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  • Two missing after molasses barge sinks off East Coast Demerara

    Two missing after molasses barge sinks off East Coast Demerara

    A significant maritime emergency response has been activated following the sinking of a molasses-laden barge off the coast of Guyana, leaving two crew members unaccounted for. The incident involving the vessel TRADER III occurred in the early hours of Monday morning approximately 9.5 nautical miles from Buxton on the East Coast Demerara.

    The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) confirmed it received a distress signal at approximately 1:00 AM local time, indicating the specialized cargo vessel was experiencing catastrophic failure while transporting molasses from Berbice to Georgetown. The barge was fully loaded with the viscous industrial commodity at the time of the sinking.

    Emergency protocols were immediately initiated following the distress call, mobilizing a multi-agency search and rescue operation. Captain John Flores, MARAD’s Emergency Operations Coordinator, is leading the coordinated effort with substantial support from the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard. The vessel’s owning company is also providing assistance to authorities in the ongoing operation.

    The search mission continues across the affected maritime zone as authorities work to locate the two missing crew members. The circumstances surrounding the sudden sinking of the specialized transport barge remain under investigation by maritime safety officials. Further updates are expected as the search operation develops and more information becomes available about this industrial maritime incident.

  • Caribbean urged to improve population data for stronger policy decisions

    Caribbean urged to improve population data for stronger policy decisions

    Caribbean governments are embarking on a critical mission to revolutionize their population data systems, recognizing that outdated information frameworks are inadequate for addressing contemporary regional challenges. This urgent call to action was delivered by Jennifer Hunte, Permanent Secretary of Barbados’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Development, during the inauguration of a landmark regional workshop focused on statistical modernization.

    The gathering represents a significant collaborative effort, uniting statistical experts, urban planners, and technical specialists from across CARICOM member states alongside international partners including the United Nations Population Fund (WorldPop), the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and the European Commission. This five-day intensive program aims to fundamentally transform how Caribbean nations collect, analyze, and utilize demographic information.

    Central to this initiative is the implementation of the internationally recognized Degree of Urbanization (DEGURBA) methodology, which provides standardized frameworks for classifying urban and rural settlements. This harmonized approach addresses a persistent challenge in regional planning: the inconsistent definitions of community types across different jurisdictions that have historically hampered comparative analysis and policy development.

    Hunte highlighted Barbados’s progressive policy landscape, citing recently implemented frameworks including the Physical Development Plan Amendment 2023, the National Population Policy 2023-2040, and the Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan 2026. However, she emphasized that these ambitious programs require substantially more granular and reliable data to achieve their objectives effectively.

    The Permanent Secretary outlined multiple pressing challenges driving this data revolution, including increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, accelerating population aging, and contracting labor forces. These demographic and environmental pressures necessitate completely reimagined approaches to physical development and resource allocation across the region.

    Workshop participants will engage in practical, hands-on training sessions focusing on developing and validating small-area population estimates before advancing to applied DEGURBA methodology implementation. This technical foundation will enable the generation of harmonized settlement classifications and policy-relevant analysis that accurately reflects on-the-ground realities.

    Beyond technical skill development, the initiative aims to strengthen institutional capacity within national statistical systems throughout the Caribbean. The ultimate goal is to produce exceptionally detailed, timely, and actionable data that can transform how governments plan services, allocate resources, and address the needs of vulnerable populations—particularly girls, adolescents, youth, and women across Caribbean societies.

  • 13 Delegates Revealed for 2026 Antigua and Barbuda Labour Queen Pageant

    13 Delegates Revealed for 2026 Antigua and Barbuda Labour Queen Pageant

    The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party has officially announced the thirteen distinguished delegates selected to compete in the highly anticipated 2026 Labour Queen Pageant. Embracing the evocative theme “Echoes of the Past: Rhythm, Soul, Spirit,” the event showcases young women representing constituencies across the island nation.

