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  • Tense Senate Exchange Erupts Between Williams Grant and Parker

    Tense Senate Exchange Erupts Between Williams Grant and Parker

    A sharp public dispute has broken out in the upper chamber of Antigua and Barbuda’s parliament, pitting Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant against opposition legislator Malaka Parker over claims of systemic unfair treatment during floor debates.

    Parker opened the confrontation last week, leveling a direct allegation that the Senate’s presiding officer had deliberately refused to intervene when government senators repeatedly interrupted her remarks while she held the floor. The opposition senator told the chamber that she had consistently maintained proper decorum, allowing government representatives to deliver their full remarks without disruption, yet faced coordinated interruptions every time she rose to contribute to discussions.

    “From the very first sitting of this session, every single time I stand to speak in this honorable House, I face a chorus of interruptions, and I have received no protection from the chair,” Parker stated during the tense exchange.

    Williams-Grant immediately pushed back forcefully against the claims, rejecting the accusation of negligence entirely. The Senate president argued that Parker herself had often joined back-and-forth exchanges with government side senators, rather than adhering to formal procedure that requires all remarks to be directed through the chair.

    “You cannot lay this accusation at my door,” Williams-Grant told the chamber. “Light back-and-forth debate is an established part of our parliamentary process. If you require my intervention to stop disruption, you must formally request that protection. You cannot simply claim that I have failed to protect you.”

    Williams-Grant emphasized that she has consistently provided procedural protection to every senator, regardless of party affiliation, when it is properly requested, calling Parker’s claims “uncalled for and completely untrue.”

    The exchange also included a moment of correction over parliamentary etiquette, after Parker opened her remarks with the informal phrasing “Madam President, let me tell you something.” Williams-Grant cautioned Parker on the improper address, prompting the opposition senator to immediately apologize and adjust her language to align with chamber rules.

    The disagreement continued as Parker acknowledged that the two held differing interpretations of proper Senate procedure, a framing Williams-Grant rejected outright. The Senate president reiterated that the onus falls on any legislator facing excessive disruption to formally request the chair’s intervention, rather than expecting unprompted action.

    “If interruptions become too much and you need protection, you simply alert me, and I will put a stop to it,” Williams-Grant said. She added that on previous occasions, Parker had chosen to engage directly with senators on the government side of the chamber instead of routing all comments through the chair, a departure from standard protocol.

    As the presiding officer, Williams-Grant noted that disagreements with her rulings are an unavoidable part of the role, but her decisions are final within the chamber. “I will make statements and I will issue rulings that not everyone will agree with, and that is perfectly acceptable. I am the final arbiter in this chamber,” she said.

    After the full exchange, Parker wrapped up the disagreement and confirmed she would adjust her approach moving forward. “Thank you for your clarification on this matter,” Parker said. “I will act accordingly going forward,” before resuming her interrupted presentation.

  • LETTER: The Gray’s Green Community : One Aim, One Community, One Destiny …

    LETTER: The Gray’s Green Community : One Aim, One Community, One Destiny …

    In a public letter submitted for publication, community member Alex has offered reflection on the recently concluded presidential election at Gray’s Green United Inc., opening with formal congratulations to newly elected leader Mr. Cranston on his electoral win. The race, which ended in one of the tightest results in the organization’s recent history, saw Cranston secure victory over opponent Ms. Taryn Nicholas by only a razor-thin margin. Despite Cranston’s win at the ballot box, Alex argues that Nicholas should view her own performance as a victory in its own right, given the steep political uphill battle she faced throughout the campaign.

    Nicholas competed against two high-profile opponents for much of the race: incumbent outgoing president Mr. Shaw and challenger Cranston. Shaw’s last-minute exit from the campaign upended the race entirely: after dropping out, Shaw threw his full organizational and personal support behind Cranston, redirecting all of his existing base of backers to his rival’s campaign. That combined bloc of support, Alex notes, ultimately pushed Cranston across the finish line to claim the narrow win.

