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  • Antigua News Hit With US$27 Million Lawsuit in Cross-Border Defamation Case Filed by Boris Latour

    Antigua News Hit With US$27 Million Lawsuit in Cross-Border Defamation Case Filed by Boris Latour

    A significant cross-border legal confrontation has emerged between Caribbean media and European business interests. Boris Latour, a French entrepreneur, has initiated a high-stakes defamation lawsuit against Antigua News, seeking damages totaling US$27 million. The litigation alleges that the news organization published materially false and damaging statements concerning Mr. Latour’s international business operations and personal reputation.

    The legal filing, submitted in a jurisdiction with established press freedom principles, contends that the published content extended beyond fair commentary into the realm of knowingly false assertion. This case immediately raises complex questions regarding jurisdictional reach in the digital age, where online publications can be accessed globally. Legal experts are closely monitoring how courts will navigate the conflict between protecting reputation across borders and safeguarding media freedoms within national contexts.

    The substantial financial claim represents one of the largest defamation actions brought against a Caribbean media entity by a foreign plaintiff. This lawsuit could establish a formidable precedent for how small nations’ press outlets are treated in international legal disputes, potentially creating a chilling effect on investigative reporting concerning wealthy international figures. The outcome may influence how media organizations verify stories involving foreign subjects and assess their potential liability in global jurisdictions.

    Both parties are preparing for a protracted legal battle that will likely address fundamental issues of digital media responsibility, the definition of malice in international contexts, and the balance between free speech protections and reputation rights across different legal systems. The case highlights the evolving challenges of maintaining journalistic standards while navigating the complex web of international libel laws.

  • Charlemagne House storm to glory at Fond St Jacques

    Charlemagne House storm to glory at Fond St Jacques

    In a stunning display of athletic prowess and determination, Charlemagne House (Yellow) emerged victorious with 1,030 points at the Fond St Jacques Primary School sports meet, held at the Soufrière Mini Stadium on February 20. The championship battle saw intense competition as Hippolyte House (Blue) secured second place with 1,002 points, while Alcindor House (Red) claimed third with 989 points.

    The path to victory required extraordinary effort from Charlemagne House, which faced a significant 31-point deficit against Hippolyte in the pre-track standings. Through exceptional team performance and strategic scoring in track events, Charlemagne executed a remarkable comeback to seize the championship title.

    Individual excellence shone throughout the competition, with several athletes achieving top honors as Victors and Victrices Ludorum across multiple age categories:

    – U7 Victrix Jayda Pascal (Alcindor) demonstrated exceptional skill with 1 Gold and 1 Silver medal
    – U7 Victor Mavrick Daniel (Hippolyte) dominated his category with 2 Gold medals
    – Alcindor House showcased particular strength in middle categories with U9 Victrix Gabrielle Augustin (2 Golds) and U9 Victor Blake Alexander (2 Golds)
    – U11 competitors Shadia Arunel (Alcindor) and Vernanly Amedee (Alcindor) both achieved perfect 2 Gold medal performances
    – The senior categories featured outstanding performances from U13 Victrix Merabel Mon Louis (Charlemagne) with 3 Golds and 1 Silver, and U13 Victor Janik Prospere (Hippolyte) with 3 Gold medals

    The event highlighted not only individual athletic excellence but also the spirit of sportsmanship and team competition that defines primary school sports in the region.

  • Flow Continues Its Support for the Gender-Based Violence Walk 2026

    Flow Continues Its Support for the Gender-Based Violence Walk 2026

    Telecommunications provider Flow has demonstrated its continued commitment to social causes by serving as a key sponsor for the upcoming Gender-Based Violence Walk 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda. The company’s support was formally cemented through a financial contribution presented during a recent ceremony.

    Kasmin Bailey, Team Leader for Retail Sales & Recharge at Flow, personally presented a sponsorship cheque totaling $1,500 to Kieron Murdoch, who accepted the donation as representative of the Integrated Health Outreach Gender-Based Violence Coalition (IHO-GBV). This contribution forms part of Flow’s comprehensive sponsorship package for the awareness event.

