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  • Governor-General Confers Faithful and Meritorious Service Awards at Investiture Ceremony

    Governor-General Confers Faithful and Meritorious Service Awards at Investiture Ceremony

    In a dignified ceremony at Government House, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, presented the Governor-General’s Faithful and Meritorious Service Awards to four exceptional citizens who have made transformative contributions to national development. The investiture ceremony celebrated decades of dedicated service across multiple sectors including cultural preservation, public health, architectural innovation, and sports development.

    The honored recipients included Mr. Eustace ‘Gaytooks’ Harris, recognized for his six-decade commitment to elevating the steelpan as both a national treasure and international symbol of Antiguan and Barbudan cultural identity. Mrs. Phylis Ephena Vanetta Matthew was celebrated for her distinguished work in public health and community development, particularly through nursing leadership and advocacy for marginalized populations.

    Mr. Colin John Jenkins received honors for his pioneering contributions to sustainable architecture and climate-resilient infrastructure development. Mr. Donald Zorol Barthley was acknowledged for his groundbreaking leadership in both sports administration, particularly within West Indies cricket, and business entrepreneurship with significant youth mentorship components.

    Governor-General Williams emphasized that these awards, established by Warrant in 2015, complement the National Honours system by recognizing exemplary service that might otherwise remain unacknowledged. The program specifically aims to encourage sustained excellence and commitment to nation-building while affirming the value of long-term dedicated service.

    The awards framework includes four distinct grades of recognition: the Faithful and Meritorious Service Cross, and the Faithful and Meritorious Service Medal in Gold, Silver, and Bronze classifications, each reflecting varying levels of achievement and service duration. His Excellency noted that nominations typically originate through community applications, highlighting how exceptional service often occurs without public visibility unless formally brought forward by organizations or institutions.

    Concluding the ceremony, the Governor-General and Lady Williams extended holiday greetings and expressed aspirations for a unified and productive 2026 marked by continued national progress and community service.

  • Antigua and Barbuda to Pay Outstanding Public Sector Wages From Covid Period

    Antigua and Barbuda to Pay Outstanding Public Sector Wages From Covid Period

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda has unveiled a definitive roadmap to reimburse public sector employees for income disruptions experienced throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. This initiative directly addresses longstanding grievances over unpaid wages, reduced hours, and mandatory leave without pay that affected numerous civil servants during the national emergency.

    In an official directive, all permanent secretaries across government ministries have been mandated to spearhead the claims process. Their primary responsibility involves the comprehensive collection and rigorous validation of compensation claims from eligible personnel. The administration has set a firm submission deadline of December 31, 2025, for all documented claims to be filed through the appropriate ministerial channels.

    Following the verification phase, the National Treasury Department will assume responsibility for processing the validated financial claims. The government projects that the actual disbursement of funds will commence in January 2026, providing a clear timeline for affected workers awaiting restitution.

    This compensation program represents a significant component of the government’s broader strategy to mitigate the severe financial hardships precipitated by pandemic-related restrictions. Officials are strongly encouraging all eligible public servants to adhere to the announced deadline to facilitate seamless processing and ensure timely receipt of payments. This development is anticipated to receive widespread approval from labor unions and public sector advocates who have consistently lobbied for resolution of these outstanding salary issues.

  • Call for national dialogue on productivity amid ‘inconsistent service’

    Call for national dialogue on productivity amid ‘inconsistent service’

    Barbados faces a critical productivity challenge that threatens economic competitiveness and business sustainability, according to the nation’s leading business organization. The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has issued a stark warning about systemic inefficiencies plaguing multiple sectors, from tourism to financial services.

    BCCI President Paul Innis has called for a candid national dialogue to address what he describes as pervasive service inconsistencies and operational delays that drive up costs and diminish value. “There is a concern in Barbados about productivity that a lot of people don’t talk about,” Innis stated during a press briefing. “We need to be mature enough to discuss this openly.”

    The chamber identifies fundamental problems across the business landscape, including inexplicable processing delays at government agencies and variable service quality in private enterprises. Innis highlighted specific examples: “Why should it take five days to complete something achievable in one? Why does vehicle licensing require two weeks and seven visits to the Licensing Authority?”

    Despite these challenges, the BCCI maintains an optimistic outlook about Barbados’s capacity for improvement. The organization is collaborating with the Barbados National Standards Institution (BNSI) to establish minimum service standards across industries. This initiative aims to create consistent service quality whether customers interact with hotels, manufacturing facilities, financial institutions, or port authorities.

    The productivity discussion emerges alongside recent minimum wage increases that took effect in January. The national rate rose from $10.50 to $10.71 hourly, while security guards received an increase from $11.43 to $11.66. These changes follow substantial raises six months prior that lifted rates from $8.50 to $10.50 nationally and from $9.25 to $11.43 for security personnel.

    When questioned about potential conflicts between wage growth and productivity concerns, Innis offered a nuanced perspective: “Policymakers are addressing livable wage requirements, which is important. The relationship between wages and productivity involves multiple dimensions—including modern equipment investments, process improvements, and employee feedback systems—not just individual worker output.”

