Senator Dwayne George, leading a delegation from the Ministry of Finance, represented Antigua and Barbuda at the 2025 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington, D.C. The high-profile event brought together finance ministers, central bank governors, and policymakers from around the world to deliberate on pressing economic issues, policy frameworks, and strategies for sustainable development. Antigua and Barbuda’s active participation highlighted the nation’s dedication to responsible economic governance and its engagement with the global financial community. During the meetings, Senator George and his team championed the cause of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), shedding light on critical challenges such as climate resilience, debt sustainability, and access to concessional financing. The forum also provided a platform to explore technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives aimed at bolstering national development and economic stability. By engaging in these global discussions, Antigua and Barbuda reinforced its presence on the international stage and strengthened ties with key global partners and institutions. The delegation’s efforts underscored the country’s commitment to addressing the unique vulnerabilities of SIDS while fostering collaborative solutions for shared economic challenges.
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Financing secured for Castries–Gros Islet highway expansion
The Government of Saint Lucia has achieved a significant milestone in its infrastructure development agenda by securing $33 million in financing for the expansion of the Castries–Gros Islet Highway. This critical project aims to address persistent traffic congestion and enhance road safety along one of the island’s most heavily traveled routes. The funding was secured through two separate loan agreements with international development partners, marking a pivotal step forward for the nation’s transportation network.
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GOB to Acquire Fortis’s Hydropower Plants and BEL Shares
In a historic move, the Government of Belize (GOB) has finalized a groundbreaking agreement with Canadian energy giant Fortis Inc. to acquire its entire electricity sector assets in Belize. This includes Fortis’s three major hydropower plants and its 33.3% ownership stake in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL). Prime Minister John Briceño is set to announce the deal in the House of Representatives on Friday, where he will introduce a Bill seeking parliamentary approval for the acquisition. The proposed legislation will authorize the purchase of Fortis’s hydropower facilities on the Macal River, which consist of the 25-megawatt Mollejon Plant, the 7 MW Chalillo Plant and Reservoir, and the 19 MW Vaca Plant. Collectively, these facilities generate over one-third of Belize’s annual electricity supply. Commissioned between 1996 and 2010, these plants have been pivotal in Belize’s renewable energy infrastructure. The government aims to complete the acquisitions by November 15, 2025, with funding allocated through a special budgetary appropriation. Post-acquisition, the government plans to issue domestic equity and debt offerings to recoup the initial investment. Financial specifics of the transaction will be disclosed when the Bill is presented. The existing power purchase agreements between the hydropower plants and BEL extend to 2050 for Mollejon and Chalillo, and to 2060 for Vaca. David Hutchens, President and CEO of Fortis Inc., expressed his congratulations to the Belizean government, highlighting Fortis’s long-standing partnership and operational success in Belize since 1999. The new entity, Hydro Belize Limited, will be headquartered in San Ignacio, Cayo District, under the leadership of CEO Kay Menzies. The company’s 48-member team will be entirely Belizean, with an Interim Board chaired by Ambassador Lynn Young, a seasoned professional with experience at both BEL and Fortis Belize. Advisors to the government included NERA Consulting UK, Hallmark Advisory, Marsh LLP, and Sukhnandan Consulting LLC.
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Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association to gov’t: stop hike in visitor fees immediately
The Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association (DHTA) has voiced strong objections to the government’s recent implementation of steep visitor site fees, calling the move abrupt and poorly executed. While the DHTA acknowledges ongoing discussions with the government regarding sustainable funding for marketing and natural attraction maintenance, it criticized the lack of consultation and timing of the fee increases, which have surged by over 300% in some cases. The association argues that this approach disrupts collaborative efforts, risks harming local businesses, and could lead to confusion among international partners, ultimately undermining confidence in Dominica as a tourism destination. The new fee structure, effective October 1, 2025, ranges from US$20 for a single-day pass to US$50 for weekly access to eco-tourism sites. Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre defended the changes, stating they are necessary to support eco-tourism infrastructure and marketing efforts, with additional fees for visitors set to take effect in January 2026. However, the DHTA highlights that these increases disproportionately affect stayover visitors, who contribute significantly to the local economy, while cruise visitors continue to pay minimal fees, creating an unfair imbalance. The association has called for an immediate suspension of the new fees to allow for transparent planning and equitable solutions, reaffirming its commitment to working with the government to ensure a sustainable future for Dominica’s tourism sector.
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Grenada Co-operative Bank Your Financial Future 2.0 Summit
Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited (GCBL), the nation’s sole indigenous commercial bank, took center stage as the Legacy Partner of *Your Financial Future 2.0*, a transformative financial wellness summit held on October 9, 2025. Organized by GoBlue Consulting, the event aimed to equip Grenadians with practical tools and expert insights to enhance their financial literacy and security. The summit featured a series of engaging sessions led by industry leaders, including GCBL’s Managing Director, Larry Lawrence, who delivered the opening keynote titled *The Wealth Within: Rewiring Your Money Mindset*. Lawrence delved into the psychology of financial behavior, shedding light on the mental and emotional factors that shape how individuals manage their finances. Jennifer Robertson, Executive Manager of Risk, led a breakout session titled *Crush the Debt Cycle: A Practical Reset*, offering actionable strategies to overcome debt. Dr. Aaron Logie, Executive Manager of Finance and Wealth Management, participated in a panel discussion on smart financial strategies tailored to today’s economic landscape. Tanya K Lambert, Corporate Secretary and Executive Manager of Legal, contributed to a panel on wills, trusts, and legacy planning. Beyond knowledge-sharing, GCBL seized the opportunity to engage with both current and prospective customers, showcasing its products and services while gathering valuable feedback on financial needs. Ericka Hosten, Manager of Marketing and Customer Insight, emphasized the bank’s commitment to community development, stating, ‘Financial education is a cornerstone of our outreach. We aim to empower our citizens with the tools they need to achieve financial wellbeing.’ The summit underscored GCBL’s dedication to fostering financial literacy and resilience among Grenadians.
