The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Climate Change has escalated its warnings to Saint Lucian residents and enterprises as the nation progresses into the most arid phase of its annual dry season. With meteorological patterns indicating significantly diminished rainfall—a condition frequently exacerbated by Saharan dust incursions—authorities highlight critical vulnerabilities in domestic water provision, agricultural output, and commercial continuity. The dry season, spanning from December through May, characteristically presents substantial rainfall deficits. Officials caution that absent preemptive action, these persistent arid conditions may precipitate disruptive supply interruptions, diminished agricultural productivity, and heightened operational stress on water distribution services. In response, the Ministry is advocating for a tripartite strategy: strategic water storage, capacity expansion initiatives, and conscientious consumption practices. The public is advised to tailor water storage plans according to household size, usage patterns, and local disruption risks. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is promoted as a sustainable, year-round auxiliary to the treated supply provided by WASCO. Citizens are further encouraged to remain apprised of developments through weekly forecasts and official advisories. Jason Ernest, Director of the Water Resources Management Agency (WRMA), emphasized that systemic resilience is contingent upon immediate collective action. He asserted that bolstering storage infrastructure, adopting rainwater harvesting, and implementing efficiency measures are pivotal strategies for mitigating shortage vulnerabilities and preserving the island’s finite water resources. For additional guidance, the WRMA can be contacted via telephone at 468-5663, 468-5664, or 468-5669.
作者： admin
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Gas bottle theft in Gray Hill captured on surveillance footage
Law enforcement authorities in Gray Hill have launched a public appeal for information regarding a brazen gas bottle theft captured on security cameras. Surveillance footage reveals an unidentified individual swiftly absconding with the pressurized container, indicating a premeditated act of property crime.
The incident has reignited concerns among local residents about recurring theft patterns targeting private possessions throughout the neighborhood. Community members report this represents part of a broader pattern of similar violations affecting area homeowners.
Police investigators have confirmed the stolen propane cylinder was unlawfully taken from its rightful owner and stress the potential safety implications of mishandling such pressurized equipment. Law enforcement emphasizes the importance of community cooperation in resolving this case and preventing future occurrences.
Authorities encourage residents to maintain heightened vigilance and immediately report any suspicious activities or recognizable details from the surveillance footage. Confidential tip lines have been established through local police stations to protect informant privacy while assisting the ongoing investigation.
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Man to appear in court on murder charge
A criminal case is advancing in Barbados as a 30-year-old resident of St. Michael prepares to face murder charges in the District ‘A’ Criminal Court. The accused, identified as Xzavier Malik Clarke from Marl Hole Road, Halls Road, has been formally charged by authorities in connection with the fatal incident involving David Leacock.
The Barbados Police Service confirmed that the charges stem from events occurring on November 11, 2025, with the Criminal Investigation Department (Central) leading the investigation and subsequent filing of charges. The judicial process marks a significant development in a case that has drawn attention to law enforcement procedures and criminal accountability within the Caribbean nation.
Legal experts anticipate that the court proceedings will shed light on the circumstances surrounding Leacock’s death while demonstrating the Barbados justice system’s approach to handling serious violent crimes. The case represents one of several homicide investigations currently moving through the country’s legal channels, highlighting ongoing efforts to address criminal activity through formal judicial mechanisms.
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DAA and Niagra Water partner to hydrate Dominican athletes
In a significant boost for Caribbean athletics, the Dominica Athletics Association (DAA) has unveiled a comprehensive sponsorship agreement with Niagara Water, locally distributed by J. Astaphans & Co. Ltd. This alliance marks a pivotal advancement in sports infrastructure development, directly addressing the critical hydration requirements of athletes across the island nation.
The multi-faceted partnership designates Niagara Water as the Official Hydration Partner for all DAA-sanctioned events. The collaboration will ensure a consistent supply of premium bottled water to competitors, coaching staff, event officials, and volunteers throughout the competitive season. Beyond mere product provision, the initiative embodies a shared vision for elevating athletic performance standards and supporting holistic competitor development.
DAA President Brendan Williams emphasized the transformative potential of this alliance: “This partnership represents far more than hydration support—it’s a substantial investment in the future of Dominican athletics. By guaranteeing optimal hydration conditions, we’re directly contributing to athlete safety, performance excellence, and long-term career sustainability. We deeply appreciate Niagara Water and J. Astaphans & Co. Ltd. for their demonstrated commitment to sporting excellence and youth development.”
The sponsorship framework encompasses extensive brand visibility opportunities during approximately 15 annual national events, including track and field competitions, road racing events, youth athletics initiatives, and professional development workshops. Niagara Water will receive prominent placement across digital platforms, event signage, and promotional materials while gaining direct engagement access to athletes and spectators.
This corporate sponsorship reinforces the DAA’s impressive track record of cultivating world-class athletic talent, including Olympic champion Thea LaFond, CARIFTA Games gold medalist Addison James, and Pan American Junior Games champion Treneese Hamilton. J. Astaphans & Co. Ltd. expressed particular enthusiasm for supporting athletic excellence as a cornerstone of youth development, community health, and national pride.