    The complete roster of contestants includes:
    – Treveisha Adams (St. John’s Rural West)
    – Aliyah Andrew (St. John’s Rural East)
    – Jolisa Cato (St. John’s City West)
    – Jonelly Encarnacion (All Saints East and St. Luke)
    – Mia Griffith (St. John’s City West)
    – Iszarea Lloyd (St. Philip North)
    – Andrecia Lewis (All Saints West)
    – Nakierra Martin (St. George)
    – Tonya Phillips (St. John’s Rural South)
    – Maydoria Smith (St. John’s Rural West)
    – Julissa Stoute (St. Paul)
    – Jessica Tracey (St. John’s Rural North)
    – Queenela Williams (St. Mary’s South)

    This prestigious competition constitutes a cornerstone of the Labour Party’s annual Labour Day festivities, emphasizing cultural celebration and community representation. Participants will demonstrate their talents across multiple segments, embodying the spirit of their respective constituencies.

    Pageant organizers have confirmed an engaging pre-event schedule featuring official delegate photography sessions, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and various promotional activities designed to build public anticipation. The grand finale is scheduled for May 2, 2026, when one exceptional contestant will receive the coveted Labour Queen crown, succeeding previous titleholders in this tradition that blends cultural heritage with contemporary celebration.

  • Dominican authorities open “Life Points” to assist women at risk

    Dominican authorities open “Life Points” to assist women at risk

    The Dominican government has unveiled a groundbreaking national initiative to address the critical issue of gender-based violence, introducing a network of safe havens known as ‘Life Points’ for women in immediate danger. This strategic intervention, spearheaded by Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful, provides vulnerable women with alternative access points to seek urgent protection and support without the initial requirement of visiting formal law enforcement or prosecutorial offices.

    The program was formally activated following a high-level convening of the Joint Task Force, under the leadership of Vice President Raquel Peña. Initial operational sites have been established across key government and public locations, including the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Ministry of the Interior and Police, the Ministry of the Presidency, the Provincial Government of Santiago, and a branch of Farmacia Los Hidalgos on Avenida Abraham Lincoln in Santo Domingo. Personnel at these designated points have undergone comprehensive training to serve as certified first responders, equipped to initiate emergency protocols and coordinate directly with the Dominican National Police and the Public Ministry.

    Concurrent with this preventative measure, official data reveals the scale of the national response. Thus far in the current year, the police’s Specialized Directorate for Attention to Women and Domestic Violence has provided aid to 1,695 individuals and successfully extracted 49 minors from high-risk environments. Law enforcement actions have led to the arrest of 630 perpetrators linked to domestic and gender-based violence offenses, with extended protection and follow-up services extended to 5,994 victims. To enhance this systematic approach, authorities are developing a standardized risk assessment instrument designed to meticulously evaluate each reported case and calibrate the necessary level of protective intervention.

  • APUA Workers Return to Duties After Minister Nicholas Meets with Union Following Industrial Action

    APUA Workers Return to Duties After Minister Nicholas Meets with Union Following Industrial Action

    In response to recent labor unrest, Antigua’s Public Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas has successfully mediated between utility management and union representatives, resulting in the immediate resumption of normal operations. The high-level meeting brought together executives from the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and leadership of the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) to address grievances that had prompted industrial action among covered employees.

    The discussions, characterized by both parties as constructive and cordial, focused on unresolved issues within the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations. Minister Nicholas facilitated dialogue that enabled all stakeholders to articulate concerns and clarify positions while reaffirming their shared commitment to peaceful resolution mechanisms.

    Following productive exchanges, union representatives agreed to direct their members to return to work immediately, ensuring no disruption to essential public services. The successful intervention demonstrates the effectiveness of tripartite dialogue in resolving labor disputes within the country’s critical infrastructure sector.

