Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has proposed a $36.5 million buyback of lands under the Canouan lease agreement, signaling a shift in the government’s stance on the controversial 99-year lease. The lease, initially signed in 1990 by the New Democratic Party (NDP) administration, granted developers control over two-thirds of the 1,200-acre island, including the right to sell the land as freehold. Gonsalves, who criticized the lease before taking office in 2001, has since maintained a cordial relationship with the investors, even leasing additional lands. However, recent concerns over limited revenue and stalled development have prompted the government to reconsider its approach. In an October 24 letter to investor Andrea Pignataro, Gonsalves outlined the government’s offer to purchase the remaining leasehold land, emphasizing the need to resolve the matter equitably for the benefit of Canouan residents and the nation. The prime minister also highlighted the lack of progress since 2017, attributing delays to external factors like COVID-19, volcanic eruptions, and hurricanes. Despite these challenges, Gonsalves expressed frustration over the developers’ inaction and reiterated his commitment to amicable discussions. The valuation, conducted by an international property consultancy, excludes freehold properties such as the Mandarin Oriental Resort. Pignataro’s legal representative, Lord Goldsmith, has contested aspects of the government’s claims, prompting a proposed Zoom meeting on November 7. Gonsalves remains open to constructive dialogue but insists on swift resolution.
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WEATHER (Nov 7): Moderate showers, possible thunderstorms during the morning; residents should exercise caution
Meteorological conditions are set to shift significantly as a trough system brings weak to moderate instability, resulting in cloudy skies and light to moderate showers across the region this morning. Isolated thunderstorms are also possible, though less likely. As the day progresses, a tropical wave is expected to approach, amplifying moisture levels and instability from tonight onward. Residents in areas susceptible to flooding, landslides, and rockfalls are urged to remain vigilant during this period. Simultaneously, a frontal system in the north Atlantic is generating northerly swells along the western, northern, and eastern coastlines today. Wind speeds are anticipated to increase, leading to moderate sea conditions. Waves are forecast to reach up to 5 feet along the west coast and near 8 feet in open waters to the east. In response, authorities have issued a Small Craft Advisory and High Surf Advisory, advising sea-bathers and small-craft operators to exercise extreme caution due to hazardous marine conditions.
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LETTER: Let’s not forget about Sir Robin
In recent times, the name Sir Robin Yearwood may not dominate headlines, but the enduring impact of his leadership remains palpable. The workers of APUA and other ministries under his guidance continue to embody the values he instilled, particularly through their courteous and professional service delivery. This is a testament to the success of the training programs and annual internships he championed during his tenure.
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Veterinary Team Expands African Swine Fever Surveillance to Barbuda
In a proactive move to shield its pig farming sector from the devastating African Swine Fever (ASF), the Ministry of Agriculture has broadened its surveillance efforts to include Barbuda. This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure the health of Antigua and Barbuda’s livestock and maintain regional food security. A delegation from the Veterinary and Livestock Division, spearheaded by Alexandria Dowdey, recently conducted a field visit to Barbuda to gather blood samples from local pig herds. Three farmers on the island voluntarily participated in this regional pilot project, underscoring the community’s commitment to disease prevention. The ASF pilot program is a collaborative endeavor involving the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Ministry of Agriculture. It aligns with the government’s broader objectives of enhancing food and nutrition security through rigorous livestock monitoring and disease control measures. Simultaneously, fieldwork in Antigua has been advancing steadily, with technicians collecting 35 blood samples from four additional farms, edging closer to the target of 80 samples. These samples are slated for specialized testing at Plum Island on November 7. The testing is crucial to verify that Antigua and Barbuda remain free of ASF, a highly contagious viral disease with a near 100 percent mortality rate in pigs. While ASF poses no threat to human health, it represents a significant risk to regional food production and the livelihoods of farmers. By extending surveillance to Barbuda, veterinary authorities aim to bolster early detection capabilities and safeguard the nation’s livestock, a cornerstone of Antigua and Barbuda’s food security strategy.
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Barbados reaffirms commitment to fairness, inclusion and decent work
At the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar, Barbados reiterated its dedication to fostering fairness, inclusion, and decent work. Minister of Labour, Social Security, and Third Sector, Colin Jordan, delivered the nation’s statement, emphasizing that progress is a deliberate effort achieved through collective learning, work, participation, and a sense of belonging. Jordan endorsed the Doha Political Declaration, which expands on the 1995 Copenhagen Summit’s vision by integrating poverty eradication, full employment, and social inclusion as interconnected objectives. He spotlighted Barbados’ Social Partnership, a collaborative framework involving the government, trade unions, and employers, which has driven significant policy advancements. These include the introduction of a national minimum wage in 2021 and enhanced worker protections through government programs and procurement. The minister also detailed recent legislative reforms, such as the Child Protection Act 2024, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2025, and initiatives supporting families, including paid paternity leave and extended maternity leave. Additionally, Barbados has prioritized elder rights through the National Policy on Ageing 2023–2028 and new care legislation. Jordan cautioned that these achievements are threatened by global instability and conflict, urging a revitalization of the multilateral system. He also highlighted the climate crisis as a pressing reality for Caribbean nations, supporting Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s Bridgetown Initiative to reform international financial structures. Concluding his address, Jordan reaffirmed Barbados’ commitment to human dignity and social justice, stating, ‘We recommit to a human-centred approach to development.’
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Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Says Political Will Needed to Drive Climate Action at COP30
BELÉM, Brazil (Nov. 6, 2025) — Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda delivered a compelling address at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), emphasizing the critical need for political will to combat the escalating climate crisis. Speaking to global leaders, Browne highlighted the urgency of the situation, warning that inertia and indecision could jeopardize the planet’s future. He stressed that the world possesses the knowledge, technology, and financial resources to drive meaningful action but lacks the collective resolve to implement them. Browne described COP30 as the “COP of Truth,” urging it to be remembered as the moment when “honesty met action” and ambition translated into tangible results. He called for immediate and decisive measures to avert planetary disaster, noting that the 1.5°C threshold—a critical limit for small island states—has already been breached. For these nations, the climate crisis is not a distant threat but a daily reality. Browne criticized major polluters for their continued environmental destruction and advocated for an “economic revolution” to transform global production, consumption, and trade. He cited Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in the Caribbean as a stark reminder of the “loss and damage” caused by climate change, framing it as “the bill nature is presenting to humanity.” The prime minister also emphasized that climate finance should be seen as an obligation, not charity, and called for the adoption of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index to ensure targeted support. He praised Brazil for hosting the summit in the Amazon, the “lungs of the Earth,” and welcomed the launch of the Tropical Forests Forever Facility as a symbol of global solidarity. Browne concluded by urging nations to ensure COP30 is remembered as the moment when climate justice transitioned from promise to practice.
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Drainage Works Still Pending at New Cemetery
Over a month after receiving government approval, the installation of a drainage system at Tranquility Park Cemetery remains stalled, as revealed during a recent Cabinet briefing. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, confirmed that while burials are ongoing at the site, officials are still in the process of conducting evaluations and mobilizing resources. ‘Burials are taking place there, and there’s still some evaluations being done. Resources are being assembled to facilitate the much-needed installation of a drainage system,’ Merchant stated during the Thursday post-Cabinet press briefing. The decision to install the drainage system was made last month following severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall, which resulted in significant water-logging at the cemetery. Despite the urgency, Merchant did not provide a specific timeline for when the work will commence. The delay has raised concerns, particularly as the cemetery remains operational, and efforts to expedite the process are under close scrutiny.
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Two Men Remanded Over Vehicle Break-Ins at Soca Sangria Event
Two individuals have been formally charged in relation to a series of criminal activities that occurred during the Soca Sangria event on November 2. Omar Richards, a 19-year-old resident of Carnival Gardens, and St. Claire Simon, a 26-year-old from Barnes Hill, appeared before Senior Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel on Tuesday. The charges against them include providing false information to law enforcement, malicious damage, and theft. According to police reports, the duo, along with other known accomplices, allegedly broke into multiple vehicles at the event. Among the items reported stolen or damaged were a Nissan Xtrail key, Versace perfume, Apple AirPods, and various personal belongings, collectively valued at $977. Richards, who was already on bond for a prior larceny charge, and Simon were both remanded into custody. Their next court appearance is scheduled for Friday.
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Barbados Rum’s ambition needs more thought, action
Richard Seale, a revered figure in the rum industry, has sparked a crucial debate about the future of Barbados’ rum exports. With generations of rum-making expertise and a steadfast commitment to preserving the integrity of Barbados’ most iconic export, Seale’s voice carries significant weight. At The Barbados Rum Experience, he openly criticized recent projections that the island’s rum exports could reach $1 billion by 2030, calling them “both ridiculous and absurd.” His candid remarks, though blunt, underscore the challenges facing the industry.
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Construction Begins on New Five Islands Primary School
In a significant move to bolster education infrastructure and community development, Education Minister Daryll Matthew has officially announced the commencement of construction for the new Five Islands Primary School. The project, unveiled in a social media post on Thursday, underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing educational facilities across the region. Matthew emphasized that this initiative represents a continued investment in quality education and community growth. The new school, designed to be climate-resilient and modern, will replace the existing facility and feature expanded classroom spaces, early-childhood units, state-of-the-art laboratories, and recreational areas. It forms a key component of the broader Five Islands education complex, which also houses the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus. Prime Minister Gaston Browne had previously highlighted the project earlier this year, confirming that construction would begin before the end of 2025 under a local contractor, with an anticipated completion timeline of two years. This development aligns with the government’s broader strategy to create sustainable, future-ready educational environments.