作者: admin

  • Four Antiguans Depart for ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup Duty

    Four Antiguans Depart for ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup Duty

    Four promising cricketers from Antigua have been chosen to represent the West Indies in the upcoming ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup. The selected athletes—Matthew Miller, Jewel Andrew, Micah McKenzie, and Tanez Francis—departed the island on January 4th to begin final preparations for the tournament, which will be hosted across Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15th to February 6th.

    Their inclusion in the regional squad highlights their status among the Caribbean’s most talented young players. This selection continues Antigua and Barbuda’s distinguished cricketing heritage, a nation that has historically produced legendary West Indies players including Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Richie Richardson, Sir Andy Roberts, and Sir Curtly Ambrose.

    The four athletes will now join the West Indies team as they prepare to compete against the world’s top junior cricketing nations. Their participation marks another significant chapter in Antigua’s contributions to regional cricket, carrying the hopes of their nation as the West Indies pursues championship glory in the prestigious international tournament.

  • City police lead beautification effort at RC Boys Infant School

    City police lead beautification effort at RC Boys Infant School

    In a distinctive community policing effort, officers from the Castries Constituency Council City Police Department have revitalized the deteriorated wall of the RC Boys Infant School. This initiative forms a crucial component of their broader strategy to foster positive social change through environmental improvement and preventative engagement.

    Mayor Geraldine Lendor articulated the philosophy behind the project, emphasizing the correlation between physical surroundings and psychological well-being. “Our officers recognized that an inviting and vibrant educational environment can significantly influence young minds,” she stated. “By creating a brighter space, we aim to cultivate positivity that may ultimately deter tendencies toward deviant behaviors among youth.”

    The initiative represents a strategic alignment with the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s renewed focus on community support and proactive crime prevention. Notably, the officers undertook this project immediately following an intensive three-day after-school program, demonstrating their commitment beyond regular duties.

    Inspector Yone Camshon has committed to continuing such collaborative efforts while appealing for increased private sector participation. “We believe sustained partnerships are essential for the comprehensive upliftment of Castries and its communities,” Camshon noted.

    Mayor Lendor praised the officers’ dedication, highlighting how such cross-sector collaborations contribute to creating safer, cleaner, and more positive urban environments for students, residents, and visitors alike.

  • Saint Lucia women cricketers beaten again in Windwards T20

    Saint Lucia women cricketers beaten again in Windwards T20

    Saint Lucia’s aspirations for the Windward Islands Women’s T20 championship were decisively extinguished on Monday, February 5th, following a crushing nine-wicket defeat against Grenada. The match, held at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, marked Saint Lucia’s second consecutive loss, eliminating them from title contention.

    After winning the toss and electing to bat, Saint Lucia’s innings never found its rhythm. Captain Zaida James and opening partner Ashlene Edward provided a brief glimmer of hope with a 35-run partnership. However, the innings unraveled quickly after James (10) was dismissed in the fifth over by Grenadian fast bowler Holly Charles, who immediately followed up by removing West Indies teammate Nerissa Crafton for a duck. Grenada’s captain, West Indies bowler Afy Fletcher, then claimed the wicket of Cian Felix for a single run. A struggling Saint Lucia found themselves at a precarious 51-4 at the midway point, with Skyy Smith (7) also departing.

    The batting collapse intensified in the latter stages. Edward, the lone resilient batter, was eventually dismissed for a patient 35 off 53 deliveries in the 15th over. The final five overs yielded a meager 11 runs for the loss of one more wicket, condemning Saint Lucia to a subpar total of 78-6 from their allotted 20 overs.

    In response, Grenada launched a ferocious and calculated assault on the modest target. Captain Afy Fletcher led from the front, blasting a rapid 28 from just 17 balls, an innings decorated with three boundaries and two sixes. She and opening partner Theresa Thomas (24 not out) dismantled the Saint Lucia bowling attack, racing to a 46-run opening stand in just 5.3 overs. Cassie Williams provided a quickfire 12 from 8 balls to seal the comprehensive victory, with Grenada reaching their target of 79 in a mere 7.8 overs.

