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  • Ten Young Athletes Nominated for 2025 Junior Sportsman of the Year Award

    Ten Young Athletes Nominated for 2025 Junior Sportsman of the Year Award

    Antigua and Barbuda’s sporting future shines brightly as the National Sports Awards reveals an impressive roster of nominees for the prestigious 2025 Junior Sportsman of the Year honor. This distinguished recognition celebrates the nation’s most promising young athletes who have demonstrated extraordinary excellence across diverse sporting disciplines throughout the competitive season.

    Among the standout contenders, sprinter Gideon Roberts earns his nomination following an undefeated campaign that saw him capture multiple national titles while establishing a new championship record at the NACAC Age Group Championships. The basketball court witnessed Tajahron Davis’ exceptional leadership as he guided Clare Hall Secondary School to both league and playoff championships, subsequently earning Male Player of the Year honors while extending his dominance to club and regional competitions.

    Cricket sensation Matthew Miller, merely sixteen years of age, enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough season that culminated in his selection for the West Indies Under-19 squad. His outstanding performance included accumulating 930 runs and claiming 55 wickets across various competitions while serving as team captain. Cyclist Tahje Browne demonstrated his pedal prowess by securing multiple national junior titles and capturing bronze at the Caribbean Junior Cycling Championships before taking his talents to Europe with the Zappi Junior Development Team.

    Football prospect Dajari Barthley achieved the rare feat of balancing academic excellence with elite athletic performance in England while representing Antigua and Barbuda’s Under-20 national team. Sailor Shanoy Malone dominated the Caribbean Dinghy Championships with an impressive 13 victories in 15 races, captaining his nation to victory while achieving international podium finishes and qualification for the Junior Pan American Games.

    Swimming star Alessandro Bazzoni reached the podium in all six of his events at CARIFTA, securing three gold medals while shattering multiple age-group records, including a long-standing OECS mark. Table tennis talent Mekhi Simmons claimed several Under-19 titles and secured regional gold in Mixed Doubles at the OECS Championships, competing successfully against both junior and open division opponents.

    Multi-sport phenomenon Elite Thomas demonstrated exceptional versatility by winning gold at the Rainbow Cup Triathlon while maintaining an undefeated national record in junior cycling and excelling in local road running events. Volleyball standout Asafa Donovan completed a strong season by leading his school to an undefeated championship run, earning MVP honors while capturing both gold and silver medals in regional competition.

    Award organizers have emphasized that these exceptional young athletes represent the vibrant future of Antiguan and Barbudan sports, with the ceremony serving to celebrate their remarkable achievements and dedication to sporting excellence.

  • Guyana to lead Caribbean economic growth, despite declining oil price

    Guyana to lead Caribbean economic growth, despite declining oil price

    Despite projections of declining global oil prices, Guyana is positioned to spearhead unprecedented economic growth across the Caribbean region according to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report. The South American nation’s ongoing oil boom is expected to propel subregional expansion to 5.2% in 2026, accelerating to 6.6% in 2027—figures that dramatically outpace regional averages when excluding Guyana’s extraordinary performance.

    The World Bank forecasts crude prices to decline from $69 per barrel in 2025 to an average of $60 in 2026, a trend attributed to weakening global trade and economic slowdowns in major economies. This price softening coincides with anticipated supply increases from OPEC+ and United States shale production, creating what the report describes as “substantial excess supply” in global oil markets.

    Remarkably, Guyana’s economy demonstrates exceptional resilience against these headwinds. The government projects overall growth at 16.2% with non-oil sector expansion reaching 10.8%, even with a conservative oil price estimate of $59 per barrel. This growth dichotomy highlights the country’s successful economic diversification alongside its hydrocarbon development.

    The report further notes that industrial metal prices may find support from green energy demand, partially offsetting sluggish industrial and manufacturing activity globally. Global oil consumption is expected to grow by approximately 0.7 million barrels per day in 2026—roughly half the pre-pandemic average growth rate.

