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  • Fusionz Boutique donates $10,000 to support Carter

    Fusionz Boutique donates $10,000 to support Carter

    In a powerful demonstration of corporate social responsibility, Fusionz Boutique has made a substantial $10,000 contribution to support Akira Carter’s urgent medical fundraising campaign. The fashion retailer’s management and staff visited Carter at Queen Elizabeth Hospital last Sunday, presenting both a generous cheque and a thoughtful gift basket to the hospitalized patient.

    The compassionate gesture created an emotionally charged moment that left Carter speechless with gratitude. Company representative Roger Agard explained to Barbados TODAY that their decision to intervene was motivated by persistent social media awareness of Carter’s deteriorating health condition. “After consistently encountering Akira Carter’s story across digital platforms, Fusionz Boutique determined it was imperative to extend meaningful support,” Agard stated. “This represents precisely the type of community need where corporate entities should proactively offer assistance.”

    Ulanda Williams, Fusionz Boutique’s manager, revealed an additional personal dimension to their philanthropy, noting Carter’s longstanding patronage of their establishment. “She transcends being merely a beneficiary of charity—Akira has been a devoted and valued customer whose loyalty we deeply appreciate,” Williams emphasized. “Providing support during this critical juncture represents our heartfelt commitment to those who have supported our business.”

    Williams further articulated that their substantial donation serves a dual purpose: immediately assisting Carter’s medical fundraising while simultaneously establishing a precedent for broader corporate involvement. “Our primary objective involves inspiring other enterprises to recognize similar opportunities for community support,” Williams explained. “If Barbados’s business community collectively mobilizes its resources, we possess tremendous capacity to assist numerous citizens facing comparable medical crises.”

    Carter’s health emergency began abruptly in December 2025 when she developed a severe illness that progressed rapidly, resulting in complete leg paralysis and partial hand paralysis. Her current treatment strategy requires specialized overseas medical intervention, necessitating significant fundraising efforts. Donations continue to be accepted through FirstPay at +1 (246) 235-0447 or via direct deposit to CIBC FirstCaribbian, Sheraton Mall Branch, Chequing Account #1001109391.

  • Agricultural Career Fair Set for Feb. 26 to Expose Students to Modern Farming Careers

    Agricultural Career Fair Set for Feb. 26 to Expose Students to Modern Farming Careers

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries & the Blue Economy in Antigua and Barbuda is organizing a comprehensive Agricultural Career Fair and Expo scheduled for Thursday, February 26th. The event will take place at the Gilbert Agricultural & Rural Development Center from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, serving as a convergence point for farmers, technical experts, and industry leaders to demonstrate innovative career pathways in modern agriculture.

    The expo will highlight cutting-edge sectors including precision crop production, agricultural technology applications, renewable energy integration, and advanced farm management techniques. A notable participant is Itajah Simmons, proprietor of Simmons Farm, who brings over ten years of specialized experience in cultivating sweet and seasoning peppers, bell peppers, and multi-colored watermelons.

    Simmons operates a five-acre agricultural enterprise in Big Creek that incorporates drone technology into farming operations. His unique professional background includes a master’s degree in renewable energy and biogas engineering, coupled with his current role as a mechanical engineer at Public Works. This combination exemplifies the increasingly interconnected relationship between agricultural science, engineering disciplines, and technological innovation.

    The ministry actively encourages students, educators, and career seekers to attend this initiative, positioning the event as a strategic platform for connecting with professionals who are driving the transformation of Antigua and Barbuda’s agricultural sector toward a more technologically advanced and sustainable future.

  • Most public servants trying to frustrate gov’t will fall in line – Leacock

    Most public servants trying to frustrate gov’t will fall in line – Leacock

    St. Clair Leacock, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Public Service of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has voiced measured optimism regarding the cooperation of public servants following the recent political transition. In a Monday interview on Boom FM, Leacock acknowledged that some officials remain loyal to the former Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration but predicted they would ultimately align with the new government.

    The Central Kingstown representative, whose New Democratic Party (NDP) ended the ULP’s 25-year governance in November’s general election, addressed concerns about bureaucratic resistance. He characterized the situation as a natural consequence of prolonged single-party rule, noting that institutional culture cannot transform overnight.