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Temporary road closure at Morne Longue Road, St Andrew
The Ministry of Infrastructure, Public Utilities, Civil Aviation and Transportation has announced a temporary closure of Morne Longue Road in St Andrew, effective from Monday, 20 October to Friday, 24 October 2025. The road will be closed daily between 9 pm and 9 am to facilitate urgent repairs on the Acrow Panel Bridge. These repairs are deemed critical to ensure the safety of the public and to maintain the structural stability of the bridge. During the closure, traffic management protocols will be implemented to reduce disruptions. Motorists are urged to adhere to diversion signs and utilize alternative routes. Pedestrians are also advised to exercise heightened caution in the vicinity. The Ministry has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and seeks the public’s understanding and cooperation in this matter.
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Reggae acts unite for ‘Higher Education’ benefit album
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a groundbreaking collaboration, Naya Rockers and Iceland’s Floki Studios have unveiled *Higher Education*, an 11-track benefit album that bridges reggae, ska, dub, and New Orleans R&B. Recorded across 15 studios in five countries, the project features Grammy-winning artists, engineers, and musicians, all united to support youth music education at the Alpha School of Music. The album is backed by the 10-piece Naya Rockers band, which includes reggae legends such as Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith, members of The Skatalites, John Brown’s Body, and Slightly Stoopid. *Higher Education* is both a cultural statement and a musical milestone, showcasing the power of global collaboration.
Nathan Sabanayagam, founder of Naya Records, drummer, and producer, shared his vision for the project: ‘I wanted to create a classic roots album from start to finish, from recording to vinyl pressing. The inspiration for the lineup came from artists Naya Rockers had previously worked with, including Sister Nancy, Clinton Fearon, and Hector Lewis. For others, it was about reaching out to those I had connections with to see who would join this meaningful endeavor.’
The album opens with Clinton Fearon’s *Come With Us* and concludes with Mad Professor’s reflective *Thanks Dub*. Side A features Ivan Neville’s title track *Higher Education*, Sister Nancy’s *Teach The Youths*, Hector ‘Roots’ Lewis’s soulful *Thanks*, Stephen Marley’s uplifting *The Right Path*, and Mad Professor’s bass-heavy *Dub With Us*. Side B includes Mike Love’s *Long Way Down*, Angelo Moore & The Tamlins’ unifying *The Brotherhood*, Queen Omega’s empowering *Words of Wisdom*, Micah Shemaiah’s meditative *Same Lessons to Learn*, and another dub masterpiece from Mad Professor.
Sabanayagam emphasized the importance of supporting Alpha School of Music, calling it ‘the cradle of Jamaican music.’ He explained, ‘From Don Drummond to Horsemouth, Alpha has produced legendary musicians who have influenced me deeply. This project honors their legacy and supports music education, which is the foundation for all musicians.’
Wade Koeman, director of Flóki Studios, expressed his hopes for the album: ‘I hope it is listened to and loved worldwide, providing substantial support to Alpha. May it inspire others to learn or create music with intention, driving positive impact through their art.’
The album was mixed by Stephen Stewart and Sabanayagam at Kingston’s iconic Tuff Gong Studio and Anchor Studios, further cementing its connection to Jamaica’s rich musical heritage.
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Venezuelan Nobel winner Machado holds call with Netanyahu
CARACAS, Venezuela (AFP)—In a Friday phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado expressed her admiration for the fight against ‘totalitarian forces,’ a statement Israel interpreted as support for its ongoing military operations in Gaza. Netanyahu’s office shared on X that Machado commended the Israeli leader for his ‘resolute actions’ during the war and praised the agreement for the release of hostages in Gaza. However, in a separate post, Machado, known for her opposition to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, made no direct reference to Israel or Gaza. Instead, she emphasized the need for courage and moral clarity to combat totalitarianism, drawing parallels between Venezuela’s struggle for democracy and the Middle East’s quest for peace. She specifically criticized the Iranian regime for its support of Maduro and its backing of groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Meanwhile, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a vocal critic of Netanyahu, recently questioned Machado’s Nobel Prize, citing her past efforts to garner Israeli support in her campaign against Maduro. Venezuela has maintained no diplomatic ties with Israel since 2009, when former President Hugo Chavez severed relations in protest of the 2008 Gaza war.
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Trump commutes sentence for disgraced ex-congressman George Santos
In a controversial move, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he had commuted the prison sentence of George Santos, a former Republican congressman convicted of wire fraud and identity theft. Santos, who was sentenced to seven years and three months in April, had been incarcerated since July for misusing campaign funds on extravagant personal expenses, including luxury vacations, Botox treatments, and subscriptions to adult websites.
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Cave Valley main road impassable
Residents and commuters in St Ann, Jamaica, are facing significant disruptions as the Cave Valley main road, a crucial artery connecting to Spalding in Clarendon, has become impassable. The situation stems from relentless heavy rainfall and rapidly rising water levels in the region. Local authorities have issued an urgent advisory, urging the public to seek alternative routes to avoid delays and potential hazards. The police are actively monitoring the situation and have promised to provide timely updates as conditions evolve. This development underscores the broader challenges posed by extreme weather events, which continue to impact transportation infrastructure and daily life across the island.