In an extraordinary display of political longevity, Sir Robin Yearwood attended a special parliamentary session today honoring his five decades of continuous service as an elected official. The landmark ceremony recognized his unprecedented tenure that began on February 18, 1976, when he first secured his parliamentary seat representing the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party.
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Cenac, Monroe Soar to CARIFTA Marks at Independence Games
The George Odlum Stadium in Vieux Fort witnessed extraordinary athletic performances during the opening of the Independence Games Track & Field Championships on February 14th, as two emerging high jump talents delivered career-best performances that secured their positions for the upcoming CARIFTA Games.
Destinee Cenac, the reigning Female Student Athlete of the Year from Morne Stars, elevated her already impressive record by clearing 1.71 meters in the high jump competition. This remarkable achievement not only shattered her previous personal best but also matched the gold medal-winning height from last year’s CARIFTA Games in Trinidad & Tobago, where she earned bronze in the Under-17 division. Her performance exceeded the Saint Lucia Athletics Association’s qualifying standard by a significant margin.
Equally impressive was 15-year-old Randall Monroe from the Saint Lucia Sports Academy, who delivered a breakthrough performance by clearing 1.90 meters. His exceptional leap comfortably surpassed the 1.83m qualifying threshold and established a new personal best, continuing Saint Lucia’s distinguished tradition in high jump athletics that has produced more CARIFTA medals than any other discipline for the island nation.
These outstanding performances bring Saint Lucia’s total qualified athletes for Grenada 2026 to at least four competitors. The regional junior athletics festival will take place over Easter weekend from April 4-6.
The championships also featured notable performances in throwing events. Elite’s Albert Reynolds, a former OECS record holder and CARIFTA champion, dominated the men’s javelin throw with a 65.31m effort. In shot put competitions, Sean Pilgrim of Pacesetters led the Under-20 category with 12.29m, while Kyle Gilbert of Morne Stars achieved 11.82m and Elijah Fred of Survivors recorded 11.89m in the Under-17 division.
Gilbert doubled as discus throw champion with a 36.22m throw, while Jennica Albert of Morne Stars claimed victories in both the Under-20 shot put (9.26m) and women’s discus throw (25.35m). Clowie William of SLSA won the women’s javelin throw with 31.77m, though falling short of the qualifying standard.
The championships will continue with long jump, triple jump, and track events scheduled for February 28 and March 1 at Soufriere Stadium.
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Man to answer to murder, robbery and firearm charges today
A 21-year-old resident of St Michael, Barbados, is scheduled to appear before the Oistins Magistrates’ Court today to answer an extensive list of serious criminal charges. Jacobi Tyrike Nicholas Gilkes, residing at #2 Golden Rock, Pinelands, St Michael, faces allegations spanning multiple violent incidents dating back to mid-2025.
The most severe charge involves the alleged murder of Anderson Calderon on June 16, 2025. On that same date, Gilkes additionally faces two counts of endangering life and unlawful use of a firearm, indicating the potential for multiple victims or a particularly violent episode.
Beyond the homicide case, the defendant confronts charges connected to two separate robbery incidents months apart. According to court documents, Gilkes stands accused of robbing Jason Chandler on September 12, 2025, of property valued at approximately $14,980. In a subsequent incident on October 2, 2025, he allegedly robbed Andrew Lewis of items worth $2,500. The October robbery incident carries additional serious charges, including inflicting grievous bodily harm and again involving the unlawful use of a firearm.
The Barbados Police Service’s Major Crime Unit, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Department from the Hastings/Worthing precinct, has formally brought these charges following their investigation. The consolidated nature of these charges suggests authorities have built a substantial case connecting Gilkes to these multiple criminal events.
The court appearance scheduled for February 18, 2026, marks the beginning of formal judicial proceedings that will address these serious allegations through the Barbadian justice system.
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Minister ‘skin the cat’ as opposition snarls at $200m local loans
A contentious debate unfolded in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Parliament as Prime Minister Godwin Friday’s administration secured approval for the Public Sector Investment Loan (2026) Amendment Bill, authorizing EC$200 million in domestic borrowing. The legislative move faced vigorous opposition from senators aligned with former Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party (ULP).
Prime Minister Friday, whose New Democratic Party (NDP) achieved a landslide 14-1 victory in last November’s elections, presented the bill as essential for financing the government’s public investment initiatives. He emphasized that the raised capital would directly support development programs outlined in recent budget debates, with these obligations constituting a formal charge against the Consolidated Fund under the Finance Minister’s oversight.
