Prime Minister Gaston Browne has issued a compelling appeal for heightened civic responsibility regarding environmental maintenance in Antigua and Barbuda, emphasizing that littering and dilapidated structures jeopardize the nation’s tourism attractiveness. During his address at Thursday’s inauguration of a new cruise terminal, Browne underscored that environmental preservation is equally crucial as governmental infrastructure investments. He expressed concern over pervasive indiscriminate waste disposal and abandoned properties, while highlighting ongoing governmental efforts to demolish derelict residences and enhance public spaces through beautification initiatives. Browne clarified that public tourism investments aim to elevate living standards, but citizens must correspondingly contribute by sustaining clean surroundings and delivering superior service quality. “We’re investing heavily in our people, but our people now have to reciprocate,” he asserted. This call to action coincides with Antigua and Barbuda’s strategic positioning as a premier Caribbean cruise destination, with the new terminal anticipated to significantly boost visitor arrivals. Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez noted remarkable transformations in the port area since the administration assumed office eleven years ago, eliminating what he characterized as an embarrassing waterfront formerly marred by sunken vessels. Additional cruise-oriented developments are scheduled for Barbuda, Barnacle Point, and other locations within the next three to five years, with officials cautioning that environmental standards must advance synchronously with facility upgrades.
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Missing: Kyle Antonio Callender
Authorities in Barbados have launched a public search operation for 24-year-old Kyle Antonio Callender, who has been missing since January 15, 2026. The young man, who also goes by the alias ‘Dadas’, is a resident of Robinson Land in the parish of St. Philip.
According to the official police description, Callender stands approximately six feet tall with a slender build and dark complexion. His distinguishing physical characteristics include an oval-shaped head with closely cropped hair, a pointed chin, and small pierced ears. Additional identifying features comprise a small nose, thick lips, and a distinctive tattoo on his left forearm bearing the name ‘Maureen’.
When last seen, Callender was dressed in a white t-shirt paired with black shorts and black sneakers. Police investigators note that the missing individual has historical patterns of extended absences from home and is known to frequent the Nelson Street area in Bridgetown, St. Michael.
The Royal Barbados Police Force has urged anyone with information regarding Callender’s whereabouts to immediately contact District ‘C’ Police Station at 416-8200 or 416-8204. Alternative reporting channels include the Police Emergency hotline at 211, the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-TIPS (8477), or any local police station.
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St John’s cruise terminal ‘to boost jobs and local business’
Antigua’s tourism infrastructure is undergoing a significant transformation with the development of a new purpose-built cruise terminal, marking a pivotal shift from temporary operations to a permanent economic catalyst. This 10,000-square-foot facility, now operational, represents the initial phase of a comprehensive upland development project scheduled for full completion by July 2026.
The terminal’s activation has already generated approximately 70 local jobs, with employment figures projected to more than double upon the project’s culmination. This growth is intrinsically linked to the planned integration of retail outlets, diverse dining facilities, and a premium day club featuring a pool. Antigua Cruise Ports General Manager Gasper George emphasized the development’s core mission: to systematically integrate local entrepreneurs into the cruise tourism ecosystem. The company has formally issued a call for Antiguan business owners to submit commercial proposals for operating stores within the complex.
This $60 million investment, spearheaded by Global Ports Holding in partnership with the Antiguan government since 2019, is already demonstrating substantial returns. Cruise tourism metrics have surged dramatically, with the nation anticipating nearly one million passenger arrivals this year—almost double the pre-partnership figures. Government officials assert that this strategic expansion is designed to ensure that the sector’s growth directly translates into tangible improvements in living standards for citizens, creating a sustainable economic model that benefits the local community.
The development replaces the interim market tent that previously housed homeporting operations when services commenced in 2022, signaling a new era of professionalism and capacity for the island’s cruise industry.
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Sophia’s Lust herdenkt slachtoffers busongeluk met stille loop en gebed
The Sophia’s Lust neighborhood in Suriname witnessed a poignant silent procession on Saturday as residents gathered to memorialize victims of last week’s devastating bus accident that claimed five lives and left 21 injured. Organized collaboratively by community activists and grieving families, the solemn march drew dozens of participants who carried candles through the residential area in a powerful display of collective mourning.
The procession route intentionally passed by the homes of deceased community members, with participants pausing at each residence to offer condolences and emotional support to affected families. Winston Lamé, who lost his eldest sister in the tragedy, articulated the dual purpose behind the memorial event. “This march serves both as a call for improved road safety measures across Suriname and as moral support for bereaved families during this grieving process,” Lamé explained. “Essentially, all of Sophia’s Lust shares in this loss—approximately 80% of those involved in the accident hail from our community.”
In response to the tragedy, authorities have implemented immediate safety measures, constructing speed bumps along Veldhuizenlaan within 24 hours of the incident. The collision occurred when an unlicensed driver failed to yield right of way, striking the bus at the intersection of Veldhuizenlaan and Johannes Mungrastraat. The suspect driver has been taken into custody pending further investigation.
