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  • CARICOM LEADERS ENTER CRUCIAL CAUCUS AT 50TH HEADS MEETING IN ST. KITTS

    CARICOM LEADERS ENTER CRUCIAL CAUCUS AT 50TH HEADS MEETING IN ST. KITTS

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts and Nevis – February 26, 2026 – Caribbean Community leaders have entered a pivotal closed-door caucus session during the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, marking a decisive moment for regional integration efforts. The high-stakes deliberations in Basseterre are addressing sensitive policy matters that could significantly shape the future trajectory of the 15-member regional bloc.

    As the landmark golden anniversary summit continues, heads of government are grappling with potentially contentious agenda items that require delicate diplomatic navigation. The closed caucus format allows for frank discussions on issues central to strengthening CARICOM’s multilateral framework and advancing collective interests.

    The outcomes of these confidential deliberations are anticipated to influence regional policies across multiple sectors, including trade, security, and economic cooperation. This strategic gathering represents one of the most significant political conferences in the Caribbean this year, bringing together leaders from across the region to address shared challenges and opportunities.

    The 50th anniversary summit serves as both a celebration of CARICOM’s five decades of regional cooperation and a critical forum for determining the organization’s path forward in an increasingly complex global landscape. Decisions made during these sessions could have far-reaching implications for Caribbean integration and the bloc’s international positioning.

  • Shepard Joe honours homeland with new patriotic single

    Shepard Joe honours homeland with new patriotic single

    California-based Saint Lucian musician Shepard Joe has unveiled his latest musical tribute to his Caribbean homeland with the release of the single “Saint Lucia.” The track serves as an auditory celebration of the island’s natural wonders and cultural richness, specifically drawing inspiration from its iconic Pitons mountains, expansive rainforests, pristine beaches, and distinctive culinary traditions.

    Crafted as an uplifting musical escape, the composition merges smooth vocal delivery with vibrant, rhythmically engaging instrumentation. The artist characterizes his creation as “a moment of joy” intended to capture the magical essence of Saint Lucia. Through his music, Shepard Joe aims to transport global listeners to the island’s relaxing and beautiful atmosphere regardless of their physical location.

    The artist, born Rudy Joseph in the Dennery region, initially rose to prominence through notable achievements in musical competitions. His career breakthrough included securing second place in the 2004 Guinness Original Song Competition, followed by a similar accomplishment in the 2008 Guinness Freestyle Competition held in Richfond.

    Currently operating from his Shepard Production Studios in California, the artist continues to develop his musical portfolio with a focus on reggae and dancehall genres. His latest release represents both an artistic homage to his origins and a strategic step in expanding his international audience. The single is now accessible across all major digital streaming platforms, including YouTube where it has been made publicly available.

  • School girl in critical condition from man’s stab wounds

    School girl in critical condition from man’s stab wounds

    A violent assault has left a 15-year-old schoolgirl from Heathburn Village, East Bank Berbice, battling life-threatening injuries after being repeatedly stabbed by a 28-year-old male assailant. The Guyana Police Force confirmed the horrific incident occurred on Tuesday evening, February 23rd, at approximately 7:40 PM.

    According to official police statements, the suspect arrived at a residence where the teenager was present, leading to a confrontation that escalated into extreme violence. During the altercation, the attacker inflicted multiple stab wounds across the victim’s body before fleeing the scene.

    Emergency services transported the critically injured girl to New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, where medical personnel immediately provided emergency treatment. She remains hospitalized in the Emergency Unit with her condition described as critical by authorities.

    The perpetrator has reportedly gone into hiding, prompting an intensive manhunt by law enforcement agencies. Police investigators have launched a comprehensive operation to locate and apprehend the suspect, who faces serious criminal charges for the attack.

    Law enforcement officials have assured the public that their investigation will thoroughly examine all aspects of the case, including potential motives and circumstances leading to the violent encounter. The police force emphasized their commitment to pursuing all relevant legal violations stemming from this disturbing incident.

  • Leo Club of St George’s celebrates 56 years of service

    Leo Club of St George’s celebrates 56 years of service

    The Leo Club of St. George’s marks a historic milestone this year, celebrating 56 years of continuous community service and youth development under the theme “56 Years of Service, Honouring the Past, Serving the Future.” As one of the Eastern Caribbean’s most enduring Leo Clubs, this Grenada-based organization has established itself as a cornerstone of social development through generations of leadership training and community outreach.

    Club President Leo Danika Baptiste (2025-2026) expressed both honor and responsibility in leading during this anniversary year. “Serving as President during our 56th year is both a privilege and a responsibility I hold with great pride,” Baptiste stated. “As we honour the past and serve the future, I am grateful for the leaders who paved the way and inspired by the members who continue to strengthen our impact.”

    The anniversary celebration encompasses two months of diverse activities demonstrating the club’s multifaceted approach to service. These initiatives include religious observance through an Annual Church Service at St. George’s Baptist Church, where members joined with their parent organization, the St. George’s Lions Club, in thanksgiving for 56 years of fellowship.

