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  • Body of missing teen found on the seabed in the vicinity of Long Bay Beach

    Body of missing teen found on the seabed in the vicinity of Long Bay Beach

    Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the tragic drowning incident that claimed the life of 19-year-old Zakeem Nicholas from Seatons. The unfortunate event unfolded during a recreational diving expedition on Friday, February 13, 2026, when Nicholas and an accompanying individual ventured into coastal waters aboard a private vessel.

    According to preliminary reports from the Royal Police Force, both individuals entered the ocean waters near Seaton’s Dock for diving activities. During the excursion, Nicholas encountered significant difficulties with his fishing apparatus and was last observed attempting to swim back to the safety of their boat. When his companion returned to the vessel, Nicholas had vanished from sight, prompting immediate but unsuccessful search attempts.

    The Antigua and Barbuda Coast Guard was promptly alerted and launched an extensive maritime search operation involving multiple rescue vessels and specialized personnel. Despite thorough search efforts throughout Friday afternoon, the operation was temporarily suspended at 5:30 p.m. without locating the missing teenager.

    Search and recovery missions resumed at 8:05 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, culminating in the tragic discovery of Nicholas’s body at 10:09 a.m. on the seabed near Long Bay Beach. Medical personnel officially pronounced the young man deceased at 10:39 a.m.

    The Police Administration has expressed profound condolences to Nicholas’s family and loved ones while extending gratitude to the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard and all civilian participants who assisted in the recovery operation. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident to determine potential contributing factors and prevent future tragedies.

  • Kings Casino Donates Bathroom Fixtures for HAPI Five Islands Housing Project

    Kings Casino Donates Bathroom Fixtures for HAPI Five Islands Housing Project

    A major housing rehabilitation initiative in Five Islands has received substantial corporate backing, with Kings Casino committing to provide all bathroom fixtures and supplies required for a complex project supporting an extended family of over 25 members.

    The Adopt-a-Family Programme (HAPI), which facilitates housing solutions for vulnerable families across Antigua and Barbuda, announced the partnership following productive discussions with casino management. During negotiations, HAPI representative Johann Small emphasized the critical need for multiple functional bathrooms to accommodate the substantial household.

    “Adequate sanitation facilities transcend basic necessity—they represent dignity, privacy, and practical functionality for each family member,” Small stated, highlighting the humanitarian aspect of the project.

    Kings Casino demonstrated exceptional corporate citizenship by agreeing to cover all bathroom-related materials without cost limitations, significantly advancing one of HAPI’s most ambitious undertakings to date.

    The Five Islands project operates within a broader collaborative framework involving government agencies, corporate sponsors, and an innovative rehabilitation program at His Majesty’s Prison. Inmates participating in the initiative are acquiring valuable construction skills while contributing meaningfully to community development.

    HAPI acknowledged several key supporters including Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Minister Rawdon Turner, and Mary Baltimore for their sustained commitment to improving housing conditions throughout Antigua and Barbuda. The organization anticipates providing further updates as the transformative project advances toward completion.

  • Little ones set to have a ‘Forest Friends Adventure’ at Kiddies Carnival 2026

    Little ones set to have a ‘Forest Friends Adventure’ at Kiddies Carnival 2026

    The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Dominica has officially announced the eagerly anticipated Kiddies Carnival 2026, scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026. Embracing the enchanting theme “Forest Friends Adventure,” this annual spectacle is meticulously designed to provide a secure, dynamic, and unforgettable experience specifically curated for the island’s youthful populace.

    According to JCI’s detailed press release, this year’s celebration will transform into a brilliant exhibition of creative imagination, featuring elaborate costumes inspired by woodland fauna and natural elements. The event stands as a profound emphasis on musical heritage, cultural manifestation, and community involvement, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of the Mas Domnik festivities.

    The colorful parade will initiate at 12:00 PM from Pebbles Park, traversing a scenic route along the Bayfront, passing the historic Dominica Museum, advancing through Great George Street, rolling onto Kennedy Avenue, and culminating in a spectacular finale at Windsor Park Sports Stadium.

    JCI enthusiastically invites families and spectators to line the parade pathway, offering support and admiration as children illuminate the streets with vibrant colors, inventive designs, and authentic carnival energy. The procession will be animated by the infectious rhythms provided by DJ Flash and Triple K International.

    Post-parade activities will commence at 3:00 PM within Windsor Park Sports Stadium during the “Fun in the Park” segment. This segment will showcase talented performances by Junior Calypso and Bouyon Monarch competitors, alongside captivating demonstrations by flag wavers and stilt walkers.

