Carib Scope

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  • Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Launches First Leadership Development Programme

    Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Launches First Leadership Development Programme

    In a landmark move aimed at strengthening healthcare governance and nurturing the next generation of medical leaders, the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has launched its first-ever comprehensive leadership development programme. Designed to address growing gaps in managerial and strategic expertise across Antigua and Barbuda’s public healthcare system, the initiative marks a significant turning point for the island nation’s flagship medical facility.

    The programme, which was developed in consultation with regional healthcare management experts, targets mid-level and senior clinical and administrative staff at the centre. Over the course of six months, participants will engage in a structured curriculum that combines hands-on practical training, mentorship from veteran healthcare leaders, and interactive workshops focused on key competencies. Key modules include crisis resource management, patient-centered care strategy, cross-departmental team collaboration, financial stewardship for medical facilities, and adaptive leadership in evolving public health landscapes.

    Hospital administrators note that the launch comes amid a broader push to upgrade the country’s healthcare infrastructure and improve service delivery outcomes. For years, the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, which serves as the primary referral hospital for Antigua and Barbuda, has faced challenges related to transitioning leadership as long-tenured senior staff prepare for retirement. This new programme is intended to create a structured pipeline of trained leaders who can step into critical roles seamlessly, avoiding disruptions to patient care.

    “This is more than just a training course – it’s an investment in the future of healthcare for all Antiguans and Barbudans,” said the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer in a press briefing ahead of the programme’s launch. “We’ve seen firsthand how strong, empathetic leadership directly impacts patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes. By equipping our talented staff with the strategic skills they need to lead, we’re building a stronger, more resilient healthcare system for generations to come.”

    Initial feedback from the first cohort of 25 participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting that the programme fills a long-unmet need for professional development focused specifically on healthcare leadership in the region. Organizers plan to expand the initiative to include junior staff in future iterations, with the goal of fostering a culture of continuous leadership growth across the entire facility. The programme’s progress and outcomes will be evaluated at the conclusion of the six-month curriculum, with findings shared with other regional healthcare facilities looking to implement similar development schemes.

  • ABWU Deputy General Secretary Chester Hughes Graduates with Law Degree in the United Kingdom

    ABWU Deputy General Secretary Chester Hughes Graduates with Law Degree in the United Kingdom

    A senior labor leader from Antigua and Barbuda has marked a major career and academic milestone, wrapping up years of rigorous combined work and study to graduate with top honors from a leading UK higher education institution. Chester Hughes, Deputy General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU), crossed the graduation stage on Tuesday to collect his Bachelor of Laws with Upper Second-Class Honours from Arden University, based in the United Kingdom.

    Following the official ceremony, Hughes gathered with close family and friends to celebrate the achievement, which caps off years of intentional late nights, early mornings, and careful prioritization that let him complete his degree while continuing to hold one of the union’s most senior executive leadership roles. Unlike traditional full-time students, Hughes balanced the heavy workload of labor advocacy, union leadership, and personal responsibilities alongside his academic requirements, a challenge that he says shaped his entire learning journey.

    In reflecting on the years he spent working toward the degree, Hughes emphasized that the experience was as demanding as it was transformative. He described the program as both “challenging and rewarding,” noting that successfully juggling competing demands from his career, coursework, and personal life relied on consistent discipline, unwavering resilience, and relentless determination. Many modules introduced him to entirely new legal frameworks and concepts that felt overwhelming at the start, but he worked steadily through each subject, gradually expanding his legal knowledge, deepening his nuanced understanding of the field, and building confidence in his new skills. For Hughes, this entire academic journey has equipped him with irreplaceable expertise and perspective that he plans to bring back to his work advocating for workers, leaving him eager to step into the next phase of his career with clear purpose and renewed enthusiasm.

    The ABWU has formally extended its warmest congratulations to Hughes on the groundbreaking achievement. Union leadership emphasized that Hughes’ successful completion of the degree while continuing to serve working people is a powerful testament to his core commitment to both personal growth and the advancement of the global labor movement, which he advances through intentional education and values-based leadership. The organization’s entire Executive Council, administrative staff, and rank-and-file membership share the collective belief that this new academic credential will amplify Hughes’ ability to serve workers across Antigua and Barbuda with exceptional distinction, especially in core priority areas including labor legislation, industrial relationship management, collective bargaining negotiation, and advancing systemic social justice for working communities.

