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  • Grateful Grenada launches month-long campaign to support Cuba

    Grateful Grenada launches month-long campaign to support Cuba

    A new nationwide solidarity campaign has kicked off in Grenada, inviting people from every corner of the island nation to give back to Cuba in a show of gratitude for decades of support, as the Caribbean country navigates persistent economic headwinds. Tied to the 47th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, the month-long initiative, formally named “Grateful Grenada Gives Back to Cuba,” is set to run from April 14 to May 14, 2026, and is spearheaded by a local civic coalition called Coordinators of Citizens for Cuba, led by Dr. Malachy Dottin, King’s Counsel Ruggles Ferguson, and Dr. Sonia Nixon.

    At the official launch event held at Pier 57 on April 14, lead organizer Ferguson emphasized that the campaign is far more than a simple charity drive: it is a long-overdue moral obligation rooted in 47 years of unwavering partnership between the two states. “For nearly half a century, Cuba has extended selfless support to Grenada, leaving no Grenadian untouched by that solidarity, directly or indirectly,” Ferguson noted, pointing to landmark contributions that have shaped modern Grenada. These include the construction of the country’s key infrastructure hub, Maurice Bishop International Airport, and hundreds of educational scholarships that have opened doors for generations of Grenadian students.

    Organizers designed the campaign to be accessible to all members of society, with a diverse calendar of fundraising activities spanning every parish, including the smaller island territories of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Churches have already stepped into a central coordinating role, launching targeted donation collections the weekend of April 18–19, with ongoing collection drives planned at congregations across the country every weekend for the duration of the campaign. Beyond faith groups, the trade union movement has also committed to participation, planning special donation drives during May Day celebrations in Carriacou on May 1, while unions and other civil society organizations have been encouraged to host community fundraisers ranging from breakfasts to charity luncheons.

    Two major flagship events are already on the official calendar: a fundraising dinner at the Grenada Trade Centre scheduled for May 6, followed by a solidarity concert at the same venue three days later on May 9. Additional community-led activities are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks as more local groups sign on to participate.

    Ferguson said the goal of the citizen-led initiative is not only to collect much-needed financial and material aid for Cuba, but also to build a regional movement of solidarity. “We want every Grenadian to have the chance to contribute, and to inspire civil society organizations across the OECS and the wider Caribbean to launch similar efforts,” he explained. Calling on all Grenadians to turn out for the campaign, Ferguson stressed that collective action matters far more than large individual donations. Even though Grenada is not a wealthy nation with vast resources, the people of the country owe Cuba a debt of gratitude that can be repaid through collective solidarity. The campaign’s theme encapsulates this sentiment, framing the effort as a collective expression of gratitude for Cuba’s decades of support.

    Launched as a grassroots, citizen-led undertaking, the initiative aims to mobilize contributions from every sector of Grenadian society, bridging public, private, and civic groups to stand in solidarity with Cuba amid its ongoing economic challenges.

  • Hubbard’s launches year 7 of its “Live Free for 1 Year” Promotion

    Hubbard’s launches year 7 of its “Live Free for 1 Year” Promotion

    On Friday, April 10, 2026, iconic regional retailer Hubbard’s officially kicked off its much-awaited annual consumer campaign, the “Live Free for 1 Year” promotion, during a public launch event held at the Esplanade Mall courtyard in St. George’s, Grenada.

    The energetic launch gathering attracted a bustling crowd of curious onlookers, everyday shoppers, brand collaborators, and loyal customers, all gathering to witness the debut of one of the Caribbean island’s most anticipated annual retail promotions. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the contest structure, prize offerings, and entry procedures during the public event, building widespread excitement ahead of the eight-month campaign.

    Unlike standard retail giveaways, the “Live Free for 1 Year” promotion offers participants a life-changing chance to secure 12 months of financial flexibility by covering a full suite of everyday essential goods and services. This year’s prize package covers every corner of modern daily life, from weekly groceries and vehicle fuel to home electricity bills, insurance coverage, automotive accessories, and leisure and entertainment experiences. Monthly draws will award smaller prize bundles throughout the campaign, while the year-end grand prize combines all offerings into one comprehensive, high-value package for a single lucky winner.

    The ambitious campaign is backed by a robust coalition of leading corporate partners spanning key Grenadian industry sectors. Major supporting partners include telecommunications provider Flow, energy supplier Sol Petroleum, Grenadian General Insurance Company Ltd., Grenada Bottling Company Ltd., Carib Brewery (Grenada) Ltd., Grenada Co-operative Bank Ltd., dairy brand Dutch Lady, and a range of other local and regional businesses including Dany, Promos, Supreme, Kreative Chef, utility provider Grenlec, Farroad Tyres, Ansa Coatings Grenada, Isuzu, Majic, Sunshine Promotions, Hubbard’s own Motor Department and Food Fair division, Torque Tyres, and resort brand Sandals Grenada.

    To enter the promotion, eligible participants first need to download the PromoConnect mobile application on either iOS or Android devices and complete registration with their personal contact information. Next, entrants must make a minimum purchase of $50 at any Hubbard’s department store or participating partner outlet, then submit their entry using a unique purchase code, QR code scan, or linked phone number. Monthly draws will be held throughout the entire campaign window, giving participants multiple opportunities to win leading up to the grand finale draw in December.

    The promotion is open to all consumers across Grenada and Carriacou, with the campaign running from its April 10 launch through December 24, 2026. Retail organizers encourage all eligible shoppers to enter for a chance to claim the ultimate prize: a full year of financial freedom with all core lifestyle expenses covered. For real-time updates on monthly draw results, additional trivia giveaways, and partner announcements, consumers can follow the campaign’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at the handle @Hubbard’s Live Free.

  • ABS accused of bias as UPP candidates cancel appearances on ‘Know Your Candidates’

    ABS accused of bias as UPP candidates cancel appearances on ‘Know Your Candidates’

    In a sharp rebuke of a public broadcaster’s election outreach initiative, Antigua and Barbuda’s main opposition bloc, the United Progressive Party (UPP), has moved to withdraw all its remaining candidates from ABS TV’s widely publicized “Know Your Candidates” program. The decision, finalized over the weekend, comes on the heels of widespread complaints from party participants and audience members, who have flagged perceived partisan bias and aggressive, confrontational conduct from the program’s host, as well as consistently negative framing in post-interview news coverage of UPP candidates’ appearances.

    Party leadership formally notified ABS TV of its withdrawal on Sunday evening, just hours before two of its remaining scheduled participants — Johnathan Joseph and Malaka Parker — were set to appear for their segments on Monday morning. Just one week prior, the UPP had agreed to the program’s terms and committed to fielding its slate of candidates for the voter education initiative. Last Friday, two UPP hopefuls, Ashworth Azille and Kelvin Simon, already completed their scheduled on-air interviews as part of the program.

    ABS TV has pushed back forcefully against the opposition’s allegations, flatly rejecting any claims of biased or tendentious reporting tied to the election program. According to the broadcaster, “Know Your Candidates” was designed as a nonpartisan voter education tool: incumbent office-holders seeking re-election are given space to defend their legislative records, while first-time challengers can outline their policy platforms to create a public benchmark for voters to reference throughout the campaign season.

  • Cuban Ambassador highlights enduring solidarity

    Cuban Ambassador highlights enduring solidarity

    On April 14, Cuba and Grenada gathered to celebrate 47 years of formal diplomatic relations, a milestone that coincided with the centenary of iconic Cuban leader Fidel Castro and brought a fresh opportunity for both nations to reaffirm their deep, people-centered bond.

    Diplomatic ties between the two Caribbean nations were first established just one month after the 1979 Grenadian Revolution, rooted in shared anti-imperial values and revolutionary vision championed by Castro and Grenada’s founding revolutionary leader Maurice Bishop. Speaking at the commemorative reception, Cuba’s newly appointed ambassador to Grenada, Yadirys Echenique Paz, traced the unbroken arc of friendship that has defined the partnership from its earliest days.

    “Forty-seven years ago, we opened a path of friendship that has never faltered,” Echenique Paz told the assembled crowd of government officials, diplomats, and civil society representatives. Over nearly five decades, she noted, bilateral cooperation has expanded across nearly every core sector of Grenada’s national development, from education and public health to agriculture, fisheries, construction, and sports.

    One of the most iconic symbols of this joint effort remains the Maurice Bishop International Airport, a transformative infrastructure project that Echenique Paz emphasized was built with Cuban technical and labor support. Recalling Fidel Castro’s 1998 reflection on the project, she noted it was undertaken from a shared conviction that improved air connectivity would become a foundational driver of long-term growth for Grenada as a small island developing state.

    The ambassador also took a moment to honor the 24 Cuban internationalists who lost their lives during the 1983 United States military intervention in Grenada, framing their sacrifice as a permanent pillar of the bilateral relationship. “This bloodshed on Grenadian soil stands as a lasting testimony to Cuba’s unwavering commitment to solidarity and defense of our shared principles,” she said.

