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  • Former PRO is new head of SVG Teachers’ Union

    Former PRO is new head of SVG Teachers’ Union

    In a landmark transition of leadership, Fiona Charles-Williams has been unanimously elected as the new president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union (SVGTU) without facing opposition. The election, conducted over Tuesday and Wednesday, saw the former union spokesperson ascend to the organization’s highest office following her tenure as public relations officer.

    Charles-Williams brings substantial expertise to the role, having dedicated 23 years to the education sector as a graduate teacher. Her election marks a continuation of institutional leadership within the union’s newly formed executive body.

    The leadership restructuring also saw retired educator Oswald Robinson, the immediate past president, secure the position of first vice-president after defeating Rosmond Richardson of Bishop’s College, Kingstown. This competitive election within the vice-presidential race contrasted with the presidential acclamation.

    The newly established executive committee comprises several key appointments: Yokanne Blugh assumes the role of second vice-president, Andrea Durrant as general secretary, and Reba Cozier-Veira as assistant general secretary. Aurie Gordon will serve as treasurer, while Shanique Bailey takes on responsibilities as public relations officer. Committee members Jevon Bynoe and Anthony Compton complete the leadership team.

    In her inaugural platform statement, President Charles-Williams committed to maintaining transparent governance practices while aggressively advocating for legislative reforms that benefit educators. She additionally emphasized expanding the union’s social outreach initiatives to strengthen its community presence.

    The entire executive leadership has been elected for a standard two-year term, during which they will address critical issues facing the education sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

  • Drie Wakaypompen operationeel: water stroomt naar rijstpolders in Nickerie

    Drie Wakaypompen operationeel: water stroomt naar rijstpolders in Nickerie

    Three of the four crucial Wakayma pumps in Nickerie have resumed operations, marking a significant breakthrough in resolving the region’s agricultural water crisis. Following extensive repairs, pumps 1, 2, and 4 are now fully functional and actively channeling irrigation water to rice polders that had faced severe water shortages.

    The irrigation breakdown originated from a generator failure that powered the pumping system, abruptly halting water distribution to rice fields. This mechanical failure created substantial uncertainty among rice farmers, who faced immediate threats to both crop planting schedules and overall yield projections due to the interrupted water supply.

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries (LVV) addressed the emergency by procuring and installing replacement generator equipment. Agriculture Minister Mike Noersalim confirmed the successful completion of these critical repairs, stating that the three operational pumps are now performing according to technical specifications.

    Minister Noersalim informed Starnieuws that substantial water volumes are currently being pumped to Nickerie’s rice cultivation areas, with expectations that water delivery systems will achieve full stabilization within coming days. While the restoration of three pumps has alleviated immediate pressure on the rice sector, the timeline for returning the fourth pump to complete operational status remains undetermined. The ministry continues to monitor the situation to ensure consistent irrigation service restoration.

  • Flow Antigua and Barbuda Opens Upgraded Friars Hill Retail Store

    Flow Antigua and Barbuda Opens Upgraded Friars Hill Retail Store

    Flow Antigua and Barbuda marked a significant corporate milestone on February 25, 2026, with the ceremonial inauguration of its newly relocated and substantially upgraded Friars Hill Retail Store. The event commenced with opening remarks delivered by Shand Merchant, followed by a solemn blessing ceremony conducted by Reverend Algernon Lewis, who offered prayers for the store’s prosperity and success.

    The honor of performing the inaugural ribbon-cutting ceremony was bestowed upon Mr. Sydney Codrington, who earned the distinction as the first official customer to enter the newly established premises. Country Manager Wayne Hull utilized the platform to formally acknowledge and express gratitude toward the dedicated team members whose collaborative efforts were instrumental in bringing the complex relocation and modernization project to fruition.

    The retail staff celebrated this achievement with evident pride as visiting customers were treated to refreshments and invited to explore the enhanced retail environment. The upgraded facility represents Flow’s continued investment in improving customer experience and service accessibility within the Antigua and Barbuda market, signaling the company’s commitment to maintaining contemporary retail standards and strengthening community engagement through improved physical infrastructure.