Opposition Senator Carlos James challenged the administration’s characterization of the borrowing as “routine,” noting the substantial increase to EC$200 million represented a significant departure from established norms. James referenced the previous government’s emergency borrowing following Hurricane Beryl, which he justified as necessary for national recovery efforts. The opposition senator expressed particular concern about shifting from concessionary external loans (typically 1-3% interest) to commercial domestic rates ranging from 6-12%, potentially burdening Vincentians with heavier debt obligations.
Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce delivered a sharp rebuttal, labeling James’ arguments as “disingenuous” and mathematically inconsistent. Bruce produced budgetary documents showing the ULP administration had itself increased local borrowing by EC$84 million in 2025 while adding EC$54 million to external debt. The minister questioned the opposition’s sudden concern about domestic interest rates given their own borrowing practices, emphasizing that “numbers don’t lie” in assessing fiscal responsibility.
The bill ultimately passed through all legislative stages, marking the Friday administration’s continued implementation of its economic agenda despite parliamentary resistance.
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Propane Gas Cylinders Seized During Police Operations
In a coordinated security operation across multiple communities, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has confiscated several liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) propane cylinders and various items of investigative interest. The operation, conducted on Monday night, involved officers from both the Langfords Police Station and the specialized Special Services Unit (SSU).
Law enforcement officials executed multiple search warrants across several residential areas including Skerritt’s Pasture, Cedar Grove, and North Sound Extension as part of their ongoing investigative efforts. The most significant findings emerged from a property in Skerritt’s Pasture where authorities discovered substantial gas storage and equipment.
The seized items include three industrial-sized 100-pound LPG propane cylinders, one standard 20-pound domestic gas cylinder, and two gas regulators with connecting hoses. Additionally, police recovered various tools and personal items including a Makita power saw, fifteen cutting discs, a green and white spray can, one pair of Nike Air Force sneakers, and a black hoodie.
Four individuals ranging from 18 to 29 years of age, representing the communities of Skerritt’s Pasture, Cedar Grove, North Sound Extension, and Liberta, are currently assisting police with their ongoing investigations. While no formal charges have been announced, the operation appears focused on investigating potential gas cylinder thefts or unauthorized possession.
The police administration has issued a public appeal requesting community members who may have experienced theft of LPG propane cylinders to come forward. Authorities have provided contact numbers for both Langfords Police Station (562-5730) and Parham Police Station (463-2060) for citizens to report any relevant information that might assist the investigation.
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PM Pierre: ‘Do not overstay in people’s countries’
Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has delivered a forceful admonition to citizens traveling internationally, emphasizing that compliance with visa conditions constitutes both a personal responsibility and a matter of national interest. Speaking at a pre-cabinet press briefing on February 16, the Prime Minister framed international travel as a privilege rather than a right, urging strict adherence to authorized stay durations.
Pierre articulated grave concerns regarding the broader implications of visa violations, stating that exceeding granted timeframes—even by a single day—could yield unforeseen negative consequences. “When we overstay our visas and do things—go to other people’s countries and don’t follow the laws—it affects everybody,” Pierre emphasized during his address. He repeatedly cautioned travelers to depart host nations when their permitted time expires, regardless of personal circumstances or attractions.
The Prime Minister’s warnings highlight how individual actions can collectively impact Saint Lucia’s international standing and the future mobility of its citizens. He specifically noted that visa infractions could damage the country’s reputation and potentially complicate travel arrangements for other Saint Lucians seeking to journey abroad.
Coinciding with Pierre’s national address, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed similar sentiments during a joint press availability in Budapest with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Rubio unequivocally stated that visa grants are discretionary privileges rather than entitlements, revealing that the United States has revoked numerous visas over the past year. He specifically warned that tourists, students, and journalists engaging in activities contrary to U.S. national security interests would face visa revocation, reinforcing the stringent enforcement of immigration regulations.
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Sinckler begins tenure at Foreign Affairs
In his inaugural engagement as Barbados’ newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Chris Sinckler commenced his tenure with a familiarization meeting at the ministry’s headquarters. The minister conducted introductory sessions with departmental staff members, setting a collaborative tone for his administration. During his address, Minister Sinckler recognized the substantial responsibilities awaiting his office while emphasizing the critical necessity of fortifying Barbados’ diplomatic relations and international trade alliances. He explicitly acknowledged the strategic importance of enhancing the nation’s global standing through strengthened bilateral and multilateral cooperation. The minister concluded his remarks by extending formal gratitude to Prime Minister Mia Mottley for entrusting him with this significant portfolio, characterizing the appointment as both an honor and a substantial responsibility toward the nation’s foreign policy objectives.
