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  • Attorney General Says Bill Coming to Change Oath of Allegiance Pledge To British Monarch

    Attorney General Says Bill Coming to Change Oath of Allegiance Pledge To British Monarch

    In a landmark parliamentary address, Attorney General Sir Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin declared that Antigua and Barbuda will introduce legislation to eliminate its constitutional oath of allegiance to the British monarchy, marking a significant step toward full republican status. The proposed bill, scheduled for presentation later in the parliamentary session, seeks to replace the pledge to the monarch with a commitment to national sovereignty.

    Benjamin passionately argued that maintaining loyalty to a foreign sovereign fundamentally contradicts the nation’s independent status, achieved in 1981 after three centuries of colonial rule. “How long are we going to swear allegiance to His Majesty? How long are we going to do that?” the Attorney General challenged lawmakers during his Tuesday presentation.

    The constitutional reform initiative represents part of a broader movement toward redefining national identity in the post-colonial era. Benjamin emphasized that true independence must extend beyond governance to encompass national symbols and pledges, questioning whether the Caribbean region has become “unconcerned about our independence.”

    As the government’s chief legal officer, Benjamin framed the proposed legislation as both his constitutional duty and a necessary evolution in the nation’s journey toward complete self-determination. He explicitly called for initiating formal discussions on transitioning to a republic, urging the Prime Minister and administration to “at least invite the talk. Have discussions on those matters.”

    The Attorney General’s announcement signals a growing momentum toward constitutional revision across Caribbean Commonwealth realms, with several nations reconsidering their historical ties to the British monarchy in contemporary geopolitical contexts.

  • NDMD Conducts Island-wide Simulation Exercise to Strengthen Community Emergency Preparedness across Nevis

    NDMD Conducts Island-wide Simulation Exercise to Strengthen Community Emergency Preparedness across Nevis

    The Nevis Disaster Management Department (NDMD) has successfully executed a full-scale, island-wide emergency simulation, marking the culmination of its 2025 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training initiative. Conducted across all five parishes on December 12, the intensive drill was meticulously designed to replicate realistic disaster scenarios, rigorously testing community-level emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

    This comprehensive exercise represents a strategic component of NDMD’s broader mission to fortify disaster resilience at both national and grassroots levels. CERT volunteers were immersed in high-pressure environments that demanded swift decision-making, cohesive teamwork, decisive leadership, and effective crisis communication under strict adherence to established emergency protocols.

    Critical operational competencies were evaluated throughout the simulation, including: advanced scene assessment and situational analysis; coordinated search and rescue operations across varied conditions; medical triage procedures and life-saving interventions; inter-team command structure and communication efficiency; and emotional resilience management during traumatic scenarios. The data collected on response times, safety protocol compliance, and leadership dynamics will directly inform future training enhancements and strategic planning.

    Multiple simulated emergencies unfolded simultaneously, requiring volunteers to manage crowd control, execute victim extraction, provide emergency medical care, and coordinate evacuations while maintaining seamless communication with national response agencies. The exercise concluded with structured debriefing sessions where participants and evaluators collaboratively identified operational strengths and areas requiring improvement.

    NDMD officials emphasized that all activities were carefully controlled simulations posing no public safety risk, with regular emergency services remaining fully operational throughout the event. The department extended commendations to all volunteers, facilitators, and partner agencies for their exceptional professionalism and commitment to community safety, while also acknowledging public cooperation and support as essential components of building collective disaster resilience.

  • FAO and partners help Grenada to use One Health Approach

    FAO and partners help Grenada to use One Health Approach

    Seventy-two officials from public health, agriculture, and environmental sectors across four Eastern Caribbean nations have completed a groundbreaking series of workshops to combat emerging health threats. Conducted in Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis, these sessions focused on prioritizing zoonotic diseases using advanced methodological frameworks.

    The initiative received substantial technical backing from major international organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). Specialized support was provided through PANAFTOSA (The Pan American Centre for Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Veterinary Public Health) and PAHO’s Eastern Caribbean office.

