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  • Janet Caroo appointed St Lucia’s ambassador to CARICOM and OECS

    Janet Caroo appointed St Lucia’s ambassador to CARICOM and OECS

    A seasoned Caribbean media and academic leader is stepping into a pivotal new diplomatic role that will shape regional cooperation across the Caribbean bloc. Dr Janet Caroo has been formally appointed as St Lucia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to both the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), with her tenure officially commencing on September 1, 2026. Alongside this ambassadorial posting, Caroo will also lead St Lucia’s Governmental Regional Integration Unit, marking a significant expansion of her decades-long work advancing Caribbean unity.

    The appointment has already drawn widespread praise from The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Caroo’s long-time professional home, where institution leaders highlighted her unique qualifications for the high-profile role. Over her career centered on regional public service, Caroo has built a proven track record of leadership, deep institutional knowledge of Caribbean geopolitics and community needs, and an unwavering commitment to driving cross-border development, cooperation and integration across the region.

    Before moving into diplomacy, Caroo served as Managing Director of UWItv, the University of the West Indies’ regional media platform. In that position, she leveraged strategic communication and targeted public engagement strategies to advance The UWI’s mission of connecting academic resources to Caribbean communities. During her tenure, she spearheaded initiatives that bridged the gap between the University’s cutting-edge research and technical expertise and grassroots communities across every corner of the Caribbean, while emphasizing media’s critical role in fostering open, informed public debate on pressing regional issues.

    Caroo will bring this extensive experience in regional outreach and collaboration to her new diplomatic portfolio, as the government of St Lucia works to deepen its institutional ties with both CARICOM and the OECS. Her core responsibilities will center on advancing key regional priorities, including enhanced cross-border cooperation, streamlined labor and professional mobility, expanded intra-regional trade and investment, accelerated innovation across Caribbean economies, and stronger people-to-people connections across Caribbean island nations.

    Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, joined the entire University community in offering formal congratulations to Caroo, commending her transformative contributions during her time leading UWItv. In a statement shared by the institution, Beckles emphasized that Caroo’s appointment is a testament to the strength and value of homegrown Caribbean leadership, rooted in deep institutional experience and an intimate understanding of the region’s unique opportunities and challenges.

    “Dr Caroo’s appointment reflects the value of Caribbean leadership, institutional experience and a deep understanding of the region. The UWI is proud of the impact she has made through UWItv, particularly in amplifying Caribbean perspectives and strengthening the University’s connection with the people it serves. We are equally pleased to see her carry that experience into this important diplomatic assignment on behalf of St Lucia and the wider Caribbean,” Beckles said.

    The UWI wrapped up its announcement by noting that it has full confidence Caroo’s transition from regional media leadership to diplomatic representation will open new pathways for impactful service to both St Lucia and the broader Caribbean community. The institution extended its warm wishes for Caroo’s success in her new role, highlighting the mutual benefits her experience will bring to both the region’s diplomatic bodies and the Caribbean people it serves.

  • Five Campuses, One College: ABCAS Welcomes Its First Student Intake

    Five Campuses, One College: ABCAS Welcomes Its First Student Intake

    St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda – September 8, 2026 – A new chapter in tertiary education has opened in Antigua and Barbuda, as the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) has officially welcomed its first group of enrolled students following the high-profile merger of five separate post-secondary institutions into one unified collegiate system.

    For the 2026/2027 academic year, total enrolment across ABCAS’ five geographically distributed campuses has surpassed 1,200. This incoming cohort makes history as the first group to begin studies under the new consolidated ABCAS brand, capping months of transition work to integrate the formerly independent institutions.

    Each of the five campuses hosts a distinct specialized school tailored to meet the country’s diverse workforce and development needs. The Eustace Hill Campus is home to the School of Business, Innovation and Information Technology, while the Muriel O’Mard Campus houses the School of Tourism and Hospitality. Vocational and technical training is centered at the Harrison Centre’s School of Technical and Vocational Education, and the Dr. Alister Francis Campus hosts the School of Education, Arts, Science and Industry. Rounding out the network is the Glanvilles Campus, which operates the new School of Agriculture.

