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  • PM Signals Series of Town Hall Meetings to Improve Public Engagement

    PM Signals Series of Town Hall Meetings to Improve Public Engagement

    The administration of Antigua and Barbuda, led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, has unveiled plans to launch an extensive series of town hall meetings aimed at strengthening governmental transparency and public dialogue. This initiative emerged during Prime Minister Browne’s recent appearance on the ‘Browne and Browne’ program broadcast by Pointe FM, where he addressed growing critiques of current policies and emphasized the necessity of direct citizen-official interaction.

    While specific operational details including dates, venues, and a comprehensive schedule remain undisclosed, the Prime Minister characterized these forthcoming sessions as crucial components of the government’s enhanced public outreach strategy. Browne articulated that these forums would serve dual purposes: enabling residents to receive firsthand information about governmental operations while simultaneously providing a platform to voice community concerns and inquiries.

    The announcement positions these town halls as integral to the administration’s methodology for advancing significant policy reforms and development projects. Browne underscored that maintaining open channels of communication is particularly vital during periods of substantial governmental initiative. The administration has committed to releasing further particulars regarding the town hall series in subsequent announcements, indicating a structured approach to implementing this participatory democratic exercise.

  • Local filmmaker named finalist at Australian film festival

    Local filmmaker named finalist at Australian film festival

    Elijah Anatole’s cinematic creation ‘Omyra’ has achieved significant milestone by securing a coveted finalist position at the prestigious ÂME International Film Festival scheduled for January 5, 2026, in Australia. The short film’s journey to the final round represents a remarkable accomplishment in the competitive landscape of international cinema.

    Following its initial selection for the festival roster, ‘Omyra’ has now progressed to the ultimate evaluation phase where it will compete against a carefully curated selection of international films for top honors. This advancement underscores the film’s artistic merit and narrative power within the global film community.

    Through an official statement, Anatole conveyed profound appreciation for the recognition: “We extend our gratitude to each festival and jury panel for acknowledging ‘Omyra’ throughout these progressive stages. The continued support during the film’s international exhibition journey has been tremendously encouraging.”

    The film initially premiered on the international circuit during December’s Sundarban International Film Festival, where it immediately captured attention by winning the Best Short Film award in its category. Adding to its growing list of achievements, ‘Omyra’ has also received a nomination in the Best Short Film Block C category at the ongoing Chandler International Film Festival in Arizona, further solidifying its status as an emerging force in independent filmmaking.

    Produced by Artlas Studios, ‘Omyra’ continues to demonstrate the powerful impact of visionary storytelling within the international film festival circuit, representing a significant achievement for Anatole and the entire creative team behind the project.

  • PM Mottley invites CARICOM, Commonwealth observers to monitor poll

    PM Mottley invites CARICOM, Commonwealth observers to monitor poll

    In a landmark decision aimed at preserving electoral transparency, Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley has formally invited international observers to monitor the nation’s February 11 general elections. The unprecedented move comes amid mounting concerns regarding electoral preparedness and voter list integrity raised by opposition parties.

    Addressing journalists after submitting her nomination papers for the St Michael North East constituency, Prime Minister Mottley emphasized her administration’s commitment to protecting Barbados’ democratic reputation. “We spend our time trying to protect the reputation of this nation,” Mottley stated, “and I’m not going to, under any circumstances, agree that it should be sullied.”

    The Prime Minister revealed she had personally contacted both the CARICOM Secretary-General and the Commonwealth Secretary-General to request electoral monitoring missions. While acknowledging the unusual timing of the request, Mottley explained that previous elections hadn’t required such measures due to what she described as “sober maturity” exhibited by all political stakeholders.

    Official correspondence has been dispatched to Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic, President of Barbados, and Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairman Ramon Alleyne for dissemination to all commission members. The commission currently includes three representatives from Mottley’s Barbados Labour Party and two from the opposition Democratic Labour Party.

