Carib Scope

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  • Phase One of $55M Runway Rehabilitation Completed at VC Bird International Airport

    Phase One of $55M Runway Rehabilitation Completed at VC Bird International Airport

    The V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua and Barbuda has achieved a significant advancement in its infrastructure modernization with the successful completion of the initial phase of a comprehensive $55 million airfield rehabilitation project. This development, finalized on February 13, 2026, represents a critical step in transforming the nation’s primary aviation gateway.

    Initiated in late August 2025, the ambitious eight-phase program is being executed through a collaborative partnership between Akon Company Limited and Kelly Construction. The project’s primary objective is to align the airport’s facilities with stringent International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards while enhancing operational capabilities for modern aircraft.

    The completed first phase has delivered substantial infrastructure improvements including the construction of a 7,420-square-meter turning bay, installation of a new blast pad, creation of a runway end safety area, and development of a service road at the runway’s terminus. These enhancements have significantly upgraded the airport’s capacity to accommodate larger, faster aircraft with improved safety protocols.

    Notably, the upgraded facilities now enable the airport to handle long-range aircraft such as the Airbus A350-900, which possesses a remarkable range capability of nearly 16,000 kilometers. This expansion in operational capacity positions Antigua and Barbuda as a more competitive destination in the Caribbean aviation market.

    Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Charles Fernandez recently conducted an inspection tour of the upgraded facilities. Airport authorities have expressed strong confidence that subsequent phases will be completed ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled for November 1-4, 2026, in Antigua.

    The comprehensive rehabilitation initiative is projected to substantially boost operational efficiency, strengthen confidence among international aviation partners, and ensure continuous compliance with global aviation standards, ultimately reinforcing Antigua and Barbuda’s position in the international travel industry.

  • Nobu Hospitality Announces Nobu Beach Inn, Barbuda

    Nobu Hospitality Announces Nobu Beach Inn, Barbuda

    Nobu Hospitality, the premium lifestyle brand co-founded by Hollywood icon Robert De Niro, has revealed comprehensive development plans for its newest venture: the Nobu Beach Inn at The Beach Club, Barbuda. This announcement marks a significant expansion of De Niro’s three-decade vision for the Caribbean island, following the successful 2020 launch of the Nobu Barbuda beach restaurant.

    Developed in collaboration with partners James Packer and Daniel Shamoon, the project redefines barefoot luxury across a 400-acre, low-density coastal sanctuary. The design philosophy emphasizes seamless integration with the natural environment, utilizing sustainable materials and single-story bungalows connected by sand pathways to preserve the landscape’s pristine beauty.

    The resort will feature 36 bedrooms distributed across 17 private villas, complemented by extensive amenities including a beach club, oceanfront pool, comprehensive spa facilities, children’s club, outdoor cinema, multiple sports courts, and a dedicated gym pavilion. Culinary offerings will extend beyond the signature Nobu restaurant to include an oceanfront grill highlighting local seafood and an exclusive omakase sushi bar.

    A fully equipped water sports center will provide guests with dinghy sailing, kite surfing, and water skiing, while sailboats and motor yachts will be available for offshore excursions. The property will host rotating visiting experts including wellness practitioners, DJs, and chefs to create dynamic guest experiences.

    The development also introduces 25 beachfront residences starting at $12 million USD, offering turnkey ownership with optional participation in the resort’s rental program. These customizable four- and five-bedroom bungalows provide direct access to all resort amenities while maintaining private pool and garden spaces.

    Enhanced accessibility follows the recent opening of Burton Nibbs International Airport, which provides private jet access and streamlined inter-island transfers. The property is approximately a ten-minute helicopter journey from Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport, which maintains regular flights from major North American and European cities.

    Construction is scheduled for completion in late 2026, representing De Niro’s deeply personal commitment to preserving Barbuda’s status as one of the Caribbean’s last unspoiled destinations.

  • Iwokrama, Guyana Tourism Authority ink accord to promote tourism development in Region 9.

    Iwokrama, Guyana Tourism Authority ink accord to promote tourism development in Region 9.

    In a landmark move for sustainable tourism development, the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development has formalized a collaborative partnership with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding. This strategic alliance, announced on February 19, 2026, aims to accelerate tourism growth in Guyana’s North Rupununi area (Region 9) through comprehensive capacity building, market development, and sustainable product enhancement.

