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  • CDB and CLEAR-LAC organize regional conference to enhance monitoring and evaluation frameworks across the Caribbean

    CDB and CLEAR-LAC organize regional conference to enhance monitoring and evaluation frameworks across the Caribbean

    The Caribbean Development Bank’s Office of Independent Evaluation (OIE), in partnership with the Center for Learning on Evaluation and Results for Latin America and the Caribbean (CLEAR-LAC), will host a pivotal virtual workshop on March 5, 2026. Scheduled from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Atlantic Standard Time, this session aims to revolutionize monitoring and evaluation frameworks across Caribbean nations.

    The event will introduce two transformative methodologies: the National Evaluation Capacities Index (INCE) and the Monitoring and Evaluation System Analysis (MESA) tools. These proven instruments enable comprehensive diagnostics of institutional vulnerabilities while pinpointing critical challenges and strategic priorities. Participants will gain exposure to adaptable best practices and cross-regional insights that have demonstrated success throughout Latin America.

    Roberto La Rovere, Head of CDB’s OIE, emphasized the workshop’s dual purpose: “Beyond introducing innovative tools, this initiative promotes substantive dialogue and regional cooperation. By disseminating INCE and MESA principles alongside successful national case studies, we empower Caribbean nations to enhance local expertise and fortify their evaluation infrastructures.”

    The workshop specifically targets evaluation professionals, M&E specialists, government officials from planning and finance ministries, public policy units, civil society representatives, and academic stakeholders. This capacity-building endeavor aligns with CDB’s strategic commitment to institutional resilience in borrowing member countries. Strengthened M&E systems enable governments to meticulously track public sector performance, assess developmental progress, and implement evidence-based policymaking.

    Registration remains open for this transformative regional workshop entitled ‘Tools for Monitoring & Evaluation,’ representing a significant advancement in the Caribbean’s journey toward data-driven governance.

  • CTUSAB demands urgent census after election list errors

    CTUSAB demands urgent census after election list errors

    The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) issued a forceful demand on Wednesday for an immediate national population census to rectify critical flaws in the electoral system. This urgent call follows widespread reports of voter disenfranchisement during last week’s general election, where numerous citizens discovered their names either missing from voter rolls or incorrectly assigned to different constituencies.

    CTUSAB General Secretary Dennis De Peiza delivered a blistering assessment of the electoral process during a press conference at the organization’s headquarters, characterizing the situation as “nothing short of a national disgrace.” He emphasized that while errors occurred, it remained imperative to implement corrective measures immediately to prevent future occurrences.

    The proposed national census, traditionally conducted at the beginning of each decade with the next scheduled for 2030, would enable authorities to thoroughly verify and update the current voter registry. De Peiza provided personal testimony regarding the system’s deficiencies, revealing that his deceased son had received official correspondence urging him to vote. This incident highlighted the registry’s failure to account for deceased individuals while simultaneously excluding eligible voters.

    Further complications emerged regarding overseas Barbadians who remained on voter lists but faced practical barriers to participation. De Peiza warned that persistent electoral irregularities could significantly damage Barbados’ international democratic standing, stating that ignoring blatant flaws would send negative signals to the global community.

    The labor leader additionally addressed concerning suggestions that citizens should vote strategically merely to ensure parliamentary opposition presence. He affirmed CTUSAB’s recognition of the opposition’s crucial role in ensuring effective legislation and providing policy alternatives, while cautioning against the dangers of unilateral decision-making in its absence.

  • Former Prince Andrew Arrested Over Ties to Epstein

    Former Prince Andrew Arrested Over Ties to Epstein

    In a dramatic development shaking the British monarchy, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger sibling of King Charles III, was formally apprehended by authorities on Thursday. The arrest centers on allegations of misconduct during his tenure in public office, marking a significant escalation in the long-running scandal connected to financier Jeffrey Epstein.

    Thames Valley Police confirmed detaining a man in his sixties from Norfolk, with coordinated searches executed at multiple properties including Royal Lodge in Windsor and Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate. While specific charges remain undisclosed, investigative sources indicate the inquiry examines whether the former prince improperly shared confidential government information during his service as Britain’s trade envoy, potentially benefiting Epstein’s criminal network.

    The monarch responded through an official statement expressing ‘profound concern’ while emphasizing that judicial proceedings must proceed without interference. This careful wording reflects the palace’s delicate balancing act between familial loyalty and constitutional propriety.

    Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied all accusations, maintaining through representatives that he neither observed nor suspected Epstein’s illicit activities during their association. No immediate public comment addressed the latest allegations regarding breach of official trust.

    British legal protocols permit detention for up to 24 hours before requiring formal charges or release, though extensions are possible for complex investigations. The arrest represents the most serious legal confrontation yet for the royal family regarding the Epstein entanglement, potentially carrying implications for institutional credibility and future royal duties.

