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  • Nevis Prepares for Caribe Wave 2026 Tsunami Exercise on Thursday

    Nevis Prepares for Caribe Wave 2026 Tsunami Exercise on Thursday

    The island of Nevis is set to participate in the region-wide Caribe Wave 2026 tsunami preparedness exercise on Thursday, March 19, with authorities urging full community engagement. The Nevis Disaster Management Department (NDMD) is coordinating the comprehensive drill designed to enhance emergency response capabilities across the Caribbean region.

    According to NDMD Director Brian Dyer, the simulation will commence precisely at 11:00 a.m. with distributed alert notifications to participating institutions including schools, businesses, and various organizations. The exercise will employ clear verbal markers—repeating “exercise, exercise, exercise”—to distinguish the drill from actual emergencies while maintaining procedural seriousness.

    This year’s scenario simulates a tsunami generated by the hypothetical collapse of the Kick’em Jenny submarine volcano, creating a region-wide impact situation that tests coordinated response mechanisms. Emergency services including police and fire departments will activate sirens and conduct simulated evacuations through designated impact zones.

    The department has conducted extensive preparatory work with diverse community segments including educational institutions, faith-based organizations, volunteers, and persons with disabilities to ensure inclusive participation. Public announcements will guide evacuation procedures along predetermined routes to officially designated safe sites across all parishes.

    Dyer emphasized critical tsunami safety protocols, advising immediate relocation to higher ground (minimum 30 meters above sea level) upon observing natural warning signs such as strong tremors, unusual ocean withdrawal, or roaring ocean sounds—without waiting for official instructions in genuine emergencies.

    The director reiterated that Thursday’s activity remains a training exercise, not an actual emergency, while underscoring the importance of public awareness and participation in building community resilience against potential tsunami threats.

  • Youth Advocate Darin Connor captures Development Bank’s 2025 Mental Health Grant

    Youth Advocate Darin Connor captures Development Bank’s 2025 Mental Health Grant

    In a significant recognition of youth leadership in mental health advocacy, the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis has selected Mr. Darin Connor as the recipient of its 2025 Mental Health Grant. The XCD$10,000 award acknowledges Connor’s exceptional contributions to strengthening mental health systems throughout the Caribbean region.

    Mr. Connor, currently pursuing a Psychology major with Political Science minor at the University of the Virgin Islands, described the grant as representing far more than mere financial assistance. In his acceptance statement, he emphasized how this recognition validates the critical importance of normalizing mental health discussions within communities. “This award serves as an external confirmation that society increasingly recognizes the necessity to destigmatize mental health conversations,” Connor noted, reflecting on his personal journey from a background where higher education was uncommon and imposter syndrome frequently prevailed.

    The young advocate holds the distinguished position of LUIx-UNICEF Mental Health Focal Point for St. Kitts and Nevis, representing the Federation across more than twenty Caribbean nations. His portfolio includes developing youth mental health resources, engaging regional partners, and advocating for enhanced psychosocial support systems for young people. Connor’s leadership credentials extend to his previous role as Vice President of the Student Government Association, where he pioneered student wellness initiatives and peer support programs.

    Ms. Chantelle Rochester, Integrated Marketing and Communications Manager at DBSKN and grant coordinator, explained the rigorous selection criteria emphasizing both academic merit and demonstrated commitment to mental health improvement. “Mr. Connor embodies the future of mental health leadership in our nation,” Rochester stated, highlighting how the grant identifies individuals who have already shown tangible dedication to better mental health outcomes.

    General Manager Laurinston Matthew articulated the Bank’s broader vision behind the initiative, noting that “development transcends traditional financial metrics and encompasses the strength, health, and capacity of our people.” This grant program signals the institution’s strategic evolution from conventional financing toward becoming a catalyst for social transformation and human capital development.

    The Development Bank encourages public engagement through its social media channels @developmentbankskn and WhatsApp platform for updates on this and other national development initiatives.

