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  • Criticisms overlook ‘two fundamental aspects’ of Chatham Bay sale — PM

    Criticisms overlook ‘two fundamental aspects’ of Chatham Bay sale — PM

    A heated political debate has erupted in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) over the ruling government’s decision to sell 100 acres of coastal land at Chatham Bay, Union Island, with Prime Minister Godwin Friday pushing back hard against critics of the transaction. In an official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday, Friday outlined what he calls two core, non-negotiable pillars of the agreement that critics have repeatedly ignored: the entire parcel is being sold explicitly for permanent conservation purposes, and the government retains a two-year option to repurchase the land at the exact original sale price.

    The land has been transferred to AHRA LLC, a locally registered company based in SVG, according to details of the agreement. The transaction injects EC$53 million directly into the national treasury, while placing permanent environmental protections at the heart of the land’s future use. Binding legal covenants are included in the deal to safeguard Chatham Bay’s unique natural ecosystems and biodiversity, restricting any large-scale commercial development on the site.

    The criticism has been led by Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves, who has questioned the sale price by referencing a historical valuation of the property. Friday countered that Gonsalves’ comparison is fundamentally misleading, noting that the outdated valuation was calculated for a proposal to develop the land into a large hotel and resort — a completely different use case than the restricted conservation mandate in the current agreement.

    Friday also pointed out a key contradiction in the opposition’s position: Gonsalves’ own administration, which held power for 24 years, explicitly rejected a conservation-focused approach for Chatham Bay in favor of pursuing resort development. Despite that decades-long policy priority, the proposed major resort project never moved forward. In that time, the previous administration also acquired southern lands on Union Island for foreign hotel development; Friday confirmed that shortly after finalizing the Chatham Bay sale, his government returned those lands to local Union Island residents.

    Framing the transaction as a balanced new approach to national asset management, Friday emphasized that SVG does not have to choose between environmental protection and sound fiscal governance. He argued that conservation itself holds tangible value for the island nation, pushing back against the idea that every ecologically significant coastal parcel must be intensively developed for tourism to deliver benefit. “A country such as ours needs environmental investment and tourism development, and this Government will continue to pursue both. But responsible development also means recognising that not every beach, forest or environmentally significant piece of land must be intensively developed to have value. Conservation has value, too,” Friday said.

    The prime minister noted that this type of conservation-focused transaction, while new to SVG, has a proven track record across the Caribbean and beyond. He cited Belize’s 2021 Blue Bond, a landmark debt-for-nature swap that cut the country’s national debt by 12% of GDP while freeing up millions of dollars for marine conservation as a successful regional precedent.

    Friday also contextualized the decision within the severe fiscal challenges his administration inherited after taking office in November. Gonsalves’ previous government left SVG with a public debt burden equal to roughly 113% of GDP, a figure that has placed intense strain on the government’s ability to fund core public priorities including healthcare, development programming, and public sector reform. Proceeds from the Chatham Bay sale will be directed to key national priorities: debt reduction, fisheries management, expanded land and marine conservation efforts, climate resilience initiatives, and government efficiency reforms.

    “ We are protecting Chatham Bay. We are securing significant value for the Vincentian people. We have retained an important buy-back safeguard, and we are using our national assets responsibly as we confront the substantial debt burden we inherited. That is the responsibility of Government: to know where we should develop, where we should invest and where we should preserve. Chatham Bay is worth protecting, and protecting it does not mean it cannot also deliver value for the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” Friday concluded.

  • Hetmyer hundred bests Knight Riders

    Hetmyer hundred bests Knight Riders

    The 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) delivered another thrilling twist on August 31, as Shimron Hetmyer’s historic innings carried the Guyana Amazon Warriors to a nine-run DLS victory over hosts Trinbago Knight Riders at Queen’s Park Oval, extending the Warriors’ perfect unbeaten run to start the tournament and ruining Trinbago’s Independence Day celebration.

    The match was hit by weather disruption from the outset. After Trinbago’s PowerPlay bowling unit got off to a dream start, reducing the Warriors to 22 for 2 off less than six overs with early dismissals of top-order stars Glenn Phillips and Shai Hope from Akeal Hosein and debutant seamer Lahiru Kumara, a heavy rain shower forced a lengthy delay. When play resumed, the match was trimmed to 16 overs per side — a change that would completely shift the momentum of the game, especially for Hetmyer, who was playing his 100th career CPL match.