The partnership signifies growing corporate recognition of athletics’ vital role in Dominican society and represents a practical manifestation of corporate social responsibility toward sports development and community wellbeing.
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Charles named in Windies squad for World Cup warmups
Cricket West Indies has unveiled a 16-player squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Afghanistan, set to commence on January 19 at the Dubai Cricket International Stadium. The selection features a notable return for veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Johnson Charles, who at 37 years old brings extensive experience from his participation in two World T20 championship victories (2012 and 2016).
The series serves as critical preparation ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup beginning February 6, with the final tournament squad to be announced following this Afghanistan encounter and preceding a subsequent series against South Africa.
Charles returns to familiar UAE conditions following an impressive performance in the recently concluded International League T20, where he accumulated 244 runs for Sharjah Warriors. His most recent innings against Afghanistan produced a solid 43 runs at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
The squad sees several significant changes due to conflicting commitments and strategic rest periods. Regular captain Shai Hope, along with established players Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein, and Sherfane Rutherford, remain unavailable due to participation in the ongoing SA20 tournament. Their absence has prompted the appointment of Brandon King as captain for the series.
Notable inclusions feature the maiden international call-up for Quentin Sampson, recognized as the Breakout Player of the 2025 Caribbean Premier League. He replaces rested players Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, and Romario Shepherd as part of Cricket West Indies’ workload management strategy.
The selection also marks the return of fast bowler Shamar Joseph and batsman Evin Lewis, both having successfully completed return-to-play protocols following injury recoveries.
Head coach Daren Sammy emphasized the dual purpose of the series, stating: ‘These competitive matches in subcontinental conditions provide ideal preparation for confidence building ahead of the World Cup. Simultaneously, they offer a valuable platform to reassess players returning from extended absences and those stepping into new roles before final tournament selection.’
The squad will depart the Caribbean on January 14, coinciding with Charles’ birthday, with arrival in the UAE scheduled for January 16 ahead of the series opener.
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Pierre promises continuity and confidence in 2026
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has unveiled an ambitious governance blueprint for 2026, emphasizing policy continuity across infrastructure development, social welfare enhancement, and environmental protection. During a pre-Cabinet briefing, the leader articulated his administration’s commitment to maintaining momentum from the previous term, particularly regarding major national projects.
Infrastructure development constitutes a cornerstone of the government’s agenda. The Gros Islet highway project is scheduled to commence construction within the first half of 2026, while the Hewanorra International Airport terminal development—described as the nation’s largest infrastructure undertaking—advances through international tender processes. Contract confirmation for the airport project is anticipated before March concludes, with construction expected to initiate by mid-2026.
Social infrastructure receives equal prioritization, with the Gros Islet Police Headquarters nearing completion and slated for inauguration during independence celebrations. Housing initiatives at Talvern and Rockhall will progress significantly, alongside formalized land distribution to long-standing occupants who have resided on government properties for decades.
Educational reforms will emphasize continuing, adult, and special needs education, addressing functional illiteracy through specialized curricula. The government will strengthen its partnership with the Centre for Adolescent Renewal and Education (CARE) to support vulnerable youth, particularly young men facing social challenges.
Environmental enforcement will intensify against abandoned vehicles, derelict properties, and unused lands, which Pierre identified as both aesthetic concerns and security risks. Pensioners will benefit from expanded tax relief measures, with legislation ensuring retroactive application for both public and private sector retirees.
The Prime Minister expressed robust confidence in Saint Lucia’s economic trajectory, highlighting anticipated investments in the hospitality sector and renewed development interest in Rodney Bay and surrounding regions.
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Suriname onderzoekt goedkopere medicijnen via gezamenlijke inkoop met Colombia
The Surinamese government is actively investigating a groundbreaking approach to reduce expenditures on high-cost specialty medications by aligning with Colombia’s bulk pharmaceutical procurement programs. President Jennifer Simons revealed this strategic initiative during a press briefing detailing her recent official visit to Colombia.
This potential collaboration centers on leveraging Colombia’s massive purchasing power through the Hospital Internacional de Colombia (HIC), which negotiates multi-million dollar medication contracts. By tapping into these established procurement channels, Suriname could access substantially reduced prices for specialized drugs used in cancer treatments, transplant procedures, and rare disease management—treatments that typically involve exorbitant medication costs.
President Simons emphasized the targeted nature of this initiative, clarifying that it specifically addresses expensive specialty drugs rather than standard medications. ‘For certain conditions, we’re dealing with a small patient population in Suriname, but the required medications are extremely costly. This is precisely where collective purchasing could potentially make a significant difference,’ Simons stated.
The government maintains a cautious approach, with no automatic commitments being made. Suriname will conduct thorough objective comparisons to verify whether Colombian pricing genuinely offers advantages over current import channels through India and the Netherlands. The nation’s Drug Supply Company (BGVS) will play a central role in this evaluation process.
