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  • New Concrete Trucks Tackle Roadworks in Every Nook and Cranny

    New Concrete Trucks Tackle Roadworks in Every Nook and Cranny

    Infrastructure development across Antigua and Barbuda is getting a targeted upgrade, as the country’s Ministry of Works has rolled out a fleet of smaller concrete trucks to solve a long-standing logistical challenge: accessing tight, confined roadwork sites that larger delivery vehicles cannot navigate.

    Works Minister Maria Vanessa Browne confirmed that the compact trucks have already entered active service, delivering pre-mixed concrete to project sites that were previously inaccessible to standard-sized vehicles due to severe space constraints. Unlike their larger counterparts, these downsized trucks can easily maneuver through narrow pathways and cramped work zones, opening up new possibilities for public infrastructure upgrades that were stalled by access barriers.

    To date, the new fleet has been deployed primarily to civil works projects focused on pedestrian and drainage infrastructure, including new sidewalk construction, curb installation, and storm drain upgrades. In these types of projects, work is often carried out along narrow existing right-of-ways or densely developed residential areas, where large vehicles simply cannot position themselves to unload materials. The smaller footprint of the new trucks eliminates this bottleneck, allowing construction crews to work more consistently and cut down on delays caused by the need to manually transport concrete over long distances from drop-off points further away.

    Ministry officials noted that the addition of these specialized trucks will bring greater flexibility to infrastructure works across the twin-island nation, supporting the government’s ongoing national infrastructure improvement agenda. By removing access limitations that previously slowed or prevented work on tight-access sites, the new fleet is expected to speed up project delivery, expand the scope of public works that can be completed, and ultimately deliver better connected, more functional public infrastructure to communities across Antigua and Barbuda.

  • BABA Premier League finals postponed again

    BABA Premier League finals postponed again

    One of the Caribbean’s most hotly anticipated domestic basketball championships has hit another roadblock, with organizers confirming a second major postponement of the Barbados Amateur Basketball Association (BABA) Co-Operators General Insurance Premier League finals. In an official public statement issued on June 8, the governing body announced the scheduling shift was explicitly designed to give the country’s senior men’s national squad uninterrupted time to gear up for the FIBA AmeriCup Pre-Qualifiers, a high-stakes regional tournament set to run from July 6 to 13, 2026 in Georgetown, Guyana. The domestic title round will not tip off until the entire national delegation returns to Barbados after the pre-qualifier event. This latest delay marks the third hold-up for the 2026 season, which has been plagued by logistical issues at the island’s only two purpose-built indoor basketball facilities: the Wildey Gymnasium and the Barbados Community College court. After the semi-final matchups wrapped on April 25, two teams punched their tickets to the championship: defending title holders Burger King Clapham Bulls and challengers CAM Smart Assurance City United Celtics. But the first scheduling hold-up came almost immediately, sparked by disputes over the newly installed playing surface at Wildey Gymnasium. Officials at the Celtics organization raised formal objections to the court markings on the new electronic floor, noting that key lines including the three-point arc were aligned to the dimension standards used in the U.S. National Basketball Association rather than the official measurements mandated by FIBA, the global governing body of the sport. Once those issues were partially addressed, organizers shifted the opening finals game to the Barbados Community College venue, but another technical problem derailed plans: a sudden total lighting failure left the court unplayable, crushing the expectations of fans and athletes who had already waited weeks for the championship round. With this latest postponement, the basketball community across Barbados is now left waiting again for a new official start date for the finals, which is expected to be announced once the national team’s pre-qualifier campaign concludes. Sports analysts across the region note that while the delay is frustrating for domestic fans, prioritizing the national team’s international qualifying push aligns with long-term goals for Barbadian basketball, which has been pushing to qualify for its first major FIBA continental tournament in recent years.

  • PRESS RELEASE: Truck drivers and volunteers needed for life-saving animal airlift – June 13–14

    PRESS RELEASE: Truck drivers and volunteers needed for life-saving animal airlift – June 13–14

    As the Atlantic hurricane season gets underway, St. Nicholas Animal Rescue (SNAR), Dominica’s only non-profit animal welfare organization, is issuing an urgent call for island-wide community assistance to pull off a landmark mission: transporting 140 rescued dogs and cats to permanent loving homes overseas next weekend.

