Ryan Brathwaite, the newly endorsed Barbados Labour Party (BLP) candidate for St Joseph, has expressed unwavering confidence in retaining the rural constituency for the ruling party. Brathwaite, a prominent businessman, emphasized the significance of ongoing infrastructure projects, including roadworks and bridge repairs, in solidifying the BLP’s stronghold in the area. His nomination, formalized at Grantley Adams Memorial School, followed the announcement that current MP and Attorney General Dale Marshall would not seek re-election. Brathwaite highlighted the overwhelming support from party members and constituents, noting the active participation of over 1,400 branch members during the uncontested nomination process. He described the turnout as a clear message of readiness for the upcoming elections. Brathwaite pointed to recent infrastructural developments, such as the completion of Laynes Bridge and ongoing projects in Airy Hill, as tangible evidence of the government’s commitment to St Joseph. He also addressed broader concerns, including the need for youth development, entrepreneurial opportunities, and the preservation of cultural practices amidst tourism growth. Brathwaite assured constituents that future developments would respect traditional access rights, particularly in light of the recent high court ruling upholding public access at Joe’s River. He remains optimistic about the BLP’s prospects, citing the party’s dedication to the constituency and the active engagement of its residents.
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Dominica to commission 10-megawatt geothermal plant in December 2025, operations set for March 2026
Dominica is poised to take a significant leap forward in its renewable energy journey with the upcoming commissioning of its 10-Megawatt Geothermal Plant in the Roseau Valley. Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre announced in Parliament on Tuesday that the commissioning process will begin in December 2025, with commercial operations slated to commence in March 2026. This development marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s efforts to transition to sustainable energy sources. Dr. McIntyre highlighted the project’s potential to reduce energy costs, enhance energy security, and stimulate economic growth. He also underscored the government’s investment in a high-voltage resilient transmission network, which will connect the geothermal plant to DOMLEC’s hydro stations and the Fond Cole distribution hub. This network, funded by a $1,187,888 loan from the World Bank, is expected to be completed in time for the plant’s commercial launch. The geothermal initiative is seen as a cornerstone of Dominica’s renewable energy agenda, promising to bolster the country’s long-term energy resilience and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
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Help sought for Brittons Hill resident after heavy rains
An elderly resident of Mission Gap, Brittons Hill, is urgently seeking assistance after her home suffered severe damage during the heavy rains on November 16. Joyce Forde, who has lived in her home her entire life, first noticed cracks in her back wall earlier this year. Concerned about the potential danger, she reached out to Member of Parliament Kirk Humphrey, who visited her home and promised to help. However, months passed without action, and the situation worsened when the back wall collapsed during the recent downpour, leaving Forde and her family exposed to the elements.
Forde recounted the moment of the collapse, stating, ‘I was in the bedroom sitting down, and I just heard a crumble. I thought it was the buffet keys, but when I looked around, it was the wall that caved in.’ Her children quickly arrived and covered the damaged area with a tarpaulin to protect against further leaks.
The following day, Forde contacted Humphrey’s office again. She was informed that a representative from the Urban Development Commission (UDC) would visit to assess the damage. After the inspection, she was advised to find temporary accommodation, with the office offering to cover up to $1,000 in rent. However, Forde expressed concerns about relocating far from her great-grandson’s school and the limited availability of suitable family housing.
Nathaniel Boyce, a Democratic Labour Party candidate for St Michael South, accompanied Forde during a recent visit and highlighted the broader issue of vulnerable residents in the area. ‘There are many elderly individuals in similar situations who rely on government assistance, but it’s not forthcoming,’ he said. Boyce suggested that the government should provide temporary housing solutions while repairs are carried out.
MP Kirk Humphrey acknowledged Forde’s case and confirmed that the UDC had been in contact with her. He stated that the repairs required are substantial and cannot be done while she remains in the house. Humphrey also noted that his office is willing to cover up to $2,000 in rent for temporary accommodation, exceeding the initial offer. He urged Barbadians to assist family members in need, especially the elderly, while criticizing Boyce for politicizing Forde’s situation.
Forde’s plight underscores the challenges faced by vulnerable residents in the aftermath of natural disasters and the need for timely government intervention.
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VIDEO: Gonsalves begs for a 6th term
In a fervent appeal to voters, 79-year-old Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves urged former supporters of his Unity Labour Party (ULP) to grant the party a sixth consecutive term in office during the upcoming general election this Thursday. The plea came during the closing moments of a 50-minute speech delivered at Arnos Vale Playing Field, where Gonsalves emphasized the party’s achievements and vision for the future. His address aimed to rekindle support among disillusioned voters, highlighting the ULP’s commitment to national development and stability. The election, seen as a critical juncture for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, will determine whether the ULP continues its two-decade-long governance or faces a shift in political leadership.
