In a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage, Team Flow Antigua and Barbuda has launched special initiatives to honor Black History Month. The organization is actively engaging in activities that highlight the profound legacy, historical narratives, and enduring spirit of the Black community. This observance goes beyond mere recognition, serving as a powerful platform to embrace the rich tapestry of stories that have shaped the nation’s identity and continue to provide daily inspiration. The team emphasizes the importance of connecting with ancestral roots and acknowledging the struggles and triumphs that define their history. Through these efforts, they aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the contributions made by Black individuals throughout history, ensuring their legacy is not only remembered but also serves as a catalyst for future generations. The celebration underscores a collective commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting unity and pride within the community.
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Barbados Reggae Weekend aims to boost economy, off-season tourism
The Barbados Reggae Weekend is rapidly transforming from a premier entertainment spectacle into a significant economic catalyst for the island nation. Now entering its third consecutive year, the festival is strategically positioned during April’s traditional tourism downturn, creating substantial economic activity when it’s needed most.
According to sponsorship manager Michelle Straughn, who spoke at the official launch event at Sandals Royal Barbados Ballroom, the festival has attracted between 20,000 and 25,000 attendees across its previous editions. The event draws visitors from across the Caribbean region including St. Lucia and St. Kitts, alongside international travelers from Canada, the United States, and as far as Africa.
“April has historically represented a slow period for Barbados tourism following the conclusion of the winter season,” Straughn explained. “This initiative effectively drives visitation during this typically quiet timeframe.”
The festival’s scheduling directly addresses the post-winter occupancy decline, providing crucial revenue streams for hotels accommodating international patrons. Beyond tourism, the event generates widespread economic benefits across multiple sectors. Organizers report collaboration with approximately 500 local businesses encompassing entertainers, artists, DJs, production teams, technical crews, culinary professionals, and transportation services.
Straughn emphasized the cascading economic impact: “When productions occur, numerous enterprises profit,” noting the positive effects extending to hairstylists, barbers, and retail boutiques.
Described as “a premium fixture on the island’s entertainment calendar,” the festival has demonstrated remarkable demand with ticket sales commencing even before the official launch. Season passes released online in December experienced consistent uptake, while early-bird tickets for individual shows and comprehensive passes become available starting Friday through island-wide box offices and ticketlinks.com.
The 2024 installment will transition to Kensington Oval from April 24-26, featuring an impressive lineup including Barrington Levy, Norris Man, Sister Nancy, Super Cat, Capleton, General Degree, Popcaan, Dexta Daps, D’Yani, Kranium, and Admiral Tibet. The event will also showcase numerous Barbadian artists, creating a dynamic fusion of local and international talent.
Additional attractions include a dedicated Reggae Village food court, premium beverage stations, luxury hospitality options, cabanas, beauty bars, coordinated park-and-ride services through the Transport Board, and supplementary pop-up events preceding the main weekend.
The long-term vision involves elevating the festival’s global profile while amplifying its economic contributions to Barbados. “Barbados Reggae Weekend has established itself as a permanent institution,” Straughn stated. “We’re committed to enhancing Barbados’ international standing through this event, attracting greater overseas visitation, and achieving truly international recognition.”
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Patron of Girl Guides delivers feature address on World Thinking Day
Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership joined youth organizations in a significant celebration of World Thinking Day and Founders Day during a special service at Spring Gardens Moravian Church last Sunday. Their Excellencies Sir Rodney and Lady Williams participated alongside leaders from both the Girl Guides and Scouts Associations, highlighting the national importance of youth development programs.
Lady Williams, serving as Patron of the Girl Guides Association, delivered the keynote address centered on this year’s theme of ‘Our Friendships.’ She expressed profound encouragement witnessing young people gathered in worship and unity, emphasizing that the movement extends beyond skill acquisition and badge earning to fundamentally encompass relationship building.
The address highlighted previous campaigns where Guides across the island demonstrated support against gender-based violence, which Lady Williams characterized as ‘true friendship’ and ‘the magnetism of unity.’ She encouraged uniformed body members to diligently work toward qualification for the prestigious 2026 Guiding Light Award and medal, presented by the Halo Foundation.
Significant recognition was given to the Girl Guides for recently hosting their inaugural Talent Show and Thinking Day Pageant. Lady Williams noted that workshops leading to the ‘Power of Friendship Pageant’ effectively built solidarity and teamwork, indicating the group’s progression toward intensified and inspiring camaraderie through innovation and collaboration.
