作者: admin

  • Dominican Ngaio Emanuel is now Chief Magistrate of Antigua and Barbuda

    Dominican Ngaio Emanuel is now Chief Magistrate of Antigua and Barbuda

    Antigua and Barbuda’s judicial system has gained new leadership with the appointment of Ngaio Emmanuel as Chief Magistrate, a position that had remained vacant since mid-2023. Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin confirmed the appointment during the special sitting of the High Court marking the opening of the 2026 legal year.

    The appointment concludes an extensive search for permanent leadership following the suspension and subsequent retirement of former Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh in July 2023. Walsh faced multiple disciplinary charges brought by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, with Magistrate Dexter Wason temporarily filling the role until his contract expired late last year.

    Emmanuel brings substantial judicial expertise to her new position, having served within Antigua and Barbuda’s magistracy since March 2013. Her promotion to Senior Magistrate in March 2024 preceded her recent elevation to the judiciary’s top magistral position. Her professional journey includes earning an LLB with Honours from the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus in 2004, followed by a Legal Education Certificate from Hugh Wooding Law School two years later.

    Before joining the judiciary, Emmanuel developed her legal practice during six years at Trinidad and Tobago’s prestigious Chancery Chambers, working under renowned Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes. Her professional qualifications include admission to the bars of both the Commonwealth of Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago.

    Beyond her courtroom responsibilities, Emmanuel has demonstrated commitment to judicial reform through her role as Chairperson of the Child Justice Board since 2017. She further enhanced her qualifications by obtaining a Master of Laws degree with Merit from the University of East London in 2023 while actively serving on the bench.

  • Be a Part of History: A Call for CHOGM 2026 Volunteers!

    Be a Part of History: A Call for CHOGM 2026 Volunteers!

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda has officially launched its volunteer recruitment drive for the prestigious Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2026), scheduled to take place in St. John’s from November 1-4, 2026. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Barbuda Affairs is seeking enthusiastic and professional citizens aged 18 and above to participate in this global diplomatic gathering.

    This initiative presents a distinctive opportunity for individuals to contribute their expertise and time to support the execution of a world-class international event. Prospective volunteers will have the chance to enhance their professional experience, develop new skills, and establish valuable connections within global diplomatic circles. Available positions span various operational areas, with specific needs in hospitality management and delegation liaison services.

    The government particularly welcomes applications from previous volunteers who have demonstrated capability in large-scale event coordination. All interested candidates must complete the official volunteer application form available through the government’s designated portal before the deadline of January 26, 2026, at 12:00 PM local time.

    This recruitment effort represents a significant national undertaking to ensure the successful hosting of one of the most important multilateral gatherings in the Commonwealth calendar, marking a historic moment for Antigua and Barbuda’s international diplomacy and event hosting capabilities.

  • Guyana begins conversation on continuing legal education, stronger regulation of lawyers, judges

    Guyana begins conversation on continuing legal education, stronger regulation of lawyers, judges

    In a significant move to modernize its judicial system, Guyana has launched a comprehensive initiative to overhaul the regulation of its legal profession. The proposed reforms, announced during the opening of the 2026 Law Year, center on establishing mandatory continuing legal education and strengthening disciplinary mechanisms for both lawyers and judges.

    Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall emphasized the urgent need for “a system of rigid and accountable continuing education” during his address. He revealed plans to collaborate with Guyana Bar Association President Kamal Ramkarran later this month to restructure the regulatory framework, responding to growing public concerns about professional conduct within the legal community.

    Mr. Ramkarran expressed serious concerns about the current state of professional regulation, noting the complete absence of continuing education requirements. “If a lawyer never wanted to read another law book or judgment after law school, it would be completely open for that lawyer to do so,” he stated. The Bar Association president also proposed a graduated induction system for new lawyers rather than burdening recently graduated counsel with full responsibilities immediately.

