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SKN joins OAS in remembrance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day

In a powerful address to the Organization of American States (OAS) Permanent Council on February 4, 2026, St. Kitts and Nevis Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin delivered a poignant message during the International Holocaust Remembrance Day observance. The ambassador characterized the systematic persecution and extermination of millions of Jews as one of humanity’s most profound tragedies, serving as an enduring warning about the consequences of unchecked hatred and state-sanctioned discrimination.

Ambassador Henry-Martin emphasized that the Holocaust represents not merely a historical event but a fundamental assault on human dignity itself. She underscored the critical importance of maintaining vigilance against the early warning signs of genocide, noting that such atrocities typically originate not with mass violence but with divisive rhetoric, stereotypes, and discriminatory policies met with societal silence.

The diplomatic address highlighted the Western Hemisphere’s robust human rights frameworks, including the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man and the American Convention on Human Rights, as essential pillars protecting democratic values. Henry-Martin specifically referenced the Inter-American Convention Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, and Related Forms of Intolerance as instrumental mechanisms for combating prejudice that undermines social cohesion.

Speaking from the perspective of a small, diverse nation, the ambassador stressed that societal strength derives from coexistence, mutual respect, and equal protection for all individuals regardless of origin, race, religion, or identity. She called for a shared responsibility in safeguarding human rights that extends beyond governmental action to encompass personal and professional conduct across civil society.

Henry-Martin concluded with an urgent appeal for renewed commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law, urging collective action to confront intolerance whenever it emerges and to stand in solidarity with persecuted communities worldwide.

4 2 月, 2026
House backs waiver of penalties, interest on pre-2024 VAT debts

The Saint Lucian Parliament has officially enacted sweeping tax relief measures, temporarily eliminating financial penalties for overdue Value Added Tax (VAT) payments. The legislative action, spearheaded by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Philip J Pierre, received formal approval during Tuesday’s House of Assembly session.

The approved measures implement a complete suspension of the standard 10% penalty rate on outstanding VAT debts accrued prior to December 31, 2023. This penalty waiver took effect on May 1, 2024, and will remain active until May 2, 2026, creating a two-year window for businesses and individual taxpayers to regularize their tax obligations without incurring additional financial penalties.

In parallel, legislators validated the elimination of monthly interest charges on these historical VAT debts. The previous 1.25% monthly interest fee has been reduced to zero percent for the same settlement period, effectively freezing the growth of outstanding tax liabilities.

Despite these significant concessions, Prime Minister Pierre reported a ‘mixed’ public response to the tax amnesty program, contrasting with government expectations of more enthusiastic adoption. Pierre attributed the subdued reception to insufficient promotional efforts surrounding the initiative.

The finance minister revealed that the amnesty has already yielded approximately $30 million in recovered revenues, though he characterized this amount as merely ‘a drop in the bucket’ compared to outstanding tax obligations. Pierre emphasized the program’s national benefits and appealed for greater cooperation from the business community, framing the policy as a constructive opportunity for financial regularization that ultimately strengthens the country’s economic foundation.

4 2 月, 2026
Griffin fined for Larceny; two others charged in separate incidents

The judicial system in St. Kitts has delivered rulings in three distinct criminal cases this week, highlighting ongoing law enforcement activities across the federation. In the most significant disposition, Tyrese Griffin of Taylors Range received convictions on dual counts of theft-related offenses during court proceedings held February 2, 2026. The court imposed substantial financial penalties totaling EC$5,500, with structured payment deadlines to avoid incarceration. Specifically, Griffin must settle EC$2,000 within sixty days or confront a twelve-month prison term for the first count, while the second count carries a EC$3,500 fine payable within ninety days under identical default imprisonment conditions.

Concurrently, law enforcement authorities have pursued additional serious cases. Lancelot Browne, a resident of Cornell Street in Basseterre, now faces formal robbery charges stemming from an alleged November 23, 2025 incident. The Frigate Bay Police Station processed these charges on January 28, 2026, marking the culmination of a two-month investigation into the matter.

In a third unrelated development, Shereener France of East Park Range has been charged with dual offenses against law enforcement personnel. The allegations include battery upon police officers and obstruction of justice during an encounter documented on January 29, 2026. Formal charges were filed at the Stapleton Police Station within forty-eight hours of the purported incident, demonstrating rapid response procedures by local authorities.

These cases collectively illustrate the St. Kitts judicial system’s ongoing efforts to address property crimes, violent offenses, and confrontations with law enforcement through structured legal protocols and graduated sentencing approaches.

