Antigua and Barbuda has embarked on a transformative journey in food production, marking a significant milestone in its agricultural sector. The nation has achieved self-sufficiency in egg production and is making strides toward full independence in poultry meat. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams announced these developments during the Throne Speech on Thursday, emphasizing the government’s commitment to bolstering local agriculture through infrastructure upgrades, technology transfers, and guaranteed markets for farmers.
分类： society
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Government to Rebuild Old Parliament Building as Standalone Family Court
In a significant move to enhance its judicial system, Antigua and Barbuda has unveiled plans to repurpose its historic Parliament building into a dedicated Family Court. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams made the announcement during the Throne Speech on Thursday, emphasizing the project’s role in creating a specialized environment for handling sensitive family matters. The initiative, set to commence in 2026, aims to separate family cases from the general Magistrates’ Courts, ensuring a more focused and supportive setting for such proceedings. Sir Rodney highlighted that the restored building will serve as a flagship Family Court, setting a benchmark for the Eastern Caribbean region. This development is part of a broader justice-sector reform agenda, which includes expanding the Industrial Court, boosting legal drafting capabilities, and modernizing the Labour Code. These measures are designed to strengthen the rule of law and improve access to justice nationwide. Detailed plans for the reconstruction project are expected to be released in the coming months, marking a pivotal step in the country’s judicial modernization efforts.
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Mill Academy Celebrates Its 2nd Anniversary with the Theme: “Growing Stronger, Reaching Higher”
Mill Academy marked its second anniversary on November 17th, 2025, with a vibrant celebration that united students, teachers, parents, and community partners. The event, themed ‘Growing Stronger, Reaching Higher,’ highlighted the school’s growth, unity, and dedication to fostering well-rounded learners in a nurturing environment. Chaired by Ms. Paulette Edwards, the ceremony featured a series of inspiring presentations, including an opening prayer by Ms. Neketia Spencer and a poignant poem, ‘Two Years Strong,’ delivered by Mrs. Julia Nathaniel. Students showcased their talents through musical renditions, dance performances, and a dramatic presentation, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience. Parent testimonials from Ms. Sasha Potter and Ms. Silvia Cozzi underscored the trust and transformative impact of the school community. Principal Kisma Panthier-Jn Pierre delivered a heartfelt address, reaffirming the Academy’s mission of love, structure, and holistic child development. Ms. Potter, the PTA President, also highlighted the success of the recent Independence Food Fair, which raised over EC$4,000 for campus improvements. As Mill Academy embarks on its third year, it remains committed to expanding programs, enhancing infrastructure, and strengthening partnerships with families.
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ABWU negotiates salary increase for Goddard Catering staff
Employees at Goddard Catering Group (GCG) are poised to receive a significant salary boost following successful negotiations between the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) and GCG management. The agreement stipulates a six percent wage increase, to be implemented in annual increments of two percent over the next three years. This development marks a milestone in labor relations, particularly as the negotiations addressed two collective agreements simultaneously: one spanning July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2022, and another covering July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2025. Fernando Samuel, Senior Industrial Relations Officer, highlighted the unique nature of the talks, noting that the pandemic had disrupted discussions on the earlier agreement, leading to layoffs and severances. However, employees active between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, will receive an additional increment for that period. GCG General Manager Mario Colindres expressed pride in the outcome, describing the process as amicable and beneficial for both the company and its staff. He emphasized GCG’s commitment to fostering a strong partnership with the Union to enhance employee welfare. Arion Ryan, GCG’s Head of HR, praised the smooth negotiations, while shop steward Neople Browne acknowledged that the agreement addressed many employee concerns. The ABWU commended GCG management for their cooperative approach and looks forward to future discussions.
