Authorities have confirmed the identity of the individual fatally shot during a violent confrontation in Weston, St James, over the weekend. The deceased, 26-year-old Doniko Avery Gaskin from The Garden, St James, lost his life in the early hours of Saturday, November 8. The incident unfolded around 1:30 a.m. when three masked, armed men approached a licensed firearm holder as he was exiting a business establishment. According to police reports, the armed men confronted the individual and opened fire. In response, the licensed firearm holder reportedly drew his weapon and returned fire, injuring two of the assailants. Gaskin succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the other injured man was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for medical attention. Law enforcement officials are actively investigating the incident and have urged anyone with relevant information to contact the Holetown Police Station at 419-1700, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS (8477), or Police Emergency at 211.
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Dominican poet releases literary mixtape: ‘Feels like home’
Dominican author and poet Anella Shillingford has introduced her latest literary endeavor, “Feels Like Home,” a unique fusion of poetry, music, and memory. Described as a “literary mixtape,” the work delves into themes of love, healing, and belonging, offering readers an intimate and soulful experience. Shillingford’s collection combines poetic prose, free verse, found poems, and lyrical storytelling, creating a narrative that resonates like a heartfelt playlist for the soul. Inspired by her deep connection to Caribbean culture and soundscapes, the author employs rhythmic patterns and repeated motifs to evoke movement and emotion through her words. Shillingford describes the work as “nostalgia captured on paper,” likening it to a warm hug or a comforting cup of cocoa tea. Since her debut in 2019 with “Bonfire,” which explored themes of womanhood and resilience, Shillingford has continued to enrich Caribbean literature. Her second collection, “Of Rivers and Oceans” (2022), examined identity, nature, and love. Rooted in the rhythms and languages of the Caribbean, her writing amplifies Black women’s voices, memory, and the transformative power of words.
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LyricKsMan Hails Burning Flames’ Knighthood as a National Triumph
In a momentous event during Antigua and Barbuda’s 44th Anniversary of Independence celebrations on November 3, 2025, the iconic soca band Burning Flames was honored with knighthood, marking a historic milestone for the nation. The group’s members—Sir Oungku, Sir Onyan, Sir Bubbi, and Sir Foxx—were celebrated for their decades-long contributions to music and national identity. Antiguan entertainer LyricKsMan of LSA Entertainment hailed the knighting as both a personal and national triumph, emphasizing its profound significance.
LyricKsMan, a prominent figure in the soca scene, described the band’s influence as transformative, shaping his musical journey from childhood. “Since the age of three, Burning Flames has been my band. Their rhythms raised me, their lyrics taught me, their energy inspired me,” he shared. He credited Sir Oungku, the band’s lead singer, as his “musical father” and mentor, praising his creativity and dedication to keeping Antiguan soca vibrant.
The entertainer emphasized that the knighthood was more than an award—it was a “national moment of truth” and a symbol of pride for musicians, dreamers, and islanders. He lauded Burning Flames as pioneers, teachers, and patriots whose impact extended beyond music, representing Antigua and Barbuda across the region and inspiring generations.
In a heartfelt tribute, LyricKsMan expressed gratitude to the band for their sacrifice, talent, courage, and consistency. “You are proof that when passion meets purpose, the world must listen,” he said. Concluding with a rallying call, he declared, “Long live Burning Flames. Long live Antiguan music. Long live JAM BAND—the fire that never out!”
The knighting of Burning Flames stands as a testament to their enduring legacy and the cultural richness of Antigua and Barbuda.
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Prime Minister Announces December 1 General Election in Saint Lucia
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has officially announced that the citizens of Saint Lucia will cast their votes on Monday, December 1, 2025, to elect a new government. In a nationwide broadcast on November 9, Pierre also designated Monday, November 21, 2025, as Nomination Day, marking the formal submission of candidacy papers for the upcoming election. Additionally, the Prime Minister disclosed that he has recommended the Governor General to dissolve Parliament starting Monday, November 10, 2025, initiating the official election period. The Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP), led by Pierre, currently enjoys a robust 13–4 majority in Parliament, a result of its significant triumph in the July 2021 general election. This announcement sets the stage for a pivotal political event in the Caribbean nation, with the SLP aiming to maintain its stronghold in the legislative body.
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Entities Must Get Approval Before Running Raffles or Giveaways under Consumer Protection Act, 2025
In a significant move to safeguard consumer interests, the Consumer Protection Act of 2025 has introduced stringent regulations requiring entities to obtain prior approval before conducting raffles or giveaways. This legislative update aims to curb deceptive marketing practices and ensure transparency in promotional activities. Businesses, organizations, and individuals planning such events must now seek authorization from designated regulatory bodies, which will assess the fairness and legality of the proposed schemes. The Act also imposes penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential legal action. This development underscores the government’s commitment to protecting consumers from fraudulent schemes while fostering a trustworthy marketplace. Stakeholders are advised to familiarize themselves with the new requirements to avoid disruptions in their promotional strategies.
