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  • TAMCC students explore career opportunities in cruise ship industry

    TAMCC students explore career opportunities in cruise ship industry

    Twenty tourism and hospitality students from T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) gained unprecedented access to career opportunities in the maritime sector during an immersive educational tour aboard the sophisticated MSC Virtuosa cruise ship. The event, orchestrated by Grenada’s Ministry of Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture, formed the concluding segment of the first quarter’s Immersive Edutainment Tour initiative under the national Tourism Awareness Campaign.

    Accompanied by two faculty members, the delegation comprised students specializing in Tourism and Hospitality, Food and Beverage, and Culinary Arts. They engaged in an comprehensive informational briefing that detailed diverse professional pathways within the cruise industry and provided operational insights into modern maritime hospitality management.

    Following the theoretical component, participants experienced a guided exploration of the vessel’s advanced facilities. The tour highlighted the ship’s technological innovations, including the spectacular LED-domed Galleria Virtuosa, premium dining establishments, entertainment venues, and state-of-the-art recreational infrastructure that define the Meraviglia-Plus class cruise experience.

    This maritime career day continues a series of educational excursions that previously included primary school visits to the George Brizan House of Nutmeg and Tri-Island Chocolate Factory in Beaulieu, alongside secondary school tours of Coyaba Beach Resort. These strategically designed edutainment initiatives aim to cultivate tourism awareness among Grenada’s youth while providing substantive exposure to the nation’s hospitality ecosystem, including cruise operations, hotel management, and cultural attractions.

    The program represents a significant investment in human resource development within Grenada’s vital tourism sector, creating tangible connections between academic preparation and industry requirements for the next generation of hospitality professionals.

  • Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Marks Doctors’ Day with Tribute to Physicians

    Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Marks Doctors’ Day with Tribute to Physicians

    ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre marked the annual observance of Doctors’ Day this Sunday with public tributes honoring medical professionals across Antigua and Barbuda. In a formal acknowledgment, the healthcare institution expressed profound gratitude for physicians’ unwavering dedication and exceptional service to patient care throughout the nation.

    The medical center’s recognition emphasized that physicians’ ‘invaluable service doesn’t go unnoticed,’ specifically thanking them for their persistent contributions to advancing healthcare delivery standards. Beyond institutional appreciation, the facility extended an invitation to the broader community, encouraging patients and families to participate by sharing personal accounts of exemplary doctors who have positively impacted their health journeys.

    This celebration aligns with the international tradition of Doctors’ Day, an annual commemoration that highlights the critical role physicians play in enhancing and preserving lives through medical expertise and compassionate care. The initiative serves to strengthen the bond between healthcare providers and the communities they serve, fostering mutual appreciation and recognition of medical professionals’ vital societal contributions.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Participates in Jamaica Talks on Disaster Protection Treaty

    Antigua and Barbuda Participates in Jamaica Talks on Disaster Protection Treaty

    Antigua and Barbuda has actively participated in high-level regional consultations in Jamaica, contributing to the development of a groundbreaking international treaty designed to enhance protections for populations affected by natural disasters and humanitarian crises. The Kingston roundtable brought together government officials, legal specialists, and humanitarian organizations to critically examine the proposed Treaty on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters.

    Representing Antigua and Barbuda, Red Cross President Dr. Jose Humphreys and Crown Counsel Annetta Jackson provided substantial input during the deliberations. The proposed treaty represents a significant step toward establishing standardized international protocols that would improve humanitarian access, delineate state responsibilities, and foster enhanced cooperation during disaster response operations.

    Dr. Humphreys articulated a comprehensive vision for the treaty, emphasizing that effective disaster management must extend beyond emergency response to incorporate robust preparedness measures, resilience-building initiatives, and systematic disaster risk reduction strategies. He particularly highlighted the critical importance of these provisions for vulnerable Caribbean nations that face disproportionate risks from climate-related disasters and other emergencies.

    The Red Cross president further advocated for streamlined border procedures to expedite the entry of relief personnel and essential supplies during critical emergency periods. He also pressed for formal international recognition of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, acknowledging their indispensable role in providing humanitarian support across global disaster zones.

    These discussions form an integral component of broader United Nations efforts to create a formalized legal framework for disaster situations, addressing a significant gap in international law where no single comprehensive treaty currently exists to govern disaster response and protection protocols.

