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  • Police: Bank card used after disappearance

    Police: Bank card used after disappearance

    For decades, Bernard Mahabir, 71, and Kenneth Gill, 67, shared a close bond as friends who regularly gathered socially. What began as an ordinary day of casual meeting would end in a senseless tragedy that has left their small community reeling in shock.

    Investigative details from local law enforcement outline the sequence of events that led to their deaths. On Sunday morning around 11 a.m., Gill left his residence in Cazabon Gardens, Trincity, and picked up his lifelong friend Mahabir from his home in Pasea, Tunapuna. The pair first drove to a Lopinot community center, where Gill parked his white Nissan Tiida, before Gill’s son transported them to a social gathering in La Pastora, Lopinot. By 5 p.m., the two men were dropped back at the community center, and from there they walked to a nearby neighborhood bar for an additional hour of casual time together.

    Investigators now believe that this stop at the bar would ultimately seal their fates. After observing Gill making payments with his bank card during their time at the bar, attackers targeted the pair, seeing two older retirees as vulnerable, easy targets for a violent robbery. The two men were last seen alive by relatives at approximately 6 p.m., when they drove out of the Lopinot area in Gill’s car.

    By 9:40 a.m. the following Monday, concerned wives of both men had filed official missing person reports at the Arouca Police Station. Law enforcement immediately launched an investigation and called in the volunteer Hunters Search and Rescue Team, led by Shamshudeen Ayube, to assist in the search. Before their remains were located, Gill’s stolen bank card was used by the attackers to make multiple unauthorized withdrawals: $3,000 was pulled from ATMs in Sangre Grande in two separate transactions, and an additional $1,500 was withdrawn from an ATM in Arima.

    Roughly five and a half hours after the missing reports were filed, at 3:15 p.m. Monday, police received a tip that led them to Tapana Road, a side route off Valencia Old Road in Valencia. There, they discovered the charred remains of Gill’s Nissan Tiida, with the burnt bodies of the two friends locked inside the vehicle’s trunk. The following morning, the remains were transported to the Forensic Science Centre in Federation Park, where family members formally identified the victims.

    The tight-knit community where the men lived has remembered the pair as beloved, upstanding members. One neighbor of Gill told local reporters that Gill was an exceptionally kind neighbor who had lived in the Trincity neighborhood with his family for 30 years. Relatives of Mahabir shared that the two men had grown up together on the same street in Pasea, Tunapuna, and their decades-long friendship was so close that each man’s children considered the other a surrogate uncle. Mahabir, a retired married father of two, had left his position with the Tunapuna Piarco Regional Corporation roughly a decade prior; outside of his public service, he was known as a skilled tailor and an enthusiastic beekeeper.

    As of Monday night, this double murder brings the national homicide toll for the current year to 117. For comparison, the homicide count on the same date last year was 126, marking a modest year-over-year decrease in total killings despite this high-profile violent crime.

  • Dominican farmers call for limits on rice and chicken imports

    Dominican farmers call for limits on rice and chicken imports

    SANTO DOMINGO — The Dominican Republic’s leading agricultural industry body is sounding the alarm over potential expansions to agricultural imports, urging the national government to reject broader market access for foreign rice and chicken to protect decades of progress toward domestic food sovereignty.

    The National Confederation of Agricultural Producers (Confenagro), which represents thousands of farming and livestock operations across the country, issued the formal warning this week, outlining that a sudden expansion of imported rice and chicken would undercut local producers and erode hard-won gains in national food self-sufficiency. Even amid widespread global volatility that has pushed up input costs for agricultural sectors worldwide, the organization noted that Dominican domestic producers have managed to sustain consistent output levels — even as they grapple with steep price hikes for critical imported supplies such as chemical fertilizers.

