Carib Scope

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  • Caribbean nations move forward on regional joint investigation teams framework following Barbados forum

    Caribbean nations move forward on regional joint investigation teams framework following Barbados forum

    After two days of intensive legal discussions hosted in Bridgetown, Barbados, Caribbean nations have formally committed to advancing the development of a unified regional framework for cross-border Joint Investigation Teams (JITs), a landmark initiative designed to crack down on transnational financial crime and streamline asset recovery across the region. The forum, organized by the Office of the Attorney General of Barbados and backed by funding from the Inter-American Development Bank and the Regional Security System (RSS), brought together legal and security stakeholders from across Caribbean territories to address longstanding gaps in cross-border law enforcement cooperation.

    Rhea Reid-Bowen, Director of Strategic Services and International Affairs at the RSS, outlined key consensus outcomes from the closed-door talks. Participating states have agreed to finalize a draft model framework agreement for the JIT initiative, which will then be circulated to national attorneys general across the region for preliminary review. According to Reid-Bowen, attendees universally concluded that a regional JIT system would deliver substantial public safety benefits for Caribbean communities, and agreed that the framework should draw on the existing successful Eurojust model, adapted to fit the unique legal structures and operational needs of Caribbean jurisdictions.

    As part of the roadmap for rollout, delegates recommended launching a pilot JIT project involving at least two Caribbean territories within the next several months to test the new framework and identify areas for adjustment. Discussions also openly addressed the core challenges that could hinder implementation, most notably the significant variations in national legislation across Caribbean states that have historically complicated cross-border probes and asset seizure efforts. Reid-Bowen emphasized that these hurdles are not insurmountable, noting that intentional collaboration and carefully drafted framework agreements can mitigate these risks.

    “For the JIT mechanism to work effectively, participating countries must align on clear rules for evidence admissibility, information disclosure, and the protocols for deploying foreign law enforcement agents across territorial borders,” Reid-Bowen explained in remarks following the forum. “That is why the model framework must include flexible, broadly applicable standards that give local competent authorities the space to craft specific agreements tailored to the needs of each individual joint investigation they launch.”

    Reid-Bowen further highlighted that a coordinated regional JIT structure would transform the speed and effectiveness of criminal investigations across the Caribbean. The forum agreed that the formal concept paper for the initiative will next be submitted to national cabinets for domestic approval, and shared with key regional bodies including the CARICOM Council for National Security and Law Enforcement to build broad cross-regional political support for the project.

    Unlike traditional mutual legal assistance processes, which are often slow and bureaucratic, a regional JIT framework will allow law enforcement agencies to collect and share evidence directly across borders, cutting down on delays that often allow criminal actors to launder or move illicit assets. The system will also strengthen real-time intelligence sharing, improve coordination between prosecutors, judges and law enforcement teams across multiple jurisdictions, and reduce conflicts that arise when separate national investigations into the same criminal network run parallel to one another, Reid-Bowen added.

    Looking forward, the RSS plans to explore formal partnership opportunities with Eurojust and EL PACTO to expand the initiative’s reach, supporting cross-continental investigations that connect Caribbean criminal networks to actors in Europe and Latin America.

  • New tests to gauge environmental damage

    New tests to gauge environmental damage

    Twenty-five years after the permanent closure of the Mobil Oil Refinery at Needham’s Point, Barbados has reignited its push to revitalize the long-contaminated coastal site with the completion of a comprehensive modern environmental assessment, local outlet Barbados TODAY has confirmed.

    Speaking to reporters this week, Minister of Energy Kerrie Symmonds outlined that the field work, carried out last month, was designed to map the current scope of soil and groundwater pollution caused by decades of historic oil leakage. The assessment collected and analyzed detailed sub-surface data to pinpoint the exact boundaries of contamination and track any hidden spread of pollutants through underground layers. Symmonds noted that a full site characterization report documenting the site’s current condition is now being finalized for the ministry. Additional structural work on the site’s aging abandoned oil tanks is also scheduled, with targeted remediation recommendations set to be released once all field work is wrapped up.

