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  • Cricket West Indies Confirms New Format for 2026 West Indies Championship

    Cricket West Indies Confirms New Format for 2026 West Indies Championship

    Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially unveiled a transformative competitive structure for the 2026 West Indies Championship, marking a pivotal evolution in the organization’s strategic overhaul of regional cricket tournaments for the 2026–2027 cycle. This redesigned framework is integral to CWI’s multi-faceted mission to fortify player development pipelines, elevate on-field performance standards, and implement fiscally sustainable resource management throughout the Caribbean cricket ecosystem.

    The comprehensive restructuring process emerged from rigorous consultations across CWI’s organizational hierarchy, including the Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee, Cricket Department, Finance Department, and Executive Leadership Team. Adopting a purpose-driven methodology, the review critically evaluated each tournament’s primary objectives—ranging from talent discovery and final squad selection to tour preparation and developmental progression—resulting in format innovations that preserve competitive integrity while optimizing operational expenditures.

    Under the groundbreaking 2026 format, the traditional four-day first-class championship will transition to three simultaneous bilateral series staged across the Caribbean region, maintaining the established Championship points system. The six regional franchises will receive seeding positions 1 through 6 according to their final standings in the 2025 tournament edition.

    Tournament mechanics will feature the three bilateral contest winners ranked by cumulative points, with the top-ranked squad earning automatic qualification to the Grand Final. In an innovative playoff phase, the first-placed team will engage the West Indies Academy in a preparatory fixture to maintain competitive sharpness and ensure equitable preparation timelines before the final. Meanwhile, the second and third-ranked teams will clash in an elimination playoff to determine the second finalist.

    Strategic scheduling positions the championship immediately preceding the international home series window, commencing against Sri Lanka in June, enabling players to peak competitively before the demanding summer itinerary. Although representing a significant departure from historical formats, participating territories have universally endorsed the changes, initiating intensive preparations for what projections indicate will be an exceptionally competitive tournament upholding the premier first-class cricket standards synonymous with West Indies cricket.

    CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe emphasized the format’s performance-oriented benefits: “While reducing total matches, we anticipate profoundly competitive encounters. The adjusted calendar has facilitated extended preparation periods, with most franchises conducting multiple trial matches that have generated intense internal competition for roster positions.” Bascombe further noted, “The Championship remains central to our talent identification and home series preparation strategy, with the bilateral series introducing a compelling dynamic that better mirrors the structural rhythms of Test cricket.”

    Concurrently, CWI is investigating the implementation of ball-tracking technology during the Championship to enhance talent evaluation processes and advance performance analytics capabilities, reflecting the organization’s commitment to modernizing regional cricket infrastructure. Finalized squad lists for all six franchises will be published upon completion of selection and confirmation procedures.

    TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE:
    Bilateral Series Round: (Match 1 – April 12-25; Match 2 – April 19-22; Match 3 – April 26-29)
    Playoff Round: (May 10-13)
    Grand Final: (May 17-20)

  • Flow Antigua and Barbuda Celebrates Women’s Month by Giving Back and Paying It Forward

    Flow Antigua and Barbuda Celebrates Women’s Month by Giving Back and Paying It Forward

    In a significant corporate-community partnership, telecommunications provider Flow Antigua and Barbuda extended International Women’s Day observances throughout March, aligning with Scrub Life Cares to address essential needs of women and girls across the nation.

    The initiative, operating under the ‘Give Back, Pay It Forward’ banner, embraced the 2026 International Women’s Day theme ‘Give to Gain’ through a structured donation drive. Flow employees contributed vital feminine hygiene and self-care products through collection bins strategically placed across all three company locations, facilitating widespread staff participation.

    Demonstrating exceptional corporate citizenship, Flow Antigua and Barbuda implemented a matching donation policy, effectively doubling the quantity of collected items. This amplification strategy significantly enhanced the initiative’s community impact while reinforcing the company’s dedication to social responsibility.

    Wayne Hull, Country Manager of Flow Antigua and Barbuda, emphasized the program’s significance: ‘Meaningful change occurs through purposeful collaboration. By extending our International Women’s Day activities throughout Women’s Month and matching staff contributions, we’ve doubled our positive impact while supporting Scrub Life Cares’ vital community work.’

    The formal handover ceremony, presided over by Hull, highlighted the importance of dignity, personal wellness, and female empowerment while showcasing the powerful synergy between corporate entities and community organizations.

    This month-long initiative transcended symbolic observance, creating tangible community benefits through collective action and corporate generosity. Flow’s ongoing commitment to social development continues through targeted support programs that generate lasting positive change.

    The company extended gratitude to all participating staff members who transformed compassionate intent into concrete action, demonstrating how corporate structures can effectively support grassroots community development.