  • Sea Bridge Adds Early Morning Barbuda Departure to Ferry Schedule

    Sea Bridge Adds Early Morning Barbuda Departure to Ferry Schedule

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – In a significant boost to inter-island transportation, Sea Bridge Ferries has announced a comprehensive schedule expansion featuring a new early morning departure from Barbuda. The revised timetable, set to commence on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, introduces strategic changes designed to optimize travel efficiency between the sister islands.

    The updated operational plan includes a new midday departure from Crabb’s at 12 p.m., while introducing a revolutionary overnight stay protocol for ferries in Barbuda. This logistical enhancement enables a newly established 6:30 a.m. Thursday departure specifically tailored for passengers requiring early arrival in Antigua.

    Company representatives emphasized that this early morning sailing strategically addresses the needs of travelers with time-sensitive obligations including business meetings, medical consultations, and various professional commitments. The initiative represents Sea Bridge Ferries’ commitment to addressing both commercial transportation requirements and passenger convenience through improved scheduling flexibility.

    The transportation provider characterized these schedule modifications as part of their ongoing mission to enhance service quality for Antigua and Barbuda residents. Company officials expressed confidence that the optimized timetable would provide substantial practical benefits for regular commuters and commercial operators alike, while inviting passengers to experience the improved service under the newly implemented schedule.

  • GFNC: We’re Hiring – Communications Officer

    GFNC: We’re Hiring – Communications Officer

    The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) has announced an employment opportunity for a Communications Officer to spearhead public education campaigns promoting healthy nutritional practices throughout the tri-island nation. This strategic position within the Education & Promotion Division will be instrumental in shaping public health messaging across all parishes.

    The successful candidate will assume comprehensive responsibilities including developing and executing communication strategies, creating diverse content for press releases, social media platforms, newsletters, and informational brochures. The role additionally encompasses managing the organization’s digital presence through website maintenance and social media channels, serving as an official spokesperson, and providing support for community events. A critical component of the position involves conducting audience research and preparing analytical reports to measure campaign effectiveness.

    Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related discipline, complemented by demonstrated excellence in both written and verbal communication. The Council requires 2-3 years of professional experience in communications or marketing roles. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to public health advancement in Grenada.

    Interested professionals are invited to submit their applications via email to [email protected] before the deadline of February 27, 2026. The GFNC plays a vital role in addressing nutritional challenges and promoting wellness initiatives throughout Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.

  • White House Considers Iran Strike as Tensions Escalate

    White House Considers Iran Strike as Tensions Escalate

    The United States military has positioned itself to execute strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, though President Donald Trump remains undecided on authorizing such action amid escalating regional tensions. Senior administration officials confirm that American forces have achieved operational readiness following a substantial buildup of air and naval assets across the Middle East theater.

    White House deliberations intensified Wednesday as top national security officials convened in the Situation Room to assess developments concerning Iran. The president received additional briefings from special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior advisor Jared Kushner regarding indirect negotiations with Iranian representatives that occurred Tuesday in Geneva. These talks, lasting approximately three and a half hours, yielded preliminary agreements on fundamental principles but left substantial details unresolved according to US officials.

    The military buildup includes the imminent deployment of the USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group to the Middle East, complemented by the strategic repositioning of US Air Force refueling tankers and fighter aircraft from United Kingdom bases toward the region. Satellite imagery analysis from the Institute for Science and International Security indicates Iran has responded by reinforcing several nuclear facilities with additional concrete and soil fortifications.

    Multiple geopolitical factors could influence the timing of potential military action, including the conclusion of the Winter Olympics on Sunday and the ongoing observance of Ramadan. Middle Eastern allies have cautioned that operations during the Islamic holy month could provoke significant regional destabilization. President Trump’s scheduled State of the Union address on Tuesday adds another strategic consideration to the complex decision-making calculus.

  • Antiguan Student Daniel Athill-Jonas Wins Special Award at Global Toyota Dream Car Art Contest in Japan

    Antiguan Student Daniel Athill-Jonas Wins Special Award at Global Toyota Dream Car Art Contest in Japan

    Daniel Athill-Jonas, a secondary school student from Antigua, has achieved global acclaim by securing a distinguished special prize at the international Toyota Dream Car Art Contest held in Japan. The young visionary was honored with the “Waku-Doki” Award, a category specifically designed to celebrate exceptional creativity, exhilarating innovation, and groundbreaking conceptual thinking in automotive design.

    This international triumph follows his previous success as the national champion of the 2023 Toyota Dream Car Art Contest, which was coordinated domestically by Harney Motors Ltd. The prestigious recognition comes with a substantial monetary award totaling EC$40,000. Athill-Jonas personally received EC$13,500, while his educational institution, Pares Secondary School, was granted EC$27,000 to support its academic and artistic programs.

    The Toyota Dream Car Art Contest represents a global initiative that challenges children worldwide to conceptualize and create visionary vehicle designs, fostering artistic talent and innovative perspectives on future transportation solutions. Documented photographs released by Harney Motors capture the memorable moment when Athill-Jonas, accompanied by Mrs. Harney Barnes and Mr. Harney, displayed his official plaque from Toyota Motor Corporation during a special recognition ceremony held in his honor.

    This extraordinary accomplishment not only signifies a pivotal milestone in the young artist’s developing career but also positions Antigua and Barbuda as an emerging hub for youth creativity and technological innovation on the international stage.

  • $1.08b allocated to upgrade TAJ revenue system

    $1.08b allocated to upgrade TAJ revenue system

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has formally committed J$1.08 billion in its 2026/27 Expenditure Estimates to fund a comprehensive technological overhaul of Tax Administration Jamaica’s (TAJ) core operating platform, the Revenue Administration Information System (RAIS). This substantial investment marks the initial phase of a broader modernisation initiative with a total projected cost of J$1.9 billion.

    Tabled in the House of Representatives by Finance and the Public Service Minister Fayval Williams on February 12, the budgetary allocation will catalyse a significant transformation of the nation’s tax infrastructure. The modernised system is designed to deliver a vastly improved digital experience for taxpayers, incorporating advanced technological features and implementing robust, next-generation security protocols to safeguard sensitive financial data.

    A primary strategic objective of the upgrade is to foster greater voluntary compliance among taxpayers by streamlining processes and enhancing accessibility. Furthermore, the project is critical for ensuring Jamaica’s full adherence to the international standards mandated by the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).

    Key operational targets for the 2026/27 fiscal period include the deployment and installation of the new RAIS GenTax Core 26 software suite. This platform will introduce sophisticated functionalities, including an intelligent e-services assistant, seamless financial data exchange capabilities, and a more efficient payment management ecosystem.

    Concurrent initiatives will involve the configuration of an integrated customer relationship management (CRM) framework, alongside a modernised digital appointment and queuing system. The timeline also includes the rigorous development of test plans, the execution of comprehensive user acceptance testing (UAT), and the creation of detailed training materials and programmes for both staff and users.

    The ambitious modernisation project is scheduled to commence in April 2026, with an expected completion date set for March 2028, representing a two-year transformational journey for Jamaica’s revenue administration.

  • Floyd Mayweather to come out of retirement

    Floyd Mayweather to come out of retirement

    LOS ANGELES — Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather has declared his intention to return to professional competition following his upcoming exhibition match against Mike Tyson, ending his seven-year retirement from official bouts. The 48-year-old undefeated champion made the announcement Friday through an exclusive statement.

    Mayweather, who retired in 2017 with a perfect 50-0 record, revealed he has signed an exclusive promotional agreement with CSI Sports/Fight Sports. The partnership will commence after his exhibition encounter with Tyson, though the specific date for that matchup remains unconfirmed.

    “I still possess the capability to establish new records within boxing,” Mayweather asserted. “Whether through my forthcoming event with Mike Tyson or my subsequent professional return, no other athlete can match the revenue generation, global viewership, or live gate attendance that my events consistently deliver.”

    While opponent details remain undisclosed, sources indicate Mayweather’s professional return is preliminarily scheduled for summer 2024. Additional information regarding both the Tyson exhibition and professional comeback will be revealed in upcoming weeks.

    Since his official retirement after defeating UFC superstar Conor McGregor in 2017, Mayweather has participated in multiple exhibition contests. These include a August 2024 victory over John Gotti III in Mexico, along with matches against reality television personalities and digital content creators.

  • Seven vie for Miss George Alleyne Hall (UWI) title

    Seven vie for Miss George Alleyne Hall (UWI) title

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – The University of the West Indies Mona campus prepares to crown its next Miss George Alleyne Hall on March 7th, with seven distinguished students competing for the prestigious title. The selection process, described by event coordinator Domonique Williams as “fairly easy,” deliberately sought candidates who embody the hall’s core values of ambition and community engagement.

    This year’s competition theme, “Jewels of the Jungle, Gems of the Enchanted,” will see contestants evaluated on multiple criteria including poise, eloquence, presentation skills, and how effectively they personify their assigned gemstone. The pageant serves not merely as a beauty contest but as a platform for personal development and community representation.

    The diverse cohort of contestants includes Biology student Justeena Rhone, who values the opportunity for building meaningful friendships, and law student Moiya Richardson, who seeks confidence building through public speaking. International representation comes from Antigua and Barbuda’s Lesheka Hodge, studying management studies with psychology and international relations minors, who views this as her entry into the pageant world.

    Other notable participants include Barbados native Talia Small, who confronts social anxiety through competition; Kelsie Spaulding, who aims to promote her female empowerment project “Her Space”; Antoinette Robinson, inspired by a previous titleholder; and aspiring diplomat Katia Anglin, pursuing history and international relations. The coronation ceremony will take place at the George Alleyne Hall on the UWI Mona campus.