Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) Commander Dr. Daryl Dindial has reaffirmed that the planned meeting with the Public Services Association (PSA) on November 21 will proceed as scheduled. The meeting aims to discuss a proposed ten per cent wage increase for public servants, a key campaign promise by the United National Congress (UNC) during the April 28 general election. Dindial dismissed claims by PSA president Felisha Thomas regarding hidden agendas and stalled negotiations, emphasizing that the economy is dynamic and requires a comprehensive understanding for effective wage discussions. He noted that the Ministry of Finance will present the current economic state to provide context for the negotiations. Thomas, however, has insisted that the PSA is solely interested in receiving the ten per cent wage offer and is not concerned with economic presentations. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has clarified that the CPO is the constitutionally mandated authority for such negotiations and expects discussions to proceed professionally. The proposed wage increase covers the 2014–2016 and 2017–2019 collective bargaining periods, with Thomas optimistic about concluding negotiations by Christmas.
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BPW Dominica honors 19 standouts for International Men’s Day
In a poignant celebration of International Men’s Day, BPW (Business and Professional Women) Dominica hosted a significant ceremony on November 19 at the Public Service Union (PSU) headquarters. The event, titled ‘Homage to Men,’ was a heartfelt tribute to the indispensable roles men play in the Commonwealth of Dominica. Nineteen exemplary men from the local community were honored for their exceptional leadership and service. The ceremony highlighted the multifaceted responsibilities men undertake, both within their households and across various sectors of national life. Traditionally seen as the primary providers of guidance, stability, and resilience, men were celebrated for their contributions to families and society at large. This inaugural event marks the beginning of a new tradition for BPW Dominica, which plans to make it an annual occurrence. The organization emphasized the importance of recognizing men’s positive impact to foster a community grounded in respect and appreciation. By honoring these often-overlooked heroes, BPW Dominica aims to inspire the younger generation and acknowledge the leaders, mentors, and pillars of strength who uphold families, communities, and the nation.
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Housing Push Passes 1,000 Units, With More Condos Coming in 2026
In a significant move to address housing needs, Antigua and Barbuda will expand its national housing programme by 2026, with hundreds of new homes planned across various communities, including the highly anticipated Booby Alley redevelopment. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams unveiled the initiative during the Throne Speech on Thursday, highlighting the government’s commitment to meeting growing housing demands. Since 2014, over 1,000 housing units have been constructed through collaboration between the government and private contractors, yet the need for additional homes continues to rise. The Booby Alley Project, a flagship initiative, will deliver 200 condominium-style units for former residents and others upon completion. Outside the capital, 100 additional condos will be built—50 in Barbuda and 50 in Bolans—to accommodate larger populations, with support from the People’s Republic of China. Affordability and resilience remain central to the housing strategy, with the National Housing and Urban Renewal Corporation offering subsidized housing and the Central Housing and Planning Authority focusing on hurricane-resilient designs. The programme also prioritizes vulnerable groups, including the poor and elderly, through initiatives like food vouchers, electricity support, minimum Social Security payments, and the HAPI programme, which rebuilds homes for those affected by fires or unsafe living conditions. Sir Rodney commended the housing minister for his dedication and compassionate leadership.
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Organizers make group discount rate available for greater accessibility to weekend’s staging of STREAK!
The Alwin Bully Foundation Inc. is marking a significant milestone with the Golden Jubilee production of the iconic play ‘STREAK,’ coinciding with the 77th birthday of the celebrated playwright, Alwin Bully. This special event honors Bully’s profound contributions to Caribbean theatre and culture, as highlighted in a recent media release by the Foundation. However, the organization faces challenges in bringing the anniversary performance to local communities due to high production costs and limited access to suitable stage and auditorium facilities, a stark contrast to the widespread community tours of the 1970s. In response to overwhelming interest from rural residents, the Foundation is encouraging communities to arrange transportation through local bus operators. To make the performances more accessible, concessionary ticket rates will be offered for groups of ten or more. The Foundation also expressed deep gratitude to patrons, private sector organizations, and individuals whose support has been instrumental in staging ‘STREAK’ on November 1 and 2, reigniting enthusiasm for Dominica’s theatre movement. The play, which resonates with audiences across the Caribbean, emphasizes the shared challenges and interconnectedness of the region. For ticketing inquiries and group rates, interested parties are advised to contact Mrs. Anita Bully at 277-3971 or Ms. Gloria Augustus at 245-9795.
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Windwards win to open Super50
The Windward Islands Volcanoes kicked off their CG United Super 50 Cup campaign with a thrilling two-wicket victory over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes on November 19 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago. The match showcased stellar performances from several Saint Lucian players, who played pivotal roles in the team’s success.
Volcanoes’ captain Teddy Bishop won the toss and opted to field first. The Leewards’ opening batsmen, Mikyle Louis and Kofi James, set a strong foundation, racing to triple figures within the first 13 overs. James, in particular, dominated the early stages, scoring 19 runs off Saint Lucian pacer Keon Gaston in the third over. However, Darron Nedd broke the partnership in the 16th over, dismissing Louis for 59, caught by Shadrack Descarte.
James continued his aggressive batting, forming an 81-run partnership with Carlton Bowen-Tuckett in just ten overs. He reached 103 before falling to Kenneth Dember, caught once again by Descarte. Despite a brief slowdown, the Leewards maintained momentum, with Jewel Andrew and Rahkeem Cornwall contributing to a total of 324 runs in 47.3 overs. Nedd and Descarte were the standout bowlers for the Windwards, taking three wickets each.