    Alex acknowledges that the outcome is disappointing for Nicholas and her supporters, but frames the result as an inherent part of the democratic process, urging Nicholas not to be discouraged by the tight loss. Over her years of involvement with the community, Nicholas has already compiled an impressive record of tangible contributions to Gray’s Green, and Alex stresses that she has ample opportunity to continue that important work whether she takes on an official role or contributes independently.

    Looking ahead to the new term, Alex calls on Cranston to recognize the value of partnering with Nicholas, pointing to her demonstrated leadership potential and deep knowledge of the community’s needs that can strengthen efforts to advance local development. With Cranston set to begin his second term in office, all eyes are now on the incoming leadership team to deliver on promised improvements, including the long-awaited development of Keithley Sheppard Park.

    Alex echoes the community’s long-held unifying motto: “One Aim, One Community & One Destiny,” which intentionally embraces every member of Gray’s Green, regardless of political affiliation. Projects that serve the public good, from park development to other community initiatives, should never be framed as the sole legacy of any single politician or faction. Instead, meaningful progress depends on the combined effort of all community members, working together under the guidance of the elected leadership team to build a better future for everyone.

  • OP-ED: The Commonwealth’s greatest prize lies beyond the Games

    OP-ED: The Commonwealth’s greatest prize lies beyond the Games

    As dawn breaks over Glasgow’s iconic red-sandstone cityscapes this week, the Scottish hub has once again welcomed the entire Commonwealth family. Over 56 member nations have sent their elite athletes and passionate supporters to converge on the city, kicking off two weeks of world-class athletic competition that will draw the attention of millions of sports fans across the globe. While athletes like Dominica’s Thea La Fond-Gadson chase coveted gold medals on the playing fields, leaders across the bloc are already looking beyond the closing ceremony to a far bigger prize that could transform livelihoods for all 2.7 billion people across the Commonwealth: unlocking the untapped economic potential of its cross-border network to boost inter-member trade, investment and private enterprise.

    The Commonwealth’s unique shared history has gifted the bloc natural advantages for commercial collaboration. Most member states share a common working language, overlapping legal frameworks, similar government institutions and robust diaspora connections that cut the cost of doing business. Data shows that trade between Commonwealth members is already 21% cheaper than trade between comparable non-member countries, translating to a 20% higher total trade volume on average. Spanning every inhabited continent, the bloc ranges from the world’s largest democracy India, the second most populous country on Earth, to tiny island nations like Nauru. More than 60% of the Commonwealth’s population is under 30, and the bloc is home to many of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Yet despite this unmatched scale and youthful dynamism, the Commonwealth remains one of the most underutilized economic networks in the modern global order.

    This underperformance does not need to be permanent. This coming November, heads of government from across the bloc will gather in Antigua and Barbuda for the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Where the 2024 Commonwealth Games celebrates the shared cultural and social bonds that unite the 56 nations, this year’s summit will focus on turning those bonds into tangible economic gains for ordinary citizens. Unlike previous summits that have centered primarily on shared values and social goals, the 2024 CHOGM will place trade and investment at the core of its policy agenda unapologetically.

    Critics often question the Commonwealth’s relevance in 21st century global politics, arguing that the bloc offers little value beyond the quadrennial games. But current global shifts make the Commonwealth’s unique strengths more important than ever. Over the past five years, the global geopolitical order has shifted dramatically: long-standing multilateral frameworks are fraying, rising protectionism is undermining free trade, and large universal international institutions are increasingly gridlocked by great power competition. In this new environment, trust between trading partners has become an even more valuable commodity than before.

    In periods of global stability, businesses can prioritize expanding into new, untested markets. But in times of geopolitical uncertainty and economic volatility, partners seek out trusted, familiar relationships to anchor their operations. No other global network offers as many of these trusted connections as the Commonwealth. As a voluntary association, the bloc is united not by shared geography or political blocs, but by compatible institutions and commercial norms. This familiarity, built and reinforced over decades of regular collaboration, fosters the trust that businesses need to invest and grow.

    Conventional economic policy has long prioritized regional trading blocs, arguing that geographic proximity cuts transport costs, shortens supply chains and simplifies cross-border production coordination. But geography alone cannot create trust. Recent geopolitical shocks, from the COVID-19 pandemic to regional armed conflicts, have demonstrated that even neighboring blocs can face crippling breakdowns in cooperation and trust.