    Among the most notable milestones of this inaugural intake is the launch of the School of Agriculture itself, which welcomed its first ever cohort of eight students. This launch is a targeted strategic step: national education planners aim to strengthen formal agricultural training across the country, and create structured, accessible pathways for young people seeking to build careers or launch entrepreneurial ventures in the agricultural sector, a key part of Antigua and Barbuda’s economy and food security strategy.

    Honourable Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Science and Technology, emphasized that this first cohort’s arrival confirms the core vision that drove the merger of the five institutions. The consolidation was designed to align tertiary education more closely with national development goals, by eliminating redundancies and pooling resources across once-separate campuses.

    Dr. E. Jonah Greene, President of ABCAS, framed the incoming cohort as a landmark moment for the new unified college, which now draws on the unique legacy and strengths of each of its five constituent campuses. “For our students, being part of ABCAS should mean access to the collective strengths of the entire College. Each of our campuses brings its own expertise, experience and areas of specialisation, and our responsibility is to ensure those strengths work together,” Dr. Greene explained. “As we welcome this first intake, our focus is on providing students with a strong education, practical preparation and the support they need to move confidently into further study, employment or entrepreneurship.”

    As the 2026/2027 academic year kicks off, ABCAS leadership has extended welcomes to both new and returning students, and expressed optimism for a year defined by collaborative learning, personal growth, and expanded opportunity across all five campuses. The institution remains anchored in its core mission: delivering accessible, relevant, and high-quality academic, technical, and vocational training that equips graduates to pursue their personal career goals, while contributing meaning to the long-term nation-building efforts of Antigua and Barbuda.

  • IHO Nature Rangers Continues Clean-up Efforts with International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026

    IHO Nature Rangers Continues Clean-up Efforts with International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026

    In Antigua and Barbuda, ahead of International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026, local environmental organization IHO Nature Rangers has launched a wide-reaching call to action, mobilizing young people and community organizations from across the nation to join a collective effort to clear coastal and marine waste and boost youth-led conservation of the country’s fragile coastal and marine ecosystems.

    Organized under the leadership of IHO Nature Rangers and its specialized Volunteer Litter Prevention Wardens division, the 2026 cleanup initiative opens participation to all youth groups and community partners across the country. Organizers have specifically put a call out to young residents from Parham, Seatons, Glanvilles and their surrounding neighborhoods to join, emphasizing that healthy coastlines are irreplaceable pillars of Antigua and Barbuda’s natural environment, local communities, and fast-growing blue economy.

    The impetus for this targeted cleanup effort came from a recent site assessment conducted by the project team in coastal zones falling within the North East Marine Management Area (NEMMA). During the visit, team members documented significant volumes of debris originating from both land-based and ocean-based sources accumulating along the region’s shorelines. This on-the-ground observation underscored the urgent need for sustained intervention: cutting waste at its source, removing accumulated trash from vulnerable coastal habitats, and fostering a widespread culture of accountability for marine ecosystem health across local communities.

    Britney McDonald, Project Manager for IHO Nature Rangers, shared her first-hand perspective from the NEMMA assessment: “During our recent visit, we saw directly the scale of debris that is reaching our coastal zones from both land and sea. These areas are non-negotiably important to our communities and our national blue economy. Our coastlines underpin fisheries, tourism, recreation, native biodiversity, and the livelihoods of thousands of people, so protecting them demands collective action from every one of us. This cleanup event gives our young people, volunteers and communities a chance to lead by example, and show that environmental stewardship is accessible to everyone.

    Marked globally on September 19, 2026, International Coastal Cleanup Day brings together communities across every inhabited continent to remove litter from coastlines and inland waterways. For IHO Nature Rangers, this event is far more than a one-time trash pickup: it is a core component of the organization’s long-term work to build public environmental awareness, cultivate youth leadership capacity, and drive hands-on conservation action across all NEMMA communities. The organization has previously hosted successful cleanup initiatives in Parham, Seatons, and Glanvilles as part of this ongoing program.

