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  • Local swimmers dive into Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim

    Local swimmers dive into Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim

    Six elite open water swimmers from Bermuda are poised to conquer the challenging Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim, marking a significant international sporting endeavor for the island nation. The team comprising Lesley-Jane Smith, Harold Kahler, Handsome Williams, Tobias Ahlqvist, Craig Munden, and Scott Oliver will undertake the demanding 4.1-kilometer crossing on March 28, 2026.

    The aquatic journey commences at Oualie Beach in Nevis and concludes at Cockleshell Bay in St Kitts, presenting unique marine conditions distinct from Bermuda’s familiar waters. The participants bring diverse athletic backgrounds to this prestigious Caribbean event, with several having distinguished themselves in local competitions including Round the Sound and Devil’s Mile challenges.

    Lesley-Jane Smith, an accomplished triathlete, expressed particular enthusiasm for focusing exclusively on the swimming discipline. ‘Growing up as a competitive swimmer in Bermuda, this race feels especially exciting,’ Smith noted. ‘I’m looking forward to the opportunity to swim in a new setting and experience the unique challenge of crossing from Nevis to St Kitts.’

    Handsome Williams emphasized the honor of representing Bermuda internationally in a sport deeply ingrained in the island’s culture. ‘I’m truly grateful for the chance to take on this amazing experience with friends,’ Williams stated. ‘Having grown up in the water back home, swimming has given me so much.’

    Two-time national champion Craig Munden approaches the competition with measured optimism regarding his prospects. ‘Based on last year’s result I would say I have good chances, but it always depends on who turns up,’ Munden commented, referencing the 478 competitors from the UK, United States, and Caribbean regions who participated in the previous edition.

    The Bermudian athletes anticipate navigating unfamiliar racing conditions including potential strong currents and larger waves than typically encountered in local events. The competition gains additional prestige with the participation of Alice Dearing, Great Britain’s first Black Olympic open water swimmer, whom Munden has previously trained alongside.

    This international representation follows recent athletic achievements within Bermuda’s swimming community, including Madelyn Moore’s balancing of frontline work with elite competition and the recognition of Caitlyn Bobb and Sebastian Kempe as Athletes of the Year.

  • ABLP condemns disrespectful conduct during parliamentary tribute to Sir Molwyn Joseph

    ABLP condemns disrespectful conduct during parliamentary tribute to Sir Molwyn Joseph

    A parliamentary session intended to honor retiring statesman Sir Molwyn Joseph descended into controversy today as the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) issued a formal condemnation of opposition lawmakers’ conduct. The ABLP expressed profound disappointment with United Progressive Party (UPP) members for what they characterized as disrespectful behavior during what should have been a dignified tribute ceremony. The occasion marked the retirement from active politics of Sir Molwyn Joseph, whose extensive career spanned multiple decades and numerous ministerial portfolios including Tourism, Health, and Environment. His tenure has been widely recognized for its significant contributions to national development and regional leadership, distinguished by statesmanship, oratorical excellence, and dedicated service. Parliamentary traditions typically dictate that retirement tributes transcend political divisions, serving as moments of unity that honor public service. The ABLP noted that the observed conduct violated parliamentary decorum and undermined the dignity expected of such proceedings. Despite the controversy, the ruling party extended sincere gratitude to Sir Molwyn for his decades of service and wished him success in his continued role as a respected voice in national development.

  • Two Sailboats Carrying Aid to Cuba Have Gone Missing

    Two Sailboats Carrying Aid to Cuba Have Gone Missing

    A multinational search and rescue mission is currently sweeping the Caribbean waters after two civilian aid vessels vanished during a humanitarian voyage from Mexico to Cuba. The sailboats Friendship and Tigger Moth, carrying at least nine crew members of Polish, French, Cuban, and American nationalities, embarked from Isla Mujeres on March 20th and were scheduled to dock in Havana earlier this week. All communication with both vessels has been lost since their departure.

    The Mexican Navy has mobilized significant resources, deploying naval search teams and military aircraft to locate the missing ships. Authorities have established coordination with international maritime rescue centers and diplomatic officials from all four nations involved. This disappearance occurs against the backdrop of intensified civilian aid efforts to Cuba following recent economic constraints.

    These civilian maritime missions have gained urgency since January’s implementation of an oil embargo against Cuba, which has triggered severe energy shortages and infrastructure failures. The United Nations reports the cancellation of over 50,000 surgical procedures due to fuel shortages and nationwide blackouts caused by aging energy systems.

    In a related development, another assistance vessel successfully delivered 14 tonnes of critical supplies to Cuba earlier this week, including solar energy equipment, medical provisions, nutritional supplements for infants, bicycles, and food staples. This successful mission highlights both the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the determined efforts by civilian organizations to provide relief despite challenging circumstances.

  • BREAKING: Jermaine Nicholas charged with murder of Pierre

    BREAKING: Jermaine Nicholas charged with murder of Pierre

    A tragic act of violence in All Saints has led to murder charges against a 24-year-old Antiguan man, following a fatal altercation that claimed the life of a local resident. Jermaine Nicholas of Ovals now faces formal charges in connection with the death of 29-year-old Jahmarie Pierre from Mc Pond.

