Carib Scope

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  • Antigua government receives EC$1m building materials shipment for low-income housing programme

    Antigua government receives EC$1m building materials shipment for low-income housing programme

    The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has initiated a substantial expansion of its housing assistance program with the arrival of building materials exceeding EC$1 million in value. This shipment, comprising lumber and galvanized steel, reached the islands on Tuesday as part of the Home Advancement Programme for the Poor and Indigent (HAPPI).

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne characterized this delivery as unprecedented in scale, marking the largest single importation of construction materials specifically dedicated to housing support in the nation’s history. The materials have been transported to secure facilities awaiting distribution to qualified households across the country.

    This initiative represents merely the initial phase of a sustained governmental commitment to address housing inadequacies. The administration has pledged to continue annual investments until substantial improvements are achieved in both new home construction and existing structure repairs for vulnerable populations.

    Social and Urban Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner affirmed the comprehensive nature of the program, emphasizing its non-partisan eligibility criteria. Minister Turner reiterated the government’s directive to assist all qualifying citizens irrespective of political affiliation, with the ultimate objective of transforming living conditions for families in need.

    Prospective beneficiaries must complete formal applications through the Social Protection Board, followed by site evaluations to determine specific requirements. Approved applicants will receive direct material delivery, with supplementary estimates prepared when necessary to ensure effective implementation.

    The HAPPI initiative underscores the government’s enhanced focus on social protection frameworks and its dedication to improving living standards for economically disadvantaged citizens through practical infrastructure support.

  • Antigua set for record cruise arrivals as 17,000 passengers expected in one day

    Antigua set for record cruise arrivals as 17,000 passengers expected in one day

    The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda experienced an extraordinary surge in maritime tourism activity, marking one of its busiest cruise days on record. A total of six vessels simultaneously docked at the nation’s harbors, delivering over 12,000 passengers to its shores and showcasing its robust port infrastructure.

    The logistical operation was split between two key ports: five ships berthed at the St. John’s Harbour, with a sixth arriving at Falmouth Harbour. This coordinated arrival demonstrated the ports’ advanced capabilities in efficiently managing substantial visitor influxes during high-demand periods, a critical factor for maintaining a positive passenger experience.

    According to statements from Antigua Cruise Port, this significant influx generated a palpable economic ripple effect. The areas surrounding St. John’s and adjacent communities witnessed a dramatic increase in commercial activity. Local enterprises, including retailers, restaurants, and tour operators, benefited from the elevated foot traffic, providing a substantial boost to the broader tourism ecosystem.

    Cruise tourism is a cornerstone of the national economy, directly fueling growth by creating heightened demand across interconnected service sectors. This includes transportation providers, souvenir shops, and guided excursion companies, all of which see a direct correlation between passenger numbers and revenue.

    Looking ahead, port authorities have projected an even more ambitious milestone. Officials anticipate shattering the current record on January 23rd of the upcoming year, with a staggering forecast of more than 17,000 passengers arriving in a single day. This figure represents the highest daily passenger volume ever predicted for the destination.

    These latest metrics underscore a dual achievement: they solidify Antigua Cruise Port’s ascending status as a preeminent hub in the competitive Caribbean cruise circuit and reaffirm the vital, continuing economic contribution of cruise tourism to the nation’s financial stability and growth.

  • Man, 41, on drug charges after police discover cannabis plots

    Man, 41, on drug charges after police discover cannabis plots

    Law enforcement authorities in Saint Lucia have dismantled a significant cannabis cultivation operation in the Choiseul region, resulting in multiple charges against a local resident. The coordinated operation, conducted on December 29, 2025, involved specialized units from the Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit (GNFU) Southern Detachment working in conjunction with Choiseul Police Station personnel.

    During the executed search warrant in Martin, Choiseul, officers discovered and uprooted an extensive cannabis plantation containing 5,580 plants. Additionally, authorities seized 7.3 kilograms of processed cannabis from the residence of 41-year-old Delecus Alphonse, who was subsequently taken into custody.

    The suspect faced three distinct drug-related charges: possession of a controlled drug (cannabis), possession with intent to supply, and cultivation of a controlled plant. Alphonse appeared before the Second District Court in Vieux Fort on December 30, where judicial officials granted bail under specific conditions.

