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  • GHTA concludes successful Discover Hospitality Camp

    GHTA concludes successful Discover Hospitality Camp

    Grenada’s key tourism industry body has wrapped up a landmark youth outreach initiative, closing out a seven-day immersive program that opened the door to local secondary school students to explore the island’s thriving tourism sector, its commitment to sustainable operations, and the wide range of long-term career opportunities available within it.

    Organized by the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA), the Discover Hospitality Camp welcomed 22 third- and fourth-form students from schools across the country. Designed as a practical, hands-on learning experience rather than a traditional classroom program, the initiative gave young participants direct access to every corner of Grenada’s $tourism and hospitality economy, blending interactive training, on-site industry exposure and one-on-one mentorship from seasoned professionals.

    Throughout the week, students took part in a packed schedule of activities tailored to build both hard and soft skills. They joined targeted skill-building workshops focused on guest experience management and food and beverage operations, toured leading local hotels and popular tourist attractions to see daily industry operations firsthand, and participated in hands-on activities focused on sustainable hospitality and marine conservation. Each participant also had the opportunity to connect with and learn from industry veterans who provided guidance on career trajectories and professional growth.

    The official closing ceremony brought together a range of stakeholders to celebrate the program’s success. Remarks were delivered by Leslie Ann Johnson, Communications Director of Grenada’s Ministry of Tourism, Mandoo Seales, GHTA Director and co-founder of the Grenada Green Group, youth ambassador Ella-Rose Charles, and other special invited guests. GHTA Hospitality Ambassador Ethan Edwards delivered the formal vote of thanks to attendees, organizers and partners.

    Arlene Friday, Chief Executive Officer of GHTA, emphasized the transformative impact of the initiative in her comments. “Watching our young people engage with such enthusiasm for both hospitality and sustainable stewardship has been incredibly inspiring,” Friday said. “This camp confirms what we have long understood: investing in hands-on education and real-world experience doesn’t just strengthen the future of our industry—it also reinforces our commitment to protecting our beaches, coastlines and local communities. By the end of the week, every participant left with new practical skills, expanded professional networks, and a much clearer picture of the diverse career pathways that tourism has to offer.”

    Ella-Rose Charles, the youth ambassador who supported the planning and execution of camp activities, shared her own perspective on the program’s value. “This week opened my eyes to just how exciting and varied careers in tourism can be—everything from protecting our natural coastal ecosystems to welcoming visitors from all corners of the globe,” Charles said. “I’m incredibly proud to have been part of an initiative that empowers young Grenadians to care for our island and pursue meaningful, rewarding careers right here at home.”

    GHTA extended formal gratitude to the wide network of partners that made the camp possible, including major industry players Sandals Resorts, La Luna Hotel, True Blue Bay Resort and Point Salines Hotel, as well as public and community collaborators: the Solid Waste Management Agency, T’s Eco Farms, TAMCC, NEWLO, and St George’s University. The association also recognized the hard work and dedication of the Hospitality Camp Committee, chaperones, volunteers and in-house GHTA staff who contributed to the program’s success.

    The Discover Hospitality Camp was fully funded through the GHTA Tourism Enhancement Fund. Looking ahead, GHTA has confirmed it will continue expanding investments in youth development programs that strengthen Grenada’s tourism workforce and embed a culture of long-term environmental stewardship across the sector.

  • Derde helft WK 2026: Spanje stopt WK-avontuur van België’s gouden generatie

    Derde helft WK 2026: Spanje stopt WK-avontuur van België’s gouden generatie

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final clash between Spain and Belgium delivered a rollercoaster of drama, emotion and high stakes at Los Angeles Stadium, with a last-gasp 88th-minute goal from substitute Mikel Merino securing a tense 2-1 win for Spain that booked La Roja’s spot in the tournament’s semi-finals.

    Spain got off to a flying start, asserting their signature control of possession and pinning Belgium back in their own half from the opening whistle. Their pressure paid off in the 30th minute, when a crisp, well-orchestrated combination down the left flank opened up Belgium’s defense, allowing Fabian Ruiz to break the deadlock and put Spain ahead. The clinical finish lifted Spanish spirits and sent their traveling supporters into celebration, giving La Roja a valuable early foothold in the match.