    The partnership between Flow and IHO-GBV underscores a shared dedication to addressing gender-based violence through multiple approaches. Both organizations emphasize the critical importance of education initiatives, advocacy campaigns, and community-driven actions that challenge harmful societal norms and behaviors.

    Through this collaboration, Flow aims to amplify efforts toward creating safer environments across Antigua and Barbuda. The company’s involvement reflects its corporate social responsibility strategy that prioritizes community welfare and social development alongside business operations.

    The Gender-Based Violence Walk 2026 represents a significant platform for raising public consciousness about violence prevention and support systems for affected individuals. Flow’s sponsorship will help facilitate broader participation and greater impact for this important community initiative.

  • Octavia Nicholas launches spoken word series to highlight emotional abuse ahead of International Women’s Day

    Octavia Nicholas launches spoken word series to highlight emotional abuse ahead of International Women’s Day

    A powerful new artistic initiative is bringing heightened visibility to the subtle yet devastating realities of emotional and psychological abuse. Creator Octavia Nicholas, in partnership with the national Gender Affairs Division, has unveiled an eight-part spoken word series designed to educate the public on these often-overlooked facets of domestic violence.

    Inspired by Nicholas’s own literary work, ‘Surviving a Narcissist,’ the project strategically coincides with the global observance of International Women’s Day on March 8th. The series employs a compelling fusion of spoken word poetry and expressive dance to articulate the hidden trauma of non-physical abuse, which frequently manifests through control and manipulation long before any physical altercation occurs.

    Nicholas emphasized the profound intent behind the project, stating, ‘This project is more than poetry — it is purpose.’ She elaborated that the collection is a resonant tapestry of survival, healing, and ultimate empowerment, drawing from both her personal journey and the testimonies shared within her book.

    The public is actively encouraged to engage with the daily releases by following the online platforms of both Octavia Nicholas and the Gender Affairs Division. The initiative calls for widespread viewing and sharing to maximize its educational impact and foster a broader community dialogue on identifying and combating all forms of coercive control.

  • Sulphur Springs claim Les Etangs sports crown

    Sulphur Springs claim Les Etangs sports crown

    Sulphur Springs House (Yellow) emerged victorious at the Les Etangs Combined sports meet after an intense competition, securing the championship with a final tally of 1,115 points. The Yellow team faced formidable challenges from rivals Piton House (Green), who finished a close second with 1,045 points, while NSD Ravineau House (Blue) completed the podium with 946 points.

    The path to victory required remarkable consistency and determination from Sulphur Springs athletes. Entering the track events with a preliminary lead of 626 points, the Yellow team maintained their advantage despite a strong surge from Piton House, who narrowed the gap significantly during the track competitions with 561 points. Ravineau House remained in contention throughout with 531 pre-track points.

    Individual excellence highlighted the competition with several standout performers across age categories:

    In the Under-7 division, Lily George of Sulphur Springs earned the Victrix Ludorum title with two gold medals, while Kimani St Luce of Piton House claimed the Victor Ludorum honors with dual gold medals.

    The Under-9 category saw Mackalah Medard and Amelia Calixte demonstrating exceptional talent, with Calixte contributing significantly to Ravineau’s efforts with one gold medal. Etahj Alexander of Piton House dominated the boys’ division with two gold medals.

    Tahjma Nestor from the winning Sulphur Springs team excelled in the Under-11 girls’ category, capturing two gold medals and one silver. Elijah Alexander of Piton House achieved an impressive triple gold medal performance in the boys’ division.

    The Under-13 competitions featured Nahla Augustin of Ravineau House earning two golds and one silver in the girls’ category, while Emerson Lansiquot of Sulphur Springs completed a perfect hat-trick with three gold medals for the champions.

  • PM Mottley rejects claim that Trinidadian had been “kidnapped” in Barbados

    PM Mottley rejects claim that Trinidadian had been “kidnapped” in Barbados

    A significant diplomatic dispute has emerged between Caribbean leaders regarding the 2022 apprehension of a Trinidadian national in Barbados. At the CARICOM summit opening in St. Kitts, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar characterized the incident as a “kidnapping” operation allegedly coordinated by the previous Trinidad government using Regional Security System resources.

    Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley vehemently rejected these allegations through the state-owned CBC TV, denouncing the characterization as “a scurrilous lie and defamatory in the extreme.” Mottley clarified that Trinidadian police had presented proper arrest warrants to Barbadian authorities, following decades-long regional practices for cross-border apprehensions.

    The incident involved Brent Thomas, who was detained at a Barbados hotel and transported to Trinidad without formal extradition proceedings. While a Trinidad High Court later ruled the operation an “unlawful abduction,” Mottley emphasized that her government had no prior knowledge of the operational details until it became publicly controversial.

    Both leaders acknowledged the need for procedural reforms. Mottley highlighted ongoing efforts to implement the CARICOM Arrest Warrant Treaty, which requires domestic legislation in each member state to become legally enforceable. Currently, only Guyana, Saint Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda have enacted the necessary laws, while Trinidad and Tobago has ratified but not yet implemented the treaty.

    Despite the strong language, Persad-Bissessar subsequently indicated she took no offense at Mottley’s response, noting that the Barbadian leader had simply reiterated her government’s previously stated position regarding the Thomas case.

  • Three deceased individuals receive special mention from education minister in Parliament

    Three deceased individuals receive special mention from education minister in Parliament

    The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence in Dominica is grieving the profound loss of three distinguished individuals whose contributions significantly shaped the nation’s educational and cultural landscape. Education Minister Octavia Alfred formally announced these tragic deaths during a parliamentary session this week, expressing heartfelt condolences on behalf of the government.

    Among the deceased is Renata Siegenthaler, a Swiss national who adopted Dominica as her homeland. Widely known as ‘Miss Renata,’ she dedicated substantial resources and unwavering effort to social, cultural, and educational initiatives. Her philanthropic work included robust support for school feeding programs across multiple institutions. A passionate advocate for cultural preservation, she held particular affection for Calypso music and local sports development. In recognition of her exceptional service, Siegenthaler was honored with the Meritorious Service Award, with her legacy continuing to positively impact countless Dominican lives.

    The ministry also mourns Max Andrew, an education luminary who committed his entire professional life to academic advancement. Andrew’s multifaceted career encompassed roles as classroom teacher, school principal, lecturer at the Dominica State College, and senior planning officer within the Education Ministry. His profound influence continues to resonate through the educational structures he helped build and the countless professionals he mentored.

    In a particularly poignant turn, IT specialist Cornelius Lugay passed away shortly after publicly expressing condolences for Andrew’s passing. Lugay served as an Education Management Information System (EMIS) officer and IT technician, becoming an indispensable resource for younger colleagues. Minister Alfred emotionally noted that ‘the office may never be the same without Mr. Lugay,’ highlighting his role as both technical expert and mentor. The ministry has extended prayers and support to all affected families during this period of profound loss.

  • Major drive to form chess clubs in schools

    Major drive to form chess clubs in schools

    In an unprecedented educational initiative, Grenada is poised to distribute more than 400 professional-grade chess sets valued at EC$30,000 to primary and secondary schools across the nation. This ambitious project marks the centerpiece of the inaugural Chess Week scheduled for March 2026, potentially establishing the first event of its kind in both the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the broader Caribbean region.

    The Grenada Chess Federation (GCF), organizer of the landmark event, has confirmed that Chess Week 2026 will run from March 2-7, culminating with the Independence Chess Tournament finals. Federation members will conduct parish-by-parish visits to educational institutions, delivering the specialized tournament equipment while introducing fundamental chess principles and facilitating the establishment of school chess clubs.

