The Mia Mottley administration has taken a bold step towards Barbados’ clean energy future by launching a request for qualifications for the proposed Lamberts and Castle Wind Project. Prime Minister Mottley, speaking at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, emphasized the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy, stating that the country’s resilience and energy independence hinge on swift, decisive action. She warned that Barbados can no longer afford delays in addressing climate change and securing its energy future.
分类： society
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Antiguan Educator Dr. Anthony Donaldson Earns Ph.D., Pledging Deeper Commitment to National Education
Dr. Anthony S. Donaldson, a distinguished educator from Antigua, has recently achieved a monumental academic milestone by earning his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education from The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). This accomplishment not only highlights his dedication to the field of education but also sets the stage for his continued influence on national educational practices. Over a career spanning more than twenty years, Dr. Donaldson has served in various capacities at several prestigious institutions, including Holy Trinity School in Barbuda, Clare Hall Secondary School, Boys Training School, and St. Mary’s Secondary School. His doctoral research delved into the leadership strategies employed by secondary school principals in Antigua to integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into curriculum delivery. Utilizing a convergent mixed-methods approach, his study explored the successes, challenges, and potential of ICT integration in schools, offering valuable insights that could inform future educational policies. Dr. Donaldson’s findings are expected to be a cornerstone for developing strategies that align with the needs of a digital society. Beyond his research, Dr. Donaldson is actively involved in higher education as a faculty member at the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies and as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Five Islands Campus. His teaching philosophy emphasizes student-centered, transformative learning that encourages critical thinking and practical application. Dr. Donaldson is committed to fostering an inclusive educational environment that accommodates diverse learning styles and backgrounds. He extends his heartfelt thanks to his family, friends, and the PM scholarship program for their unwavering support throughout his academic journey.
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PM Says Management Plan for Booby Alley Housing Already in Place
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that the government has established a comprehensive management structure for the Booby Alley housing complex, which is set to open soon. During an appearance on the Browne and Browne show, the Prime Minister addressed concerns about the long-term oversight of the multimillion-dollar development, emphasizing that the management plan was carefully considered and not an afterthought.
Browne highlighted that the scale of the new complex necessitates multiple administrators for day-to-day operations. “Two or three property managers will be required,” he stated, drawing on his personal experience living in apartment developments in the United States. He assured that similar management principles would be applied to ensure the smooth operation of the Booby Alley complex.
The Prime Minister also underscored the strategic importance of the project, located at the gateway to St. John’s and visible to cruise visitors entering through the Newgate Street home-porting area. He described the development as a key component of the government’s broader initiative to modernize the capital’s waterfront.
Co-host Donna Shire echoed the need for structured oversight, emphasizing the importance of clear rules, management processes, and thorough vetting for residents. “You need to have a property manager… You need to have an application and a vetting process,” she remarked.
The Booby Alley project, years in the making, is nearing completion and is expected to open alongside other upgrades in the Point community. While the full management framework has not yet been publicly released, Browne confirmed that the essential elements have already been determined.
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US$12.5M Early Warning System Moves Toward Full Rollout in Antigua and Barbuda
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has initiated a groundbreaking $12.5 million Early Warning for All Project (EW4ALL) in Antigua and Barbuda, aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and resilience. Funded by the Green Climate Fund, the project seeks to establish a robust system to educate, warn, and protect communities from climate and weather-related hazards. Last week, key stakeholders were briefed on their roles and the critical aspects of the initiative, which is set to be fully implemented by February 2026. Elizabeth Charles-Soomer, Cluster Lead for Prevention, Resilience, and Recovery at UNDP, emphasized that the project stems from the understanding that advanced weather observation and hazard information can significantly reduce damage and safeguard lives and livelihoods. The project comprises four key components: Disaster Risk Coordination and Governance; Knowledge, Detection, Observation, Monitoring, Analysis, and Forecasting; Warning Dissemination and Communication; and Preparedness and Response Capabilities. It is being executed in collaboration with several UN agencies, including the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Antigua and Barbuda is one of seven countries benefiting from this global initiative. The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services (ABMS) and the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) are the primary beneficiaries, with participation required across various government sectors, including the Ministries of Finance and Environment, the Development Control Authority (DCA), and the Private and Civil Society Sectors. Critical to the project’s success are the review of the Disaster Management Act, the Met Services Bill, Planning Regulations, Sector Disaster Risk Reduction Plans, and the establishment of a Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Fund. A Project Inception meeting in February 2026 will mark the official start of the project, bringing together donors, UN agencies, and stakeholders.
