作者： admin

VS scherpt sancties tegen Cuba aan; VN waarschuwt voor ‘energiesterfte’

On Thursday, the United States rolled out a fresh slate of economic sanctions targeting Cuba, expanding on a months-long pressure campaign that has steadily ratcheted up tensions between Washington and Havana. The announcement came just hours after independent United Nations experts condemned the ongoing U.S. fuel blockade against the island nation as a form of “energy starvation” that inflicts severe damage on Cubans’ fundamental human rights.

The latest penalties target high-profile Cuban entities and individuals, headlined by Grupo de Administracion Empresarial SA (GAESA), a large business conglomerate controlled by the Cuban military that holds sway over nearly every major sector of the country’s economy. Ania Guillermina Lastres Morera, who serves as president of both GAESA and Moa Nickel SA (MNSA) — a nickel industry joint venture between Canadian firm Sherritt International and Cuba’s state-owned nickel enterprise — was also sanctioned. Within hours of the U.S. announcement, Sherritt International confirmed it had temporarily suspended all of its operational activities in Cuba to comply with the new measures.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated via social platform X that the new sanctions make clear the Trump administration will not tolerate what it frames as threats to regional security from the Cuban government. “We will continue taking action until the regime implements the necessary political and economic reforms, Rubio said.

Cuba’s government has not issued an immediate official response to Thursday’s new round of sanctions, but earlier this week, Cuban officials already denounced U.S. restrictive measures as unilateral coercive tools that amount to collective punishment of the entire Cuban population.

Washington has significantly ramped up pressure on Havana since the start of 2026, a shift that followed the kidnapping of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3. Since that event, the U.S. has cut off all oil shipments from Venezuela to Cuba, and issued an executive order imposing secondary sanctions on any third countries that supply fuel to Cuba, effectively creating a full fuel blockade. President Trump has repeatedly repeated threatened military action to overthrow the Cuban government.

The three UN special rapporteurs who released Thursday’s human rights assessment emphasized that the illegal blockade not only disrupts daily life across the island, but also systematically undermines the exercise of basic human rights for all Cubans. They defined the situation as “energy starvation”, a crisis where widespread fuel shortages paralyze the essential services that are required for a dignified human existence.

The experts also noted that only one Russian oil tanker has reached Cuban ports in recent months, a shortage that has drastically worsened the existing energy crisis sparked by long-term economic stagnation on the island. Local reports confirm that fuel shortages have blocked thousands of Cubans from accessing hospitals and prevented children from traveling to school. Cuba’s public health system alone is now backlogged with more than 96,000 delayed surgeries, including over 11,000 procedures for pediatric patients.

“Energy starvation used as a tool of coercion is incompatible with international human rights standards, the UN rapporteurs warned.

8 5 月, 2026
LETTER: Antigua and Barbuda Cannot Sustain the One-House, One-Plot Dream Forever

For decades, political candidates across Antigua and Barbuda have ridden a popular campaign promise into office: pledges of more available land and more standalone housing to help working families achieve the long-held dream of property ownership. This pledge resonates deeply with populations that have long tied personal and financial security to owning a stretch of land and a detached home, but the small twin-island nation can no longer ignore the growing unsustainability of its current approach to residential development.

Antigua and Barbuda’s total land supply is inherently finite, yet national development policy has clung stubbornly to a decades-old model: one plot of land, one single-family home per household. Across the islands, entire unspoiled communities are being split into thousands of tiny residential lots, paved road networks are cutting deeper into untouched natural terrain, and successive governments continue to open new swathes of land for private residential sale, acting as though crippling land scarcity remains a distant problem rather than a rapidly approaching crisis.

This fragmented, low-density model may have made practical sense generations ago, when Antigua and Barbuda’s population was far smaller, land was abundant and affordable, and the pressures of rapid development were minimal. Today, that equation no longer adds up. Every new low-density subdivision requires major public investments in extended infrastructure: new roads, expanded power grids, longer water pipelines, upgraded drainage systems, new schools, and improved highway access to connect far-flung neighborhoods to urban centers. This kind of urban sprawl places unnecessary, long-term financial strain on taxpayers, while inflicting severe environmental harm on a small island nation already on the frontlines of climate change, facing heightened risks of flooding, chronic water scarcity, and coastal erosion.