    Event coordinators emphasize that the carnival delivers an immersive, interactive environment for families, strengthening community ties and nurturing cultural pride. They affirm that Carnival transcends mere festivity; it represents a vital celebration of cultural identity, artistic creativity, and the cherished legacy inherited across generations.

  • Illegale landingsbaan en semi-duikboot in aanbouw ontdekt in Witagron

    Illegale landingsbaan en semi-duikboot in aanbouw ontdekt in Witagron

    In a significant counter-narcotics operation, Surinamese authorities have dismantled a sophisticated drug trafficking infrastructure in the Witagron region. During a specialized reconnaissance mission on February 12, 2026, a joint task force comprising members of the Judicial Intervention Team (JIT) and Directorate of National Security (DNV) discovered an illicit airstrip alongside multiple established camps.

    The operation, initially intended to map unauthorized landing strips in the interior, uncovered far more extensive criminal operations than anticipated. Security personnel encountered a complex network containing approximately 15,000 liters of diesel fuel, an arsenal of weapons and ammunition, various all-terrain vehicles, and substantial quantities of cash in multiple currencies.

    The financial seizure included Colombian pesos, US dollars, Surinamese dollars, Venezuelan bolivars, and Brazilian reais, indicating the transnational nature of the criminal enterprise. Most notably, authorities discovered a partially constructed self-propelled semi-submersible vessel (SPSS) – a sophisticated naval craft designed specifically for covert drug transportation. Based on its dimensions, the vessel potentially could transport over 10 metric tons of cocaine.

    Law enforcement apprehended six individuals during the three-day operation: three Colombian nationals and three Surinamese citizens, with arrests occurring on February 12, 13, and 14. Several armed Colombian suspects managed to evade capture during the initial raid. The Public Prosecution Service’s Unit Public Relations has confirmed that manhunt operations for these fugitives are currently underway.

  • Trade Minister Says Steps Taken to ‘Ease the Squeeze’ on Families

    Trade Minister Says Steps Taken to ‘Ease the Squeeze’ on Families

    In a decisive response to mounting economic pressures, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has launched a comprehensive initiative to alleviate the burden of rising living costs on its citizens. The strategy, detailed during a recent town hall meeting in St John’s Rural West, hinges on a threefold approach: significant tax reforms, substantial agricultural investment, and the expansion of state-backed retail infrastructure.

    Central to the fiscal measures is the complete elimination of the Common External Tariff (CET) on a wide array of imported goods. This move, announced by Information Minister M.P. Chet Greene, is designed to directly reduce retail prices for consumers by lowering the cost of imports. Minister Greene explicitly acknowledged the nation’s vulnerability to global inflationary trends in food and shipping, stating that while the administration cannot control international supply chains, it is leveraging its authority over domestic taxation to provide relief. The Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) was highlighted as a key policy tool in this effort.

    Complementing the tax cuts is a major investment in national food security. The administration disclosed the acquisition of the former Kennedy’s building at Cassada Gardens for approximately $9 million EC. This facility is slated to be transformed into an enlarged distribution hub for the Central Marketing Corporation (CMC), featuring enhanced cold storage capabilities and modernized intake systems for domestic agricultural produce. This infrastructure upgrade is intended to better support local farmers and streamline the supply chain from field to market.

    Furthermore, the government has allocated over $5 million EC for the procurement of advanced agricultural equipment. This investment aims to bolster local food production, thereby reducing the nation’s dependency on volatile international food imports and creating a more resilient domestic economy.

    Officials framed these actions as a necessary intervention to shield citizens from external price shocks. The overarching mission, as stated by Minister Greene, is to actively ‘ease the squeeze’ on households by ensuring the affordability of essential goods through strategic government action where possible.

  • Jamaica’s Likkle More Chocolate cops five international awards

    Jamaica’s Likkle More Chocolate cops five international awards

    Jamaican luxury chocolate brand Likkle More Chocolate has achieved remarkable international recognition, securing five prestigious awards at the UK-based Academy of Chocolate Awards. The brand, founded by acclaimed pastry chef and artisan chocolatier Nadine Burie, demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship across multiple categories in the global competition that celebrates the world’s finest artisan chocolates.

    The award-winning selections included a Gold medal for their innovative Pink Peppercorn 70% cocoa chocolate bar. The collection further earned Silver recognition for the Scotch Bonnet Pepper 70% cocoa variety, along with Bronze medals for three distinct creations: Fresh Ginger 70% cocoa, Signature Dark Terroir 70% cocoa, and Thyme & Orange Peels 70% cocoa. All products are crafted using all-natural, bean-to-bar production methods that highlight Jamaica’s unique culinary heritage.