    The incident unfolded on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, near the All Saints traffic lights shortly after 5:00 p.m. According to police reports, what began as a confrontation between two men escalated dramatically when Pierre sustained a critical stab wound during the altercation. Emergency services transported the injured man to Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where medical staff pronounced him deceased despite life-saving efforts.

    Law enforcement officials moved swiftly, apprehending Nicholas shortly after the violent episode. After thorough investigation and evidence gathering, authorities formally charged the suspect with murder. The accused remains in police custody awaiting judicial proceedings, with his initial court appearance scheduled for the coming week.

    In an official statement released through the Office of Strategic Communications, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda expressed appreciation for community cooperation in the investigation. Police Administration officials additionally issued a compelling plea to young adults throughout the nation, urging them to reject violence as a means of conflict resolution and instead pursue peaceful, lawful alternatives to settle disputes.

    The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about youth violence in the community, with law enforcement emphasizing the devastating consequences that can result from momentary conflicts. This incident marks another sobering reminder of the importance of conflict de-escalation and community engagement in preventing similar tragedies.

  • Isidore earns Jamaica Champs decathlon bronze

    Isidore earns Jamaica Champs decathlon bronze

    Jamaica’s prestigious ISSA/Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls Championships witnessed another remarkable achievement for Saint Lucia as 17-year-old decathlete Deandre Isidore captured the bronze medal in the open boys’ decathlon on Thursday, March 26. Competing under the Jamaica College banner, Isidore demonstrated exceptional athletic prowess across ten demanding events, accumulating an impressive total of 5,520 points.

    The two-day competition showcased Isidore’s versatile capabilities. During Wednesday’s opening events, he posted impressive results including an 11.22-second 100m sprint, a 5.82m long jump, a 10.20m shot put throw, a 1.63m high jump clearance, and a standout 50.48-second 400m performance that ranked as the fastest time in the field.

    Thursday’s events further highlighted his athletic diversity: a 15.78-second 110m hurdles, a 22.64m discus throw, a 2.92m pole vault, a powerful 44.82m javelin throw (ranking second in the event), and a 5:19.84 1500m finish. His performance surpassed his compatriot Khailan Vitalis, the 2022 gold medalist, in three specific events: shot put, javelin, and 1500m.

    The championship title was claimed by Grenadian athlete Jurel Clement from Kingston College with 6,837 points, while Jaquan Souden of Happy Grove High School secured silver with 6,696 points in the 21-athlete competition.

    Isidore’s achievement marks Saint Lucia’s second medal at the championships, building upon Vitalis’s historic gold medal performance in 2022. With his current trajectory, Isidore shows potential to challenge Vitalis’s national junior record of 5,990 points in future competitions.

  • Mexico’s Tren Maya Could Be Linked to the Port of Belize

    Mexico’s Tren Maya Could Be Linked to the Port of Belize

    In a significant bilateral development, Mexican and Belizean officials convened in Belize City on Thursday to revitalize economic cooperation and modernize longstanding agreements. The high-level meeting between Quintana Roo state representatives and Belize’s government leadership focused on transforming conceptual frameworks into actionable infrastructure and trade initiatives.

    Central to the discussions was the groundbreaking proposal to integrate Mexico’s Tren Maya railway system with Belize’s transportation networks and the planned Port of Belize expansion. This connectivity project promises to revolutionize regional logistics, creating an unprecedented trade corridor linking the Yucatán Peninsula to Caribbean markets.

    The dialogue advanced a innovative ‘twin manufacturing model’ where Mexican industrial capabilities would synergize with Belize’s CARICOM market access. This arrangement would enable goods processed through synchronized border factories to enter regional markets accounting for approximately 25% of Belize’s total exports.

    Minister Thea Garcia-Ramirez of Corozal Bay emphasized the natural cross-border dynamics, noting that her constituents have historically engaged with Chetumal for commerce and employment. “Corozal Bay stands prepared to serve not merely as a border district but as a cooperative bridge between nations,” she affirmed.

    Additional priority sectors identified for development included agro-processing industries, energy collaboration, and expanded tourism and cultural exchange programs. The delegation, featuring Belize’s Ambassador to Mexico Oscar Arnold and Minister Marconi Leal Jr., concluded proceedings with an inspection tour of the Port of Belize facilities.

    Minister Leal captured the strategic significance: “Strengthening our trade and investment relationships transcends economics—it represents an investment in enduring friendship and intergenerational well-being.”

  • BREAKING: Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle Ejected From The House Due To His Conduct

    BREAKING: Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle Ejected From The House Due To His Conduct

    In an unprecedented display of parliamentary discord, Antigua and Barbuda’s Lower House witnessed the forcible removal of Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle during Friday’s heated session. The dramatic escalation occurred following a sustained confrontation between Pringle and House Speaker Osbert Frederick regarding conduct within the legislative chamber.

