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  • PHOTO: Stray Cattle Continue to Pose Hazard Along Freemans Village Main Road

    PHOTO: Stray Cattle Continue to Pose Hazard Along Freemans Village Main Road

    Residents of Freemans Village are raising urgent safety concerns as uncontrolled livestock, primarily cattle, continue to roam freely along Main Road creating hazardous driving conditions. According to local accounts, these animals regularly wander onto the roadway, forcing motorists into sudden evasive maneuvers that could potentially lead to serious accidents.

    The persistent problem has sparked growing frustration among community members who now demand immediate intervention from authorities. Multiple appeals have been directed toward the Livestock Division, the governmental body responsible for animal control matters, urging them to implement effective solutions to safeguard both drivers and animals.

    This situation highlights broader challenges in managing agricultural animals in residential-transitional zones, where urban expansion meets traditional farming practices. The ongoing neglect of this issue demonstrates systemic gaps in animal control enforcement and infrastructure maintenance that require coordinated policy response beyond temporary measures.

    The community’s concerns extend beyond inconvenience to genuine safety threats, with reports near-miss incidents occurring with alarming frequency during both day and night hours. As tensions mount, residents emphasize that preventive action must be taken before a tragic collision occurs rather than implementing reactive solutions afterward.

  • Demerit, e-ticketing integration to tackle “lawlessness” on roads

    Demerit, e-ticketing integration to tackle “lawlessness” on roads

    In a decisive move to address what he characterized as pervasive ‘lawlessness’ on the nation’s roadways, President Irfaan Ali announced a comprehensive technological integration plan for traffic enforcement. The initiative, unveiled during his address at the Guyana Police Force’s 2026 Annual Officers’ Conference, centers on merging the driver demerit system with the existing e-ticketing platform.

    Dr. Ali detailed that this technologically-driven mechanism will empower authorities to systematically pursue drivers who evade paying traffic fines, with supporting legislation to be enacted to formalize the process. The President emphasized that the integration represents a strategic shift towards automated, data-driven law enforcement, aiming to eliminate human error and increase accountability.

    Further expanding on technological advancements, President Ali highlighted the imminent implementation of the police force’s e-case filing and management systems. This digital infrastructure is expected to resolve chronic administrative issues including missing, misplaced, and significantly delayed case files, thereby streamlining judicial processes.

    ‘Technology is here and it will be utilized optimally in the Guyana Police Force,’ President Ali asserted, signaling a new era of digital policing aimed at enhancing public safety and regulatory compliance on Guyana’s transportation networks.

  • Nicholas Marius wanted by Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force

    Nicholas Marius wanted by Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force

    Law enforcement agencies have initiated an urgent public appeal for information regarding Nicholas Marius, a dangerous fugitive who escaped from lawful custody on February 9, 2026. The escape occurred while Marius was being held for a serious criminal offense, though specific details of the original charges remain undisclosed to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

    Police departments across jurisdictions have coordinated efforts to recapture the escapee, emphasizing the potential risk to public safety. Officials have activated emergency response protocols, urging citizens to exercise caution and immediately report any sightings or information related to Marius’s whereabouts.

    The public can contact authorities through multiple channels including direct emergency services at 911, the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at 1800-8477, or by visiting any local police station. Law enforcement emphasizes that no piece of information is too small and guarantees confidentiality for all tips provided.

    Investigators are pursuing multiple leads and have deployed additional resources to track the fugitive’s movements since the escape. The public announcement serves both as a warning regarding potential danger and as a call for community assistance in apprehending the individual.

  • Scanners coming for self-declaration of baggage at airports

    Scanners coming for self-declaration of baggage at airports

    Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali has unveiled a transformative airport security initiative that will introduce specialized baggage scanning technology across the nation’s airports. The announcement was made during his keynote address at the 2026 Guyana Police Force Annual Officers Conference on Wednesday, February 11th.

    The groundbreaking system will enable passengers to self-declare their baggage through automated scanning processes, fundamentally changing how customs and immigration procedures are conducted. President Ali emphasized that this technological advancement will eliminate the common practice of travelers blaming airport officials for declaration issues, stating, “You don’t have to blame a customs officer anymore. You don’t have to blame an immigration officer anymore.”

    The government has established stringent penalties for non-compliance with the new system. Individuals found making false declarations will face substantial financial penalties for initial offenses, with subsequent violations resulting in imprisonment. “Every bag will be scanned,” President Ali declared, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the implementation.

    In related developments, the President called for an urgent tripartite meeting involving executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. This high-level consultation will address the integration of a proposed police e-case filing and management system with the existing Court infrastructure, representing another significant step in Guyana’s digital transformation of public security services.

    The baggage scanning initiative marks a substantial advancement in Guyana’s airport security protocols, potentially serving as a model for other Caribbean nations seeking to modernize their border control and customs enforcement mechanisms while reducing human intervention in declaration processes.

