Antigua and Barbuda has been shortlisted for the prestigious title of Caribbean’s Best Cruise Destination at the 5th Annual World Cruise Awards 2025. The announcement, made by Antigua Cruise Port, highlights the nation’s dedication to providing exceptional experiences for cruise passengers. The nomination is a testament to the efforts of destination ambassadors who have played a pivotal role in enhancing the visitor experience. The public is now being urged to cast their votes before the November 16, 2025 deadline. A statement from the organization emphasized, ‘Let’s unite and show the world why Antigua & Barbuda continues to shine as a premier Caribbean cruise destination,’ while expressing gratitude to supporters for their unwavering trust in the country’s tourism industry. This recognition underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to maintaining its status as a top-tier destination in the global cruise market.
作者： admin
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Man vuurt schoten af op echtgenote
A domestic dispute turned violent in Bomapolder, Series 11, when a 57-year-old man fired multiple shots from a hunting rifle towards his wife during a heated argument on the morning of November 15 at approximately 9:30 AM. The altercation, reportedly stemming from ongoing marital issues, took a dangerous turn as the bullets missed their intended target and instead struck two nearby homes and a parked vehicle, leaving visible bullet marks. Authorities responded swiftly to the scene, apprehending the suspect and confiscating the firearm for further investigation. Preliminary reports indicate that the incident was motivated by a family-related dispute. The police are continuing their investigation to uncover further details surrounding the case.
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COMMENTARY: The 1974 regional cadet camp at Londonderry, Dominica – A triumph of Caribbean unity and youth leadership
In the 1970s, as the Caribbean navigated its post-colonial identity, the 1974 Regional Cadet Camp at Londonderry Regional Youth Camp in Dominica emerged as a beacon of discipline, cooperation, and regional unity. This historic event brought together the Combermere School Cadet Unit of Barbados, led by Lieutenant Deighton Maynard, and the Dominica Cadet Corps Band, under the leadership of Major Lyndon Earle Johnson. The camp showcased not only military precision but also the shared Caribbean ideals of fraternity and service. Major Johnson’s organizational brilliance and Lieutenant Maynard’s charisma created an environment of efficiency and camaraderie, fostering cultural exchange and lifelong bonds. Despite logistical challenges posed by the global oil crisis, the camp succeeded, leaving an indelible mark on participants. Decades later, a 2021 Zoom reunion highlighted the enduring impact of the camp, with former cadets reflecting on its role in shaping their leadership and character. The event also celebrated trailblazers like Margot Greene, the first female cadet, who symbolized the expanding role of women in leadership. The 1974 Londonderry Camp remains a proud chapter in Caribbean history, embodying unity, discipline, and shared destiny.
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Een tijdloos Tibet: het verhaal van het Potala Palace
In a groundbreaking fusion of technology and culture, participants of the China International Press Communication Center 2025 Program were transported to the iconic Potala Palace in Tibet—without leaving Beijing. Through the immersive power of virtual reality (VR), they embarked on a journey that transcended time and space, offering a vivid glimpse into the rich heritage of Tibetan Buddhism. The experience, facilitated by VR headsets, allowed participants to explore the palace’s intricate architecture, stunning murals, and serene landscapes, all while standing in a 15-by-5-meter room in the heart of Beijing. The virtual tour began with a breathtaking view of snow-capped mountains, leading to the discovery of the palace perched high above the Lhasa Valley. Guided by a priestess in a vibrant red robe, participants navigated through the White and Red Palaces, marveled at ancient murals, and even floated above a desert landscape. The experience culminated in a spiritual moment, where participants held glowing orbs symbolizing their wishes and prayers. This innovative use of VR not only preserves cultural heritage but also transforms it into an engaging, interactive experience, far removed from traditional history lessons. The Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, remains a testament to Tibetan, Chinese, and Indian architectural brilliance. This virtual journey highlights the potential of technology to make history accessible and captivating for future generations.
