Cuba is grappling with a significant surge in mosquito-borne diseases, with nearly a third of the population affected, according to the country’s chief epidemiologist. The situation has been exacerbated by an ongoing economic crisis, which has hindered the government’s ability to implement effective sanitation and disease control measures. Health workers have been deploying fogging machines in Havana, one of the hardest-hit areas, to combat the spread of viruses such as dengue and chikungunya. Francisco Duran, the national director of epidemiology at Cuba’s Ministry of Public Health, described the situation as ‘acute’ and emphasized ongoing efforts to develop treatments and vaccines. The chikungunya virus, once rare in Cuba, has been spreading rapidly, causing severe symptoms such as headaches, rashes, and joint pain that can lead to long-term disability. Cuban health authorities are conducting clinical trials to test the effectiveness of Jusviza, an injectable anti-inflammatory drug, and exploring rectal ozone therapy as potential treatments. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported nearly 340,000 chikungunya cases globally in 2025, with 145 deaths across at least 16 countries. The World Health Organization has issued an urgent call for action to prevent a new epidemic. Cuba’s healthcare system, once among the best in Latin America, has been severely impacted by decades of U.S. economic sanctions, which have led to shortages of essential supplies, including food, fuel, and medicine. The Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez, has condemned the sanctions as a ‘policy of collective punishment’ that violates human rights.
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Parents Frustrated with Flooded Classrooms: “The building is sinking. It’s leaning sideways.”
In Caye Caulker, Belize, parents and educators are grappling with the dire state of Ocean Academy High School, where persistent flooding has rendered classrooms unusable and raised alarms about the building’s structural integrity. Heavy rains this week exacerbated the situation, forcing students to navigate muddy waters and disrupting educational activities. Teachers report that even accessing campus Wi-Fi for online lessons has become impossible. Parents describe the building as sinking and leaning sideways, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. Despite promises made in 2019 to construct a new campus on a 5.17-acre plot, no progress has been made, and the designated land has reportedly shrunk to approximately 2 acres. Frustrated by government inaction, the community has launched a grassroots initiative led by Ian and Alma Magaña, with local businesses donating cinder blocks and funds for temporary classrooms. Residents are now calling on government officials to match their contributions and prioritize the construction of a safe and functional school.
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Tourism Awards Nominees Announced for Chef of the Year and Young Chef of the Year
The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association has unveiled the nominees for the prestigious 2025 Tourism Awards, spotlighting exceptional culinary talent in the Chef of the Year and Young Chef of the Year categories. This annual event honors professionals whose expertise, creativity, and commitment elevate the nation’s tourism industry. The nominees represent a roster of Antigua’s premier hospitality establishments, including Blue Waters Resort & Spa, Cocobay Resort, Hermitage Bay, Jumby Bay Island, Keyonna Beach Resort, Royalton Antigua, Sandals Grande Antigua, The Verandah Antigua, and Trade Winds Hotel. The winners will be revealed on November 29 at the Tourism Awards Gala, hosted at Sandals Grande Antigua. This year’s gala, themed ‘Mirror Ball Gala – A Night to Reflect and Shine,’ is a collaborative effort between the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, and Antigua and Barbuda Tourism. The event underscores the vital role of culinary professionals in enhancing the country’s tourism appeal.
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Central Bank governor among GUBA Award honourees
The 16th edition of the Grow, Unite, Build Africa (GUBA) Awards, themed ‘Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny: Build. Connect. Renew.’, marked a historic milestone as it was held for the first time in the Caribbean. The prestigious black-tie event took place at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle Hotel, attracting distinguished guests such as Barbados President Dame Sandra Prunella Mason, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell. His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasized the significance of the event, calling it a ‘historic moment’ and a ‘reunion long overdue.’ He highlighted the theme as a collective mission for resilience, opportunity, and shared prosperity. Lady Dentaa Amoateng, founder of GUBA Enterprises, underscored the importance of representation and unity between Africa and the Caribbean, stating that representation is a responsibility, not a luxury. She emphasized its role in shaping inclusive policies and equitable opportunities. The evening honored outstanding individuals, including Dr. Kevin Greenidge, Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, who received the Black Star of Excellence for Vanguard Economic Leadership. Other awardees included autism activist Maya Kirti-Nanan, cricket legend Sir Clive Lloyd, and global icon Sir Richard Branson. The event also featured performances by British-Ghanaian singer Fuse ODG and a TrufacebyGrace fashion show, blending traditional and contemporary Afro-Caribbean designs. Since its inception, the GUBA Awards have been hosted in the UK, USA, Ghana, and Rwanda, with Lady Dentaa hinting at a potential return to the Caribbean in 2027.
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Former ULP MP Mike Browne says he won’t vote this election
Mike Browne, former Member of Parliament for West St. George under the Unity Labour Party (ULP), has announced his decision not to participate in the upcoming general election on November 27. Speaking at the Teachers’ Solidarity Week Rally in Kingstown on Friday, Browne expressed concerns about the divisive nature of the two major political parties and the financial pressures faced by working-class citizens. He plans to elaborate on his stance in a forthcoming newspaper editorial. Browne, who served as Minister of Education from 2001 to 2010, emphasized that regardless of the election outcome, Vincentians will face significant challenges. He also raised critical questions about the sources of campaign financing, suggesting that the exorbitant costs of running elections could involve dubious funding, including potential drug money. Browne highlighted the financial strain on ordinary workers, who struggle to afford basic necessities, let alone contribute to election campaigns. He announced his involvement in a new organization, Solidarity Rights, aimed at advocating for the rights of all citizens post-election. Browne concluded by stating that he remains indifferent to the election results, focusing instead on the broader societal pressures that will persist irrespective of the winning party.
