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  • Grenada leverages Trinidad Carnival to strengthen cultural tourism

    Grenada leverages Trinidad Carnival to strengthen cultural tourism

    The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) has successfully concluded its groundbreaking cultural mission during Trinidad’s 2026 Carnival season, capitalizing on the growing global fascination with authentic Caribbean experiences. This strategic initiative featured an influential partnership with regional entertainment giant Caesar’s Army, deploying an elite contingent of Grenadian performers including V’ghn, Lil Kerry, Dread Lion, and DJ Kevin Crown.

    The artistic delegation delivered electrifying performances at premier events AMBeach and AMBush, where Grenada’s distinctive Jab Jab Truck served as a powerful cultural emblem. This immersive percussion-based showcase transported the raw vitality and unique character of Spicemas directly to thousands of international and regional carnival enthusiasts.

    Samantha Thomas, GTA Marketing Executive who spearheaded on-site activations, observed the profound impact of Grenada’s cultural presentation: ‘There’s an extraordinary energy that emerges when genuine Grenadian spirit occupies these creative spaces—you can visibly witness the transformation in audience engagement. This represents a phenomenal platform for our musical heritage and cultural expressions to reach thousands while reminding them that the authentic experience awaits in Grenada this August.’

    The cultural mission extended beyond live performances to encompass strategic media engagements, with tourism representatives utilizing radio broadcasts and media appearances to position Grenada as a premium destination celebrated for its culinary distinction, eco-leisure facilities, and rejuvenating wellness offerings.

    This initiative constitutes a crucial component of GTA’s comprehensive cultural tourism strategy, designed to transform the international appeal of Grenadian music into tangible destination recognition and heightened travel interest preceding the upcoming Spicemas season.

    Tornia Charles, GTA’s Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized the significance of artistic diplomacy: ‘Our performers have consistently demonstrated their effectiveness as cultural ambassadors. The collaboration with Caesar’s Army embodies our integrated approach to cultural tourism development. Recognizing Trinidad & Tobago as our regional market leader, we aimed to safeguard market presence while ensuring Grenada’s unique identity continues to captivate Caribbean audiences, generating direct economic advantages for Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.’

    The Grenada Tourism Authority plans to maintain this cultural momentum through targeted activations and regional engagements throughout the year.

  • Energiecrisis drukt op India en Europa door conflict in Midden-Oosten

    Energiecrisis drukt op India en Europa door conflict in Midden-Oosten

    The escalating military confrontation between the United States, Israel, and Iran has triggered significant disruptions in global energy markets, with Qatar—the world’s largest liquefied natural gas exporter—suspending its LNG operations. This development has created immediate supply challenges for major energy-importing regions including India and Europe, where prices have surged dramatically.

    QatarEnergy, Qatar’s state-owned energy corporation, announced Monday the suspension of LNG production following drone attacks on critical energy infrastructure. The assaults targeted a water tank at a power plant in Mesaieed Industrial City and an energy facility in Ras Laffan, prompting the company to declare ‘force majeure’—a legal provision that releases companies from contractual obligations during extraordinary circumstances.

    The impacts are being felt across global markets. India, ranking as the world’s fourth-largest LNG importer, faces substantial reductions in gas deliveries. Leading importer Petronet LNG notified major Indian gas suppliers GAIL and Indian Oil Corporation of supply cuts ranging between 10-30 percent, forcing Indian industry to prepare for tightening Middle Eastern supplies. European gas prices soared by over 33% on Tuesday, building on a nearly 40% increase the previous day.

    The expanding Middle Eastern conflict now threatens critical energy infrastructure and transit points, including the Strait of Hormuz—a vital passageway for approximately 20% of global oil and gas exports. Uncertainty surrounding this crucial shipping route has added further pressure to already volatile energy markets.

    Former US President Donald Trump stated that American military operations against Iran could continue ‘much longer’ than initially projected four-to-five week timeframe. Meanwhile, Tehran and its allies have launched retaliatory strikes against Israel, Gulf states hosting US military bases, and other strategic oil and gas facilities.

    With military actions intensifying and diplomatic solutions remaining elusive, analysts warn the conflict may prolong indefinitely. This scenario presents substantial risks to global energy market stability and the economic outlook of energy-dependent economies worldwide.

  • Govt starts Bushy Park track project

    Govt starts Bushy Park track project

    The Barbadian government has officially commenced construction on a new 400-meter athletic track at Bushy Park in St. Philip, marking a significant expansion of the nation’s sports infrastructure. Sports Minister Charles Griffith announced the groundbreaking initiative, framing it as a strategic complement to ongoing developments at the National Stadium and Wildey Gymnasium.