    The judiciary leadership strongly endorsed these reform efforts. Chancellor of the Judiciary Roxane George-Wiltshire recommended amending the Legal Practitioners Act—originally drafted in 1897 and last updated in 2010—to require annual registration contingent on completing minimum hours of continuing education. “An educated and regulated legal profession will increase the efficiency and integrity of the administration of justice,” she asserted, offering the judiciary’s collaboration in developing legislative reforms.

    Chief Justice Navindra Singh welcomed the newfound consensus on continuing education, recalling his unsuccessful attempt to introduce similar measures a decade ago that faced resistance from the legal community. “I’m glad that they now recognize that continuing legal education is not for us. It is for all. It is for the judges and the lawyers and it is for the litigants to enjoy proper representation,” he remarked.

    The reform discussions also addressed significant gaps in disciplinary processes. Mr. Ramkarran revealed that no lawyer has faced suspension or removal proceedings in over 25 years, despite persistent complaints about case delays caused by unprepared attorneys frequently seeking adjournments. He called for “open and transparent systems to deal with misbehavior of judges and lawyers in a proper and fair manner.”

    While Attorney General Nandlall acknowledged the possibility of maintaining self-regulation for the profession, he emphasized that this privilege must be matched by responsibility and accountability. The proposed reforms represent the most substantial potential changes to Guyana’s legal governance structure since the country’s independence in 1966.

  • Police, family search for missing pregnant woman

    Police, family search for missing pregnant woman

    Authorities and concerned citizens in Saint Lucia have intensified efforts to locate Cassie John, a 34-year-old pregnant woman who vanished from her La Toc, Castries residence on January 3rd. The missing person case has prompted both official police investigations and heartfelt community appeals for information.

    In a developing situation that has gripped the local community, law enforcement agencies have issued formal bulletins describing John as having a dark complexion and short hair while emphasizing her vulnerable condition due to pregnancy. The police have established dedicated channels for information submission, urging anyone with potentially relevant details to contact their nearest station without delay.

    Meanwhile, family members have launched parallel efforts through social media platforms and community networks. In a emotionally charged statement circulated on January 11, relatives articulated their growing distress while making a passionate plea for public assistance. The family specifically highlighted concerns about misinformation proliferation, noting that unverified claims and speculative reports could potentially hinder investigative progress rather than aid search efforts.

    Investigators have emphasized that even minor observations or seemingly insignificant details could provide crucial breakthroughs in the case. The search operation continues to combine traditional police methodology with community-led initiatives, reflecting a collaborative approach to addressing the disappearance.

  • Oil Firms Hesitant as Trump Pushes $100B Investment in Venezuela

    Oil Firms Hesitant as Trump Pushes $100B Investment in Venezuela

    WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is facing significant industry resistance to its ambitious plan to mobilize $100 billion in private oil investments for Venezuela following the U.S. capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Despite presidential assurances of direct government backing, major energy corporations remain skeptical about the South American nation’s investment climate.

    During a high-level meeting at the White House, President Trump presented his vision to energy executives, positioning Venezuela’s vast oil reserves as a strategic opportunity to boost global supply and consequently reduce energy prices worldwide. “This initiative will deliver substantially lower energy prices, representing a significant benefit for the United States,” Trump asserted, emphasizing that companies would negotiate exclusively with U.S. authorities rather than Venezuelan representatives.

    The administration has already implemented a dual-track approach, selectively easing certain sanctions while simultaneously seizing Venezuelan oil tankers and directing petroleum revenues into U.S.-controlled accounts. Officials describe this strategy as essential for maintaining leverage over the interim government led by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez.

    Industry response, however, has been markedly cautious. ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods characterized Venezuela as fundamentally “uninvestable,” citing the company’s two previous experiences with asset seizure in the country. “Considering re-entry for a third time would necessitate truly transformative changes to the investment landscape,” Woods stated during the meeting.

    Currently, Chevron maintains operations as the sole major U.S. petroleum company in Venezuela, alongside a limited number of international firms. The significant disparity between presidential enthusiasm and corporate caution highlights the complex challenges facing Venezuela’s energy sector revitalization amid ongoing political transition.