    The contamination crisis at Needham’s Point is not a new issue: pollution from the defunct refinery has raised red flags among environmental officials and local stakeholders since the facility shuttered 25 years ago. The site’s location just steps from two of Barbados’ most high-profile luxury resorts – Hilton Barbados Resort and Radisson Aquatica Resort – and the popular tourist destination Pebbles Beach has amplified concerns about the potential public health and environmental hazards posed by the unchecked pollution.

    The first major revelation of the full scale of contamination came in 2002, when a scientific analysis was commissioned ahead of the construction of the new Hilton hotel. That assessment, carried out by Fiton Technologies Corporation – a firm initially contracted by state-owned Needham’s Point Holdings Ltd – uncovered far more extensive pollution than earlier investigations had indicated. Though a full contamination survey was not part of Fiton’s original mandate, the firm mapped the full area and depth of pollution, identifying multiple sources of contamination beyond the original expected leakage from fuel tanks that supplied the old Hilton hotel’s boilers.

    In line with requirements from the Owen Arthur administration’s Ministry of Physical Development and Environment, the 2002 report recommended that all contaminated soil and groundwater at the site be remediated to at least the Dutch ‘C’ cleanup standard, a globally respected benchmark for industrial site remediation. Fiton was originally brought on to deploy its proprietary biocatalysis cleanup technology at the site, but its survey upended prior assumptions about the contamination source and scope. The team found four underground pipelines that once served the former Mobil Refinery running across the Needham’s Point property boundary. Three of the pipelines still held pressurized dark heavy crude oil, while the fourth contained thick, highly viscous oily residues. Most critically, two of the pipelines were actively leaking oil into areas that were already undergoing remediation, rendering those cleanup efforts ineffective. The pollution was also found to have spread beyond the refinery’s original boundaries, reaching the nearby Gravesend Military Cemetery and the headquarters of the Barbados Light and Power Company.

    But Jamar White, Director of Natural Resources at the Ministry of Energy, emphasized that all existing studies on the site – including one dating back to 1998 – are now outdated, making a new baseline assessment critical. “It was important to understand the current-day level of contamination present at the site and how it could impact surrounding areas,” White explained of the government’s decision to order a new survey. The administration commissioned an international environmental firm with specialized expertise in industrial site remediation to conduct the modern site characterization, which launched in November 2025. The assessment process has included extensive stakeholder consultations and the installation of purpose-built monitoring wells and boreholes to collect accurate sub-surface data, laying the groundwork for future cleanup and redevelopment of the prime coastal plot.

  • From despair to hope …Prosthetics initiative helps amputees walk again

    From despair to hope …Prosthetics initiative helps amputees walk again

    A cross-border health partnership between the governments of Trinidad and Tobago and India is transforming the lives of hundreds of people living with limb loss, with more than 800 citizens already receiving free custom prosthetics and a new regional center set to expand access across the Caribbean.

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe confirmed that since the initiative launched last year, 803 people have received prosthetic devices, with 12 more recipients added just this week. Despite the program’s rapid progress, a waiting list of more than 1,000 people still remains, highlighting the unmet need for accessible prosthetic care in the region. Last week, during an official visit by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar formally opened the National Prosthetics Centre in Penal. The new facility will not only serve local patients but also extend prosthetic services to member states of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), with Jaipur Foot USA partnering as a key stakeholder in the program.

    Health officials note that diabetes stands as one of the leading causes of non-traumatic lower limb amputation in Trinidad and Tobago, driving much of the demand for the program. For many low-income patients, a single prosthetic limb can cost $25,000 or more, putting life-changing mobility out of reach. The program eliminates this financial barrier, providing devices completely free of charge to eligible recipients. Local outlet the Sunday Expedition spoke with several beneficiaries, who shared their personal journeys of loss, hardship, and renewed hope after receiving their prosthetics.

    Anita Singh, a 43-year-old single mother from Point Fortin, lost her left foot to diabetic complications in 2020 following a cracked heel that developed into a life-threatening sepsis infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the amputation, Singh worked full-time and supported her three children, but post-surgery complications left her unable to return to work. Without financial support from her children’s father and after multiple unsuccessful applications for government social assistance, she relied entirely on family and friends to make ends meet. “Just when I felt like giving up on the possibility of walking again, the current Government introduced a free prosthetic limb drive,” Singh shared. “Receiving that opportunity was one of the happiest moments of my life. After everything I had endured, it meant more than just receiving a prosthetic leg—it meant getting a second chance. It meant hope, independence, confidence, and the possibility of walking again.”

