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  • Mod1 vacancy: Network Administrator

    Mod1 vacancy: Network Administrator

    Technology solutions provider Mod1 has announced an opening for an experienced Network Administrator to strengthen its team of high-performing IT professionals. The position centers on delivering premium managed services to a diverse clientele across multiple industries.

    The successful candidate will assume responsibility for designing, implementing, and maintaining both simple and complex network infrastructures. Key duties include the ongoing management and monitoring of client networks to ensure optimal performance and preempt potential issues. This involves the configuration and installation of critical networking hardware such as routers, switches, firewalls, and VPN solutions.

    A core aspect of the role is providing advanced technical support to swiftly resolve service incidents and outages. The administrator will also be instrumental in upholding rigorous network security standards, implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, systematic patching protocols, and access controls to protect sensitive client data and systems.

    Additional responsibilities encompass facilitating seamless client onboarding processes and offering technical mentorship to support teams to foster professional development and continuous learning. The position requires the individual to remain abreast of emerging industry trends and technological innovations to identify opportunities for enhancing service delivery.

    Mod1 has outlined specific qualifications for the role, mandating a minimum of five years of direct experience in network administration. Candidates must possess a deep understanding of networking protocols—including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPN, VLANs, and routing protocols—along with proficiency in managing hardware from leading vendors like Cisco, Juniper, and Fortinet. Essential attributes also include exceptional organizational skills, the ability to multitask effectively, and a strong commitment to exemplary customer service.

    Interested professionals are invited to submit their CV along with at least two professional references to [email protected] using the subject line ‘Network Administrator Application’. The deadline for applications is January 23, 2026.

  • Government prioritises basketball development with major upgrades and plans for indoor facility

    Government prioritises basketball development with major upgrades and plans for indoor facility

    The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis has embarked on an ambitious basketball infrastructure development program, signaling a new era for the sport nationwide. Minister of Sport Samal Duggins has confirmed that a state-of-the-art indoor basketball facility will be constructed at Warner Park as part of a comprehensive redevelopment of the multi-purpose sports complex.

    While long-term plans progress, the government has immediately allocated approximately EC $400,000 (Eastern Caribbean dollars) for significant upgrades to Basketball City at Victoria Road. The extensive renovations include complete demolition and reconstruction of the court foundation to international standards, removal of obstructive older structures, installation of modern drainage systems, replacement of spectator bleachers and seating supports, and comprehensive modernization of lighting systems that previously hampered viewing experiences. Additional improvements encompass renovated bathroom facilities and dressing rooms.

    Glenville Jeffers, President of the St. Kitts-Nevis Amateur Basketball Association (SKNABA), emphasized the critical nature of these investments, noting that no major renovations had been undertaken at Basketball City since the 1980s. Jeffers highlighted the dual benefit of maintaining outdoor facilities alongside future indoor developments, stating that outdoor venues remain essential for national competitions, revenue generation, summer camps, and community access.

    Minister Duggins acknowledged the nostalgic significance of Basketball City while stressing the necessity of modern indoor facilities for the sport’s advancement. The government has developed three distinct design concepts for indoor facilities and is proceeding with construction plans accordingly. The initiative aims not only to elevate basketball development but also to strengthen community bonds through organized sports rivalries and increased accessibility for neighboring educational institutions including Washington Archibald and Basseterre High Schools.

  • Antigua government receives EC$1m building materials shipment for low-income housing programme

    Antigua government receives EC$1m building materials shipment for low-income housing programme

    The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has initiated a substantial expansion of its housing assistance program with the arrival of building materials exceeding EC$1 million in value. This shipment, comprising lumber and galvanized steel, reached the islands on Tuesday as part of the Home Advancement Programme for the Poor and Indigent (HAPPI).

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne characterized this delivery as unprecedented in scale, marking the largest single importation of construction materials specifically dedicated to housing support in the nation’s history. The materials have been transported to secure facilities awaiting distribution to qualified households across the country.

    This initiative represents merely the initial phase of a sustained governmental commitment to address housing inadequacies. The administration has pledged to continue annual investments until substantial improvements are achieved in both new home construction and existing structure repairs for vulnerable populations.

    Social and Urban Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner affirmed the comprehensive nature of the program, emphasizing its non-partisan eligibility criteria. Minister Turner reiterated the government’s directive to assist all qualifying citizens irrespective of political affiliation, with the ultimate objective of transforming living conditions for families in need.

