作者: admin

  • Wanted man in police custody

    Wanted man in police custody

    A suspect linked to serious criminal activity who had recently been named in an official police wanted notice has been taken into custody following a voluntary surrender. Law enforcement officials confirmed that Jayden Keison Javier Blackett, the individual named in the alert, appeared in person at the District ‘E’ Police Station on Monday, accompanied by his legal counsel. Following his surrender, Blackett is currently cooperating with investigating officers as they work through their ongoing probe into the alleged criminal matters tied to him. The resolution of the manhunt brings a key development to the open case, closing the chapter of the search for the suspect and moving the investigation into its next phase.

  • Independent Candidate Gail Pero-Weston Calls for Shift of Responsibility from MPs to Executive

    Independent Candidate Gail Pero-Weston Calls for Shift of Responsibility from MPs to Executive

    As the April 30 general election in Antigua and Barbuda draws near, independent St. George constituency candidate Gail Pero-Weston, an attorney by profession, is shaking up the political landscape with a bold proposal to restructure how national governance operates. In a recent “Know Your Candidates” interview, Pero-Weston called for a fundamental end to what she frames as a deeply ingrained broken political norm: the practice of shifting full responsibility for basic public services and infrastructure development onto individual Members of Parliament.

    Against the status quo that has dominated national politics for decades, Pero-Weston makes a clear distinction: the delivery of critical public goods from road upgrades to healthcare access to functional drainage systems is not a constituency-level duty. It rests entirely on the executive branch of central government, she argues. Decades of weak accountability and misaligned role expectations, she contends, have created persistent systemic problems that have gone unaddressed across every corner of the island, with empty election-cycle promises replacing tangible, long-term solutions.

    Under her proposed structural reform, the executive would take full ownership of cross-national development planning and project execution across all 17 of Antigua and Barbuda’s constituencies. Members of Parliament would shift their core mandate away from direct project delivery to focused advocacy for their constituents’ needs. This shift, she explains, would not only streamline governance but also resolve the deep-seated inequality baked into the current system, where constituencies aligned with the ruling party or led by high-influence politicians receive a disproportionate share of national resources, while others are sidelined.

    “We do not live in isolation, one constituency from the next. The benefits need to be just the same way, widespread,” she emphasized, noting that infrastructure gaps and healthcare shortfalls are national issues, not isolated local problems. No single parliamentarian, she argues, has the institutional capacity or budget authority to properly address these large-scale national challenges.

    Pero-Weston anchors her proposal in a broader campaign centered on government accountability and integrity in public office. Without clear lines of responsibility assigning development duties to the executive, she warns, governance failures will persist indefinitely, forcing voters to have the same unfulfilled conversations about broken infrastructure and unmet needs every election cycle. While she confirms that MPs would still retain a critical role amplifying their constituents’ priorities to national leaders, the actual implementation of development projects must be led and coordinated by central government to ensure equity and effectiveness.

    This platform sets Pero-Weston sharply apart from her opponents in the St. George race – candidates from the country’s two dominant political parties, the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party and the United Progressive Party, who both center their campaigns on delivering targeted constituency-level projects to win voter support. For Pero-Weston, her candidacy is not just a bid for a single parliamentary seat, but part of a growing movement to redefine public expectations of governance and push for long-overdue institutional reform in Antigua and Barbuda.

  • Community policing efforts make real impact in Silver Lake

    Community policing efforts make real impact in Silver Lake

    In a compelling demonstration of how collaborative, community-centered policing can drive meaningful long-term change, the Community Policing Unit of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) has announced consistent, measurable gains in its ongoing work to strengthen the Silver Lake neighborhood.

    The transformative effort launched in August 2025, when the Deputy Chief of Police led a cross-departmental delegation of CDPF officers, joined by Community Policing Unit members, to hold direct, open-door conversations with Silver Lake residents. The core goal of that first visit was to break down barriers between law enforcement and local residents, build mutual trust, and map out the most pressing challenges facing the community.

