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  • Marigot MP voices support for continued mining at Deux Branche

    Marigot MP voices support for continued mining at Deux Branche

    As the elected parliamentary representative for Marigot, Anthony Charles has publicly solidified his stance on one of the region’s most contentious development issues: throwing his full support behind continued mining operations at the Deux Branches site. In a detailed written statement addressing public and stakeholder concerns, Charles framed the project as an essential driver of national progress that upholds both community land rights and responsible environmental stewardship.

    Charles emphasized that Marigot constituents have a long-standing commitment to balanced, inclusive progress that never sacrifices citizen rights for economic growth. He pointed to the constituency’s earlier approval of mining operations at Crapaud Hall (also referenced as Craupo Haul in the full statement) as a clear example of this balanced approach. That earlier project, he noted, moved forward only after securing full consent from local landowners, who received fair compensation for the use of their property. The successful completion of aggregate extraction at Crapaud Hall, he explained, has cleared the way for the next critical phase of the nation’s flagship infrastructure project: sourcing the large volume of stone needed to build the country’s new international airport.

    Acknowledging widespread public concern over the potential environmental impact of expanding mining to Deux Branches, Charles stressed that robust mitigation strategies are already baked into the project’s official plan. He said these targeted measures are designed to minimize any negative ecological effects of the extraction work, aligning the project with commitments to sustainable resource management.

    In a firm, clear assertion of his position as the community’s elected official, Charles stated: “Let me be clear on my position as the elected representative for Marigot: I will stand with the decision of the landowners at Crapaud Hall and Deux Branches. With fair compensation and these safeguards in place, then we must proceed.”

    Charles rejected framing the project as a simple resource extraction effort, instead positioning it as a catalyst for transformative national benefit. Once completed, the new international airport is projected to stimulate broad economic growth, generate new local jobs, and unlock long-term opportunity for both Marigot and the entire country. “The stone extracted is critical to completing the international airport, a project that will strengthen our economy, create jobs, and position Marigot and the wider nation for growth in the years ahead,” he added.

    For Charles, the core of the debate boils down to three non-negotiable priorities: upholding binding agreements with local landowners, protecting natural resources that the entire community depends on, and keeping the nation on a path toward inclusive sustainable development. “This is about building our future while honoring the agreements made with our people and protecting the natural resources we all depend on. We move forward together, with respect for land rights, environmental stewardship, and commitment to national development,” he concluded.

  • World Earth Day 2026: Wednesday, 22 April

    World Earth Day 2026: Wednesday, 22 April

    Grenada’s Ministry of Climate Resilience, The Environment and Renewable Energy has issued a public call for broad participation from all citizens, organizations and community groups across the island nation for the 2026 World Earth Day observance, scheduled for Wednesday, April 22.

    This year’s national campaign, branded as the Parish Tree Planting and Earth Dress Day, is centered on advancing long-term environmental sustainability, boosting public ecological awareness, and mobilizing collective effort to safeguard Grenada’s unique natural ecosystems. Aligned with the global World Earth Day theme of “Our Planet, Our Power”, the initiative is designed to turn individual intent into coordinated national action.

    Organizers have outlined multiple accessible pathways for people across all age groups and sectors to get involved. First, participants are invited to wear clothing in signature Earth colors—shades of green or blue—on April 22 to visibly show their support for greater environmental consciousness. Beyond this simple gesture, individuals and groups are encouraged to take part in hands-on, eco-friendly activities that fit their local context: this can range from planting a native tree or starting a new community garden to organizing a local neighborhood cleanup or implementing personal waste-reduction habits. Participants are also asked to extend the invitation to their social circles, encouraging friends, family members and coworkers to join the movement and amplify the initiative’s reach. To celebrate the breadth of national engagement, attendees are invited to document their activities with photos and share them on social media, tagging the Ministry’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts. Selected contributions will be featured as part of Grenada’s official national Earth Day commemoration.

    The campaign emphasizes that meaningful environmental progress depends on cross-sector collaboration, bringing together government bodies, the local private sector, faith-based organizations, community associations and individual citizens under a shared mission to foster greater environmental responsibility and nurture national pride in Grenada’s natural heritage. Ministry organizers note that when small, individual actions are combined across the entire nation, they add up to a tangible, lasting impact that moves Grenada closer to its goal of becoming a greener, more climate-resilient and sustainable country.

