In a significant political development, Karina Goodridge, the prominent leader of the Friends of Democracy party, formally assumed her parliamentary duties as an Opposition Senator during a ceremonial proceeding at State House. The newly appointed legislator arrived accompanied by key personal and political supporters, including her immediate family members and party General Secretary Steve Blackett. The swearing-in ceremony marks a crucial expansion of opposition representation within the legislative body, signaling strengthened oversight capabilities against the ruling administration. Goodridge’s elevation to the senatorial position follows recent political negotiations and demonstrates the continuing evolution of the country’s democratic institutions. The presence of both family and senior party officials underscores the importance of this appointment for the opposition’s strategic positioning in upcoming parliamentary sessions where critical policy debates are anticipated.
作者： admin
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Tapon make it four in a row at SMC Sports
Tapon House has cemented its athletic dominance by capturing an unprecedented fourth straight Inter-House Sports championship title at St. Mary’s College, leading the competition from start to finish in a spectacular display of track and field prowess. The triumphant team amassed an impressive 858 points, decisively outpacing Presentation (713 points), Abercrombie (677 points), and Rodney (603 points) during the 121st annual sports meet held February 13th at Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
While Tapon claimed overall team glory, individual brilliance shone across all divisions, with each category producing a triple champion. The most remarkable performance came from Rodney’s Evan Sankar, a second-form athlete who delivered a record-shattering display in Division 5. Sankar obliterated a nine-year-old record in the 600m, clocking 1:45.7 to erase Sherqwayne Prudent’s previous mark of 1:48.5. He further demonstrated his versatility by capturing the 300m title in 43.3 seconds and conquering the junior 1200m in 4:31.4 despite never having previously competed in the event.
Other standout performances included Tapon’s Manasseh Sobers securing the Division 5 150m in 20.0 seconds, while Abercrombie’s Zandre Plante claimed the 80m crown with a 10.8-second sprint. Presentation’s Keanu Jeffery dominated Division 4 with victories in the 100m (11.9s), 200m (25.2s), and 400m (59.2s), alongside Abercrombie’s Jaelen McDonald who took the 800m in 2:33.3.
Zayne Henry carried Tapon’s success into Division 3, achieving triple gold in the 100m (11.8s), 200m (24.5s), and 400m (59.7s). Division 2 honors went to Abercrombie’s Joshua Matthew, who earned victor ludorum status with wins in the 100m (11.5s), 200m (23.0s), and 400m (54.6s). In the senior Division 1 category, Presentation’s Carter Clauzel emerged supreme with victories in the 100m (11.3s), 200m (23.6s), and 400m (54.2s).
The championship concluded with an intense tug-of-war competition that solidified Tapon’s victory, witnessed by hundreds of alumni spanning generations. With this decisive win, St. Mary’s College now turns its attention to defending its title at the upcoming Island Championships during the Easter break.
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Gewapend viertal ontvoert man bij zijn woning
A violent abduction unfolded in Lelydorp, Suriname on Tuesday evening when four masked assailants armed with firearms ambushed a 41-year-old man identified as M.S. on his own property at Zwartbontstraat.
The incident occurred around 10:00 PM when the victim’s wife, A.L., awoke to the sound of her husband’s pickup truck arriving home. Shortly after, she heard distressed cries from their yard. Upon investigating, she witnessed four armed men subduing her partner in a coordinated attack.
According to police reports, the perpetrators—all dressed in black clothing and concealing their identities—emerged from adjacent woodland areas before overpowering the victim. Security camera footage captured the moment the assailants approached the property and forcibly placed M.S. into his gray Toyota Vigo pickup truck.
The armed group subsequently fled the scene using the victim’s vehicle, heading toward Santigronweg. Preliminary investigations indicate the attackers carried handguns and other heavy weaponry during the operation.
Authorities have confirmed the theft of the victim’s vehicle and mobile phone, though it remains unclear whether additional items were taken during the incident. The investigation has been transferred to the Central Region Detective Unit, with no further details available regarding the victim’s current status or the motive behind the abduction.
The case represents a concerning escalation in violent crime within the region, with law enforcement agencies pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to locate both the victim and his captors.
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WATCH: Pringle Says St. Philip’s North By-Election Marks Start of ‘National Change’
In a pivotal political development, Antigua and Barbuda’s Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has positioned the upcoming St. Philip’s North by-election as the launching point for sweeping national reform. The March 16 special election, triggered by the resignation of veteran parliamentarian Sir Robin Yearwood, features a direct contest between United Progressive Party candidate Alex Browne and Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s Randy Baltimore.
Addressing energized supporters at a Wilkes rally on Tuesday evening, Pringle outlined an ambitious vision for political change, characterizing the by-election as the initial step in a broader national transformation. The opposition leader revealed that the UPP has deployed its complete network of candidates and caretakers to execute a targeted yet resolute campaign strategy.
“While we operate within a condensed campaign timeline to secure Alex Browne’s election as constituency representative, our perspective extends far beyond immediate victory,” Pringle declared. “We approach this contest with a comprehensive vision aimed at reclaiming the nation’s future trajectory.”
The opposition leader framed the upcoming vote as a historic opportunity for citizens to redefine the country’s political direction, asserting that “the pathway to national change originates in St. Philip’s North.” Pringle further contended that March 16 would mark a decisive moment for voters to “finalize the political departure of the Gaston Brown administration and its self-serving policies.”
Pringle leveled substantial criticisms against the governing Labour Party, accusing them of institutionalized cronyism and systematic underperformance. The opposition leader asserted that the current administration had “exhausted its developmental vision for Antigua and Barbuda” and was “approaching the expiration of its political relevance.”
Urging maximum voter participation, Pringle characterized the by-election as a democratic threshold where citizens could “establish a definitive boundary against ineffective governance.” Both major political parties have acknowledged the contest’s significance as a critical indicator of political momentum heading into the next general election cycle.
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Resident Says Newfield “Overlooked” for 14 Years; PM, Baltimore Promise Housing and Infrastructure Support
During a town hall meeting in Antigua, a Newfield resident delivered a powerful indictment of perceived governmental neglect, telling Prime Minister Gaston Browne that her community has remained structurally stagnant for over fourteen years. The constituent articulated frustrations that despite repeated election cycle promises, essential infrastructure development had completely bypassed the area, leaving roads, buildings, and community facilities frozen in time.
The resident specifically questioned the disappearance of past commitments, asking emphatically, ‘What happens to Newfield?’ However, she acknowledged recent positive developments under constituency caretaker Randy Baltimore, noting visible progress in road repairs and urging government support for his ongoing initiatives.
In response, PM Browne highlighted completed and ongoing projects in Newfield, including road repaving and significant upgrades to the community basketball court, which now features enhanced lighting and pending surface markings. Browne confirmed advanced discussions with Baltimore—whom he referred to as the ‘incoming representative’—regarding the construction of additional homes and encouraged residents to utilize entrepreneurial and scholarship programs through his office.
Baltimore subsequently outlined a comprehensive development agenda for Newfield, confirming the basketball court enhancements and announcing plans for a new children’s playground. He detailed coordinated efforts with the Central Housing and Planning Authority to address overgrown vegetation and confirmed upcoming road resurfacing projects alongside cleanup support from Solid Waste management crews.
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Charity Book Launch Raises Funds for After-School Enrichment Programme
On the morning of February 18, 2026, the Antigua Public Library served as the backdrop for a significant cultural and philanthropic event. Author William Henry successfully launched his literary work, ‘A Glimpse Into The Past,’ transforming the occasion into a charity initiative that resonated deeply with the local community.
The event, commencing at 10:00 AM, attracted an audience of approximately 40 individuals who engaged in a profound atmosphere of cultural reflection and communal dialogue. Central to the gathering was Henry’s discussion on the inspirations driving his publication, which emphasizes the critical need to preserve the historical narratives, challenges, and victories that have defined Antigua and Barbuda.
A highlight of the morning was the announcement that all proceeds from the event’s book sales, totaling $500.00 Eastern Caribbean Dollars, were dedicated to the Library’s After-School Enrichment Programme. This contribution underscores a tangible commitment to advancing educational opportunities and supporting youth development within the region.
Henry articulated during his presentation that history extends beyond written records, embodying a living legacy carried through generations. Attendees responded with enthusiastic feedback, praising both the substantive content of the book and the author’s compelling delivery.
Reflecting on the broader significance of the launch, Henry stated, ‘This was more than a book launch; it was an act of honoring our collective heritage and making a direct investment in our future by empowering young minds.’
The success of this event signals a rising community interest in local historical preservation and culturally-grounded philanthropy. Henry extended his gratitude to all participants and supporters, acknowledging the occasion as a pivotal step forward in fostering ongoing historical awareness and cultural appreciation.
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WATCH: Police Station to Reopen Monday But New Police and Fire Facility Planned for St. Philip’s North
The St. Philip’s North community will see the restoration of police services starting Monday following an official announcement by Minister of Works Maria Browne. The reopening comes as part of a comprehensive security enhancement plan that includes both immediate measures and long-term infrastructure development.
During a town hall meeting with constituents, Minister Browne directly addressed longstanding security concerns that have troubled the area. “The police station will reopen on Monday,” Browne declared to residents, whose applause demonstrated the community’s appreciation for the action.
This interim measure precedes the construction of a permanent, modernized police facility designed to accommodate the constituency’s expanding population. The new station will feature updated resources and capabilities to improve law enforcement effectiveness.
In a significant expansion of emergency services, Browne also revealed plans to integrate enhanced fire response capabilities into the constituency’s security infrastructure. This dual approach aims to create a more robust emergency response system for both law enforcement and fire safety needs.
The government’s decision follows sustained advocacy from residents who emphasized the critical need for consistent police visibility and rapid response capabilities. Browne acknowledged that community safety remains fundamental to public confidence and overall development, positioning it as a top administrative priority.
Officials anticipate that these security enhancements will substantially improve emergency response times and establish a stronger, more reliable protective presence for St. Philip’s North residents in the coming months.
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SVG in talks with US about third-country ‘deportees’
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Godwin Friday has confirmed that the United States government has formally approached his administration, along with all Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) members, regarding the potential resettlement of third-country nationals. The diplomatic engagement centers on a proposed memorandum of understanding currently under negotiation between Kingstown and Washington.
In an exclusive interview with state-owned NBC Radio on Thursday, Prime Minister Friday revealed that his government has submitted a draft response to US authorities and is awaiting further clarification. The Vincentian leader, who currently chairs the eight-member OECS bloc, emphasized that while the US initiative is being pursued through bilateral channels, Caribbean nations are coordinating their responses through regional mechanisms.
“We have been presented with a memorandum of understanding for review and have engaged in negotiations with US authorities,” Friday stated. “This process mirrors similar engagements occurring across the OECS region, where we are collectively seeking to harmonize our approach.”
The Prime Minister highlighted the particular significance of such agreements for the OECS, which maintains a unique regime of free movement among member states. Any immigration arrangement affecting one nation inherently impacts neighboring territories, creating compelling reasons for policy coordination.
Friday acknowledged historical challenges in coordinating foreign policy within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and OECS frameworks but stressed that member states remain committed to developing unified approaches. The current negotiations include critical discussions regarding operational security protocols and implementation mechanisms for any potential resettlement program.
While expressing willingness to maintain cooperative relations with traditional partners like the United States, the Prime Minister emphasized that any agreement must ensure reciprocity and address legitimate security concerns. The region seeks balanced arrangements that respect both international obligations and regional stability considerations.
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Coronie en het mysterie van de ‘afwezige epidemie’
The coastal district of Coronie in Suriname has demonstrated remarkable resistance to chikungunya virus outbreaks during two major epidemic waves—first in 2014 and again in the current 2025-2026 surge—while surrounding districts experienced widespread infections. This epidemiological anomaly has drawn attention to the district’s unique cultural practices and environmental management.
Coronie, known as Suriname’s coconut district, maintains distinctive traditions that appear to offer unintended protection against mosquito-borne diseases. Residents regularly apply coconut oil to their skin, maintain exceptionally clean properties with minimal clutter, and practice smoke fumigation using coconut husks—a traditional method that effectively repels mosquitoes before they can breed or bite.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito, responsible for chikungunya transmission, thrives in stagnant water and human proximity. Coronie’s environmental discipline results in significantly fewer breeding grounds, directly reducing mosquito populations and transmission opportunities. Additionally, the district’s relatively isolated location and limited mobility compared to urban centers like Paramaribo decrease viral introduction risks.
This dual protection—environmental management and cultural practices—has created a natural barrier against chikungunya that persists while other regions rely on emergency interventions like fogging and crisis meetings. The Coronie case study suggests that effective public health interventions may begin at home rather than in conference rooms, emphasizing property maintenance, community habits, and traditional knowledge that predate modern epidemic responses.
The continued absence of confirmed cases across two separate outbreaks indicates this success is neither accidental nor temporary. It represents a sustainable model of community-level protection that combines environmental awareness with culturally embedded preventive practices, offering valuable insights for global public health strategies regarding mosquito-borne disease prevention.
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One Communications announces US$25m digital infrastructure expansion
In a significant move to bolster Guyana’s digital ecosystem, telecommunications leader One Communications has unveiled a comprehensive $25 million infrastructure investment plan for 2026. CEO Abraham Smith made the announcement during his keynote address at the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, framing the initiative as essential to supporting the nation’s rapidly expanding economy.
The strategic investment will focus on three primary areas: extending fiber optic connectivity into emerging economic corridors, enhancing both subsea and terrestrial network capacity, and building robust redundancy systems for mission-critical operations. Smith emphasized that modern telecommunications infrastructure has evolved from merely supporting operations to actively powering them, making reliable connectivity fundamental to national development.
This latest commitment continues One Communications’ substantial investment history, having deployed over $250 million in network development throughout the past fifteen years, including $100 million dedicated specifically to fiber infrastructure. The company’s expansion strategy specifically targets economic growth zones such as the Wales corridor—home to Guyana’s landmark Gas-to-Energy development—where fiber connectivity has already been extended to communities including Vriesland, Patentia, Belle Vue, and Goed Intent.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the company is advancing financial inclusion through upgrades to its mobile wallet platform, MMG, which expands digital payment capabilities and supports broader participation in the digital economy. Geographic expansion priorities for 2026 include Linden, Parika, the East Coast corridor, and Berbice, where One Communications is actively involved in digital infrastructure and data center initiatives supporting Region Six.
Smith stressed that sustainable national development requires inclusive connectivity that reaches beyond urban centers. “Opportunity cannot stop at the city limits,” he stated, adding that digital infrastructure must extend to every region to ensure development is both genuine and sustainable. The company’s approach emphasizes building systems resilient enough to withstand pressure while ensuring coastal and inland communities alike benefit from technological advancement.
With its fiber network already serving approximately 180,000 homes and businesses nationwide—79% located outside central Georgetown—One Communications positions itself as a crucial partner in building the digital backbone that will keep Guyana competitive and future-ready in an increasingly connected global economy.