In a dramatic turn of events, Fatima Bosch of Mexico has been crowned the new Miss Universe, capping off a pageant marred by controversy and tension. The competition, held in Thailand, was overshadowed by a heated confrontation between Bosch and Nawat Itsaragrisil, the head of Miss Universe Thailand. The incident reportedly began during a meeting where Nawat publicly criticized Bosch for insufficient social media promotion of the host nation, escalating when he allegedly called her ‘dumb.’ This sparked outrage, leading Bosch and several other contestants to walk out in protest. The fallout extended further as two judges, former Chelsea footballer Claude Makelele and musician Omar Harfouch, resigned. Harfouch accused the competition of being rigged, adding to the turmoil. Amid these controversies, the pageant continued, with Miss Thailand Praveenar Singh and Miss Venezuela Stephany Abasali securing the runner-up and third-place positions, respectively. Despite the drama, Bosch’s victory marked a triumphant conclusion to a contentious event.
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Cabinet Orders 30-Day Ultimatum for Idle Farmlands
In a decisive move to enhance national food security, the Cabinet has mandated that all leased farmlands left unused must be brought into production within 30 days or face reassignment to active farmers. This directive, announced by Cabinet spokesman Maurice Merchant during Friday’s post-Cabinet briefing, underscores the government’s urgency to boost domestic agricultural output amidst growing geopolitical tensions in regional waters. Merchant emphasized that the initiative is not punitive but a necessary step to mitigate the risks posed by the country’s heavy reliance on food imports, which account for approximately 90% of the food supply. The government is particularly concerned about potential disruptions to shipping routes due to military activities involving Venezuela and the United States in nearby waters. To enforce the directive, the Ministry of Agriculture’s dedicated unit will monitor compliance, inspect leased plots, and report findings to senior officials and Minister Anthony Smith, who will oversee enforcement. In addition to reclaiming idle land, the Cabinet has instructed the ministry to accelerate support measures for active farmers, including fencing to prevent theft, expanded nursery production, wider seedling distribution, new wells and dams, improved farm lighting, better access roads, and fuel subsidies for farmers and fisherfolk. The government also plans to engage with farmers weekly, starting with a meeting next week, as part of its broader strategy to strengthen domestic food resilience and ensure the nation is better equipped to withstand external shocks.
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Man Dies in Friar’s Hill Road Crash After Vehicle Hits Animal
A tragic accident occurred in the early hours of Friday on Friar’s Hill Road, resulting in the death of a male driver, according to local law enforcement. Initial investigations suggest that the driver’s vehicle collided with an animal, causing the car to lose control and veer off the road. Despite the swift arrival of emergency services, the man succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Authorities have yet to disclose the identity of the deceased, and additional information surrounding the incident remains scarce. The crash has prompted renewed discussions about road safety measures in areas prone to wildlife crossings.
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Atompai en Sardjoe vormen nieuwe top Melkcentrale NV
Monché Atompai has officially been appointed as the General Director of Melkcentrale NV, a prominent state-owned enterprise. Previously serving as the President-Commissioner, Atompai had been acting as the interim director following the suspension of the former CEO, Dewkoemar Sitaram. Sitaram remains under investigation in connection with a large-scale fraud case that has rocked the company. The investigation, led by the Criminal Investigations Unit of the Herman E. Gooding Police Bureau, has resulted in multiple arrests. The scandal came to light after an internal audit and a formal complaint filed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries. Preliminary findings suggest that substantial sums of money, amounting to over SRD 17 million, have been misappropriated from the company’s coffers since 2018. Meanwhile, Anuska Sardjoe has been appointed as the new President-Commissioner by the General Assembly of Shareholders, marking a significant leadership transition at Melkcentrale NV.
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Grenada Interactors embody Rotary values at RYLA 2025 in Antigua
The Rotary Clubs of Grenada proudly backed their Interactors at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) 2025, held from November 14 to 16 in Antigua. This prestigious event, themed ‘Youth in Leadership: Embracing Challenges and Empowering Change,’ gathered over 270 young leaders from 13 countries within District 7030, highlighting Rotary’s dedication to fostering ethical and service-oriented leadership. Representing Grenada were Jonathan Bedeau, Maximus Clunes, and Liana LaO-Batista from The St George’s Institute, alongside Shatina Roberts of The Grenada Christian Academy. They were supported by a dedicated team of chaperones, including Dr Gabrielle Walcott-Bedeau, Renrick Bedeau, Dr Elida Batista-Herrera, and Anissa La Gueer, who provided mentorship and guidance throughout the conference. The Grenadian delegation exemplified ‘Service Above Self’ through impactful outreach at the Adele School for Special Children and by donating Grenadian-authored books to the Antigua and Barbuda National Library, fostering regional unity and cultural exchange. Participants also engaged in workshops on leadership, communication, ethics, mental health, and digital safety, with Dr Walcott-Bedeau leading a session on Digital Integrity. District leaders praised the delegation for their enthusiasm and collaborative spirit, which align with Rotary’s Four-Way Test. The students returned home inspired to enhance their Interact Clubs and expand their community service efforts.