    Scheduled for June 13 and 14, the initiative dubbed the “Freedom Flight” has already cleared major hurdles: the dedicated transport aircraft has been secured, and international partner rescue organizations are on standby to receive the animals once they land. What the mission still lacks is on-the-ground local support to get the vulnerable animals from the rescue’s staging area to the airport on time, ready for their journey.

    SNAR is actively recruiting volunteers to fill a range of critical roles between 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, and 6 a.m. on June 14. Tasks include bathing and prepping animals for travel, assembling and labeling transport crates, organizing required travel documentation, and assisting with loading and ground logistics. The organization is particularly in need of truck owners and licensed drivers to move the animals and their equipment from St. Nicholas University in Castle Bruce to Dominica’s Douglas-Charles Airport, the departure point for the flight. Interested helpers can contact the rescue at +1 (767) 245-6000 or sign up in person at the Castle Bruce staging location, and SNAR emphasizes that any amount of donated time is deeply appreciated.

    For the 140 animals set to travel, this flight marks more than just a journey—it marks an escape from a past of trauma and the start of a new life. Every animal on the flight was rescued after experiencing neglect, abandonment, starvation, abuse, or cruelty, many of them spending years in the shelter waiting for a second chance.

    The mission itself is a milestone for SNAR, which has overcome immense adversity over the past eight years to keep serving Dominica’s vulnerable animals. The organization has survived repeated facility relocations, multiple eviction threats, and most recently a catastrophic landslide that wiped out the shelter’s only access road, putting the entire rescue operation at risk of collapse. Even amid these challenges, SNAR has continued to provide daily care for hundreds of animals across its facilities, and the Freedom Flight comes at a critical juncture to ease overstretched resources as hurricane season begins. Moving 140 animals to new overseas homes will not only change those animals’ lives for the better, but will also allow SNAR to continue providing high-quality care for the animals that remain at its Kalinago Rescue sanctuary.

    SNAR has already publicly thanked its international partners for making the mission possible. Special recognition goes to Badass Animal Rescue, which provided organizational leadership and critical funding to get the mission off the ground, and Wings of Rescue, the non-profit that has donated the use of the transport aircraft. Locally, the Dominica Football Association has already pledged its support to the initiative, and SNAR is now calling on other local sports teams, community groups, businesses, service organizations, and individual residents across the island to join the island-wide effort.

    “This is not just a SNAR project,” explained Dr. Golnaz Naderkhani, President of SNAR, in a statement ahead of the flight. “It is a community project. Every volunteer, every truck driver, every donor, and every supporter plays a part in helping these animals reach safety and find loving homes.”

    Founded to serve the island’s unprotected animals, SNAR remains the only non-profit in Dominica dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abused, abandoned, neglected, and vulnerable animals from across the country.

  • GWP-C and SGU educate students on Water Quality Assessment

    GWP-C and SGU educate students on Water Quality Assessment

    To mark World Environment Day 2026, three regional and local organizations have partnered to deliver a immersive, hands-on environmental education experience for young people in Grenada, turning classroom lessons about ecosystem conservation into tangible outdoor exploration. On Friday, June 5, 2026, Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C), joined by the Girl Guides Association of Grenada and the Department of Biology, Ecology, and Conservation (BEC) at St George’s University (SGU), organized the field activity at a river site in St David Parish. The gathering drew roughly 15 participants, ranging from young Brownies and senior Girl Guides from St Martin de Porres Catholic School to adult chaperones and GWP-C program team members. Aligned with 2026’s global World Environment Day theme, *Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future*, the initiative was designed to spark early curiosity and build foundational understanding of the natural world among young attendees. Dr. Roxanne Graham-Victor, GWP-C’s Regional Coordinator, led the day’s scientific activities, walking participants through a accessible method of evaluating river ecosystem health: surveying macroinvertebrate populations. “This is a simple but powerful approach to checking the condition of a river,” Dr. Graham-Victor explained of the method. She added that the event yielded a particularly encouraging finding: even with regular human activity in the area, the tested stretch of river remains in relatively good ecological health. Under Dr. Graham-Victor’s guidance, young participants used standard Surber samplers to collect aquatic organism samples directly from the riverbed. After collection, they examined their findings through magnifying glasses in sorting trays, learning how different species act as bioindicators of water quality. During the exploration, students identified multiple healthy aquatic species, including small fish, crayfish, and freshwater snails with right-opening shells – a group widely linked to unpolluted, well-functioning aquatic ecosystems. Beyond the official scientific results, organizers noted the event’s greatest success was the visible excitement and curiosity the young participants brought to their first field research experience. The day covered far more than just sample collection: attendees also learned core concepts about freshwater food webs, the function of watersheds, and why protecting these critical freshwater resources matters for both communities and ecosystems. For the young Brownies and Girl Guides taking part, the event offered a one-of-a-kind chance to see environmental science practiced in the field, rather than just read about it in textbooks. More broadly, the initiative worked to foster long-term environmental awareness, build a sense of stewardship for natural resources, and deepen young Grenadians’ appreciation for the island nation’s unique freshwater ecosystems. This article was published via NOW Grenada, which notes that it does not take responsibility for opinions or statements shared by contributing authors or partner organizations.