    Minister Griffith emphasized the government’s comprehensive commitment to building top-tier athletic facilities, revealing that approximately $19 million has been allocated specifically for these new tracks. This funding is separate from planned investments in two Olympic-size swimming pools. The Bushy Park track, along with another planned for Trents in St. James, will alleviate training pressure on the Usain Bolt Complex while providing elite training grounds for Barbadian athletes.

    The development forms part of a broader national strategy to prepare athletes for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and beyond. All facilities will be constructed to exacting international specifications, ensuring compliance with global athletic standards. Minister Griffith articulated ambitions to attract regional and international teams for training camps, creating potential revenue streams similar to off-season training models in North America.

    Beyond track and field, future plans include developing a 250-meter international cycling velodrome, BMX track, and Olympic pools at Bushy Park. The minister also highlighted accessibility improvements, noting that the National Sports Council has begun retrofitting all pavilions to accommodate athletes with disabilities, with aspirations for strong Paralympic representation.

    Minister Griffith concluded by stressing the need for coaching quality to match facility upgrades, asserting that world-class athletes require world-class coaching and officiating. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Permanent Secretary Joy Adamson, NSC Chairman Mac Fingall, Acting Director Emerson Bascombe, and architects Henry Taylor Associates.

  • Businesses, school officials speak out as bush fires disrupt Vieux Fort

    Businesses, school officials speak out as bush fires disrupt Vieux Fort

    The community of Vieux Fort faces mounting challenges as recurrent bushfires continue to disrupt daily life, posing significant health risks and economic strain. Local business owners and educational institutions report ongoing struggles with the environmental hazard that has plagued the area for years.

    Nathaniel Mathurin, proprietor of Patos Bar, detailed the direct economic impact: ‘Customer patronage plummets when fires erupt unexpectedly, forcing immediate business closures.’ Mathurin expressed uncertainty about the fires’ origins—whether natural or human-caused—while noting the pattern has intensified over the past two years. He suggested area development for recreational purposes might reduce combustible vegetation.

    Despite skepticism about permanent solutions, Mathurin praised emergency responders for their vigilant monitoring and rapid intervention, particularly near residential zones. The health implications hit close to home as he described household air quality becoming so severe that evacuation becomes necessary for breathing safety.

    At Plain View Combined School, Principal Roselinda Pultie reported managing smoke infiltration primarily from nearby commercial operations and residential backyard fires rather than direct bushfire flames. The school implements protective measures including window closures, mask distribution, and air conditioning activation during smoke events, which typically subside within 30 minutes but particularly concern asthmatic students.

    Donna Antoine, business owner of The Cocktail Hideout, described pervasive ash and smoke infiltration that persists for days despite closed premises. She recounted narrowly preventing smoke damage to outdoor laundry during a sudden fire outbreak and noted accumulating ash requiring disposal. Antoine echoed suspicions about deliberate fire-starting by individuals, advising community members to maintain closed homes to minimize interior contamination.

    The collective accounts reveal a community balancing resilience with frustration, implementing individual protective strategies while seeking broader solutions to an environmental challenge that affects respiratory health, economic stability, and quality of life.

  • Man killed in Cox Road shooting identified

    Man killed in Cox Road shooting identified

    Barbados law enforcement authorities have officially identified the victim of a fatal shooting incident in Christ Church as 24-year-old Tyrese Skinner from Fustic Village, St Lucy. The tragic event occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning along Cox Road in the Frere Pilgrim area.

    According to police reports, officers responded to emergency calls at approximately 1:04 a.m. regarding multiple gunshots discharged near a commercial establishment. Preliminary investigations indicate that several audible shots were fired in the vicinity, resulting in the discovery of Mr. Skinner lying wounded in a nearby parking facility. The victim had previously attended an event at the establishment prior to the shooting.

    Despite being transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital via private vehicle for emergency medical treatment, Mr. Skinner ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The Barbados Police Service has confirmed that active investigations remain ongoing as forensic teams and detectives continue processing the crime scene and pursuing leads.

    Law enforcement officials have issued a public appeal for information regarding the incident. Authorities are urging potential witnesses or individuals with relevant knowledge to come forward and contact multiple channels including District ‘B’ Police Station (437-4311), Oistins Police Station (418-2612), the Police Emergency hotline (211), or Crime Stoppers (1-800-8477). All information provided will be handled with strict confidentiality according to standard police protocols.

  • Youth choir spreads message of hope in mall flash mob

    Youth choir spreads message of hope in mall flash mob

    In an unconventional display of faith and positivity, a 30-voice youth ensemble transformed a routine Saturday evening at Sheraton Mall into an impromptu concert hall. The Vocal Mission Choir executed a meticulously planned a cappella ‘invasion,’ abruptly replacing the shopping center’s ambient noise with powerful harmonies that captivated everyone present.

    Patrons in the bustling food court halted meals mid-bite while conversations dwindled to silence as shoppers searched for the source of the unexpected musical interruption. Initial surprise quickly evolved into widespread delight as attendees recognized the performance as a purposeful artistic intervention rather than a random disturbance.

    The choir members, dressed uniformly in black, converged on the space from multiple directions while chanting their signature refrain: ‘Everywhere we go, somebody’s talking about Jesus.’ For approximately thirty minutes, the ensemble delivered an uplifting repertoire including ‘You Are My Strength When I Am Weak,’ ‘God Be Praised,’ ‘Holy and Holy God,’ and the spiritual classic ‘Ride On King Jesus,’ culminating with a triumphant rendition of ‘Revelation 19.’

    Without instrumental accompaniment or electronic amplification, their vocal harmonies resonated throughout the open space, earning sustained applause from diners and passersby alike. The performance represented a deliberate effort to challenge prevailing negative stereotypes about contemporary youth through artistic excellence and positive messaging.

    Ricky Niles, the renowned Barbadian musician and choir director associated with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, explained the philosophical underpinnings of the initiative. ‘Music represents one of the most persuasive forces influencing young people today,’ Niles stated. ‘While secular society utilizes music to achieve its objectives, we as a church must harness this power to fulfill God’s purpose—guiding people toward lives filled with positivity.’

    Niles further distinguished the choir’s approach from mainstream music trends: ‘Many artists justify negative content by claiming it reflects societal realities. We consciously choose instead to sing about how society should be—emphasizing peace, mental wellness, and divine ideals rather than glorifying violence or social dysfunction.’

    Gabrielle Davis, the soprano section leader who combines expertise as both educator and social worker, emphasized the psychological benefits of positive music. ‘With escalating rates of depression and anxiety affecting all demographics, uplifting music triggers endorphin release that reduces stress and lowers blood pressure,’ Davis explained. ‘This musical connection provides healing power in a world where people increasingly feel disconnected.’

    Beyond public performances, the choir maintains commitment to holistic member development through faith-based initiatives designed to deliver constructive alternatives to youth culture. These forthcoming programs aim to extend the group’s positive messaging through direct community engagement.

  • Ellerslie Interhouse: Gooding reigns again

    Ellerslie Interhouse: Gooding reigns again

    In a spectacular display of athletic dominance, Gooding House achieved an unprecedented fourth consecutive championship title at Ellerslie Secondary School’s annual interhouse sports competition. The event, held at the prestigious Usain Bolt Complex, witnessed Gooding House accumulate a commanding total of 755 points to secure their historic victory.

    The fiercely contested competition saw Trotman House claim second position with 720 points, demonstrating strong competitive spirit throughout the events. Straughn House captured third place with 628 points, narrowly edging out Brathwaite House who finished fourth with 625 points in what proved to be a closely fought battle for podium positions.

    This rescheduled athletic meet served as a crucial preparatory event for elite school athletes, occurring just before the upcoming Dasani Shakira Shorey Field Event Championship. The prestigious championship is scheduled to take place from March 4 to 6 at Harrison College, where competitors will have the opportunity to showcase their talents on an even larger stage.

    The victory solidifies Gooding House’s legacy as the most successful house in recent Ellerslie Secondary sports history, setting a new benchmark for excellence in school athletics. Their consistent performance across multiple sporting disciplines demonstrates the house’s comprehensive athletic program and dedicated coaching staff.

  • IMF Outlook: St. Kitts and Nevis GDP to reach 2.2% in 2026 – WIC News

    IMF Outlook: St. Kitts and Nevis GDP to reach 2.2% in 2026 – WIC News

    The International Monetary Fund has issued an optimistic economic assessment for the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, projecting substantial GDP growth acceleration from 1.5% in 2025 to 2.2% in 2026 with medium-term stability anticipated at approximately 2.5%. This positive trajectory, outlined in the IMF’s 2026 Article IV Mission Concluding Statement, reflects strengthening fundamentals across multiple sectors.

    Key growth drivers identified include vigorous construction activity, agricultural development, renewable energy initiatives, and sustained tourism sector recovery. The financial system demonstrates notable resilience with credit expansion reaching 8.2% in 2025, primarily fueled by mortgage lending, construction financing, and tourism-related investments. Private sector credit similarly expanded by approximately 10%, indicating improved domestic lending conditions and heightened economic confidence.

    Despite fiscal pressures and increasing public debt, the IMF maintains that debt sustainability remains intact. While Citizenship by Investment revenues have moderated compared to previous years, the economy exhibits remarkable resilience. International reserves have remained stable, providing crucial external buffers against global volatility and unexpected shocks.