    For 53-year-old Vindra Parson of Gasparillo, who had an below-ankle amputation as a young adult due to congenital spina bifida, the program has allowed her to accomplish long-held goals she once thought impossible. Prior to receiving her new prosthetic through the initiative last year, Parson relied on clunky, ill-fitting devices that eroded her confidence and limited her activities: her first government-issued prosthetic was made of leather, followed by one crafted from blue PVC pipe that drew unwanted stares in public, and a third that lasted 15 years before wearing out. Her new custom prosthetic, which closely matches her natural skin tone and is water-resistant, has opened up new possibilities. She has since swum at Clifton Hill beach, hiked to the top of Maracas Waterfall and Argyle Waterfall, and explored the Gasparee Caves—all activities she could never do before. “A lot of people think that when a limb is amputated life is over, but that is not so at all,” Parson said. “I do not see any limitations in the things that I can do. I would really like to thank Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the Indian government and everybody involved in this initiative. The kindness and service that was provided was amazing. I went there at 7 a.m. and when I left in the evening I walked out wearing a new prosthetic that was designed and made for me in hours. That is truly remarkable and unheard of.”

    Sean Cupid, 53, of Brazil, Trinidad, developed diabetic complications that led to a below-knee amputation in 2018, after he was diagnosed with diabetes nearly two decades earlier. As the sole breadwinner for his wife and three sons, Cupid struggled financially after his security contract ended, and he purchased his first prosthetic second-hand from eBay. When that device wore out, he received a free custom fitting through the program in October. Cupid, who has never used a wheelchair despite his amputation, encourages other amputees to pursue prosthetic care to regain their independence. He has even made his contact information public to support other patients navigating life after amputation. “This is not the end of your life,” Cupid said. “I am physically challenged—that is how I saw it and continue to see it. I am not limited to a wheelchair. People are afraid to get prosthetics because they are fearful of falling, but I would advise anybody to do it. This helps people get back independence in their life.”

    The program also supports children born with congenital limb differences, not just adults who have undergone amputation. Joseph Ramkumar, a father from central Trinidad, has a three-year-old son Joash who was born with a right limb difference after the umbilical cord wrapped around his foot during pregnancy, a condition that was not detected during prenatal ultrasounds. Despite the difference, Joash is active, highly intelligent, and moves faster than his father, though he walks with a slight limp. The program will create a custom adaptive shoe to improve Joash’s balance and support his development as he grows. “I commend this effort; it will help many people,” Ramkumar said.

    With the opening of the new permanent National Prosthetics Centre, program organizers expect to cut wait times and expand access to hundreds more patients across Trinidad and Tobago and the broader Caribbean region in the coming years.

  • Saint Lucia to focus on people empowerment on HR Day

    Saint Lucia to focus on people empowerment on HR Day

    Across the globe, human resources professionals form the invisible backbone of resilient, high-performing organizations — and this year, the Association of Human Resource Management Professionals in Saint Lucia (AHRMP) is stepping up to honor their work alongside the international HR community for International HR Day, taking place Wednesday, May 20.

    A yearly global observance, International HR Day was created to shine a spotlight on the critical contributions HR teams make to building workplaces that are productive, resilient, and centered on the needs of employees. Beyond celebrating individual practitioners, the day also spotlights the shifting strategic role of the profession, which has grown from a back-office support function to a core driver of organizational adaptation and long-term growth amid today’s fast-changing business landscape.

    This year’s global theme, “Empower People to Lead Change”, frames the conversation around a core imperative: organizations and their leaders have a responsibility to cultivate work environments where every team member has the tools, support, and encouragement to drive meaningful organizational transformation. The theme prioritizes four key pillars for navigating today’s complex modern workplaces: adaptability, inclusive leadership, employee empowerment, and intentional people-centric practices.

    To mark the 2026 observance, AHRMP is organizing an interactive virtual open to professionals across Saint Lucia and beyond. Aligning with the global theme, the local event carries the subtitle “Empowering People to Lead Change: The HR Imperative in Today’s Workplace.” The webinar is scheduled to run from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. local time on May 20, and will bring together a cross-section of stakeholders: practicing HR professionals, C-suite and business leaders, organizational development specialists, and emerging young professionals entering the field.