    By the end of 2025, the initiative had evolved beyond formal discussions to foster genuine personal connection across the neighborhood. To mark the holiday season, organizers hosted a Christmas Social for local young people, an event made possible by contributions from Gloria Walsh, Fire Officer Relda Andre, local residents, and a cohort of generous community sponsors. Fifty children between the ages of 6 months and 12 years old attended the gathering, where each received a holiday gift and joined in a day officially described as full of unbridled joy and wide smiles.

    That early momentum seamlessly carried into 2026, with new projects and institutional improvements coming to fruition just months into the new year. In February, the Community Policing Unit announced a partnership with the local Rotary Club, which agreed to fully cover the cost of rehabilitating Silver Lake’s aging, underfunded public convenience facility. Concurrent to that infrastructure project, stakeholders also formally established a permanent Silver Lake Community Policing Committee, a local body tasked with improving inter-group coordination, deepening positive ties between residents and law enforcement, and boosting overall public safety across the neighborhood.

    Additional work to revitalize the neighborhood’s public spaces is already in motion. Through a new collaboration with Harris Paints, local partners are moving forward with plans to repaint a local apartment building and remove unsightly, unauthorized graffiti from public structures. Organizers note that these cosmetic improvements will do more than upgrade the area’s visual appeal—they are intended to nurture a greater sense of collective pride among long-time and new residents alike.

    The most recent milestone came on April 16, 2026, when the fully refurbished public washroom facility was officially handed over to the Silver Lake community during a public ceremony. CDPF officials emphasized that the entire project grew from a routine foot patrol conducted by Community Policing Unit officers alongside other CDPF ranks. During that regular walk through the neighborhood, officers identified the critical unmet need for updated public facilities, and subsequent outreach to the Rotary Club developed into a full funding and implementation partnership, with the civic organization covering all costs for the rehabilitation work.

    Looking ahead, the CDPF and its community partners are already turning their attention to supporting Silver Lake’s next generation. Planning is well underway for a structured youth mentorship program in the area, which will provide targeted guidance to young residents, help build strong personal character, and steer local young people toward positive, productive long-term life paths.

    Reflecting on the cumulative progress across all initiatives, the CDPF summed up the core philosophy driving the work: “Together, we are not just policing communities—we are building them.”

  • Lighting Brings Parham Courts Back Into Use After 25-Year Hiatus, Turner Sa

    Lighting Brings Parham Courts Back Into Use After 25-Year Hiatus, Turner Sa

    As general election campaigning heats up across the nation, Antigua Labor Party (ABLP) St. Peter constituency candidate Rawdon Turner is pointing to the long-awaited reopening of Parham’s iconic basketball and netball courts as tangible proof of his commitment to delivering for local residents, while doubling down on his promise to prioritize constituent service over political grandstanding.

    For a quarter of a century, the once-bustling community sports space sat unused, falling into disrepair and disconnecting generations of local residents from a hub of recreation and connection. Now, with the facility restored and back in regular use, Turner says life has finally returned to a spot that holds deep personal meaning for him.

    “I grew up playing on this court, so to see it alive again means more than words can explain,” Turner shared in a formal public statement released this week. The candidate framed the revival of the courts as more than just an infrastructure project, noting it signals a broader renewal of community life for Parham residents after decades of stalled progress.

    Turner used the occasion to address growing voter scrutiny of candidate campaign promises, acknowledging that systemic barriers and bureaucratic delays can slow the pace of development even for the most dedicated public servant. Rather than overpromising rapid results, he emphasized that consistent, focused effort to serve constituents remains his top priority.

    “I will never apologize for working hard for the people of this constituency. Progress may not always come as quickly as I would like, and I may not always be able to keep every promise as fast as I want—but I will always remain determined to serve,” Turner said.

    The comments included a sharp rebuke of political opponents, whom Turner accused of prioritizing rhetorical attacks over tangible work for the communities they seek to represent. “So let them continue running around the country, yapping away, instead of finding meaningful ways to serve the people they want to represent,” he added.

    Closing his statement, Turner reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to delivering for St. Peter, concluding: “As for me, I will keep doing the work.”