    Mottley clarified that neither her office nor opposition leadership holds direct authority over election administration, which remains constitutionally vested in the independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. “If there is any doubt or suspicion being cast,” the Prime Minister asserted, “let the independent observers cast a judgment on the conduct of elections in this country.”

    This intervention represents a proactive measure to ensure electoral credibility amid growing political tensions, with Mottley characterizing the decision as “an unfortunate moment, but a necessary moment to protect the integrity and good name of this country.”

  • DLP’s Marshall secures St Philip South nomination with “quiet confidence”

    DLP’s Marshall secures St Philip South nomination with “quiet confidence”

    In a subdued political ceremony devoid of traditional fanfare, Democratic Labour Party candidate Neil Marshall formally submitted his nomination for the St Philip South constituency on Thursday morning. The nomination process, administered by Returning Officer Karan Callender and Election Clerk Jacquiline Trotman, commenced at 11 a.m. and concluded approximately 55 minutes later, marking Marshall’s second consecutive bid for the parliamentary seat.

    Distinguishing his approach from the typical carnival-like atmosphere that characterizes Barbadian political nominations, Marshall emphasized his commitment to substantive representation over theatrical politics. ‘This is a serious exercise, serious business, and I don’t make light of it,’ Marshall stated, articulating his conviction that constituents prioritize genuine engagement over political ‘razzmatazz.’

    As a resident of the constituency himself, Marshall claims intimate familiarity with the pressing issues facing the community. He identified three primary concerns dominating voter priorities: the escalating cost of living, rising crime rates, and deteriorating road infrastructure. His campaign platform centers on addressing these concrete problems rather than employing spectacle-driven politics.

    The nomination process in St Philip South anticipates two additional candidates: John Wayne Scantlebury representing the Bajan Free Party and Omar Smith from Friends of Democracy, both expected to complete their filings imminently. This sets the stage for a multi-party contest in the upcoming elections, with Marshall positioning himself as the serious, community-rooted alternative to incumbent Indar Weir.

  • Free Seedling Distribution Heads to Barbuda Under Plant2Plate Programme

    Free Seedling Distribution Heads to Barbuda Under Plant2Plate Programme

    The innovative Plant2Plate Backyard Gardening Competition is extending its reach to the island of Barbuda, marking a significant expansion of Antigua and Barbuda’s national food security initiative. Organized through the Agricultural Extension Division, this government-backed program will host its inaugural registration and seedling distribution event on Barbuda on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM local time.

    Barbudan residents are encouraged to participate as backyard gardeners and receive complimentary seedlings featuring seven diverse vegetable varieties: watermelon, cucumber, tomato, lettuce, eggplant, sweet pepper, and Chinese cabbage. This strategic selection offers both nutritional diversity and growing versatility for household gardens.

    The expansion represents a critical step in the broader Plant2Plate initiative’s mission to strengthen domestic food production capabilities across the twin-island nation. By empowering citizens to cultivate their own produce, the program directly addresses food import dependency while building resilient local food systems.

    This grassroots approach to food security emphasizes practical, household-level solutions that collectively contribute to national self-sufficiency goals. The competition framework adds an engaging element that encourages sustained participation and knowledge sharing among community members.

    Interested participants can obtain additional information by contacting 722-2942 or visiting the official government agriculture portal at agriculture.gov.ag for comprehensive program details and ongoing updates.

  • Flow Honoured as “Builder of Cayman”

    Flow Honoured as “Builder of Cayman”

    In a significant recognition of technological advancement, Flow Cayman has received the National Recognition Award from the Cayman Islands Government for its transformative role as a ‘Builder of Cayman.’ The honor was conferred during the National Heroes Day ceremony on January 26, celebrating the connectivity provider’s sixty-year partnership in developing the archipelago’s communications infrastructure and digital capabilities.

    The award highlights Flow’s pioneering achievements, including the historic June 2024 deployment of the Caribbean’s first operational 5G network. This milestone established the Cayman Islands as the region’s inaugural territory to experience fifth-generation mobile technology through the activation of Flow’s initial 5G-enabled cell towers.

