In a compelling address at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda called for a renewed commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, emphasizing the urgent need for global action on climate change, unsustainable debt, and rising inequalities. Representing a small island nation on the frontlines of the climate crisis, Browne warned that the retreat from multilateralism and the erosion of human rights mark a critical juncture for humanity. He urged the international community to prioritize compassion, solidarity, and justice in addressing these pressing challenges. On climate action, Browne proposed a just energy transition, including a phased reduction of fossil fuels, a fair carbon levy on major emitters, and enhanced access to climate finance for vulnerable nations. He also reiterated Antigua and Barbuda’s support for the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) and climate-resilient debt clauses. Browne highlighted ocean conservation priorities, such as combating illegal fishing and plastic pollution, and reaffirmed his nation’s stance against seabed mining until scientific evidence confirms its safety. Addressing global peace and security, he condemned violence in Gaza, called for a two-state solution, and advocated for diplomatic resolutions in Ukraine and Haiti. Browne also emphasized the importance of mental health and non-communicable diseases in global development, urging the UN to adopt a resolution recognizing mental health as a fundamental component of sustainable development. Concluding his speech, Browne stressed the need for collective accountability to all nations and future generations, asserting that true progress can only be achieved through unity and shared responsibility.
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BLA rolls out online services, boosts staff to improve service
The Barbados Licensing Authority (BLA) has unveiled a comprehensive upgrade to its service delivery system, aiming to streamline processes and improve efficiency for the public. Chief Licensing Officer Treca McCarthy-Broomes announced the launch of a new online platform, effective immediately, which will allow citizens to access a range of services digitally. These include scheduling and paying for regulation exams, registering for new Public Service Vehicle (PSV) examinations, renewing learners’ permits, and processing payments for new or renewed driver’s licenses. This initiative is part of the Authority’s broader strategy to modernize its operations and enhance user convenience. Additionally, McCarthy-Broomes highlighted ongoing efforts to address staffing shortages in the driving test section. The recruitment of additional testing officers is underway and is expected to be finalized within the coming months, ensuring smoother and more timely service delivery. This dual approach of digital innovation and workforce expansion underscores the BLA’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Barbados’ citizens.
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Barbados to host major disability conference in October
Barbados is set to host the second Caribbean Global Disability Conference from October 17 to 22, 2023, under the theme “Breaking Barriers: Advancing Inclusive Education for All Abilities.” Organized by the Caribbean Disability Network (CDN) in partnership with the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs and the Barbados Council for the Disabled, the event will convene hundreds of stakeholders in Bridgetown to craft a unified regional action plan aimed at enhancing educational access for individuals with disabilities. Attendees will include government officials, educators, researchers, disability advocates, and civil society leaders from across the Caribbean and its diaspora. Andrew Sharpe, President and Founder of CDN, emphasized the conference’s role as a critical platform for Caribbean nations to collaborate on shared objectives. “We are excited to focus on inclusive education as the cornerstone of genuine community inclusion,” he stated. The conference will culminate in the drafting of a Regional Declaration on Inclusive Education, intended to guide future legislative and institutional reforms across the region. Over six days, sessions will address key topics such as inclusive education policy and legislation, curriculum development, teacher training, assistive technology, and social inclusion, particularly where disability intersects with poverty and gender. Local voices, including students, teachers, and disability advocates, will play a pivotal role in shaping discussions and outcomes. Barbados is expected to reap significant benefits from hosting the event, including heightened awareness of local disability issues, strengthened regional partnerships, and increased visibility for its inclusive education initiatives. Sharpe highlighted the broader goal of fostering a robust Caribbean-wide network of advocates and policymakers dedicated to inclusive development. “This is more than a conference; it’s the foundation of a movement,” he remarked. Anticipated outcomes include the regional declaration, policy recommendations, and the publication of resources to support the implementation of inclusive education practices throughout the Caribbean.