    This call to action closes with an invitation for all Grenadians to stand united in support of the planet, joining the Ministry in marking 2026 World Earth Day and reaffirming the nation’s commitment to protecting its natural resources for future generations.

    *Disclaimer: This announcement was originally shared via NOW Grenada, which does not take responsibility for opinions, statements or third-party content contributed by external organizations. Users may report content that violates platform guidelines through official reporting channels.*

  • Grenada PM euolgises national known as the “People’s Doctor”

    Grenada PM euolgises national known as the “People’s Doctor”

    Hundreds of mourners from Grenada, the wider Caribbean, and across communities gathered in Brooklyn, New York, last week to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Ronald Purcell, the renowned Grenadian surgeon affectionately known as “the People’s Doctor,” who passed away suddenly at his Brooklyn home on March 25 at the age of 73.

    Grenada’s top leadership, including Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and Governor-General Dame Cecile La Grenade, traveled to New York to attend the funeral service held at The Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, led by presiding priest Fr Alonzo Cox. The Quake USA Cultural Organisation, a Brooklyn-based liturgical folk group with roots in Grenada, performed special musical tributes to celebrate Purcell’s life and connection to his home country.

    Speaking to the gathered congregation, Prime Minister Mitchell reflected on Purcell’s enduring impact on Grenada and its people, noting that the surgeon left the island nation when Mitchell was just three years old. “Grenada simply says, ‘If it wasn’t for Dr Purcell…I don’t know what would have happened to me,’” Mitchell told attendees. He praised Purcell’s extraordinary commitment to going above and beyond the call of duty for his patients, framing his life as a testament to community-focused service. “He understood that success was about community,” Mitchell said. “We celebrate his life; we celebrate his legacy; we hold him with a deep, abiding admiration — his counsel, his duty to public service.” Calling on attendees to follow Purcell’s example of selfless leadership, Mitchell closed his remarks by offering a formal thank you on behalf of the entire people of Grenada, adding “May his soul rest in peace.”

    Cheryl Vincent, a Grenada-born registered nurse who worked alongside Purcell at SUNY Downstate Medical Centre and University Hospital Brooklyn, confirmed to the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that Purcell died from a sudden cardiac event. In a moving eulogy delivered by his son Kevin Purcell, himself a practicing physician, the life and professional journey of the late surgeon were laid out for attendees.

    Kevin Purcell shared that his father earned his medical degree in 1973 from the University of the West Indies Mona Campus in Kingston, Jamaica. He completed his post-graduate internship at Port of Spain General Hospital in Trinidad, before returning to his native Grenada to practice at St George’s General Hospital until 1980. That year, Purcell relocated to New York to begin a general surgery residency at Brooklyn Jewish Hospital, now known as Interfaith Medical Centre. He later went on to complete a specialized vascular surgery fellowship at the Texas Heart Institute, training under Dr. Denton Cooley, the pioneering surgeon who completed the world’s first artificial heart transplant.

    After finishing his fellowship training, Purcell chose to return to Brooklyn to build his decades-long medical practice, where he provided life-saving and compassionate care to thousands of patients from across the globe, with a particular focus on serving diaspora communities from the Caribbean. Alongside his clinical work, he also mentored and trained hundreds of the next generation of healthcare providers.

    In his eulogy, Kevin Purcell described his father as a bold, highly skilled surgeon with a natural gift for operating, who regarded surgery as his life’s passion and every one of his patients as a valued individual rather than a medical case. “He treated everyone with love, respect, compassion and dignity, regardless of their race, economic status, sexual orientation or insurance coverage,” his son shared. Purcell held a deeply held belief in holistic care, committing to healing the whole person — body, mind, and soul — rather than just treating a medical condition. “He viewed his patients not as cases but as whole people — mothers and fathers, grandparents and children, neighbours and friends. He listened first, and when he spoke, it was with compassion, empathy, and hope,” Kevin Purcell added.

  • UWI Five Islands Honours Top Students with Principal’s List and Honour Roll Recognition

    UWI Five Islands Honours Top Students with Principal’s List and Honour Roll Recognition

    The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus has recently celebrated the exceptional academic achievements of dozens of high-performing students from the first semester of the 2025–2026 academic year, inducting the standout scholars into two prestigious honorary groups: the campus-wide Honour Roll and the selective Principal’s List.

