During Grenada’s 2026 Independence anniversary interdenominational church service, prominent Seventh Day Adventist Pastor Enoch Isaac delivered a powerful sermon warning citizens about the dangers of political tribalism. Speaking at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church on February 1st, Pastor Isaac emphasized that national progress requires transcending divisions along political, religious, and class lines.\n\nThe religious leader defined political tribalism as \”an intense loyalty to a political group that often prioritizes group allegiance over objective truth and national interest.\” He cautioned that this mentality transforms political opponents into \”immoral enemies\” rather than legitimate adversaries, ultimately fostering hostility and degradation within society.\n\nIsaac called for a collective shift toward reconciliation and collaboration, stating that \”true transformation starts with the spiritual transformation of citizens.\” He urged parents to instill strong values in children and challenged leaders to govern with \”humility, integrity, honesty and accountability.\” The pastor specifically emphasized that churches must serve as the nation’s \”moral compass\” in this transformative process.\n\nThe service, broadcast live through Government Information Service platforms, was attended by Governor General Dame Cecile La Grenade, government ministers, opposition parliament members, and senior civil servants. Notably absent was Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, who had traveled to Dubai for an international conference. Acting Prime Minister Lennox Andrews subsequently delivered the scheduled scripture reading in Mitchell’s absence.\n\nThroughout his address, Pastor Isaac repeatedly invoked the phrase \”ever conscious of God,\\” urging congregants to maintain this perspective while pursuing national development and the \”transformation of the Spice Isle.\”
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Trade Unionists in Antigua and Barbuda Strengthen Capacity to Support LGBTQ+ Workers
In a significant stride toward workplace inclusivity, trade union representatives across Antigua and Barbuda have enhanced their capabilities to advocate for workers of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. This development follows an intensive two-day workshop conducted on January 28-29, 2026, designed to foster greater understanding and operational competence regarding LGBTQ+ issues within labor environments.
The initiative, orchestrated by Public Services International (PSI) with collaborative support from the Rainbow Network of the Dutch Trade Union Confederation (FNV), marks a pivotal component of an extensive 18-month project dedicated to promoting equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals throughout the Caribbean sub-region. Sandra Massiah, PSI Sub-Regional Secretary for the Caribbean, emphasized the program’s strategically focused methodology, distinguishing it from previous advocacy endeavors.
“Our current project in the Caribbean involves introspection—specifically examining dynamics within trade unions themselves,” Massiah elaborated. “We are prioritizing the education of shop stewards and union representatives to deepen their comprehension of LGBTQ+ matters and their implications in labor contexts.”
The curriculum addressed pressing challenges confronting LGBTQ+ workers, exploring practical strategies through which unions can partner with organizations to champion and bolster the community. Interactive group sessions and facilitated dialogues covered multiple critical areas: LGBTQ+ terminology clarification, identification of vulnerable groups alongside the protective role of trade unions, implementation guidelines for ILO Convention 190 and Recommendation 206 concerning the eradication of workplace violence and harassment, and examinations of discrimination, stigmatization, and intersectionality.
Participants expressed profound appreciation for the transformative experience. One delegate remarked that the workshop reinforced fundamental human rights principles, noting that “everyone, including LGBTQ+ individuals, deserves respect and equitable treatment.” Another described the sessions as profoundly enlightening, voicing optimism about integrating acquired knowledge into their respective union practices.
Representatives from major labor organizations including the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union, the Public Service Association, the Nurses Association, and the Union of Teachers participated actively. The event also featured expert contributions from Lina Bogle-Mienzer, a noted Labor Relations Practitioner and LGBTQ+ Advocate from Bermuda, and MESH Antigua and Barbuda, a dedicated advocacy and support organization for the LGBTQ+ community.
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Panton: Constituency Funds Should Match “Greatest Need”, Not Voter Numbers
In a recent television appearance, Belize’s Opposition Leader Tracy Panton launched a substantive critique against the current methodology for distributing Constituency Development Funds (CDF), advocating for a needs-based allocation system rather than the existing voter-based formula.
During her interview on ‘Open Your Eyes,’ Panton explicitly rejected Prime Minister John Briceño’s premise that CDF should be proportionate to voter registration numbers within constituencies. She articulated an alternative philosophy for resource distribution: “The fundamental justification should be based on where the greatest need exists—that’s where you should concentrate the greatest resources.”
