作者: admin

  • Gov’t ends rental fees for school sports

    Gov’t ends rental fees for school sports

    In a significant policy shift aimed at supporting youth development, the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has abolished all fees for national playing field usage during school athletic competitions. The announcement came from Senator Lavern King, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, during an education forum held on Thursday.

    The policy change means schools will no longer face financial barriers to accessing national sports facilities for their primary athletic events, which typically occur during the second academic term. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to enhancing student development through sports participation.

    Complementing the fee elimination, Senator King revealed that prize money for both Inter-Secondary and Inter-Primary Championships will be substantially increased following recommendations from Senior Minister Phillip Jackson. The enhanced rewards are designed to provide more tangible recognition for student athletes’ dedication and achievements.

    “We are aiming to show a more tangible appreciation for our students’ hard work and accomplishments in athletics,” King stated, emphasizing the government’s holistic approach to education.

    The minister also announced a partnership with the Brunch and Soca Foundation, which will contribute EC$1,000 cash awards each to the victor and victrix ludorum (top male and female athletes) at inter-secondary school sports competitions.

    Furthermore, King issued a call to action for private businesses, alumni networks, and community leaders to support educational institutions through adoption programs or direct support for school-based clubs and societies. This collaborative approach seeks to invest comprehensively in the nation’s youth development.

    “These initiatives reflect our commitment to nurturing well-rounded students academically, socially and athletically,” King explained. “We believe that participation in extracurricular activities builds discipline, teamwork and a sense of pride.”

  • Govt to hire 2 more experts to boost volcano monitoring

    Govt to hire 2 more experts to boost volcano monitoring

    The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is significantly enhancing its volcanic surveillance capabilities through a dual strategy of infrastructure investment and specialized staffing. Minister of Disaster Management St. Clair Leacock has announced the creation of new positions for geoscientist and seismic technician to strengthen monitoring operations at La Soufrière volcano.

    The announcement coincided with the official handover ceremony of the newly renovated and retrofitted Belmont Volcano Observatory in Rose Hall on Monday. Minister Leacock, who also serves as deputy prime minister and national security minister, emphasized the facility’s critical role in advancing volcanic research, community-based early warning systems, and international academic collaborations.

    Substantial technical upgrades form the backbone of the enhanced monitoring network. The national seismic monitoring system will see the installation of eight new mountain stations alongside comprehensive upgrades to existing sites. A notable security feature involves enclosing all stations to protect against potential vandalism—a concern that prompted the minister’s public appeal for community cooperation in preserving vital safety equipment.

    Minister Leacock highlighted the project’s significance as representing “decades of preparation, institutional continuity, and national commitment to disaster readiness.” The observatory project was executed at a cost of EC$4.696 million through a World Bank concessional loan, with an additional US$1 million grant provided to the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) for specialized monitoring equipment.

    The minister praised NEMO as one of the nation’s best-run public institutions and commended director Michelle Forbes for her exceptional leadership and professionalism in advancing the country’s disaster preparedness capabilities.

  • VS waarschuwt Iran: alle opties open, Iran belooft reactie op agressie

    VS waarschuwt Iran: alle opties open, Iran belooft reactie op agressie

    The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session on Thursday amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the United States and Iran regarding the handling of recent civil unrest within Iranian territories. The session, requested by the U.S., revealed sharply divided positions among global powers concerning appropriate international response mechanisms.

    U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz asserted that Washington maintains “all options on the table” to address reported violence against protesters in Iran, reiterating President Donald Trump’s support for what he termed “the brave Iranian people.” This stance followed earlier presidential statements suggesting potential intervention supporting demonstrators, though Trump subsequently adopted a more measured position, noting decreased violence and denying plans for large-scale executions.

    Iran’s Deputy UN Ambassador Gholamhossein Darzi delivered a sharp rebuttal, characterizing American statements as “lies, factual distortions, and a deliberate disinformation campaign” designed to conceal alleged U.S. involvement in instigating unrest. Darzi warned that any direct or indirect aggression against Iran would trigger a “decisive, proportional, and lawful response,” emphasizing this constituted legal reality rather than mere threat.

    Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia criticized the U.S. motive for convening the session, accusing Washington of attempting to justify “brutal aggression and interference in the domestic affairs of a sovereign state” while pursuing regime change through military means. He urged American leadership and allied nations to reconsider their approach.

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres appealed for maximum restraint during this sensitive period, encouraging all parties to avoid actions potentially leading to additional casualties or broader regional escalation. Danish Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen emphasized the Iranian people’s repeated demonstrations demanding improved living conditions, calling upon Tehran’s government to peacefully respond to its citizens’ expressed will.

    The emergency meeting concluded without consensus, reflecting persistent geopolitical divisions while underscoring the international community’s growing concern regarding potential escalation pathways in the already volatile region.

  • Inflation Across CARICOM: A 2025 Snapshot

    Inflation Across CARICOM: A 2025 Snapshot

    The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) demonstrated remarkable economic resilience throughout 2025 as the majority of member states successfully maintained inflation rates within manageable thresholds below 5%. This collective achievement marks a significant departure from the elevated price pressures that characterized the region in previous years.

    According to the latest International Monetary Fund data from its October 2025 World Economic Outlook, price stability varied across the regional bloc with several nations achieving exceptionally low inflation. Saint Lucia emerged as the region’s top performer with a minimal 0.4% rate, closely followed by The Bahamas at 0.5%. A substantial cohort including Grenada, Belize, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines all maintained inflation comfortably below the 2.5% benchmark.

    The middle tier of inflation performance featured Barbados (2.3%), Dominica (2.8%), Antigua and Barbuda (3.5%), and Guyana (3.6%). Jamaica registered a moderate 4.2% rate, still within the sub-5% stability threshold that characterized most of the community.

    Notable exceptions persisted at the upper spectrum, with Suriname reporting 9% inflation—a figure that, while elevated, represents dramatic improvement from the catastrophic 50%+ hyperinflation experienced during the 2021-2022 period. Haiti continued to face extreme economic challenges with inflation soaring to 27.8%, directly reflecting the nation’s protracted political crisis and severe humanitarian emergency.

    For both consumers and enterprises operating throughout the Caribbean basin, these indicators signal a substantial return to relative price normalcy. The current stability contrasts sharply with the 2022 economic landscape when multiple CARICOM economies documented inflation rates two to three times higher than present levels, demonstrating considerable progress in monetary policy effectiveness and economic management across the region.

  • Consultation to be held on issues affecting St. John’s City

    Consultation to be held on issues affecting St. John’s City

    The City of St. John’s is mobilizing its property and business owners for a pivotal public consultation focused on urban infrastructure and civic cleanliness. Scheduled for January 29 at 5:00 PM, the event will be held at the John E. St. Luce Conference Center on Sir Sydney Walling Highway.

    This forum, championed by Social and Urban Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner, aims to directly engage stakeholders in addressing critical quality-of-life issues. Under the banner “Your City. Your Voice,” the initiative seeks grassroots input on multiple urban challenges including waste management systems, road conditions, drainage infrastructure, aesthetic improvements, and the removal of derelict structures.

    The consultation will feature high-level government participation with confirmed attendance from Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin, Housing and Works Minister Maria Browne, and Tourism Minister Charles Max Fernandez. This demonstrates the administration’s commitment to incorporating public feedback into policy decisions.

    Minister Turner emphasized the participatory nature of the initiative, stating: “The future of St. John’s starts with you. This consultation represents a genuine opportunity for citizens to shape the urban landscape through direct dialogue with decision-makers.”

    Organizers have identified key discussion pillars including: enhanced garbage collection protocols, curbs and drainage improvements, road infrastructure modernization, anti-littering measures, and strategic demolition of abandoned properties. The event structure will allow for both presentation of current challenges and collection of community-generated solutions.