Most critically, this approach is fundamentally unsustainable for future generations. If current consumption patterns hold, what will be left of Antigua and Barbuda’s undeveloped land in 30 or 40 years? What becomes of the nation’s domestic agricultural sector when all prime farmland is converted to residential lots? How will young working people ever afford to buy property when the limited land supply is either exhausted or concentrated in the hands of a small number of private owners? These are questions the nation can no longer afford to put off answering, writes contributor Marcus Jeffers.

To avoid this bleak future, Antigua and Barbuda must immediately begin pursuing intentional, well-planned higher-density housing solutions as a core part of national housing policy. The country’s future cannot rely on endless low-density subdivisions creeping further into rural and natural landscapes. Instead, sustainable housing policy must embrace a range of alternative options: multi-unit apartment buildings, attached townhouses, condominium complexes, and even thoughtfully designed high-rise residential developments in appropriate, well-located urban zones.

For too long, cultural attitudes across many Caribbean societies have framed multi-unit apartment living as a less desirable, inferior alternative to owning a standalone single-family home on a private plot. But Jeffers points to a clear global precedent: densely populated, developed nations around the world have already adapted to limited land supplies by embracing vertical, high-density living as a pragmatic, practical solution.

Well-designed higher-density housing delivers widespread benefits that align with both affordability and sustainability goals. It makes homeownership accessible to more low- and middle-income families while preserving large tracts of open, undeveloped land. Shared infrastructure for multi-unit developments is far more cost-efficient than building separate, extended networks for sprawling subdivisions, supporting cheaper utility costs for all residents. Public transit systems become far more feasible and cost-effective to operate when more people live in concentrated areas, and residents gain easier access to jobs, schools, and essential services without the need for long commutes from far-flung neighborhoods.

This call for policy change is not an attack on the dream of homeownership, Jeffers emphasizes. It is a push for pragmatic, sustainable planning that preserves that dream for future generations rather than allowing it to be destroyed by short-term overconsumption. The dream of owning a home should not turn into a collective nightmare where the entire nation’s land supply is exhausted, putting property ownership out of reach for all coming generations.

As a small island state, Antigua and Barbuda cannot sustainably apply the sprawling land-use models designed for much larger, land-rich nations indefinitely. Opening this conversation about shifting to higher-density development may be politically uncomfortable, and may challenge long-held cultural attitudes about property and housing. But it is a conversation that cannot wait, Jeffers argues. If the nation continues to consume land at its current pace without reforming how it develops residential housing, future Antiguans and Barbudans will inherit an island where the dream of land ownership is permanently out of reach.

8 5 月, 2026
Chef launches food business in tribute to late daughter

For nearly 10 years, Shakira Drakes honed her culinary craft across some of Barbados’ most respected food and hospitality venues, working her way up from an entry-level salad station role to senior management. Now, this veteran chef is channeling a lifetime of experience and profound personal grief into a new venture that honors her greatest loss: on what would have been her late daughter’s 21st birthday, Drakes officially opened the doors to Kira’s Cuisine, her very own eatery located at St. James’ Husbands Heights Park.

Reflecting on the bittersweet milestone at the launch event Thursday, Drakes shared that opening her business on this meaningful date was a deliberate choice, one designed to celebrate both her daughter’s memory and her own journey through grief. “I’m very proud to say that I started my business yesterday on my daughter’s birthday. She would have been 21,” Drakes said. “I wanted to do something really amazing to reflect my resilience, my humbleness and my art.”

Drakes’ culinary career began at Barbados’ Open Kitchen, where she started in an entry-level role before working her way up to supervisor. Over the following years, she built her skills and reputation across a roster of iconic local establishments, including luxury resort Sandy Lane, popular waterfront venue Pier One, and Fusions Rooftop. Her most recent position as a restaurant manager gave her the confidence and expertise to strike out on her own, fulfilling a long-held personal goal. “I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I wanted to do this for myself and for my children,” she explained.

The path to opening Kira’s Cuisine was not without its setbacks, Drakes acknowledged. She originally planned to operate from a mobile food trailer, but securing a permitted, suitable parking location proved far more challenging than she anticipated. For weeks, she persisted in searching for a spot, but repeated dead ends left her discouraged and ready to abandon the dream. “Every week we were still connected until one time it was like I gave up. I wanted to throw in the towel because it was very depressing,” she recalled.

