In a significant move to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Antigua and Barbuda hosted a high-profile National Consultation on November 17–18, 2025, at the Royalton Resort and Spa, Five Islands. The event brought together senior government officials, including Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and Department Heads, alongside private sector leaders, civil society organizations, and technical experts. Organized by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the consultation aimed to craft actionable strategies to meet the 2030 SDG deadline. Participants engaged in dynamic discussions focused on priority areas such as climate resilience, food security, digital transformation, and social protection. Key outcomes included a review of SDG implementation progress, alignment of national priorities with global commitments, and the development of a practical roadmap for accelerated action from 2026 to 2030. The event concluded with a unified pledge to enhance multi-stakeholder collaboration, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development for all.
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APUA Apologises as Barbuda Faces Continued Outages, Temporary Relief Incoming
The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has issued an update on the ongoing power restoration efforts in Barbuda, following a generator failure at the Barbuda Power Plant. Mechanical technicians are actively working to repair the damaged generator, but the process remains incomplete, necessitating continued load shedding measures. The load shedding will persist tonight, operating in four-hour intervals to manage the limited power generation capacity.
To alleviate the situation, a temporary generator is currently being transported to Barbuda and will be installed immediately upon arrival. This interim solution aims to support the power system until the primary generator is fully restored. In a significant development, APUA has also acquired a new generator for the Green Barbuda Solar Hybrid System, the island’s main power plant. Once integrated, this addition is expected to restore full generation capacity and enhance the stability of Barbuda’s power supply.
APUA acknowledges the inconvenience caused by these outages and extends its sincere apologies to affected customers. The utility authority reassures the public that its teams are working tirelessly to resolve the issue as swiftly as possible. APUA urges residents to remain patient and understanding during this challenging period.
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Progress Update on the New Sickle Cell Unit
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs has announced notable advancements in the establishment of the new Sickle Cell Unit. A recent site inspection was led by Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph, accompanied by Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, Director of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, Dr. Edda Hadeed, Head of the Sickle Cell Association, and other key officials. The delegation observed that the infrastructure is nearly complete, with primary preparatory tasks approaching finalization. The facility has been thoroughly cleaned, rooms freshly painted, and beds installed, resulting in a functional five-bed unit at this stage. The Sickle Cell Unit aims to offer comprehensive support for individuals with sickle cell disease, including acute clinical care, patient education, and family counseling services. During the visit, officials discussed the remaining steps needed for the unit’s operational launch, such as finalizing essential equipment, completing staffing arrangements, and conducting specialized training to ensure the clinical team is fully prepared to deliver high-quality care. The Ministry remains on schedule to hand over the unit by the end of the year, with ongoing preparations to ensure staff are equipped to provide optimal and holistic care to sickle cell patients. Minister Joseph emphasized the importance of keeping the public informed and reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to enhancing care for those affected by chronic and inherited blood disorders.
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Ministry Hosts Mentrepreneurship Workshop for Young Male Leaders
In a groundbreaking addition to the Entrepreneurship Day 2025 activities in Antigua and Barbuda, the Mentrepreneurship Workshop was introduced to inspire and equip the next generation of male leaders and entrepreneurs. Held on November 7, 2025, under the theme “Empowering Young Men with Entrepreneurial Skills for the Future,” the workshop provided practical guidance on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, personal development, and professional grooming. Through interactive sessions, team challenges, mentorship discussions, and business plan development, young men were encouraged to transform their ideas into viable business ventures and cultivate the mindset of successful entrepreneurs. Dr. Janelle O’Mard, the workshop coordinator and Education Officer with business responsibilities, emphasized the need for targeted guidance to shape innovative, responsible, and impactful future business leaders. The event also featured guest speakers including Mr. Kadesh Bailey, Mr. Bernard Peters, Mr. Colin John Jenkins, and Mr. Kevin Morgan, who shared insights on overcoming challenges, building resilience, and leading with integrity. The workshop not only aimed to develop entrepreneurial skills but also to instill positive values and self-confidence among participants. Meanwhile, schools like All Saints Secondary School, Sir Novelle Richards Academy, and Pares Secondary School have already begun their Entrepreneurship Day activities, with some planning to showcase a marketplace in their communities.
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Camillo has failed and should not be re-elected
Camillo Gonsalves, the eldest son of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, has been a central figure in the nation’s political landscape since his appointment as the parliamentary representative for East St. George (ESG) in December 2015. Born in Philadelphia on June 12, 1972, Camillo’s rise to prominence has been marked by controversy, with critics questioning his qualifications and the motives behind his rapid ascent. Initially appointed as the minister of economic planning, sustainable development, industry, trade, information, and labor, Camillo’s portfolio expanded in 2017 to include finance, a move that left many in the civil service and Parliament astounded. Despite his re-election in November 2020 by a narrow margin of 196 votes, concerns persist about his lack of expertise in key areas such as economics, finance, and information technology, given his academic background in journalism, law, and global affairs. Critics argue that his appointments are part of a broader strategy by his father to position him as the heir apparent to the premiership, sidelining other potential successors like Sabato Caesar, who has been confined to the Ministry of Agriculture. Questions about Camillo’s genuine connection to ESG and his commitment to its constituents have further fueled skepticism. Critics accuse him of neglecting the constituency for most of his term, only showing interest in the months leading up to elections. Additionally, his support for a Jamaican-owned seafood company’s fish depot in Calliaqua has raised concerns about its impact on local fisherfolk. The article concludes with a call to action for voters to reject the Gonsalves dynasty in the upcoming elections, urging support for the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) to restore integrity and equity to the nation’s governance.