    After a brief settling-in period following the break, Hetmyer found his rhythm immediately, racing to a half-century and putting Trinbago’s bowling attack under relentless pressure. The hosts’ season-long bowling weakness was on full display: their experienced spinners have carried the unit through the 2026 tournament, but their seamers have consistently lacked penetration, a gap Hetmyer exploited ruthlessly. In the 13th over, he hammered debutant Kumara for 30 runs, exploding into the closing stages of the innings alongside all-rounder Romario Shepherd. The pair combined for a blistering 85 runs off the final four overs, turning a modest start into a mammoth total. It was during this late rally that Hetmyer equaled the CPL record for the fastest century, reaching the milestone in just 40 deliveries before finishing unbeaten on 111 off 43 balls. The Warriors closed their innings at 185 for 5, leaving Trinbago Knight Riders with an adjusted target of 182 runs under the DLS method.

    In chase, the hosts got off to a solid start before a stunning turning point: Glenn Phillips pulled off a spectacular one-handed boundary catch to remove star opener Sunil Narine, catching even Phillips off guard. Colin Munro, Narine’s formidable opening partner, fell shortly after to off-spinner Mohammad Nabi, leaving the Knight Riders two key wickets down early.

    Nicholas Pooran injected much-needed momentum into the Trinbago chase, smashing seven boundaries including four sixes to shift pressure back onto the Warriors. But Nabi struck again, removing Pooran for 43 caught out, triggering a collapse of wickets. With the required run rate climbing rapidly, Trinbago batsmen were forced to attack recklessly, leading to cheap dismissals for Jyd Goolie, Justin Greaves, and Akeal Hosein.

    Alex Hales remained the Knight Riders’ last hope, producing a brilliant counter-attacking innings of 55 that included seven maximums and kept the hosts in the hunt until the final overs. His innings ended when Shamar Joseph clean-bowled him, leaving Romario Shepherd to defend 24 runs off the final over for the Warriors. Shepherd closed out the win comfortably, securing the result that keeps the Warriors’ 100% win record intact through the early stages of the 2026 CPL tournament.

  • Irish and Joseph Complete ICAO-Certified Air Traffic Services Training

    Irish and Joseph Complete ICAO-Certified Air Traffic Services Training

    Antigua and Barbuda’s air traffic management sector has marked a key milestone in professional development, as two senior air traffic services specialists have graduated from an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)-accredited Training Developers Course. This achievement represents a major leap forward in the country’s ability to cultivate skilled aviation personnel and uphold the rigorous global safety and operational standards set by the international aviation regulator.

    Cecilia Irish and Wesley Joseph, the two certified professionals, received formal congratulations from Eugene Silcott, the Acting Chief of the country’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) division. Silcott emphasized that the successful completion of the intensive training program is a landmark accomplishment not only for the two officers themselves but for the entire Air Traffic Services Unit that serves the island nation’s growing aviation sector.

    Beyond individual professional advancement, Silcott explained that the new ICAO certification checks a critical box for national regulatory compliance. It also positions the local Air Traffic Services Unit to operate as a fully modern, professionally competent, and internationally aligned air traffic management organization, meeting all global benchmarks for operational excellence.

    The specialized knowledge and instructional skills Irish and Joseph gained through the course are set to deliver long-term benefits to Antigua and Barbuda’s aviation ecosystem. Moving forward, their new expertise will drive the ongoing improvement of the unit’s in-house training programs, support the continuous professional development of existing and new staff, and ultimately reinforce the safety and efficiency of air navigation services across the country’s airspace.

    Silcott also used the occasion to highlight the critical role of ongoing government investment in the air traffic sector. He noted that sustained public funding and policy support are indispensable to building workforce capacity, maintaining consistent regulatory alignment with international rules, and ensuring Antigua and Barbuda’s national aviation system retains its compliance with global standards long into the future.

    While Silcott acknowledged that there is still additional work to be done to further strengthen the sector, he expressed unwavering confidence that with continued government backing and the existing strong commitment of the unit’s workforce, the Air Traffic Services Unit will continue to make steady, meaningful progress in improving its services.

    “Congratulations once again to Mrs. Irish and Mr. Joseph on this well-deserved achievement,” Silcott reiterated in closing, renewing his gratitude to the government of Antigua and Barbuda for its consistent investment in the growth and development of the nation’s aviation industry.