  • NO PRESENCE: Browne critiques UPP candidates in constituency-by-constituency breakdown

    NO PRESENCE: Browne critiques UPP candidates in constituency-by-constituency breakdown

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has launched a comprehensive critique of the United Progressive Party’s electoral preparedness during his recent ‘Browne and Browne’ radio broadcast. In a detailed constituency-by-constituency analysis, the Prime Minister systematically evaluated opposition candidates’ campaign effectiveness, public visibility, and overall political presence ahead of the approaching general election.

    Browne identified Emmanuel Peters and Jonathan Joseph as the only two UPP candidates demonstrating meaningful political traction, while simultaneously casting doubt on their electoral viability. The Prime Minister’s commentary extended to multiple opposition figures, offering pointed observations about their community engagement strategies, campaign activity levels, and overall electoral prospects as political competition intensifies across the nation.

    The extensive assessment provided unprecedented insight into the ruling party’s perception of opposition weaknesses, highlighting concerns about candidate preparedness and voter connection. Browne’s analysis suggests significant structural challenges within the UPP campaign apparatus, particularly regarding candidate visibility and constituency-level organization.

    This strategic commentary comes during a critical period in Antigua and Barbuda’s political calendar, with all parties positioning themselves for what promises to be a highly contested election. The Prime Minister’s decision to publicly evaluate opposition candidates represents an unusual tactical approach to political communication, potentially aiming to shape public perception of competing political forces.

  • Antigua Cruise Port advances upland project with new retail and commercial spaces

    Antigua Cruise Port advances upland project with new retail and commercial spaces

    Antigua Cruise Port is accelerating the development of its ambitious upland project, marking a significant phase in the enhancement of its port infrastructure. The initiative focuses on creating new retail and commercial spaces designed to elevate the visitor experience and stimulate local economic activity. This strategic expansion is a core component of the port’s master plan, aimed at transforming the area into a premier destination for cruise passengers and bolstering Antigua’s status as a key player in the Caribbean tourism market.

    The project involves the construction of modern retail outlets, dining establishments, and commercial facilities that will provide passengers with a diverse array of shopping and leisure options immediately upon disembarkation. By integrating these new spaces, the port aims to capture a greater share of visitor spending, which is anticipated to generate substantial revenue for both the port authority and local businesses. The development is also expected to create numerous employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases, providing a boost to the local job market.

    This expansion is a direct response to the growing demand for high-quality port amenities and reflects a broader trend within the cruise industry towards creating immersive, destination-style experiences at port-of-call locations. The investment underscores a long-term commitment to sustainable tourism development, aiming to distribute economic benefits beyond the immediate port area into the wider community. The project’s progression signals robust confidence in the future of cruise tourism in the region, positioning Antigua to competitively accommodate the newest and largest vessels in the industry.

  • In staat van beschuldigingstelling – zwakke strategie?

    In staat van beschuldigingstelling – zwakke strategie?

    Suriname’s judicial institutions confront a pivotal moment as impeachment proceedings against three prominent political figures—Bronto Somohardjo, Riad Nurmohamed, and Gillmore Hoefdraad—raise fundamental questions about the Public Prosecutor’s Office’s capacity to effectively prosecute high-ranking officials.

    The impeachment process operates at the intersection of law and politics, requiring approval from De Nationale Assemblee (DNA) before prosecution can commence. This dual nature demands not only legal rigor but also political persuasiveness and clarity in presenting cases.

    Legal experts identify eight critical shortcomings in the prosecution’s approach: excessive charging without prioritization, lack of clear focal accusations, overreliance on witness statements rather than forensic financial evidence, premature filing of incomplete investigations, repetitive legal formulations, inadequate distinction between systemic failures and personal culpability, overwhelming complexity that undermines persuasiveness, and insufficient consideration of political thresholds.

    Case-specific analysis reveals varying strengths and weaknesses. Somohardjo’s case demonstrates concrete factual descriptions but lacks financial auditing evidence. Nurmohamed’s file presents broad legal framework but suffers from weak personal connection to alleged acts. Hoefdraad’s dossier contains extensive financial investigation but risks collapsing under its own complexity.

    The central deficiency appears to be an overly broad approach where charging everything potentially dilutes the core accusations and creates room for reasonable doubt. impeachment procedures require conviction rather than comprehensiveness.

