Carib Scope

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  • PM Browne sworn into office for 4th consecutive term

    PM Browne sworn into office for 4th consecutive term

    In a historic milestone for Antigua and Barbuda’s political landscape, Prime Minister Gaston Browne was officially sworn in for an unprecedented fourth consecutive term as head of government on Friday, mere hours after his ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) secured a landslide win in the snap May 30 general election.

    Browne and Attorney General Steadroy “Cuttie” Benjamin took their oaths of office before Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, alongside all other newly elected ABLP candidates. The election, called by Browne nearly two years ahead of the constitutionally mandated deadline, delivered a lopsided result that underscored the ABLP’s overwhelming popular support. Official figures released by the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) show the ruling party claimed 15 of the 17 available parliamentary seats. The remaining two seats were split between the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) and the Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM), with just over 62.5 percent of registered voters turning out to cast their ballots.

    Addressing attendees shortly after his inauguration, Browne framed the outcome as a clear, resounding mandate from the electorate. “That was a resounding victory. People spoke, and they spoke with clarity. They spoke resoundingly, and we’re very happy with the mandate that was given to us,” Browne said, noting that the strong victory comes with amplified responsibility he and his party are fully prepared to uphold.

    The Prime Minister described his fourth consecutive term as a humbling honor that has only deepened his commitment to advancing the interests of Antigua and Barbuda’s people. He pledged accelerated national development across key sectors, promising to speed up ongoing infrastructure projects targeting two longstanding public concerns: road access and water access. “We’ll make sure that we continue to deliver for the people of Antigua and Barbuda. In fact, in terms of my own commitment, the fact that I was given a fourth term as prime minister, that in itself is a humbling experience, and that has served now to even strengthen my commitment to fight even harder for the people of Antigua and Barbuda and to deliver more for them,” Browne said. “So the people of Antigua and Barbuda will be seeing accelerated growth and development, accelerated infrastructural development, so the roadworks, the waterworks that we have started will be accelerated until we substantially resolve the water and road problems.”

    He thanked voters for their patience during ongoing project implementation, noting that the election result confirmed residents trust the ABLP to solve critical national issues and recognize his personal dedication to driving sustained development that lifts living standards for all.

    Looking ahead to cabinet formation, Browne announced that the full ministerial team will be named on Tuesday, with most senior roles retained by incumbent officials to ensure policy continuity amid major ongoing projects. “There will be familiar faces because a number of them are handling significant projects, and we want to ensure there’s continuity,” he explained. Highlighting key appointments, he confirmed that Daryll S. Matthew will remain in the education portfolio to continue ongoing sector expansion, while Chet Green will retain his position as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Browne noted that replacing Green ahead of the upcoming November Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference, which requires extensive advance planning, would be unwise. He also confirmed that his wife, Maria Browne, will continue to serve as Minister of Public Works, crediting her with proven ability to manage multiple cross-constituency projects effectively.

    Newly elected ABLP representatives will first serve as junior ministers for a training period, Browne confirmed, a structure designed to avoid an overly large, bloated government while preparing emerging leaders for future senior roles. “Again, we don’t want to have a bloated government by having all senior ministers. We will have some junior ministers, again, as a form of training and development so that they, too, can blossom into senior ministers eventually and to better serve the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” he said.

    Prior to the inauguration, Browne — who has already received congratulatory messages from regional leaders across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and other international partners — thanked God for the victory and expressed gratitude to voters for their overwhelming support. “To God be the glory. Great things he has done,” he said. “You have spoken with clarity, you have spoken resoundingly, and you would have certainly spoken with truth, and in essence would have put to shame all of the lies that have been peddled, all of the disinformation, all of the misinformation, all of the vitriolic rhetoric.”

