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  • Skerrit challenges returnees to toss their hats in the ring for management of abattoir

    Skerrit challenges returnees to toss their hats in the ring for management of abattoir

    During an on-site inspection of Dominica’s Layou Park abattoir facility last week, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit launched an open invitation to young Dominican graduates who have returned home after studying abroad: pool your diverse professional skills, form a local consortium, and submit a formal proposal to take over management of the state-owned slaughterhouse.

    Skerrit highlighted that over the years, the Dominican government has invested in educating hundreds of young people at top universities across the globe, and now these returnees bring a wide range of expertise spanning law, medicine, accounting, agronomy, agricultural science, and marketing – an ideal skill base to revitalize the national abattoir operation.

    “Each professional can contribute their unique training to this project,” the prime minister explained. “A lawyer can handle regulatory and contractual frameworks, a medical expert can contribute to food safety protocols, an accountant can manage financial operations, and marketing specialists can build out distribution channels. All it takes is for interested graduates to come together, register an entity, and present their operational plan to the administration.”

    In a major incentive for aspiring operators, Skerrit confirmed that no upfront capital investment will be required from the bidding group, eliminating the single largest barrier for most new ventures in the agricultural infrastructure space. He also guaranteed a stable, pre-existing market for pork and poultry products processed at the facility, removing another layer of market uncertainty for potential operators.

    The prime minister added that the government has already poured $6.4 million into upgrading the Layou Park abattoir, an investment that underscores the administration’s long-standing commitment to agriculture as the nation’s top policy priority. Even as Dominica records booming growth in its tourism sector – with rising visitor arrivals, expanding direct air connections, and widespread economic benefits flowing to hotels, taxi operators, restaurants and tour guides across the island – Skerrit emphasized that agriculture will remain the backbone of the domestic economy. “We have to feed our own population first, and also meet the growing food demand from the rising number of tourists visiting our country,” he said.

    The administration is now accepting expressions of interest from eligible groups, and Skerrit said he is eager to review concrete, well-developed proposals from local aspiring operators to take the facility forward.

  • “I Almost Give Up”: Jyven Gonzalez’s Push to Cross Country Finish Line

    “I Almost Give Up”: Jyven Gonzalez’s Push to Cross Country Finish Line

    The 96th edition of Belize’s iconic Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic, held on April 7, 2026, delivered a day of grit, historic milestones, and hard-fought competition that highlighted both athletic perseverance and the critical work of anti-doping oversight in national sport.

    For 24-year-old rider Jyven Gonzalez, the race was far more than a competition—it was a test of mental and physical resilience that ended with a landmark achievement for his home country. Competing with the Legions of Los Angeles team, Gonzalez faced a cascade of setbacks that pushed him to the brink of abandoning the race. Around the 35-mile mark, he suffered a sudden rear-wheel puncture; just as he rejoined the peloton after repairs, a second flat hit his front wheel. The back-to-back mechanical failures left him visibly frustrated, and compounded by severe muscle cramps that left him struggling to maintain pace, Gonzalez admitted after the race that he came dangerously close to stepping out of the competition.

    Adding to his late-race pressure was an unexpected fierce sprint challenge from Mexican rider Ignacio Prado Juárez, who ultimately secured second place in the overall standings. Prado Juárez echoed the sentiments of many competitors, describing the cross-country route as extraordinarily challenging and draining, saying he counted down the miles just to reach the finish line. But despite every obstacle, Gonzalez pushed through the pain, crossing the line to claim third place overall—and making history as the first Belizean rider ever to finish the elite Classic.

    The overall title went to Jim Brown, who pulled off a tense narrow victory to defend his 2025 championship and secure back-to-back wins. Brown, who has already set his sights on a third consecutive title in 2027, acknowledged the unexpected intensity of this year’s race. While he remains confident in his signature sprint finish, Brown noted that the field was far faster and more competitive than in previous years, leaving him uncertain of his result right up until the final stretch of the route.