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Dominican endocrinologist urges personal responsibility in fight against diabetes
Dr. Natasha Maxime-Esprit, an endocrinologist with Dominica’s Ministry of Health, has issued a compelling call to action for citizens to take greater personal responsibility for their health. Speaking at the Dominica Diabetes Association Conference on November 14, 2025, in recognition of World Diabetes Day, Dr. Maxime-Esprit emphasized the critical role of individual accountability in combating diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Since joining the Ministry in 2022, she has been at the forefront of efforts to prevent, diagnose, and manage endocrine disorders, with diabetes accounting for 75% of her caseload. Each month, she consults with 200 to 300 patients across Dominica, ranging from a three-year-old with type 1 diabetes to a 93-year-old with type 2 diabetes. Dr. Maxime-Esprit underscored that diabetes does not discriminate by age or gender, affecting individuals across all demographics. Her presentation, titled ‘A Call to Personal Responsibility,’ highlighted the importance of knowing one’s health status and making proactive choices. She shared a poignant case of a 35-year-old woman who presented with blurry vision and severe headaches, only to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. The patient, who had not undergone blood tests since age 18, had been unknowingly diabetic for at least three months, with lifestyle factors exacerbating her condition. Over the past five years, Dominica has recorded approximately 531 new cases of type 2 diabetes, with women constituting the majority and the youngest patient being just 15 years old. The Ministry of Health has ramped up its efforts against NCDs, expanding free specialized clinics, nutrition services, and screening programs. However, Dr. Maxime-Esprit stressed that medical interventions alone are insufficient. She identified unhealthy lifestyles, disregard for health when feeling well, and non-compliance with prescribed treatment as major contributors to diabetes complications, all of which hinge on individual choices. She urged citizens to take simple steps such as regular health checks, purchasing home monitoring devices, and setting aside funds for preventive care. The young woman in the case study is now responding well to treatment, having embraced lifestyle changes and medical guidance. Dr. Maxime-Esprit concluded with a hopeful message, affirming that diabetes is not a death sentence and can be managed with early detection and personal responsibility.
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Wickham: Opposition on backfoot after Pierre’s early election call
In a surprising move, St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has announced a general election for December 1, nearly a year ahead of schedule. This decision has sparked widespread discussion, particularly from political analyst Peter Wickham, who initially predicted Pierre would delay the election until the completion of a major hospital project. Wickham, a prominent regional pollster and director of Caribbean Development Research Services (CADRES), described the Prime Minister’s decision as an act of ‘political bravery,’ potentially catching the opposition off guard. The governing Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) and the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) are now locked in a heated debate over the hospital’s completion status, with Wickham suggesting Pierre’s timing reflects a strategic assessment of political advantage. UWP leader Allen Chastanet has dismissed claims of unpreparedness, asserting his party’s readiness for the contest. However, Wickham noted that the early election disrupts the opposition’s usual regrouping rhythm, giving the incumbent SLP a potential edge. Historically, early elections in the Caribbean have often signaled government instability, but Wickham emphasized that Pierre’s move appears driven by confidence in his advantageous position. The upcoming election marks a critical test for St. Lucia’s political landscape, as no party has secured consecutive terms in over two decades. Wickham highlighted Pierre’s strong position, citing his decisive 2021 victory and the public’s apparent desire for stability. Meanwhile, the UWP, despite its 2021 defeat, has rebuilt its roster with 12 new candidates, a move Wickham credited to Chastanet’s leadership. Nevertheless, the UWP faces significant challenges, including limited voter familiarity with its new candidates. Wickham refrained from predicting the election outcome, noting the short campaign period and the dynamic nature of the race.
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PM Says New Crane Marks Major Step Toward Transshipment Hub
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has heralded the commissioning of a state-of-the-art cargo-handling crane at the Deepwater Harbour as a pivotal milestone in Antigua and Barbuda’s ambitious plan to establish itself as a regional transshipment hub. The new crane, Browne emphasized, is not merely an operational enhancement but a strategic investment in the nation’s future, symbolizing the government’s dedication to modernization, competitiveness, and global connectivity. This development follows an estimated EC$500 million investment in modernizing both cargo and cruise ports over recent years. The prime minister highlighted that the crane will significantly boost cargo-handling capacity, streamline turnaround times, and enhance the reliability of port operations. These improvements are expected to facilitate business operations, benefiting importers, exporters, and local entrepreneurs through faster and more efficient services. Browne articulated a broader vision of transforming Antigua and Barbuda into a premier regional transshipment port, leveraging expanded capabilities, cutting-edge technology, and robust logistics infrastructure to attract major shipping lines. Increased cargo volumes are anticipated to reduce freight and handling costs, thereby lowering the overall cost of doing business. The government also foresees heightened revenues from taxes, fees, and port-related services as transshipment activities grow. Additionally, the initiative is projected to generate employment opportunities for technicians, engineers, logistics specialists, and young professionals entering the maritime sector. Beyond the port, Browne envisions the burgeoning maritime economy spurring new industries such as bunkering, ship repair, marine supplies, and warehousing. He concluded that the transformation of the port into a transshipment hub will serve as a major driver of national economic growth and a significant contributor to the country’s GDP. The crane, Browne declared, stands as a “symbol of progress,” signaling Antigua and Barbuda’s readiness to thrive in a competitive global environment.