Drakes credits her network of supporters with pushing her to keep going, when she was ready to walk away. In particular, she highlighted the ongoing encouragement of Taahir Bulbulia and representatives from the Barbados Trust Fund Ltd, who worked alongside her to secure the Husbands Heights Park location. After months of searching, Bulbulia delivered the good news she had been waiting for: “He said: ‘Kira, I get a spot for you.’ From there it was nothing but up,” Drakes said.

Today, Kira’s Cuisine serves a diverse, accessible menu of casual comfort food and signature dishes to the St. James community, ranging from chicken and fried fish platters to tacos, blackened fish entrees, subs, and fresh wraps. Drakes also emphasized that all menu items are certified halal, expanding accessible dining options for Muslim consumers in the area. The eatery operates 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and remains closed on Sundays.

8 5 月, 2026
DABA launches two-day referee clinic to strengthen basketball officiating in Dominica

The Dominica Amateur Basketball Association (DABA) has launched a targeted two-day Referee Clinic on Wednesday, marking a key milestone in the organization’s ongoing work to elevate officiating standards and grow competitive basketball across the Caribbean island nation.

In an official press statement announcing the initiative, DABA noted that the training program gathers seasoned veteran referees, promising new aspiring officials, and other key stakeholders from Dominica’s local basketball ecosystem for a packed schedule of rigorous skill-building activities. The core goal of the gathering is to refine existing officiating capabilities and deliver greater consistency in decision-making across all levels of domestic play.

Throughout the clinic, participating officials are receiving specialized, up-to-date instruction across a full spectrum of professional officiating competencies. Topics covered include the latest interpretations of international basketball rules, strategies for maintaining tight control during high-stakes games, optimal on-court positioning for referees, standardized officiating mechanics, effective communication between crew members, and other critical elements of elite game management. Per DABA, this clinic is not an isolated training event, but rather a core component of a wider, multi-year strategy to strengthen the quality of refereeing for every tier of basketball competition on the island.

The two-day agenda blends multiple learning formats to cater to different skill levels and learning styles: attendees will complete structured classroom-based theory sessions, hands-on practical drills held directly on court, detailed video reviews of past game calls to identify areas for improvement, and collaborative group discussions to address shared challenges faced by local officials. Organizers explain that combining theoretical learning with applied, on-site practice is designed to help officials build both the confidence and technical expertise required to perform at a higher competitive level.

DABA leadership emphasized that consistent investment in referee development remains non-negotiable for the long-term growth of basketball in Dominica. High-quality, well-trained officiating, the association notes, plays an outsize role in fostering healthy player development, ensuring smooth and fair game management, and lifting the overall level of professionalism across the sport nationally.

Association officials also reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to creating accessible, high-quality training opportunities for all key groups within the national basketball community, including referees, head coaches, players, and league administrators. This commitment aligns with DABA’s long-term strategic vision for sustained, inclusive growth of basketball across Dominica.

As the clinic got underway, DABA extended a reminder to all participants to take full advantage of the access to expert training and networking opportunities the event provides. The organization also offered public gratitude to the lead facilitators, participating officials, and community partners who worked to bring the clinic to fruition and support its successful execution.

8 5 月, 2026
Dominican students to showcase innovation at national STEM Fair 2026

On Friday, May 8, 2026, hundreds of young innovators across the Caribbean island of Dominica will gather at the St. Alphonsus Parish Hall to take part in a nationwide showcase of STEM ingenuity, hosted by the country’s Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence.

Kicking off at 10:00 AM local time under the official theme “STEM at Work: Building Industry Capacity through Ideas,” the fair brings together primary and secondary school students from every corner of the island, each presenting original projects that apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to solve pressing everyday problems and practical, real-world challenges. Unlike traditional classroom assessments that focus solely on theoretical knowledge, the event is structured to celebrate hands-on experimentation and out-of-the-box thinking, turning student ideas into tangible solutions that can resonate with local communities.

In an official press release announcing the event, ministry organizers outlined the dual core goals of the initiative. First, the fair seeks to cultivate essential 21st-century skills among young Dominicans: creative thinking, critical analysis, and structured problem-solving that will serve students regardless of their future career paths. Second, it aims to highlight the critical role that robust STEM education plays in driving long-term national economic growth and expanding the capacity of Dominica’s local industries, by nurturing a new generation of skilled talent ready to meet evolving industry needs.