  • Candlelight Vigil Brings Seatons Together in Memory of Zakeem Nicholas

    Candlelight Vigil Brings Seatons Together in Memory of Zakeem Nicholas

    The tight-knit community of Seatons Village came together in a powerful display of solidarity during a candlelight vigil held yesterday evening to honor the memory of Zakeem Nicholas. The emotionally charged gathering saw friends, family members, and local residents standing shoulder-to-shoulder in a moving tribute that illuminated the village with both literal and symbolic light.

    Organizers and family representatives expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming turnout, noting that the collective presence provided immeasurable comfort to the grieving Nicholas family during their most challenging period. The vigil transformed into a poignant ceremony of shared remembrance as participants lit candles and offered prayers, creating a visual representation of community support that extended far beyond verbal condolences.

    This spontaneous gathering demonstrated the remarkable capacity of small communities to mobilize emotional support networks during times of tragedy. The shared grief manifested not as isolated mourning but as a unified expression of compassion, with villagers demonstrating that traditional community bonds remain strong even in contemporary society.

    The Nicholas family has requested continued emotional and spiritual support as they navigate the complex grieving process. Community leaders have emphasized that such displays of unity serve as critical psychological first aid for those experiencing profound loss, potentially establishing a framework for future community response to tragedy.

  • What is the blockade against Cuba, if not punitive?

    What is the blockade against Cuba, if not punitive?

    In a pointed rebuke of recent statements from senior United States government officials, Cuba’s top diplomat has pushed back against claims that Washington has made no formal adjustments to its punitive sanctions regime against the island nation. Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, who serves as both a member of Cuba’s Political Bureau and the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a series of probing questions calling out Washington’s characterization of its decades-long economic pressure campaign against Cuba. The remarks were published by state-owned Cuban outlet Granma on March 31, 2026.

    Rodríguez Parrilla opened his critique by challenging the core claim from US officials that Washington has not implemented any new punitive actions against Cuba. “Now the U.S. government says it has not taken any ‘punitive’ action against Cuba. What is the economic blockade, if not punitive?” he asked, calling out the broad, decades-long trade and economic embargo that has crippled Cuban economic activity for generations. He went on to question a litany of other restrictive US policies that target Cuba’s ability to engage in normal international trade and commerce, asking what each qualifies as if not punitive action.

    His list of grievances includes US threats to impose secondary sanctions on any third country that exports fuel to Cuba, systematic financial persecution that blocks Cuban entities from completing legitimate financial transactions anywhere across the globe, harsh restrictions that bar foreign merchant ships that have called at Cuban ports from entering US territorial waters, and the long-standing prohibition on recreational travel from the United States to the island.

    Beyond the broad blockade framework, Rodríguez Parrilla also questioned the ongoing utility of what he described as selective and arbitrary blacklists maintained by the US government against Cuban entities and individuals. These include the notoriously controversial US State Department list of state sponsors of terrorism, which Cuba was controversially added to and removed from in recent years, alongside multiple other restricted entity and travel restriction lists that bar American entities and citizens from engaging with a wide range of Cuban institutions.

    The Cuban foreign minister also highlighted a recent wave of coercive diplomatic pressure that the US has exerted on governments across the Caribbean and Latin America, pushing regional states to abandon long-standing medical cooperation programs with Havana. These programs, which deploy thousands of Cuban medical specialists to low-income and underserved communities across the region, have been a key source of legitimate foreign export income for Cuba for decades. Rodríguez Parrilla noted that the US pressure campaign does not just harm Cuba’s economy by cutting off this legal income stream—it also inflicts direct harm on vulnerable populations across the region who are cut off from life-saving care provided by Cuban medical workers. He called this campaign nothing less than a deliberate, purely punitive action against the Cuban people and their neighbors across the Americas.

  • Column: De les van een onverwacht afscheid

    Column: De les van een onverwacht afscheid

    The unexpected passing of Chan Santokhi has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, leaving citizens and political circles alike grappling with the profound suddenness of mortality. A figure who recently stood at the pinnacle of political influence, having secured 45,894 votes and the trust of many, has now become a symbol of life’s unpredictable nature.

    Santokhi’s legacy remains complex—viewed by some as a cherished leader while others regarded him with criticism or disappointment. Yet in death, these political distinctions fade into insignificance. The titles of president, party leader, and assembly member dissolve, leaving only the silent absence where once stood a living, breathing human being.

    This tragic event has triggered deep societal introspection about the transient nature of existence. The article poignantly questions how we prepare for sudden loss when someone who recently spoke, walked, and made plans abruptly vanishes from our lives. It highlights the universal truth that no one—regardless of power, popularity, or position—is exempt from mortality’s reach.