    Beyond the on-course competition, the event also highlighted ongoing efforts to preserve the integrity of Belizean cycling. The National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) of Belize maintained a full presence throughout the event, carrying out routine testing and monitoring to ensure a fair level playing field for all competitors. NADO director Charlie Slusher emphasized that the organization’s mission extends far beyond catching rule-breakers. “Doping is outright cheating,” Slusher explained, noting that it undermines the investments made by event sponsors and erodes trust in competition. Critically, he added, anti-doping rules also protect the long-term health of athletes: performance-enhancing drugs carry severe long-term risks, including permanent kidney and heart damage that can emerge years after an athlete retires from competition. “We’re not just policing the race—we’re protecting the people who compete in it,” Slusher said.

  • ‘Where’s My Refund?’: Lions Club Raffle Drama Continues

    ‘Where’s My Refund?’: Lions Club Raffle Drama Continues

    On April 7, 2026, what was supposed to be a day of resolution for hundreds of ticket holders of the canceled Sub Umbra Floreo Lions Club 2026 Toyota Hilux raffle turned into yet another episode of frustration in Belize City. Hundreds of people who had purchased tickets to the ill-fated fundraiser traveled to the Belize City Civic Centre on Tuesday morning, lured by a public notice posted to the Lions Club’s official Facebook page on March 31. The flier clearly stated that all 500 ticket holders could claim full refunds between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the venue’s on-site ticket booth. But when attendees arrived for the scheduled payout, they were met with an empty, unmanned booth and no explanation for the absence of club representatives.

    Local outlet News Five, which has spent weeks covering the unraveling of the failed fundraising raffle, had reporters on the ground as ticket holders trickled in, each holding their unused entries and hoping to recoup their money, only to leave confused. Among the frustrated attendees was Carl Duncan, who made the trip from the nearby community of Ladyville to claim his refund. Despite the inconvenience and unmet expectation, Duncan said he was still trying to hold out hope that the organization would honor its promise.

    “It is a big letdown,” Duncan told reporters on site. “People put their trust in this organization. I traveled a long way to get here from Ladyville, and gas prices are sky high right now. We’ve always known this to be a reputable group, we placed our trust in them, and I just hope they don’t end up letting us down.”

    It was not until shortly before noon that the Lions Club issued a brief update via its social media channels, attributing the delay to unspecified bank holdups. The post said refunds would be distributed later than the originally advertised timeline. Club representatives finally arrived at the Civic Centre booth after 2 p.m. to begin processing the delayed reimbursements. Full updates and further details on the ongoing situation are set to air during News Five Live’s 6 p.m. broadcast on the same day.

  • One Victim Hospitalized for Surgery, Others Discharged After Easter Sunday Shooting

    One Victim Hospitalized for Surgery, Others Discharged After Easter Sunday Shooting

    Officials from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda have released a new public update on the shooting incident that unfolded in the Corn Alley neighborhood in the early hours of Easter Sunday, April 5, confirming that investigations into the attack are still actively progressing.

    Released via the force’s Office of Strategic Communications on Tuesday, April 7, the update outlines the current status of the victims impacted by the violence. Among those injured, one 20-year-old man remains a patient at St. John’s Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where clinical teams are preparing him for an upcoming surgery to address traumatic injuries to his hand and thigh. The remaining individuals hurt in the incident have already completed their initial medical care and been released from the hospital to recover at home.

    To date, law enforcement has not publicly announced any arrests in connection with the shooting. Investigative teams are continuing to work through evidence and leads to identify all individuals responsible for the attack and take them into custody. In a formal statement, Police Administration has issued a public appeal for community assistance, urging any resident or visitor who holds information that could advance the investigation to come forward immediately.

    Members of the public with relevant details can reach out directly to the force’s Criminal Investigations Department via phone at 462-3913, or submit an anonymous tip through the independent Crimestoppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477), which protects the identity of anyone who provides information.

  • Man killed, pregnant woman wounded in Wallerfield shooting

    Man killed, pregnant woman wounded in Wallerfield shooting

    A deadly early-morning attack has shaken the quiet community of Wallerfield, leaving one man dead and two other people — including the victim’s pregnant girlfriend — fighting for their lives in hospital. The violent incident unfolded shortly before 2 a.m. on Tuesday at a residential property located along Moonan Road, when most neighborhood residents were still asleep in their homes.

