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  • UWI Five Islands Postgraduate Debate Team Makes Historic 2nd Place Finish in First-Ever Inter-Campus Appearance

    UWI Five Islands Postgraduate Debate Team Makes Historic 2nd Place Finish in First-Ever Inter-Campus Appearance

    In a remarkable display of intellectual prowess, the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus has etched its name in academic debating history. The campus’s postgraduate debate team secured an extraordinary second-place finish at the prestigious 2026 UWI Inter-Campus Postgraduate Debate Competition, held February 20-21 at the Mona Campus in Jamaica.

    Making their inaugural appearance in the annual regional championship, the Five Islands Association of Postgraduate Students (F.I.C.A.P.S.) demonstrated exceptional skill and composure throughout the competition. The team, comprising postgraduate scholars Jake Taylor (Team Captain), Cedric Park, and Michelle Paige, received guidance from Postgraduate Representative Kimon Drigo and Debate Coach Odaissia Nichols.

    The team’s journey to the finals began on February 20th with a decisive victory against the UWI Global Campus. Debating the moot regarding CARICOM’s authority to impose economic sanctions on member states failing to implement regional policies, the F.I.C.A.P.S. team, arguing the Proposition, delivered a compelling performance that earned them a spot in the championship round. Their excellence was further highlighted when Cedric Park received the Overall Best Debater award for Day One.

    During the finals on February 21st, the debutante team faced the historically dominant UWI Mona team, debating the controversial topic of foreign military intervention to remove sitting heads of state when international legal mechanisms fail. Despite being newcomers, the Five Islands team held their ground against the debating ‘titans’ from Mona, ultimately securing second place in the competition.

    The achievement garnered significant recognition from debate authorities. Head Judge and international debate champion Germaine Barrett publicly praised the F.I.C.A.P.S. team during closing remarks, noting the extraordinary accomplishment of debutantes reaching second place and challenging an established debating powerhouse. Mona’s debate team captain, Omolora Wilson, acknowledged in post-debate interviews that they hadn’t encountered such formidable competition in recent memory.

    This historic placement positioned Five Islands ahead of UWI’s Global Campus and Cave Hill campuses, with St. Augustine unable to participate. F.I.C.A.P.S. has expressed gratitude to the UWI Five Islands Debate Society and campus leadership for their support and investment in student development. The team now looks toward future competitions with renewed determination, aiming to build on this momentum and continue representing Antigua and Barbuda on the regional academic stage.

  • Cabinet backs 2026 Cannabis Festival as national development initiative

    Cabinet backs 2026 Cannabis Festival as national development initiative

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda has formally endorsed the third iteration of its national Cannabis Festival, scheduled for April 17-20, 2026, across multiple venues in St. John’s and throughout the twin-island nation. The Cabinet’s approval signals continued governmental backing for the regulated expansion of the country’s medicinal cannabis sector.

    During the post-Cabinet media briefing, Communications Director General Maurice Merchant characterized the decision as a strategic move to advance the nation’s position within the global medicinal cannabis marketplace. The festival, operating under the thematic banner “Connect. Celebrate. Rejuvenate,” will feature an integrated program combining educational, commercial, and cultural components.

    The curated agenda includes an academic conference and trade exhibition at the American University of Antigua, designed to attract international investors and research specialists. Additional programming will incorporate a Rastafari spiritual assembly in Liberta, St. Paul’s, alongside wellness-oriented activities and a sunset cruise experience.

    Government officials perceive the event as a multifaceted initiative to drive foreign investment, establish robust regulatory frameworks, and disseminate scientifically-grounded information regarding cannabis applications. The festival aims to transform Antigua and Barbuda into a specialized hub for medicinal cannabis within the Caribbean region while simultaneously celebrating the plant’s cultural significance.

  • Rotary Club of Grenada celebrates milestone Learn to Swim achievement

    Rotary Club of Grenada celebrates milestone Learn to Swim achievement

    In a groundbreaking achievement for inclusive education, students from Grenada School for Special Education (GSSE) have successfully completed an intensive eight-week swimming program under the Rotary Club of Grenada’s Learn to Swim initiative. The program concluded with an emotional graduation ceremony that highlighted the participants’ extraordinary perseverance and personal triumphs.