    The BCCI advocates for comprehensive productivity enhancement through technology adoption, process optimization, and performance-based incentive structures rather than simply criticizing wage increases.

  • Temporary closure: Licensing and Inspection centre, Dusty Highway

    Temporary closure: Licensing and Inspection centre, Dusty Highway

    The Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) Traffic Division has announced a scheduled temporary closure of its primary Motor Vehicle Inspection Center located along Dusty Highway in St. George. The facility will suspend operations commencing Monday, December 22nd, 2025.

    Regular services at the Dusty Highway location are scheduled to recommence on Monday, January 5th, 2026, at 8:00 AM. To ensure continuity of essential vehicle inspection services during this two-week period, the RGPF has established an alternative operational center.

    From December 22nd, 2025, through January 4th, 2026, mandatory vehicle inspections will be conducted at the Traffic Department headquarters on The Carenage in St. George. The temporary facility will maintain operational hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily to accommodate public needs.

    Police authorities have issued a formal apology for any disruptions this necessary temporary relocation may cause to motorists and vehicle owners. The RGPF simultaneously expressed gratitude for the public’s anticipated cooperation and understanding during this transitional period, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining road safety standards.

    The Office of the Commissioner of Police confirmed these operational changes as part of scheduled maintenance or administrative improvements, though specific reasons for the temporary closure were not detailed in the public announcement.

  • PM teases possibility of heading to the polls next year

    PM teases possibility of heading to the polls next year

    Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has strongly indicated potential early general elections in 2026, deviating from the constitutionally mandated 2027 timeline. During her Christmas gathering at Ilaro Court, the official residence, Mottley delivered a rallying cry to Barbados Labour Party (BLP) supporters, emphasizing the need for preparedness in the coming year.

    The Prime Minister, who secured unprecedented 30-0 victories in both 2018 and 2022 elections, declared: ‘We are all turning up for work in 2026. If something can be done, it is this Barbados Labour Party that will do it.’ Her address received enthusiastic applause from attendees as she urged party members to remain ‘red and ready’ for potential political mobilization.

    This early election speculation aligns with regional trends, following Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s similar decision earlier this month. Political analyst Peter Wickham previously noted the likelihood of Mottley continuing her pattern of early election calls, citing her political history.

    Several developments suggest election preparations are underway: approximately 2,000 public servants are receiving permanent appointments, teacher vacation leave reinstatements are planned, and significant voter list reforms are progressing. Electoral Boundaries Commission Chairman Ramon Alleyne confirmed the removal of over 8,000 ineligible voters—including 4,923 overseas residents and 3,368 deceased individuals—with a cleaned register targeted for January 31 completion.

    Simultaneously, BLP has addressed parliamentary vacancies created by retiring MPs Dale Marshall (St. Joseph) and Cynthia Forde (St. Thomas), appointing Senator Gregory Nicholls and businessman Ryan Brathwaite as respective replacements. Both governing and opposition Democratic Labour Party representatives have intensified constituency engagements nationwide.

    Mottley framed the Christmas event as a unification opportunity, acknowledging sustained economic progress including 17 consecutive growth quarters, record-low unemployment, and unprecedented foreign reserve levels, while recognizing ongoing challenges requiring continued political commitment.

  • Trump sluit oorlog met Venezuela niet uit

    Trump sluit oorlog met Venezuela niet uit

    President Donald Trump has declined to rule out potential military confrontation with Venezuela during a recently published interview, signaling heightened tensions following increased U.S. naval operations in the Caribbean region.

    When questioned by NBC News regarding possible armed conflict, Trump responded unequivocally: “That’s not something I would exclude, no.” The president similarly avoided clarifying whether his administration seeks to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power, stating instead that “He knows exactly what I want. He understands better than anyone.”

    This strategic ambiguity comes alongside reinforced American military deployments throughout the Caribbean basin over recent months. U.S. Marines have been conducting amplified amphibious exercises in Puerto Rico’s Arroyo region, demonstrating heightened operational readiness.

    The administration has intensified economic pressure through petroleum sanctions, with Trump announcing further seizures of Venezuelan oil tankers following last week’s interception of a vessel departing the South American nation. Trump asserted that “more seizures will follow” while making controversial claims regarding Venezuela’s nationalized oil industry, alleging the country had “taken all our energy rights, taken all our oil not so long ago, and we want it back.”

    Concurrently, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions against seven individuals allegedly connected to Maduro and his wife, accusing them of supporting what officials termed a “rogue narcostate.” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declared the administration would not permit Venezuela to “continue flooding our nation with lethal drugs,” characterizing Maduro’s government as threatening hemispheric stability.

    Trump has consistently labeled Maduro as leading a “narco-terrorist” cartel, with U.S. forces conducting multiple engagements against suspected drug trafficking vessels since September that have resulted in over 100 casualties. The president has repeatedly hinted at impending ground operations against narcotics networks, though the recent focus has shifted prominently toward energy resources.

