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  • Minister ‘skin the cat’ as opposition snarls at $200m local loans

    Minister ‘skin the cat’ as opposition snarls at $200m local loans

    A contentious debate unfolded in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Parliament as Prime Minister Godwin Friday’s administration secured approval for the Public Sector Investment Loan (2026) Amendment Bill, authorizing EC$200 million in domestic borrowing. The legislative move faced vigorous opposition from senators aligned with former Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party (ULP).

    Prime Minister Friday, whose New Democratic Party (NDP) achieved a landslide 14-1 victory in last November’s elections, presented the bill as essential for financing the government’s public investment initiatives. He emphasized that the raised capital would directly support development programs outlined in recent budget debates, with these obligations constituting a formal charge against the Consolidated Fund under the Finance Minister’s oversight.

    Opposition Senator Carlos James challenged the administration’s characterization of the borrowing as “routine,” noting the substantial increase to EC$200 million represented a significant departure from established norms. James referenced the previous government’s emergency borrowing following Hurricane Beryl, which he justified as necessary for national recovery efforts. The opposition senator expressed particular concern about shifting from concessionary external loans (typically 1-3% interest) to commercial domestic rates ranging from 6-12%, potentially burdening Vincentians with heavier debt obligations.

    Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce delivered a sharp rebuttal, labeling James’ arguments as “disingenuous” and mathematically inconsistent. Bruce produced budgetary documents showing the ULP administration had itself increased local borrowing by EC$84 million in 2025 while adding EC$54 million to external debt. The minister questioned the opposition’s sudden concern about domestic interest rates given their own borrowing practices, emphasizing that “numbers don’t lie” in assessing fiscal responsibility.

    The bill ultimately passed through all legislative stages, marking the Friday administration’s continued implementation of its economic agenda despite parliamentary resistance.

  • Propane Gas Cylinders Seized During Police Operations

    Propane Gas Cylinders Seized During Police Operations

    In a coordinated security operation across multiple communities, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has confiscated several liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) propane cylinders and various items of investigative interest. The operation, conducted on Monday night, involved officers from both the Langfords Police Station and the specialized Special Services Unit (SSU).

    Law enforcement officials executed multiple search warrants across several residential areas including Skerritt’s Pasture, Cedar Grove, and North Sound Extension as part of their ongoing investigative efforts. The most significant findings emerged from a property in Skerritt’s Pasture where authorities discovered substantial gas storage and equipment.

    The seized items include three industrial-sized 100-pound LPG propane cylinders, one standard 20-pound domestic gas cylinder, and two gas regulators with connecting hoses. Additionally, police recovered various tools and personal items including a Makita power saw, fifteen cutting discs, a green and white spray can, one pair of Nike Air Force sneakers, and a black hoodie.

    Four individuals ranging from 18 to 29 years of age, representing the communities of Skerritt’s Pasture, Cedar Grove, North Sound Extension, and Liberta, are currently assisting police with their ongoing investigations. While no formal charges have been announced, the operation appears focused on investigating potential gas cylinder thefts or unauthorized possession.

    The police administration has issued a public appeal requesting community members who may have experienced theft of LPG propane cylinders to come forward. Authorities have provided contact numbers for both Langfords Police Station (562-5730) and Parham Police Station (463-2060) for citizens to report any relevant information that might assist the investigation.

  • PM Pierre: ‘Do not overstay in people’s countries’

    PM Pierre: ‘Do not overstay in people’s countries’

    Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has delivered a forceful admonition to citizens traveling internationally, emphasizing that compliance with visa conditions constitutes both a personal responsibility and a matter of national interest. Speaking at a pre-cabinet press briefing on February 16, the Prime Minister framed international travel as a privilege rather than a right, urging strict adherence to authorized stay durations.

    Pierre articulated grave concerns regarding the broader implications of visa violations, stating that exceeding granted timeframes—even by a single day—could yield unforeseen negative consequences. “When we overstay our visas and do things—go to other people’s countries and don’t follow the laws—it affects everybody,” Pierre emphasized during his address. He repeatedly cautioned travelers to depart host nations when their permitted time expires, regardless of personal circumstances or attractions.

    The Prime Minister’s warnings highlight how individual actions can collectively impact Saint Lucia’s international standing and the future mobility of its citizens. He specifically noted that visa infractions could damage the country’s reputation and potentially complicate travel arrangements for other Saint Lucians seeking to journey abroad.

    Coinciding with Pierre’s national address, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed similar sentiments during a joint press availability in Budapest with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Rubio unequivocally stated that visa grants are discretionary privileges rather than entitlements, revealing that the United States has revoked numerous visas over the past year. He specifically warned that tourists, students, and journalists engaging in activities contrary to U.S. national security interests would face visa revocation, reinforcing the stringent enforcement of immigration regulations.