    The Prime Minister used his inaugural address to call for a new era of more civil, responsible politics across Antigua and Barbuda, warning that toxic misinformation erodes social fabric and damages the country’s international reputation. As a small island nation in an interconnected global world, falsehoods spread locally travel far beyond the country’s borders, shaping unfair negative perceptions among international observers who lack on-the-ground context, he explained. “I’m hoping that with such a resounding victory that there will be a new dispensation going forward. I’m hoping that our politics will become more civil. I’m hoping that politicians on both sides of the aisle will stand on the truth, because at the end of the day, the misinformation, disinformation, the falsities, they are literally eroding the fabric of our society, and they are destroying our country,” Browne said. “So, I’m hoping going forward that we will see greater loyalty to our state and its people, and that politicians should understand that misinformation, disinformation, and falsities, they only thrive for a short period of time. Ultimately, the truth will prevail.”

    Browne argued that his opposition’s poor electoral performance stemmed directly from its embrace of harmful, misleading campaigning during the electoral cycle. He called on the UPP to learn from the defeat and pursue internal reform, noting that a strong, accountable opposition is healthy for Antigua and Barbuda’s democracy. “I would say that, having served in opposition, that I practise responsible politics, and I believe as a consequence that my own credibility within the domestic society would have grown. And I think that UPP should take note and to use this opportunity to reform, because at the end of the day, we want to have a strong opposition. We do not necessarily want to have a weak opposition. We want individuals who have the competence to continue to hold us accountable,” he said.

    Repeating that his fourth consecutive term is a humbling honor, Browne reaffirmed his commitment to centering public welfare in all governance, stating that the landslide mandate presents a critical opportunity to unify the nation and advance inclusive development. “It’s about your empowerment, and I give you a commitment that I will work harder, that I will do all in my power to continue to work unrelentingly to advance the living standards of the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” he said. “the results provide a great opportunity for us to unite our nation, and to work towards improving all aspects of our development going into the future.”

    Browne closed by taking personal responsibility for ensuring all cabinet members honor the public trust, warning that betrayal of that trust will not be tolerated. He reminded incoming ministers that their roles exist exclusively to serve all Antigua and Barbuda residents, require responsible stewardship of public funds, and demand zero discrimination, division, or corruption. “I can assure you that if it is betrayed, certainly will not be tolerated… it is important for those who will be appointed within the cabinet to understand that they will be appointed exclusively to serve the people of Antigua and Barbuda. Not to discriminate against anyone, not to undermine anyone, not to divide a country, not to steal public resources, but to be good stewards of public resources and to make sure that every cent of public resources is utilised for the development of the people of Antigua and Barbuda.”

  • NIA Signs Geothermal Drilling Contract, Moves Closer to Energy Independence

    NIA Signs Geothermal Drilling Contract, Moves Closer to Energy Independence

    CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – May 1, 2026 – The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has crossed a major milestone in its years-long pursuit of energy self-sufficiency and renewable energy transition, with a finalized contract for geothermal production well drilling now in place, Premier Mark Brantley has announced.

    Brantly, who also holds the portfolio of Minister of Energy, told reporters at his April 28 monthly press briefing that Iceland Drilling has been selected as the project contractor, with the formal contract signed between the firm and Nevis Electricity Company Limited (Nevlec), the island’s public utility provider. While the government plans to host a public ceremonial signing event to mark the occasion, Brantley confirmed all binding contractual terms have been finalized, and preparatory work is already underway ahead of drilling at the project’s Hamilton site.

    Several pre-drilling milestones remain to be completed before operations can kick off, including the acquisition of surrounding land parcels and logistics coordination. To streamline project delivery, the NIA is also establishing a dedicated full-time geothermal project unit – a shift from the current structure where Nevlec staff have split their time between regular utility duties and geothermal development, Brantley explained.

    In a move to retain critical institutional expertise, the administration has tapped former Nevlec General Manager Albert Gordon to serve exclusively on the geothermal initiative. Brantley praised Gordon’s foundational work in advancing the project to its current phase, noting his deep technical knowledge and consistent dedication have been invaluable to overcoming early barriers. Gordon’s continued involvement will be key to navigating the next stages of development, the premier added.

    Parallel to drilling operations, the NIA plans to launch a request for proposals for the subsequent phase of the project: construction of the geothermal power plant. Brantley noted that drilling represents the highest-risk segment of the initiative, a stage that previously presented major hurdles to securing funding. Once drilling is completed and the geothermal resource is confirmed, he explained, attracting private sector investment for plant construction will become far simpler.

