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  • Gramps Morgan, Antiguan PM collab on Reparations

    Gramps Morgan, Antiguan PM collab on Reparations

    In an unprecedented fusion of politics and music, multi-Grammy-winning reggae artist Gramps Morgan has joined forces with Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who performs under the artistic alias ‘Gassy Dread’, to release a powerful new single titled ‘Reparations’. The collaborative track emerges as a significant cultural statement during the concurrent observances of both Reggae Month and Black History Month, strategically amplifying its message through these culturally resonant periods.

    The composition serves as both artistic expression and political manifesto, directly confronting the enduring consequences of colonial exploitation that continue to influence socioeconomic conditions across the Caribbean region. Through lyrical depth and rhythmic intensity, the artists transform musical expression into a vehicle for historical accountability and contemporary justice.

    In recent discussions, Morgan emphasized the intentionality behind the release, characterizing ‘Reparations’ as more than mere entertainment but rather as an essential contribution to ongoing global conversations about historical redress. ‘As musical artisans, we bear responsibility for ensuring collective memory remains active regarding ancestral sufferings and the imperative for proper compensation,’ Morgan stated, underscoring the artist’s role as social commentator and historical witness.

    The recording artist further elaborated on the strategic timing of the release, noting how the dual commemorative months provide ideal platforms for reinforcing reggae’s traditional function as liberation music. Morgan expressed hope that the composition would re-energize dialogue around reparatory justice, potentially reaching institutional audiences including the United Nations and European nations historically complicit in transatlantic slavery.

    Prime Minister Browne’s participation marks a remarkable convergence of governmental leadership and artistic creation, with Morgan praising the Antiguan leader’s creative vision and lyrical craftsmanship. The collaboration demonstrates how Caribbean political figures can engage with cultural production to advance regional advocacy priorities. Production credits for the significant work include co-coordination by Digital1 Music and production oversight by Justin ‘Juss Buss’ Nation, creating a professional musical framework for this politically-charged artistic endeavor.

  • Agostini gets green light for Massy Ja acquisition

    Agostini gets green light for Massy Ja acquisition

    Trinidad-based conglomerate Agostini Limited has obtained crucial regulatory clearance from Jamaica’s Fair Trading Commission (FTC), removing the final obstacle to its acquisition of Massy Distribution (Jamaica) Limited. The landmark transaction, initially announced in February 2025, had been suspended due to antitrust concerns regarding potential market dominance in insulin distribution.

    The regulatory breakthrough came after Agostini agreed to divest one of three insulin brands distributed in Jamaica, addressing the FTC’s concerns about pharmaceutical market concentration. This concession prevents the formation of a monopoly in the critical diabetes medication sector while allowing the broader acquisition to proceed.

    Barry Davis, Chief Executive Officer of Agostini, emphasized the strategic importance of the Jamaican market, stating: “Jamaica remains a pivotal market for our long-term growth strategy. Our collaborative resolution with the FTC demonstrates our unwavering commitment to regulatory compliance and ethical business practices across all operating territories.”

    The acquisition will be executed through Acado Limited, a joint venture equally owned by Agostini and Barbados-based Goddard Enterprises Limited. Post-acquisition, Massy Distribution’s pharmaceutical operations will integrate into Aventa Jamaica (formerly Health Brands Limited), while consumer divisions will fall under Acado’s management.

    This expansion significantly enhances Agostini’s footprint in Jamaica’s pharmaceutical and consumer distribution sectors, building upon its existing presence established through the August 2023 acquisition of Aventa Jamaica. The consolidation reflects broader regional trends in distribution market integration.

    For Massy Holdings Limited, the divestment represents continued strategic refocusing on core energy operations. Following the transaction, Massy’s Jamaican presence will concentrate exclusively on gas distribution through Massy Gas Products (Jamaica) Limited and IGL Limited, which maintain dominant positions in both bulk and packaged LPG markets.

    Financial disclosures reveal Massy Distribution Jamaica generated TT$352.44 million in revenue for fiscal year ending September 2025, representing a 5% year-over-year decline, with net profits of TT$24.29 million. Recent quarterly performance showed further softening, attributed to Hurricane Melissa’s impact and operational stabilization efforts within gas businesses.

    Despite Jamaican segment challenges, Massy’s consolidated performance improved with overall revenue increasing 6% to TT$4.39 billion and net profit from continuing operations rising 9% to TT$221.14 million.

    The FTC’s conditional approval underscores increased regulatory vigilance regarding pharmaceutical distribution, particularly for essential medicines. The insulin divestment requirement establishes a precedent for intervention in healthcare market consolidation that could compromise competitive dynamics.