    The public remark comes amid a broader ramp-up of political activity across the country as candidates gear up for the upcoming general election, with most contenders leaning on local community projects to showcase their track records and distinguish their policy and governance approaches from rival candidates.

  • Rotary Club of Grenada launches Rhythm & Spice

    Rotary Club of Grenada launches Rhythm & Spice

    Grenada’s local service organization, the Rotary Club of Grenada, has announced an exciting new fundraiser that blends Caribbean culture, social fun and public good: Rhythm & Spice, a one-of-a-kind Rotary Brunch Experience scheduled to take place Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the scenic Quarantine Point venue. The club is calling on all community members, corporate partners and visitors to back its mission of local service by attending the event.

    Unlike standard social gatherings, Rhythm & Spice is built on a dual purpose: to give attendees a premium, memorable pre-Carnival celebration, and to raise critical funds for the Rotary Club of Grenada’s ongoing community improvement projects across the island. Every dollar generated from ticket sales will go directly toward advancing these grassroots initiatives, letting guests enjoy a vibrant outing while directly contributing to causes that lift local lives.

    As a decades-long service organization focused on driving meaningful change through community-centered projects, the Rotary Club of Grenada regularly develops events that connect public engagement with tangible social impact. Rhythm & Spice is the latest example of this model, merging the infectious energy of Grenada’s Carnival lead-up with purpose-driven fundraising to support work that benefits residents across the island.

    Attendees can look forward to a full day of top-tier entertainment, headlined by local favorite Sakinah & The Alpha One Band, with additional performances from guest artists and sets from rotating DJs. The open-air venue at Quarantine Point offers sweeping scenic views, creating an unforgettable atmosphere defined by bold Caribbean flavors, contagious rhythmic energy and warm community spirit. Stretching from the afternoon into the evening, the event intentionally weaves together music, style, natural beauty and shared connection for guests of all backgrounds.

    Julia Lawrence, president of the Rotary Club of Grenada, emphasized that the event embodies the organization’s core mission: to bring the community together to support impactful local projects, while offering a fresh, elevated way for people to give back. “By attending Rhythm & Spice, supporters will not only be part of a memorable event but will also be helping the Rotary Club of Grenada continue its service-driven work,” Lawrence shared.

    Early bird tickets are currently available for EC$200 exclusively via the Go2Fete.com ticketing platform. Every ticket grants access to a food-inclusive brunch experience, all live entertainment, and entry to all event spaces. Organizers have suggested attendees dress in themes matching the event: Brunch Chic, Island Elegant, or clothing in warm spice-inspired tones.

    The Rotary Club of Grenada extended an open invitation to individuals, couples, friend groups, and corporate sponsors to join the initiative, framing the event as a rare opportunity to enjoy an incredible day out while directly investing in Grenada’s local communities. For more information or to purchase tickets, interested parties can visit Go2Fete.com at any time.

  • PM Browne Warns Voters Against ‘Risk’ of Changing Leadership Ahead of April 30 Poll

    PM Browne Warns Voters Against ‘Risk’ of Changing Leadership Ahead of April 30 Poll

    With less than two weeks remaining until Antigua and Barbuda’s April 30 general election, campaigning has entered its final, intense stretch, and incumbent Prime Minister Gaston Browne is making a urgent push to convince voters to stick with his administration. Speaking at the official launch of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) election manifesto, Browne centered his entire appeal on the argument that a shift to untested opposition leadership would carry unacceptable risks for the small island nation, amid a period of unprecedented global volatility.

    Browne drew a direct connection between global upheaval and everyday economic pressures facing Antigua and Barbuda residents, noting that rising costs at local retail outlets are a direct symptom of international chaos. “My friends, we all feel it at the store,” he told the gathered crowd of supporters. “The wars and chaos around the world mean higher prices and an uncertain future.” Against this backdrop, he argued that only proven, experienced leadership can steer the country through turbulent economic and geopolitical headwinds, challenging voters to evaluate which bloc is equipped to deliver steady governance. “Which leader and team is strong enough, steady enough to see our country through,” he asked.

