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  • Prime Minister launches the new Haitian Tax Code

    Prime Minister launches the new Haitian Tax Code

    In a formal ceremony held on September 30, 2026, Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé officially launched the country’s first fully modernized national Tax Code, marking the opening of the 2026–2027 fiscal year and cementing a landmark step in the government’s efforts to overhaul public financial management.

    The long-awaited tax reform stands as a defining milestone in the ongoing modernization of Haiti’s state institutions, addressing decades of fragmented regulatory frameworks that previously left tax rules scattered across hundreds of inconsistent laws, decrees, and standalone administrative orders. In his keynote address to assembled government officials, international partners, and tax administration leaders, the Prime Minister underscored that the updated code was crafted to harmonize and streamline these disconnected provisions into a single, clear regulatory document.

    Fils-Aimé emphasized that a streamlined, coherent tax system is critical to unlocking Haiti’s economic potential. A more transparent and equitable framework, he argued, will not only strengthen domestic resource mobilization to fund public services and infrastructure projects but also rebuild trust between the state and taxpayers. By creating a predictable regulatory environment, the reform is designed to attract new domestic and foreign investment, and overall improve Haiti’s challenging business climate.

    To ensure the reform delivers on its promised benefits, the Prime Minister issued a direct directive to Haiti’s General Directorate of Taxes (DGI), mandating rigorous, consistent rollout of the new code across all regions of the country. Key priorities for the agency include comprehensive training for all tax staff, widespread modernization of outdated information technology systems, and targeted improvements to customer-facing services for individual and business taxpayers.

    Economy and Finance Minister Serge Gabriel Collin echoed the Prime Minister’s remarks, highlighting that the tax overhaul will directly strengthen the Haitian government’s core institutional capacity to deliver for citizens. International partners also signaled their ongoing support for the reform: European Union Ambassador Hélène Ross reaffirmed that technical and financial partners remain fully committed to backing Haitian authorities as they implement public finance modernization efforts.

    DGI Director General Chesnel François reinforced his institution’s commitment to successful implementation, noting that the agency bears full responsibility for rolling out the new code effectively, and that all staff must achieve full mastery of the code’s new provisions to serve taxpayers correctly.

    At the close of the launch ceremony, Prime Minister Fils-Aimé formally announced the new Haitian Tax Code has entered into force. He closed by reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to building a more modern, accessible, and fair tax administration that centers and advances the broad public interest of all Haitians.

  • Pastor Ivor Davis Says Prayer Must Be Backed by Action to Tackle Crime in Antigua and Barbuda

    Pastor Ivor Davis Says Prayer Must Be Backed by Action to Tackle Crime in Antigua and Barbuda

    At the weekly Cabinet meeting held this Wednesday, Pastor Ivor Davis opened proceedings with a spiritual meditation that blended religious guidance with a urgent call to address pressing national challenges facing the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda.

    Drawing his core message from the New Testament book of Hebrews Chapter 4, Davis framed the work of governing around the importance of intentional listening amid a chaotic, noisy modern world. He reminded assembled Cabinet members that countless competing ideological, cultural and political voices constantly vie for the attention of leaders, making it critical to remain rooted in divine truth. The power of scripture, he explained, cuts through superficial divides to reveal hidden truth, correct missteps, and orient leaders toward just decision-making. Echoing the biblical text, he noted that believers have access to a higher source of understanding that grasps the full weight of human vulnerability and daily struggles, granting leaders permission to approach that source boldly to receive mercy, wisdom and timely support during crises.

    Turning from general spiritual guidance to the specific challenges confronting Antigua and Barbuda, Davis zeroed in on one of the nation’s most troubling crises: the growing involvement of young people in gun violence and other severe criminal activity. He acknowledged the deep concern that Prime Minister Gaston Browne has already voiced over the trend of teenagers and young adults being drawn into illegal activity, and reflected on the complex, unanswered questions about the systemic and social factors pushing youth toward harm.

    A key takeaway from Davis’ address was his rejection of the false divide between prayer and practical action. While he emphasized the critical role of faith and intercession in guiding national leadership, he stressed that prayer alone is not enough to resolve the nation’s challenges. “There are moments when God calls His people not only to pray but also to act decisively in confronting the problems before them,” he told the Cabinet. He further noted that bold governance will never satisfy every segment of the population, but expressed confidence that with wise counsel and divine guidance, leaders can craft policies that prioritize the long-term well-being of all Antigua and Barbuda residents.