    During the session, attendees will join in guided discussion exploring core topics including modern leadership strategies, ongoing workplace transformation, the rapidly evolving role of HR in 21st-century organizations, and the diversity and growing strategic value of the HR profession.

    For AHRMP, International HR Day is more than a celebration — it is a critical opportunity to strengthen national conversations around pressing workplace topics: adaptive leadership, healthy organizational culture, workforce readiness for future challenges, and sustainable people practices that drive long-term success.

    AHRMP President Goretti Paul recently shared her perspective on the growing importance of the HR function in today’s volatile business climate, emphasizing that people are the foundation of any successful organization. “Organisations cannot successfully navigate change, build resilience, or sustain growth without placing people at the centre of their strategy,” Paul explained. “HR is no longer operating at the sidelines of business decision-making; it is increasingly at the core of how organisations adapt, lead, and remain future-ready.”

    AHRMP has extended an open invitation to a broad range of stakeholders to participate in the upcoming webinar, including practicing HR professionals, team managers, business leaders, human resources students, and any members of the wider professional community interested in exploring the future of work, leadership development, and people strategy. Pre-registration for the event is currently open to the public via the official AHRMP website at www.ahrmp-slu.org/hrday2026.

    Additional event details, including announcements of featured speakers and the full event agenda, will be published in the coming weeks via AHRMP’s official social media channels. For any questions or further information, interested parties can contact the AHRMP team directly by phone at 758-520-1671, via email at info@ahrmp-slu.org, or by visiting the association’s main website at www.ahrmp-slu.org.

  • Somohardjo vraagt om openbare hoorzitting: Volk heeft recht op transparantie

    Somohardjo vraagt om openbare hoorzitting: Volk heeft recht op transparantie

    A Surinamese politician facing potential prosecution over alleged official misconduct is calling for full public transparency ahead of his parliamentary hearing, demanding the proceeding be opened to public viewing to allow citizens to follow the process firsthand.

    Bronto Somohardjo, a member of the National Assembly of Suriname representing the Progressive People’s Party (PL), is one of three former cabinet ministers that the Public Prosecution Service has moved to initiate criminal proceedings against, a step that requires formal parliamentary approval under the country’s Law on the Incrimination and Prosecution of Political Office Holders. The two other former ministers in the case are Riad Nurmohamed, and Gillmore Hoefdraad, who remains a fugitive from authorities.

    In a formal written request submitted to Rabin Parmessar, chair of the special parliamentary commission tasked with hearing testimony from the accused politicians, Somohardjo has pushed for an open, public hearing. He argues that Suriname’s general public holds an inherent right to maximum transparency for a high-stakes proceeding that has drawn widespread public attention across the country.

    “As an elected people’s representative, I hold the position that the public must have the opportunity to follow the hearing and my responses to questions directly,” Somohardjo stated in his request. “I have nothing to hide.” He added that he stands ready to provide full cooperation to the National Assembly’s special commission throughout the process.

    The final decision on whether to open Somohardjo’s hearing to the public rests with the full National Assembly and the special oversight commission. Per the current official schedule, the hearing is set to convene at 11:00 a.m. local time this coming Friday.

  • OPINION: Great Destination but not taking care of their Animals

    OPINION: Great Destination but not taking care of their Animals

    GLOBALLY RENOWNED as a postcard-perfect Caribbean luxury travel hotspot, Antigua and Barbuda has built its $1.5 billion tourism industry on a reputation of 365 sun-drenched beaches, five-star oceanfront resorts, and warm, world-famous hospitality. For millions of first-time and returning visitors, the nation delivers exactly the idyllic escape it advertises — but a devastating, underreported crisis is festering beneath this polished exterior, threatening both the island’s most vulnerable creatures and its global brand.

    Across the country’s cities, rural towns, and even popular tourist corridors, a rapidly growing population of unhoused, neglected stray animals struggles daily to survive. Sick, underfed, and suffering from untreated conditions like severe mange, these animals are increasingly visible to the millions of tourists Antigua works hard to attract each year, turning idyllic vacations into jarring, traumatic experiences for many. Local grassroots animal welfare advocates have spent years sounding the alarm about this crisis, but systemic gaps in policy, funding, and enforcement have left the entire burden of care on overstretched private rescuers.