  • Six Antigua and Barbuda Customs Officers Complete Regional Training Course

    Six Antigua and Barbuda Customs Officers Complete Regional Training Course

    Six officers of the Antigua and Barbuda Customs and Excise Department have marked a key professional milestone by successfully finishing the 2026 Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council Junior Officer Online Training Course. The graduates who completed the rigorous program are Davier Joseph, Renisha Charles, Takisha Joseph-Shadrach, Maranda Williams, Pauline Mack and Jahvene Charles.

    Officials from the department confirmed that the region-wide training initiative covered a comprehensive suite of core competencies critical to modern customs operations. Core modules included foundational and advanced topics ranging from standardized customs procedures and international trade legislation to targeted risk assessment, cargo valuation, cross-border trade frameworks, professional ethics and integrity, enforcement tactics, and strategic border protection.

    The program was specifically designed to address growing regional security needs by boosting the technical knowledge and on-the-job professional capabilities of junior customs personnel, equipping them to more effectively carry out their core duties of customs regulation and border security. In an official statement congratulating the six graduating officers, the Antigua and Barbuda Customs and Excise Department highlighted the participants’ consistent dedication, strict discipline, and ongoing commitment to growing their professional skills.

    “Their achievement strengthens our collective capacity to Secure and Serve with excellence,” the department noted in its statement.

    This capacity-building training arrives at a moment when customs agencies across the Caribbean are ramping up coordinated efforts to reinforce their enforcement and border security infrastructure. In recent years, regional cooperation frameworks have increasingly prioritized targeted capacity building, improved cross-agency risk management, enhanced intelligence sharing, and coordinated action to crack down on all forms of illicit trafficking across shared borders. The Antigua and Barbuda Customs and Excise Department operates under the nation’s Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance, with a core mandate to oversee all national customs administration functions.

  • The Maria Holder Memorial Trust Backs A New Restaurant Creating A Pathway Into Hospitality Employment For Autistic Young People

    The Maria Holder Memorial Trust Backs A New Restaurant Creating A Pathway Into Hospitality Employment For Autistic Young People

    A groundbreaking dual-purpose initiative, combining a fully operational artisan pizzeria and lounge bar with a vocational training program for autistic young people, is set to open in Mount Tabor, John Hughes, after the Blue Dragonfly Foundation secured major backing from The Maria Holder Memorial Trust.

    Unlike traditional training programs, this new venture will operate as a fully functional commercial restaurant, complete with a full menu, standard public opening hours, and paying customers. What makes the project unique is its integrated support model: all trainees will work alongside experienced Autism Job Coaches and Support Specialists, who will provide ongoing mentorship as participants build core professional skills across front-of-house and back-of-house operations. Trainees will gain hands-on experience in everything from food preparation and hygiene compliance to table service, inventory management, and customer interaction.

    The restaurant will source fresh produce from an existing adjacent hydroponic farm, run by the Blue Dragonfly Foundation’s sister social enterprise. This farm-to-table partnership expands the scope of training, giving participants a second working environment to develop sustainable agricultural skills alongside their hospitality training.

    Every detail of the venue has been designed with autistic sensory needs in mind, a key consideration that sets the space apart from standard commercial restaurants. Carefully calibrated lighting, adjusted acoustics, and a thoughtful layout work together to minimize sensory overload for both staff and diners. For moments when a break is needed, an on-site quiet Learning Center and dedicated Sensory Room offers a regulated, safe space to reset, while also providing autism-friendly visual learning resources to build communication and professional skills.

    Caroline Hopton, CEO and founder of the Blue Dragonfly Foundation, emphasized the transformative potential of the project for the local autistic community. “We are enormously grateful to The Maria Holder Memorial Trust for backing our Restaurant and Hospitality Training Center for autistic young people,” Hopton said. “As hospitality makes up a major portion of Antigua and Barbuda’s economy, this program creates a critical, accessible pathway to long-term employment, both within our restaurant and farm social enterprises, and through our partner businesses across the country’s wider hospitality sector.”

    Hopton highlighted the unmet need the initiative addresses, noting that uncertainty about post-school life is a universal worry for autistic people and their families. “Many autistic people have never been able to access appropriate education and are at home with no support and no purpose, which takes a heavy toll on their mental health and self-esteem, and on that of their families and caregivers,” she explained. “The Restaurant and Hospitality Training Center is an important first step in changing this by bringing hope and real opportunity to autistic people and their families in Antigua and Barbuda.”