    The agreement establishes a community tourism training institute at the Iwokrama River Lodge, creating an educational hub for developing professional expertise across various tourism disciplines. This initiative represents a significant advancement in Guyana’s community-based tourism infrastructure, combining conservation excellence with economic development.

    Iwokrama CEO Dane Gobin emphasized the alignment between both organizations’ operational objectives, noting the Centre’s unique position as “the only internationally certified area for Recreational Services in the region.” This certification includes the prestigious Good Travel Seal, initially awarded in 2023 and successfully renewed in 2026 following demonstrated commitments to sustainability benchmarks.

    GTA Director Kamrul Baksh characterized the partnership as a crucial step in strengthening Guyana’s global positioning as a premier nature-based tourism destination. “This reflects our shared commitment to sustainable tourism development that protects our natural heritage while creating meaningful opportunities for communities and visitors alike,” Baksh stated.

    The collaboration builds upon Guyana’s remarkable tourism performance, which recorded 34,923 visitor arrivals in January 2026 alone—a 17.2% increase compared to January 2025, representing the highest January arrivals in the nation’s history. This growth trajectory underscores Guyana’s emerging status as a leading ecotourism destination.

    Established in 1996 through a joint initiative of the Guyanese government and Commonwealth Secretariat, the Iwokrama International Centre manages 371,000 hectares of protected rainforest with a mandate to generate ecological, economic, and social benefits for both local communities and the international community. The GTA operates as a semi-autonomous governmental entity focused on developing sustainable tourism that maximizes socio-economic benefits while preserving Guyana’s natural and cultural heritage.

  • Wood, Massy and Tagman launch new joint-venture business in Guyana

    Wood, Massy and Tagman launch new joint-venture business in Guyana

    In a significant development for Guyana’s burgeoning energy industry, three major firms—Wood, Massy, and Tagman—have officially established a new joint-venture operating company named WMT Guyana. The announcement, made on February 19, 2026, reveals a strategic partnership where Guyanese consultancy Tagman Inc. holds a controlling 51% stake, emphasizing the venture’s commitment to local leadership.

    The collaboration unites Wood’s global engineering prowess, Massy’s regional operational strength, and Tagman’s three decades of in-country expertise. WMT Guyana will specialize in engineering-led studies, brownfield maintenance, modifications, and early-phase project solutions tailored for Guyana’s specific market needs. This fusion of international standards with deep regional knowledge aims to provide stability and confidence for energy sector clients operating in the country.

    Executive leadership from all three companies expressed strong confidence in the venture. Alex Graham, CEO of Tagman Inc., described it as a “long-term commitment to building a strong, locally anchored operating company.” Vaughn Martin, Group Executive Vice President of Massy Group, characterized the partnership as a “natural progression” for serving Guyana’s expanding energy sector. Jason Mohan of Wood highlighted the venture’s focus on “safe, high-quality and predictable delivery” backed by global technical expertise.

    The new entity will absorb the existing Massy Wood Guyana joint venture, signaling a consolidation of resources and capabilities. Company representatives emphasized their commitment to developing local talent and building a robust, Guyanese-driven supply chain as part of their investment in the country’s energy future.

  • AUA Parts Ways With Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (Antigua) Vernon Solomon

    AUA Parts Ways With Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (Antigua) Vernon Solomon

    In a significant executive reshuffle, the American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine has officially severed ties with its Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Vernon Solomon. The separation marks a pivotal moment in the institution’s operational leadership, though the specific catalysts behind this corporate decision remain formally undisclosed.

    The university administration has moved swiftly to address the vacuum in its executive hierarchy, initiating an immediate search for a successor to steward its Antigua-based operations. This transition occurs as AUA continues to fortify its position within the competitive landscape of Caribbean medical education, serving a substantial cohort of international students.

    Industry analysts are scrutinizing the potential implications of this high-profile departure on AUA’s institutional strategy and day-to-day governance. Executive changes of this magnitude within academic organizations often signal broader strategic realignments, potentially affecting operational protocols, stakeholder relationships, and long-term institutional planning.

