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  • ABHTA Holds 2026 Annual General Meeting, Reviews 2025 and Sets Priorities for Year Ahead

    ABHTA Holds 2026 Annual General Meeting, Reviews 2025 and Sets Priorities for Year Ahead

    Antigua and Barbuda’s hospitality sector convened for a pivotal strategic gathering as the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) hosted its 2026 Annual General Meeting at the prestigious Carlisle Bay Resort on January 27. The event assembled prominent industry figures and stakeholders to evaluate previous performance metrics and establish forward-looking development frameworks.

    Keynote addresses from national tourism leadership provided comprehensive sector analysis. Colin C. James, Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, delivered an extensive overview of market dynamics, infrastructure investments, and destination expansion strategies. His presentation identified critical factors influencing visitor attraction patterns and competitive positioning within the Caribbean tourism market.

    Transportation infrastructure received significant attention as Miguel Southwell, CEO of V. C. Bird International Airport, detailed forthcoming enhancements aimed at elevating airlift capacity and improving passenger processing efficiency at the nation’s primary aviation facility. Concurrently, the maritime tourism segment was addressed by Gasper P. George, General Manager of Antigua Cruise Port, who outlined initiatives balancing visitor experience enhancement with environmentally sustainable growth practices.

    ABHTA leadership presented comprehensive organizational reports during the proceedings. Chairman Craig Marshall enumerated the association’s substantial accomplishments throughout 2025 while establishing clear strategic priorities for the upcoming operational cycle. Executive Director Patrice Christian Simon supplemented this outlook with detailed operational reviews and implementation frameworks for the association’s future initiatives.

    The collective vision emerging from the summit emphasizes strengthened partnership networks and collaborative engagement strategies. Industry leadership confirmed their commitment to advancing national tourism objectives through coordinated stakeholder action and innovative sector development approaches throughout 2026.

  • Paradise Beach Club: Chef wanted

    Paradise Beach Club: Chef wanted

    Paradise Beach Club (PBC), Carriacou’s premier luxury destination, has announced an exceptional career opportunity for an accomplished culinary professional. The upscale establishment, renowned for serving both local patrons and international visitors including expatriates and the yachting community, is seeking to recruit an executive chef with demonstrated expertise in high-volume gourmet operations.

    The ideal candidate must possess a minimum of five years’ experience in bustling, upscale restaurant environments with verifiable credentials in delivering superior dining experiences. Essential qualifications include comprehensive knowledge of Caribbean gastronomy alongside international culinary techniques, exceptional organizational capabilities with emphasis on cost containment and inventory management, and thorough understanding of Grenada’s food safety regulatory requirements.

    Primary responsibilities will involve designing and implementing menus that elevate the guest culinary journey, preparing premium dishes that creatively blend local seafood and Caribbean flavors with international influences, and ensuring consistent portion control and artistic presentation. The position requires close collaboration with kitchen and service teams to guarantee seamless operations, meticulous inventory monitoring to reduce waste, and maintaining impeccable workstation organization during peak service periods.

    The successful applicant will receive a competitive compensation package including paid vacation leave and join a professional work environment that prioritizes teamwork, mutual respect, and operational excellence. Interested candidates should submit their curriculum vitae along with three verifiable professional references to the designated recruitment portal.

    This recruitment initiative underscores Paradise Beach Club’s commitment to maintaining its status as Carriacou’s leading culinary destination while contributing to the island’s hospitality employment sector.

  • Three cruise ships in port today as Dominica records a busy start to February

    Three cruise ships in port today as Dominica records a busy start to February

    Dominica’s tourism sector demonstrates robust performance as the island nation welcomes an exceptional concentration of cruise arrivals during the first week of February. Tourism authorities report three vessels docking on February 3rd with three additional ships scheduled for February 4th, signaling strong industry confidence in Dominica’s appeal as a Caribbean destination.

    The February 3rd arrivals included the MV Costa Pacifica at Roseau Cruise Ship Berth carrying 3,800 passengers, the MV Viking Sea at Woodbridge Bay Port with approximately 1,000 visitors, and the SY Sea Cloud at Cabrits Cruise Ship Berth transporting nearly 90 passengers.

    February 4th continues the pattern with three additional vessels: the MV Jewel of the Seas arriving with 2,702 passengers, Le Dumont d’Urville docking at Cabrits with 184 passengers, and the MV Majestic Princess making its inaugural visit to Dominica at Woodbridge Bay Port with an estimated 4,272 passengers.