    The ultimate test occurs not in the courtroom but in the political arena of DNA, where the prosecution must first persuade parliamentarians. Failure at this stage would represent not merely legal setback but evidence of systemic inability to hold political power accountable.

    The outcome carries profound implications for Suriname’s rule of law: success would strengthen judicial institutions, while failure would signal structural incapacity to enforce political accountability. The notably weaker case against Nurmohamed, a VHP party member, raises questions about potential political considerations.

    The prosecution faces a clear choice: continue with broad, complex cases risking failure or return to essentials—focus, precision, and persuasiveness. As legal expert Dr. J. van Dijk-Silos concludes, sometimes less proves more in establishing judicial credibility.

  • Dominican government launches US$20M Puerto Plata Cable Car upgrade

    Dominican government launches US$20M Puerto Plata Cable Car upgrade

    One of the Dominican Republic’s most recognizable tourism landmarks is set to undergo a landmark modernization, after government officials announced a $20 million rehabilitation project for the Puerto Plata Cable Car. The joint initiative, backed by the nation’s Ministry of Tourism and the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC), aims to breathe new life into the iconic mountain transit system and elevate the overall visitor experience for travelers coming to the Puerto Plata region.

    The scope of the renovation brings sweeping upgrades across every core component of the cable car operation. Most notably, the existing smaller cabins will be replaced with new, higher-capacity models that expand passenger throughput from 18 people per trip to 50, cutting travel time along the route from eight minutes to just five through comprehensive upgrades to the cable car’s electromechanical infrastructure. Beyond capacity and speed improvements, the project will integrate rigorous European safety certifications into the system’s design, boosting long-term operational reliability, passenger protection, and overall energy efficiency. Officials note these upgrades are critical to strengthening the Dominican Republic’s standing as a competitive global tourism destination.

    Heading project execution is the Executive Unit for the Readjustment of Neighborhoods and Environments (URBE), which has designed the renovation to balance modern improvements with heritage preservation. Alongside the cable car system upgrades, both terminals will be fully remodeled to add universal accessibility features that accommodate travelers of all physical abilities, while careful planning will protect the cable car’s unique historic identity that has made it a favorite among visitors for decades.

    First opened to the public in 1975, this 18-month overhaul will mark the most extensive transformation the attraction has seen in its nearly 50 years of operation. Once completed, industry leaders expect the upgraded cable car to solidify Puerto Plata’s reputation as one of the Caribbean’s leading leisure and tourist destinations, drawing more visitors and supporting sustained growth in the region’s vital tourism economy.

  • THA: Heinous act

    THA: Heinous act

    Authorities in Tobago have declared a state of emergency following the deliberate sabotage of four critical water wells, an act being characterized as ‘domestic terrorism.’ The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) confirmed that coordinated vandalism targeting electrical systems at high-production facilities has resulted in the loss of 2.1 million gallons of daily water output, severely impacting seventeen communities across the island.

    The affected wells—Arnos Vale Well #4, Bacolet Well #3, Bloody Bay Well #1, and Claude Noel Highway Well—were systematically disabled between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. on Saturday. WASA Chief Executive Dain Maharaj described the operation as ‘well-planned and well-coordinated,’ noting that perpetrators specifically targeted infrastructure vital to Tobago’s water distribution network.

    In response to the crisis, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has partnered with WASA to implement emergency restoration protocols and enhance security measures. Ricky Joefield, THA Secretary for Public Utilities, confirmed that technical teams are conducting repairs while truck-borne water supplies are being deployed to affected households, hotels, and businesses. Security patrols have been intensified around all WASA facilities, with plans to install additional CCTV surveillance systems.

    Law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident, with penalties for convicted saboteurs including substantial fines and imprisonment. WASA has established emergency hotlines (639-6850, 639-6853, 639-9272) for water requests and encourages citizens to report suspicious activity via 465-2949.

    As of last night, WASA reported successful restoration of three primary wells—Arnos Vale, Bacolet, and Claude Noel Highway—with water quality testing underway at Bloody Bay Well #1 before full reactivation. The authority is developing an interim distribution schedule to mitigate impacts during the upcoming Easter holiday period, though repair cost assessments remain pending.

