Governance expert Kem Warner has unveiled his ‘Ten Essentials of Good Governance’ during a United Progressive Party (UPP) town hall event, emphasizing the critical need for transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in public administration. Warner articulated these principles as universal benchmarks that should guide governments, irrespective of political affiliation, to foster public trust and ensure the responsible management of resources. The ten essentials include accountability to citizens, transparency, integrity, respect for the rule of law, responsiveness, inclusiveness, equity, consensus-based decision-making, efficiency and effectiveness, and stakeholder participation. Warner described these as foundational pillars for effective governance, asserting that their consistent application would enhance institutional trust and decision-making processes. Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle seized the opportunity to critique the current administration, claiming it scored ‘a big fat zero’ in adhering to these standards, particularly in transparency and citizen communication. Warner reiterated that these principles are non-partisan and universally accepted in governance practices, urging leaders to adopt them to better serve their constituents. The event highlighted the opposition’s strategy to center upcoming political debates around governance accountability, positioning Warner’s framework as a critical evaluation tool for leadership performance.
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Burnett Warns Against Using ‘Extrajudicial Killing’ Label Without Evidence
Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Nuffield Burnett has urged caution in labeling recent police-involved shootings as “extrajudicial killings,” emphasizing that such terminology could be prejudicial without conclusive evidence. Speaking at a United Progressive Party town hall, Burnett advocated for describing these incidents as “suspicious deaths” or “killings” until thorough investigations are completed. He argued that premature classification could compromise the integrity of ongoing inquiries and unfairly tarnish the reputation of law enforcement officers. Burnett highlighted that the deaths of young, healthy men under “unnatural and suspicious circumstances” warrant meticulous examination rather than hasty judgments. He stressed the importance of precise language to ensure fairness and accountability, noting that only comprehensive police work and coroner’s inquests can determine whether the deaths were lawful, unlawful, or extrajudicial. His comments come amid growing public scrutiny over high-profile cases, including the deaths of Manny James and Khalil Simon, where families and rights advocates have criticized the pace and transparency of investigations. Burnett’s remarks underscore the need for balanced discourse and rigorous due process in addressing such sensitive issues.
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Antigua and Barbuda Shows Strong Leadership at Regional Maritime Conference
The Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) is currently hosting its annual Industry Conference at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica, from October 1st to 2nd, 2025. The event, themed ‘Embracing the Blue Economy: Navigating the Future through Sustainable Development,’ aims to address critical maritime and environmental challenges facing the Caribbean region. As the premier maritime training institution in the Caribbean, CMU has been a key partner of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda since 2014, offering specialized training and education in marine transportation and engineering. Through scholarships provided by the Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) and the Port Authority, over 30 nationals have graduated from CMU, contributing to both local and global maritime operations. The conference was inaugurated by H.E. Ambassador Dwight Gardiner, Director/Registrar General of ADOMS and Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the International Maritime Organization, who was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws by CMU in 2024. The event brings together regulators, industry leaders, and academics from across the Caribbean and North America to discuss pressing issues such as Industry 4.0 applications, climate-resilient maritime practices, inclusive policies for indigenous communities, and economic analyses of shipping decarbonization. Notable participants include Mr. Darwin Telemaque, CEO of the Port Authority; Lt. Cdr. Wayne Mykoo, Deputy Director of Maritime Affairs at ADOMS; Dr. Branson Belle, Executive Director of the Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy; and Mr. Ethan James, CEO of Green Energy Management Inc. The conference underscores the region’s commitment to sustainable development and the blue economy, fostering collaboration and innovation in the maritime sector.
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Lack of financial statements showing MNIB history delaying its transformation
The Grenadian government has initiated a significant transformation in its agricultural sector by replacing the long-standing Marketing and National Importing Board (MNIB) with a new entity, Import-Export Agromart (IMEXA) Ltd. This move comes after years of financial mismanagement and inefficiencies within the MNIB, which had necessitated repeated government bailouts. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell highlighted the absence of financial statements as a major obstacle in securing a private partner for the MNIB. ‘The MNIB was so poorly run that there were no financial statements for many years,’ Mitchell stated during an interactive talk show, ‘DMs with the PM.’ The government has since taken decisive steps to address these issues, including the payment of severance and termination benefits totaling $2,667,892.73 to all 87 MNIB staff members recorded as of 28 February 2023. In August 2023, the government successfully refinanced approximately EC$5 million of debt owed by the MNIB to a local commercial bank, consolidating all outstanding principal balances at an interest rate of 4.0% to be repaid over 10 years. Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall announced in March 2025 that the MNIB would cease operations before the third quarter of 2025, with IMEXA Ltd. established as its successor. Legal and financial experts are currently developing a prospectus and legal agreements to engage a suitable strategic partner for the new entity, aiming to have it operational by the end of the third quarter of 2025.
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School sports are underway, but plenty of room for improvement
The 2025-2026 school sports season officially began on September 30 with the launch of the Under-19 basketball tournament at the Beausejour Gymnasium, organized by the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports. The opening matches saw impressive performances from defending champions Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) and Soufrière Comprehensive in Group A, while St Mary’s College (SMC) and Leon Hess Comprehensive secured victories in Group B.
