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  • Barbados secures top Caribbean passport spot for 11th consecutive year

    Barbados secures top Caribbean passport spot for 11th consecutive year

    Barbados has solidified its position as the Caribbean’s premier passport powerhouse, securing the region’s top spot for an unprecedented 11th consecutive year according to the newly published Henley Passport Index 2026. The island nation’s travel document now claims 19th place globally, providing Barbadian citizens with visa-free or visa-upon-arrival privileges across 162 international destinations.

    The latest rankings reveal a clear hierarchy within the Caribbean travel mobility landscape. The Bahamas follows closely in second position regionally (20th globally with 150 destinations), trailed by St Vincent and the Grenadines (22nd global rank, 156 destinations), St Kitts and Nevis (23rd globally, 155 destinations), and Antigua and Barbuda (24th worldwide, 154 destinations).

    While Eastern Caribbean nations demonstrate remarkable passport strength, the report indicates varying levels of travel freedom across the broader region. Saint Lucia maintains a respectable 29th global position with access to 145 countries, though several other Caribbean territories face substantial mobility limitations in the current global landscape.

    On the worldwide stage, Singapore continues to dominate passport power rankings for 2026, with its citizens enjoying unprecedented access to 192 global destinations without prior visa requirements. The consistent performance of Barbados highlights the nation’s strategic diplomatic relations and international standing, providing significant advantages for both business and leisure travel within the global community.

  • ECTEL Digital Inclusion Survey shows gaps in skills development

    ECTEL Digital Inclusion Survey shows gaps in skills development

    A comprehensive Digital Inclusion Survey conducted by the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) has uncovered a critical skills gap in the region, despite significant advancements in broadband connectivity. The official findings were unveiled on January 28, 2026, during a high-profile gathering at the Bougenvelia Conference Room in Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia, attended by telecommunications executives, policy makers, and media representatives.

    The extensive research, conducted throughout 2024 across ECTEL’s member states including Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia, revealed a paradoxical situation. While access to digital infrastructure has dramatically improved since 2014, the majority of users—approximately 60%—possess only basic digital literacy skills. Advanced technical competencies remain exceptionally rare, with fewer than 5% of users demonstrating intermediate or advanced capabilities.

    ECTEL Managing Director David Cox emphasized the significance of these findings in an exclusive statement: ‘The survey’s primary objective was to collect comprehensive data on digital technology usage patterns across these nations. We’ve gathered crucial insights regarding public perception of service costs, accessibility barriers, and usage behaviors that will directly inform future regulatory frameworks.’

    Cox acknowledged the substantial progress in broadband penetration but highlighted persistent challenges: ‘Connectivity has indeed jumped considerably since 2014, indicating that markets are progressing in the right direction. However, significant concerns remain regarding service quality and affordability. Price continues to represent a substantial barrier for many citizens seeking to utilize internet services effectively.’

    The research identifies a fundamental transition from addressing the physical digital divide to confronting a more complex capability divide. While most households now possess laptops as their primary ICT device, residents predominantly consume digital content rather than create it or engage in sophisticated economic activities through digital platforms.

    ECTEL, in collaboration with National Telecommunications Regulatory Commissions and regional governments, is now developing targeted strategies to enhance digital literacy, improve service quality, and reduce cost barriers. These initiatives aim to transform the Eastern Caribbean into a more digitally inclusive society where technological access translates into meaningful economic and social advancement.

  • Taiwan Looking to Build Electric Buses in Belize

    Taiwan Looking to Build Electric Buses in Belize

    Belize is positioning itself as a potential center for electric transportation in Central America through exploratory discussions with leading Taiwanese green technology firms. The Ministry of Transportation, under the leadership of Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh, has initiated high-level talks with two prominent electric vehicle manufacturers from Taiwan.

    In recent diplomatic engagements, Minister Zabaneh convened with Francisco Hwang, Market Development Manager of Master Corporation, a premier Taiwanese electric bus manufacturer. During their meeting last Friday, Hwang articulated a strategic vision for Belize to evolve into a regional operations hub, expressing concrete interest in supplying electric buses to the Central American nation.

    Earlier in January, ministerial officials conducted parallel discussions with Dr. Fred Cheng, Chief Operating Officer of Imeier Green Technology Corporation, alongside representatives from TRON E, a Taiwanese enterprise specializing in advanced electric vehicle battery systems. Cheng revealed that his organization is contemplating not merely vehicle sales, but potentially establishing manufacturing infrastructure within Belize itself.