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Pension security is a three-way commitment
Barbados is confronting a critical juncture in its retirement planning, necessitating candid discussions about the sustainability of its pension system. The National Insurance and Social Security Service (NISSS), which has long served as the cornerstone of the nation’s social safety net, is under increasing strain due to demographic shifts. According to actuary Lisa Wade of Eckler, Barbados’ ageing population is the primary driver of this pressure. With longer life expectancies, declining birth rates, and a shrinking workforce, the number of contributors to the NISSS is dwindling while the number of pensioners is rising. This imbalance threatens the financial stability of the National Insurance Fund, even as the economy shows signs of improvement. Wade emphasized at the recent Eckler annual Pension Investment Conference that economic growth alone cannot counteract the challenges posed by an ageing society. To address this, the government has already implemented reforms, such as raising the pensionable age and increasing the required number of contributions. However, Wade argues that these measures are insufficient on their own. She advocates for mandatory participation in employer pension plans, highlighting the risks of employees opting out for short-term financial gains. Additionally, she calls for policy changes to eliminate double taxation on private pensions, which could incentivize personal savings and reduce reliance on the NISSS. Wade’s recommendations underscore the need for a collaborative approach to retirement security, involving the government, employers, and individuals. Only through shared responsibility can Barbados ensure a sustainable and resilient pension system for future generations.
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More Than 100 Baptized as Antigua Hosts Largest Adventist Evangelistic Campaign in Conference History
Antigua recently witnessed a monumental event in its religious history as the largest Adventist evangelistic campaign in the conference’s history culminated in the baptism of over 100 individuals. The campaign, organized by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, spanned several weeks and drew participants from across the region. The event featured a series of sermons, community outreach programs, and interactive sessions aimed at fostering spiritual growth and community engagement. Leaders of the Adventist Church expressed their joy and gratitude for the overwhelming response, highlighting the campaign’s success in uniting believers and attracting new members. This historic milestone not only underscores the growing influence of the Adventist faith in Antigua but also reflects the community’s openness to spiritual renewal and collective worship.
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Ruben Del Prado ontvangt hoge Franse onderscheiding
Dr. Ruben Del Prado, a distinguished Surinamese medical professional, was awarded the prestigious title of Knight in the Legion of Honour (Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur) by French Ambassador Nicolas de Lacoste on Tuesday. The ceremony took place at the French Residence in Suriname, where Del Prado was recognized for his exceptional contributions to medicine, the fight against AIDS, the HIV pandemic, global public health, and the revitalization of the Alliance Française in Suriname. The honor was bestowed at the request of French President Emmanuel Macron.
Ambassador de Lacoste praised Del Prado’s extensive work in the health sector, both locally and internationally, which has earned him numerous accolades, including awards from Johns Hopkins University (twice), UNAIDS, and WHO/PAHO. Del Prado’s numerous publications further underscore his dedication to advancing public health, HIV prevention, education, and strategic thinking. His efforts align with France’s diplomatic goals of fostering a healthier and more sustainable world. The ambassador also highlighted Del Prado’s activism and commitment to the LGBT community, advocating for their recognition and rights.
In his acceptance speech, Del Prado expressed profound gratitude, reflecting on his career that began during Suriname’s tumultuous civil war and took him across the globe. He emphasized that the award is not a personal achievement but a recognition of Suriname’s collective efforts, from professionals to frontline workers, who demonstrate the power of determination, creativity, and solidarity.