  • UPDATE: Massive hardware fire in Negril now under control

    UPDATE: Massive hardware fire in Negril now under control

    A significant conflagration that erupted this evening at a combined maintenance service and hardware supply facility on Negril’s Norman Manley Boulevard has been successfully subdued by Jamaican fire authorities. The incident, which triggered a multi-station emergency response, resulted in the complete destruction of the primary commercial structure but was prevented from spreading to an adjacent lumber yard.

    Initial reports confirm three juveniles were present inside the BerCom Maintenance Services and Hardware Supplies property as flames engulfed the building. While two minors managed to self-evacuate, a third child required professional rescue after experiencing a severe panic attack amidst the escalating crisis. Firefighting personnel successfully extracted the individual, with no critical injuries reported.

    Assistant Commissioner Rudolph Seaton of the Jamaica Fire Brigade detailed the coordinated response, noting initial alerts were received at approximately 6:20 p.m. local time. The operation deployed four specialized fire apparatus and thirty personnel drawn from Westmoreland and Hanover parish divisions. Response teams included units from Negril, Savanna-la-Mar, and Lucea Fire Stations, supplemented by three privately-operated water tankers that provided critical logistical support.

    The commercial building, constructed primarily from plywood, drywall, and zinc roofing materials, proved highly vulnerable to rapid fire propagation. While the main structure suffered total loss, firefighters successfully protected surrounding properties through targeted containment strategies.

    Post-suppression operations currently focus on structural overhaul and atmospheric ventilation to eliminate potential rekindling hazards. The origin and initial catalyst of the fire remain undetermined pending formal investigation by fire marshals.

  • Welder mowed down in Manchester hit-and-run

    Welder mowed down in Manchester hit-and-run

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A fatal hit-and-run incident on the Chudleigh main road in Manchester has resulted in the death of a local welder, prompting an intensive investigation by local authorities. The victim has been identified as Mark Sinclair, a resident of the Struan district, who succumbed to injuries sustained during the early hours of Wednesday.

    According to official police reports, the tragic event occurred at approximately 12:30 am when Sinclair was walking along the roadway. An unidentified vehicle struck the pedestrian and fled the scene without stopping to render assistance or identify themselves. Emergency services were notified, but Sinclair’s injuries proved fatal.

    The Manchester traffic department, in collaboration with the Area Three Accident Investigation and Reconstruction Unit, has launched a comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Investigators are examining forensic evidence from the scene and seeking eyewitness accounts to identify the responsible vehicle and driver.

    This incident highlights growing concerns about road safety and hit-and-run accidents in the region. Local authorities have reiterated their commitment to apprehending those responsible and ensuring justice for victims and their families.

  • Maintenance service and hardware property gutted by fire in Negril

    Maintenance service and hardware property gutted by fire in Negril

    A significant fire emergency unfolded Tuesday evening in the popular tourist destination of Negril, Jamaica, as a commercial building housing a maintenance service and hardware store became fully engulfed in flames. The blaze, reported to local authorities and media outlets around 6:45 PM, erupted on Norman Manley Boulevard, a major thoroughfare locally known as Beach Road.

    Fire and rescue services were promptly dispatched to the scene and are actively engaged in containing the inferno. While the precise cause and exact time of ignition remain under investigation, initial reports confirm a critical silver lining: no serious injuries or fatalities have been reported from the incident. The rapid response of emergency personnel helped prevent a human tragedy amidst the substantial property damage.

    The incident has drawn significant local attention due to the building’s location in a bustling area central to Negril’s commerce and tourism. The full extent of the structural and inventory damage is yet to be determined as firefighters continue their operations to fully extinguish the blaze and secure the premises.