    Substantive service projects form the core of the celebration. Members conducted youth outreach at Queen Elizabeth Home for Children, engaging residents through recreational activities, hair braiding sessions, and motivational character-building talks. The Brighter Futures School Support Initiative, developed in partnership with Grenadian Published Authors Inc., brought reading engagement and school supply donations to kindergarten and first-grade students at St. George’s Methodist School.

    Future environmental initiatives include Project Beach Clean across St. George parish scheduled for March, aligning with Lions International’s global environmental protection cause, and Pawsitive Impact, a collaboration with the Grenada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) to support sheltered animals.

    The anniversary program also emphasizes member development through capacity-building workshops. A Virtual Communications Workshop on February 11th featured training facilitator and communications strategist Roslyn Douglas, while a February 21st Project Management workshop was conducted by specialist Johnny Calliste.

    Social cohesion receives attention through the Colours Picnic Social on February 28th, where members will gather wearing designated colors and sharing corresponding snacks, fostering unity and camaraderie within the organization.

    Throughout its history, the Leo Club of St. George’s has implemented significant initiatives including Back-to-School Supplies Drives, Annual World Cleanup Day coastal cleanups, Christmas food hamper distributions for vulnerable families, youth leadership workshops, drug prevention programs, and the beautification of the Sendall Tunnel.

    The club’s legacy includes nurturing generations of young leaders who have emerged as prominent figures in Grenada’s business and community sectors. As the organization celebrates this milestone, it reaffirms its commitment to addressing evolving community needs while maintaining the spirit of service that has defined its 56-year history.

  • Hope calls for peak performance against India

    Hope calls for peak performance against India

    West Indies captain Shai Hope has issued a stark assessment of his team’s performance following a decisive nine-wicket defeat to South Africa, emphasizing that flawless execution is now imperative for their must-win encounter against defending champions India this Sunday. The loss at Kensington Oval significantly complicates the Caribbean side’s pathway to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semifinals.

    The mathematical reality became clear following India’s 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in the subsequent match, confirming South Africa’s advancement to the final four. This sets up a virtual quarterfinal showdown in Kolkata, where the winner between West Indies and India will claim the remaining semifinal berth from the group.

    Reflecting on the team’s collapse to 83-7 before a partial recovery to 176-8, Hope acknowledged critical shortcomings in their gameplay. “It always boils down to execution,” the captain stated during his post-match press conference. “We failed to adapt and assess conditions with sufficient speed, which left us playing catch-up throughout the match. Given the quality of the batting surface, I believe we fell 40-60 runs short of a competitive total.”

    Despite the disappointing performance, Hope defended his team’s aggressive approach, noting that the strategy itself wasn’t flawed but rather the implementation. He praised the lower order’s effort in reaching 170-plus from a precarious position, suggesting the top order’s dismissal while pursuing big shots was understandable on such a favorable pitch.

    The captain framed the upcoming challenge as precisely what tournament cricket demands. “This is how it’s supposed to be at the Super Eight stage,” Hope remarked. “Every game presents a serious challenge because these are the best teams competing. We must now produce our best cricket when it matters most and ensure we turn things around quickly against a formidable Indian side.”

  • IICA Grenada Delegation commissions new office in St George’s

    IICA Grenada Delegation commissions new office in St George’s

    The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) celebrated the official commissioning of its new Grenada headquarters on February 25, 2026, signaling a strengthened commitment to regional agricultural development. The ceremony at 594 Concordia House in St. George’s gathered high-ranking officials from Grenada’s Ministries of Agriculture and Climate Resilience, alongside representatives from partner organizations and agricultural stakeholders.

    Gregg Rawlins, IICA Representative for the Eastern Caribbean States, emphasized the symbolic significance of the relocation, characterizing it as the beginning of a new chapter built upon four decades of collaboration with the Grenadian government. “This marks more than just a change of address,” Rawlins stated. “It represents our renewed dedication to advancing technical cooperation, innovation, and sustainable agricultural growth as we celebrate 45 years of service to Grenada’s agricultural sector.”

    Technical Specialist Gregory Delsol detailed the practical applications of IICA’s work, highlighting ongoing initiatives in agricultural health, food safety, and value chain strengthening. Key programs include African Swine Fever preparedness, EU-funded SPS projects, and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises to enhance trade readiness. Additional efforts focus on territorial development through sea moss processing, irrigation upgrades, white potato research, and apiculture development—all aimed at boosting climate resilience and food security.

    The facility will also serve as headquarters for the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM), enhancing collaborative efforts toward environmental sustainability. Dr. Ronen Francis, Executive Director of PISLM, described the opening as evidence of “institutional maturity and political confidence” that signifies “a decisive step forward for Caribbean cooperation on land, soil and climate resilience.”

    Grenada’s Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Lennox Andrews, commended IICA’s longstanding contributions and emphasized the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for partner organizations. “Physical presence matters,” Minister Andrews asserted. “When our partners are here, accessible and integrated, collaboration becomes easier, coordination improves, and implementation accelerates. We see them as integral partners in achieving our national agricultural objectives.”

  • Small Craft Advisory Issued for Antigua, Barbuda and Northern Leeward Islands

    Small Craft Advisory Issued for Antigua, Barbuda and Northern Leeward Islands

    Multiple Eastern Caribbean territories are currently under official small craft advisories as intensified easterly winds create dangerous maritime conditions throughout the region. The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued warnings for Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands, with varying effective timeframes through Friday.