    Under current project plans, the team will drill up to two production wells and one injection well to support a 30-megawatt geothermal power plant. Once operational, the facility will generate more than enough clean electricity to meet all of Nevis’ domestic energy demand, eliminating reliance on imported fossil fuels for power generation.

    The nearly $71.6 million project is supported by a mixed financing package of international development funding. Iceland Drilling has independently confirmed it has signed the final turnkey contract for drilling services, with work on site scheduled to commence by September 2026 and conclude in the second half of 2027.

    Brantly emphasized that the geothermal project carries transformative potential not only for Nevis but for the entire Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. He framed the initiative as a core demonstration of the NIA’s unwavering commitment to building a sustainable energy future and long-term energy independence, describing it as more than an infrastructure project – it is a lasting legacy for future generations of Nevisians.

  • Adhin: Ik heb geen afspraak met DIN over organisatie bijeenkomst

    Adhin: Ik heb geen afspraak met DIN over organisatie bijeenkomst

    A major dispute has broken out over conflicting event announcements tied to Suriname’s National Assembly Speaker Ashwin Adhin’s private trip to the Netherlands, leaving attendees and stakeholders in confusion ahead of two competing gatherings scheduled for Sunday, May 3. Both the Diaspora Institute Netherlands (DIN) and the Surinamese Embassy in The Hague have advertised separate networking events headlined by Adhin, but the speaker himself has explicitly disavowed any connection to the DIN-organized meeting, confirming only the embassy-backed event has his official approval.

    DIN leadership has claimed strong public interest in their May 3 event, with DIN chair John Brewster reporting that more than 100 paid participants have already registered for the gathering. According to Brewster, the venue secured for the DIN event is already struggling to accommodate the unexpectedly high number of attendees. The organization frames the gathering as a targeted networking opportunity for diaspora community members, including Surinamese entrepreneurs, investors, elite professional football players, and other industry professionals. The event is billed as focused on advancing cross-community collaboration, unlocking new economic opportunities for Suriname, and coordinating collective action to support the South American nation.

    However, when contacted by Suriname-based outlet Starnieuws, Adhin pushed back sharply against DIN’s claims, accusing the organization of creating unnecessary confusion by moving forward with the event without any prior coordination or official approval from him or his team. Adhin confirmed that only one networking event has his explicit consent: the gathering scheduled for Sunday in Amsterdam, organized in coordination with Surinamese Ambassador Panka. “I have no agreement whatsoever with DIN to host an event. My team knows nothing about this gathering. No permission was granted to Mr. Brewster to organize an event using my name,” Adhin emphasized in his statement.

    Ambassador Panka subsequently backed Adhin’s account, confirming that the speaker had informed his office that no formal arrangements had been made with DIN. “We are proceeding with our planned event as normal,” Panka noted in a brief response to inquiries.

    Despite the denial from Adhin and the embassy, Brewster has stood by DIN’s version of events, claiming the organization agreed to organize the gathering at the request of one of Adhin’s own advisors. To date, however, DIN has not publicly identified the unnamed advisor, leaving the claim unconfirmed. Adhin has held firm to his position, stating he had no prior knowledge of the DIN event, did not initiate any such gathering, and will not be in attendance at the DIN-organized meeting.

  • FITUG pledges loyalty to Irfaan Ali

    FITUG pledges loyalty to Irfaan Ali

    On May 1, 2026 — International Labour Day — Guyana’s long-running, politically charged split in the national labour movement moved into the open once again, as the country’s two largest trade union federations publicly declared opposing allegiances less than a full election cycle away from a general vote.

    The Federation of Independent Trades Unions of Guyana (FITUG), which organizes the largest bloc of unionized workers in the country, used its Labour Day gathering hosted on the lawns of State House to reaffirm its unwavering support for incumbent President Irfaan Ali and the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

    Addressing attendees at the event, FITUG President Carville Duncan lauded Ali for his consistent pro-labor agenda and open working relationship with the country’s independent trade unions. Duncan emphasized that the collective size of the organized labour movement in Guyana exceeds the membership base of any single political party in the nation’s history, framing FITUG’s endorsement as a critical marker of political credibility.

