Warner Park Cricket Stadium in Basseterre, Saint Kitts, was a sea of national pride on Friday evening, September 19, 2025, as hundreds gathered to celebrate the 42nd Anniversary of Independence for the twin-island Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Attendees, adorned in patriotic attire and branded gear, witnessed a spectacular showcase of military precision and historical reenactments. The event was graced by the presence of Her Excellency Dame Marcella Liburd, Governor-General, and Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, who joined in the festivities. The ceremony featured a march-past by various armed and unarmed units, including the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, and the Cadets Corps. A highlight of the evening was the performance by reenactors from the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force, who portrayed the historic 4th West India Regiment. Dressed in period uniforms and armed with British Land Pattern Flintlock Rifles, they demonstrated precision drills and historical firing techniques, captivating the audience. Dennis Richards, a celebrated visual artist, praised the event, noting its evolution over the years. Keisha Farrell, another attendee, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the excellent turnout and the parade’s improvements. Diplomats from around the globe, including representatives from Cuba, Taiwan, Venezuela, and the United States, were also in attendance, underscoring the international significance of the celebration.
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Argenis Kodigo, linked to the Kodigo VIP nightclub, turns himself in for alleged drug trafficking and money laundering.
In a significant crackdown on organized crime, Argenis Santana Herrera, also known as Argenis Kodigo, was arrested on Friday by the Public Ministry. Santana Herrera was a key figure in an alleged drug trafficking and money laundering network that was dismantled earlier this week through a coordinated effort involving the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD). His arrest followed a court order, and he voluntarily surrendered to authorities at the Santo Domingo Este Prosecutor’s Office and the Unit for the Capture of Fugitives, Rebels, and Convicts (UCAPREC).
The operation, which took place last Monday, also led to the arrests of Alfredo Samboy Féliz (Burungo) and Suleica Herrera Geraldo. A team of 21 prosecutors from the Santo Domingo Este Prosecutor’s Office, supported by 150 DNCD agents and Navy personnel, conducted 15 simultaneous raids across the National District, Santo Domingo Este, and Baní in Peravia province. These raids targeted members of the criminal organization responsible for seizing 20 packages of cocaine in September 2024 in Villa Mella.
During the operation, authorities confiscated substantial assets, including two houses, four apartments, a villa, a pharmacy, firearms, two nightclubs (Kodigo VIP and Flow Room), vehicles, a recreational boat, a drone, a satellite phone, five Jet Skis, clothing, documents, money in both pesos and dollars, electronic equipment, cell phones, and other evidence linked to the investigation.
The dismantling of this criminal network was the result of extensive surveillance and intelligence work conducted by the Public Prosecutor’s Office and DNCD agents. Authorities have indicated that their investigations into the case are ongoing, with efforts to uncover further details and connections within the organization.
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Prime Minister Gaston Browne Wins Defamation appeal against Vere Bird III
In a significant legal development, the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal in a high-profile defamation case involving Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Vere Bird III. The decision, delivered on September 17, 2025, upheld the earlier ruling by Justice Nicola Byer, which found that Prime Minister Browne’s statements regarding Mr. Bird’s alleged benefit from an illegitimate cabinet decision were true, justified, and fair comment. The case dates back to April 27, 2023, when the High Court ruled in favor of the Prime Minister, stating that Mr. Bird had indeed benefited from a cabinet decision to sell him Crown lands at a preferential rate reserved for parliamentarians. Mr. Bird, dissatisfied with the initial ruling, appealed on sixteen grounds, all of which were unanimously dismissed by the Court of Appeal. The court also awarded costs to Prime Minister Browne, with the exact amounts currently under assessment. This ruling reinforces the legal standing of the Prime Minister’s comments and underscores the judiciary’s role in adjudicating complex political disputes.
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Call for more leave, support for parents of children with disabilities
Disability rights advocate Felicia Inniss has called for significant reforms to support parents raising children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Speaking at the St James Ideas Forum town hall meeting at Frederick Smith Secondary School, Inniss emphasized the need for extended maternity and paternity leave, as well as enhanced community-based support systems. She argued that traditional leave policies are inadequate for parents of children with complex needs, who often face psychological and financial challenges. Inniss highlighted the lack of daycare facilities willing to accommodate children with disabilities, making it nearly impossible for parents to return to work within the standard leave period. She also pointed out the scarcity of developmental pediatricians in Barbados, with only one currently serving the island, and urged the government to improve access to assessments and therapeutic services. Drawing from her personal experience as a parent of a child with a disability, Inniss stressed the importance of creating supervised housing for adults with disabilities to ensure their well-being after their parents pass away. She proposed community-based respite programs, likening them to foster care, to provide temporary relief for families. Inniss concluded by emphasizing the need for compassionate, people-centered solutions rather than focusing solely on infrastructure.
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Union urges CARICOM protocol to safeguard migrant workers
With the imminent implementation of full free movement between Barbados and three other CARICOM states, the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) is advocating for a binding regional protocol to safeguard the rights of migrant workers. CTUSAB President Ryan Phillips emphasized the urgent need for enforceable standards to prevent wage suppression and exploitation, stating, “The freedom of movement within the Caribbean must be addressed with clarity and resolve. While the region benefits from shared human capital and collective growth, coherent integration policies, proper labour documentation, and enforcement of social protections are essential.” Phillips made these remarks during CTUSAB’s mid-term delegates’ conference, titled *A Shared Vision for a Stronger Tomorrow: Through Change and Increased Dialogue*, held at the Seventh-Day Adventist Conference Centre. He also highlighted unresolved issues in the public sector, including the non-payment of overtime to nurses, uniform allowances, and the reinstatement of leave for teachers. Phillips called on the government to honor its commitments comprehensively, stressing that these benefits are crucial to workers’ dignity and productivity. Additionally, he criticized CTUSAB’s exclusion from key decision-making bodies, such as those overseeing immigration, education reform, and climate transition, urging for substantial labor representation in shaping Barbados’ future.