    Far from crumbling under the early setback, Belgium responded rapidly just after the first hydration break. Charles De Ketelaere rose above the Spanish defense to power a stunning header into the back of the net, not only leveling the score but also ending Spain’s impressive 600-plus minute unbeaten streak without conceding a goal. The equalizer breathed new life into Belgium, turning the match into a tightly contested, tactically intense battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats for the rest of the game.

    The second half saw tensions climb, with both sides creating half-chances but failing to find a breakthrough. The match’s most heartbreaking moment came in the 72nd minute, when Belgium’s star goalkeeper and defensive lynchpin Thibaut Courtois suffered an injury that forced him off the pitch in tears. Young replacement Senne Lammens, called up from Manchester United and thrown abruptly into the biggest match of his young career, struggled under the intense pressure and made several uncharacteristic critical mistakes.

    It was in this chaotic final phase that Spain pounced. Merino, who had already built a reputation as a reliable impact substitute throughout the tournament, reacted quickly to a rebound after a Lammens save, cooly slotting the ball home to put Spain ahead with just two minutes left in regulation. The late strike proved decisive, securing Spain’s passage to the semi-finals. Spanish players and supporters erupted in celebration, while Belgium was left to process a devastating, narrow defeat. In a show of sportsmanship, a disappointed Courtois still stepped forward to console his young replacement, who retained the full support of his teammates despite the late error.

    This victory marks only the second time in Spanish history that the men’s national team has reached a World Cup semi-final – their first trip to the final four came in 2010, the year they lifted their only World Cup trophy. While Spain did not play the flashy, dominant football they are known for throughout this knockout clash, their patience and clinical efficiency in critical moments won out the day. For Belgium, the defeat marks the likely end of the road for the nation’s celebrated “Golden Generation” of stars including Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans, who are expected to retire from World Cup competition after this tournament. Though they never claimed the World Cup title they chased for years, the group leaves behind a lasting legacy of skill, passion and fighting spirit that will be remembered fondly by Belgian football fans.

    Spain will next face France in the World Cup semi-final, as they chase a second world title 16 years after their historic 2010 win. For Belgium, the tournament ends in heartbreak, but their fighting performance through the knockout stage cements the reputation of an unforgettable generation of talent.

  • Concrete actions on affordability agreed at 2nd High-Level Breakfast Dialogue

    Concrete actions on affordability agreed at 2nd High-Level Breakfast Dialogue

    On July 6, 2026, against the backdrop of the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Head of Government of the Caribbean Community, the second High-Level Breakfast Dialogue brought together a diverse cross-section of regional stakeholders at Sandals Grande in St. Lucia. Hosted jointly by the OECS Business Council (OBC) and the Caricom Private Sector Organisation (CPSO), the gathering centered on the urgent theme of ‘Meeting the Affordability Challenge: Toward a Proactive Agenda for Member States and the Private Sector’, drawing more than 120 senior participants ranging from 13 Caricom Heads of Government and private sector leaders to representatives of the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL), major development finance institutions including the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Caricom Development Fund (CDF), and other key regional bodies.

    Against a backdrop of soaring cost-of-living pressures that have strained households across every Caricom member state, participants delved into targeted, actionable strategies to boost economic affordability. Discussion topics centered on removing systemic barriers to intra-regional trade, cutting bloated transportation and logistics costs, expanding import diversification, unlocking regional investment capital, strengthening interconnectedness between tourism and local sectors, and addressing the lopsided harm that the International Maritime Organisation’s Net-Zero Framework (NZF) threatens to inflict on Caricom’s Small Island Developing States (SIDS). By the close of discussions, a robust consensus emerged: regional governments, the private sector, and organized labor must transition beyond rhetorical policy dialogue to coordinated, tangible implementation, anchored by clear mandates, firm timelines, and measurable outcomes.

    The most urgent priority to emerge from morning deliberations was addressing the region’s crippling transport capacity gap, a longstanding barrier to fulfilling the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) commitment to free movement of people and goods. Attendees agreed to a September 2026 deadline for finalizing a regulatory framework that enables mutual recognition of insurance, operator licenses, and road taxes — a critical precondition for launching a private-sector operated regional ferry service. To accelerate progress, Heads of Government approved an early pilot ferry initiative that will leverage a vessel the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has volunteered to deploy for the launch. The dialogue also marked a positive milestone with delegates expressing approval for the recent launch of Executive Air Cargo’s service, which now transports agri-food products between member states.