    “If we, like the doctor, say you dead; you dead and once we say you good, you good,” Duncan told the crowd, stressing the federation’s outsize influence on national electoral outcomes. He went on to note that Ali has worked directly with FITUG to help rank-and-file union members transition from traditional labor roles to small business entrepreneurship, a policy priority Duncan praised as forward-thinking. “Comrade Ali you’ve done well, Sir, and may you live longer to do better than you’re doing now because you have the workers who are with you,” Duncan said, adding that the federation would back Ali for another term should he choose to run for re-election.

    FITUG’s member unions include several historically pro-PPP organizations: the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees, the Guyana Labour Union, and the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union.

    In his remarks to the gathering, President Ali did not directly address the ongoing divisions within Guyana’s labour movement, instead focusing his speech on calls for broad national unity, echoing the pre-1955 cohesion that once defined the PPP before the party’s historic internal split. He urged attendees to reject divisive political tactics, including petty infighting on social media, and focus on the country’s ambitious long-term development.

    “This not the moment where we play divisive games. This is not the moment when we run around to find spectacles of humour. This is not the moment when we are childish on social media and social media posts,” Ali said. “This is the moment when we embrace a much larger picture. This is a moment where we confront a future that is grand.” The President added that the PPP remains open to engagement with all Guyanese, and that the government is expanding individual empowerment through expanding home ownership, inclusive social programs, and broadened economic opportunity for all segments of society.

    While FITUG has a well-documented history of open support for the PPP, the country’s other major union federation, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), used its own separate Labour Day rally to call openly for the removal of the PPP from national office. GTUC President Norris Witter and Jinnah Rahman, an associate of the opposition-aligned We Invest in Nationhood movement, explicitly urged voters and union members to oust the incumbent government.

    Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, who also leads We Invest in Nationhood, and the parliamentary leader of the A Partnership for National Unity coalition, joined the GTUC event to urge the federation’s member unions to build organizational strength to oust the PPP-Civic coalition from power. Major GTUC affiliates include the Guyana Public Service Union, Guyana Teachers Union, Guyana Workers Union, the Union of Agricultural and Allied Workers, and a competing branch of the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union.

  • Gaston Browne sworn in as Antigua PM for fourth term after election win

    Gaston Browne sworn in as Antigua PM for fourth term after election win

    In a landmark political moment for the twin-island Caribbean nation, Prime Minister Gaston Browne took the oath of office for his fourth consecutive term as head of government on Friday. The inauguration came just hours after Browne led his long-ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) to a decisive landslide victory in the April 30 general election, a contest he called nearly two years ahead of the constitutionally mandated deadline.

    Browne was joined in taking the oath by Attorney General Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin during the ceremony, which was officiated by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and attended by all other ABLP candidates who won seats in the election. Official results released by the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) confirm that the ABLP secured 15 out of the 17 available seats in the country’s parliament. The remaining two seats were split between the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) and the Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM). Voter turnout across the nation reached just over 62.5 percent of eligible electorate.

    Addressing supporters and reporters shortly after his swearing-in, Browne emphasized the scale of his party’s mandate, noting, “That was a resounding victory. People spoke, and they spoke with clarity. They spoke resoundingly, and we’re very happy with the mandate that was given to us.” The Prime Minister acknowledged that the strong electoral victory came with heightened responsibility, which his administration is fully prepared to uphold. “But with that mandate comes increased responsibility, and it’s a responsibility that we will certainly honour. We’ll make sure that we continue to deliver for the people of Antigua and Barbuda. In fact, the fact that I was given a fourth term as Prime Minister is in itself a humbling experience, and it has strengthened my commitment to fight even harder for the people of Antigua and Barbuda and to deliver more for them.”

