BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Annette Mark, CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA), highlighted the nation’s vibrant festivals and innovative tourism initiatives during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference in the Caribbean. Mark emphasized the significance of Vincymas, the country’s premier carnival, which she confidently described as one of the best in the region, rivaling even Trinidad’s renowned celebration. She revealed that Vincymas has seen a remarkable 56% increase in arrivals since 2019, with a 30.6% year-over-year growth in 2025, despite setbacks from Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. Mark also spotlighted Nine Mornings, a unique pre-Christmas festival, and its integration with Nine Nights, a festival of lights held at the historic Botanical Gardens in Kingstown. Additionally, she announced the continuation of the Emancipation Cricket Festival, introduced this year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the West Indies Men’s Cricket team’s first ODI World Cup win. Looking ahead, SVGTA plans to launch a Music Festival in October, featuring Garifuna culture and local cuisine, and expand extreme tourism offerings, including the Joseph Chatoyer Run and a new zipline in Diamond. The destination is also developing an underwater park, which will feature Garifuna statues and a sunken ship, while promoting marine conservation. These initiatives aim to attract both diaspora and international visitors, solidifying St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a premier Caribbean destination.
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Abinader says 80% of his administration’s loans were used to pay off opposition’s debt
Santo Domingo – In a robust defense of his administration’s fiscal policies, President Luis Abinader revealed on Monday that 80% of the debt incurred during his tenure has been allocated to settling or refinancing obligations inherited from previous governments. Speaking at his weekly press briefing, *La Semanal con la Prensa*, Abinader underscored that his government stands out as the only one in recent history to achieve a reduction in the national debt relative to GDP, decreasing it from 49.7% to 46.9%.
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WISH calls on media houses to stop sensationalizing suicide reporting
The Wellness Initiative for Stronger Health (WISH) has voiced deep concern following two apparent suicide attempts in Freetown and Ottos, underscoring the urgent need for improved mental health services in Antigua and Barbuda. The organization highlighted significant gaps in healthcare coverage, particularly in mental wellness initiatives and outpatient services, which are essential for fostering a supportive environment for those in need. While acknowledging Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s renewed commitment to advancing the national mental health framework, WISH emphasized the critical importance of ensuring accessible, lifesaving care for individuals living with mental illnesses. During World Suicide Prevention Month in September, WISH reiterated the importance of community awareness, urging citizens to recognize warning signs and provide timely support to loved ones experiencing distress, loneliness, or helplessness. The organization also called on local media to adopt best practices in reporting on suicide, prioritizing empathy and compassion over sensationalism. WISH remains dedicated to advocating for mental wellbeing and expressed gratitude to its partners and supporters at local, regional, and international levels. The group’s efforts aim to address the systemic challenges in mental health care and promote a more inclusive and supportive society.
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US unseats UK as Barbados’ main tourism source market
In a significant shift in tourism dynamics, the United States has surpassed the United Kingdom as the primary source of visitors to Barbados. According to Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), the US contributed 179,753 visitors this year, marking a pivotal change for the island nation. Historically, the UK has always been Barbados’ leading market, but recent economic shifts in the UK prompted the BTMI to diversify its strategy, focusing heavily on the US market. Franklin highlighted the success of their airlift strategy, which included adding over 60,000 seats from the US during the 2025 winter season, including a direct flight to New York—a service absent for 14 years. This strategic move has not only increased visitor numbers but also altered the demographic profile of tourists, with a notable rise in Black American travelers, particularly from Atlanta and its feeder cities. American visitors tend to stay shorter durations (7-10 days) compared to UK tourists but spend more, contributing significantly to the local economy. Barbados also saw strong performances from the Caribbean market (70,984 visitors), Canada (59,332 visitors), and Europe (21,000 visitors), with emerging markets like Central and South America showing potential. Franklin emphasized the importance of these trends, noting that Barbados is not only attracting more visitors but also solidifying its position as a regional hub for airlift and tourism. Cruise tourism also saw a 24% year-on-year growth, with 599,826 passengers visiting between January and July 2025. The island’s accommodation sector is thriving, with 6,000 hotel rooms and over 13,000 vacation rental rooms, supported by 10 new hotel projects in the pipeline. Culinary offerings range from street food to fine dining, with over 400 eateries catering to diverse tastes. Barbados’ pristine beaches and calm waters remain a major draw, with over 80 beach spots enhancing its appeal. Additionally, the BTMI is launching a community tourism initiative, ‘Dine With A Bajan,’ this winter, allowing visitors to experience authentic Barbadian hospitality. Looking ahead, Barbados will commence year-long celebrations on December 1, 2025, leading up to its 60th anniversary of independence from Britain on November 30, 2026.
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Cobbs Cross Clinic Reopens After Years of Closure
The Cobbs Cross Clinic, a vital healthcare facility in St. Paul, Antigua and Barbuda, has officially reopened on October 6, 2025, after being closed for over two decades. The reopening ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph, and St. Paul MP E.P. Chet Greene. The clinic, which had been shut down in 2003 due to severe disrepair, has been fully rebuilt to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services to the communities of St. Paul’s, Falmouth, and English Harbour. Permanent Secretary for Primary Health Care, Stacey Gregg-Paige, emphasized that the reopening signifies a commitment to equitable and dignified healthcare. The clinic will offer a range of services including maternal and child care, immunizations, chronic disease management, family planning, wound care, and home visits. Minister Greene highlighted the event as a new chapter in healthcare for St. Paul, while Health Minister Joseph described it as historic, noting that it is the first time a parliamentarian has opened two clinics in one year. The government’s broader goal is to establish a robust primary healthcare network, with plans to introduce national health insurance legislation by early next year. The ceremony also featured cultural performances and a ribbon-cutting event, officially marking the clinic’s reopening.