    Crucially, deeper Commonwealth economic integration does not require undermining existing regional blocs. The bloc can work alongside existing regional groups: leaders note that the Commonwealth can remove cross-bloc trade barriers while remaining fully supportive of regional organizations such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) that serve critical local needs.

    Even with shared institutional advantages, unnecessary policy frictions still hold back inter-Commonwealth trade. To unlock growth, member states should work to reduce remaining tariffs where possible, align technical standards and regulatory requirements across markets, streamline customs clearance processes, and make it easier for entrepreneurs, investors and skilled professionals to move between Commonwealth markets to do business.

    Removing existing barriers is only the first step. Leaders must also build on the existing “Commonwealth Advantage” to create a denser, more interconnected commercial network. This means matching institutional investors with high-potential infrastructure and development projects across the bloc, building pipelines of investment-ready projects that de-risk cross-border investment, fostering integrated Commonwealth supply chains in future-focused industries from renewable energy to digital technology, and creating common digital trade standards to streamline e-commerce across markets.

    Many of these policy priorities are already supported by existing Commonwealth initiatives, but progress has been held back by a lack of coordinated political will from member states. The key measure of success for this year’s CHOGM will not be new announcements or lofty statements, but renewed commitment from leaders to turn these existing plans into action.

    The Commonwealth should not only enter global public consciousness once every four years when the Games open. Its greatest impact should be felt every day between competitions, in the new jobs created for young people, the small and medium businesses that expand across borders, and the new economic opportunities opened to communities across every one of the 56 member nations.

  • UWP ELECTION PAGE: LIVE NOW: UWP Press Conference

    UWP ELECTION PAGE: LIVE NOW: UWP Press Conference

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  • Van, Mini Cooper Badly Damaged in Friars Hill Road Crash

    Van, Mini Cooper Badly Damaged in Friars Hill Road Crash

    A high-impact road collision on Friars Hill Road left two common passenger vehicles, a van and a Mini Cooper, with severe structural damage following the incident. Local emergency and traffic response teams were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported to clear debris, manage traffic flow, and document the details of the accident. While the full extent of injuries to the people involved in the collision has not been publicly released in initial updates, first responders confirmed that all parties involved received prompt on-site medical assessment before being transported to nearby care facilities if needed. Investigators from the local traffic police department have launched a formal inquiry to determine the root cause of the crash, with early leads focusing on factors including speed, road conditions at the time of the incident, and potential driver distraction. The collision caused temporary traffic disruptions along the busy Friars Hill Road corridor as crews worked to remove the damaged vehicles and repair any damage to the roadway surface. Motorists were advised to seek alternate routes during the cleanup process to avoid long delays. Local transportation officials have reminded drivers of the importance of maintaining safe speeds and remaining focused on the road, particularly on high-traffic urban corridors like Friars Hill Road where sudden stops and unexpected maneuvers are common. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to compile a full report on the incident.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Government in Talks With Airlines to Fill Gap Left by JetBlue

    Antigua and Barbuda Government in Talks With Airlines to Fill Gap Left by JetBlue

    The dual-island Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has entered active negotiations with multiple international and regional airlines after budget U.S. carrier JetBlue made the decision to end its scheduled service to the country. The departure of JetBlue has created a critical gap in airlift capacity that serves both the vital tourism sector and local residents relying on air connections to North American markets.

    Government officials confirmed that discussions are underway with a range of carriers, including major U.S. airlines and regional Caribbean operators, to secure new non-stop routes that can replace the lost capacity. Tourism, which accounts for more than 60% of Antigua and Barbuda’s gross domestic product and employs a large share of the national workforce, is heavily dependent on consistent, affordable air access to bring in visitors from the United States, one of its largest source markets.

    Charles Fernandez, the country’s Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, told reporters that the government is confident of reaching agreements that will not only fill the gap left by JetBlue but potentially expand overall airlift to the destination. “We have had very productive initial talks with several carriers that see the long-term value of serving Antigua and Barbuda,” Fernandez said in a recent press briefing. “Our priority is to maintain competitive airfares and reliable service for both visitors and residents.”