    Transport Ministry officials characterized these negotiations as preliminary explorations that demonstrate Belize’s commitment to adopting global sustainability benchmarks. These developments form part of a comprehensive governmental initiative to modernize national transit systems while transitioning toward environmentally conscious, climate-resilient transportation alternatives that align with international environmental protocols.

  • US$500 Reward Offered for Missing Cat Accidentally Released Near Willoughby Bay

    US$500 Reward Offered for Missing Cat Accidentally Released Near Willoughby Bay

    An American visitor to Antigua has launched an urgent search operation, offering a $500 reward for the safe recovery of a rescue cat that was accidentally released near the Crossroads Centre in Willoughby Bay. The incident has sparked a community-wide effort to reunite the traveler with his feline companion.

    According to local animal welfare organization Paaws Antigua, the visitor had completed all necessary documentation and made comprehensive arrangements to transport the cat to the United States. The mix-up occurred when the animal was inadvertently released before the travel plans were finalized, despite the completed paperwork.

    The emotional bond between the visitor and the cat has become central to the story. Paaws Antigua revealed that the American had developed a profound connection with the animal during his stay, describing how the cat had ‘built a home in his heart.’ The organization characterized the visitor as ‘heartbroken’ over the unexpected separation.

    Local authorities and animal welfare experts are advising the public on proper handling procedures. If community members can safely secure the cat, they are encouraged to do so using appropriate caution. Alternatively, witnesses should maintain visual contact with the animal and immediately contact Paaws Antigua’s emergency response team, which has mobilized recovery specialists to handle the situation.

    The organization has issued a public appeal for widespread information sharing through social networks and community channels. This collaborative effort aims to maximize visibility and increase the chances of successful reunion between the emotional support animal and its intended owner before the scheduled departure.

  • VIDEO: A new dawn in SVG

    VIDEO: A new dawn in SVG

    After more than two decades of dedicated journalism, a seasoned reporter has witnessed an unprecedented political transformation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Throughout a distinguished 23-year career spanning monumental national events—from the inaugural opening of Argyle International Airport to the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Beryl—the journalist had documented every significant occurrence except one: a change in government.

    This democratic nation, which regularly holds elections at five-year intervals, maintained remarkable political stability for over two decades. The journalist’s extensive reporting portfolio includes coverage of the catastrophic La Soufrière volcanic eruptions, events that have occurred only three times within a 120-year timeframe (1902, 1979, and 2021), with intervals of 77 and 42 years between activations.

    Despite experiencing these rare geological phenomena and extreme weather events, the most extraordinary development emerged from the political arena. The recent electoral process marked a historic departure from the status quo, presenting the journalist with a unique opportunity to document a peaceful transfer of power for the first time in their professional career. This political milestone represents not just administrative change but a significant evolution in the nation’s democratic narrative, demonstrating the maturation of constitutional processes in the Caribbean nation.

  • More Than 930 Patients Treated in ‘A Thousand Smiles’ Dental Project

    More Than 930 Patients Treated in ‘A Thousand Smiles’ Dental Project

    A major collaborative dental health initiative has provided essential care to hundreds of Jamaicans during its inaugural program. ‘A Thousand Smiles’ project, a partnership between the Sandals Foundation, non-profit organization Great Shape Inc., and the Jamaican Ministry of Health, has successfully treated over 930 patients in its first six days of operation.

    The comprehensive dental clinic, hosted at Kingston’s Multi-Purpose Cultural and Exhibition Center, is currently in its second and final week of service. Medical teams have been working extensively to address critical oral health needs across the community.

    During the initial operational period, dental professionals performed 758 procedures ranging from routine cleanings and fillings to more complex root canal treatments and extractions. Patient turnout reached its peak on Wednesday of the first week with 184 individuals receiving care, while Monday, January 26th, marked the second-highest attendance day with 176 patients served.

    The initiative represents one of the largest coordinated dental outreach efforts recently undertaken in Jamaica, bringing together governmental health authorities and philanthropic organizations to address accessibility challenges in dental healthcare. The project’s title, ‘A Thousand Smiles,’ reflects its ambitious goal of providing transformative dental treatment to those in need.

  • CCJ president wraps Barbados visit

    CCJ president wraps Barbados visit

    The President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Honourable Justice Winston Anderson, has concluded a significant diplomatic mission to Barbados from January 15-20, 2026, marking the third high-level engagement since assuming leadership of the regional judicial body. Accompanied by Registrar and Chief Marshal Mrs. Gabrielle Figaro-Jones, Justice Anderson’s visit featured a prominent keynote address at the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute’s Partners Forum, where he articulated the Caribbean perspective on transnational actions for climate justice accountability.

