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  • NGO calls for stronger community action after Chapman Lane shooting

    NGO calls for stronger community action after Chapman Lane shooting

    In the wake of the tragic shooting of 30-year-old Kadeem Jelani Maycock on Wednesday, members of the Executive Coalition NGO are advocating for intensified community-driven initiatives to address escalating violence. Maycock, a resident of 3rd Avenue, Chapman Lane, St Michael, was fatally shot near his home, where he had been living with his grandmother until her passing two months prior. Henderson Williams, Chief Executive Officer of the Coalition, recounted that the incident occurred while he and his team were engaging with locals about the forthcoming ‘We Gatherin” activities, slated to commence in November. Williams emphasized that this tragedy highlights the pressing necessity for robust social engagement and youth intervention programs to curb violence in vulnerable neighborhoods. He reiterated the Coalition’s dedication to collaborating with government bodies and community members to foster trust and reinforce neighborhood unity.

  • Condos at The Beach Club, Barbuda Start at $7 Million as Luxury Sales Launch

    Condos at The Beach Club, Barbuda Start at $7 Million as Luxury Sales Launch

    The Beach Club, Barbuda, has unveiled its exclusive collection of ultra-luxury beachfront residences, with prices ranging from US$7 million for The Beach Club Villas to US$15 million for The Beach Club Estates. The Nobu Beach Inn Residences, fully serviced by the Nobu Beach Inn, start at US$12 million. Spanning 400 acres of pristine coastline, this ambitious project is the brainchild of founders Robert De Niro, Daniel Shamoon, and James Packer. Central to the development is the Nobu Beach Inn resort, expected to be completed by late 2026, which will offer private homes, villas, and estates designed to blend world-class hospitality with a nature-first, low-impact approach. Managing Partner Daniel Shamoon described the resort as ‘a discreet, low-key destination where world-class hospitality subtly meets the ease of Caribbean living,’ promising buyers and guests a ‘true toes-in-the-sand, barefoot luxury experience.’ The development features three residential options: the Nobu Beach Inn Residences, comprising 25 serviced beachfront homes ranging from 5,000 to 6,000 sq. ft.; The Beach Club Villas, offering 23 one-acre beachfront lots with flexible layouts; and The Beach Club Estates, consisting of seven six-acre plots with up to 480 ft. of shoreline. Amenities include the Nobu Barbuda restaurant, an omakase sushi bar, an oceanfront pool, a spa, and tennis courts. Sustainability is a key focus, with the resort utilizing renewable energy, an on-site farm, and employing local Barbudans. Located on Barbuda’s southwest coast, The Beach Club is conveniently accessible via the new Burton Nibbs International Airport, with private jet and inter-island connections from Antigua just 10 minutes away.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Engages in Landmark Biodiversity Talks in Panama

    Antigua and Barbuda Engages in Landmark Biodiversity Talks in Panama

    Antigua and Barbuda is stepping into a pivotal role in global biodiversity governance as the inaugural meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j) of the Convention on Biological Diversity commences in Panama City. Nneka Nicholas, Head of Delegation and President of the Nagoya Protocol COP/MOP-5, underscored the significance of this gathering for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) throughout the region. She articulated that the newly established body, a product of COP16, is designed to bolster the knowledge, innovations, and practices of IPLCs that are crucial for biodiversity conservation. This Subsidiary Body, which replaces the former Ad Hoc Working Group, is fully aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This alignment signifies a revitalized dedication to incorporating Indigenous knowledge into international biodiversity strategies, marking a significant step forward in global environmental governance.