    The Volunteer Litter Prevention Wardens will take on a dual role during the event: beyond supporting on-the-ground cleanup activities, the team will also lead outreach to local communities to promote responsible waste management habits and long-term litter prevention.

    The 2026 cleanup event will take place on Saturday, September 19, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Spencer’s Bay, and all members of the public are invited to register to participate via the online portal at https://qrco.de/bgzlSv.

    Organizers note that every piece of trash removed eliminates one more hazard for marine wildlife and ecosystems, and every volunteer helps strengthen a culture of collective environmental stewardship that will protect Antigua and Barbuda’s coastlines for generations. The goal of the event is to leave the nation’s coastal spaces cleaner, healthier, and more resilient to environmental pressures.

    This cleanup initiative forms a core activity of the broader “Strengthening Conservation Actions in the North East Management Area, Antigua and Barbuda” project, which is headed by IHO Nature Rangers. The project receives funding from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund and the World Bank, with implementation support from the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute, plus local partners Integrated Health Outreach and the EcoShores Sustainable Futures Network.

    For members of the media seeking additional information or to interview project team members, inquiries can be directed to Project Manager Britney McDonald at (268) 785-5169.

  • New U.S. Ambassador Presents Credentials to Governor-General

    New U.S. Ambassador Presents Credentials to Governor-General

    On September 7, 2026, Andre Bauer, the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Belize, completed a key diplomatic milestone by formally presenting his Letters of Credence to Governor-General Dame Froyla Tzalam during an official ceremony hosted at Belize House in the nation’s capital, Belmopan.

    The event marked the formal start of Bauer’s diplomatic tenure in the Central American nation. In opening remarks following the ceremony, Dame Froyla extended a warm official welcome to Bauer on behalf of all Belizean people, and shared heartfelt well wishes for his work during his appointment.

    Addressing attendees, Bauer emphasized the untapped potential for collaboration between the two North American neighbors, noting that deepened mutual understanding, expanded bilateral trade and coordinated joint work create meaningful opportunities to drive shared growth and prosperity. Ultimately, these cooperative efforts, he argued, will improve quality of life for citizens of both the United States and Belize.

    Bauer also expressed gratitude to Dame Froyla for her reception of his credentials, adding that he is eager to build a strong working relationship with her and experience all that Belize has to offer throughout his time in the country.

    After the credential presentation to the Governor-General, Bauer traveled to meet with Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca, to deliver official copies of his credential documentation. The two diplomats then held a closed-door bilateral meeting centered on the decades-long positive relationship between Belize and the United States.

    Their wide-ranging talks covered multiple areas of shared strategic interest, including implementation of the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact, opportunities to accelerate inclusive economic growth and sustainable development through targeted cross-border strategic investments, enhanced security cooperation, expanded bilateral trade and foreign direct investment, and other policy priorities that align for both nations.

  • Bulridge: ‘No Company Equipment Involved in Mauricio Solis’ Death’

    Bulridge: ‘No Company Equipment Involved in Mauricio Solis’ Death’

    A fatal workplace accident that claimed the life of a 49-year-old Bulridge Ltd. employee in western Belize’s Cayo District has sparked clarification from the company, just days after the incident took the worker’s life.

    On September 3, Mauricio Solis, a resident of San Ignacio Town, died in a crash near Guacamayo Bridge in the Mountain Pine Ridge area. Initial accounts shared by Solis’ family suggested the worker was traveling in a company-owned vehicle when heavy machinery being transported came loose, leading to the fatal incident. Sylvia Lopez, Solis’ sister-in-law, told local outlet News 5 that the family was still working to piece together a full timeline of events in the days after the tragedy, after receiving the early account of the accident.

    News 5 reached out to Bulridge Ltd. for official comment and confirmation of the family’s account starting on Monday, and the company released an official formal statement on September 8 addressing key details of the incident. In its press release, Bulridge explicitly denied that any of its own equipment or staff were directly involved in causing the accident.