  • OPINION: My Assessment of the By-Elections of St. Phillip’s North on March 16, 2026

    OPINION: My Assessment of the By-Elections of St. Phillip’s North on March 16, 2026

    In the eight months since his primary victory, Randy Baltimore has demonstrated remarkable political connectivity that transcends traditional partisan boundaries. His deep community engagement has fostered exceptional levels of public trust, with even committed opposition supporters indicating they would cross party lines to support him based solely on his demonstrated character and integrity.

    Baltimore’s extensive mentorship under the late Sir Robin Yearword, Sr.—a legendary figure known for his unparalleled accessibility and constituent advocacy—has provided him with unique political advantages. While contemporary challenges differ significantly from those faced during Sir Robin’s fifty-year tenure, the foundational principles of hands-on representation remain profoundly relevant to today’s electorate.

    Recent electoral analysis suggests that the previous general election outcome reflected more anti-administration sentiment than genuine opposition support. The opposition’s campaign strategy, which included unsubstantiated claims about imported African voters, alleged foreign campaign financing, and fabricated allegations against political leaders, ultimately backfired as voters prioritized the government’s concrete efforts to address national issues within budgetary constraints.

    The political landscape continues to evolve, but Baltimore’s combination of community credibility, mentorship under a beloved political figure, and demonstrated commitment to practical governance positions him as a formidable candidate capable of bridging political divides and building upon established legacies of public service.

  • Registration Deadline Fast Approaching for Queen of Carnival 2026

    Registration Deadline Fast Approaching for Queen of Carnival 2026

    With the vibrant Rhythm of Pageantry building momentum across Antigua and Barbuda, the National Festivals Commission has issued an urgent advisory regarding the impending registration closure for the prestigious Queen of Carnival 2026 pageant. The official deadline for submitting completed registration documents falls on Friday, March 20, 2026, creating a narrow window for prospective participants.

    Aspiring contestants who have previously obtained registration packets are strongly urged to finalize and submit their applications without delay. The National Festivals Office, situated on the first floor of the Cecil George-John Building at the intersection of Corn Alley and Redcliffe Street in St. John’s, will accept submissions during specified hours: Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

    Alternative registration arrangements are available through WhatsApp at (268) 727-9201, while general inquiries may be directed to (268) 462-4707. The Queen of Carnival competition represents a cornerstone event within the Antigua Carnival celebrations, renowned for showcasing exceptional intellect, artistic talent, graceful composure, and profound cultural heritage.

    The Commission extends a compelling invitation to young women throughout the dual-island nation to embrace this transformative opportunity. Participants are promised an empowering journey of personal growth and cultural celebration, perfectly aligned with the 2026 carnival theme: ‘Feel the Rhythm.’ This experience promises to create lasting memories while contributing to the preservation and evolution of Antigua and Barbuda’s rich cultural tapestry.

  • Santo Domingo to host regional energy summit with 27 countries

    Santo Domingo to host regional energy summit with 27 countries

    Santo Domingo prepares to host the pivotal 11th Energy Week of the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE) this October, marking a significant gathering for regional energy cooperation. The event will convene an estimated 3,000 participants, including high-level delegations from 27 member nations, alongside over 200 expert panelists representing government institutions, private sector corporations, and global energy organizations.

    Co-organized with the Dominican government, the summit’s strategic agenda prioritizes critical pathways for a sustainable energy future. Core discussion themes encompass accelerating renewable energy deployment, fortifying regional energy security frameworks, fostering technological innovation in clean energy, and enhancing cross-border electrical integration. The official program will feature the high-profile Meeting of Energy Ministers alongside dedicated business forums designed to translate policy dialogue into actionable investment and collaboration opportunities.

    Dominican Energy Minister Joel Santos utilized the platform to outline ambitious national strategies, declaring the country’s objective to emerge as a definitive Caribbean energy hub. He unveiled forthcoming initiatives to substantially boost national generation capacity and develop large-scale battery storage systems. A flagship infrastructure project, a submarine electrical interconnector to Puerto Rico, was announced to advance regional grid stability. Officials further reported a milestone achievement, with renewable sources now constituting 25% of the nation’s electricity matrix, cementing its leadership role in the Caribbean’s energy transition.