    At the front lines of this quiet emergency is Dogs and Cats of Antigua, one of the nation’s leading independent animal rescue organizations. Alongside a network of volunteer rescuers, the group works around the clock to pull injured and sick animals off the streets, fund emergency veterinary care out of their own pockets, deliver donated food to colonies of strays, and find permanent foster or adoptive homes for as many animals as they can. Every day, the organization’s social media feeds document the scale of the crisis: photos of emaciated puppies abandoned by roadsides, urgent calls for donations to cover life-saving vet treatment, and appeals to the public for information on abusive owners.

    What makes this crisis especially devastating, advocates argue, is that the legal framework to address animal cruelty already exists. The country’s longstanding Animal Health Act explicitly bans animal mistreatment and neglect — but the law is almost never enforced. To date, the national government has not matched public commitments to animal welfare with sustained budget allocations for enforcement or population control, and acts of abandonment and abuse almost always go unpunished. This lack of action leaves the entire $1.5 billion tourism industry, which forms the backbone of Antigua and Barbuda’s national economy, exposed to growing reputational damage. In an era of social media and instant online reviews, traumatized visitors regularly share their encounters with suffering stray animals, turning negative firsthand experiences into viral bad press that deters future luxury travelers.

    Advocates are now calling for urgent, coordinated action from three key stakeholders: the national government, the powerful private tourism sector, and the local community. Their core demands focus on four key pillars of meaningful reform. First, they push for consistent, strict enforcement of existing animal protection laws, requiring police and the judiciary to treat cruelty and abandonment as the serious offenses they are. Second, they call for government-funded, mandatory spay and neuter programs to humanely reduce the stray population over time, addressing the root cause of the crisis. Third, they ask for sustained institutional and financial support for registered rescue groups, who currently carry the full cost of care despite doing work that benefits the entire nation.

    Advocates are quick to emphasize their gratitude for the tireless work of local volunteers and independent organizations, who have given thousands of neglected animals a second chance at life despite limited resources. But they also stress that voluntary charity alone cannot solve a systemic crisis of this scale. True paradise, advocates argue, is not just a beautiful landscape for wealthy tourists to enjoy from a resort balcony — it is a community that protects and cares for all its most vulnerable living beings. If Antigua and Barbuda wants to preserve its standing as a top-tier global travel destination, it must step up and address the stray animal welfare crisis that is already eroding its reputation.

  • Gros Islet open Blackheart with 15-0 rout

    Gros Islet open Blackheart with 15-0 rout

    The 2026 Blackheart/Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) Knockout Tournament delivered a stunning opening day of knockout-stage action Sunday at Philip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort, as Gros Islet ran riot against Laborie to secure the first berth in the tournament’s quarterfinal round. The Northern Zone Under-20 boys’ champions left no doubt about their title contention from the opening whistle, piling on 15 unanswered goals in one of the most lopsided results of the regional tournament this season. Joining Gros Islet in the final eight is Dennery, the Eastern Zone titleholders, who secured a hard-fought 3-1 win over Vieux Fort North to advance.

    Gros Islet’s offensive onslaught began early, with Mickel Castang breaking the deadlock in the 8th minute of play. Prolific forward Rickelme Lionel doubled the side’s lead just five minutes later, sparking a chaotic first half that saw wave after wave of Gros Islet attacks. Devaj Edward and Kendrick Antoine found the back of the net in quick succession, before Castang completed a first-half hat-trick to extend the gap. Edward notched his second of the half, and Thierry Morille added another to push the scoreline to 8-0 by halftime.

    The second half brought no relief for a overwhelmed Laborie side. Just 10 minutes after the restart, Edward completed his hat-trick, extending Gros Islet’s lead to nine. Traylan Henry got on the scoresheet next, before Lionel bagged two more goals to extend his personal tally for the match. Morille scored his second of the game, and Ernitus Edward closed out the dominant win with a late brace in the final five minutes of regulation to seal the 15-0 rout.