  • Author William Henry to Launch New Book in Support of Library After-School Programme

    Author William Henry to Launch New Book in Support of Library After-School Programme

    Renowned Antiguan writer William Henry is set to unveil his latest literary work, “Antigua: A Glimpse into the Past,” in a significant event that merges cultural celebration with philanthropic purpose. The official launch ceremony is scheduled for February 18, 2026, at 10 a.m. within the premises of the National Public Library of Antigua and Barbuda.

    Beyond its literary significance, the event serves as a strategic fundraising initiative designed to bolster the Library’s After-School Enrichment Programme. This educational initiative provides essential academic support and structured recreational activities for youth during after-school hours, creating a vital educational safety net for the community.

    Henry has formally partnered with Antigua Newsroom to enhance event visibility and maximize outreach efforts. This media collaboration aims to facilitate comprehensive coverage and potential broadcasting of the launch, thereby amplifying awareness and encouraging nationwide participation in the fundraising campaign.

    In his official statement, Henry emphasized the dual nature of the project: “While we celebrate Antiguan literary achievement, we simultaneously channel our efforts toward strengthening educational foundations for our youth. This initiative transcends mere publication promotion—it represents a conscious investment in our community’s future through educational empowerment.”

    The author, recognized as one of Antigua’s established literary voices, articulated his philosophical approach to creative work: “I maintain a steadfast belief that artistic endeavors should reciprocally benefit their communities. Through this launch, we transform cultural production into tangible educational support.”

    Henry specifically acknowledged the instrumental role of media platforms in advancing cultural and educational objectives, noting that media participation would significantly accelerate the program’s outreach capabilities and fundraising potential.

    The Library’s After-School Enrichment Programme constitutes a critical community resource, offering students supplemental academic assistance and constructive extracurricular engagement. The program operates outside conventional school hours, providing a supervised environment for intellectual development and skill enhancement.

  • Nineteen countries meet in Barbados as part of Green Overseas workshop for water management solutions

    Nineteen countries meet in Barbados as part of Green Overseas workshop for water management solutions

    From February 9 to 13, 2026, Barbados will serve as the host for a pivotal international workshop addressing water management crises. The event, orchestrated by the Green Overseas Programme (GO), will assemble delegates from 19 European Union and United Kingdom Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) to confront escalating hydrological challenges.

    The workshop architecture combines specialized training modules with a collaborative peer-to-peer exchange platform. This dual approach is designed to tackle the full spectrum of water resource issues, from ensuring potable water access and preserving fragile ecosystems to implementing climate adaptation strategies.

    Island territories globally are experiencing intensified water vulnerability due to a convergence of threats. Declining precipitation patterns, prolonged droughts, saltwater contamination of aquifers, and increased flooding frequency are creating complex management dilemmas that impact civilian welfare, agricultural productivity, and economic stability.

    The Barbados convening emphasizes practical, region-specific methodologies. Through territorial presentations, expert panels, and interactive exercises, participants will share operational experiences and transferable solutions. Attendees include government officials, public administrators, water service managers, engineers, and climate specialists directly involved in water governance.

    Barbados was selected as the host nation due to its emblematic struggles with water scarcity, groundwater dependency, tourism pressure, demographic expansion, and climate disruption. The island has consequently launched numerous initiatives to bolster water security. Workshop participants will conduct field visits to examine local projects potentially including desalination facilities, advanced wastewater treatment plants, flood mitigation infrastructure, and wetland preservation sites.

    This gathering represents the latest in a series of Green Overseas Programme initiatives, following six previous workshops on energy transition and three on climate resilience. Focused on building durable water management systems, the event aims to amplify inter-territorial cooperation, enhance knowledge dissemination, and fortify the GO Climate Change Resilience network.

    Outcomes from the workshop and technical visits will be synthesized by Ramboll into a comprehensive best practices catalogue. This document will catalog successful innovations and solutions pioneered by OCTs, facilitating their adoption and adaptation across territories grappling with analogous water security challenges.

  • Tonight’s Monarch of the Tent focused on entertainment value, say organizers

    Tonight’s Monarch of the Tent focused on entertainment value, say organizers

    Dominica’s cultural scene is set to ignite on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, as the Stardom Tent prepares to crown its newest Calypso Monarch in a highly anticipated musical showdown. The event promises to deliver an unforgettable evening of artistic excellence and competitive spirit at The Realm venue, commencing at 8:30 PM.

    Nineteen exceptional calypso artists are poised to take the stage in a bid to claim the prestigious title, representing both established performers and emerging talents within the genre. The lineup features an impressive roster including Abiyah Israel, Reds, JD, Royette, Tasha P., Trendsetter, Kalfa P., Checker, Son of the Saint, Danian, Meeker, Shadowflow, Mystery, The Web, Mighty D, Bingo, Mighty Umi, and Daddy Chess. The evening will commence with an opening performance by Observer, setting the tone for what organizers describe as an electric atmosphere filled with vibrant entertainment.