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Fèt Matjé Kwéyòl Sent Lisi celebrates language and heritage
In a landmark celebration of cultural heritage, Saint Lucia hosted its inaugural National Kwéyòl Spelling Competition on February 17, 2026. The groundbreaking event, formally titled Fèt Matjé Kwéyòl Sent Lisi, was orchestrated by the Msgr Patrick Anthony Folk Research Centre at the National Skills Development Centre (NSDC) as a highlight of the nation’s 2026 Independence celebrations.
The competition attracted widespread participation across society, with students from primary, secondary, and tertiary educational institutions alongside professionals from both public and private sectors. Participants competed either as three-member teams or individually, demonstrating their mastery of the Kwéyòl language through two distinct assessment formats.
The event featured a structured two-segment approach: a comprehensive spelling examination where all participants transcribed Kwéyòl words onto paper for evaluation, followed by an advanced dictation competition exclusively for individual contestants. This dual-method approach thoroughly tested participants’ orthographic and auditory comprehension skills in the indigenous language.
Notable achievements emerged from the competition, with Sam Eudovicque securing first place in both individual categories—spelling and dictation—while Stephanie Fenelon claimed second position. In the team category, Mon Repos/Patience Primary School triumphed with only four errors, followed by Vide Boutielle Primary and Ti Rocher Micoud. At the secondary level, Sir Arthur Lewis Community College claimed victory, with St. Joseph’s Convent and St. Mary’s College tying for second place.
Lindy-Ann Alexander, event coordinator, expressed profound enthusiasm about participants’ exceptional performance: ‘The proficiency level was remarkably high. The minimal error count demonstrates how accessible the Kwéyòl writing system is to learn, even for those who acquired it later in life.’ Alexander particularly noted the unprecedented occurrence of ties in both competition segments involving the same top performers.
The event’s success was bolstered by substantial institutional support from the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Education, and Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. This sponsorship framework positions the competition for potential annual recurrence with expanded promotion and participation opportunities.
Substantial prizes were awarded to celebrate linguistic achievement: winning schools received $600 with team members obtaining $100 each, plus Creole dictionaries for all participating institutions. The individual champion received a comprehensive package including cash prizes, a tablet, and a dinner for two.
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Bestuurder overleden na ongeval op Weg naar Atjoni
A tragic traffic accident on the Weg naar Atjoni near Poeiri Bergi has resulted in the death of a 47-year-old driver identified as M.T. The fatal incident occurred during the early hours of Tuesday morning, according to authorities from the Brownsweg police department.
Police responders arriving at the scene discovered four surviving passengers from the vehicle on the left side of the roadway. Following directions from these individuals, officers located the driver’s body in the immediate vicinity. The victim displayed no signs of life and had sustained a severe skull injury in the crash.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the vehicle was traveling along Gaama Agbagoweg toward Atjoni when the driver lost control at a critical section of the road. The accident occurred at a gentle right-hand curve combined with a slight upward gradient near Poeiri Bergi. The vehicle subsequently veered off the roadway and descended into a ravine parallel to the left side of the road.
The Forensic Investigation Department and Central Region Traffic Unit conducted on-site examinations to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. Following authorization from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the victim’s remains have been released to family members for funeral arrangements.
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US kills 11 in 3 strikes on alleged drug-running boats
In a targeted counter-narcotics operation, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) executed precision airstrikes against three vessels allegedly operated by designated terrorist organizations engaged in narcotics trafficking. The military action, authorized by SOUTHCOM commander General Francis L. Donovan, resulted in eleven fatalities among suspected narco-terrorists operating the vessels.
According to official statements released Tuesday, the coordinated strikes occurred during the night of February 16th through Joint Task Force Southern Spear operations. Intelligence surveillance confirmed the vessels were actively transiting established drug trafficking corridors before being engaged with lethal kinetic force.
The tactical breakdown reveals four casualties occurred aboard the first vessel in the Eastern Pacific, followed by four additional fatalities on a second vessel in the same region. A third strike in the Caribbean waters eliminated three more individuals. No U.S. military personnel sustained injuries during the operations.
This recent engagement marks the seventh such intervention against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in 2024, continuing a pattern of intensified counter-narcotics efforts. Historical data indicates these latest strikes bring the total to at least 41 operations against narcotics trafficking networks, resulting in 144 casualties across Caribbean and Eastern Pacific regions since the program’s inception.
SOUTHCOM, which oversees U.S. military operations throughout Central America, South America, and the Caribbean basin, maintains that these missions are critical to disrupting transnational criminal organizations whose activities directly threaten national security interests. The command’s strategy focuses on intercepting maritime drug transportation routes that fuel terrorist activities and contribute to the U.S. opioid crisis.