    In his closing prayer, Davis asked for divine wisdom to guide every deliberation and decision the body would make in the coming term. Citing the biblical promise that God freely grants wisdom to all who ask, he prayed that the Prime Minister and every Cabinet member would align their decisions with what he described as God’s purpose for the nation. He offered a special, extended prayer for the nation as it grapples with ongoing crime and violence, calling not only for divine intervention but also a collective shift in how society engages vulnerable youth. Davis urged parents, adult community members, churches and local leaders to carve out intentional time to listen to the unmet needs of young people and struggling families, noting that many cries for help go unheard simply because society is too busy to pause and pay attention.

    As the country approaches the final quarter of 2026, Davis extended prayers for grace, collective healing and divine presence across every home, church and community in Antigua and Barbuda. He prayed for recovery for people living with illness, safety for travelers, and renewed strength for public servants across all sectors who dedicate their work to the nation. He closed with a special blessing for Prime Minister Gaston Browne, asking for a double portion of guidance, courage and strength to support the Prime Minister as he carries out his duties leading the nation.

  • Cabinet Welcomes All-Girls STEM Team Ahead of FIRST Global Competition in South Korea

    Cabinet Welcomes All-Girls STEM Team Ahead of FIRST Global Competition in South Korea

    In a landmark moment for youth STEM engagement and gender diversity in technical fields, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda officially hosted an all-girl team of young scientists and innovators this Wednesday, ahead of their upcoming participation in the FIRST Global STEM competition set to take place in South Korea.

    Drawn from multiple secondary schools across the twin-island nation, the 14 to 16-year-old team members earned their spot on the national delegation through a government-funded annual STEM outreach initiative designed to cultivate creative problem-solving and early interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics among secondary students. This year’s delegation carries particular significance: it is the country’s first all-female national team for the competition, marking a notable shift in participation trends in fields that have long been male-dominated globally.

    During their visit to the Cabinet, the young innovators did not only introduce themselves to government officials and outline their distinct roles on the team — covering everything from mechanical engineering and software coding to robot operation — they also gave a full live demonstration of their custom-built competition robot, which the team has affectionately named “Hot Spill”.

    Per the rules of the FIRST Global competition, all participating teams must build their robots from standard kit parts, and must complete a series of structured challenge tasks. For the core collection task, the Antigua and Barbuda team engineered a unique expandable collection mechanism that allows Hot Spill to gather more game pieces than a standard design, paired with an integrated lifting system that can deposit multiple pieces into the required target container at once, rather than one at a time. The robot is also being refined to complete the competition’s climbing challenge, with bonus points awarded for helping other competing robots complete the climb. Team members told Cabinet that ongoing testing and iterative modifications are still underway to optimize the robot’s performance ahead of the competition.

    The national team was selected through the country’s annual government-supported STEM Camp, a free outreach program that opens access to STEM training for young people across Antigua and Barbuda. This year, 300 students took part in the camp, working in collaborative teams and competing in a series of skill assessments before the top performers were chosen to form the national delegation. The Antigua and Barbuda Board of Education has allocated roughly EC$30,000 to cover the team’s travel and competition costs, backing their participation on the global stage.

    Cabinet members highlighted that this youth STEM initiative aligns with the government’s broader education strategy: to nurture a new generation of creative thinkers, problem-solvers and innovators equipped to tackle 21st-century challenges with science and technology. Government officials also emphasized that expanding access to STEM, innovation and financial literacy training creates critical pathways for young people to access higher education, launch their own entrepreneurial ventures, and secure high-skill future employment.

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne joined all members of the Cabinet in congratulating the team on their achievement so far, praising the young women for their creativity, technical skill and confidence, and extending warm wishes for success as they prepare to represent Antigua and Barbuda at the international competition.

  • Hopeful Hearts Foundation and Antigua and Barbuda Scout Association Join Forces to Support Sickle Cell Unit

    Hopeful Hearts Foundation and Antigua and Barbuda Scout Association Join Forces to Support Sickle Cell Unit

    A new collaborative community service initiative in Antigua and Barbuda is paving the way for greater support for vulnerable residents living with sickle cell disease, as two local organizations have joined forces to deliver critical essential supplies to the country’s Sickle Cell Unit.