    Looking ahead to his new term, Browne outlined an ambitious agenda focused on accelerating national progress. “So the people of Antigua and Barbuda will be seeing accelerated growth and development, accelerated infrastructural development, and the roadworks and waterworks we have started will be accelerated until we substantially resolve the water and road problems,” he added, extending gratitude to the public for its patience during ongoing infrastructure projects.

    The Prime Minister announced that the full composition of his new Cabinet will be revealed this coming Tuesday, noting that most senior roles will be retained by sitting ministers to ensure policy continuity amid major ongoing initiatives. “there will be “familiar faces” because several ministers are handling significant projects and continuity is important. So, for example, I’d want to ensure that we have Minister Daryll S Matthew in Education to continue the expansion…. We certainly want to maintain Minister Chet Greene as Minister of Foreign Affairs because, as you know, a significant amount of planning has gone into the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference scheduled for November, and to put in a new minister at this time would not be advisable.”

    Browne also confirmed that his wife, Maria Browne, will keep her position as Minister of Public Works, praising her proven ability to manage multiple concurrent infrastructure projects across different constituencies. To build a pipeline of future leadership and avoid unnecessary government expansion, newly elected ABLP members will first serve in junior ministerial roles to receive on-the-job training before moving into senior positions. “Again, we don’t want to have a bloated government by having all senior ministers. We will have some junior ministers as a form of training and development so that they, too, can blossom into senior ministers eventually and better serve the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” he explained.

    In a call for more constructive political discourse across the nation, Browne urged a shift toward more responsible politics to build a stronger future for Antigua and Barbuda. “I’m hoping that with such a resounding victory there will be a new dispensation going forward. I’m hoping that our politics will become more civil. I’m hoping that politicians on both sides of the aisle will stand on the truth because, at the end of the day, misinformation, disinformation and falsities are literally eroding the fabric of our society and destroying our country.”

    The Prime Minister stressed that he welcomes a strong, reformed opposition to maintain government accountability, rejecting calls for a weakened opposition bloc. “He also said he believes in responsible politics and that the opposition should use the moment to reform, adding that a strong opposition remains necessary for accountability. We do not necessarily want a weak opposition. We want individuals with the competence to continue to hold us accountable,” Browne said.

    Internationally, the United States has extended its congratulations to Browne and his administration. In an official congratulatory message, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington looks forward to deepening ongoing collaboration with Antigua and Barbuda on a range of shared regional priorities. These priorities include strengthening collective regional security, improving coordination to counter illegal immigration, disrupt transnational criminal organizations, and crack down on illicit trafficking networks operating in the Caribbean.

  • Opposition recommends fuel subsidies, price controls to ease cost of living

    Opposition recommends fuel subsidies, price controls to ease cost of living

    As of Friday, May 1, 2026, Guyana’s main opposition bloc has laid out a series of policy demands targeting the country’s rapidly escalating cost of living, calling on the ruling government to leverage unexpected revenue windfalls from global commodity price shocks triggered by the Israel-U.S. conflict with Iran to deliver immediate relief to households.

    Dr. Terrence Campbell, parliamentary leader of the opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), laid out his core proposal in a press briefing Friday: temporarily amend the country’s Natural Resources Fund (NRF) Act to unlock surplus oil revenues for immediate retail fuel subsidies. The geopolitical conflict has sent global crude prices soaring far beyond the projections that underpinned Guyana’s 2026 national budget, generating unanticipated extra income for the oil-producing South American nation.

    Currently, the NRF Act mandates that all current-year resource revenues are transferred to the country’s consolidated fund only the following fiscal year, a rule that blocks immediate access to the new windfall. Campbell argues that cutting fuel costs at the pump is the most effective root-level intervention to slow broader inflation, since higher transport and energy costs filter through to raise prices for nearly all goods and services across the economy.

    “Easing pressure at the source, right at the pump, is the simplest and most direct way to deliver relief to all Guyanese,” Campbell told reporters.