The controversy gained quantitative substance through Freedom of Information Act disclosures obtained by Jerry Enriquez, revealing that Panton’s Albert constituency receives $10,000 monthly—approximately $3 per registered voter. Panton characterized this disproportionate allocation as “crazy,” particularly when contrasted with the Stann Creek West constituency, which despite being the nation’s most populous, receives only $20,000 monthly ($1.82 per voter).
Panton detailed her constituency’s responsible utilization of these funds, emphasizing investments in healthcare services, educational support, housing repairs, funeral assistance, and community infrastructure projects including restoration work at the Anglican Cathedral Church. “We maintain complete financial accountability,” she noted. “We’re mandated to submit detailed monthly expenditure reports to the Ministry of Finance.”
The Opposition Leader framed the allocation disparity within broader concerns about governmental priorities, expressing particular frustration about healthcare accessibility. “We’re debating marginal differences in per-voter funding while our citizens cannot access primary healthcare,” she stated, referencing the $50 million National Health Insurance program investment alongside troubling infant mortality rates at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.
Panton’s critique expanded to encompass overall governance priorities, emphasizing the government’s fundamental obligation to deliver services to taxpayers. She issued a compelling call to action for Belizean citizens to advocate for electoral redistricting, asserting that current practices demonstrate the government’s “zero regard for the well-being of its citizens” and result in systematic underservice of the population.
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Fernandez wint presidentschap Costa Rica, partij boekt ruime parlementaire meerderheid
In a sweeping electoral triumph, right-wing populist candidate Laura Fernandez has secured Costa Rica’s presidency with a commanding lead, capturing nearly 45% of votes with 88% of ballots counted. The protégé of incumbent President Rodrigo Chaves has successfully avoided a runoff election while her Sovereign People’s Party (PPSO) is projected to secure 30 out of 57 parliamentary seats—a substantial legislative gain that promises significant governance advantages.
Addressing supporters in San José, Fernandez declared the dawn of a new political era, proclaiming the end of Costa Rica’s ‘second republic’ and the beginning of a ‘third republic.’ She committed to continuing President Chaves’ hardline security policies and populist agenda, despite constitutional prohibitions on immediate presidential reelection. Fernandez indicated she would incorporate Chaves into her administration in an unspecified capacity.
Her primary opponent, centrist politician Álvaro Ramos, conceded after securing approximately one-third of votes, pledging conditional support while maintaining critical oversight. Progressive candidate Claudia Dobles trailed significantly with less than 5% voter support.
The election occurred against a backdrop of escalating security concerns, with murder rates reaching record highs during Chaves’ presidency. Despite this, Chaves maintained remarkable 58% approval ratings, with many citizens citing security and public health as paramount concerns.
Fernandez’s victory aligns with a broader regional trend of right-wing populist ascendancy across Latin America, mirroring recent electoral successes in Chile, Ecuador, and Honduras. Political analysts attribute her triumph largely to potent security rhetoric that resonated with voters’ safety concerns.
Since her election, Fernandez has prioritized strengthening security forces and combating corruption—key campaign pledges. Her administration has announced plans for enhanced legislation against organized crime and investments in modern policing technology.
The international community has responded with mixed reactions: some nations welcome the outcome as potential stabilization, while others express concerns about possible civil rights restrictions and democratic erosion given Fernandez’s populist approach and association with Chaves’ controversial repressive measures.
Significant economic challenges persist, with inflation and unemployment remaining pressing issues. While Fernandez has committed to fostering economic growth and job creation, specific policy details remain undefined, leaving economic stakeholders awaiting concrete implementation plans.
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18-Year-Old Killed in Motorcycle RTA
A fatal road traffic accident on the Northern Highway has resulted in the tragic death of an 18-year-old motorcyclist. Miguel Noel Montoya lost his life on the morning of February 2, 2026, following a collision with a tow-head truck near Mile 11 at approximately 10:40 a.m.
According to official reports, the young man was returning home from his workplace when the devastating incident occurred. Family members confirmed that despite his youth, Montoya was an experienced motorcycle rider who consistently adhered to safety protocols, including wearing protective headgear during his travels.
Alberto Montoya, the victim’s uncle, provided a heartrending account of receiving the tragic news. “My brother came to my house and informed me that his son had died in this location,” he recounted. “I immediately drove to the scene where we discovered his body.”
