Carib Scope

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  • Antiguan Student Keion Liburd Earns Pharmaceutical Degree from Georgia Southern University

    Antiguan Student Keion Liburd Earns Pharmaceutical Degree from Georgia Southern University

    In an inspiring narrative of perseverance and academic triumph, Mr. Keion Liburd of Antigua and Barbuda has culminated his educational journey with a Pharmaceutical Studies degree from Georgia Southern University in the United States. The achievement stands as a powerful rebuttal to early childhood skepticism about his academic potential.

    Hailing from Golden Grove (New Extension) Village, Liburd was raised by his mother Miss Jell Webson, grandmother Miss Sybil ‘Edna’ Parker, and father Mr. Robert ‘Bobby’ Liburd. His educational path began at Adventist Primary School, where a teacher once predicted he would not excel academically due to his opinionated nature in classroom settings. Rather than accepting this negative prognosis, Liburd transformed it into motivation for academic excellence.

    His exceptional performance at Adventist Primary School earned him a scholarship to Island Academy, where he continued to distinguish himself academically. This success paved the way for another scholarship to Georgia Southern University, marking the beginning of his international educational pursuit.

    The graduation ceremony earlier this year featured a poignant display of national pride as Liburd adorned his academic regalia with the Antiguan and Barbudan flag, symbolizing his roots and representing his homeland with distinction. This gesture highlighted both personal achievement and national representation on an international platform.

    Family spokesperson Desrie Southwell expressed the collective pride of both the family and nation, emphasizing Liburd’s journey as testament to overcoming negative predictions through determination and intellectual resilience. The message concluded with aspirational wishes for continued success, encouraging Liburd to ‘soar like an eagle’ in his future pharmaceutical career and beyond, demonstrating that he was ‘indeed born for greatness.’

  • Axleigh Akez Celebrated as Ottos Comprehensive School’s Top CSEC Performer

    Axleigh Akez Celebrated as Ottos Comprehensive School’s Top CSEC Performer

    In an extraordinary academic achievement, Miss Axleigh A.D. Akez has emerged as the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) top performer for Ottos Comprehensive School’s graduating class of 2025. The remarkable scholar achieved perfect scores across all nine examination subjects simultaneously, demonstrating exceptional intellectual capability and scholarly dedication.

    Despite educational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that prevented her from taking traditional Common Entrance Examinations, Akez transcended these systemic challenges through her unwavering commitment to academic excellence. Her educational journey, initially nurtured at St. John’s Lutheran School, flourished at Ottos Comprehensive where she consistently maintained honor roll status and earned the prestigious Prefect badge while sustaining superior academic performance throughout her tenure.

    The graduating ceremonies recognized Akez as Salutatorian for achieving the second-highest academic standing in her class, resulting in her receiving numerous trophies, monetary awards, and gifts honoring her multidisciplinary excellence. Interestingly, the Valedictorian honor was awarded to another female student recognized for consistent improvement and extracurricular participation rather than pure academic achievement, highlighting the institution’s holistic evaluation approach.

    Akez’s academic pedigree reflects a strong familial foundation in education. Her parents include Dr. Desrie Marisa Southwell, holder of multiple advanced degrees including a Doctorate in Business Administration, and Mr. Makinya A. Akez, an engineering graduate from Antigua State College.

    The outstanding scholar has already commenced her tertiary education as a freshman in Business Studies at the newly established Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS). Educational authorities and community members have expressed profound admiration for Akez’s accomplishments, viewing them as inspirational for Antigua and Barbuda’s youth and a testament to educational resilience amid pandemic-related challenges.

  • Ongoing runway issues force flight cancellations, downgrade of AIA (+video)

    Ongoing runway issues force flight cancellations, downgrade of AIA (+video)

    Argyle International Airport in St. Vincent has been temporarily downgraded by aviation authorities following persistent runway surface issues that have caused significant flight disruptions. The problems, involving recurring holes appearing on the runway surface, culminated this weekend with multiple incidents that forced flight cancellations and operational changes.

    On Saturday evening, an American Airlines Boeing 737-823 bound for Miami aborted takeoff procedures and returned to the ramp after crew identified a newly formed hole in the runway. Airport personnel responded with emergency vehicles to address the surface hazard, collecting debris into plastic buckets. The incident resulted in the cancellation of flight AA3098 as crew duty time limitations were exceeded, while a Caribbean Airlines flight to New York experienced substantial delays.