  • Liberty Caribbean Foundation Mobilises Relief for Jamaica

    Liberty Caribbean Foundation Mobilises Relief for Jamaica

    In response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Liberty Caribbean Foundation has launched an immediate regional relief initiative to aid affected colleagues, families, and communities across Jamaica. The Foundation, the charitable arm of Flow and Liberty Business, has strategically positioned relief supplies and established logistics to deliver essential resources such as food, water, emergency kits, and connectivity solutions to devastated areas as soon as local authorities permit safe access. Ensuring the safety of staff remains the top priority, with teams actively verifying the well-being of all employees. While outreach efforts continue, the Foundation is prepared to commence relief shipments at the earliest opportunity, pending official clearance. Inge Smidts, Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Caribbean, emphasized, ‘Our primary responsibility is to our people and the communities that depend on us. We have mobilized resources across the region to ensure a swift, coordinated, and responsible response. Wherever it is safe to provide assistance, we will be there—offering immediate relief and supporting long-term recovery.’ The Foundation is collaborating closely with national and local authorities, community organizations, and trusted relief partners to efficiently target assistance, avoid duplication, and ensure aid reaches the most vulnerable households and shelter populations. Simultaneously, Liberty Caribbean’s crisis-management teams are prioritizing employee welfare and the restoration of critical communications infrastructure. Smidts added, ‘We understand that recovery will be a prolonged effort. Beyond emergency supplies, we are committed to partnering with local organizations on rebuilding and resilience initiatives that restore livelihoods and strengthen communities. The Foundation will remain engaged for as long as necessary.’ Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in southwestern Jamaica on October 28 as a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, tied with Hurricane Dorian (2019) and the 1935 ‘Labor Day’ hurricane for the strongest Atlantic hurricane landfall on record by wind speed. The Foundation is calling for public and corporate support to scale relief operations. Donations will directly fund the procurement and delivery of essential supplies and support long-term recovery programs in the hardest-hit communities. Secure online donations can be made at: https://www.libertycaribbeanfoundation.org/hurricane-relief.

  • Climate Events Drain Caribbean Economies by 2.13% of GDP Each Year

    Climate Events Drain Caribbean Economies by 2.13% of GDP Each Year

    Caribbean nations are disproportionately impacted by climate-related disasters, with annual economic losses averaging 2.13% of GDP between 1980 and 2020, as revealed by a recent OECD/IDB analysis. This vulnerability was starkly highlighted by Hurricane Melissa, a historic Category 5 storm with winds reaching 185 mph, which devastated Jamaica this week. Government officials reported extensive destruction, widespread flooding, and power outages affecting over 530,000 residents. Dominica faces the highest economic burden, with annual losses equivalent to 11.3% of GDP, followed by Grenada (3.9%) and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (2.7%). Even Barbados, with relatively lower exposure at 0.5% of GDP, experiences losses that would be deemed catastrophic in developed nations. Notably, the Caribbean contributes a mere 0.23% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The frequency of extreme weather events has surged by 85% from 2001 to 2020 compared to the previous two decades, with 322 climate disasters affecting 24 million people over the 40-year period. Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica accounted for 60% of regional climate hazard events. Despite these challenges, Caribbean nations are leading the way in innovative climate finance solutions, such as hurricane clauses, blue bonds, and debt-for-nature swaps, which could serve as models for other climate-vulnerable regions while fostering resilience for future generations.

  • Antiguan Students in Cuba Safe After Hurricane Melissa, Ambassador Confirms

    Antiguan Students in Cuba Safe After Hurricane Melissa, Ambassador Confirms

    Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Cuba as a Category 3 storm, Antiguan students in the country have been confirmed safe by Cuban Ambassador Sergio Jorge Pastrana. The majority of these students are located in western Cuba, which remained largely unaffected by the hurricane. Six students based in Santiago de Cuba are reported to be in good health and are actively assisting medical teams in relief operations. Melissa initially made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane with winds reaching 185 mph, causing significant destruction and claiming at least 28 lives across Haiti and Jamaica, with many still unaccounted for. In preparation for the storm, Cuba evacuated over 735,000 residents and has since initiated recovery efforts, including power restoration and the distribution of essential supplies like food and medicine. Communication lines remained operational throughout the hurricane, facilitating coordination and enabling families to stay in touch. Ambassador Pastrana described Melissa as the most severe storm of the 2025 hurricane season and encouraged Antiguans interested in supporting relief efforts to reach out to the Cuban Embassy for further instructions.