    The bail arrangement requires $3,000 cash or suitable surety backed by land documents for the possession charges, while the cultivation charge carries a $3,600 bail under similar terms. Beyond financial obligations, the court imposed stringent non-monetary conditions including mandatory weekly reporting to Choiseul Police Station every Saturday between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

    Furthermore, Alphonse must surrender all travel documents and is expressly prohibited from leaving Saint Lucia without obtaining formal authorization from the Court. The case represents ongoing efforts by Saint Lucia authorities to combat drug cultivation and distribution networks within the country.

  • Wilkie Cumberbatch juniors begin new term at Luther Thorne amid campus repairs

    Wilkie Cumberbatch juniors begin new term at Luther Thorne amid campus repairs

    Over 120 students from Wilkie Cumberbatch Primary School commenced their Hilary term studies at Luther Thorne Memorial Primary on Tuesday, marking a significant temporary relocation while essential repair works progress at their original Pine campus. The educational transition unfolded smoothly as children passed through the gates of the Wildey Road institution, exchanging farewells with parents before beginning their academic day.

    The Ministry of Education’s operational decision received broadly positive feedback from parental circles, demonstrating community resilience during necessary infrastructure improvements. One mother of a Class Three student conveyed pragmatic acceptance: ‘The ministry has demonstrated competent handling of the situation. Given the circumstances, we appreciate that instructional continuity remains unaffected.’

    Another parent emphasized the psychological aspect of educational displacement: ‘While transitions naturally present adjustment challenges for children, we maintain optimistic expectations for his swift adaptation to the new environment.’ The temporary arrangement showcases Barbados’s educational system’s adaptability in maintaining uninterrupted learning despite facility constraints, with both administrative coordination and community cooperation ensuring minimal disruption to students’ academic progression.

  • Agricultural sector recorded tangible gains in 2025, Ministry says

    Agricultural sector recorded tangible gains in 2025, Ministry says

    In a comprehensive push toward agricultural sustainability, Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development implemented a multi-faceted support program throughout 2025 that yielded significant improvements across the agricultural sector. The initiative addressed critical challenges from disease management to climate adaptation through practical interventions and technological innovation.

    Disease management achieved a major breakthrough with the distribution of 66,000 gallons of complimentary spraying oil to banana and plantain growers combating Black Sigatoka disease. This intervention stabilized production levels and restored farmer confidence, complemented by the introduction of crop insurance providing financial protection against climate-related disruptions. The widespread distribution of ground cover materials further enhanced climate-smart practices while reducing cultivation costs and suppressing weed growth.

    The fisheries sector witnessed substantial upgrades through the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) project, which modernized post-harvest handling, cold storage infrastructure, and market access channels. Maritime safety received significant attention with licensed fishers in Dennery receiving comprehensive safety equipment, emergency grab bags, and specialized hurricane-preparedness training. The Independent Seafood Festival highlighted these advancements while promoting domestic catch consumption to reduce import dependency.

    Human capacity development formed a cornerstone of the agricultural transformation with 22 farmers completing intensive training programs covering advanced agricultural practices, post-harvest management, marketing strategies, and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence applications. Innovation flourished through hands-on training in cost-effective dragon fruit production utilizing galvanized support systems and the successful introduction of seedless watermelon varieties under the Seven Crops Project. Tissue culture technology expanded yam cultivation options, supporting agricultural diversification and long-term sustainability.

    Policy frameworks and institutional capabilities were strengthened through a memorandum of understanding with the Taiwan Technical Mission and the Climate Impact Data Enhancement Project, which upgraded national climate data systems. Collaborative efforts with the Caribbean Cooperative Measurement, Reporting and Verification Hub advanced greenhouse gas accounting methodologies and mitigation measures, including hoop greenhouses and solar-powered irrigation systems. Specialized training for forestry officers enhanced Saint Lucia’s climate reporting capabilities under Paris Agreement commitments.

    Food safety standards were elevated through Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification training at the GLACE Supermarket bakery, ensuring regulatory compliance and protecting public health. The Seven Crops Project further supported farmers through subsidized imports of essential agricultural inputs, reducing production constraints and financial pressures.

    Sustainability initiatives included the establishment of a compost facility at the Bordelais Correctional Facility that converted organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, simultaneously addressing waste management challenges while supporting food production. Community engagement programs such as backyard gardening workshops and the inaugural Agriculture Care Day stimulated household and youth participation in agricultural activities. The Tree Crops Expansion and Rehabilitation Project boosted production of breadfruit, coconut, avocado, and soursop varieties.

