作者： admin

Champions League Qualifiers : A Cuban coach for our U-20 Grenadiers

In a strategic move to bolster its youth football program, the Haitian Football Federation (FHF) has announced the appointment of Cuban tactician Raúl Valentín González Triana as head coach of the U-20 men’s national team. This decision comes as Haiti prepares for the CONCACAF Champions League qualifiers, which serve as a gateway to three prestigious international tournaments: the 2027 FIFA World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, the 2026 Pan American Games in the Dominican Republic, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

González Triana, a 58-year-old former defender with extensive coaching experience, brings a proven track record of international success. He previously made history by qualifying Cuba’s U-20 team for the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup—the country’s first appearance in the tournament. His technical staff will include Baltimore SC coach Ernso Datus as technical assistant and fellow Cuban José Manuel Morejón Rodríguez as physical conditioning coach.

The Haitian Grenadiers are positioned in Group D alongside Curaçao, Guyana, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Anguilla. All preliminary matches will be contested at the Estadio Rinaldo Jean Francisca in Willemstad, Curaçao, between February 23 and March 4, 2026. Haiti’s campaign begins on February 26 against Anguilla, followed by fixtures against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (February 28), Guyana (March 2), and concludes with a crucial encounter against Curaçao on March 4.

Team preparation has already commenced with a comprehensive scouting initiative targeting emerging talent within the Haitian Football League (LHF). The selected squad will undergo intensive training to secure top position in their group, which would advance them to the championship qualifiers scheduled for July 25 to August 9, 2026, where they will compete for placement in FIFA’s premier international competitions.

8 2 月, 2026
Parker Says DNA Was Founded to Elevate Policy Politics, Not Split Opposition Votes

Malaka Parker, former senator and prominent community activist, has publicly clarified the founding principles of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), asserting that the movement was established to transform Antigua and Barbuda’s political landscape through policy-centered discourse rather than to fragment opposition voting blocs.

In a comprehensive interview with Twin Island Media Live, Parker addressed what she characterized as widespread misinterpretation of the DNA’s origins. She revealed that the movement emerged from strategic deliberations among seasoned political figures seeking to fundamentally alter both the tone and substance of national politics. The initiative aimed to shift political engagement from personality-driven conflicts toward development-oriented policy debates, responding to evident public dissatisfaction with confrontational political culture.

Parker clarified her foundational role within the organization, noting that she didn’t merely join the DNA but co-founded the movement and played an instrumental role in developing its policy framework and manifesto. These documents were specifically designed to present voters with a substantive alternative to conventional political approaches.

While acknowledging that the DNA subsequently experienced significant directional shifts resulting in internal disagreements and her eventual departure, Parker maintained that these developments shouldn’t overshadow the movement’s original purpose. She explicitly rejected allegations that the DNA was created to undermine the United Progressive Party (UPP), emphasizing that founding discussions focused exclusively on political engagement reform rather than electoral outcome manipulation.

Regarding her later decision to rejoin the UPP, Parker explained this transition was principles-based, contending that political movements should ultimately be evaluated on their capacity to promote governmental accountability, policy coherence, and sustainable national development.

8 2 月, 2026
ABLP Launches Search for Miss St. George 2026 Contestants

The St. George’s Constituency Branch of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party has initiated its selection process for the upcoming 2026 Labour Queen Pageant, marking the beginning of preparations for the national event. Community organizers are actively seeking accomplished young women from the St. George’s area to compete for the prestigious Miss St. George 2026 title, which serves as the constituency’s official representation in the national competition.

Prospective candidates are invited to participate in a comprehensive screening event scheduled for February 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Potters Primary School. The selection committee has established specific eligibility criteria, requiring applicants to be female residents of the St. George’s Constituency between the ages of 18 and 26. Ideal candidates should possess exceptional communication abilities, demonstrated leadership capabilities, and a proven track record of community engagement.

The evaluation process will consist of multiple components including a personal interview, talent presentation, swimwear segment, and an instructional preparatory session. Applicants are advised to present themselves professionally and are required to bring a brief biographical summary to the screening. The Miss St. George competition has historically served as a significant platform for showcasing local talent while promoting community pride and civic responsibility among young women.

Additional details regarding participation requirements and application procedures can be obtained by contacting the organizing committee at 776-2705. The initiative represents an important tradition within the constituency’s cultural calendar, providing opportunities for personal development and community representation ahead of the national Labour Queen Pageant.

8 2 月, 2026
PHOTOS: National Clean-Up Drive Continues in Bendals

The National Solid Waste Management Authority has intensified its comprehensive environmental restoration campaign in the Bendals community, executing large-scale debris removal and vegetation management operations. This coordinated effort represents a critical component of the nation’s broader initiative to enhance public safety and ecological conditions throughout residential areas.