    Industry analysts note that JetBlue’s exit came amid broader industry shifts, including post-pandemic route restructuring and changing fuel costs that have led many carriers to re-evaluate their less profitable routes. Despite this, Antigua and Barbuda’s consistent investment in tourism infrastructure, including its modernized V.C. Bird International Airport and a range of new resort developments, has made it an attractive market for carriers looking to expand their Caribbean footprint. The government is also offering targeted incentives to encourage new carriers to launch service, including temporary marketing support and reduced landing fees for new routes.

  • Descarte to lead strong Saint Lucia team at Windwards tournament

    Descarte to lead strong Saint Lucia team at Windwards tournament

    As the highly anticipated 2025 Windward Islands Senior Men’s Cricket Tournament approaches, Saint Lucia has announced its 14-player competitive squad, bringing a mix of experienced leadership, returning star power, and exciting youth prospects to the table. The tournament, hosted entirely in Grenada, will run from July 26 through to the final match on August 3, drawing regional teams from across the Windward Islands archipelago to compete for the regional title.

    At the helm of the Saint Lucian squad is new captain Shadrack Descarte, an accomplished allrounder who earned the leadership appointment off the back of consistent, high-impact performances for both the Windward Islands Volcanoes and the Saint Lucia Kings franchise in recent regional competitions. Serving alongside Descarte as vice-captain is fellow allrounder Tarrique Edward, a young player who climbed the ranks through Saint Lucia’s youth development system and earned his first senior international cap just last year in 2024.

    One of the most notable inclusions in the squad is the return of opening batsman Stephen Naitram, one of the island’s most destructive top-order hitters, who missed out on selection for the 2024 iteration of the tournament. The 31-year-old Forestierre native has been in devastating form across domestic limited-overs competitions in the past year: he turned in dominant displays in both the Dream11 T10 Blast and the Saint Lucia Premier League, and played a key role in leading the Banana Warriors to a title win at the 2024 Nature Isle T10. Naitram’s comeback fills the gaps left by the absences of current West Indies international Ackeem Auguste and former Windward Islands youth captain Johnnel Eugene.

    Joining Descarte and Naitram in the group of returning key players are former West Indies Under-19 captain Kimani Melius, Windward Islands wicketkeeper Noelle Leo, veteran left-arm spinner Jaden Elibox, and fast-bowling allrounder Tyrel Chicot. The squad also showcases four first-time senior call-ups ready to make their mark at the regional level: Dominic Auguste, Joshua Cepal, Royce Paul, and Tyler Venner.

    Each of the four rookies brings unique strengths to the Saint Lucian side. Cepal and Paul, two promising young fast bowlers, have been tapped to fill the bowling vacancies created by the departures of Keon Gaston and McKenny Clarke. Allrounder Venner enters the squad off a red-hot run of form at the Cricket West Indies Rising Stars 50-Over Championship, where he notched back-to-back half-centuries to cement his reputation as a rising talent. Dominic Auguste, a powerful top-order batter, also adds depth to the squad as a backup wicketkeeper.

    Rounding out the 14-man roster are Windward Islands Under-19 captain and opening batsman Theo Edward, who turned in an impressive performance at the recent regional youth championship, right-arm offspinner Lee John, and left-arm medium pacer Shawnil Edward.

    Leading the team’s coaching staff for the tournament is former West Indies offspinner Garey Mathurin, who takes on the head coach role. A certified Level 3 cricket coach, Mathurin brings extensive regional coaching experience, having previously worked with the Windward Islands Volcanoes senior side. Nerville Florence returns to his post as team manager, a position he has held successfully for the past two editions of the tournament.

    For Saint Lucia, the road to the title kicks off early with a one-off three-day warm-up fixture against the Commonwealth of Dominica, scheduled to start this Sunday at Grenada’s Tanteen Cricket Ground. The official Super-50 Championship group stage gets underway next Thursday, where defending champions Saint Lucia will open their title defense against St Vincent & the Grenadines at Tanteen. Following the opening group match, Saint Lucia will face Dominica and hosts Grenada at La Sagesse Cricket Ground, with the tournament final set to take place on Monday, August 3 at the same La Sagesse venue.