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NIA Cabinet Engages Teachers in Consultation on Destiny SSZ Proposal
The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) Cabinet held a significant stakeholder engagement session with educators on November 19, 2025, to discuss the proposed Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ) project for Nevis’ south coast. The meeting, held at the Nevis Performing Arts Centre (NEPAC), attracted hundreds of teachers eager to understand the initiative’s potential impact on the island’s future. Premier Mark Brantley, who moderated the session, emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusive public consultations, stating that the project aims to drive economic growth and development while addressing the island’s needs. He highlighted the project’s potential to create local employment opportunities, reducing the need for young Nevisians to seek work abroad. Minister of Education and Youth, Senator Troy Liburd, provided a detailed presentation on the Destiny SSZ, outlining its conceptual design, residential areas, amenities, and a marina district. He also revealed a $1 million annual scholarship fund for Nevisian students and projected the creation of 19,600 jobs. During the Q&A session, teachers raised concerns about environmental impacts, economic benefits, and educational sector advantages, to which Cabinet members responded with assurances of transparency. Premier Brantley expressed gratitude for the educators’ active participation, noting their input would be incorporated into discussions with developers. This meeting followed similar consultations with various community groups as part of the NIA’s island-wide effort to ensure broad public involvement in shaping Nevis’ future.
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Team Rubis donation motivates Marriaqua Gov’t School students
The Marriaqua Government School recently became the beneficiary of a generous donation from RUBIS West Indies Ltd., as the company reaffirmed its dedication to fostering educational excellence. On November 4, the school witnessed a heartwarming ceremony where EC$3,000 worth of essential school supplies were presented to students and staff. Fifteen students received bookbags stocked with necessary items, while the school itself was equipped with critical resources such as printing paper, files, white markers, erasers, folders, exercise books, notebooks, pens, and pencils. This initiative underscores RUBIS’s ongoing commitment to supporting education and ensuring students have the tools they need to thrive. Elroy Edwards, RUBIS Accounts Executive, emphasized the company’s mission, stating, “We are proud to contribute to the learning environment at Marriaqua Government School. Providing students and teachers with the right resources not only supports academic achievement but also inspires and motivates students to reach their full potential. At RUBIS, we are committed to giving back to our communities and fostering a brighter future for the next generation.” Headmistress Susan Joyles expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the school community, highlighting the transformative impact of the donation. “Your generous contributions have made a meaningful difference, helping our students feel better equipped and motivated to learn. Acts of kindness such as yours create a positive learning environment and remind our children that there are people and organizations who care about their education and well-being. We are sincerely grateful for your continued support and partnership,” she remarked. This initiative is part of RUBIS’s broader efforts to invest in local communities, demonstrating its commitment to education and social responsibility while positively impacting the lives of both students and educators.
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EAS: Suriname heeft al fundament gelegd voor betrouwbare stroomvoorziening
The Energy Authority Suriname (EAS) has responded to recent reports of widespread power outages across multiple districts, acknowledging the concerns of citizens and businesses. The regulator emphasized the critical importance of a reliable electricity supply for the nation. Since 2021, the EAS has laid the groundwork for improved regulation and modernization of the sector, with significant preparatory work addressing current challenges. The EAS has three core mandates: advising the government, regulating the electricity sector, and promoting a safe, reliable, and affordable power supply. Additionally, it approves kWh tariffs, ensures compliance with laws, and encourages sustainable energy solutions. Following a recent outage earlier this month, the EAS received information from the EBS and highlighted the need for better preventive maintenance, timely inspections, infrastructure modernization, and more transparent public communication. A key part of the solution lies in the Electricity Sector Plan, submitted to the government in May 2025 for approval. This plan includes a 20-year strategic vision, a five-year investment roadmap, technical recommendations, improved tariff methodologies, and proposals for strengthening legal frameworks. The EAS is also collaborating with sector partners and the Inter-American Development Bank on projects to modernize regulations, enhance oversight, build capacity, and invest in sustainable energy. A transparent framework for renewable energy project tenders has already been developed. The EAS has prepared necessary analyses, frameworks, and recommendations for future working groups, enabling the country to build on existing efforts rather than starting anew. The authority stressed that electricity is a basic necessity and is ready to support the government and sector partners with data, policy proposals, and international best practices. The recent outage underscores the urgency of implementing the Electricity Sector Plan to ensure Suriname achieves a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply.