    The partnership between the Hopeful Hearts Foundation and the Antigua and Barbuda Scout Association brought young volunteers and organizational leadership together for a common goal: boosting the unit’s capacity to deliver high-quality care and improving the daily well-being of patients who depend on its services. Beyond the tangible donation of core care items, the event also centered on elevating youth engagement in addressing gaps in local community support.

    Kristina Louisa, who serves as both Founder and CEO of the Hopeful Hearts Foundation and Country Leader for Good Deeds Day Antigua and Barbuda, emphasized that cross-organizational teamwork and youth participation are foundational to meeting the unique needs of vulnerable community groups. This event is far more than a one-off donation: it embodies both organizations’ shared long-term mission to nurture a widespread culture of empathy, active volunteerism, and social accountability among the nation’s younger generations.

    To mark the milestone of this collaboration, a special commemorative badge was presented to the Sickle Cell Unit during the event. This symbolic piece serves as a lasting reminder of what collective action can achieve, highlighting how individual commitment and coordinated organizational work can drive tangible, meaningful change for local communities.

    As Antigua and Barbuda gears up for the official launch of Good Deeds Day scheduled for October 9, 2026, this successful partnership stands as a powerful model for other groups across the country. It showcases how uniting around shared values of service can create impact that extends far beyond a single initiative.

    Moving forward, the Hopeful Hearts Foundation remains committed to its core mission: empowering young people to take action, lifting up vulnerable populations across the nation, and nurturing a lasting spirit of community service throughout Antigua and Barbuda through ongoing cross-sector partnerships and community-led projects.

  • New wellness space to showcase local practitioners and products at 2026 Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl

    New wellness space to showcase local practitioners and products at 2026 Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl

    Preparations for the fifth annual Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl cultural celebration in Dominica are entering their final phase, with event organizers announcing two major upgrades to this year’s gathering at an official launch ceremony this week. Kareem Guiste, Events Manager for Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl, revealed that a purpose-built dedicated wellness space will be the headline new addition to the 2026 event, alongside a significantly expanded Kids Zone designed to make the celebration more family-friendly.

    Guiste emphasized that the new wellness zone is far more than a last-minute add-on, but a deliberate reflection of Dominica’s long-standing cultural identity and national brand as the “Nature Island.” “Wellness is deeply woven into the Dominican way of life, and it has become a core pillar of our national tourism outreach,” Guiste explained during the launch. “For generations, our communities have leaned on our island’s rich natural environment — from local produce and native herbs to centuries of traditional healing knowledge — to support physical and mental well-being. This new space will let us share that integral part of our culture with attendees in a whole new way.”

    Set within the larger Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl site at the Botanic Gardens, the wellness space is designed to give attendees a chance to step back from the excitement of the event’s traditional music, food, and cultural activities to recharge. Visitors can expect a full range of locally focused wellness offerings: a curated market of handcrafted natural products, including local herbal teas and organic goods, one-on-one consultations with local wellness practitioners, interactive sessions about healthy, nature-centered lifestyles, and quiet spaces to relax and connect with Dominica’s natural surroundings. “It’s all about giving people the chance to slow down, explore a different side of what our island has to offer, and invest in their own well-being while enjoying everything Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl has to celebrate,” Guiste added.

    Alongside the new wellness initiative, Guiste outlined plans for the expanded Kids Zone, a change crafted to make the annual cultural celebration more welcoming to multi-generational family groups. Organizers are doubling down on creating a safe, engaging space where young attendees can not only play, but actively connect with Creole culture and build their own lasting memories of the annual Creole season.

    “This isn’t just a space to keep children occupied while parents explore the rest of the event,” Guiste noted. “It’s an intentional part of the Ti Vilaj experience, designed to get kids involved and pass our traditions down to the next generation. For our culture to keep thriving, young people have to be part of the celebration from an early age.” The expanded zone will feature more interactive activities, creative games, hands-on learning experiences that highlight Dominican cultural traditions, all in a secured, kid-focused environment. Parents can enjoy the event with peace of mind knowing their children are engaged in age-appropriate, meaningful fun, Guiste said.

