Carib Scope

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  • ‘Over $83 million’ in potential revenue from ‘Rabacca stuff’ in N. Leeward

    ‘Over $83 million’ in potential revenue from ‘Rabacca stuff’ in N. Leeward

    At a community gathering hosted by North Leeward Member of Parliament Kishore Shallow as part of his ongoing “North Leeward Matters” outreach initiative on June 9, 2026 in Golden Grove, Kem Bartholomew, chief executive officer of the Barbados River Aggregate Stone Authority (BRAGSA), laid out the findings of recent geological surveys that have uncovered a massive untapped reserve of construction-grade aggregate. The surveys, which mapped a three-kilometer stretch of the Roseau Valley in North Leeward, confirmed roughly 4.2 million cubic meters of harvestable, high-quality natural aggregate in the area.

    To put the scale of this discovery in perspective, Bartholomew noted that BRAGSA’s current long-running aggregate operation at Rabacca, on St. Vincent’s eastern coast, only spans one kilometer of river territory, where extraction has been carried out for generations. When calculating the potential economic value of the new find, Bartholomew projected that even at the current base price of EC$34.80 per cubic meter, harvesting 75% of the confirmed reserve would generate at least EC$73 million in revenue. If negotiated higher selling prices are factored in, that total could climb past EC$83 million, he said.

    Against this backdrop of major economic potential, Bartholomew presented a clear choice to both local policymakers and North Leeward residents: allow the naturally replenishing aggregate to wash out to sea unused, or develop the reserve to generate long-term benefits for the community. “We want to contribute to this community,” he emphasized during the meeting, pushing back against the option of inaction.

    Addressing widespread resident concerns about local employment and community participation, the BRAGSA CEO clarified that the project remains in its early temporary phase, and the authority has prioritized hiring local workers for both pre-operational construction and ongoing extraction work. Currently, BRAGSA staff travel to the site daily from other parts of the island, a unsustainable arrangement that Bartholomew said will end once local hires are brought on board. He acknowledged that no local residents have yet inquired about open positions at BRAGSA’s Chateaubelair office, and stressed that “we need persons here” to fill upcoming roles.

    Early infrastructure work, including construction of an on-site comfort station and storage facility, will require local tradespeople immediately. Bartholomew confirmed the project will need roughly 20 local employees during the initial development phase, with a permanent workforce of around 10 once operations are fully established. He added that the long-term scope of employment and extraction timeline will ultimately be tied to market demand, as aggregate will only be harvested to fulfill confirmed purchase contracts via barge shipments. Plans are already in motion to provide specialized training for local machine operators, he noted, with training protocols to be adjusted as the project scales.

    The meeting also included sharp questions from local fishermen, environmental activists, and indigenous rights advocates, who raised concerns about potential ecological harm, including increased water turbidity that could damage nearshore fishing grounds and adjacent agricultural crops, as well as issues around inadequate consultation, historical land rights, and tangible community benefits. In response, Bartholomew explained that the operation targets existing natural gravel deposits rather than disturbing intact soil, reducing the risk of excessive sediment runoff. He pledged that BRAGSA will implement ongoing environmental monitoring and adjust operational practices immediately if unanticipated negative impacts are detected.

    Quoting the late American author and activist Maya Angelou to frame the organization’s approach, Bartholomew said: “It is doing our best with what we know. Until we know better, we do better.” Reaffirming BRAGSA’s commitment to responsible development, he stressed that inaction is never a viable outcome when a resource worth tens of millions of dollars is being lost to the ocean annually, and that the project can deliver shared prosperity for the North Leeward community if developed responsibly.

  • Suriname geeft kinderarbeid ‘rode kaart’

    Suriname geeft kinderarbeid ‘rode kaart’

    On June 12, the annual World Day Against Child Labor, Suriname has launched a nationwide call to action, urging all sectors of society to show a symbolic ‘red card’ to the exploitative practice of child labor. Centered around the campaign theme ‘Red Card Against Child Labor’, this initiative aims to galvanize public attention around protecting children from economic exploitation and work that undermines their physical, cognitive and social development.

    In an official press statement released by the Welfare and Labor Directorate under Suriname’s Ministry of Health, the symbolic red card is defined as a clear, uncompromising rejection of all forms of child labor that strip children of their right to education, stunt their growth, and rob them of the carefree childhood every young person is entitled to. A public photograph released alongside the announcement shows Suriname’s Vice Minister of Health, Welfare and Labor Raj Jadnanansing joining a senior official from the International Labour Organization (ILO) in holding up a red card to mark the campaign launch.

