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  • Fernandez: ECCAA Headquarters Reinforces Antigua’s Role as Aviation Hub

    Fernandez: ECCAA Headquarters Reinforces Antigua’s Role as Aviation Hub

    On Thursday, Antigua and Barbuda celebrated the official inauguration of the expanded Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) headquarters located at V.C. Bird International Airport, a milestone that government officials say will solidify the island nation’s standing as the Eastern Caribbean’s preeminent aviation hub.

    Addressing attendees at the opening ceremony, which drew senior government officials, key aviation industry stakeholders, and regional diplomatic representatives, Charles Fernandez — the country’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment — emphasized that the regional regulator’s long-term presence in Antigua and Barbuda is a powerful testament to the widespread confidence in the nation’s aviation infrastructure and governance.

    “Having ECCAA’s headquarters based here in Antigua and Barbuda speaks volumes about the trust the region places in our country and our growing aviation sector,” Fernandez noted during his remarks. “This expansion only reinforces our position as a strategic connectivity and regulatory hub across the Eastern Caribbean.”

    Far from being just a construction project, Fernandez framed the addition of the new headquarters wing as a visible marker of the steady growth and ongoing modernization of civil aviation across the entire Eastern Caribbean. Over the past decade, the regional aviation sector has shifted dramatically: passenger volumes have climbed steadily, commercial airline networks have expanded into new markets, and regulatory requirements for safety and security have grown more stringent, creating new demands for governing bodies.

    The ECCAA serves as the primary regional aviation regulator, holding responsibility for safety oversight, security enforcement, and regulatory compliance across six member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Fernandez reaffirmed the Antigua and Barbuda government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the authority has the modern infrastructure, resources, and institutional support needed to fulfill its critical regulatory mandate across the OECS bloc.

    Beyond supporting the regional regulator, Antigua and Barbuda is advancing an aggressive strategy to expand its overall airlift capacity, with active negotiations already underway to secure new direct air routes from the United Arab Emirates, Latin America and South America. As the nation pursues these ambitious connectivity goals, Fernandez stressed that strong regional institutions like ECCAA become ever more critical to long-term success.

    “Safe, consistently regulated aviation systems are non-negotiable for the sustainable growth of the air transport sector, and that is exactly what ECCAA delivers,” he added.

    The minister also offered public praise to ECCAA Director General Anthony Whittier and the entire authority staff, highlighting their commitment to upholding strict global regulatory standards for years while operating out of cramped, inadequate facilities at their former Nugent Avenue location before the relocation to the V.C. Bird International Airport campus.

    Looking ahead, Fernandez pledged the Antigua and Barbuda government would continue to back future expansion initiatives for the authority, noting that rising aviation activity across the Eastern Caribbean will require ECCAA to steadily scale up its operational capacity and service offerings to meet growing demand.

    ECCAA leadership echoed that outlook following the official opening, confirming that the upgraded facility will streamline internal operations, cut bureaucratic delays, and boost the authority’s ability to deliver consistent, effective safety and security oversight across all six of its OECS member states.

  • A Force to Be Reckoned With: Carty and Willock Join Forces for Employees

    A Force to Be Reckoned With: Carty and Willock Join Forces for Employees

    Workers across Antigua and Barbuda now have access to a powerful new ally in the fight against workplace injustice, as two seasoned veterans of industrial relations and employment advocacy have joined forces to defend employees facing unfair treatment at the hands of employers.

    The new partnership brings together Anderson Carty, a widely respected figure in industrial relations, and Javonson Willock, an experienced employment and human resources consultant – both of whom bring first-hand, hard-won knowledge of the toll drawn-out workplace disputes can take on individual workers. Carty first made his name in legal circles with a landmark unfair dismissal case that began when he was fired from his role while out on vacation. His fight for justice wound its way through every tier of the national legal system, from the Industrial Court to the Court of Appeal, and ultimately reached the Privy Council. Today, his case remains a cornerstone of legal and policy discussions around exemplary damage awards in unfair dismissal proceedings across the region.