4 2 月, 2026
LETTER: Joan Says Hon. Kelvin Simon Should Not Worry About Her but About Winning His Seat

A dramatic internal conflict within the United Progressive Party (UPP) reached new heights as Joan, the prominent host of Progressive Radio, delivered a blistering on-air condemnation of Member of Parliament Hon. Kelvin Simon. The broadcast has exposed deepening fractures within the party’s ranks as it struggles with internal dissent.

During her widely listened program, Joan directly challenged Simon’s parliamentary position, stating he should focus less on her criticisms and more on securing his electoral standing in St. Mary South. The radio personality detailed multiple grievances against the MP, who has been a central figure in the party’s internal strife since its last convention.

Joan accused Simon of attempting to silence her voice by allegedly complaining to party leadership about her commentary. “I am a voter!” she emphatically declared, asserting her right to express opinions without restriction. She further questioned whether Simon had ever defended her during his appearances on the ‘Knight on Night’ show.

The criticism extended to Simon’s alliance with Mr. Knight on Observer media, where they have publicly criticized UPP leadership. Joan posed a fundamental question about party cohesion: “How can we move forward when our own members are tearing each other down?”

Adding to her allegations, Joan highlighted Simon’s apparent absence from crucial party events and failure to maintain connection with his constituency branch members. She revealed growing discontent among Simon’s supporters, with some reportedly considering voting for his opponent in upcoming elections.

Joan concluded with a powerful call to action, urging Simon to improve engagement with his branch, foster party unity, and end what she characterized as his pattern of avoidance. The broadcast has transformed into an unexpected platform for party supporters to express their concerns about internal divisions and leadership effectiveness.

The segment concluded with an impassioned plea for collective effort to restore party strength, underscoring the critical need for unity within the troubled political organization.

4 2 月, 2026
St. Kitts Marine Works supports national fire safety with donation

In a significant boost to national emergency response capabilities, St. Kitts Marine Works has substantially enhanced firefighter safety through a major equipment donation to the St. Kitts-Nevis Fire and Rescue Services. The corporate contribution, valued at several thousand dollars, addresses critical operational needs identified following direct engagement with frontline responders.

The initiative originated after firefighters responded to an August 2025 blaze at the company’s New Guinea facility. During subsequent discussions, personnel highlighted the urgent requirement for advanced personal protective equipment due to the prohibitively high cost of such specialized gear.

Company Director Regiwell Francis personally sourced and delivered comprehensive bunker gear from the United States, including protective jackets, pants, helmets, specialized boots, and safety hoods. The equipment was formally presented to fire service leadership in early February 2026.

Deputy Fire Chief Timothy Martin emphasized the immediate operational impact, noting that the dangerous nature of firefighting demands optimal protection. “Our officers face substantial risks daily,” Martin stated. “This donation will be deployed immediately to enhance personnel safety and strengthen our emergency response capabilities.”

Francis positioned the contribution within a broader framework of corporate citizenship, asserting that private sector entities share responsibility for national development and public safety. “National progress isn’t exclusively governmental domain,” Francis explained. “Businesses must actively support the communities they operate within, particularly in critical areas like emergency response readiness.”

The donation arrives during a period of increased fire activity across the Federation, making the equipment enhancement particularly timely for first responders serving St. Kitts and Nevis.

4 2 月, 2026
CARPHA champions people-centred cancer care across Caribbean

The global community observes World Cancer Day annually on February 4th, focusing international attention on cancer awareness, education, and coordinated action against the worldwide cancer burden. This year’s observance continues the ‘United by Unique’ campaign, emphasizing person-centered approaches to cancer care that position individuals, families, and communities at the core of healthcare systems.

Cancer persists as a predominant global health challenge, representing the second leading cause of mortality in the Caribbean region after cardiovascular diseases. Recent epidemiological data reveals approximately 119,000 new cancer diagnoses and over 66,000 cancer-related fatalities recorded across the region in 2022. Demographic aging coupled with increasing exposure to key risk factors projects a concerning 69% surge in cancer incidence throughout Latin America and the Caribbean by 2045, necessitating immediate and coordinated intervention strategies.

Epidemiological surveillance identifies several Caribbean nations among global leaders in site-specific cancer prevalence. Notably, nine of the world’s fifteen highest age-standardized incidence rates for prostate cancer occur within the Caribbean region, with Guadeloupe demonstrating the highest global rate. The region also shows disproportionately high cervical cancer mortality rates, with Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Barbados ranking second, third, and fourth worldwide respectively.