    Environmental protection efforts advanced with the deployment of sargassum management equipment donated through UNDP with Japanese funding, mitigating the environmental and economic impacts of seaweed influxes on coastal communities.

    The agricultural year concluded with celebratory events including the Banana and Plantain Festival, which highlighted culinary innovation and nutritional benefits, and a high-level October dialogue that charted the future trajectory of Saint Lucia’s food system transformation toward greater resilience, inclusivity, and nutritional security.

  • PM Browne Pays Tribute to AT&LU Veteran Harold Carter, to Be Given Official Funeral

    PM Browne Pays Tribute to AT&LU Veteran Harold Carter, to Be Given Official Funeral

    The nation of Antigua and Barbuda stands united in recognizing the profoundly transformative impact of the Antigua and Barbuda Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) in shaping the country’s modern development. Founded on January 16, 1939, the union became the vehicle through which the population forged a new destiny.

    Harold Carter, who passed away at age 98 on December 26, 2025, emerged as a pivotal figure during one of the union’s most critical periods. Born into an era when sugarcane dominated the agricultural landscape and defined the economic existence of Caribbean nations, Carter witnessed firsthand the brutal legacy of colonial exploitation. Despite the formal abolition of slavery in 1834, workers faced persistently low wages, barbarous working conditions, physical punishments, wage deprivation, inadequate housing, poor nutrition, and widespread illiteracy.

    At age 21, Carter immersed himself in the struggle for meaningful change, joining the AT&LU in 1949 and rapidly assuming leadership responsibilities. His commitment coincided with the union’s preparation for a historic confrontation that would redefine labor relations in the country.

    In May 1951, the AT&LU initiated a pivotal struggle to liberate workers from oppressive conditions, calling for the first-ever Labor Day celebration without legal sanction. The British-descended management of the Antigua Sugar Factory responded with determination to ‘starve the black workers into submission,’ setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation.

    Carter played a crucial role in strengthening resolve among workers facing threats from descendants of slave-masters. When the union called a general strike on May 5, 1951, the establishment responded with mass arrests of section leaders. Carter and twelve courageous compatriots were arrested on charges of using threatening language toward workers.

    Tried before a magistrate favored by the overlords, twelve of the men received one-month jail sentences, while Kelso Frederick received two months for evading capture. These thirteen activists—Harold Carter, James Drew, Wills Emanuel, Renford Payne, Steven Payne, Ervin Samuel, Jessey Silcott, Alvin Tanner, Alfred Thomas, Charles Williams, Mash-um-up Simon, Kelso Frederick, and Clovell Williams—challenged the legitimacy of oppressive laws that had maintained Antigua and Barbuda in a state of perpetual underdevelopment.

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne, speaking on behalf of the government and people, has declared that Carter will receive an official funeral in recognition of his contributions. The Prime Minister extended condolences to Carter’s wife Olga, his family, friends, and the broader union fraternity, noting that these courageous figures remain eternally present in the nation’s collective memory and historical annals, much like Prince Klaas and the 88 freedom seekers executed in 1736-1737.

  • NSWMA secures World Bank grant for new tyre shredder

    NSWMA secures World Bank grant for new tyre shredder

    Antigua and Barbuda’s National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has obtained a critical World Bank-funded grant to acquire a state-of-the-art tire shredding system. This advanced machinery represents a significant technological upgrade, engineered to process all tire varieties—from standard passenger tires to challenging steel-belted and heavy-duty commercial tires that have historically posed disposal difficulties.

    According to NSWMA General Manager Indira James-Henry, the current shredding equipment at the local landfill has proven fundamentally inadequate for the nation’s needs. Its limited capacity and inability to handle steel-reinforced materials have created a persistent bottleneck in waste processing operations.

    The acquisition of this specialized shredder is expected to transform the country’s approach to tire waste management. Officials project substantial improvements in processing efficiency and safety protocols, directly addressing the chronic overcrowding at landfill sites. This intervention strengthens the overall resilience of the national waste management infrastructure.

    James-Henry highlighted the severity of the tire accumulation problem, revealing that approximately five million discarded tires are currently stockpiled across disposal facilities. This massive buildup presents multifaceted threats to community wellbeing, including heightened fire hazards, environmental contamination risks, and potential public health concerns—challenges that are particularly acute with steel-reinforced tires that resist conventional processing methods.

  • New One Communications CEO appointed

    New One Communications CEO appointed

    In a significant leadership transition, Guyana’s telecommunications sector witnesses the appointment of Abraham Smith as the new Chief Executive Officer of One Communications. The announcement, made on January 7, 2026, positions Smith to steer both residential operations and the corporate division Brava through a period of accelerated national development.

