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  • NODS to lead emergency preparedness during CHOGM

    NODS to lead emergency preparedness during CHOGM

    In preparation for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), Antigua and Barbuda’s National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) has been designated as the lead agency for comprehensive emergency management planning. The disaster response organization will implement robust contingency measures to address potential natural disasters and security incidents throughout the international gathering.

    The agency’s comprehensive preparedness strategy includes establishing coordinated inter-agency response protocols, maintaining advanced public safety communication infrastructure, and implementing detailed medical evacuation plans. Specialized readiness teams will be strategically positioned at all major summit venues to provide immediate on-site support during the presence of visiting international dignitaries and government leaders.

    Government authorities emphasize that these enhanced preparedness measures demonstrate the nation’s commitment to ensuring seamless security and emergency response capabilities during this high-profile diplomatic event. The multi-layered approach integrates natural disaster management with security incident protocols, creating a unified response system specifically designed for the unique requirements of hosting an international summit of this magnitude.

    The coordinated effort represents one of the most comprehensive emergency preparedness initiatives undertaken by the Caribbean nation, reflecting the serious commitment to ensuring both delegate safety and uninterrupted proceedings during the important Commonwealth meeting.

  • STATEMENT : Christmas and New Year message from Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica

    STATEMENT : Christmas and New Year message from Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica

    In his annual Christmas message to the nation, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of the Commonwealth of Dominica reflected on the country’s significant achievements throughout 2025 while outlining an optimistic vision for the upcoming year. Addressing citizens both domestically and abroad, the Prime Minister emphasized the season’s core values of compassion, humility, and service to others as fundamental to the national character.

    Prime Minister Skerrit characterized 2025 as a period of determined effort and meaningful progress despite global economic uncertainties, climate challenges, and geopolitical instability. The government’s implementation of a revised minimum wage policy stood as a landmark achievement, designed to protect working families and restore dignity to labor. Additionally, the removal of Value Added Tax and customs duties on essential food items provided substantial cost-of-living relief for households across the island nation.

    The administration continued its comprehensive investment strategy across critical sectors including housing, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. These initiatives form part of a broader vision to build a resilient and opportunity-rich society. Significant advancements in the International Airport Project marked another milestone, with the transformative infrastructure development expected to enhance tourism, trade, and global connectivity while creating employment opportunities for hundreds of citizens.

    Environmental sustainability remained a key consideration in national development plans, with the government affirming its commitment to balancing economic progress with ecological preservation. The Prime Minister specifically acknowledged the contributions of various sectors including agriculture, fishing, public service, healthcare, education, law enforcement, and private enterprise, recognizing them as the nation’s backbone.

    Special attention was directed toward the Dominican diaspora, whose continued support and investment were described as invaluable to national development. The government reaffirmed its dedication to creating opportunities for youth through education, skills training, entrepreneurship programs, and meaningful employment initiatives.

    Looking ahead to 2026, the administration promised continued investments, further reforms, and enhanced focus on improving quality of life for all citizens. While acknowledging inevitable challenges, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in the nation’s collective resilience and shared destiny. The message concluded with seasonal greetings and blessings for health, hope, and prosperity in the coming year.

  • PHOTOS: Flow Hosts Festive Community Christmas Lunch at Heroes Park

    PHOTOS: Flow Hosts Festive Community Christmas Lunch at Heroes Park

    In a heartwarming display of community spirit, telecommunications provider Flow brought festive cheer to the public with a specially organized Christmas lunch at Heroes Park on Thursday, December 18, 2025. The event transformed the public space into a vibrant hub of seasonal celebration, where members of the community gathered to share in the joy of the holidays. Attendees enjoyed a festive meal in a convivial atmosphere that emphasized togetherness and goodwill. The initiative demonstrated corporate commitment to social engagement beyond commercial operations, creating a platform for genuine human connection during the holiday season. The carefully orchestrated event successfully blended corporate social responsibility with traditional holiday values, providing nourishment both physical and emotional to participants. This gathering represented more than just a meal—it served as a testament to the power of community bonding during special occasions, reinforcing the importance of collective celebration in public spaces.

  • Shen Long doneert kerstpakketten aan 15 sociale instellingen; president waardeert geste

    Shen Long doneert kerstpakketten aan 15 sociale instellingen; president waardeert geste

    In a significant display of corporate social responsibility, Shen Long Company—renowned manufacturer of Snowkleen toilet paper, kitchen rolls, tissues, diapers, and recently launched detergents—distributed extensive Christmas care packages to fifteen social institutions on Saturday. The ceremonial handover was presided over by President Jennifer Simons, who publicly commended the company for its deep community engagement.

    Company Director Xie Da emphasized that social responsibility forms the cornerstone of Shen Long’s corporate philosophy. ‘We firmly believe a company’s value is measured not by its commercial success, but by its compassion and care for the most vulnerable in society,’ Xie stated during the event.

    The donation drive presented logistical challenges for some institutions due to the volume of supplies. However, with assistance from Shen Long staff, all packages were successfully loaded into vehicles. Each package contained fifteen essential items, including sacks of potatoes, 50kg bags of rice, chicken legs, Christmas breads, and a variety of paper products.

    This initiative continues a tradition Shen Long began in 2008, which has now become an integral part of its organizational culture. Xie noted, ‘A single act of giving can inspire others to contribute. Together, these gestures form a beacon of guidance and hope.’

    President Simons expressed strong approval of the initiative, stating, ‘We must support each other and step in where people struggle. Given the challenging times we’re navigating, I’ve repeatedly called for solidarity. No one can do it alone—not even the government. That’s why I deeply value efforts like these. Giving inspires more giving.’

    Simons also personally thanked representatives from the recipient institutions for their dedicated and often demanding work in service of the community.

    This year’s beneficiaries included the Mytylschool, Mr. Huber Stichting, In De Ruimte, Betheljada, Huize Albertine, Hoor Naar Zijn Stem, Huize Ashiana, Kinderhuis Saron, Huize Tyltyl, Huize Siembah, Wanica Regional Hospital (geriatrics department), Libi Makandra, Maharishi Dayanand Children’s Home, Lotjeshuis, and Huize Ekkelisia.

  • Deputy CoP says police officers working ‘under some inhumane conditions’

    Deputy CoP says police officers working ‘under some inhumane conditions’

    In a striking courtroom admission, Deputy Police Commissioner Frankie Joseph has formally alerted the High Court to the severely deficient working environments plaguing the nation’s police force. During the closing proceedings of the criminal assizes in Kingstown, the nation’s second-highest ranking law enforcement official characterized the conditions within multiple stations as “inhumane,” explicitly inviting judicial scrutiny of the Central Police Station’s facilities.

    The unprecedented testimony emerged during a special sitting presided over by Justice Rickie Burnett, who extended the traditional court address privileges to include both a jury member and Deputy Commissioner Joseph, in the absence of Police Commissioner Enville Williams. Joseph commenced his remarks by extending seasonal greetings to judicial stakeholders before delivering his damning assessment of institutional neglect.

    “Counsel Connell, thank you for those words. Yes, the police have been doing, in my estimation, an exceptional job under very harsh conditions,” Joseph stated, directly addressing the court. The deputy commissioner specifically referenced the historic headquarters on Bay and Hillsboro streets, noting social media had previously documented the deteriorating infrastructure.

    Justice Burnett interpreted Joseph’s comments as an official invitation to inspect the facilities, which he immediately accepted. Joseph elaborated that officers provide dual services to “internal customers” (the officers themselves) and “external customers” (the public), noting that substandard working conditions inevitably degrade service quality despite professional training.

    Earlier in proceedings, attorney Grant Connell had initiated the discussion by challenging police leadership to advocate more vigorously for their personnel. “Deputy Commissioner, you have to stand up for your men. And if you didn’t want to stand up before, stand up now,” Connell urged, recommending direct appeals to the Prime Minister for infrastructure improvements.

    The lawyer provided visceral descriptions of decrepit conditions, comparing Central Police Station’s upper floors to a scene from Pirates of the Caribbean where “you had to dodge the woodlice and look for a plank that you can walk on.” Connell further recalled visiting the Drug Squad base where officers swept rat dung from kitchens while pigeons flew freely through the premises.

    These judicial revelations coincide with newly appointed National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock’s ongoing inspections of police facilities since assuming portfolio responsibility on December 2, following the New Democratic Party’s electoral victory on November 27.