    The situation escalated on Sunday when the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued a Notice to Airmen/Air Missions (NOTAM) temporarily restricting the airport to aircraft with maximum take-off weights below 225,000 pounds. This regulatory action forced the cancellation of Virgin Atlantic’s scheduled service between London and St. Vincent via Barbados.

    The runway issues have been ongoing since at least February, with airport management implementing repeated temporary patches while reportedly hesitant to pursue more comprehensive repairs that would require complete airport closure. According to sources familiar with the situation, authorities have attempted to avoid shutdowns for over a year, but the recent developments may necessitate more drastic action.

    Of particular concern to aviation experts is a reportedly defective area near the runway’s touchdown zone, which presents additional safety considerations. The newly installed New Democratic Party administration has not yet commented on the situation, while former Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves had previously stated that airport management had ‘everything in hand’ regarding both temporary fixes and planned permanent solutions.

  • Budget Debate to Resume Monday With Major Sector Reforms on Agenda

    Budget Debate to Resume Monday With Major Sector Reforms on Agenda

    Antigua and Barbuda’s Parliament is poised to recommence deliberations on the landmark 2026 national budget this coming Monday, with government ministers preparing to unveil comprehensive policy overhauls across critical sectors. The upcoming parliamentary session follows Thursday’s presentation of what Cabinet officials have characterized as a transformative, people-centered fiscal plan emphasizing economic stability, social welfare, and climate resilience.

    During Friday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant revealed that ministers will elaborate on initiatives initially introduced during the Prime Minister’s budget address. These include unprecedented fiscal achievements, sector-wide modernization efforts, and numerous innovative social and development programs designed to bolster national progress.

    The ministerial lineup features significant announcements: Sports Minister Daryl Matthew will detail the newly approved national sports development framework, incorporating a state-of-the-art Center of Excellence and the strategic conversion of rural athletic fields into specialized training facilities. Simultaneously, Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith is scheduled to introduce a groundbreaking program focused on enhancing food security, providing substantial support to agricultural workers, and implementing contemporary farming methodologies.

    Further ministerial presentations will address wide-ranging reforms discussed in Cabinet sessions, including substantial healthcare enhancements such as the scheduled reopening of the national cancer treatment facility in early 2026. Additional medical advancements comprise the establishment of a specialized chest and cardiac center through a collaborative partnership with China, alongside the implementation of a National Health Insurance system.

    The budget debate will also feature updates on government initiatives to distribute construction materials to economically vulnerable households, expand nationwide broadband access via APUA’s innovative WITS program, and accelerate preparatory measures for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Opposition parliamentarians, led by opposition leader Jamale Pringle, are expected to deliver their formal responses to the proposed budgetary measures during the session.

  • PM Points to Five-Figure Incomes for Antiguans Managing Luxury Villas

    PM Points to Five-Figure Incomes for Antiguans Managing Luxury Villas

    A transformative economic shift is underway in Antigua as the proliferation of luxury villas and high-end residential tourism catalyzes a lucrative property management sector, creating unprecedented earning potential for local professionals. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, during a recent appearance on the ‘Browne and Browne Show’, highlighted how this niche industry is generating premium salaries for Antiguans, with numerous individuals now commanding five-figure monthly incomes.

    The Prime Minister revealed that several Antiguans are securing management contracts for multimillion-dollar estates owned by international investors, particularly in exclusive enclaves like Jumby Bay. He cited a compelling case study of one young Antiguan woman whose earnings trajectory exemplifies the sector’s potential. Having previously earned approximately $3,000 monthly, her income skyrocketed to a five-figure sum per month after securing a high-value property management contract.

    This trend has precipitated a dramatic surge in the number of locals earning between $10,000 and $15,000 monthly. Prime Minister Browne quantified this growth, stating, ‘You’d have had a doubling, well almost… a quadrupling, of people making between 10 and 15,000,’ with a significant portion deriving their income from managing these luxury residences.

