The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a critical security advisory, known as a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), urging civil aircraft operators to exercise extreme caution when navigating Venezuelan airspace. This warning, released on Friday, 21 November 2025, highlights heightened risks stemming from increased Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference and ongoing military exercises in the region, which commenced in September. Despite the advisory, several airlines continued their operations to and from Venezuela as of Saturday. U.S. operators are now mandated to provide the FAA with a 72-hour prior notice before entering Venezuelan airspace. This measure supplements an existing 2019 order that already prohibits U.S. airlines from conducting flights to or from Venezuela. The NOTAM specifically addresses the MAIQUETIA (SVZM) Flight Information Region (FIR), which encompasses Venezuelan territory and extends approximately 350 miles into the Caribbean Sea. It is important to note that FIRs are administrative divisions for air traffic control and do not align with national boundaries.
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Schoolkoren kleuren CCS tijdens Srefidensi-viering
The Cultural Center of Suriname (CCS) was abuzz with youthful energy on Friday as it hosted the National School Choir Festival 2025. Organized by the Directorate of Culture under the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture (MinOWC), the event featured performances from eight primary schools and was part of the Srefidensi celebrations. President Jennifer Simons inaugurated the festival, emphasizing the transformative power of music in child development. She highlighted how music fosters creativity, cognitive growth, and academic success, urging schools to integrate music education into their curricula and encouraging students to nurture their talents. AVO Director Helima Poese also addressed the young performers, thanking parents and teachers for their dedication. She underscored the holistic benefits of singing, dancing, and sports, noting their role in promoting health and resilience. Charmain Belfor, Director of the Suriname Conservatory, described the festival as a cornerstone of initiatives aimed at inspiring youth to pursue music education. The event, targeting children aged 8 to 12, also provided practical opportunities for music students to gain experience. The festival marks the beginning of a celebratory period leading up to the Suriname Conservatory’s 15th anniversary in November 2026, with preparations now officially underway.
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Sagicor drive marks one year of safer roads and smarter driving across the Caribbean
Sagicor General Insurance Inc. (SGI) is commemorating the first anniversary of its groundbreaking telematics mobile application, Sagicor Drive. This innovative app, designed to foster safer driving practices and reward conscientious drivers, has been making waves across the Caribbean region. To celebrate this significant milestone, SGI organized a series of pop-up events in various markets, engaging with users and highlighting the app’s numerous benefits. These events have further amplified the app’s growing popularity and garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback. Currently operational in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua, and Saint Lucia, Sagicor Drive has already amassed over 500 users. The app employs advanced telematics technology to analyze driving behaviors, offering users valuable insights into their habits while incentivizing safer driving through rewards such as badges, vouchers, and policy renewal discounts. Over the past year, the SGI team has rolled out several updates to enhance the app’s functionality and user experience, making it more efficient and user-friendly. Andre Barrow, Assistant Vice President of Innovation and Business Systems at Sagicor General, shared optimistic insights based on the data collected. ‘The results are very encouraging. While we haven’t yet observed a reduction in accidents attributable to the app, we are hopeful that its continued use will promote better driving habits, ultimately leading to fewer claims for our clients,’ he stated. Sagicor Drive is a cornerstone of SGI’s digital innovation strategy, leveraging cutting-edge technology to elevate client experiences, improve road safety, and support communities through data-driven solutions.
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Visitors can “Dine with a Bajan”
As Barbados prepares for its peak tourist season, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) has reintroduced its ‘Dine with a Bajan’ initiative, a community-based tourism program that invites visitors to enjoy authentic Bajan meals in the homes of local hosts. The relaunch event took place on Wednesday evening at the Cricket Legends of Barbados in Fontabelle, St. Michael, where attendees learned about the program’s details and its cultural significance. Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, highlighted the initiative’s role in showcasing Barbados’ culture and hospitality while fostering local entrepreneurship and sustainable tourism practices. He emphasized that the program strengthens the Barbados brand by highlighting the island’s most valuable asset—its people. Visitors who participate in ‘Dine with a Bajan’ will experience genuine connections with their hosts, enjoying traditional dishes and stories that reflect the true spirit of Barbadian hospitality. BTMI CEO Andrea Franklin explained that hosts underwent a rigorous application process and participated in a two-day workshop covering health and safety, service excellence, storytelling, and culinary skills. The evening also featured a preview of the dishes prepared by Chef Creig Greenidge, offering a taste of what guests can expect. The first cohort of hosts includes Maria Joseph, Patricia Mash, Marie Alleyne, and others, alongside the Cricket Legends of Barbados. Hosts like Juliette Jeffers shared their motivations for joining the program, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome they received upon relocating to Barbados. Julia Caine, General Manager of Cricket Legends of Barbados, added that guests dining at their venue will also enjoy insights into the island’s cricketing history. For updates, interested individuals can follow BTMI on social media platforms.