    The formal awards ceremony is scheduled for March 20 at London’s iconic Fortnum & Mason department store, where winners will be honored during an evening celebration from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM local time.

    Burie expressed both pride and gratitude through her social media channels, stating: “We’re proud and honored to announce that once again, five of our artisan bars have been recognized at the prestigious International Academy of Chocolate Awards.” She particularly emphasized the crucial role of local cocoa growing partners, noting: “We would like to raise a glass to our fantastic cocoa growing partners, at the heart of this incredible journey.”

    The chocolatier further elaborated on the significance of these awards, explaining they represent not just recognition of quality but also celebrate the resilience of Jamaican agricultural partners who overcame particularly challenging weather conditions. Burie highlighted the “invaluable benefits of direct trade” and shared passion for Jamaican terroir as fundamental components of their success formula, describing these elements as the company’s “super powers.” She concluded by acknowledging the broader support system that has contributed to their achievement.

  • A night of British reggae

    A night of British reggae

    A distinctive musical movement born from Britain’s racial tensions of the late 1970s is receiving a dedicated celebration in its spiritual homeland. The mellow sounds of lovers’ rock, which provided a soulful counterpoint to the era’s social unrest within West Indian communities, will be showcased at ‘Lovers Rock: A Night of British Reggae’ on February 15 at Pon Top Restaurant in Kingston.

    This special event represents a collaborative effort between photographer-broadcaster Steve James and Berty Grant, a foundational figure within the lovers’ rock scene. James revealed to the Jamaica Observer that conceptualizing an event honoring this musical legacy has been developing for over a decade.

    “This concept has occupied my thoughts for several years,” James explained. “Initial plans for a lovers’ rock showcase featuring Sugar Minott and Vivian Jones as headliners were formulated around 2010. Unfortunately, Minott’s passing combined with the West Kingston incursion disrupted these plans, though the idea persistently remained.”

    James ultimately determined that Reggae Month presented the perfect opportunity, envisioning an annual event that would both attract international visitors and encourage local Jamaican audiences to rediscover this influential sound.

    Berty Grant brings profound historical connection to the project. After migrating from Kingston to the UK in 1966, he immersed himself in Britain’s sound system culture throughout the 1970s. While militant bands like Aswad and Steel Pulse addressed racial issues directly, Grant worked alongside artists crafting romantic ballads inspired by Jamaica’s late-1960s rocksteady era. His engineering and production expertise supported legendary voices including Sugar Minott, Vivian Jones, and Carroll Thompson.

    The genre later reached Jamaican audiences through UK-born artists of Jamaican descent, notably Maxi Priest in the 1980s and more recently Bitty McLean with his hit ‘Walk Away From Love’, demonstrating lovers’ rock’s enduring cross-cultural appeal.

  • SIGMA Run exceeds $150m target for western Jamaica beneficiaries,

    SIGMA Run exceeds $150m target for western Jamaica beneficiaries,

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s premier charity running event, the Sagicor SIGMA Corporate Run, has achieved an unprecedented philanthropic milestone by collectively raising over J$1 billion since its establishment. The 2026 edition, themed “Run for the West,” concluded with a record-breaking J$152 million, exceeding its J$150 million target to support hurricane-affected educational institutions in western Jamaica.

    Organized by the Sagicor Foundation Jamaica, this 28th annual event specifically targeted the restoration of five schools severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa: Hopewell High School in Hanover, Green Pond High School in St James, Little London High School in Westmoreland, along with Salt Marsh and Mayfield Primary and Infant Schools in Trelawny and St Elizabeth respectively. The generated funds will facilitate comprehensive infrastructure repairs including roofing, classroom renovations, sanitation facilities, electrical systems, and water storage solutions, ensuring thousands of students regain access to safe, functional learning environments.

    Christopher Zacca, President and CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica and Chairman of Sagicor Foundation Jamaica, characterized this achievement as a powerful demonstration of national solidarity. “Surpassing the J$1 billion threshold represents more than a numerical milestone; it embodies the profound compassion, generosity, and collective spirit inherent within the Jamaican people,” Zacca stated. He emphasized how the event consistently demonstrates the transformative societal impact achievable through unified purpose, annually strengthening communities across the nation.

    The 2026 run attracted an extraordinary 30,939 registered participants, maintaining the event’s status as the Caribbean’s largest and most impactful charity road race. Since its 1999 inception, the initiative has supported over 35 charitable organizations and national projects, delivering critical assistance to hospitals, educational institutions, and vulnerable populations island-wide.