    Collectively, these six cruise ships will deliver approximately 12,048 visitors to Dominica over the two-day period, generating substantial economic benefits for local tour operators, retail vendors, transportation services, and businesses throughout the island’s communities.

    Visitors will engage in curated excursions, guided adventures, and cultural experiences, facilitated through coordinated efforts between port authorities, cruise representatives, and tourism stakeholders to ensure seamless operations and optimal visitor management at all port facilities.

    The Ministry of Tourism and Discover Dominica Authority are implementing strategic enhancements to the cruise tourism infrastructure, including improvements to Bayfront vending operations, expansion of the Bayfront Pier, and developmental preparations for the upcoming Cable Car Project.

    Government officials emphasize continued collaboration across the tourism sector to maintain consistent service standards and ensure welcoming experiences for cruise passengers. With dedicated focus on quality enhancement, operational coordination, and sustainable development, Dominica strengthens its position as a competitive cruise destination within the Caribbean market.

  • As the Cuban medical saga unfolds – is Saint Lucia torn between friends and comrades?

    As the Cuban medical saga unfolds – is Saint Lucia torn between friends and comrades?

    Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre is navigating complex diplomatic waters as mounting pressure from the United States threatens the island nation’s longstanding medical cooperation with Cuba. The situation presents what Pierre characterizes as an “existential threat” to Saint Lucia’s healthcare system, which has relied on Cuban medical professionals for decades.

    The Trump administration, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio leading the charge, has intensified policies opposing Cuban medical brigades in the Caribbean. The US government alleges these programs violate international labor standards and has threatened sanctions against participating nations. This stance has put Saint Lucia in a precarious position, balancing its “excellent relationship” with the United States against critical healthcare needs.

    Since 2001, the Cuban Medical Brigade has become an integral component of Saint Lucia’s healthcare infrastructure, performing over 15,000 surgical interventions through their renowned eye care program alone at no cost to patients. The partnership extends beyond immediate medical care, with many Saint Lucian physicians and biomedical engineers receiving training in Cuban institutions.

    Health Minister Moses Jn Baptiste acknowledges the potentially devastating impact of losing Cuban medical support, stating that “gaps would emerge” if these professionals were forced to leave. The government is simultaneously pursuing alternative sources for both medical personnel and scholarships while maintaining current arrangements.

    The historical context adds complexity to the situation. Saint Lucia first established diplomatic relations with Cuba in 1979 under the Saint Lucia Labour Party government, despite Cold War tensions that saw other Caribbean nations shun Castro’s government. Now, with changing regional leadership and renewed US pressure, Prime Minister Pierre must chart a course that preserves both international relationships and essential healthcare services.

    Pierre emphasizes that Saint Lucia maintains no dispute with US policy but must “make alternative arrangements” to protect its national interests. The government has already responded to US inquiries, reaffirming compliance with international law while defending the legitimate employment conditions of Cuban doctors working in Saint Lucia.

  • Trump Says U.S. “Starting to Talk to Cuba”

    Trump Says U.S. “Starting to Talk to Cuba”

    In a significant geopolitical development, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed on Saturday that his administration has initiated diplomatic communications with Cuba, even as Washington intensifies economic pressure tactics against the Caribbean nation. The announcement came during an impromptu press briefing where Trump stated, “We’re starting to talk to Cuba,” though he provided no specific timeline or substantive details regarding the nature or agenda of these preliminary discussions.

    This diplomatic overture coincides with the administration’s aggressive campaign to disrupt Cuba’s energy supply chain through coordinated sanctions. Recent executive actions have targeted oil shipments from Venezuela and Mexico—historically Cuba’s primary fuel providers—as part of a calculated pressure strategy. Trump articulated his belief that these measures would compel Cuban leadership to negotiate, asserting that the current government was “ready to fall” and that sustained pressure would inevitably yield a favorable agreement.

    “It doesn’t have to be a humanitarian crisis,” Trump contended. “I think they probably would come to us and want to make a deal. So Cuba would be free again.”

    The administration’s hardline approach has drawn international criticism, particularly from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who condemned the recent executive order imposing tariffs on nations supplying oil to Cuba. Sheinbaum warned that such actions could precipitate a humanitarian disaster while reaffirming Mexico’s commitment to continuing humanitarian assistance.

