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  • PM Browne Calls Harold Lovell a ‘Spent Force,’ Urges All Saints West Voters to Reject Him

    PM Browne Calls Harold Lovell a ‘Spent Force,’ Urges All Saints West Voters to Reject Him

    In a recent town hall meeting held in Seaview Farm, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda launched a scathing critique against opposition politician Harold Lovell, urging residents of All Saints West to reject the United Progressive Party’s (UPP) candidate in the upcoming general elections. Browne labeled Lovell as a “spent force” and “delusional,” questioning his capacity to effectively represent the constituency and highlighting his alleged decades of political shortcomings.

    Browne referenced biblical scripture to underscore his point, stating, “A spent force. A man who is 70 years of age. The Bible says what? Three score and ten. So nothing tall futuristic about him. Now, a 70-year-old man can’t have no energy. But he’s going around telling people that he’s younger than Comrade Smith. I say better look at me.”

    In contrast, Browne praised Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., a young leader who recently joined the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) after departing from the UPP. Browne lauded Smith’s “energy and ambition,” positioning him as the embodiment of the constituency’s future. “I want the people of All Saints West to understand that by supporting this young man, Comrade Smith, you are literally supporting the future,” Browne asserted. “Why would anyone want to go back to a candidate who is on rewind? We are moving forward—he’s on rewind.”

    Browne further criticized Lovell’s tenure as the former Member of Parliament for St. John’s City East, alleging that his former constituents had repeatedly rejected him and that he failed to deliver essential community improvements. “The place where he came from, City East, where he spent practically all his life—they rejected him eight out of ten times,” Browne remarked. “He was finance minister and representative, and he didn’t see the Bishopgate Street Clinic in disrepair. It took Gaston Browne in 2014 to get the People’s Republic of China to build a new polyclinic in Villa.”

    Concluding his address, Browne warned that electing Lovell would “reverse progress” in All Saints West, urging constituents to send a clear message: “It is for the people of this constituency to send Harold Lovell a firm message—go back from whence you came.”

  • Minimum Wage Advisory Committee to Convene First Meeting on November 4

    Minimum Wage Advisory Committee to Convene First Meeting on November 4

    The Antigua and Barbuda Minimum Wage Advisory Committee (MWAC) is set to convene its inaugural meeting on November 4, 2025, marking a significant step in the review of the nation’s minimum wage. The virtual session will be led by Labour Commissioner Eltonia Anthony-David, with Deputy Commissioner Pascal Kentish co-chairing the proceedings. The Hon. Sir Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin, Attorney General and Minister of Labour, will deliver opening remarks to officially commence the meeting. The committee, comprising 18 members with equal representation from employers, employees, and the government, will receive its terms of reference. These mandate the group to assess working conditions and propose a revised minimum wage to the Minister of Labour, who will then consult with the Cabinet for final approval. Notably, each member is allowed to bring an alternate representative to the first meeting. The last minimum wage adjustment occurred in January 2023, when it was raised from EC$8.20 to EC$9.00 per hour. This upcoming review underscores the government’s commitment to addressing labor standards and economic equity.

  • Trilla-G bets on himself with debut album ‘Take Me as I Am: The Album’

    Trilla-G bets on himself with debut album ‘Take Me as I Am: The Album’

    Dominican Bouyon artist Trilla-G has officially launched his debut album, *Take Me as I Am: The Album*, marking a pivotal moment in his musical journey. Released on October 22, 2025, the 13-track project showcases Trilla-G’s artistic versatility, depth, and innovative approach to the Bouyon genre. The album, which follows the success of his lead single “Take Me as I Am (Remix)4,” has already garnered over one million views on YouTube since its September 2024 debut. Trilla-G describes the album as a deliberate effort to reveal his multifaceted artistic identity while pushing the boundaries of Bouyon music. Recorded at Th3rdHouse Studios in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the album features collaborations with prominent regional artists, including Grenadian Cultural Ambassador V’ghn, Jamaican sensation Stalk Ashley, and Dominica’s Ridge. Production credits span across the Caribbean and beyond, with contributions from Dominica’s Mask Man, Canada’s Hxnter, and St. Maarten’s Xavvo. Trilla-G’s performances at major Caribbean festivals, such as Miami Carnival and the World Creole Music Festival, have solidified his reputation as a dynamic entertainer. With *Take Me as I Am*, Trilla-G aims to elevate his career and contribute to the global recognition of Bouyon music. The album is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, Audiomack, and YouTube.