  • Changes to administration of PEP to accommodate students impacted by Hurricane Melissa

    Changes to administration of PEP to accommodate students impacted by Hurricane Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant policy shift, Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information has unveiled comprehensive modifications to both the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) administration framework and the National Standards Curriculum. These strategic adjustments directly address educational disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa’s devastating passage last October.

    Acting Chief Education Officer Terry-Ann Thomas-Gayle formally announced these developments during Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister. The reforms represent a structured response to maintain educational continuity while ensuring academic standards remain intact.

    The ministry has executed substantial revisions to learning objectives across multiple grade levels. For Language Arts at the grade-six level, educational targets have been strategically reduced from 138 to 90 core objectives. Similarly, mathematics objectives for grade four have been condensed from 124 to 48 essential competencies. These refined focus areas represent the fundamental knowledge requirements for student progression.

    Thomas-Gayle emphasized that these curricular modifications preserve educational integrity: “I want to reassure the public that condensing to a smaller number of objectives, the students will not be at a loss. We have identified the most essential learning outcomes that students must achieve to advance successfully.”

    The ministry has distributed revised curriculum materials through both hard copies to hurricane-affected regions and electronic versions to other parishes, ensuring nationwide access to updated educational resources.

    Concurrently, the ministry has finalized PEP examination components following extensive stakeholder consultations. Grade-six students will undertake ability testing (40 multiple-choice items), mathematics curriculum-based testing (60 items), and Language Arts curriculum-based testing (60 items) between April 29-30, 2026. Grade-five assessments will focus exclusively on performance tasks featuring four to six open-ended questions in Language Arts and mathematics, scheduled for June 10, 2026. Grade-four literacy and numeracy testing will occur on June 24, 2026.

    Notably, the placement mechanism for students advancing to high school remains unchanged, incorporating performance metrics from grade-four (2024), grade-five (2025), and grade-six (2026) PEP components. However, a new placement system will govern grade-nine transitions following the suspension of the 2026 grade-nine achievement test.

  • NCB Financial Group underwrites J$15.1billion in financial support for Jamaica Broilers Group

    NCB Financial Group underwrites J$15.1billion in financial support for Jamaica Broilers Group

    In a major financial intervention, NCB Financial Group has structured a comprehensive J$15.1 billion (US$96 million) financing package to stabilize Jamaica Broilers Group (JBG) amid strategic restructuring efforts. The funding arrangement aims to fortify JBG’s domestic operations while addressing significant challenges within its U.S. segment.

    The financing solution comprises J$6.4 billion in direct loans from National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCBJ) and J$8.7 billion in multi-tranche bonds arranged by NCB Capital Markets Limited, with maturities extending up to 14 years. Additionally, NCB facilitated negotiations with domestic creditors to reset financial covenants and modify collateral security arrangements.

    Angus P Young, CEO of NCBCM and Executive Vice President of Corporate and Investment Banking at NCBJ, emphasized the strategic importance of the intervention: “JBG represents a cornerstone of Jamaica’s agricultural sector with critical implications for national food security and employment. Our support reflects confidence in the company’s core Jamaican operations and the corrective measures currently being implemented.”

    The financial restructuring follows JBG’s disclosure of accounting irregularities within its U.S. operations that negatively affected cash flows, profitability, and consolidated financial results. These issues included inventory valuation adjustments, biological asset miscalculations, goodwill impairments, and previously unrecorded liabilities.

    Despite these challenges, JBG’s Jamaican operations demonstrated remarkable resilience, generating J$2.5 billion in net profit and maintaining an equity position of J$16 billion for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2025.

    Christopher Levy, Group President and CEO of Jamaica Broilers Group, outlined the recovery strategy: “We are executing a disciplined turnaround plan prioritizing governance, oversight, and operational efficiency. This includes leadership enhancements, financial control restoration, and direct Jamaican-based supervision of U.S. operations.”

    The comprehensive financing package is expected to provide JBG with necessary stability to implement recovery measures, strengthen internal controls, and return to sustainable performance levels while supporting continued growth of its domestic business.