    Confenagro emphasized that rice and poultry production are two of the Dominican Republic’s most strategic agricultural sectors. Over recent years, the country has built up robust domestic capacity that meets nearly all of national demand for these staple foods, a milestone that reduces reliance on volatile global commodity markets. The group cautioned that opening the border to large-scale additional imports during the current period of global economic uncertainty would deliver lasting harm to local smallholder and commercial farmers alike. Once damaged, the confederation added, domestic production capacity would be slow and difficult to rebuild, leaving the country more vulnerable to future global food shocks.

    The latest warning follows a controversial decision earlier this year, when Dominican authorities authorized new chicken imports to address temporary domestic shortages and cool soaring retail prices for the staple protein. That move already sparked sharp political pushback and widespread concern across the domestic agricultural community, with many producers warning that temporary market access could become permanent.

    To address the current challenges of high input costs and consumer price pressures without damaging local production, Confenagro has put forward a package of alternative policy proposals. Key among these is expanding incentives for increased adoption of organic fertilizer production and use across the sector, a shift that would cut Dominican agriculture’s dependence on costly imported chemical inputs and bring down overall production costs for local producers. The association confirmed that it remains in active, constructive dialogue with national government authorities, working to find coordinated policy solutions that safeguard both the livelihoods of domestic agricultural producers and the long-term food security of all Dominican consumers.

  • Bagga man, 70, nabbed at AIA trying to take ganja to Holland

    Bagga man, 70, nabbed at AIA trying to take ganja to Holland

    A 70-year-old Vincentian musician who has resided in the Netherlands for a number of years has been handed total fines of EC$770 after being caught with nearly 2 kilograms of cannabis at St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport, as he waited to board an international flight bound for the United Kingdom.

    The man, Kelroy Edwards, a native of the coastal town of Barrouallie in St. Vincent, pleaded guilty this week at the territory’s Serious Offences Court to three related charges. The charges stem from an April 26 incident where airport law enforcement found the 1,986 grams (4.4 pounds) of cannabis in his checked luggage ahead of his Virgin Atlantic flight to the UK. Edwards admitted that a friend gave him the cannabis, and claimed he mistakenly believed transporting the drug was legal, as he was set to deliver it to contacts waiting for him in Amsterdam.

    Prosecutor Renrick Cato, an Inspector with the local police, laid out the full facts of the case for the court: the cannabis was discovered in six individually plastic-wrapped and taped packages hidden inside a black duffel bag that Edwards had checked in for his outbound flight. When questioned by on-duty police officer PC1021 Thomas after the seizure, Edwards repeated his claim that he did not know crossing international borders with the drug was against St. Vincent’s law. Edwards told investigators he believed carrying cannabis was permitted because the substance is allowed for personal and medicinal use in Amsterdam, where he currently lives.

    In mitigation arguments to the court, Edwards’ defense attorney Grant Connell noted that his client had expressed clear remorse for his mistake, fully cooperated with police investigators throughout the process, and had no prior criminal convictions on his record.

    Chief Magistrate Colin John handed down the sentence on Monday: Edwards received an EC$270 fine for the attempted exportation charge, and an additional EC$500 fine for possession of cannabis with intent to traffic. The magistrate ordered that both fines be paid immediately, with a default three-month prison sentence for non-payment. The charge of possession with intent to supply the drug was dismissed, with Edwards reprimanded and discharged on that count. The court also ordered the entire seized cannabis shipment to be destroyed.

  • TDC Home and Building Depot (Nevis) partners with Eyes First to offer Free Eye Screening Sessions

    TDC Home and Building Depot (Nevis) partners with Eyes First to offer Free Eye Screening Sessions

    In a targeted expansion of its ongoing community outreach commitments, TDC Home and Building Depot (Nevis) has partnered with local optometry provider Eyes First to deliver a day of no-cost eye health screenings that have already benefited more than 50 Nevis residents. Held on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the retailer’s Pinney’s Industrial Estate location, the event welcomed participants of all ages, including TDC’s own in-store staff, giving attendees access to professional vision testing, early screening for prevalent eye conditions, and personalized guidance on sustaining long-term eye health.