    The Blue Dragonfly Foundation is a registered non-profit organization based in Antigua and Barbuda, focused on delivering vocational training and supported employment opportunities for autistic young people and adults. The organization is developing an integrated campus in Mount Tabor, John Hughes, which will include the new hospitality training restaurant, the hydroponic produce farm, and the sensory-friendly learning space. The foundation launched its first flagship social enterprise, the Blue Dragonfly Thrift & Gift Store, in 2022.

  • Nawasa advances water supply solutions

    Nawasa advances water supply solutions

    A critical freshwater well on Grenada’s eastern coast has been temporarily taken out of service after rising salt levels from saltwater intrusion pushed its water outside of safe drinking water standards, prompting the National Water and Sewerage Authority (Nawasa) to roll out emergency supply restrictions and launch a slate of urgent infrastructure upgrades to shore up water access for affected communities.

    Baillies Bacolet Well #2 (BB2), one of three groundwater abstraction wells first brought online in the early 1980s and positioned closest to the island’s eastern shoreline, normally contributes 110,000 gallons of treated water daily to local distribution networks. After routine quality monitoring detected heightened salinity during the 2026 dry season peak, the well was decommissioned temporarily, removing its full daily output from the regional supply and creating added strain on adjacent infrastructure.

    The shutdown has cut total daily supply for southern St David by 110,000 gallons, forcing Nawasa to implement nightly water shutdowns between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. to allow storage facilities to recharge. This measured rationing matches protocols the authority has used in past dry seasons when production drops. A wide swath of communities face direct disruptions, including Corinth, Westerhall, Fort Jeudy, Westerhall Point, Petite Bacaye, Red Gate and La Calome. The cuts extend further because the BB2 supply feeds the La Pastora Storage Tank, which also serves the Morne Delice System and Woburn distribution network, bringing supply interruptions to Calivigny, Egmont and Confer as well. To maintain balanced distribution across the entire connected network, Nawasa has also applied the same nightly supply restrictions to the Morne Delice storage tanks.

    Nawasa has publicly acknowledged that the rolling outages create significant hardship for local households and businesses, and says it is working to shorten the duration and reduce the frequency of disruptions wherever operational conditions allow.

    Moving beyond immediate emergency response, the authority has mapped out five targeted short-term infrastructure interventions designed to boost total water production, strengthen cross-network connections, and improve the flexibility and reliability of the affected regional supply systems. Key projects include a capacity upgrade for nearby Baillies Bacolet Well #3, which is expected to raise its daily output from 300,000 gallons to 450,000 gallons. The authority is also working to recommission the dormant Woodlands Well #3, which would add 110,000 gallons of daily production to the South St George supply system, matching the output lost from BB2. Additional steps include recommissioning the idle La Sagesse Well and advancing critical interconnection projects between the Woburn, Egmont and surrounding regional networks.

    The five projects are currently at different stages of planning and construction, with all targeted for completion between October and December 2026. While these urgent interventions will not eliminate the need for large-scale long-term investment in new production and storage capacity, they form the core of Nawasa’s immediate strategy to boost system resilience and reduce service disruptions for communities that face persistent vulnerability to dry-season water shortages. The authority has prioritized these projects specifically to deliver additional production and improve cross-network water movement ahead of the 2027 dry season.

    Nawasa says it will continue ongoing monitoring of production levels, storage tank volumes and water quality across all affected systems, and will adjust distribution schedules as conditions improve. The agency is urging customers in impacted communities to maintain emergency household water storage, practice responsible water use, and closely follow official Nawasa advisories for updates to supply schedules. Nawasa closed its statement thanking customers for their patience and cooperation as it works to strengthen long-term water security and improve supply reliability across south-east St George and southern St David.

  • News : Zapping…

    News : Zapping…

    ### Multiple Key Developments Unfold Across Haiti in Late August 2026
    A series of events spanning public security, diplomacy, healthcare, civic services and cultural celebration have marked the final week of August 2026 in Haiti, bringing together international appeals, institutional changes and community milestones.

    On August 30, just one day after the end of a busy week of local updates, Pope Leo XIV issued an urgent public appeal addressing the ongoing hostage crisis in Kenscoff. The pontiff called for the immediate release of all people being held captive, and extended his personal solidarity through prayer to the victims and their loved ones. In his statement, Pope Leo XIV also urged all actors with governing responsibility across Haiti to take tangible, urgent steps to protect civilian populations and root out all forms of violent activity that have destabilized local communities.