    Turning to barriers within the region’s direct control, delegates adopted a new ‘pairwise’ engagement model to resolve 57 non-tariff barriers (NTBs) that the private sector has identified as major drags on intra-regional trade. Under the model, a Lead Head of Government will oversee direct negotiations between the member state that implemented a given NTB and the member states negatively impacted by it, with active participation from the private sector and relevant regulatory and ministerial bodies. Both implementing and affected states will be bound to time-bound corrective action plans.

    A technical presentation at the dialogue laid out the enormous economic benefits of import diversification and risk reduction for the region, highlighting that diversifying just one segment of non-fuel imports could deliver an estimated $2 billion USD in annual savings. Even greater savings are projected as the region transitions to renewable energy and cuts reliance on costly imported fuel. Delegates called on the CPSO to prioritize additional analysis on the intersection of fuel imports and the renewable energy transition as an immediate next step.

    In discussions focused on short-term relief for strained households, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley issued a clear call for a formal tripartite compact bringing together governments, the private sector, and organized labor to address prices for a core basket of essential goods. She also urged the private sector to accept reduced profit margins on essential products to ease cost-of-living burdens for Caricom citizens. Attendees agreed to hold further inclusive discussions to develop concrete proposals for this compact.

    Shifting focus from cost relief to capital mobilization, the dialogue endorsed the urgent need to connect surplus liquidity held by regional financial institutions to high-priority strategic investment opportunities across the region. Key target sectors include desalination, battery storage, solar, wind, and geothermal power generation, and port infrastructure upgrades. Recognizing that most Caricom citizens are unaware of these investment opportunities, delegates agreed that publishing all opportunities on a shared regional platform is a critical first step to unlock capital. Agricultural investment opportunities were singled out for prioritized listing, and delegates requested that a full compendium of Caricom-wide agricultural investment opportunities be presented at the next High-Level Breakfast Forum.

    Aligning with the goal of building robust regional value chains, delegates reaffirmed their commitment to completing the Tourism Linkages Project, first mandated at the 48th Regular Meeting of Caricom Heads of Government. The project aims to deepen ties between the region’s dominant tourism sector and local agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries, keeping more tourism revenue within regional economies.

    Closing out the substantive policy agenda, the regional private sector reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to climate action, decarbonization, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction as core pillars of sustainable development for Caricom SIDS. At the same time, delegates broadly supported a cautious, measured approach to implementing the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework, which imposes penalties on shipping lines that do not transition their fleets to net-zero carbon fuels. Participants emphasized that the framework would have disproportionate negative impacts on SIDS, consumer prices, and the regional tourism industry, particularly the cruise sector. They also approved expanding the CPSO’s ongoing import diversification work to quantify potential import savings and broader economic benefits linked to the renewable energy transition, with an update scheduled for the next Meeting of the Council for Finance and Planning (COFAP).

    To ensure commitments made at the dialogue translate into action, participants agreed to establish dedicated working groups with predefined timelines and measurable deliverables. This structure will enable consistent monitoring and accountability for all outcomes agreed at the meeting. The CPSO will collaborate closely with the CSME Prime Ministerial Sub Committee to advance this implementation framework.

    The dialogue closed with a shared, collective resolve that the region’s affordability challenge can only be solved through practical, time-bound, results-focused action, and that the longstanding partnership between governments, the private sector, and organized labor remains central to delivering tangible, improved outcomes for all Caricom citizens. In closing remarks, CPSO Chairman Gervase Warner thanked Heads of Government and private sector representatives for their open, honest engagement and collaborative contributions, noting that the gathering has laid solid groundwork for continued cross-sector collaboration. Warner committed the CPSO to leading follow-through on the full work programme agreed during the dialogue.

  • Temporary road closure: Morne Rouge public road, St George

    Temporary road closure: Morne Rouge public road, St George

    The Traffic Department of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) has issued an official public advisory outlining a planned temporary closure of a key stretch of Morne Rouge public road, scheduled across two days in July to accommodate ongoing concrete construction work in the area.

    The affected section of the roadway sits adjacent to the intersection connecting the Le Marquis Shopping Complex and the Spiceland Mall compound. According to the advisory, the closure will be in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on two separate days: Saturday, July 11, and Tuesday, July 14.