  • Nevis on the Global Stage as Four Seasons Nevis Named Finalist for World’s Most Instagrammable Hotel

    Nevis on the Global Stage as Four Seasons Nevis Named Finalist for World’s Most Instagrammable Hotel

    The Caribbean island of Nevis has gained international recognition as Four Seasons Resort Nevis emerges as a finalist in Luxury Travel Advisor’s prestigious “Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World 2026” competition. This nomination places the luxury resort among 64 elite global properties competing for the coveted title through a bracket-style tournament format.

    Luxury Travel Advisor, a leading industry publication serving travel professionals across cruise, hotel, airline, and tour sectors, has structured the competition as a six-week public voting event. The tournament commenced on March 17th and will conclude with a winner announcement on April 28th. Each voting round closes weekly on Sundays at 11:59 PM, allowing participants to advance properties through direct democratic selection.

    The competition criteria focus specifically on visual appeal that captures social media attention. As stated by the organizers, they seek “the shot that makes people stop scrolling—the one that racks up the likes, the grid envy in the comments, and the DMs asking for travel tips.”

    This prestigious nomination serves as significant global exposure for Nevis, showcasing the island’s luxury tourism offerings, natural beauty, and unique Caribbean charm to an international audience. Local residents and visitors are being actively encouraged to participate in the voting process and share their support through social media channels.

    The outcome of this competition could substantially boost tourism visibility for both the resort and the island nation, potentially influencing travel decisions among luxury seekers and social media-savvy travelers worldwide.

  • Seafoodfestival moet sector en horeca dichter bij elkaar brengen

    Seafoodfestival moet sector en horeca dichter bij elkaar brengen

    Three major Surinamese organizations have formed a strategic alliance to launch the groundbreaking Easter Seafood Festival 2026 in Paramaribo. SAIL N.V., the Suriname Hospitality & Tourism Training Centre (SHTTC), and the Suriname Hospitality & Tourism Association (SHATA) have formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by their respective leaders.

    The landmark agreement was executed by SAIL Director Ifuel Alberg, SHTTC Acting Director Nazara Kranenburg, and SHATA Chairman Egon Von Foidl. The festival is scheduled for Saturday, March 28th at SAIL’s premises on Cornelis Jongbawstraat, representing a significant development in Suriname’s culinary tourism landscape.

    This collaborative initiative aims to achieve multiple objectives: boosting the seafood sector’s visibility, strengthening hospitality industry partnerships, and creating an innovative platform for culinary excellence. SAIL’s leadership emphasizes strategic expansion through this venture, seeking not only to enhance product positioning but also to actively engage with the broader hospitality community.

    The educational component forms a crucial aspect of the festival, with SHTTC focusing on providing hands-on experience for hospitality students. The event offers students unprecedented opportunities to collaborate with industry professionals and gain practical skills in authentic working environments.

    From SHATA’s perspective, the festival serves as a strategic convergence point for producers, hospitality businesses, and educational institutions. This tripartite collaboration is expected to drive innovation, foster cooperation, and stimulate sector-wide growth through shared expertise and resources.

    The festival program features diverse attractions including a Live Cooking Arena, Student Chef Showdown competition, demonstrations by professional chefs, and extensive seafood tasting sessions. Additionally, the event will facilitate networking opportunities and serve as a catalyst for new business partnerships.

    This alliance represents a concerted effort to create a more integrated and robust hospitality sector in Suriname, combining production, education, and industry expertise to elevate the country’s culinary tourism offerings.

  • Alexander: Police on high alert

    Alexander: Police on high alert

    Trinidad and Tobago’s national security apparatus has been activated to high alert status following the repatriation of hundreds of citizens from the United Kingdom who face serious criminal allegations. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander confirmed that law enforcement agencies have received intelligence from the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs regarding individuals returning with histories of alleged murder and firearms trafficking.

    The development comes after the UK government implemented visa requirements for Trinidad and Tobago nationals in March 2025, responding to a significant surge in asylum applications. Foreign Minister Sean Sobers revealed that approximately 700 citizens who had sought asylum in Britain have been returned to Trinidad and Tobago in recent months, representing between 90-97% of all applicants.

    Minister Alexander expressed particular concern about returning individuals who allegedly continued criminal operations from abroad. “Some were operating via phone and other means to direct activities here,” Alexander stated, emphasizing that investigations into these individuals continued despite their overseas presence.

