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Prime Minister Skerrit mourns passing of father-in-law Valentine Poponne

Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is mourning the loss of his father-in-law, Valentine Poponne, who passed away over the weekend after his death was publicly announced on July 25. The long-respected figure leaves behind four children, including Skerrit’s wife Melissa, and multiple grandchildren.

In an official statement shared following the passing, Skerrit paid heartfelt tribute to Poponne, highlighting the deep loss his family and the wider nation feel with his departure. Skerrit remembered his father-in-law as a man defined by unwavering integrity, quiet resilience, and lifelong devotion to his loved ones. As a business leader, Poponne earned widespread respect across the country for his ethical conduct and commitment to his work. Beyond his professional life, he was remembered as a loving father who raised Melissa with consistent warmth and grace, and a deeply cherished grandfather to Skerrit and Melissa’s children.

“Our family and our country have lost a truly remarkable man,” Skerrit said in the statement. Beyond sharing his grief, the prime minister extended sincere gratitude to members of the public who have reached out with messages of sympathy, emotional support, and prayers for the family throughout this challenging period. “We are deeply grateful for your kindness and support,” he added. “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

27 7 月, 2026
Venezuela Withdraws from International Criminal Court

In a landmark move that deepens long-running rifts between the South American nation and the global justice body, Venezuela has formally notified the United Nations of its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Caracas has long accused the tribunal of systemic political bias, claiming it disproportionately targets sovereign nations in Africa and Latin America, a grievance that sits at the core of its departure.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia confirmed the withdrawal from the Rome Statute — the foundational treaty that established the ICC — in an official announcement, framing the step as a “firm and irrevocable” assertion of national sovereignty. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez echoed this criticism, arguing that the court has been fully politicized and weaponized to advance political agendas against her government.

The decision comes after more than half a decade of escalating tensions between Venezuela and the ICC. In 2021, the court opened a formal investigation into allegations of crimes against humanity that were purportedly committed during the Venezuelan government’s 2017 crackdown on widespread anti-government protests. Thousands of people who say they were victimized by the crackdown have already submitted sworn testimony to ICC investigators as part of the inquiry.

Even following Venezuela’s formal notification, the ICC has made clear that its ongoing investigation will proceed uninterrupted. Per the terms of the Rome Statute, a member state’s withdrawal only takes effect 12 months after the United Nations receives official notification, and it does not have the power to halt investigations that have already been launched before the withdrawal takes effect.

Human rights advocates have raised urgent concerns about the long-term implications of the move. They warn that Venezuela’s exit could create new barriers to holding senior government officials accountable for the alleged abuses at the center of the investigation, weakening prospects for justice for survivors.

The United States has publicly welcomed Venezuela’s decision, with the State Department repeating longstanding criticism that labels the ICC a “corrupt” institution. The U.S. has also issued a call urging all other ICC member states to follow Venezuela’s lead and exit the court. This position aligns with the stance taken by the Trump administration, which repeatedly attacked the court and worked systematically to curtail its global influence.

Legal analysts who specialize in international criminal law note that while the withdrawal is unlikely to disrupt the current investigation into the 2017 events, it will probably limit future cooperation between Venezuelan authorities and ICC prosecutors. This could hamper any additional inquiries or prosecutions that the court may pursue moving forward, creating new hurdles to justice in potential future cases.

27 7 月, 2026
National stadium ‘on track’ for 2027 handover

The reconstruction of Barbados’ new National Stadium in Waterford is progressing steadily according to schedule, with project leaders confirming the facility remains on target for full completion and handover in the third quarter of 2027. Lead engineer Wang Lianglin from China’s Beijing Construction Engineering Group (BCEG) shared the latest update on the project during a media briefing hosted by the Chinese Embassy, outlining the current work stage and upcoming milestones.

27 7 月, 2026
FLASH : 2026-2027 Electoral Calendar, latest official version

On July 28, 2026, Haitian electoral authorities released the final, official version of the comprehensive 2026–2027 national electoral calendar, laying out a phased, 14-month roadmap to restore democratic governance in the crisis-stricken Caribbean nation. The entire electoral process is scheduled to kick off on February 1, 2026, with a months-long initiative focused on voter outreach, public awareness campaigns, and civic education to prepare the population for participation, concluding on March 17, 2027 after the final results are certified.