    The visit included strategic meetings with Barbados’ highest leadership, demonstrating the CCJ’s commitment to regional collaboration. Justice Anderson conferred with His Excellency President Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic, Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Chief Justice Leslie Haynes, and Opposition Leader Ralph Thornes, KC. These discussions focused on strengthening judicial cooperation and addressing shared regional challenges.

    This diplomatic initiative forms part of the CCJ’s Strategic Plan 2025–2032, which prioritizes enhanced access to justice, expanded regional influence, and strengthened institutional relationships across CARICOM member states. The Barbados engagement follows similar high-level visits to Guyana in October 2025 and Suriname in November 2025, where Justice Anderson met with respective heads of state, judicial leaders, and academic institutions.

    The Caribbean Court of Justice continues to advance its mandate as both a regional judicial tribunal and appellate court, working to deepen integration efforts and promote legal harmonization throughout the Caribbean Community. These ongoing diplomatic missions represent a strategic approach to building institutional credibility and reinforcing the CCJ’s role in addressing pressing regional issues, particularly climate justice which disproportionately affects Caribbean nations.

  • Disaster Office Assesses Buckleys Primary School During Earthquake Drill

    Disaster Office Assesses Buckleys Primary School During Earthquake Drill

    Buckleys Primary School in Antigua has emerged as a model institution for disaster readiness, following a comprehensive earthquake preparedness drill conducted on Tuesday. The exercise, which involved the entire student body of over 100 children, was observed and evaluated by the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) as part of ongoing efforts to fortify the education sector against natural hazards.

    The school’s enhanced preparedness capabilities stem from its inclusion in the transformative Model Safe School Programme Enhancement Works. This regional initiative, spearheaded by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) in partnership with the Ministry of Education, represents a significant investment in school safety. The program, made possible through substantial funding from the Government of Norway in 2024, focuses on both physical infrastructure improvements and the development of robust emergency protocols.

    This strategic collaboration between national agencies and international partners demonstrates a proactive approach to disaster risk reduction. By upgrading school facilities and implementing regular, realistic drills, the program aims to create educational environments that can better withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters, thereby protecting both students and staff.

  • Fond Cole Improvement Committee slated to elect new members at next meeting

    Fond Cole Improvement Committee slated to elect new members at next meeting

    The Fond Cole community is mobilizing for a significant democratic event as its Improvement Committee prepares to host a general meeting featuring the election of new leadership. Scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM local time, the gathering will take place at the Fond Cole Community Centre, serving as a crucial platform for civic engagement.

    In an official communiqué, the committee confirmed that election procedures will be formally supervised by representatives from the Local Government Division, ensuring transparent and standardized electoral protocols. Community members are being actively urged to participate in this democratic process, with emphasis placed on punctual attendance to facilitate smooth proceedings.

    The Fond Cole Improvement Committee operates as a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to community betterment through multifaceted initiatives. Its operational spectrum encompasses public events, youth development programs, environmental clean-up campaigns, and athletic activities, collectively working to elevate quality of life throughout the neighborhood. This election represents a pivotal moment for the community to shape its developmental trajectory through democratically elected representation.

  • Antigua Grammar School alumnus earns spot on national sailing team

    Antigua Grammar School alumnus earns spot on national sailing team

    A distinguished alumnus of Antigua Grammar School has achieved a significant milestone in competitive sailing by securing a coveted position on Antigua and Barbuda’s national team. Shanoy Malone has officially qualified to represent the twin-island nation at the upcoming Under-21 ILCA 7 World Sailing Championship, marking a remarkable accomplishment in his athletic career.

    The educational institution proudly announced Malone’s selection, emphasizing that this achievement demonstrates exceptional dedication and perseverance in the demanding sport of sailing. School authorities highlighted that Malone’s success continues the established tradition of sporting excellence among the school’s alumni, serving as both an inspiration to current students and a source of national pride.

    The ILCA 7 World Championship represents one of the most prestigious global competitions for youth sailors, widely recognized as a critical developmental platform for athletes aspiring to reach elite and Olympic-level competition. This championship provides young sailors with invaluable international experience against world-class competition.

    Antigua Grammar School has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Malone, expressing immense pride in his representation of both the educational institution and the nation on the international stage. The school community has pledged its full support as Malone prepares to compete against the world’s top young sailing talent, anticipating that his participation will inspire a new generation of Antiguan and Barbudan athletes to pursue excellence in maritime sports.