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UWI Five Islands to Offer Law Degrees in Partnership with the Mona Campus Come 2026
In a groundbreaking move, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus will begin offering the Mona Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree locally in Antigua and Barbuda starting September 2026. This initiative, approved by the Cabinet this week, marks a significant milestone in expanding access to legal education across the Eastern Caribbean. Cabinet spokesman Maurice Merchant described the partnership between the Five Islands and Mona Campuses as a ‘landmark proposal’ that will transform legal education in the region. Under the agreement, the Mona Campus will oversee curriculum development, quality assurance, and academic governance, while the Five Islands Campus will handle program delivery, faculty recruitment, and student support. Merchant emphasized that this collaboration will significantly reduce costs for Antiguan and Barbudan students, with families saving an estimated US$105,000 compared to studying at Mona or Cave Hill, and up to US$202,500 compared to pursuing the degree in the United Kingdom or North America. Additionally, government scholarships will be more impactful, with the annual $520,000 allocation through the Board of Education program now supporting 30 students annually, up from 10 when studying abroad. Merchant also highlighted that this program lays the foundation for Antigua and Barbuda to establish its own law school within the next three to six years. Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin is currently collaborating with UWI and the Norman Manley Law School to meet the necessary requirements, including viability assessments and financial obligations, to ensure the project’s success.
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Police Seek Public Assistance in Fort Road Shooting
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has issued an urgent appeal to the public for assistance in identifying the perpetrators of a violent shooting incident that occurred early Friday morning, November 21, 2025, on Upper Fort Road, near Toy Toy Restaurant in St. John’s. Officers arriving at the scene discovered a 43-year-old local resident, Louis Armstrong, severely injured with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body, including his chest, eye, and left hand. Armstrong was immediately rushed to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where medical professionals described his condition as critical and life-threatening. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and contact the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at 462-3913, their nearest police station, or Crimestoppers at 800-TIPS (8477). The police have emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving this case and ensuring justice for the victim.
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Become ‘energy detectives’, official tells youth at forum
In a bold call to action, students across Barbados were challenged to spearhead the nation’s transition to sustainable energy during the Barbados Sustainable Energy Youth Forum. Held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre under the theme ‘Lead the charge – Barbados needs your spark’, the event emphasized the critical role of young minds in shaping a greener future. Kevin Hunte, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, urged students to become ‘energy detectives’ by investigating and optimizing energy use in their schools and homes. He highlighted the importance of energy efficiency, stating, ‘Why build a bigger generator when you can just use less energy to do the same thing?’ Hunte encouraged students to start with simple measures, such as replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs, adjusting air conditioning settings, and unplugging unused electronics. He also inspired them to embark on innovative projects, including DIY solar ovens, mini wind turbines, and home energy audits. The forum featured two panel discussions: ‘How can energy shape a resilient climate future?’ and ‘Integration of solar, wind, and other renewables with battery storage,’ featuring experts from Barbados Light & Power, the Barbados Renewable Energy Association, and the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. Students from schools such as Christ Church Foundation, Combermere, and Barbados Community College actively participated, asking insightful questions to deepen their understanding of the energy sector. Hunte concluded by urging students to trust their abilities, saying, ‘Your perspective is vital. We see energy as empowerment. This forum is just the beginning.’
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LISTEN: Director General of Communications Mounts Firm Defence of Works Minister Maria Browne
In a robust and unwavering defense, the Director General of Communications has publicly supported Works Minister Maria Browne amidst mounting criticism. Addressing the media, the Director General emphasized Browne’s dedication and effectiveness in her role, highlighting her contributions to key infrastructure projects and her commitment to public service. The defense comes in response to recent allegations questioning Browne’s performance and decision-making. The Director General dismissed these claims as unfounded, asserting that they stem from political motivations rather than factual inaccuracies. This public endorsement aims to reinforce confidence in Browne’s leadership and to counter the negative narrative surrounding her tenure. The statement also called for a more constructive and evidence-based approach to political discourse, urging stakeholders to focus on collaborative efforts rather than divisive criticism.
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BRI, a new international dynamic driven by China
In a recent dialogue with Prensa Latina, Cuban academician Eduardo Regalado highlighted the transformative impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on Latin America. Regalado emphasized that the megaproject has significantly contributed to infrastructure development, enhanced connectivity, facilitated technology transfer, and promoted environmental conservation efforts. Moreover, it has opened new avenues for trade and investment cooperation between Latin America and other participating nations. Regalado underscored that the BRI provides an alternative development pathway for Global South countries, particularly in Latin America, offering access to financing, advanced technologies, and collaborative opportunities without the political constraints often associated with traditional global financial mechanisms.
French academician Jean-Pierre echoed these sentiments, noting that the BRI has evolved from a conceptual project into a tangible reality that is reshaping international dynamics. He described the initiative as a viable alternative to the faltering capitalist system, aligning with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s five proposals for global governance. Jean-Pierre emphasized that the BRI is grounded in principles of non-intervention, respect for sovereignty, solidarity, and peace, making it a unique model for international cooperation.
Both experts are participating in the sub-forum ‘Belt and Road Initiative, Civilizational Dialogue,’ held as part of the Yangtze River Culture Forum. The event has brought together approximately 300 scholars from over 30 countries to discuss the BRI’s role in fostering global development and cross-cultural understanding.