    The Federation’s energy transition presents significant medium-term growth opportunities, with potential to substantially strengthen economic prospects. The IMF notes that implementing fiscal consolidation measures could stabilize public debt at approximately 60% of GDP by 2031, simultaneously increasing government deposits to around 10% of GDP.

    Although CBI inflows have moderated, robust tourism recovery and stable remittance flows continue to cushion economic adjustments. With structural reforms underway and diversification efforts advancing, St. Kitts and Nevis appears well-positioned to navigate fiscal challenges while pursuing sustainable development objectives.

  • Education ministry ramps up year-round school repairs, safety fixes

    Education ministry ramps up year-round school repairs, safety fixes

    The Barbados Ministry of Education Transformation has initiated a sweeping, year-round school modernization program backed by a substantial $290 million budgetary allocation. Education Minister Chad Blackman announced the strategic shift from seasonal maintenance to continuous infrastructure upgrades during parliamentary hearings, emphasizing that schools must serve dual purposes as both educational facilities and emergency shelters.

    The comprehensive initiative addresses both physical infrastructure and security protocols. Minister Blackman revealed that 66 primary schools have already undergone refurbishment in the current financial year, with 35 additional institutions scheduled for upgrades during the 2026-27 period. The program moves beyond traditional summer maintenance windows, adopting an aggressive continuous refurbishment model despite the challenges of operating alongside academic activities.

    Significant design evolution accompanies the physical renovations, with Wilkie Cumberbatch Primary School exemplifying new classroom models that depart from conventional ‘chalk and talk’ configurations. These transformations aim to create digitally-enabled, weather-resilient learning environments that honor dignity and inspire creativity for students, teachers, and staff alike.

    Parallel to infrastructure improvements, the ministry has implemented robust safety reforms. Chief Education Officer Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw confirmed approval of a national safety and security policy, while Deputy Chief Education Officer Julia Beckles detailed immediate measures including mandatory security guards at all primary schools, visitor registration systems, and enhanced emergency coordination with the Barbados Fire Service.

    The safety framework extends beyond physical security to encompass environmental hazards, road safety, and digital protection. Minister Blackman disclosed collaboration with the Ministry of Transport to establish designated school zones following a near-fatal accident involving a Westbury Primary student in February 2025. Additionally, digital safety training initiatives will equip teachers, students, and parents with essential cybersecurity awareness.

    All schools now operate health and safety committees with ministry oversight, while expanded staff training ensures emergency response capability before first responders arrive. Strengthened protocols govern chemical storage and usage, and fire drill procedures now require advanced notification for better coordination with the Barbados Police Service.

  • Brittons Hill fightback to stun Wotton

    Brittons Hill fightback to stun Wotton

    In a stunning display of resilience, Brittons Hill United clawed back from a deficit to secure a 3-2 victory against a determined Wotton side during Sunday’s BFA Premier League triple-header at the Wildey Technical Centre. The match’s defining performance came from St Vincent and the Grenadines international Kirtney Franklin, whose hat-trick single-handedly overturned Wotton’s lead and propelled his team to a crucial three points.

    The encounter began with Franklin establishing an early advantage for Brittons Hill in the 10th minute. However, Wotton responded with commanding authority as Khalil Vanderpool-Nurse delivered a rapid brace, equalizing in the 34th minute and seizing the lead just three minutes later. Wotton’s dominance persisted throughout the first half, leaving last season’s runners-up visibly struggling.

    Following several tactical substitutions in the second period, the match reached its critical turning point in the 79th minute when Franklin netted his second goal, restoring parity. With four minutes remaining in regulation time, the 20-year-old sensation completed his spectacular hat-trick, unleashing an emotional celebration that involved discarding his shirt in triumphant exhilaration.

    Brittons Hill’s interim coach Fabian Wharton acknowledged the challenging nature of the victory, stating: ‘Realistically, we performed in patches tonight. Sometimes we complicate matters unnecessarily. When we implemented our characteristic passing game, our quality became evident.’ Wharton particularly emphasized Franklin’s exceptional abilities, noting: ‘He represents class from Saint Vincent. His national team experience at just 20 years old should prompt Barbados to reevaluate our developmental approach.’

    In other Sunday fixtures, defending champions Weymouth Wales demonstrated resurgent form with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over UWI Blackbirds in torrential conditions. Keon Atkins initiated the scoring within the opening minute before adding another in the ninth minute, with Romario Harewood and Marioi Williams completing the dominant performance.

    The day’s opening match witnessed Kickstart Rush surrendering valuable points in a 1-1 draw against St. Andrew Lions, complicating their aspirations for league leadership. League action continues Tuesday with pivotal encounters including Ellerton facing Paradise in a table-top clash.