    Held as a hybrid event that allowed both in-person attendance and remote participation for students, family members, and faculty across different locations, the ceremony featured opening remarks from Dr. Camille Samuel, the campus’ Registrar, who spoke on behalf of Principal Professor Justin Robinson. In her address, Dr. Samuel emphasized that these annual awards are far more than just ceremonial recognition—they are a tangible reflection of the institution’s core institutional commitment to centering student success and implementing rigorous, consistent monitoring of every student’s academic progress throughout their program of study.

    “Tonight, we gather not just to hand out certificates, but to formally acknowledge the hard work, late nights, and relentless dedication that have led you to this level of academic excellence,” Dr. Samuel told the assembled honourees. She went on to outline the campus’ ongoing strategic efforts to boost student retention and lift overall academic performance across all disciplines, noting that these honorary inductions are a key marker of how those investments are paying off for driven students.

    The two honorary tiers carry distinct criteria to recognize different levels of sustained achievement. The Honour Roll is awarded to students who earn exceptionally high grade point averages (GPAs) during the most recent semester, rewarding strong performance in a single academic term. In contrast, the Principal’s List is the campus’ highest undergraduate academic honor, reserved exclusively for students who have maintained top-tier academic results across the entirety of their degree program, rewarding consistent excellence rather than just a single strong term.

    In her closing remarks to the honourees, Dr. Samuel encouraged the recognized students to frame this achievement as a foundational milestone rather than a final career or academic destination. She reminded the emerging scholars that the professional world beyond campus does not reward unfulfilled potential—it rewards consistent, intentional execution of skills and knowledge. She closed by urging all award recipients to leverage their academic training and demonstrated discipline to create meaningful, positive change across their local and regional communities after graduation.

  • Division of Culture to host second workshop in Carriacou

    Division of Culture to host second workshop in Carriacou

    Grenada’s Division of Culture under the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture is launching a two-day specialized training workshop combining vocal performance and dance this week in Carriacou. The event marks a key early step in building capacity ahead of the much-anticipated Festival of the Arts, scheduled to run across the latter half of 2026 from September through December.

    Hosted at the Ariza Conference Room, the workshop will welcome participants on Thursday, April 16 and Friday, April 17, with both sessions running from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Designed specifically for primary and secondary school educators, many of whom are not specialized in performing arts, the training aims to build foundational skills that will support local participation in the upcoming festival.

    The opening day of the workshop will be led by experienced voice specialist Valarie Daniel-Burkhardt, who previously drew a crowd of 50 school choir teachers from across Grenada for a choir development session in St. George’s back in February. Daniel-Burkhardt’s vocal training will center on practical exercises to strengthen core singing skills, including targeted work on voice placement and projection, vocal resonance, clear diction and articulation, proper performance posture, and consistent intonation. A core goal of the session is to help participants reframe their understanding of the human voice as a unique musical wind instrument, while equipping them with actionable techniques to project vocals clearly in performance settings.

    Day two will shift focus to dance, under the direction of Noyda Noel, Acting Artistic Director of Conception Dance Theatre. Boasting more than 12 years of experience as a dance educator, Noel will guide participants through a deep exploration of core foundational techniques for both modern and traditional dance – two genres that are central to the programming of the upcoming Festival of the Arts. The session will also cover the fundamentals of choreography, giving participant educators the skills to create and lead their own student dance routines ahead of the festival.

    This workshop is the second targeted professional development event hosted in Carriacou in as many months, following a successful theater arts training last month. That earlier session equipped local teachers with new skills across a range of theatrical disciplines, including core drama techniques, storytelling craft, and monologue performance. As organizers continue rolling out pre-festival training across the country, the series aims to build a strong base of skilled educators who can nurture young artistic talent ahead of the multi-month 2026 celebration.

    This article was published by NOW Grenada, which notes it is not responsible for opinions or content shared by third-party contributors, and invites users to report any abusive content via official channels.

  • World Art Day: Cultivating community through art

    World Art Day: Cultivating community through art

    Art has captivated human civilization for millennia, yet its fundamental nature remains a topic of ongoing discussion among creators, critics and audiences alike. Rooted in the Latin term ars – meaning skill, craft, or creative expression – the concept of art dates back to the founding of Rome, with the first documented usage of the word appearing in 13th-century European manuscripts.

    At its core, art is deeply subjective: while it carries the unique perspective of its creator, every viewer brings their own lived experience to interpreting the work, creating an endless spectrum of meaning. Beyond individual interpretation, art serves as a powerful intergenerational and cross-cultural bridge, capable of connecting people from divergent ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds. As the iconic Renaissance sculptor Michelangelo once observed, every beautiful work perceived by those with awareness of creativity echoes the celestial source that unites all humanity.