    All participating entities have committed to continuing negotiations, scheduling a subsequent meeting for March 11, 2026, to finalize agreement terms on the matters raised. APUA has reiterated its dedication to maintaining transparent communication channels with employee representatives while ensuring uninterrupted utility services for the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda.

    The resolution highlights the importance of institutional conflict resolution frameworks in maintaining industrial harmony within essential service sectors, potentially establishing a precedent for addressing future labor relations challenges in the Caribbean nation’s public utilities sector.

  • UWI Five Islands to Host Public Lecture and Performing Arts Showcase

    UWI Five Islands to Host Public Lecture and Performing Arts Showcase

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus is set to present an integrative event merging intellectual discourse with cultural celebration on Thursday, March 12. The occasion, orchestrated by the School of Humanities and Education, will feature a Distinguished Public Lecture alongside a Performing Arts Showcase, offering free admission to all community members.

    Central to the event is an academic address by Professor Dave A. Louis from the University of Houston. His lecture, ‘Navigating Multiple Worlds: Caribbean Identity, Social Invisibility & Establishing Positionality in the Academy,’ will critically examine the complex dynamics of Caribbean identity formation and the nuanced experiences of Caribbean academics operating within international educational institutions.

    Complementing the scholarly dialogue, the evening will transition into a vibrant cultural concert highlighting regional artistic excellence. Attendees will experience diverse performances from the UWI FIC Singers, the Five Islands Primary School Choir, the AGHS Honeybee Theatre, and the Pandemonium Steel Orchestra.

    The gathering will commence at 4:30 p.m. in the campus cafeteria. University representatives emphasize that this initiative aims to foster public engagement with academically-grounded conversations relevant to Caribbean societal contexts while simultaneously honoring and promoting the region’s rich performing arts heritage.

  • Young DA athletes set new CARIFTA qualifying standards and break national record

    Young DA athletes set new CARIFTA qualifying standards and break national record

    A new generation of track and field talent is emerging from Dominica as three young athletes post record-breaking performances, securing their places at the prestigious CARIFTA Games. The Dominica Athletic Association Inc. has officially recognized these exceptional achievements that signal a promising future for the nation’s athletics program.

    Keyoni Esprit of Pioneers Athletics Club delivered a blistering performance in the Under-17 Boys 200-meter event, clocking an impressive 22.6 seconds. This time not only represents significant personal improvement for the young sprinter but also comfortably meets the strict qualification standard for the upcoming regional championship.

    In the shorter sprint distance, Delanie George from Aspirers Athletics Club demonstrated explosive power and technical precision by achieving the CARIFTA qualifying mark in the Under-17 Boys 100-meter dash with a time of 11.0 seconds flat, showcasing consistency and competitive readiness.

    Perhaps most notably, high jumper Khaarim John-Baptiste, also representing Aspirers Athletics Club, made history by setting a new national record in the Under-18 High Jump category. His clearance of 1.87 meters surpassed his previous record established just weeks earlier, demonstrating remarkable rapid progression and technical development.

    The Dominica Athletic Association Inc. has extended formal congratulations to these athletes and their coaching teams, emphasizing that these accomplishments reflect both individual dedication and the growing strength of local athletic development programs.

    “These exceptional performances underscore the continuous evolution of track and field in Dominica and spotlight the extraordinary talent cultivated within our community clubs,” stated association representatives. “We anticipate providing further updates as our athletes intensify their preparations for forthcoming regional competitions.”

  • PM: No plans to end CIP

    PM: No plans to end CIP

    Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has firmly declared that his administration will not terminate the nation’s Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) despite the United Kingdom’s recent revocation of visa-free access for Saint Lucian passport holders. The announcement came during a Monday address responding to Britain’s immigration policy change.

    The UK Home Office’s Explanatory Memorandum to the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (HC 1691) categorizes Citizenship by Investment programs as ‘inherently high-risk’ in section 5.24. While acknowledging Saint Lucia’s efforts to mitigate risks over the past year, the document maintains that the UK ‘continues to experience unsustainable risks’ associated with these programs.

