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  • United States Secretary of State among distinguished international guests for historic 50th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Saint Kitts and Nevis

    United States Secretary of State among distinguished international guests for historic 50th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Saint Kitts and Nevis

    BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts and Nevis – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is poised to host one of its most significant diplomatic gatherings in history as world leaders and international dignitaries assemble for the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government from February 24-27, 2026.

    The landmark summit, convened under the theme ‘Beyond Words: Action Today for a Thriving, Sustainable CARICOM,’ has attracted unprecedented international attention with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio leading the distinguished roster of global participants. Secretary Rubio is scheduled to deliver a keynote address during Wednesday’s Opening Plenary Session, highlighting the strategic importance Washington places on Caribbean partnerships.

    The high-level assembly will feature addresses from an impressive array of international figures including Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey, United Arab Emirates Minister of State Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, and African Export-Import Bank President Dr. George Elombi. Their collective presence demonstrates growing global recognition of CARICOM’s geopolitical significance.

    Host nation Saint Kitts and Nevis, currently holding the rotating CARICOM chairmanship under Prime Minister Dr. Terrance M. Drew, will guide deliberations on pressing regional concerns including climate finance architecture, food and energy security frameworks, and evolving regional security challenges. The gathering of over 200 delegates represents one of the most substantial diplomatic convergences in the Caribbean Community’s five-decade history.

    Prime Minister Drew emphasized the transformative potential of this golden jubilee meeting, stating: ‘The world’s eyes will be on Saint Kitts and Nevis as we host this landmark gathering. Our theme challenges us to move from deliberation to decisive action. The caliber of international participation reflects a shared commitment to building a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous Caribbean.’

    The summit marks a pivotal moment for regional integration efforts and represents a significant diplomatic achievement for the Drew administration, which assumed the CARICOM leadership role on January 1, 2026.

  • Sant Kitts and Nevis welcomes regional and international leaders for historic CARICOM 50 Opening Ceremony

    Sant Kitts and Nevis welcomes regional and international leaders for historic CARICOM 50 Opening Ceremony

    BASSETERRE, SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS – February 23, 2026 – The Caribbean Community embarks on a monumental chapter as Saint Kitts and Nevis prepares to host the fiftieth regular meeting of the CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government. The grand opening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24th at 4:00 PM local time at the prestigious Marriott Dome in Frigate Bay.

    This landmark assembly, commemorating five decades of regional integration, will convene under the compelling theme “Beyond Words: Action Today for a Thriving, Sustainable CARICOM.” The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis assumes a position of leadership as the current CARICOM Chair, with Prime Minister Dr. Terrance M. Drew steering the community’s agenda through the first half of 2026.

    The ceremony will feature addresses from an esteemed roster of Caribbean leaders, including CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, outgoing Chair and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Surinamese President Dr. Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, and Vincentian Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday.

    The event promises to be a vibrant showcase of Caribbean cultural heritage through performances, setting the stage for three days of high-level diplomatic discussions. Attendees will include heads of government from member and associate states, international dignitaries, and representatives from regional institutions.

    Prime Minister Drew emphasized the historical significance of the gathering, stating: “This ceremony transcends formal proceedings—it embodies Caribbean unity and reaffirms our shared dedication to tangible progress. Our theme ‘Beyond Words’ communicates to our citizens and the global community that CARICOM is transitioning into an era defined by implementation, resilience, and sustainable prosperity.”

  • Ministry of Sustainable Development Categorically Refutes Disinformation Being Spread by Managing Director of St Kitts Marine Works Ltd

    Ministry of Sustainable Development Categorically Refutes Disinformation Being Spread by Managing Director of St Kitts Marine Works Ltd

    The Ministry of Sustainable Development has issued a formal rebuttal against what it characterizes as malicious disinformation spread by Regiwell ‘Reggie’ Francis, Managing Director of St. Kitts Marine Works Ltd. The controversy centers on the company’s unauthorized occupation of Crown lands at the New Guinea Industrial & Commercial Development zone.

    According to the Ministry’s statement released February 23, 2026, despite a cordial meeting between government officials and Francis on February 19 aimed at resolving longstanding land regularization issues, the businessman subsequently disseminated distorted information regarding the factual and legal circumstances.

