作者: admin

  • The Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies Marks Steady Progress as Second Academic Semester Begins

    The Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies Marks Steady Progress as Second Academic Semester Begins

    The Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (AB-CAS) has entered its second academic semester with significant institutional progress and growing enrollment numbers. Educational authorities report that the institution has successfully implemented its foundational curriculum while expanding faculty resources and student support services.

    According to recent developments, the college has established robust academic frameworks across multiple disciplines, creating pathways for advanced certification and degree programs. The administration has prioritized faculty development, bringing in both local experts and international academics to strengthen the institution’s educational offerings.

    Infrastructure enhancements have been particularly noteworthy, with upgraded laboratory facilities, expanded library resources, and improved digital learning platforms. These improvements come as part of a broader national initiative to strengthen higher education capacity within the twin-island nation.

    Student enrollment has exceeded initial projections, demonstrating strong domestic demand for advanced educational opportunities. The college has also attracted international students from across the Caribbean region, creating a diverse academic community.

    Educational Minister Michael Browne commented on these developments, stating: ‘The steady advancement of our College of Advanced Studies represents a milestone in our national educational development. This institution will serve as a catalyst for intellectual growth and professional development throughout Antigua and Barbuda.’

    The college administration has announced plans to introduce additional specialized programs in emerging fields, with particular focus on sustainable development, maritime studies, and information technology – areas of strategic importance to the nation’s economic future.

  • Defending champions start BFA season with victory

    Defending champions start BFA season with victory

    The 2026 Barbados Football Association Premier League commenced with an electrifying opening night at Wildey Technical Centre, featuring decisive matches that set the tone for the new season. Defending champions Weymouth Wales launched their campaign with a solid 2-0 triumph against newly promoted Bagatelle FC in Sunday’s fixture.

    The match witnessed Wales capitalizing on an opportune own goal from Bagatelle during the first half, followed by veteran striker Armando Lashley—the league’s all-time leading scorer—securing the victory with a precisely executed second-half penalty. Despite the loss, Bagatelle demonstrated promising offensive maneuvers that challenged Wales’ defensive line, offering Coach Norman Forde positive aspects to build upon.

    Weymouth Wales Head Coach Asquith Howell acknowledged the win while emphasizing the need for improvement. “Our performance reflected a team that has just returned to training after an extended break,” Howell stated. “We will undoubtedly elevate our game as the season progresses.”

    The champions fielded a reshaped lineup following the departure of national team captain Andre Applewhaite, who recently signed a professional contract in the United States. New goalkeeper Shaquon Philips started ahead of national custodian Kishmar Primus, while former Deacons FC captain Keon Atkins made his debut as a substitute.

    Howell addressed the integration of new players: “Training ground preparation will be essential for their adaptation. Each player brings distinct qualities—for instance, Atkins won’t need to assume the same workload role he previously held at Deacons.”

    Having achieved domestic dominance throughout the past decade and notable success in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) competitions last year, Wales has established ambitious objectives for 2026. “We convened this week to outline our targets—retaining the domestic double and advancing further in the CFU Cup to qualify for the Club Championships,” Howell revealed.

    In the evening’s subsequent match, Paradise FC claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over UWI Blackbirds, with Jaron Oughterson scoring a decisive second-half goal against his former team. Despite Paradise creating superior opportunities during the first half, Blackbirds’ goalkeeper K’den Hee Chung delivered several crucial saves to maintain a deadlock until halftime.

    Paradise coach Mario Harte expressed satisfaction with the result while acknowledging developmental needs. “Securing three points remains paramount during this early phase,” Harte commented. “Integrating new players requires time, and competitive matches accelerate that process.”

    Harte highlighted the significant challenge of replacing playmaker Sheran Hoyte, who departed for professional football in Trinidad after outstanding performances in the Prime Minister’s Cup. “Hoyte’s absence creates a substantial void—his knack for scoring crucial goals made him an invaluable asset,” Harte admitted.