    Willock, too, brings personal experience of systemic workplace injustice to the new partnership. He has long spoken openly about his own six-year battle against unfair employment action, which began when he was pressured to resign over unproven misconduct allegations. At the time, he was repeatedly denied access to the evidence the allegations were based on, despite multiple formal requests. What followed was years of legal wrangling, which ultimately ended with multiple court rulings ruling in his favor. That experience, Willock says, gave him an unfiltered look at the gap in support for ordinary workers navigating disciplinary claims, unfair pressure and formal workplace investigations.

    In a recent statement, Willock emphasized that their shared personal experiences navigating high-stakes workplace disputes have given both men unique insight into the multi-layered burden these conflicts place on employees. Beyond the legal costs, workers face crippling emotional stress and long-term professional damage that often goes unrecognized by institutions and employers alike. “It is because of those experiences that we have chosen to combine forces to advocate on behalf of employees who believe they have been treated unjustly,” Willock explained.

    While the pair prioritize amicable, out-of-court resolutions whenever possible to reduce the strain on workers, they have made clear they will not shy away from vigorous legal action when employers refuse to adhere to basic labour standards. “The requirements of the Labour Code and good Industrial Relations practice are not optional,” Willock noted, adding that the pair intends to hold employers fully accountable when they show blatant disregard for established labour protections.

    Industry observers note that the new partnership marks a shift toward more assertive, worker-centered advocacy in key areas of workplace conflict, including unfair dismissal, disciplinary disputes, workplace victimization, and systemic breaches of labour law. For workers in Antigua and Barbuda who have previously felt overwhelmed, intimidated, or out-resourced when confronting employers on their own, the collaboration fills a critical gap in available advocacy and representation services, expanding access to justice for marginalized and disadvantaged workers across the country.

  • Port expands capacity with new berth

    Port expands capacity with new berth

    Barbados’ Port of Bridgetown has launched a transformative $213.5 million infrastructure expansion with the official commissioning of its new Berth 6, a development that port leaders say will dramatically lift the island nation’s cargo handling capacity, sharpen operational efficiency, and position it to meet rising regional and global shipping needs. Peter Odle, chairman of state-owned Barbados Port Inc., framed the new berth as a landmark investment that strengthens the port’s standing across trade, logistics, and the growing cruise tourism sector. Speaking at the launch ceremony Thursday, Odle connected the modern expansion to the port’s decades-long history of adaptation, tracing its evolution back to the 1961 completion of the deepwater harbour—once hailed as the most impactful public development and engineering project in Barbados’ history up to that point, built at a cost of $28 million. Over the 60-plus years since that milestone, the global maritime industry has undergone sweeping changes, but Odle emphasized that continuous infrastructure upgrades and strategic diversification have allowed Barbados to retain its competitive edge as a leading regional multi-purpose port. “The world has changed immensely since 1961, and it is only the fact that we have succeeded in keeping pace with this extraordinary transition that we remain an outstanding multi-purpose port,” Odle noted, adding that ongoing infrastructure improvements and forward-thinking diversification strategies have laid a solid foundation for long-term economic growth while enabling the port to adapt to larger vessel sizes and shifting global industry demands. The full Berth 6 project, priced at $213.5 million including on-site infrastructure, heavy cranes, and supporting operational equipment, stands as concrete proof of Barbados Port Inc.’s commitment to a bold, ambitious vision for the future of Barbados’ international trade, logistics, and cruise tourism sectors, Odle explained. Stretching 315 meters north from the existing Berth 5 and featuring a 13-meter depth, the new berth is purpose-built primarily to accommodate cargo vessels. This dedicated cargo space frees up existing adjacent berths to handle increased cruise ship traffic during Barbados’ peak winter tourist season, which runs from November through April each year. “This allows for increased operational efficiency, optimises use of existing space and allows us to meet increasing future berthing requirements and container throughput demands,” Odle said. Beyond the berth itself, the expansion adds 9.4 acres of new container yard space, outfitted with full supporting infrastructure including electrical reefer plugs for temperature-sensitive cargo, site lighting, potable water access, and upgraded grid connections. According to Odle, the development has already boosted the port’s static container yard capacity by 40%, expanding available container slots from 230,000 to 345,000 when using the port’s existing straddle carrier system. The new berth is engineered to support two Panamax gantry cranes, enabling the port to service two cargo vessels at the same time, a capability that cuts waiting times and improves turnaround for shipping lines. The facility was also designed with future expansion in mind: it is already prepared to accommodate the upcoming introduction of rubber-tyred gantries (RTGs), a upgrade that will further increase stacking capacity and push total container slots to roughly 460,000 when paired with the existing straddle carrier network in a hybrid operational model. “Our growth and infrastructure expansion continue, buoyed by a stream of new industry demands and the ever-growing numbers and size of ships,” Odle confirmed, signaling that additional upgrades to the port may be on the horizon to keep up with evolving maritime needs.