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HR professionals awarded and challenged
At the HRMAB 30th Anniversary Awards Gala, held at the Sandals Resort Ballroom under the theme ‘Celebrating Excellence: Advancing People,’ Dr. Allyson Leacock issued a compelling challenge to human resource professionals. She urged them to take bold actions within the next 90 days to create a workforce that is less fearful of the future, more skilled, inclusive, and prepared for upcoming challenges. Dr. Leacock emphasized the global evolution of work, highlighting the growing demand for analytical and creative thinking, AI proficiency, and data literacy. However, she also underscored the enduring importance of human skills such as leadership, empathy, and lifelong learning. She advocated for a shift towards valuing skills and ongoing certifications over traditional degrees, job titles, and tenure, stating, ‘Skills are the new currency.’ Dr. Leacock encouraged HR professionals to develop dynamic skills taxonomies, recognize micro-credentials, and benchmark roles based on competencies rather than titles. She also stressed the need for continuous learning, supported by data from the World Economic Forum, which predicts the reskilling of many workers by 2027. Dr. Leacock called for a cultural shift from compliance to high performance and growth, emphasizing the importance of clear goals, continuous feedback, fair rewards, and visible growth pathways. She warned against the mindset of ‘everything is awesome,’ which fosters mediocrity, and reminded the audience that ‘potential is not perfection.’ Wayne Sobers, Chief Labour Officer, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the transformative impact of globalization, technological advancements, and economic changes on the workforce. He proposed targeted training, leadership development programs, ethical HR practices, and continuous learning as essential initiatives for workforce development. Sobers emphasized that effective human resource management is crucial for sustainable enterprises and national progress, aligning HRMAB’s efforts with the government’s vision for social and economic transformation. HRMAB President Tisha Peters also called for HR professionals to become strategic partners and change agents within their organizations. She urged them to leverage data, align with organizational goals, and lead proactively. Peters emphasized the importance of mentorship for preserving the profession’s legacy and announced the launch of the ‘HRMAB Arni Walters Scholarship for Human Resource Excellence’ in honor of the late HRMAB trustee. The scholarship, sponsored by the Inter-American Development Bank, will be administered by the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus starting in 2026.
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Form motorcycle crime-fighting squad, police urged
The Barbados Road Safety Association (BRSA) has called on the Barbados Police Service to urgently establish specialized motorcycle squads in response to a surge in violent incidents involving illegal scrambler bikes. These bikes are increasingly associated with serious crimes and high-speed escapes, posing a significant threat to public safety. BRSA President Roland Lowe, a former police officer, emphasized the need for a trained and well-equipped team to tackle the issue effectively. Lowe highlighted the inadequacy of broad statements and stressed the necessity of officers skilled in handling dirt bikes and navigating tight, off-road spaces where illegal riders often operate. His remarks followed a recent shootout between police and armed men on motorcycles, which occurred during an attempted apprehension of off-road bikers near Westbury Cemetery. Police Commissioner Richard Boyce has announced intensified efforts to curb the use of illegal scramblers and face coverings, citing their role in facilitating quick getaways and evading detection. However, Lowe expressed skepticism, noting that similar promises in the past have yielded little tangible progress due to the lack of specialized units. He also pointed to broader recruitment challenges within the police force, arguing that attracting qualified personnel is essential for creating effective specialized teams. Lowe concluded that without addressing these underlying issues, the police will remain ill-equipped to combat the growing menace of illegal scrambler bikes and related crimes.