    The night’s final match saw Kickstart Rush overcome a one-goal deficit to defeat Brittons Hill United 2-1. Corey Hoyte opened the scoring for Brittons Hill in the 10th minute, before Tekyle Alleyne-Callender converted a 33rd-minute penalty and Liam Luke completed the comeback during first-half stoppage time.

    Kickstart coach Renaldo Gilkes praised his team’s resilience despite missing several key players. “Brittons Hill consistently presents a tough challenge,” Gilkes noted. “Our experienced players provided vital guidance to younger teammates under pressure, demonstrating exceptional character to start the season positively.”

  • Colombian Solidarity Movement decry US threats on Cuba

    Colombian Solidarity Movement decry US threats on Cuba

    A prominent international solidarity movement has issued a forceful condemnation of United States policies toward Cuba, characterizing recent US government declarations as “fascist” attempts to undermine Cuban self-determination. The organization expressed unwavering support for Cuba’s sovereignty and endorsed calls by Cuban intellectuals and artists to resist perceived threats from Washington.

    The movement specifically endorsed the Cuban Chapter of the Network of Intellectuals and Artists in Defense of Humanity’s position regarding escalating tensions between the two nations. In its comprehensive statement, the group reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to defending Cuba’s sovereign rights and national integrity.

    Beyond mere condemnation, the movement issued a broad mobilization appeal to Colombian civil society, urging social organizations, labor unions, artistic communities, student groups, and the general public to unite in defense of Cuba. The solidarity platform specifically acknowledged gratitude for Cuba’s “tireless struggle to achieve peace” in Colombia, highlighting the island nation’s historical role in regional conflict resolution.

    The statement concluded with a historical reference to Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, whose centennial year is currently being commemorated. Invoking Castro’s “absolute conviction and faith in victory,” the movement drew inspiration from Cuba’s 1961 victory at the Bay of Pigs (known as Giron in Cuba) as motivation to resist what it termed “the barbarity that surrounds us.”

    This development follows earlier condemnation from Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who characterized recent US government statements as immoral. Responding to remarks attributed to former US President Donald Trump, Diaz-Canel questioned America’s moral authority to criticize Cuba, asserting that “those who turn everything into a business, even human lives, have no moral authority to point the finger at Cuba in any way.” The Cuban leader reaffirmed his nation’s readiness to defend itself against external pressure.

  • Guyana’s President to Pay State Visit

    Guyana’s President to Pay State Visit

    In a significant diplomatic development for the Caribbean Community, Guyana’s President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali will undertake an official state visit to Belize from February 1-3, 2026. The three-day visit marks a strategic effort to deepen bilateral relations between the two CARICOM member nations through high-level political engagement and economic cooperation.

    President Ali’s itinerary includes a prominent address to Belize’s parliamentary assembly during the opening of its new legislative session, where he is expected to outline shared regional priorities. As CARICOM’s designated Lead Head of Government for agricultural affairs, the Guyanese leader will conduct specialized meetings with Belize’s productive sectors to advance regional food security initiatives, cross-border investment opportunities, and trade expansion.

    The diplomatic agenda features bilateral discussions with Belize’s highest leadership, including Governor-General Dame Froyla T’zalam and Prime Minister John Briceño. These meetings are anticipated to yield multiple cooperation agreements spanning economic, agricultural, and developmental sectors, reflecting both nations’ commitment to enhanced integration.

    This visit builds upon longstanding friendly relations between Georgetown and Belmopan, rooted in mutual dedication to Caribbean solidarity and sustainable development. The carefully structured program underscores the growing strategic importance of South-South cooperation within the CARICOM framework as member states seek to address shared challenges through collaborative governance.

  • Man killed, brother injured in Region 7

    Man killed, brother injured in Region 7

    A violent altercation at Barakat Landing on the Cuyuni River has resulted in a tragic outcome, with one man deceased and his brother critically wounded. The incident, which transpired on the evening of Sunday, January 11, 2026, is now under active investigation by police from Regional Division #7.

    According to initial reports from the Guyana Police Force, the two victims, both employed as pork knockers in the local mining area, became engaged in a heated dispute with another male individual. The confrontation escalated dramatically when the alleged assailant reportedly seized a pair of scissors and launched a brutal attack, stabbing both brothers multiple times across their bodies.