Crews equipped with specialized machinery are systematically clearing accumulated waste and overgrown foliage that had previously created potential safety hazards and environmental concerns. The operation addresses both immediate visual pollution and longer-term public health considerations, transforming neglected spaces into properly maintained community assets.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to implementing sustainable waste management solutions while simultaneously improving quality of life for residents. The restoration project not only eliminates breeding grounds for vectors of disease but also reestablishes a sense of civic pride and environmental responsibility within the community.

Local authorities have coordinated with community leaders to ensure the cleanup addresses specific neighborhood concerns while establishing protocols for ongoing maintenance. The transformation demonstrates how strategic environmental management can simultaneously achieve practical safety improvements and aesthetic enhancements, creating models for similar initiatives nationwide.

8 2 月, 2026
Teruggeroepen Nutrilon-batches ook in Suriname, overheid monitort situatie

The Surinamese government has officially confirmed that specific batches of Nutrilon infant formula, subject to an international voluntary recall, entered the country through standard distribution channels. This development follows a product safety initiative by manufacturer Danone in coordination with the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).

The recall was triggered by recently updated safety standards from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concerning cereulide, a toxic substance that can develop in food products under certain conditions. While the recall primarily targeted the Dutch market, subsequent investigations revealed that affected products had reached Surinamese retailers through regular import channels.

Suriname’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation, working through its Food Safety Authority (VWA), has initiated comprehensive monitoring of the situation. Authorities emphasize that no health incidents or adverse effects have been reported within the country to date. The current measures are described as precautionary, implemented to safeguard infant and young children’s health and safety.

Government officials maintain detailed information about the involved distribution parties and are collaborating with relevant agencies to ensure close surveillance. Health authorities are advising parents and caregivers to remain vigilant and contact retailers or appropriate government agencies if they possess potentially affected products.

The public can access the complete list of recalled Nutrilon batches through official government channels, including a dedicated downloadable document detailing the specific products involved in the safety initiative.

8 2 月, 2026
OP-ED: Cuba and the moral cost of global silence

The Caribbean region faces a critical test of solidarity as Cuba grapples with intensified US economic sanctions that have escalated into a full-scale humanitarian crisis. In late January 2026, the United States formally designated Cuba as an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to its national security, implementing measures that severely restrict the island nation’s access to essential oil supplies. This development represents the latest escalation in a six-decade economic embargo that began following the Cuban Revolution of 1959.

The consequences of these sanctions are immediate and severe. With Venezuela’s oil shipments halted after US intervention removed President Nicolas Maduro, and other suppliers like Mexico facing economic retaliation threats, Cuba’s energy infrastructure faces collapse. The fuel shortage has triggered widespread blackouts, paralyzed water systems, compromised medical equipment in hospitals, and created critical shortages of basic necessities. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has consistently condemned these measures while maintaining openness to diplomatic dialogue.

Despite Cuba’s remarkable social achievements—including life expectancy rates comparable to the US and lower child mortality rates than many wealthier nations—the country of 11 million people now faces unprecedented challenges. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of the dire humanitarian implications of the intensified embargo.

The international response has been characterized by concerning silence, particularly from Caribbean nations that have historically benefited from Cuba’s generosity. The island nation has provided medical scholarships, healthcare assistance, and disaster relief throughout the region, including crucial support during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, regional governments now face a stark choice between speaking out against injustice or protecting their citizens from potential US retaliation through tariffs and visa restrictions.

This situation presents a moral imperative for the Caribbean community. While powerful nations remain passive, regional collective action through bilateral engagement and international forums could provide crucial support. Citizens are urged to petition their governments, organize advocacy efforts, and demand that regional leaders honor historical ties with Cuba. As the crisis deepens, the Caribbean’s response will ultimately define its commitment to regional solidarity and moral courage in the face of asymmetric power dynamics.

8 2 月, 2026
Several-Hours-Long Blackouts in Cuba After U.S. Pressure Cuts Oil Imports

Cuba is confronting its most severe energy crisis in recent history, implementing nationwide austerity measures as U.S. diplomatic pressure has severely constricted the island’s oil imports. The government of President Miguel Díaz-Canel has enacted emergency protocols including reduced workweeks for state employees, curtailed interprovincial transportation, diminished tourist services, and shortened academic schedules to conserve dwindling fuel reserves.

The energy shortage has resulted in systematic daily blackouts lasting several hours, compelling citizens to revert to traditional cooking methods using wood and coal while businesses face operational paralysis. Deputy Prime Minister Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga addressed the nation via state television, emphasizing these ‘necessary measures to preserve the country’s essential functions and basic services while managing limited fuel resources.’

This crisis stems from disrupted oil shipments following last month’s abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, which halted Cuba’s primary supply from Caracas. Compounding the situation, President Donald Trump signed an executive order penalizing nations that export oil to Cuba, effectively strangling alternative supply routes. Mexico, previously supplying nearly half of Cuba’s oil imports, has significantly reduced deliveries under U.S. pressure.