    Interested participants are required to RSVP through designated channels to ensure adequate accommodations. This consultation marks a significant step in the city’s broader urban transformation agenda, positioning citizen engagement as central to municipal development strategies.

  • Destination Dominica, Mas Domnik 2026 Showcased at Antigua Press Conference

    Destination Dominica, Mas Domnik 2026 Showcased at Antigua Press Conference

    The Commonwealth of Dominica has officially launched its promotional campaign for the highly anticipated Mas Domnik 2026 carnival, marking a significant moment in the Caribbean’s cultural tourism calendar. The unveiling occurred during a dedicated press conference in Antigua, strategically timed to capture regional media attention and travel industry interest.

    Tourism officials and cultural ambassadors from Dominica presented a comprehensive vision for the 2026 festivities, emphasizing the event’s unique positioning as “The Real Mas”—an authentic celebration deeply rooted in Caribbean tradition. The presentation detailed enhanced programming that will feature vibrant jouvert celebrations, elaborate costume parades, and traditional music performances that distinguish Dominica’s carnival from other regional events.

    This preemptive marketing strategy, occurring nearly two years ahead of the scheduled events, demonstrates Dominica’s commitment to establishing its carnival as a premier destination experience. Tourism representatives highlighted coordinated efforts with regional airlines and hospitality providers to create attractive travel packages, aiming to boost visitor numbers significantly beyond previous years.

    The Antigua location for the announcement was strategically selected to leverage existing regional tourism networks and media presence. Industry analysts suggest this early promotional activity reflects growing competition among Caribbean nations to capture the lucrative cultural tourism market, particularly during traditional carnival seasons that drive substantial economic activity across the region.

  • Antigua & Barbuda Trades and Labour Union Celebrates 87 Years of Service

    Antigua & Barbuda Trades and Labour Union Celebrates 87 Years of Service

    The Antigua & Barbuda Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) is preparing to commemorate its 87th anniversary on January 16, 2026, celebrating nearly nine decades of continuous service to the nation’s workforce. The milestone event will recognize the institution’s enduring legacy and unwavering dedication to labor rights and social justice.

    A special Thanksgiving service held on January 11, 2026, at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, led by Reverend Pauline Ramsey-Burns, set the spiritual tone for the anniversary celebrations. During the ceremony, Union President Bernard de Nilly delivered a powerful address reflecting on the organization’s historical significance.

    “The sustained existence of our Union transcends mere coincidence; it embodies a profound divine purpose,” de Nilly stated in his prepared remarks. He emphasized the fundamental principle that has guided the organization: “The Unity of Labour is the Salvation of our Country,” underscoring the critical role of collective worker solidarity in national development.

    The Union leadership has announced ambitious plans for 2026, prioritizing organizational renewal and enhanced youth engagement. A key initiative involves revitalizing the AT&LU’s youth wing to ensure intergenerational continuity and fresh perspectives within the labor movement. de Nilly connected this forward-looking approach with historical context, noting, “We owe our current position to the sacrifices of the pioneering 1939 founders, whose efforts established the foundation we continue to build upon.”

    The memorial service included a solemn moment of silence honoring late comrades Rufus Lewis and Harold Carter, whose contributions continue to inspire current union activities. Their dedication is cited as instrumental in maintaining the Union’s resilience through 87 years of operation.

    Infrastructure development forms another component of the anniversary plans, with scheduled rehabilitation works set to complete the “Emancipation House” project within the year. de Nilly concluded his address with a call for spiritual and collective strength: “As we embark on this new chapter, I pray for the transformation of our members’ spirits as we advance with faith and determination.”

    The Union extends an open invitation to all citizens to participate in recognizing 87 years of persistent commitment, sacrifice, and achievement in advancing workers’ rights and national development.

  • Ministry of Labor confirms January 21 as non-working holiday in Dominican Republic

    Ministry of Labor confirms January 21 as non-working holiday in Dominican Republic

    SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Labor has issued an official nationwide reminder regarding the mandatory observance of Our Lady of Altagracia Day this coming Wednesday, January 21. According to the announcement, all public and private sector establishments across the national territory must recognize this date as an official non-working holiday.