    For many people, first formal encounters with art happen in high school, where it is often sidelined as a non-essential subject. But educator and social commentator Wayne Campbell argues that arts integration deserves far more institutional and governmental investment, pointing to the growing adoption of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, Mathematics) education as a critical step forward. Unlike traditional siloed learning models, STEAM uses creative expression as a gateway to student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking, with documented benefits ranging from improved reading comprehension to sharper cognitive function.

    The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has long recognized the global public value of art. In 2019, UNESCO formally proclaimed April 15 as World Art Day, a global observance designed to boost access to creative expression, celebrate the diverse contributions of artists, and leverage art as a tool for sustainable development and peacebuilding. The date itself was chosen to honor Leonardo da Vinci, who the organization frames as a global symbol of free expression, tolerance, and cross-cultural brotherhood.

    Each year, World Art Day serves three core purposes: to strengthen the ties between artistic creation and broader society, to raise public awareness of the diversity of artistic practices around the world, and to shine a spotlight on the importance of arts education in building inclusive, equitable learning environments. For 2026, the global observance has adopted the theme “A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community Through Art.” The metaphor is intentional: just as a garden thrives when tended collectively, art flourishes when communities come together to create, share, and nurture creative practice, building connection, unity, and shared belonging among diverse groups.

    UNESCO emphasizes that art’s unique ability to nurture creativity, innovation, and cultural diversity makes it an essential driver of global dialogue, curiosity, and knowledge sharing. When societies protect artistic freedom and support creative spaces, they lay the groundwork for more open, free, and peaceful global communities.

    Celebrating World Art Day is accessible to everyone, from established professional artists to casual enthusiasts who have never picked up a paintbrush. One of the most straightforward ways to mark the occasion is to visit local galleries, museums, or pop-up art exhibitions; many cultural institutions host special events or offer discounted admission to mark the observance. For those who prefer hands-on engagement, the day is the perfect opportunity to experiment with a new creative medium – whether that’s painting, drawing, sculpting, photography, or any other form that sparks curiosity. Local art studios and community centers also frequently host free or low-cost workshops for World Art Day, giving attendees the chance to learn new skills, refine existing techniques, and connect with other creative people in their local area.

    As pioneering American artist Georgia O’Keeffe once put it: “I found I could say things with colour and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way — things I had no words for.” That unique power of expression, accessible to all, is what World Art Day exists to celebrate and amplify.

    *This opinion piece is contributed by Wayne Campbell, an educator and social commentator focused on development policy’s intersections with culture and gender issues. NOW Grenada does not take responsibility for contributor statements or opinions, and invites users to report abusive content via official channels.*

  • Essed heeft tekst gereed voor eerherstel en excuses aan 8-decemberslachtoffers

    Essed heeft tekst gereed voor eerherstel en excuses aan 8-decemberslachtoffers

    On April 16, attorney Hugo Essed, who represents the relatives of victims of Suriname’s 8 December Murders, laid out the full terms of a landmark legal claim filed against the Surinamese state, in an interview with local outlet StarNieuws. The claim explicitly codifies the terms of state rehabilitation and formal apologies that the victims’ families have long demanded, including the exact wording of the required public statement and the media outlets through which it must be published.

    At the core of the demand is a formal state acknowledgment that the executed victims were wrongfully accused, never participated in any alleged countercoup, and were entirely innocent of any wrongdoing that justified being stripped of their lives, Essed explained. He noted that the specific identity of the state representative delivering the apology is not a critical sticking point for the families — as long as the apology comes from an official representative of the Surinamese government. As a precedent, he pointed to the 2006 formal apology delivered to relatives of victims of the Moiwana massacre by the late former president Ronald Venetiaan.

    Essed rejected speculation that the timing of the claim’s public emergence was deliberately coordinated to coincide with the current ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) administration, dismissing the idea as unfounded speculation. He explained that the timeline was not politically manipulated: legal preparations for the civil claim could only begin after the Surinamese Court of Justice concluded the final phase of criminal proceedings in the case with a conviction in 2023. Compiling the required documentation and coordinating with the victims’ families, who are scattered across multiple different countries, required extensive time and work, pushing the claim’s filing to late 2025. The claim was formally submitted to the court all the way back in December 2025, but Essed criticized the slow pace of Suriname’s judicial processing for the delay in public updates. He also emphasized that all substantive legal arguments in the case will be presented exclusively to the court, rather than tried through public media engagement.