    Looking ahead, Hughes will continue his legal training later this year: he plans to depart Antigua and Barbuda over the coming summer to enroll in the required Bar Training Course, a critical prerequisite for practicing law that marks the next key phase of his combined legal and labor career. The ABWU has expressed full confidence in Hughes and extended well wishes for his upcoming training, noting that all his academic and professional work is rooted in a commitment to advancing justice for the working class. Beyond celebrating one leader’s achievement, the union highlighted that Hughes’ accomplishment is a source of tremendous organizational pride, and serves as a motivating example for working people across Antigua and Barbuda to prioritize lifelong learning and pursue ongoing professional excellence regardless of existing career and personal responsibilities.

  • Sen. Chester Hughes Graduates with Law Degree from Arden University

    Sen. Chester Hughes Graduates with Law Degree from Arden University

    A senior leader of Antigua and Barbuda’s largest trade union has marked a major career and academic milestone, graduating with honors from a prominent British higher education institution to better defend workers’ rights in an increasingly complex labor landscape.

    Chester Hughes, who serves as Deputy General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) and holds a Senate seat in the country’s legislature, completed his Bachelor of Laws with Honors (LLB Hons) at Arden University in the United Kingdom, earning the distinguished classification of Upper Second-Class Honours. The ABWU made the formal announcement of Hughes’ achievement earlier this week, framing the graduation as a key step forward in his ongoing development as both a scholar and a labor leader.

    Hughes pursued the degree while balancing a demanding full-time role at the union, a feat that required rigorous time management and personal sacrifice. To accommodate his professional duties, he rearranged his schedule to fit early-morning classes and dedicated late-night hours to coursework and exam preparation. Because the program centered on the United Kingdom’s legal framework, he invested extra hours in independent research and targeted study to fully master the specialized curriculum.

    In comments shared ahead of the announcement, Hughes explained that his decision to pursue legal training was rooted in shifting dynamics in industrial relations across the region. As more companies retain legal representation to advocate for their interests in labor disputes, trade unions must evolve their own capabilities to avoid being at a disadvantage when fighting for their members’ rights, he argued.

    “This degree is intended to elevate my capacity as a trade unionist in Antigua and Barbuda, particularly as the landscape of industrial relations evolves,” Hughes explained. “With an increasing number of lawyers representing companies in labor matters, unions must adapt to these changing times to effectively advocate for their members.”

    Looking ahead, Hughes has laid out clear next steps to translate his academic achievement into practical advocacy for working people. He plans to travel to the United Kingdom next to complete required bar training, before returning to the Caribbean to finish the conversion process that will allow him to be admitted to the bar in Antigua and Barbuda, as well as across member states of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

    Beyond his own career, Hughes also hopes his achievement will inspire fellow labor organizers across the region to prioritize ongoing professional development through education. He emphasized that his ultimate goal is to use his new legal expertise to deliver stronger representation and more effective support for working people across Antigua and Barbuda.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Names 16 for 2026 ANOCES Track & Field Championships

    Antigua and Barbuda Names 16 for 2026 ANOCES Track & Field Championships

    Ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 ANOCES Track and Field Championships scheduled to take place in St. Kitts from July 4 to 5, 2026, Antigua and Barbuda has finalized a competitive 16-athlete roster that will carry the nation’s flag at the regional sporting event. This championship participation comes as part of a broader regional development initiative backed by Panam Sports, which has partnered with the Association of National Olympic Committees of the Eastern Caribbean (ANOCES) and local National Olympic Committees to elevate competitive sports across the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The collaboration extends beyond track and field, with targeted support for five key disciplines: swimming, table tennis, 3×3 basketball, athletics, and beach volleyball, all aimed at strengthening grassroots and elite sporting ecosystems across the region. The Antigua and Barbuda track and field delegation features a mix of decorated veteran competitors and rising young talents who have already proven their skill at regional competitions. Headlined by national 100m and 200m champion Geolyna Dowdye, the women’s squad also includes CARIFTA silver medal javelin thrower Zonique Charles, sprinters Soniya Jones, 400m specialists Kettia Ambrose and Shenika Bentick. On the men’s side, the roster boasts CARIFTA bronze medal javelin thrower Maliek Francis, alongside sprinters Jalen Dyett and Kadeem Campbell, 400m runners Cleon Joseph and Dion Shaw, 400m hurdler Craig Prendrgast, 100m standout Amori Jules, long jumper Terrance Thomas, shot putter Christopher Johnson, and 1500m runners Shawn-ze Joseph and Devon James. In addition to individual events across sprints, middle-distance races, jumps, throws and hurdles, Antigua and Barbuda will also field teams for three relay competitions: the mixed 4×400m relay, men’s 4×100m relay, and women’s 4×100m relay, bringing additional opportunities for podium finishes. In an official statement marking the team announcement, Cliff Williams, Secretary General of the Antigua and Barbuda National Olympic Committee (ABNOC) and sitting ANOCES Board Member, expressed gratitude for the ongoing institutional support that makes this regional competition participation possible. “We are grateful to Panam Sports and ANOCES for their continued support of regional programmes that strengthen competition across the OECS, and to the Antigua and Barbuda Athletics Association for their leadership in assembling this team, and the ABNOC, who lead this charge,” Williams said. “I wish our athletes every success and encourage all Antiguans and Barbudans to rally behind them as they compete with pride on behalf of our nation.” Beyond official team delegation duties, Williams will also take on additional responsibilities during the St. Kitts event, participating in planning discussions for future ANOCES competitions and attending the organization’s upcoming congress. The 16-member athletic delegation will be led by veteran sporting officials Heather Samuel-Daley, Kesswin Anthony, and former elite sprinter Daniel Bailey, who will guide the team through preparations and competition in St. Kitts.

  • Antigua Slipway Launches Second Phase of Marine Railway Redevelopment

    Antigua Slipway Launches Second Phase of Marine Railway Redevelopment

    Antigua Slipway, a key player in the Caribbean’s maritime infrastructure sector, has officially initiated the second phase of its transformative marine railway redevelopment initiative, marking a major milestone in the island nation’s effort to boost its blue economy and shipping capabilities.

    The project, which first broke ground in 2022, targets a complete overhaul of the aging marine railway that has served Antigua’s commercial shipping, yacht maintenance, and fishing industries for more than six decades. The first phase, completed in late 2023, delivered critical upgrades to the railway’s foundation and power systems, clearing the way for the more complex work now underway.

    In this second stage of development, crews will focus on installing a higher-capacity winching system, expanding the railway’s loading capacity to accommodate vessels up to 1,200 tons – a 50% increase from the facility’s previous limit. Additional upgrades include resurfacing the 300-meter slipway track, adding modern hydraulic stabilization systems, and constructing a new on-site maintenance workshop for railway equipment. Project leaders expect the work to take approximately 12 months to complete, weather permitting.

    Local economic officials have highlighted the redevelopment’s far-reaching benefits for Antigua and Barbuda. Once fully operational, the upgraded facility is projected to cut vessel turnaround times by nearly 40%, attracting more international yachting clients and commercial shipping operators that currently seek maintenance services in other regional hubs. It is also estimated to create more than 80 new full-time construction jobs during the second phase, with 35 permanent positions added once the project is fully completed.

    Environmental sustainability is also a core focus of the expansion. Project designers have incorporated erosion control measures along the waterfront, implemented a stormwater management system to reduce runoff pollution into the Caribbean Sea, and sourced 30% of construction materials from local suppliers to cut the project’s carbon footprint.

    Industry analysts note that the upgrade positions Antigua Slipway as a leading maritime service center in the Eastern Caribbean, supporting the country’s growing tourism and logistics sectors while reinforcing its position as a key stopover for transatlantic and regional shipping routes.

  • Antigua Grammar School Alumni Donate Toward Steelpan Program

    Antigua Grammar School Alumni Donate Toward Steelpan Program

    A quarter-century after graduating from Antigua Grammar School, the 1999 Form 5 cohort has made a meaningful contribution to lifting up current students, stepping forward to donate funds to grow the institution’s beloved music program.