    The discussion clarified that elite property management transcends basic maintenance, encompassing sophisticated revenue generation and meticulous expense management. The economic ripple effects extend widely, as these luxury villas necessitate comprehensive service teams. This creates additional high-wage employment opportunities for pool staff, landscapers, chefs, butlers, and housekeepers, all of whom benefit from the premium pay scale that caters to an ultra-wealthy clientele.

    Drawing an international parallel, Prime Minister Browne referenced Cabo, Mexico, where property managers routinely earn between $5,000 and $6,000 monthly, often with additional housing benefits, underscoring the global standard of premium compensation in this thriving industry.

  • PM Says His Long-Term Vision Is 10 Million Tourists a Year

    PM Says His Long-Term Vision Is 10 Million Tourists a Year

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has unveiled an ambitious national strategy to transform Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism economy, calling for a dramatic escalation from current visitor numbers to an eventual target of 10 million tourists annually. During his appearance on the Browne and Browne Show, the leader articulated his vision for substantial economic transformation through tourism sector expansion.

    The Prime Minister characterized the nation’s present tourism performance as merely preliminary, asserting that the industry remains in its developmental infancy despite recent progress. While acknowledging that cruise passenger arrivals have doubled in recent years, Browne emphasized that stay-over tourist figures remain critically below potential.

    Current estimates indicate approximately 350,000 to 400,000 overnight visitors annually—numbers the Prime Minister dismissed as fundamentally inadequate. “Especially when it comes to overnight tourists… 350,000-400,000 tourists… that is not enough,” Browne stated during the broadcast.

    As an initial benchmark, the administration targets one million overnight visitors, which Browne described as a modest starting point. The Prime Minister outlined the economic rationale behind this expansion, estimating that each additional million tourists could generate approximately one billion dollars in economic activity.

    Browne urged citizens to embrace ambitious thinking rather than limited aspirations, reiterating his government’s commitment to establishing Antigua and Barbuda as a premium tourism destination and “lifestyle superpower.” This vision is currently being pursued through strategic investments in cruise infrastructure, home-porting operations, and luxury tourism development designed to boost arrivals across all market segments.

  • PM Challenges Opposition to Submit Names of Unemployed Skilled Workers as New Wave of Foreign Labour Set to Arrive

    PM Challenges Opposition to Submit Names of Unemployed Skilled Workers as New Wave of Foreign Labour Set to Arrive

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly challenged opposition parties in Antigua and Barbuda to substantiate their claims about unemployed skilled workers as his administration moves forward with plans to recruit foreign tradesmen. The Prime Minister made these remarks during a recent appearance on Pointe FM, where he addressed the nation’s development agenda and current labor shortages in the construction sector.

    With the government preparing to accelerate major housing and infrastructure projects scheduled for 2026, Browne emphasized the critical need for additional skilled labor. The administration has signaled its intention to recruit foreign workers including carpenters, masons, electricians, and plumbers to meet the rising construction demands driven by ongoing housing developments and reconstruction initiatives.

    The Prime Minister directly addressed opposition claims that local tradesmen remain unemployed, stating that no credible evidence has been presented to support these allegations. Browne issued a formal invitation to opposition figures to compile and submit verifiable lists of any skilled citizens currently without work, pledging that such individuals would receive immediate employment priority over foreign recruits.

    The government maintains that its decision to import additional workers stems from a demonstrated shortage of local labor capacity to meet current project timelines. Officials argue that the construction boom requires more specialized tradespeople than are currently available within the domestic workforce, necessitating international recruitment to maintain development momentum.

    This development highlights the ongoing tension between the government’s ambitious infrastructure agenda and opposition concerns about local employment opportunities. The administration has reiterated its commitment to prioritizing Antiguan and Barbudan workers provided that verifiable evidence of available skilled labor is presented through proper channels.

  • SLM RvC stopt vrachtvliegtuig-deal: ‘Geen winst, geen zekerheid, dus geen risico’

    SLM RvC stopt vrachtvliegtuig-deal: ‘Geen winst, geen zekerheid, dus geen risico’

    In a significant corporate reversal, Surinam Airways’ newly appointed Board of Commissioners has terminated a contentious cargo aircraft lease agreement, citing fundamental flaws in its business rationale. Board President Marlon Telting revealed to Starnieuws that the project, initiated by the previous interim management under the Santokhi administration, failed to demonstrate financial viability upon rigorous examination.