  • Cricket Association Congratulates Shawnisha Hector on Selection to West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup Squad

    Cricket Association Congratulates Shawnisha Hector on Selection to West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup Squad

    Cricket fans across Antigua and Barbuda are celebrating a landmark moment for the nation’s sporting community, after local bowler Shawnisha Hector earned a coveted spot on the 15-player West Indies Women’s roster for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup hosted in England. The Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA) moved quickly to release an official statement congratulating Hector on her historic selection, framing the achievement as a win for both the athlete and the country’s growing cricket ecosystem.

    Hector will join a star-studded regional squad led by experienced team leaders Hayley Matthews, who reprises her role as captain, and vice-captain Chinelle Henry. The full roster includes many of the region’s top cricket talents, such as all-rounder Stafanie Taylor, hard-hitting batter Deandra Dottin, and spin bowler Karishma Ramharack, among other standout players Aaliyah Alleyne, Shermaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar.

    Hector’s call-up extends Antigua and Barbuda’s long-running tradition of having athletes represent the region at the highest tier of international women’s cricket, a testament to both her years of consistent hard work and the success of regional development programs nurturing young female talent. The milestone marks a significant progression in Hector’s career, which has seen her climb the ranks from domestic competition to the global cricket stage.

    Before the 2026 World Cup kicks off, the West Indies Women’s side has a packed schedule of preparatory competition to fine-tune their form. First, the team will travel to Ireland to compete in the Evora Women’s International Tri-Series, running from May 28 to June 3, where they will face off against hosts Ireland and Asian powerhouse Pakistan. From Ireland, the squad will move directly to England for two high-stakes warm-up matches against top-ranked opponents: they will take on India on June 8, followed by a clash with defending champions Australia on June 10. The West Indies will open their official World Cup campaign against New Zealand on June 13.

    One of the most anticipated events on the global women’s sporting calendar, the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will bring together the world’s top 10 women’s national cricket teams to compete for the sport’s most prestigious T20 title across a month of competition in England.