This substantial disease burden underscores the critical requirement for comprehensive cancer control policies and sophisticated surveillance mechanisms capable of generating high-quality epidemiological data to monitor trends, establish priorities, and assess intervention effectiveness.

Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), announced forthcoming publication of ‘Cancer Incidence in the Caribbean, Volume I’ in 2026. This landmark surveillance report will aggregate cancer incidence data from seven Caribbean nations’ national cancer registries, providing crucial evidence to shape policy development and enhance prevention strategies while advancing regional cancer surveillance capabilities.

Significant progress has emerged through regional cooperation, with fifteen Caribbean countries now implementing dedicated national cancer control plans or incorporating cancer management into broader noncommunicable disease strategies. The establishment of population-based cancer registries has expanded, enabling systematic data collection on cancer incidence, mortality, survival rates, and prevalence patterns.

Despite these advancements, substantial challenges persist across the region. Disparities in cancer control responses remain evident, with inconsistent access to diagnostic services, treatment facilities, screening programs, and palliative care resources. Late-stage diagnosis continues to prevail in numerous healthcare settings, highlighting areas requiring intensified intervention.

To address these disparities, CARPHA established the International Agency for Research on Cancer Caribbean Cancer Registry Hub in 2015. Operating under the Global Initiative for Cancer Registry Development, this collaborative effort involves partnerships with leading international organizations including the US National Cancer Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Pan American Health Organization.

The Caribbean Hub, headquartered at CARPHA’s Port of Spain facility, provides technical support to enhance population-based cancer registry availability, quality, and coverage through specialized training, research initiatives, technical assistance, and advocacy for improved data management systems.

The anticipated ‘Cancer Incidence in the Caribbean, Volume I’ represents a seminal achievement for regional cancer surveillance, consolidating comprehensive incidence data from 2000-2020 across seven participating nations. This report will reveal significant variations in cancer burden while identifying persistent challenges including data quality inconsistencies, resource limitations, and policy constraints – reinforcing the necessity for continued regional investment in surveillance infrastructure and technical support.

As the region commemorates World Cancer Day, sustaining momentum through the Caribbean Hub remains essential for advancing equitable, evidence-based, and person-centered cancer control strategies throughout the Caribbean community.

4 2 月, 2026
Trump en Petro: onverwachte verstandhouding in Witte Huis

In a remarkable diplomatic turnaround, U.S. President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro convened for an unexpectedly cordial two-hour private meeting at the Oval Office on Tuesday, marking their first face-to-face engagement amid previously strained relations.

The closed-door discussion, conducted without media presence, yielded positive assessments from both leaders despite months of public acrimony. President Trump confirmed collaborative efforts to combat drug trafficking from Colombia, stating, ‘We were working together and it clicked. We were never friends because I didn’t know him, but I didn’t feel insulted.’

President Petro subsequently shared on social media platform X a photograph featuring Trump’s handwritten note: ‘Gustavo – a great honor – I love Colombia.’ In interviews with Colombian radio network Caracol, Petro emphasized that their ideological differences proved less significant than media portrayals had suggested.

The Colombian leader presented specific requests during the meeting, seeking U.S. assistance in locating major drug criminals operating beyond Colombia’s borders. Additionally, Petro asked Trump to mediate an ongoing diplomatic dispute between Colombia and Ecuador, whose president maintains strong allegiance to the U.S. administration. According to Petro, Trump agreed to initiate contact with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa.

This diplomatic engagement represents a substantial shift from previous exchanges. In October, Trump had baselessly labeled Petro an ‘illegal drug trafficker’ and earlier this year suggested potential military action against Colombia. Petro had conversely criticized U.S. military interventions throughout Latin America.

The Washington meeting follows an unexpectedly positive telephone conversation in January, signaling gradual reconciliation. Petro even complimented the recent refurbishment of the Oval Office, particularly noting its gold accent features.

Outstanding issues remain unresolved, including U.S. sanctions against Petro himself due to unproven allegations of drug trade connections—claims the Colombian president vehemently denies.

Regional security analysts note that failed reconciliation could have severe consequences for regional stability. As the world’s largest producer of coca—the primary ingredient for cocaine—Colombia hosts multiple U.S.-designated terrorist organizations while simultaneously serving as a crucial U.S. ally in anti-narcotics operations.

Under Petro’s administration, coca production has increased according to some metrics, though interpretations vary. Colombia has shifted from forced eradication policies toward more sophisticated interception mechanisms and seizure operations.

The meeting occurred against a complex backdrop: Last week, Petro urged Colombian migrants in Chile, Argentina, and the United States to return home to avoid ‘slave-like’ treatment abroad. He also declared he would prefer residing in Havana over Miami, which he characterized as traffic-congested and culturally deficient.