  • Health Ministry Expands Weekend HPV Testing and Vaccination Clinics in March

    Health Ministry Expands Weekend HPV Testing and Vaccination Clinics in March

    In a significant public health initiative, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs is broadening accessibility to cervical cancer prevention through specialized weekend clinics offering both HPV vaccination and complimentary testing throughout March. This strategic move specifically targets individuals who face scheduling constraints during standard weekday hours, reflecting the government’s deepened commitment to comprehensive healthcare equity.

    Health authorities have detailed that free HPV testing sessions will be available at the Villa Polyclinic across two weekends: March 7–8 and March 21–22, operating from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The campaign is strategically focused on women aged 30 to 65, prioritizing those who have never undergone an HPV screening or who retain their uterus. Crucially, officials emphasize that even women with a history of Pap smears remain eligible for this vital testing.

    Concurrently, the ministry is reinforcing its HPV vaccination drive, urging all eligible candidates to utilize these dedicated weekend vaccination clinics. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a known primary cause of cervical cancer, and medical experts consistently advocate that early detection via testing and preemptive vaccination are indispensable strategies for mitigating the disease’s prevalence and impact.

    The ministry encourages citizens seeking further details to consult the official informational flyer or contact its offices directly for clarification on eligibility and appointment scheduling.

  • Central Board of Health Trains Custodial Staff in Sanitation and Safety Practices

    Central Board of Health Trains Custodial Staff in Sanitation and Safety Practices

    In a significant capacity-building initiative, Antigua and Barbuda’s Central Board of Health orchestrated an extensive training program on February 24th to enhance the professional competencies of custodians and grounds maintenance personnel from multiple public institutions. The event, hosted at the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies, brought together forty participants from diverse organizational backgrounds.

    Attendees included facilities staff from three major educational campuses—Muriel O’Mard Campus, Dr. Alister Francis Campus, and Eustace Hill Campus—plus representatives from the School of Agriculture. The training also incorporated professionals from the National Office of Disaster Services, the National Solid Waste Management Authority, and the Environment Division, creating a multidisciplinary learning environment.

    The curriculum delivered hands-on instruction across multiple critical domains: advanced cleaning and sanitization methodologies, integrated pest management strategies, efficient waste handling procedures, and sanitation protocols. Particular emphasis was placed on the safe handling and application of industrial cleaning chemicals and the appropriate utilization of personal protective equipment to ensure worker safety.

    Health officials emphasized that this initiative highlights the indispensable role that custodial and grounds staff perform in preserving hygienic and secure environments within educational facilities and workplaces. The Board further clarified that rigorous cleaning and disinfection practices constitute fundamental measures for curbing pathogen transmission, minimizing pest proliferation, and safeguarding the wellbeing of students, employees, and the general public.

    The Central Board of Health reaffirmed its dedication to continuing professional development programs and capacity-enhancement projects for frontline workers who maintain public health standards across the nation’s institutions.

  • CARICOM at a Decisive Hour, Says Chairman Drew

    CARICOM at a Decisive Hour, Says Chairman Drew

    BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts and Nevis – February 26, 2026 – CARICOM Chairman Dr. Terrance Drew has positioned the Caribbean at a critical juncture during the opening ceremony of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government. The Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis delivered a stark assessment of the current global landscape characterized by escalating geopolitical tensions, volatile energy markets, supply chain disruptions, climate-induced shocks, and widespread economic uncertainty.

    Addressing fellow regional leaders on Tuesday, February 24th, Chairman Drew issued a compelling warning about the particular vulnerabilities facing small island developing states in this increasingly fragmented global environment. He articulated a clear philosophical framework for regional survival: “In such a world, fragmentation breeds vulnerability. By contrast, togetherness generates resilience.”