    Data underscores the scale of recent price increases: just two months before the outbreak of the Israel-U.S.-Iran conflict, state-owned Guyana Oil Company sold gasoline for 170 Guyanese dollars (GY$) per litre. As of Friday, that price has jumped to GY$208 per litre. Diesel prices have seen even steeper growth, surging from GY$168 per litre pre-conflict to a range of GY$210 to GY$268 currently. Global benchmark Brent crude traded at US$108.35 per barrel on Friday, nearly $50 above the US$59 per barrel projection included in the 2026 national budget. Campbell added that Guyana is also collecting elevated tax and royalty revenues from gold, which was trading at US$4,611.35 per ounce on Friday, far above typical forecast levels.

    Campbell also criticized the government’s existing GY$3 billion cash support package for rice farmers, who have raised alarms over spiking costs for fertilizer, fuel, transportation and irrigation water. Dismissing the targeted payout as insufficient relief, he noted “man shall not live by rice alone,” arguing that broad-based fuel relief would benefit all sectors of the economy, not just agriculture. “A one-off payout for rice farmers won’t deliver the broad relief we need when prices are rising across every category. Most inflation starts at the pump, so that’s where relief needs to start,” he explained.

    In addition to fuel subsidies, Campbell called on the administration to roll out an additional GY$200,000 cash grant for households, labeling the current government “uncaring” for its failure to address widespread financial strain.

    APNU Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed echoed the calls for broader intervention, drawing a parallel to a recent regulatory move by the country’s central bank. After Central Bank Governor Dr. Gobind Ganga mandated that commercial banks cap the spread between U.S. dollar buying and selling rates at three percentage points, Mohamed argued the government could use similar regulatory power to impose price caps on essential consumer goods to rein in cost of living increases.

    “We need to establish price controls, and even government-managed retail outlets to cap prices for staple food items. Without intervention, prices will only climb higher,” Mohamed told reporters ahead of the annual May Day parade, which was set to kick off from Georgetown’s Middle and Carmichael Streets. He also called on national trade unions to take a more aggressive stance in advocating for living wages for public sector employees.

    Separately, Dawchand Nagasar, General Secretary of the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees, confirmed he held talks with the Minister of Labour last week to discuss updating minimum wage levels in both the public and private sectors to reflect current inflation.

  • Two in custody after suspected arson incident airport site

    Two in custody after suspected arson incident airport site

    An arson attack targeting construction vehicles at the site of Dominica’s flagship international airport project in Wesley has triggered a swift official response, with two people now in police custody assisting with ongoing investigations, the country’s Minister for National Security Rayburn Blackmoore has publicly confirmed.

    The incident unfolded earlier this week, when three heavy trucks owned by Chinese contractors working on the infrastructure development were deliberately set on fire. Blackmoore made the confirmation during a live radio interview on DBS Radio Thursday morning, where he emphasized the gravity of the attack against a project framed as transformative for the Caribbean nation.

    “I cannot speak as to the motive of whoever did that. That is for the police to investigate. But what I have been advised is that two people in custody assisting the police with this investigation,” Blackmoore stated during the interview. “It is critically important therefore for the people who are responsible to be arrested and of course for there to be a due process.”

    The minister issued a firm condemnation of the arson, labeling the action an unambiguously criminal act that does not reflect the views or values of the Dominican public, especially people living in the nearby communities of Wesley and Woodford Hill. He pushed back against any framing that would cast the attack as a targeted action against the Chinese construction partners, noting instead that it was an attack on the entire nation of Dominica.

    “This is certainly not an act against the Chinese contracting team, CR5 or MMC. This is a criminal act against Dominica, against all of us, perpetrated by criminal vagabond elements who must be pursued in the highest degree of intensity by the police,” Blackmoore said.

    He took the opportunity to clarify that local communities surrounding the airport construction zone have maintained a consistently welcoming and supportive stance toward both local and international workers on the project. “Residents of both communities have been very embracing to the employees of the international airport and are supportive of the project itself,” he added.