Starting at 11:00 AM and running through 1:30 PM, the event opens its doors to members of the general public. Attendees will have the chance to walk through interactive exhibits, speak directly with the student creators behind each project, and gain a first-hand look at the depth of creative talent and innovative potential that educational institutions across Dominica are fostering today. For many students, the fair also represents a rare opportunity to share their work with community members, receive feedback, and see how their classroom learning can translate into tangible impact beyond school walls.

8 5 月, 2026
Dems reject ‘draconian’ elder protection bill

Barbados’ main opposition Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has launched a scathing attack on the government’s proposed Protection of Older Persons Bill, arguing the draft legislation prioritizes criminalization over desperately needed social support for the island’s growing aging population. In an official statement released Thursday, DLP’s spokesperson for health and elder affairs Felicia Dujon outlined the party’s “grave concern” over sweeping law enforcement powers granted under the bill, including provisions that allow police to arrest suspected offenders without a warrant and enter private residential properties to pursue individuals accused of violating the law.

Dujon labeled the proposed legislation draconian, excessive, dangerous, and deeply insulting to low-income Barbadian families grappling with economic strain. “Instead of building stronger support systems for families caring for aging relatives, this government appears determined to police poverty and criminalise desperation,” she said.

Citing official demographic data showing that adults over the age of 65 now make up 16 percent of Barbados’ total population, the DLP emphasized that thousands of families are already providing unpaid elder care with no government assistance, all while navigating sky-high inflation and stagnant wage growth. What the current administration frames as intentional neglect, the party argues, is most often the result of caregiver burnout or a complete lack of accessible resources to support at-home care.

One of the most contentious provisions of the bill is the plan to create a mandatory national registry for people convicted of elder abuse offenses. The DLP has highlighted a striking policy irony in this priority: Barbados has yet to establish a fully operational, comprehensive registry for convicted sex offenders, a gap that puts vulnerable women and children at ongoing risk.

“It is astonishing and deeply troubling that the government is moving with urgency to establish a registry for persons convicted of elder abuse offences while Barbados still does not have a comprehensive and functioning sex offenders registry to monitor individuals convicted of sexual crimes against women and children,” Dujon said.

The opposition stressed that it does not tolerate or excuse elder abuse in any form, but that the Mia Mottley administration’s policy priorities are clearly misplaced. Dujon pointed out that the proposed elder abuse registry would be one of the first fully operational convicted offender registries in the country — created not to track rapists or child molesters, but to target people, most often struggling relatives, accused or convicted under the new elder abuse laws.

The DLP also used its critique of the bill to raise questions about the long-delayed construction of Barbados’ new Geriatric Hospital. As of 2026, Dujon noted, the public has received almost no substantive updates on the project’s progress, and the government has chosen to push punitive legislation forward rather than prioritizing the completion of critical geriatric healthcare infrastructure.

“Barbadians deserve support, compassion, and meaningful solutions, not blame, intimidation, and legislation designed to punish citizens who are already struggling to survive,” Dujon added.

The DLP has laid out a clear set of demands for the government to revise the bill before moving forward with parliamentary consideration. These demands include: withdrawing or making sweeping amendments to the controversial provisions; eliminating the broad authority for warrantless arrests; pausing plans for the proposed elder abuse registry until broad national public consultations can be held; prioritizing the creation of a comprehensive national sex offender registry first; increasing public investment in elder care institutions and formal caregiver support programs; releasing an urgent public update on the status of the new Geriatric Hospital; expanding financial and social assistance for families providing at-home elder care; and holding genuine, inclusive consultations with healthcare workers, family caregivers, senior citizens, legal experts, and civil society organizations before advancing any further legislative action.

8 5 月, 2026
Sergeant arrested for assaulting policewoman

A senior non-commissioned officer with the Guyana Police Force has been taken into custody following allegations of a violent assault against a female officer at the Anna Regina Police Station, law enforcement authorities confirmed. The reported incident unfolded in the early hours of Friday, May 8, 2026, at approximately 1:00 a.m. local time.

In an official public statement released following the arrest, the Guyana Police Force outlined that preliminary investigations have confirmed the female officer was the target of the alleged assault inside the station compound. Alongside the assault, a second female member of the force was reportedly subjected to threats by the suspect, the statement added. As of Friday afternoon, authorities have not released any details regarding the underlying trigger for the alleged violence and intimidation.

