作者: admin

  • Pringle Says Lack of Trust Undermines Crime-Fighting Efforts

    Pringle Says Lack of Trust Undermines Crime-Fighting Efforts

    Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has raised concerns over the growing mistrust between the public and law enforcement, stating that it is severely hindering crime-solving efforts. Speaking at a United Progressive Party town hall, Pringle emphasized the need for stronger community engagement and greater transparency from the police to rebuild confidence. He cited a recent incident in Scarit’s Pasture where a resident, who considered sharing surveillance footage with the police, received a handwritten threat the following morning, warning them against cooperating. Pringle argued that such breaches of confidentiality undermine trust and discourage citizens from providing crucial information. He stressed that rebuilding this trust requires not only safeguarding sensitive communications but also fostering closer interactions between the police and the community. Additionally, Pringle criticized the lack of regular updates on ongoing investigations, urging law enforcement to keep the public informed to demonstrate that cases are being actively pursued. His remarks were part of a broader discussion on crime, accountability, and governance, where panelists also proposed measures such as independent investigations and enhanced border security.

  • A Response to the UWI Incident Article

    A Response to the UWI Incident Article

    A recent article published on September 30, 2025, detailing an alleged seizure incident involving a student at the University of the West Indies Foundation for International Cooperation (UWI-FIC), has sparked significant controversy. The article claimed that the university failed to respond adequately to the situation. However, a concerned mother, whose daughter experienced a similar incident on the same day, has raised serious doubts about the accuracy and motives behind the report. In a heartfelt response, she emphasized that the details provided in the article were inconsistent with her daughter’s experience and questioned whether the author was impersonating or misrepresenting the event. The mother highlighted the importance of using established internal channels to address such issues rather than resorting to public criticism. She also expressed concern that the article could damage the long-standing collaborative relationship between her family and the university, which has been instrumental in supporting her daughter’s education. As an educator and advocate for equitable access to education, she urged the author to retract the article and issue a public apology to protect her daughter’s reputation and the integrity of UWI-FIC. She emphasized the university’s critical role in the region’s development and called for constructive dialogue to address health-related challenges in academic settings.

  • DNO Poll Results: Do you agree with a proposed ban on importation of toy guns?

    DNO Poll Results: Do you agree with a proposed ban on importation of toy guns?

    In a bold statement addressing the growing misuse of imitation firearms in criminal activities, DPP Sherma Dalrymple has proposed a complete ban on the importation of toy guns. Expressing her concerns, Dalrymple emphasized the potential dangers these replicas pose when used in illegal acts. She further revealed her intention to formally submit a proposal on the matter to the Attorney General, urging stricter regulations to curb the issue. The proposal has sparked widespread debate, with a recent poll revealing that 72.95% of respondents support the ban, while 27.05% oppose it. The total of 599 votes underscores the divisive nature of the topic, as society grapples with balancing public safety and personal freedoms.

  • The UN General Assembly Is Over But The Conversation Continues

    The UN General Assembly Is Over But The Conversation Continues

    The annual United Nations General Assembly, a platform where world leaders convene to address global challenges, took a disappointing turn this year. The anticipation for a unifying message and a shared vision was met with a speech that starkly deviated from the expected tone of multilateralism and cooperation. Delivered by a major power, the address was criticized for its transactional and boastful cadence, which seemed ill-suited for a forum founded on the principles of mutual respect and collective action. The speech’s focus on narrow self-interest and rivalry, rather than collaborative solutions, left a void in addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, displacement, and geopolitical strife. The absence of a reaffirmation of universal human rights, empathy for vulnerable populations, and a unifying vision further underscored the speech’s shortcomings. This approach risks encouraging isolationism at a time when complex interdependence demands sophisticated engagement. The critique highlights the need for nations to fill this void with a renewed commitment to dialogue, peace, and shared responses to global challenges.

  • New US$250 visa “Integrity Fee” takes effect today

    New US$250 visa “Integrity Fee” takes effect today

    The United States has unveiled a comprehensive hike in immigration and visa fees, set to take effect this October. The new fee structure introduces substantial increases across various categories, impacting foreign travelers, immigrants, and visa applicants.

  • More Americans are CBI-approved citizens of Grenada

    More Americans are CBI-approved citizens of Grenada

    The latest data from Grenada’s Investment Migration Agency (IMA), formerly known as the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Unit, reveals a significant shift in the nationalities of new citizens approved under the program in 2025. In the second quarter, 12% of the 402 new CBI-approved citizens were US nationals, marking a notable increase from the first quarter, where only 1% of 632 approved citizens were from the United States. This surge positioned the US as the second-highest nationality, trailing behind China, which accounted for 10% of approvals, and surpassing Nigeria, which also represented 10%. This is the first time Nigeria has been displaced from its usual second-place ranking in the CBI program. Other nationalities approved during this period included Pakistan, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, and several African and Middle Eastern countries. As of the end of the second quarter, the program had approved 893 new citizens, generating EC$103.2 million in revenue, according to the Ministry of Finance’s June 2025 report. Thomas Anthony, CEO of the IMA, announced plans to expand the program’s marketing efforts in Africa, with a focus on West Africa. A team from the agency is set to tour the region in October 2025, building on recent engagements in Kenya, where over 100 individuals attended a promotional event in collaboration with the Nairobi Chamber of Commerce. Anthony emphasized Nigeria’s prominence in African applications and expressed optimism about extending the program’s reach to other African nations.

  • COMMENTARY: My friend Grenadian revolutionary Lt. Col.Liam James, a personal memoir of the Grenada Revolution, Dominica & the Douglas brothers

    COMMENTARY: My friend Grenadian revolutionary Lt. Col.Liam James, a personal memoir of the Grenada Revolution, Dominica & the Douglas brothers

    The Grenada Revolution, a pivotal chapter in Caribbean history, remains a subject of deep reflection and analysis. At its heart was Lieutenant Colonel Liam James, a key figure whose life and actions offer profound lessons on leadership, revolution, and the rule of law. This narrative revisits the revolution through the lens of personal encounters, political dynamics, and the broader implications for Caribbean governance.

    Liam James first emerged as a revolutionary leader during the 1979 Grenada Revolution, which sought to overthrow the authoritarian regime of Eric Gairy. His journey began in 1978 at the 11th World Festival of Youth and Students in Havana, Cuba, where he forged bonds with fellow Caribbean activists, including the author. Their discussions, fueled by revolutionary zeal, envisioned a socialist future for the region.

    James played a central role in the revolution’s early days, accompanying Prime Minister Maurice Bishop on missions to assist Dominica after Hurricane David in 1979. However, the revolution soon faced internal fractures. Ideological purity and personal rivalries overshadowed the movement’s initial idealism, leading to the tragic massacre of Bishop and others in October 1983. The subsequent U.S. invasion marked the revolution’s collapse, with James and other leaders arrested and sentenced to death, later commuted to imprisonment.

    The Grenada Revolution’s downfall was rooted in its disregard for democratic norms and civil liberties. The People’s Revolutionary Government (PRG) closed parliament, suspended elections, and detained critics without due process, eroding its legitimacy. This ‘heavy manners’ approach starkly contrasted with the constitutional and inclusive strategies advocated by leaders like Rosie and Michael Douglas in Dominica.

    Rosie Douglas, a prominent Pan-Africanist, championed the Committee of National Salvation (CNS), which united diverse political factions to ensure a peaceful transition of power in Dominica. His brother, Michael, emphasized the importance of education, temperance, and respect for democratic institutions. Their leadership underscored the value of dialogue, compromise, and the rule of law in achieving lasting political change.

    As the Caribbean reflects on this tumultuous period, the lessons are clear. Revolutions that abandon constitutional safeguards risk descending into tyranny. The Grenada Revolution’s failure serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for leadership grounded in humility, education, and respect for individual rights. The Golden Rule—treating others as one wishes to be treated—remains a timeless principle for governance and justice.

    This narrative, drawn from personal experiences and historical analysis, underscores the enduring relevance of these lessons as the Caribbean continues its journey toward democracy and social progress.

  • Creole Heartbeat radio series explores ‘WCMF @ 25: From Idea to World Class Festival’

    Creole Heartbeat radio series explores ‘WCMF @ 25: From Idea to World Class Festival’

    In today’s digitally-driven world, social media platforms have become the cornerstone of communication and information dissemination. The act of sharing content—whether through tweets, pins, or posts—has evolved into a powerful tool for engagement and influence. A recent image, hosted on a news platform, exemplifies this phenomenon. The image, which has been widely circulated, underscores the significance of visual content in capturing audience attention and fostering interaction. As users continue to share and engage with such content, the dynamics of digital communication are being reshaped, highlighting the transformative power of social media in connecting individuals and amplifying messages across the globe.

  • Leading Cancer Experts to Convene in Antigua for Regional Symposium

    Leading Cancer Experts to Convene in Antigua for Regional Symposium

    This weekend, Antigua will become the epicenter of a groundbreaking initiative as some of the Caribbean’s most distinguished health professionals convene for the Multi-Disciplinary Cancer Symposium. Hosted by the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) at the luxurious Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa, the event aims to address one of the region’s most pressing health crises—cancer. The symposium will bring together a diverse array of specialists, including oncologists, urologists, gynecologists, pediatricians, radiologists, surgeons, nutritionists, and nurses, to share insights and develop actionable strategies for improving cancer prevention, treatment, and patient care.

    Salma Crump, SLBMC’s Marketing and Communications Manager, emphasized the symposium’s broader mission: ‘We are creating a collaborative platform where knowledge, innovation, and compassion converge to make cancer care more effective, accessible, and equitable for our communities.’ The event will feature presentations from leading experts such as Dr. Anesa Ahamad, who will discuss advancements in breast cancer care; Dr. Jonathan Makanjuola, who will explore the role of artificial intelligence in prostate cancer treatment; and Dr. Michelle Reece-Mills, who will address the unique challenges of pediatric oncology.

    Cancer remains a leading cause of death in the Caribbean, with late diagnoses, treatment gaps, and disparities in access to care posing significant challenges. Organizers hope the symposium will strengthen regional health systems by fostering collaboration and equipping professionals with practical solutions. ‘This is about saving lives,’ Crump stated. ‘The symposium is not just theoretical—it’s about building capacity, forging partnerships, and ensuring the Caribbean is not left behind in the global fight against cancer.’

  • Sherfield Bowen wants authorities to prioritize how illegal guns are entering the country

    Sherfield Bowen wants authorities to prioritize how illegal guns are entering the country

    Opposition MP Sherfield Bowen has called for a strategic focus on tracing the origins of illegal firearms entering Antigua and Barbuda, emphasizing the need for advanced container scanning technologies at the border. Speaking at a United Progressive Party town hall, Bowen criticized reactive measures to violent incidents, advocating instead for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to crime prevention. He highlighted the alarming rise in gun-related crimes as a critical national issue, urging authorities to identify and disrupt the channels through which firearms are smuggled into the country. Bowen speculated that weapons might be entering via sea routes or concealed in shipping containers, stressing that enhancing container inspections and investing in detection technologies should be top priorities. He also underscored the importance of a long-term strategy involving collaboration between law enforcement, educators, social workers, and communities to achieve sustainable crime reduction. Bowen concluded that since Antigua and Barbuda does not manufacture firearms, addressing the external sources of these weapons is essential to curbing the escalating violence.