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  • Prime Minister Browne says Jamaica can bounce back bigger and better from Hurricane Melissa

    Prime Minister Browne says Jamaica can bounce back bigger and better from Hurricane Melissa

    Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, has expressed unwavering solidarity with Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, drawing parallels to his nation’s recovery from Hurricane Irma in 2017. Speaking during a visit to affected areas in Westmoreland on November 17, Browne emphasized the resilience of Caribbean nations and the importance of unity in overcoming natural disasters.

    Reflecting on Antigua and Barbuda’s experience with Hurricane Irma, which devastated the island of Barbuda, Browne highlighted the nation’s ability to rebuild stronger and better. He stressed that Jamaica, too, can emerge from this crisis with renewed strength.

    Browne underscored Antigua and Barbuda’s tangible support for Jamaica, including the deployment of linesmen to assist with recovery efforts, a financial contribution to relief programs, and the planned dispatch of soldiers from the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force.

    Calling for international financial institutions to provide concessional financing for resilient reconstruction, Browne warned that the cost of inaction would be measured in lives and livelihoods. He urged Jamaica and the wider Caribbean to view rebuilding as an opportunity to create more robust and sustainable infrastructure.

    “We are a small country, but our solidarity is mighty,” Browne declared, reaffirming his nation’s commitment to supporting Jamaica and advocating for resilient rebuilding across the Caribbean. His message was one of hope and perseverance, emphasizing the collective strength of Caribbean people in the face of adversity.

  • Government to Rebuild Old Parliament Building as Standalone Family Court

    Government to Rebuild Old Parliament Building as Standalone Family Court

    In a significant move to enhance its judicial system, Antigua and Barbuda has unveiled plans to repurpose its historic Parliament building into a dedicated Family Court. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams made the announcement during the Throne Speech on Thursday, emphasizing the project’s role in creating a specialized environment for handling sensitive family matters. The initiative, set to commence in 2026, aims to separate family cases from the general Magistrates’ Courts, ensuring a more focused and supportive setting for such proceedings. Sir Rodney highlighted that the restored building will serve as a flagship Family Court, setting a benchmark for the Eastern Caribbean region. This development is part of a broader justice-sector reform agenda, which includes expanding the Industrial Court, boosting legal drafting capabilities, and modernizing the Labour Code. These measures are designed to strengthen the rule of law and improve access to justice nationwide. Detailed plans for the reconstruction project are expected to be released in the coming months, marking a pivotal step in the country’s judicial modernization efforts.

  • Mill Academy Celebrates Its 2nd Anniversary with the Theme: “Growing Stronger, Reaching Higher”

    Mill Academy Celebrates Its 2nd Anniversary with the Theme: “Growing Stronger, Reaching Higher”

    Mill Academy marked its second anniversary on November 17th, 2025, with a vibrant celebration that united students, teachers, parents, and community partners. The event, themed ‘Growing Stronger, Reaching Higher,’ highlighted the school’s growth, unity, and dedication to fostering well-rounded learners in a nurturing environment. Chaired by Ms. Paulette Edwards, the ceremony featured a series of inspiring presentations, including an opening prayer by Ms. Neketia Spencer and a poignant poem, ‘Two Years Strong,’ delivered by Mrs. Julia Nathaniel. Students showcased their talents through musical renditions, dance performances, and a dramatic presentation, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience. Parent testimonials from Ms. Sasha Potter and Ms. Silvia Cozzi underscored the trust and transformative impact of the school community. Principal Kisma Panthier-Jn Pierre delivered a heartfelt address, reaffirming the Academy’s mission of love, structure, and holistic child development. Ms. Potter, the PTA President, also highlighted the success of the recent Independence Food Fair, which raised over EC$4,000 for campus improvements. As Mill Academy embarks on its third year, it remains committed to expanding programs, enhancing infrastructure, and strengthening partnerships with families.

  • And that’s a wrap! Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun’ 2025 ignites Guyana with thrilling finale

    And that’s a wrap! Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun’ 2025 ignites Guyana with thrilling finale

    The National Gymnasium in Georgetown witnessed an electrifying conclusion to the Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun’ Cricket Programme on November 15, 2025, as St Lawrence Primary from Essequibo emerged victorious in a fiercely contested national championship. The indoor venue, necessitated by unseasonal rains, failed to dampen the spirits as young athletes delivered a spectacular display of skill and sportsmanship.

    This grassroots initiative, now in its third year of operation in Guyana, has evolved into a significant developmental platform for youth cricket. The 2025 edition engaged 75 primary schools across all three counties—Demerara, Berbice, and Essequibo—providing hundreds of children with exposure to cricket fundamentals through an inclusive, fast-paced format emphasizing participation and enjoyment.

    The championship finale featured round-robin competition between county champions: St Lawrence Primary (Essequibo), Massiah Primary (Berbice), and Supply Primary (Demerara). After intense competition, St Lawrence prevailed over a determined Massiah Primary team to claim the national title.