    The Chairman emphasized that the Caribbean’s collective strength derives not from individual capabilities alone but through disciplined coordination and shared determination. He reminded attendees that CARICOM’s foundational pillars—regional cooperation, functional integration, economic coordination, and collective self-reliance—were specifically designed to shield smaller nations from global systemic shocks.

    With supply chains remaining unpredictable and external pressures intensifying, Dr. Drew asserted that deeper regional integration has transitioned from being optional to absolutely essential. He identified multiple critical areas requiring coordinated action, including food security initiatives, energy security frameworks, regional security cooperation mechanisms, and comprehensive economic coordination strategies.

    Reaffirming the Caribbean’s historical capacity to overcome adversity, the Chairman highlighted the necessity of leveraging shared institutions and maintaining a unified international voice to protect regional interests on the global stage. The ongoing high-level deliberations among CARICOM leaders throughout this week are being guided by this principle of collective resilience over fragmentation.

    The 50th Regular Meeting represents a substantive working session focused on disciplined coordination, collaborative problem-solving, and strengthening the Caribbean Community for the benefit of all member states and their citizens amid continuing global uncertainties.

  • Government expands 9-1-1 coverage to Constanza and Jima Abajo

    Government expands 9-1-1 coverage to Constanza and Jima Abajo

    CONSTANZA, La Vega Province – The Dominican government has significantly enhanced its emergency response capabilities with the official activation of the National Emergency and Security System 9-1-1 in the municipalities of Constanza and Jima Abajo. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by José Ignacio Paliza, Minister of the Presidency, marking a pivotal advancement in public safety infrastructure for these vital regions within La Vega province.

    This strategic expansion elevates the system’s national coverage to 94% of the population, creating a more robust and integrated network that seamlessly coordinates various emergency response agencies. Minister Paliza underscored that the initiative represents more than just the installation of physical assets. “This is a profound commitment to institutional synergy, ensuring our citizens receive prompt and effective aid during their most critical moments,” he stated, emphasizing the program’s focus on permanent inter-agency coordination.

    The government’s forward-looking plan includes extending this critical service to Montecristi in the upcoming months. This move reaffirms the administration’s dedication to bridging the gap in emergency services for communities across the nation. The expansion is a cornerstone of the State’s overarching priority to preserve human life, enhance emergency coordination mechanisms, and elevate standards in citizen security and pre-hospital medical care, especially in productive and strategically important regions.

    Operational capabilities in Constanza and Jima Abajo will be supported by a substantial deployment of resources, including 11 basic life support ambulances, dedicated police patrol units, and Fire Department crews. The system is underpinned by advanced technological infrastructure, enabling the central Command and Control Center to efficiently manage emergency calls, precisely geolocate incidents, and deploy resources with maximum efficacy.

    Government authorities have confirmed that the 9-1-1 System will continue its phased national rollout and ongoing technological modernization. This effort is a central component of a broader national strategy focused on life protection, property safeguarding, and the strengthening of inter-institutional coordination through technological innovation and enhanced public service delivery.

  • New York to light 16 landmarks for Dominican Independence Day

    New York to light 16 landmarks for Dominican Independence Day

    NEW YORK – In an unprecedented tribute to the Dominican diaspora, New York State will illuminate sixteen of its most iconic structures in the red, white, and blue of the Dominican flag this Friday, February 27th. The large-scale celebration, announced by Consul General Jesús Vásquez Martínez, honors the Dominican Republic’s National Independence Day and stands as a historic recognition of the community’s profound impact within the state.

    The initiative, described by Vásquez Martínez as a monumental gesture, underscores the significant growth, economic contributions, and rising institutional visibility of the Dominican population in New York. The Consul General extended particular gratitude to New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Congressman Adriano Espaillat, whose pivotal support was instrumental in coordinating the statewide display of solidarity.

    The list of landmarks set to be bathed in the tricolor scheme includes some of the most recognizable sites in the United States. The illumination will feature the One World Trade Center, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, the Kosciuszko Bridge, the Empire State Plaza, the Alfred E. Smith State Office Building, and the majestic Niagara Falls, alongside other strategic locations across New York.