    Organized collectively by members of the school’s Form 5A and Form 5 Alpha groups, the contribution is earmarked specifically for acquiring new steelpans, a key instrument that is central to Caribbean musical culture and the school’s existing music education work, the school confirmed in an official statement.

    Dr. Jonah Greene, principal of Antigua Grammar School, extended sincere gratitude to the returning alumni on behalf of the entire school community, framing the gift as far more than a simple financial contribution. Instead, he emphasized that it is a targeted investment in the raw talent and long-term futures of the young people currently learning and growing at the school.

    “Their contribution, which will go towards the purchase of steelpans, is more than a gift of instruments. It is an investment in the talents, creativity, and future of our students,” Greene shared in his remarks.

    Greene went on to note that the alumni’s gesture speaks volumes about the lifelong, enduring bonds that graduates maintain with their alma mater. It also highlights the longstanding culture of “Old Boys” — former male students of the institution — stepping up to lift up the next generation of learners that walk the school’s halls.

    This ethos of community support and ongoing growth aligns perfectly with Antigua Grammar School’s official motto, Semper Virens, which translates to “ever flourishing” in Latin, the principal added.

    Closing his message, Greene once again expressed appreciation for the cohort’s generosity, and issued a gentle call to action for other alumni across all graduating classes to carry forward the powerful tradition of giving back to the institution that shaped them. For current students, the donation will not only expand access to music education but also serve as a lasting reminder of the support network that stands behind them as they develop their skills.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Delegate Elected Co-Chair at Basel Convention Meeting

    Antigua and Barbuda Delegate Elected Co-Chair at Basel Convention Meeting

    A major milestone for small island nation Antigua and Barbuda has emerged from global environmental negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, as one of the country’s representatives earned a top leadership position at the 15th Open-ended Working Group of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal.

    The four-day summit, held from June 23 to 26, brought two official delegates from Antigua and Barbuda to the negotiating table: Laël Bertide-Josiah, a microbiologist with the country’s Department of Analytical Services, and Nneka Nicholas, a Crown Counsel operating out of the Attorney General’s Chambers. By vote of attending international representatives, Nicholas was selected to serve as co-chair of the working group meeting, marking a notable recognition of the Caribbean nation’s growing role in global environmental governance.

    Over the course of negotiations, delegates from across the globe hammered out policy frameworks to guide the work of the convention in the years leading up to the 18th Conference of the Parties, scheduled for 2027. The meeting closed with formal adoption of 19 binding decisions that cover a sweeping array of pressing waste management challenges.

    These policy outcomes address critical operational and emerging issues, ranging from updates to the convention’s foundational prior informed consent procedure and standardized technical guidelines for waste disposal, to mandatory national reporting requirements and the rollout of modern electronic systems for tracking waste notification and movement documents. Negotiators also prioritized action on two fast-growing global waste streams: plastic pollution and discarded used textiles, alongside clarifying ambiguous legal language, expanding the scope of the Basel Convention Partnership Programme, and strengthening collaborative mechanisms with two key intergovernmental bodies, the World Customs Organization and the International Maritime Organization.

    Bertide-Josiah contributed directly to deliberations focused on setting global standards for the environmentally sound management of both hazardous waste and other types of commercial and industrial waste, representing Antigua and Barbuda’s interests and priorities in these discussions.

    In a post-meeting statement, Antigua and Barbuda’s Department of Analytical Services emphasized that the country’s active participation and the election of its delegate to a co-chair role underscores the nation’s long-standing, unwavering commitment to advancing multilateral environmental governance and advancing sustainable waste management practices through ongoing engagement with the Basel Convention framework.

  • Young Senator Thanks His ‘Political Mother’ D. Gisele Isaac for mentorship

    Young Senator Thanks His ‘Political Mother’ D. Gisele Isaac for mentorship

    A rising star in the national legislative landscape has opened up about the transformative impact of a veteran political figure who guided his early steps in public service, calling her his ‘political mother’ in a heartfelt public acknowledgment. The first-term senator, who won his seat on a platform of generational change and community-centered policy, recently spoke at a local civic event where he took the opportunity to highlight the critical role D. Gisele Isaac played in his political emergence.