    The Homeland Security Minister condemned what he characterized as systematic abuse of the UK’s asylum process, noting that some returnees had falsely claimed persecution based on sexual orientation—assertions he described as “far from the truth.” Alexander framed the repatriations as part of a broader international trend where nations are taking stronger stances against foreign nationals who engage in criminal behavior within their borders.

    In a related development, authorities reported the successful implementation of a new digital arrival and departure platform that commenced operations without significant technical issues. The minister noted that immigration officials remain on standby to address any potential complications, though initial passenger compliance has resulted in positive operational feedback.

  • Rowley denies PNM drug link

    Rowley denies PNM drug link

    In a fiery response to parliamentary accusations, former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has publicly condemned current Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for what he characterizes as baseless criminal allegations against his political party. The confrontation emerged following Persad-Bissessar’s statements in Parliament on Friday, where she insinuated that the People’s National Movement (PNM) had constructed its headquarters using narco-trafficking proceeds and maintained connections to pedophile networks.

    Rowley, addressing journalists at his Glencoe residence during a press conference, delivered a scathing rebuttal to these claims. He emphasized his long-standing tenure with the PNM since 1974, including fifteen years of leadership, and challenged the Prime Minister to produce substantiating evidence for her serious allegations. Employing the culturally charged term ‘jamette’—a local derogatory expression implying promiscuity and lack of integrity—Rowley asserted that only someone with such characteristics would level grave accusations without proof.

    The former Prime Minister referenced historical contexts, including the murder of businessman Danny Guerra in Sangre Grande, suggesting possible connections to previous states of emergency and political tensions. Additionally, Rowley revived allegations concerning human trafficking within the United National Congress (UNC), claiming that Persad-Bissessar had prior knowledge of such activities yet appointed the accused individual to a ministerial position.

    Rowley further cautioned about the international ramifications of unsubstantiated claims, arguing that they tarnish the nation’s reputation globally. He criticized the Prime Minister for allegedly prioritizing political maneuvering over evidential accountability and called for thorough police investigations into the matters he raised.

  • Four women rescued in human trafficking bust

    Four women rescued in human trafficking bust

    In a landmark enforcement action, Trinidad and Tobago’s Counter Trafficking Unit (CTU) has secured its first Preventive Detention Order following a sophisticated international operation coordinated with Interpol. The operation, codenamed ‘Operation Purple Ryain,’ culminated in the arrest of a 42-year-old businessman and the liberation of four Venezuelan females from severe exploitation conditions.

    The breakthrough occurred on March 7th in Rio Claro, where CTU officers executed a search warrant at a Fraser Street property after weeks of intelligence-driven surveillance. The suspect, identified as Ryan Mark, was apprehended under the Emergency Powers Regulations of 2026 and remains in custody under the unprecedented detention order.

    Among those rescued were two teenagers aged 15 and 17, along with two adult women aged 27 and 30—the latter being the mother of the younger teenager. Preliminary investigations revealed disturbing evidence of prolonged physical abuse, including visible branding and violence marks, with some victims reportedly confined at the location for over two years.

    The operation also led to two Venezuelan nationals being held as persons of interest at the Immigration Detention Centre, while four others were transferred to Immigration Enforcement authorities.

    CTU Deputy Director Dane-Marie Marshall characterized the operation as ‘an international coordination’ that demonstrated the unit’s commitment to crippling human trafficking networks. ‘This is a good day. Four people being rescued in one operation is a fantastic day,’ Marshall stated, emphasizing the unit’s dedication to ending human trafficking in Trinidadian society.

    The rescued survivors are currently receiving comprehensive support through the CTU’s victim assistance framework, including medical treatment, psychosocial services, and protective measures. The operation involved collaborative efforts between the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force and the Police Service’s Special Investigations Unit.

    Authorities indicate that charges under the Trafficking in Persons Act are imminent, with further legal actions expected as investigations progress. The CTU has renewed its call for public vigilance, urging citizens to report suspected trafficking cases through their dedicated hotline and WhatsApp reporting channels.