Dominican author, musician, and cultural advocate Ian Jackson has achieved a remarkable literary milestone with the simultaneous release of three new books, marking the first-ever triple publication by a single author in Dominica. This historic event underscores Jackson’s enduring contributions to the island’s cultural and literary heritage. Jackson’s artistic journey began at the age of nine with the Kiddie’s Corner Show at the Parish Hall, and he has since emerged as a versatile figure in the performing arts, excelling as a musician, songwriter, actor, and writer. He is a founding member and former president of the Dominica Writers Guild, a former leader of the RSB band, and served as president of the Dominica Calypso Association from 2000 to 2004. Despite his diverse artistic endeavors, Jackson has always prioritized writing, a passion that blossomed during his school years. As Deputy Head Boy and editor of the Clarion magazine at Dominica Grammar School, he gained recognition for his poetry, winning numerous national and regional competitions. Inspired by historian Lennox Honychurch, Jackson committed in 1980 to documenting Dominica’s cultural arts. His journalistic career includes a weekly column in the Sun newspaper, work at the Chronicle, and ongoing contributions to Vibes Radio, where he critiques and celebrates local performing arts. Jackson credits cultural icon Alwin Bully for recognizing his talent early and facilitating his participation in a fine arts program at CARIMAC in Jamaica. He also studied under Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott at the University of Miami. Jackson’s accolades include the Golden Drum Award in 2013 and the Meritorious Service Award in 2022. The three newly launched books include a biography of the late Fitzroy Williams, a prominent cultural figure who played steel pan with Jackson’s father, Ulric Jackson, Dominica’s first three-time Calypso King. The second book, *In the Still of Night*, is a collection of 69 articles celebrating and critiquing Dominican arts and culture. The third book blends poetry, short stories, and essays rooted in Dominican myths and beliefs. During the launch, Jackson urged the Ministry of Education and Culture to incorporate Dominican literary works into school curricula and proposed renaming the Arawak House of Culture in honor of the late Alwin Bully. He also paid tribute to his late mother, his daughter Janae, and the late educator Josephine Joseph, whose influence ignited his love for literature. The books are available at Jay’s Bookstore and on Amazon in English and French.
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Antigua and Barbuda Names Senior Men’s Squad for 2025 CONCACAF Series
The Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) has officially revealed its senior men’s national team roster for the highly anticipated 2025 CONCACAF Series. The squad is set to engage in two preparatory friendly matches at the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in St. John’s, Antigua. The first match will pit the team against Aruba on November 12th at 7:00 PM, followed by a clash with Guyana on November 18th at the same time. The announcement underscores the ABFA’s commitment to showcasing local talent on the international stage. The selected players represent a mix of domestic and international clubs, highlighting the depth and diversity of Antigua and Barbuda’s football talent. The goalkeeping trio includes Shahoi Dorsette (C.F. Lorca Deportiva), Zaieem Scott (Future Pro Academy), and Jayden Martin (All Saints United). The defensive lineup features Zafique Joseph, Leroy Graham, Kylano Isaac, Jazhiono O’Garro, Tyrik Hughes, and Amir Delay. Midfielders Sean Tomlinson, TJ Bramble, Shalon Knight, Quinton Griffith, Dannen Francis, and Dion Pereira bring both experience and versatility. The forward line is led by Raheem Deterville, Darryl Massicott, Karique Knight, D’Andre Bishop, and Josue “Neymar” Arias. The management team, under the leadership of Manager Janiel Simon and Head Coach Jacques Passy, is poised to guide the squad through these crucial matches. Assistant Coaches Shyan Jeffers, Lenny Hewlett, and Eduardo Suarez, along with Goalkeeper Coach Juan Lecona Nava, Physio McClean Lawrence, and Equipment Manager Danny Benjamin, complete the robust support staff. These friendlies are expected to serve as a litmus test for the team’s readiness ahead of the CONCACAF Series, offering fans a glimpse of the nation’s footballing potential.