The community will continue its memorial observances with a collective prayer session scheduled for Sunday morning at 9:00 AM at the accident site, further demonstrating the neighborhood’s unified approach to healing and advocacy for improved traffic safety protocols.
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Man fined $2,000 after pleading guilty to drug charges
A St. James resident has been convicted on multiple narcotics charges following a court appearance at the District ‘A’ Traffic Court this past Saturday. Chad Roosevelt Elija Chase, 30, of West Terrace, St. James, entered a guilty plea before Magistrate Alison Burke for six distinct drug offenses.
The charges encompassed possession, trafficking, and intent to supply both cannabis and cocaine. The court imposed a financial penalty of $2,000, mandating payment within a sixty-day period. Failure to comply will result in a three-month custodial sentence at the Barbados Prison Service facility in Dodds.
According to official reports, the Barbados Police Service Narcotics Unit apprehended and formally charged Chase in relation to illicit activities dated January 23. Law enforcement authorities confirmed the seizure of suspected cannabis with an approximate weight of 21 grammes, carrying an estimated street value of $105. Additionally, officers confiscated roughly 1.7 grammes of suspected cocaine valued at approximately $85.
The judicial outcome highlights ongoing efforts by Barbadian authorities to combat drug-related crimes through both legal prosecution and financial penalties.
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Massive landlslide in Pichelin completely blocks off river
A catastrophic geological event has unfolded in the Pichelin region, where a massive landslide has resulted in the complete obstruction of the Pichelin River. The significant displacement of earth and rock has effectively dammed the waterway, creating a substantial barrier and altering the local topography. Emergency services and geological survey teams have been dispatched to assess the stability of the area and evaluate potential downstream risks, including the danger of a sudden breach and subsequent flooding. Initial reports suggest that the landslide was likely precipitated by a combination of sustained heavy rainfall and inherently unstable slope conditions in the region. Authorities are urging residents in lower-lying areas to remain vigilant as experts work to analyze the situation and develop a mitigation strategy to safely manage the accumulated water and sediment.
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Cubans residing in Nicaragua reiterate support for Venezuela
The Cuban community residing in Nicaragua has issued a powerful declaration of solidarity with Venezuela, condemning what it describes as systematic aggression and destabilization campaigns targeting the Bolivarian nation’s sovereignty. The statement, disseminated through official social media channels, emerges amid heightened geopolitical tensions in Latin America.
This proclamation strategically coincides with the 173rd anniversary of Cuban national hero José Martí’s birth, observed annually on January 28th. The timing underscores the deliberate invocation of Martí’s philosophical legacy, particularly his advocacy for Latin American unity and resistance against external intervention.
The comprehensive statement articulates three primary concerns: the employment of unilateral coercive measures against Venezuela, coordinated disinformation campaigns designed to undermine democratic processes, and systematic attacks on the nation’s right to self-determination. These elements, according to the declaration, represent a concerted effort to disrupt regional stability.
Drawing direct parallels between historical anti-colonial struggles and contemporary political challenges, the Cuban community in Nicaragua emphasized the enduring relevance of Martí’s vision. The statement characterized current events as a continuation of historical patterns of foreign intervention in Latin American affairs, necessitating renewed commitment to regional integration and mutual defense of sovereignty.
Furthermore, the declaration reaffirmed Nicaragua’s alignment with Venezuela through the framework of regional cooperation alliances, highlighting existing bilateral agreements and diplomatic coordination mechanisms between left-leaning governments in the region.
The statement concludes with an impassioned call for strengthened brotherhood between Cuban and Venezuelan peoples, framing this solidarity as both a moral imperative and strategic necessity in confronting perceived external pressures. This diplomatic communication represents the latest development in ongoing ideological alignment among certain Latin American nations advocating for reduced U.S. influence in the region.
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How entrepreneurs are recharging the Caribbean
Across the Caribbean basin, a transformative energy movement is emerging not from government policy chambers but from the grassroots ingenuity of young entrepreneurs. While national dialogues continue to dominate renewable energy discussions, these innovators are implementing practical solutions that address both economic and environmental challenges through technology-driven approaches.
In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 34-year-old Hance John exemplifies this shift through Westfield Farms, his agricultural enterprise in the Marriaqua Valley. Beginning with simple solar-powered lighting to avoid costly grid connections, John has evolved his operation into a comprehensive solar ecosystem encompassing security cameras, irrigation pumps, and automated feeding systems. His innovation demonstrates how traditional agriculture can integrate with sustainable technology to reduce operational costs while enhancing resilience against hurricanes and droughts.
John’s community-focused approach includes local hiring, sourcing materials from nearby suppliers, and providing internships for agricultural students. However, he identifies significant structural barriers, particularly financing limitations where banks perceive small-scale farming as high-risk due to theft, pests, and extreme weather. He advocates for educational reforms starting at primary level, student exchange programs, and green scholarships to foster sustainable energy adoption.
Similarly in St. Vincent, Ricardo Boatswain launched Solife Solar at age 27 after recognizing the financial strain of conventional electricity on families and businesses. Combining his background in banking, project management, and construction, Boatswain developed the Caribbean’s first 84-month payment plan for solar installations, dramatically improving accessibility to clean energy. His company now delivers utility-scale projects and residential solutions that promote energy independence throughout the region.
