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  • Congratulations Arianna Challenger, new Carnival Princess

    Congratulations Arianna Challenger, new Carnival Princess

    In a spectacular display of talent and cultural celebration, Arianna Challenger from Paix Bouche Primary School emerged victorious as Dominica’s Carnival Princess 2026. The prestigious coronation ceremony unfolded Sunday evening at Windsor Park Sports Stadium, transformed into a vibrant Carnival City for the occasion.

    Challenger’s triumph was particularly remarkable as she secured an impressive quartet of awards, demonstrating exceptional prowess across multiple competition categories. Her outstanding performance earned her the distinctions of Best Costume, Best in Costume, Best Talent, and Best in Party Dress, establishing her as the clear frontrunner throughout the competition.

    The event featured three exceptional finalists representing primary schools across Dominica. Shanell Benjamin of Woodford Hill Primary School claimed the First Runner-Up position, receiving recognition for Miss Intelligence, Best in Party Dress, Best Party Dress, and the esteemed Miss Congeniality award. Fanayé Shillingford from Bagatelle Primary School earned Second Runner-Up honors, capturing both Miss Photogenic and The People’s Choice Award.

    This annual competition showcases the rich cultural heritage of Dominica through the talents of its youth participants. The Carnival Princess pageant serves as a platform for young students to demonstrate artistic expression, intellectual capability, and cultural awareness through various performance categories. The event draws significant community support and represents an important tradition in Dominica’s cultural calendar, highlighting the nation’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its unique cultural identity through youth engagement.

  • Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budget Survey 2026

    Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budget Survey 2026

    Grenada is set to undertake a comprehensive national assessment of living standards and economic conditions through a joint initiative between the Central Statistical Office (CSO) and the World Bank. The Survey of Living Conditions (SLC) and Household Budget Survey (HBS), scheduled to commence in February 2026, will provide critical data to shape the nation’s development agenda.

    Operating under the legal authority of the Statistics Act (No. 30 of 1960 and No. 21 of 1961), this landmark study aims to achieve three primary objectives: precisely measure poverty levels across Grenadian society, collect detailed household expenditure and income patterns, and generate essential social and economic indicators to guide national planning strategies.

    The CSO has emphasized the strict confidentiality protocols governing the survey process. All field interviewers will be administered a formal Oath of Secrecy before commencing their duties, legally binding them to protect respondent information. The agency has assured citizens that all collected data will only be disseminated in aggregated form, with severe penalties for any violations of confidentiality protocols.

    Government officials highlight the survey’s critical importance in addressing pressing national challenges including poverty, unemployment, and inequality. The resulting indicators will serve as fundamental tools for analyzing Grenada’s economic and social progress, enabling evidence-based policy formulation.

    The Central Statistical Office is actively seeking public cooperation, particularly from households selected for participation. Officials stress that accurate responses to survey questionnaires are essential for the study’s overall success and its ability to generate reliable insights for national development planning.

  • Lovell says constituents of All Saints West Are Angry About Lack of Water

    Lovell says constituents of All Saints West Are Angry About Lack of Water

    A severe water crisis plaguing the All Saints West constituency has been framed as symptomatic of broader national governance failures by United Progressive Party representative Harold Lovell. In a recent radio address, the political caretaker delineated a pattern of systemic neglect characterized by inadequate planning, dismissal of local expertise, and fragmented utility management strategies.

    Lovell reported that residents endure highly irregular water access, often limited to mere hours at a time, coupled with concerning quality issues when supply resumes. These chronic shortages persist despite substantial financial allocations and repeated governmental assurances of resolution.

    The core of the crisis, according to Lovell, stems from deficient long-term planning and a disjointed approach to water management. He criticized the administration’s predominant focus on expanding desalination capabilities while critically overlooking essential storage and distribution infrastructure. This imbalanced strategy has resulted in costly yet ineffective solutions that fail to address fundamental operational constraints.

    A significant concern raised was the systematic marginalization of seasoned local engineers and water specialists possessing invaluable institutional knowledge. Lovell emphasized that these professionals hold intricate understanding of pipeline networks and system dynamics, yet their expertise remains conspicuously absent from policy decisions.

    The current approach was described as piecemeal, with new treatment facilities constructed without corresponding upgrades to storage capacity or distribution channels. Notably, previously built storage installations have remained non-operational for extended periods despite persistent supply shortages.

    Lovell advocated for developing a comprehensive, expertise-driven water management plan incorporating local knowledge supplemented by international specialists where necessary. He stressed that only through integrated, long-term strategies can sustainable water security be achieved, moving beyond temporary fixes that perpetuate reliability issues.

  • PM: Med students in Cuba to stay as govt weighs health care options

    PM: Med students in Cuba to stay as govt weighs health care options

    Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has moved to calm mounting anxieties among Saint Lucian medical students in Cuba, clarifying that no immediate withdrawal from academic programs is planned. The clarification came during a Cabinet press briefing on Monday following widespread concern triggered by the Prime Minister’s previous remarks about U.S.-Cuba tensions affecting medical training partnerships.