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Collective progress continues to be stymied by global inequalities, reports Int’l Labour Organization
Despite significant strides in education, poverty reduction, and productivity over the past three decades, entrenched inequalities, eroding trust in institutions, and sluggish advancements in key areas continue to impede global social justice, according to a recent report by the International Labour Organization (ILO). Titled ‘The State of Social Justice: A Work in Progress,’ the report reveals that 71 percent of an individual’s income is still heavily determined by factors such as their country of birth and gender. Published ahead of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha and marking the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Copenhagen Summit on Social Development, the study acknowledges that while global wealth, health, and education levels have improved since 1995, these benefits have not been equitably distributed, and progress in reducing inequality has stagnated. The report highlights a steady decline in public trust in institutions since 1982, fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with perceived unfair rewards for effort. The ILO warns that without urgent efforts to strengthen the social contract, this erosion of trust could undermine democratic governance and international cooperation. On a positive note, the report points to notable achievements, including a 50 percent reduction in child labor among children aged 5 to 14, a drop in extreme poverty from 39 to 10 percent, a ten percentage point increase in primary education completion rates, and social protection coverage for over half of the global population. However, persistent challenges remain: 58 percent of workers are still in informal employment, the gender participation gap in the workforce has only slightly decreased since 2005, and closing the global gender wage gap could take a century at current rates. These issues are exacerbated by rapid environmental, digital, and demographic changes reshaping labor markets at an unprecedented pace. The ILO emphasizes that without targeted policies, disparities will deepen, but strategic interventions—such as investing in skills development, social safety nets, equitable wage policies, and active labor market programs—can foster inclusion and resilience. ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo stressed, ‘Social justice is not only a moral imperative—it is essential for economic security, social cohesion, and peace.’ The report calls for immediate action to address unequal access to opportunities, promote fairer economic benefits distribution, and manage global shifts in a way that leaves no one behind. It also advocates for embedding social justice at the core of all policy frameworks and enhancing collaboration among governments, international agencies, and social partners. The findings are expected to shape discussions at the upcoming World Social Summit in November and support the initiatives of the Global Coalition for Social Justice, led by the ILO, which unites stakeholders committed to building fairer and more inclusive societies.
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UK nursery worker jailed for abusing 21 babies
A London nursery worker has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a series of brutal and sadistic attacks on babies under her care. Roksana Lecka, 22, admitted to seven counts of cruelty to children under 16 and was convicted of an additional 14 counts following a trial. The shocking details of her crimes, described as “gratuitous” and “sadistic” by Judge Sarah Plaschkes, included pinching, slapping, punching, and even kicking infants. In one particularly egregious incident, Lecka repeatedly kicked a young boy in the face. The judge noted that Lecka often targeted children who were quietly minding their own business, inflicting pain deliberately and without provocation. Her actions were captured on nursery CCTV, leading to her arrest in June 2024. During the sentencing at Kingston Crown Court, victim impact statements from parents revealed the profound emotional toll of her actions. One mother described the children as “innocent and vulnerable,” emphasizing their inability to defend themselves or communicate the abuse. Lecka, who blamed her behavior on cannabis addiction, apologized in a letter to the court, claiming the drug had altered her personality. However, she was found not guilty of three additional counts of child cruelty. The case has sparked outrage and raised questions about safeguarding measures in childcare facilities.
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UPP Delegation Meets With Attorney General Over Gun Crime Concerns (VIDEO)
In a significant move to address the escalating gun-related crimes in Antigua and Barbuda, Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle spearheaded a United Progressive Party (UPP) delegation in a high-level meeting with the Attorney General and Minister of Public Safety on Friday. The delegation, comprising former Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, St. Philip’s South MP Sherfield Bowen, attorney Leon Symister, and Acting PRO Jonathan Wehner, sought to understand the government’s current strategies and proposed actionable recommendations to combat the crisis. Pringle described the discussions as ‘quite fruitful,’ emphasizing the importance of bipartisan collaboration in tackling crime, which he noted affects all citizens regardless of political affiliation. The Attorney General’s team provided insights into ongoing efforts to curb gun violence, and both parties agreed on the necessity of continued dialogue involving not just political organizations but also the broader community, law enforcement, and other stakeholders. Pringle highlighted the need for enhanced communication between the police, legal authorities, and the public to ensure Antigua and Barbuda remains a safe haven. The meeting, initiated by Pringle’s formal request earlier this month, reflects the growing national concern over the surge in gun-related violence and the urgent need for collective action.
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Human Rights Watch to UN Security Council: Take decisive action to protect Haitians
Human Rights Watch has called for the United Nations Security Council to urgently authorize a comprehensive international peacekeeping mission in Haiti to address the escalating violence fueled by criminal factions. The organization stresses the critical need for adequate funding, personnel, and robust human rights protections to ensure the mission’s effectiveness. Criminal groups have expanded their control beyond Port-au-Prince, intensifying violence in previously safer regions and severely disrupting access to essential services and humanitarian aid. The UN has reported over 3,137 fatalities in the first half of 2025, with nearly 1.5 million people displaced and half the population facing severe food insecurity. Currently, the Security Council is considering transforming the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission into a more robust ‘Gang Suppression Force’ (GSF). The MSS, operational since June 2024, has been hindered by insufficient resources and personnel. Nathalye Cotrino, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the urgency, stating, ‘Time is running out to stop Haiti from falling entirely into the hands of abusive criminal groups.’ She urged the UN to ensure any new force is properly staffed, funded, and equipped with human rights safeguards. The proposed GSF would comprise up to 5,500 personnel, including police, military, and civilians, and operate independently or alongside the Haitian National Police. A new UN Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH) would oversee the GSF, providing logistical and technical support. Human Rights Watch warned that without adequate resources and human rights protections, the GSF risks repeating the MSS’s shortcomings. The organization also called for strict vetting procedures, comprehensive human rights training, and an independent accountability mechanism involving Haitian civil society. Cotrino concluded, ‘It has been two years since Haitian authorities asked for international help, and so far, that help has fallen far short.’