Preparatory infrastructure work for the vote will begin in parallel to outreach efforts on April 14, 2026, with the establishment of regional departmental vote tabulation centers across the country, a process that will run through November 30 the same year. Key accreditation and registration phases will open in mid-2026: international and domestic observers, as well as journalists covering the vote, will be able to apply for accreditation between July 3 and August 18, 2026. Political parties and electoral coalitions will complete their official registration between July 13 and August 14, 2026, a 33-day window for groups to formalize their participation.

General voter registration will open to all eligible Haitian citizens on July 20, 2026, and remain open through October 13, 2026, giving eligible voters more than two and a half months to register or update their information at local polling stations. Following voter registration, aspiring candidates will be able to file their nomination papers between August 20 and October 2, 2026. Electoral administrative hiring will also take place in late 2026: voting center supervisors will be recruited between August 31 and September 26, 2026, while polling station staff recruitment will run from September 1, 2026 through November 21, 2026. Political parties will have until December 4, 2026 to accredit their official representatives to polling and tabulation centers.

The first round of the presidential and legislative elections, alongside a national constitutional referendum, will be held on December 13, 2026. Official vote counting will begin immediately after polls close, wrapping up on December 15. Results of the constitutional referendum will be publicly released on December 16, 2026, with preliminary first-round results for presidential and legislative races published three days later on December 19. Challenges to preliminary first-round results will be heard between December 22, 2026 and January 9, 2027, with final certified first-round results released the same day challenges are due to conclude.

If no presidential candidate secures an absolute majority in the first round as required by Haitian electoral law, a second round of presidential, legislative (for undecided seats) and local elections will be held on February 21, 2027. The second-round electoral campaign will run from January 10 to February 20, 2027, with a parallel procurement and distribution process for all electoral materials wrapping up just before election day. Vote counting for the second round will be completed by February 23, 2027, with preliminary second-round presidential and legislative results released the day after the vote, and local election results published the same day counting concludes. Challenges to second-round national results will be adjudicated within 12 days of preliminary release, wrapping up on March 6, 2027, while challenges to local election results will be resolved by March 11. Final certified results for the second round of national elections will be published on March 7, 2027, with final local election results released five days later on March 12, 2027, bringing the full electoral process to a close five days after on March 17.

The full 74-page electoral decree adopted on June 2, 2026, as well as a subsequent amending decree, are available for public download via official portals to increase transparency around the process.

27 7 月, 2026
More Than 800 Food Handlers Trained Ahead of Antigua Carnival

As one of the most anticipated annual festivities in Antigua approaches, the nation’s Central Board of Health is implementing comprehensive pre-event public health measures to slash the risk of foodborne disease outbreaks, with more than 800 food industry workers already completing mandatory food safety certification. Starting from May this year, the public health agency has carried out structured training sessions for roughly 840 people, a large portion of whom are street vendors and food sellers that will operate throughout the Carnival season. The most recent training workshop wrapped up on Thursday, and health officials have noted a marked uptick in participation compared to past years, as more food handlers recognize the importance of official certification to work legally during the celebrations.

Julienne Mannix-Galloway, Principal Public Health Inspector at the Central Board of Health, explained that the early start to the training schedule was a deliberate decision. It gives all food-handling personnel enough time to complete the full curriculum, absorb key safety practices, and meet all regulatory requirements to operate during Carnival. The training curriculum is focused on core food safety pillars: proper environmental sanitation, consistent personal hygiene for food preparers, and temperature control for perishable food items. Vendors received clear guidance on maintaining hot dishes at serving temperatures and keeping cold items refrigerated appropriately, a critical step to stopping harmful bacterial contamination that causes food poisoning.

Beyond temperature rules, training participants also received repeated reminders about regular handwashing throughout food preparation and service, as well as requirements to wear clean work clothing at all times. The programme also included a dedicated module on correct waste management, specifically the disposal of used cooking oil. Mannix-Galloway issued a clear warning to vendors against pouring waste oil into street gutters, noting that pooled oil creates unsanitary conditions that attract rodent and cockroach infestations. Instead, she instructed vendors to store used cooking oil in its original sealed containers and transport it to the official sanitary landfill for proper disposal.

Alongside pre-event food safety training, the Central Board of Health has put in place post-event cleaning protocols to keep celebration venues sanitary throughout the Carnival schedule. Around 10 dedicated cleaning crews have been deployed to clear Carnival City and adjacent surrounding streets of waste immediately after each major Carnival event. Mannix-Galloway shared that crews started cleaning work early on the Sunday following the Carnival’s Opening Parade and T-Shirt Mas, systematically clearing all discarded materials from Carnival City and its neighboring areas to restore sanitary conditions before the next event.

