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  • Bulk Waste Cleanup Planned for St. John’s Rural East March 27–29

    Bulk Waste Cleanup Planned for St. John’s Rural East March 27–29

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – A significant sanitation enhancement project is scheduled to unfold across St. John’s Rural East from March 27th to 29th. This organized bulk waste cleanup drive, orchestrated by area representative Maria Browne, aims to substantially improve community cleanliness and public safety through the systematic disposal of accumulated large household items.

    The three-day operation will follow a meticulously planned schedule to ensure comprehensive coverage. The initiative commences on Wednesday, March 27th, targeting the neighborhoods of Clare Hall, Gambles, Wireless Road, and Cassada Gardens. Operations continue on Thursday, March 28th, with collection teams deployed to St. Johnston’s Village, Skerritts Pasture, Sutherlands, Cassada Gardens #2, and Carnival Gardens. The cleanup concludes on Friday, March 29th, extending services to all remaining surrounding areas within the constituency.

    Local authorities are strongly advising residents to proactively gather and prepare their bulk waste materials in advance of their designated collection day. This preparatory measure is crucial for ensuring efficient operation and complete waste removal. The community outreach includes providing a direct contact number for citizens seeking additional information or clarification regarding proper waste preparation procedures and specific collection timelines.

  • Family Appeals for Help Identifying Man After Reported Incident at St John’s Supermarket

    Family Appeals for Help Identifying Man After Reported Incident at St John’s Supermarket

    Authorities are investigating a concerning incident involving a minor at a supermarket in the Old Parham Road area, prompting a family to seek community assistance in identifying an individual captured on surveillance footage. According to family representatives, the child had visited the establishment to complete a purchase when an unsettling encounter occurred, leaving the minor visibly distressed and prompting immediate return to parental care. The family has formally reported the matter to law enforcement agencies and is now urging public cooperation in their efforts to identify the individual described as ‘the guy in the white.’ Surveillance imagery released to the public depicts a Caucasian male wearing a light-colored shirt and dark trousers within the supermarket premises. While official police statements remain pending, investigators are encouraging anyone with relevant information about the individual or incident to come forward to assist with ongoing investigative procedures. The case highlights continuing community concerns regarding public safety and retail security protocols, particularly involving vulnerable minors in commercial environments.

  • Paus Leo: Oorlog in Midden-Oosten ‘schandaal’ voor de mensheid

    Paus Leo: Oorlog in Midden-Oosten ‘schandaal’ voor de mensheid

    Pope Leo XVI has issued a powerful condemnation of the ongoing Middle East conflict, describing the widespread death and suffering as a “scandal for the entire human family” during his weekly Angelus address in St. Peter’s Square. The pontiff reiterated his urgent appeal for an immediate ceasefire as the joint U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran enters its fourth week.

    The first American pope expressed profound dismay at the deteriorating situation across conflict-ridden regions, particularly highlighting the Middle East crisis. “We cannot remain silent in the face of so much suffering,” Pope Leo declared. “The helpless victims of these conflicts are being wounded, and what hurts them affects all of humanity.”

    The spiritual leader detailed the catastrophic humanitarian consequences: countless civilian casualties including women and children, destroyed critical infrastructure such as hospitals and schools, and millions displaced from their homes. He emphasized that the psychological trauma inflicted on survivors would likely reverberate through generations.

    Amid escalating regional tensions, the joint U.S.-Israeli operations have intensified with airstrikes and increased military presence targeting Iran. Recent reports indicate conflict spillover affecting civilian areas near Israeli borders. While the international community continues to press for de-escalation and renewed peace negotiations, tangible progress remains elusive.

    Pope Leo concluded with a spiritual imperative: “I strongly urge perseverance in prayer so that hostilities may cease and the path to peace may finally be opened.” His statement underscores the critical need to end violence not only for immediate victims but for global stability and security.