    The situation developed after Pierre addressed the Second World Congress on Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities last week, where he highlighted complications arising from the longstanding American embargo against Cuba. The Prime Minister expressed particular concern about how these geopolitical constraints might impact medical scholarship programs that have historically enabled Caribbean nationals to pursue medical education in Cuba.

    Student reactions reflected deep unease about their academic futures. One fifth-year Saint Lucian medical student described experiencing ‘heightened anxiety, caught between the political currents of the island and my personal academic future.’ Another medical professional, currently self-funding cardiology studies in Cuba after previously benefiting from government scholarships, called for greater transparency from officials regarding contingency plans.

    Pierre emphasized that enrolled students would complete their programs uninterrupted, stating unequivocally: ‘The students, those who are in Cuba, will continue to be in Cuba. There’s no imminent withdrawal of students.’

    The Prime Minister characterized his administration’s approach as proactive preparation given recent developments, including former President Trump’s designation of Cuba as a national security threat. Pierre acknowledged the delicate diplomatic balance required, noting Saint Lucia’s generally positive relations with the United States while simultaneously protecting its healthcare interests.

    Looking ahead, the government is exploring alternative medical training partnerships with nations including Nigeria, Ghana, Mexico, and Brazil to diversify Saint Lucia’s medical education options. ‘We have to prepare for the eventuality,’ Pierre stated, underscoring the need to safeguard both current students and the nation’s future healthcare capacity.

  • St Rose wins SLNYC presidency, pledges to ‘rebuild trust’

    St Rose wins SLNYC presidency, pledges to ‘rebuild trust’

    In a decisive electoral process during the 18th Biennial General Assembly held in Soufrière, Bernell St Rose has been elected President of the Saint Lucia National Youth Council (NYC). This gathering united delegates from registered youth and sports clubs, district councils, and student councils nationwide, aiming to establish a leadership team capable of addressing the mounting social, economic, and developmental issues confronting the island’s youth.

    St Rose will helm the council’s executive body, which includes First Vice President Dequan Charles and Second Vice President Edisa Eugene. The administrative framework was solidified with the election of Alrica Antoine as General Secretary, supported by Marcus Giraudy as Assistant Secretary. Phoebe Smith assumes the role of Public Relations Officer, while Nazan Hutchinson was appointed Treasurer.

    In post-election remarks to St Lucia Times, President St Rose emphasized that her primary objective is to rehabilitate the council’s credibility. “My key mandate is to rebuild and bring back the trust of the NYC as a uniform and credible institution,” she stated, highlighting intentions to reform the council’s structure, including district youth and sports councils, national student councils, and club affiliates. St Rose aims to restore public confidence and pride in the organization.

    The newly inaugurated leadership team now bears the responsibility of enhancing youth representation and engagement across Saint Lucia. This comes amid rising expectations for the council to assume a more dynamic and influential role in the nation’s developmental trajectory, particularly in crafting solutions for youth-specific challenges.

  • Duurzaam ontwikkelingsprogramma West-Suriname gestart

    Duurzaam ontwikkelingsprogramma West-Suriname gestart

    A comprehensive five-year development program has been officially launched in Western Suriname, marking a significant step toward creating improved opportunities for local communities while simultaneously protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable economic activities. The initiative was formally inaugurated during a high-level gathering that brought together government officials, indigenous community representatives, and international partners.

    During the launch ceremony, project partners, stakeholders, and local community delegates unanimously affirmed their shared objectives and collaborative approach to implementation. Patrick Brunings, Suriname’s Minister of Oil, Gas, and Environment, emphasized that this program aligns perfectly with the nation’s long-term development framework known as Suriname 3.0, which prioritizes biodiversity conservation and sustainable economic expansion as core principles.

    The ambitious program will be coordinated under the administrative oversight of the Ministry of Oil, Gas, and Environment, with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) serving as the primary implementing partner. Financial backing for the initiative is being provided by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), ensuring adequate resources for the multi-year project.

    Strategic implementation will focus on four fundamental pillars: sustainable biodiversity management practices, strengthening nature-friendly economic systems, enhancing governance structures and landscape planning methodologies, and promoting knowledge exchange alongside regional cooperation mechanisms. This integrated approach aims to balance ecological preservation with economic advancement while ensuring local communities benefit directly from development initiatives.

  • St. Kitts and Nevis to Host Historic IHF Trophy NACHC Beach Handball Championship

    St. Kitts and Nevis to Host Historic IHF Trophy NACHC Beach Handball Championship

    In a groundbreaking development for Caribbean sports, St. Kitts and Nevis has been selected to host the prestigious IHF Trophy North America and Caribbean Handball Confederation (NACHC) Beach Handball Championship. The historic event is scheduled for April 23-27, 2026, at Frigate Bay, marking the first time this regional competition will be held within the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) region.

    The championship serves as a crucial qualifying tournament for the World Championship finals in Croatia scheduled for June 2026. This selection represents a significant milestone for the smallest member nation of the International Handball Federation, demonstrating the country’s growing influence in international sports development.

    Complementing the competitive events, the IHF will deploy specialized delegates to conduct comprehensive training programs in coaching, refereeing, and delegate management. These educational initiatives aim to build local capacity and establish St. Kitts and Nevis as a center for handball development throughout the Caribbean region.