The agency also took part in the Opening Parade itself, launching an educational public awareness float focused on vector control. The float carried the theme “Don’t Let Mosquitoes Join the Carnival Celebration,” designed to educate attendees and residents about the importance of mosquito bite prevention and mosquito population control to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases during the large outdoor gathering.

27 7 月, 2026
DAIC hosts networking event to strengthen business connections and growth opportunities

DOMINICA — The Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC) has launched a new era of private sector collaboration, bringing hundreds of local business leaders together for its flagship Networking & Nibbles event on July 24. The gathering marks the first large-scale member engagement initiative led by newly elected DAIC President Olive Strachan MBE and the organization’s incoming Board of Directors, setting the foundation for a renewed strategic vision focused on interconnected growth for Dominica’s business community.

Held in a relaxed, informal setting, the event offered more than just casual relationship-building. It gave attending members and guests the chance to connect with the new leadership team, gain clarity on DAIC’s strategic priorities for the coming term, and form cross-industry partnerships that can drive long-term business expansion. DAIC has publicly thanked primary event hosts Fort Young Hotel and Archipelago Trading Ltd, whose logistical and financial support made the gathering possible.

Speaking to attendees during the event, President Strachan outlined DAIC’s core commitment under her leadership: to deliver tangible, increased value to members by strengthening ties across the private sector and rolling out targeted support for local business growth.

“Our vision is to build a stronger, more connected business community,” Strachan said. “Networking & Nibbles was more than just an event—it was the beginning of a renewed commitment to collaboration, innovation and supporting businesses across Dominica.”

The evening’s agenda also included a dedicated segment for event sponsors, where representatives from supporting organizations shared their insights on the critical role of cross-sector partnerships in driving national economic progress. Speakers included Cedric Charles, Deputy Managing Director of the National Bank of Dominica; Tyrella Alexander, Sales & Marketing Manager of Springfield Trading Ltd; and Natasha Yeeloy Labad, Chief Executive Officer of Outsource Development Services. All three speakers underscored the mutually beneficial relationship between the private sector and DAIC, and reaffirmed their organizations’ ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant, growing business ecosystem across Dominica. DAIC formally recognized all supporting sponsors, including Springfield Trading Ltd, National Bank of Dominica Ltd., Archipelago Trading Ltd and Outsource Development Services, for their contributions to the event’s success.

Beyond networking, the gathering served as a platform to introduce DAIC members to a suite of new and existing initiatives designed to unlock new growth opportunities for local businesses. Members received a comprehensive update on the KARULINK Project, a regional development resourcing initiative funded by Interreg Caribbean that counts DAIC as a core partner. The update covered the project’s core objectives, current implementation progress, and the tangible benefits it can deliver to small and medium enterprises across Dominica and the broader Caribbean region.

DAIC also highlighted its ongoing partnership with the OECS Finance Readiness Programme, a capacity-building initiative tailored to help local businesses strengthen their financial management capabilities, navigate the requirements of formal lending institutions, and improve their access to capital for sustainable expansion.

In one of the event’s key announcements, Strachan revealed a new upcoming partnership with Digicel Dominica focused on advancing digital transformation and cyber security capacity for local businesses. Loren Challenger, Digicel Dominica’s Corporate Account Manager, delivered a preview of the upcoming program, emphasizing that in an increasingly digital business landscape, local firms must embrace innovative digital tools while also putting robust protections in place to counter growing cyber threats.

Looking ahead to the coming months, DAIC has announced a full slate of upcoming activities to advance its renewed member engagement strategy. These include the annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast Forum scheduled for September, the Chamber’s first ever black-tie fundraising and networking gala, and the launch of a new monthly member newsletter that will highlight member achievements, share open business opportunities, circulate official DAIC updates, and distribute key information relevant to local business operators.

As part of its refreshed approach to member outreach, DAIC plans to continue rolling out a diverse portfolio of engagement activities: regular networking mixers, skills-building training workshops, policy-focused breakfast briefings, public-private policy discussions, site visits for business leaders, member spotlight features, and consistent, transparent communications with the business community.