    Prospective beneficiaries must complete formal applications through the Social Protection Board, followed by site evaluations to determine specific requirements. Approved applicants will receive direct material delivery, with supplementary estimates prepared when necessary to ensure effective implementation.

    The HAPPI initiative underscores the government’s enhanced focus on social protection frameworks and its dedication to improving living standards for economically disadvantaged citizens through practical infrastructure support.

  • Antigua set for record cruise arrivals as 17,000 passengers expected in one day

    Antigua set for record cruise arrivals as 17,000 passengers expected in one day

    The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda experienced an extraordinary surge in maritime tourism activity, marking one of its busiest cruise days on record. A total of six vessels simultaneously docked at the nation’s harbors, delivering over 12,000 passengers to its shores and showcasing its robust port infrastructure.

    The logistical operation was split between two key ports: five ships berthed at the St. John’s Harbour, with a sixth arriving at Falmouth Harbour. This coordinated arrival demonstrated the ports’ advanced capabilities in efficiently managing substantial visitor influxes during high-demand periods, a critical factor for maintaining a positive passenger experience.

    According to statements from Antigua Cruise Port, this significant influx generated a palpable economic ripple effect. The areas surrounding St. John’s and adjacent communities witnessed a dramatic increase in commercial activity. Local enterprises, including retailers, restaurants, and tour operators, benefited from the elevated foot traffic, providing a substantial boost to the broader tourism ecosystem.

    Cruise tourism is a cornerstone of the national economy, directly fueling growth by creating heightened demand across interconnected service sectors. This includes transportation providers, souvenir shops, and guided excursion companies, all of which see a direct correlation between passenger numbers and revenue.

    Looking ahead, port authorities have projected an even more ambitious milestone. Officials anticipate shattering the current record on January 23rd of the upcoming year, with a staggering forecast of more than 17,000 passengers arriving in a single day. This figure represents the highest daily passenger volume ever predicted for the destination.

    These latest metrics underscore a dual achievement: they solidify Antigua Cruise Port’s ascending status as a preeminent hub in the competitive Caribbean cruise circuit and reaffirm the vital, continuing economic contribution of cruise tourism to the nation’s financial stability and growth.

  • Man, 41, on drug charges after police discover cannabis plots

    Man, 41, on drug charges after police discover cannabis plots

    Law enforcement authorities in Saint Lucia have dismantled a significant cannabis cultivation operation in the Choiseul region, resulting in multiple charges against a local resident. The coordinated operation, conducted on December 29, 2025, involved specialized units from the Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit (GNFU) Southern Detachment working in conjunction with Choiseul Police Station personnel.

    During the executed search warrant in Martin, Choiseul, officers discovered and uprooted an extensive cannabis plantation containing 5,580 plants. Additionally, authorities seized 7.3 kilograms of processed cannabis from the residence of 41-year-old Delecus Alphonse, who was subsequently taken into custody.

    The suspect faced three distinct drug-related charges: possession of a controlled drug (cannabis), possession with intent to supply, and cultivation of a controlled plant. Alphonse appeared before the Second District Court in Vieux Fort on December 30, where judicial officials granted bail under specific conditions.

    The bail arrangement requires $3,000 cash or suitable surety backed by land documents for the possession charges, while the cultivation charge carries a $3,600 bail under similar terms. Beyond financial obligations, the court imposed stringent non-monetary conditions including mandatory weekly reporting to Choiseul Police Station every Saturday between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

    Furthermore, Alphonse must surrender all travel documents and is expressly prohibited from leaving Saint Lucia without obtaining formal authorization from the Court. The case represents ongoing efforts by Saint Lucia authorities to combat drug cultivation and distribution networks within the country.

  • Wilkie Cumberbatch juniors begin new term at Luther Thorne amid campus repairs

    Wilkie Cumberbatch juniors begin new term at Luther Thorne amid campus repairs

    Over 120 students from Wilkie Cumberbatch Primary School commenced their Hilary term studies at Luther Thorne Memorial Primary on Tuesday, marking a significant temporary relocation while essential repair works progress at their original Pine campus. The educational transition unfolded smoothly as children passed through the gates of the Wildey Road institution, exchanging farewells with parents before beginning their academic day.

    The Ministry of Education’s operational decision received broadly positive feedback from parental circles, demonstrating community resilience during necessary infrastructure improvements. One mother of a Class Three student conveyed pragmatic acceptance: ‘The ministry has demonstrated competent handling of the situation. Given the circumstances, we appreciate that instructional continuity remains unaffected.’