    Mr. Leroy Greene, President of the St. Kitts and Nevis Handball Association, characterized the hosting rights as “a remarkable achievement for our nation” that would generate international visibility and create enduring opportunities for athletes, coaches, and officials. Additional organizational details and partnership opportunities are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

  • Antigua & Barbuda Seek Applications for Canadian Agent Advisory Committee

    Antigua & Barbuda Seek Applications for Canadian Agent Advisory Committee

    In a strategic move to deepen its engagement with the North American market, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) has officially launched its Canadian Travel Agent Advisory Committee. The initiative is now actively seeking applications from top-tier Canadian travel advisors, agency proprietors, and consortia leadership until the February 15th deadline.

    Tameka Wharton, the Director of Tourism for Canada at ABTA, emphasized the indispensable role Canadian advisors play in curating traveler experiences to the dual-island nation. “Canadian travel advisors are pivotal architects in defining how explorers encounter the unique offerings of Antigua and Barbuda,” Wharton stated. She further elaborated that the committee is designed to provide these industry experts with a direct platform for collaboration, enabling a symbiotic partnership that leverages their profound market insights. This, in turn, is expected to guide the destination’s growth with data-driven and culturally resonant strategies, ensuring its development is both sustainable and aligned with traveler expectations.

    This membership-based committee is exclusive and will be curated through a selective application process. The ABTA has streamlined the procedure by directing all interested and qualified professionals to complete a dedicated online application form available on its official channels. This formalized approach signifies a shift towards more structured and influential dialogue between the destination marketing organization and the retail travel sector, which is often the primary touchpoint for potential visitors.

  • Decomposed Body Found in Vehicle Remains Unidentified

    Decomposed Body Found in Vehicle Remains Unidentified

    Authorities in Antigua are actively seeking community assistance as their investigation progresses into the unsettling discovery of a deceased male found within a vehicle at the decommissioned Ottos School compound. The site, located near All Saints Road and currently repurposed as a panyard, was cordoned off by law enforcement following an emergency call to the 911 hotline at approximately noon on Monday, February 2nd.

    A multi-unit response team comprising specialists from the Criminal Investigations Department, the Serious Crimes Unit, and the Forensic Evidence Recovery Unit was dispatched to secure the area and initiate a thorough examination. The body, which was reported to be in a state of partial decomposition, was formally pronounced dead at the scene by a district medical official.

    Assistant Superintendent of Police Frankie Thomas provided an official statement, confirming the incident and emphasizing that the immediate priority for investigators is establishing the identity of the deceased individual. ASP Thomas issued a public appeal, urging residents, particularly those with a missing family member, to contact the authorities with any relevant information that could aid the process.

    The police have formally requested that anyone possessing knowledge pertaining to this case reach out directly to the Criminal Investigations Department or their nearest police station to assist in bringing clarity to this ongoing investigation.

  • Nicolas N Menon Takes the Helm as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TDC

    Nicolas N Menon Takes the Helm as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TDC

    In a significant corporate leadership transition, The St. Kitts Nevis Anguilla Trading and Development Company Limited (TDC) has confirmed the appointment of Nicolas N. Menon as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1st, 2026. This strategic move positions the veteran executive to guide the Caribbean conglomerate through its next evolutionary phase.

    Menon brings to the CEO role an impressive portfolio of executive leadership competencies, including demonstrated strategic management capabilities, operational excellence, and sharp business acumen. His appointment comes at a critical juncture in TDC’s corporate development, with the board expressing confidence that his revolutionary vision will drive substantial growth and transformation.

    As Chief Executive, Menon will assume responsibility for steering the Group’s strategic direction, enhancing operational performance across all subsidiaries, and advancing TDC’s longstanding commitments to innovation, customer service excellence, and sustainable development throughout St. Kitts and Nevis and the broader Caribbean region.

    Menon’s corporate journey with TDC began in 1994 following a successful tenure as a Management Consultant with several prominent UK business houses. His rapid ascent within the organization saw him appointed head of the Marketing Department merely six months after joining. During this period, he pioneered the establishment of a new unit dedicated to implementing innovative branding strategies, leading cross-functional teams, and executing data-driven promotional campaigns.

    His exceptional professional ethos earned him recognition, culminating in his 2000 appointment as Executive Director with oversight of Client Relations, Marketing, Retail, Insurance, Real Estate Development, and Manufacturing divisions. In 2003, he additionally assumed directorship of the TDC Warren C Tyson Scholarship Programme, an internal mentorship initiative named after the company’s inaugural chairman.

    Expressing gratitude for his new role, Menon stated: ‘It is profoundly honorable to assume leadership of TDC, an indigenous institution that has fundamentally shaped the economic and social landscape of St. Kitts and Nevis for over fifty years. I approach this responsibility with both confidence and purposeful determination, eagerly anticipating collaboration with the Board, management, and staff to build upon our strong legacy and guide the Company into its next growth chapter.’

    Menon’s academic credentials include a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Cranfield University (London) and Babson College (United States), complemented by an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography and Economics from the University of Liverpool.