  • Community Vibes summer camp immerses children in culture and creativity

    Community Vibes summer camp immerses children in culture and creativity

    Against the backdrop of warm Barbadian summer, Community Vibes Summer Camp is filling the halls of Westbury Primary School with the sounds of drumming, the rustle of crochet yarn, and the laughter of young learners, as participants dive into a six-week immersive cultural experience running from July 13 to August 21. More than just a seasonal recreational program, the camp is designed to engage local youth with authentic Barbadian heritage while equipping them with practical, income-generating skills – culminating in public performances at the island’s annual Emancipation Day celebrations.

    Curated by veteran youth program leader Glenn Harvey, who has dedicated more than 30 years to summer camp programming and five years leading Community Vibes specifically, the camp offers a diverse lineup of activities tailored to connect young people to their cultural roots. Beyond hands-on workshops in traditional crafts and performance – including crochet, African drumming, folk dance, and handcrafted jewelry making – the camp has organized four educational exploratory tours, inter-camp sporting events, and a cross-community mini carnival open to all cultural youth camps across the parish of St. Michael.

    Harvey, who founded the program after years of youth work, says the camp has built a formidable legacy in competitive cultural crafts over its history, particularly in crochet. “Two years ago, we took home every top honor at the national crochet competition, including the Prime Minister’s Award. Last year, we only missed out on one trophy, claiming all the rest. This year, we’re aiming to sweep the board again,” he shared in an interview Wednesday.

    The planned educational outings, dubbed “tour and picnic” by organizers, take campers to sites of historical and educational importance across the island, ending with group leisure time at popular local picnic spots to build camaraderie among participants. For the upcoming mini carnival, Harvey has partnered with the senior youth commissioner for St. Michael to invite youth from other local cultural camps to join the community event, turning it into a collaborative celebration of Barbadian youth culture. When Emancipation Day arrives, camp participants will take center stage, showcasing the dancing, drumming, and craft skills they’ve honed all summer in public street performances that mark the island’s celebration of freedom.

    A majority of the camp’s attendees hail from nearby inner-city communities, including New Orleans, Baxter’s Road, Westbury Road, and Passage Road, providing structured, positive activity for young people during summer break. Harvey emphasized the value of the program for these youth, noting, “It’s wonderful to see kids keep their minds occupied with meaningful, varied activities, and the government has done excellent work to keep these community camp programs running.” He also praised newly appointed Youth and Culture Minister Senator Shane Archer for recent policy improvements that increased capital funding and adjusted salaries for camp directors and support staff, changes that have strengthened the program’s ability to serve youth.

    For many participants, the highlight of the camp’s curriculum is the crochet workshop led by veteran instructor Sybil Fiedler, who frames the craft as both a cultural art form and an entrepreneurial pathway for young people. “Crochet is a fiber art where you turn simple string into something tangible and beautiful,” Fiedler explained to a group of new learners earlier this week, as captured in a photo by Lauryn Escamilla. “It’s an art you have to love to master.”

    Walking beginners through the foundational steps of the craft, Fiedler emphasized that every complex project starts with a single chain stitch, encouraging new learners not to grow discouraged by early missteps. “Don’t let this craft master you – you master it,” she told participants. Beyond being a relaxing hobby, Fiedler notes that crochet can open up unexpected income streams for young people, especially teens. “If a friend sees a teen wearing a crocheted piece they made, they’ll often ask for a custom piece, and that’s quick extra cash they can earn on their own,” she explained. By the end of the six-week session on August 21, participants will have crafted granny square bags and a range of other handmade projects that will be displayed at the camp’s final end-of-session exhibition.

  • Cricketing Legends Among Antigua and Barbuda’s Official Delegation for Sir Garfield Sobers’ State Funeral

    Cricketing Legends Among Antigua and Barbuda’s Official Delegation for Sir Garfield Sobers’ State Funeral

    The Caribbean cricket community is preparing to bid a final farewell to one of its most iconic figures, as the government of Antigua and Barbuda has given formal approval for a high-powered delegation of the nation’s most celebrated cricket legends to travel to Barbados for the state funeral of West Indian cricket giant Sir Garfield Sobers.