    The regulatory clarification specifies that normal business operations must resume on Thursday, January 22, in strict compliance with the country’s Labor Law 139-97 governing official holiday observances. The ministry’s directive emphasizes that this requirement applies uniformly to all employers and workers throughout the Dominican Republic.

    Labor authorities have reinforced the mandatory nature of this religious and cultural holiday, urging full compliance with existing labor regulations concerning compensation and operational status during officially designated non-working days. The announcement serves as both a reminder and regulatory reinforcement for the proper observance of one of the nation’s most significant religious holidays, which honors the country’s patron saint.

  • Roberto Rosario warns against Dominican Republic joining Inter-American Court of Human Rights

    Roberto Rosario warns against Dominican Republic joining Inter-American Court of Human Rights

    SANTO DOMINGO – A significant political controversy has emerged in the Dominican Republic regarding the nation’s potential accession to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR). Roberto Rosario, former president of the Central Electoral Board (JCE), has issued a stern warning against such a move, characterizing its proponents as “enemies of the homeland.” This declaration comes amid reports that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is considering regularizing the country’s status before the international human rights body.

    Rosario referenced his involvement in a high-level Dominican delegation that visited the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in Washington following Constitutional Court ruling 168-13. The delegation, headed by former President Danilo Medina and comprising senior government officials, aimed to clarify the implications of the domestic court’s decision. According to Rosario, representatives of the Court explicitly stated that the Dominican Republic would be required to amend its Constitution to comply with the Court’s rulings concerning citizenship access provisions.

    This position triggered a robust rebuttal from then-presidential legal adviser César Pina Toribio, who vehemently defended national sovereignty and rejected what he perceived as external interference in the country’s internal affairs. Drawing from this diplomatic encounter, Rosario concluded that any initiative for the Dominican Republic to join the Inter-American Court of Human Rights constitutes a direct threat to national sovereignty and must be categorically opposed by patriotic citizens and government institutions alike.

  • Column: Vragen om transparantie is geen aanval

    Column: Vragen om transparantie is geen aanval

    A burgeoning controversy surrounding the accompaniment of President Jennifer Simons’ spouse on official state missions has ignited a crucial debate about governmental transparency and accountability. What began as a simple inquiry about travel protocols has evolved into a complex discussion about the essential boundaries between private and public roles in high-level governance.

    The core issue centers on the fundamental necessity for clarity when family members join official delegations. Legitimate questions regarding capacity of participation, funding sources, and access to diplomatic meetings represent not media intrusion but essential components of proper democratic oversight. The situation escalated when social media imagery depicted the president’s husband actively participating in official engagements, despite subsequent claims of his ‘private’ attendance status.

    Concerningly, the public discourse has shifted from examining transparency requirements to questioning media motives, particularly targeting Starnieuws for raising these valid inquiries. This deflection strategy mirrors previous administrations’ approaches when similar scrutiny was applied to First Lady Mellisa Santokhi’s extensive travel with former President Santokhi—a subject that received substantial critical media coverage despite current suggestions otherwise.

    The essential principle remains unchanged: transparency operates prospectively, not retrospectively. Each administration bears independent responsibility for maintaining clear boundaries and disclosure practices. In democratic systems, transparency constitutes an obligation rather than a concession, with higher offices demanding greater clarity due to their profound impact on public trust.

    Critical journalism serves as democracy’s necessary counterbalance rather than an adversary to power. The media’s function involves ensuring governability through accountability, not maintaining official comfort. Personalizing these inquiries risks undermining press freedom’s vital role in democratic societies.

    This situation requires simple preventive measures: advance disclosure of delegation composition, purposes, capacities, and cost allocations. Such transparency wouldn’t eliminate criticism but would ensure it remains fair, measurable, and proportionate—ultimately benefiting all stakeholders, especially the public.