    In the security sector, a leadership change took effect in Kenscoff on August 28. Moments after being formally sworn in as the new Chief Commissioner leading the Kenscoff jurisdiction of Haiti’s National Police (PNH), Jean-Pierre Ketler Mauriceau launched an on-the-ground assessment tour accompanied by a team of elite SWAT officers. The group traveled to key strategic sites across the Viard 1 and Viard 2 neighborhoods, where they evaluated the current security environment and gathered first-hand input on the daily safety challenges facing local residents.

    In the diplomatic sphere, Haiti’s Jean Price-Mars Diplomatic Academy hosted a featured guest on August 28 as part of its recurring “Academy Fridays” public lecture series. The event welcomed Antoine Michon, the outgoing Ambassador of France to Haiti, who delivered a talk titled “France in Haiti: Shared Perspectives and Diplomatic Action”. Reflecting on his multiple tours of service in the country, Michon offered a broadly positive assessment of his tenure, noting that while France and Haiti carry a history of differing perspectives, the two nations share deep and enduring ties, particularly in the domain of cultural exchange.

    For Haiti’s healthcare sector, a major milestone came on August 28, when 103 newly trained doctors celebrated their graduation from the Episcopal University of Haiti (UNEPH). The graduating class, the 2018-2025 cohort named in honor of Farah-Armande Louis, held its commencement ceremony at Port-au-Prince’s Karibe Hotel. Attendees included senior UNEPH leadership, senior religious figures from Haiti’s Episcopal Church, and family members of the new graduates. This graduating group marks the fourth cohort of doctors to complete training through UNEPH’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, expanding the country’s pool of qualified medical professionals.

    In civic services, Haiti’s National Solid Waste Management Service (SNGRS), operating in partnership with local municipal governments and under the oversight of the Prime Minister’s office, issued a public reminder to residents outlining revised garbage collection schedules across four major municipalities. The schedule divides collection days as follows: Pétion-ville on Sundays and Thursdays; Port-au-Prince on Wednesdays and Sundays; Delmas on Mondays and Saturdays; and Tabarre on Wednesdays and Fridays. All collections are scheduled to run between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM, and SNGRS has asked all residents to only dispose of curbside waste during the approved time windows for their district to support effective municipal operations.

    Finally, in a note of cultural celebration, Haiti’s Ministry of Tourism extended formal holiday greetings to all residents of Jérémie—both those living in the city and those residing abroad—marking the annual celebration of Saint Louis Patron Saint’s Day. The ministry highlighted the unique cultural and natural heritage of Jérémie, the capital of Haiti’s Grand’Anse department, calling attention to landmarks including the iconic Saint-Louis Cathedral, the region’s distinct cultural and literary legacy, its renowned local cuisine, lush inland landscapes, the Grand’Anse River, and world-class coastal attractions such as Anse d’Azur. The message closed with warm wishes for a joyful holiday for all celebrating.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Athletics Association Celebrates Zonique Charles’ Record-Breaking Season

    Antigua and Barbuda Athletics Association Celebrates Zonique Charles’ Record-Breaking Season

    One of Antigua and Barbuda’s most promising rising track and field stars, Zonique Charles, has earned high praise and formal congratulations from the nation’s governing athletic body after capping off another extraordinary, record-shattering competitive season.

    The Antigua and Barbuda Athletic Association released an official statement celebrating Charles’ latest string of achievements, highlighting the consistent growth and breakthrough performances that have defined her career to date. In the message, the association emphasized that Charles’ core personal traits — unwavering discipline, relentless determination, and an unquenchable drive to achieve excellence — have repeatedly propelled her to deliver standout results and reset national and regional benchmarks this season.

    “Year after year, you have proven that no perceived limit is final; there is always another boundary waiting to be pushed, another new height to reach,” the association’s statement read. Beyond honoring her on-track success, the governing body also commended Charles for serving as a proud, outstanding representative of Antigua and Barbuda across regional competitive circuits, helping boost the small island nation’s visibility and standing in Caribbean athletics.

    The association encouraged the young athlete to frame her latest record-breaking accomplishments not as a final destination, but as a stepping stone to even greater victories in upcoming competitions. “Every new record you set should act as both a testament to how far you have already advanced in your career, and a spark of motivation to push even further than you ever imagined,” the statement added.