    The attorney also addressed public criticism of the size of the compensation demand outlined in the claim. The filing requests €500,000 in tangible damages and €750,000 in intangible damages per affected family, as well as 250,000 Surinamese dollars per family to cover legal and court fees. It also includes a demand for a daily penalty of 500,000 Surinamese dollars per family for every day the state fails to comply with any eventual court ruling in the case. Essed pushed back against claims that the compensation figure is excessive, arguing that when you calculate the full lifetime income the victims’ families have lost over the decades since the murders, the requested amount may actually be lower than the full calculated loss. Most importantly, he noted, the intangible harm of losing a loved one in an extrajudicial killing can never be fully quantified in financial terms. While the final ruling on the claim rests entirely with the court, Essed said the core priority for the families is not the compensation itself, but the long-delayed official exoneration of their loved ones and a formal state apology for the injustice done.

    Essed concluded by saying he remains optimistic about the outcome of the case, stressing that the victims’ relatives are fully within their legal rights to pursue this long fight for accountability and justice.

  • Using Shadow Skills: Enhance Phone Pictures

    Using Shadow Skills: Enhance Phone Pictures

    In an era where smartphone photography has become one of the most ubiquitous daily activities across the globe, the race to produce standout, high-quality images has never been more competitive. While millions of people snap hundreds of photos every day, only a small fraction manage to achieve that striking, professional-level visual impact that sets great images apart. One underrated technique that is transforming smartphone photography from mundane to memorable is the intentional use of shadows, often called “shadow skills” among photography communities. When mastered, this simple tool can turn a basic snapshot into a compelling, layered visual story that captures attention and emotion.

    Many casual photographers view unintended shadows as a flaw that ruins a shot, often associating deep dark patches with gloomy moods or poor lighting. To understand the science behind shadows: they form when an object blocks a source of light, creating a natural contrast between dark and bright areas across the frame. Professional photographers have long recognized that this contrast is not a mistake — it is a powerful creative tool that adds depth, dimension, and structure to an image, much as intentional structure adds elegance to any performance. Shadows help emphasize the shape of subjects and draw out fine details that might otherwise get lost in flat, even lighting. When harnessed correctly, shadow skills can completely transform the mood and impact of any smartphone photograph.

    For mobile photographers looking to master the art of shadow work, there are several accessible techniques that can be implemented immediately to improve results. The first step is seeking out distinctive lighting that creates compelling shadows. Strong, defined shadows require bold, directional light, and one of the best natural sources of this light comes during the so-called “golden hours” just after sunrise and just before sunset. The low angle of the sun during these windows creates long, warm shadows that add unique character and depth to any shot, a trick that professional photographers have relied on for decades. Even indoors or after dark, unique shadow effects can be created using everyday light sources: table lamps, window light, and even streetlights can produce dynamic, one-of-a-kind shadow patterns. The key is to observe how light moves and shifts across your environment throughout the day, and capitalize on moments when shadows look particularly striking.

    A second core technique is using shadow play to direct the viewer’s attention straight to your main subject. Shadows can act as natural frames or visual pathways that guide the eye exactly where you want it to go. For example, the long shadow of a tree branch can curve across the frame to lead a viewer’s gaze directly to a portrait subject, while the parallel lines of shadow from window blinds can draw attention to a small, meaningful detail in a still life. By experimenting with the placement of shadows relative to your subject, you can make your focal point pop against the background far more effectively than many post-processing edits.

    Third, shadows can be used to create striking textures and patterns that elevate simple scenes. Think of the repeating geometric shadows cast by a fence, the dappled pattern of sunlight through tree leaves, or the grid of shadow from a garden lattice across a wall. Adjusting your shooting angle or moving your subject just slightly can reveal entirely new patterns, turning a boring blank wall into a dynamic, eye-catching background. These repeating shadow patterns add visual rhythm and unique texture to your photos that cannot be replicated with digital filters.

    Fourth, intentional shadow placement allows you to create dramatic bold silhouettes that make for incredibly memorable images. To achieve this effect, simply place your subject between your camera and a strong backlight source — such as a window, open sky, or bright artificial light. This will overexpose the background and leave your subject as a dark, defined outline against the bright backdrop. This technique works beautifully for any subject with a clear, recognizable shape, from people and animals to architectural landmarks and natural objects.