    The fifth edition of Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl will run from October 19 to 22, 2026, at Dominica’s iconic Botanic Gardens, bringing together locals and international visitors to celebrate Creole culture, natural heritage, and community life on the Caribbean island.

  • Barbados seeks greater say in global AI debate

    Barbados seeks greater say in global AI debate

    As Barbados prepares to host a high-profile United Nations AI policy meeting next month, a sharp divide has emerged over how much sway small island developing states can actually wield in shaping the future of global artificial intelligence governance. The Caribbean nation is set to welcome the second in-person gathering of the UN’s Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence in November, framing the event as a critical chance to insert small developing nations’ perspectives into one of the world’s most consequential technological conversations. But Steven Williams, a leading regional technology consultant, has cast doubt on the region’s ability to move beyond its long-standing role as a passive consumer of AI innovation developed outside its borders.

    In an interview with local outlet Barbados TODAY, Williams pointed out that Caribbean nations have historically operated as adopters and users of new digital technologies, rather than core contributors to their research, development, or underlying infrastructure. This dynamic, he argued, has become even more entrenched as modern AI growth grows increasingly reliant on three critical resources that the region lacks: advanced digital infrastructure, high-performance computing capacity, and access to the critical minerals that power semiconductor and AI hardware manufacturing. Unlike larger developing regions such as Africa, which holds abundant reserves of key minerals, Williams noted that the Caribbean does not even control the raw inputs needed for AI supply chains. “We don’t develop the infrastructure, meaning that the chips, and we don’t even have, like Africa, the minerals that drive the technology,” he said.

    This structural disadvantage, Williams warned, risks locking Caribbean nations into a cycle where they consume AI built elsewhere, cede control over their own data and intellectual property, and capture only a tiny fraction of the economic benefits generated by the technology. He raised pressing questions about small island states’ ability to participate meaningfully in an increasingly cloud-centric AI ecosystem, asking: “If everything is moving to an AI format that is delivered in the cloud, what actual intellectual property and contributing factors do small island states play to make sure that the economies can participate meaningfully?” Williams called for regional stakeholders to approach global AI debates with realistic expectations, noting that the Caribbean currently lacks a seat at the table for both AI hardware manufacturing and cutting-edge frontier model development. He referenced a stark visual from a July AI conference hosted by the Caribbean Telecommunications Union in Trinidad, where a global map of AI usage left the Caribbean nearly invisible. “If you took that to a stage where if people that are alive are using AI on a map, it looks as if your region is not alive,” he recalled. Despite these sobering observations, Williams stopped short of urging the region to disengage entirely from global talks, arguing that Caribbean nations still have a role to share their unique concerns and push for outcomes that reflect their interests, even if they cannot dictate the final terms of global AI policy.

    Barbados’ Technology Minister Jonathan Reid, however, pushed back against the idea that the nation must settle for a passive role. Rejecting the label of bystander, Reid emphasized that Barbados aims to be an active participant and thought leader in global AI conversations. “We don’t want to be a bystander in the conversation of the world’s most prescient topics. We want to be an active participant and a thought shaper,” he said. For Reid, AI represents a transformative, once-in-a-generation opportunity for small economies like Barbados to leapfrog traditional development barriers and boost national productivity. He pointed to the already visible impact of accessible AI tools, which have empowered local young people, small business owners, and professional workers to complete complex tasks that would have required massive financial and human resources just a decade ago. “In our context, we see AI as this once-in-a-generation opportunity for a small country to significantly advance on its productivity and advance on its capability in a way that ten years ago we couldn’t have imagined,” he said.

    As the country prepares for the UN panel meeting, Reid said a core plank of Barbados’ messaging will be centering the human impact of AI development. He stressed that the benefits of AI must reach ordinary people, and that global AI frameworks must include clear guardrails to mitigate potential harms. “One of the things that we have to always be mindful of is the human impact. We have to be concerned about how is it benefiting the average person’s life,” he said. “This tool has to be regulated and designed in a way that good is always done in people’s lives and then guardrails and measurements against negative fallout and impact.” The upcoming meeting in Barbados will now serve as a key testing ground for whether small island developing states can translate their participation in global AI governance into meaningful, inclusive policy outcomes that address their unique structural challenges.