    Beyond addressing the arson incident, Blackmoore underlined the outsized historical and economic importance of the international airport project, describing it as a landmark national achievement that has been generations in the making. He also recognized the longstanding partnership between Dominica and the People’s Republic of China, noting that China has consistently stood with Dominica through periods of crisis, and called on local citizens to continue upholding a spirit of goodwill toward the project’s foreign workers. He urged community members to cooperate with law enforcement to help identify the remaining perpetrators. “Let us make them feel welcome and let us together make sure that we do everything possible to assist the police to identify those vagabonds, these criminals,” he said.

    The interview also touched on separate recent weather-related disaster impacts in the Kalinago Territory, where five homes were completely destroyed and 18 households have been displaced or affected by recent extreme weather. Blackmoore gave assurances that the government will bring in independent, specialist experts in hydrology, geology, and engineering to conduct comprehensive risk assessments of the affected area, and develop evidence-based recommendations to protect at-risk local communities moving forward.

    Closing out the interview, Blackmoore reaffirmed the international airport’s central role as a foundational pillar of Dominica’s long-term economic growth and prosperity. “This ought to be a proud moment for us. We are building this airport that generations 60 years ago only dreamed about. It is critical for the survival of our country and for generations to come,” he said.

  • Daryll Matthew says work to begin immediately on priority projects in St. John’s Rural South

    Daryll Matthew says work to begin immediately on priority projects in St. John’s Rural South

    Fresh off securing another term as the representative for St. John’s Rural South, lawmaker Daryll Matthew has wasted no time in mapping out his legislative agenda, confirming that planning and on-the-ground execution for high-priority local infrastructure projects will get underway without any delays. In a detailed post-election interview with media outlets, the Member of Parliament-elect laid out his priorities for the opening months of his new term, noting that ongoing community improvement works will continue uninterrupted while new signature initiatives move from the planning stage to implementation. Matthew emphasized that road upgrade projects that were already launched in the constituency will maintain their current momentum, after which the local leadership will shift its full attention to a slate of larger community-focused developments. Among the most anticipated projects on his immediate to-do list are two landmark developments: a purpose-built community centre in the Radio Range neighborhood and the formal establishment of Tyndale Park, a new public green space for local residents. “I have two big signature projects that I’m going to commence the planning and working on them immediately,” Matthew stated in the interview, making clear that the transition from campaigning and policy outlining to tangible action is already underway. For the incoming term, Matthew said the priority has shifted from drafting campaign pledges and conceptual projects to delivering concrete results for constituents, with administrative and pre-construction steps set to launch in the coming days to keep the developments on track. Beyond the two headline projects, Matthew confirmed that routine constituency services and engagement with local residents will remain a core part of his work moving forward. He added that sustained outreach to community members and ongoing small-scale infrastructure upgrades will form a key part of his broader agenda as he kicks off his new term in office.

  • APNU, WIN appeal to trade unions for support to dislodge PPPC from office

    APNU, WIN appeal to trade unions for support to dislodge PPPC from office

    On May 1, 2026 — International Labour Day — Guyana’s main opposition figures gathered with members of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) following a low-turnout parade to mount a coordinated call for cross-group unity aimed at unseating the incumbent People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP-C) administration ahead of the 2030 general and regional elections.

    The march, which stretched from Georgetown’s Parade Ground to Woolford Avenue, drew only 300 attendees representing affiliated GTUC unions, a far smaller crowd than organizers had anticipated. Even with the muted turnout, speakers at the subsequent post-rally meeting held at the Guyana Local Government Officers Union used harsh language to criticize the ruling government’s record on worker rights and economic policy.

    GTUC President Norris Witter opened the sharp critiques, framing the PPP as a public hazard that required collective action to eliminate. “For me the PPP is a dangerous disease and, therefore, we must work together to determine what kind of dangerous medicine is required to get rid of this disease,” Witter stated, arguing that broad-based unity — rather than divisive sectarian politics — was the only path to removing the government from power.

    Dr. Terrence Campbell, parliamentary leader of the main opposition bloc A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), expanded on this call, extending the demand for unity beyond opposition political parties to include trade unions and civil society groups. Campbell labeled the current administration a “wicked, evil, inhumane, despicable regime” and urged union members to back opposition-led protests on any issue — from cash grant increases to electoral reform — ahead of the 2030 vote. “When we call a protest whether it be for cash grants or a protest for a new voters list or biometrics; whether invited or uninvited, I would expect to see my union brothers standing there with us,” Campbell said.