  • Govt’s Road Repair Programme to receive support

    Govt’s Road Repair Programme to receive support

    The Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW) in Barbados has taken a significant step to enhance its road repair and infrastructure development initiatives by investing in six JCB pothole patching trucks. Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw, who oversees the ministry, announced this during a reception celebrating the 80th anniversary of J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited (JCB). The event was hosted by British High Commissioner Simon Mustard in collaboration with Inchcape Barbados. Bradshaw expressed her enthusiasm for the new equipment, stating that the trucks, along with six JCB Flail Head Cutters for highway debushing, are expected to arrive by the end of the year. Training for MTW teams will commence shortly after, with operational deployment planned for early January, post-hurricane season. Bradshaw highlighted JCB’s global reputation for quality, innovation, and reliability, noting the company’s long-standing partnership with Barbados since 1981. She also praised JCB’s role in post-Hurricane Beryl recovery efforts, emphasizing the durability and performance of its machinery. Minister of Energy and Business, Senator Lisa Cummins, echoed these sentiments, commending JCB’s contributions to Barbados and expressing hope for local companies to achieve similar global success. Erik Montero, Regional Head of JCB Caribbean, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to innovation and improving the lives of Barbadians. High Commissioner Mustard expressed confidence in JCB’s continued role in driving progress.

  • Multiple SLASPA employees charged in $705K drug bust

    Multiple SLASPA employees charged in $705K drug bust

    In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, three employees of the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) have been arrested and charged following a major drug bust at Port Castries. The operation, conducted on October 17, 2025, was a joint effort by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) and the Customs and Excise Department, based on intelligence reports.

    During the operation, authorities intercepted a grey van driven by Cyril Joseph, a Red Cap assigned to the port. A barrel in the vehicle, which had not been cleared for customs inspection, was found to contain cannabis, cannabis resin (hashish), and MDMA crystals (commonly known as ecstasy), with an estimated street value of $705,686.50.

    Further investigations revealed a coordinated effort among several port employees to bypass customs procedures, leading to the arrest of two additional SLASPA workers, Ian Moncherry and Nadia Edward. A subsequent search of Moncherry’s residence uncovered an additional quantity of cannabis resin valued at $4,200.

    All three individuals were charged on October 22, 2025, with offences including importation of a controlled drug, possession with intent to supply, aiding and abetting, and fraudulent evasion of customs duties and controls. They appeared before the First District Court on October 24 and were each granted bail in the sum of $45,000, either in cash or with a suitable surety.

    The RSLPF emphasized that this operation highlights ongoing efforts to safeguard Saint Lucia’s borders and combat corruption within key institutions. A police statement declared, ‘This operation is a clear message that corruption and criminal collusion will not be tolerated,’ noting that illegal drugs and firearms entering through the island’s ports ‘directly fuel violent crime, gang activity, and homicides within our communities.’

  • Antigua PM Joins Festivities at Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival

    Antigua PM Joins Festivities at Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival

    Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne made a notable appearance at Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival this weekend, a cornerstone of the island’s Independence celebrations. The festival, now in its 24th year, kicked off on Friday night, drawing thousands of locals and international visitors to revel in the vibrant Creole culture through music, dance, and culinary delights. Browne, known for his affable demeanor, was seen engaging with festivalgoers and regional dignitaries, including Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and Tourism Minister Denise Charles. He enthusiastically participated in the festivities, posing for photos and mingling with fans. This year’s event boasts an impressive lineup of international and regional artists, with dancehall sensation Vybz Kartel among the most eagerly awaited performers. Browne’s presence at the festival highlighted its role as a platform for fostering regional unity and cultural diplomacy, reinforcing the shared heritage and camaraderie among Caribbean nations.