    The celebratory event radiated with palpable joy and accomplishment as students demonstrated their newly acquired aquatic skills. Beyond the technical mastery of swimming, the program represented a profound journey toward self-empowerment and social inclusion for children with special needs. Participants exhibited remarkable confidence and pride in their achievements, marking a transformative milestone in their personal development.

    Julia Lawrence, President of the Rotary Club of Grenada, emphasized the program’s deeper significance: ‘This initiative represents Rotary in action. We believe every child deserves opportunity, inclusion, and the chance to build confidence in a safe environment. Witnessing these students progress and celebrate reinforces why we serve.’

    The initiative extends far beyond recreational activity, providing essential water safety skills that could potentially save lives while simultaneously fostering greater independence and self-assurance. The program’s comprehensive approach included the donation of specialized swimwear to ensure all participants could engage with dignity and full participation.

    Critical to the program’s success was the expertise of Deb Eastwood from Get Grenada Swimming, whose dedicated instruction and patient methodology guided students through their aquatic journey. The initiative reflects Rotary’s core values of Service Above Self, Fellowship, and Inclusion, demonstrating how community organizations can create meaningful social impact.

    This swimming program forms part of the Rotary Club’s broader commitment to youth development and community transformation in Grenada, representing a sustainable model for empowering vulnerable populations through practical skill development and social inclusion.

  • Antiguan Baden Prince receives honouary literary recognition

    Antiguan Baden Prince receives honouary literary recognition

    Baden Sebastian Prince Jr., an Antiguan-born UK-based storyteller and poet with over three decades of experience, has received distinguished recognition for his artistic excellence. The University of East Anglia graduate was selected as headline performer for the prestigious Bardic Trials in Stony Stratford, Buckinghamshire—an honor reflecting his mastery of narrative arts.\n\nThe Bardic Council chair personally invited Prince for the culminating performance slot, describing him as \”a shining example of the Bardic Arts.\” His thirty-minute storytelling presentation, featuring traditional Caribbean folk tales and narratives of comeuppance, captivated the live audience and judges alike.\n\nEvent organizers praised Prince’s performance as demonstrating why he remains \”one of the most popular storytellers on the circuit,\\” noting his ability to enthrall listeners and provide a perfect conclusion to the evening’s entertainment. The council chair further commended his \”truly masterly telling\” in a personal congratulatory message.\n\nThe Bardic Trials, now in their fifteenth year, represent a unique competition where poets, storytellers, dramatists, and singer-songwriters compete for the civic title of Bard of Stony Stratford—an official position recognized by the Town Council and supported by the Lord Mayor’s office. The winner assumes responsibility for creating eight original works celebrating the town’s customs and achievements throughout their one-year tenure.\n\nThis year’s competition culminated with spoken word artist Abracadazra (Darren Paul) claiming the title after a closely contested final round against two accomplished poets. The event maintains tradition by featuring guest artists like Prince between competitive rounds.\n\nPrince’s credentials include extensive publication history spanning poetry chapbooks (\”The Shadow Dancer\”), short stories, literary magazine features, and Caribbean folk tales published in collaboration with Bloomsbury Press. His educational background includes Antigua Grammar School and honors degree in English and American Studies from the University of East Anglia.

  • Trinidad & Tobago’s Prime Minister says country is ‘vested’ in CARICOM

    Trinidad & Tobago’s Prime Minister says country is ‘vested’ in CARICOM

    At the landmark 50th Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar delivered a powerful reaffirmation of her nation’s foundational role and enduring commitment to the regional bloc. The summit, convened in St. Kitts and Nevis on February 24, 2025, served as a platform for the Prime Minister to articulate a vision of steadfast partnership and regional solidarity.

    Addressing the assembled leaders, Persad-Bissessar emphatically stated, “We will work with CARICOM; we are vested in CARICOM, we’ve been there from day one, and we are going to be there.” She further underscored the critical importance of the organization by declaring, “CARICOM is very vital,” positioning it as an indispensable institution for regional cooperation and development.