  • Social Protection Board shares the joy of Christmas with the children

    Social Protection Board shares the joy of Christmas with the children

    POINTE VILLE – The Lion’s Den venue radiated with festive cheer last week as it welcomed hundreds of delighted children for the highly anticipated annual Christmas celebration, orchestrated by the Social Protection Board (SPB). This cornerstone event in the government social agency’s calendar saw attendance surge beyond three hundred youngsters.

    Attendees were treated to an afternoon brimming with entertainment and merriment. Highlights included a vibrant bounce castle, lively music, and refreshing treats. The festivities reached a peak with a special appearance from Santa Claus, who distributed gifts to the excited children, ensuring smiles all around.

    The success of this heartwarming initiative was attributed to robust corporate and community backing. Mary Baltimore, Coordinator of the Social Protection Board, emphasized the critical role of sponsors. “This event is a annual highlight for these children, made possible solely through the generosity of our sponsors. Without their unwavering commitment, realizing such a joyful gathering would be unattainable,” Baltimore stated.

    Major contributors recognized for their significant support included Sunny Ltd., Royalton Hotel, and Signs and Impressions. Baltimore extended a profound and heartfelt gratitude to these entities and all other contributors for their philanthropic efforts.

    Furthermore, Baltimore lauded the dedicated SPB staff members for their exceptional diligence and commitment. She praised their relentless efforts, stating, “My deepest thanks go to our incredible team for their unwavering support throughout the past twelve months and for going the extra mile to ensure this event’s resounding success.”

  • OPINION: Do you know that you work two months free every year for the Antigua and Barbuda government?

    OPINION: Do you know that you work two months free every year for the Antigua and Barbuda government?

    A profound fiscal analysis reveals a growing economic burden on citizens of Antigua and Barbuda as government expenditures continue their unprecedented upward trajectory. Over a five-year period from 2021 to 2025, the national budget has escalated by 33.5%, climbing from $1.499 billion to a projected $2.001 billion, with a further increase to $2.078 billion anticipated for 2026.

    This expansion of government spending represents what economists term ‘hidden taxation’ – indirect fiscal measures that substantially impact citizens’ cost of living without transparent disclosure. The fundamental economic principle remains unchanged: every dollar spent by the government must first be extracted from the populace, either through immediate taxation or deferred debt obligations that future generations will inevitably bear.

    Current data indicates that indirect taxation consumes approximately 18% of the national GDP, meaning the average citizen surrenders $1 of every $5 earned to government coffers through consumption-based levies. When combined with statutory deductions including Social Security, Medical Benefit, and Education Levy, the total government claim on individual income reaches a staggering 30.5%.

    A detailed examination of a typical monthly budget for an individual earning the average salary of EC$3,000 demonstrates the severe financial pressure facing ordinary citizens. After accounting for housing ($900), utilities ($500), daily meals ($200), groceries ($400), and both direct and indirect government deductions ($916), only $84 remains for transportation, incidentals, and discretionary spending.

    This fiscal reality means the average worker effectively labors for two months annually solely to satisfy indirect tax obligations. While some argue this represents necessary contribution to national development, the current trajectory risks creating unsustainable economic conditions where government spending priorities override individual financial stability.

    The critical question facing citizens and policymakers alike is whether this pattern of budgetary expansion serves the public interest or requires immediate correction through disciplined fiscal restraint and transparent accounting of taxation’s true impact on household economics.

  • US pursuing third oil tanker linked to Venezuela, official says

    US pursuing third oil tanker linked to Venezuela, official says

    Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have reached new heights as the US Coast Guard engages in active pursuit of another oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela. This development marks the third such incident this month, following the seizure of two Venezuelan-flagged oil tankers by US authorities.

    According to US officials, Sunday’s pursuit targets a ‘sanctioned dark fleet vessel’ allegedly participating in Venezuela’s illegal sanctions evasion operations. The vessel in question is reportedly flying false flags and remains under judicial seizure order. Washington maintains that Venezuela utilizes oil revenues to finance drug-related criminal activities, while Caracas has condemned the seizures as outright ‘theft and kidnapping.’

    The escalation follows President Donald Trump’s recent order establishing a naval blockade against sanctioned oil tankers attempting to enter or leave Venezuelan waters. Venezuela, which possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has accused the Trump administration of attempting to plunder its natural resources.