    The broader academic and medical education sectors are observing this development with keen interest, given AUA’s established role in training physicians for the global market. The incoming operational leadership will inherit the challenges and opportunities of an evolving educational environment, including technological integration and changing accreditation standards.

  • High Court dismisses ECCO’s claim, ECCO ordered to pay Government EC $10,000 in costs

    High Court dismisses ECCO’s claim, ECCO ordered to pay Government EC $10,000 in costs

    In a decisive legal ruling, the High Court of Saint Kitts and Nevis has comprehensively dismissed the constitutional challenge brought by the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO) Inc. against the nation’s newly established copyright regulatory framework. The court delivered its final judgment on Thursday, February 19, 2026, ordering ECCO to pay the government EC$10,000 in legal costs.

    The legal dispute centered on the Copyright Act No. 14 of 2024 and its accompanying Copyright (Collective Management Organisations) Regulations, 2024, which establish a comprehensive system for authorizing and overseeing collective management organizations operating within the federation. The government implemented this regulatory regime to enhance transparency, accountability, and protection for both promoters and creative professionals.

    ECCO’s legal action sought multiple forms of relief, including a declaration that section 4(6) of the Regulations exceeded the authority granted by the parent Copyright Act. The organization additionally argued that the absence of transitional provisions in section 4 violated their legitimate expectations and requested an order of certiorari to invalidate the contested regulatory section.

    The court rejected all aspects of ECCO’s claim, affirming that the Regulations were properly enacted within the scope of authority granted by the Copyright Act. This ruling represents a significant validation of the government’s approach to regulating copyright collective management organizations.

    Legal representation for the government was provided by Solicitor General Simone Bullen-Thompson, while ECCO was represented by attorney Dane Victor Elliott-Hamilton. The judgment follows a previous interim ruling from June 2025, where ECCO similarly lost its bid for an interim injunction against the regulations.

  • St. Kitts, Nevis to introduce biometric data collection for citizenship applicants

    St. Kitts, Nevis to introduce biometric data collection for citizenship applicants

    In a landmark policy shift, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis will implement mandatory biometric data collection for all applicants to its Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) beginning Q1 2026. This sweeping reform represents the most significant modernization of the four-decade-old program in its history, directly impacting thousands of current applicants and existing citizenship holders, including a substantial demographic of dual nationals residing in the Gulf region.

    The biometric verification requirement forms the cornerstone of a comprehensive restructuring designed to align the program with international border security standards practiced by the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom. According to official statements from the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Unit, the enhancements are necessary to address growing global scrutiny of investor citizenship schemes and to reinforce the program’s credibility among international partners and financial institutions.

    Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew emphasized that the reforms aim to strengthen due diligence procedures and ensure the program continues to fulfill evolving international expectations. The revised framework will place greater emphasis on establishing ‘genuine links’ to the nation, moving beyond purely financial contributions to assess deeper engagement metrics for applicants.

    For investors based in the Gulf, the changes signal a new era of compliance requirements. Industry analysts anticipate the introduction of additional procedural steps will extend processing timelines, though the strengthened compliance framework is expected to bolster the program’s long-term viability and international acceptance. Detailed guidance regarding biometric collection facilities in key investor markets, including the Gulf region, will be issued prior to the rollout.

    The policy evolution reflects a broader challenge for nations operating citizenship investment programs: balancing market competitiveness against increasingly stringent regulatory thresholds. For prospective applicants, this shift necessitates strategic planning that incorporates physical presence considerations and potential business operational commitments alongside financial investments.

  • ABLP Hosts St. Philip’s North Town Hall Tonight

    ABLP Hosts St. Philip’s North Town Hall Tonight

    The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) is set to host a pivotal town hall meeting for residents of the St. Philip’s North constituency this evening. This event forms a key component of the party’s broader public engagement strategy, designed to foster direct dialogue between constituents and their political representatives. The forum will provide a platform for the community to voice concerns, pose questions, and discuss pressing local and national issues directly with party officials. Such gatherings are instrumental in the democratic process, allowing for the exchange of ideas and ensuring that the electorate’s priorities are heard and understood. The town hall is expected to cover a wide array of topics, potentially including infrastructure, social programs, economic development, and other policy matters relevant to the constituency. The outcome of this direct engagement is likely to inform the party’s approach and agenda in the region leading up to the next electoral cycle.