  • Clement Antonio to Take Up China Diplomatic Posting in June

    Clement Antonio to Take Up China Diplomatic Posting in June

    A long-awaited update on Antigua and Barbuda’s diplomatic reshuffling has confirmed that former Senator Clement Antonio will officially take up his role as the country’s resident ambassador to China in mid-June, according to senior government official Maurice Merchant. Merchant, who serves as Director General of Communications, shared the timeline during a post-Cabinet press briefing held Thursday, when he addressed public questions over the delayed departure of Antonio, whose initial appointment was announced months earlier. Merchant clarified that the appointment of a resident ambassador is far from a straightforward administrative procedure, as it requires cross-institutional coordination spanning multiple sovereign governments and diplomatic offices. The process, he explained, extends well beyond Antigua and Barbuda’s domestic governance structures. It must go through reviews and approvals from Antigua and Barbuda’s Government House, the UK Palace, China’s central government, multiple diplomatic missions, and Antigua and Barbuda’s London-based diplomatic office, leading to inevitable waiting periods. When addressing the timing gap that coincided with the country’s recent general election, Merchant noted that the electoral cycle did not derail the process, but only extended the procedural timeline. “The elections came and the elections went,” Merchant told reporters, “Senator Antonio is due to arrive in China to take up his posting next month, June.” As of this week, all required formalities for Antonio’s appointment have been fully completed. “All has been concluded where His Excellency Clement Antonio is concerned, and he will take up his posting in China during the month of June, I think around the middle of June,” Merchant confirmed. Antonio’s appointment marks the first key personnel change in a broader overhaul of Antigua and Barbuda’s diplomatic service, launched after the country’s general election concluded on April 30. The Cabinet has revealed that ongoing reviews of the diplomatic sector will lead to more new appointments and reassignment announcements in the coming weeks, as the new administration works to align the country’s diplomatic corps with its policy priorities. This appointment also comes as Antigua and Barbuda continues to deepen its bilateral engagement with China, highlighting the country’s commitment to advancing diplomatic ties between the two nations.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Officials Complete Regional Training on Hazardous Pesticide Management

    Antigua and Barbuda Officials Complete Regional Training on Hazardous Pesticide Management

    In a targeted move to boost regional capacity for controlling dangerous agricultural chemicals, three technical staff from Antigua and Barbuda’s Department of Analytical Services have graduated from a specialized regional training program focused on improved management of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) across the Caribbean. The department confirmed that participants Laël Bertide-Josiah, Alexandra Hughes and J’herdine Browne took part in the two-day hybrid workshop, branded “Development of an Effect-Cause-Action (ECA-G) Tool for Highly Hazardous Pesticide Management in the Caribbean”, which was held May 26–27 at The Verandah Resort & Spa in Antigua.

    The capacity-building event was organized by the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer for the Caribbean (BCRC-Caribbean), and forms a core activity under the Global Environment Facility’s ISLANDS 10279 Project, a regional initiative focused on addressing environmental challenges in small island developing states.

    Per official statements from the Department of Analytical Services, the training was designed to strengthen consistent implementation of multiple multilateral environmental agreements linked to chemical control and waste management across the Caribbean region. Over the course of the workshop, the three local participants joined dozens of regional subject matter experts and industry stakeholders in collaborative discussions centered on improving systems to identify and regulate HHPs, while systematically evaluating the far-reaching harms these chemicals pose to human health, regional ecosystems, and national economic performance.

    The program curriculum balanced theoretical learning with hands-on practical application, covering technical modules ranging from HHP identification and routine environmental monitoring, to quantitative analysis of economic impacts, environmental risk mapping, and evidence-based mitigation strategies to cut the public health and ecological dangers tied to unregulated hazardous pesticide use.

    Department officials emphasized that this training initiative aligns with broader national and regional goals to elevate environmental governance, strengthen chemical safety standards, and advance sustainable development across Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean region. The department also formally extended its gratitude to supporting partners, including BCRC-Caribbean, the technical team from the University of the West Indies, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), whose collaboration made the capacity-building event possible.