  • Alexander highlights teachers’ role in national development during Teachers’ Week 2026

    Alexander highlights teachers’ role in national development during Teachers’ Week 2026

    As the Commonwealth of Dominica marks its 2026 Teachers’ Week, a celebration running from September 23 through October 3, the president of the island nation’s leading educators’ advocacy body has centered the conversation on the irreplaceable role teachers play in building long-term national growth.

    Mervin Alexander, who leads the Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT), delivered these remarks in an official address released to commemorate Teachers’ Day, which fell on October 2 this year. Per Alexander, the annual 11-day observance serves as a critical moment to pause and acknowledge the far-reaching contributions educators make at every level of Dominican society—from individual students and their households to local communities and the country as a whole.

    This year’s national Teachers’ Week carries the deliberate theme: “Teachers: The Foundation of National Development – Value Us.” Alexander expanded on the theme’s core message, explaining that teachers’ work for national progress extends far beyond the delivery of standard academic lesson plans. Beyond teaching core curricula, educators help young people cultivate a suite of foundational soft skills that drive individual and collective success: self-discipline, personal responsibility, perseverance, collaborative problem-solving, critical thinking, creative innovation, and respect for self and others.

    A key point Alexander emphasized is that teachers lay the groundwork for the next generation of Dominican leaders and professionals who will go on to serve the nation in every sector. This impact, he noted, cannot be quantified by standard test scores or examination results alone. “Much of the most important work happens quietly—in the encouragement offered, the confidence restored, and the lives redirected,” he shared in his statement.

    Beyond recognition, Alexander used the occasion to call for systemic action to support the teaching profession across Dominica. He argued that truly valuing teachers requires more than symbolic celebration: it demands respect for educators’ professional expertise and autonomy, access to adequate instructional and operational resources, safe and supportive working environments, and a meaningful seat at the table for education decision-making processes that directly impact their work. Alexander also added that sustained investment in continuous professional development for teachers and prioritization of educators’ personal and professional well-being must be core policy and institutional priorities moving forward.

    Alexander did not shy away from acknowledging the steep challenges facing Dominican educators today. He recognized that many currently operate with excessive workloads, limited access to critical resources, and a range of competing demands that make their daily work far more difficult than the public often recognizes. Even with these barriers, he reminded attendees and educators across the country that their influence ripples across generations. “The child in your classroom today may become tomorrow’s doctor, business leader, farmer, public servant, teacher or parent,” he said.

    In closing, Alexander encouraged fellow educators to lean on one another for collective support and to uphold the inherent dignity of the teaching profession. He reaffirmed the Dominica Association of Teachers’ ongoing commitment to elevating educator voices and highlighting their work, and reminded teachers across the island that their labor, their perspectives, their well-being, and their contributions to national life all matter deeply.

    “As we celebrate our profession today, may you be renewed in strength and reminded that your labour is not in vain,” Alexander said. He ended the address by restating the association’s central message for 2026 Teachers’ Week: “Teachers are ‘The Foundation of National Development’ Please Value Us!”

  • Esther James and the Sweet Taste of Home

    Esther James and the Sweet Taste of Home

    As the 2025 Barbados Food and Rum Festival prepares to kick off, acclaimed local pastry chef Esther James is poised to bring a deeply personal, nostalgia-steeped creation to the event’s Liquid Gold Feast – one rooted in the simple, unforgetable flavours of her Bajan childhood.

    Long before she was crafting award-winning celebration cakes and hyper-realistic edible art for A-list clients, James’ love of confection began with a humble, no-recipe childhood treat: fresh fruit sprinkled with salt. That small, everyday joy is the foundation of the surprise dessert she will unveil at this year’s festival, and while she is keeping the final recipe under wraps, she is eager to share the story behind it.

    “My greatest hope is that when people take that first bite, they instantly recognize the flavour and get that warm, nostalgic rush – that moment of ‘Oh my gosh, I remember this,’” James explained. For James, this ambition aligns perfectly with the quiet magic of her work: her intricate, visually stunning creations often stop guests in their tracks before they even take a bite, inviting wonder at how she transforms sugar and dough into works of edible art, before revealing the layered flavours beneath.