    Strategic priority will be given to secondary schools during the initial phase, aligning with GCF’s objective to launch the first Inter-Secondary School Chess Tournament by late 2026. Each participating institution will receive a minimum of five chess sets and identify at least ten students to form club nuclei, with additional sets to be provided as membership expands. Critical to the program’s sustainability is the designation of at least one teacher per school to oversee club operations and subsequent online training initiatives.

    The comprehensive national rollout ensures complete geographic coverage, including the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Any schools not reached during the designated week will be visited by the end of March 2026, according to federation representatives.

    This groundbreaking educational endeavor enjoys full support from Grenada’s Ministry of Education and the National Sports Council (NSC), which plans to incorporate chess into its inaugural National Games parish competitions by 2027. The GCF leveraged its affiliations with the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the Confederation of Chess for the Americas (CCA) to procure the professional tournament equipment necessary for the nationwide initiative.

    Research consistently demonstrates chess’s cognitive benefits, including enhanced memory capacity, prolonged attention spans, improved problem-solving capabilities, strengthened critical thinking skills, and increased disciplinary focus among young participants.

  • New ambassador for Egypt received by Dominican president this week

    New ambassador for Egypt received by Dominican president this week

    In a significant diplomatic engagement this week, Dominica’s President Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton formally received the newly appointed Egyptian Ambassador His Excellency Sherif Reda Ahmed Shehata, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two nations.

    The ceremony highlighted the shared commitment to addressing pressing global issues, with President Burton emphasizing the interconnected nature of contemporary challenges. “Our world faces multifaceted crises ranging from climate emergencies and food insecurity to economic volatility and public health threats,” President Burton stated. “These transnational problems demand collective action and solidarity beyond national boundaries.”

    President Burton specifically acknowledged Egypt’s influential role in climate diplomacy, particularly its hosting of the COP27 summit which advanced critical discussions on adaptation strategies, mitigation measures, and climate financing mechanisms. “As a small island developing state, Dominica experiences disproportionate vulnerability to climate impacts,” she noted. “We recognize Egypt’s leadership in fostering global dialogue on environmental resilience.”

    The Dominican leader identified several promising areas for expanded cooperation, including renewable energy development, sustainable agricultural practices, disaster preparedness, and environmental conservation. She also expressed interest in learning from Egypt’s extensive experience in water resource management and cultural heritage preservation.

    Ambassador Shehata reaffirmed the strong foundation of Egypt-Dominica relations since establishing diplomatic ties in 2010. “Despite geographical separation, our nations are united by common principles and mutual respect,” he declared. “We have built a relationship anchored in trust, peaceful coexistence, and shared development objectives.”

    The ambassador emphasized both countries’ dedication to international law, conflict resolution through dialogue, and advocacy for Global South interests within multilateral institutions. He outlined ambitious plans to enhance bilateral cooperation across trade, education, tourism, and cultural exchange, promising to “explore new collaborative pathways that deliver tangible benefits for both nations.”

  • VIDEO: Lowmans Hill woman turns 10

    VIDEO: Lowmans Hill woman turns 10

    The community of Lowmans Hill, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, witnessed a remarkable celebration of life on February 7, 2026, as resident Hilda Charles reached the extraordinary milestone of her 100th birthday. The esteemed centenarian was honored with a formal toast by His Excellency Governor General Sir Stanley “Stalky” John, KC, in a ceremony that highlighted her significance to the nation.

    The celebratory event brought together distinguished guests including Mrs. Charles’s Member of Parliament, Daniel Cummings, alongside a gathering of cherished relatives and lifelong friends. The gathering served as a testament to Mrs. Charles’s profound impact on her community throughout her century of life.

    This milestone birthday transcends personal achievement, representing a living chronicle of Saint Vincent’s history and societal evolution across ten decades. Official recognition from the highest levels of Vincentian leadership underscores the cultural importance placed on honoring elders and preserving intergenerational connections within the nation’s social fabric. The celebration stands as a powerful affirmation of life, community spirit, and the valued contributions of senior citizens to the Caribbean society.