In Jamaica, Sheed Cole’s journey from adversity to innovation represents another dimension of this movement. Having experienced childhood poverty without electricity or running water, Cole established 360 Recycle Manufacturing Ltd. to address the island’s waste crisis. His low-tech approach transforms approximately 2 million daily plastic bottles and Styrofoam containers into lightweight composite materials for playground equipment, benches, planters, and building components. This process not only cleans neighborhoods but also provides vocational training in fabrication and design thinking for youth from disadvantaged communities.
Cole’s composite materials offer built-in energy efficiency benefits, with insulation properties that reduce cooling needs in Jamaica’s tropical climate. He emphasizes policy measures that prioritize local talent and mandate recycled materials in public infrastructure projects to scale the industry.
These initiatives align with regional climate goals, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ commitment to 60% renewable energy by 2030 with strong emphasis on youth participation. The collective impact demonstrates how Caribbean youth are leveraging technology, local knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit to build energy resilience from the ground up, creating jobs, reducing costs, and redefining sustainable development through practical innovation.
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As deadline nears, gov’t says frustrating reinstatement efforts unacceptable
Prime Minister Godwin Friday has condemned as “unacceptable” the bureaucratic obstacles facing public servants seeking reinstatement after being dismissed under the previous administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The criticism comes as the January 31, 2026 deadline for reinstatement approaches under the New Democratic Party (NDP) government’s policy.
Attorney General Louise Mitchell revealed that 116 workers terminated under the Unity Labour Party’s 2021 vaccine requirement had not returned to work by December 2025. Of these, 100 have now resumed duties, with the government successfully placing 92 individuals in positions. However, union reports indicate some returning employees faced rejection at their previous workplaces, with officials claiming unavailable positions.
The NDP administration maintains it is implementing the March 2023 High Court decision by Justice Esco Henry, which declared the vaccine mandate unconstitutional and ordered reinstatement with full benefits. This stance persists despite the Court of Appeal’s subsequent 2-1 majority decision overturning the ruling. The legal battle has now advanced to London’s Privy Council for final adjudication.
Mitchell emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring respectful treatment of affected workers, stating: “The policy is for persons to return to work fully with their benefits intact. Everyone in a position that affects implementation must adhere to that.” She detailed comprehensive reinstatement protocols covering vacation leave accrual, pension eligibility, and special considerations for those employed elsewhere.
Prime Minister Friday affirmed his government’s principled position, noting: “It wasn’t just a matter for the leadership of the party and now the leadership of the government. We felt this was a right and just thing to do.” While acknowledging implementation challenges, he expressed overall satisfaction with the reinstatement process’s progress.
The government has established mechanisms for workers seeking exceptions to standard reinstatement procedures, including no-pay leave options for those with current employment obligations and streamlined processes for retirement-age employees.
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Nevis Premier: jurisdiction targets top-tier status with compliance-first gaming framework | AGB
The Caribbean island of Nevis has unveiled a comprehensive online gaming regulatory framework, strategically designed not as a short-term revenue generator but as a foundational pillar for long-term economic resilience. Premier Mark Brantley, in an exclusive interview with Asia Gaming Brief at ICE 2026 in Barcelona, articulated a vision to position Nevis as a top-tier, compliance-focused jurisdiction in the global gaming industry.
The initiative was catalyzed by the economic vulnerabilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. With its heavy reliance on tourism severely disrupted by border closures and hotel shutdowns, the Nevis Island Administration recognized an urgent need to diversify its economic base. Leveraging its four-decade-long reputation as a regulated international financial services center, gaming emerged as a natural and strategic extension.
Premier Brantley emphasized that the jurisdiction’s established regulatory principles—including rigorous anti-money laundering protocols, extensive due diligence, and a compliance-first licensing philosophy honed in financial services—are being directly applied to the new online gaming regime. This existing infrastructure has kept Nevis in good standing with international bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), providing a credible foundation for its gaming ambitions.
The economic strategy extends beyond mere licensing fees. The government is actively courting a complete digital ecosystem, inviting not only operators but also payments processors, technology vendors, AI specialists, and other ancillary service providers to establish a physical and operational presence on the island. Brantley highlighted Nevis’s robust internet infrastructure, accessible local banking for licensed entities, and high quality of life as key advantages to attract international digital businesses and professionals.
Acknowledging that top-tier status is a long-term goal, Brantley outlined a measured capacity-building approach. The Nevis Online Gaming Authority will serve as the central regulatory body, employing a multi-layered application review process involving both the regulator and the Ministry of Finance. Licenses are granted annually, with renewal contingent upon demonstrated ongoing compliance and reputable conduct, a model designed to mitigate the risk of bad actors.
The Premier was unequivocal about prioritizing quality over quantity, stating that only ‘reputable entities need apply.’ The success of the framework will be judged by the caliber of its licensees and the sustainable growth of a reputable industry, even if it means turning away applicants that do not meet its stringent standards. With the framework now operational, companies are encouraged to engage with the regulator to assess the opportunities Nevis offers.