    To turn this public commitment into actionable policy, the Surinamese government already took concrete legislative steps in May of this year to establish a formal commission mandated under Article 16 of the country’s Law on Employment of Children and Young Persons. This newly formed commission will conduct in-depth field investigations into the social circumstances of children trapped in child labor, then deliver evidence-based recommendations for targeted support to affected children and strengthen assistance for vulnerable families at the root of the issue.

    Parallel to the commission’s establishment, representatives from Suriname’s government, employer associations, labor unions, and civil society organizations have already reached consensus on two draft state decrees that classify light permissible work and prohibited hazardous work for children and young persons. These new regulatory documents will flesh out the framework of the existing 2015 child labor law, closing gaps in current regulation and strengthening legal protections for children against economic exploitation.

    The Welfare and Labor Directorate emphasized in its statement that eliminating child labor cannot be achieved by the government alone. It requires coordinated collective action from state institutions, private sector employers, organized labor, civil society groups, and local families. Investing in accessible quality education, expanding comprehensive social protection systems, and raising public awareness of the harms of child labor are the core strategies Suriname will leverage to further reduce child labor prevalence across the country.

    World Day Against Child Labor, marked every June 12 globally, sees hundreds of awareness-raising activities hosted in countries around the world. The day serves as a global reminder that more than 160 million children worldwide still remain trapped in work that threatens their health, safety, and long-term development, requiring sustained global and national action to address the crisis.

  • Hermitage Bay Antigua Named To Condé Nast Traveler’s Inaugural Triple Crown

    Hermitage Bay Antigua Named To Condé Nast Traveler’s Inaugural Triple Crown

    One of the Caribbean’s most iconic luxury retreats has cemented its global standing with a rare new industry honor: Hermitage Bay Antigua has been selected for Condé Nast Traveler’s first-ever Triple Crown distinction, an award reserved for elite hotels and resorts that have claimed top spots across the publication’s three most prestigious industry honors: the Hot List, Gold List, and Readers’ Choice Awards.

    Launched to honor the most extraordinary hospitality properties of the past 30 years, the Triple Crown distinction recognizes venues that have consistently won acclaim from both Condé Nast Traveler’s expert editorial team and the outlet’s global audience of seasoned, discerning travelers. Hermitage Bay Antigua now joins an extremely exclusive small group of properties around the world to hold this title, a testament to its decades-long reputation as a standout luxury destination in the Caribbean.

    Tucked along a quiet, secluded bay on Antigua’s untouched west coast, the resort has built its identity around understated high-end luxury, heartfelt Caribbean hospitality, and a deep commitment to protecting and centering the surrounding natural environment. With only 30 standalone suites spread between lush tropical hillsides and a flawless crescent-shaped beach, this independently owned resort caters to travelers seeking an intimate, private escape rooted in authentic local culture and a strong sense of place.

    Owner Daniel Shamoon, the international hotelier behind acclaimed properties including Puente Romano Marbella, Nobu Marbella, and Nobu Marrakech, called the recognition an extraordinary honor that reflects the core values Hermitage Bay Antigua has championed since its founding. “From the beginning, our vision was to create a resort that felt deeply personal – a place where genuine hospitality, natural beauty, and a sense of tranquility come together in a meaningful way,” Shamoon explained. “To see that vision celebrated by Condé Nast Traveler’s editors and readers alike is incredibly rewarding, and we are deeply grateful to our guests and team members who have been part of this journey.”

    Following a full property renovation completed ahead of its November 2024 reopening, Hermitage Bay Antigua now offers guests a range of elevated experiences. These include innovative farm-to-table dining led by a pop-up residency from La Petite Maison Antigua, a world-class wellness spa developed in partnership with leading luxury skincare and wellness brand ESPA, and exclusive access to unique private boating experiences, headlined by a historic 1929 schooner. Rejecting fleeting hospitality trends, the resort has intentionally cultivated a timeless luxury experience rooted in simplicity, authenticity, and genuine connection to Antigua’s natural landscape and local culture.

