come, but they do not mark the end of the journey.’ Her resilience and unwavering commitment to philanthropy have earned her widespread admiration and respect.
Known for her compassionate leadership and tireless efforts in humanitarian work, Lady Williams continues to inspire confidence as she focuses on her recovery. The global community remains united in wishing her a swift and full recovery, further cementing her legacy as a beacon of hope and service.
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AL95 now has a high chance of formation in 7 days, forecast to approach the Leeward Islands by late this week
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is closely tracking a tropical disturbance, designated as Invest AL95, which has a high probability of developing into a tropical depression over the next week. Located several hundred miles south-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands, this broad area of low pressure, associated with a tropical wave, is currently producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Forecasters indicate that environmental conditions are conducive for gradual development, with a 70% chance of formation within the next seven days. The system is expected to move rapidly westward across the central tropical Atlantic, potentially approaching the Leeward Islands by the latter part of the week. The NHC has urged residents in the northeastern Caribbean to monitor the situation closely, as the disturbance could pose a significant threat to the region. Formation chances stand at 40% within the next 48 hours, increasing to 70% over the next seven days. Authorities are advising preparedness measures as the situation evolves.
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Antigua and Barbuda Set to Welcome 1 Million Cruise Visitors, PM Browne Says
Antigua and Barbuda is poised to achieve a historic milestone in its tourism sector, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne announcing that the twin-island nation is on track to welcome more than one million cruise visitors this season. This unprecedented figure marks a significant achievement for the country’s cruise tourism industry, which has seen transformative growth since the government partnered with Global Ports Holding (GPH) six years ago. Speaking on the *Browne and Browne Show* on Pointe FM, Browne highlighted the strategic decision to collaborate with GPH as a turning point in enhancing the nation’s cruise infrastructure. ‘Global Ports just announced that this season, 2025/26, we’re expecting over a million cruise tourists,’ Browne stated. ‘This is a direct result of the decision we made six years ago, despite criticism.’ GPH has invested nearly $80 million into the port redevelopment project, with the prime minister noting that the company has yet to turn a profit. ‘It will take time to amortize the investment, but the World Bank model suggests an average of 30 years for such projects,’ he explained. The partnership has not only improved port facilities but also spurred the development of land-based amenities and commercial spaces along Newgate Street, further enhancing the visitor experience. Browne emphasized that Antigua and Barbuda is emerging as a premier destination in the Caribbean, with the upcoming winter tourism season expected to be one of the strongest in years. Hoteliers across the island are reporting robust bookings, signaling a promising outlook for both cruise and stayover tourism. ‘We are making progress in every aspect of our development,’ Browne said, underscoring the government’s commitment to infrastructure and economic growth. This record-breaking season underscores the success of the government’s development model, positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a marquee destination in the region.