  • Booby Alley project set to deliver 150 homes by August, PM says

    Booby Alley project set to deliver 150 homes by August, PM says

    Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a significant milestone in the nation’s housing redevelopment initiative, projecting that approximately 150 condominium units in the Booby Alley revitalization project will be ready for occupancy by residents of the Point area this August. The disclosure came during the leader’s weekly national address, where he provided comprehensive updates on several infrastructure developments across the dual-island nation.

    The residential units, representing a transformative approach to urban housing, are anticipated to achieve construction completion between May and June, with subsequent months dedicated to installing essential landscaping and fundamental community amenities. Browne emphasized the project’s role in replacing historically overcrowded and substandard living conditions, noting that the site previously contained over 100 chattel homes, many lacking adequate sanitation facilities.

    Addressing community engagement, the Prime Minister specifically encouraged ground-floor residents to participate in maintaining the surroundings and enhancing the area’s greenery. He observed that initial resident skepticism has progressively transformed into support as the development visibly takes shape, creating modern housing solutions in a historically disadvantaged neighborhood.

    Beyond the Booby Alley project, Browne outlined additional infrastructure advancements, including a new cruise upland facility on Lower Newgate Street scheduled for completion within coming months. The Prime Minister also highlighted continued major investments in Barbuda, revealing that a hotel development partially backed by actor Robert De Niro is preparing to open its first phase by year’s end, with guest accommodations expected to commence in early 2025.

    Regarding transportation infrastructure, Browne confirmed that long-awaited resurfacing work on All Saints Road will commence shortly under the management of the Public Works Department, following delays attributed to an overseas contractor.

  • UWI-based parliamentary assembly holds inaugural sitting

    UWI-based parliamentary assembly holds inaugural sitting

    The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, witnessed a groundbreaking political initiative on Saturday as student leaders inaugurated the Caribbean Parliamentary Assembly (CPA), establishing a simulated parliamentary platform designed to amplify youth voices in regional policy discussions.

    This innovative program, conceived by the UWI STAT Vice Chancellor’s Ambassador Corps’ Cave Hill chapter in collaboration with the Cave Hill Guild of Students and campus associations, represents a strategic effort to institutionalize youth participation in governance matters. The assembly’s organizational structure features representatives nominated by island associations, comprising two delegates from each territory, three guild representatives, and four members from the Vice Chancellor’s Ambassador Corps, with the law society president presiding as Speaker.

    The inaugural session focused on examining emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, and their potential impact on Caribbean development. Joshua Harris, Prime Minister of the CPA, outlined the assembly’s operational framework, indicating plans for quarterly sessions with potential virtual meetings during summer months when students return to their home countries.

    Notably, the initiative has attracted participants from diverse academic disciplines including economics, law, political science, and sports studies, creating an interdisciplinary approach to policy analysis. The program gained additional support through incorporation of the Rotary Club of Barbados, strengthening its civic foundation and community connections.

    Senator Shane Archer, Minister of State for Youth and Culture, enthusiastically endorsed the initiative, recognizing it as a significant advancement in youth civic engagement after years of absence of such platforms. He encouraged participants to expand their dialogue beyond formal debates to include direct public interaction, potentially evolving into a recognized regional advisory body that could provide recommendations to the CARICOM Secretariat.

    Archer further advocated for reinstating parliamentary outreach programs for younger students, previously suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions and parliamentary renovations, emphasizing the importance of early civic education. The proceedings were live-streamed, enabling broader regional accessibility and transparency in this pioneering educational endeavor.

  • Governor General attends Mini Global Rally Prize Giving

    Governor General attends Mini Global Rally Prize Giving

    In a prestigious ceremony held at Antigua and Barbuda’s National Sailing Academy, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of the Caribbean nation, personally presented awards to Mr. Renaut Stitelmann, champion of the inaugural McIntyre Mini Globe Race. The event marked the official conclusion of this groundbreaking solo sailing competition, which both commenced and finished in Antigua’s historic waters.