  • Sinckler begins tenure at Foreign Affairs

    Sinckler begins tenure at Foreign Affairs

    In his inaugural engagement as Barbados’ newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Chris Sinckler commenced his tenure with a familiarization meeting at the ministry’s headquarters. The minister conducted introductory sessions with departmental staff members, setting a collaborative tone for his administration. During his address, Minister Sinckler recognized the substantial responsibilities awaiting his office while emphasizing the critical necessity of fortifying Barbados’ diplomatic relations and international trade alliances. He explicitly acknowledged the strategic importance of enhancing the nation’s global standing through strengthened bilateral and multilateral cooperation. The minister concluded his remarks by extending formal gratitude to Prime Minister Mia Mottley for entrusting him with this significant portfolio, characterizing the appointment as both an honor and a substantial responsibility toward the nation’s foreign policy objectives.

  • Fèt Matjé Kwéyòl Sent Lisi celebrates language and heritage

    Fèt Matjé Kwéyòl Sent Lisi celebrates language and heritage

    In a landmark celebration of cultural heritage, Saint Lucia hosted its inaugural National Kwéyòl Spelling Competition on February 17, 2026. The groundbreaking event, formally titled Fèt Matjé Kwéyòl Sent Lisi, was orchestrated by the Msgr Patrick Anthony Folk Research Centre at the National Skills Development Centre (NSDC) as a highlight of the nation’s 2026 Independence celebrations.

    The competition attracted widespread participation across society, with students from primary, secondary, and tertiary educational institutions alongside professionals from both public and private sectors. Participants competed either as three-member teams or individually, demonstrating their mastery of the Kwéyòl language through two distinct assessment formats.

    The event featured a structured two-segment approach: a comprehensive spelling examination where all participants transcribed Kwéyòl words onto paper for evaluation, followed by an advanced dictation competition exclusively for individual contestants. This dual-method approach thoroughly tested participants’ orthographic and auditory comprehension skills in the indigenous language.

    Notable achievements emerged from the competition, with Sam Eudovicque securing first place in both individual categories—spelling and dictation—while Stephanie Fenelon claimed second position. In the team category, Mon Repos/Patience Primary School triumphed with only four errors, followed by Vide Boutielle Primary and Ti Rocher Micoud. At the secondary level, Sir Arthur Lewis Community College claimed victory, with St. Joseph’s Convent and St. Mary’s College tying for second place.

    Lindy-Ann Alexander, event coordinator, expressed profound enthusiasm about participants’ exceptional performance: ‘The proficiency level was remarkably high. The minimal error count demonstrates how accessible the Kwéyòl writing system is to learn, even for those who acquired it later in life.’ Alexander particularly noted the unprecedented occurrence of ties in both competition segments involving the same top performers.

    The event’s success was bolstered by substantial institutional support from the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Education, and Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. This sponsorship framework positions the competition for potential annual recurrence with expanded promotion and participation opportunities.

    Substantial prizes were awarded to celebrate linguistic achievement: winning schools received $600 with team members obtaining $100 each, plus Creole dictionaries for all participating institutions. The individual champion received a comprehensive package including cash prizes, a tablet, and a dinner for two.

  • Bestuurder overleden na ongeval op Weg naar Atjoni

    Bestuurder overleden na ongeval op Weg naar Atjoni

    A tragic traffic accident on the Weg naar Atjoni near Poeiri Bergi has resulted in the death of a 47-year-old driver identified as M.T. The fatal incident occurred during the early hours of Tuesday morning, according to authorities from the Brownsweg police department.

    Police responders arriving at the scene discovered four surviving passengers from the vehicle on the left side of the roadway. Following directions from these individuals, officers located the driver’s body in the immediate vicinity. The victim displayed no signs of life and had sustained a severe skull injury in the crash.

    Preliminary investigation indicates that the vehicle was traveling along Gaama Agbagoweg toward Atjoni when the driver lost control at a critical section of the road. The accident occurred at a gentle right-hand curve combined with a slight upward gradient near Poeiri Bergi. The vehicle subsequently veered off the roadway and descended into a ravine parallel to the left side of the road.

    The Forensic Investigation Department and Central Region Traffic Unit conducted on-site examinations to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. Following authorization from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the victim’s remains have been released to family members for funeral arrangements.

  • US kills 11 in 3 strikes on alleged drug-running boats

    US kills 11 in 3 strikes on alleged drug-running boats

    In a targeted counter-narcotics operation, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) executed precision airstrikes against three vessels allegedly operated by designated terrorist organizations engaged in narcotics trafficking. The military action, authorized by SOUTHCOM commander General Francis L. Donovan, resulted in eleven fatalities among suspected narco-terrorists operating the vessels.

    According to official statements released Tuesday, the coordinated strikes occurred during the night of February 16th through Joint Task Force Southern Spear operations. Intelligence surveillance confirmed the vessels were actively transiting established drug trafficking corridors before being engaged with lethal kinetic force.

    The tactical breakdown reveals four casualties occurred aboard the first vessel in the Eastern Pacific, followed by four additional fatalities on a second vessel in the same region. A third strike in the Caribbean waters eliminated three more individuals. No U.S. military personnel sustained injuries during the operations.

    This recent engagement marks the seventh such intervention against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in 2024, continuing a pattern of intensified counter-narcotics efforts. Historical data indicates these latest strikes bring the total to at least 41 operations against narcotics trafficking networks, resulting in 144 casualties across Caribbean and Eastern Pacific regions since the program’s inception.

    SOUTHCOM, which oversees U.S. military operations throughout Central America, South America, and the Caribbean basin, maintains that these missions are critical to disrupting transnational criminal organizations whose activities directly threaten national security interests. The command’s strategy focuses on intercepting maritime drug transportation routes that fuel terrorist activities and contribute to the U.S. opioid crisis.

  • Community meeting set to address Charles Rowe Bridge flooding

    Community meeting set to address Charles Rowe Bridge flooding

    The St George North District Emergency Organisation (DEO) is mobilizing local residents and business operators for a critical community assembly this Saturday to address persistent flooding challenges at Charles Rowe Bridge. The gathering, scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Valley Resource Centre in Glebe, will facilitate dialogue between officials and the community regarding flood risk reduction strategies.

    Authorities will present comprehensive findings from a specialized flood assessment conducted after the November 2025 weather event that tragically claimed the life of 58-year-old resident Terry Kellman. The session will serve as both an informational briefing and participatory forum where community members can contribute historical knowledge and personal observations about flooding patterns in the district.

    The initiative represents a coordinated effort to develop practical solutions for flood mitigation while enhancing collaboration with national emergency response agencies. Organizers are particularly interested in documenting local expertise and historical flood data that could inform future prevention measures. The meeting follows the November incident where emergency personnel conducted an overnight search operation before recovering Mr. Kellman’s body after he was swept away by floodwaters near the bridge during intense rainfall.

    Interested parties seeking additional details can contact the St George North DEO at 252-1944 or via email at deo.stgeorgen@barbados.gov.bb.

  • Voting Opens for Antigua and Barbuda National Music Awards

    Voting Opens for Antigua and Barbuda National Music Awards

    The Antigua and Barbuda National Music Awards have officially launched their public voting phase, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s cultural calendar. Organizers announced this week that music enthusiasts worldwide can now cast votes for their preferred artists, events, and creative professionals who have profoundly influenced the country’s musical ecosystem.

    In an official digital communiqué, awards representatives emphasized that this public participation period represents a crucial mechanism for acknowledging exceptional achievements within the local music industry. The organization’s leadership underscored the democratic nature of the process, stating: ‘Every vote counts. Every voice matters,’ while urging broad public engagement in celebrating musical excellence and innovative artistry.

    This prestigious recognition program spotlights a diverse array of musical contributors—from performing artists and vocalists to behind-the-scenes producers, sound engineers, and other creative specialists—who have demonstrably enriched Antigua and Barbuda’s auditory landscape and broader entertainment sector. The awards serve as both recognition of past accomplishments and catalyst for future cultural development.

    While organizers have successfully initiated the voting process, key logistical details remain pending official disclosure. The administration has not yet finalized nor announced the conclusive deadline for vote submissions nor confirmed the date for the anticipated awards ceremony, leaving participants anticipating further announcements regarding these critical event milestones.

  • Victory Centre, Cedar Grove Primary Launch Inclusive School Agriculture Project

    Victory Centre, Cedar Grove Primary Launch Inclusive School Agriculture Project

    A groundbreaking agricultural education initiative in Antigua and Barbuda is successfully merging inclusive learning practices with climate-resilient farming techniques to address national food security challenges. The innovative program, operating through a unique partnership between Cedar Grove Primary School and the Victory Centre for students with disabilities, has received funding from the Global Environmental Facility’s Small Grants Program.

    The project creates shared learning environments where neurotypical students and those with disabilities collaborate in practical agricultural activities. School gardens have been transformed into dynamic outdoor classrooms that demonstrate agriculture’s accessibility regardless of physical or cognitive abilities. This week, technicians from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Ministry of Agriculture’s Extension Division advanced installation of water-efficient drip irrigation systems, introducing participants to sustainable farming methods that conserve resources while boosting crop yields.

    IICA National Specialist Craig Thomas emphasized the program’s deliberate inclusive design: “By twinning with a school for differently abled students, we demonstrate that disabilities don’t preclude meaningful agricultural contributions. The replicable model established at Cedar Grove is simultaneously being implemented at Victory Centre, ensuring all students can participate equally.”

    The hands-on approach has produced remarkable outcomes, particularly among special needs students. Irrigation Specialist Bradbury Brown observed: “Agriculture offers natural engagement opportunities. As students work with their hands, witness plant growth, and develop practical skills, they build confidence and recognize their capacity to contribute to society and potentially establish future livelihoods.”

    Targeting preteens, the initiative fosters curiosity, responsibility, and pride while dismantling persistent disability stereotypes. Beyond the classroom, it sends a powerful community message that inclusive development strengthens entire societies. This collaborative model between educational institutions, IICA, and agricultural authorities presents a scalable framework for climate-smart agricultural education throughout Antigua and Barbuda.