    Over the past several years, Charles has steadily built her reputation as one of the Antigua and Barbuda’s most exciting emerging athletic talents, with her consistent strong performances raising the profile of the country’s track and field program across regional competitions. Looking ahead, the Antigua and Barbuda Athletic Association said it eagerly anticipates supporting Charles as she chases new personal bests, more landmark milestones, and continued winning success in future competitive seasons.

  • IN PICTURES: Adult education craftsmanship on display at 2026 National Skills Exhibition

    IN PICTURES: Adult education craftsmanship on display at 2026 National Skills Exhibition

    On Friday, the Adult Education Division of Dominica opened the doors of its Kennedy Avenue headquarters to host its much-anticipated annual National Skills Exhibition, a one-day event that celebrates the tangible outcomes of the nation’s growing adult education programming.

    The exhibition brought together adult learners from every corner of Dominica, each traveling to the capital to share the technical proficiency and creative vision they developed through structured adult training courses. Unlike traditional academic showcases, this event centers on practical, marketable skills that directly support local livelihoods and small enterprise development. Displays spanned a diverse range of trades and creative crafts: from precision welding work demonstrating mastery of metalworking techniques, to hand-sewn textiles and apparel showcasing garment construction skills, to intricate floral arrangements that highlight creative design training. Every exhibit on the floor reflected hours of dedicated learning and hands-on practice, turning new skills into finished, functional or artistic products.

    As a signature annual event for the division, the exhibition serves a dual purpose: it gives adult learners a public platform to celebrate their progress, and it demonstrates the impact of Dominica’s investment in accessible continuing education for residents of all ages. For many participants, the event is also an opportunity to connect with potential customers, local employers, and other artisans, laying the groundwork for future economic opportunities rooted in their new skills.

  • Nevis delegation inspects rig prior to mobilization for geothermal drilling

    Nevis delegation inspects rig prior to mobilization for geothermal drilling

    In a key milestone for the Caribbean nation’s transition to renewable energy, a technical delegation from Nevis has completed a final technical inspection of the Tyr drilling rig, operated by Iceland Drilling, ahead of the equipment’s shipment to Nevis for a major geothermal energy development project. Dated 31 August 2026, the inspection mission marks a critical step forward for the 30-megawatt geothermal initiative that aims to transform the energy landscape of St. Kitts and Nevis.

    Led by the Nevis Island Administration and executed by Nevis Electricity Company Limited (NEVLEC), the project secured international backing months ago when Iceland Drilling was awarded the turnkey contract for geothermal drilling services at the Hamilton site on Nevis. The contract covers the development of six geothermal wells, which will be drilled using the 272-tonne Drillmec HH-300 Tyr rig, the same unit inspected by the Nevis delegation in Iceland. Preparation for the drilling operation is already underway: Icelandic engineering firm COWI will lead civil works to ready the drilling pad, with on-site oversite provided by Iceland Drilling. Drilling operations are on schedule to launch in the second half of 2026.

    The inspection delegation was headed by newly appointed NEVLEC General Manager Nelson Stapleton, and included Project Coordinator Naftalie Erra plus a team of technical specialists from Scotia Drilling Consultants, a UK-based industry leader. During the visit, the NEVLEC team held in-depth working sessions with Icelandic drilling, engineering, and geothermal experts to familiarize themselves with the rig’s specifications, operational requirements, and logistics needs for deployment on the island.

    In comments following the inspection, Stapleton emphasized the dual goals of the pre-mobilization mission. “As we move closer to drilling, it is important that NEVLEC has direct oversight of the rig’s readiness and a clear understanding of what will be required once the equipment is mobilized to Nevis,” he said. He added that capacity building was a core priority: “Equally important is building the capacity of our team so that the knowledge and experience gained during this stage remains within NEVLEC and can support the project throughout drilling and the subsequent development of the geothermal resource.”

    Backed by the Federal Government of St. Kitts and Nevis and key financial partners including the Caribbean Development Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and Green Climate Fund, the 30-MW project is designed to deliver clean baseload power to both St. Kitts and Nevis. The initiative follows the successful recent launch of commercial operations at a 10-MW geothermal plant in neighboring Dominica, a model that St. Kitts and Nevis aims to replicate to reduce its reliance on expensive, polluting imported fossil fuels. Beyond meeting domestic energy needs, government officials have confirmed that ongoing discussions are underway with neighboring Antigua and Barbuda to explore a potential cross-border power supply agreement that would extend the benefits of Nevis’ geothermal resource across the Eastern Caribbean.