    Another parent emphasized the psychological aspect of educational displacement: ‘While transitions naturally present adjustment challenges for children, we maintain optimistic expectations for his swift adaptation to the new environment.’ The temporary arrangement showcases Barbados’s educational system’s adaptability in maintaining uninterrupted learning despite facility constraints, with both administrative coordination and community cooperation ensuring minimal disruption to students’ academic progression.

  • Agricultural sector recorded tangible gains in 2025, Ministry says

    Agricultural sector recorded tangible gains in 2025, Ministry says

    In a comprehensive push toward agricultural sustainability, Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development implemented a multi-faceted support program throughout 2025 that yielded significant improvements across the agricultural sector. The initiative addressed critical challenges from disease management to climate adaptation through practical interventions and technological innovation.

    Disease management achieved a major breakthrough with the distribution of 66,000 gallons of complimentary spraying oil to banana and plantain growers combating Black Sigatoka disease. This intervention stabilized production levels and restored farmer confidence, complemented by the introduction of crop insurance providing financial protection against climate-related disruptions. The widespread distribution of ground cover materials further enhanced climate-smart practices while reducing cultivation costs and suppressing weed growth.

    The fisheries sector witnessed substantial upgrades through the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) project, which modernized post-harvest handling, cold storage infrastructure, and market access channels. Maritime safety received significant attention with licensed fishers in Dennery receiving comprehensive safety equipment, emergency grab bags, and specialized hurricane-preparedness training. The Independent Seafood Festival highlighted these advancements while promoting domestic catch consumption to reduce import dependency.

    Human capacity development formed a cornerstone of the agricultural transformation with 22 farmers completing intensive training programs covering advanced agricultural practices, post-harvest management, marketing strategies, and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence applications. Innovation flourished through hands-on training in cost-effective dragon fruit production utilizing galvanized support systems and the successful introduction of seedless watermelon varieties under the Seven Crops Project. Tissue culture technology expanded yam cultivation options, supporting agricultural diversification and long-term sustainability.

    Policy frameworks and institutional capabilities were strengthened through a memorandum of understanding with the Taiwan Technical Mission and the Climate Impact Data Enhancement Project, which upgraded national climate data systems. Collaborative efforts with the Caribbean Cooperative Measurement, Reporting and Verification Hub advanced greenhouse gas accounting methodologies and mitigation measures, including hoop greenhouses and solar-powered irrigation systems. Specialized training for forestry officers enhanced Saint Lucia’s climate reporting capabilities under Paris Agreement commitments.

    Food safety standards were elevated through Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification training at the GLACE Supermarket bakery, ensuring regulatory compliance and protecting public health. The Seven Crops Project further supported farmers through subsidized imports of essential agricultural inputs, reducing production constraints and financial pressures.

    Sustainability initiatives included the establishment of a compost facility at the Bordelais Correctional Facility that converted organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, simultaneously addressing waste management challenges while supporting food production. Community engagement programs such as backyard gardening workshops and the inaugural Agriculture Care Day stimulated household and youth participation in agricultural activities. The Tree Crops Expansion and Rehabilitation Project boosted production of breadfruit, coconut, avocado, and soursop varieties.

    Environmental protection efforts advanced with the deployment of sargassum management equipment donated through UNDP with Japanese funding, mitigating the environmental and economic impacts of seaweed influxes on coastal communities.

    The agricultural year concluded with celebratory events including the Banana and Plantain Festival, which highlighted culinary innovation and nutritional benefits, and a high-level October dialogue that charted the future trajectory of Saint Lucia’s food system transformation toward greater resilience, inclusivity, and nutritional security.

  • PM Browne Pays Tribute to AT&LU Veteran Harold Carter, to Be Given Official Funeral

    PM Browne Pays Tribute to AT&LU Veteran Harold Carter, to Be Given Official Funeral

    The nation of Antigua and Barbuda stands united in recognizing the profoundly transformative impact of the Antigua and Barbuda Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) in shaping the country’s modern development. Founded on January 16, 1939, the union became the vehicle through which the population forged a new destiny.

    Harold Carter, who passed away at age 98 on December 26, 2025, emerged as a pivotal figure during one of the union’s most critical periods. Born into an era when sugarcane dominated the agricultural landscape and defined the economic existence of Caribbean nations, Carter witnessed firsthand the brutal legacy of colonial exploitation. Despite the formal abolition of slavery in 1834, workers faced persistently low wages, barbarous working conditions, physical punishments, wage deprivation, inadequate housing, poor nutrition, and widespread illiteracy.