    Regarding regional developments, the World Bank acknowledges it is too early to assess macroeconomic implications from recent political changes in neighboring Venezuela. Since the military ousting of President Nicolas Maduro in January, the United States has been directing Venezuela’s oil sales at market prices while implementing legal reforms to attract major energy investments. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently informed CARICOM leaders that Venezuela is now channeling oil revenues toward government payroll and healthcare, potentially positioning the country as a future contributor to Caribbean energy security.

  • 50th CARICOM Meeting: Leaders retreat to Nevis for candid talks on action and regional unity – WIC News

    50th CARICOM Meeting: Leaders retreat to Nevis for candid talks on action and regional unity – WIC News

    In a significant departure from formal proceedings, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders assembled on the island of Nevis for a strategic retreat during the landmark 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government. The informal gathering, hosted by Nevis Premier Mark Brantley on Thursday, provided an intimate setting for candid dialogue about pressing regional challenges.

    St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, who chairs CARICOM, explained the unconventional venue selection was intentionally designed to foster open and honest discourse away from the constraints of traditional summit structures. The retreat brought together prominent figures including Prime Minister Philip J Pierre of Saint Lucia, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, Dominica’s Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Godwin Friday.

    Prime Minister Pierre of Saint Lucia characterized the discussions as exceptionally productive, covering critical areas including economic development, climate resilience, regional integration, and collective prosperity. He emphasized the retreat’s value in moving beyond diplomatic formalities to focus on actionable solutions that would strengthen the Caribbean Community.

    Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell underscored the imperative of transforming dialogue into concrete action. “Our 50th meeting must translate shared vision into tangible implementation,” Mitchell stated. “We require decisive, collaborative efforts to deliver practical solutions that enhance livelihoods and ensure a sustainable future for all CARICOM citizens.”

    Premier Brantley shared lighthearted moments from the gathering on social media, including a warm welcome exchange with Chairman Drew where he jested about Nevis being “our little island.” Despite acknowledging occasional disagreements, Brantley expressed confidence in the leadership, stating: “Our Caribbean civilization is in good hands,” while emphasizing the importance of maturity, respect, and patriotism in advancing regional interests.

    The 50th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting operates under the theme “Beyond Words: Action Today for a Thriving, Sustainable CARICOM,” signaling a renewed commitment to practical implementation over mere discussion.

  • Wijnerman: US$ 265 miljoen extra nodig voor financiële stabiliteit

    Wijnerman: US$ 265 miljoen extra nodig voor financiële stabiliteit

    The Government of Suriname has successfully expanded its 2035 bond issuance by $265 million, a strategic financial maneuver designed to address urgent debt obligations while creating fiscal space for critical public investments. Finance and Planning Minister Adelien Wijnerman confirmed the operation, characterizing it as a deliberate choice in the nation’s financial strategy.

    This bond expansion carries an interest rate of 8.5% and attracted both existing and new international investors, reflecting continued market confidence in Suriname’s economic trajectory. Minister Wijnerman emphasized that the successful placement resulted from targeted financial operations within international capital markets.

    The newly acquired funds will be allocated across a comprehensive portfolio of socially impactful and economically transformative projects. Key investment sectors include healthcare infrastructure, educational enhancement, digital transformation of government services, energy security, agricultural development, food security programs, support for small and medium enterprises, development of construction-ready land parcels, and youth development initiatives.

    The administration clarified that upon taking office, it inherited substantial deferred payment obligations requiring immediate attention, while anticipated revenues from production activities had not yet fully materialized. This bond extension serves as a bridge mechanism to maintain financial stability without postponing essential investments.

    This financial strategy represents a dual approach: addressing immediate societal needs while simultaneously strengthening the structural growth capacity of Suriname’s economy. The government positions this bond expansion as a significant step toward achieving macroeconomic stability paired with targeted investments that establish foundations for sustainable economic development.

    Minister Wijnerman is scheduled to provide detailed explanations regarding the bond expansion and fund allocation during an upcoming press conference.

  • “Cuba has the duty and responsibility to protect its territorial waters”

    “Cuba has the duty and responsibility to protect its territorial waters”

    Cuba has formally reiterated its unequivocal opposition to all forms of terrorism through an official statement delivered by Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío. The declaration comes in response to a recent attempted infiltration of Cuban territorial waters by ten individuals aboard a Florida-registered vessel suspected of terrorist intentions.