    Echenique Paz highlighted Cuba’s long-standing contributions to Grenada’s social sectors: for decades, Cuba has dispatched medical professionals, provided emergency health support, and trained local health workers, while advancing literacy initiatives and awarding hundreds of scholarships that have allowed generations of Grenadian students to access higher education. She emphasized that solidarity has always been mutual, noting that Grenada has consistently stood with Cuba in its calls to end the decades-long economic blockade imposed by the U.S. and offered critical support following major natural disasters that have impacted Cuba.

    This year’s anniversary carries extra meaning as it aligns with the 100th birth anniversary of Fidel Castro, a leader Echenique Paz said embodied the principle that genuine leadership is built on shared solidarity between peoples. Since arriving in Grenada to take up her post, she added, the new ambassador has been heartened by the warm welcome extended by Grenada’s government, parliament, political leaders, civil society groups including the Grenada-Cuba Solidarity Association and the Association of Cuban Graduate Alumni, as well as Cuban residents living in the country.

    Despite mounting global economic and geopolitical challenges facing small island nations, Echenique Paz reaffirmed Cuba’s firm commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation. “This constant support from our Grenadian partners sustains our determination to expand ties,” she said. “Together, our nations can overcome any challenge, no matter how large it may seem.” She also closed her remarks by thanking Grenadian organizers for a recently launched cross-society solidarity campaign supporting Cuba.

    Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell echoed the ambassador’s sentiments, reaffirming that the bilateral bond between Grenada and Cuba is far deeper than standard governmental diplomacy—it is a relationship forged in shared struggle and sacrifice. “This is an exceptional people-to-people friendship, forged with the blood of Cuban citizens and the sweat and tears of both our peoples,” Mitchell told attendees. He emphasized that the partnership carries heightened significance for small island developing states navigating an increasingly uncertain and challenging global order, where mutual solidarity is critical for survival and shared prosperity.

    Mitchell formally welcomed Echenique Paz to her new post, expressing full confidence in her ability to advance bilateral cooperation and offering an assurance of full support from both the Grenadian government and public. Looking ahead, the prime minister stressed that sustaining the friendship requires moral clarity and collective resilience, calling on both nations to continue standing firmly for their shared principles.

    “We stand unapologetically for the Grenada-Cuba friendship,” Mitchell said. “No matter what challenges we face, this bond will endure.” He closed by expressing cautious optimism for expanded collaboration across all priority sectors, and a renewed focus on centering the collective development of Caribbean and Latin American peoples in all bilateral efforts.

    The 47th anniversary celebration, which brought together stakeholders from across public and civil society, served as a tangible reminder of the resilience of a partnership that has endured nearly five decades of shifting global politics, rooted in a shared commitment to mutual respect and solidarity.

  • Four Hope Estate residents arrested for rifle, ammo

    Four Hope Estate residents arrested for rifle, ammo

    On Monday, April 20, 2026, Guyana’s police service announced that four residents of Hope Estate, a small agriculture-focused community on the East Coast of Demerara, were taken into custody late Sunday night on allegations of unlawful possession of ammunition and an unregistered air rifle. The arrests and seizure of prohibited items unfolded during a targeted law enforcement operation conducted between 10:30 PM and 11:00 PM, according to official police statements.

    Among the four individuals detained are a 55-year-old local farmer, a 51-year-old woman, the farmer’s 26-year-old son, and a 23-year-old woman. During the search of the property, law enforcement officers discovered six live 12-gauge cartridges, 40 live 9mm rounds of ammunition, and the suspected unregistered air rifle stashed inside a black bag located in a bedroom that the 26-year-old suspect occupies. As search operations continued at the site, both the 26-year-old man and the 23-year-old woman arrived at the property, and were subsequently taken into police custody alongside the other two residents.

    Official police reports confirm that all four suspects were formally notified of the alleged weapons offenses before being arrested. The group was then transported to the Cove and John Police Station, where the seized ammunition and air rifle have been held as evidence pending the launch of a full official investigation. As of Monday morning, no additional details about possible prior criminal records or the suspects’ alleged links to other illegal activities have been released to the public.

  • Six detained, 22 stolen guns recovered in San Fernando Police Station attack

    Six detained, 22 stolen guns recovered in San Fernando Police Station attack

    A major joint law enforcement operation in Trinidad and Tobago has resulted in six people being taken into custody, with two serving municipal police officers among the detainees, in connection with two linked criminal cases: the fatal killing of local resident Anuska Eversley and a daring theft of firearms from a police compound in the city of San Fernando.

    Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) officials confirmed the breakdown of the suspects: two female civilians, two male civilians, and the two uniformed officers who are currently suspended pending investigation. The arrests were carried out in a series of coordinated overnight raids, developed through actionable intelligence and carried out by multiple specialized TTPS units. Participating teams included the San Fernando Criminal Investigations Department, the Special Branch national security unit, and the TTPS Special Investigations Unit, which handles high-profile and complex cases.

    In a major breakthrough for the investigation, law enforcement has recovered the vast majority of the stolen weapon cache. Recovered items include 10 M&P pistols, 10 Glock 19 pistols, one Browning pistol, one Smith & Wesson pistol, and 612 rounds of 9mm ammunition, all described by police as a substantial portion of the total stolen arsenal.

    TTPS Commissioner Allister Guevarro personally joined operational teams on the ground in the early hours of the operation, as the investigation reached a critical turning point. In an official statement released to the public, the TTPS noted that the probe remains active and is currently at a sensitive investigative stage. The service has given a public assurance that every available resource is being deployed to hold all responsible parties accountable for the linked crimes, and to see the investigation through to a successful conclusion.

  • Venezuelan man caught with illegal gun, ammo- police

    Venezuelan man caught with illegal gun, ammo- police

    Guyana law enforcement authorities have announced the arrest of a 19-year-old Venezuelan man on Sunday, following an encounter that uncovered an unlicensed 9mm pistol and eight rounds of ammunition along the Lusignan railway embankment. The Guyana Police Force shared details of the arrest in an official statement released to the public on Monday, April 20, 2026.

    According to the police account, officers on patrol noticed the suspect, a resident of Sophia in Greater Georgetown, at approximately 6:30 PM local time. The man drew attention after officers observed a suspicious bulky item concealed at his waistband. As uniformed ranks moved in to approach the suspect, witnesses and officers confirmed he quickly pulled a black, handgun-shaped object from his waistband and discarded it onto the ground beside his position.

    Law enforcement personnel immediately recovered the discarded item, which was confirmed to be the loaded 9mm weapon and matching ammunition. When investigators questioned the suspect about whether he held a valid government-issued firearms license, the young man reportedly admitted he did not have any license authorizing him to carry or possess the weapon.

    Following the seizure of the contraband, the suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Vigilance Police Station for processing. Both the suspected firearm and the recovered ammunition have been formally lodged as evidence in the case, as investigators continue their procedural work ahead of upcoming court proceedings.

  • Rotary Club of Grenada expands annual free community health fair

    Rotary Club of Grenada expands annual free community health fair

    The Rotary Club of Grenada has announced the highly anticipated return of its signature Free Community Health Fair, scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Gouyave Health Centre. This expanding community initiative builds on the overwhelming success of 2025’s event, upholding the organization’s long-standing mission to expand access to no-cost, high-quality preventive healthcare services for all Grenadians.

    Rooted in Rotary’s core commitment to advancing public well-being, the 2026 health fair will offer attendees a comprehensive menu of free medical and diagnostic services that cover a wide range of critical health needs. The full lineup of services includes general medical consultations, blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, cholesterol screening, ECG heart testing, sexually transmitted disease and sickle cell screening, cancer screening and pap smears, as well as full dental examinations.

    Unlike many routine healthcare access points that create barriers for underserved community members, this event removes cost barriers entirely, and is open to people of every age and background. Event organizers are encouraging attendees to bring family members and friends along to take advantage of the free services, with an overarching goal of reaching more households than last year’s popular gathering.

    A spokesperson for the Rotary Club of Grenada shared that the organization was inspired to expand the initiative following last year’s strong turnout and transformative positive impact on local residents. “Following the strong turnout and positive impact of last year’s health fair, we are excited to continue growing this initiative and expanding our reach within the community. Our goal is to make healthcare more accessible and to empower individuals to take charge of their health,” the representative said.

    The fair’s core public health message is simple: proactive early detection saves lives, and prioritizing preventive care is the foundation of long-term health. For additional updates and details about the 2026 event, community members can follow the Rotary Club of Grenada’s official social media channels. This announcement is contributed by the Rotary Club of Grenada; NOW Grenada does not take responsibility for contributor-provided content, statements, or opinions, and community members can follow official reporting channels to flag any abusive content.

  • Parmessar: ingrijpen GBB eerste stap, maar volledige transparantie blijft nodig

    Parmessar: ingrijpen GBB eerste stap, maar volledige transparantie blijft nodig

    In a recent interview with local outlet Starnieuws, National Democratic Party (NDP) parliamentary faction leader Rabin Parmessar has characterized the intervention by Suriname’s Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) into controversial land allocations near the western border town of Apoera as a welcome but incomplete first step toward correcting systemic irregularities in state land distribution. Parmessar, who first raised the alarm about unscrupulous mass land allocation in Suriname’s National Assembly, argues that full transparency has yet to be achieved over the process.