    In the day’s second knockout fixture, Dennery got off to a fast start against Vieux Fort North, with Corin Hunte putting the Eastern side ahead as early as the 7th minute. Vieux Fort North responded quickly, however, with Keshawn Charles finding the equalizer in the 19th minute to draw the match level heading into halftime. The balance of play shifted in the second half, as Bourne Innocent found the back of the net twice — in the 65th and 85th minutes, respectively — to lock in the 3-1 win and punch Dennery’s ticket to the quarterfinals.

    The knockout round action kicked off earlier in the weekend with three tense qualifying matches to decide the final teams advancing to the Round of 16. Roseau Valley claimed a clean 2-0 win over Babonneau, with Neeshaun Polius leading the side with both goals on the day. In another qualifying fixture, Micoud secured a 2-0 shutout victory over Marchand, with Raven Marshall opening the scoring early in the match to set up the upset win. That result sends Micoud through to the Round of 16.

    The most dramatic qualifying finish came in the clash between Mon Repos and Desruisseaux. Down a player with just one substitute available for the match, Mon Repos pulled off a last-gasp 3-2 win over Desruisseaux in a tightly contested affair. Janhnil Jn Baptiste put Desruisseaux ahead early, before Tonio St Rose equalized in the 23rd minute and Tashawn Walter put Mon Repos ahead just four minutes later, holding a 2-1 lead going into halftime. Late in the second half, Janhnil Jn Baptiste leveled the score again in the 88th minute, setting up a dramatic finish. It was Andreas Jn Baptiste, Janhnil’s namesake, who scored the winning goal for Mon Repos in the third minute of stoppage time to clinch the comeback win and a spot in the Round of 16.

    Round of 16 action is set to continue Wednesday, May 20 at Philip Marcellin Grounds, with two matches on the schedule: Castries Central will square off against South Castries, and Vieux Fort South will face the newly qualified Mon Repos side.

  • Ambassador Prince Wadix celebrates 30 years in radio broadcasting and cultural promotion

    Ambassador Prince Wadix celebrates 30 years in radio broadcasting and cultural promotion

    One of the Caribbean’s most enduring cultural advocates and veteran radio hosts, Prince Wadix, is preparing to mark two major life milestones this season: his birthday and three decades of continuous work behind the radio microphone. Organizers and cultural leaders are urging communities across Dominica and the entire Caribbean to join in celebrating the trailblazing media figure’s legacy of cultural stewardship.

    Over the 30 years Wadix has spent on air, he has built an unrivaled reputation as one of the most prominent voices in Dominican media and cultural life. Unlike many mainstream broadcasters who prioritize international content, Wadix centered his platform from the very start on elevating homegrown talent, amplifying centuries-old Caribbean cultural traditions, and preserving the rich Creole heritage that forms the backbone of Dominican national identity.

    According to an official statement released by Creole Heartbeat, the organization coordinating the celebratory recognition, Wadix’s contributions stretch far beyond his regular radio segments. Through on-air artist interviews, live coverage of major public cultural events, and ongoing grassroots advocacy for cultural preservation, he has played an outsize role in spreading awareness of Dominica’s unique cultural identity both across the island and on the global stage.

    Widely beloved for his contagious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to lifting up Dominican culture, Wadix has become a familiar, trusted household name across Dominica and throughout the wider Caribbean region. Listeners and peers alike have long viewed him as more than a radio host — he is a de facto cultural ambassador who has dedicated his career to showcasing the best of what the region has to offer.

    This dual milestone celebration is not only a chance to mark Wadix’s birthday; it also serves as a broader moment to recognize the profound, long-standing impact he has had on both the Dominican media landscape and regional cultural sectors. Cultural organizers have extended an open invitation to all members of the public, long-time listeners, fellow artists, industry colleagues, and friends to join in honoring Wadix for 30 years of contributions to Dominican radio and cultural promotion.

    As organizers put it: For 30 years, Prince Wadix has held the microphone, championing local culture, homegrown music, and the very cultural heartbeat of Dominica. On behalf of the entire regional media community, Dominica News Online extends its warmest wishes for a happy birthday and heartfelt congratulations on three decades of exceptional service to Caribbean media and culture.