SALCC dominated their match against Castries Comprehensive Secondary School (CCSS) with a commanding 78-39 win. Joel Desrivieres led the charge with 24 points, six rebounds, and four steals, supported by Malik Dennis, who contributed 18 points, eight rebounds, and seven steals. Despite the loss, CCSS’s Meshach Duboulary shone with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and three steals, while David Chandler added nine points and an impressive 16 rebounds.
In another Group A clash, Soufrière Comprehensive triumphed over Entrepot Secondary with a 55-30 victory. Cordin Jones was the standout player with 23 points, while Alex Longville and Chaz Alexander provided solid support. Entrepot Secondary’s Imani Gonzague managed 12 points and five steals, but the team was outrebounded 22-15.
Group B saw St Mary’s College deliver a crushing 67-15 win against Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School. Jabarie Archibald led the charge with 21 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks, supported by Nezan Lewis and Requeimi Pierre. Cyrilon Cyris was the top performer for Vieux Fort, contributing eight points, eight rebounds, and six steals.
Leon Hess Comprehensive also secured a decisive 61-16 victory over Patricia D James Secondary, last year’s third-place finishers. Sage Lewis led the team with 21 points and seven rebounds, supported by Christopher Thakur and Ahlil Cyril. Rushawn Williams was the standout for Patricia D James, scoring nine points and adding four rebounds, two steals, and three blocks.
The tournament, which includes Corinth Secondary, Choiseul Secondary, Micoud Secondary, and Beanefield Comprehensive, will feature a total of 38 matches and conclude on November 4.
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR: The high cost of broadband
In a groundbreaking development, a new artificial intelligence (AI) system has been unveiled, promising to revolutionize the way we interact digitally. The advanced AI, developed by a team of leading researchers, integrates cutting-edge machine learning algorithms with natural language processing capabilities, enabling seamless and intuitive communication across various platforms. This innovation is set to enhance user experiences by providing more personalized and context-aware interactions, significantly reducing the gap between human and machine communication. The technology is expected to have far-reaching implications, from improving customer service automation to facilitating more effective remote collaboration in the workplace. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, this AI breakthrough marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing quest to make technology more accessible and user-friendly.
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Caribbean Airlines CEO quits
In a significant development for Caribbean Airlines, CEO Garvin Medera has stepped down from his role after eight years at the helm. His resignation, reported by the Trinidad Express, follows mounting pressure from Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who issued a stern ultimatum to the airline’s management earlier this year. In August, Persad-Bissessar warned that leadership changes would be imminent if the company failed to address its operational challenges within two years. Medera’s departure also coincides with the resignation of the airline’s board following the country’s general elections in April. Recent months have seen heightened scrutiny of the airline’s financial operations, leading to the dismissal or suspension of several senior finance team members. In a strategic move, Caribbean Airlines announced the discontinuation of its services between Kingston and Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, effective November 2, 2025, as part of efforts to streamline its network and improve efficiency.
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Windies vice skipper wants batting improvement as India dominate first day
In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, India seized control on the opening day of the first Test against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Mohammed Siraj spearheaded India’s bowling attack with an impressive haul of 4-40, dismantling the West Indies for a modest total of 162. The visitors, plagued by injuries and a lack of experience, struggled to build momentum, with Justin Greaves top-scoring at 32. Jasprit Bumrah complemented Siraj’s efforts with three crucial wickets. India’s response was steady, reaching 121-2 by stumps, with KL Rahul anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 53. Shubman Gill remained firm on 18, setting a solid foundation for the hosts. The West Indies, once a cricketing powerhouse, now face an uphill battle, having suffered a 0-3 whitewash against Australia earlier this year. With India heavily favored to dominate the two-match series, the visitors must regroup quickly to avoid another disappointing outcome.
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National domino boss uplifts Jamaica’s seniors through timeless tiles
Humbert Davis, President of the National Association of Domino Bodies (NADB), is spearheading a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the lives of Jamaica’s senior citizens through the strategic and engaging game of dominoes. The NADB, in collaboration with the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), recently hosted a domino tournament that transcended mere competition, fostering mental agility, social interaction, and joy among participants. The event, held in Morant Bay as part of the St Thomas leg of the competition, brought together seniors who engaged in spirited matches, showcasing both skill and camaraderie. Davis emphasized that dominoes is more than a pastime—it’s a vital tool for cognitive health and social connection, essential for healthy aging. The tournament was marked by a warm yet competitive atmosphere, with Gilbert Whittle and Healey Johnson emerging as champions. Whittle expressed his gratitude, praising the organizers for creating a meaningful and enduring experience for seniors. Davis lauded the participants’ enthusiasm, highlighting the event’s success in promoting mental resilience and community engagement.
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CWI director of cricket finds positives in T20 series loss to Nepal
In a surprising turn of events, the West Indies cricket team, ranked sixth globally, suffered a 1-2 defeat against 18th-ranked Nepal in their recent T20 International (T20I) Unity Cup series held in the United Arab Emirates. Despite fielding a young squad with six potential debutants and missing several senior players, the Caribbean side was expected to dominate the series. However, Nepal’s historic victory, their first-ever win against a full-member team in any format, sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.