Ambassador de Lacoste also acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, Antoine Joly, who entrusted Del Prado with the mission to revive the Alliance Française in Suriname. Under Del Prado’s leadership, the organization has become a vibrant hub for French language classes, cultural events, and film screenings. Del Prado credited his parents for instilling in him a love for French language, music, and culture, which later blossomed into a deep appreciation for French art and humanism.
The Legion of Honour, established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, is France’s highest national distinction and one of the most renowned awards worldwide. It is conferred on citizens for outstanding achievements, symbolizing the nation’s gratitude and recognition of their contributions.
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Constitutional Court strikes down ban on same-sex relations in Police and Armed Forces
In a landmark ruling, the Constitutional Court (TC) of the Dominican Republic has declared provisions criminalizing same-sex relationships within the National Police and Armed Forces unconstitutional. The decision, outlined in judgment TC/1225/25, nullifies Article 210 of Law 285, which pertains to the National Police Justice Code, and Article 260 of Law 3483, part of the Armed Forces Justice Code. These articles previously classified same-sex relationships as ‘sodomy’ and imposed correctional imprisonment of six months to one year for officers involved. The Court found that these provisions violated the principle of reasonableness and constituted unjustified discrimination against homosexual individuals. This ruling ensures that military and police personnel can now engage in same-sex relationships without fear of disciplinary action, marking a significant step toward LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
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Adompretur represents Dominican Republic at international tourism journalism congress in Brazil
CAXIAS DO SUL, BRAZIL – The Dominican Association of Tourism Press (Adompretur) has elevated the nation’s profile on the global stage through its influential participation in the 15th International Congress of Journalists and Tourism Professionals. Hosted in the Brazilian city of Caxias do Sul, the prestigious gathering was orchestrated by the World Organization of Tourism Journalism (OMPT), centering on the powerful theme, ‘Tourism that moves, history that inspires.’
A high-level delegation from Adompretur, comprising both national and regional leadership, articulated a progressive vision for tourism journalism. They asserted that the field’s fundamental role extends beyond mere promotional activities to encompass the crafting of impactful narratives that celebrate cultural heritage, empower local communities, and champion sustainable practices.
The congress served as a platform for honoring excellence in the sector. The OMPT conferred institutional accolades, most notably inducting two distinguished Latin American journalists into the World Hall of Fame of Tourism Leaders and Tourism Journalists: Kevin Casanova of Colombia and Jesús ‘Chuy’ Coronado of Mexico. In a significant recognition of individual dedication, Adompretur’s Secretary General, Carmen Bretón, was presented with a special award lauding her enduring contributions to the advancement of responsible tourism communication.
A key outcome of the international meeting was the fortification of cross-border collaborative networks and the establishment of new strategic partnerships. Furthermore, the event significantly boosted the status of host city Caxias do Sul, securing its inclusion in the UN Tourism Global Network of Emerging Destinations. For Adompretur, this active engagement not only cements its standing as a regional authority in tourism journalism but also markedly amplifies the Dominican Republic’s presence and influence within crucial international tourism dialogues.
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222nd Vertières : Message from the Consul in Santiago (DR)
In a heartfelt commemoration of the 222nd anniversary of the Battle of Vertières, Stephen Junior Cherenfant, Haiti’s Consul General in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, delivered a poignant message. The battle, a pivotal moment in Haitian history, marked the final decisive fight for independence against colonial forces in 1803. Cherenfant reflected on the enduring legacy of this historic event, emphasizing its significance as a symbol of resilience, unity, and national pride. He praised the courage of Haiti’s ancestors, who, under the leadership of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, achieved the extraordinary by defeating one of the most formidable armies of their time. Despite contemporary challenges, Cherenfant highlighted the importance of drawing inspiration from Vertières to foster solidarity, collective responsibility, and a deep love for Haiti. Addressing the Haitian community in the Dominican Republic, he urged unity and mutual support, emphasizing the values of peace, hard work, and dignity. The Consul General reaffirmed the Consulate’s commitment to defending the rights of Haitians abroad and called for the spirit of Dessalines to reignite courage and patriotism. The message concluded with a powerful tribute: ‘Long live the legacy of Vertières! Long live the unity of the Haitian community! Long live Haiti!’