    At age 21, Carter immersed himself in the struggle for meaningful change, joining the AT&LU in 1949 and rapidly assuming leadership responsibilities. His commitment coincided with the union’s preparation for a historic confrontation that would redefine labor relations in the country.

    In May 1951, the AT&LU initiated a pivotal struggle to liberate workers from oppressive conditions, calling for the first-ever Labor Day celebration without legal sanction. The British-descended management of the Antigua Sugar Factory responded with determination to ‘starve the black workers into submission,’ setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation.

    Carter played a crucial role in strengthening resolve among workers facing threats from descendants of slave-masters. When the union called a general strike on May 5, 1951, the establishment responded with mass arrests of section leaders. Carter and twelve courageous compatriots were arrested on charges of using threatening language toward workers.

    Tried before a magistrate favored by the overlords, twelve of the men received one-month jail sentences, while Kelso Frederick received two months for evading capture. These thirteen activists—Harold Carter, James Drew, Wills Emanuel, Renford Payne, Steven Payne, Ervin Samuel, Jessey Silcott, Alvin Tanner, Alfred Thomas, Charles Williams, Mash-um-up Simon, Kelso Frederick, and Clovell Williams—challenged the legitimacy of oppressive laws that had maintained Antigua and Barbuda in a state of perpetual underdevelopment.

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne, speaking on behalf of the government and people, has declared that Carter will receive an official funeral in recognition of his contributions. The Prime Minister extended condolences to Carter’s wife Olga, his family, friends, and the broader union fraternity, noting that these courageous figures remain eternally present in the nation’s collective memory and historical annals, much like Prince Klaas and the 88 freedom seekers executed in 1736-1737.

  • NSWMA secures World Bank grant for new tyre shredder

    NSWMA secures World Bank grant for new tyre shredder

    Antigua and Barbuda’s National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has obtained a critical World Bank-funded grant to acquire a state-of-the-art tire shredding system. This advanced machinery represents a significant technological upgrade, engineered to process all tire varieties—from standard passenger tires to challenging steel-belted and heavy-duty commercial tires that have historically posed disposal difficulties.

    According to NSWMA General Manager Indira James-Henry, the current shredding equipment at the local landfill has proven fundamentally inadequate for the nation’s needs. Its limited capacity and inability to handle steel-reinforced materials have created a persistent bottleneck in waste processing operations.

    The acquisition of this specialized shredder is expected to transform the country’s approach to tire waste management. Officials project substantial improvements in processing efficiency and safety protocols, directly addressing the chronic overcrowding at landfill sites. This intervention strengthens the overall resilience of the national waste management infrastructure.

    James-Henry highlighted the severity of the tire accumulation problem, revealing that approximately five million discarded tires are currently stockpiled across disposal facilities. This massive buildup presents multifaceted threats to community wellbeing, including heightened fire hazards, environmental contamination risks, and potential public health concerns—challenges that are particularly acute with steel-reinforced tires that resist conventional processing methods.

  • New One Communications CEO appointed

    New One Communications CEO appointed

    In a significant leadership transition, Guyana’s telecommunications sector witnesses the appointment of Abraham Smith as the new Chief Executive Officer of One Communications. The announcement, made on January 7, 2026, positions Smith to steer both residential operations and the corporate division Brava through a period of accelerated national development.

    Smith brings substantial regional expertise to the role, boasting over twenty years of executive experience across Caribbean and Latin American markets. His most recent position was as Strategic Advisor at ATN International, the parent company of One Communications, following his tenure as CEO of Digicel Trinidad and Tobago which concluded in July 2025.

    The appointment follows the departure of Richard Stanton, who held the CEO position for less than one year. Company Chairman Brad Martin emphasized the critical timing of this leadership change, noting Guyana’s ongoing dynamic economic expansion requires robust telecommunications infrastructure.

    “Abraham recognizes the profound responsibility that comes with leading telecommunications during a nation’s transformative growth period,” Martin stated. “His proven leadership, cultural understanding, and commitment to balancing commercial objectives with community value make him ideally suited to reinforce One Communications’ role as a developmental partner to Guyana.”

    Smith’s mandate focuses on three primary objectives: enhancing customer experience for both commercial and residential clients, strengthening network resilience, and expanding enterprise partnerships throughout the region.