    Bruno Delhaise, Country Manager of Flow Cayman, emphasized that “this national recognition reflects a relationship built on trust, service and purpose.”

    The company’s contributions extend beyond connectivity infrastructure. Through collaborative initiatives with government entities, private sector organizations, and community groups, Flow has established comprehensive digital pathways for Caymanians. These include vocational training programs and apprenticeships that foster local careers in technology and engineering, alongside specialized programs assisting small and medium enterprises in digital commerce and scaling operations online.

    Susanna O’Sullivan, VP of North Caribbean at Liberty Caribbean (Flow’s parent company), outlined the company’s transformation from traditional telecommunications to technology-first services: “In our evolution from a traditional telco to a technology-first company, our objective is to turn network capability into tangible outcomes for Caymanians.”

    O’Sullivan further detailed these outcomes as encompassing “faster, more reliable services but also better healthcare access, more resilient public services, safer and more efficient businesses, and expanded economic opportunity for people across the islands.” She committed to honoring the recognition through continued investment in “people, partnerships and programmes that deliver measurable social and economic value.”

    The executive also acknowledged Flow’s local team, recognizing their essential role in achieving this milestone and inspiring continued community development.

    Liberty Caribbean, operating under Liberty Latin America, maintains a significant regional presence with operations across more than 20 Caribbean markets. Through its consumer brands Flow and BTC, the company provides comprehensive broadband, mobile, video, and voice services to residential customers. Its B2B division, Liberty Business, delivers enterprise-grade connectivity, cloud solutions, security services, and data center infrastructure to corporate and governmental clients, supporting digital transformation across the region.

    With a legacy spanning over 150 years, Liberty Caribbean remains deeply embedded in the Caribbean region, providing robust network infrastructure, personalized local support, and customized solutions that address the specific needs of the communities it serves.

  • IMF holds discussions with Central Bank Officials

    IMF holds discussions with Central Bank Officials

    The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) hosted a pivotal two-day summit with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on January 21-22, marking the annual policy consultations for the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) member states. The high-level meetings, held at the ECCB Headquarters, were spearheaded by IMF Mission Chief Christoph Duenwald.

    The engagement commenced with comprehensive talks between the IMF delegation and ECCB Governor Timothy N. J. Antoine alongside his senior policy team on January 21. Subsequent discussions extended to broader ECCB staff members on January 22, facilitating a multi-tiered exchange of insights.

    Central to this year’s dialogue was a forward-looking analysis of the ECCU’s economic trajectory. Delegates examined critical macroeconomic indicators, fiscal performance metrics, debt sustainability frameworks, and financial sector stability projections for 2025 and beyond. The conversations specifically addressed medium-term economic expectations and policy coordination mechanisms across the currency union.

    As an outcome of these consultations, the IMF team will compile an exhaustive staff report detailing the ECCU’s economic standing and prospects. This comprehensive assessment is scheduled for presentation to the IMF’s Executive Board during the latter part of this year, potentially influencing future policy directives and financial support mechanisms for the region.

  • Newton Urges Residents to Return to Backyard Farming

    Newton Urges Residents to Return to Backyard Farming

    In a compelling address on The Morning Point programme, Senator Lamin Newton of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party has issued a urgent call for citizens to revive backyard farming practices, citing critical vulnerabilities in food security exposed by recent global crises.

    The ABLP caretaker for All Saints East and St. Luke articulated how the COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark revelation of how rapidly international supply chains could disintegrate, particularly endangering small island nations. “The pandemic provided a profoundly damning lesson,” Newton stated. “None could have conceived in their wildest imagination that global operations would grind to a complete halt. Yet we witnessed it firsthand.”

    Newton emphasized that while many residents initially embraced home gardening during the health crisis, most abandoned these efforts once normality resumed. “During COVID, everyone sought backyard gardens,” he observed. “That enthusiasm has since dissipated as we returned to comfort zones.”