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Chastanet hints at plans for sports
Allen Chastanet, leader of the United Workers’ Party and a passionate sports advocate, has emphasized the critical role of the club system and the Saint Lucia Sports Academy (SLSA) in advancing the nation’s athletic development. In a comprehensive interview with St. Lucia Times, Chastanet outlined his vision for sports, particularly in the context of the upcoming December 1 general election. He highlighted the “quadrant plan,” initially introduced by the late Prime Minister Sir John Compton, which focused on regional investment and could be adapted to sports infrastructure and development. Chastanet argued that sports in Saint Lucia have traditionally been school-centric, leaving a void once students transition to secondary education. To address this, he proposed establishing district-level clubs, aiming for six to seven clubs per district across the island’s ten regions. While he did not elaborate on the financial or logistical support for these clubs, Chastanet envisioned a step system where district clubs would compete regionally, culminating in national championships. He also linked this vision to the SLSA, which opened in 2019 during his tenure as Prime Minister. The academy, he explained, centralizes sports development at the secondary level, allowing top athletes from across the island to train and compete together. Despite its successes in cricket and football, the SLSA has faced challenges, including the absence of a dedicated scholarship desk, limiting opportunities for graduates to pursue higher education abroad. Chastanet remains optimistic about the academy’s potential, citing its comprehensive support system, including sports psychologists, nutritionists, and trainers. He also revealed discussions with FIFA to transform the Phillip Marcellin Grounds into a regional football academy. If re-elected, Chastanet plans to enhance the SLSA’s profile and implement a district-focused club system to further Saint Lucia’s sports development.
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St Thomas race heats up as Chandler enters BLP candidate contest
In a significant development within Barbados’ political landscape, Dr William Chandler, a distinguished political economist, has announced his candidacy for the St Thomas constituency under the Barbados Labour Party (BLP). This move comes in the wake of the retirement of long-serving MP Cynthia Forde, who has endorsed Chandler as her successor. Dr Chandler, whose career spans international financial services and emerging markets, brings a wealth of experience and a deep sense of civic duty to the race.
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Antigua to Get Modern Private Jet Lounge Under New UAE Deal
On November 20, 2025, during the prestigious Dubai Airshow, the Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced a groundbreaking strategic partnership. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Jetex, a global leader in executive aviation, and Diplomatic Solutions, a strategic advisory firm. This agreement focuses on the development of a state-of-the-art Fixed Base Operation (FBO) at VC Bird International Airport in Antigua and Barbuda.
The collaboration signifies a transformative step in bolstering the aviation infrastructure of the twin-island nation. The new FBO will feature premium lounges, concierge services, and efficient handling for private jet clients, positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a premier destination for luxury private aviation. The project aims to harmonize world-class amenities with the natural allure of the Caribbean islands.
Adel Mardini, Founder and CEO of Jetex, expressed enthusiasm for the venture, stating, ‘We are excited to bring the Jetex experience to Antigua. Drawing inspiration from the island’s rich heritage, our bespoke FBO will enhance its luxury hospitality offerings and attract discerning international travelers.’
Jetex is renowned for its excellence in executive aviation, offering services such as FBO management, trip planning, ground handling, and aviation fuel. Diplomatic Solutions specializes in fostering private-public partnerships, making this collaboration a strategic alignment of expertise and vision.
This initiative is expected to significantly boost tourism and economic growth in Antigua and Barbuda, further cementing its status as a luxury travel hub.
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Joyride turns chaotic in Golden Grove, two 16-year-olds hospitalized
Authorities in Golden Grove are currently investigating a severe car crash involving a 16-year-old driver who allegedly took his mother’s vehicle without consent. The incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m. on Friday when the teenager lost control of the car and collided with a tree. According to state media reports, another 16-year-old boy who was a passenger in the vehicle sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. In a concerning turn of events, two young females who were also in the car reportedly fled the scene immediately after the crash, leaving the injured teens behind. Preliminary reports from ABS News suggest that the teenage driver suffered the most severe injuries. The investigation is ongoing as police work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the unauthorized use of the vehicle and the subsequent accident.