The grieving family remembered Montoya as a responsible young man with a promising future ahead of him. Described as “a good kid” who had not yet started his own family, his loss has created an irreplaceable void in their lives. “The only thing we would want is to see him back,” Alberto Montoya expressed through his sorrow, “but we can’t see him anymore.”
Authorities continue to investigate the precise circumstances surrounding the collision. The proximity of Montoya’s residence to his workplace adds a particularly poignant dimension to this tragedy, highlighting how routine commutes can unexpectedly turn fatal.
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Ali downplays impact of CARICOM’s differences
In a significant address to Belize’s National Assembly on Monday, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali reframed internal disagreements within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) not as a weakness, but as a fundamental strength of the 15-member regional bloc. Speaking during a three-day state visit, President Ali articulated a vision where divergent perspectives are essential for robust decision-making, directly addressing recent tensions among member states.
The President’s remarks arrive amidst a backdrop of visible policy splits, particularly concerning regional security. He implicitly referenced the recent positions of Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago, which endorsed United States-led actions against narco-terrorism in the Caribbean Sea. This stance contrasted with the traditional regional aspiration of maintaining a ‘zone of peace,’ a concept recently questioned by Trinidadian Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who had previously labeled CARICOM as ‘not a reliable partner.’
Emphasizing CARICOM’s five-decade resilience, Dr. Ali called for a renewed commitment to strengthen the community. ‘It is now incumbent upon us to make the community stronger, more responsive, and better equipped to serve both the collective and national interests of our peoples,’ he stated, underscoring the necessity for the bloc to adapt to a complex global landscape.
To illustrate the benefits of regional cooperation, President Ali pointed to the recently concluded partnership between the European Union and MERCOSUR (the Southern Common Market). He presented this inter-regional agreement as a model, demonstrating how such collaborations can expand market access, bolster economic resilience, and amplify the influence of participating states in response to global uncertainties. His visit to Belize culminated in the signing of several bilateral agreements focused on tourism, technology, education, and agricultural cooperation.
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NTUCB Calls on SSB to Oppose BTL–Smart Acquisition
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has issued a forceful condemnation of Belize Telemedia Limited’s (BTL) planned acquisition of telecommunications provider Speednet (Smart), characterizing the proposed transaction as rash and poorly conceived while raising alarms about potential risks to worker-contributed funds.
In a strongly worded statement released Monday, the labor organization expressed profound concern over the Social Security Board’s (SSB) conspicuous silence regarding the matter. The NTUCB emphasized that the SSB bears fundamental responsibility for protecting workers’ financial contributions, stating unequivocally that “workers’ money is not a bargaining chip, nor is it a private investment fund for risky deals.”
While acknowledging support for investments that might enhance the SSB’s fiscal standing, the union stressed that rigorous due diligence and comprehensive stakeholder consultation must precede any such financial commitments. The organization issued a stark warning that “any entity that carelessly assigns workers’ contributions or threatens the economic stability of this country will be held fully accountable.”
The NTUCB further criticized BTL for insufficient transparency and accountability throughout the acquisition process. The union has formally demanded that the SSB immediately adopt a public position opposing the acquisition until thorough due diligence procedures are satisfactorily completed.
To amplify their demands, NTUCB representatives confirmed to News Five that they have initiated procedures to obtain a permit for a demonstration scheduled Wednesday at 11 a.m. outside the SSB headquarters in Belize City.
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CARICOM Highlights Barbuda’s Codrington Lagoon on World Wetlands Day
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) marked World Wetlands Day 2026 by emphasizing the ecological significance of Antigua and Barbuda’s Codrington Lagoon, recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. This designation places the lagoon among 16 protected Ramsar Sites throughout the Caribbean region.
The annual observance, celebrated globally on February 2nd, carried the thematic focus ‘Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage.’ CARICOM’s official statement underscored the vital functions wetlands serve in maintaining biodiversity, enhancing climate resilience, ensuring food security, and providing coastal protection. These ecosystems create essential habitats for marine and avian species while simultaneously supporting sustainable development and local livelihoods.
Beyond Codrington Lagoon—Antigua and Barbuda’s sole Ramsar-listed site—CARICOM highlighted multiple protected wetlands across member states. These include Inagua National Park in The Bahamas, Graeme Hall Swamp in Barbados, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary and Sarstoon Temash National Park in Belize, Levera Wetland in Grenada, and various wetland systems in Jamaica. Saint Lucia’s Mankòtè Mangrove and Savannes Bay, Suriname’s Coppenamemonding Nature Reserve, and several wetland complexes in Trinidad and Tobago complete the regional network of conserved areas.