    Long before the young lawmaker launched his first campaign for city council, Isaac, a decades-long public servant with deep roots in grassroots organizing and legislative advocacy, took him under her wing. She taught him the nuances of constituent outreach, walked him through the process of drafting legislation, and instilled in him a core commitment to ethical governance that he says still defines his work today. For many in local political circles, the mentorship pairing has been an open secret, one that bridges the gap between established institutional knowledge and the new wave of political leadership pushing for systemic reform.

    In his remarks, the senator recounted early mornings spent reviewing policy proposals at Isaac’s kitchen table and late-night phone calls asking for advice when he faced his first tough electoral battles. He emphasized that mentorship in politics is far too often overlooked, noting that leaders who make space for rising talent are the ones who build sustainable, responsive political movements. “I would not be standing here today without Gisele’s patience, her honesty, and her willingness to lift up a young person who wanted to make a difference,” the senator said. “She didn’t just give me a chance—she taught me how to lead with empathy, something no textbook or campaign workshop can ever fully teach you.”

    Isaac, who has largely stepped back from frontline politics in recent years to focus on cultivating new leadership, attended the event and responded to the tribute with warm remarks of her own. She praised the senator’s commitment to his constituents and said that investing in the next generation of public servants is the most enduring legacy any political leader can leave. The tribute has resonated across political circles, sparking wider conversations about the importance of intergenerational mentorship in building more inclusive and effective governance, as more young people enter politics seeking to address long-unresolved challenges facing the country.

  • Governor General Extends Condolences to Venezuela Following Deadly Earthquakes

    Governor General Extends Condolences to Venezuela Following Deadly Earthquakes

    In the wake of destructive earthquakes that left a trail of death, injury and massive infrastructural damage across Venezuela, the highest-ranking representative of Antigua and Barbuda has formally offered the nation’s deepest sympathies to the affected South American country.

    Governor General Sir Rodney Williams communicated Antigua and Barbuda’s collective grief through an official letter dated June 25, addressed to Carmen Velásquez de Visbal, Venezuela’s incumbent ambassador to the twin-island nation. In the correspondence, Sir Rodney instructed that the message of condolence also be passed to Venezuelan Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, the entire Venezuelan cabinet and the broader Venezuelan public.

    “It is with profound sadness that we learned of the devastating earthquakes which have struck the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, resulting in the tragic loss of life, numerous injuries and widespread destruction,” Sir Rodney wrote in the formal statement.

    The Governor General directed a special message of condolence to families who had lost relatives and close ones in the seismic events, adding sincere wishes that every person injured in the quakes would regain full health quickly and without complication. “Our thoughts and prayers are especially with the families who have lost loved ones. We also extend our sincere wishes for the swift and full recovery of all those who have been injured, and for strength and comfort to everyone affected by this tragedy,” he emphasized.

    Beyond expressing sympathy, Sir Rodney used the letter to publicly reaffirm that Antigua and Barbuda stands firmly behind Venezuela as it begins the long, challenging process of recovery and reconstruction. “The people of Antigua and Barbuda stand in solidarity with the people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela during this difficult time,” he noted. “Please assure Her Excellency the President that we stand ready to support Venezuela in whatever way we can as the nation undertakes the difficult task of recovery and rebuilding.”

    The official correspondence closed with renewed formal assurances of Antigua and Barbuda’s highest respect and unwavering solidarity, as Venezuela enters a period of national mourning for the lives lost to the disaster.

  • Four Elite Island Resorts Chefs Earn Prestigious American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef Designation

    Four Elite Island Resorts Chefs Earn Prestigious American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef Designation

    Four culinary professionals from Elite Island Resorts, a leading hospitality brand across Antigua & Barbuda, have achieved one of the most respected credentials in the global food service industry: the Certified Executive Chef (CEC) designation from the American Culinary Federation (ACF). The milestone is being formally celebrated by the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) as a major win for the destination’s burgeoning culinary and tourism sectors.