    James’ journey into pastry began alongside her mother in their family kitchen, where weekend Christmas prep and Sunday lunches opened the door to a world of culinary curiosity. As a child, she developed a deep love for rich, creamy sweets – from sago with milk powder to Ovaltine and Milo sweetened with condensed milk, tastes that still inform her obsession with indulgent chocolate desserts today. Cooking through international cookbooks with her mother sparked a lifelong curiosity for global flavours, while also teaching her to respect the fundamentals of recipe craft. “I always make a point to master a recipe exactly as it was originally written before I add my own twist,” she notes, a discipline that has shaped her career from its earliest days.

    After completing studies at the Barbados Hospitality Institute and earning a hotel management degree from the University of the West Indies, James honed her skills working in the island’s luxury villa sector before launching her own brand, With Love By Esther James (later With Love Cakery), in December 2011. What started as a small side project making cakes for family and friends quickly grew: one of her first custom creations was a life-size Coach handbag cake for her mother’s birthday, followed by novelty designs shaped like a local minibus and a Berger Paint can, as she explored the boundaries of what cake could be.

    Nearly 15 years later, her client list includes global names like Rihanna, Simon Cowell, and Justin Timberlake, and she has trained alongside world-renowned pastry chefs Michel Ernots and Amaury Guichon. Her wedding cake designs have been featured in top bridal publications including *MunaLuchi* and *Brides* – a far cry from her early days, and a career path she never could have imagined as a young aspiring hospitality professional. “Honestly, I don’t think my younger self ever dared to dream I’d be where I am today,” she said.

    The secret behind James’ seemingly effortless art is a willingness to embrace failure that has come with experience. Early in her career, she demanded perfection on the first try; now, she says repeated missteps only fuel her determination to refine her craft. “The more I fail at a recipe, the more determined I am to figure out what went wrong and how to improve it,” she explained. Patience, she says, is a skill she had to learn – as was the confidence to experiment without knowing where an idea would lead. For James, it is the artistic challenge that keeps her passionate about her work. “In a nutshell, the art is what keeps me here,” she said.

    For this year’s festival, which coincides with Barbados’ 60th Independence celebrations, James is digging deeper into her personal memories to create a dessert that honors the island’s culinary heritage. Balancing flavour and texture is at the core of her process: she tests every component, adding a pinch of salt to sharpen sweetness, a touch of acidity to lift rich flavours, or a hint of bitterness, spice or fresh herbs to create unexpected depth. She often pairs smooth, creamy bases with crisp, crunchy textural contrasts to keep every bite interesting. “When I take that final bite and my first reaction is just ‘mmm’… that’s when I know I’ve got it right,” she says.

    This is not James’ first time at the Barbados Food and Rum Festival: two years ago, her piña colada bread pudding was such a hit that attendees flooded her with messages asking for it to return. That response, she says, is why she does what she does. “I’ve always loved seeing people enjoy my food, and moments like that remind me why I’m in this industry,” she explained. The dessert had moved from her kitchen to become part of someone else’s happy memory – exactly the effect she is hoping to replicate this year.

    While she is keeping the exact details of her 2025 creation a surprise to build anticipation, guests can find it at Liquid Gold Feast – These Fields and Hills, taking place Sunday, November 8 at Carifesta House. James’ dessert will be a centerpiece of the evening, which celebrates Barbados’ identity through food, flavour and local creativity.

    Tickets for the Liquid Gold Feast are priced at BDS$350, with a combined combo ticket for the festival’s Rise & Rum and Liquid Gold Feast events available for BDS$500. The full 2025 Barbados Food and Rum Festival lineup includes two free public events: Oistins Under the Stars on Thursday, November 5, and International Chef Demos on Friday, November 6. Additional ticketed events include the Rum Route on November 6 (BDS$200) and Rise & Rum on November 7 (BDS$250). Tickets are available for purchase in person at multiple locations across the island including CS Pharmacy in Bridgetown, Nu Look Company on Roebuck Street, Mpowered at Sky Mall, Très Classe Boutique at Sheraton Mall, A&B Music Supplies in Wildey, Visual Oasis in Six Roads, the Speightstown Lotto Booth opposite the bus terminal, and the National Cultural Foundation in West Terrace. Tickets can also be purchased online via TicketNation.bb, and updated information is available on the festival’s official Instagram account @foodandrumbarbados.