    Participants engaged in a comprehensive evaluation of 40 zoonotic diseases utilizing PANAFTOSA’s adapted prioritization methodology. The assessment incorporated multiple critical factors: human transmissibility patterns, animal-to-human transmission potential, severity indicators, public health consequences, economic ramifications, surveillance feasibility, climate sensitivity, and impacts on vulnerable populations. This evidence-based approach enabled each nation to identify their most concerning zoonotic threats, establishing a robust foundation for policy development within the One Health framework.

    The workshops produced concrete action plans featuring strengthened multisectoral surveillance systems, harmonized case definitions, improved information-sharing protocols, and enhanced private veterinarian engagement. Additional priorities include developing national emergency response plans and implementing long-term initiatives such as simulation exercises and integrated surveillance infrastructure.

    Dr. Frédérique Dorleans, PAHO/WHO Advisor for Social and Environmental Determinants for Health Equity, emphasized the workshops’ critical importance: “This collaborative effort represents a significant advancement in regional preparedness against emerging infectious threats. The project establishes common ground for strategic activities targeting surveillance, prevention, and optimized resource allocation.”

    Tania de Getrouwe Hoost, FAO’s Lead Technical Officer for the project, highlighted the technical rigor of the methodology: “The prioritization exercises applied an evidence-based approach integrating epidemiological, environmental, and socioeconomic criteria to guide national decision-making. This process represents a crucial technical step toward operationalizing the One Health approach at national levels.”

    These workshops constitute a vital component of the broader “Strengthening Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Health Emergencies in the Eastern Caribbean Countries” project, supported by the Pandemic Fund and implemented through collaboration between national governments, PAHO/WHO, FAO, and the World Bank.

  • FC Player Latrell Middleton Apologises For Kicking Dog

    FC Player Latrell Middleton Apologises For Kicking Dog

    Progresso FC footballer Latrell Middleton has issued a formal public apology following a widely circulated video that captured him intentionally kicking a dog during a Premier League of Belize playoff match on Saturday evening. The incident occurred at a championship event in the Cayo District, sparking immediate outrage across social media platforms.

    In a digitally published statement, Middleton expressed remorse directed toward “the public, animal lovers, Progresso FC supporters, and the broader football community.” The athlete acknowledged his regrettable decision, explicitly stating that “there exists no justification for causing harm to an animal” and emphasizing his personal stance against animal cruelty in any manifestation.

    The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) responded decisively on Sunday, formally condemning the player’s actions as “unacceptable and fundamentally incompatible with the core values and ethical principles of football.” The federation has initiated official proceedings by referring the matter to its Disciplinary Committee for comprehensive review and potential sanction determination.

    The viral footage triggered substantial digital backlash, with numerous commentators highlighting persistent animal welfare concerns in Belize. Critics additionally questioned event management protocols, with one social media user describing the unsupervised presence of an animal at a professional championship match as “a severe operational failure and lapse in organizational responsibility.”

  • Dominica appoints four CARICOM Youth Ambassadors

    Dominica appoints four CARICOM Youth Ambassadors

    The Government of Dominica has officially unveiled its newly appointed representatives to the Caribbean Community’s Youth Ambassador program following an extensive selection process. Four exceptional young leaders have been chosen to serve as CARICOM Youth Ambassadors for the 2025-2027 term, marking a significant step in regional youth engagement.

    Abigail Christmas has been designated as the primary female ambassador, while Eamon Clifford Gibbons will serve as the male ambassador. Supporting them will be alternates Jonathan Eddison Lewis Jones (male) and Angel S. Joseph (female). Their two-year tenure will commence on August 1, 2025, extending through July 31, 2027.

    The selection initiative, administered by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports, and Community Development through its Youth Development Division, attracted substantial interest from across the island nation. Over thirty aspiring young Dominicans submitted applications during the July 2025 application window, demonstrating remarkable enthusiasm for regional leadership and Caribbean integration.