    As an adults-only, all-inclusive member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, every villa suite at the resort features expansive open-air living space, sweeping unobstructed ocean views, and complete privacy for guests. At its core, the property’s philosophy centers on relaxed island living and warm, personalized service, with a mission to deliver an authentic luxury experience that keeps guests returning year after year. It also maintains a longstanding commitment to preserving the pristine natural beauty that draws visitors to its shores.

    This latest landmark recognition further solidifies Hermitage Bay Antigua’s position among the top luxury resorts globally, highlighting its enduring popularity with travelers searching for meaningful, restorative getaways in the Caribbean. Property images are available here, and additional information can be obtained by contacting FINN Partners.

  • AUA Launches Free Virtual Bootcamp for Aspiring Doctors

    AUA Launches Free Virtual Bootcamp for Aspiring Doctors

    For high school graduates harboring ambitions of building a career in the medical field, a new, no-cost opportunity has emerged to demystify the fast-track route to a medical degree. The American University of Antigua College of Arts and Sciences (AUACAS) has launched a six-part virtual bootcamp, delivered entirely via the Zoom video conferencing platform, designed to walk aspiring doctors through its accelerated pathway into medical study.

    The structured program is scheduled to run over a two-week window, kicking off on June 16 and concluding its final session on July 1. Unlike generic pre-med informational events, this bootcamp is tailored specifically to help recent secondary school graduates understand the structure and benefits of AUACAS’s unique articulated program: completion of an Associate of Science in Health Sciences that allows for seamless, direct transition into the American University of Antigua College of Medicine through the institution’s Fast Track admissions track.

    Participants who successfully finish all six sessions of the bootcamp will walk away with more than just insider knowledge. The university is offering a range of tangible incentives to participants, including an official certificate of completion, a $750 USD tuition grant that can be applied to tuition costs once a student officially enrolls in the program, a personalized readiness assessment to help students gauge their preparation for rigorous medical study, and one-on-one guidance from an experienced AUACAS admissions counselor to answer questions about applications, prerequisites, and program logistics.

    Registration for the bootcamp is completely free of charge, and university organizers are actively encouraging parents to join their students in the sessions to learn more about the pathway and the opportunities it unlocks. Anyone interested in securing a spot can complete their registration online through the university’s admissions portal, or reach out directly to the AUACAS admissions office for additional details about the session schedule and program structure.

  • South Rivers Methodist retain primary school cricket title

    South Rivers Methodist retain primary school cricket title

    The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Inter Primary Schools Developmental Cricket Competition wrapped up in dramatic fashion on Thursday at the Park Hill Playing Field, where defending champions South Rivers Methodist held off a fierce late challenge from Owia Government School to retain their coveted first-place title.

    Owia Government won the toss and opted to set a target for the reigning champions, taking to the crease first in the 20-over contest. After a shaky opening to their innings that saw early wickets fall, the side settled into a steady rhythm through the middle overs, closing their allotted 20 overs at 219 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. Sommer Chance contributed 14 runs to Owia Government’s total, while the bowling attack of South Rivers Methodist was led by Allison Dalzell, who delivered a match-winning performance with four wickets for just 31 runs, key to restricting Owia Government’s final score.

    Chasing 220 runs for victory, South Rivers Methodist got off to a similarly slow start, with Owia Government’s bowlers putting early pressure on the top order. Ravion Derrick turned in the standout bowling performance for Owia Government, claiming one wicket for only 16 runs across his full four-over allocation. As the innings progressed, South Rivers Methodist found their momentum, but a tight final overs push from Owia Government kept the result in doubt until the very last ball. When the final over was completed, South Rivers Methodist finished on 210 runs for the loss of 7 wickets, falling just nine runs short of Owia Government’s target to hand the defending champions a narrow but hard-fought win. Amallie Lavia top-scored for South Rivers Methodist with an unbeaten 29 runs, while J’Shawn Henry chipped in with a valuable 19 runs.

    Before the trophy presentation, the third-place playoff took place between Georgetown Government School and Biabou Methodist. Georgetown Government dominated the match from start to finish, securing a convincing 105-run victory. Batting first, Georgetown Government posted an imposing total of 249 runs for 5 wickets from their 20 overs, with Zorano Lewis leading the scoring with 31 runs. In reply, Biabou Methodist was bowled out for just 144 runs inside their full 20 overs, with Jaysean John delivering a devastating bowling spell for Georgetown Government, taking six wickets for only seven runs in three overs.