  • Antigua Yacht Club Optimist Sailors Excel at BVI Dinghy Championship

    Antigua Yacht Club Optimist Sailors Excel at BVI Dinghy Championship

    One of the Caribbean’s most anticipated youth sailing competitions wrapped up over the weekend of May 16-17, 2026, with the Antigua Yacht Club (AYC) youth sailing program turning in a dominant performance against top regional competitors at the Royal BVI Yacht Club-hosted annual BVI Dinghy Championship in Tortola.

    Guided by AYC head coach Karl James MBE, a two-time Olympic sailing veteran, the young Antiguan athletes held their own across a punishing 10-race regatta that tested every aspect of their skill and endurance. Challenging conditions in the Sir Francis Drake Channel, known for its unpredictable shifting winds and strong, tricky currents, pushed every competitor to their limit — but the AYC team turned these obstacles into a showcase of their elite training.

    In the highly competitive Optimist fleet, 15-year-old Antiguan sailor Lluc Agusti emerged as an undisputed leader. Agusti’s exceptional ability to read changing wind patterns, navigate powerful currents, and maintain precise boat control put him far ahead of the pack throughout the regatta. Across 10 races, he claimed six first-place finishes, two second-place finishes, and one fourth-place finish to secure the overall Optimist championship title in commanding style.

    Agusti was not the only AYC sailor to turn heads: teammate Ruben Van Hest delivered an equally impressive performance that cemented the team’s standing as a rising force in Caribbean youth sailing. Demonstrating remarkable mental resilience and consistent pace across every race, Van Hest held his position among the leading pack of competitors through shifting conditions, ultimately clinching an outstanding fourth-place overall finish.

    Coach James credited the team’s success to months of rigorous preparation and the athletes’ own dedication to improving their craft. Following the awards ceremony, he noted that the outcome was far more than a collection of medals: it was a reflection of the high-quality training program the AYC has built under his leadership, and proof that young Antiguan sailors can compete with the best in the region. “An incredible weekend of racing for our youth sailors. Lluc and Ruben showed immense focus and determination across all 10 races. To come away with a championship title is a testament to their hard work and dedication,” James said.

    James’ on-the-water strategic mentorship throughout the championship was widely cited as a key factor in the team’s ability to adapt to the unique conditions of the BVI course. The result has already drawn attention across regional sailing circles, establishing the AYC youth program as one of the most effective development academies in the Eastern Caribbean.

  • Arthur Smith Primary in winners’ row again

    Arthur Smith Primary in winners’ row again

    The 2025 National Sports Council/BICO Primary School Football Competition continued its round-robin slate Monday with a slate of tightly contested and lopsided matches across four tournament zones, headlined by a dramatic 2-1 victory for pre-tournament favorites Arthur Smith Primary over St Gabriel’s Primary.

    Arthur Smith, the 2024 tournament champions and 2023 runners-up, pulled out a narrow one-goal win over St Gabriel’s in the Ricardo ‘Mickey’ Gibson Zone, hosted at the Briar Hall playing field in Christ Church. The match, billed as one of the highest-profile matchups of the early season, lived up to expectations as both sides traded chances before Arthur Smith secured the deciding late goal to lock in three points.

    The Ricardo ‘Mickey’ Gibson Zone saw four other additional matches unfold on the matchday. Wills Primary claimed a clean sheet 2-0 win over St Bartholomew Primary, while St Winifred’s Primary notched a narrow 1-0 victory against People’s Cathedral Primary. Milton Lynch Primary delivered a dominant 4-0 shutout against St Lawrence Primary, and St Christopher Primary matched that 4-0 winning margin with a win over Shirley Chisholm Primary.

    Across other zones, the Edward Smith/Frank Holder Zone in Speightstown produced an entertaining 2-2 draw between All Saints Primary and Roland Edwards Primary, with both sides splitting points after trading goals through full time. In the Dennis Leacock Zone based at Shorey Village, St Bernard’s Primary cruised to a 5-0 shutout victory against St Joseph Primary, while Providence Primary picked up a 3-1 win over Grantley Prescod Primary.

    In the Kenville ‘Kab’ Layne Zone in Greens, St George, three matches concluded with varied results. Mount Tabor Primary secured a comfortable 3-0 win over St Lukes Brighton Primary, St George Primary put on an offensive clinic to defeat Cuthbert Moore Primary by a 6-0 margin, and Hits 106.7 Bay Primary eased to a 4-1 win against Ellerton Primary to close out the day’s action.