    Drivers traveling toward the construction zone from multiple directions will face restricted access, the RGPF confirmed. For motorists approaching from the Grand Anse main road corridor, no vehicles will be allowed past the affected intersection. The entire Morne Rouge public road will operate as a no-through route starting from its intersection near the South Saint George Police Station. Additionally, no traffic will be permitted to proceed beyond the Spice and Sip vicinity during the closure hours.

    In the advisory released via the Office of Commissioner of Police, the RGPF extended a formal apology to local residents, business owners, and commuters for any disruptions or inconvenience that the scheduled road work may cause. Law enforcement officials also noted that they are counting on the full cooperation of the public throughout the duration of the project to ensure work progresses smoothly and safely.

    As a standard publishing note, NOW Grenada, the platform sharing this official advisory, clarified that it does not take responsibility for the content or statements shared by contributing official bodies, and provides a channel for users to report any inappropriate content related to posted materials.

  • “Bring Back the Millions” Protest Targets Briceño Government

    “Bring Back the Millions” Protest Targets Briceño Government

    On the morning of July 10, 2026, hundreds of Belizeans gathered in the streets of Belize City for a coordinated anti-corruption demonstration aimed directly at the sitting Briceño government, capping weeks of growing public anger over an alleged procurement scandal tied to the country’s Ministry of Defense. Organized by the center-right United Democratic Party (UDP), the nation’s main parliamentary opposition, the “Bring Back the Millions” protest drew a mixed crowd of partisan activists and unaffiliated ordinary citizens, concluding its march at the city’s central Battlefield Park after hours of peaceful demonstrations.

    The first major point of contention emerging from the demonstration is the conflicting claims over how many people participated. Opposition Leader Tracy Panton, the public face of the protest, has put the official crowd count at approximately 2,000 attendees, a figure backed by what she says is an official police situational report. However, independent informal estimates have placed the actual number closer to 500, turning the attendance size into an early point of political sparring between the opposition and ruling People’s United Party (PUP).

    Beyond the crowd size dispute, protesters delivered a unified condemnation of what they call “corruption on steroids,” linking their demonstration directly to the ongoing Ministry of Defense procurement controversy that has already seen several senior officials placed on administrative leave. Marchers carried hand-painted signs with slogans in English, Creole, and Spanish echoing public frustration, including “Bring Back the Millions,” “Wi Tiaad ah di corruption” (translated: We are tired of corruption), “Todos Robamos” (translated: We are all robbed), and “Tax Payers Money Stolen.”

    Key opposition and civil society figures used the demonstration to amplify their demands for full accountability, rejecting the ruling government’s incremental response of placing implicated officials on paid administrative leave. Andrew Baird, former president of the KHMHA Workers Union, who joined the protest carrying the UDP’s official banner, argued that half-measures are insufficient to address public anger. “I think more decisive action needs to be taken by the prime minister. We cannot be satisfied with people to be placed on paid leave, and expect that the public would be okay with such action,” Baird stated. He called for cabinet minister Oscar Mira, who has already been benched pending investigation, to be removed from his ministerial post entirely until the probe is completed and any wrongdoing is confirmed or ruled out.

    Not all attendees were affiliated with the UDP, highlighting that public anger over corruption crosses party lines. One unaffiliated protester emphasized that all Belizeans have a responsibility to exercise their democratic right to demand accountability, calling out the ruling PUP for failing to deliver on pre-election good governance promises: “Every Belizean supposed to come out and exercise their right. I want to tell the Government, stop cover unu sins with the PUDP sins. When you were on the opposition you had solution for everything, now stand up and complete what you promised.”

    Thus far, the demonstration has remained entirely peaceful, a outcome that protest organizer Brian “Yellow Man” Audinett credits to intentional crowd management that kept UDP supporters in line. “It is a peaceful protest today. There is no need for violence,” Audinett said. However, he issued a stark warning to the Briceño administration: if the government fails to address protesters’ demands and crack down on alleged corruption, future demonstrations will be far more disruptive. “The time will come if the PUP refuse to listen. At the next protest, if the PUP refuse to give up on these corrupt hustling and thing, we will create havoc and we will shut down the country.”

    Closing out the day of action, Panton issued a clear final warning to the Briceño government, arguing that the administration owes its power to a public mandate that it has now betrayed. “They would be foolish not to listen to the voices of the people. Because they did not get there on their own. It was the people who gave them a mandate, and they have betrayed the mandate of the people, and the people have had enough,” Panton said. Panton also claimed that the details of the procurement scandal that have already been made public are just the tip of the iceberg, suggesting more allegations of graft will emerge in the coming weeks.