    Candidates underwent a rigorous two-tier evaluation process beginning with a written application assessment based on predetermined criteria including leadership capabilities, community involvement, communication proficiency, and advocacy skills. This initial screening identified ten semifinalists who advanced to interview rounds conducted in September 2025 by a specially appointed ministerial panel.

    The interview phase thoroughly evaluated candidates’ readiness through situational judgment scenarios, regional awareness assessments, public speaking demonstrations, and problem-solving exercises. Particular emphasis was placed on diplomatic acumen and comprehension of CARICOM’s youth development objectives.

    Following the successful completion of all evaluation stages, the Permanent Secretary formally issued appointment letters to the four selected ambassadors on November 14, 2025. The newly appointed ambassadors will receive comprehensive training and technical support coordinated by the CARICOM Secretariat to effectively execute their duties, represent youth interests, and contribute meaningfully to regional policy dialogues and youth-focused initiatives.

    The Ministry has extended congratulations to the successful candidates while reaffirming its dedication to empowering young people as essential partners in both national and regional development endeavors.

  • Vacancy: Finance Officer

    Vacancy: Finance Officer

    The Grenada Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (GCTVET) has announced a career opportunity for qualified finance professionals to join the Grenada National Training Agency (GNTA) as Finance Officer. This senior position represents a critical role within the organization’s financial infrastructure, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

    The successful candidate will assume comprehensive responsibility for all financial management, disbursement procedures, accounting operations, and audit-related matters. The position demands expertise in maintaining meticulous financial records while ensuring strict compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Key functional areas include financial record management, regulatory compliance, and sophisticated financial reporting and analysis.

    Core responsibilities encompass preparing quarterly financial reports, annual financial statements, and donor-specific financial documentation. The officer will maintain regular communication with management and staff to facilitate accurate financial information exchange while keeping leadership informed of significant financial developments.

    The role requires advanced proficiency in accounting systems and internal controls, including journal entry preparation, payment processing, and monthly bank reconciliation. Additionally, the Finance Officer will contribute to budget and cash flow projection development under CEO supervision, evaluate project proposal costings, and manage payroll processing with accurate statutory deductions.

    Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance from an accredited institution, or equivalent NVQ/CVQ Level 4 certification. Professional accounting qualifications such as CAT certification or intermediate progression toward ACCA, CGA, or CPA designations are mandatory. The position requires minimum five years of general accounting experience with demonstrated expertise in IFRS and computerized accounting systems.

    Essential qualifications include comprehensive knowledge of accounting software, governmental accounting standards, and advanced proficiency in spreadsheet applications and financial data analysis. Critical abilities include exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and the capacity to meet strict deadlines while exercising independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.

    Interested candidates must submit applications with supporting documentation via email to gnthr.stgeorges@gov.gd addressed to the Chairman of GCTVET. The application deadline is December 31, 2025, at 4:00 PM local time.

  • ABHTA Concludes 2025 Training Series with Successful Supervisory and Maintenance Courses

    ABHTA Concludes 2025 Training Series with Successful Supervisory and Maintenance Courses

    The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) has successfully concluded its 2025 Professional Learning Series with two comprehensive training programs that have significantly enhanced sector-wide capabilities. The initiative featured a 6-Week Supervisory Management Leadership Development Course and an 8-Week Maintenance Course focusing on Electrics & Basic Maintenance, delivering substantial professional advancement for participants across the tourism and hospitality industry.

    The virtual Supervisory Management Leadership Development Course, expertly facilitated by veteran tourism and hospitality trainer Ms. Shirlene Nibbs with over three decades of industry experience, provided six weeks of immersive instruction. The curriculum addressed critical leadership domains including effective communication strategies, workplace relationship management, performance evaluation techniques, and essential supervisory competencies. Participant Zorah Beazer, Claims Manager at State Insurance Company Limited, reported transformative learning outcomes: “This experience provided invaluable perspectives on workplace challenges and significantly enhanced my problem-solving capabilities. Ms. Nibbs’ exceptional facilitation encouraged multidimensional thinking through both expert guidance and peer exchange.”