    The prime minister doubled down on his warning when addressing the opposition, delivering his sharpest rebuke of calls for leadership change. “On election day, do not take a risk on a leader and a team that’s just not ready,” he cautioned. This warning has become the core messaging of the ABLP’s 2024 election campaign: Browne and his party argue that continued leadership continuity is non-negotiable to effectively address the overlapping economic and geopolitical challenges the nation currently faces.

    To back up his appeal for re-election, Browne leaned heavily on the ABLP’s first-term track record, highlighting a series of policy measures designed to ease household financial strain. “We repealed the personal income tax, increased the minimum wage, increased public sector wages, increased social security and occupational pensions to put more money into your pockets,” he listed. Beyond direct financial support for citizens, Browne also pointed to a broad pipeline of ongoing national development projects that are intended to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s long-term economic foundation, including expanded tourism infrastructure, upgraded water production facilities, and widespread road improvement works across both main islands.

    As the clock ticks down to voting day, both the incumbent ABLP and the main opposition bloc are locked in a tight race to win over undecided voters, with leadership experience, economic stewardship, and the future national direction emerging as the central defining issues of the 2024 general election. Closing his manifesto launch address, Browne wrapped up his appeal with a simple, clear call for continued public trust: “Let’s keep Antigua and Barbuda in strong and safe hands.”

  • Car Parts Theft in Liberta, Residents Urged to Contact Police

    Car Parts Theft in Liberta, Residents Urged to Contact Police

    A vehicle owner from Liberta is turning to the general public for assistance after a brazen act of car parts theft was captured in full by home surveillance footage outside a local residential property. The victim, who chose to release the security recording to raise community awareness, says the theft has triggered widespread unease among local residents, who now worry their own vehicles are vulnerable to similar targeted crimes. “No one’s car is safe with these people operating in the area,” the owner stated in an interview, confirming that the footage clearly shows multiple men removing components from the parked vehicle before walking off with the stolen goods. The timestamped recording, captured by a private home security system installed near the incident site, tracks the suspects moving along a public roadway adjacent to a fenced residential lot. One frame from the clip explicitly shows one of the male suspects carrying a full car tire and its matching rim away from the parked vehicle. The Liberta vehicle owner has already filed an official report with local law enforcement, and is now urging any member of the public who may recognize the suspects from the footage, or who holds additional information about the incident, to contact the Liberta Police Station directly at 562-6090, or reach out to the victim privately with any tips. As of the latest update, law enforcement officials have not released any formal comment or update regarding the ongoing investigation into the theft. The victim’s public appeal for information has already drawn a significant response from community members across Liberta, with multiple locals coming forward to report that they have observed nearly identical suspicious activity targeting parked vehicles in other neighborhoods across the area.

  • Medical Association of Antigua and Barbuda Pays Tribute to Sir Dr. Cuthwin Lake, Hailing His Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

    Medical Association of Antigua and Barbuda Pays Tribute to Sir Dr. Cuthwin Lake, Hailing His Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

    The medical community of Antigua and Barbuda is united in grief this week following the announcement of the passing of Sir Dr. Cuthwin Lennard Lake, C.B.E., F.R.C.S. A decorated surgeon and transformative institutional leader, Lake leaves behind a decades-long legacy that reshaped the nation’s healthcare system from the ground up. In an official statement released by the Executive Team of the Medical Association of Antigua and Barbuda Inc. (MAAB), the organization extended its heartfelt condolences to Lake’s family, friends, and professional colleagues across the Caribbean and beyond. Far more than a skilled practicing clinician, Lake is remembered by the association as a true pioneer whose work laid the foundation for the modern, high-standard medical practice that exists in Antigua and Barbuda today. His contributions to the sector spanned three core areas that continued to benefit patients and practitioners long after his active career. Beyond the operating room, where he earned a reputation for exceptional precision and patient care, Lake served as a master architect of the institutional frameworks that current generations of medical providers rely on for organized, effective care delivery. In the 1990s, Lake took on the critical role of Medical Superintendent at Holberton Hospital, the island nation’s main public healthcare facility. During his tenure, he steered the hospital through a period of sweeping, transformative change that updated its operations, expanded its capacity to serve the growing population, and brought its care standards in line with leading international benchmarks. Later, as Chief of Surgery at the facility, Lake upheld exceptionally rigorous standards of clinical practice while dedicating much of his personal time to mentoring young physicians from across the Caribbean. That mentorship cultivated a generation of skilled clinicians who continue to carry forward his commitment to excellence in care. “He was someone who didn’t just practice medicine but built the systems and institutions that allow others to practice it today,” the MAAB statement noted, capturing the full scope of Lake’s impact that extends far beyond his individual clinical work. Across Antigua and Barbuda’s medical community, the association says, the loss of Lake is being felt acutely by all providers who have benefited from his work and strive to uphold the high standards of care he worked tirelessly to embed in the nation’s health system. His legacy, the MAAB confirms, will endure through the institutions he built, the providers he mentored, and the generations of patients who will continue to access high-quality care as a direct result of his vision and leadership.