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Bishop Charlesworth Browne Escapes Frightening ATM Encounter
Bishop Charlesworth Browne, the prominent leader of the Christian Ministries Center, expressed gratitude to God following a harrowing incident at a Village Walk ATM on Sunday evening. The clergyman, who was unharmed but visibly shaken, recounted the events to Antigua.news, describing the encounter as ‘sobering.’
Browne revealed that he had stopped to make a deposit around 7:30 p.m., despite an uneasy feeling. Moments after completing his transaction, the ATM door was forcefully burst open by a young man who aggressively entered the space. Outside, two vehicles blocked Browne’s exit, and one individual fled the scene when the bishop reached for his phone.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns about ATM safety, particularly after dark. Browne urged residents to exercise caution and avoid using ATMs during nighttime hours, citing a surge in robbery reports across the area. ‘I thank God — it could have been worse. We need to be vigilant and watchful,’ he emphasized.
This alarming event has reignited calls for enhanced ATM security measures and greater community awareness during evening hours. Local authorities are being urged to address the growing issue of crime in public spaces, ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike.
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Missing Barnes Hill Teen Found Safe and Reunited With Family
The Barnes Hill community in Antigua experienced a wave of relief on Monday as 15-year-old Dejahnique Charles, who had been reported missing, was safely located and reunited with her family. The teenager had disappeared on Saturday afternoon after leaving her home to attend the Mega Bounce event, sparking immediate concern among her family and friends. Her disappearance prompted an island-wide search effort, with relatives, neighbors, and local authorities mobilizing to find her. The search gained momentum through social media, where countless citizens shared posts and appeals for information. The collaborative effort culminated in her discovery, bringing the ordeal to a positive conclusion. Dejahnique’s family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the police and the community members who played a pivotal role in ensuring her safe return. This incident highlights the power of community solidarity and the effectiveness of social media in mobilizing resources during emergencies. While the details of her disappearance remain unclear, her safe return has been celebrated as a testament to collective action and vigilance.
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Dominica and Barbados sign MOU to advance sustainable tourism
In a landmark move to bolster their tourism sectors, the governments of Dominica and Barbados have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing the allure of both destinations and crafting innovative vacation experiences for international travelers. The agreement was officially sealed at the Hilton Barbados Resort during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), a key regional event dedicated to advancing tourism development.
Marva Williams, CEO of the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), unveiled the partnership, underscoring its strategic importance. ‘Through this MOU, Dominica and Barbados, via their respective tourism marketing entities—the Discover Dominica Authority and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.—are taking a significant step to amplify their appeal, promote sustainable tourism, and create novel travel experiences,’ Williams remarked.
The MOU establishes a collaborative framework focused on joint marketing efforts, knowledge exchange, and enhancing the visitor experience across both nations. Williams highlighted the agreement’s timely nature, coinciding with rising interest in Caribbean travel from major markets such as Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Latin America. ‘This partnership is particularly opportune as the Caribbean continues to draw travelers seeking diverse and enriching experiences,’ she noted.
To ensure the MOU’s effective execution, a joint working group will be formed to oversee the development of a detailed action plan. ‘The group will monitor progress, provide biannual updates, optimize strategies as needed, and ensure that both nations reap economic benefits,’ Williams explained.
Williams also emphasized the broader regional implications of the agreement, connecting it to the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s ‘Re-imagine Tourism’ initiative. ‘Dominica and Barbados will serve as exemplars of unity, embodying the ‘one sea, one voice, one Caribbean’ ethos through this collaboration,’ she concluded.
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Post-Mortem Conducted on Slain Businessman George “Charlie” Barnes
Authorities have confirmed the completion of a post-mortem examination on the body of George ‘Charlie’ Barnes, a prominent businessman who was tragically killed in Antigua and Barbuda. The examination, conducted by Government Pathologist Dr. Petra Miller-Nanton on September 29, has yet to reveal its findings as the homicide investigation remains ongoing. Barnes, a 74-year-old gas station owner, was shot outside his home on Nugent Street, Ottos Newtown, on September 12. Reports suggest that an unidentified assailant approached him shortly after he arrived home and fired a fatal shot to his chest before fleeing the scene. The murder has sent shockwaves through the local community, where Barnes was highly regarded for his dedication and generosity. Investigators are actively pursuing multiple leads but have not yet established a motive for the crime. The public is urged to provide any relevant information by contacting the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 800-TIPS (8477).
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Police Investigate Pit Bull Attack That Injured Cashew Hill Woman
A violent pit bull attack has left 27-year-old Shabo Nedwell from Cashew Hill hospitalized with severe injuries. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon while Nedwell was visiting relatives in Skerritt’s Pasture. According to reports, the attack began shortly after she entered the house, leaving her with deep bite wounds on both legs and a severely injured lip. Family members and neighbors rushed to her aid, restraining the dogs and ensuring she received immediate medical attention. Nedwell was transported to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where she remains in stable condition. Doctors have confirmed that her injuries, while serious, are not life-threatening. The incident has reignited public debate over the control of aggressive dog breeds and the responsibilities of pet owners to secure their animals. Police are currently investigating the attack, but no decisions have been made regarding the seizure of the dogs or potential charges. The case underscores the need for stricter regulations and awareness around the ownership of potentially dangerous pets.