    The screenings were led by a team of fully certified, professionally trained optometry specialists from Eyes First. Beyond basic vision checks, the event prioritized public education on the critical role of early detection in preventing vision loss and managing chronic eye conditions, filling a gap in accessible preventive care for local residents.

    Colin Freeman, store manager at TDC Home and Building Depot (Nevis), highlighted that the initiative aligns with the company’s core mission to improve community quality of life beyond its core retail operations. “We are thrilled to partner with Eyes First to bring affordable, accessible eye care directly to the people of Nevis,” Freeman explained. “This project takes our work beyond the four walls of our store. Good vision is foundational to every part of daily life, so we wanted to give our patrons more than just building and home goods—we wanted to connect them to services that support long-term, healthy lifestyles.”

    Sharleen Pariall, office manager at Eyes First, echoed Freeman’s remarks, noting that many common sight-threatening eye conditions have no obvious early symptoms, making routine screening a critical public health priority. “By working together, we reinforced just how impactful regular eye exams are for long-term vision health,” Pariall said. “When eye conditions are caught early, they are far easier to manage effectively. This event gave TDC’s loyal customers and members of the general public a low-barrier chance to prioritize their eye health.”

    This screening marks the second iteration of the partnership’s community eye health initiative. The first event was held in February 2026 at TDC’s St. Kitts branch, as a core component of the brand’s annual company-wide Health and Wellness campaign, held this year under the overarching theme “The Heart of Every Home” with the secondary focus “Healthy Heart Happy Home.” Organizers have indicated that future screenings across other TDC locations in the region are under consideration, as the brand continues to expand its preventive health outreach to local communities.

  • Small plane crashes at Air Force Base in Dajabón

    Small plane crashes at Air Force Base in Dajabón

    On Wednesday, a small civilian aircraft registered N577TU crashed at an Air Force base located in the Dominican Republic’s northern border province of Dajabón, launching an official safety investigation by the country’s top civil aviation and accident probe bodies.

    Initial accounts from on-scene authorities confirm that the crash unfolded as the plane was in the final stages of preparation for takeoff from the Dajabón airfield. Immediately after the incident, local aviation officials activated pre-planned aviation safety response protocols to coordinate emergency and investigative actions.

    First responder teams and security personnel were among the first to arrive at the crash site, working quickly to secure the perimeter and preserve physical evidence critical to the upcoming probe. The only person on board, the pilot, was evacuated from the site and transferred to a nearby private medical facility for urgent care. As of the latest update, Dominican aviation officials have not publicly disclosed any detailed information about the pilot’s current medical condition, leaving local communities waiting for further updates.

    Two lead Dominican agencies—the Aviation Accident Investigation Commission and the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation—have confirmed that specialized technical evaluation teams were deployed to the crash site within hours of the incident. These teams are tasked with conducting on-site inspections, reviewing flight data, and interviewing first responders to pinpoint the root cause of the crash. Authorities have emphasized that the investigation is still in its early active phase, and no conclusive findings have been reached to date. A formal public announcement with full details of the probe’s results will be released once investigators have completed their comprehensive analysis.

  • ESFN Hosts Water Conservation Workshop For Youths at Mill Academy

    ESFN Hosts Water Conservation Workshop For Youths at Mill Academy

    In a proactive push to embed environmental stewardship in younger generations, the EcoShores Sustainable Futures Network (ESFN) brought its innovative Water Conservation Creative Workshop to Mill Academy this April, turning learning about resource protection into an interactive, engaging experience for participating students.

    Designed to connect everyday personal choices to global water security, the workshop opened a space for young participants to brainstorm practical, accessible changes that cut down on unnecessary water waste. From the first activity, the room buzzed with palpable excitement: students leaned into discussions, sharing straightforward yet impactful habits they could adopt at home, such as shutting off taps mid-tooth-brush, harvesting rainwater for gardening, and cutting out routine overuse of water in daily chores. These thoughtful, grounded suggestions did more than showcase student engagement — they reinforced a core truth of environmental action: meaningful conservation grows from early education and consistent, small-scale choices made by individuals across communities.