    The board’s September assessment uncovered critical deficiencies in the proposed business case, particularly the absence of concrete financial projections. Telting noted that the Surinamese government would have faced additional unexpected investments beyond previously agreed payments to operationalize the transport aircraft. Despite providing management an opportunity to revise their proposal, the resubmitted documentation contained persistent inconsistencies and unresolved issues.

    Contract cancellation presented substantial financial implications, as the lessor had already received deposit payments and nearly finalized lease arrangements. Potential termination costs initially estimated in millions of dollars were successfully negotiated down to $100,000 through legal intervention, with the board preserving three months’ pre-paid deposit outside the settlement agreement.

    Telting specifically addressed misconceptions about the aircraft’s potential utilization in Surinam’s oil and gas sector, clarifying that the leased aircraft lacked necessary certifications and possessed only half the intended capacity. Current mid-Atlantic route operations continue through existing partnerships, with evaluations scheduled for next year regarding future arrangements.

    The board president emphasized that ongoing legal proceedings against former director Paul de Haan, ex-commission president Xaviera Jessurun, and jurist Prenobe Bissessur remain separate from current operational restructuring efforts, which focus on comprehensively mapping SLM’s present condition before implementing strategic improvements.

  • Johnson Defines Herself as ‘Woman of the Village’ as Constituents Respond to Primary Win

    Johnson Defines Herself as ‘Woman of the Village’ as Constituents Respond to Primary Win

    In a defining moment of political self-identification, newly elected Senator Kiz Johnson articulated a profound connection to her origins following a decisive primary win. Appearing on the Browne and Browne Show, Johnson was prompted to introduce herself to the wider public and acknowledge the villages within the St. Philip’s South constituency she aims to represent. Her response transcended a mere introduction, evolving into a philosophical declaration of her political ethos.

    Johnson meticulously framed her entire political outlook through the lens of her upbringing, local culture, and a profound sense of place. Rejecting a generic political persona, she instead painted a vivid picture of her identity, stating, “I am a woman of the village… a woman of country… a woman of East.” This tripartite description served to underscore her deep-rooted connection to the community’s everyday life, national spirit, and the specific eastern region of the nation.

    The interview highlighted how her recent victory in the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party primary is being interpreted not just as a personal achievement, but as a testament to a grassroots-driven campaign. By defining herself as a ‘woman of the village,’ Johnson effectively positions her forthcoming tenure as one dedicated to relatable, community-centric representation. This narrative strategically aligns her with the core constituents, suggesting that her governance will be informed by an intimate understanding of their needs and aspirations, rather than by detached political ambition.

  • Teacher fired under vaccine mandate, back on the job without reapplying

    Teacher fired under vaccine mandate, back on the job without reapplying

    In a significant policy reversal, educator Ann-Marie Ballantyne has resumed her teaching position at St. Vincent Grammar School after being terminated under the previous administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The French and Spanish teacher returned to her classroom on Friday, merely three days after expressing her interest in reinstatement to school authorities.

    The development follows the November 27 general election victory of the New Democratic Party (NDP), which had campaigned on reinstating public sector workers affected by the controversial vaccine requirement. Prime Minister Godwin Friday had previously committed to restoring these positions within 60 days of assuming office.

    Ballantyne’s reinstatement process began when she visited the school on Tuesday following public statements by the new Prime Minister indicating the government’s intention to honor its campaign promise. After meeting with the deputy principal, she received confirmation on Thursday from a senior education officer instructing her to return to work.

    The teacher described being issued a resumption card and reintroduced to staff members, though she noted the absence of formal reinstatement documentation. Ballantyne expressed excitement about returning to the profession, particularly noting the symbolic importance of correcting what she characterized as ‘injustice’ against workers.

    This case occurs against a complex legal backdrop. In March 2023, the High Court had ruled the terminations illegal and unconstitutional, a decision subsequently overturned by the Court of Appeal in February 2025. The matter currently awaits consideration by the Privy Council, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ highest court.

    While Ballantyne has successfully returned to her position, her husband Shefflorn Ballantyne, a college lecturer similarly affected by the mandate, awaits communication regarding his reinstatement. The educator advised other affected workers to patiently register their interest directly with former workplaces, noting that the process might proceed gradually across different government sectors.