    The narrative evolves beyond political commentary to examine how societies process grief. While many pause to mourn and reflect, others respond with harsh words and coldness, revealing our collective struggle to embrace life’s fundamental fragility. The piece suggests that Santokhi’s ultimate legacy may not be his political achievements or failures, but rather the opportunity his passing creates for national contemplation.

    The article concludes with a powerful meditation on what truly endures beyond our temporal existence: not positions, titles, or electoral votes, but the traces we leave in other people’s lives, the compassion we show, and the space we create for others. It serves as an invitation to live more consciously, hate less, understand more, and recognize that despite our differences, we share the same fragile human journey toward an inevitable yet uncertain end.

  • Dominican Republic nominated to lead 79th World Health Assembly

    Dominican Republic nominated to lead 79th World Health Assembly

    The Dominican Republic has secured a historic unanimous nomination from all countries of the Americas to serve as president of the 79th World Health Assembly, set to take place from May 18 to 23, 2026, at the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

    The selection aligns with WHO’s long-standing rotational leadership framework, which allocates the 2026 presidency to the World Health Organization’s Region of the Americas, represented regionally by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The full backing from every regional delegation was formalized during a closed-door meeting of country representatives held in October 2025, and the final confirmation of the appointment will take place during the opening plenary session of the 2026 assembly.

    The official notification of the nomination was delivered in a formal letter addressed to Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader, which included a guarantee of full institutional support from PAHO and the American regional bloc as the country prepares to take on the leadership role.

    This milestone marks the first occasion in history that the Dominican Republic has been selected to lead WHO’s highest decision-making body, a development that is widely viewed as a major global vote of confidence in the Caribbean nation’s public health leadership and contributions to international health cooperation. The annual World Health Assembly brings together senior health and diplomatic representatives from WHO’s 194 member states to identify pressing global health challenges, negotiate collaborative response frameworks, and set binding policy priorities that guide global public health work for the coming years.

  • Chandrikapersad Santokhi: Van ‘The Sheriff’ tot Staatsman

    Chandrikapersad Santokhi: Van ‘The Sheriff’ tot Staatsman

    Suriname and the Caribbean region mourn the sudden passing of President Chandrikapersad ‘Chan’ Santokhi on March 30, 2026. The 67-year-old leader from Lelydorp leaves behind a remarkable political legacy characterized by unwavering commitment to justice, economic reform, and regional cooperation.

    Santokhi’s journey from police academy graduate in Apeldoorn, Netherlands to national leadership was marked by exceptional dedication to law enforcement. His early career saw rapid advancement within Suriname’s police force, eventually becoming head of national criminal investigation and police commissioner. His tough-on-crime approach earned him the nickname ‘The Sheriff’ – a moniker he embraced, stating: ‘People want law and order. Hence the call for security, the call for sheriff.’

    As Minister of Justice from 2005-2010, Santokhi achieved significant milestones including removing Suriname from the U.S. blacklist of drug transit countries. His most notable contribution was initiating the criminal proceedings against former dictator Desi Bouterse for the December 1982 murders, demonstrating his steadfast commitment to accountability.

    Elected president in 2020, Santokhi ended the Bouterse era and inherited a financially exhausted nation. He implemented an unpopular but necessary IMF reform program, acknowledging communication shortcomings while maintaining his conviction: ‘We could have chosen a populist course aimed at winning elections. But that would have been irresponsible given our situation.’

    His regional leadership as CARICOM Chairman in 2022 strengthened Caribbean unity, particularly enhancing relations with Guyana. President Irfaan Ali of Guyana described him as ‘a brother forged by conviction’ who worked wholeheartedly for regional progress.

    Survived by his wife Mellisa Seenacherry and two children, Santokhi’s legacy extends beyond family to national transformation. His son Rishano remembered him as a man with strong legal vision whose principles continue to shape Suriname and the Caribbean.

    Santokhi’s philosophy centered on inclusive nation-building: ‘We cannot build a nation while tolerating major disparities. Structurally disadvantaged groups require targeted support strategies – not as favor but as duty.’ His passing creates a leadership void, but his exemplary dedication to justice and development endures.

  • Jones sends rallying call to athletes ahead of CARIFTA

    Jones sends rallying call to athletes ahead of CARIFTA

    Ahead of the prestigious CARIFTA Games in Grenada, Olympic athlete and national 400m record-holder Johnathan Jones has delivered a powerful motivational address to members of Barbados’ Elite Distance Track Club. The special reception, hosted at Co-Operators General Insurance on Sunday, served as both a celebration and strategic preparation session for the young athletes embarking on their regional competitive journey.

    Barbados is set to make history by sending an unprecedented delegation of 61 athletes to the championships, with 16 representatives originating from the Elite Distance Track Club. Additionally, two club swimmers will compete at the parallel CARIFTA Swimming Championships in Martinique.