    Unlike traditional classroom lessons on sustainability, the ESFN event blended educational content with hands-on creative expression, aligned with global observances for World Water Day. Students first completed guided worksheets that mapped out how local and global communities rely on clean freshwater systems, then translated their new understanding into visual art, using color and drawing to bring their water-saving ideas to life. The vivid, diverse artworks not only sparked deeper conversations about collective water protection but also highlighted values of diversity and inclusion through the creative process, tying individual expression to a shared global mission.

    Beyond the workshop activities, participating students added their perspectives to ESFN’s ongoing World Water Day community initiative, first launched during a creative expression event held March 21, 2026. Each student’s drawing and personal message about water conservation became a new contribution to a growing public record of youth-led environmental thought, weaving young voices into a larger narrative of innovation and stewardship. The workshop itself wrapped up by reaffirming two core priorities: the urgent importance of protecting global water resources, and the critical role of education in empowering coming generations to lead climate and conservation action. By centering youth voice and combining discussion with hands-on creative work, ESFN has continued its track record of nurturing both a sense of responsibility and imaginative problem-solving among young people — ensuring the call for water protection is carried forward with renewed energy and optimism.

    As a registered non-profit organization, ESFN focuses its work on advancing sustainability, environmental conservation, and community power across Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the Southern United States. The organization targets a range of pressing interconnected challenges, from climate justice and biodiversity loss to youth development, technological innovation for sustainability, and environmental education. Through a portfolio of public initiatives including the ESFN Volunteer Explorer Program, World Wetlands Day Awareness campaigns, the Build Your Future youth development program, Community Swim Program, and the Endeavour Publication, ESFN cultivates creative, community-led solutions to protect marine and coastal ecosystems, with the end goal of building a more resilient, sustainable future for all groups. A core commitment of the organization is amplifying creative media and cultural expression from vulnerable communities, with a consistent focus on centering youth leadership and engagement in all its work.

  • Controversiële Venezolaanse pin veroorzaakt diplomatieke storm met Guyana

    Controversiële Venezolaanse pin veroorzaakt diplomatieke storm met Guyana

    A long-simmering territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela has reignited diplomatic tensions this week, after Guyana formally raised grave concerns to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) over a provocative symbolic gesture from Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez. During a series of recent official international visits, Rodríguez wore a custom lapel pin shaped after a map that depicts the resource-rich Essequibo region as part of Venezuelan territory – a claim Venezuela has asserted for more than a century that Guyana rejects as unlawful.

    The Essequibo region makes up nearly two-thirds of Guyana’s entire sovereign territory, holding vast untapped reserves of oil, minerals, and other natural resources that have become a core point of friction between the neighboring South American nations. The long-running border dispute has seen a marked escalation in symbolic displays of Venezuelan claims since the high-profile January arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by United States authorities; the Essequibo-shaped pin is now commonly worn by Venezuelan government officials, state media personalities, ruling party legislators and cabinet members, according to diplomatic accounts.

    In a formal letter addressed to Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and current chair of CARICOM, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali underscored that Rodríguez’s choice to wear the pin during official engagements amounts to an explicit reaffirmation of Venezuela’s illegal claim to Guyanese territory. Ali further warned that allowing such displays during official visits hosted by third countries could be misinterpreted as quiet acceptance or tolerance of Venezuela’s territorial demands by the receiving nations, undermining Guyana’s position in ongoing international legal proceedings.

    “CARICOM’s principled support for Guyana must be reflected not just in words, but in the protocols and conduct observed during official meetings,” Ali added in the letter.

    The origins of the dispute stretch back to an 1899 border arbitration ruling reached during the British colonial era, which Venezuela has long argued unfairly deprived it of the Essequibo region. Today, the competing territorial claims are being adjudicated by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) based in The Hague, Netherlands, with the case still pending a final ruling.