The Governor General’s contributions were also acknowledged, with Sir Rodney Williams providing active leadership and steadfast support to the Scouting movement as the nation’s Chief Scout. His ongoing commitment will be demonstrated later this month when he chairs the Annual General Meeting of the Antigua and Barbuda Scouts Association at Government House, reinforcing his dedication to organizational strengthening at all levels. This engagement underscores the critical role of Scouting and Guiding in developing character and confidence among youth.
The service was coordinated under the leadership of Chief Commissioners Mrs. Patricia Salmon (Scouts) and Mrs. Suzette Spencer-Burton (Guides), with Reverend Judy Winspeare-Philip serving as officiating minister.
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President calls for end to school stigma on Parkinson visit
In a profound address that blended personal history with national policy, Barbados President Jeffrey Bostic delivered an impassioned plea at Parkinson Memorial Secondary School on Thursday, challenging the nation to abandon its entrenched practice of school categorization. The presidential visit transformed into a deeply reflective journey as Bostic responded viscerally to musical performances that evoked memories of his childhood in the Emmerton and Chapman Lane communities—neighborhoods demolished during his youth to make way for Bridgetown’s sewage treatment plant.
“There are moments that still bring tears,” President Bostic revealed with raw emotion. “I stood witness as bulldozers leveled our homes—these communities represented the finest living experience of my life, unmatched by any since.” Following vibrant welcoming ceremonies featuring the Cadet Corps, where Bostic once served, the focus shifted to the institution’s remarkable legacy.
The Head of State systematically dismantled perceptions about the school’s standing, highlighting its exceptional record of producing leaders across Barbados’ public service, entertainment, and cultural sectors. “The outstanding achievements of Parkinson alumni should never remain obscured,” Bostic asserted. “From senior ministry officials to cultural innovators, this institution has consistently excelled across every field imaginable.”
Bostic specifically confronted the societal tendency to classify educational institutions based on outdated stigmas, urging citizens to “accentuate institutional successes” rather than perpetuate hierarchical categorization. He further cautioned against overvaluing academic credentials, stating: “Certificates alone cannot define success; without learning life’s essential lessons—discipline, humanity, and respect—true education remains incomplete.”
Breaking from conventional formalities, the event featured dynamic student engagement, including a thought-provoking question-and-answer session. President Bostic challenged students to envision themselves as the nation’s leader for ninety seconds, prompting Upper Fifth Form student Makia Hinkson to articulate that “excellency does not emerge overnight” but through “persistent effort, consistency, and enduring late nights.”
The President emphasized the critical importance of incorporating youth perspectives, revealing that previous school visits have generated “exceptionally valuable insights” currently shaping presidential initiatives. This approach signals a transformative shift toward transparency and mutual respect between the nation’s highest office and its educational institutions.
Adding powerful testimony, Presidential Aide-de-Camp Captain Tevin Maynard—a Parkinson alumnus—returned to his educational roots with a compelling message: “Excellence shows no discrimination nor preferential treatment.” Captain Maynard identified “relentless tenacity and self-discipline” as the sole prerequisites for achievement, encouraging students to “embrace productive discomfort” throughout their developmental journey.
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Sandals Grande Antigua Welcomes Couple for Record 31st Visit
The pristine shores of Dickenson Bay in Antigua have once again welcomed their most loyal ambassadors, Peter and Mureen Dibble, marking an extraordinary milestone with their 31st visit to the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa. This unprecedented achievement sets a new benchmark for guest loyalty within the luxury hospitality sector, transforming the couple from mere patrons into cherished members of the resort’s extended family.
Their return was commemorated with a bespoke welcome reception and personalized amenities, a testament to the deep, familial bonds forged over three decades. General Manager David Latchimy articulated the resort’s profound pride, stating, ‘This remarkable number transcends statistics; it embodies the emotional resonance we endeavor to build with every individual who walks through our doors. Peter and Mureen are the very heart of our Sandals family.’
The Dibbles’ enduring affiliation began decades ago, with the resort’s consistent excellence compelling their repeated return. When queried on their unwavering choice, the couple highlighted the unparalleled service and the unique sensation of arriving at a second home. ‘It’s the meticulous attention to detail—the staff who recall our preferred beverages, the chefs who customize our dining experience. They cultivate an atmosphere where we feel singularly special, as if the entire resort exists solely for us,’ Peter Dibble explained.
In recognition of their steadfast affection for the destination, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority presented the couple with a special token of appreciation. This narrative of loyalty not only underscores the resort’s acclaimed status as the ‘World’s Most Romantic Resort’ but also vividly illustrates the powerful, lasting connections that transformative hospitality can forge, showcasing the Caribbean’s pinnacle of all-inclusive luxury.
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Belizeans Feel Slightly Better About Money, But Worry About the Future
BELIZE CITY – Belizean consumers entered 2026 with cautiously improved economic sentiment, though underlying concerns about future prospects persist. According to newly released data from the Statistical Institute of Belize, the national Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) registered at 48.3 points in January, marking a modest 0.9% increase from December 2025’s reading.
The marginal uplift reflects a complex economic psychology among citizens, characterized by slightly improved perceptions of current conditions alongside growing apprehension about the coming year. The sub-index measuring present economic circumstances and household financial health demonstrated notable improvement, climbing 3.8% from 43.4 to 45.1 points. This indicates more households perceived their immediate fiscal situation as strengthened compared to the previous month.
Consumer willingness to consider major acquisitions—including real estate, vehicles, and high-value appliances—showed tentative improvement. While maintaining general caution, Belizeans demonstrated slightly greater openness to substantial purchases compared to the previous assessment period.
However, forward-looking optimism experienced a slight contraction, declining 0.7% as respondents expressed diminished confidence in the twelve-month economic outlook. This divergence suggests consumers feel better about current conditions while growing more apprehensive about future developments.
Regional analysis revealed significant geographic disparities. Corozal District recorded the most substantial confidence surge at 7.1%, propelled by strengthened expectations and improved present conditions assessments. Conversely, Stann Creek witnessed the sharpest decline at 13.7%, with residents reporting heightened pessimism regarding both durable goods purchases and future economic prospects.
Ethnic demographic breakdowns showed pronounced variations, with the ‘Other’ category and Maya community registering strengthened confidence. Meanwhile, Mestizo/Hispanic and Garifuna populations reported diminished economic sentiment compared to previous measurements.
The mixed indicators present policymakers with a complex economic landscape, requiring targeted approaches to address both immediate consumer concerns and longer-term confidence building.
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Jesse House paint Leon Hess red yet again
Mindoo Phillip Park witnessed an extraordinary display of athletic prowess as Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School hosted its annual track and field championships. The event was marked by historic performances, with seven meet records broken and a commanding victory for the defending champions, Jesse House.
Jesse House secured a resounding overall title with a massive haul of 1,066 points, decisively outpacing second-place Bourne House at 839 points. Ellis House claimed third with 739 points, followed by the host team, Leon House, with 718 points.
The competition featured a series of record-shattering performances across various age divisions. In the Intermediate 2 class, Bourne’s Dante Zephirin set a blistering new standard in the 200m, clocking in at 24.4 seconds. The junior boys’ division saw exceptional talent from Jn Dave Forde of Jesse, who led a sweep in the 400m with a time of 1:10 before claiming gold in the 200m at 27.5 seconds.
Multiple athletes emerged as triple champions, demonstrating remarkable versatility. Jesse’s Tajiri Isidore dominated the Intermediate 3 boys’ division, securing gold in the 100m (12.4s), 200m (26.0s), and 400m (1:03.0). Neah Mortley showcased her distance running prowess for Jesse in the junior girls’ category, winning the 400m (1:13.6), 800m (2:51.2), and 1200m (5:01.9).
The senior divisions featured equally impressive performances. Ellis’s J’Lani Mitchell seamlessly transitioned to senior competition, winning both the 100m (12.0s) and 200m (24.7). Jesse’s Akaiah Weeks, the defending 800m champion, demonstrated her endurance by claiming triple gold in the 400m (1:05.5), 800m (2:44.7), and 1500m (6:42.0).
Relay events provided thrilling conclusions to the meet, with Jesse House particularly dominant in the 4x100m and 4x400m competitions across multiple divisions, further cementing their overall championship victory.
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Rubio Defends U.S. Removal of Maduro at CARICOM Summit
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a robust defense of America’s military operation to depose Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro during a high-stakes meeting with Caribbean leaders on Wednesday. Addressing the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) summit in St. Kitts and Nevis, Rubio asserted that both Venezuela and the broader region had significantly benefited from the controversial intervention.
In closed-door discussions with the 15-member bloc, Rubio acknowledged potential disagreements while maintaining an uncompromising position. “Irrespective of how some of you may have individually felt about our operations and our policy toward Venezuela,” he stated according to an official transcript, “Venezuela is better off today than it was eight weeks ago.”
The Secretary’s comments came amid lingering concerns from several Caribbean governments regarding the legality of Maduro’s capture and implications for regional sovereignty. Rubio dismissed these apprehensions, pointing to what he characterized as ‘substantial progress’ under interim authorities following the U.S. takeover of Venezuela’s oil sector.
The diplomatic encounter revealed divergent regional perspectives. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar publicly endorsed U.S. military operations in the southern Caribbean, confirming discussions had extended to Haiti and Cuba alongside Venezuela. When questioned about potential extrajudicial killings during counter-narcotics operations, she cited legal advice clearing the actions.
Contrasting views emerged from CARICOM leadership, with Chairman and St. Kitts Prime Minister Terrance Drew warning of a ‘decisive hour’ for the region amid global realignments. Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness separately highlighted concerns about Cuba’s deteriorating humanitarian situation, noting potential ramifications for regional migration patterns and economic stability.
The exchange occurs against the backdrop of President Trump’s recent celebration of the Venezuela operation as ‘an absolutely colossal victory’ for U.S. security during his State of the Union address.
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Cheaper Fuel Brings Relief as Other Costs Climb
Belize’s economic landscape presented a mixed picture at the start of 2026, with the Statistical Institute of Belize reporting a near-flat national inflation rate of just 0.04% for January compared to the previous year. This marginal increase indicates remarkable stability in the overall cost of living, masking significant fluctuations across different consumer sectors.
While the aggregate numbers suggest price stability, Belizean households faced substantial increases in essential categories. The food sector experienced noticeable inflation, with fresh meats, bakery products, and beverages including coffee and juices all recording higher prices. Stewed pork demonstrated the most dramatic surge, escalating by nearly 18% year-over-year.
The housing and healthcare sectors similarly trended upward, with rental costs climbing and medical expenses becoming more burdensome. Surgical fees rose approximately 6%, while pharmaceutical products and physician services also saw increased pricing. Household energy costs climbed as well, with the standard 100-pound LPG cylinder reaching $130.63—representing a $5 increase from January 2025.
Substantial relief arrived at gasoline stations nationwide, where significant price reductions provided counterbalance to other inflationary pressures. Premium gasoline prices declined by $1.12 per gallon, regular gasoline dropped by $1.03, and diesel fuel decreased by $0.52 per gallon.
Regional analysis revealed considerable disparities across Belize’s districts. Punta Gorda recorded the highest inflation rate at 2.6%, driven by increased costs for food, liquefied petroleum gas, and personal items. Conversely, Orange Walk experienced deflation at -1.9%, benefiting from both reduced fuel prices and decreased costs for locally grown produce including tomatoes, carrots, and beans.
The period between December 2025 and January 2026 actually saw a 0.5% decrease in overall prices, primarily attributable to the declining fuel costs that helped stabilize the nation’s economic outlook.
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![U-20 World Cup 2027 Qualifier : Our Grenadiers crush Anguilla’s Rainbow Warriors [0-7]](https://wp.caribscopeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/b3ed68c787e3cddae839be1d8ea3f227.jpg)
U-20 World Cup 2027 Qualifier : Our Grenadiers crush Anguilla’s Rainbow Warriors [0-7]
In a spectacular display of youthful talent, Haiti’s U-20 national football team commenced their CONCACAF Champions League qualifying campaign with an emphatic 7-0 victory against Anguilla on February 26, 2026. The match, held at Curaçao’s Rinaldo Jean Francisca Stadium, showcased the Grenadiers’ formidable offensive capabilities as they dominated their opponents from start to finish.
Under the strategic guidance of Cuban coach Raul Gonzalez Triana, Haiti’s starting lineup featured a blend of domestic academy products and international prospects. The team’s composition included players from Haiti’s Real Hope Academy, ASC, and SLG Academy, alongside talents from Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant and American side Orlando City SC.
The scoring commenced early with Franco Celestin finding the net in the 10th minute, establishing immediate control. Will Armstrong Lecomte doubled the advantage just five minutes later, capitalizing on Celestin’s assist. Despite maintaining overwhelming possession throughout the first half, Haiti entered halftime with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
Following the interval, Nikolai Pierre emerged as the standout performer, delivering two clinical headers in the 57th and 70th minutes. Celestin secured his brace in the 76th minute via a penalty conversion, demonstrating his scoring prowess. The final stages witnessed additional goals from substitutes Kervens Romulus Junior (84th minute) and Clavens Exantus (90+3 minute), completing the comprehensive victory.
The result positions Haiti favorably in Group D standings, currently holding second place with three points from one match. Curaçao leads the group with six points from two matches, while Saint Vincent and the Grenadines also maintain three points. Haiti’s upcoming fixtures include crucial encounters against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (February 28), Guyana (March 2), and group leaders Curaçao (March 4).
This commanding performance not only demonstrates Haiti’s promising football development pipeline but also establishes strong momentum for their qualification journey toward the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup.