In a landmark event at Mindoo Phillip Park, over 60 young female cricketers gathered for a transformative training session, marking the inaugural intake of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) Under-17 Grassroots Hub Festival. This initiative aims to expand the pool of female cricketers and inspire the next generation of talent. The session featured prominent cricketing figures, including West Indies senior allrounder Nerissa Crafton, Under-19 pacer Selena Ross, Windward Islands player Namiah Marcellin, and former West Indies fast bowler Philipa Thomas-Eudovic, who shared their expertise and motivated the aspiring athletes. Guided by coach Alton Crafton and supported by a team of current and former players, the young participants engaged in rigorous drills and eagerly sought inspiration from their role models. Roseline Preville, SLNCA’s third vice-president for women’s cricket, emphasized the program’s broader vision, stating, ‘We are looking to have competitions starting from the schools and integrating cricket into the curriculum.’ The initiative also plans to introduce a foundation cricket coaching course for physical education teachers, further embedding cricket into Saint Lucia’s educational framework. With the global rise of women’s cricket, this program seeks to create opportunities for young women to excel in the sport and potentially represent the West Indies on the international stage.
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OPINION: Why Antigua and Barbuda Risks Becoming a ‘Failed State’ if Partisanship Prevails
In a thought-provoking analysis, Yves Ephraim highlights the deep-rooted partisan politics in Antigua and Barbuda, which often overshadow the nation’s broader interests. Ephraim observes that party agendas frequently take precedence over national welfare, even when such priorities defy logic, morality, or common sense. He suggests that the colonial framework of independence was designed to perpetuate internal divisions, ensuring that the nation remains preoccupied with internal conflicts rather than challenging external hegemony. This strategy, he argues, has been alarmingly effective.
Reflecting on 44 years of political independence, Ephraim questions whether significant progress has been made in critical areas such as cost of living, education, infrastructure, and public services. He lists 13 pressing concerns that directly impact the well-being of ordinary citizens, emphasizing that meaningful improvement requires acknowledging past failures. However, he notes that successive administrations have been reluctant to admit policy shortcomings, leading to stagnation or regression.
Ephraim draws a striking comparison between independent nations like Antigua and Barbuda and remaining colonies, revealing that the latter often outperform the former in key economic metrics such as GDP per capita. He attributes this disparity to the inability of leaders to admit mistakes and adapt policies, often doubling down on ineffective strategies. This lack of accountability, he argues, has fostered a political culture where personal ambition trumps national interest.
He further critiques the political elite, pointing out the rise of millionaire politicians despite the nation’s struggles. Ephraim also condemns the ease with which politicians switch parties, viewing it as a betrayal of principles and a sign of power-driven opportunism. He calls for leaders who prioritize national welfare over personal gain, warning that the current trajectory threatens the very fabric of Antigua and Barbuda.
Ephraim’s analysis serves as a stark reminder of the need for humility, accountability, and a renewed focus on the collective good in governance. Without such changes, he fears that the nation’s future hangs in the balance.
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Digital ID card registration legal though laws not yet in effect – PM Phillips
Prime Minister Mark Phillips has confirmed that the registration of public servants for digital identification cards remains legal, despite the Digital Identity Card Act and the Data Protection Act not yet being enforced. Speaking to Demerara Waves Online News on Saturday, Phillips emphasized, ‘Everything that’s being done is legal.’ He acknowledged that the commencement orders for these laws, approved by the National Assembly and assented by President Irfaan Ali in August 2023, are pending issuance but assured that they would be implemented soon. ‘We’re going to do it very soon. There are a couple of things that we need to put in place,’ he stated. The Digital Identity Card Act mandates that the Digital Identity Card Registry be overseen by the Data Protection Commissioner, who holds exclusive authority to issue the cards. However, former House Speaker and Attorney-at-law Raphael Trotman noted that without a commencement order, the legislation remains inoperable. ‘If an Act explicitly states that a commencing order has to be issued, and it has not been, then it is inoperable,’ Trotman explained. He added that a subsequent commencement order could validate prior actions. Currently, President Irfaan Ali has already received his digital ID card, though the Data Protection Act remains inactive, leaving no office or commissioner to enforce data confidentiality laws. Several public service agencies, including the ministries of health and education, have instructed their staff to register for the cards when visited by officials from the Prime Minister’s office.
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Flow empowers students and uplifts families
Flow employees recently demonstrated their commitment to community service during the company’s annual Mission Week, dedicating their time and resources to support some of the island’s most vulnerable and underserved groups. This year’s initiative focused on digital inclusion and community engagement, with Flow partnering with Erdiston Special School, a public institution catering to children aged five to 12 with learning disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and other developmental challenges.