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SVG cannot continue like this — we deserve better
The current government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is facing mounting criticism as citizens demand a shift in leadership. Many Vincentians argue that the administration has failed to prioritize the needs of ordinary people, particularly those in vulnerable communities like North Leeward. Families are grappling with escalating challenges, including the rising cost of education, transportation, and basic necessities, while a select few continue to benefit disproportionately. The stark contrast between the struggles of the majority and the privileges of a minority has sparked outrage and calls for accountability. Dr. Shallow’s efforts to highlight these disparities have been praised as a vital step toward transparency. Critics argue that the current leadership is disconnected from the realities of everyday Vincentians, focusing instead on enriching a small inner circle. The growing sentiment is clear: SVG deserves leaders who genuinely care about its people, address systemic inequalities, and work to uplift communities. As economic hardships intensify, the call for change grows louder, urging citizens to demand better governance for the sake of future generations.
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Agriculture begins table grape harvest in San Juan
The Dominican Republic has launched its national grape harvest with remarkable success, achieving yields of approximately 4,000 boxes per hectare—twice the global average. This agricultural milestone, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with local producers, began in Montecristi and has since expanded to Pedro Corto in San Juan. Efforts are now underway to identify additional cultivation zones across the southern region and other parts of the country. Agriculture Minister Limber Cruz highlighted the exceptional quality of Dominican grapes, which has drawn significant interest from international companies in France, Spain, Italy, and beyond. These firms are exploring opportunities to produce wines, ciders, and other grape-derived products within the Dominican Republic. The San Juan project, spanning 18 hectares, focuses on cultivating Timpson and Sweet Celebration seedless grape varieties, catering to both domestic markets and export demands. Producer Alberto Ramírez confirmed that their grapes are already being supplied to national supermarkets and various U.S. cities, marking a significant step in the country’s agricultural export growth.
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Wisselvallig weer met bewolking en regen
The day begins predominantly dry across much of the country, with localized fog patches along rivers and low-lying areas in the early morning. As the morning progresses, the skies clear, leading to a mix of sunshine and thin cloud cover. By the afternoon, cloudiness gradually increases, particularly in inland areas and the Brokopondo and Sipaliwini districts, where isolated rain and thunderstorms may develop. These showers can be brief but intense in some locations. Coastal regions, however, remain calmer, though a light shower cannot be entirely ruled out. Temperatures in the afternoon range between 30 to 33 degrees Celsius, accompanied by high humidity that may make it feel warmer. Winds are moderate, predominantly from the east to northeast. In the evening and overnight, shower activity and cloud cover decrease once again, resulting in dry conditions along the coast, while the southern regions may continue to experience occasional showers for a longer duration.
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UNICEF warns of rising violence against children in the Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo.- On World Children’s Day, the Dominican Republic confronts a pressing crisis of violence against minors, as highlighted by a surge in tragic incidents reported throughout 2025. While the nation has made strides in areas like breastfeeding, maternal care, and curbing child marriage, UNICEF has raised alarms over escalating issues in violent discipline and child protection, calling for immediate governmental intervention. Recent UNICEF statistics reveal a troubling rise in violent discipline against children aged 1 to 14, increasing from 62.9% to 63.5%, indicating deteriorating conditions within households. This year has also witnessed a series of high-profile cases involving extreme violence, including kidnappings, abuse, and homicides of children as young as one year old across provinces such as Santo Domingo, La Romana, and Dajabón. UNICEF emphasizes that these incidents are not isolated but rather indicative of systemic failures in prevention, protection, and family support systems. The organization urges the government to prioritize comprehensive measures to safeguard children and address the root causes of these pervasive issues.
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Orkaanschade in Jamaica loopt op tot recordbedrag van US$8,8 miljard
Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction in Jamaica, with estimated damages amounting to a staggering $8.8 billion, according to a joint report by the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). This figure represents the highest recorded damage in the country’s history, equivalent to 41% of Jamaica’s 2024 Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The assessment was conducted using the Global Rapid Damage Estimation (GRADE) method, which evaluates physical damage immediately after a disaster. The analysis focused on housing, non-residential buildings, infrastructure, and the agricultural sector, though broader economic losses are expected to be significantly higher. Preliminary findings reveal that 41% of the damage is attributed to housing, 33% to infrastructure, 21% to non-residential buildings, and 5% to the agricultural sector. Despite the relatively low percentage, the agricultural sector is anticipated to suffer substantial economic losses due to prolonged disruptions in production and distribution. Susana Cordeiro Guerra, World Bank Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean, emphasized Jamaica’s resilience and strong leadership culture as key factors in the recovery process. The World Bank and IDB have pledged full support, including emergency funding, technical assistance, and long-term resilience-building programs. The GRADE method, supported by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) and Japan’s Ministry of Finance, provides a rapid, independent assessment of physical damage, offering a preliminary understanding of the disaster’s impact. Jamaica, in collaboration with the IDB, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), and the Planning Institute of Jamaica, will now proceed with a comprehensive damage and loss analysis to guide effective and sustainable reconstruction efforts.