    According to the company’s official clarification, Solis was on official duty at the time of the crash, assigned to accompany a third-party private contractor to the pre-designated worksite. The entire fleet of equipment involved in the incident — including the dump truck, transport trailer, and backhoe — is owned by Bahadur Trucking & Backhoe Service, a local contractor operated by Kurt Bahadur, not Bulridge Ltd.

    The company noted that official law enforcement investigations into the exact cause and circumstances of the accident are still ongoing, echoing the Solis family’s position that all stakeholders are awaiting formal, authoritative findings from investigators to confirm how the tragedy unfolded. “Like the family, Bulridge Ltd. is awaiting official information regarding the circumstances surrounding this tragic event,” the company’s statement read.

  • Twintig militairen klaar voor leidinggevende rol als groepscommandant

    Twintig militairen klaar voor leidinggevende rol als groepscommandant

    On September 8, a cohort of 20 Dutch military personnel marked a key career milestone, successfully completing the intensive 4.5-month 2026-01 Group Commander Course at the Netherlands Institute for Defense Training (IDO). The graduating service members posed for an official group photograph with their completion certificates following the ceremony, capping off a rigorous program designed to prepare them for frontline leadership roles within the national defense organization.

    The course curriculum was structured around three core pillars: effective leadership, strict operational discipline, and tactical team management, blending theoretical instruction and hands-on field training to equip candidates for the heavy responsibilities of their new command positions. Captain Dyoma Blokland, commandant of the Military School (MS) that partnered with IDO to deliver the program, explained that the theoretical segment of the training is broken into specialized modules tailored to build the foundational knowledge and technical skills required for sergeants moving into command roles. The practical segment, which includes a full field exercise, gives candidates the opportunity to apply their new learning in realistic operational scenarios, allowing instructors to assess and validate their capabilities before graduation.

    In her remarks to the graduating class, Blokland emphasized that the skills and insights gained through the program must be actively carried into every operational assignment. “Take these lessons with you, and share them across your teams in all of your daily work,” she told the newly commissioned commanders.

    Colonel Justus Hew A Kee, commandant of the IDO, highlighted the outsized importance of the group commander role in the Dutch defense hierarchy, noting that the 20 graduates already brought years of frontline practical experience to the training, but had lacked the formal theoretical foundation needed to step into command. The course was designed specifically to bridge that gap, integrating hands-on expertise with structured institutional knowledge to build well-rounded leaders.

    Hew A Kee described the group commander as the critical linchpin between senior command and frontline execution. “You are the first point of contact in crisis scenarios, the steady voice when chaos unfolds, and the anchor that keeps your team on course when pressure is at its peak,” he said. He stressed that the position demands not just physical toughness, but above all moral courage: group commanders must be willing to make hard decisions, take accountability for missteps, and advocate for the service members under their care.

    In closing, Hew A Kee urged the new commanders to enforce strict standards when necessary, but always to do so with fairness and integrity. True leadership, he reminded the cohort, is not rooted in power, rank, or simply issuing orders – it grows from positive influence, leading by example, and building a team culture where every member can trust their colleagues and their command.

  • Could Grenada be ready for a different kind of social experience?

    Could Grenada be ready for a different kind of social experience?

    For many adults, forging new meaningful social connections has become an unexpected challenge. It is far too common to attend a public gathering, stick closely to the group you arrived with, and depart hours later without ever exchanging a single genuine conversation with someone new. Now, a fresh community-focused concept called Conversations at Sunset aims to test whether Grenada’s adult population is craving a different approach to socializing.

    Tailored specifically for single and unattached adults ranging from 30 to 99 years old, the initiative centers on bringing people together through engaging dialogue, shared recreational experiences, and curated social outings aligned with participants’ interests. Unlike rushed speed dating events or noisy, overwhelming parties that often leave adults feeling unfulfilled, Conversations at Sunset is carving out a new space for low-pressure, intentional connection. Event possibilities span a wide range of activities: from relaxed sunset meetups and intimate dinner discussions to game nights, weekend brunches, guided hikes, cultural exploration tours, group excursions, and collaborative learning opportunities where participants can pick up a new skill together.