CARICOM reiterated its urgent call for enhanced protection, restoration, and sustainable management practices to preserve these critical ecosystems for current and future generations. The organization’s advocacy aligns with global efforts to raise awareness about wetland conservation challenges and opportunities.
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CHTA Opens Registration for 2026 Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Antigua, May 12-15
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has officially launched registration for its highly anticipated 2026 Caribbean Travel Marketplace, scheduled to take place in Antigua from May 12-15. This premier industry event serves as the region’s most significant tourism trade show, bringing together international buyers, hoteliers, tour operators, and destination representatives for strategic business negotiations and partnership development.
The selection of Antigua as host destination underscores the island’s growing prominence within the Caribbean tourism landscape. The four-day marketplace will feature structured appointment sessions, destination showcases, and networking events designed to foster meaningful business connections across the global travel industry. CHTA executives emphasize that the event plays a crucial role in shaping Caribbean tourism’s future by creating platforms for product innovation and market expansion.
Industry professionals can now secure their participation through CHTA’s official registration portal, with early registration incentives available for both members and non-members. The association has implemented a streamlined digital process to facilitate attendance planning well in advance, allowing stakeholders to maximize their engagement opportunities. This extended lead time reflects CHTA’s commitment to delivering an exceptionally organized event that addresses the evolving needs of the post-pandemic travel sector.
The 2026 Marketplace is expected to build upon the success of previous events while introducing new formats for business matching and knowledge exchange. Antigua’s tourism authorities have pledged full support for the event, highlighting their infrastructure capabilities and commitment to sustainable tourism development. CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig noted that the Marketplace represents ‘an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the diversity and resilience of Caribbean tourism while driving economic growth across our member nations.’
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Nexa-GUT National Primary Schools Games 2026 launch
GRENADA – Marking a significant milestone in youth sports development, the Nexa Credit Union and the Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT) officially inaugurated the Nexa–GUT National Primary Schools Games 2026 on January 28, 2026. This event heralds the third consecutive year of a strategic partnership aimed at fostering youth development, educational excellence, and school pride across the nation.
The official launch ceremony witnessed a convergence of key stakeholders, including senior management and staff from Nexa Credit Union, GUT executives and members, the Games Director, and promising student athletes. This gathering underscored the widespread institutional support for an initiative that has become integral to the holistic development of Grenada’s primary school students.
Since its establishment, the games have evolved into a premier national sporting event, celebrated for instilling core values such as teamwork, discipline, self-confidence, and the spirit of healthy competition. The platform offers young athletes unparalleled opportunities to hone their athletic prowess and develop essential life skills for their future professional journeys.
Retesha Smith-Boyd, General Manager of Nexa Credit Union, articulated the institution’s foundational philosophy during her address. ‘Youth education and development form a cornerstone of our community initiatives. As a cooperative, our mandate is unequivocally ‘People Helping People.’ Our investment is not driven by the prospect of immediate returns but by a steadfast commitment to the long-term sustainability and prosperity of our people—spanning all generations,’ she stated, reaffirming their dedication to community-driven development.
The Grenada Union of Teachers expressed profound gratitude for Nexa Credit Union’s sustained financial backing. Jude Bartholomew, President General of the GUT, acknowledged the substantial contribution, stating, ‘I wish to extend my deepest appreciation to Nexa Credit Union for their generous investment of $110,000 into this transformative program.’
As this collaboration enters its third year, both organizations have renewed their shared vision of leveraging sports as a powerful mechanism for youth empowerment, character building, and broader national development.
The 2026 games are scheduled to commence on February 5, 2026, with preliminary rounds held across various parishes. The sporting calendar is as follows:
– February 5 & 6: Carriacou & Petite Martinique at Lauriston Mini Stadium
– February 10: St Andrew at Progress Park
– February 11: St John at Cuthbert Peter’s Park
– February 13: St David at La Sagesse Playing Field
– February 16: St Mark at Alston George Park
– February 17: St Patrick at Fond Recreational Grounds
– February 19: St George at Kirani James Athletic StadiumThe tournament will culminate in a two-day grand finale, set to take place at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium on March 4 and 5, 2026.
For continuous updates, exclusive highlights, and behind-the-scenes content throughout the Nexa–GUT National Primary School Games 2026, the public is encouraged to follow Nexa Credit Union on their official Facebook and Instagram channels.