  • GCIC and Ethniv equip MSMEs with practical costing and pricing skills

    GCIC and Ethniv equip MSMEs with practical costing and pricing skills

    Over 30 owners and founders of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) gathered at Grenada’s Point Salines Hotel for a hands-on professional development workshop focused on robust product costing and strategic profit-driven pricing, organized jointly by the Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce (GCIC) and local enterprise support partner Ethniv.

    Led by Gilbert Williams, a subject matter expert from Ethniv, the interactive session was crafted to address a critical gap for small Grenadian businesses: building practical capacity to calculate production costs accurately and design pricing frameworks that deliver consistent profit. Unlike generic business workshops, the training centered on actionable tools and techniques that small operators can implement immediately to strengthen their bottom lines and build long-term, resilient enterprises.

    This specialized training is a core component of GCIC’s broader MSME Development Programme, a multi-faceted initiative designed to boost the global competitiveness of local Grenadian businesses. The programme delivers support across five key pillars: targeted skills training, digital transformation enablement, expanded market access, professional networking opportunities, and strategic cross-sector partnerships. As part of this ongoing collaboration with Ethniv, the two organizations have developed a dedicated e-commerce marketplace that will give participating MSMEs a digital platform to showcase and sell their goods to international and domestic audiences far beyond their local customer base. The platform is scheduled for launch in the coming weeks.

    Participants in the workshop came from a wide cross-section of Grenada’s small business ecosystem, including food agro-processors, independent artisans, handmade craft creators, natural skincare product manufacturers, and a range of other small service and goods providers. Over the course of the session, attendees dived deep into foundational and advanced concepts, including alternative costing methodologies, value-based pricing models, healthy profit margin targeting, and actionable tactics to build brand visibility in Grenada’s increasingly crowded and competitive retail and online marketplace.

    In remarks opening the workshop, GCIC leadership reaffirmed the organization’s long-standing commitment to lifting up the domestic MSME sector through targeted, relevant skills training and holistic business development support. MSMEs form the backbone of Grenada’s private sector, and sustained support for their growth translates directly to broader economic resilience and job creation across the island.

    Feedback from participating entrepreneurs was uniformly positive, with the vast majority describing the training as timely, practically focused, and directly applicable to the day-to-day operations of their small businesses. One attendee shared in a post-workshop comment: “I extend sincere thanks to the GCIC for affording me the opportunity to be part of this timely activity. It was great. I had a great opportunity to learn new techniques that will surely enhance my small business.”

    Beyond classroom learning, participants also gained access to an added value perk: complimentary professional product photography services from Reynaldo Bernard, lead photographer at Grenada’s Unique Photography. The sessions allowed dozens of entrepreneurs to capture high-resolution, professional-grade images of their core products, ready to use for digital marketing, social media promotion, and the upcoming e-commerce platform launch. This extra support further boosted the overall impact and value of the programme for small business owners operating on limited marketing budgets.

    GCIC closed the event by extending formal gratitude to all collaborating partners: Ethniv for their expertise and program development support, Point Salines Hotel for donating venue space to host the workshop, and Reynaldo Bernard for his pro bono contribution of photography services. This cross-organizational collaboration created a rich, impactful learning experience that is projected to deliver tangible long-term benefits to the participating businesses and the broader MSME community.

    Organizers also used the event as an opportunity to invite non-member participating entrepreneurs to join GCIC, outlining the wide range of membership benefits, including policy advocacy on behalf of private sector interests, exclusive networking events with industry leaders and potential partners, tailored business support services, discounted access to future training programmes, and early access to market intelligence and partnership opportunities.

    As one of the longest-standing private sector representative bodies in Grenada, GCIC continues to center MSME support as a core organizational priority, with a sustained mission to nurture a culture of entrepreneurship, strengthen collaboration across the domestic business community, and drive sustainable, inclusive growth and competitiveness for small businesses across every region of the island.

  • Communiqué of the 113th Meeting of the Monetary Council

    Communiqué of the 113th Meeting of the Monetary Council

    On July 10, 2026, the Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) gathered for its 113th regular meeting at the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort, chaired by Dominica’s Finance Minister, the Honourable Dr Irving McIntyre. Against a global economic landscape marked by rising volatility, inflationary pressures driven by energy supply disruptions, and slowing international growth, the council reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to protecting the Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollar while advancing policy priorities to build resilience, boost competitiveness, and deliver shared prosperity across the eight-member Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU).