    The core premise of the project is straightforward: adults can attend alone if they choose, enjoy thoughtful conversation, and gradually expand their social circles with like-minded people in the area. Before launching full events, however, the team behind Conversations at Sunset is first conducting a community needs assessment to gather direct input from local adults who may be interested in participating.

    The initiative is currently inviting all eligible adults to share their input: applicants must be 30 years of age or older, currently reside in Grenada, Carriacou, or Petite Martinique, and be either gainfully employed, self-employed, or happily retired. Interested parties only need to complete a short expression-of-interest form, where they can outline what types of social experiences they would be most excited to join. There is no fee to fill out the form, and no requirement to commit to attending any future events at this stage. Organizers emphasize that this initial step is solely to gather community feedback to shape the project around what local adults actually want.

    Those interested in sharing their input can scan the QR code featured on the official Conversations at Sunset promotional flyer or follow the linked prompt on the original announcement to access the form. This initiative is led by Icon Leadership, and NOW Grenada notes that it does not take responsibility for contributor opinions, statements, or shared media content, with a dedicated link available for users to report any abusive content.

  • World Duchenne Awareness Day: ‘Access changes lives’

    World Duchenne Awareness Day: ‘Access changes lives’

    Around the world, an estimated 300,000 people currently live with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a devastating rare genetic disorder that impacts one in every 5,000 newborn boys globally. For generations, a diagnosis of DMD carried a grim prognosis: most patients did not survive past their late teens or early 20s. Today, advances in clinical care have transformed that outlook, pushing average life expectancy well into the late 20s and early 30s, with many patients now living into their 40s thanks to improved care standards.

    DMD is a progressive muscle-wasting condition caused by a genetic mutation on the X chromosome that disrupts production of dystrophin, a critical protein that protects and maintains muscle tissue. Because the mutation is carried on the X chromosome, it overwhelmingly affects males, who only inherit one copy of the chromosome. The first signs of DMD typically emerge in early childhood, when parents notice developmental delays related to muscle strength. As the condition progresses, muscle weakness spreads throughout the body: patients first lose the ability to walk independently, then experience declining control of other motor functions, and eventually face impaired heart and respiratory function, since both organs are made of muscle tissue. The lack of dystrophin also impacts brain function, leading to common secondary challenges including learning differences and behavioral disorders. As one of the most prevalent rare genetic disorders affecting children, DMD now has an official global platform for awareness: in 2024, the United Nations General Assembly voted to designate September 7 as World Duchenne Awareness Day.

    The 2026 observance of World Duchenne Awareness Day centers on the transformative theme “Access Changes Lives”, a rallying cry that is both a call to collective action and a shared commitment across global stakeholders. The theme challenges policymakers, healthcare providers, researchers, pharmaceutical and biotech industry leaders, patient advocacy groups, educators, and local communities to collaborate in identifying and dismantling systemic barriers that prevent DMD patients from thriving. It frames progress in the DMD space not only by scientific breakthroughs, but by whether every person living with the condition can actually access the care, support, and opportunities needed to build a full, meaningful life.

    Equitable access to healthcare is one of the most pressing unmet needs for DMD communities, particularly for people in marginalized populations and low-resource regions. Access is the single greatest determinant of positive health outcomes for people living with DMD, encompassing equal access to accurate diagnostic information, early and timely testing, multidisciplinary evidence-based care, specialized clinical services, participation in clinical trials, and cutting-edge innovative therapies. As scientific understanding of DMD deepens and new treatment options continue to reach the global market, leaders have emphasized that these advances must deliver tangible benefits to every affected individual and family, regardless of their geographic location, socioeconomic status, or the limitations of their national healthcare system.

    Beyond clinical care, access also means empowering patients and their families with the knowledge, resources, and support networks required to make informed decisions at every stage of their DMD journey. From the moment of diagnosis through adulthood, consistent access to reliable health information, coordinated care plans, assistive technologies, and peer community support delivers profound improvements to long-term health outcomes, overall well-being, and quality of life.