    Fifteen intrepid sailors originally embarked from the Academy on their extraordinary solo circumnavigation challenge, with Stitelmann emerging victorious after months at sea. Race founder Don McIntyre attended the presentation ceremony, witnessing the culmination of his vision for accessible ocean racing.

    Governor General Williams expressed profound national pride in Antigua and Barbuda’s central role in facilitating this remarkable global event. He emphasized that the successful execution of the Mini Globe Race underscores the nation’s emergence as a world-class sailing destination capable of hosting internationally significant maritime events with exceptional standards.

    The Governor General particularly highlighted McIntyre’s revolutionary approach to making ocean racing more accessible to grassroots sailing enthusiasts, noting that this philosophy enabled the realization of the Mini Globe Race concept. The event not only celebrates maritime achievement but also reinforces Antigua and Barbuda’s strategic positioning within the global sailing community.

  • Wereldwaterdag: druk op waterinfrastructuur in Suriname en Caribisch gebied

    Wereldwaterdag: druk op waterinfrastructuur in Suriname en Caribisch gebied

    On World Water Day, March 22nd, Suriname’s national water utility company SWM has drawn attention to the critical importance of maintaining sustainable and reliable water supply systems despite the country’s abundant freshwater resources. The company emphasized that careful management remains essential to ensure clean and safe drinking water for future generations.

    SWM is currently advancing multiple strategic initiatives to enhance drinking water infrastructure. The Water Supply Modernization Program, financed by the Inter-American Development Bank, focuses on reducing water loss, modernizing production stations, and institutional strengthening. Simultaneously, the Water Supply Infrastructure Improvement Project—supported by the French Development Agency and European Union—is rehabilitating and upgrading water production facilities in the Wanica and Marowijne regions.

    The utility company is actively promoting conscious water usage and urging society to protect water sources. Additional investments are being made in staff training and technological innovation to future-proof the water supply system.

    Across the broader Caribbean region, water systems face mounting pressures from aging infrastructure, growing demand, and climate change impacts. While approximately 90% of households have access to piped water systems, many countries struggle with unreliable supply, significant water loss through leaks, and inadequate wastewater management—issues that harm both economic stability and ecological health.

    Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Director for the Caribbean, identified reducing water loss, strengthening regional cooperation, and investing in training and modern technologies as essential measures to enhance water security. She noted that substantial financial investment is required to develop climate-resilient and efficient water services, emphasizing that public funding alone will not suffice.

    The World Bank continues to support Caribbean governments in modernizing water infrastructure and improving management practices to promote employment, economic resilience, and sustainable growth.

    With World Water Day serving as a catalyst, strengthening sustainable water supply and public awareness remains a priority throughout Suriname and the wider Caribbean region.

  • ‘A deep, deep crisis of civilisation’

    ‘A deep, deep crisis of civilisation’

    Despite the implementation of a State of Emergency (SoE), Trinidad and Tobago continues to grapple with an unrelenting surge in violent crimes, including homicides, kidnappings, and home invasions. Criminologists assert that the government’s reliance on emergency measures constitutes an ineffective, one-dimensional strategy that fails to address the complex nature of criminal activity in the nation.

    Official statistics reveal a murder toll of 76 as of 2026, showing only a marginal decrease from 85 recorded during the previous year. The current administration, led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has implemented two States of Emergency since assuming power in April 2025, citing escalating threats from organized criminal networks. This approach follows a similar emergency declaration by the preceding PNM government in December 2024.

    Dr. Randy Seepersad, a prominent criminologist, explains that the SoE primarily targets gang-related violence, which accounts for approximately 40% of homicides. ‘The operational methodology involves saturating high-crime zones with joint police and military personnel, which can suppress retaliatory gang killings,’ Seepersad noted. However, he emphasized that 60% of murders—including those stemming from domestic disputes, altercations, and robberies—remain largely unaffected by emergency measures.