    Following the violent assault, the suspect immediately fled the scene and has successfully evaded capture thus far. Law enforcement authorities have confirmed that intensive efforts are currently underway to locate and apprehend the individual responsible for this deadly attack.

    The remote location of Barakat Landing presents unique challenges for investigators operating in the Region #7 jurisdiction. The community, situated along the Cuyuni River, represents one of many mining areas where such violent incidents occasionally occur, highlighting ongoing security concerns in Guyana’s interior regions.

    Police have not yet released the identities of the victims pending notification of their families, nor have they disclosed potential motives behind the altercation that turned fatal. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to piece together the precise sequence of events that led to this tragic outcome.

  • CANU issues national early warning alert for ecstasy after seizure

    CANU issues national early warning alert for ecstasy after seizure

    Guyana’s Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) has activated a nationwide emergency alert system following the successful prosecution of a significant ecstasy trafficking case. The alert targets public awareness, law enforcement agencies, and healthcare providers in response to the confirmed presence of high-risk MDMA tablets in circulation.

    The agency confirmed the conviction of Devon Grant, who received a 12-month prison sentence and a GY$300,000 fine after pleading guilty to trafficking 164 grams of ecstasy. Co-defendant Lily Wills maintained her innocence and was released on GY$100,000 bail pending her February 2 court appearance. A third suspect was released due to insufficient evidence.

    According to CANU’s operational report, the arrests resulted from intelligence-driven surveillance that led to the interception of a vehicle at Movietowne, Turkeyen in Greater Georgetown. Officers discovered multiple ziplock bags containing brightly colored pills that were subsequently confirmed by the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory to contain MDMA.

    Health authorities have been instructed to monitor for ecstasy-related medical emergencies, particularly symptoms including severe dehydration, hyperthermia, tachycardia, confusion, agitation, and collapse. CANU emphasized that seized tablets showed significant variation in potency and likely contained dangerous adulterants.

    The agency specifically warned young adults about the elevated risks of combining MDMA with alcohol or other substances, noting that most emergencies occur in nightlife environments. CANU has implemented enhanced monitoring of entertainment districts, improved surveillance of micro-distribution networks, and strengthened collaboration with venue security teams.

    Public cooperation is actively sought, with CANU urging parents, nightlife operators, and community leaders to report any suspicious activities or unfamiliar pills circulating among youth populations.

  • Network in Defense of Humanity calls for defense of Cuban sovereignty

    Network in Defense of Humanity calls for defense of Cuban sovereignty

    A Cuban publication has issued a stark warning against what it characterizes as imperialist and fascist tendencies within the United States government, asserting that these developments represent a grave threat rather than isolated extremist rhetoric. The analysis presents a comprehensive indictment of current U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration, drawing direct historical parallels to fascist regimes.

    The publication contends that recent evidence demonstrates the American government, facing multiple domestic crises including the Epstein scandal, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) controversies, and declining international credibility, is adopting Hitler-like tactics to divert attention from internal problems. This strategic shift occurs against the backdrop of what the article identifies as the irreversible emergence of a multipolar world order.

    Emphasizing Cuba’s sovereign rights, the text accuses the Trump administration and Senator Marco Rubio of consistently disregarding established international legal frameworks. The article further develops its critique through an extended metaphor, comparing U.S. imperialism to a ‘predatory dog’ that attacks with ‘brutal rage’ at the slightest perception of weakness in other nations.

    From this perspective, the publication argues that American foreign policy treats populations in developing nations and economically disadvantaged communities as expendable assets in geopolitical calculations. In response to what it terms the current administration’s ‘genocidal and aggressive course,’ the Cuban chapter of the Network in Defense of Humanity (REDH) has issued a mobilization call. The organization urges intellectuals, artists, and social movements worldwide to unite in solidarity and strengthen defensive alliances to protect national sovereignty against perceived American aggression.

  • Venezuela thanks international solidarity from the Culture sector

    Venezuela thanks international solidarity from the Culture sector

    The international literary community has rallied behind Venezuela following what prominent writers describe as an unlawful U.S. intervention resulting in the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. A powerful declaration endorsed by Venezuelan intellectuals condemns the operation that precipitated significant human casualties and material devastation.