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Light & Power crew assisting Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
In a remarkable display of Caribbean solidarity, the Barbados Light & Power Company Ltd (Light & Power) has swiftly responded to the urgent appeal from the Jamaica Power Service Company Ltd (JPS) in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which caused extensive power outages across Jamaica. Leveraging the CARILEC Disaster Assistance Program (CDAP), Light & Power dispatched a proficient five-member team to assist in the restoration of electricity in the affected regions. The crew, led by Distribution Supervisor Eddie Cummings and including linemen Omar Bowen, Mustafa Haqq, Patrice Vache, and Kurt Vidal, embarked on their mission from Barbados on November 12. Over the next three weeks, they will collaborate with local teams to restore power in St James, one of the parishes most severely impacted by the hurricane. At a send-off ceremony, Light & Power’s Managing Director Roger Blackman and Vice President of Operations Johann Greaves lauded the volunteers for their dedication and stressed the importance of safety and adherence to protocols in the challenging conditions they will face. Blackman expressed gratitude on behalf of Light & Power and CARILEC, highlighting the significance of regional cooperation during crises. Greaves echoed these sentiments, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to represent both the company and Barbados with pride. This initiative underscores the critical role of collaborative efforts among CARILEC members, an association of electric utility providers across the Caribbean and the Americas, in addressing natural disasters. By sharing resources and expertise, these organizations aim to expedite recovery, strengthen infrastructure, and deliver essential support when it is most needed.
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Trump’s “Sort of” Made up His Mind on Venezuela Action
President Donald Trump has indicated that he has ‘sort of’ made a decision regarding the U.S. approach to Venezuela, though he remains tight-lipped about the specifics. Speaking to CBS News aboard Air Force One, Trump revealed that his administration is actively considering various military options. These include land-based strikes and other operations targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is accused by the U.S. of supporting armed criminal gangs involved in drug trafficking.
Over the past two months, U.S. forces have conducted strikes on at least 21 vessels, resulting in the deaths of over 80 suspected traffickers. Despite these actions, several Western European governments have expressed skepticism, stating they have yet to see concrete evidence directly linking Maduro to cartel operations.
The situation has further intensified with the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the U.S. Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier, to the Caribbean. This move is part of a broader military buildup in the region, which now includes destroyers, warplanes, and special operations units. According to CNN, the U.S. military presence in the area has surpassed 15,000 personnel.
In response to the growing U.S. military footprint, Maduro has ordered a nationwide military mobilization. This escalation underscores the heightened tensions between the two nations and raises concerns about the potential for further conflict.
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Voting now open for the Dominica Music Awards 2025
The Dominica Music Awards (DMA) 2025 has officially launched its public voting phase, inviting music enthusiasts from Dominica and beyond to participate in recognizing the island’s most talented artists, producers, and creative professionals. Scheduled for January 3, 2026, at the prestigious InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, the event promises to be a landmark celebration of musical innovation, cultural heritage, and artistic achievement. Organized by Creole Heartbeat, the DMA aims to elevate Dominican music on both regional and global stages while fostering economic growth within the creative sector. Fans can now cast their votes through the official online portal, which offers a straightforward and transparent process. The awards feature 23 diverse categories, including Bouyon Artist of the Year, Soca Artist of the Year, and Reggae/Dancehall Artist of the Year, alongside Special Awards of Honor for lifetime achievements and cultural contributions. The DMA not only highlights artistic excellence but also underscores the vital role of music in shaping Dominica’s cultural identity and national development.