    Following the conclusion of the finals, tournament organizers presented individual awards to recognize standout performances across the entire competition. Amallie Lavia of Owia Government claimed two individual honors: he finished as the tournament’s top run-scorer with 239 total runs, and was also named Most Valuable Player of the whole tournament. Uzziah Holder of Dorsetshire Hill Government School took home the award for leading wicket-taker, finishing with 19 wickets. Sommer Chance of South Rivers Methodist was named Best Wicket Keeper, while Shania Shallow, also of South Rivers Methodist, took home the honor of Best Female Player. Steven Glasgow of champion side South Rivers Methodist was named Most Valuable Player of the final.

  • F15 Softball Cricket Tournament 4.0 – Week 10 Results

    F15 Softball Cricket Tournament 4.0 – Week 10 Results

    Three short-format cricket matches delivered a mix of blowout wins and a default victory over the weekend, with two teams putting on clinical all-around displays to secure dominant victories in competitive local play.

    In the 12-over-per-side Match 34, BOSVG All Stars extended their strong run of form with a convincing 57-run triumph over Spring Super Sixers. Captaining his side to a solid total after winning the pre-match toss, BOSVG All Stars chose to bat first and compiled a formidable 98 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in their full allotment of overs.

    Veteran batter Asquith Mapp anchored the innings with a controlled, well-paced 31 runs off 32 deliveries, setting the platform for a late surge from Osnet Cato, who blazed 23 runs off only 7 balls to catapult the total to a match-winning score. For Spring Super Sixers, Danroy Currency turned in the most effective bowling performance, claiming 2 wickets for 20 runs across his 3 overs, while Jamal Williams and Bayson each chipped in with one wicket apiece to limit the damage.

    Chasing a revised target of 99 runs to win, Spring Super Sixers never found their rhythm against a tight BOSVG All Stars bowling attack. Struggling to build partnerships or find the boundary consistently, the side finished their 12 overs at just 41 runs for 4 wickets, with their highest individual scorer managing only 12 runs off 29 balls. Rasheed Frederick led the bowling charge for BOSVG All Stars, delivering a clinical spell of 2 wickets for only 9 runs in 3 overs. He received consistent support from Kelly Murray and Newborn Joseph, who each took one wicket for 4 runs across 2 overs apiece. For his match-winning anchor innings, Mapp was named Man of the Match.

    In Match 35, RS Production Kombat Warriors secured a walkover victory after East Kingstown United failed to field a side, winning the fixture by default.

    The most thrilling encounter of the round came in 15-over-per-side Match 36, where Dr. Thomas Injectors faced off against Country Meet Town Outah Trouble, turning in a competitive batting performance that was ultimately no match for a historic run chase. After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Dr. Thomas Injectors posted a solid 99 runs for 4 wickets, with Kevin Jack leading the scoring with 18 runs off 14 balls and Wendel Corridon adding a quick 17 runs off 13 deliveries. Country Meet Town Outah Trouble’s bowlers kept the innings in check, with Jerando Jardine delivering a standout spell of 2 wickets for 11 runs in 3 overs, and Kenron Williams chipping in with 2 wickets for 27 runs in his 3 overs.

    Chasing 100 runs for victory, Country Meet Town Outah Trouble’s opening batters produced an unbeaten masterclass in aggressive batting. The side reached the target in just 8.1 overs without losing a single wicket, securing a dominant 10-wicket win. Jabari Cunningham led the charge with an explosive unbeaten 46 runs off 27 balls, backed up by Richie Richards, who hit 25 runs off 10 balls before retiring hurt. Imran Samuel kept the momentum going with 17 runs off 10 balls to seal the victory. Cunningham was named Man of the Match for his game-changing knock.

  • Director of Education Urges CSEC Awardees to Pair Academic Success With Integrity

    Director of Education Urges CSEC Awardees to Pair Academic Success With Integrity

    At the 40th anniversary National CSEC Awards Ceremony, held this year under the forward-looking theme “Architects of Tomorrow”, Director of Education Clare Brown has issued a compelling call to Antigua and Barbuda’s highest-performing Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) students. Instead of framing academic success as a final destination, Brown challenged the awardees to leverage their outstanding 2025 examination results as a stepping stone for ethical leadership, community service, and sustainable national development.