    This year’s meeting carries special historic weight: it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate peg of EC$2.70 to US$1.00, a policy framework that has stood as one of the world’s longest-running and most successful fixed exchange rate arrangements. Council members paid tribute to decades of collective stewardship from successive leaderships, member governments, and regional populations, whose commitment to prudent monetary and fiscal policy has sustained five decades of unbroken monetary stability and confidence in the regional currency.

    Against this milestone, the council reaffirmed that maintaining the EC dollar’s peg to the U.S. dollar remains the cornerstone of the ECCB’s monetary policy. This framework, members noted, underpins broader monetary stability and creates the conditions for sustainable long-term growth and rising living standards across the region. Current data reinforces the strength of the peg: the EC dollar holds a 97.6% reserve backing ratio, with total foreign reserves reaching EC$5.9 billion. This figure far exceeds the statutory requirement of a 60% minimum reserve backing, further strengthening market and public confidence in the currency arrangement. Alongside confirming the stability of the peg, the council voted to keep key interest rates unchanged, holding the Minimum Savings Rate at 2.0% and retaining the Discount Rate at 3.0% for short-term lending and 4.5% for long-term lending.

    While celebrating the historic stability of the currency union, the council did not downplay significant downside risks to the regional economic outlook. Volatility in global energy prices, ongoing trade tensions, and simmering geopolitical conflicts continue to create headwinds, with the potential to weaken tourism demand — a core driver of ECCU economic activity — and slow overall growth. To address these challenges, the council emphasized the urgent need to accelerate collective action under the ECCB’s 2026-2031 strategic plan, *The Big Push: Collective Action for Shared Prosperity in the ECCU*.

    A top policy priority highlighted at the meeting is strengthening energy resilience, which leaders framed as critical to driving sustainable economic expansion. The council called for immediate progress on operationalizing the Caribbean Resilient Renewable Energy Infrastructure Investment Facility (RREIIF) hosted by the Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECPCGC), noting that further delays would undermine the region’s goals of achieving energy security, lowering electricity costs, and improving long-term competitiveness. In a second key initiative to boost strategic resilience, the council approved an additional EC$25 million grant to support member governments’ work on food and nutrition security, building on an earlier EC$25 million grant approved in February 2025. The new funding will support efforts to reduce import dependence and strengthen the currency union’s overall resilience to external shocks.

    On financial stability, the council reported that the ECCU banking sector continues to demonstrate robust resilience, supported by strong liquidity positions, higher capital adequacy ratios, and declining non-performing loan volumes. Updates were provided on two key regulatory initiatives: the ECCU Credit Bureau, which has already onboarded 83% of licensed financial institutions and 27% of credit unions across the region, and the upcoming Office of Financial Conduct (OFC), which remains on track to launch operations in September 2026 following ongoing stakeholder consultations. Council members stressed that full participation by all financial institutions is essential to the credit bureau’s ability to deliver comprehensive, reliable credit data that supports lending and financial system stability.

    Progress was also highlighted on payment modernization and financial inclusion, core priorities under *The Big Push*. The ECCU First Step Savings Account, designed to expand access to low-cost basic banking services for first-time account holders, is now offered by at least 17 licensed financial institutions across the region. Updates were provided on two flagship regional payment initiatives: the CARICOM Payments and Settlement System (CAPSS) pilot and the regional Fast Payment System. CAPSS will enable instant cross-border payments in local currencies, reducing transaction costs and reliance on third-party correspondent banking, while the Fast Payment System will offer 24/7 real-time electronic payments across the ECCU. Together, the initiatives are expected to deepen regional financial integration, improve payment efficiency, and expand access to financial services for underserved populations. The council also reaffirmed its support for retail bond issuances as a tool to advance financial inclusion and wealth creation across the region.

    In governance updates, the council confirmed that the new Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA) remains on schedule to launch in September 2026. The new authority will strengthen governance, transparency, and regulatory oversight of regional citizenship by investment programs, and leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining alignment with international standards to preserve strong economic and diplomatic ties with global partners.

    On fiscal policy, the council acknowledged member governments’ efforts to implement targeted measures to cushion households and businesses from rising living costs, but emphasized that such support must be fiscally sustainable, targeted to vulnerable groups, and include clear sunset clauses to ensure they remain temporary and subject to regular review. Leaders also called on member governments to continue strengthening sustainable domestic revenue mobilization while managing expenditure growth responsibly to maintain long-term fiscal and debt sustainability.