    Market reactions showed Massy’s shares closing at $72.51 on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, reflecting a 5% decline year-to-date, while Trinidad trading saw shares at TT$3.55, down 4% for the period. The group has declared a TT$0.0354 dividend payable March 27 to shareholders of record February 27.

    With regulatory barriers resolved, Agostini emerges as a strengthened competitor in Jamaica’s distribution landscape, while Massy advances its strategic pivot toward energy and industrial specialization across the Caribbean region.

  • Belize Appoints New Ambassador to UN Office

    Belize Appoints New Ambassador to UN Office

    In a strategic diplomatic appointment, Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño has selected Dr. Harold Young as the nation’s new ambassador to the United Nations Office in Geneva. The credential presentation ceremony occurred on Monday with UN Geneva Director General Tatiana Valovaya formally welcoming Dr. Young to his new position.

    Dr. Young brings exceptional academic and policy expertise to this critical diplomatic role. His professional background includes extensive experience in both Belizean and international educational institutions, most recently serving as a lecturer in political science and public management at Austin Peay State University in the United States. Additionally, he has provided advisory services to the history department at the University of Belize.

    The newly appointed ambassador holds a doctorate in public law from Georgia State University, where his scholarly research focused on the operational mechanisms of international courts, including the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. Dr. Young has established himself as a published author in multiple disciplines, contributing significant works to the fields of law, political science, and historical studies.

    This appointment positions Dr. Young at the forefront of Belize’s international engagement strategy, where he will represent the nation’s interests within the complex multilateral environment of United Nations discussions and negotiations in Geneva.

  • PRESS RELEASE: West Indies Men secure Super Eight spot with three consecutive victories

    PRESS RELEASE: West Indies Men secure Super Eight spot with three consecutive victories

    The West Indies cricket team has emphatically secured their advancement to the Super Eight phase of the ICC T20 World Cup, becoming the first squad to clinch a berth following a devastating nine-wicket triumph over Nepal this Sunday at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. This victory represents their third consecutive win in the tournament, preserving an unblemished record in the group stages hosted across India and Sri Lanka.

    With one group match still remaining against Italy scheduled for Thursday in Kolkata, the Caribbean side has already guaranteed progression. Their pre-seeded position as the group’s second-ranked team ensures they will carry this seeding into the next round, regardless of the final group standings. The Super Eight stage will see them face formidable opponents in Group C: India, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, commencing on February 23.

    The match against Nepal was a demonstration of clinical efficiency. After electing to field, the West Indies bowling attack dismantled the Asian side’s top order, reducing them to a precarious 23 for 4 just after the powerplay. Pace bowler Jason Holder delivered a man-of-the-match performance, claiming 4 wickets for 27 runs and elevating his tournament tally to 7 wickets, placing him among the top five wicket-takers. Supported by Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Roston Chase, and Shamar Joseph—each taking a wicket—Nepal was restricted to a modest 133 for 8.

    The chase was executed with commanding ease. An opening partnership of 43 between Captain Shai Hope and Brandon King set a solid foundation. Following King’s dismissal for a brisk 22, Hope combined with Shimron Hetmyer in an unbroken, match-winning stand of 91 runs. Hope’s elegant innings of 61, featuring five fours and three sixes, also saw him surpass 1500 career T20I runs. Hetmyer provided explosive support, smashing 46 off just 32 balls.

    This comprehensive win builds upon earlier dominant performances. Hetmyer, now the team’s leading scorer with 133 runs at an average of 66.50, had previously blasted a half-century (64) to secure a win against Scotland. That match was also highlighted by Romario Shepherd’s international hat-trick. In the following game against arch-rivals England, Sherfane Rutherford’s career-best 74 and Gudakesh Motie’s spin bowling (3 for 33) sealed a comfortable 30-run victory.

    Captain Shai Hope emphasized the team’s process-oriented mindset, stating, ‘When we got on the plane to come here, that was the first step… we all want to lift the trophy but there is a process to get there by playing our best cricket and peaking at the right time.’

    The West Indies will conclude their group stage against Italy on Thursday, February 19, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Fans in the Caribbean can follow the action on ESPN Caribbean and Disney+.

  • Negen arrestaties in zaak illegale landingsbaan en semi-onderzeeër bij Witagron

    Negen arrestaties in zaak illegale landingsbaan en semi-onderzeeër bij Witagron

    Authorities in Suriname have dismantled a sophisticated narcotics trafficking operation, resulting in nine arrests following the discovery of an illegal airstrip and a semi-submersible vessel under construction near Witagron. The investigation has uncovered significant evidence, including weapons, ammunition, and specialized construction materials.