    For her part, Rodríguez defended her decision to wear the disputed pin, claiming the map that includes Essequibo as Venezuelan territory is “the only map of Venezuela I recognize.” She reaffirmed Venezuela’s long-standing claim to the entire region and expressed confidence the ICJ will ultimately uphold the country’s historic territorial position.

    Ali used his letter to remind CARICOM of the bloc’s long-standing unwavering commitment to upholding Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He argued that Venezuelan officials should not be permitted to display territorial symbols and maps asserting claims to Essequibo in official international forums, noting that such actions could prejudice the ongoing legal process at the ICJ. Ali also separately condemned the inclusion of Essequibo as Venezuelan territory on official Venezuelan state maps, calling it a calculated, deliberate provocation that Guyana will continue to reject in full.

    By Tuesday evening, CARICOM issued an official response to Guyana’s complaint, acknowledging receipt of Ali’s letter and affirming that official regional platforms and gatherings should not be used to advance or legitimize territorial claims that are currently the subject of pending international legal proceedings. The bloc reaffirmed its “long-standing and unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana, and for a peaceful negotiated resolution to the dispute through proper international legal channels.”

    In recent years, tensions over the region have spilled beyond diplomatic rhetoric. Venezuela has deployed armed patrols to offshore oil blocks licensed by Guyana and currently operated by United States energy firms, repeatedly issuing demands that oil production activities in the area halt. To date, those threats have been ignored by the energy companies operating the offshore platforms, and production has continued uninterrupted.

  • Top-Level Sailing and Caribbean Spirit Cement Modernised Antigua Sailing Week as Instant Classic

    Top-Level Sailing and Caribbean Spirit Cement Modernised Antigua Sailing Week as Instant Classic

    One of the Caribbean’s most iconic sailing competitions, the 2026 edition of Antigua Sailing Week, delivered four days of unforgettable racing marked by wildly shifting conditions, razor-tight standings, and a reimagined fleet format that united competitive sailors and casual cruising enthusiasts from every corner of the globe. Held across a full circumnavigation of the tropical island, the event blended high-stakes on-water competition with lively shoreside celebrations, all anchored by Antigua’s world-famous natural coastal beauty.

    Alison Sly-Adams, president of Antigua Sailing Week, explained that the event’s core mission centered on leveraging the island’s unique geography to deliver one-of-a-kind point-to-point courses, balanced by social gatherings that foster connection among participants. This year’s updated fleet structure successfully merged competitive racing fleets with a rally cruising division, creating an inclusive experience that catered to elite racers and leisure sailors alike.

    The regatta kicked off from the historic starting point of English Harbour, heading toward Green Island on opening day. Moderate trade winds set a steady rhythm for the fleet, giving crews front-row seats to Antigua’s dramatic, turquoise-fringed coastline. After crossing the day’s finish line, sailors gathered for the laid-back Barefoot on the Beach event hosted by the Falmouth Ocean Club, setting the tone for the week’s signature blend of fierce competition and warm camaraderie.

    Day two brought a sharp increase in difficulty, with shifting breeze and rolling North Swell that tested the tactical skills of both racing and cruising crews. While focused teams began to carve out early leads, the competition remained tight across every racing class, with crews wrapping up the day at The Hut at Little Jumby, a beloved destination on Antigua’s northeast coast.

    Light winds dominated the third day of racing, compressing the fleet and shifting the focus from speed to tactical patience. With racing gains coming incrementally, many crews took advantage of the slow pace to socialize on the water, while cruisers enjoyed sunbathing and swimming before heading to the Heineken Riddim and Tides Beach Festival at Ffryes Beach for an evening of live music and local food.

    The fourth and final race day delivered ideal, consistent breeze for the homeward leg from Antigua’s west coast back to English Harbour. Competitive racing fleets faced a challenging upwind beat in the final miles, while cruising crews maintained a relaxed Caribbean pace, stopping to explore scenic beaches and hidden coves along the way before completing their full circumnavigation of the island.

