Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed that the government is in advanced discussions with a prominent foreign banking group to sell its majority stake in Caribbean Union Bank (CUB). The announcement was made during his weekly radio program, *The Browne and Browne Show*, where he highlighted the nation’s economic progress and ongoing investment strategies. The government currently holds approximately 80% of CUB’s shares, acquired six years ago to rescue the bank from consistent losses under private ownership. Since then, CUB has turned profitable, though it remains a relatively small institution. Browne emphasized the need for a strategic partner capable of recapitalizing and expanding the bank’s operations. The potential buyer, a foreign banking group managing billions in assets, is expected to inject at least $100 million into CUB, significantly scaling its capabilities. The Prime Minister underscored that this move aligns with the government’s broader vision to modernize the financial sector and enhance banking services through technological innovation. He stressed the importance of adopting cutting-edge technology to meet evolving consumer demands, such as seamless mobile transactions. The ultimate goal is to transform CUB into a robust, well-capitalized institution that drives national development and improves access to financial services.
博客
-
PM Says $5 Million Allocated to National Housing for Jolly Beach Upgrades
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a significant investment of US $5 million into the National Housing Corporation to initiate upgrades at Jolly Beach Resort. This move underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing tourism infrastructure, supported by the nation’s robust fiscal performance. The funds, already deposited into National Housing’s account, will be allocated to renovate 33 additional rooms, construct a state-of-the-art conference facility, and improve critical infrastructure such as electrical and sewer systems. Browne emphasized that the project is part of a broader strategy to revitalize key tourism assets while ensuring local agencies and contractors directly benefit from government initiatives. He highlighted that National Housing will oversee the execution of these upgrades. The Prime Minister also linked this investment to other recent capital expenditures, including the purchase of fire trucks, garbage trucks, heavy equipment, and even a plane and a crane, made possible by the country’s improved financial health. Browne attributed these developments to steady economic growth and disciplined fiscal management, stressing the importance of safeguarding public funds for their intended purposes.
-
Fraser has ‘mega solution’ for ‘major problem’ in Central Kingstown
Marvin “Mega” Fraser, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate for Central Kingstown, delivered a compelling speech during his campaign launch for the upcoming November 27 general elections. Fraser, leveraging his nickname and punning on the military title of his opponent, Major St. Clair Leacock, emphasized his deep-rooted connection to the community and his professional expertise. He described himself as a problem-solver, stating, “I am somebody that people call when they want their problems fixed,” and promised a “mega solution” for Central Kingstown’s challenges. Fraser highlighted his upbringing in Kingstown, detailing his experiences in various neighborhoods and his active involvement in local football, which he believes positions him as a true representative of the constituency. He also underscored his professional background as an IT systems engineer, citing his work with Karib Cable, the Mustique Company, and Glossy Bay in Canouan, where he designed IT infrastructure for prominent buildings. Fraser’s football legacy, including his role as president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) and his achievements with Avenues United Football Club, further solidified his reputation as a leader who delivers. He praised the ULP’s track record in Central Kingstown, citing initiatives such as low-income housing, scholarships, and support for seniors and hurricane-affected homes. Fraser concluded by emphasizing the ULP’s commitment to inclusivity and development, asserting, “We walk the walk. We are here for development, and the ULP has developed and delivered for the people of Central Kingstown.”
-
PM Says LIAT to Add Another Aircraft as Government Increases Investment
Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has announced a significant step in the revival of regional carrier LIAT, with plans to add another aircraft to its fleet in the coming weeks. This move is part of the government’s broader strategy to rebuild the airline and ensure its long-term sustainability. To support this expansion, the administration has allocated an additional US $4 million to cover the costs of parts and other operational requirements for the new aircraft. This latest investment adds to the approximately US $50 million already committed by the government to LIAT’s revival. Browne emphasized that the airline’s progress is a testament to the strength of Antigua and Barbuda’s economy, which has facilitated substantial capital investments across various sectors. He highlighted recent acquisitions, including seven fire trucks, ten garbage trucks, and US $21 million worth of heavy equipment for Public Works, as evidence of the government’s robust financial position. The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of LIAT’s expansion as a symbol of renewed confidence in regional connectivity and Antigua and Barbuda’s pivotal role as a hub for inter-Caribbean travel.
-
OPINION: The Reality of sin in the Church—A Pastor’s Response
In a recent letter published on Antigua News Room, a concerned believer expressed deep concerns about the church ‘losing its way,’ the lack of accountability within its ranks, and the growing hesitation to trust the institution due to emerging accounts of misconduct. Responding to these issues, a young pastor has offered a balanced perspective, addressing the complexities of sin, justice, and restoration within the church. The pastor emphasized that regardless of an individual’s station or occupation, any crime committed must be met with justice. Citing Romans 13, he highlighted that God has entrusted civil punishment to the state, and church leaders are not exempt from accountability. While acknowledging the grace, forgiveness, and restoration offered by God, the pastor stressed that these divine principles do not bypass the need for due process under the law. He clarified that if a criminal offense has occurred, the law must take its course, irrespective of the individual involved. Addressing the broader issue of sin within the church, the pastor noted that misconduct has been a challenge since biblical times, as seen in the Corinthian church. He underscored that Scripture mandates proper church discipline, which may include removing leaders from their positions or excommunicating unrepentant believers. However, the ultimate goal of such discipline is restoration, though it does not always mean returning to the same ecclesiastical office. The pastor also urged believers not to lose hope in the church, encouraging them to seek out healthy congregations led by honest, biblical, and Godly leaders. He acknowledged that while some leaders have fallen short, many others have stood the test of time. For victims of abuse in church settings, the pastor expressed heartfelt sympathy and prayed for healing, emphasizing the importance of finding a supportive community of believers. In conclusion, he affirmed that while all sin is detrimental, not all churches are bad, and many leaders remain steadfast in their faith and integrity.
-
Pringle Declines COP29 Invitation from Prime Minister Browne
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has turned down an invitation from Prime Minister Gaston Browne to be part of Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Brazil. The invitation was extended as a symbolic gesture to foster national unity on climate advocacy, a critical issue for small island states. However, government officials revealed during a recent discussion that Pringle declined the offer, prompting criticism from the Prime Minister. Browne emphasized that true leadership prioritizes national interests over partisan politics, citing his own participation in national events during his time in opposition as an example of such commitment. He described Pringle’s decision as a missed opportunity to present a united front on climate change, a matter of existential importance for vulnerable nations like Antigua and Barbuda. The country will join other Caribbean nations at COP29, where discussions will center on climate finance, loss and damage, and support for developing countries disproportionately affected by climate change.
-
Behind the paint: The artists bringing Saint Lucia’s walls to life
Saint Lucia is undergoing a vibrant transformation as murals emerge across its communities, turning once plain and grey walls into canvases that narrate the island’s rich culture and history. This artistic shift, driven by a government-led initiative, aims to integrate art into public spaces, fostering national pride and cultural expression.
-
Educational support outside of school term being considered, says Morris Dixon
In the aftermath of the devastating Category Five Hurricane Melissa, which caused significant destruction in western Jamaica, Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon has announced comprehensive measures to address the anticipated learning loss among students. Speaking to Observer Online following a special media briefing on Monday, Minister Dixon revealed that the Ministry of Education is actively considering extending educational support beyond the standard school term. This includes organizing holiday camps and potentially extending programs into the summer to help students regain their academic footing.
Despite public concerns over the swift reopening of 136 schools less than a week after the hurricane, Minister Dixon emphasized that the process was carefully managed, prioritizing the well-being of students and staff. Many schools reopened primarily for staff to attend counseling sessions and discuss their experiences post-hurricane. For schools that welcomed students, the focus was on providing psychosocial support.
To assist affected students, the ministry is assembling kits in collaboration with guidance counselors and schools for distribution. Additionally, the ministry is exploring various solutions to rebuild and maintain learning in areas where schools were destroyed. Options under consideration include setting up temporary tents, relocating students to other schools, and providing learning materials for home use on specific days.
Minister Dixon also highlighted the ministry’s partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to develop effective recovery strategies. Drawing on UNICEF’s global experience in disaster recovery and education system rehabilitation, the collaboration aims to ensure the welfare of children and their access to essential education.
‘We’re going to figure it out. We’re going to have to be flexible because the key thing is the welfare of our children and getting our children to get the education that they desperately need so that they can take off in this world,’ Minister Dixon concluded.
-
IICA launches emergency fund to aid Caribbean agriculture after Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) has established an emergency fund to support the agricultural sectors of four Caribbean nations: The Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. These countries have experienced substantial losses due to the extreme weather event, prompting immediate action from IICA.
-
Hurricane Melissa death toll climbs to 32
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government of Jamaica has announced that the official death toll from Hurricane Melissa has climbed to 32, with eight additional fatalities currently under investigation. The confirmation came during a special media briefing led by Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, at Jamaica House in Kingston on Monday, November 3. Dr. Morris Dixon expressed deep sorrow over the rising number of casualties, stating, ‘We do expect that number to increase. Every additional person added to that list is profoundly felt by all of us.’ She extended prayers and support to the affected families, acknowledging the immense grief they are enduring. Hurricane Melissa, which struck western Jamaica on October 28, caused widespread devastation, prompting the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to deploy helicopters for search and recovery operations. The government continues to monitor the situation closely, providing updates as recovery efforts progress.