    Further condemnation came from Belizean Opposition Leader Tracy Panton, who characterized the fuel blockade as “collective punishment” rather than targeted sanctions. Panton emphasized the devastating potential impact on critical infrastructure including healthcare facilities, water purification systems, food preservation capabilities, and transportation networks—all dependent on reliable energy access.

  • Bahamian father handed 15 year sentence for raping 6-y-0 daughter

    Bahamian father handed 15 year sentence for raping 6-y-0 daughter

    NASSAU, The Bahamas — In a profound judicial ruling at the Bahamas High Court, a convicted sex offender has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment after admitting to raping his six-year-old daughter in 2022. The sentence will run concurrently with a separate 17-year term previously imposed for the rape of a 25-year-old woman.

    Presiding Justice Dale Fitzpatrick acknowledged the defendant’s guilty plea as a foundational step toward mending what he described as a ‘broken relationship.’ During the emotionally charged sentencing hearing, Justice Fitzpatrick offered unusual rehabilitative counsel, stating: ‘The sorrow that you are feeling is something to build upon. While the past remains immutable, each new day presents an opportunity for improvement. We all strive to be better—you must commit to being better.’

    The judicial proceedings revealed that the guilty plea spared the now-10-year-old victim from the trauma of testifying and reliving the horrific events of March 12, 2022. The court has withheld the identity of the perpetrator to protect the child’s privacy.

    Justice Fitzpatrick emphasized the strength of the prosecution’s case, noting there was a ‘decent chance’ of conviction at trial. He clarified that the sentence would have been significantly harsher—potentially approaching the maximum life imprisonment penalty for incest—had the case proceeded to trial without a plea agreement.

    As part of the negotiated plea arrangement, the defendant will receive credit for time already served in remand. Additional charges including a second count of incest, indecent assault, and cruelty to children were dismissed in accordance with the agreement.

    In a poignant moment during sentencing, the defendant inquired about future contact with his daughter. Justice Fitzpatrick responded that such decisions would rest solely with the child’s mother and the daughter herself as she matures. The defendant had been prohibited from contacting the victim while released on bail.

  • Kingston Riddims set to wow music lovers with sound system extravaganza on Feb 22

    Kingston Riddims set to wow music lovers with sound system extravaganza on Feb 22

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican capital prepares for a spectacular two-part festival commemorating its tenth anniversary as a UNESCO Creative City of Music. The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport has announced overlapping events scheduled for February 22, 2026, along the Kingston Waterfront, promising an immersive experience for genuine music enthusiasts under the unifying theme ‘Kingston Riddims.’

    The celebration will feature distinct daytime and nighttime programming across two primary venues. ‘Rae Town Vibe’ will activate the Kingston Craft Market (Festival Marketplace) with the legendary Merritone Sound System curating selections from ska and early reggae eras. Special guest artist Stranger Cole, a ska icon, will perform alongside hosting by renowned radio personality Burgerman.

    Simultaneously, the UDC car park will host a ‘Best of the 80s and 90s’ session from noon until midnight, featuring powerhouse sound systems Stone Love, Jamrock, and Travellers. Both events will highlight Jamaica’s revolutionary sound system culture, recognizing these audio setups as primary musical instruments that fundamentally shaped global music trends.

    Beyond musical performances, attendees will encounter rich cultural programming. Pop-up museums at the Craft Market will exhibit artifacts from pioneering producers including Striker Lee (credited with producing the first reggae song), King Tubby (inventor of Dub music), and King Jammys (who pioneered digital dancehall). The National Gallery will contribute additional displays, transforming the waterfront into a vibrant cultural village designed for family enjoyment.

    This milestone celebration reflects a decade of transformative growth and cultural investment since Kingston’s December 2015 designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Music. This prestigious recognition acknowledged Kingston’s unparalleled contribution as the birthplace of six distinct genres: mento, ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub, and dancehall. The city’s musical legacy includes global icons Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Dennis Brown.

    Over the past ten years, Kingston has strategically leveraged its musical heritage to drive economic development, empower youth initiatives, and strengthen community cohesion. The UNESCO designation positioned Jamaica’s capital not merely as a historical musical capital but as a living, evolving creative hub where music remains central to identity, innovation, and economic opportunity.

  • Guyana wary of Venezuela border ‘threat’ even with Maduro gone

    Guyana wary of Venezuela border ‘threat’ even with Maduro gone

    GEORGETOWN, Guyana – President Irfaan Ali declared on Thursday that Guyana remains on high defensive alert against persistent territorial claims from Venezuela over the oil-rich Essequibo region, despite the recent ouster of former leader Nicolas Maduro. Addressing officers at the annual conference of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), President Ali emphasized that the current political transition in Caracas has not eliminated the fundamental threat to his nation’s sovereignty.