4 2 月, 2026
Minister Rawdon Turner Praises St John’s Property Owner for Independent Repairs

A government official has publicly celebrated a St John’s property owner for undertaking unsolicited repairs, framing the action as an exemplary display of civic duty and community spirit. Minister Rawdon Turner revealed that the individual independently invested in property enhancements without any formal request or directive from municipal authorities. In an official communiqué, Turner characterized these improvements as manifestations of “genuine affection for the city and pride in ownership.” He further emphasized that such voluntary initiatives significantly contribute to St John’s ongoing progress, especially during the capital’s continuous urban revitalization phase. This recognition occurs against the backdrop of increasing governmental advocacy for collaborative urban stewardship between citizens and municipal bodies. Previous administrations have consistently urged property owners to adopt proactive maintenance approaches, asserting that private initiatives effectively supplement public infrastructure investments and accelerate overall urban development.

4 2 月, 2026
Boy swims four hours to shore to save family swept out to sea

A 13-year-old Australian boy is being celebrated for an extraordinary act of courage after undertaking a perilous 4-kilometer swim through treacherous ocean conditions to rescue his mother and two younger siblings. The harrowing incident occurred off the coast of Quindalup in Western Australia’s South West region, approximately 250 kilometers south of Perth, during a family vacation.

The crisis began on Friday evening when powerful offshore winds unexpectedly swept the family’s inflatable paddleboards and kayak out to sea. Facing deteriorating conditions, the teenage boy initially attempted to paddle back to shore in his kayak until the vessel began taking on water in the rough seas.

Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, the youth embarked on an arduous four-hour swim to reach help. According to Naturaliste Marine Rescue commander Paul Bresland, the boy’s efforts were nothing short of “superhuman.” He initially swam for two hours wearing a life jacket before making the calculated decision to abandon it for better mobility, completing the final two hours without flotation assistance.

Upon reaching shore and raising the alarm, a comprehensive multi-agency search operation was immediately mobilized involving WA Water Police, local marine rescue volunteers, and Western Australia’s Rescue Helicopter. The teenager provided critical details about the color of the kayak and paddleboards, enabling rescuers to locate the craft within an hour.

The missing family members—a 47-year-old mother, her 12-year-old son, and 8-year-old daughter—were eventually discovered at 8:30pm clinging to a paddleboard approximately 14 kilometers offshore. Authorities confirmed the mother had performed her own heroic feat by keeping both children together in challenging conditions despite physical exhaustion.

All three were successfully retrieved by volunteer marine rescue vessels and transported to shore, where they received medical assessment from St John WA paramedics before being taken to Busselton Health Campus. The family has since been discharged from medical care and personally thanked the rescue teams involved in their recovery.

South West Police Inspector James Bradley emphasized that the incident served as an important ocean safety reminder, noting that life jackets contributed significantly to the family’s survival. He stated that the teenage boy’s “determination and courage ultimately saved the lives of his mother and siblings.”

4 2 月, 2026
More than 17,000 visitors arrive in Antigua during busy cruise day

Antigua’s cruise tourism sector is demonstrating remarkable vitality as the 2025-2026 season progresses, with port authorities reporting an extraordinary single-day influx of over 17,000 visitors. According to data released by Antigua Cruise Port, the island welcomed 12,209 passengers and 4,804 crew members across four major vessels simultaneously docked at the harbor.

The substantial arrival included the Britannia (3,539 passengers, 1,350 crew), Valiant Lady (2,608 passengers, 1,150 crew), Norwegian Epic (4,281 passengers, 1,564 crew), and Marella Discovery 2 (1,781 passengers, 740 crew). This concentration of maritime tourism activity represents what industry officials characterize as accelerating momentum for the dual-island nation’s cruise segment.

Tourism stakeholders emphasize that each cruise call generates significant economic benefits across multiple sectors. Local enterprises including retail shops, excursion companies, transportation services, and beach vendors all experience substantial revenue boosts during these visitation events. The consistent passenger flow has created an optimistic outlook for the current season, with increased commercial activity observed throughout St. John’s and other popular tourist destinations around Antigua.

As a fundamental component of Antigua and Barbuda’s broader tourism strategy, cruise tourism continues to serve as both an economic catalyst and promotional platform. The industry supports numerous employment opportunities and livelihoods while simultaneously exposing thousands of weekly visitors to the country’s attractions and hospitality offerings. The successful day of operations reinforces the sector’s critical role in the nation’s economic framework.

4 2 月, 2026