  • PM wants port projects fast-tracked amid development push

    PM wants port projects fast-tracked amid development push

    At the official commissioning ceremony for Bridgetown Port’s newly completed Berth 6, Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley has delivered a clear directive to port authorities: break through bottlenecks and accelerate long-delayed key expansion projects, warning that further hold-ups to critical cruise and national security infrastructure are incompatible with the island nation’s goal of becoming the Caribbean’s top cruise destination. The multi-component expansion package includes three high-priority initiatives: a new finger-style cruise pier, a purpose-built central container examination facility, and a waterfront hotel development tied to an upcoming Caribbean cricket legends franchise. Mottley emphasized that even with ongoing legal proceedings surrounding parts of the project, Barbados cannot afford to put its cruise sector growth on indefinite hold. “Earlier this year, I convened meetings with the port’s chairman, executive leadership and the responsible minister to make sure that construction of the new finger cruise pier is moved to the top of the immediate priority list,” Mottley stated during her address. She noted that while outstanding litigation related to the development still requires resolution, the nation’s rising standing as one of the most important cruise ports in the Americas leaves no room for slow, incremental progress that holds back economic growth. Beyond positioning the country as a premier cruise stop, Mottley outlined that the new cruise pier and accompanying aggregate facility will generate consistent new revenue streams for the port, including through passenger head taxes and a range of additional commercial income opportunities. Of equal importance, the prime minister stressed, is the planned central container examination facility, a core asset for strengthening the nation’s border and national security frameworks. “This government has not held back on investment in cutting-edge scanners and expanded scanning capacity at Bridgetown Port, and we will continue to prioritize these security investments,” she said, adding that rapid completion of the dedicated examination facility is central to the government’s ongoing work to upgrade port security protocols. In a major milestone for project financing, Mottley revealed that the Ministry of Finance has already formally approved a $70 million loan to support the port expansion initiative, and she expressed confidence that remaining financing arrangements will be finalized quickly to clear the way for construction to move forward. She also offered public praise for the port’s board and management team for pursuing cost-effective development strategies, noting that this focus on fiscal responsibility aligns with the government’s expectations for all state-linked infrastructure projects. “This level of cost efficiency is exactly what I expect to remain a core part of how Bridgetown Port operates moving forward,” she added. Turning to one of the most ambitious mixed-use elements of the redevelopment plan, Mottley laid out details for a new waterfront hotel located adjacent to Kensington Oval, a project she framed as the starting point for a region-wide Caribbean cricket legends tourism brand. Currently, the targeted waterfront parcel is occupied by government procurement offices and other state operational facilities, but Mottley confirmed that relocation discussions are already at an advanced stage to clear the site for redevelopment. Comparing the proposed development to successful upscale waterfront projects in St. Lucia and multiple European destinations, Mottley described the land around Kensington Oval — which she called the third most iconic cricket ground globally — as a once-in-a-generation opportunity not just for Barbados, but for the entire Caribbean region. The overarching concept centers on a “Legends of the Caribbean” brand, with a network of hotels across the region honoring the historic legacy of legendary West Indies cricketers. “I have no doubt that the former West Indies players who brought so much glory to our region, but earned so little during their era of dominance, would be thrilled to know that their legacy, image and excellence can finally be rewarded through this project,” Mottley said. She confirmed the proposed Legends Hotel will occupy a prominent, iconic plot directly adjacent to Kensington Oval, laying the groundwork for the regional brand expansion.

  • Former ace athlete Sweet-I dies 16 years after paralysing gunshot injury

    Former ace athlete Sweet-I dies 16 years after paralysing gunshot injury

    In a heartbreaking loss for communities across St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sweet-I Robertson, a woman who turned a life-altering act of senseless gun violence into a story of relentless resilience and academic triumph, passed away Monday night following a sudden short illness. She was 33 years old.

    Robertson’s journey of struggle and success began in October 2010, when the 15-year-old star athlete and fifth-form student at Petit Bordel Secondary School was struck by a stray bullet outside her school’s campus in Petit Bordel. The bullet hit her neck, leaving her permanently paralyzed from the waist down. The tragedy did not end with her injury: in 2013, Shelton Hooper, the man convicted of wounding her, was sentenced to five years in prison. Hooper and his two co-accused relatives also received 12-year sentences for a separate attempted murder, and Hooper faced additional prison time on firearms charges. In a remarkable show of grace just days after her 21st birthday in 2014, Robertson told local outlet iWitness News that she had fully forgiven the men responsible for her injury, noting that holding onto resentment had no place in her new life. “You can’t hold a grudge forever,” she said at the time.

    Against all odds, Robertson refused to let her paralysis define her future. Just a year after the shooting, in 2011, she sat for the CXC O’Level examinations and passed four out of five subjects, earning the highest possible Grade 1 in mathematics. She went on to pursue higher education, graduating from St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College in 2017 — crossing the graduation stage in her wheelchair, pushed by her older sister Racquel, an educator, to accept her certificate.