    While US authorities haven’t officially confirmed details of Sunday’s operation, the pattern of enforcement continues. Saturday’s seizure involved a Panamanian-flagged tanker boarded by specialized tactical teams in international waters. Although not on the US Treasury’s sanctioned vessels list, the ship was transporting ‘sanctioned PDVSA oil’ according to US officials. Maritime records indicate the vessel previously sailed under Greek and Liberian flags over the past five years.

    The Venezuelan government has vowed that ‘these acts will not go unpunished’ and intends to file formal complaints with the UN Security Council and other multilateral organizations. Venezuela’s economic stability heavily depends on oil export revenues, making these seizures particularly damaging.

    Recent weeks have witnessed increased US military presence in the Caribbean Sea, including deadly strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling vessels that resulted in approximately 100 casualties. The US has additionally imposed sanctions on relatives of President Nicolás Maduro and businesses associated with what it terms his ‘illegitimate regime.’

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that ‘the current status quo with the Venezuelan regime is intolerable for the United States,’ signaling the administration’s determination to alter the dynamic. These statements drew sharp criticism from Venezuela’s foreign minister, who accused Rubio of pushing for ‘regime change.’

    Notably, the US military has faced growing congressional scrutiny over the vessel strikes, as no public evidence has been provided confirming drug trafficking activities aboard these ships. The Trump administration has further accused Maduro of leading a designated terrorist organization called Cartel de los Soles, allegations which the Venezuelan president consistently denies.

  • All Saints West MP Thanks Constituents After Christmas Celebration

    All Saints West MP Thanks Constituents After Christmas Celebration

    Anthony Smith Jr., the parliamentary representative for All Saints West, has publicly commended constituents for their overwhelming participation in the constituency’s annual Christmas festivities, characterizing the event as a resounding success. In an official communique released post-celebration, Smith conveyed profound appreciation for the robust community turnout, describing the gathering as profoundly “heart-warming.

    The legislator utilized the occasion to reaffirm his deep-seated commitment to public service, articulating his gratitude for the privilege of representing the community in parliament. He further disseminated seasonal greetings, extending Christmas wishes to all residents and their family members.

    This yuletide gathering constitutes a deeply entrenched tradition within All Saints West, consistently serving as a cornerstone event that unites families, community stakeholders, and political supporters for an evening dedicated to communal harmony and entertainment. Digital photographs subsequently published across official social media platforms documented vibrant scenes from the festivities, visually underscoring the event’s widespread community engagement.

    Representative Smith has consistently emphasized that fostering direct community interaction represents a fundamental component of his parliamentary mandate. He particularly accentuates the importance of such engagements during the holiday period, viewing them as vital for maintaining grassroots connectivity and understanding constituent needs beyond formal political settings.

  • Gov’t to assign ‘qualified’, ‘trusted’ staff to diplomatic posts — minister

    Gov’t to assign ‘qualified’, ‘trusted’ staff to diplomatic posts — minister

    In a significant foreign policy address, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Foreign Minister Fitz Bramble has announced a comprehensive restructuring of the nation’s diplomatic missions. The newly elected New Democratic Party administration, which secured a commanding parliamentary majority on November 27th, will prioritize appointing both qualified and trustworthy personnel to implement government policies abroad.

    Minister Bramble emphasized that diplomatic offices will serve as the primary vehicle for advancing foreign policies designed to benefit all Vincentian citizens. The government will reassess the nation’s participation in regional and multinational organizations to ensure alignment with national interests.

    The Foreign Minister, who also oversees foreign trade, investment, and diaspora affairs, outlined the challenges posed by evolving global realities including shifting geopolitics, economic uncertainty, and rapid technological transformation. He stressed that these conditions necessitate a strategic approach to international engagement, particularly for small developing states like SVG.

    A key component of this strategy involves creative and realistic foreign trade and investment policies capable of addressing national vulnerabilities. The administration has specifically identified the Vincentian diaspora as crucial partners in national development, with plans to actively engage and empower overseas citizens to contribute to the country’s progress.

    Under Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday’s leadership, the government has committed to leveraging these international relationships to create optimal conditions for both national and regional advancement.