    The senator highlighted current geopolitical tensions as additional justification for maintaining local food production capabilities. “Given the unpredictable global landscape, we must position ourselves to be sustained by local produce for at least one to two months during emergencies,” Newton advised.

    He specifically encouraged utilizing any available land, however limited, for cultivation. “Acquire even a small plot in your backyard and grow something,” he urged, framing food security not as a matter of convenience but as fundamental to survival. “Sustenance remains the primary requirement for human existence—without it, neither survival nor existence is possible.”

  • Animator seeks to bring Caribbean youth hero to screen

    Animator seeks to bring Caribbean youth hero to screen

    An innovative animated project rooted in Afrofuturism principles is gaining remarkable traction on crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, achieving 90% of its financial target within just four days of launch. “The Kazi: Village Rescue,” created by a Bermudian artist of Jamaican descent, represents a significant cultural milestone by bringing authentic Caribbean narratives to global audiences through the medium of animation.

    The project transcends conventional science fiction aesthetics by embracing Afrofuturism’s core tenets of cultural reclamation, heritage celebration, and Black protagonism. The narrative follows Andreas, a young Caribbean hero characterized by intelligence, emotional resilience, and courage as he confronts corruption and defends his mountainous village from mysterious threats. His journey embodies values highly prized across Caribbean communities—responsibility, bravery, compassion, and collective protection.

    Creator Bassett explains the project’s fundamental motivation: “The Caribbean is full of powerful stories and powerful people. I wanted to create something that shows our young men they can be protectors, leaders, and heroes, not just in real life, but in the worlds of fantasy and imagination too.”

    Drawing creative inspiration from anime, fantasy genres, and Afrofuturist storytelling traditions, the animation uniquely blends authentic island life elements with futuristic concepts. This synthesis demonstrates that exceptional animation and compelling universal storytelling can originate from small island nations.

    The project represents a groundbreaking opportunity for Caribbean-born creativity to claim space in international animation, challenging geographical limitations and asserting that Caribbean youth deserve epic worlds, legendary quests, and cinematic representation. With three weeks remaining in its fundraising campaign, the creator continues seeking additional resources to realize this ambitious vision dedicated to Caribbean youth who “envision beyond horizons.”

  • Millet/Vanard cruise into Veterans T20 Final with seven-wicket win

    Millet/Vanard cruise into Veterans T20 Final with seven-wicket win

    Millet/Vanard delivered a commanding performance to secure their place in the championship final of the John Estephane Veterans T20 Tapeball Tournament with a decisive seven-wicket triumph over L’Abayee. The match, held at Balata Playing Field on January 26, showcased Millet/Vanard’s comprehensive dominance in both bowling and batting departments.

    L’Abayee, opting to bat first after winning the toss, struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Millet/Vanard bowling attack. Their innings concluded at 126-6 after the allotted overs, with Julius Archie Simon providing the primary resistance through a determined knock of 53 runs. Shalamia Biscette offered secondary support with 21 runs. The bowling effort from Millet/Vanard was notably collective, with Justus Leo leading the attack by capturing two wickets. Avitus James, Bradley Giddings, Shervon Leo, and David Justin each contributed significantly with one wicket apiece, demonstrating well-coordinated team execution.

    The chase proved remarkably straightforward for Millet/Vanard, who reached their target of 127 in a mere 14 overs, losing only three wickets in the process. The victory was anchored by a spectacular batting display from Aloysius Charles, who smashed a rapid 54 runs, effectively dismantling the opposition’s bowling strategy. He received substantial support from Marvin Charles, whose contribution of 31 runs further solidified their team’s commanding position and seamless path to victory.

    This emphatic win propels Millet/Vanard into the tournament final, scheduled for February 1 again at the Balata Playing Field. They are set to compete against fellow finalists Mini Bus in what anticipates being a highly competitive summit clash. The final is scheduled for a 4 p.m. start and will be preceded by the third-place playoff encounter between L’Abayee and Combined Vets.