    The breakthrough occurred when law enforcement located the covert facilities, prompting several suspects to flee into the surrounding wilderness. On February 15th, officials seized eight 200-liter barrels of aviation gasoline (avgas) and multiple weapons at the site. That same day, a Venezuelan national was apprehended after hiding in the forest for several days; investigators believe he was directly involved in the semi-submarine’s construction.

    Operations expanded to Paramaribo on Monday with the arrest of two Surinamese brothers. One brother held the concession rights to the property where the illegal infrastructure was built. During his arrest, authorities confiscated an illegal handgun. A subsequent search of his residence revealed even more evidence: fourteen additional avgas barrels, an illegal AR-15 rifle, substantial ammunition, rolls of fiberglass (believed destined for the semi-submarine’s construction), and positive alerts from the Police Corps K-9 unit.

    The Public Prosecutor’s Office confirms the investigation remains active, with manhunts underway for additional suspects. Further arrests have not been ruled out as authorities continue to unravel the international drug trafficking network.

  • PALS Tropical Fiesta!!

    PALS Tropical Fiesta!!

    The philanthropic organization PALS is orchestrating a Tropical Fiesta, an evening dedicated to music, philanthropy, and hope, scheduled for a memorable night in support of the youth of St. Kitts and Nevis. This charitable event promises an engaging atmosphere where community members can unite for a noble cause.

    Scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the gala will offer attendees an unforgettable experience filled with entertainment and a shared spirit of giving. The primary objective is to generate support and resources for the nation’s children, underscoring a commitment to their welfare and future.

    Admission is set at an accessible price of US $100 or EC $270, ensuring broad community participation. Tickets are currently available for purchase at Harper’s Office Depot. Additionally, for convenience, organizers have established dedicated WhatsApp lines at 662-7600 and 662-7751 to facilitate easy ticket acquisition and inquiries.

    The event is promoted not merely as a gathering but as a significant community happening destined to create lasting memories while championing a hopeful future for the younger generation.

  • Alfred, Auguste take top honours at National Sports Awards

    Alfred, Auguste take top honours at National Sports Awards

    Saint Lucia’s athletic community gathered in grand celebration at the 44th National Sports Awards Ceremony, recognizing exceptional sporting achievements throughout the 2025 competitive season. The prestigious event, held at the Royalton Hotel on February 14th, honored the nation’s most distinguished athletes, coaches, administrators, and corporate supporters who contributed to a landmark year in Saint Lucian sports.

    Olympic champion Julien Alfred secured back-to-back Sportswoman of the Year titles following another historic season that saw her become Saint Lucia’s first-ever medalist at the World Athletics Championships with a bronze in the women’s 100m. Cricket sensation Ackeem Auguste claimed Sportsman of the Year honors after his remarkable double century performance in the Windward Islands tournament final.

    The junior categories showcased emerging talent with swimmer Antoine Destang earning Junior Sportsman of the Year for his record-breaking feats, including seven OECS records and four national records. Sprint prodigy Jady Emmanuel was crowned Junior Sportswoman of the Year after making history as Saint Lucia’s first CARIFTA Games sprint titlist, capturing gold in both the 100m and 200m dashes.

    Sports Minister Kenson Casimir addressed attendees, declaring 2025 “a truly outstanding year for Saint Lucia” and emphasizing that “our athletes have continued to demonstrate that regardless of our size as a nation, our talent, ambition, and determination place us firmly on the global stage.”

    The ceremony comprehensively recognized sporting excellence across categories including technical officials, administrators, coaches, teams, media personalities, corporate sponsors, educational institutions, and special achievement honorees. Notable team awards went to the National Golf Team, National Boxing Team, Senior Male Cricket Team, and multiple volleyball teams for their regional championship performances.

    Special recognition included Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Francis George, Minister’s Award winner Florian Combie, and special honoree Cuthbert “Twa-Ti-Nay” Modeste. The Saint Lucia Athletics Association received Association of the Year, while Chris Wells earned Coach of the Year honors, and Anse Chastanet/Jade Mountain was named Sponsor of the Year.

  • Roadworks Underway in Oliver’s, Mount Pleasant and Carty’s Hill

    Roadworks Underway in Oliver’s, Mount Pleasant and Carty’s Hill

    The Ministry of Works in Antigua and Barbuda is making significant headway with its comprehensive infrastructure enhancement initiative, targeting multiple residential communities with critical road and drainage upgrades. This strategic program represents a concerted effort to fortify public infrastructure and elevate living conditions for residents across the nation.

    Substantial progress is being reported from the Oliver’s housing area, where construction teams are actively executing concrete floor slab pours as a fundamental component of the community’s extensive road rehabilitation project. These structural improvements are designed to create more durable and reliable roadway surfaces.

    Simultaneously, in the Mount Pleasant district, specialized drainage enhancement operations are underway to optimize water runoff efficiency and substantially mitigate flooding risks during heavy precipitation events. Additional roadwork initiatives are progressing in the Carty’s Hill vicinity, demonstrating the program’s widespread implementation.

    Through consistent public communications, the Ministry has maintained transparency regarding these developmental projects, which collectively aim to reinforce critical infrastructure networks and upgrade transportation corridors within established residential neighborhoods throughout the twin-island nation. This multi-community approach underscores the government’s commitment to systematic infrastructure modernization and community resilience.

  • The UWI’s Historic Hosting of Nigerian Vice-Chancellors

    The UWI’s Historic Hosting of Nigerian Vice-Chancellors

    In a landmark move for South-South cooperation, twenty newly appointed Vice-Chancellors from Nigeria concluded a transformative three-day summit at The University of the West Indies (UWI) headquarters in Jamaica last week. The high-level delegation, representing Nigeria’s extensive network of approximately 280 public and private universities, engaged in intensive dialogues with Caribbean academic leaders from February 10-12.

    The initiative, orchestrated by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), sought to expose emerging university leaders to UWI’s acclaimed institutional model. Times Higher Education ranks UWI among the top 3.6% of global universities, making it an exemplary case study for institutions navigating contemporary challenges in higher education.

    Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles characterized the gathering as “a spiritual moment” during opening ceremonies, reflecting on Nigeria’s profound intellectual influence on UWI’s development. “We cannot tell our history without connecting to those fundamental moments,” Beckles noted, emphasizing the deeply rooted historical ties between the regions.

    The summit agenda featured robust exchanges on strategic planning, research development, curriculum quality, and preparations for global competitive rankings. A particularly pressing topic involved strategies for achieving greater institutional impact with constrained financing—a challenge familiar to many universities across the Global South.

    Dr. Gervan Fearon, President of George Brown Polytechnic and prominent West Indian diaspora member, delivered a powerful keynote address advocating for purpose-driven universities and indigenous publishing systems. His presentation highlighted the critical need to amplify research from Global South institutions on the international stage.

    Professor C. Justin Robinson, Pro Vice-Chancellor of UWI Five Islands Campus, delivered closing remarks that framed the collaboration as strategic imperative rather than optional partnership. “South-South collaboration is not a consolation prize,” Robinson asserted. “The solutions to challenges facing developing nations will increasingly come from institutions like ours—working together, learning from one another, and refusing to wait for permission to lead.”

    The enthusiastic participation of all UWI Principals and Pro Vice-Chancellors throughout the event demonstrated institutional commitment to the ONE UWI vision, fostering an atmosphere of genuine collaboration and meaningful dialogue that participants expect to catalyze future joint initiatives.

  • Details of fatal motorcycle accident in Louisville yesterday from full police report

    Details of fatal motorcycle accident in Louisville yesterday from full police report

    A fatal traffic incident on Valley Road has resulted in the death of a 45-year-old motorcyclist, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force’s Traffic Department. The collision occurred on February 16, 2026, near the Louisville junction, claiming the life of Mackie McKenzie of River Street while his passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

    Preliminary investigation reports indicate the tragedy unfolded when a Mitsubishi Fuso fighter truck was traveling eastbound while McKenzie operated his SH Scooter (registration #PY768) in the opposite direction. According to official statements, the motorcycle rider attempted evasive maneuvers upon noticing the approaching truck but subsequently lost control, veered off the roadway, and impacted a curb with significant force.

    The violent impact ejected both McKenzie and his pillion rider, identified as Shaquille Hector, also of River Street, from the vehicle onto the southern roadside. Emergency responders transported both individuals to the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department for immediate medical attention.

    Despite receiving prompt medical care, McKenzie was pronounced deceased at 12:48 hours on the day of the incident. Hector remains under medical supervision at the Alford Ward, with medical authorities confirming his injuries, while serious, are not considered life-threatening. The Traffic Department continues to examine the precise circumstances surrounding this tragic roadway incident.