    With support from Island Scholars Inc., a United States-based educational charity, Robertson continued her studies at the University of the West Indies. In July 2023, she reached a historic milestone, completing her degree program and graduating with a first-class honours Bachelor of Science in psychology. She had been preparing to launch an online counselling service to support others facing adversity when her health declined unexpectedly, leading to her death.

    Local leaders and institutions stepped in to support Robertson in the years after her injury. Then-Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves took a personal interest in her case after reading news reports of her assailants’ sentencing. Gonsalves, who used Robertson’s story to draw attention to the unregulated arms trade plaguing Caribbean communities, told a 2013 regional workshop for the UN Arms Trade Treaty that her experience was a “symbol of the creeping scourge of arms and ammunition into the most remote corners of our Caribbean civilisation”. In 2013, Gonsalves’ government arranged for Robertson to receive three months of rehabilitative treatment in Cuba, where she regained full control of her upper body, which had been left with only limited mobility in one hand before therapy. While doctors confirmed the lower half of her body was irreparably damaged, the treatment vastly improved her quality of life and restored her self-confidence. In 2014, the administration donated a custom-built, mortgage-free home to Robertson in Fitz Hughes, a gesture she said lifted a huge financial and emotional burden from her family.

    Robertson’s death marks the second time in recent months that a promising young Caribbean athlete has died from complications of violence committed near their school. In March, 17-year-old top athlete Alia Mc Dowall died at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, more than a year after she was stabbed in the throat outside Central Leeward Secondary School, where she was a student. The alleged attacker, 17-year-old Bethel High School student Doriel Duncan, has been charged with wounding with intent, granted EC$15,000 bail, and the case remains ongoing in the courts.

  • iWN founder presents credentials as SVG’s envoy in Taiwan

    iWN founder presents credentials as SVG’s envoy in Taiwan

    On Thursday, a landmark diplomatic moment unfolded in Taipei, as Kenton X. Chance, founder and former executive editor of Caribbean outlet iWitness News, formally presented his letter of credence to President Lai Ching-te at the Taiwan Presidential Office, officially taking up his post as St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ (SVG) new ambassador to Taiwan. The credential ceremony came two days after Chance presented a copy of his credentials to Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-Lung, marking the final step in his transition from a decades-long career in journalism to leading SVG’s diplomatic mission in Taipei.

    Chance’s appointment to the ambassadorial role, which took effect on March 1, closes a nearly 20-year full-circle journey for the Taiwan-educated diplomat. He first arrived in Taiwan as a graduate student in 2006 on a five-year full scholarship from the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, just six months shy of 20 years to the day of his return as ambassador-designate on March 2 this year. Over his six years of study, Chance earned both a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and a master’s degree in International Affairs from Taiwanese institutions. Before stepping into his diplomatic role, Chance built a 20-plus-year career in journalism, including 18 years as a correspondent for the Barbados-based Caribbean Media Corporation, and filed reports for many of the world’s leading international news outlets. In recognition of his professional achievements and ties to Taiwan, the Taiwan Ministry of Education named Chance a Distinguished Taiwan Alumnus in 2022, an honor he says reflects the lasting value of the education he received on the island, which served him through assignments across the globe.

    A particularly meaningful layer to Chance’s appointment is the timing: this coming August, SVG and Taiwan will mark 45 years of uninterrupted formal diplomatic relations, and Chance shares the exact same age as the bilateral partnership. “Therefore, I consider it a special honour to be representing St. Vincent and the Grenadines in Taiwan at this time,” Chance said in his remarks during Thursday’s ceremony, where he conveyed warm greetings from King Charles III, SVG’s Governor General Sir Stanley John, Prime Minister Godwin Friday, Foreign Minister Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, and the entire government and people of SVG to President Lai and the people of Taiwan.