    Ms. Nibbs reflected on the program’s exceptional outcomes: “This year’s record participation demonstrated remarkable engagement and dedication. Participants exhibited sustained motivation throughout the six-week journey, culminating in creative final presentations that evidenced substantial behavioral and professional development. The administrative excellence of Ms. Anthea Watkins and her support team was instrumental in achieving these results.”

    Concurrently, the 8-Week Maintenance Course: Electrics & Basic Maintenance conducted at the Sandals Merrick Fray Training & Development Centre provided hands-on technical education under the guidance of Mr. Kim Burdon, an aircraft maintenance engineer with 35 years of cross-industry expertise. The comprehensive curriculum covered fundamental electricity principles, motor theory, control systems wiring, refrigeration fundamentals, and practical troubleshooting methodologies.

    Donald Bennett, Maintenance Technician at Curtain Bluff Antigua, attested to the program’s effectiveness: “The course delivered exceptionally informative content highly relevant to my technical role. Mr. Burdon’s hands-on teaching methodology and encouragement to advance our skills created engaging and clear learning experiences that warrant future advanced training.”

    Mr. Burdon expressed his teaching philosophy: “Maintenance represents a fascinating multidisciplinary field. These past months have been immensely rewarding through knowledge sharing with dedicated professionals. I remain committed to knowledge transmission across diverse maintenance specializations before that expertise is lost to time.”

    The ABHTA extended gratitude to all facilitators, Sandals Grande Antigua management and staff, particularly Carlene Spencer for maintenance course support, and all participating members and properties. The Association reaffirmed its commitment to expanding professional development opportunities in the coming year, with training inquiries directed to 462-0374 or 4928.

    As the collective voice of Antigua & Barbuda’s hospitality sector, the ABHTA continues to advance industry standards through education, advocacy, and promotional initiatives that enhance visitation and economic benefits while serving member interests across hotels, restaurants, airlines, and tourism-related enterprises.

  • Vacancy: Quality Assurance Assistant

    Vacancy: Quality Assurance Assistant

    The Grenada Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (GCTVET) has announced a professional opportunity for qualified individuals to join the Grenada National Training Agency (GNTA) as a Quality Assurance Assistant. This position represents a critical component in maintaining the integrity of the country’s vocational education certification system.

    Operating under the guidance of the Quality Assurance Coordinator, the selected candidate will assume comprehensive responsibility for overseeing candidate registration processes and monitoring Training Centre activities related to assessment administration and verification. The role demands a combination of technical expertise and administrative proficiency to ensure the seamless operation of Grenada’s vocational qualification framework.

    Primary responsibilities encompass four key operational domains:

    Quality Assurance and Compliance: The assistant will collaborate closely with training and assessment centers to enforce adherence to established quality assurance protocols while supporting the development and implementation of specialized training programs.

    Assessment and Certification Administration: This includes coordinating all activities related to CVQ/NVQ candidate registration, ensuring efficient administrative processes for timely certification, maintaining comprehensive assessment records, and updating the National Qualifications Register with candidate information.

    Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) Support: The position requires developing self-assessment instruments based on occupational standards, orienting applicants to the APL process, and providing expert guidance in portfolio development for candidates seeking recognition of prior learning.

    Reporting and Committee Support: The assistant will serve as recording secretary for the Certification Review Committee, preparing and submitting detailed reports to the Council while generating comprehensive documentation for all areas of responsibility.

    Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Education, a CVQ/NVQ Level 4 qualification in a relevant field, or equivalent certification from an accredited institution. Additional certification in Education Quality Assurance is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate minimum three years of experience in education or related sectors, with preference given to those with background in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) or tertiary education.