    Jones, currently training in Florida, emphasized the significance of the selection achievement while outlining the mental framework required for competitive success. “You’ve earned your positions through merit, not favor,” he stated. “Medals are determined by performance on competition day, not predetermined by reputation. Approach each round systematically and pursue victory aggressively.”

    Drawing from his own championship experiences, Jones highlighted the psychological approach cultivated by Coach Ramon Armstrong that propelled numerous athletes to podium finishes. “We operated with a conviction of superiority—a mindset where we acknowledged no competitors as better prepared or more capable. This mentality yielded medal-winning performances across our team.”

    While emphasizing competitive intensity, Jones equally stressed the importance of embracing the experiential aspects of international competition. He reflected on the enduring personal connections formed during his own CARIFTA participations, noting that some friendships sustained to this day provide personal support networks beyond athletic contexts.

    Coach Armstrong reinforced these messages while contextualizing the broader significance of the athletes’ participation. “Previous performances become irrelevant once you approach the starting line,” he advised. “Every competitor begins equally, and each has legitimate medal potential. You represent not merely individual aspirations but national pride, familial investment, institutional reputation, and club legacy.”

    The coaching visionary acknowledged the athletes’ developmental progression while emphasizing that peak performance remains the ultimate objective. “We’ve witnessed your dedicated training and consistent improvement. Now we anticipate seeing that preparation translate into exceptional competitive representation for Barbados.”

  • Manzanillo Plant key to energy stability, says Energy Minister

    Manzanillo Plant key to energy stability, says Energy Minister

    Santo Domingo has emerged as a Caribbean energy leader with groundbreaking infrastructure development and renewable expansion. Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos unveiled the Manzanillo Power Land thermoelectric facility, now operational as the region’s most advanced power plant. This state-of-the-art complex injects 414 megawatts into the National Interconnected Electric System, deploying cutting-edge control and monitoring technologies that significantly enhance grid reliability while optimizing response mechanisms to fluctuating energy demands.

    The energy transformation extends beyond conventional power generation. Under President Luis Abinader’s administration, renewable capacity has experienced unprecedented growth, surging from 554 megawatts in 2020 to approximately 2,000 megawatts today—representing a nearly fourfold increase. The year 2025 proved particularly significant with approximately 1,150 megawatts of clean energy integration, demonstrating accelerated investment in solar and wind projects nationwide.

    Minister Santos emphasized that this dual approach—combining advanced thermal generation with renewable expansion—creates a more resilient, sustainable, and secure energy ecosystem. Strategic infrastructure investments, regulatory reforms, and technological innovation have collectively positioned the Dominican Republic for continued energy modernization. The government maintains its commitment to further increasing renewable penetration, ensuring nationwide access to stable, environmentally conscious electricity that meets both current and future demands.

  • Rising freight, raw material costs could lift food prices, say manufacturers

    Rising freight, raw material costs could lift food prices, say manufacturers

    Barbados faces an impending surge in food prices within the next two to three months as global supply chain disruptions from Middle East conflicts drive up shipping and raw material costs, according to a leading industry official. Rakeesh Bernard, President of the Barbados Manufacturers’ Association (BMA), confirmed that while current inventories are temporarily buffering consumers from immediate impacts, manufacturers are receiving formal notifications from shipping lines and suppliers about impending cost increases.

    The complex supply chain dynamics mean that manufacturers who forward-purchase inputs are currently insulated from spot market price fluctuations. However, Bernard emphasized that this protection is temporary. “Many manufacturers purchase materials months in advance, creating a delayed effect where consumers won’t feel the impact until existing inventories deplete,” he explained. This creates a precarious situation where global price increases have already occurred upstream but haven’t yet reached retail levels.

    Agricultural inputs, particularly fertilizers, are expected to experience significant price increases that will inevitably affect local food production costs. Bernard noted these increases would more directly impact agriculture than manufacturing initially, but would eventually ripple through the entire food production ecosystem.

    The BMA president carefully qualified that price increases aren’t inevitable, contingent on geopolitical resolution. “If the conflict ends immediately, we might avoid the worst impacts,” he stated, “but if hostilities continue, consumers should prepare for noticeable price movements within the next quarter.

    This warning comes alongside government interventions aimed at mitigating the economic impact. Finance Minister Ryan Straughn recently announced budgetary measures including a cap on container values used to calculate import duties and VAT. Effective April 1 through March 2027, Customs will limit valuation to $3,000 for 20-foot containers and $6,000 for 40-foot containers on CIF shipments, directly addressing the freight cost component of consumer prices.

    Bernard endorsed these government actions as “timely and necessary,” expressing full support for the measures designed to shield both industry and consumers from external economic shocks. The association president concluded that despite the challenging global environment, Barbados has implemented appropriate defensive economic measures.