    The longstanding border dispute, which has persisted for over a century, escalated dramatically following ExxonMobil’s discovery of substantial offshore oil reserves in the Essequibo basin a decade ago. Tensions reached critical levels in 2023 when Guyana initiated auctions for oil exploration blocks in the contested waters.

    ‘We cannot afford to drop our guard,’ President Ali stated unequivocally, highlighting that the change in Venezuela’s leadership does not diminish the strategic challenge facing Guyana. The disputed territory, administered by Guyana since 1899, represents approximately two-thirds of the country’s total land area and contains potentially transformative hydrocarbon resources.

    Venezuela is currently governed by an interim administration led by Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice-president, who has swiftly moved to privatize the national oil sector and release political prisoners in alignment with U.S. demands. This geopolitical shift follows January’s U.S. military operation that removed Maduro from power.

    ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods noted during a recent earnings call that reduced Venezuelan naval patrols in disputed waters have created new opportunities for exploration in the Stabroek block offshore from Essequibo. The U.S. government had previously supported Guyana’s position during Maduro’s administration and cautioned Venezuela against military escalation.

  • Air traffic dips at both airports in January

    Air traffic dips at both airports in January

    JAMAICA’S TOURISM RECOVERY PATH: Jamaica’s primary international gateways witnessed significant passenger traffic reductions in January, according to latest operational data. The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa continues to reverberate through the island’s tourism infrastructure, with both Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) and Sangster International Airport (SIA) reporting diminished activity.

    Concession operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico disclosed Thursday that SIA processed 284,200 passengers during January, representing a substantial 37.7 percent decrease compared to January 2025’s 456,200 travelers. Despite this sharp decline, the figures indicate a gradual recovery from December 2025’s low of 262,200 passengers at the nation’s busiest aviation hub.

    NMIA experienced a more moderate 6.9 percent contraction, handling 155,500 passengers versus 167,000 during the same period last year.

    The aviation downturn directly correlates with ongoing restoration efforts across Jamaica’s hospitality sector. Multiple luxury resorts remain temporarily closed as reconstruction continues, compounded by infrastructure challenges involving utility restoration and roadway clearance to key tourist destinations.

    According to the Jamaica Tourist Board’s official updates, 23 major hotel properties have postponed reopenings throughout 2026. The phased recommencement schedule includes:
    – Grand Decameron properties: March 1 reopening
    – Three Sandals resorts: May 30 operational restoration
    – Two Royalton hotels: August 25 return to service
    – Eight Hyatt properties: November 1 reactivation
    – Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica: December 1 reopening

    Amid the recovery landscape, Princess Senses the Mangrove resort has initiated operations with substantial promotional incentives, offering up to 60 percent discounts for bookings through February 2026 to October 2027.

    Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett maintained an optimistic outlook during recent stakeholder engagements, asserting Jamaica remains positioned for a successful winter tourism season despite current challenges.

  • Jamaica Consulate in Lagos, Nigeria now open

    Jamaica Consulate in Lagos, Nigeria now open

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to deepen bilateral relations, the Jamaican government has officially inaugurated a new consular office in Lagos, Nigeria. The establishment marks a strategic expansion of Jamaica’s diplomatic presence within Africa’s economic powerhouse.

    Under the leadership of Consul Aima Lijadu, the mission will serve as Jamaica’s primary representation in Nigeria’s commercial nerve center. The consulate is strategically positioned to enhance economic cooperation, particularly in sectors where Lagos excels as a regional hub: commerce, financial services, technological innovation, and digital entrepreneurship.

    A core function of the new office will be to strengthen connections with the substantial Jamaican diaspora community residing in Lagos and throughout Nigeria. The consulate will provide essential citizen services, including processing applications for Jamaican passports and citizenship by descent. Additionally, it will facilitate visa applications for Nigerian nationals and other foreign citizens seeking to travel to Jamaica.

    Operational support will be provided by Jamaica’s High Commission located in Nigeria’s capital city of Abuja. The Lagos consulate will be open to the public during scheduled hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm local time.

    For inquiries, the consulate can be contacted via telephone at +234 916 0323 314 or through email at jamconsulatelagos@gmail.com. This diplomatic initiative reflects Jamaica’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with African nations and creating new pathways for cultural exchange and economic partnership.