    The NDP leader’s investigation has uncovered that hundreds of hectares of state-controlled land have been allocated to private individuals over the past five years, a process he says was carried out through blatantly unlawful administrative procedures. Following his initial exposure of the issue, he called on GBB Minister Stanley Soeropawiro to reverse all improper allocations within a tight timeframe, and to return all wrongfully transferred land to full state ownership.

    Parmessar stresses that the demand for reversal stretches far beyond the contested plots between Nickerie and Apoera, the region currently at the center of public attention. His review of land records also identifies improperly allocated island parcels in the Corantijn River region and the area surrounding the Suriname Reservoir, all of which he says must revert to state control. Additionally, he has drawn attention to agricultural land and experimental test plots managed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (LVV), which he claims were privately allocated between 2020 and 2025. These lands were originally reserved for public use and agricultural development, so Parmessar argues they too must be brought back under state management to serve the broader public good.

    While Parmessar confirms he is satisfied that Minister Soeropawiro has taken preliminary action in response to his earlier calls for intervention, he emphasizes that the process of correcting the illegal allocations is far from over. He is calling on the GBB to publish a full, public inventory of every plot of land that has been privately allocated across all affected regions, alongside a detailed breakdown of all corrective measures that have already been implemented.

    “This is only the first step,” Parmessar told reporters. “We need to know exactly which lands have been returned to the state, and what remains to be done to correct all the outstanding irregularities.” The GBB had previously announced it would cancel multiple pending statements of willingness for land parcels along the Apoera access road, and launch a new legal review of a large plot located in South Drain, moves that represented the first official government response to the scandal Parmessar brought to light.

  • White Sands Cabo Mexico Festival returns to St. Kitts with music and luxury experiences – WIC News

    White Sands Cabo Mexico Festival returns to St. Kitts with music and luxury experiences – WIC News

    Caribbean event-goers are gearing up for a spectacular sun-soaked celebration this June, as the popular White Sands Cabo Mexico Festival confirms its highly anticipated return to the shores of St. Kitts. Scheduled for Sunday, June 21 at the scenic Carambola Beach Club in Frigate Bay, the one-day gathering will blend chart-topping live music, gourmet coastal dining, high-energy entertainment, and curated luxury experiences designed to delight casual attendees and high-end guests alike.

    Organizers have planned a full day of nonstop activities, anchored by a roster of top regional performers set to take the beach stage. The confirmed lineup includes acclaimed acts Ayetian, Skinny Fabulous, Trilla-G, Mr Mention, Noah Powa, DJ Tero, Asap Brandon + Charnelle, SG Prezidential, DJ Cut-I, and DJ Danglez, with experienced media personality Sister Sensia taking on hosting duties for the event. Complementing the musical performances, the festival will also launch a multi-date White Swimsuit Competition, with preliminary and final rounds scheduled across June 21 and June 28. In keeping with the festival’s clean, cohesive coastal aesthetic, all attendees are required to adhere to an all-white dress code for the main event.

    To cater to a range of preferences and budgets, the festival has rolled out two distinct premium ticketing tiers, both of which include core general admission amenities: on-site parking (subject to availability), access to shared public facilities, dedicated staffed restrooms, and entry to the main performance space. The mid-tier VIP package, priced at EC$500, upgrades the guest experience with fast-track entry to avoid long entrance lines, access to premium bars serving top-shelf spirits, a spacious elevated party deck with unobstructed views of the main stage, a complimentary custom White Sands souvenir cup, access to an on-site sushi bar and dedicated sweet treats station, a diverse spread of themed food options, and a comfortable lounge-style area to relax between sets.

    For guests seeking the ultimate luxurious beach festival experience, the top-tier VVIP package is available between EC$650 and EC$675, offering an exclusive, private setting with elevated perks. VVIP attendees will enjoy fast-track dedicated entrance, a welcoming cold scented towel service upon arrival, a private decoratively designed exclusive lounge with prime front-facing stage views, reserved tables staffed by a dedicated wait team, complimentary champagne service with premium bottles available for additional purchase, access to an exclusive premium seafood bar featuring fresh raw oysters, a dedicated tequila cocktail bar serving specialty party shots, and a more secluded, upscale environment away from the crowds of the general admission area.

    As one of the most anticipated summer entertainment events on the St. Kitts calendar, the festival is expected to draw both local attendees and regional travelers to Frigate Bay, boosting local hospitality and tourism in the lead-up to the Caribbean summer travel season.