    This dominant performance sets up a championship preview between Grenada and the host nation, St. Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG), on Wednesday. SVG secured their spot after a thrilling super-over victory against Dominica in the day’s second fixture, where both teams were tied at 138 runs. Saint Lucia will now face Dominica in their final preliminary match before both teams contest the third-place playoff on Thursday.

  • Riley Khan Congratulated On U-17 Call-Up – Bernews

    Riley Khan Congratulated On U-17 Call-Up – Bernews

    Young football prodigy Riley Khan has received official selection to Bermuda’s Under-17 women’s national squad, marking a significant milestone in her developing career. The talented athlete will represent her nation in the upcoming CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers, where Bermuda faces challenging Group B opponents including Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, and Bonaire.

    The qualifying matches, scheduled from January 24 to February 2, will be hosted at Bermuda’s prestigious Flora Duffy Stadium. These tournaments serve as the initial competitive stage toward securing a berth in the next FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, offering young athletes like Khan an international platform to showcase their skills.

    Khan’s football development has been accelerated through her enrollment at the Benfica Residential Academy in Tampa, Florida, where she joined in March. The academy operates from the advanced facilities of Saint Leo University, providing elite training programs combined with academic excellence for students in grades 9-12.

    The academy publicly celebrated Khan’s achievement through their social media channels, stating: “Our very own Riley Khan has been called into the Bermuda national team to play the 2026 CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers.” This recognition highlights both Khan’s individual talent and the academy’s success in developing competitive athletes capable of performing at international levels.

  • Official Funeral Accorded to the Late Genevieve Smith

    Official Funeral Accorded to the Late Genevieve Smith

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has announced plans to honor the late Genevieve Smith with an Official Funeral, the highest ceremonial recognition bestowed upon civilians for exceptional national service. This distinguished honor celebrates Ms. Smith’s lifelong dedication to education, community welfare, and national development, marking her passing as a moment of national significance.

    A revered former educator and community pillar, Ms. Smith dedicated her life to uplifting others through selfless service. Her profound impact extended well beyond her educational work, earning her widespread recognition for extraordinary compassion and steadfast advocacy for vulnerable community members. Through decades of mentorship and charitable acts, she established a powerful legacy of humanitarianism that profoundly shaped countless lives.

    In accordance with official state funeral protocols, public viewing will be held exclusively at Barnes Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026, commencing at 8:30 AM. The government has specifically requested that mourners respect the arrangement that no viewing will be permitted at the subsequent religious service.

    The formal funeral ceremony will commence at 10:00 AM at Spring Gardens Moravian Church, conducted with full ceremonial honors reflecting the nation’s deep respect for Ms. Smith’s contributions. The combined presence of state symbolism and community participation will create a fitting tribute to her remarkable life of service.

    The Government of Antigua and Barbuda, together with Ms. Smith’s family, has expressed profound gratitude for the public’s outpouring of condolences and support during this period of national mourning. They have encouraged citizens to honor her memory by embracing the spirit of compassion and community service that defined her extraordinary life.

  • Motor vehicle licence fees for 2026 licensing period

    Motor vehicle licence fees for 2026 licensing period

    Grenada’s Inland Revenue Division (IRD) has issued an official clarification regarding the implementation timeline for updated motor vehicle licensing fees. The revised fee structure, established under the Road Traffic (Amendment of First Schedule) Regulations, 2024 (SRO No. 6 of 2024), became legally effective on July 1, 2024, following its publication in the official gazette.

    The regulatory amendment introduced a standardized increase of EC$50 across all applicable vehicle categories for annual license renewals. However, the IRD has acknowledged an administrative oversight that occurred in 2024, wherein the updated fees were incorrectly applied to vehicle owners before the official July 1 implementation date.

    This procedural error was subsequently rectified in 2025 through corrective adjustments that exempted vehicle owners from the EC$50 increase for that licensing period. The division has now confirmed that the legally mandated fee structure will be fully implemented for the 2026 licensing cycle, ensuring all vehicle owners are charged in accordance with the established regulations.

    In an official statement, the IRD expressed regret for any confusion caused by the implementation timeline issues and reaffirmed its commitment to transparent administration of all taxes, fees, and licensing procedures. The Ministry of Finance has directed concerned citizens to contact the division directly at 440-3556 for additional clarification or questions regarding vehicle licensing fees.

  • Venezuela’s Ambassador to Grenada calls on Caribbean allies to reject aggression

    Venezuela’s Ambassador to Grenada calls on Caribbean allies to reject aggression

    Venezuela’s diplomatic representative to Grenada, Ambassador Jorge Guerrero Veloz, has issued a stark warning to Caribbean nations regarding the alleged military capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by United States forces on January 3. The ambassador characterized this operation as both an assault on Venezuelan sovereignty and a direct challenge to regional stability throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

    In an exclusive interview with NOW Grenada, Guerrero Veloz articulated grave concerns about Washington’s apparent resurgence of Monroe Doctrine principles through military intervention. He emphasized that the incident represents a fundamental violation of international legal frameworks, including the UN Charter, which guarantees sovereign equality and prohibits the use of force against territorial integrity.

    The diplomatic official revealed that the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), under Colombia’s pro tempore presidency, recently convened to address the situation. Member states reportedly expressed unanimous concern and rejection of unilateral military actions undertaken by the U.S. government on Venezuelan territory.

    Ambassador Guerrero Veloz detailed multiple legal violations allegedly committed during the operation, including breaches of international humanitarian law through indiscriminate attacks affecting civilian populations and infrastructure. He referenced UN General Assembly Resolution 3314, which defines bombardment or occupation of another state’s territory as acts of aggression.

    Tragically, international news agencies including Al Jazeera have reported 32 Cuban casualties resulting from the military operation, with both Venezuelan and Cuban governments acknowledging deaths among civilians and military personnel. The ambassador condemned these actions as criminal acts of state terrorism.

    Despite the escalating crisis, Venezuela maintains its commitment to peaceful trade relations with Caribbean partners. However, Guerrero Veloz acknowledged that broader economic consequences might emerge due to extensive unilateral coercive measures currently imposed on Venezuela, including sanctions, asset freezes, and the seizure of oil tankers.

    The ambassador concluded with a determined statement: Venezuela will continue diplomatic battles for the liberation and return of President Maduro and his wife, framing the incident as a pivotal moment for regional sovereignty that will resonate across Latin America and the Caribbean.

    Meanwhile, judicial proceedings continue against Maduro, with a court hearing scheduled for March 17. In his absence, former Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has been officially sworn in to lead the South American nation.

  • LVV: Geen algemeen exportverbod: Suriname mag vis blijven exporteren naar de VS

    LVV: Geen algemeen exportverbod: Suriname mag vis blijven exporteren naar de VS

    Suriname’s seafood export industry continues its trade relationship with the United States despite temporary restrictions affecting specific fishing operations that fail to meet American marine protection standards. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (LVV) has clarified that no comprehensive export ban exists, contrary to potential misconceptions.

    The United States enforces stringent regulations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), requiring exporting nations to demonstrate equivalent protective measures for marine mammals. This compliance verification process, known as ‘comparability finding,’ has been successfully obtained for most Surinamese fisheries.

    However, two specific categories face export limitations: Suriname’s coastal driftnet fishery (SK-driftnet fishery) and red snapper catches by Venezuelan vessels in Surinamese waters. American authorities identified non-compliant net lengths and insufficient mitigation measures in the SK-driftnet operations, particularly regarding bycatch prevention for marine mammals including dolphins.

    Venezuelan-flagged vessels present a separate jurisdictional challenge. As flag state, Venezuela bears responsibility for submitting comparability documentation to US authorities, but has neither applied for certification nor shared relevant information to date.

    Surinamese authorities have implemented comprehensive corrective measures including mandatory acoustic deterrent devices (pingers), adjusted net specifications meeting US standards, and enhanced electronic monitoring systems. While these measures increase operational costs, LVV is exploring financial support mechanisms through funding programs and collaborative partnerships.

    All updated compliance documentation has been submitted for American reassessment, aiming to secure full certification for the SK-driftnet fishery. Meanwhile, LVV’s Fisheries Directorate must issue Certificates of Admissibility for each US-bound shipment, verifying exclusion from prohibited categories. This additional administrative requirement will be eliminated upon successful comparability certification, streamlining future export procedures.

  • LETTER: From Support to Disappointment: Action Over Talk

    LETTER: From Support to Disappointment: Action Over Talk

    A once-ardent supporter of representative Kelvin ‘Shugy’ Simon has publicly expressed profound disappointment, marking a significant shift from initial optimism to current frustration within the constituency. The critique centers on what the constituent describes as excessive rhetoric without commensurate action, creating a growing divide between political promises and tangible results.

    The anonymous author, who identifies as a strong United Progressive Party (UPP) supporter, contrasts Simon’s approach with that of political counterpart Dwayne George, whose consistent community engagement provides a stark comparison. George demonstrates his commitment through practical initiatives including bi-weekly food distribution programs every other Thursday and maintaining regular weekly availability for direct constituent meetings at his branch office.

    This detailed account highlights the growing constituent demand for leadership characterized by physical presence and active service rather than eloquent speeches. The writer observes George frequently engaged in direct fieldwork, interacting with community members during critical hours, which reinforces the perception of accessible, action-oriented representation.

    The political commentary emerges as a microcosm of broader democratic expectations, where electoral support becomes contingent on demonstrable effort rather than partisan loyalty. The constituent concludes with a poignant warning about diminishing patience among the electorate, suggesting that George’s consistent community presence could potentially sway voting decisions despite traditional party affiliations.

    The testimony serves as both a personal appeal to Simon and a broader statement on the evolving nature of political accountability, where visible action increasingly outweighs ideological alignment in determining electoral success.

  • Maduro challenges US authority in first court appearance, insists he remains Venezuela’s president

    Maduro challenges US authority in first court appearance, insists he remains Venezuela’s president

    In a dramatic first appearance before the U.S. judicial system, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro mounted a direct challenge to American legal authority, asserting his status as the nation’s legitimate head of state despite facing serious criminal charges. The proceeding took place in a Manhattan federal courtroom presided over by U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein.

    Maduro, speaking through a court-appointed interpreter, entered a formal plea of not guilty to multiple indictments including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine trafficking, and weapons-related offenses. He characterized his presence in the courtroom as the result of an unlawful military seizure from his homeland, vehemently maintaining his innocence throughout the hearing.

    The Venezuelan leader appeared alongside his wife, Cilia Flores, who similarly pleaded not guilty while identifying herself as Venezuela’s First Lady. Both defendants remain in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center pending further proceedings.

    Defense attorney Barry Pollack signaled forthcoming legal challenges, arguing that Maduro’s transfer to U.S. custody constituted an illegal military abduction. The defense team intends to contest both U.S. jurisdiction and claims of head-of-state immunity, with Maduro describing himself as a ‘prisoner of war’ during the hearing.

    Judge Hellerstein acknowledged that questions regarding the legality of Maduro’s detention could be addressed in subsequent proceedings while outlining the defendant’s constitutional rights. Maduro responded that he was learning about these rights for the first time in the courtroom.

    The judicial confrontation unfolds against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s increasingly hardline stance toward Venezuela, with the U.S. president asserting American control over the situation and warning of consequences for non-cooperation. The administration’s simultaneous focus on Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves has drawn criticism from regional leaders and analysts, who suggest strategic and economic considerations are inextricably linked to the legal prosecution.