The Windwards’ chase began poorly, with Johann Jeremiah dismissed for a duck. However, Stephan Pascal and Bishop steadied the innings with a 68-run partnership. After a flurry of wickets, Nedd and Dillon Douglas took control, adding 108 runs together. Nedd’s explosive 94 off 56 balls and Douglas’ 61 off 46 were instrumental in the chase. Contributions from Gaston and McKenny Clarke, who hit two sixes in his 22 off 12 balls, sealed the victory as the Windwards reached 325-8 in 43.5 overs.
The Windwards will next face the Guyana Harpy Eagles on November 21 at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in St Augustine.
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Antigua Predicts Record Tourism Season With 450,000 Stayovers and 1 Million Cruise Arrivals
Antigua and Barbuda is poised to experience its most robust tourism season in history, with projections of 450,000 stayover visitors and nearly one million cruise passengers anticipated for the 2025–2026 period. This optimistic forecast was unveiled by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams during the Throne Speech on Thursday. The surge in tourism is attributed to significant investments in luxury resorts and the ongoing diversification of the nation’s tourism offerings. Sir Rodney emphasized that the projected increase in arrivals underscores the country’s strategic focus on high-end development while retaining its appeal to a broader audience. Major projects currently underway include the construction of a Rosewood Hotel on Barbuda’s southern coast, a Nobu Resort adjacent to the existing restaurant, and the expansion of the PLH development, which now boasts 350 rooms. Additionally, boutique projects led by Barbudan entrepreneurs are being planned through new investment partnerships. On Antigua, notable developments include the Nikki Beach project by Calvin Ayre and a new Marriott-branded property nearing completion at Yeptons Beach. The government is also enhancing the food and beverage sector by attracting high-end restaurants to the tourism landscape. Simultaneously, efforts are being made to cater to economy-class travelers, who constitute the majority of arrivals. Plans include a significant government stake in the rehabilitation and expansion of the Jolly Beach Hotel. The Throne Speech highlighted tourism as the cornerstone of Antigua and Barbuda’s economy, emphasizing the long-term benefits of diversification, upgraded offerings, and sustained investment across both islands.
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Warm welkom ambassadeur Panka op ambassade in Nederland
Ambassador Ricardo Panka was warmly welcomed at the Surinamese Embassy in The Hague on Friday, marking the beginning of his new diplomatic role. Upon his arrival at Schiphol Airport, he was escorted to the embassy, where he was greeted by the full embassy team, friends, acquaintances, and prominent members of the Surinamese-Dutch community. The reception included a blessing by Apostle Melvin Heuvel, who wished Panka success in his new duties. Panka was appointed as the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Suriname by President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons on November 14, with The Hague as his permanent base. His appointment is seen as a significant step in strengthening diplomatic ties between Suriname and the Netherlands. Panka is expected to present his credentials to King Willem-Alexander soon, ahead of the king’s state visit to Suriname from December 1 to 3, coinciding with the country’s 50th anniversary of independence. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof will also travel to Paramaribo next week for the official jubilee celebrations. Panka, known for his role as a connector with extensive experience in policy, community development, and diaspora initiatives, has previously worked on youth participation, educational programs, and cultural projects in Suriname and the diaspora. In the Netherlands, he has collaborated closely with social organizations and cultural institutions, making him a familiar figure within the Surinamese community. Upon his arrival, Panka expressed his focus on cultural exchange, economic cooperation, strengthening the agricultural sector, educational relations, and active involvement of the Surinamese community in development projects. He emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing and collaboration between the two countries. ‘The Surinamese community in the Netherlands serves as a vital bridge between our nations. I look forward to deepening this bond,’ he said. Panka also highlighted the recent reduction in the fee for the PSA pass (Persons of Surinamese Origin) by the Surinamese government but noted that high ticket prices remain a challenge for many.
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Antigua and Barbuda Producing 11 Million Gallons of Water Daily — A Record Output
Antigua and Barbuda has reached a historic milestone in its water production, now generating over 11 million gallons of desalinated water daily—the highest output in the nation’s history. This achievement was announced during the Throne Speech on Thursday by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, who highlighted the country’s significant progress in addressing long-standing water shortages.
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Government Credits Foreign Direct Investment for Antigua and Barbuda’s Rapid Economic Expansion
Foreign direct investment (FDI) has been the cornerstone of Antigua and Barbuda’s remarkable economic growth over the past 25 years, according to Governor General Sir Rodney Williams. In his Throne Speech delivered on Thursday, Sir Rodney highlighted how sustained inflows of overseas capital have propelled the nation’s economy from US$802 million in 2000 to over US$2 billion today. He emphasized that FDI has been instrumental in driving development across key sectors, including construction, hospitality, banking, housing, and public infrastructure, laying the foundation for the country’s “solid, stable, and soaring” progress.
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STATEMENT: UN Secretary-General Message on World Children’s Day (with video)
On the occasion of World Children’s Day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the urgent need to safeguard children’s rights, emphasizing that the future of humanity hinges on the well-being of its youngest members. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, the most universally ratified treaty in history, was signed 36 years ago, affirming the fundamental principle that protecting children is essential for building a better world. However, Guterres warned that children’s rights are increasingly under threat. Poverty, emergencies, and climate change are disrupting education and jeopardizing futures, while the digital world introduces new risks. Many children are forced into labor or caregiving roles, bearing responsibilities far beyond their years. Tragically, famine and conflict have stripped thousands of children of their most basic right: the right to life. Guterres stressed that while every child’s circumstances are unique, their rights are universal, regardless of identity or location. This World Children’s Day, he urged the global community to listen to children, amplify their voices, and unite in creating a safe and equitable world for every child. The future, he concluded, will be defined by how we care for the next generation.