    This symbolic act is being heralded as a defining moment for public acknowledgment of the Dominican community’s role. Vásquez Martínez has extended an invitation to all Dominicans abroad to participate in the celebration by displaying their national flags, characterizing the event as a powerful testament to unity, cultural dignity, and collective pride. He emphatically stated that this celebration will mark a turning point in the community’s narrative within the socio-cultural fabric of New York.

  • Garrido store fire prompts evacuation on Duarte Avenue

    Garrido store fire prompts evacuation on Duarte Avenue

    Santo Domingo witnessed a significant emergency response Thursday morning as a substantial fire engulfed the Garrido retail establishment located on the bustling Duarte Avenue. The incident triggered an immediate evacuation protocol for both staff and shoppers, substantially disrupting commercial operations and pedestrian traffic throughout the district.

    Emergency services, including specialized units from the Dominican Fire Department, National Police, Civil Defense, and the National Emergency and Security System, mobilized rapidly to the scene. Their coordinated efforts focused on containing the blaze and ensuring public safety amid the developing crisis.

    Initial reports from store management indicate the fire originated on the building’s second level approximately at 9:00 a.m. Carlos López, an official representative for Garrido, confirmed that the evacuation was executed without delay and that emergency authorities arrived with exceptional promptness. The conflagration generated intense smoke dispersion, compelling several adjacent businesses to initiate temporary closures and dismiss their employees as a precautionary measure. However, commercial activity in more distant sections of the avenue continued uninterrupted. Crucially, preliminary assessments confirm that the incident resulted in no casualties or injuries, marking a successful outcome to the emergency response operation.

  • Key US allies in CARICOM invited to security meeting with Trump

    Key US allies in CARICOM invited to security meeting with Trump

    In a significant diplomatic development, United States President Donald Trump has extended invitations to the leaders of Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago for a high-level security conference scheduled for March 7 in Miami, Florida. This strategic gathering represents Washington’s continued commitment to strengthening regional security partnerships with key Caribbean Community (CARICOM) allies.

    The announcement came during the CARICOM mid-term summit in St. Kitts, where Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali revealed the meeting would address pressing regional security challenges. “This engagement focuses on security matters and regional challenges, aiming to enhance our coordination mechanisms,” President Ali stated during a press briefing.

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has openly credited US military cooperation with reducing murders in her nation by 42%, confirmed her participation. In her summit address, she emphasized that “partnership with the US strengthens rather than undermines Caribbean sovereignty, enabling us to combat destabilizing forces across our hemisphere.”

    The diplomatic revelation followed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s commitment to CARICOM leaders regarding intensified efforts to combat firearms trafficking from American sources to Caribbean nations. Secretary Rubio acknowledged the alarming sophistication of criminal organizations’ weaponry, much of which originates from the United States. “We recognize our responsibility and are working diligently with law enforcement agencies to disrupt these trafficking networks,” he asserted.

    Rubio further highlighted the interconnected nature of transnational criminal operations, noting that narcotics traffickers and other criminal elements utilize sophisticated weapons funded by profits from American markets. This criminal ecosystem, he warned, poses significant threats both to transit countries and ultimately to US national security.

    The Secretary of State characterized transnational criminal organizations as the region’s most urgent security threat, noting their resources often rival or exceed those of the nation-states they target. “While we have a established history of cooperation, our collaborative efforts must deepen as these criminal networks grow increasingly powerful,” Rubio emphasized.

    Guyana’s security partnership with the United States has particularly strengthened following US support during territorial tensions with Venezuela. The US military currently collaborates with Guyana on maritime and air domain awareness, while agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration provide specialized training in narcotics detection and border protection.

    Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar provided concrete evidence of this security cooperation’s effectiveness, citing a dramatic reduction in murders from 623 in 2024 to 366 in 2025. She attributed 40% of previous violent crimes to gang activities fueled by narcotics and firearms smuggling from Venezuela, acknowledging that “US military cooperation has been instrumental in enhancing our national security capabilities.”