As part of its efforts to bridge the digital divide, Flow donated 10 laptops and laptop sleeves to the school. The donation aims to enhance the school’s learning programs and provide students with practical tools to engage with digital resources. Toni Yarde, Senior Manager of Corporate Communications at Flow, emphasized the company’s dedication to digital inclusivity, stating, ‘Giving back is a core part of who we are at Flow. When we empower these children with the tools they need to learn, we are helping to change lives.’
Beyond the technological contribution, Flow volunteers spent an afternoon revitalizing the school environment. They painted the car park learning area, refreshed alphabet and number games, and interacted directly with students and teachers. This hands-on approach complemented the technology donation, creating a more interactive and accessible learning experience for the children.
Donna Holder, Principal of Erdiston Special School, expressed her gratitude, saying, ‘These devices and the refreshed learning spaces will make an immediate difference in how our students interact, grow, and experience success each day. Partnerships like this remind our children that they are seen, valued, and supported.’
Flow’s Mission Week also extended to addressing broader community needs. In collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Barbados, Flow organized the Cans of Care food drive to assist families facing food insecurity. Employees filled collection barrels and boxes at Flow’s corporate offices, demonstrating their commitment to supporting vulnerable households across the island. Christina Ruck, President of the Rotaract Club of Barbados, praised Flow’s contribution, stating, ‘Their team showed remarkable compassion and unity, helping us extend relief to families who need it most.’
Mission Week is an annual initiative through which Flow employees volunteer their time, expertise, and energy to support community programs focused on learning, environmental sustainability, access, and disaster relief.
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Suriname, Guyana in energy cooperation says outgoing Ambassador
Suriname and Guyana are deepening their collaboration across multiple sectors, particularly in energy, as highlighted by Suriname’s outgoing Ambassador to Guyana, Liselle Blankendal. Speaking at a reception marking Suriname’s 50th independence anniversary and 50 years of diplomatic relations with Guyana, Ambassador Blankendal emphasized the progress in joint efforts spanning oil and gas, renewable energy, and electricity interconnection. These initiatives aim to foster sustainable growth and resilience in both nations. The two countries are also exploring shared benefits from a natural gas field straddling their border, though differing production-sharing agreements remain a challenge. Looking ahead, Blankendal underscored the potential for leveraging natural and renewable resources to drive green innovation and inclusive prosperity. Beyond energy, bilateral trade has seen significant growth, and tourism cooperation has advanced with a memorandum of understanding signed in July 2025. This agreement paves the way for joint promotion, sustainable travel, and cultural exchanges, positioning Guyana and Suriname as a unique and unspoiled tourism destination. Guyana’s Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, praised the partnership as a model for regional integration, highlighting achievements in energy, infrastructure, trade, and security. As Blankendal concluded her diplomatic tenure, she expressed deep affection for Guyana, vowing to return and continue fostering ties. Her legacy includes co-founding the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce and her long-standing commitment to Rotary initiatives.
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PM Outlines Eco-Tourism Cabins Planned for Christian Valley
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced an ambitious eco-tourism initiative for Christian Valley, Antigua, aimed at blending sustainable development with the preservation of the region’s natural beauty. The project, revealed during an episode of the Browne and Browne Show, will feature solar-powered cottages and an eco-lodge designed to minimize environmental impact. Browne emphasized the valley’s scenic allure, urging citizens to explore its lush greenery. The eco-lodge will comprise 30 to 40 off-grid cabins, offering approximately 80 rooms, and will include amenities such as a pool, restaurant, and other supporting facilities. The Prime Minister highlighted the project’s self-sustainability, with cabins powered by solar energy and equipped with independent water systems. Additionally, residents will have the opportunity to invest in individual cottage units, fostering community involvement. While no specific timeline for construction was provided, Browne confirmed that concept development is in progress, with officials collaborating with land-use planners to ensure the project aligns with environmental preservation goals.
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Saint Lucia’s election season explained
The dissolution of Saint Lucia’s Parliament marks the beginning of a critical electoral countdown, with significant implications for governance and the democratic process. Under the Constitution, the governor-general holds the authority to dissolve Parliament, typically acting on the advice of the prime minister. However, the governor-general also possesses reserve powers to ensure stability, such as refusing a dissolution request if the government can continue without fresh elections or independently dissolving Parliament following a no-confidence vote. Once dissolved, a general election must be held within three months, as mandated by the governor-general’s writ.
Claudius Francis, Speaker of the House of Assembly, clarified that while Parliament’s dissolution halts law-making, it does not suspend the government’s operations. The national budget, passed earlier this year, ensures that spending authority remains intact. Ministers, including the prime minister, retain their powers during this period, and the prime minister can advise the governor-general to recall Parliament in emergencies. MPs, though no longer members of Parliament, continue to serve as district representatives until reelection or removal.