    Tournament accolades were distributed among standout performers: Tianna Steele of St Lawrence secured both Best Batter and Tournament Most Valuable Player honors. Susanie Turnail (Massiah Primary) received Best Bowler recognition, while Avidesh Pitam (Massiah Primary) earned Best Fielder distinction. The Spirit of the Game award was presented to Massiah Primary for exemplary sportsmanship.

    Senior officials highlighted the program’s significance in national sports development. Ronald Williams, Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board, emphasized the partnership between Cricket West Indies and Republic Bank creates “a pathway for young cricketers to develop skills progressively from tender ages through structured cricket programs.”

    Marti De Souza, Deputy Chief Education Officer, connected the tournament to President Ali’s vision for holistic student development, noting the alignment with goals for creating “well-rounded pupils who are healthy and active.”

    The Honourable Steven Jacobs, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, challenged organizers to expand the program’s reach, urging expansion “into the hinterland to discover talented athletes” and increase participation beyond the current 75 schools.

    Republic Bank representatives reaffirmed their commitment to the initiative. Jonelle Dummett, Manager of Marketing and Communications, stated: “Our goal is to spark curiosity, build confidence and develop skills that can turn today’s young enthusiasts into tomorrow’s cricket legends.”

    KJ Singh, Cricket West Indies Senior Project Officer, confirmed the organization’s dedication to working with stakeholders to “expand our reach to more communities and schools annually” as the program looks toward the 2026 season.

    Guyana’s finale marked the conclusion of the 2025 ‘Five for Fun’ Programme across the Caribbean, following successful tournaments in St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Trinidad & Tobago.

  • Change of route for Run Barbados Race events

    Change of route for Run Barbados Race events

    The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), the organizing body behind the highly anticipated 2025 Run Barbados Marathon and Wellness Weekend, has unveiled significant changes to the race routes for the event scheduled from December 5 to 7. Due to ongoing road construction along the Ermie Bourne Highway, the starting points for the 5K Run & Walk, 10K Run, Half Marathon, and Marathon have been relocated from Barclays Park to the Bay Street Esplanade in St. Michael. The popular Fun Mile, however, will remain unaffected and will continue to be held at the Garrison Savannah as originally planned. Kamal Springer, Manager of Sports at BTMI, emphasized that the decision to alter the routes was made after thorough consideration of the logistical challenges posed by the roadworks and extensive consultations with relevant authorities. Springer assured participants and stakeholders that the event would still deliver an exceptional experience, stating, ‘Run Barbados Marathon and Wellness Weekend remains committed to providing a memorable experience for all involved. While this change may require some adjustment, it ensures the event’s smooth execution and maintains the high quality of the experience for participants, volunteers, and spectators.’ The Run Barbados series, which initially featured only the Bridgetown 10K and the Marathon, has a long-standing tradition of starting and finishing the 10K race at the scenic Bay Street Esplanade. BTMI encourages all runners and spectators to join in what promises to be a remarkable weekend of fitness and wellness.

  • Voetbal wordt leermiddel: Football for Schools van start

    Voetbal wordt leermiddel: Football for Schools van start

    FIFA’s global Football for Schools initiative has officially expanded to Suriname, aiming to harness the power of football to foster not only athletic development but also essential social and life skills among young people. The program seeks to support schools in systematically integrating sports to promote personal growth, healthy behaviors, and active citizenship. By teaching students skills such as self-confidence, critical thinking, decision-making, teamwork, and respect, the initiative aligns with the goals of Suriname’s Ministry of Youth Development and Sports (JOS), which views sports as a vital tool for comprehensive youth development. Jason Menso, Deputy Director of Training, Information, and Sports Development at JOS, emphasized the strategic potential of football in education. ‘Football is accessible and immensely popular. It can be strategically used to empower young people, which is precisely what Football for Schools aims to achieve: developing life experiences and competencies through sport,’ he stated. The program focuses on equal opportunities for all youth, including girls, and encourages talent development and societal participation. It also contributes to social cohesion and healthier lifestyles within communities. ‘By placing schools at the center, this program makes sports widely accessible and leverages them as a powerful tool for positive youth development,’ Menso added. A two-day training session for physical education teachers recently commenced at the Owru Cul Sports Complex, preparing them to implement Football for Schools in various schools across Suriname. The training familiarizes teachers with the program’s methodology, practical approaches, and underlying values, enabling them to effectively guide students. According to FIFA, international research demonstrates that Football for Schools helps countries address social and economic challenges through sport, in alignment with sustainable development goals. In Suriname, the program is being executed by the Surinamese Football Association (SVB) in collaboration with FIFA and UNICEF.

  • Deputy Premier Evelyn and Premier Richardson-Hodge Discuss Strengthening Nevis-Anguilla Ties

    Deputy Premier Evelyn and Premier Richardson-Hodge Discuss Strengthening Nevis-Anguilla Ties

    In a significant diplomatic development, Nevis Deputy Premier Honourable Eric Evelyn and Anguilla Premier Honourable Cora Richardson-Hodge have convened productive bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening inter-island cooperation. The high-level meeting, which occurred during Deputy Premier Evelyn’s official visit to Anguilla as a special guest for the Hook and Harvest event, marked a pivotal step in formalizing the longstanding relationship between the two Caribbean territories.