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Tourism Week 2025 Charity Day Initiative Brings Hope and Support Across Key Care Institutions
The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, in collaboration with key corporate partners, successfully organized the Tourism Week 2025 Charity Day. This year’s event, themed ‘Our People, Our Culture, Our Environment in Full Thrive,’ emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to comprehensive national development. The initiative highlighted tourism’s dual role as both an economic driver and a force for social progress in Antigua and Barbuda. Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Charles Fernandez, led the outreach efforts, visiting The Adele School, Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital, The Fiennes Institute, and The Care Project. Essential items were donated to support these institutions, which cater to some of the nation’s most vulnerable populations. The success of the Charity Day was bolstered by the contributions of corporate partners such as Mega Distributors, Epicurean Fine Foods, Christo’s, Frank B. Armstrong, Hutchinson Antigua Ltd., A.S. Brydens, Cool & Smooth, and Anjo Wholesale. The Ministry expressed deep gratitude to these partners, whose generosity exemplifies the spirit of corporate citizenship and strengthens community bonds. Minister Fernandez commended the collaborative effort, stating that Tourism Week is not merely an industry celebration but a reflection of the nation’s commitment to uplifting its people and fostering community resilience. ‘Today’s Charity Day underlines the importance of investing in one another to build a stronger, more compassionate Antigua and Barbuda,’ he remarked. Tourism Week 2025 continues with the Tourism Week Health Fair at the House of Culture lawn, offering free health screenings, and the Sweat Tourism Week Edition at the YMCA, featuring fitness sessions with Dancer Boy Shan and Fit with Ceejay, promoting wellness and community spirit.
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London University honours Professor Sir Hilary Beckles
On Wednesday, November 19, the University of London awarded Professor Sir Hilary Beckles the prestigious title of Honorary Doctor of Social Sciences. The conferment ceremony, held on Foundation Day, commemorated the university’s 189th anniversary and took place at Senate House, the institution’s administrative hub, under the auspices of Chancellor Princess Anne.
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Deputy DPP Shannon Jones-Gittens to Deliver Lecture on Criminal Court Backlogs
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shannon Jones-Gittens is set to spearhead the upcoming session of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court’s Public Education Lecture Series. The event, focusing on the pressing issue of criminal case backlogs, will take place on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at 6 p.m. (AST) in Courtroom #1 of the Antigua and Barbuda High Court of Justice. Jones-Gittens’ presentation, titled ‘Addressing Criminal Court Backlogs: Pathways to Reform,’ aims to shed light on the challenges burdening the justice system and explore strategies to enhance case management and ensure equitable access to justice. The lecture is part of a broader initiative to foster public awareness and engagement with judicial reforms in the region. The event will be broadcast live on Flow EVO and streamed globally via uwitv.global and UWITV’s platforms. For viewing details, visit https://uwitv.global/listings/ or stream directly at https://www.uwitv.global.
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Bevriende naties willen bilaterale samenwerking met Suriname uitbreiden
Suriname marked its 50th anniversary of statehood with a series of high-profile bilateral discussions, as President Jennifer Simons welcomed representatives from allied nations to the Presidential Palace on November 25, 2025. Among the distinguished guests were Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett, Prefect of French Guiana Antoine Poussier, Barbados’ Education Minister Sandra Husbands, and Brazil’s Minister of Planning, Budget, and Management Simone Tebet. Each conveyed their governments’ congratulations and expressed a shared commitment to deepening cooperation with Suriname.
Brazil’s Minister Tebet highlighted the potential for a ‘development boom’ in Suriname by 2027, emphasizing the need for strategic preparation. Brazil pledged to enhance collaboration in healthcare, energy, logistics, and cross-border connectivity between northern Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Meanwhile, Prefect Poussier discussed the finalization of a border treaty clarifying the Suriname-France boundary, which is expected to strengthen bilateral ties and address challenges faced by border communities.
CARICOM’s Barnett focused on agriculture, food security, and climate change, urging increased climate financing and regional transport improvements. Dutch Prime Minister Schoof reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to fostering an equal and respectful partnership with Suriname, particularly in oil and gas exploration, tourism, and education initiatives, leveraging their shared linguistic heritage.
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Police Face Frustrated Residents at Heated St. John’s Rural South Town Hall
Residents of St. John’s Rural South expressed their growing concerns over crime and inadequate policing during a heated town hall meeting with senior officers of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda on Monday night. The meeting, part of a community-policing initiative, aimed to rebuild public trust and strengthen ties between law enforcement and the community. However, frustrations over slow response times, understaffed police outposts, and a perceived lack of visible policing dominated the discussion. Police administrators, including an Assistant Commissioner and Superintendent, acknowledged the issues and pledged to address them. Residents shared harrowing experiences, such as delayed responses to break-ins and closed outposts, which forced them to seek help from distant stations. Police officials attributed reduced patrols to manpower being diverted to national events but promised increased patrols during the Christmas season and immediate action on staffing shortages. While overall crime statistics show a decline, residents argued that the fear of crime remains pervasive. Police urged collaboration with the government and community to tackle environmental factors like abandoned properties and poor lighting, while also emphasizing the need for stronger parental involvement to curb youth delinquency. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to work together for safer neighborhoods.
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Barbuda Honours First Preschool Teacher Bernice Lewis
Barbuda has officially recognized the lifelong contributions of Bernice Lewis, an 80-year-old retired preschool teacher, for her over two decades of service in early childhood education. Lewis, who began her teaching career in 1978 and retired in 2000, was celebrated in a heartfelt ceremony attended by Foreign Affairs and Barbuda Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene and ABLP caretaker Bonneitha John. Notably, Lewis is the only retired preschool teacher still residing on the island. During the event, Greene and John presented her with a token of appreciation, commending her unwavering dedication to nurturing young minds and supporting families across Barbuda. Attendees, including former students, relatives, and community members, praised Lewis as a mentor and a cornerstone of the community, whose influence has transcended generations. Many highlighted her compassion, resilience, and pivotal role in establishing the foundation of early education on the island. Bonneitha John emphasized that the recognition was part of a broader effort to honor individuals whose lifelong work has significantly contributed to Barbuda’s development.