    In a distinctive approach to judging, organizers have implemented a specially tailored scoring system that balances technical mastery with audience engagement. The evaluation criteria allocate 30 points each for lyrical content and melodic composition, 20 points for vocal rendition, and additional points for stage presentation (10) and crowd response (10). This innovative scoring methodology reflects the unique character of the tent environment, prioritizing both artistic quality and entertainment value.

    Event coordinators emphasize that the judging process has been specifically designed to foster a dynamic and immersive experience that resonates with attendees. The scoring system encourages performers to connect with their audience while maintaining the high artistic standards characteristic of calypso tradition. This dual focus aims to elevate the overall spectator experience while honoring the cultural significance of the art form.

    The competition represents a significant moment in Dominica’s cultural calendar, offering both residents and visitors an opportunity to witness the finest calypso talent in a celebratory atmosphere. Organizers extend an open invitation to all music enthusiasts to participate in this vibrant celebration of Caribbean musical heritage.

  • Woning en zakenpand verwoest door felle brand Jacquelineweg

    Woning en zakenpand verwoest door felle brand Jacquelineweg

    A devastating overnight fire has completely destroyed a residential property and commercial building complex on Jacquelineweg, with the blaze erupting at approximately 3:33 AM and rapidly escalating into an uncontrollable inferno.

    Emergency services received the initial alert at 3:33 AM, with first responders arriving to find the structures fully engulfed in intense flames. Despite the immediate deployment of firefighting resources, the combined efforts proved insufficient to salvage any of the buildings.

    The commercial complex housed multiple businesses including a clothing store, butcher shop, and ice factory within its premises. All structures were completely consumed by the fire along with their entire contents and inventory.

    The property owner, who resided on the premises with his family, reported hearing a loud explosion originating from the clothing store section immediately before the fire broke out. According to his account, the initial blaze began in this area before spreading with tremendous speed to adjacent buildings.

    While the exact cause remains undetermined pending official investigation, authorities confirmed the buildings were connected to the EBS power grid and carried appropriate fire insurance coverage.

    Both police and fire department investigators have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise origin and circumstances surrounding the catastrophic fire incident.

  • Mia Mottley on course for historic third term in Barbados election

    Mia Mottley on course for historic third term in Barbados election

    Barbados conducted nationwide parliamentary elections on Wednesday in a pivotal political contest pitting Prime Minister Mia Mottley against opposition leader Ralph Thorne. The Caribbean nation, with its population of approximately 283,000 residents, witnessed citizens exercising their democratic rights to determine the composition of the House of Assembly.

    Prime Minister Mottley, possessing one of the most distinguished international profiles among Caribbean leaders, aims to secure an unprecedented third consecutive term. Should she succeed, she would become the first female leader in Barbadian history to achieve this milestone and only the second prime minister overall to serve more than two terms, despite the absence of constitutional term limits.

    The ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP), currently commanding 29 parliamentary seats, has campaigned on platforms emphasizing economic stability, addressing cost-of-living challenges, and maintaining Barbados’ influential global presence. Conversely, Thorne’s centrist Democratic Labour Party (DLP), holding a single seat, has prioritized domestic concerns including security enhancement and infrastructure development, arguing for greater focus on local priorities.

    Mottley’s international stature includes previous leadership of the Caribbean Community, vigorous climate change advocacy, and her pivotal role in transitioning Barbados to a republic in 2021. Her global recognition had previously generated speculation about her potential candidacy for United Nations Secretary-General.

    The electoral process faced preliminary controversies as opposition candidates raised concerns regarding alleged inaccuracies in voter registration records. The electoral commission firmly dismissed allegations of procedural interference, affirming the legitimacy of the electoral framework.

  • Green Jobs Symposium 2026 Held at UWI Five Islands Campus

    Green Jobs Symposium 2026 Held at UWI Five Islands Campus

    A landmark educational symposium in Antigua and Barbuda successfully convened secondary and tertiary students for an immersive exploration of sustainable career opportunities. The event, designed to both inform and inspire, featured expert panelists who delivered compelling presentations on environmental conservation and emerging green industries.

    Distinguished by its candid dialogue and highly participatory atmosphere, the session witnessed active engagement from students across the nation. Attendees posed insightful questions to industry professionals and contributed actively to discussions centered on conservation strategies, sustainability principles, and the burgeoning blue economy sector.

    Critical financial backing and venue provision were furnished by key sponsors First Caribbean International Bank (CIBC Caribbean) and The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus. Their support was formally acknowledged by organizers as instrumental to the event’s execution and overall impact.

    The symposium’s primary objective centered on motivating the next generation to consider professional pathways directly aligned with environmental stewardship. Organizers expressed strong optimism that the event will serve as a catalytic force in guiding young minds toward careers that balance economic development with ecological preservation.