    Essential knowledge requirements include familiarity with assessment and verification regulations, proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, data extraction and analysis capabilities, and experience with Information Management Systems. The position demands exceptional organizational abilities, advanced communication skills, and the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining meticulous attention to detail.

    Interested professionals should submit their applications with supporting documentation via email to recruitment@gctvet.gd, addressed to the Chairman of GCTVET. The application deadline is December 31, 2025, at 4:00 PM local time.

  • Electricity Rate To Increase In 2026

    Electricity Rate To Increase In 2026

    The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) of Belize has unveiled its preliminary ruling recommending an upward adjustment to electricity tariffs as part of modifications to the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) Annual Review Proceeding for 2025. This development signals increased energy costs for consumers beginning next year.

    In an official communiqué, the regulatory body confirmed it has finalized draft amendments compliant with the Electricity (Tariffs, Fees and Charges) Byelaws. While BEL sought approval for a $0.0555 per kilowatt-hour augmentation to the Mean Electricity Rate (MER), the Commission has counter-proposed a moderated increase of $0.0337 per kilowatt-hour. This adjusted rate would establish a new MER benchmark of $0.4427 per kilowatt-hour if formally ratified.

    The PUC clarified that the proposed tariff revision aims to alleviate BEL’s financial constraints while enabling cost recovery for sustainable service provision. Regulatory authorities emphasized implementing consumer protection measures, particularly for socially vulnerable and residential customers beneath the GST threshold. The rate restructuring methodology will distribute increases strategically to mitigate household bill impacts.

    Prime Minister John Briceño addressed the contentious issue during recent House of Representatives proceedings, justifying the necessity of utility rate elevations amid escalating operational expenditures and regional market dynamics. The Prime Minister highlighted that BEL has maintained rate stability since the current administration took office in 2020, despite confronting COVID-19 economic disruptions, inflationary pressures, and unprecedented heat waves that drove imported electricity costs to $1 per kilowatt-hour from Mexican suppliers during 2024’s supply crises.

    Briceño detailed BEL’s collaborative efforts with major commercial consumers, particularly tourism establishments in San Pedro, to activate private generators during grid instability episodes. This cooperative approach involved compensatory arrangements for higher self-generation costs when imported electricity prices surpassed retail rates.

    While acknowledging public apprehension regarding cost-of-living increases, the Prime Minister contextualized Belize’s electricity pricing as comparatively lower than regional Caribbean counterparts. He emphasized the unsustainability of BEL’s current practice of selling electricity beneath procurement costs, drawing analogies to commercial viability requirements in other sectors. The administration contends that after five years of rate suppression, this adjustment becomes inevitable to prevent eventual taxpayer-funded bailouts of the utility provider.

  • VIDEO: Man charged with murder as search for missing woman continues

    VIDEO: Man charged with murder as search for missing woman continues

    A profound and heartbreaking situation is unfolding within a community where the search for justice and closure has taken divergent, equally painful paths for three families connected by tragedy.

    Two families are currently preparing funeral arrangements for their murdered relatives while simultaneously advocating for law enforcement to identify and apprehend those responsible for the homicides. Their grief is compounded by the urgent desire for criminal accountability, creating a dual burden of mourning and demanding justice.

    In a parallel but inverse tragedy, a third family finds itself enduring an agonizing wait with a different set of circumstances. Their loved one has been officially declared a murder victim, with charges already filed against a suspect in the case. However, their path to closure remains incomplete as the victim’s body has not been recovered, preventing both ceremonial burial and the emotional finality that comes with it.

    This complex scenario, reported by journalist Kenton Chance, highlights the multifaceted nature of criminal investigations and the varied forms of anguish that violent crime inflicts upon survivors. The cases demonstrate how legal proceedings and forensic discoveries unfold at different paces, often extending the trauma for those left behind. While some families seek answers about who committed the crime, others seek the physical remains of those taken from them, with both groups united in their pursuit of resolution amid unimaginable loss.