    Smith brings substantial regional expertise to the role, boasting over twenty years of executive experience across Caribbean and Latin American markets. His most recent position was as Strategic Advisor at ATN International, the parent company of One Communications, following his tenure as CEO of Digicel Trinidad and Tobago which concluded in July 2025.

    The appointment follows the departure of Richard Stanton, who held the CEO position for less than one year. Company Chairman Brad Martin emphasized the critical timing of this leadership change, noting Guyana’s ongoing dynamic economic expansion requires robust telecommunications infrastructure.

    “Abraham recognizes the profound responsibility that comes with leading telecommunications during a nation’s transformative growth period,” Martin stated. “His proven leadership, cultural understanding, and commitment to balancing commercial objectives with community value make him ideally suited to reinforce One Communications’ role as a developmental partner to Guyana.”

    Smith’s mandate focuses on three primary objectives: enhancing customer experience for both commercial and residential clients, strengthening network resilience, and expanding enterprise partnerships throughout the region.

  • From ‘choking’ to champions: Babonneau’s cricketing transformation

    From ‘choking’ to champions: Babonneau’s cricketing transformation

    The cricketing landscape of Babonneau has undergone a remarkable transformation, achieving unprecedented success in the 2025 season. The men’s squad emerged as Prime Minister’s Cup champions and reached the semifinals of the Premier Two-Day Cup, a significant improvement from their group stage exits the previous year. Simultaneously, the Under-13 team made history by advancing to the finals of the inaugural youth cricket championship.

    Central to this athletic renaissance is Head Coach Jervaughn Charles, an educator who identified psychological barriers as the primary obstacle to success. “Inconsistent performance has historically plagued our teams,” Charles revealed in an exclusive interview with St. Lucia Times. “We frequently faltered during critical moments. For 2025, we established a clear objective: to compete at the highest level across all formats with unwavering self-belief.”

    The program’s training methodology underwent comprehensive restructuring to overcome environmental challenges. Charles described previous training conditions as “dicey” due to unpredictable weather patterns. Rather than conceding to meteorological limitations, the team intensified their focus during available practice windows, implementing a rigorous five-day weekly regimen complemented by practice matches.

    A groundbreaking innovation emerged with the “Clash of the Leatherbacks” Youth Tournament—a seven-match series featuring three competing teams: Snapping Strikers, Hawksbill Hitters, and Terrapin Thumpers. This skill-based competition awarded points for batting, bowling, and fielding proficiency during group stages, providing invaluable development opportunities for emerging talents.

    “The tournament produced remarkably noticeable improvements in our youth players,” Charles observed. “It enabled precise identification of individual strengths and weaknesses that will inform our 2026 development strategy.”

    This cricketing revolution received crucial support from sponsors including the National Lotteries Authority, Hot Ink Printing, B.T.S.M., Golden Eggs, and former MP Virginia Albert Poyotte. Despite persistent infrastructure challenges common across the island, Babonneau Cricket remains committed to expanding participation across age groups, enhancing facilities, and establishing women’s cricket programs to build upon this year’s extraordinary achievements.

  • Regional youth expert visits Antigua and Barbuda to address gun violence

    Regional youth expert visits Antigua and Barbuda to address gun violence

    Antigua and Barbuda has welcomed Dr. David Muhammad, a distinguished regional youth development specialist from Trinidad and Tobago, for a high-level consultation aimed at curbing the nation’s challenges with gun violence, gang proliferation, and juvenile delinquency. The visit, initiated upon the invitation of local official Khalid Shabazz, centers on deploying proven, evidence-based methodologies to steer young individuals away from criminal pathways.

    Dr. Muhammad’s comprehensive strategy emphasizes a multi-faceted approach, prioritizing early intervention programs, structured mentorship initiatives, educational reform, and empowering community-driven solutions. His expertise is sought to help build resilient support systems that address the root causes of youth crime rather than merely its symptoms.

    During his official stay, Dr. Muhammad is scheduled for high-level discussions with the nation’s Prime Minister and the Minister of Education. The itinerary also potentially includes direct engagements with students and faculty at local schools, aiming to ground his policy recommendations in firsthand community insights. Government representatives have indicated that a detailed schedule of his public appearances and activities will be disclosed as the visit progresses, ensuring transparency and community involvement in this critical endeavor.