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Jamal Joseph of Green Bay Charged with Unlawful Possession of Firearm and Ammunition
In a decisive move to combat illegal firearms, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has arrested and charged 37-year-old Jamala Joseph of Green Bay for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The incident occurred during a routine stop-and-search operation in the early hours of Friday, November 14, 2025. Officers from the Grays Farm Police Station intercepted a vehicle on George Street, Green Bay, following a community report. During the search, they uncovered a .25 Beretta pistol and two rounds of .25 ammunition. Joseph was promptly taken into custody and formally charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition. This arrest underscores the police force’s unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal weapons from the streets, ensuring the safety and security of all residents. The Royal Police Force continues to enforce strict measures against such violations, reinforcing their dedication to maintaining public order.
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VIDEO: NDP, ULP supporters mingle in Rose Bank
In a rare display of camaraderie amidst the political fervor, supporters of the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) and the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) came together in Rose Bank on Saturday, November 8, 2025. The campaign trail, typically marked by intense rivalry, witnessed an unexpected atmosphere of goodwill as members from both sides exchanged light-hearted conversations and shared moments of mutual respect. This interaction highlighted a temporary departure from the usual political tensions, offering a glimpse of unity in the midst of electoral competition. The event underscored the potential for civility and dialogue in the democratic process, even as both parties continue to vie for public support ahead of the upcoming elections.
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Fix broken support system before penalising parents, says advocate
Child rights advocate Dr. Marsha Hinds-Myrie has strongly opposed a proposal by acting Director of Public Prosecutions Alliston Seale SC to penalize parents for their children’s misconduct, arguing that Barbados’ social support system is “completely broken.” Dr. Hinds-Myrie emphasized that policymakers must urgently address the lack of early intervention and assistance for struggling families, rather than resorting to punitive measures. She highlighted that while holding parents accountable may be justified in countries with robust support systems, such as the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom, Barbados lacks the necessary infrastructure to provide adequate help to families in need.
Dr. Hinds-Myrie questioned the feasibility of criminalizing parents when there are no accessible resources or programs to address behavioral issues in children. She pointed out the absence of structured interventions, such as anger management programs or community outreach initiatives, which are critical for supporting families. “If I have a child in Barbados who is eight years old and exhibits problematic behavior, where do I take that child?” she asked. “We do not have any of that in Barbados.”
The advocate also criticized the acting DPP for proposing punitive measures despite being aware of the systemic gaps. She argued that parents cannot be held accountable when the social safety net is riddled with deficiencies. Dr. Hinds-Myrie linked current parenting struggles to historical failures in addressing children’s behavioral needs, recalling her teaching experience at the Parkinson School in the early 2000s. She noted that many of her former students, who had unresolved behavioral issues, are now parents themselves and face challenges in raising their children.
Dr. Hinds-Myrie stressed the need for Barbados to focus on cultivating parenting skills and implementing structured programs to replace outdated practices like corporal punishment. “We do not put a real significant focus on cultivating parenting skills in Barbados,” she said. “This is part of my discomfort with just saying punish the parents.”
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Rotary Club of Antigua Donates Over $40,000 in Lifesaving Equipment to Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre
The Rotary Club of Antigua (RCA) has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing healthcare in Antigua and Barbuda by contributing over $40,000 XCD to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC). This generous donation, made during an official visit by Rotary District 7030 Governor Soraya Warner-Gustave, is earmarked for the acquisition of Bubble CPAP machines and pulse oximeters for the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
The Bubble CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are crucial for the care of premature and critically ill newborns, offering non-invasive respiratory support that aligns with international NICU standards. This technology significantly reduces complications and improves survival rates among preterm infants. Additionally, the donation includes several pulse oximeters, which are essential for monitoring oxygen levels in newborns, enabling the NICU team to provide faster and more efficient care.
Michael Spencer, Past President of the Rotary Club of Antigua, emphasized the broader significance of the donation. ‘This is more than just equipment; it’s an investment in the future of our children,’ he said. ‘We are proud to support SLBMC in their mission to deliver high-quality neonatal care and ensure that even the tiniest patients receive the best possible start in life.’
Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, Medical Director of SLBMC, expressed profound gratitude for the contribution. ‘The Rotary Club’s support continues to transform what’s possible for our patients,’ she noted. ‘These Bubble CPAP machines and pulse oximeters have already made a tangible difference in the care we provide. Countless babies and their families are benefiting from this investment.’
Elisa Graham, current President of the Rotary Club of Antigua, reiterated the organization’s commitment to community health. ‘Supporting the hospital and, by extension, the health of our nation, is something we take great pride in,’ she said. ‘Our work is only possible because of the generosity of our members and the community, who believe in Rotary’s mission of service above self.’
Beyond the immediate equipment, the donation will also fund additional resources to further strengthen neonatal care at SLBMC, underscoring RCA’s ongoing partnership with the medical centre and its dedication to improving patient outcomes.
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Joy Sharon’s mission to bring the joy – and power – of reading
Joy Sharon’s life is a testament to the transformative power of education. Growing up in a household marred by domestic violence, she turned her personal struggles into a mission to empower children, particularly those with dyslexia, through literacy. Now an award-winning literacy advocate, Joy is reshaping the educational landscape in Barbados, ensuring every child has the tools to read, write, and thrive.