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ABWU Shines Spotlight on Workplace Stress and Mental Health
The Antigua & Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) is set to tackle the pressing issue of workplace stress and its impact on mental health during its 58th Annual Delegates Conference. A special panel discussion, scheduled for September 22, will bring together experts to explore strategies for managing stress, reducing stigma, and fostering a supportive work environment. The panel will feature notable speakers, including clinical psychologist Feona Charles-Richards, counsellor Harriet Warner, and Edgar Diaz, Regional Secretary for Latin America and the Caribbean at the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF).
Workplace stress has emerged as a significant concern, with many employees grappling with burnout, anxiety, depression, and declining productivity due to the demands of modern work environments. ABWU Deputy General Secretary Chester Hughes emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, ‘Stress on the job is not just a personal matter—it’s a workplace issue. Employers and unions must collaborate to create healthier environments where employees feel supported, respected, and valued. Mental health must be treated with the same urgency as physical safety.’
The discussion is part of the ABWU’s broader initiative to prioritize mental health support and stress management in collective bargaining, workplace policies, and employer practices. The forum will take place during the conference’s business session on September 22 at 2:00 p.m., aiming to equip stakeholders with practical tools to address this growing challenge.
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Antigua Girls’ High School Graduate Named Top Matriculant at UWI Five Islands
Nelisha Mirage, a distinguished graduate of Antigua Girls’ High School, has been honored as the top matriculant for 2025 at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus. This prestigious recognition was bestowed upon her during the university’s matriculation ceremony, where she signed the register on behalf of the incoming class—a tradition reserved for the student with the highest academic performance.
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UWI Five Islands Welcomes 443 New Students at Matriculation Ceremony
The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus marked a historic milestone as it welcomed its largest-ever cohort of students during the 2025 Matriculation and Welcome Ceremony in St. John’s, Antigua. Despite inclement weather, over 400 new students, accompanied by their families and university staff, gathered to celebrate their formal induction into the UWI community. This year’s intake saw 443 students admitted from a record 750 applicants, pushing the campus’s total enrolment beyond 1,300. The diverse cohort includes students from Antigua and Barbuda, as well as virtual participants from across the Eastern Caribbean, such as St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Lucia. Campus Principal Professor Justin Robinson emphasized the institution’s rapid growth and urged students to view themselves as catalysts for Caribbean transformation. The ceremony featured symbolic traditions, including the signing of the matriculation register, the recitation of the academic vow, and the lighting of the ‘Flame of Excellence,’ which symbolizes knowledge, truth, and shared responsibility. Dr. Camille Samuel, Campus Registrar, reminded students of their lifelong commitment to the UWI community, while Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, joining virtually, highlighted UWI’s global standing and the pivotal role students play in regional development. The event concluded with the university song, performed by the Five Islands Chorale, marking the beginning of the students’ academic journey. This matriculation ceremony not only celebrated a significant milestone but also underscored the institution’s mission to nurture future leaders and change-makers for the Caribbean.
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Sunrise Airways to Launch Antigua–Barbados Flights This Winter
Sunrise Airways is set to enhance its regional connectivity with the introduction of a new service linking Antigua and Bridgetown, Barbados, during the Northern Winter 2025/26 season. The airline announced that the route will commence on 29 October 2025, operating two weekly flights using Embraer ERJ145 aircraft. Departures from Antigua are scheduled for 10:00 on Fridays and 12:15 on Wednesdays, with a flight duration of just over an hour. Return flights from Bridgetown will depart at 12:05 on Fridays and 15:00 on Wednesdays. This strategic expansion underscores Sunrise Airways’ commitment to strengthening short-haul travel options across the Eastern Caribbean islands. The launch event on 1 July 2024 saw the participation of government officials, highlighting the significance of this new route for regional tourism and economic development. The airline’s move is expected to provide travelers with greater flexibility and convenience, fostering closer ties between the two popular Caribbean destinations.
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Antigua’s Culinary Heritage Spotlighted in CruiseCritic Feature
Antigua and Barbuda’s vibrant culinary traditions have taken center stage in a recent feature by CruiseCritic, highlighting how the twin-island nation’s history and cultural diversity are best savored through its food. Authored by Rafael Peña, the article titled “From West African Stews to Latin Spices, Antigua’s Flavors Run Deeper Than the Waters” positions the Caribbean destination as a place where cuisine narrates tales of heritage, resilience, and cultural fusion. The piece delves into the island’s culinary evolution, tracing its roots to colonial influences, including Spanish introductions of garlic, onions, and rice, alongside Mesoamerican staples like beans and tomatoes. These elements, combined with African traditions and local produce, have created a layered and distinctive gastronomic identity. Peña emphasizes that Antigua’s story is not told through generic cruise offerings but through bold flavors of pepper, smoke, and citrus, echoing centuries-old kitchens. The feature spotlights local establishments such as Papa Zouk in St. John’s, celebrated for its fresh fish and extensive rum collection, and OJ’s Beach Bar & Restaurant in Johnson’s Point, known for its buttery lobster and freshly caught snapper. Island Fusion also earns praise for blending Latin influences with Caribbean classics like jerk and conch fritters. By showcasing Antigua’s authentic culinary scene, the article underscores the island’s ability to stand out in the competitive cruise market, offering travelers a taste of living history. With its rich flavors gaining international recognition, Antigua and Barbuda is emerging not just as a tropical paradise but as a must-visit food destination that reflects the depth of its cultural heritage.