    This coordinated statement, backed by the World Poetry Movement, emphasizes the global poetry community’s firsthand experience with Venezuela’s peaceful and democratic character. The document celebrates Venezuela’s participatory democracy framework, anchored by a constitution ratified through overwhelming popular mandate in 1999. It highlights the nation’s robust electoral systems and recently revitalized community participation mechanisms as evidence of its democratic legitimacy.

    The author categorically refutes ideological justifications for foreign aggression, identifying economic motives—specifically Venezuela’s substantial natural resource wealth—as the true driver behind international stigmatization. The statement contextualizes current hostilities within a historical pattern of external interference affecting Venezuelan leaders across the political spectrum.

    Despite ongoing threats to national sovereignty, the writer affirms the constitutional continuity of the Venezuelan state through the establishment of an interim presidency, presenting this as a testament to the nation’s resilience against external pressures.

  • Fingerprint and Facial Scanners Arrive in Belize

    Fingerprint and Facial Scanners Arrive in Belize

    Belize has entered a new era of border security with the formal inauguration of an advanced biometric screening system at its airports and key border checkpoints. This strategic initiative, developed in collaboration with the United States, represents a significant technological upgrade to the nation’s immigration infrastructure.

    The newly deployed Biometric Data Sharing Programme incorporates state-of-the-art fingerprint scanners and facial recognition technology to enhance border protection mechanisms. The system is designed to simultaneously strengthen national security protocols while streamlining the travel experience for both Belizean citizens and international visitors.

    Home Affairs Minister Oscar Mira emphasized the dual benefits of the program during the launch ceremony. “These advanced technological tools will empower our law enforcement agencies to identify potential threats with unprecedented efficiency,” Minister Mira stated. “We are creating an environment where those with malicious intent find diminishing opportunities to exploit our systems.”

    The minister further highlighted that the initiative reflects the mutual commitment of both nations to principles of transparency, accountability, and legal governance. The program also signifies the deepening partnership between Belize and the United States in matters of security and technological advancement.

    Implementation of the sophisticated biometric system will be managed by the Department of Border Management and Immigration Services in coordination with the Ministry of Immigration, Governance and Labour. Officials anticipate that the professionalism of these agencies will ensure the technology operates at optimal effectiveness while maintaining civil liberties.

    This technological deployment positions Belize among the growing number of nations adopting biometric solutions for enhanced border security and more efficient migration management systems.

  • Mexico on alert for adverse weather conditions

    Mexico on alert for adverse weather conditions

    Mexican authorities have escalated emergency preparedness measures as two formidable winter systems converge to create severe weather conditions across multiple regions. The National Meteorological Service confirms Cold Front 27 has established stationary positioning over the Yucatan Peninsula and southeastern territories, triggering intense precipitation patterns with isolated torrential downpours particularly impacting Veracruz’s Los Tuxtlas and Olmeca regions.

    Simultaneously, an associated polar air mass continues to drive temperatures to frigid levels throughout central, eastern, and southeastern Mexico. This atmospheric combination has generated powerful ‘Norte’ wind events along the Gulf of Mexico coastline and through the Isthmus and Gulf of Tehuantepec, with wind intensities ranging from strong to severe.

    Compounding the situation, the season’s second winter storm—active since the weekend—continues to batter northern Mexico with freezing temperatures, gale-force winds, and sustained precipitation. Meteorological experts warn of probable snow and sleet accumulation across Chihuahua, Durango, Sinaloa’s mountainous terrain, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Zacatecas. Additionally, dangerous freezing rain events are anticipated in Chihuahua, Durango, Zacatecas, and Nuevo Leon.

    Civil protection agencies have issued urgent advisories regarding potential river swelling and flash flooding in vulnerable watersheds. The compounded risks include heightened landslide susceptibility, urban waterlogging in low-lying areas, and wind-related hazards including tree uprooting and structural damage to signage and infrastructure. Officials emphasize continuous monitoring of official channels for emergency updates.