  • VIDEO: PM Friday chats about national issues, son’s role in gov’t

    VIDEO: PM Friday chats about national issues, son’s role in gov’t

    In an exclusive interview with iWitness News correspondent Kenton Chance, Prime Minister Godwin Friday of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) engaged in a comprehensive discussion covering his administration’s recent policy implementations and ongoing political developments. The dialogue provided significant insights into the nation’s first VAT-free shopping day—a landmark economic measure designed to alleviate financial pressure on citizens by allowing tax-exempt purchases. Prime Minister Friday elaborated on the initiative’s objectives, emphasizing its role in stimulating consumer spending and providing tangible economic relief to households.

    Further addressing campaign commitments, the Prime Minister provided updates on the promised bonus salary for public sector employees, detailing the government’s methodology and timeline for fulfilling this electoral pledge. The conversation took a personal turn when questioned about his son’s involvement in the current administration, with Friday offering transparent commentary on familial roles within governmental structures.

    The interview also tackled the contentious election petitions filed against both the Prime Minister and his Foreign Minister, with Friday presenting his legal perspective on these challenges while reaffirming his administration’s legitimacy and commitment to due process. Throughout the exchange, the Prime Minister maintained a focus on his government’s policy agenda while addressing both the achievements and controversies that have characterized his tenure since taking office.

  • VIDEO: Gov’t to pay salary bonus in January

    VIDEO: Gov’t to pay salary bonus in January

    In a significant pre-Christmas announcement, Prime Minister Godwin Friday has confirmed that the vast majority of public sector employees in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will receive an additional month’s salary as a year-end bonus. The declaration was made during an exclusive interview with iWitness News on December 19, 2025, signaling a substantial financial boost for government workers ahead of the new year.

    The bonus initiative represents a considerable investment in the public workforce and is expected to stimulate economic activity during the holiday season. While specific eligibility criteria were not fully detailed in the initial announcement, the Prime Minister indicated that ‘most’ civil servants would qualify for the financial incentive. This development comes as many Caribbean nations grapple with economic challenges, making the gesture particularly noteworthy.

    Government officials suggest this bonus serves dual purposes: recognizing the hard work of public servants throughout the year and providing economic relief amid rising living costs. The payment timing in January rather than December may help workers address post-holiday financial obligations while supporting sustained consumer spending into the new year.

    The announcement has been met with anticipation from the public sector workforce, though some questions remain regarding the precise implementation guidelines and whether any categories of workers might be excluded from the benefit.

  • CWI and CPL Review 2026 Timing for Breakout T20 League

    CWI and CPL Review 2026 Timing for Breakout T20 League

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) have jointly announced the postponement of the 2026 Breakout T20 League following a comprehensive calendar review. The decision stems from an increasingly packed international cricket schedule and strategic preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, rendering the originally planned tournament window unfeasible.

    The Breakout T20 League, which debuted successfully earlier this year, remains a cornerstone of the Caribbean’s player development strategy. Designed as a critical bridge between regional competitions and international cricket, the league focuses on identifying and nurturing emerging talent beyond conventional pathways.

    CWI CEO Chris Dehring emphasized the league’s developmental mission, stating, ‘While we haven’t identified a suitable 2026 window, this remains an essential component of our domestic tournament strategy.’ He noted that the postponement allows for structural reassessment during a fiscally stringent period, ensuring optimal positioning within World Cup cycles for maximum developmental impact.

    Dehring further elaborated on the need for enhanced talent identification systems: ‘We must implement stronger scouting, improved data capture, and clearer alignment with our high-performance systems to ensure measurable progression to senior international levels.’

    With multiple West Indies squads currently active globally – including Under-19 and Senior Men’s teams preparing for World Cups – Dehring stressed the importance of strategic alignment across all cricket levels.

    CPL CEO Pete Russell reinforced the commitment to the league’s long-term viability, stating, ‘This period allows us to refine the format and supporting structures to ensure the league fulfills its intended developmental role.’ Both organizations confirmed that updates regarding the tournament’s rescheduling will be communicated in due course.

  • Wetenschappelijk personeel AdeKUS hervat onderwijs en toetsing

    Wetenschappelijk personeel AdeKUS hervat onderwijs en toetsing

    Academic activities at Suriname’s Anton de Kom University (AdeKUS) have returned to normal following the suspension of industrial action by teaching staff. The decision to end the work stoppage was reached during an emergency general assembly convened by the University’s Scientific Staff Union (VWPU), effectively restoring all educational instruction and examination processes.

    The resolution comes after high-level negotiations between union leadership and President Jennifer Simons on December 17. This meeting was prompted by a formal communication dispatched by VWPU to the presidential office on December 8. The dialogue included the presence of Suriname’s Minister of Education, Science and Culture alongside other senior government officials.

    During the critical discussions, participants emphasized the urgent necessity for implementing structural solutions to address longstanding concerns affecting academic staff. A concrete timeline has been established, setting a firm deadline of January 2026 for the presentation of comprehensive resolutions. Both parties have committed to this schedule, with expectations that substantive measures will be finalized within the stipulated timeframe.

    VWPU leadership has expressed cautious optimism regarding the government’s commitment to fulfilling pledged actions within the agreed period. The union’s chairman, Aroenprekash Badal, indicated that while the temporary cessation of actions demonstrates good faith, the union remains prepared to reassess their position should implementation falter.