Once regional senior police command was notified of the incident, immediate action was taken to arrest the suspect sergeant, who remains in police custody as investigators continue to build their case. The alleged assault victim was promptly transported to a local medical facility for a full clinical evaluation by a licensed physician, and law enforcement officials confirmed that medical care has been provided as needed. Investigators have already begun collecting formal witness statements as part of the ongoing inquiry, with no further updates expected until initial probes are completed.

8 5 月, 2026
ABLP to Hold Thanksgiving Service on May 17 Following Election Victory

The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, has officially notified the national Cabinet of plans for a special Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s (ABLP) recent electoral success. Scheduled for Sunday, May 17, the religious gathering will take place at the St. John’s Pentecostal Church House of Restoration, a central venue in the country’s capital.

In his address to Cabinet members, Browne extended a wide invitation to multiple groups to participate in the upcoming service. He specifically encouraged sitting Cabinet ministers, elected parliamentarians, longstanding party supporters, and general members of the public to join the ceremony. Beyond a simple celebration, the service carries two core purposes, according to the prime minister.

First, the event will serve as a collective moment of gratitude for the public trust that the people of Antigua and Barbuda have placed in the ABLP administration to lead the nation for another term. Second, the gathering will be an opportunity for the incoming government to seek spiritual guidance and collective strength as it prepares to tackle the policy priorities and challenges of its new tenure. The announcement frames the service as a unifying moment for both the ruling party and the broader national community following the conclusion of the country’s general election.

8 5 月, 2026
Cabinet Pays Tribute to the late Mary-Clare Hurst, Announces Official Funeral

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has gathered to pay solemn homage to Mary-Clare Hurst, a pioneering female politician and beloved public servant who passed away recently, celebrating her decades of transformative contributions to the nation and the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP).

During a special sitting, Cabinet members stood in a moment of quiet reflection to honor Hurst, who held multiple senior roles across government and the ruling political party throughout her career. Prime Minister Gaston Browne joined all attending ministers in lauding Hurst’s consistent dedication, unshakeable loyalty to the ABLP and the Antigua and Barbuda people, and sharp professionalism that shaped the country’s political and public institutions.

Across her trailblazing career, Hurst shattered long-standing gender barriers to make history as the first woman to occupy the role of General Secretary of the ABLP, a milestone that opened doors for greater female representation in the country’s politics. She went on to serve with distinction in a string of senior government positions, including government senator, Leader and Deputy Leader of Government Business in the Senate, and Minister of State within the Ministry of Tourism and Economic Development. Beyond her legislative and cabinet work, Hurst also chaired the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority, where her sharp administrative acumen and commitment to excellence earned her respect from colleagues, industry stakeholders and the public alike.

Beyond her formal public roles, Hurst was widely recognized for her deep commitment to lifting up the next generation of public leaders. Cabinet members highlighted her enduring passion for mentorship and youth development, noting her instrumental work in nurturing emerging political talent and advancing efforts to modernize both the country’s political party framework and public sector institutions. Colleagues remembered her as a resilient, empathetic, and disciplined leader whose legacy of service will remain a touchstone for future generations of Antiguan and Barbudan public servants.

In a formal announcement marking her extraordinary contributions, the Cabinet confirmed that Hurst will be honored with an Official Funeral, a rare distinction recognizing her outsized impact on national development. The government extended its deepest gratitude for Hurst’s decades of loyal, distinguished service to the people of Antigua and Barbuda, and offered heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and countless supporters as they navigate this period of grief.

8 5 月, 2026
CABINET NOTES: Wednesday 6th May 2026

Just days after the Gaston Browne-led Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party secured a stronger popular mandate in national elections, the new administration held its first official Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Though no routine official business was transacted during the introductory sitting, the session laid out core governing priorities, honored a trailblazing public servant, and shared key administrative updates that will shape the government’s upcoming term.

The gathering opened on a solemn, reflective note, with Cabinet Secretary leading the assembly in a devotional reading from Isaiah 40:31. Drawing meaning from the verse, the Cabinet Secretary framed the season of new governance as one that calls for reliance beyond individual ability, encouraging members to approach national service with faith amid periods of challenge or uncertainty. This opening reflection was followed by a prayer asking for guidance, renewed strength, and steady purpose for the administration ahead.