    Azruddin Mohamed, Guyana’s Opposition Leader, echoed Campbell’s calls, pressing unions to mobilize around core worker grievances that include stagnant low wages and retaliatory administrative measures, such as punitive transfers for public sector workers who oppose the ruling government. Mohamed confirmed that he had provided financial support to the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) during its recent strike for higher salaries, and committed that all opposition parties would collaborate with organized labor to secure better compensation and working conditions for public servants.

    Mohamed also took aim at the government’s recent policy priorities, questioning how the country’s nearly GY$6 trillion 2026 national budget has failed to deliver tangible improvements to working people. He pointed specifically to a May Day brunch hosted by President Irfaan Ali for nurses at State House, noting that the healthcare workers face a three-year wait to receive just GY$16,000 in promised compensation, while First Lady Arya Ali conducted an official visit to Singapore. Closing his remarks, Mohamed urged union leadership to reorganize and mobilize to deliver a much larger turnout for the 2027 May Day parade, emphasizing that collective organizing is the only way to oust what he called a “dictatorship, deceitful, treacherous government.”

    The event also exposed ongoing rifts within Guyana’s broader opposition coalition. Dorwain Bess, leader of the Vigilant Political Action Committee (VPAC), publicly called on Mohamed to honor his pledge to build genuine, inclusive collaboration across all opposition factions. Bess and his former coalition partner Amanza Walton-Desir of the Forward Guyana Movement have been locked in a public dispute over parliamentary representation following last September’s general and regional elections. Veteran politician Hamilton Green, who entered Guyanese politics shortly after completing his education, noted that the opposition’s biggest immediate challenge remains convincing ordinary Guyanese to join their political struggle.

  • Cabinet Ministers to Be Sworn In Tuesday Following ABLP Election Victory

    Cabinet Ministers to Be Sworn In Tuesday Following ABLP Election Victory

    After securing a historic landslide victory in Antigua and Barbuda’s general election, the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) is preparing to finalize its new administration with the official swearing-in of cabinet ministers scheduled for Tuesday at the American University of Antigua (AUA).

    The timeline for this final transitional step was confirmed during Friday’s introductory ceremony at Government House, where ABLP leader Gaston Browne officially took office for his fourth consecutive term as Prime Minister. He was joined at the event by Steadroy Cutie Benjamin, who will continue his role as Attorney General in the new administration.

    Thursday’s national vote delivered a sweeping mandate for the incumbent ABLP, which claimed 15 of the 17 available seats in the country’s parliament. The resounding win extends the party’s uninterrupted hold on national governance past the 10-year mark and solidifies Browne’s status as the longest-serving head of government in modern Antigua and Barbuda political history.

    The main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) faced a major blow in the election, being reduced to just a single parliamentary seat. The Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM), meanwhile, held onto its traditional seat representing the country’s sister island Barbuda, retaining its voice in the new legislature.

    Political observers have characterized this election outcome as one of the most decisive shifts in power in the nation’s recent history, and Tuesday’s ceremony will formalize the full cabinet that will steer the country’s policy agenda through the coming term.

    Speaking at Friday’s event, Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams framed the landslide result as a historic mandate for the incoming administration, while noting that the lopsided vote of confidence also brings sharply elevated public expectations for progress over the coming term.

    In his first public remarks since the election win, Prime Minister Browne reaffirmed his commitment to governing, pledging to intensify his work for the Antigua and Barbuda people. He promised an administration rooted in accountability, national unity, and a sustained focus on lifting household living standards across the country.

    As of Friday, the full composition of Browne’s cabinet and the specific portfolios for incoming ministers had not been publicly released. All eyes are now turning to Tuesday’s event, where the full make-up of the executive branch and the government’s policy priorities for the new term will come into clearer focus. The AUA ceremony will mark the final milestone in the transition from election victory to fully functional governance, as each minister receives their formal appointment.