    Meteorological authorities report that moderate to fresh easterly winds reaching 28-37 kilometers per hour (15-20 knots) are generating hazardous sea conditions, particularly along Atlantic-facing coastlines. Wind gusts have been recorded up to 57 km/h (31 knots), creating significant wave activity with seas reaching 2.1-3.1 meters (7-10 feet) and occasionally peaking near 3.7 meters (12 feet). Wave periods are measured between six to nine seconds, creating particularly challenging conditions for maritime operations.

    According to Forecaster Letitia Humphreys, the combination of wind waves and swells presents substantial risks to marine traffic. The advisory specifically applies to waters extending approximately 20 nautical miles offshore from the eastern sides of the affected islands.

    Maritime officials have emphasized the serious safety implications, noting that current conditions could potentially lead to vessel capsizing, significant damage to small crafts, and even loss of life. The meteorological service warns that both fisheries and marine transportation sectors may experience operational disruptions, possibly resulting in economic impacts for the region.

    Authorities are strongly advising inexperienced mariners and small vessel operators to avoid navigation in affected areas until conditions improve. The public is urged to monitor ongoing developments through official meteorological service channels and local media outlets for updates on the evolving situation.

  • St Martin’s Primary School admin and students commemorate deceased staff member

    St Martin’s Primary School admin and students commemorate deceased staff member

    The St. Martin Primary School community is enveloped in grief following the recent demise of Jacqueline Jackson, who served as the institution’s Hygiene Warden with exceptional devotion. School authorities confirmed her passing, highlighting her significant contributions to maintaining impeccable health standards across the campus.

    Jackson was renowned for her steadfast commitment to ensuring a sanitized and secure learning atmosphere for both pupils and educators. Her approach to duties blended meticulous attention with a genuine concern for community welfare, earning her widespread respect.

    In an official tribute, school representatives characterized Jackson as a pillar of quiet strength who executed her responsibilities with notable care and dignity. “Her absence creates a profound void within our educational family,” the statement conveyed.

    The school’s administration has extended profound sympathies to Jackson’s relatives and acquaintances during this period of bereavement. The collective is offering spiritual support and encouraging remembrance of the positive legacy she instilled through her service.

    Concluding their memorial message, the institution expressed hope for Jackson’s eternal peace: “May her soul find perpetual rest,” reflecting the deep sentiment shared by all associated with St. Martin Primary School.

  • STATEMENT: National Beekeepers Cooperative Society condemns sale of adulterated honey

    STATEMENT: National Beekeepers Cooperative Society condemns sale of adulterated honey

    The National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. has issued a formal response to a viral social media graphic raising concerns about adulterated honey products in the Dominican market. The cooperative organization released a strong statement condemning all aspects of honey adulteration—from production and distribution to retail sales—reaffirming its unwavering commitment to preserving honey’s status as a pure, natural product.

    The Cooperative confirmed it has received and formally documented specific concerns regarding certain honey brands currently available to consumers. In response to these allegations, the organization has initiated active engagement with relevant regulatory bodies to ensure all honey products comply with established quality and safety protocols.

    Emphasizing its core priorities, the Cooperative highlighted three fundamental commitments: ensuring consumer safety, protecting legitimate beekeepers who maintain authentic production methods, and safeguarding the reputation of the Dominican Honey Brand as a mark of quality and authenticity.

    The statement concluded with a call for enhanced transparency throughout the industry, advocating for rigorous testing procedures and strict adherence to national standards. These measures, the Cooperative asserts, are essential for maintaining public confidence in the honey industry and preserving the integrity of this valued agricultural sector.

  • Cabinet hails Twin I Payne’s repeat Agrifest success in St Croix

    Cabinet hails Twin I Payne’s repeat Agrifest success in St Croix

    The Caribbean agricultural community is celebrating the remarkable achievement of Antiguan farmer Twin I Payne, who has secured the top prize at the prestigious Agrifest in St. Croix for an unprecedented second consecutive year. Representing Twin Stod Enterprise, Payne’s exceptional livestock and crop presentations outshone competitors at the United States Virgin Islands’ premier annual agricultural exhibition, earning him top honors from the judging panel.

    In response to this extraordinary accomplishment, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has extended official congratulations, characterizing the win as a monumental moment of national pride. Government ministers emphasized that Payne’s repeated success demonstrates both the exceptional quality standards and innovative approaches emerging from the nation’s agricultural sector while significantly enhancing its regional reputation.

    The administration has demonstrated its commitment to supporting agricultural excellence by approving financial assistance to cover participation costs associated with the event. This support mechanism represents a strategic component of broader governmental initiatives designed to foster competitiveness and recognize outstanding achievements within the agricultural industry.

    Looking forward, the government has pledged ongoing support for farmers representing Antigua and Barbuda at regional and international competitions. Officials highlighted the dual impact of such accomplishments: inspiring the next generation of agricultural professionals while simultaneously contributing to national food security objectives and building resilience within the domestic food production system.