    Beyond rhetorical support, the Prime Minister outlined concrete diplomatic priorities, notably reiterating Trinidad and Tobago’s dedication to supporting stabilization and peace efforts in Haiti. This commitment aligns with broader CARICOM initiatives aimed at addressing the political and humanitarian challenges within the member territory. Her address emphasized that Port of Spain’s foreign policy is intrinsically linked to the strength and collective action of the Caribbean Community, highlighting a deep-seated investment in the bloc’s success from its inception to its future trajectory.

  • APUA Responds to Increasing Reports of Ruptured Water Lines

    APUA Responds to Increasing Reports of Ruptured Water Lines

    The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has officially identified systemic causes behind a recent escalation in water main breaks across the island. In a public statement released on Monday, February 23, 2026, the authority’s Water Business Unit confirmed that the rising frequency of pipeline ruptures is a direct consequence of two primary factors: critically aging infrastructure and a significant increase in overall water production. The utility explained that substantial sections of the existing distribution network were engineered decades ago and were never designed to withstand the higher volumes and corresponding system pressures of contemporary water output. This combination of antiquated piping materials and intensified operational strain has created a vulnerability, leading to more frequent and disruptive failures. In response, APUA has initiated a comprehensive, phased modernization program targeting its primary water mains. This initiative involves the systematic replacement of old pipes with advanced, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping, a material lauded for its superior durability and resistance to corrosion. While these long-term upgrades are underway, the authority has assured the public that dedicated emergency response teams remain on active, daily deployment to swiftly address new leaks and other operational faults. For residents encountering water disruptions or related issues, APUA continues to operate its 24/7 Contact Centre, available at the hotline number 211.

  • Windies’ winning streak ends despite Holder, Shepherd heroics

    Windies’ winning streak ends despite Holder, Shepherd heroics

    In a pivotal Super Eight clash at the ICC T20 World Cup, South Africa delivered a stunning blow to the West Indies, handing the co-hosts their first tournament defeat by a convincing nine-wicket margin. The encounter, held at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on February 26th, featured the tournament’s last two undefeated sides in a high-stakes battle for semifinal positioning.

    Electing to field first after winning the toss, South Africa’s bowling attack immediately exploited the West Indies’ batting vulnerabilities. The Caribbean side’s powerplay yielded a respectable 52 runs but at the devastating cost of four crucial wickets—Brandon King, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, and Roston Chase all fell to aggressive yet ill-advised shot selection against the Proteas’ disciplined attack.

    The collapse intensified as the innings progressed, with the West Indies crumbling to 83/7 by the 11th over, facing the prospect of a subpar total. From this precipice of disaster emerged an extraordinary rescue mission from all-rounders Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd. The duo orchestrated a record-shattering eighth-wicket partnership of 89 runs—the highest ever recorded for that wicket in T20 International history. Holder’s powerful 49 runs from 28 deliveries was complemented by Shepherd’s maiden T20I half-century, his 52 coming from just 33 balls, miraculously elevating the final total to 176/8.

    South Africa’s response was nothing short of dominant. Openers Quinton de Kock and captain Aiden Markram launched an explosive assault on the West Indian bowling, accumulating 69 runs without loss during the powerplay. De Kock eventually departed for a blistering 47 off 24 balls at 95/1, but Markram continued his masterclass uninterrupted. The skipper remained unbeaten on 82 from just 46 deliveries, featuring six fours and four maximums, as South Africa chased down the target with 19 balls to spare. This comprehensive victory virtually assures the Proteas a place in the tournament’s semifinal stage.

    The defeat leaves the West Indies in a precarious position, facing a must-win encounter against tournament favorites India on Sunday at 9:30 PM local time to keep their semifinal hopes alive.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Nurses Association Appoints New Executive Committee Headed by Laurellyn Williams

    Antigua and Barbuda Nurses Association Appoints New Executive Committee Headed by Laurellyn Williams

    The Antigua and Barbuda Nurses Association (ABNA) has formally introduced its newly appointed Executive Committee, marking a significant transition in nursing leadership. This accomplished team of healthcare professionals assumes responsibility for guiding the organization’s mission to enhance medical services, bolster nurse welfare, and champion exemplary patient care standards throughout the nation.