  • Barbados defeats Guyana in men’s rugby XVs

    Barbados defeats Guyana in men’s rugby XVs

    On a blustery Saturday night under bright floodlights at the iconic Historic Garrison Savannah, Barbados’ men’s XV rugby team secured a dominant 21-3 win over Guyana, extending their winning streak against the regional opponent to two consecutive years.

    From the opening whistle, Guyana adopted an aggressive, physically intensive game plan, aiming to capitalize on any small mistake from the home side. This approach quickly resulted in a penalty try for Barbados’ Tyrese Prescod, putting the hosts on the scoreboard early. Unpredictable gusty winds turned every kicking attempt into a high-risk challenge for both squads, but neither side let the conditions slow their competitive pressure.

    Sixteen minutes into the matchup, Barbados’ Nicholas Daniel broke through Guyana’s defensive line to score a conventional try, pushing the home side into a 5-3 lead. Shortly after, a rule infringement by Guyana allowed D’Andre Phillips to slot a penalty, extending Barbados’ advantage to 8-3 – a margin that held through halftime.

    The second half opened with a series of determined offensive pushes from both teams, but strong defense and uncooperative winds kept the scoreboard unchanged for nearly 40 minutes. Even after Guyana received two consecutive yellow cards that left them short-handed, blustery conditions foiled every Barbadian penalty attempt. It was not until the 67th minute, when Guyana’s Renaldo Niles was sent off for an infringement, that Barbados finally added to their lead, with a successful penalty pushing the score to 11-3.

    Winger Sean Ward extended the home side’s lead shortly after, crossing the try line to put Barbados up 16-3, though the wind once again blocked the conversion attempt. With just 10 minutes left on the clock, substitute Daniel Ramsay entered the match, and four minutes later he sealed the victory with a late try, bringing the final score to 21-3.

    This win marks the second consecutive victory for Barbados over Guyana, following a far more lopsided 45-5 win in 2024. While Saturday’s margin of victory was far less dramatic than the previous matchup, the result still delivers a meaningful boost to Barbados’ standing in global rugby, moving the national side up to 59th place in the World Rugby Men’s rankings. Local fans turned out in strong numbers to support the home team at the historic venue, capping off a successful night for Barbadian rugby.

  • Wanted bulletin issued for man in serious crime probe

    Wanted bulletin issued for man in serious crime probe

    Authorities with the Barbados Police Service (TBPS) have issued a public appeal for assistance as they work to track down Dwayne Marlon Drakes, a man also known by the alias “Oily”, who is wanted for questioning linked to a series of serious criminal cases.

    Law enforcement has released a detailed physical description to help members of the public identify Drakes. He stands roughly five feet seven inches tall, has a slim build and a dark complexion. Distinguishing marks include a noticeable scar on his forehead, a text tattoo reading “for the wages of sin is death” inked on his left hand, and a cross tattoo on his right hand.

    TBPS confirmed that Drakes has two last known addresses on file: one on Denny Road in Thorpes, Saint James, and a second on 1st Avenue, Park Road in Bush Hall, Saint Michael.

    Police have formally advised Drakes to surrender voluntarily to investigators at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) based out of the Black Rock Police Station. The guidance notes that if he turns himself in, he is permitted to be accompanied by a legal representative of his own choosing.