    Notable personalities including Olympian and 100m World Champion Oblique Sevillle, former Cabinet minister and Miss World Lisa Hanna, and recording artist Kemar ‘Ding Dong’ Ottey contributed significantly to raising national awareness and participation. The competitive aspect saw Garfield Gordon claiming the men’s title with a time of 16 minutes 57 seconds, while Dandie Williams secured the women’s category victory in 22 minutes 35 seconds.

    The symbolic cheque presentation occurred at the Knutsford Boulevard start line, attended by education officials including Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister for Education, Skills, Youth and Information, alongside principals from the beneficiary schools and Sagicor representatives, marking another historic chapter in Jamaica’s corporate social responsibility landscape.

  • Quadruple chasing Arsenal rout Wigan to reach FA Cup fifth round

    Quadruple chasing Arsenal rout Wigan to reach FA Cup fifth round

    LONDON, United Kingdom — Arsenal Football Club delivered a commanding performance on Sunday, securing a decisive 4-0 victory over third-tier Wigan Athletic to advance to the FA Cup’s fifth round for the first time in six years. The emphatic win at Emirates Stadium reinforces the club’s ambitious pursuit of an unprecedented quadruple trophy haul this season.

    Under manager Mikel Arteta’s direction, the Gunners established an insurmountable lead within the first 27 minutes of the fourth-round encounter. The scoring commenced with Noni Madueke finding the net, followed by a clinical finish from Gabriel Martinelli. Wigan’s defensive woes compounded when Jack Hunt inadvertently headed the ball into his own net, before Gabriel Jesus completed the dominant display with a expertly chipped effort over goalkeeper Sam Tickle.

    This victory marks Arsenal’s return to the competition’s last sixteen since their 2020 FA Cup triumph, which remains the sole major honor of Arteta’s tenure. Currently leading the Premier League by four points, scheduled for a League Cup final against Manchester City, and having progressed to the Champions League knockout stages, Arsenal are positioned to potentially end their prolonged silverware drought across multiple competitions.

    Arteta praised his squad’s intensity following several strategic lineup changes: ‘We demonstrated exceptional connection and threat, particularly in the first half which ultimately decided the match.’

    The encounter contrasted sharply with the clubs’ dramatic 2014 FA Cup semifinal, which featured a penalty shootout goal from then-captain Arteta. Wigan arrived in North London amid significant organizational challenges, sitting in the League One relegation zone under interim management following Ryan Lowe’s recent dismissal.

    Arsenal adapted to a pre-match setback when defender Riccardo Calafiori sustained an injury during warm-ups, prompting Arteta to reinstate Bukayo Saka rather than resting the England international.

    In parallel FA Cup action, Leeds United advanced via penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw with Birmingham City, while Wolverhampton Wanderers secured a 1-0 victory at fourth-division Grimsby Town. Fulham and Sunderland also progressed with respective wins against Stoke City and Oxford United.

  • Former state ward appeals for funding to support law school dreams

    Former state ward appeals for funding to support law school dreams

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — An exceptional scholar who transitioned from state care to academic excellence is now mobilizing public support to realize her aspiration of entering the legal profession. Vanessa Wright, once a resident of Maxfield Park Children’s Home and a distinguished graduate of Camperdown High School, has demonstrated remarkable scholarly prowess by successfully completing 22 subjects at both CSEC and CAPE examination levels.

    Currently enrolled as a third-year law student at the University of the West Indies, Wright’s journey represents a powerful narrative of resilience and determination. Despite her impressive academic trajectory, financial constraints threaten to interrupt her educational pathway. While she recently received a substantial donation of J$500,000 from Crisis Support Charity directors Stephen and Luke Joseph, this amount covers merely one-third of her required tuition fees.

    The relationship between Wright and her benefactors traces back to a charitable visit to Maxfield Park Children’s Home when she was just ten years old. The Josephs had then made a commitment to support her legal ambitions should financial challenges arise. Their recent contribution honored this pledge, yet significant funding gaps remain.

    Stephen Joseph has joined Wright’s appeal to corporate Jamaica and the broader community, emphasizing the inspirational nature of her story. “We recognize that J$1.5 million is needed overall,” he stated, “but we are confident that corporate entities and compassionate citizens will rally behind this worthy cause.”

    Wright envisions leveraging her legal education to advocate for vulnerable populations who face systemic barriers similar to those she has overcome. Additional financial support would enable her to concentrate fully on academic requirements, pursue essential internships, engage in community service, and ultimately give back to society through dedicated legal representation for the marginalized.