    Leacock revealed he would personally accompany several public workers dismissed under the previous administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate who were experiencing difficulties reinstating their positions. This intervention demonstrates the government’s commitment to implementing its policy of reinstating affected employees.

    The Deputy Prime Minister articulated a pragmatic perspective on political allegiance within the civil service, recognizing public servants’ right to personal political beliefs while distinguishing between legitimate dissent and active obstruction. He expressed confidence that most officials would rationally recognize the new political reality and cooperate accordingly.

    With a January 31 deadline established for the reinstatement process, Leacock warned that persistent non-compliance would trigger administrative consequences. He commended certain sectors, particularly the police force, for their efficient implementation of the reinstatement policy while noting varying levels of cooperation across government entities.

    The government has developed a detailed implementation process through the Attorney General’s office, emphasizing the complex financial and administrative considerations involved in reintegrating dismissed workers into the public service payroll.

  • Big game from Megan Nestor wasted as University of North Texas loses

    Big game from Megan Nestor wasted as University of North Texas loses

    Despite a monumental individual performance from Megan Nestor, the University of North Texas (UNT) women’s basketball team saw its three-game winning streak halted in a narrow 54-58 home defeat against Rice on Saturday, January 17.

    Megan Nestor, the towering 6’4″ forward from Saint Lucia, delivered a career-defining performance in the loss. She secured her fifth consecutive double-double and tenth of the season by pouring in 15 points and dominating the glass with a remarkable 21 rebounds. This marked the second time this term she has grabbed at least 20 rebounds in a single contest. Her efficiency was notable, converting six of her nine field goal attempts and three of five from the free-throw line.

    Nestor’s prowess on the offensive glass places her as a co-leader nationally in the NCAA for offensive rebounds, while she also ranks among the top ten players in the country for both total rebounds and double-doubles. The alumna of Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School and former national netball player logged a UNT career-high 37 minutes of play.

    The sole other bright spot for the Mean Green was Aysia Proctor, who erupted for a career-best 25 points on an efficient 10-of-16 shooting from the field. However, the collective effort fell just short. UNT mounted a late surge in the final quarter, trimming a significant deficit to a mere two points, but Rice managed to withstand the pressure and execute down the stretch to secure the conference victory.

    The result moves UNT to a record of 10 wins and 8 losses on the season. Reflecting on the hard-fought battle, Head Coach Jason Burton acknowledged the quality of the opponent. ‘We knew today was going to be a battle,’ Burton stated. ‘We knew today was going to be a really good game. Hats off to Rice for getting it done… Still really proud of our team and the direction that we’re headed.’

  • Acting corporals to be paid from February

    Acting corporals to be paid from February

    In a significant policy shift addressing long-standing labor concerns within the Vincentian police force, National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock announced Monday that officers performing corporal duties without corresponding compensation will finally receive proper payment starting February 1.

    The minister, drawing upon his extensive background in military command and human resource management, characterized the practice of extended unpaid acting appointments as systemic exploitation. “This constitutes nothing less than the exploitation of people’s labour and service,” Leacock stated emphatically during his address.

    Leacock revealed that there are currently 112 corporals in the police force, many of whom have been performing elevated responsibilities for periods ranging from three to eight years without appropriate remuneration. The minister condemned this tradition as fundamentally unjust, particularly within an organization that should exemplify proper employment practices.

    The newly installed New Democratic Party administration, which assumed office on November 27, has moved swiftly to address this issue. Leacock announced the government’s decisive resolution: “We have made the decision that everyone must be paid their corporal’s pay, come the first of February.”

    Establishing new procedural guidelines, the minister asserted that any reasonable probationary period for such appointments should not exceed six months. Beyond this timeframe, organizations must either formally confirm the appointment with proper compensation or return the officer to their previous position. This policy aims to prevent the exploitation of dedicated personnel who have accepted additional responsibilities in good faith.

  • Anse La Raye reign as U15 girls football champions

    Anse La Raye reign as U15 girls football champions

    In a thrilling conclusion to the Saint Lucia Football Association Inter-District Under-15 Girls Championship, Anse La Raye staged a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Dennery 2-1 in the final held January 17 at the SLFA Technical Centre in Grande Riviere, Dennery.

    The championship match unfolded as a near replica of the teams’ preliminary encounter, with Anse La Raye once again overcoming an early deficit to secure victory. Dennery’s electric midfielder Faye Alphonse (#10) opened the scoring with a spectacular looping free kick that found the top corner of the net during the first half.

    Despite Dennery’s dominant possession in the opening thirty minutes, the momentum shifted decisively after halftime. Anse La Raye’s relentless pressure through standout players Destiny Herman and Akala Sam resulted in multiple corner opportunities. The persistent offensive push paid dividends in the 39th minute when Lacey Popo capitalized on a poorly cleared goal kick, delivering a clinical finish from 15 yards out.

    The match-winning goal arrived six minutes later when Valencia Lysan Seraphine unleashed a spectacular 20-yard strike into the far corner, marking the first goal from open play and securing Anse La Raye’s advantage. Alphonse nearly equalized in the 60th minute but narrowly missed what would become the penultimate scoring opportunity of the match.

    Anse La Raye head coach Jovette Wilson attributed the victory to her team’s resilience and execution. “We had to speak to them, tell them what to do,” Wilson explained to St. Lucia Times. “They were not attacking. They were not taking the opportunities. We asked them to stay focused because they know what to do.”

    Wilson praised the seven-team tournament that began in November, emphasizing its significance for women’s football development. Her championship squad included players from Anse La Raye Primary, Ciceron Secondary, and Castries Comprehensive Secondary schools.

    “I love it because I never got the opportunity to play under 15,” Wilson reflected. “At a young age, I had to play seniors. We never got that. And I love the fact that now there is football for females from all ages. Every district on island should have a female team so we can develop more and have more females engaged in football.”

    In the third-place match, Desruisseaux secured the consolation trophy with a 2-1 victory over Soufriere. Janii Prevost of Choiseul Secondary School scored her tournament-leading 12th goal despite her team’s loss.

    The ceremony recognized individual excellence with Karimah Ferguson (Canaries) receiving Most Promising Player honors, Shariella Arthur (Anse La Raye) earning Best Goalkeeper distinction, and Janii Prevost (Soufriere) claiming the Leading Goal Scorer award.

  • Attempted robbery, shooting at La Clery supermarket

    Attempted robbery, shooting at La Clery supermarket

    Authorities in Saint Lucia have launched a comprehensive investigation into a violent armed robbery attempt at Falcon Mart Supermarket in La Clery, formerly known as Wintrades Supermarket. The incident unfolded around 1:00 PM on January 19th, marking a dramatic escalation of criminal activity in the commercial district.

    According to preliminary police reports, a group of four armed individuals initiated what appears to have been a coordinated robbery attempt at the popular retail establishment. The situation turned violent when at least one assailant discharged their weapon, striking the supermarket’s security guard during the confrontation. Emergency services promptly transported the wounded guard to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment, though authorities have yet to disclose his current medical status.

    Law enforcement personnel quickly secured the perimeter and initiated forensic analysis of the crime scene. Investigators are currently gathering witness testimonies and reviewing available surveillance footage to identify the perpetrators and reconstruct the sequence of events. The supermarket remained closed following the incident as police continued their evidence collection process.

    The community of La Clery has expressed growing concern over this brazen daylight criminal activity, with local business owners calling for enhanced security measures in commercial areas. This incident represents one of the most serious armed robbery attempts in the area in recent months, highlighting ongoing challenges in urban security management.

    Police Commissioner Severin Moncherry has assured the public that all necessary resources are being deployed to apprehend those responsible. ‘We are treating this incident with the utmost seriousness and will pursue every lead until these individuals are brought to justice,’ Moncherry stated in a brief press address.

    As the investigation progresses, authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist with the ongoing manhunt. Further updates are expected as police develop additional leads in the case.

  • BLA still dealing with backlog

    BLA still dealing with backlog

    Barbados transportation authorities are executing a comprehensive recovery plan to address significant delays in vehicle registration services stemming from a systemic technical failure last October. Transport Minister Santia Bradshaw confirmed the ongoing efforts during an inspection visit to the Barbados Licensing Authority’s (BLA) headquarters in Pine, St. Michael.

    The operational crisis emerged on October 20 when the BLA’s legacy registration platform experienced catastrophic failure, necessitating complete system replacement. This disruption halted all vehicle-related services for nearly a week, prompting the November rollout of an entirely new digital platform that requires extensive staff training.