  • SPL T20 delivers drama despite rain‑hit weekend

    SPL T20 delivers drama despite rain‑hit weekend

    The 2024 Saint Lucia Premier League T20 delivered another weekend of high-stakes, fast-paced cricket, marked by dramatic on-field results and unexpected weather disruptions that have reshaped the tournament’s early standings. Of the four scheduled matches across Saturday and Sunday, only two were able to get underway at the Francis “Baba” Lastic Grounds. A planned double header at Mindoo Philip Park, featuring clashes between Babonneau Leatherbacks and Mon Repos Pioneers, plus City Blasters versus South Castries Lions, was completely canceled after persistent rain left the outfield unplayable.

    The opening fixture of the weekend saw Choiseul Craft Masters claim a convincing 32-run victory over a South Castries Lions side led by star international batter Andre Fletcher. Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Choiseul put together a dominant 20-over total, powered by standout innings across their batting order. Jason Simon got the innings off to a solid start with 30 runs, before a 101-run third-wicket partnership between David Livingstone (who finished unbeaten on 64) and Trevon James (62) sent the score soaring. Skipper Vince Smith added a quickfire 39 runs off late overs, pushing Craft Masters to a final total of 217 for 4 at the end of their allocation.

    Chasing a steep 10.9 runs per over to win, South Castries got a legendary individual performance from Fletcher, who bludgeoned 92 runs off just 44 deliveries to keep his side in the hunt. However, no other batter could produce consistent support: the next highest score for the Lions was just 15 not out from Corlinus Calender, and the side was ultimately bowled out for 185 runs inside the 20 overs. Alvinus Simon led the charge with the ball for Craft Masters, finishing with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 40 runs, while Shawnil Edward chipped in with 3 wickets for 26 runs to seal the result.

    The second fixture of the weekend brought even tighter, more dramatic action, as the undefeated City Blasters extended their winning run with a narrow one-wicket victory over Soufriere Stumpers. Blasters captain Stephen Naitram won the toss and opted to field first, a decision that put his side under pressure early as Soufriere’s top and middle order all made solid contributions. Kevin Sinclair (35), Xystus Emmanuel (38), Kevin Gassie (36), and Bradley Tisson (33) all crossed 30 runs, lifting Soufriere to a competitive total of 207 all out. McKenny Clarke kept the total in check with a disciplined bowling performance, taking 2 wickets for just 28 runs to prevent Soufriere from posting an even larger target.

    The second innings delivered nonstop drama, with momentum swinging repeatedly between the two sides. Overseas opener Ryshon Williams got City Blasters off to a flying start, smashing 44 runs off 21 deliveries to put the chase on track. Naitram and middle-order batter Jaden Elibox then added crucial runs to keep the side on track for victory, before Soufriere’s spin attack turned the tide. Spinner Dwight Thomas picked up two wickets in a single over, and Kevin Sinclair removed Clarke to put Soufriere firmly in the driving seat.