    The closing prize-giving ceremony was held at Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with sweeping views of the centuries-old Fort Berkeley Gunpowder Magazine and the iconic limestone Pillars of Hercules. Competitors mingled among the historic stone structures, sipping local Antiguan rum and enjoying a set of Caribbean rhythms and classic rock from the 17-61° band before awards were distributed.

    Organizers opened the ceremony by thanking title sponsors, community partners, and more than 50 dedicated volunteers whose work made the event run smoothly. Top honors went to the crew of *Kali*, racing under the name Kermode-Grizzly led by Great Lakes skipper Chuck Bayer. The team dominated CSA Class 1 all week, taking both corrected and line honours across all four days of racing to claim the event’s most prestigious award, the Lord Nelson Trophy. Calling the win a once-in-a-lifetime achievement, Bayer said he was deeply honored to join the ranks of legendary sailors whose names appear on the iconic trophy.

    In CSA Racing Class 2, the Dutch crew of Contigo Team HI-1 secured an impressive four straight first-place finishes, holding off stiff daily competition from other teams in their class. Skipper Rien van der Post joked that the crew’s most cherished win came on the final day, when they beat the official Race Committee boat to the finish line – a first for the team, which normally races traditional Lemsteraak ships back home in the Netherlands.

    Bernie Evan-Wong, sailing his Mumm 36 *High Tension*, claimed victory in a closely contested CSA Racing Class 3. Evan-Wong credited his crew’s steady focus through wildly shifting conditions, noting that a bold tactical call on the final day made all the difference. “We did a lot of upwind sailing, and our strong point is off the wind, so we really had to work hard,” he explained. “On the last day, we managed to stay on the edge of a squall, play the shifts, and then tack out at just the right moment, and in the end, that’s what won it for us.”

    For the Multihull CSA Class, the classic 1987 Condor 40 *Troika*, co-owned by Sam Masterman, took home the Governor General’s Cup. Masterman praised the event’s new format and course design, noting that the structure created a fun experience for every skill level. “We had two to three crew on board, depending on the day, and it was a mix of racers and non-racers,” he said. “The way the courses were set up meant that everyone was able to have a good time whether they had a lot of experience or only a little.”

    Beyond class titles, a series of special awards recognized outstanding contributions to the spirit of Antigua Sailing Week. The Jan Santos Trophy went to Neal Charles, a behind-the-scenes volunteer whose tireless work ensured the event ran smoothly. The Caribbean Sailing Association Travellers Trophy was awarded to *Apollo* owner Donald Nicholson for his consistent participation in regional sailing events, while Katy Campbell’s *Panacea X* claimed top honours in the Race Charter division for the second consecutive year. The event also highlighted its youth development work, awarding the Youth Trophy to Ashley Joshua, who progressed through the organisation’s Youth to Keel programme to compete this year aboard *Eira*. The Women’s Trophy went to Sanne Bast of *Ilios*, recognizing her commitment to the regatta both on and off the water, from welcoming visiting media to helping restore and race her team’s boat.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Hosts Advance Visit on the Road to CHOGM

    Antigua and Barbuda Hosts Advance Visit on the Road to CHOGM

    A key milestone in preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) got underway this week, as a cohort of diplomatic representatives from across Commonwealth member states touched down in Antigua and Barbuda on Tuesday for a two-day preliminary inspection visit. The trip, which also includes senior officials from the Commonwealth Secretariat, is a core component of the host nation’s strategy to strengthen technical, operational and protocol coordination — all critical foundations for delivering a successful global summit scheduled to run from November 1 to 4, 2026.

    Speaking on the significance of the pre-summit visit, Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda, framed the trip as one of the most critical staging steps ahead of the formal summit. The advance trip gives member state delegations a first-hand opportunity to assess the host country’s ongoing preparations, she explained.

    “Representatives get to walk through every venue and facility that will be used for the summit, and they can return to their home capitals to confirm that Antigua and Barbuda is fully organized, well on track with preparations, and ready to welcome the Commonwealth,” Hill said. The senior diplomat noted that she has already been encouraged by the feedback from the visiting delegation, adding that the positive energy and engaged questions from attendees signal strong early momentum for the visit. “I am extremely optimistic that Antigua and Barbuda has put forward a strong showing, and that this advance visit has gotten off to an excellent start,” she said.