According to Simons, Colombian pharmaceutical entities have expressed openness to including Suriname in their existing procurement frameworks. This arrangement could potentially grant Suriname direct access to manufacturers or established suppliers at identical pricing conditions enjoyed by the Colombian market. However, Simons stressed that ‘we won’t accept this at face value—the numbers must be presented and verified.’
A technical working group comprising representatives from both nations will dedicate the next six to eight weeks to meticulously developing the proposal. This comprehensive assessment will examine price comparisons, logistics, regulatory considerations, and financial implications for Suriname’s healthcare sector. The findings will determine whether joint purchasing can deliver structural cost reductions.
This initiative represents a crucial component of the government’s broader strategy to create a more affordable and sustainable healthcare system for Suriname without compromising quality standards or accessibility.
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King to captain WI in Dubai
Cricket West Indies has announced Brandon King as captain for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Afghanistan, marking the final competitive outing before the selection of the squad for next month’s ICC T20 World Cup. The 16-member team will compete at the Dubai Cricket International Stadium from January 19-22, 2026.
The appointment comes as regular skipper Shai Hope, along with key players Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein, and Sherfane Rutherford, remain unavailable due to ongoing commitments in South Africa’s SA20 tournament. King brings previous leadership experience to the role, having captained the West Indies during their home T20 series against South Africa earlier in 2024.
Notable inclusions feature the return of Shamar Joseph and explosive batsman Evin Lewis, both having successfully completed return-to-play protocols after recovering from injuries. The squad also introduces exciting newcomer Quentin Sampson, who earned his maiden international call-up following an outstanding performance as Breakout Player of the 2025 Caribbean Premier League.
Four Barbadian players have secured spots: Shamar Springer, Matthew Forde, Ramon Simmonds, and Justin Greaves. Meanwhile, established stars including Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, and Romario Shepherd have been strategically rested as part of the team’s workload management strategy.
Pace bowler Alzarri Joseph continues his rehabilitation from a late-2025 injury and, while showing promising progress, has been excluded from this series as a precautionary measure following medical assessment. His fitness will continue to be monitored ahead of World Cup selection.
Head Coach Daren Sammy emphasized the dual purpose of the Afghanistan series, describing it as both a final tuning opportunity before the global tournament and a platform for reintegrating players returning from extended absences. The squad is scheduled to depart the Caribbean on January 14 and arrive in the UAE two days later for preparation.
Full Squad: Brandon King (captain), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Ramon Simmonds, Shamar Springer, Shimron Hetmyer.
Tour Schedule:
– 1st T20I: January 19, 2026 @ Dubai Cricket International Stadium
– 2nd T20I: January 21, 2026 @ Dubai Cricket International Stadium
– 3rd T20I: January 22, 2026 @ Dubai Cricket International Stadium -
Vehicle Reported Stolen from Spencer’s Supermarket Parking Area
Law enforcement agencies in Antigua and Barbuda have launched a comprehensive investigation following the reported theft of a light blue Toyota vehicle from the Spencer’s Supermarket vicinity. The missing automobile, identified by its distinctive national registration number A72662, was reported stolen under circumstances that authorities are currently examining.
Police officials have issued a formal appeal to community members, urging anyone with potential sightings or relevant information about the vehicle’s whereabouts to immediately contact their nearest police precinct. The department has emphasized that anonymous tips are welcome, ensuring confidentiality for those who wish to contribute information without public disclosure.
Investigators highlighted the crucial role of community cooperation in such cases, noting that prompt public response significantly enhances recovery prospects. The theft incident has prompted increased security awareness among local businesses and vehicle owners in the area. Law enforcement representatives confirmed that all information received will be treated with utmost priority as they work to resolve this case and return the vehicle to its rightful owner.
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Hezekiah Parker Jr. Charged with Unlawful Possession of Firearm, Ammunition, and Cannabis
In a targeted operation underscoring heightened law enforcement efforts, Antiguan authorities have apprehended and charged Cedar Valley Heights resident Hezekiah Parker Jr. on multiple serious counts related to illegal weapons and controlled substances. The arrest culminated an early morning raid conducted on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the suspect’s residence.
During the search, officers from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda uncovered a significant cache of illicit materials. The seized items included a Smith & Wesson .380 caliber pistol, seven rounds of matching ammunition, and approximately 100 grams of cannabis.
Formal charges have been filed against Parker Jr., encompassing the unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm, illegal possession of ammunition, possession of cannabis, and possession with intent to supply the controlled substance. This case represents a clear demonstration of the police administration’s renewed focus on proactive measures to combat community-based criminal activity.
The Royal Police Force has officially stated that these targeted operations form a critical component of its broader strategy to enhance public safety by systematically removing illegal firearms and narcotics from circulation. Law enforcement officials are actively encouraging continued community cooperation, urging citizens to report any suspicious activities to their nearest police station or directly to the Criminal Investigations Department. The accused is scheduled for an imminent court appearance to answer the charges.