  • Patients waiting for long hours, complain relatives

    Patients waiting for long hours, complain relatives

    A severe patient care crisis unfolded at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mount Hope, where relatives reported extreme delays in medical attention, with some patients waiting over seven hours without being seen. The situation deteriorated to the point where approximately 70 individuals crowded the hospital corridors, comprising both visitors and patients awaiting treatment. Distressing accounts emerged of elderly patients, including one man, remaining on the floor for hours due to the absence of available beds.

    One anonymous woman revealed she had been acting as the primary caregiver for her mother, hospitalized since Friday with a cardiac condition, expressing utter exhaustion from days of continuous care. She noted a visible reduction in support staff compared to the weekend, stating that while paramedics assisted nurses on Friday and Saturday, their presence had vanished by Monday. Another woman, identified as Ache, detailed her grandfather’s plight: after suffering heart failure and a subsequent stroke, he remained on an ambulance gurney in a hallway since 10 a.m., examined only briefly by a doctor in the corridor due to the bed shortage. She described the scene as ‘packed’ and ‘crazy,’ warning that the public would bear the brunt of this systemic failure.

    The crisis appears linked to an ongoing dispute over nurse overtime policies. Dr. Tim Gopeesingh, Chairman of the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA), had previously labeled the overtime system a ‘racket,’ citing instances of nurses earning up to $80,000 in overtime and vowing to implement stricter protocols. He suggested that the current nursing pushback might be a reaction to this crackdown.

    However, Idi Stuart, President of the Trinidad and Tobago National Nursing Association, refuted these claims, accusing Dr. Gopeesingh of being ‘disingenuous.’ Stuart clarified that the cited $80,000 payment was for a specialist nurse over a three-month period, not one month, and was related to a life-saving procedure for a pregnant mother with complications. He asserted that the root cause of the turmoil is not overtime abuse but a critical shortage of 2,000 nursing personnel and the NCRHA’s decision to reduce overtime availability. He further highlighted that nurses have been working without a salary increase since 2013, compounding the staffing and morale issues leading to the current breakdown in patient services.

  • Destra shines at Reflections

    Destra shines at Reflections

    Soca sensation Destra Garcia delivered a transcendent performance at Queen’s Hall on Saturday night, receiving a standing ovation for her spiritually-charged concert “Reflections.” The acclaimed artist masterfully blended stirring vocals, handwritten spiritual narratives, and the mellifluous sounds of steelpan to create an unforgettable experience that transported attendees to a higher plane of consciousness.

    Dramatically departing from her Carnival persona, Garcia appeared resplendent in flowing brown robes and a golden tiara, abandoning her signature vibrant wigs and energetic dance moves. The audience, dressed in elegant white attire per the evening’s theme, witnessed Garcia’s metamorphosis from soca superstar to spiritual ambassador as she performed a carefully curated repertoire of inspirational music.

    The concert opened with spoken word artistry before legendary performer David Michael Rudder set the tone with a powerful rendition of “Hallelujah.” Garcia then captivated the audience with soul-stirring interpretations of Helen Baylor’s “The Sea of Forgetfulness,” Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and CeCe Winans’ “Goodness of God”—notably omitting her classic soca hits entirely.

    Garcia incorporated significant cultural elements throughout the performance, honoring the Spiritual Shouter Baptist community by weaving their contributions into Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural tapestry. She evoked memories of late artist Brother Resistance while clutching an imaginary bell during “Ring The Bell” chants.

    The performance became a family affair as Garcia’s husband Brian Morris managed production logistics while daughter Xaiya Morris displayed impressive piano skills and joined her mother for a heartfelt duet. The Maria Regina Children’s Choir enhanced the spiritual atmosphere with their rendition of “Jesus Loves You.”

    Augustin Garcia, Destra’s 71-year-old father, described the concert as a “rich pre-birthday present,” expressing pride in his daughter’s artistic evolution and deep spiritual commitment. The elder Garcia, who helps orchestrate worship in their Spiritual Baptist tradition, noted how the performance revealed Destra’s authentic spiritual dimension to audiences.

    Distinguished attendees included Elizabeth Montano (mother of soca star Machel Montano), former PNM senator Laurel Lezama Lee Sing, entrepreneur Hannah Janoura, event planner Lisa Ghany, and Karega Mandela. The concert culminated in an elevated spiritual experience that left attendees profoundly moved by Garcia’s artistic and personal transformation.