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Rotary District Governor Meets Prime Minister Browne to Discuss Continued Partnership
Soraya Warner-Gustave, the Governor of Rotary District 7030, recently embarked on an official visit to Antigua, where she engaged in a productive dialogue with Prime Minister Gaston Browne. The meeting focused on Rotary’s enduring role in fostering national development and its alignment with the country’s strategic priorities. Prime Minister Browne lauded Rotary for its unwavering commitment to service and expressed enthusiasm for potential collaborations that could further bolster Antigua’s progress. Governor Warner-Gustave, accompanied by a delegation of Rotary leaders, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and provided insights into Antigua’s preparations for hosting the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) in 2025. This event underscores Rotary’s dedication to empowering young leaders and fostering community engagement.
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OPINION: Why is AI so freaking smart?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of the modern era, captivating the world with its seemingly boundless capabilities. But what makes AI so remarkably intelligent? At its core, AI’s prowess stems from its ability to process vast amounts of data at unprecedented speeds, leveraging advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques to identify patterns, make predictions, and solve complex problems. Unlike human intelligence, which is constrained by biological limitations, AI thrives on computational power and scalability. It learns iteratively, improving its performance with each cycle of data analysis. Furthermore, AI systems are designed to mimic cognitive functions such as reasoning, decision-making, and even creativity, albeit in a structured and data-driven manner. The integration of neural networks, deep learning, and natural language processing has further amplified AI’s capabilities, enabling it to excel in diverse fields, from healthcare and finance to art and entertainment. However, the rapid advancement of AI also raises ethical and societal concerns, including issues of bias, privacy, and the potential displacement of human labor. As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial to strike a balance between harnessing its potential and addressing its challenges, ensuring that this powerful technology benefits humanity as a whole.
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Two Antiguan Interactors Represent Antigua and Barbuda at the 25th Model United Nations Assembly
Two exceptional young Interactors from Antigua recently showcased their diplomatic prowess at the prestigious 25th Model United Nations (MUN) Assembly. Representing Antigua and Barbuda, these talented individuals engaged in rigorous debates, simulated UN committee sessions, and addressed global issues with remarkable insight and eloquence. The event, held in a dynamic international setting, provided a platform for youth to hone their negotiation, leadership, and public speaking skills while fostering cross-cultural understanding. Their participation not only highlighted the potential of Antiguan youth but also underscored the nation’s commitment to nurturing future leaders capable of addressing complex global challenges. This milestone event further strengthens Antigua and Barbuda’s presence on the international stage, inspiring the next generation to actively contribute to global dialogue and cooperation.
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Verdediging Danielle Veira wijst op inconsistenties verklaringen Rodney Cairo
During the trial of Danielle Veira, former director of the Directorate of National Security (DNV), her defense attorneys, Derrick Veira and Cedric Meijnaar, repeatedly pointed out inconsistencies in the testimony of the victim, Rodney Cairo, on Tuesday. Cairo claimed that on the evening before his abduction, he had brought three women to his home ‘because of the lockdown and their inability to return home on time.’ He stated that the women served him alcohol, yet in another statement, he mentioned drinking from a single glass with one of the women. Cairo, who asserted he does not drink alcohol, could not adequately explain why he participated in a toast that evening when questioned by the president of the Military Court, Cynthia Valstein-Montnor. He also alleged that after a few sips, he felt drugged, vomited, and remained in his room. Security footage from his home reportedly disappeared shortly after the abduction, though there are allegedly self-recorded videos by the women showing a party with loud music, alcohol, and sexual activity. These videos were not accessible to the media. Notably, despite Valstein-Montnor’s declaration that the case would be handled publicly despite sensitivities, much of Cairo’s interrogation and the viewing of the footage occurred behind closed doors, justified by the need to protect Cairo’s privacy. Journalists were only permitted to view external footage, which showed Cairo picking up the women at the corner of his street and walking them to his home. Around 2 a.m., a van stopped at his house, reversed slightly, and remained parked for half an hour before several men entered the property through an empty lot. It is unclear if the men were armed. The footage also captured the arrival and departure of the police. Cairo provided extensive testimony about his collaboration with Veira, former president Desi Bouterse, and other security officials, suggesting his abduction was linked to his intention to present evidence that day about Veira’s distribution of weapons to civilians. Meijnaar countered by citing a state decree allowing the head of the Security Service to arm civilians in special cases. The Military Court will verify this information. The prosecution’s closing arguments are scheduled for November 18, though further proceedings remain unclear as the press was excluded from the session.