    Access also extends far beyond the healthcare system to full social inclusion and participation. People living with DMD deserve equal opportunity to engage fully in every dimension of society, including formal education, gainful employment, recreational sports and activities, cultural events, travel, and social connection. Achieving this requires intentional investment in accessible built environments, improved mobility and transportation infrastructure, the removal of both physical and attitudinal social barriers, and a widespread commitment to upholding equal rights for all disabled people.

    While the past several decades have brought remarkable progress in DMD research, clinical care, and treatment options, stark disparities in access persist across countries and communities worldwide. Today, millions of affected individuals and families still face unnecessary barriers that shorten life expectancy, limit opportunities, and exclude them from full participation in community life.

    First systematically documented in detail in the 1860s by Dr. Duchenne de Boulogne, the condition now bears his name in recognition of his early pioneering work. Through its official designation of World Duchenne Awareness Day, the United Nations has encouraged all global stakeholders to proactively raise public awareness of the unique challenges and needs of DMD patients and families as part of the broader rare disease community. This work includes national awareness campaigns, public educational programs, and widespread dissemination of accurate information, all with the dual goals of building greater public understanding and empathy for people affected by DMD and advancing global solidarity for rare disease equity.

    For 2026, World Duchenne Awareness Day is framed as more than just an annual moment of awareness. It is a global call to action for access, fairness, and tangible change for the 300,000 people living with DMD across the globe.

  • Why Was Barry Johnston Targeted?

    Why Was Barry Johnston Targeted?

    Authorities in Belize are working around the clock to unpack the circumstances surrounding a deadly Monday night shooting that claimed the life of 33-year-old Barry Johnston in the Kings Park neighborhood of Belize City.

    The violent incident unfolded at the intersection of F and Seventh Street, where first responders were dispatched immediately after multiple 911 calls reported the sound of gunfire ringing out through the area. Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement officers confirmed Johnston had suffered fatal gunshot wounds and died before emergency medical teams could intervene.

    Unnamed law enforcement sources with direct knowledge of the ongoing investigation have revealed preliminary findings that suggest Johnston was followed to the shooting site before the assailant opened fire. The attacker is believed to have used an automatic-style weapon to carry out the attack. Review of nearby security camera footage captured a suspect vehicle speeding away from the scene onto 6th Street, which investigators are now using to trace potential connections to the gunman.

    A second individual caught in the line of fire during the attack sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was rushed to Belize’s largest medical facility, Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. As of the latest update, the unnamed second victim remains in stable condition as he recovers from his wounds.

    Court and police records show that Johnston was no stranger to law enforcement involvement: he faced criminal charges back in 2015 tied to a separate firearms incident that left a 16-year-old teenager injured. The 2015 event unfolded on the grounds of Queen Square Primary School, where Johnston and two co-accused individuals—Lloyd Leslie Jr and Dwayne Evelyn—were waiting for a third person to settle an old dispute. According to original police accounts from that incident, a weapon the group was handling misfired, striking the teenage bystander. Johnston was ultimately charged with aggravated assault involving a firearm in that case. Investigators have not yet confirmed whether the 2015 dispute or any prior criminal connections are linked to Monday’s fatal shooting, and the motive for the attack remains unconfirmed as the investigation continues.

  • OPINION: Has Antigua and Barbuda Quietly Accepted Third Country Nationals?

    OPINION: Has Antigua and Barbuda Quietly Accepted Third Country Nationals?

    A sharp, unprecedented spike in violent firearm-related crime across Antigua and Barbuda has ignited fierce public criticism of law enforcement and government transparency, with a local commentator raising unsettling questions about potential unreported entry of third-country nationals (TCNs) into the twin-island nation.

    In just one recent week, the country recorded at least one daily gun-enabled crime – a rate that local commentator Yves Ephraim says marks a worrying break from historical patterns. The question now hangs over communities: is this surge an unexpected anomaly, or the dangerous new reality residents must adapt to?