  • ‘National cry for help’ in crime spike, says youth counsellor

    ‘National cry for help’ in crime spike, says youth counsellor

    The escalating involvement of young men in serious criminal activities has been labeled a moral and social crisis by Shawn Clarke, CEO of Supreme Counselling Services. Recent police data reveals a troubling spike in violent and major offenses, prompting Clarke to describe the situation as “a national cry for help.” While overall crime in Barbados has decreased by approximately two percent, serious crimes against individuals have doubled compared to last year, with robberies more than doubling and major crimes rising by 13 percent. Clarke emphasized that these figures are not mere statistics but represent lives once filled with potential, mothers’ silent tears, and communities on the brink of collapse. Despite the grim outlook, Clarke remains optimistic, asserting that the situation is not beyond redemption. He called for a shift from blame to collective responsibility, urging government, parents, schools, churches, and community organizations to unite in prevention and outreach efforts. Clarke advocated for meaningful interventions, such as youth mentorship programs and community-based behavioral support, to address the root causes of crime. He stressed that solving this crisis requires more than police action; it demands a collaborative, solution-focused approach. Clarke concluded with a message of hope, stating that Barbados’ young men are not lost causes but lost children in need of guidance and support.

  • Gender Affairs Directorate Promotes Respect and Equality at Five Islands Primary

    Gender Affairs Directorate Promotes Respect and Equality at Five Islands Primary

    The Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA) has reinforced its commitment to combating gender-based violence through its ongoing awareness initiative, recently engaging Grade 4 and 5 students at Five Islands Primary School. The program, designed to educate and empower young minds, focuses on equipping students with the tools to recognize, resist, and respond to gender-based violence while fostering values of respect, equality, and kindness.

  • Training Boosts Antigua and Barbuda’s Capacity in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

    Training Boosts Antigua and Barbuda’s Capacity in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

    In a strategic move to enhance disaster response capabilities, the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) of Antigua and Barbuda has joined forces with an international humanitarian organization to strengthen the nation’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. This collaboration, initiated after a comprehensive consultation with local stakeholders in August, culminated in a three-day intensive training program earlier this month. The training focused on critical areas such as freshwater treatment and water quality testing, equipping participants with essential skills to address public health and disaster management challenges. The program saw the participation of 32 representatives from key institutions, including the Central Board of Health (CBH), Department of Analytical Services, Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross, National Solid Waste Management Authority, and Department of Environment. As part of the practical training, attendees visited vital facilities such as Caribbean Water Treatment, the APUA Water Testing Lab, the Ivan Rodrigues Reverse Osmosis Plant, and Potworks Dam. Additionally, they engaged in field water testing exercises at Lightfoot Pond. This initiative underscores NODS’s commitment to bolstering national preparedness and resilience in disaster response and public health management, ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda is better equipped to handle future crises.

  • The UWI Global Campus to Celebrate Class of 2025 in Virtual Graduation Ceremony

    The UWI Global Campus to Celebrate Class of 2025 in Virtual Graduation Ceremony

    The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus is poised to celebrate the remarkable achievements of its Class of 2025 in a virtual graduation ceremony on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 6:00 pm Eastern Caribbean Time. The event will be broadcast live on UWItv.global, Flow EVO channels, and the Flow’s Bluu mobile app, allowing graduates and their loved ones to participate from across the Caribbean and beyond. This year’s theme, “Pelicans in an AI-Driven Future – Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” reflects the resilience and forward-thinking mindset of the graduates, who began their academic journeys during a period of rapid digital transformation. The Class of 2025 comprises 1,268 graduands, including 219 postgraduates and 1,046 undergraduates, marking the largest graduating class in the Campus’s history. Among them is the first-ever PhD graduand, a testament to the institution’s growing academic excellence. The ceremony will honor graduates from diverse disciplines, including Doctorates, Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate degrees, as well as Certificates and Diplomas. Distinguished attendees, including Heads of State, the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and senior university officials, will join families and friends in celebrating the graduates’ accomplishments. A highlight of the event will be the conferral of an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree upon Sir Calixte George, a renowned Saint Lucian agronomist, educator, and statesman, for his exceptional contributions to science, governance, and regional development. The valedictorian, Mr. Alex Anderson, a Jamaican educator graduating with First Class Honours in Educational Leadership and Management, will deliver the valedictory speech, embodying the spirit of academic excellence and leadership. Dr. Francis O. Severin, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal, emphasized the significance of the ceremony as a representation of the university’s mission to empower individuals across the Caribbean. The event will conclude with the graduates reciting the UWI Alumni Pledge and a musical rendition of the university song, “There is a Light.” UWI, a cornerstone of Caribbean development for 75 years, continues to lead in education, innovation, and regional progress, with a global presence and a commitment to addressing critical global challenges through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.