Chamber leadership emphasized that all these initiatives are part of a long-term effort to amplify the private sector’s voice in national policy and contribute to inclusive, sustainable economic development across Dominica.

“This is only the beginning,” Strachan said. “We are committed to creating more opportunities for businesses to connect, learn and grow together, and we look forward to welcoming even more businesses to future Chamber events.”

DAIC’s official press release notes that any local business interested in joining the organization as a member is invited to contact DAIC directly to learn more about membership benefits, upcoming programming, and engagement opportunities.

27 7 月, 2026
Eight Steel Orchestras to Compete in State Insurance Panorama 2026

The highly anticipated 2026 State Insurance Panorama, a cornerstone competition of Antigua Carnival 2026, is set to welcome eight top steel orchestras to Carnival City on Saturday, August 1, as they vie for the coveted national title.

Organized under this year’s Carnival theme “Feel the Rhythm,” the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has now published the full official performance order for the event, offering steelpan fans a first look at what to expect from the night’s lineup. Kicking off the competition will be Harmonites Steel Orchestra, who will take the stage first to perform a rendition of King Swallow’s iconic 1988 classic “Fire in De Back Seat,” arranged by Aubrey “Lacu” Samuel. Closing out the evening of competition will be Halcyon Steel Orchestra, set to deliver a take on Ricardo Drue’s recent hit “Bet,” arranged by Lorenzo Hodge.

A standout feature of this year’s repertoire is the wide span of Antiguan and Barbudan musical history it covers, stretching nearly 40 full years from King Swallow’s 1988 release to Claudette “CP” Peters’ brand new 2026 track “Pan Man Play,” which will be performed by two competing groups. This year’s event also highlights the growing diversity of voices in the steelpan community: Dr. Zahra Lake, arranger and captain of Pandemonium Steel Orchestra, makes history as the only woman holding both leadership roles across all eight participating groups this year. Another key contributor behind the scenes is noted instrument tuner and builder Veron Henry, who has prepared steelpans for six of the eight competing orchestras.

Cleofoster Harris, deputy director of the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, emphasized the unique significance of the annual Panorama event to the nation’s cultural calendar. “Panorama is the one night in the Carnival calendar where the country hears what a full year of work inside a panyard actually sounds like,” Harris explained. Beyond the on-stage performances, the Festivals Commission extended public recognition to every person involved in bringing the competition to life, from lead musicians and arrangers to instrument technicians, captains, and volunteer support teams, thanking them for their year-round dedication to safeguarding and growing Antigua and Barbuda’s beloved steelpan artistic tradition.

The full official performance order for the 2026 State Insurance Panorama is as follows: 1. Harmonites Steel Orchestra performing “Fire in De Back Seat” by King Swallow; 2. West Side Symphony performing “Stand Up for Antigua” by King Onyan; 3. Panache Steel Orchestra performing “Pan Man Play” by Claudette “CP” Peters; 4. Original Steel Orchestra performing “Pan Man Play” by Claudette “CP” Peters; 5. West Indies Oil Company Gemonites Steel Orchestra performing “Bet” by Ricardo Drue; 6. Pandemonium Steel Orchestra performing “Mad Mad Mad” by Claudette “CP” Peters; 7. Caribbean Union Bank Hells Gate Steel Orchestra performing “Bet” by Ricardo Drue; 8. Halcyon Steel Orchestra performing “Bet” by Ricardo Drue.

For attendees planning to attend the event, tickets are priced at EC$40, and are currently available for purchase at official ticket outlets across Antigua and Barbuda, as well as through the official event Ticketing App. The full 2026 Antigua Carnival celebration runs from July 25 to August 4, with Panorama marking one of the festival’s most high-profile annual events.

27 7 月, 2026
Sir McChesney George Student Joins Junior Chef Academy Internship at Galley Bay Resort

A young culinary talent from Antigua and Barbuda has earned a coveted spot in one of the region’s most promising youth hospitality training programs, marking a key step forward for the 2026 iteration of the Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy.

Justine Griffin, a student at Sir McChesney George Secondary School, has been officially introduced as the eighth participant selected for the academy. Over the coming five weeks, she will complete a structured culinary internship at the acclaimed Galley Bay Resort and Spa, where she will work directly under the mentorship of the resort’s experienced Executive Chef Guven Uyanik.

