In a landmark achievement for Antigua and Barbuda, Rex Daly, Operations Manager at the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA), has become the first Antiguan to complete the Airport Management Professional Accreditation Programme (AMPAP), earning the esteemed International Airport Professional (IAP) designation. Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, the Hon. H. Charles Fernandez, personally congratulated Mr. Daly during a special meeting on October 13, 2025. Notably, Mr. Daly accomplished this feat in just nine months, a remarkable deviation from the typical three-year duration of the programme. Minister Fernandez highlighted that Mr. Daly’s success exemplifies dedication, discipline, and a passion for aviation, underscoring the importance of human resource development in national progress. Mr. Daly expressed his gratitude to the ABAA for their support and to the Global ACI-ICAO AMPAP for providing a transformative learning experience. He also revealed his plans to pursue the Airport Safety Professional (ASP) certification by 2026, aiming to become the first Antiguan to achieve this globally recognized distinction. Permanent Secretary Sean Cenac joined in celebrating Mr. Daly’s achievement, calling it a proud moment for the nation’s aviation sector.
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VS: Surinaams investeringsklimaat verbetert; hervormingen en olieproject stuwen vertrouwen
Suriname has witnessed a significant enhancement in its investment climate over the past year, driven by economic reforms, rising investor confidence, and growing foreign interest, particularly in the energy sector. This is highlighted in the 2025 Investment Climate Statements: Suriname, published by the U.S. Department of State. The report underscores a breakthrough in offshore oil development, with TotalEnergies and APA Corporation spearheading a USD 10.5 billion project set to commence production by 2028. Other major oil companies, including Chevron, Petronas, Shell, and PetroChina, are also active in Suriname’s concessions. In the gold mining sector, Newmont and Zijin dominate as the largest legal operators, with taxes from the regulated gold industry contributing approximately 80% of state revenues. The successful completion of the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program in March 2025 has stabilized the macroeconomy, with economic growth hovering around 3% and inflation dropping below 10% from a peak of 60% in 2021. The government has also restructured external debt through agreements with the Paris Club and China. Key reforms include the independence of the central bank, modernization of the currency framework, and the introduction of VAT in 2023. Additionally, a new procurement law, accounting act, and sovereign wealth fund act were enacted to enhance transparency. However, challenges persist, including opaque approval processes for foreign direct investment, corruption risks, stringent labor protections, and a high corporate tax rate of 36%. The report emphasizes that sustained institutional reforms, macroeconomic stability, and infrastructure investments are crucial to maintaining investor interest.
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Mathias: Jolly Beach Investment to Strengthen Social Security’s Cash Flow
The Antigua and Barbuda government has announced a strategic investment in the Jolly Beach Resort, aimed at bolstering the nation’s Social Security pension fund. David Mathias, Executive Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board, revealed that the initiative is designed to generate reliable returns without tapping into contributors’ funds. Speaking on the program ‘Government in Motion,’ Mathias emphasized that the arrangement focuses on enhancing cash flow through ownership and dividends rather than direct spending. He clarified that the government will finance and redevelop the property, subsequently transferring equity to the Social Security Board, thereby making it a major stakeholder in the venture. The fund is expected to earn income from hotel operations and potential future dividends. This partnership marks a shift toward sustainable, income-producing assets to address growing pension liabilities, driven by longer retiree lifespans and increasing average payments. Mathias highlighted that the investment is part of a broader strategy to stabilize the scheme’s reserves and ensure timely benefit payments for retirees.
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Catastrophic flooding claims 64 lives in Mexico
The catastrophic aftermath of last week’s torrential rains in central and southeastern Mexico has deepened, with the death toll climbing to 64 and 65 individuals still unaccounted for, as reported by Civil Defense Coordinator Laura Velázquez Alzúa. The relentless downpour triggered severe flooding and landslides, wreaking havoc across five states and leaving communities in ruins. President Claudia Sheinbaum has pledged to deploy “sufficient resources” without delay, emphasizing the nation’s ongoing state of emergency. The scale of destruction is staggering, with preliminary estimates indicating that over 100,000 homes have been affected. In riverside areas, entire dwellings have “practically vanished,” according to the President. In Poza Rica, an oil town located 170 miles northeast of Mexico City, residents were overwhelmed by the sudden surge of floodwaters. The Cazones River overflowed, unleashing over 12 feet (4 meters) of water into low-lying neighborhoods before dawn on October 10. Witnesses described hearing a terrifying “wall of water” before seeing it, accompanied by the deafening sounds of vehicles colliding as they were swept away. While some residents sensed the impending danger hours earlier and managed to flee with minimal belongings, the absence of an official warning system exacerbated the tragedy.
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Attorney Bradley Flags System Failures in Budna Investigation
Attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley has voiced significant concerns regarding the ongoing investigation into the abduction of Joseph Budna, emphasizing systemic failures and the need for transparency. Speaking on the program *Open Your Eyes*, Bradley highlighted the complexities of the case, particularly the involvement of police officers as suspects. He argued that an independent investigation cannot be conducted by the police themselves, given their potential complicity in the crime.
Budna was kidnapped in August, allegedly beaten, and subsequently handed over to Guatemalan authorities, with accusations of police involvement. The investigation has stalled for weeks, with recent recommendations calling for an independent probe. Bradley suggested that such an investigation should include retired judges or international agencies to ensure impartiality and prevent any attempts at influence or cover-ups.
Bradley also pointed to broader systemic issues, including the lack of whistleblower protections and insufficient guidance from the Bar Association. He stressed that individuals with evidence would be reluctant to come forward without legal safeguards. “We don’t have a whistleblower law, even in the face of something like this,” he remarked. He further criticized the legal community, stating, “The lawyers are no help. The Bar Association is stitched up.”
Regarding potential criminal accountability, Bradley noted that kidnapping under the country’s criminal code carries a minimum sentence of 10 years and could result in life imprisonment. However, details of the independent investigation remain unclear, leaving many questions unanswered.
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SMA Alumni Reunion 2025 – Evening of Reflections and Recollections
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, social media engagement tools such as ‘Share,’ ‘Tweet,’ ‘Pin,’ and similar features have become increasingly popular among users. These tools, designed to facilitate seamless content sharing across various platforms, are now integral to the way individuals interact online. The rise of these features can be attributed to their ability to enhance user experience by simplifying the process of disseminating information, fostering connections, and amplifying reach. As social media continues to dominate the digital sphere, these engagement tools are expected to evolve further, offering more sophisticated functionalities to meet the growing demands of users. Their widespread adoption underscores the importance of user-friendly interfaces in driving online engagement and connectivity.
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Dominica Bar Association statement leverages constructive criticism of night court implementation
The Dominica Bar Association has raised significant concerns regarding the recent initiative by the Ministry of Legal Affairs to extend court hours at the Magistrates’ Court. The new schedule, which introduces evening sittings from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM starting September 8, 2025, aims to improve access to justice and reduce case backlogs. While the Association acknowledges these objectives as commendable, it has highlighted several potential challenges that could undermine the initiative’s effectiveness.
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‘Roro Pou Coco’ Wins Chanté Kwéyòl Song Competition 2025
The annual Chanté Kwéyòl Song Competition, held on October 11, 2025, at Serenity Park in Castries, Saint Lucia, was a vibrant celebration of Kwéyòl music and culture. Organized by Kay Kwéyòl under the leadership of executive director Caron Tobierre, the event was originally conceptualized by the late Gene Chacom Leon. Sixteen talented artists took the stage, but it was DaGreat, performing as Papi Joe, who emerged victorious with his infectious track ‘Roro Pou Coco.’ The song, written by Livingston Norville and produced by Kerwin Bowers of Viral Riddims, captivated the audience and judges with its humor, rhythm, and creative storytelling that vividly depicted everyday life in Saint Lucia through the Kwéyòl language. Papi Joe expressed his gratitude, dedicating the win to those who keep Kwéyòl culture alive and praising the unity and talent showcased by all participants. The competition featured a diverse array of musical styles, including Dennery Segment, soca, rock, calypso, and kompa, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Saint Lucia. Papi Joe also highlighted his commitment to promoting Kwéyòl through music, with ‘Roro Pou Coco’ being one of two recent releases, the other being ‘BBL.’ Looking forward, DaGreat plans to release music videos for his Kwéyòl tracks and is considering a full Kwéyòl album, furthering his mission to celebrate and elevate Saint Lucian culture through his art.
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Ministry of Agriculture Condemns Surge in Farm Thefts and Vandalism
The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy in Antigua has raised alarms over a surge in vandalism and theft targeting farms and agricultural facilities. These incidents, which include crop destruction, livestock theft, and damage to critical infrastructure, are jeopardizing national efforts to enhance food security and promote sustainable agriculture. In recent months, farmers have reported extensive losses, including damaged irrigation systems, stolen produce, and missing or killed animals. These acts not only inflict financial hardship on individual farmers but also deter investment and participation in the agricultural sector, particularly among younger generations. The Ministry has been actively working to revitalize the industry through training programs, infrastructure support, and access to modern technology. However, the persistent issue of vandalism threatens to undermine these advancements and erode confidence among local producers. Beyond individual losses, agricultural vandalism disrupts the national production chain, increases operational costs, and ultimately affects food availability and affordability. The Ministry emphasizes that these actions also create social tensions in rural communities, where farming is a primary livelihood. To combat this growing problem, the Ministry is urging citizens to view agricultural vandalism as a direct threat to the nation’s food security. Farmers are encouraged to take preventive measures, such as improving lighting and fencing, forming neighborhood watch groups, and documenting incidents for law enforcement. Additionally, the Ministry is exploring partnerships with law enforcement and community organizations to enhance rural patrols, raise farmer awareness, and provide security assistance to vulnerable farms. Public education campaigns are also in the works to highlight the importance of agriculture and foster a sense of shared responsibility for protecting the nation’s food supply. The Ministry remains committed to creating a secure and supportive environment for farmers and stakeholders, emphasizing that safeguarding agricultural property is crucial to reducing food imports and achieving greater self-sufficiency. Every act of cooperation and vigilance contributes to building a stronger, more resilient Antigua and Barbuda.
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Chinese Ambassador Bids Farewell with Cultural Celebration
In a heartfelt farewell ceremony, outgoing Chinese Ambassador H.E. Zhang Yanling expressed mixed emotions as she concluded her four-year tenure in Antigua and Barbuda. Describing her departure as “bittersweet,” Ambassador Zhang reflected on the profound diplomatic and cultural bonds forged during her time in the Caribbean nation. The event, attended by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Cabinet members, and fellow diplomats, served as a testament to the enduring partnership between China and Antigua and Barbuda. Ambassador Zhang extended her gratitude to the government and people of Antigua and Barbuda for their unwavering warmth and collaboration, emphasizing the “valuable” friendship that has flourished between the two nations. She reiterated China’s steadfast support for Antigua and Barbuda’s sovereignty and development, while also commending the country’s commitment to the One China Principle. The farewell celebration was enlivened by vibrant cultural performances, including steelpan music by Khan Cordice, a Mandarin song by a teacher from the Sir Novelle Richards Academy, and a traditional dance by the Elite Dance Company. Visibly moved, Ambassador Zhang expressed her deep affection for the nation, stating that Antigua and Barbuda would “always have a special place” in her heart. The event underscored the lasting impact of her diplomatic efforts and the enduring ties between the two countries.