  • Schulden staatsbedrijven kunnen financieel risico voor Staat worden

    Schulden staatsbedrijven kunnen financieel risico voor Staat worden

    The government of Suriname is rolling out enhanced oversight of long-term debt held by state-owned enterprises, parastatal entities and public agencies, a proactive policy reform designed to stop unanticipated financial distress at these organizations from creating unplanned burdens on the national public budget. A recent comprehensive screening of 120 state-linked entities identified 20 that currently hold outstanding long-term debt obligations, a figure down from an initial count of 22 after two entities completed early repayment of their liabilities, the government confirmed in official planning documents released earlier this month.

    Under the new framework, the country’s Debt Management Office has been assigned a formal mandate to centralize collection of debt data and issue regular public reports on outstanding liabilities across all state-linked entities. The core goal of this institutional change is to detect hidden budget risks at an earlier stage and implement targeted control measures before small-scale problems escalate into larger fiscal crises.

    The entities with outstanding long-term debt include both financial and non-financial public institutions. Prominent financial institutions on the list are the Central Bank of Suriname, the Suriname Post Office Savings Bank, the Volkskredietbank Foundation, and the National Development Bank of Suriname. Among non-financial state-owned enterprises and agencies with outstanding long-term debt are major public service providers including Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname, the national electricity utility EBS, the water utility SWM, the land management agency SLM, national telecommunications provider Telesur, the Airport Management Authority, mining firm Grassalco, the Paramaribo Academic Hospital, the National Health Insurance Fund, and two additional public agencies MAS and BGVS.

    A key unresolved issue highlighted in the government’s 2027 Annual Financial Plan is the lack of updated debt data from several high-profile state entities, including CEVIHAS, FAI, the Port Authority of Suriname, and Canawaima Management Company. Authorities noted that closing these data gaps will be a priority in the first phase of the expanded monitoring program.

    The 2027 National Debt Plan explicitly lays out the rationale behind the government’s push for greater transparency and oversight. The expansion of monitoring will be rolled out in a phased sequence to build a complete, accurate picture of all potential financial obligations and contingent risks that the public sector could face. The policy focuses specifically on obligations that could transfer to the national government if state-owned enterprises are unable to meet their own payment commitments.

    To implement the new framework effectively, the government plans to secure targeted technical support to develop formal standardized guidelines for ongoing debt monitoring. The end goal is to detect financial risks and unplanned funding needs at an early stage, allowing policymakers to implement corrective interventions before these liabilities create downward pressure on the country’s overall public finances.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Launches Facial Recognition System for Citizens Arriving at Airports

    Antigua and Barbuda Launches Facial Recognition System for Citizens Arriving at Airports

    Antigua and Barbuda is advancing its immigration infrastructure with the launch of an innovative biometric processing system, Welcome Home Antigua, which is set to transform the airport arrival experience for the nation’s returning citizens by cutting wait times and simplifying entry procedures.

    The new system received a soft launch this Thursday and will be rolled out across the country’s two major international air hubs: Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport and Burton-Nibbs International Airport on the island of Barbuda. A core change brought by this initiative is the elimination of a longstanding paperwork requirement: citizens will no longer need to fill out physical or digital Embarkation/Disembarkation forms when re-entering the country.

    To use the new service, eligible travelers are required to download the Welcome Home Antigua mobile application, compatible with both Apple iOS and Google Android devices, and complete a one-time enrollment process. Once registered, the system leverages cutting-edge facial recognition biometric technology to scan and verify a passenger’s identity on arrival, slashing the time spent clearing immigration checks.

    Katrina Yearwood, Chief Immigration Officer of Antigua and Barbuda, noted that this digital upgrade positions the country as one of the Caribbean region’s leaders in adopting advanced biometric solutions for border management. To mark the launch, two senior cabinet members — E.P. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration, and Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation — became among the first users of the system after returning to the country from official overseas trips.

    Minister Greene framed the introduction of Welcome Home Antigua as a key milestone in the nation’s ongoing push to modernize its public services and border infrastructure. For his part, Minister Fernandez emphasized that while digital innovation will streamline processes, technology is intended to support — not replace — the high-quality, personalized service that immigration and airport staff provide to visitors and returning residents alike.

    Following the soft launch period, the Welcome Home Antigua biometric system is scheduled to enter into full operational effect across both airports starting October 15.