    Despite broader global headwinds, the tourism sector — the ECCU’s largest economic driver — delivered strong performance in the first quarter of 2026. Total visitor arrivals rose 9% year-on-year from 2.3 million to 2.5 million, while visitor spending increased 4% from EC$2.7 billion to EC$2.8 billion, reflecting sustained global demand for the region as a travel destination. Still, leaders noted that high transportation costs and suboptimal air connectivity continue to constrain intraregional travel and trade, and welcomed ongoing progress on plans to launch a new regional carrier, OECS Air, which will address connectivity gaps to support growth in tourism, trade, and labor mobility across the currency union.

    Looking ahead, the council reaffirmed that sustained inclusive prosperity will require deeper regional integration, improved productivity, more affordable energy, increased private sector investment, and continued coordinated policy action across member states. The 114th meeting of the Monetary Council is scheduled to be held via videoconference from ECCB Headquarters in St. Kitts and Nevis on October 30, 2026.

    Closing the meeting, the council emphasized that five decades of proven monetary stability provides a strong foundation for the ECCU to pursue faster, more inclusive, and more resilient growth through collective regional action. Leaders expressed confidence that with sound policy frameworks, strong regional institutions, and closer collaboration, the currency union is well positioned to navigate ongoing global uncertainty and deliver shared prosperity for all people across the Eastern Caribbean.

  • Security Committee Declares Exercise STRONGHOLD a Success, Thanks Public for Cooperation

    Security Committee Declares Exercise STRONGHOLD a Success, Thanks Public for Cooperation

    On July 10, 2026, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda’s Office of Strategic Communications issued an official statement on behalf of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) National Security Planning Committee (NSPC), celebrating the successful conclusion of the three-day national security readiness drill codenamed Exercise STRONGHOLD, which ran from July 8 to 10.

    The NSPC opened its statement by extending sincere gratitude to the entire population of Antigua and Barbuda for their steady patience, active cooperation, and clear understanding throughout the duration of the large-scale drill. Organizers confirmed that the exercise fully met all pre-set strategic and operational objectives, marking a critical milestone in the island nation’s preparations to host the 2026 CHOGM later this year.

    As a core component of Antigua and Barbuda’s pre-summit security planning, Exercise STRONGHOLD was designed to put the country’s existing national security protocols, emergency response frameworks, inter-agency coordination mechanisms, communication infrastructure, and large-scale international event management capacity to a rigorous real-world test. Over the three-day period, hundreds of security personnel and emergency responders carried out a full suite of coordinated operational activities across key strategic locations across Antigua. These drills covered everything from official convoy movement simulations, enhanced traffic management protocols, venue security screening and access control, to structured mock emergency response scenarios that challenged teams to adapt to rapidly evolving situations.

    Beyond validating existing plans, the exercise provided an unparalleled opportunity for stakeholders to identify gaps in current readiness and refine operational workflows ahead of the summit, ensuring that visiting heads of government, international delegates, and all summit attendees will be hosted in a safe and secure environment. Organizers emphasized that every operational goal set for the exercise was achieved, highlighting the exceptional level of professionalism, discipline, and unwavering commitment shown by all participating agencies and personnel.

    The seamless coordination and collaborative execution of responsibilities across teams underscored the growing strength of partnerships between Antigua and Barbuda’s national security forces, emergency response services, and cross-government supporting agencies. The NSPC also extended specific commendation to the country’s business community and multiple government ministries and departments, whose flexibility and proactive collaboration with planning teams were central to the drill’s smooth execution.

    Special recognition was also given to local media outlets, whose responsible, accurate coverage and timely dissemination of exercise updates kept the public fully informed, reducing confusion and supporting the seamless rollout of all operational activities. The committee further acknowledged the contributions of dozens of additional public agencies, administrative departments, and community volunteers, whose behind-the-scenes work underpinned the exercise’s overall success.

    Above all, the NSPC emphasized that the exercise could not have been completed without the buy-in of ordinary residents, motorists, and local business owners, many of whom were disrupted by temporary road closures, traffic diversions, and restricted access to certain areas during the drill. The committee noted that the public’s patience, cooperation, and civic-minded commitment to hosting a successful summit were the most critical factors enabling the safe and efficient execution of all exercise activities.