    According to the memorandum, the expansion of CIP applications has coincided with increased instances of individuals using Saint Lucian passports to enter Britain illegally, either to seek asylum or work without authorization. However, UK authorities have not provided specific statistical evidence to substantiate these claims.

    Prime Pierre articulated a stance of national sovereignty, emphasizing that just as Britain maintains the right to determine its immigration policies, Saint Lucia equally retains the authority to implement economic development strategies that benefit its citizens. ‘I will tell you that Saint Lucia has no intention of stopping the CIP programme. We will do all we can. I want to be clear. We will do all we can to strengthen the programme,’ the Prime Minister asserted.

    Official correspondence from the British High Commission identified rising asylum claims by Saint Lucian nationals as the primary concern behind the visa policy alteration. Pierre utilized this platform to reiterate his appeal to citizens traveling internationally to strictly adhere to visa conditions and immigration regulations of host countries.

    ‘Do not overstay your time when you get to the U.K. or the U.S. That is the main reason, as written in the letter,’ Pierre cautioned, highlighting that compliance with visa durations represents an area within citizens’ control. This policy shift occurs against the backdrop of Britain’s broader initiative to tighten immigration controls and reduce net migration figures.

  • Dominica Amateur Athletics Association undergoes name change as part of long-term expansion

    Dominica Amateur Athletics Association undergoes name change as part of long-term expansion

    In a landmark move signaling strategic evolution, the national governing body for track and field in Dominica has officially transitioned from its former identity as the Dominica Amateur Athletics Association to the newly established Dominica Athletics Association Inc. This transformative rebranding, effective immediately, represents a pivotal moment in the organization’s institutional development.

    The comprehensive name change forms an integral component of the Association’s broader modernization initiative, designed to achieve closer alignment with global standards promulgated by World Athletics, the international governing body for the sport. Officials emphasize that this strategic pivot extends far beyond superficial nomenclature, embodying a fundamental shift in organizational philosophy and scope.

    President Brendan Williams articulated the vision behind this significant transition, stating: “Our historical concentration on amateur athletics has now evolved into a comprehensive mandate encompassing emerging talents, elite performers, and professional competitors alike. This rebranding crystallizes our dedication to serving every athlete within our jurisdiction.”

    This organizational transformation emerges from an extensive strategic blueprint focused on enhancing governance protocols, securing sustainable operations, and formalizing administrative structures. The overhaul aims to strengthen the Association’s capacity to deliver impactful programs benefiting athletes, coaching personnel, and sports clubs across the Commonwealth of Dominica.

    Despite these substantial changes, the Association reaffirms its unwavering commitment to its foundational mission: promoting, developing, and regulating athletic pursuits nationwide while creating pathways for domestic and international competitive excellence. All stakeholders—including members, affiliated clubs, institutional partners, and the general public—are urged to adopt the new designation in all official communications and documentation moving forward.

  • APUA Workers Asked to Resume Duties After Talks with Minister

    APUA Workers Asked to Resume Duties After Talks with Minister

    Utility services in Antigua have returned to normal after successful mediation between government officials, union representatives, and management of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA). The resolution came after Monday’s industrial action prompted emergency talks involving Public Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas, executives from the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU), and APUA’s leadership team.

    The high-level meeting focused on addressing worker grievances outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, with both union stewards and management participating in substantive discussions. APUA characterized the negotiations as productive, noting that the dialogue enabled both parties to achieve clarity on key issues while demonstrating mutual commitment to ongoing communication.

    Following the breakthrough in talks, union leadership formally instructed their members to return to their positions and restore full operational capacity. The parties have scheduled subsequent negotiations for Wednesday, March 11, to advance discussions toward comprehensive resolution of remaining concerns.

    The swift resolution prevented prolonged disruption to public utilities while establishing a framework for continued constructive engagement between labor and management representatives.