    Opening his address to the gathering of top scholars, Brown extended warm congratulations to the students on their remarkable accomplishments, before emphasizing that true educational excellence stretches far beyond numerical grades and test scores. Looking across the room of honorees, he shared a optimistic vision of the nation’s future, noting that the assembled students represent the next generation of Antigua and Barbuda’s doctors, engineers, educators, entrepreneurs, innovators, and public servants.

    Brown stressed that the elite standing these students have earned did not come by luck or random circumstance. Their success, he argued, is the product of intentional discipline in the face of widespread distractions, unwavering persistence when academic or personal obstacles arose, and deliberate courage to make the sacrifices required to reach their goals. “Your performance in the 2025 examinations has earned you a place among our nation’s finest scholars,” Brown told the awardees. “This distinction is not an accident of circumstance. It is the result of discipline when distractions beckoned, persistence when obstacles emerged, and courage when success demanded sacrifice.”

    Beyond celebrating individual academic achievement, Brown highlighted that these top students are already active contributors to shaping the long-term trajectory of Antigua and Barbuda. “The future is not built by chance,” he said. “It is built by minds that dare to imagine, hearts that refuse to quit and individuals who transform opportunity into achievement.”

    Even as he praised the students’ hard-won scholastic success, Brown urged the honorees to avoid narrowing their focus solely to grades and academic advancement. He argued that intellectual brilliance alone pales in comparison to achievement rooted in strong moral character. “As important as academic excellence is, it is not enough on its own,” he said. “A brilliant mind can achieve much. A noble character can achieve even more.”

    Brown encouraged the students to anchor all their future accomplishments in three core values: unwavering integrity, genuine compassion for others, and a sustained commitment to lifting up communities across the nation. He reminded the gathering that the true marker of success is not measured by how far an individual climbs, but by how many people they empower and uplift along their journey. “The true measure of excellence is not simply how high you rise, but how many lives you uplift along the way,” he said.

    The education director also advised students to cultivate long-term resilience as they move forward to pursue higher education and professional careers, noting that setbacks and unforeseen challenges are an inevitable part of any meaningful path. “There will be moments when the road ahead appears uncertain and the destination distant,” he said. “Do not surrender your dreams to your difficulties. Greatness is often born in the space between challenge and perseverance.”

    In his closing remarks, Brown encouraged the awardees to carry the values of Antigua and Barbuda with distinction in all their future endeavors, and to keep building on the foundational success they have already earned. “Today we celebrate your achievements. Tomorrow we will witness the impact of your contributions,” he said.

    This year’s ceremony marked a major milestone: four decades of recognizing top CSEC performers across Antigua and Barbuda. Along with honoring students who earned regional merit placements, the event awarded honors to scholars in four distinction tiers: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze.

  • New Sexual Offences, Mental Health and Workplace Safety Bills Head to Parliament Next Week

    New Sexual Offences, Mental Health and Workplace Safety Bills Head to Parliament Next Week

    The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has formally thrown its support behind a sweeping package of legislative reforms set to move forward in the country’s House of Representatives when the chamber convenes on Monday, June 16, 2026. Senior government officials have framed the full slate of proposed bills as transformative milestones that will update the nation’s legal architecture, boost public safety, bring governance practices into the 21st century, upgrade public health systems, and deepen collaborative ties with global partners.

    Among the key measures scheduled for their first parliamentary reading are nine priority bills spanning multiple policy areas. These include an update to the nation’s popular Citizenship by Investment programme, a completely restructured Sexual Offences Act, a revised Theft Bill, new frameworks for voluntary indictments and court-approved plea negotiations, amendments to existing cannabis regulations, groundbreaking legislation to prevent workplace violence and harassment, a modern overhaul of the country’s mental health laws, and new regulatory standards for medical laboratories across the twin-island nation.

    Government leaders emphasized that each of these proposals forms a core part of a years-long ongoing effort to modernize Antigua and Barbuda’s national legal system. The reform agenda is explicitly designed to update judicial processes, expand safeguards for workers, strengthen oversight of the healthcare sector, and ensure that domestic laws keep pace with the rapidly evolving social, economic and public health challenges facing the country in the modern era.