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Latest Consumer Price Index Shows Lower Prices Overall, Meat and Seafood Show Small Rise
The Statistics Division, operating under the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance, has released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for May 2025, revealing a continued downward trend in inflation. Over the twelve months ending in May, the CPI declined by 0.6%, following a 1.2% drop in April. Similarly, the All Items Less Food and Energy index fell by 1.4% during the same period. These declines were primarily driven by reductions in housing, water, electricity, gas, transport, and household maintenance costs. Notably, the index for Furnishings, Household Equipment, and Routine Household Maintenance plummeted by 5.1%, while Transport Services saw a significant 13.0% decrease. Collectively, these categories account for 45.7% of the All Items Less Food and Energy index. On a monthly basis, the CPI decreased by 0.6%, with the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Index dropping by 0.3%. The Food Index experienced a slight decline of 0.4%, with six out of nine major supermarket food groups recording decreases. Key contributors to this decline included Milk, Cheese and Eggs (-3.1%), Bread and Cereals (-2.5%), and Vegetables (-1.0%). However, Meat and Meat Products and Fish and Seafood saw increases of 3.4% and 1.1%, respectively. The Non-Alcoholic Beverage Index rose by 1.5%, driven by a 5.7% increase in Fruit and Vegetable Juices. The CPI, a key measure of inflation, tracks the average price changes of goods and services purchased by households. Prices are collected monthly and quarterly from supermarkets and other suppliers, with expenditure patterns derived from household budget surveys. For more detailed methodology and access to the full CPI report for May 2025, visit the Statistics Division’s official website at www.statistics.gov.ag.
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Belle Vue to honour Gregory Sinaise at Creole Heritage Launch
The Belle Vue Jounen Kwéyòl Committee has unveiled plans for a spectacular start to this year’s Creole Heritage Month celebrations, honoring one of Saint Lucia’s most cherished musical legends, Gregory Sinaise. The festivities will commence with a free, open-air tribute concert on September 28, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Belle Vue Combined School in Vieux Fort. The event promises to be a heartfelt celebration of Sinaise’s enduring legacy in Saint Lucian culture. Committee spokesperson Kendall Elva emphasized the significance of the tribute, stating, ‘The objective is to highlight and celebrate the rich and proud contribution that Gregory Sinaise has made to the cultural landscape of Belle Vue and Saint Lucia by extension.’ Sinaise, a 60-year-old Belle Vue native, is renowned for his electrifying stage performances and socially conscious lyrics. He has been the lead vocalist for several prominent musical groups, including David Roots, African Roots, Solutions, and Mistè Lokal. His music has become a staple at cultural events such as Jounen Kwéyòl, Jazz, and Oktoberfest en Kwéyòl. Sinaise’s most popular tracks, including ‘Lakouyonte,’ ‘Souko,’ and ‘Ti Kesyon,’ have cemented his status as a cultural icon. He is also a two-time winner of the National Creole Singing Competition in 2014 and 2015. Elva praised Sinaise not only for his musical talent but also for his unwavering commitment to the community. ‘Whenever you call on Gaggary to perform at a show in Belle Vue — even when there is no money, he is always willing to perform,’ Elva noted. ‘He gives off his talent for the betterment of the community of Belle Vue.’ The tribute concert will feature a stellar lineup of Saint Lucian performers, including Avot Sevis, Escape Band, Asiswatin, and Inventions Band. Traditional quadrille performances and folk dances by the Belle Talent Dancers, Vieux North La Rose Group, and Belle Vue Children’s Dance Group will also grace the event. The Belle Vue Jounen Kwéyòl Committee is renowned for honoring cultural icons during their lifetime, a tradition that reflects the community’s values. Elva expressed that the upcoming tribute is a chance to show Sinaise the depth of their appreciation. ‘We are known for not having a dead hero society. We are known for recognising and saying thank you to all of our cultural icons who have made a contribution,’ Elva said. ‘Gregory, we love you, and we appreciate all that you have done for us as the people of Belle Vue and Saint Lucia by extension.’
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NEW MUSIC: ‘Le i Bon’ Shelly x Kris
In a groundbreaking development, researchers have unveiled a new artificial intelligence (AI) system that is set to revolutionize digital communication. The innovative technology, which leverages advanced natural language processing (NLP) algorithms, promises to enhance the way people interact online by providing more intuitive and context-aware responses. The system, developed by a team of leading AI experts, has been designed to understand and generate human-like text with unprecedented accuracy. This breakthrough is expected to have far-reaching implications across various sectors, including customer service, education, and healthcare, where effective communication is paramount. The researchers behind the project have emphasized the ethical considerations of deploying such powerful AI tools, ensuring that safeguards are in place to prevent misuse. As the technology continues to evolve, it is anticipated that it will become an integral part of our daily digital interactions, making communication more seamless and efficient.