Shipping analytics firm Kpler reported that Cuba’s fuel reserves had dwindled to merely 15-20 days’ supply by January’s end. The Trump administration has characterized Cuba as a ‘failed nation’ and intensified sanctions aimed at precipitating governmental change. In contrast, Cuba’s Foreign Ministry has advocated for diplomatic dialogue and ‘peaceful coexistence’ with the United States.

8 2 月, 2026
TVET Expo Highlights Youth Innovation and Practical Skills

The Ministry of Education, Sports & Creative Industries has successfully concluded a highly attended two-day Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Expo, designed to champion the cause of practical skills acquisition. Organized by the Ministry’s dedicated TVET Department, the event operated under the empowering theme ‘Design, Develop, Learn and Grow,’ drawing significant public engagement.

The expo served as a dynamic platform for students from various technical and vocational institutions to publicly exhibit their competencies and creative projects. The wide array of displays underscored the critical role of TVET in building a skilled workforce, featuring interactive and impressive demonstrations across multiple disciplines.

A key highlight was the technology sector, where innovations in information technology and robotics captured the attention of attendees, pointing towards a future driven by digital proficiency. The creative arts were equally prominent, with expansive showcases in music and visual art demonstrating the vibrant cultural talent being nurtured.

Further enriching the event were practical exhibitions in culinary arts, where students presented gastronomic creations, and in traditional craftsmanship like woodwork, highlighting precision and design. The inclusion of modern agricultural techniques emphasized the sector’s evolution and its importance to economic sustainability. The overwhelming turnout and diverse presentations collectively reinforced the national imperative of investing in vocational education as a cornerstone for holistic growth and development.

8 2 月, 2026
LISTEN: Former Tourism Minister Harold Lovell Did Not Meet With Local Excursion Operators At A Turning Point In The Industry

Prominent tourism operator Eli Fuller has revealed systemic challenges faced by local excursion businesses during the former United Progressive Party (UPP) administration’s tenure. Fuller disclosed that despite forming the Antigua and Barbuda Excursions Alliance comprising over 40 locally owned businesses, their attempts to engage with tourism authorities were consistently thwarted.

During an appearance on the Browne and Browne show, Fuller detailed how the alliance formally requested a meeting with then-Tourism Minister Harold Lovell to address five critical issues affecting fairness and accessibility within the tourism sector. The response from Lovell’s office stated that excursion matters fell outside the direct jurisdiction of the tourism minister, redirecting the alliance to the junior tourism minister instead.

Subsequent meetings with the junior minister proved equally fruitless, with Fuller characterizing the process as ‘frustrating and unproductive’ after numerous discussions yielded no tangible outcomes. The perceived lack of meaningful engagement led to growing disillusionment among members, ultimately causing the alliance to dissolve as operators either sought alternative solutions or disengaged entirely.

Fuller emphasized that his disclosure aims not to embarrass individuals but to highlight persistent concerns regarding local operators’ access to decision-making processes in a sector vital to the national economy. The comments emerged during a broader panel discussion examining tourism development, equity, and the impact of policy decisions on small and medium-sized operators within the industry.

8 2 月, 2026
Quick response by hospital staff and fire officers contains QEH fire

A potentially catastrophic fire at Barbados’ primary public healthcare institution was successfully contained through coordinated emergency response on Sunday morning. The incident at Queen Elizabeth Hospital triggered immediate evacuation protocols, though the swift action of both hospital staff and fire crews prevented serious damage or casualties.

Emergency services received the alert at approximately 10:51 a.m., with firefighting units from Bridgetown Station and Bridgetown Port Station arriving within seven minutes. Upon arrival, they encountered a carefully managed evacuation scenario with patients, including children and newborns, already relocated to exterior areas under staff supervision.

Fire Sub-Officer Henderson Nicholls reported that the blaze originated in Treatment Room One on the C floor, which was undergoing rehabilitation and not actively housing patients. Fire crews deployed two specialized teams to extinguish the flames and conduct smoke extraction operations from adjacent areas.

Preliminary damage assessment revealed limited destruction confined to one air conditioning unit and a single cabinet, though significant soot contamination required extensive cleaning. While the exact cause remains under formal investigation, early indications suggest electrical malfunction as the probable origin.

Hospital communications specialist Shane Sealy confirmed that smoke dissemination presented the primary challenge, traveling beyond the immediate fire zone to affect multiple floors. The institution’s contingency measures prioritized patient safety, resulting in the temporary relocation of individuals from six to seven treatment areas.

Chief Executive Officer Neil Clarke commended hospital personnel for their immediate response, noting that staff had already extinguished the flames and moved patients to secure locations before fire service arrival. The hospital’s virtual incident command room activated within one minute of emergency notification, coordinating the successful management of the situation.

By early afternoon, most patients had returned to thoroughly cleaned wards, with air quality verification ongoing in temporarily relocated sections. Visiting hours experienced minor adjustments to facilitate final cleanup operations, with full normalization expected by late afternoon.

8 2 月, 2026