    Beyond the new bills introduced for first reading, a number of additional measures are already advancing through later stages of the parliamentary approval process, with second and third readings scheduled in the coming session. These include the Fatal Accidents Bill, amendments to the Magistrates Code of Procedure, updates to the Electronic Crimes Act, and the same voluntary indictment and plea negotiation bills that will also complete their final legislative steps during this sitting. Officials project that these targeted adjustments will streamline court operations, expand legal protections for ordinary citizens, and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks that have slowed the delivery of justice in recent years.

    In the critical domain of border security and immigration management, Cabinet highlighted steady progress on two key bills: the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Bill and the Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill. Once enacted, these pieces of legislation will equip national authorities with more robust tools to regulate migration flows, reduce security risks at ports of entry, and bring Antigua and Barbuda’s border management systems in line with the latest international standards adopted by peer nations across the globe.

    The legislative package also includes a series of proposed resolutions to ratify a host of new bilateral and multilateral international agreements. Most notably, these cover mutual visa exemption arrangements that streamline travel for diplomatic and official passport holders between Antigua and Barbuda and five nations: Kenya, Benin, Ghana, Rwanda, and the United Arab Emirates. Cabinet officials noted that these travel agreements will strengthen diplomatic ties, open new doors for cross-border business collaboration and tourism growth, and advance the country’s core strategic foreign policy goals in the Caribbean and beyond.

    Additional ratifications on the agenda include an amendment to the Constitution of the International Labour Organization (ILO), a step that reaffirms Antigua and Barbuda’s longstanding commitment to upholding globally recognized labour standards and participating in multilateral cooperation on workers’ rights. The government also plans to ratify updates to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, a move that will deepen the nation’s active engagement with the global aviation community, a critical sector for Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism-driven economy.

    Closing out its announcement, Cabinet reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advancing a forward-looking legislative agenda that prioritizes inclusive economic growth, social equity, enhanced public safety, expanded international cooperation, and sustainable national development for all residents of Antigua and Barbuda.

  • Kaylei John-Baptiste Named Antigua and Barbuda’s 2025 CSEC Student of the Year

    Kaylei John-Baptiste Named Antigua and Barbuda’s 2025 CSEC Student of the Year

    A teenage scholar from Antigua has made history across the Caribbean’s secondary education landscape, clinching Antigua and Barbuda’s highest 2025 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) honor after posting a nearly perfect examination performance. Kaylei John-Baptiste, a graduating senior from the Baptist Academy of Antigua, walked away with the 2025 CSEC Student of the Year title at the 40th annual National CSEC Awards Ceremony, an event that gathered education leaders, families, and top-performing students from across the nation to celebrate excellence in the 2025 regional exam cycle.

    John-Baptiste’s landmark achievement is 18 Grade One passes across 20 total CSEC subjects, a result that few students across the Caribbean region ever achieve. This outstanding capstone matches the trajectory of her entire secondary school career: she maintained an average above 90 percent in all coursework over four years, graduated as the 2025 valedictorian of her Baptist Academy class, and holds an overall 3.84 grade point average.

    Speaking during the award presentation, Dr. Hensworth Jonas highlighted that John-Baptiste’s drive for excellence was evident from her earliest school years. “From the onset, Kaylei demonstrated self-determination and a strong drive to achieve the extraordinary,” Jonas shared. He added that John-Baptiste was one of just two students in her entire graduating cohort to attempt all 20 CSEC subjects in a single exam sitting, and she secured top national rankings across multiple disciplines. She earned first place nationally in Economics, Human and Social Biology, and Principles of Accounts, and landed in the top three across several other subject areas.

    Beyond her academic prowess, John-Baptiste has compiled an impressive record of extracurricular achievement across leadership, arts, and athletics. She served as a school prefect, held a performing role in the Baptist Academy Steel Ensemble, plays violin for the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra, and competes actively as an avid tennis player.

    Her long-term career goals are rooted in a deep passion for scientific advancement and public service. John-Baptiste, who aims to become a medical doctor, is already pursuing preliminary studies in natural sciences to prepare for medical school. She has completed volunteer work at a local medical clinic and earned a coveted spot in the competitive Bold Summers Program at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, gaining hands-on experience in clinical and research settings.

    Jonas extended praise not only to John-Baptiste but to her family, whose consistent support helped nurture the young scholar’s growth and commitment. “The Baptist Academy of Antigua congratulates Kaylei John-Baptiste on her exceptional achievement in the May-June 2025 CSEC examinations,” he said.