    Minister Fernández de Cossío emphasized Cuba’s exemplary record in combating terrorism, noting the nation’s adherence to all 19 international counterterrorism conventions. “Our country maintains an exemplary record in the fight against terrorism and has fulfilled and will continue to honor its commitments in this area,” he stated during a press briefing.

    The incident, which occurred Wednesday, involved the interception of a vessel carrying substantial military equipment including assault rifles, sniper weapons, Molotov cocktails, night vision devices, bulletproof vests, and paraphernalia from counter-revolutionary organizations. Four individuals died during the confrontation with Cuban naval forces.

    Cuban authorities have identified the involved parties as Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, Conrado Galindo Serrior, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló, Leordán Cruz Gómez, Amijail Sánchez González, Roberto Álvarez Ávila, Pavel Alling Peña, Michael Ortega Casanova, Ledián Padrón Guevara, and Héctor Duani Cruz Correa. Notably, Sánchez González and Cruz Gómez appear on Cuba’s official list of wanted individuals previously shared with United States authorities.

    The Deputy Foreign Minister confirmed ongoing communication with U.S. counterparts through established diplomatic channels, including the State Department and Coast Guard. Both governments have expressed willingness to collaborate in the investigation, with Cuba formally requesting information about the vessel and individuals involved.

    Fernández de Cossío contextualized this event within Cuba’s six-decade history of experiencing terrorist attacks largely organized from U.S. territory. He highlighted concerns about increased violent plots against Cuba and the perceived impunity of their perpetrators. The Cuban government maintains that protecting territorial waters constitutes both a sovereign right and national defense obligation under international law.

  • Column: Journalistiek is niet het beschermen van maatschappelijk onrecht en macht

    Column: Journalistiek is niet het beschermen van maatschappelijk onrecht en macht

    A concerning societal expectation has emerged in Suriname where journalism is welcomed only when it doesn’t challenge protected interests. When media reporting becomes critically uncomfortable, accusations immediately surface alleging personal attacks, political agendas, or attempts to remove officials from power.

    This pattern manifested recently when panelist Giwani Zeggen on the radio program Welingelichte Kringen accused Starnieuws of intentionally damaging the Prosecutor General’s reputation through reporting about excessive compensation amounting to SRD 1.4 million. These allegations reveal more about persistent misunderstandings of journalism’s purpose than about the media outlet itself.

    The controversial reporting centered not on an individual but on the Judicial Position Act (Wet Rechtspositie Rechterlijke Macht). The salary calculation referenced wasn’t fabricated but derived directly from legal percentages, allowances, and tax-free compensations explicitly outlined in the legislation. The fact that administration expert Eugène van der San had previously raised this issue publicly doesn’t diminish the journalistic premise: when a law potentially enables monthly state-funded incomes exceeding SRD 1 million, it becomes inherently newsworthy.

    The suggestion that Starnieuws misled society because political discussions about judicial reforms are ongoing represents a diversionary tactic. Journalism doesn’t await politically convenient moments—it reports when information holds societal relevance, not when it comforts power holders or their defenders. The profession accepts no censorship and practices no self-censorship when matters of public interest are involved.

    What truly emerges here is a dangerous shift where systemic criticism becomes deliberately personalized to avoid substantive discussion. By framing reporting as attempting to undermine the Prosecutor General, attention divertes from the core issue: how can legislation in an economically vulnerable society justify such extreme income disparities within the public sector?

    Journalism exists not to shield officials from uncomfortable facts but to provide citizens insight into how power, laws, and public resources function. Those expecting media silence because certain individuals might become discussion topics essentially request public relations, not journalism.

    The same journalistic principles will apply to numerous mismanagement cases at ministries, government institutions, and state enterprises, including the State Health Insurance Foundation, Suriname Telecommunication Authority, Milk Center, and Grassalco.

    While media criticism remains legitimate and necessary in democratic societies, such criticism should rest on established journalistic standards—truthfulness, independence, fact-opinion separation, and social responsibility—as codified in international codes like the Bordeaux Code and adopted by the Surinamese Association of Journalists. Not all journalists consistently adhere to these standards, but this doesn’t grant anyone authority to position themselves as informal regulatory bodies without explicit reference to proper assessment criteria.

    The fundamental question remains: what institutional position empowers Zeggen to lecture journalists? While free expression rights remain unquestioned, professional authority requires substantive standards, not political suspicions or personal interpretations of intent. Through determined reporting, society has been served significantly, already prompting corrective measures—including cooperation from the judicial system. Journalists will continue their work without seeking approval or regarding personal status.

  • Newmont en vakbond bereiken akkoord over nieuwe tweejarige CAO

    Newmont en vakbond bereiken akkoord over nieuwe tweejarige CAO

    After fifteen months of intensive negotiations, Newmont Suriname and the Newmont Workers’ Organization (N.W.O.) have successfully concluded a new two-year Collective Labor Agreement (CLA), marking a significant milestone in labor relations within Suriname’s mining sector.

    The breakthrough agreement, finalized on Thursday, includes a substantial 7% wage increase effective January 2026, representing one of the most significant compensation adjustments in recent years. Beyond base pay improvements, the parties have modified special wage adjustment mechanisms and introduced an innovative ‘Special Savings Plan’ at the union’s initiative. This additional savings vehicle complements existing pension arrangements and aims to enhance employees’ financial resilience through expanded saving opportunities.

    Shirley Sowma-Sumter, Director of External Relations & Country Manager for Newmont Suriname, emphasized that the agreement transcends conventional wage discussions. “This represents our commitment to investing in our workforce, supporting our communities, and ensuring Newmont continues making positive economic contributions to Suriname,” she stated.

    Union leadership expressed equal satisfaction with the outcome. N.W.O. Chairman Joel Panka acknowledged that the agreement properly recognizes employee dedication while ensuring fair compensation, workplace stability, and enhanced safety protocols.

    The Merian operation, which celebrates ten years of commercial production later this year, remains a cornerstone of Suriname’s economy. Newmont management highlighted the mine’s critical role in national infrastructure development and employment generation. The company stressed that ongoing operational optimization, risk management, and improved investment conditions remain essential for maintaining the mine’s competitiveness and profitability throughout the next decade.

    Both parties agree that this agreement establishes a foundation for stable labor relations and the continuation of responsible mining operations that benefit both workers and the national economy.

  • UPP Rallies St. Philip’s North Support for Alex Browne

    UPP Rallies St. Philip’s North Support for Alex Browne

    At a Thursday evening rally held at the Newfield basketball court, the United Progressive Party (UPP) launched a vigorous campaign for its by-election candidate, Alex Browne, presenting the March 16th vote as a pivotal moment for the St. Philip’s North constituency. Party speakers articulated a compelling narrative of progress versus prolonged neglect, positioning Browne as the catalyst for much-needed revitalization.

    The core of the UPP’s argument centered on what they characterized as five decades of inadequate representation, questioning the tangible benefits delivered to the community over this extensive period. Speakers pointedly suggested that recent infrastructure improvements, such as road repairs, were strategically timed to coincide with the electoral cycle rather than representing genuine, sustained development efforts.

    Education emerged as a critical policy battleground. The rally highlighted pressing issues of overcrowding at Newfield Primary School and expressed deep concern over the delayed redevelopment of the former Glanvilles Secondary School site. The UPP framed greater investment in science, technology, and innovation education as an essential strategy for equipping young residents with the skills necessary to compete in evolving global industries.

    Healthcare accessibility formed another major pillar of the campaign rhetoric. While acknowledging the successful opening of the Glanvilles Polyclinic following community advocacy, speakers sharply criticized the substandard conditions and operational closures affecting other local clinics. They emphasized that these service limitations disproportionately burden vulnerable demographics, including elderly residents, women, and individuals managing chronic illnesses, who face significant hardship due to diminished access to proximate medical care.

    The by-election, scheduled for March 16, is being framed by the UPP not merely as a political contest but as a fundamental choice between continued stagnation and a transformative new chapter under Browne’s leadership.

  • US officials met Castro grandson in St. Kitts, Miami Herald reports

    US officials met Castro grandson in St. Kitts, Miami Herald reports

    In a significant diplomatic development, senior U.S. officials affiliated with Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s circle have conducted meetings with Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, the grandson of former Cuban leader Raul Castro. The encounter occurred during the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) conference in St. Kitts and Nevis, according to a Miami Herald report published Thursday.

    The nature and substance of these discussions remain partially obscured, with uncertainty regarding Secretary Rubio’s direct participation. Rodriguez Castro, who serves as both bodyguard to his grandfather and son of the late head of Cuba’s powerful GAESA military conglomerate, represents a notable figure in these unofficial channels.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of Raul Castro’s enduring legacy. The 94-year-old revolutionary leader, who presided over Cuba from 2008 to 2018 and previously served as First Secretary of the Communist Party, remains an iconic figure in Cuban socialism alongside his brother Fidel Castro.

    The recent meetings echo previous reports from Axios, which indicated Rubio had been conducting confidential dialogues with Castro’s grandson. A Trump administration official characterized these earlier exchanges as ‘discussions about the future’ rather than formal negotiations.

    Both the U.S. State Department and Cuba’s foreign ministry have maintained official silence regarding these developments, declining immediate comment on Reuters’ inquiries.

    When pressed by journalists on Wednesday regarding these alleged meetings, Secretary Rubio adopted a cautiously diplomatic stance. While declining to confirm specific details, he emphasized that the United States remains ‘always prepared to talk to officials from any government that have information to share with us.’ He further elaborated that Washington would ‘certainly listen’ to any information about potential changes or moves Cuban officials might be prepared to accept.

    Cuban officials were expected to address media inquiries regarding these developments later Thursday, potentially shedding light on Havana’s perspective regarding these unusual diplomatic contacts.

  • Government launches plan to eliminate obsolete wiring in Santo Domingo

    Government launches plan to eliminate obsolete wiring in Santo Domingo

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant collaborative effort to enhance urban safety and aesthetics, three major Dominican institutions have forged a strategic partnership to address the longstanding issue of disorganized overhead infrastructure in the capital city. The Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (Indotel), the National District Mayor’s Office (ADN), and the Unified Council of Electricity Distribution Companies (CUED) have formally executed a cooperation agreement targeting the systematic removal of obsolete cabling and the comprehensive reorganization of urban wiring systems.

    The signing ceremony featured key leadership: Guido Gómez Mazara, President of Indotel’s Board of Directors; Carolina Mejía, Mayor of the National District; and Celso Marranzini, President of CUED. This tripartite initiative moves beyond mere aesthetic improvement, framing the infrastructure overhaul as a critical public safety imperative aimed at safeguarding pedestrians, motorists, and the overall urban environment from hazards posed by deteriorated and haphazardly installed wiring.

    Gómez Mazara characterized the agreement as a decisive transition from planning phases to tangible action, revealing that the project scope will exceed 300 kilometers of cabling across central and densely populated zones. Initial phases will prioritize the Colonial City, San Carlos, Cristo Rey, and other key districts. Mayor Mejía emphasized that eliminating hazardous wiring is fundamental to elevating resident well-being and commended the inter-institutional coordination essential for transforming Santo Domingo’s public realms.

    Marranzini reinforced that regulating overhead electrical infrastructure is vital not only for visual enhancement but also for ensuring reliable and continuous power service. The intervention will be implemented methodically through stages involving technical inspections, precise identification and labeling of active versus obsolete lines, safe dismantling procedures, area cleanup, and final validation by all involved parties.

    Operational responsibilities are clearly delineated: Indotel will helm regulatory coordination and project management, the ADN will oversee on-ground execution and public space reorganization, and CUED will provide specialized technical expertise for the secure handling of electrical components. The agreement further establishes a framework for continuous monitoring to guarantee effective implementation and deliver measurable outcomes in each revitalized neighborhood.