    The comprehensive dialogue centered on agricultural collaboration, with both leaders exploring concrete mechanisms for knowledge exchange and technical support. Deputy Premier Evelyn emphasized the potential for mutual growth through structured cooperation, stating: “We focused on cooperation in agriculture, including exchange visits between our departments, sharing technical support, and assisting with initiatives to increase food production.” He extended a formal invitation for Anguilla’s participation in Nevis’ Agri-Expo 30 scheduled for 2026.

    Further technical discussions involved Anguilla’s Minister with Responsibility for Agriculture, Honourable Kyle Hodge, and Parliamentary Secretary Honourable Cordell Richardson. The talks addressed critical agricultural challenges including production limitations, water availability issues, soil compatibility, and the development of both government and private farming operations. Particular attention was given to strategies for expanding vegetable and fruit production capacities.

    The bilateral engagement also explored substantial trade opportunities following a recent fact-finding mission by Anguilla’s agricultural delegation to study Nevis’ innovative smart farming model. Potential trade exchanges include Nevis exporting fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and mango pulp to Anguilla, while Anguilla would supply prawns and other marine products to Nevis.

    Deputy Premier Evelyn characterized the discussions as “very friendly and fruitful,” expressing confidence that “the partnership between our departments can only grow stronger in the future.” The meeting concluded with both governments reaffirming their commitment to enhanced collaboration, mutual economic support, and the continued strengthening of diplomatic and economic ties between the islands.

  • ABWU negotiates salary increase for Goddard Catering staff

    ABWU negotiates salary increase for Goddard Catering staff

    Employees at Goddard Catering Group (GCG) are poised to receive a significant salary boost following successful negotiations between the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) and GCG management. The agreement stipulates a six percent wage increase, to be implemented in annual increments of two percent over the next three years. This development marks a milestone in labor relations, particularly as the negotiations addressed two collective agreements simultaneously: one spanning July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2022, and another covering July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2025. Fernando Samuel, Senior Industrial Relations Officer, highlighted the unique nature of the talks, noting that the pandemic had disrupted discussions on the earlier agreement, leading to layoffs and severances. However, employees active between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, will receive an additional increment for that period. GCG General Manager Mario Colindres expressed pride in the outcome, describing the process as amicable and beneficial for both the company and its staff. He emphasized GCG’s commitment to fostering a strong partnership with the Union to enhance employee welfare. Arion Ryan, GCG’s Head of HR, praised the smooth negotiations, while shop steward Neople Browne acknowledged that the agreement addressed many employee concerns. The ABWU commended GCG management for their cooperative approach and looks forward to future discussions.

  • Gonsalves calling people greedy is ‘ironic’ — Trinidad PM

    Gonsalves calling people greedy is ‘ironic’ — Trinidad PM

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar has vehemently dismissed claims by St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves that her party’s financiers are meddling in the upcoming SVG elections. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Persad Bissessar refuted the allegations, calling them baseless and ironic, given Gonsalves’ family’s involvement in a luxury apartment acquisition controversy in Trinidad. She urged Gonsalves to address his 24-year tenure in power instead of deflecting attention onto her United National Congress (UNC). Persad Bissessar also criticized the trend of Caribbean leaders interfering in neighboring countries’ elections, warning that such actions could destabilize the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The dispute stems from Gonsalves’ accusations that UNC operatives are supporting his political opponents in SVG’s November 27 general election, allegedly motivated by access to land deals. Persad Bissessar denied these claims, emphasizing that the UNC does not engage in such practices. Meanwhile, Gonsalves has reiterated his allegations at campaign events, accusing the UNC of seeking to exploit SVG’s economic growth for personal gain. The controversy has intensified as regional leaders, including those from Barbados and Dominica, have openly supported Gonsalves’ re-election bid, further fueling tensions between the two nations.

  • Mexico’s Fatima Bosch crowned Miss Universe winner in glittering finale of scandal-hit pageant

    Mexico’s Fatima Bosch crowned Miss Universe winner in glittering finale of scandal-hit pageant

    In a dazzling conclusion to a competition marred by controversies, Mexico’s Fatima Bosch emerged victorious as the new Miss Universe. The grand finale, held amidst a backdrop of glitz and glamour, saw Bosch outshine contestants from across the globe, clinching the prestigious title. This year’s pageant, however, was not without its share of scandals, which had cast a shadow over the event. Despite the challenges, Bosch’s win has been celebrated as a moment of pride for Mexico, showcasing resilience and grace under pressure. The event, watched by millions worldwide, highlighted not only the beauty and poise of the contestants but also the enduring appeal of the Miss Universe pageant, even in turbulent times.