    The 40th anniversary ceremony, held under the theme “Architects of Tomorrow,” recognized dozens of high-achieving students from across Antigua and Barbuda for their performance on the regional exams. Khaliq Harris of St. Joseph’s Academy took second place in the national Student of the Year rankings, while Nayima Lewis, also from the Baptist Academy of Antigua, claimed third place.

    In her first public remarks after accepting the award, John-Baptiste offered gratitude to God, her family, teachers, and the broader community that supported her academic journey. She also left a message of encouragement for her fellow students, urging them to frame every academic milestone as a stepping stone rather than a final destination.

    The annual National CSEC Awards Program was created to honor top academic performance across the Caribbean’s standardized secondary exams, while also celebrating students who exhibit strong leadership, personal discipline, and a sustained commitment to lifelong learning.

  • Prime Minister Browne appoints Dr. Deborah Brosnan as Special Envoy for Coastal Resilience and Ocean Economy

    Prime Minister Browne appoints Dr. Deborah Brosnan as Special Envoy for Coastal Resilience and Ocean Economy

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – June 12, 2026 – In a strategic move to amplify its global leadership in climate adaptation and sustainable ocean development, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has named world-renowned marine science and climate resilience expert Dr. Deborah Brosnan, Ph.D. to the newly created post of Special Envoy for Coastal Resilience and Ocean Economy.

    Official appointment documentation issued by the Prime Minister’s office on May 12, 2026 outlines that Dr. Brosnan will serve as the nation’s official representative on a wide range of priority issues, including coastal hazard mitigation, marine biodiversity protection, climate change adaptation and the equitable sustainable growth of the ocean economy. Her one-year term is set to conclude on May 11, 2027.

    This appointment lands at a defining juncture for the Caribbean Small Island Developing State (SIDS), which confronts escalating existential threats driven by climate change: accelerating sea-level rise, worsening coastal erosion, more intense hurricane activity, and steady degradation of the marine ecosystems that underpin the country’s core tourism, commercial fishing and local livelihood sectors.

    Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Gaston Browne emphasized that tapping Dr. Brosnan’s global expertise underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s unwavering commitment to advancing evidence-based solutions for the interconnected climate and environmental crises that disproportionately threaten small island nations. The government has long pushed for more ambitious collective global action on climate change, expanded access to affordable climate finance, and targeted international support for low-lying and vulnerable coastal states.

    With over 25 years of specialized experience spanning marine research, environmental policy design, climate resilience building and large-scale ecosystem restoration, Dr. Brosnan has earned international acclaim for her advisory work supporting governments, multilateral bodies and private sector stakeholders to deliver actionable climate adaptation and sustainable coastal development outcomes. Through her groundbreaking OceanShot initiative, she has pioneered cutting-edge approaches to coral reef restoration and leveraged natural infrastructure to shield coastlines while boosting local economic opportunity. The initiative is already being rolled out in partnership with Antigua and Barbuda, with a focus on reviving critical reef ecosystems that enhance biodiversity, strengthen fish stocks and buffer vulnerable shorelines from storm damage.

    Dr. Brosnan’s appointment dovetails neatly with Antigua and Barbuda’s long-term strategy to expand its ambitious Blue Economy agenda. In recent years, the government has taken an active leading role in global ocean governance negotiations, national sustainable ocean planning, region-wide marine conservation projects and climate resilience programs all designed to protect the country’s vast, economically vital marine territory. Recent high-profile engagements include participation in major global ocean conservation summits, United Nations negotiations for the High Seas Treaty, and the rollout of national policy frameworks to advance science-based sustainable ocean management.

    For Antigua and Barbuda, the ocean is far more than an environmental treasure—it functions as the foundational pillar of the nation’s economic growth, food security, $3 billion tourism industry and natural climate resilience. By appointing Dr. Brosnan, the government aims to deepen cross-border collaborative partnerships, attract targeted green investment for marine and coastal infrastructure projects, and cement the country’s position as a trailblazer among SIDS in responsible, equitable ocean resource stewardship.

    In her role as Special Envoy, Dr. Brosnan is expected to be a driving force in advancing the government’s vision: climate-resilient coastal communities, healthy, thriving marine ecosystems, and the full unlocking of the blue economy’s transformative potential to deliver shared prosperity for current and future generations of Antiguans and Barbudans.