  • Trinidad and Tobago to realign foreign policy amid Caricom rift

    Trinidad and Tobago to realign foreign policy amid Caricom rift

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago has unveiled a significant transformation in the nation’s foreign policy, citing a breakdown in trust with the Caribbean Community (Caricom). This announcement, widely covered by national outlets such as the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian, Daily Express, and Newsday, comes amid escalating tensions over regional security, divergent stances on Venezuela, and U.S. military activities in the Southern Caribbean. Persad-Bissessar emphasized that these changes are essential for bolstering the country’s economic and physical security, stating that Caricom is no longer seen as a dependable partner. While withdrawal from Caricom is not on the table, the administration plans to forge new international alliances focused on trade, investment, and security. The Prime Minister’s remarks follow Trinidad and Tobago’s decision to withhold support for an October 18 Caricom communiqué declaring the Caribbean a ‘Zone of Peace,’ a stance that highlighted the nation’s unique challenges with drug trafficking, gang violence, and gunrunning. Persad-Bissessar’s endorsement of U.S. military deployments, including the USS Gerald Ford, has further strained relations with Caricom and Venezuela. The Venezuelan government responded by suspending energy agreements and declaring her ‘persona non grata,’ a move she dismissed as inconsequential. Despite these tensions, Persad-Bissessar reaffirmed her commitment to regional humanitarian efforts, expressing solidarity with Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa. As a founding member of the Caricom Single Market and Economy, Trinidad and Tobago’s shift signals a potential reorientation of its long-standing regional engagement in response to evolving geopolitical dynamics.

  • Man shot dead at Chapman Lane

    Man shot dead at Chapman Lane

    Authorities are actively investigating a deadly shooting incident that took place on Wednesday evening at 3rd Avenue, Chapman Lane, in St. Michael. The tragic event unfolded around 7:45 p.m., claiming the life of 30-year-old Kadeem Jelani Maycock, a resident of the same address. According to preliminary reports, Maycock was seated among a group of individuals when an unidentified assailant, wearing a mask, approached and fired multiple shots at him. Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the scene, but Maycock was found unresponsive and showed no signs of life. A medical doctor later confirmed his death at the location. The St. Michael Police Department has issued a public appeal for information, urging anyone who witnessed the incident or possesses relevant details to come forward. Witnesses are encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 430-7189 or 430-7190, the Police Emergency number 211, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement seeks to uncover the motive behind the shooting and identify the perpetrator.

  • STATEMENT: Ministry of Labour thank you message, Ti Vilaj Kweyol – Tout Biten Domnik 2025

    STATEMENT: Ministry of Labour thank you message, Ti Vilaj Kweyol – Tout Biten Domnik 2025

    The 4th Annual Ti Vilaj Kweyol event, held from October 20th to 23rd, 2025, has been hailed as a resounding success, surpassing expectations in many aspects. The Ministers of Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, and Small Business Development, along with the Ministry of Tourism and Agriculture, have extended their heartfelt thanks to all individuals and organizations who contributed to the event’s triumph. The event, which celebrates cultural heritage and community spirit, saw an outpouring of support from patrons, partners, and sponsors, whose collective efforts made it a memorable experience. Organizers, volunteers, vendors, public officers, performers, media houses, and specialty services were also commended for their dedication and seamless coordination, ensuring a safe and rewarding occasion that reflected the nation’s resilience. Sponsors and community organizations were acknowledged for their generosity, which enriched the program and highlighted the importance of unity in advancing the national agenda. Attendees and dignitaries were thanked for their enthusiastic participation and for upholding the values that bind the nation together. The success of this year’s event sets a strong foundation for future initiatives aimed at fostering a brighter future for all citizens and small businesses.

  • Shepherd, Hosein, Holder power WI to 14-run T20I victory

    Shepherd, Hosein, Holder power WI to 14-run T20I victory

    The West Indies secured a hard-fought 14-run victory against Bangladesh in the second T20I on Wednesday, clinching the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead. Despite a shaky batting performance and multiple fielding errors, the Caribbean side’s bowlers delivered a match-winning performance at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium. Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, and Jason Holder spearheaded the bowling attack, restricting Bangladesh to 135 for eight in their 20 overs. This marked only the West Indies’ second bilateral T20I series win in their last nine attempts. Earlier, skipper Shai Hope and Alick Athanaze provided a solid foundation with half-centuries, but a middle-order collapse limited the visitors to 149 for nine. Bangladesh’s Tanzid Hasan top-scored with 61, but the hosts fell short despite several dropped catches by the West Indies. The final T20I will be played on Friday.