    Finally, black-and-white photography is the perfect medium to highlight the beauty of well-crafted shadows. By removing the distraction of color, black-and-white processing forces viewers to focus entirely on the contrast between light and dark, making shadow work the star of the image. Most modern smartphones come with built-in black-and-white filters and editing tools that allow you to convert your shadow-rich shots to monochrome in seconds, amplifying the dramatic effect.

    To help smartphone photographers capture the best possible shadow shots, there are several simple pro tips that require no extra equipment. First, adjust your exposure manually: almost all smartphone camera apps let you tap and slide to adjust brightness, and lowering exposure slightly keeps bright areas from washing out and helps bring out fine details in shadow areas. Second, change your viewpoint: walking around your subject and shooting from different angles can completely alter the shape and impact of shadows, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Third, keep your lens clean: since shadows highlight fine details, a smudged or dirty lens will soften and blur shadow effects, so a quick wipe before shooting goes a long way. Fourth, use editing tools to enhance your work: apps like Snapseed, Adobe Lightroom, or even your phone’s default editor let you boost shadow contrast and clarity to help shadows pop, just be careful not to over-edit and lose important shadow details. Finally, embrace happy accidents: perfectly placed shadows are nice, but unexpected, unusual shadow shapes or patterns are often what turn an ordinary photo into a unique, striking work of art.

  • Miss St. Lucia Crowned Caribbean Queen; Antigua and Barbuda Delivers Strong Showing

    Miss St. Lucia Crowned Caribbean Queen; Antigua and Barbuda Delivers Strong Showing

    The 2026 Miss St. Maarten Carnival Caribbean Queen Pageant brought together some of the most poised, talented delegates from across the Caribbean region this week, for a glittering night of cultural celebration and competition held at St. Maarten’s iconic Carnival Village. Opening under the event’s vibrant theme “Queens of Sun & Sail,” the annual pageant served as a centerpiece highlight of St. Maarten’s widely anticipated yearly Carnival festivities, designed to uplift regional pride and center the unique cultural expressions of each participating Caribbean territory. After a night of spirited performances showcasing each contestant’s talent, grace, and connection to their heritage, the coveted Caribbean Queen crown was awarded to Emerle Tisson, representing the island nation of St. Lucia. Tisson’s standout performance throughout the competition earned her the top spot among a stacked field of regional delegates. Following Tisson in the final rankings, Kentonea Fortin, contestant from Miss St. Eustatius, claimed the title of first runner-up, while Keisy Quant, the home delegate representing host nation St. Maarten, secured the position of second runner-up. Though Miss Antigua and Barbuda’s representative did not earn a placement among the evening’s top three finalists, pageant organizers and audience observers alike praised the contestant for her confident, energetic stage presence. Competing against dozens of skilled regional delegates, the Miss Antigua and Barbuda delegate represented her home island with unwavering poise, leaving a lasting impression on attendees with her committed, memorable performance. The event wrapped up to widespread acclaim, with organizers noting the success of this year’s competition in bringing Caribbean communities together through shared celebration of culture and womanhood.

  • Power Restored to Belmont #3 Feeder Areas After Crash-Related Outage

    Power Restored to Belmont #3 Feeder Areas After Crash-Related Outage

    An unexpected widespread power outage triggered by a vehicular accident that damaged a critical utility infrastructure has been fully resolved, with electricity restored to all affected residential and commercial communities, according to an official update from the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) Electricity Business Unit.

    The outage originated when the crash compromised a key utility pole, cutting service to all customers connected to the Belmont #3 Feeder. The affected zone spanned a wide geographic area, including segments of All Saints Road west of the local substation, as well as the communities of Briggins, Grays Hill, Whenner Road, Upper Desouza Road, Upper Tindale Road, Belmont, Cashew Hill, Bendals Road, Golden Grove, Nut Grove, Bendals and Bathlodge.

    Almost immediately after receiving reports of the incident, APUA mobilized a team of trained technical crews to the site. The technicians prioritized public safety while carrying out urgent repairs to reverse the damage and bring power back online for impacted users.

    While service has been restored for the vast majority of customers in the affected area, APUA has noted that a small number of users may still experience intermittent power interruptions. Any customer continuing to face service disruptions is encouraged to reach out to the authority’s dedicated fault reporting hotline at 311 to report their issue and request additional assistance.

    In its public statement, the regional utility provider issued a formal apology to all customers inconvenienced by the unplanned outage, and extended gratitude to the community for their understanding and patience during the repair and restoration process.