    Leading the delegation are some of the biggest names in Antigua and Barbuda’s cricketing history: national hero Sir Vivian Richards, alongside fellow cricketing knights Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Curtly Ambrose, and Sir Richie Richardson. They will be joined by Dwayne George, Antigua and Barbuda’s Sports Minister and a former national cricketer, who will officially represent the dual-island nation at the ceremonial event.

    Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications for Antigua and Barbuda, announced the Cabinet’s decision at the official post-Cabinet press briefing held on Thursday. In remarks to reporters, Merchant emphasized the unique standing Sobers holds in global sport and Caribbean heritage, noting that the delegation will carry the full respect and mourning of the entire Antigua and Barbuda nation to the service. “Together, they will pay the nation’s final respects to one of the greatest cricketers the world has ever known and a towering figure in Caribbean history,” Merchant told the assembled press.

    In an official statement, the Cabinet highlighted that the composition of the cross-sector delegation of cricketing stars and government officials underscores the profound admiration that Antigua and Barbuda retains for Sobers. Beyond his record-breaking achievements on the cricket pitch, Cabinet noted that Sobers’ influence transcended sport, becoming a source of collective pride and inspiration that empowered generations of young people across the entire Caribbean region.

    The state funeral is scheduled to kick off at 10 a.m. local time on Wednesday, July 29, held at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados — a ground that has played host to countless historic moments in West Indian cricket. Prior to this formal approval of the delegation, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne had already delivered a public tribute honoring Sobers’ life and legacy. The Cabinet has also issued a directive requiring all flags on public government buildings across Antigua and Barbuda to be flown at half-staff as a mark of national respect for the late cricketing icon.

  • Free green skills training by BTC to prepare 85 Dominicans for climate-resilient jobs

    Free green skills training by BTC to prepare 85 Dominicans for climate-resilient jobs

    As Dominica advances its ambitious goal of becoming the world’s first climate-resilient nation, the Business Training Centre (BTC) has unveiled a groundbreaking eight-month training project designed to build a skilled local workforce capable of supporting the country’s fast-growing green economy. Titled Green Skills Training for Dominica’s Climate-Resilient Workforce, this initiative is made possible through full funding from the Government of Canada, delivered under the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) 2026-2027 programme.

    Addressing a critical gap in skilled labor for green sectors, the free programme will provide Continuing Professional Development (CPD)-accredited training across six high-demand technical fields. These areas cover core green economy segments: Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), solar and thermal energy system installation, land surveying and construction cost estimation, construction project administration, green vehicle technology for motorbike mechanics, and digital green skills including cybersecurity and data entry management.

    In an official statement released by BTC, Managing Director Lucia Stedman emphasized that Dominica’s national climate resilience targets cannot be achieved without a workforce equipped with the right specialized technical capabilities. This programme, she noted, delivers more than just skills training: it will open new employment pathways for 85 young Dominicans while directly building the skilled talent pool the country needs to deliver on its long-term sustainable development vision. Stedman also extended formal gratitude to the Government of Canada for its financial partnership and commitment to Dominica’s climate goals.

    The initiative is open to all eligible candidates between the ages of 18 and 45 residing across any part of Dominica. To advance gender equity in green technology sectors, BTC has mandated that at least 60 percent of participants in the Digital Green Skills track will be women, creating more inclusive access to high-growth career opportunities for underrepresented groups.

    All six training modules will run for three months each, led by experienced local instructors who hold recognized industry and teaching credentials. After successfully completing their programme, participants will earn an internationally recognized CPD certification, which is widely accepted by employers across the Caribbean and globally. BTC will also provide dedicated job placement support to graduates, leveraging its existing network of industry partnerships with local employers across green sectors.

    The full training schedule will run from July 2026 through February 2027, concluding with a formal Green Economy Graduation Ceremony scheduled for February 19, 2027. All 85 graduates will be recognized for their achievement at the ceremony. Applications for the programme are open now, and interested candidates can access and download application forms directly through the official BTC website.