    Members of the public who have any information about Drakes’ current location are urged to reach out to law enforcement immediately. Tips can be submitted directly to the Black Rock CID via phone at 417-7505 or 417-7500, the 24/7 police emergency line at 211, the anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-8477, or any community police station across the island.

    In a final public reminder, TBPS emphasized that knowingly hiding or providing aid to a wanted individual is considered a severe criminal offense under Barbados law. Any person found to have aided Drakes or concealed his whereabouts will face prosecution and corresponding legal penalties.

  • Trump administration to sell faster visa interviews for $750 in new pilot program

    Trump administration to sell faster visa interviews for $750 in new pilot program

    The U.S. State Department is set to launch a new premium expedited visa service that will give business and tourist visa applicants the chance to secure faster interview slots at a steep additional cost, multiple sources familiar with the unannounced plan confirmed to the Associated Press.

    Starting as a six-month pilot program running from July 1 through December 31, eligible applicants at select U.S. embassies and consulates will be able to pay a $750 expediting fee on top of the standard $185 visa application fee. In exchange for the extra charge, the department guarantees a visa interview appointment within 10 business days of payment processing. A full list of participating diplomatic missions will be published ahead of the program’s launch, and the pilot could become permanent if it sees sufficient demand from applicants.

    The new program comes as a direct response to widespread criticism of extended visa processing delays that have plagued the U.S. immigration system in recent years, rooted in the Trump administration’s broader policy of tightening entry restrictions for foreign travelers. Over the course of the administration, officials have rolled out stricter screening requirements for most migration categories, including steep new bond requirements that can reach $15,000 for applicants from a range of mostly African nations, and extensive demands for years of detailed personal history from all applicants.

    These heightened requirements have created massive backlogs across global visa processing centers. For citizens of countries not enrolled in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, standard wait times for visa interviews can stretch to several months or longer in many regions. Importantly, State Department officials stress that the optional premium expedited service only speeds up appointment scheduling; it does not provide any guarantee that an applicant’s visa will ultimately be approved.

    The official program details are scheduled to be published publicly this week in the Federal Register, marking the formal start of preparations for the July launch. The move is widely viewed as a targeted effort to alleviate some of the most damaging consequences of the administration’s stricter migration policies, offering a faster path for travelers who can afford the steep additional fee while leaving standard processing times unchanged for the vast majority of applicants.

  • Woman stabbed in Bridgetown dispute, suspect in custody

    Woman stabbed in Bridgetown dispute, suspect in custody

    A violent public altercation in the heart of Bridgetown has left a female victim hospitalized with multiple stab wounds, and law enforcement officials have confirmed that a suspect is now in custody as the investigation into Monday’s incident moves forward. The attack unfolded at approximately 5:45 p.m. local time at the busy intersection of Nelson Street and Fairchild Street, located in the St. Michael district of the country. Immediately following the stabbing, personnel from the local Central Police Station launched an official probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Preliminary law enforcement briefings indicate that the violence grew out of a verbal dispute between a male suspect and the female victim that quickly escalated beyond control. In the aftermath of the confrontation, the woman was found to have suffered multiple penetrating stab wounds, requiring urgent emergency medical intervention. Emergency ambulance crews were dispatched rapidly to the scene, where they provided first aid before transporting the injured woman to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the primary public medical facility in the region. As of the latest update, the victim remains at the hospital receiving ongoing care from clinical teams; authorities have not yet released an update on her current condition. In a statement released this week, police confirmed that the person of interest in the case is now in detention at a local facility, and is currently assisting investigators with their ongoing inquiries. To speed up the progress of the investigation, law enforcement has issued a public appeal for any members of the community who may have been present at the intersection during the time of the incident, or who hold any additional details that could help advance the case, to come forward with information. Witnesses or anyone with relevant tips can reach out to the Criminal Investigation Department (Central) via the dedicated contact numbers 430-7189 or 430-7190, contact the 24/7 police emergency line at 211, or submit anonymous information through the international Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-8477.