  • Nestor breaks 48-year-old school record

    Nestor breaks 48-year-old school record

    In a historic moment for collegiate basketball, University of North Texas senior Megan Nestor has demolished a nearly half-century-old rebounding record with at least four games remaining in the regular season. The 6-foot-4 center from the coastal village of Canaries, Saint Lucia, achieved her 17th double-double of the season during Tuesday night’s dominant 84-54 victory over the University of Alabama-Birmingham at the Super Pit arena.

    Nestor entered the contest requiring just six rebounds to surpass Sharon Shelton’s longstanding record of 364 boards set in 1978. She accomplished this milestone early in the third quarter and finished with an impressive 14 rebounds alongside 16 points on exceptional shooting efficiency—making all nine field goal attempts and converting a perfect 7-7 from the free-throw line. The celebration became particularly memorable as Nestor’s mother was present to witness her daughter’s extraordinary achievement.

    The record-breaking performance places Nestor among elite company in NCAA women’s basketball. Maintaining her current pace would make her only the third player since the 2019-20 season to average 14+ rebounds per game, joining Angel Reese (LSU) and Lauren Gustin (BYU) in this exclusive category. Furthermore, she is positioned to challenge the American Conference’s single-season rebounding record of 418 set by South Florida’s Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu in 2023.

    Nestor’s consistency has been remarkable, with double-digit performances in points and rebounds in 12 of her last 13 games. Her 17 double-doubles place her just one behind the current national leaders.

    Reflecting on her journey from NAIA competition, Nestor expressed both surprise and satisfaction: ‘Coming from the NAIA level, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to do it. It feels really special. Being recognized and doing what I’m doing with my team just means a lot to me.’

    The Mean Green (15-11, 9-5 American) have found their rhythm with four victories in their recent outings, including three consecutive wins at home. The team delivered a comprehensive performance against UAB, with five players scoring in double figures while the defense limited opponents to 54 points and forced 19 turnovers. North Texas also matched its season-best with only six turnovers and played a flawless second half without a single giveaway.

  • Bipartisan Tribute Marks 50 Years of Parliamentary Service by Sir Robin Yearwood

    Bipartisan Tribute Marks 50 Years of Parliamentary Service by Sir Robin Yearwood

    In an unprecedented display of cross-party unity, the Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda convened a special session on Wednesday to commemorate the golden jubilee of Sir Robin Yearwood’s parliamentary service—a landmark achievement in Caribbean political history. The ceremony, presided over by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Prime Minister Gaston Browne, transcended political divisions to honor a career spanning five decades of uninterrupted democratic service.

    Governor General Williams, drawing from his own parliamentary experience, articulated the extraordinary significance of fifty consecutive years in elected office. “This milestone represents more than longevity; it embodies generations of consistent public trust,” he remarked, highlighting the exceptional discipline and resilience required to maintain such service. Williams emphasized Yearwood’s role as a living repository of institutional knowledge, having guided the nation through pivotal moments from pre-Independence governance to modern statehood.

    Prime Minister Browne delivered a comprehensive tribute, characterizing Yearwood as a foundational pillar of the nation’s political architecture. “Eleven consecutive electoral victories since 1976 testify not merely to political skill, but to profound integrity and unwavering dedication,” Browne stated. He detailed Yearwood’s extensive ministerial portfolio—spanning agriculture, aviation, public utilities, and finance—and his service as both Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, illustrating a career dedicated to multifaceted national development.

    The Prime Minister particularly highlighted Yearwood’s distinctive approach to constituency representation. For half a century, his Willikies residence functioned as an informal community center, symbolizing his philosophy of accessible, personal governance. This deep connection with constituents in St. Philip’s established him as both political representative and community patriarch.

    The parliamentary tributes culminated in Yearwood’s announcement of his retirement, closing what Browne described as “a remarkable chapter in our nation’s political narrative.” The Prime Minister extended gratitude to Yearwood’s family for their five decades of sacrifice, noting that his retirement “crowns rather than diminishes” an extraordinary legacy.

    This celebration transcends mere political ceremony, serving as a national recognition of how democratic institutions are strengthened through sustained service, principled leadership, and unwavering commitment to public good.