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INTRANT issues traffic plan for Bad Bunny’s concerts
In preparation for the highly anticipated Bad Bunny concerts near the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center this Friday and Saturday, the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (INTRANT) and the General Directorate of Traffic Safety and Land Transportation (DIGESETT) have unveiled a comprehensive traffic management plan. To mitigate congestion in the event zone, motorists are advised to utilize alternate routes, including Mexico Avenue, Abraham Lincoln Avenue, Independence Avenue, George Washington Avenue, Delgado Street, and Leopoldo Navarro Avenue, starting at 3:00 p.m. These routes are designed to divert traffic away from the immediate vicinity of the Olympic Center. Additionally, parking restrictions will be enforced on major thoroughfares such as Máximo Gómez, 27 de Febrero, John F. Kennedy, and Ortega y Gasset avenues. Sidewalk occupation and lingering in public areas will also be prohibited to maintain order. Vehicle access to the Olympic Center will be strictly limited to sports activities and internal operations, with entry permitted only through gates on Máximo Gómez Avenue and 27 de Febrero Avenue. Buses and tour operator vehicles will be allowed to drop off passengers in surrounding areas, with John F. Kennedy Avenue designated as a primary transfer point. For the concert’s exit, expected in the early morning hours, Ortega y Gasset Avenue will operate exclusively southbound, from Gustavo Mejía Ricart Avenue to John F. Kennedy Avenue, with priority given to pedestrian safety. Authorities have strongly encouraged the use of public transportation, including the Santo Domingo Metro, bus corridors, and authorized taxis, to reduce traffic pressure. Officials emphasized that these measures aim to enhance traffic flow and ensure safer mobility throughout the National District during the event.
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Deputy warns Intrant is profiting from new motorcycle helmet rules
Santo Domingo – Representative Tobías Crespo, the architect behind Law 63-17 on Mobility and Transit, has leveled serious allegations against the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (INTRANT). Crespo accused the agency of deviating from its core mission of regulating and ensuring road safety in the Dominican Republic, instead engaging in profit-driven practices. The lawmaker’s critique centers on INTRANT’s new regulation mandating the use of specific motorcycle helmets, which he claims imposes undue financial burdens on motorcyclists. According to Crespo, the helmets, priced at RD$3,500 each for both drivers and passengers, are excessively costly and appear to benefit select companies rather than prioritizing public safety. He argued that this move contradicts the spirit of Law 63-17, which was designed to enhance road safety, not to create exclusive business opportunities. Crespo urged INTRANT to focus on enforcing existing laws that improve mobility and protect citizens, rather than implementing measures that exploit the population. He also referenced Law 176-07, which mandates municipalities to safeguard public interest and prevent policies that prioritize private profit over transparency and security. While Crespo acknowledged the importance of helmets meeting international safety standards, he emphasized that regulations must not be manipulated to financially benefit a privileged few.
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Spanish language drive launched as students, teachers prepare for Panama immersion
Barbados has taken a significant step toward enhancing Spanish proficiency and fostering cultural ties with Latin America through a groundbreaking initiative. Fifteen secondary school students and several teachers are preparing for a two-week language and cultural exchange in Panama, marking the start of a national campaign to embed Spanish across various sectors. This effort is part of the US$100,000 ‘Enhancing Capacities to Communicate in Spanish’ project, supported by the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) under its SOMOS (Spanish Opens More OpportunitieS) program. The initiative aims to promote bilingualism, cultural understanding, and a comprehensive national strategy for Spanish language learning. At a high-level dialogue held at Wyndham Sam Lord’s Castle, government officials agreed to establish an inter-ministerial working group to coordinate the rollout and develop a national strategy. Resources will be allocated in the 2026 national budget for staff training and public education campaigns. Finance Minister Ryan Straughn emphasized the project’s importance, stating, ‘The Ministry of Finance will fully support these initiatives for the future of Barbados.’ The exchange program will include daily Spanish lessons, cultural excursions, and innovation workshops for students, while teachers will engage in advanced professional development with Panamanian institutions. Dr. Stacy Richards-Kennedy, CAF’s regional manager for the Caribbean, highlighted the program’s focus on people-centred growth, noting that bilingualism opens doors to trade, tourism, and innovation. Pablo Bartol, CAF’s social and human development manager, underscored the project’s role in fostering Caribbean-Latin American integration. Additional measures include a national diagnostic study and a roadmap for policy development. Minister of Educational Transformation Chad Blackman announced plans to introduce Spanish from early childhood, emphasizing the importance of language in shaping children’s worldviews.