    The newly certified culinary leaders are Dwaney Roberts, Executive Chef at Pineapple Beach Club; Paul Lawrence, Executive Chef at The Verandah Antigua; James Hibbert, Executive Chef at St. James’s Club Antigua; and Caden Dobson, Executive Sous Chef at St. James’s Club Antigua. Widely regarded as one of the highest professional honors in global culinary arts, the CEC credential is only awarded to candidates who pass a rigorous battery of both practical and theoretical assessments. These evaluations test mastery of advanced cooking techniques, food safety protocols, nutritional science, food service cost control, kitchen operations management, team leadership, and overall operational excellence.

    For each of the four chefs, the achievement caps years of intentional skill-building and unwavering commitment to culinary excellence, with personal journeys rooted in early passion for the craft. Roberts, who has built a 20-plus-year career with Elite Island Resorts, calls the CEC designation the pinnacle of his professional life. “The certification process was both demanding and rewarding, requiring practical and theoretical assessment. Successfully completing it is a testament to my commitment to continuous learning and excellence in the culinary profession,” he said. As Roberts prepares to join a culinary exchange program in St. Lucia, the achievement has boosted his confidence to represent his resort, his employer, and Antigua & Barbuda on an international stage, he added, crediting Elite Island Resorts for investing heavily in his career growth from entry-level to executive chef.

    Lawrence echoed that sentiment, noting that the certification journey pushed him to grow both personally and professionally. “Becoming a Certified Executive Chef wasn’t simply about earning a title, it was about proving to myself that I could meet one of the highest professional standards in the culinary industry,” he explained. The process required months of disciplined preparation, demonstrating technical mastery in the kitchen and deep knowledge of management, nutrition, safety, and leadership. Lawrence emphasized that the milestone reinforces his responsibility to mentor young local chefs and uphold the highest standards for guests, adding that he hopes his achievement inspires other emerging culinary professionals in Antigua & Barbuda to pursue globally recognized credentials. “Excellence is achieved through dedication, continuous learning, and an unwavering passion for the craft,” he said.

    For Hibbert, the CC credential honors a 26-year culinary career that began with learning to cook alongside his grandmother as a child. After studying food and nutrition and honing his skills in a range of kitchen environments, he worked his way up from a line cook role he took in 2000 to his first senior executive position in 2020. “Earning my Executive Chef certification from the American Culinary Federation is a proud milestone that honours my years of consistent focus. I am incredibly thankful to my current employer for actively investing in my career progression,” Hibbert said.

    Dobson’s journey also started in family: he grew up helping his mother in her small restaurant, where he discovered his love of cooking before pursuing formal training at Jamaica’s HEART Trust/NTA. After gaining experience in one of Jamaica’s top luxury hotels, he joined Elite Island Resorts, where he refined his skills in international hospitality and leadership. “Earning my Certified Executive Chef credential from the American Culinary Federation represents the pinnacle of my dedication, continuous growth, and unwavering commitment to culinary excellence,” Dobson said, noting the achievement will drive him to keep innovating and mentor emerging culinary talent.

    Sanjay Ambrose, Managing Director of Elite Island Resorts, congratulated the four chefs on their historic achievement. “We are incredibly proud of these four extraordinary chefs for reaching this pinnacle of professional excellence. Their dedication to mastering their craft reflects the exact standard of culinary quality we strive to deliver to our resort guests every day,” Ambrose said. He added that the milestone underscores the company’s core commitment to investing in local talent development and elevating guest culinary experiences across all of its Caribbean properties. The four new CECs now join an elite global network of fewer than 2,000 certified executive chefs worldwide.

    The certification milestone does more than recognize individual achievement: it significantly strengthens Antigua and Barbuda’s overall culinary profile by expanding the pool of internationally certified executive chefs working in the country’s $2.6 billion tourism industry, which is the backbone of the nation’s economy. ABHTA notes that the chefs’ success highlights the exceptional quality of local Caribbean culinary talent while reinforcing the value of ongoing professional development and mentorship in the hospitality sector. The industry association has formally congratulated the four chefs on their accomplishment and their contribution to advancing culinary excellence across Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector.