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  • First Plenary Session of the  Caribbean-EU Parliamentary Assembly recently concluded

    First Plenary Session of the Caribbean-EU Parliamentary Assembly recently concluded

    In a landmark development for interregional cooperation, the inaugural Plenary Session of the Caribbean-EU Parliamentary Assembly concluded in Antigua and Barbuda on February 18, marking the official parliamentary activation of the Samoa Agreement. Co-President Malik Azmani characterized the gathering as historically significant for strengthening ties between the regions.

    The three-day assembly, conducted against a backdrop of complex global challenges including geopolitical tensions and pressures on international rule-based systems, demonstrated strong political commitment to enhanced dialogue and collaboration. Participants from both regions, bound by historical connections and shared values of democracy and multilateralism, engaged in substantive discussions across five strategic priority areas.

    Key deliberations focused on climate resilience and clean energy transition, with consensus emerging for a Caribbean-EU Climate Resilience and Renewable Energy Compact under the Global Gateway initiative. Parliamentarians also addressed trade and investment opportunities, combating transnational organized crime, safeguarding territorial integrity, and the critical situation in Haiti. The assembly expressed profound concern about Haiti’s deteriorating conditions while reaffirming support for Haitian-led political solutions.

    Notably, the assembly incorporated dynamic Youth and Women’s Forums that enriched the proceedings. The Youth Forum emphasized developing green skills among young people and their essential role in climate resilience, while the Women’s Forum highlighted economic empowerment through improved financial access and women’s crucial participation in shaping future Caribbean-EU relations.

    The session produced concrete recommendations directed to the Caribbean-EU Council of Ministers, establishing a roadmap for future joint initiatives. Co-President Azmani confirmed the European Parliament delegation’s strengthened conviction that sustained engagement and enhanced political dialogue are imperative for advancing shared prosperity and defending a rules-based international order.

  • Secret Camera Catches Truck Illegally Dumping Garbage in Parham; Police Launch Hunt for Driver

    Secret Camera Catches Truck Illegally Dumping Garbage in Parham; Police Launch Hunt for Driver

    Authorities in Parham have launched a manhunt for a truck driver captured on clandestine surveillance footage allegedly engaging in the unlawful disposal of waste. This investigative breakthrough emerged after exasperated local residents, plagued by months of indiscriminate dumping, took matters into their own hands by installing a hidden camera to document the environmental offense.

    The obtained video evidence, reportedly secured by Antigua.news, depicts a heavily laden truck arriving at the location and departing conspicuously empty. Subsequent inspections confirmed the emergence of fresh refuse piles precisely where the vehicle was recorded stopping. The community’s frustration has reached a boiling point, with members lamenting the Sisyphean task of repeatedly cleansing their neighborhood. ‘This is not a landfill,’ one resident emphatically stated, capturing the collective sentiment.

    Weighing in on the incident, St. Peter MP Rawdon Turner issued a strong condemnation of the illicit act, demanding full accountability for the perpetrators. He emphasized that such reckless behavior not only inflicts direct harm on local communities but also severely undermines national initiatives aimed at elevating environmental stewardship. This concern is particularly poignant given the government’s official designation of 2026 as the ‘Year of Beautification’.

    Law enforcement officials have confirmed that active investigations are underway. They are earnestly appealing to the public for any information pertaining to the identification of the truck or its driver to assist in resolving the case.

  • Antigua Spay & Neuter Clinic Reports 71 Dogs Spayed Since January

    Antigua Spay & Neuter Clinic Reports 71 Dogs Spayed Since January

    Antigua’s campaign for responsible pet ownership is demonstrating tangible progress as the island’s Spay & Neuter Clinic reports 71 successful canine sterilization procedures since January. This initiative forms the cornerstone of the organization’s declared mission to establish 2026 as “the year of responsible pet owners” throughout the community.

    The comprehensive animal welfare strategy emphasizes multiple preventative healthcare measures alongside sterilization. Veterinary professionals are advocating for early vaccinations against deadly diseases including parvovirus and leptospirosis, complemented by regular deworming and systematic flea and tick treatments. The clinic underscores that spaying and neutering remain fundamental to controlling unwanted litter populations while simultaneously reducing health risks associated with reproductive cycles and preventing the formation of roaming dog packs.

    Operational details reveal that community dogs receiving sterilization will be permanently tattooed for identification purposes, while pet owners must provide formal consent through signed documentation prior to procedures. The program has received significant support from sponsors covering surgical costs for animals from the Dogs and Cats of Antigua Sanctuary, with coordination assistance provided by Simone Donelan.

    Beyond surgical interventions, the clinic continues to educate owners about essential animal welfare requirements including adequate water, shelter, and nutrition. While discouraging the chaining of dogs, the organization emphasizes the importance of containing animals within owners’ properties rather than allowing uncontrolled roaming.

    Animal welfare experts consistently identify expanded access to preventative care and sterilization services as among the most effective methodologies for managing stray populations and alleviating pressure on overburdened shelter systems. The Antigua clinic now encourages all residents to embrace their stewardship responsibilities through proactive measures ensuring animal health and safety throughout 2026.

  • Julien Alfred honoured with commemorative stamp

    Julien Alfred honoured with commemorative stamp

    The Government of Saint Lucia has permanently enshrined track star Julien Alfred’s Olympic achievements by featuring her on a national postage stamp. The official launch ceremony on February 18, held during the nation’s Independence 47 celebrations, honored Alfred’s groundbreaking gold and silver medal performances at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

    The commemorative stamp series captures pivotal moments from Alfred’s historic athletic accomplishments and will be incorporated into the island’s official philatelic collection. Following her Olympic success, the two-time medalist was additionally appointed as a tourism ambassador for Saint Lucia.

    In a significant development, the government revealed plans to transition the stamp from commemorative to definitive status. While commemorative stamps are typically special-issue collectibles celebrating specific events or personalities, definitive stamps serve as standard postage for everyday mail. This elevation means Alfred’s likeness will transition from a limited-edition tribute to a permanent feature of the nation’s postal system.

    Alfred participated in the ceremony via virtual call, expressing profound gratitude for the honor. “To be honoured by my island in this way is deeply humbling,” she stated. “This place shaped me into who I am: my values, my strength, and my dreams. I accept this not just for myself, but as a symbol honouring the strength of a united community.”

    Education, Youth Development and Sports Minister Kenson Casimir emphasized the symbolic importance of the stamp, noting that it transforms Alfred’s achievements into “a permanent national symbol.” He elaborated that each envelope bearing Alfred’s image would tell a story of “a small island nation that produces world-class talent” and serve as inspiration to youth that “excellence will be recognised, discipline matters, dreams are valid, and with hard work, guidance, and opportunity, Saint Lucians can stand amongst the best in the world.”

  • Antiguans Turn Out in Large Numbers for Dominica Carnival as Cultural Ties Deepen

    Antiguans Turn Out in Large Numbers for Dominica Carnival as Cultural Ties Deepen

    In a vibrant display of cross-island camaraderie, citizens of Antigua and Barbuda participated in significant numbers at the recently concluded Dominica Carnival, underscoring a deepening of cultural connections within the Eastern Caribbean. The event, renowned for its colorful masquerade bands, pulsating music, and spirited street parades, witnessed an unprecedented influx of Antiguan revelers, who traveled to join the festivities on the ‘Nature Isle.’

    This surge in participation is widely interpreted by cultural analysts as more than mere tourism; it represents a conscious strengthening of fraternal ties and a shared celebration of Caribbean heritage. Observers note that the movement of people between the two nations for such cultural milestones fosters a greater sense of regional identity and unity, transcending geographical and political boundaries. The enthusiastic involvement included Antiguans partaking in various competition categories, from costume design to calypso events, adding a distinct flavor to the Dominican celebration.

    The governments of both islands have historically encouraged such cultural exchanges, viewing them as vital for promoting people-to-people relationships and bolstering the regional tourism economy. The noticeable Antiguan presence at this major Dominican cultural fixture signals a successful cultural diplomacy initiative and a mutual appreciation for each nation’s unique yet interconnected traditions, paving the way for increased collaborative ventures in arts and culture across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) bloc.

  • World’s First Ammonia-Powered Vessel to Call at St. John’s Harbour

    World’s First Ammonia-Powered Vessel to Call at St. John’s Harbour

    Antigua and Barbuda emerges as a focal point for maritime sustainability discussions as the world’s inaugural ammonia-fueled vessel, the Fortescue Green Pioneer, prepares for its historic port call at St. John’s Harbour from February 21-28. This groundbreaking visit positions the Caribbean nation at the vanguard of global conversations surrounding shipping decarbonization and alternative fuel technologies.

    The Fortescue Green Pioneer represents a transformative milestone in maritime engineering, serving as an internationally recognized demonstration platform for ammonia’s viability as a marine fuel. This pioneering vessel embodies the shipping industry’s strategic shift toward emission-reducing energy alternatives, signaling a potential paradigm shift in maritime propulsion systems that could significantly reduce the sector’s environmental footprint.

    During its week-long stay, the vessel will be stationed at Nevis Street Pier along St. John’s western harborfront, adjacent to Heritage Quay. This strategic berthing location will facilitate access for technical demonstrations and stakeholder engagements.

    The vessel’s Caribbean deployment underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s proactive engagement with maritime innovation and blue economy development. This visit occurs as international shipping organizations, environmental agencies, and maritime nations intensify collaborative efforts to transition ocean-based industries away from conventional fossil fuels toward sustainable energy solutions. The demonstration provides tangible evidence of ammonia’s practical application in maritime contexts, offering valuable data on operational safety, efficiency, and environmental performance that could inform future regulatory frameworks and investment decisions in green shipping technologies.

  • DLP selects two nominees for Senate; swearing-in set for today

    DLP selects two nominees for Senate; swearing-in set for today

    The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has concluded its internal deliberations, finalizing two candidates for senatorial appointment. The party’s governing council convened in a decisive meeting on Wednesday evening, reaching a consensus on their official recommendations. General Secretary Pedro Shepherd verified the completion of this process, indicating that the formal submission of names to President Jeffrey Bostic is imminent. While Shepherd maintained a discreet stance on the nominees’ identities prior to the official presidential communiqué, he affirmed the procedural milestone. Informed sources within the party’s upper echelons have strongly suggested that the selected individuals are party leader Ralph Thorne and former Opposition senator Ryan Walters. Thorne, a veteran of the previous House of Assembly who recently contested the St John constituency, and Walters, a candidate for St Michael North West in the latest general election, both faced electoral setbacks. The official swearing-in ceremony for all senators is slated for 2 p.m. today at State House, marking a significant step in the formation of the new parliamentary session.

  • SLHTA Invests $50,000 in Bocage Secondary Programmes

    SLHTA Invests $50,000 in Bocage Secondary Programmes

    In a significant move to bolster educational development, the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) has allocated EC$50,000 from its Tourism Enhancement Fund to Bocage Secondary School. The investment, formally presented on February 13, aims to strengthen institutional programs designed to equip students with essential skills and create meaningful pathways into the workforce, particularly within Saint Lucia’s expanding tourism and hospitality industry.

    SLHTA Chief Executive Officer Noorani Azeez characterized the initiative as part of the association’s broader 2026 commitment to deepen community impact. He emphasized collaborative partnerships with educators, whom he described as “the exceptional heroes in our schools,” noting that teachers and principals play a crucial role in understanding student aspirations and needs. Azeez explained that the funding is intended to make classroom engagement more interactive and learning more profound, ultimately preparing students for substantial contributions to the national economy.

    Highlighting tourism’s projected expansion in coming years, Azeez stressed the importance of early student exposure to industry opportunities. This allows young learners to “see the reach of the tourism dollar” and experience how strategic investments can directly impact their dreams and career goals. While the EC$50,000 donation represents a substantial initial commitment, Azeez described it as “the tip of that iceberg,” signaling the beginning of a long-term partnership with educational institutions.

    At Bocage Secondary School, the funding will directly enhance several targeted programs including special education, remedial instruction, and extracurricular initiatives. Zenith Duncan, the teacher overseeing special and remedial education programs, detailed how the resources will address specific challenges. Her remedial program supports over 30 students requiring foundational literacy and numeracy skills through a whole-school approach where teachers across disciplines provide targeted tutoring.

    The special education department, serving students with conditions including Down syndrome and autism, will benefit from specialized resources. Duncan noted that sound-cancelling headphones will help students with sensory sensitivities maintain focus in classroom environments. Additional support will address penmanship issues and concentration challenges through practical interventions. The school’s feeding mural, robotics, and arts programs will also receive substantial enhancements from the SLHTA contribution, creating a more comprehensive educational experience for all students.

  • Lovell Raises National Accountability Concerns Over $100M Road Programme

    Lovell Raises National Accountability Concerns Over $100M Road Programme

    Political tensions are escalating in Antigua and Barbuda as Harold Lovell, the United Progressive Party (UPP) candidate for All Saints West, has launched a substantive critique against the government’s management of a $100 million road rehabilitation initiative. During a recent appearance on Observer Radio’s ‘Night at Night’ program, Lovell articulated deep concerns regarding the program’s execution and financial transparency.

    Lovell’s scrutiny emerged in response to mounting complaints from constituents about the persistently poor condition of community roads throughout the region. The opposition figure challenged the administration’s claims of massive financial investment, noting a significant disparity between the reported $100 million allocation and the observable deterioration of residential thoroughfares. “We hear that they have a hundred million to spend,” Lovell stated, “yet many residential roads remain in unacceptable condition.”

    The politician further accused the government of prioritizing cosmetic improvements on major highways and highly visible corridors while neglecting village and inner-community infrastructure. Lovell emphasized that the core issue extends beyond sporadic repairs to encompass what he characterized as a fundamental absence of comprehensive, long-term infrastructure planning. “There’s no plan,” he asserted, describing the current approach as piecemeal rather than strategically structured.

    Adding another dimension to his critique, Lovell raised serious questions about the transparency of contract awarding processes within the rehabilitation program. While acknowledging he lacked specific contractual evidence, Lovell maintained that the perceived irregularities in procurement procedures have generated substantial public skepticism regarding governmental accountability.

    The current administration has consistently defended its infrastructure investments, highlighting the necessity of addressing longstanding transportation challenges and modernizing the island’s road network. However, Lovell has reframed the discussion as a matter of national accountability, insisting that substantial public expenditures must be governed by strategic planning and rigorous oversight mechanisms.

    These developments occur against a backdrop of intensified political activity preceding an anticipated by-election, with infrastructure management rapidly emerging as a pivotal issue in public discourse.

  • Dominica’s Senior Women’s National Football Team set to face Guyana next week

    Dominica’s Senior Women’s National Football Team set to face Guyana next week

    Following a historically challenging 18-0 defeat against Jamaica, Dominica’s Senior Women’s National Football Team is undergoing intensive reconstruction ahead of their critical CONCACAF qualifier against Guyana on February 27th. The coaching staff has implemented a comprehensive training regimen addressing multiple deficiencies exposed during their opening match.

    Assistant Coach Sheldon Casimir provided transparent assessment of the team’s current state, acknowledging Jamaica’s formidable quality while identifying specific improvement areas. “Despite the devastating result, our defensive organization—paradoxically our strongest aspect against Jamaica—requires immediate enhancement,” Casimir stated. “We’re prioritizing physical conditioning, mental awareness, and defensive coordination to narrow the gap against elite opponents.”

    The team faces unique logistical challenges with six overseas-based players joining limited preparation time. Casimir emphasized the importance of developing team cohesion: “We’re utilizing these additional days to integrate our overseas contingent and establish effective on-field communication patterns.”

    Technical preparation has been hampered by insufficient match footage for analysis. The coaching staff relies primarily on recent tournament recordings and the Jamaica match for tactical insights. “Ideal preparation would involve numerous practice matches with comprehensive video review,” Casimir explained. “Unfortunately, our current development phase doesn’t permit this luxury.”

    Psychological recovery represents another critical focus area. The coaching staff acknowledges the demoralizing effect of their record defeat and is implementing morale-building strategies. Casimir highlighted the need for professional psychological support: “We expect elite performance without corresponding mental training. Maintaining positive mindset progression is essential—being better today than yesterday, and better tomorrow than today.”

    The team departs for Guyana on February 23rd with renewed determination. The Dominica Football Association continues rallying domestic and international support as the women’s squad pursues their qualification objectives despite significant competitive challenges.