    But a series of costly fielding errors ultimately decided the result. Soufriere’s bowlers put themselves in position to win, but dropped catches let City Blasters’ lower order escape. Late-order batters Murgaran Shoulette (unbeaten on 44) and Kyle Adonis (24 not out) held their nerve to reach the target, handing the Blasters another narrow win and extending their unbeaten streak.

    Following the weekend’s action, City Blasters remain firmly at the top of the tournament table with 10 points from four matches. Babonneau Leatherbacks and South Castries Lions are tied on 7 points for the second and third playoff spots, with the Leatherbacks holding the advantage thanks to a superior net run rate.

  • Antigua Sailing Week Welcomes The Residences at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Antigua as Official Hospitality & Real Estate Sponsor

    Antigua Sailing Week Welcomes The Residences at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Antigua as Official Hospitality & Real Estate Sponsor

    One of the Caribbean’s most iconic and anticipated sailing competitions, Antigua Sailing Week, has unveiled a major new partnership ahead of its 2026 edition: The Residences at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Antigua will step in as the event’s Official Hospitality and Real Estate Sponsor.

    Currently in active development, this upcoming luxury residential project is being delivered by a globally experienced, world-class development team. When completed, the property will house 134 high-end residences, spanning sprawling oceanfront villas to carefully crafted, amenity-rich apartments. The development reimagines modern Caribbean living, embedding the iconic, globally celebrated Nikki Beach design aesthetic that has become synonymous with elevated coastal leisure across the world’s most exclusive destinations.

    The Nikki Beach Residences brand was built to redefine luxury private homeownership, cultivating a tight-knit global community of like-minded residents who prioritize refined, elevated lifestyles. With an existing flagship location in Dubai, the brand offers residents a curated expert lifestyle program, a full suite of customizable à la carte services, and continuous immersion in the one-of-a-kind Nikki Beach experience, which centers on the brand’s six core pillars: music, gastronomy, entertainment, fashion, film, and art.

    Founded by entrepreneurs Jack and Lucia Penrod, Nikki Beach Hospitality Group has long set the global standard for “barefoot luxury” hospitality, crafting transformative lifestyle experiences across its diverse portfolio of properties. The group’s holdings include legendary beach clubs, full-service hotels, world-class resorts, private residences, innovative dining concepts, and limited-edition pop-up experiences, alongside its newest culinary brand, Lucia, launched in 2024. With locations in the world’s most desirable travel hotspots, Nikki Beach has earned a reputation as one of the world’s top beach club and resort operators, serving as a global gathering place for unforgettable moments that seamlessly blend its six core brand pillars. Beyond hospitality, the group also operates a thriving lifestyle division, including brick-and-mortar boutiques and a global e-commerce platform. Its newest concept, Lucia, reimagines coastal fine dining, blending sun-kissed Cuisine du Soleil with dynamic, seasonally rotating decor to create an immersive culinary experience that raises the bar for coastal gastronomy. As the brand continues to expand its footprint, it remains committed to setting new industry standards for luxury travel and lifestyle experiences worldwide.

    The Antigua-based Nikki Beach development is led by the Ayre Group, a leading venture capital and real estate development firm with deep roots in Antigua and Barbuda. Helmed by visionary founder Calvin Edward Ayre, the group focuses on delivering innovative, luxury developments that drive sustainable economic growth across the Caribbean region. Today, Ayre Group holds the title of Antigua’s largest real estate developer, with a diverse portfolio that includes cutting-edge high-tech office hubs like the award-winning Canada Place, as well as elite beach resorts and bespoke business retreats built for discerning clients seeking world-class amenities. Beyond real estate, the group maintains a diversified investment portfolio spanning blockchain technology, media, publishing, health and wellness, and travel and leisure, solidifying its position as a leading economic driver across the Caribbean business landscape. More information about the group is available at https://ayre.group.

    The 2026 Antigua Sailing Week also counts several additional confirmed sponsors, including the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit, Palmer Champagne, the Antigua & Barbuda Ship & Yacht Registry, and APUA Inet. For full updates, news, multimedia content, and results from the event, interested parties can access the official Antigua Sailing Week platform. For those seeking more information about The Residences at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Antigua or wish to express interest in the development, registration is open now.