    With preparations for 2026 CHOGM continuing through the remainder of the year, the NSPC says it looks forward to sustained collaboration and support from the public, private sector, government stakeholders, and all community partners as additional readiness exercises and planning activities are rolled out in the coming months. Reaffirming the country’s commitment to delivering a seamless, secure, and world-class summit, the committee noted that through intentional partnership, rigorous advance planning, and consistent preparedness, Antigua and Barbuda is on track to host a successful 2026 CHOGM and showcase the nation’s capacity to deliver a landmark international event.

  • Verpakte drugs aangetroffen aan boord van schip

    Verpakte drugs aangetroffen aan boord van schip

    On the afternoon of July 10, personnel from the Maritime Authority Suriname (MAS) alerted the country’s Maritime Police to suspected irregular activity taking place aboard a cargo vessel operating in Suriname’s waters. The report of suspicious behavior triggered an immediate official investigation, which led law enforcement officers to uncover a cache of packaged narcotics hidden in storage on the ship.

    In a brief update on the ongoing operation, a spokesperson for the Maritime Police confirmed that multiple arrests have already been carried out, with all detained individuals currently being crew members found on the vessel at the time of the search. The investigation is now in an active, early phase, with detectives focused on tracing the origin of the seized drugs and identifying additional individuals that may be connected to the suspected smuggling operation.

    To protect the integrity of the ongoing inquiry, law enforcement officials have declined to release further specific details about the incident, including the exact quantity and type of narcotics seized, the route the vessel was traveling, and the identities of the detained suspects, pending the completion of initial investigative steps.

  • Nestor to kickstart pro basketball career in Spain

    Nestor to kickstart pro basketball career in Spain

    A rising basketball talent from the small fishing village of Canaries, Saint Lucia, is set to begin the next chapter of her athletic career: Megan Nestor has officially signed with Spain’s Movistar Estudiantes Madrid, marking her debut as a professional athlete after a record-breaking collegiate career in the United States.

    The 24-year-old, 6-foot-3 post player built an impressive resume during her time competing across U.S. college basketball. A graduate of the University of North Texas, Nestor transferred from Wayland Baptist University early in her collegiate journey, and went on to set new rebounding records at both programs. For two consecutive seasons, she led all players across both the NAIA and NCAA divisions in average rebounds per game, a rare feat that cemented her reputation as one of the most dominant defensive rebounders in collegiate women’s basketball.

    In her final college season earlier this year, Nestor posted an average of 12.8 points and 14.1 rebounds per game. Her standout defensive performance earned her American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors, alongside selections to the All-Conference First Team and All-Defensive First Team. Following the conclusion of her collegiate eligibility, she received an invite to attend training camp with the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, an experience that helped her refine her skills and prepare for the jump to professional European basketball with Estudiantes.

    Isaac Fernández, the club’s incoming head coach, noted that Nestor’s addition brings a much-needed dominant physical presence to the team’s interior play. “Megan is our clear starting center, and she comes to us off an exceptional college career,” Fernández explained. “On top of that, she was invited to train with a WNBA franchise, which is a clear testament to the high level of play she demonstrated during her time in the U.S. We recognize she will likely need a short adjustment period to adapt to the pace and style of our league, but we have no doubt her strong skill set will translate to outstanding performances for our team.”

    Movistar Estudiantes, nicknamed the “Women in Black,” posted mixed results in the 2025-26 season. The squad delivered a standout run in EuroCup play, closing out Group I stage play with a solid 5-1 win-loss record. However, in Spain’s top-tier LF Endesa domestic league, the team finished in the upper-middle of the standings, unable to break through to compete with elite top clubs such as Valencia and Girona. This off-season, the organization has prioritized roster upgrades to push the club into contention among Spain’s best women’s basketball programs.

    Alongside Nestor, the club has added several high-profile new pieces: playmaker Laia Lamana, Spanish 3×3 national team star Júlia Soler, and fellow 6-foot-3 American center Kendall Cooper. They will join returning versatile forwards Irati Etxarri and Kristina Topuzović to form a deep, well-rounded roster. Nestor is expected to pair with Cooper and defensive specialist Etxarri to create one of the league’s most formidable frontcourt units. While this will be Nestor’s third different team in as many years, the young star has said she is eager to put down roots in Madrid and help lead her new club to new heights of success.