    Minister Bradshaw acknowledged particular challenges affecting existing vehicle owners: “We had numerous complaints from persons who already had vehicles… they couldn’t complete registrations because the system couldn’t access their historical data.” The technical breakdown created a mounting backlog of pending inspections and certificate issuances that continues to impact residents.

    To accelerate resolution, the BLA has deployed a multi-faceted approach including recruitment of additional staff and engagement of retired licensing officers familiar with agency operations. These experienced former employees are assisting with customer service and data entry while receiving training on the new system during weekend and after-hours sessions to minimize service disruption.

    Minister Bradshaw emphasized the critical importance of data accuracy during the manual information transfer process, noting that both the Ministry’s IT team and specialists from the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology (MIST) have dedicated personnel working exclusively on system troubleshooting. “We’ve actually rebuilt the system with four additional technical staff, and MIST has assigned a dedicated team specifically for licensing issues,” Bradshaw stated.

    While no definitive completion date has been announced, the Minister indicated that phased training and continuous system improvements are expected to gradually resolve the backlog, with a progress update anticipated within the coming week. The situation has caused considerable public frustration, with many residents paying insurance premiums on vehicles they cannot legally operate due to registration delays.

  • Dominica Lions Club members and district governor make courtesy call to president Sylvanie Burton

    Dominica Lions Club members and district governor make courtesy call to president Sylvanie Burton

    In a significant demonstration of civic engagement, the Dominica Lions Club delegation, accompanied by the District Governor of Lions Clubs International District 60B, was formally received by Her Excellency President Sylvanie Burton at the presidential residence on January 16, 2026. This high-level courtesy call formed an integral component of the District Governor’s official agenda, highlighting the organization’s sustained commitment to national development through voluntary service.

    The dialogue centered on the Lions Club’s multifaceted contributions to Dominican society, particularly their impactful interventions in healthcare accessibility, youth development programs, disaster response coordination, and community enhancement initiatives. The District Governor articulated the organization’s strategic vision for the region, emphasizing three core priorities: enhancing service delivery effectiveness, cultivating leadership capabilities among members, and expanding participatory engagement across the district’s operations.

    President Burton expressed profound appreciation for the organization’s dedicated service, acknowledging both its local impact and global humanitarian network. She specifically emphasized the critical role of civil society organizations in fostering social cohesion and driving national progress, with particular commendation for engaging young men in constructive community activities. The President also recognized the Leo Club’s instrumental role in shaping youth development trajectories through structured mentorship and service opportunities.

    The Dominica Lions Club reaffirmed its institutional commitment to maintaining collaborative partnerships with national stakeholders while continuing to operationalize the Lions Clubs International motto, “We Serve,” through concrete community-driven projects and humanitarian interventions.

  • Reception held to honour repeat visitors

    Reception held to honour repeat visitors

    Amid global instability and evolving geopolitical landscapes, Barbados maintains its position as a secure and dependable travel destination, according to Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill. The minister’s remarks came during a special reception at Bide Mill Great House in St. George on Friday evening, honoring visitors with exceptional loyalty to the island nation.

    Addressing an audience of repeat travelers, Gooding-Edghill emphasized Barbados’ unwavering commitment to visitor safety and satisfaction. “You can be absolutely confident that Barbados continues to offer a secure environment for relaxation, dining, and vacationing,” he assured, while encouraging attendees to both maintain their visitation patterns and promote the destination within their personal networks.

    The event specifically recognized tourists who have demonstrated remarkable dedication, with all honorees having visited Barbados for a minimum of 25 consecutive years. The minister characterized these longstanding visitors as indispensable partners in maintaining the vitality of the tourism sector.

    “This evening we acknowledge your steadfast connection to our nation and your extraordinary achievement of making 25 or more visits to our island paradise,” Gooding-Edghill stated. He highlighted their substantial economic contributions and role in sustaining the tourism industry’s longevity, particularly noting the meaningful relationships built between visitors and Barbadian hospitality professionals.

    The minister further elaborated on the strategic importance of loyal tourists, describing them as key ambassadors who enhance sector resilience through personal recommendations to family and peers. In a special recognition, Gooding-Edghill commended local operator Gaird ‘G’ Charles of G Fish Watersports for providing exemplary service to a visitor with disabilities, citing such actions as emblematic of the values that foster repeat tourism.