  • Groovy & Power Soca Semifinals lineup announced

    Groovy & Power Soca Semifinals lineup announced

    Last weekend, 80 emerging and established soca artists took the stage in Saint Lucia, competing for one of the coveted semifinal spots in the annual National Soca Monarch competition. Split evenly between the Groovy Soca and Power Soca categories, the 40 Groovy and 40 Power contenders performed for a panel of expert judges, each vying to advance in one of the most anticipated events on the Lucian Carnival calendar.

    For decades, the National Soca Monarch competition has been a cornerstone of Saint Lucia’s annual cultural celebration, drawing thousands of local and regional soca fans each year who closely track every round of the contest from preliminary performances all the way to the final showdown. After a weekend of high-energy performances that showcased the breadth of talent in the Caribbean soca scene, event organizers confirmed the quarterfinals delivered one of the most competitive lineups in recent memory.

    When the judges’ final scores were tallied, exactly half of the competing contestants earned their place in the upcoming semifinal round: 20 artists in the Groovy Soca Monarch division and 20 artists in the Power Soca Monarch division will move forward to compete for a spot in the grand finals. The semifinal showdown for both categories is scheduled to take place on June 26, 2026, giving advancing artists time to refine their performances and connect with fans ahead of the next round.

    The confirmed Groovy Soca Monarch semifinalists, alongside their competing tracks, are: Arthur Allain with *Work on Pause*, Carlton CR Roberts with *Hostage*, Danielle Du Bois with *Dancing in the Rain*, Deevon with *Momentum*, Ezra D’funmachine with *Mr Complimentary*, J’urgen with *The Other Man*, Kardo with *Finger*, Keytina with *Let Me Go*, Kisha Kay with *Done*, Mica with *Step Out*, Mighty Taker with *Where We Chipping*, MNR with *Party Count*, Nireti with *Third Party*, QPid with *Backup Plan*, Ricky T with *Not Kissing As*, Sedale with *Insane*, Shemmy J with *Everything*, Siah with *Cho*, Sly with *Captain*, and Twahzzy with *Stop It Stacy*.

    For the Power Soca Monarch division, the advancing semifinalists and their entries are: Bronx, Dhirv 2 Funny & Matta with *Mad People*, Budzilla with *Bwelay*, Carlton CR Roberts with *X-Man*, Da Great with *House Party*, Ezra D’funmachine with *Salute*, Imran Nerdy with *Today I Off*, J’urgen & Lolani with *Can’t Let You Go*, Kisha Kay with *Hot Already*, Mantius with *Fully Charged*, Mica with *Loud*, MNR with *Last Time*, Orion with *Not Going Home*, QPid with *De Fete Mad*, Ricky T with *True Colours*, Sedale, Hollywood HP & Deevon with *Bring Your Cooler*, Shemmy J with *Even If She Cryin’*, Siah with *No Brain*, Sir Lancealot with *Jusso*, Sly with *Rage (Dewange)*, and Tension with *Actimo*.

    As fans begin rallying behind their favorite artists, the countdown to the 2026 semifinal round is already underway, with expectations growing for another unforgettable showcase of Caribbean musical talent ahead of the year’s Lucian Carnival celebrations.

  • One dead, another injured in Codrington Road collision

    One dead, another injured in Codrington Road collision

    A devastating late-night traffic collision on Codrington Road in the St. Michael district has left one person dead and a second with minor physical harm, local law enforcement confirmed Tuesday. The deadly two-vehicle crash unfolded at approximately 11:15 p.m. on Monday, according to official reports from the police department. First responders and emergency medical teams rushed to the accident site immediately after receiving distress calls, but their efforts to revive the driver of the first vehicle were in vain. Medics officially pronounced the male driver dead at the scene after detecting no vital signs. By contrast, the operator of the second involved vehicle escaped with only mild injuries and was quickly taken to receive urgent outpatient medical care. In the wake of the incident, investigating authorities have launched a public appeal for community assistance to piece together the full sequence of events. Any individual who was present in the area at the time of the collision, observed the crash unfold, or holds any piece of information that could advance the official inquiry is asked to reach out to investigators at District ‘A’ Police Station. Tips and statements can be submitted directly via two dedicated contact numbers: 430-7242 or 430-7246. As of Tuesday morning, police have not released additional details such as the identities of the involved drivers, the potential causes of the collision, or whether environmental factors like poor weather or road conditions contributed to the fatal outcome.