The internship period is scheduled to run from July 13 through August 21, giving Griffin more than a month of immersive, on-the-job learning in a fast-paced professional kitchen environment. During this time, she will not only refine her existing cooking techniques but also gain first-hand insight into kitchen operations, food safety standards, and customer service that can only be learned through hands-on practice, all while receiving guidance from seasoned culinary and hospitality professionals.

The program will wrap up with a high-stakes showcase of the participants’ newly honed skills: a public cook-off competition set to take place between August 25 and 28. This competitive event will be followed by an official closing ceremony on September 3, where achievements will be celebrated and awards will be presented.

At the end of the entire program, one standout participant will be crowned the academy’s Top Junior Chef. This title comes with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: the winner will earn the right to represent Antigua and Barbuda at the 2027 Junior Lit’l Chef Camp hosted in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This international opportunity is made possible through a collaborative partnership between the academy’s organizers and the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association.

Program organizers have emphasized that the core mission of the Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy extends far beyond a single cooking competition. The initiative was created specifically to identify and nurture emerging young culinary talent from local secondary schools, giving participating students access to structured practical training that is rarely available to young learners outside of post-secondary education. It also exposes students to the wide range of career pathways available in the thriving hospitality and tourism sector, a core pillar of Antigua and Barbuda’s national economy.

The 2026 edition of the Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy is jointly presented by three supporting partners: the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, the Ted Isaac Family, and Global Ports Holding, which operates Antigua Cruise Port.

27 7 月, 2026
MP Congratulates Xclusive Ballaz on Gray’s Green Community League Triumph

In a feel-good moment for grassroots football in the region, a sitting Member of Parliament has extended formal congratulations to Xclusive Ballaz, the underdog squad that claimed the top prize at this year’s Gray’s Green Community League.

The annual neighborhood soccer tournament, which brings together amateur teams from across the Gray’s Green surrounding area, wrapped up its final match over the weekend, with Xclusive Ballaz pulling off a hard-fought victory against a more fancied opponent to take home the trophy. The competition, now in its eighth year, has grown into a beloved local tradition, offering recreational players of all ages a platform to showcase their skills and build connections across the community.

In a statement released following the final whistle, the MP highlighted the critical role that community-level sports play in fostering social cohesion, encouraging healthy active lifestyles, and nurturing young athletic talent. They praised the entire Xclusive Ballaz squad for their discipline, teamwork, and consistent performance throughout the tournament, noting that their journey from a relatively untested side to league champions serves as an inspiring example for other amateur athletes across the area.

The MP also extended recognition to the tournament organizers and all participating teams for their work in making this year’s Gray’s Green Community League a success, calling attention to the volunteer effort that goes into running the annual event. Representatives of Xclusive Ballaz have said the team plans to hold a small celebration with local residents in the coming days to share their win with the community that supported them throughout the competition.

27 7 月, 2026
Dominica looks to build on record cruise season with stakeholders meeting

A three-day gathering focused on advancing Dominica’s cruise tourism sector, the Business Cruise Stakeholders Symposium, kicked off on Monday at the Goodwill Parish Hall, bringing together local industry players and leading global cruise sector experts. Hosted jointly by the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) and the island nation’s Ministry of Tourism, the event will run daily from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

The symposium comes on the heels of Dominica’s most successful cruise season in history, a milestone that delivered impressive growth for the country’s key tourism sector. Monelle Alexis, the DDA’s communication and public relations specialist, shared that the just-concluded season drew nearly 410,000 passengers across 250 vessels calling at the island’s ports, a figure that set a new benchmark for Dominica’s cruise industry.

Against this backdrop of historic success, local tourism leaders organized the symposium to translate this momentum into long-term, sustainable growth for the sector. Alexis noted that the event intentionally brings together a diverse mix of participants: local on-the-ground tourism operators, regional tourism bodies, and top international cruise industry analysts and strategists. Over the three days, attendees will engage in structured discussions on three core priority areas: rapidly shifting global cruise trends, evolving demands and expectations of modern cruise visitors, and actionable strategies to solidify and expand Dominica’s competitive standing in the fast-growing Caribbean cruise tourism market.

Organizers have explicitly called on all local stakeholders that interact with cruise visitors to participate in the event, including tour operators, taxi service providers, local goods vendors, managers of tourist attractions, and any other business partners that contribute to the cruise visitor experience. The inclusive approach to participation is designed to ensure that all segments of Dominica’s tourism ecosystem align on shared goals to boost visitor satisfaction and drive greater economic returns from cruise tourism.

27 7 月, 2026