    The incident originated when Pringle was observed reviewing documentation during proceedings, prompting another parliamentarian to raise a point of order. The opposition leader responded with visible agitation, directly challenging Speaker Frederick’s impartiality and accusing him of procedural unfairness. This exchange marked the culmination of increasingly tense interactions that had characterized the day’s parliamentary business.

    Speaker Frederick ultimately exercised his authority to mandate Pringle’s removal from the chamber, abruptly terminating the opposition leader’s participation in the day’s deliberations. Frederick subsequently clarified that the ejection resulted not merely from reading documents but from what he characterized as ‘egregious and unacceptable’ conduct that violated parliamentary decorum.

    Lawmakers from both government and opposition benches observed in stunned silence as security personnel escorted the opposition leader from the premises. This incident represents one of the most contentious moments in recent parliamentary history, highlighting deepening political divisions within the nation’s legislature.

    Neither Pringle nor Frederick issued immediate statements following the confrontation, leaving observers awaiting formal responses from both offices regarding this extraordinary breach of parliamentary protocol.

  • Medical Benefits Scheme Staff Mark Alma Mater Day With Donation to Golden Grove Primary

    Medical Benefits Scheme Staff Mark Alma Mater Day With Donation to Golden Grove Primary

    In a meaningful expansion of their annual tradition, employees of the Medical Benefits Scheme transformed their Alma Mater Day observance on March 27, 2026, into an opportunity for community philanthropy. Beyond their customary practice of wearing school uniforms and taking commemorative photographs, staff members collectively contributed essential supplies to support Golden Grove Primary School.

    The initiative saw MBS personnel donating crucial educational materials and personal hygiene products, marking the first time the organization has incorporated charitable giving into their Alma Mater celebrations. This practical demonstration of support emerged from staff-led efforts to enhance the program’s community impact.

    The donation drive aligns with MBS’s ongoing commitment to educational outreach, coming shortly after the organization’s participation in World Water Day activities at another public educational institution. These coordinated efforts demonstrate a strategic approach to supporting schools through multiple channels: educational programming, motivational encouragement, and tangible resource provision.

    This enhanced observance reflects the organization’s dual focus on honoring educational heritage while actively addressing contemporary needs within school communities. By recognizing that schools serve diverse student populations with varying requirements, MBS staff have created a model for corporate social responsibility that connects nostalgic tradition with practical community support.

  • Grenada Houston Association Scholarship 2026–2027

    Grenada Houston Association Scholarship 2026–2027

    The Grenada Houston Association (GHA) has announced the opening of its scholarship program for the 2026-2027 academic year, targeting students pursuing studies in science, agriculture, and interdisciplinary fields. This initiative aims to support educational advancement for both secondary and tertiary level students from Grenada.

    Eligibility criteria for the scholarship mandate that applicants must be enrolled as full-time students and demonstrate financial need. Additionally, tertiary education applicants are required to present clearly defined career objectives. The selection process will prioritize candidates who exhibit academic promise and alignment with the program’s focus areas.

    Each successful applicant will receive a financial award of US$500 to support their educational expenses during the academic year. The scholarship application must be completed through the online portal at https://www.grenadahoustonassociation.org/scholarships/scholarship-application/ by the November 30, 2026 deadline.

    Prospective applicants must ensure all required documents are properly scanned and uploaded during the digital submission process. For additional information and application guidance, students may contact the Grenada Houston Association directly at [email protected] or reach out to the Scholarship Desk at the Ministry of Education’s Human Resource Development Division via telephone at (473) 440-2737/8 or (473) 417-9762, or by email at [email protected].

    The Ministry of Education supports this scholarship initiative as part of broader efforts to enhance educational opportunities for Grenadian students in critical development fields.

  • Billions for Climate, But CARICOM Says Getting the Money Is Another Story

    Billions for Climate, But CARICOM Says Getting the Money Is Another Story

    Georgetown, Guyana – Caribbean environment ministers concluded a pivotal climate summit this week with a unified message: global climate financing promises remain largely inaccessible to the nations most vulnerable to environmental threats. The 124th Special Meeting of CARICOM’s Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), held from March 26-27, 2026, highlighted the critical implementation gap between international commitments and on-the-ground realities.

    Belize’s Minister of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, Orlando Habet, who chaired the proceedings, emphasized the region’s role as “the bridge between global commitments and local implementation” during opening remarks. The central theme emerging from the two-day conference was the profound difficulty Caribbean nations face in securing previously pledged billions in climate adaptation funding from wealthy nations and international financial institutions.

    Ministers identified complex application procedures and insufficient technical support as primary barriers preventing timely access to crucial financial resources. These bureaucratic obstacles frequently delay or completely obstruct funding streams desperately needed for climate resilience projects across island nations.

    The regional body issued a collective call for simplified access mechanisms and financing instruments specifically tailored to the unique circumstances of smaller developing states. With COP31 scheduled for November 2026, CARICOM has positioned itself to demand concrete action, declaring that the upcoming UN climate summit must transform into an ‘implementation COP’ focused on delivering tangible outcomes for vulnerable nations rather than further declarations of intent.