    The comprehensive leadership roster features Laurellyn Williams as President, supported by dual Vice Presidents Kesha Willock and Emelda Peters Smith. Administrative functions will be managed by Secretary Eletha George with Wanda Ferris as Assistant Secretary. Financial oversight falls to Treasurer Alden Robins and Assistant Treasurer Petal Adams Nedd, while Oona Cabral-Knight will serve as Public Relations Officer.

    Complementing the core leadership, five Executive Officers complete the administrative framework: Mcbert Arthur, Jenita Cuffy, Tanasha Roberts, Sonia Farrell Willock, Michelle Sealey, and Nerissa Skepple Thomas.

    The Association has publicly acknowledged the contributions of the departing administration, recognizing their dedication and service to the nursing community. Simultaneously, ABNA has extended warm congratulations to the incoming committee members, emphasizing their commitment to advancing professional development opportunities, strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation, and amplifying nursing perspectives in healthcare policy formulation.

    The newly constituted leadership has identified key priorities including the enhancement of continuing education programs, improvement of working conditions for nursing professionals, and strengthened advocacy within the national healthcare landscape. The Association encourages both its membership and public stakeholders to rally behind the new committee as they commence their strategic initiatives aimed at elevating nursing standards and healthcare delivery across Antigua and Barbuda.

  • James returns to Windies squad for Sri Lanka T20Is

    James returns to Windies squad for Sri Lanka T20Is

    Cricket West Indies has announced a 15-player squad for the upcoming Women’s T20 International series against Sri Lanka, featuring the return of Saint Lucian all-rounder Zaida James alongside fellow countrywoman Qiana Joseph. The three-match contest, scheduled from February 28 to March 3 at Grenada’s National Cricket Stadium, marks a critical preparation phase ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the United Kingdom this June.

    James, 21, rejoins the squad after demonstrating promising form batting at number three during previous engagements, where she accumulated 89 runs across five matches with a career-best score of 45 against Scotland. With 26 T20I appearances to her name, James brings a balanced skillset of 125 runs and 6 wickets to the lineup captained by Hayley Matthews.

    The selection panel has introduced strategic changes following West Indies’ 2-1 ODI series defeat to Sri Lanka. James and Mandy Mangru replace Ashmini Munisar and Shunelle Sawh, while 17-year-old Barbadian batting prospect Eboni Brathwaite receives her maiden senior call-up, replacing Realeanna Grimmond.

    This series presents a vital opportunity for the sixth-ranked West Indies to assess their competitive standing against seventh-ranked Sri Lanka, providing crucial insights into squad depth and performance capabilities before the global tournament in June.

  • Ministry of Housing Assisting with Refurbishment of Pigotts Sports Club Facility

    Ministry of Housing Assisting with Refurbishment of Pigotts Sports Club Facility

    Substantial renovations are poised to transform the Pigotts Sports Club in St. George, with construction scheduled to initiate imminently following a significant injection of support from the national Ministry of Housing. The announcement was formally delivered by local caretaker Senator Michael Freeland, who confirmed the government’s direct involvement in refurbishing the club’s central administrative structure.

    The critical infrastructure upgrade targets the building that functions as the primary operational hub, housing essential office space and dedicated dressing rooms for athletes and administrative personnel. Senator Freeland detailed that the initial phase of structurally repositioning the facility is already underway, with comprehensive restoration works slated to begin in the coming days.

    This development is characterized as a direct response to the club’s proactive pursuit of excellence. Freeland emphasized that the organization’s leadership formally requested governmental assistance to modernize its infrastructure, a move that aligns with its core mission to foster athletic growth, discipline, and competitive excellence within the community.

    In his official remarks, Senator Freeland extended gratitude to Housing Minister Maria Browne and Senator Rawdon Turner for their pivotal roles in endorsing what he termed a vital community-focused initiative. He further elaborated on the profound societal value of such projects, underscoring the indispensable role of sports in promoting positive youth development and strengthening community bonds. Freeland reiterated his personal commitment to championing the infrastructure needs of local clubs, asserting that robust facilities are fundamental to their success and sustainability.

    As a cornerstone institution within the St. George constituency, the Pigotts Sports Club is a key promoter of community health and engagement, primarily through its organized cricket and football programs.