The appointment of the prime minister and ministers is a constitutional process. The governor-general appoints the prime minister based on their likelihood of commanding majority support in the House of Assembly, typically the leader of the winning party. Ministers are appointed on the prime minister’s advice, with the PM holding absolute authority over the Cabinet. MPs and ministers have distinct roles: MPs focus on legislation and constituency representation, while ministers manage national affairs and ministries.
Nomination day, a pivotal event in the electoral process, is governed by strict rules. Candidates must submit required documents, including nomination papers, statutory declarations, and a cash deposit, between 9 a.m. and 12 noon. Returning Officers, appointed by the governor-general, oversee the process in each constituency. If only one valid candidate is nominated, they are automatically elected. These procedures ensure fairness, transparency, and continuity in governance during elections.
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PM Says Former 2 Drilly Members Could Be Hired to Paint Government Buildings
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reintegrating young men previously associated with the 2 Drilly group into society by offering them paid work to paint public buildings. Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show, Browne emphasized the dual purpose of this project: to enhance community aesthetics and provide legitimate employment opportunities for at-risk youth. He stated, ‘We want to take them off the block and give them contracts to go and… paint government buildings.’ Browne directly addressed the 2 Drilly group, expressing hope that they are no longer active as a gang and inviting them to participate in the initiative. ‘They can probably come and check me. We can give them a job to paint the fisheries there so they can put some money in their pocket for Christmas,’ he said. This effort is part of a broader strategy to support social and cultural development, focusing not just on economic metrics like GDP but also on fostering a well-cultured society and a clean, attractive environment. The initiative is both economic and social, aiming to provide alternatives to street life while beautifying public spaces in preparation for the Christmas season. Although the start date remains unspecified, the government plans to identify community teams to carry out the work.
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Simons eert ouderen tijdens Bigi Sma Dey: Generaties moeten elkaar blijven dragen
During the Bigi Sma Dey celebration on Saturday, President Jennifer Simons delivered a powerful message urging both young and old to continue supporting one another in the ongoing development of Suriname. The event, organized by the Presidential Srefidensi Commission to mark the country’s 50th anniversary of independence, took place at Waka Pasi and brought together over 500 senior citizens for a day filled with music, snacks, and camaraderie. The attendees, hailing from various care homes in Paramaribo and Wanica, as well as neighborhoods in need of additional support, were honored for their lifelong contributions to the nation’s progress. President Simons highlighted the historical significance of the Waka Pasi/Palmentuin area, where generations of Surinamese have left their mark. ‘We stand today in a Paramaribo built by our ancestors. Each generation adds its stone to the foundation,’ she stated. Addressing the elders, she emphasized that their efforts have paved the way for current generations to build a brighter future, according to the Suriname Communication Service. Simons also expressed her gratitude to the many young volunteers who ensured the seniors enjoyed a relaxing day. She stressed the importance of intergenerational collaboration, noting, ‘The elderly possess experience and wisdom. They still have much to teach us. That’s why young and old must continue to support each other for the betterment of Suriname.’ The president concluded on an optimistic note, wishing everyone a pleasant day and affirming, ‘Sranan sa wini’ (Suriname will prevail).
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UNDP gives GECOM high marks for 2025 elections conduct
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has lauded the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for its exemplary conduct during the September 1, 2025, general and regional elections. In a recent statement, the UNDP highlighted that GECOM, with technical assistance from UNDP Guyana and funding from the UK Government, orchestrated one of the most transparent, credible, and professionally managed elections in the nation’s modern history. This marks a significant milestone for Guyana, which has historically faced political unrest and controversies surrounding its electoral processes since its first free and fair elections in 1992. The UNDP emphasized the strategic advice provided by its Electoral Technical Support Team, which played a pivotal role in overcoming bottlenecks and ensuring the acceptance of election results. Despite recount challenges, the tabulation process was efficiently organized, with results announced promptly and accepted by all political parties. The UNDP also acknowledged the legal reforms enacted in 2022, which introduced groundbreaking technological advancements to enhance transparency. GECOM’s in-house statement of poll upload system, fortified with cybersecurity measures, ensured seamless result uploads even during website outages. An upgraded results tabulation application, praised for its clarity and user-friendliness, was deployed across 20 counting centers. The UNDP’s Information Technology Specialist underscored the critical role of technology in fostering credible, inclusive, and resilient elections. However, the European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) noted concerns regarding GECOM’s appointment model, which risks inefficient decision-making and diminished public trust. The EUEOM also raised issues about potential voter manipulation, campaign financing, and the alleged misuse of state resources by the incumbent party.