Addressing his assembled cabinet and state ministers, Prime Minister Browne opened policy discussions by emphasizing that the administration’s expanded electoral mandate comes with heightened accountability to the people of Antigua and Barbuda. He outlined that the government’s core priority over the coming term will remain focused on delivering tangible, quality-of-life improvements for all citizens and residents. Key policy focus areas identified include upgrading national road networks, expanding access to reliable potable water across the country, accelerating affordable housing development, strengthening public healthcare and education systems, and upgrading core public infrastructure island-wide.

Prime Minister Browne called on every cabinet member to demonstrate exceptional, transparent leadership, noting that the incumbent administration’s existing experience puts it in a position to become one of the most effective governments in Antigua and Barbuda’s modern history. “The people did not give us this mandate for empty promises – they are waiting for results,” Browne stated. “We must work with intentionality, urgency, and discipline to continuously raise living standards for every community in our nation.”

The Prime Minister stressed that accountability and consistent performance will be required across all government ministries, making clear that systemic inefficiency and underperformance will not be tolerated in the new term. He urged all elected officials to maintain regular, open engagement with their constituencies and stay connected to the needs of the voters who entrusted them to office. Senior government leaders echoed the Prime Minister’s calls, encouraging newer and younger elected members to prioritize ongoing development of their leadership, governance, and communication skills while centering public service in all their work.

A key point of emphasis for the Prime Minister was the critical role of unity within the governing party. He warned against internal division and self-serving individualism, reiterating that the administration’s past success has been rooted in collective leadership and a shared commitment to inclusive national development. Cabinet members also discussed strategies to deepen participatory governance, rolling out more frequent community outreach initiatives, constituency town halls, and public engagement sessions to ensure citizen input shapes policy decision-making. In a departure from traditional business, the Prime Minister also encouraged all cabinet members to prioritize their own personal health and well-being, noting that sustained energy and focus are necessary to effectively carry out their governing responsibilities. The opening session concluded with all cabinet members reaffirming their shared commitment to work collaboratively to advance the government’s development agenda and deliver meaningful progress for the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

Following policy discussions, the entire Cabinet paid tribute to Mary-Clare Hurst, a pioneering national figure and longtime devoted public servant who recently passed away. Hurst, who held multiple senior roles including former Senator, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, and General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, was remembered as a barrier-breaking leader whose decades of service transformed both the party and national public institutions. Cabinet members held a moment of silence to honor her contributions, with Prime Minister Browne and other ministers praising her unwavering loyalty, professional competence, and commitment to national progress.

Throughout her career, Hurst achieved multiple historic firsts: she made history as the first woman to serve as General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, and went on to serve with distinction as Leader and Deputy Leader of Government Business in the Senate, and Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority. Ministers highlighted her deep commitment to mentorship and youth development, noting her instrumental role in nurturing the next generation of Antiguan and Barbudan leaders and driving modernization of political and public sector institutions. Described by colleagues as a resilient, compassionate, and disciplined leader, Hurst’s legacy of public service is expected to inspire future generations of national leaders. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the nation, Cabinet announced that Hurst will be honored with an Official Funeral, and extended sincere condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and supporters.

In administrative updates, the Treasury Department reported that as of April 29, 2026, retroactive salary disbursements (back pay) to all eligible public sector employees across every government ministry and department have been processed. The department had initially set a target to complete the vast majority of disbursements during April, and will issue a full final update on the process on May 15, 2026.

The Attorney General also shared the official schedule for the opening of the new session of parliament. On May 18, the Lower House of Parliament will convene to swear in newly elected members and elect a Speaker and Deputy Speaker. The government has nominated Osbert Frederick for the position of Speaker and Dr. Philmore Benjamin for Deputy Speaker. Two days later, on May 20, the Senate will hold its inaugural sitting for the new term, where senators will be sworn in and elect a Senate President and Deputy President. The government has put forward Alincia Williams-Grant for President and Philip Shoul for Deputy President. The formal opening of the new parliamentary term will conclude on May 26, when Governor General Sir Rodney Williams will deliver the Throne Speech outlining the government’s legislative agenda for the coming term.

To mark the administration’s electoral victory, Prime Minister Browne announced that a Service of Thanksgiving will be held on May 17 at the St. John’s Pentecostal Church House of Restoration. The Prime Minister extended an open invitation to cabinet members, parliamentarians, party supporters, and members of the general public to attend the service, to give thanks for the trust the electorate placed in the administration, and to pray for continued guidance and strength as the government begins its new term.

8 5 月, 2026