    The Ministry revealed that St. Kitts Marine Works Ltd has occupied approximately 26.68 acres of Crown land for nearly two decades without paying rent, additionally constructing seawall and berthing facilities on adjacent seabed without proper leases or compensation to the state. The company initially entered a land purchase agreement in January 2021 for the concessionary price of EC$6,013,893.60, but failed to fulfill the terms, paying only a partial deposit of EC$50,000.

    The government’s calculations indicate the company now owes EC$13,284,092.75 as of February 2026 under the terms of the failed agreement. Furthermore, the Ministry alleges the business has encroached on sixteen adjacent commercial lots allocated to other landowners who have complied with their obligations.

    In what the Ministry describes as a reasonable regularization framework, the government has proposed a 10-year renewable lease for the occupied land at negotiated rates, a separate seabed lease at EC$4,000 monthly, and application of the previous deposit toward rental payments. The proposal requires the company to vacate the unauthorized adjacent lots immediately.

    The statement emphasized that Crown lands constitute public assets held in trust for citizens, and no entity is entitled to occupy them indefinitely without lawful tenure or state compensation. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fairness, and orderly development while supporting continued economic activity.

  • A date that marked the maturity and crystallization point of the project conceived by Martí

    A date that marked the maturity and crystallization point of the project conceived by Martí

    Granma, Cuba’s official newspaper, has republished significant excerpts from Army General Raúl Castro Ruz’s historic addresses delivered on February 24th across pivotal moments in the nation’s development. These speeches reveal the ideological continuity and constitutional evolution of the Cuban Revolution.

    The compilation begins with Castro’s 1976 address at Havana’s Karl Marx Theater, marking the proclamation of Cuba’s first socialist Constitution—the first in the Americas. He recalled Fidel Castro’s description of the document as embodying José Martí’s aspiration for “the full dignity of humankind,” approved by 95.7% of eligible voters aged sixteen and over.

    In his 2008 parliamentary address, Castro assumed leadership responsibilities while emphasizing Fidel’s irreplaceable role as Commander-in-Chief. He affirmed the Communist Party as “the sure guarantee of the unity of the Cuban nation” and heir to the people’s trust, referencing Article 5 of the Constitution approved by 97.7% of voters. He connected historical struggles against U.S. intervention to contemporary challenges, invoking Martí’s principle of choosing “the hard path of duty.

    The 2013 speech featured Castro’s unequivocal declaration: “I was not elected president to restore capitalism in Cuba, nor to surrender the Revolution. I was elected to defend, maintain, and continue perfecting socialism.” He reiterated Fidel’s standard for revolutionary cadres: never coveting positions but earning them through merits, work, virtues, and patriotism.

    The most recent excerpt from 2018 honored the 123rd anniversary of Cuba’s War of Independence resurgence. Castro highlighted José Martí’s strategic brilliance in founding the Cuban Revolutionary Party and achieving national unity. He quoted Fidel’s historical assessment: “We would have been like them then, and they would be like us today!” affirming the enduring commitment to revolutionary ideals across generations.

  • Leftist groups march in National District calling for national sovereignty

    Leftist groups march in National District calling for national sovereignty

    Hundreds of activists converged at Plaza La Trinitaria in Santo Domingo’s National District early Thursday morning, launching a significant demonstration organized by a coalition of leftist political organizations. The protest saw participants marching through key thoroughfares including Josefa Brea, Francisco Henríquez y Carvajal, Jacinto de la Concha, and José Reyes streets, culminating at the statue of revolutionary leader Francisco Alberto Caamaño on El Conde.

    The diverse coalition included the Communist Party of Labor, Dominican Popular Movement, Caamañista Movement, Force of the Revolution, Homeland for All Party, and Dominican Leftist Front, with additional support from the United Left Movement, Broad Front, and People for Political and Social Change.

    Protesters voiced strong opposition to foreign intervention, specifically demanding the immediate withdrawal of U.S. military personnel and aircraft from Dominican airports. The demonstration also featured international solidarity appeals, with participants calling for the release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Chants of ‘Yankees out of the country and the Caribbean’ and ‘Freedom for Maduro and Cilia’ echoed through the streets, alongside calls for regional peace and opposition to Canadian mining company Barrick Gold’s operations.

    The event concluded with the reading of a joint proclamation by organizers and a poetic recitation by Ernesto Vantroi, emphasizing cultural resistance and national sovereignty protections.

  • LISTEN: PM Says Some Sound Operators Showing Up to National Events With Boxers Exposed

    LISTEN: PM Says Some Sound Operators Showing Up to National Events With Boxers Exposed

    The Prime Minister has publicly addressed a growing concern regarding the standard of attire displayed by certain sound system operators at official national ceremonies. During a recent address, the nation’s leader expressed significant disapproval, highlighting instances where technicians arrived at these solemn events dressed in casual boxer shorts, which was deemed highly inappropriate for the occasion.

    This sartorial criticism underscores a broader expectation for professionalism and respect when participating in events of national significance. The Prime Minister’s remarks emphasized that such attire fails to reflect the dignity these ceremonies command and the respect they deserve from all participants, regardless of their specific role.

    The comments have ignited a conversation on protocol and the minimum standards of decorum for contractors and staff working at government-hosted functions. The government is expected to reinforce existing guidelines or potentially implement new sartorial protocols for all service providers to prevent a recurrence and ensure that the solemnity of national events is maintained by everyone involved.

  • President aangekomen in St. Kitts en Nevis voor 50e Caricom Staatshoofdenmeeting

    President aangekomen in St. Kitts en Nevis voor 50e Caricom Staatshoofdenmeeting

    Surinamese President Jennifer Simons has arrived in St. Kitts and Nevis via commercial flight to participate in the landmark 50th Heads of Government Meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The Surinamese delegation, including Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva, was formally welcomed upon arrival by Deputy Prime Minister Shawn Richards of the host nation.

    The ceremonial reception highlighted the critical importance of regional cooperation and strengthening bilateral/multilateral relationships across the Caribbean basin. This anniversary summit represents a particularly significant moment for Suriname’s regional leadership trajectory. Foreign Minister Bouva is scheduled to assume chairmanship of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) in May, while Suriname is poised to take over the CARICOM chairmanship in 2027.

    High-level discussions during the summit will address pressing regional concerns including trade enhancement, connectivity improvements, collaborative agricultural production, climate change impacts, and geopolitical challenges facing small island and coastal states. The agenda also facilitates numerous bilateral meetings between participating leaders on the summit’s margins.

    As one of the Caribbean’s most consequential diplomatic forums, the CARICOM gathering serves to harmonize collective positions and establish strategic direction for the community’s continued development. Suriname’s active participation in this golden jubilee event signals its preparation for an expanded leadership role within the regional architecture.

  • St Kitts’ PM impressed with Guyana’s innovative approach to crime-fighting, security – INews Guyana

    St Kitts’ PM impressed with Guyana’s innovative approach to crime-fighting, security – INews Guyana

    During an official visit to Guyana on Saturday, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Dr. Terrance Drew, who currently chairs the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), expressed profound admiration for Guyana’s advanced approach to national security and crime prevention. The tour of Guyana’s National Command Centre in Georgetown—the operational hub for intelligence and coordinated security operations—provided firsthand insight into the country’s integrated system combining technology, intelligence gathering, and multi-agency coordination.

    Dr. Drew emphasized that criminal activity transcends national borders, presenting a complex and evolving challenge that demands modern, strategic, and collaborative responses across the region. He stated that Guyana’s model offers valuable lessons not only for St. Kitts and Nevis but for all CARICOM member states seeking to enhance public safety and regional stability.

    In addition to the facility tour, Prime Minister Drew held high-level talks with Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali at the State House. Their discussions centered on strengthening bilateral relations and advancing broader CARICOM integration initiatives. Both leaders affirmed their commitment to transforming dialogue into concrete actions aimed at ensuring citizen safety and fostering regional resilience.

    The visit concluded with a meeting between Dr. Drew and CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett at the newly established CARICOM Residence in Georgetown, where they reviewed preparations for the upcoming 50th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, scheduled from February 24–27 in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis.

    This engagement forms part of a broader regional tour by the CARICOM Chair, which has included stops in The Bahamas, Jamaica, and Suriname, underscoring a concerted effort to reinforce security cooperation and unity throughout the Caribbean.

  • UK police arrest ex-envoy Peter Mandelson in Epstein case

    UK police arrest ex-envoy Peter Mandelson in Epstein case

    LONDON — Britain’s political establishment faces mounting turmoil as Metropolitan Police arrested former Washington ambassador Peter Mandelson on Monday in connection with the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The 72-year-old political veteran was taken into custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office following the release of new documents by U.S. authorities last month.

    The arrest marks the second high-profile detention in days, coming shortly after King Charles III’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was questioned under similar circumstances. Both investigations stem from freshly uncovered evidence linking British officials to the disgraced financier Epstein, who died in prison while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges.

    According to Scotland Yard, Mandelson was apprehended at his Camden residence and transported to a London police station for formal interrogation. The investigation focuses on allegations that the former EU trade commissioner shared sensitive government documents with Epstein during his tenure as a minister, including critical period surrounding the 2008 financial crisis.

    The scandal has triggered a government crisis for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who dismissed Mandelson from his diplomatic post in September when initial Epstein documents revealed the extent of their relationship. Two of Starmer’s senior aides have subsequently resigned in protest over the handling of the appointment.

    Mandelson’s legal representatives at Mishcon de Reya issued a statement expressing their client’s profound regret, noting he ‘did not discover the truth about Epstein until after his death in 2019.’ The firm emphasized Mandelson’s remorse that ‘powerless and vulnerable women and girls were not given the protection they deserved.’

    The government has committed to releasing tens of thousands of emails and documents related to Mandelson’s vetting process by early March, a move expected to increase pressure on senior ministers. Meanwhile, Mandelson’s professional life has collapsed dramatically—his advisory firm Global Counsel entered administration last week after major clients including Barclays and the Premier League severed ties.

    Specialist crime unit officers have conducted searches at two Mandelson properties in Wiltshire and London as the investigation continues to expand across Britain’s political and aristocratic circles.

  • Immigration union wants sears fired over ignored grievances

    Immigration union wants sears fired over ignored grievances

    The Bahamas Customs and Immigration Allied Workers Union (BCIAWU) has escalated its confrontation with the government by publicly demanding the immediate dismissal of Immigration Minister Alfred Sears. Union leadership accuses the minister of systematically ignoring longstanding complaints regarding compensation, promotions, and insurance benefits affecting border security personnel.

    During a highly charged press conference on Friday, BCIAWU representatives detailed what they characterized as a critical deterioration of morale within both Immigration and Customs departments. Union head Mr. Brooks revealed that experienced officers are abandoning their posts for private sector opportunities or opting for early retirement due to mounting frustrations with the administration.

    The union presented a comprehensive list of unresolved issues, including stalled promotions, uncompensated overtime, outstanding per diem and uniform allowances, delayed appointment letters, and inadequate health insurance coverage. While acknowledging the government’s promotion of 340 immigration officers in July 2025 as the department’s largest promotional exercise, Brooks noted that many qualified officers were inexplicably overlooked or superseded without justification.

    A significant point of contention involves compensation equity, where officers promoted to identical ranks now receive equivalent salaries despite substantial discrepancies in years of service and experience. The Customs Department faces additional criticism for poor communication practices, with the union learning of January promotions only through staff congratulations rather than official consultation.

    Insurance coverage has emerged as a particularly volatile issue. Since April 2023, new hires have faced unilateral changes requiring employees to cover dependent costs, while some pre-2023 hires have been unable to add spouses or children to their policies. The union reports numerous instances of claims being dishonored despite premium payments.

    The core conflict centers on the minister’s alleged unavailability. Brooks stated that despite repeated attempts through calls, letters, and emails over several months, Minister Sears has never met with BCIAWU representatives, contradicting his public claims of maintaining an open-door policy.

    In a dramatic demonstration during the press conference, Brooks slammed dominoes on the desk as symbolic ‘hard cards’ being pushed on the minister, reinforcing his demand for dismissal. The Trade Union Congress president indicated that affiliate unions are considering necessary actions to secure their entitlements, though industrial action remains a last resort for BCIAWU.

    Labour and Public Service Minister Pia Glover Rolle acknowledged technical difficulties may have prevented receipt of some emails but confirmed receiving a written letter on Thursday. She stated she was unaware of outstanding BCIAWU matters and referred promotion issues to the relevant permanent secretary.

    Minister Sears did not respond to media inquiries by press time. The Fort Charlotte MP had previously announced in June that he would not seek reelection in the upcoming general election.