    Graphic videos of criminal acts circulating widely on social media have amplified public fear, with many describing the current climate as one of pervasive terror. While public closed-circuit camera installation was previously framed as a key solution to rising crime, an abundance of private surveillance footage capturing recent violent incidents has failed to yield any investigative breakthroughs. Data on unresolved offences across the country paints a damning picture: the national police service has performed abysmally in solving cases, leaving residents stunned that clear camera footage has not led to the arrest of identifiable perpetrators.

    Criminals are increasingly carrying out attacks in broad daylight, openly defying police authority. Even when offenders conceal their faces, Ephraim argues that distinctive physical characteristics must be recognizable to members of the public, making it inexplicable that suspects are able to disappear back into local communities without detection.

    Ephraim is calling for immediate accountability from the Attorney General and top police leadership, accusing senior officials of negligence in overseeing public safety. Routine stop-and-search operations, he says, are a superficial, inadequate response to the deepening crisis. Outlining alternative tactics he would implement as police commissioner, Ephraim proposes targeted, continuous patrols of known crime hotspots, timed to align with historical data on high-incidence hours. He also suggests overlapping patrol routes to guarantee a police response within 10 minutes of any emergency call.

    A key gap in the government’s response to the crime wave, Ephraim argues, is the complete absence of any mention of police training. While officials repeatedly announce purchases of new equipment and technology to combat crime, there has been no push to improve the human capital of the police force. Ephraim draws a sharp comparison: giving untrained officers modern crime-fighting tools is equivalent to handing a Corvette sports car to a toddler – a dangerous mismatch that will inevitably end in damage.

    Visible signs of under-resourcing and poor maintenance, such as the damaged, poorly kept state of police vehicles on public roads, further back up his critique of systemic mismanagement. Recently, a high-profile gun-related case was thrown out of court due to insufficient evidence, highlighting a core failure of policing: even if officers catch suspects, they lack the skills to compile evidence that meets court standards. Increasing penalties and extending prison sentences, Ephraim argues, is a hollow gesture when law enforcement consistently fails to apprehend offenders and build prosecutable cases.

    This culture of systemic failure has not gone unnoticed by criminals, Ephraim claims. Offenders are fully aware that police have a abysmal track record of solving even minor thefts, leading many to treat Antigua and Barbuda as a lawless “wild west” where they can operate with impunity.

    Ephraim cites his own 2006 experience with police incompetence as a early warning sign of deeper issues. After his company’s van was stolen, he reported the theft to police and checked in on the investigation for six months before abandoning hope of recovery. Months later, a friend contacted him to say his stolen van was listed for auction in an official government gazette. Police had recovered the vehicle, stripped for parts in a remote bush location, and held it at their American Road headquarters – but the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) leading the theft investigation never learned of the recovery. It took a private citizen and a public notice to solve the case, and no one was ever arrested for the theft.

    Shifting to the broader context of the current crime surge, Ephraim notes that many recent gun crimes bear the hallmarks of organized gang activity, with groups deliberately marking territory in a deliberate show of force. The rapid influx of hardened criminal elements, he suggests, may have been driven by rumors that Antigua and Barbuda is a welcoming destination for foreign offenders, raising the alarming possibility that the country has quietly admitted third-country nationals without public knowledge or oversight.

    While Ephraim acknowledges the theory could be a product of overactive imagination, he notes that the timing of the sudden surge in violent gun crime is suspicious, at the very least not a coincidence. The process of considering TCN admissions has been shrouded in secrecy from the start, with the public given no updates on negotiations since parliament voted to move forward with the issue. Across the Caribbean, multiple governments have quietly begun accepting TCNs one after another, leading Ephraim to question whether Antigua and Barbuda has already allowed entry – particularly for dangerous, undesirable individuals.

    Ephraim concludes that the potential link between unreported TCN admissions and the rising gun crime wave cannot be ruled out, reminding the public that government has misled residents on key issues in the past.