    The day’s official agenda opened with a formal welcome and briefing session held at the American University of Antigua (AUA) Conference Centre, followed by a guided tour of the AUA campus. Ann-Marie Layne, Director General of Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, emphasized that integrated cross-stakeholder coordination is essential to pulling off a seamless 2026 CHOGM, and expressed the host nation’s eagerness to collaborate with all participating parties.

    “As a small island developing state, Antigua and Barbuda feels deeply honored to be chosen as the host of this major Commonwealth gathering. We view this not just as a solemn responsibility, but as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to highlight the strength, resilience and shared unity of the Commonwealth, and advance productive dialogue under our official summit theme: ‘Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth,’” Layne told the assembled delegation.

    She added: “We are fully committed to working closely with every delegate in attendance to ensure all operational, technical and protocol standards are met at the highest level. Your presence here this week embodies the collaborative spirit that the Commonwealth stands for, and we greatly value your partnership throughout this preparation process.”

    Following the opening briefing and campus tour, Tuesday’s schedule also included guided visits to key local infrastructure and venues: V.C. Bird International Airport, the Sticky Wicket event complex, and the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground. On Wednesday, the delegation will turn its attention to a range of cultural and official sites, including Government House, the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, and the SJPC House of Restoration Ministries.

    Among the countries sending representatives to this first advance inspection are Australia, Samoa, Malaysia, Mozambique, Uganda, Rwanda, and Ghana. A second delegation of Commonwealth representatives is scheduled to arrive for a follow-up visit in early May, and the host nation is also supplementing in-person tours with virtual walkthroughs of venues and historic sites for delegations that cannot travel to Antigua and Barbuda at this stage.

  • Dominican Republic and Spain sign security treaty to combat organized crime

    Dominican Republic and Spain sign security treaty to combat organized crime

    In a formal ceremony held in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic and Spain have formalized a new bilateral agreement designed to ramp up collaborative action against organized criminal networks and elevate public safety standards across both countries. The landmark treaty was signed by two top interior officials: Faride Raful, Dominican Minister of Interior and Police, and Fernando Grande-Marlaska Gómez, Spain’s Minister of Interior, capping off months of diplomatic work focused on addressing the growing threat of cross-border criminal activity.

    Transnational crime has emerged as a shared challenge in recent years, with illicit networks exploiting gaps in international law enforcement coordination to move contraband, exploit vulnerable populations, and launder illegal profits across borders. This new agreement directly addresses that gap by outlining a comprehensive framework for cooperation across a wide range of high-priority criminal areas. Beyond common illicit trafficking threats including drug smuggling, illegal arms trade, and human trafficking, the treaty also covers modern criminal challenges such as cybercrime and financial fraud, alongside longstanding public safety concerns like motor vehicle theft, forged official documentation, and gender-based and domestic violence.

    To turn these cooperative goals into actionable practice, the agreement establishes formal, structured mechanisms for core law enforcement collaboration. These include standardized protocols for real-time information sharing between agencies, frameworks for launching joint cross-border investigations, pathways for direct operational support when needed, and shared processes for mapping and identifying transnational criminal networks and their suspects. In addition to operational cooperation, the treaty paves the way for long-term capacity building: officials from both nations will exchange cutting-edge law enforcement technology, share proven investigative strategies, and deliver specialized training programs to upskill personnel on both sides.

    Speaking after the signing ceremony, official delegations from both countries emphasized that the agreement is rooted in principles of reciprocity and mutual assistance, creating a balanced framework that strengthens security for all citizens. By aligning their law enforcement efforts, the two nations aim to disrupt criminal operations that have impacted communities in both the Dominican Republic and Spain, turning shared commitment to public safety into tangible progress for residents on both sides of the Atlantic.