    Fellow criminologist Daurius Figueira presented a more critical assessment, characterizing the SoE as fundamentally irrelevant to Trinidad’s evolving criminal landscape. He highlighted that emergency measures primarily instill fear in law-abiding citizens rather than deter hardened criminals. ‘In situations of extreme passion or organized criminal disputes, SoEs provide no persuasive deterrent,’ Figueira stated. ‘Transnational criminal operations continue unimpeded, with professional contract killers (sicarios) reemerging as significant threats in 2026.’

    Both experts concur that the government’s repetitive use of emergency declarations without accompanying structural reforms represents a ‘dance of futility.’ Figueira particularly criticized the outdated national security apparatus and prison system, warning that correctional facilities risk being overtaken by organized crime. ‘The national security apparatus we have is the creation of politicians—it works for politicians but not for the average citizen,’ he concluded, describing the situation as a ‘deep crisis of civilization.’

    The criminologists urge authorities to develop multifaceted strategies that address the diverse causes of violence beyond gang-related activity, emphasizing that sustainable solutions require modernization of security institutions and targeted interventions for domestic violence and other non-gang-related crimes.

  • Pavement repairs, street lighting to be prioritised, say ministers

    Pavement repairs, street lighting to be prioritised, say ministers

    The Trinidad and Tobago government has initiated a nationwide infrastructure rehabilitation program targeting deteriorated road networks and public utilities. Works Minister Jearlean John revealed that the Highways Division maintains systematic oversight through biweekly inspections across all eight operational districts, prioritizing interventions based on deterioration severity, traffic volume, and potential risks to public safety.

    Minister John detailed specific maintenance challenges, identifying approximately 113 defective manhole covers and over 223 linear meters of damaged pavement along the Southern Main Road corridor alone. The ministry is currently prioritizing procurement of materials for comprehensive repairs while maintaining inventories of missing bridge handrails for future installation as funding becomes available.

    Simultaneously, Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath announced an aggressive street light restoration initiative following a comprehensive national audit. The audit revealed widespread aging and outdated lighting infrastructure inherited from previous administrations. Padarath credited newly appointed T&TEC General Manager Ian Ramrattan, who rejoined the organization from Canada’s power sector, with driving rapid improvements in utility infrastructure.

    The government acknowledges inherited challenges including outdated power lines causing recent outages in Central and East Coast regions. Officials emphasize shifting focus from loss-yielding mega projects to practical infrastructure upgrades, with both ministries coordinating technical support and funding allocation for nationwide improvements.

  • New border security plan to get ‘bad guys’

    New border security plan to get ‘bad guys’

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to intensifying crime reduction efforts through enhanced border security measures and legislative action. Speaking during Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations at the Markaz Al-Asja Jamaat in Charlieville, the Prime Minister defended the implementation of a second State of Emergency while announcing the imminent introduction of the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS).

    The new APIS legislation, scheduled for implementation by Friday, will establish sophisticated passenger screening capabilities at airports through digital entry forms. “We are collaborating with United States authorities to implement systems that will enable immediate identification of potentially dangerous individuals upon arrival,” Persad-Bissessar stated. “This integrated approach will provide clear differentiation between legitimate travelers and those posing security risks.”

    Addressing questions about the necessity of another State of Emergency despite a 42% reduction in murders, the Prime Minister emphasized that further progress remains essential. “Current statistics indicate we must achieve an additional 58% reduction in criminal activity. Public safety and national security remain paramount priorities for this administration,” she asserted.

    Regarding the recent withdrawal of US radar surveillance from Tobago, Persad-Bissessar acknowledged the system’s significant contribution to previous security operations while expressing understanding of American strategic requirements. “We maintain ongoing dialogue with US counterparts concerning radar capabilities. While we appreciated the temporary deployment, we recognize their operational needs in other regions,” she commented.

    During the Eid celebration, the Prime Minister also highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s multicultural harmony, praising the Muslim community’s integral role in national development and social cohesion. She contrasted Trinidad and Tobago’s peaceful coexistence with challenges faced by Muslim communities elsewhere, stating, “Our nation remains blessed to celebrate religious festivals in unity while other global communities face difficulties observing their traditions.”