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Abinader guarantees stable supply and prices for the Christmas season
Santo Domingo – In a proactive move to guarantee stable supply chains and pricing during the upcoming Christmas season, President Luis Abinader convened a crucial meeting of the Prices and Supply Committee on Wednesday. The gathering, held at the National Palace, brought together key stakeholders from the industrial, agricultural, and commercial sectors. Industry and Commerce Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó coordinated the session, which focused on evaluating national production capacities, analyzing international market trends, and devising joint strategies to enhance collaboration between the government and private enterprises. President Abinader emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue with producers and traders, assuring the public that there would be no supply shortages in December or January. Business leaders lauded the government’s meticulous planning and coordination, noting that these efforts have reinforced confidence across the supply chain and enabled swift responses to potential logistical disruptions. Additionally, the government unveiled plans to monitor prices and inventories closely while providing coordinated support to farmers impacted by Tropical Storm Melissa. Through the Ministry of Agriculture, FEDA, and Pro Consumidor, initiatives include restoring crop production and stabilizing prices for essential goods such as bananas, rice, cassava, and chicken, ensuring their widespread availability nationwide.
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GPHC successfully completes 28 joint replacement surgeries
The Orthopaedic Department at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has marked a significant achievement by successfully completing 28 joint replacement surgeries during a concentrated three-day initiative. This remarkable feat, which took place from November 7th to 10th, 2025, underscores the department’s growing expertise and efficiency in delivering high-quality orthopaedic care. The surgeries, comprising 18 knee replacements and 10 hip replacements, provided life-changing relief to 22 female and 6 male patients, all of whom have since been discharged. Led by Dr. Kaaleshwar Ramcharran, the dedicated team of orthopaedic surgeons, anesthetists, physiotherapists, nurses, and operating theatre staff surpassed their initial target of 27 procedures, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and commitment. Joint replacement surgeries are among the most transformative medical interventions, offering renewed mobility and quality of life to individuals suffering from severe joint pain or disability. In private institutions, such procedures can cost approximately GY$2.5 million per surgery, highlighting the immense value of GPHC’s initiative to its beneficiaries. The hospital’s management praised the orthopaedic team for their unwavering dedication and compassionate care, emphasizing their role in advancing surgical services, improving patient outcomes, and reducing waiting times for essential procedures. This achievement reflects GPHC’s ongoing investment in enhancing healthcare infrastructure and delivering world-class medical services to the people of Guyana.
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Regen en onweer voorspeld voor woensdag 12 november
The day begins with overcast skies and a potential for thunderstorms. As the sun rises, the likelihood of precipitation remains high, with thunderstorms possible throughout the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to peak at a warm 28°C. By early evening, the rain is forecast to subside, but cloudy conditions will persist into the night. Overnight, temperatures will cool down to a minimum of 24°C, offering some relief from the day’s heat.
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Guatemalan government submitted more than 350 corruption complaints
Since its implementation in May of last year, a comprehensive anti-corruption mechanism has been actively addressing numerous complaints across various sectors. Out of the cases reviewed, 242 (approximately 67.6 percent) are currently under investigation, 63 have been dismissed, 18 have been archived, four have been resolved through discretionary prosecution, one has an active arrest warrant, and another is in the sentencing phase. The complaints span multiple areas, including the administrative sector (131), health (59), infrastructure (45), security (43), labor (16), and education and social development (14). In response to allegations of a cover-up attempt by a Member of Parliament and inquiries from the local press, President Bernardo Arevalo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that no case goes unaddressed or unpunished. He emphasized that tackling corruption is a collective responsibility, requiring consistent and coordinated efforts from all government agencies. ‘We are confronting a deeply entrenched issue that has persisted for over two decades due to power abuses. It is our duty to dismantle this corrupt structure that has severely harmed our institutions,’ stated the president. Arevalo further explained that each complaint undergoes meticulous scrutiny and is translated into actionable measures to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent future irregularities.