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Commonwealth Secretary-General experiences Antigua and Barbuda’s culture ahead of CHOGM 2026
During an official visit to Antigua and Barbuda last week, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey experienced the nation’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance as it gears up to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2026. The visit commenced with a vibrant cultural showcase at Sandals Resort, where the Antigua Dance Academy performed traditional drumming and dance. Botchwey, deeply moved by the rhythms, drew parallels to her homeland, Ghana, describing the performance as “heartfelt and unforgettable.”
Botchwey’s itinerary also included a guided tour of Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, led by officials from the National Parks Authority. The tour featured visits to Clarence House, Shirley Heights Lookout, and the Dockyard Museum, offering insights into the island’s colonial past and maritime history. The day concluded with a traditional Antiguan lunch at the Copper & Lumber Store Hotel, further highlighting the country’s culinary traditions.
Though brief, Botchwey’s visit underscored Antigua and Barbuda’s unique blend of cultural pride, historical preservation, and forward-looking ambition as it prepares to welcome leaders from across the Commonwealth in 2026. The visit not only showcased the nation’s readiness to host a global event but also reinforced its commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing its role on the international stage.
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Grace plays race, gender card amidst contract scrutiny
In a heated political climate in St. Vincent, Grace Walters, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate for North Windward and a hospital administrator, has defended her EC$144,000 one-year consultancy contract for the Arnos Vale hospital project. Walters, speaking at a ULP rally in Biabou, suggested that the scrutiny of her contract stems from her identity as a woman and a member of the Carib community.
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Antigua and Barbuda Dominate Caribbean Arm Wrestling Clash
Antigua and Barbuda showcased their arm wrestling prowess on Saturday night, securing a resounding victory in the Clash of the Caribbean Arm Wrestling Series held at The People’s Place in St John’s. The home team triumphed in seven out of ten matches, leaving their Trinidadian competitors in the dust. The event kicked off with a stellar performance by Omarion Boyle and Omarie Laird, who both achieved flawless 3–0 victories. Nivron Browne, Nickson Grove, Daniel Antonio, and Joshua Rabess further cemented Antigua’s dominance with commanding wins. Despite the overwhelming performance by the hosts, Trinidad managed to claim three victories, thanks to Muhammad Ibrahim, Navardo Wallace-Gill, and Jesiah Bartholomew. The event not only highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s growing strength in regional arm wrestling but also underscored the sport’s increasing popularity across the Caribbean. The enthusiastic crowd added to the electric atmosphere, making it a night to remember for arm wrestling enthusiasts.
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Senate takes first step toward ending the government shutdown
In a pivotal move to resolve the ongoing government shutdown, the U.S. Senate voted 60-40 on Sunday to advance a compromise funding bill, marking the first step toward reopening federal operations. The agreement, brokered by a group of moderate Democrats, has sparked internal discord within the party as it does not guarantee the extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, a key demand from progressive lawmakers. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and most of his colleagues opposed the procedural vote, underscoring the deep divisions over health care policy. The deal, which includes bipartisan spending bills and a temporary funding extension until late January, also reverses mass firings of federal workers and ensures back pay for those affected. Senate Majority Leader John Thune urged swift action, emphasizing the shutdown’s widespread disruptions, including flight cancellations and delayed food assistance. While President Donald Trump expressed optimism about ending the shutdown, he stopped short of endorsing the deal. The agreement, which required the support of five Democrats to pass, has drawn criticism from House Democrats, who argue it fails to address health care affordability. The Senate’s decision sets the stage for a contentious December vote on ACA subsidies, with Republicans divided over extending COVID-19-era tax credits. Meanwhile, the shutdown’s impact continues to worsen, affecting millions of Americans ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
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Arbour Day 2025 to Promote Climate-Smart Tree Planting
The Department of Environment (DOE) has announced plans to host Arbour Day 2025 on November 27, centered around the theme “Buzzing with Power – Planting Trees for a Climate-Smart Future.” This annual event, set to take place on the DOE Lawn starting at 9 a.m., aims to engage residents in environmental conservation and bolster climate resilience. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a diverse range of fruit trees, including coconut, custard apple, raspberry, soursop, guava, and pomegranate. Plant bags will be available for $2.50 each, with the option to exchange two bags for a tree. Beyond tree planting, the event will feature an array of activities such as live music, food and drink stalls, prize giveaways, and educational workshops focused on sustainable living and reforestation. Officials emphasize that the initiative seeks to inspire communities to take actionable steps toward a greener Antigua and Barbuda by promoting the cultivation of climate-resilient fruit trees. For more information, residents can call 462-4625 or visit environment.gov.ag.