    Chance also paid tribute to Andrea Bowman, SVG’s first envoy to Taipei, who also served as his high school teacher early in his life. “She laid a solid foundation during her tour of duty. I intend to build on that foundation, erecting pillars in support of a broader, expanded relationship,” he said, reaffirming SVG’s longstanding commitment to the bilateral partnership. “St. Vincent and the Grenadines values its relationship with the Republic of China (Taiwan); our government stands ready to deepen and expand that relationship for the continued benefit of both our peoples and our countries.”

    President Lai welcomed Chance’s appointment, noting that the new ambassador’s deep personal and professional ties to Taiwan position him to drive new progress in bilateral cooperation at this significant milestone for the relationship. Lai expressed hope that Chance’s tenure would see expanded collaboration between the two nations in key sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, and information and communications technology, building on existing partnerships in smart agriculture and smart medicine to diversify cooperation and deliver shared prosperity. “Chance’s appointment at such a significant moment will allow us to witness new milestones in our relations,” Lai said. “We continue to cherish this longstanding partnership as we embrace the future together … Going forward, I believe we will build on existing cooperation … helping us realise our goal of mutual benefit and prosperity.”

    Lai also extended deep gratitude to SVG for its consistent, longstanding public support for Taiwan’s participation in international forums, including the United Nations General Assembly, World Health Assembly, International Civil Aviation Organization, and Interpol. “Such actions embody the priceless spirit of true friendship and mutual support,” Lai said. “Moving ahead, we look forward to St. Vincent and the Grenadines continuing to support Taiwan’s international participation. This will allow Taiwan to use its expertise to make contributions to the international community and work with like-minded nations to enhance global well-being.”

    As part of the formal diplomatic ceremonies, Chance presented two custom-commissioned artworks by Vincentian artists to Taiwanese officials. During his initial meeting with Foreign Minister Lin on Tuesday, he gifted the piece *All Ah Dat Is Mas* (“That, Too, Is Mas”) by Sharleen Branch, a Vincentian artist set to graduate from a master’s program at National Dong Hwa University this June. For Thursday’s ceremony with President Lai, he presented a painting of three horses by Donnie Collins, a Vincentian artist and radio personality. The horse holds special symbolic meaning in 2026, the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac, where the animal represents speed, success, vitality, and determined resilience.

    Chance’s appointment was first announced by SVG’s Foreign Minister Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble in Kingstown on January 22, as part of a broader wave of new senior diplomatic appointments from the Caribbean nation. Earlier this month, Bramble also announced the appointment of Laverne Phillips, another Taiwan-educated Vincentian who earned an international business degree in Taiwan between 2006 and 2011, as SVG’s new deputy consul general in Toronto, Canada.

  • Bolans Spectator Stand Nearing Completion, MP says

    Bolans Spectator Stand Nearing Completion, MP says

    After months of planning and construction work, the long-planned spectator stand project in Bolans is edging closer to being finished, according to Dwayne George, the Member of Parliament for St. Mary’s South. In a recent statement highlighting the milestone, George framed the infrastructure development as a transformative initiative that local residents have waited years to see come to fruition.

    George extended formal gratitude to key stakeholders that helped turn the community project into a tangible reality, specifically naming Antigua’s Ministry of Works, Minister of Works Maria Browne, and the national government for their coordination, funding, and on-the-ground support throughout the construction process. He shared that even ahead of its official opening, the new facility has already drawn enthusiastic feedback from Bolans residents, who have expressed excitement over the new public space.

    Once fully completed, the spectator stand will offer a vastly more comfortable, accessible gathering area for multiple generations of community members, including local families, young people, and long-term Bolans residents. Beyond hosting spectators for local sporting matches, the space is also designed to accommodate a wide range of other community activities, from public gatherings to local events.

    For George, the near-completion of the stand is more than just a new infrastructure addition: it stands as clear proof of ongoing progress, intentional development, and sustained public investment in both Bolans village and the entire St. Mary’s South constituency, marking a key win for the local area.