    The victim has been publicly identified as 34-year-old Anthony Francis, who was also known to local acquaintances by the nickname “Smalls.” According to initial police accounts of the attack, Francis was resting in his bedroom when an unidentified gunman approached the home and opened fire, firing multiple rounds directly through the bedroom window. Francis was hit by gunfire at the scene and suffered fatal wounds that killed him before emergency responders could arrive.

    Two other people inside the home were also struck by the gunman’s bullets: Francis’ pregnant girlfriend, who is expecting a child, and a second man who was staying at the property at the time of the attack. Both injured victims were immediately rushed by emergency medical teams to a nearby major hospital for urgent surgical care, and as of the latest update from authorities, they both remain in critical, unstable condition.

    In the wake of the shooting, local law enforcement officials have launched a full criminal investigation to identify the attacker and determine the motive behind the pre-dawn assault. As of press time, no suspects have been taken into custody, and police have not released any additional details about potential leads or connections to other recent violent incidents in the area.

  • UK–Caribbean Partnership on Clean Energy

    UK–Caribbean Partnership on Clean Energy

    For most people, the Caribbean is synonymous with idyllic postcard vistas: golden sun stretching over turquoise coastlines, mist-wreathed lush mountains, and steady trade winds that cut through tropical heat. What fewer recognize is that these very natural features — sun, wind, tidal water, and geothermal heat — add up to an underutilized global renewable energy powerhouse, waiting to be activated.

    The United Kingdom, through its Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has emerged as a key strategic partner to Caribbean nations, working to unlock this latent potential and convert abundant natural assets into reliable, affordable clean energy that can drive inclusive, resilient, long-term sustainable growth across the region.

    The resource potential is staggering. Multiple Caribbean islands have the natural capacity to generate 100% of their domestic energy needs from renewables, with surplus production to export clean power to neighboring countries. Some regional economies could even go a step further, converting excess renewable electricity into transportable low-carbon fuels including green hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol for global markets.

    Despite this extraordinary natural advantage, the region remains overwhelmingly dependent on fossil fuels. Data shows that roughly 87% of the energy mix across the Caribbean Community (Caricom) still comes from carbon-intensive fossil sources, a legacy that has driven cripplingly high energy costs for households. On average, Caribbean families pay between two and three times more for electricity than households in most other regions, and this dependence on imported fossil fuels has created systemic economic vulnerability, ballooned public debt burdens, and left the region chronically energy insecure.

    The UK has positioned itself as a long-term partner in Caricom’s clean energy transition, having committed $39 billion in funding to regional energy initiatives since 2015. To date, UK support has spanned a wide range of critical projects: advancing geothermal resource development, rolling out large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, funding energy efficiency retrofits for public buildings, delivering technical training programs to build local capacity across the Eastern Caribbean, and laying critical early groundwork for a regional offshore wind energy market.

    One standout success story of this partnership is the geothermal development project in Dominica, where UK de-risking funding covered the high upfront costs of exploratory drilling, giving private sector investors the confidence to commit to the project. After years of coordinated collaboration between the Dominican government, UK development teams, and multiple partner organizations, the country is set to commission the first utility-scale geothermal plant in the English-speaking Caribbean in April 2026. The plant is expected to deliver transformative change for Dominica’s economy and energy security, and UK teams are now working to replicate this success with ongoing geothermal projects in Grenada and St. Lucia.

    Additional UK-backed projects have already delivered tangible benefits across the region. In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, support for energy-efficient street lighting and a new solar photovoltaic plant at the country’s international airport has saved the government millions of dollars in energy costs and cut hundreds of tonnes of annual carbon dioxide emissions. Early work to map offshore wind potential across the Caribbean, while still in its early stages, is already showing significant promise for large-scale future development.

    Even with these wins, the road to full energy transition remains uneven. Back in 2013, Caricom set an ambitious regional target of reaching 47% renewable electricity generation by 2027. As of 2023, the region has only hit roughly 13% renewable penetration, meaning the pace of transition will need to accelerate dramatically to meet the 2027 goal.

    Progress has also been highly uneven across member states: a small number of leading countries have made meaningful strides in scaling solar, wind, and geothermal capacity, while many others have lagged far behind. As a region of mostly Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the Caribbean faces structural barriers that have slowed deployment: small, constrained national grid sizes, prohibitive upfront capital costs, limited local technical capacity, and fragmented national markets that make it impossible to capture economies of scale. Many countries also lack the modernized grid infrastructure and updated regulatory frameworks required to integrate variable solar and wind generation into existing energy systems.

    Despite these challenges, the region is now at a defining moment of opportunity, with clear, actionable solutions ready to be deployed. Regional pooled procurement and aggregated project pipelines can drive down per-unit costs and attract large-scale global institutional investors. Modernizing outdated grid infrastructure and updating regulatory frameworks can clear the way for greater private sector participation. Blended finance and concessional lending can help governments overcome the steep upfront costs that have blocked large projects to date. And investing in local engineering and technical training can ensure that transition projects deliver long-term, sustainable benefits for local communities.

    All the natural resources the Caribbean needs to become a global clean energy leader are already within its borders, and experts say there is no time to delay. With decisive national action, coordinated regional leadership, and strategic international partnerships, the region can turn its natural abundance into universal energy security, lower household electricity bills, and a more climate-resilient future for all Caribbean people.

    The UK has reaffirmed its commitment to standing with the Caribbean through this transition. Via the Global Clean Power Alliance, the UK and regional partners have agreed to a concrete 2026–2028 Caribbean action plan, which will provide on-demand access to UK private sector capital and technical expertise to address key barriers and attract the billions in investment needed to scale up clean energy deployment across the region.

    The resources are here. The moment for action is now.

  • Skies above Andrews Factory come alive for annual kite competition

    Skies above Andrews Factory come alive for annual kite competition

    On a bright Monday morning above the weathered grounds of the historic Andrews Factory, the air hummed with a familiar, beloved sound: the iconic whistle of wind through handcrafted kite frames, and the chatter of generations of Bajan kite enthusiasts gathered for the parish of St. Joseph’s annual kite-flying celebration. This beloved cultural ritual traces its origins back centuries to post-harvest festivities held across Barbados’ sugar-growing regions, and today it stands as a living bridge connecting the island’s industrial sugar-producing past to its vibrant, evolving folk heritage. Though official opening ceremonies were pushed back slightly by unforeseen logistics, the delay did nothing to dim the excitement of attendees, many of whom arrived hours before the event kicked off to claim their spots and catch the steady, ideal morning coastal breeze. By the time the celebration hit its peak, dozens of vibrant, creatively designed kites dotted the bright blue sky, dancing and dipping on the wind in a stunning display of local craftsmanship. For nearly all participants, the annual gathering is far more than a casual competition; it is a chance to uphold a centuries-old passion and strengthen community ties that stretch across decades and even generations. Rodney Clarke, a veteran kite-maker fondly known to the local community as “Mauby,” was spotted carefully piecing together a new handmade kite after his first creation of the day was brought down by a sudden gust of wind. Reflecting on a lifelong connection to the craft, Clarke explained that the tradition has grown from small informal post-harvest gatherings to the well-loved community event it is today, adding that the sense of collective joy far outweighs any competitive prizes on offer. “It’s just as fun as we get. It don’t be really no competition… just come and enjoy yourself,” he said. The event draws participants from near and far every year, including many who have left the parish but return annually for the gathering. Rohan Corbin, who has been flying kites since he was 10 years old, makes the trip even though he no longer lives in the community, drawn back by the tradition he has loved for decades. Not far from Corbin, Kerry Marshall, a kite-maker and flyer with 30 years of experience, traveled all the way from his current home in Florida to take part this year. Marshall has watched the craft evolve over his decades in the hobby, from traditional lightweight paper kites to more durable plastic designs that can stand up to stronger coastal winds, but he says the soul of the handcrafted art has stayed the same. “The sound of it, movement… and that’s a craft, you know, making different characters. We went from paper kites to plastic kites so they can last now… it’s just a craft to look awesome,” Marshall explained. Though this marked his first time entering the event’s formal competition, Marshall expressed confidence in his handcrafted entry, saying “I got a lot of confidence so far… it seems very positive.” While seasoned kite enthusiasts showcased their decades of technical skill and handiwork, the event also made space for emerging new talent, including 20-something Treshad Blenman, who has flown kites since he was a child but made his competitive debut this year. When asked about his chances of taking home a prize, Blenman laughed off any pressure, candidly admitting “Not confident. Not confident” as he pulled his damaged kite from the sky, ending his run in the competition early. By the end of the day, the event once again reaffirmed what the community has known for generations: in the heart of St. Joseph, the centuries-old tradition of handcrafted kite flying remains a soaring, living testament to Bajan ingenuity, creativity, and the unbreakable strength of local community bonds that draw people back year after year.

  • Labour Queen Delegates to Take Stage at ABLP ‘Big Red Machine’ Launch Tonight

    Labour Queen Delegates to Take Stage at ABLP ‘Big Red Machine’ Launch Tonight

    The kickoff of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s (ABLP) flagship “Big Red Machine” general election campaign will bring a standout traditional segment to the stage Thursday evening at People’s Place, where all candidates competing for the coveted ABLP Queen title will make their first formal public introduction to attendees.

    Set to get underway at 7 p.m. local time, the campaign opening event centers around a high-energy showcase that will give each Labour Queen contestant the opportunity to present their personalities, values and connection to the party to ABLP supporters and the general public. Organizers have framed the segment as far more than a ceremonial event, highlighting it as a space to display contestants’ sharp talent, graceful poise and unshakable confidence, qualities party leadership says align with the ABLP’s vision for the coming election cycle.

    Party leadership has issued an open invitation for all community members to attend the event and back the participating young women, who have been tapped to take on high-visibility roles across all campaign activities in the lead-up to the country’s upcoming general election. Beyond the pageant segment itself, the entire evening will carry the energy of a full-scale political rally, with planned activities including live musical performances, audience entertainment, and policy-focused speeches from senior party officials designed to rally base supporters.

    According to event organizers, the gathering serves two core purposes: to demonstrate the growing political momentum the ABLP has built ahead of the election, and to shine a deliberate spotlight on the critical contributions of young people — and especially young women — within the party’s ranks. This intentional focus on elevating youth voices aligns with the long-standing role of the Labour Queen Pageant in ABLP operations. As a recurring, signature feature of the party’s pre-election activity schedule, the pageant has long functioned as a platform to elevate emerging party personalities while galvanizing grassroots support in the critical lead-up to major national political contests.

  • PDA removes unauthorised structures in Tanteen and Port Highway

    PDA removes unauthorised structures in Tanteen and Port Highway

    Grenada’s Planning and Development Authority (PDA) has successfully completed an enforcement operation to dismantle three unapproved roadside vending structures in the Tanteen area on the morning of April 2, 2026. The action forms part of the authority’s stepped-up, phased strategy to curb the growing spread of unauthorised informal vending constructions along public roadways. The operation got underway just after 9 a.m., and every step of the process aligned fully with the regulatory framework laid out in the 2016 Planning and Development Authority Act.

    Two of the removed structures were small wooden vending stalls positioned near the Tanteen Roundabout, adjacent to the T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) campus. The third unauthorised construction, which had only been erected recently along Tanteen’s Port Highway, was located less than one foot away from the entrance to the Tanteen Playing Field. According to the PDA, this placement created clear hazards: it blocked public access to the recreational facility and raised significant safety concerns for both pedestrians and vehicle traffic moving through the area.

    Prior to launching the removal exercise, the PDA confirmed that all mandatory legal and compliance protocols had been completed in full, as required by existing regulations. In a public statement released following the operation, the authority is renewing its call for all residents and vendors to secure official planning permission before constructing any structure, especially those built on public land or within road reserve zones. The PDA emphasized that unapproved developments carry multiple risks, ranging from impaired public access to increased safety hazards, and ultimately disrupt the government’s work to advance orderly, sustainable development across the island.

    The PDA also extended formal recognition and thanks to its cross-agency stakeholder partners that supported the operation, including the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF), the Anti-Squatting Unit under the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority. The authority noted that ongoing inter-agency collaboration has been critical to the success of its ongoing efforts to enforce planning regulations. The statement concluded by reaffirming the PDA’s long-term commitment to upholding the core principles of safe, sustainable, and properly regulated development across all of Grenada.

    As per standard publishing protocols for local outlet NOW Grenada, the publication notes it is not liable for any opinions, statements or third-party content included in contributor submissions, and provides a channel for users to report any instances of abuse related to posted content.

  • Bumper crowds witness finale to Oistins Fish Festival

    Bumper crowds witness finale to Oistins Fish Festival

    This weekend, the centuries-old coastal fishing community of Oistins in Barbados buzzed with electric excitement and friendly competitive spirit as the decades-old annual Oistins Fish Festival wrapped up its multi-day schedule with a dramatic final day of events. Held to honor Barbados’ deep-rooted connection to maritime fishing traditions, the closing day brought together seasoned local competitors and enthusiastic first-time participants, all testing their craft across a lineup of traditional contests that draw crowds of locals and international tourists year after year. Thousands of onlookers packed the village streets and waterfront to cheer on competitors, soaking up the lively atmosphere that has made the festival a beloved cultural staple for generations.

    The day of competitions opened with the iconic Tray Balancing contest, an event that nods to Oistins’ long history as a bustling open-air fishing market, where vendors historically carried freshly caught produce and seafood to customers on their heads. Contestants were tasked with traversing a marked obstacle course while holding full wooden trays on their heads, forbidden from using their hands to steady the load. Many spectators gasped as competitors navigated tight turns and uneven ground, with most participants dropping their trays long before reaching the finish line. In the end, Alicia Arthur claimed the top prize, moving through the course with unshakable poise and steady grace that outmatched every other contender and left her rivals far behind.

    Next up was the popular egg and spoon race, a lighthearted warm-up for the more rigorous seaside competitions that followed. In a tense final stretch that kept the crowd on their feet, Simran Persad, a Trinidadian student studying at the University of the West Indies, crossed the finish line first to take the win, capping off a nail-biting close that came down to less than a second between the top two runners.

    As the crowd shifted down to Oistins’ sun-dappled waterfront for the festival’s core technical competitions, the energy of the day grew even more intense. First on the waterfront schedule was the Dolphin Skinning contest, where the audience fixed their attention on defending champion Tyrone Shorey, who came into the event looking to extend his long winning streak. Despite a determined early challenge from competitor Roy, who pushed an unprecedented fast pace from the start, Shorey’s signature clinical precision and years of experience proved unbeatable. Working at blistering speed with barely a pause to catch his breath, he skinned his catch in a new event record time, successfully retaining his championship title.

    The technical competitions concluded with the Flying Fish De-boning contest, a tribute to the specialized skill required to prepare flying fish – Barbados’ national dish – for traditional recipes. This year, seasoned veteran Jackie Norgrove once again outperformed every competitor in the field, securing her fifth career win at the festival, with her first win stretching back to 2012. When asked about her impressive 14-year winning streak, which includes titles in 2012, 2013, 2018, 2025, and now 2026, Norgrove brushed off praise, noting that the task is a regular part of daily life for her. “It’s a normal day-to-day thing, so it just comes naturally now,” she said after the win. “It feels very good to take the title again this year.”

    But the undisputed highlight of the entire final day came in the afternoon, with the festival’s legendary Greasy Pole competition – a grueling test of strength, coordination, and collective willpower that pits teams against each other to scale a 30-foot wooden mast heavily coated in grease, with the winning team claiming a prize waiting at the top. This year, competitor Joshua Drayton made history when he successfully reached the summit to claim victory for his team. Speaking after he climbed back down to the cheering crowd, Drayton credited his team’s careful planning rather than individual strength for the win. “Teamwork makes the job work easier,” he explained. “Once you’ve got a good team and understanding, you make the job easy. We didn’t just come with a plan; we executed the plan. The strategy was to get a firm foundation, a strong middle, and let the lightest and shortest man go to the top.”

    As golden hour fell over the Oistins jetty and the sun dipped below the Caribbean horizon, the festival closed with live local music, shared feasts of fresh seafood, and community-wide celebrations. For attendees and organizers alike, the 2026 Oistins Fish Festival marked another successful year of honoring the working fishermen and women who have long been the backbone of both Oistins’ community and Barbados’ fishing industry, keeping centuries-old cultural traditions alive for new generations.