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  • 3 in a row for Saint Lucia in CNL

    3 in a row for Saint Lucia in CNL

    In a tightly contested showdown at Barbados’ Wildey Astroturf, Saint Lucia’s senior men’s national football team extended their winning run to three consecutive matches in the Concacaf Nations League, notching a second straight victory over Guadeloupe with a 1-0 scoreline on Monday afternoon.

    The match’s turning point came early, courtesy of 22-year-old free-agent striker Kegan Caull, who emerged as Saint Lucia’s undisputed difference-maker. Just five minutes into the contest, Caull shook off his marking defender and slotted home the only goal of the game, a finish that propelled the side nicknamed the Piton Boyz to the top of Group B. Caull’s hot form did not start on Monday, either: he recorded two assists in Friday’s 3-0 rout of Guadeloupe, and had previously netted a hat-trick in a 5-2 home win over Bermuda earlier in the campaign.

    Piton Boyz head coach Rajesh Latchoo made two enforced changes to his starting lineup ahead of Monday’s match, withdrawing Shevon Byron — the 2025 Saint Lucia Junior Player of the Year who was substituted off early on Friday — and Melvin Doxilly, both of whom picked up minor injuries in the first encounter against Guadeloupe. Gregson President and Ajani Louis stepped into the starting XI as their replacements.

    Weather created a starkly different playing environment for the second matchup between the two sides. Three days after battling through sweltering heat, the teams took the pitch under heavy rain in Barbados. Guadeloupe controlled most of the possession throughout the 90 minutes, and outshot Saint Lucia 11 attempts to six. However, the Piton Boyz made their chances count: they put four of their six shots on target, while Guadeloupe failed to register a single on-target effort.

    Following the final whistle, Latchoo expressed pride in his squad’s resilience through a demanding fixture schedule. “We’re proud of the boys. They went out there, they played for the country,” he said. “We asked them to stick it out. This was a unique challenge for them, but it’s preparation for the Gold Cup and bigger tournaments, because playing the same team twice in a four-day turnaround is a good challenge, and it was good playing four games in that time period, managing their freshness. They’re being able to manage themselves to make sure that they give a great effort and a performance on the field.”

    Monday’s win pushed Saint Lucia up to nine points, putting them atop the Group B standings. Heading into the matchday, host Barbados had held the top spot with eight points, one point ahead of Saint Lucia’s six, and Barbados was scheduled to face winless Bermuda later on Monday. Ranked 28th among Concacaf national sides, Saint Lucia has already posted an impressive run of results this campaign: one win over 24th-ranked Bermuda and two victories over 15th-ranked Guadeloupe.

    The final group qualifying window is scheduled for the second week of November, set to take place in Bermuda. Saint Lucia will first rematch Bermuda, then close out their group stage campaign against Barbados. Latchoo has already bolstered his squad twice during the campaign: he added Arkell Jude-Boyd following an early home loss to Barbados, then called up Donavan Phillip for the two matches against Guadeloupe, and he could have even more selection options available for the decisive November fixtures, when the fight for the group title and a Gold Cup qualifying spot will still be open.

    Looking ahead to the next qualifying cycle, Latchoo outlined his side’s next steps. “Next is recover for the next cycle. So, we’re going into the cycle now; they go back to their clubs, we monitor them, we work with the local players, and we make sure the foreign players go back in one piece and healthy so that we can get them back for November,” he said. “And again, [the goal is] three points, three points, six points again.”

  • UWI Five Islands to Hold Graduation Ceremonies Oct. 10

    UWI Five Islands to Hold Graduation Ceremonies Oct. 10

    The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus, located in Antigua and Barbuda, is preparing to mark a key milestone for hundreds of its graduating students on Saturday, October 10, with two separate graduation ceremonies that will open the university’s annual cross-regional graduation season. Alongside celebrating the achievements of the newest cohort of graduates, the campus will bestow honorary doctorates on two accomplished individuals: Olympian and community leader Thea LaFond Gadson and veteran journalist Don Rojas.

    To ensure that friends, family members and supporters from across the globe can share in the celebration, both ceremonies will be streamed live via UWItv, enabling remote attendance for anyone unable to be present on campus. The first event, scheduled to kick off at 10 a.m. local Antigua and Barbuda time, will recognize graduates from the School of Business and Management. This session will feature a valedictory address from Kathalia Valentine, an outstanding graduate who earned her Bachelor of Science in Management Studies with a specialized concentration in Entrepreneurship. During this morning ceremony, LaFond Gadson will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of her contributions to her field and community.

    The afternoon celebration, commencing at 4 p.m. local time, will honor graduates from three academic divisions: the School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, the School of Humanities and Education, and the School of Science, Computing and Artificial Intelligence. Leading the valedictory remarks for this session will be Chemique Harris-Benjamin, who completed her Bachelor of Education in Mathematics Education with distinction. Rojas will be honored with an honorary Doctor of Letters degree during this afternoon gathering for his decades of impact in media and public discourse.

    This event at the Five Islands Campus serves as the starting point for a series of UWI graduation ceremonies that will take place across the Caribbean over the coming month. Next on the calendar is the Cave Hill Campus in Barbados, which will host its own graduation celebrations on October 17. Following that, the St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago will hold its ceremonies from October 22 to 24, and the Mona Campus in Jamaica will wrap its graduation from November 5 to 7 November. Closing out the 2024 graduation season is UWI’s Global Campus, which will host a fully virtual graduation ceremony on November 14 at 6 p.m. Eastern Caribbean time, accommodating its distributed student body across multiple time zones and regions.

  • Cricket West Indies And Superfan Launch New Official West Indies Cricket Fanwear Collection

    Cricket West Indies And Superfan Launch New Official West Indies Cricket Fanwear Collection

    West Indies cricket, a sport deeply woven into the cultural fabric of the Caribbean, is stepping into a new era of fan engagement through a fresh collaboration between Cricket West Indies (CWI) and homegrown lifestyle brand SUPERFAN. The partnership has unveiled the first-ever SUPERFAN x West Indies Cricket collection, a licensed line of fan merchandise that reimagines traditional cricket gear by merging the region’s rich cricketing heritage with bold, contemporary Caribbean design. Unlike conventional match-only apparel, the new collection is crafted to fit seamlessly into the daily lives of a new generation of Caribbean cricket supporters, designed for everyday wear, travel, celebration, and cultural representation off the pitch.

    Founded by Nicolette Leacock, a Trinidad and Tobago-based entrepreneur and designer who previously built the successful Caribbean Carnival and lifestyle brand MRCH, SUPERFAN grew out of a gap Leacock identified in Caribbean sports merchandise. After years of creating consumer-centric products tailored specifically for Caribbean audiences through MRCH, Leacock saw an opportunity to bring the same design-focused philosophy to the region’s beloved sports and fan culture.

    For Leacock, the project is deeply personal, rooted in a lifelong understanding of cricket’s unifying power across the Caribbean. “I grew up seeing what West Indies Cricket means to the Caribbean. It is one of the few things that can make us forget which island we are from for a moment and collectively identify as West Indian,” she explained. “I created SUPERFAN because I saw an opportunity to rethink what fanwear could look like for us. West Indies Cricket has an incredible visual history and cultural significance, and I wanted to create pieces that let fans carry that identity beyond a match, a tournament or the stadium.”

    The licensing partnership aligns with CWI’s broader strategic goal of building more accessible, inclusive connections between new audiences and West Indies cricket’s legacy, a mission echoed by CWI Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring. Dehring pointed to the organization’s recent WI OUTSIDE! campaign for the 2026 International Home Series — which introduced free entry for children and Ladies FREE match days to expand access to the sport — as an example of this consumer-focused approach. “West Indies Cricket has always been bigger than the game itself, and we are committed to creating more accessible and diverse ways for people to connect with what the West Indies represents,” Dehring said. “This collaboration with SUPERFAN builds on this by creating fanwear that extends beyond traditional cricket merchandise and appeals to anyone who connects with Caribbean culture, style and the West Indies identity.”

    Drawing inspiration from decades of West Indies cricket’s iconic visual history and classic mid-century Caribbean sporting aesthetics, the debut collection reinterprets these influences through a modern, forward-thinking lens. The product range includes everything from casual apparel and headwear to accessories, all engineered to transition from stadium stands to street style, earning a permanent place in supporters’ everyday wardrobes rather than being stored away between matches.

    This partnership forms a key part of CWI’s broader push to reimagine fan engagement beyond the boundary of the cricket pitch. By weaving together sport, high fashion, cultural heritage, and regional identity, the SUPERFAN x West Indies Cricket collection aims to create a new channel for fans to connect with West Indian identity, resonating not just with die-hard long-time cricket supporters, but also with casual audiences and global fans who love Caribbean culture but may not engage with the sport regularly.

    The much-anticipated debut collection will launch to the public on October 4, 2026, bringing a new chapter of inclusive, culturally rooted fandom to West Indies cricket. Billed as “Made for the stadium & beyond,” the collection marks a bold step forward in how sports merchandise can celebrate and carry cultural identity into everyday life.

  • DSC secures four grants to strengthen campus development and learning

    DSC secures four grants to strengthen campus development and learning

    Dominica State College (DSC) has announced a major milestone in its pursuit of long-term institutional development, securing four distinct grants from regional and international funding bodies to advance upgrades across technology, infrastructure, policy development, skills training, and learning access. The awards mark a key step forward in the college’s broader strategy to diversify its revenue streams and reduce dependence on traditional public funding.

    The funding comes from four partner organizations: the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN), the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), Mercy Corps, and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), according to an official press release issued by the institution. Each grant is targeted to address a unique priority for the college, with shared goals of boosting institutional capacity and lifting educational experiences for both enrollees and faculty.

    The first confirmed project, backed by a $20,000 contribution from ARIN, will see the launch of the DSC Youth Internet Governance Lab hosted within the college’s existing Innovation Hub. This hands-on initiative will task students with addressing real-world connectivity challenges facing the DSC campus, while giving them opportunities to build actionable skills in technology development, academic research, and global internet policy governance.

    A second collaboration, between DSC and Mercy Corps with funding provided by the United States Government, is developing the Wood Innovation Studio as part of the regional Caribbean United programme. The studio is designed to bridge traditional Dominican woodworking craftsmanship with cutting-edge modern manufacturing technology, creating a dedicated practical space where students can explore sustainable carpentry, custom product design, and local fabrication using native wood resources. The project also integrates formal entrepreneurship training, with the core goal of equipping young learners with marketable job skills that open new employment and small business pathways in the local green economy.

    The college’s long-standing partnership with the Commonwealth of Learning is being extended through this latest grant, supporting ongoing work to update institutional academic policies and scale up online learning offerings. This investment is expected to strengthen DSC’s ability to deliver flexible, accessible education opportunities that fit the diverse needs of its student body, including working learners and those in rural communities.

    Finally, through the 11th funding cycle of the Basic Needs Trust Fund programme, DSC will receive support for a campus-wide infrastructure enhancement project. While the college’s press release did not disclose specific details of the construction or upgrade works planned, the investment will address critical physical infrastructure needs to support modern teaching and campus activities.

    College leadership emphasized that securing these four grants is part of a deliberate, long-term strategy to build a more financially sustainable and resilient institution, reducing overreliance on traditional funding streams. Success in winning the awards was credited to the targeted grant mobilization work led by Malisa Richards, operating under the supervision of Dr. Hermancia Eugene-Zamore through DSC’s Office of Academic Affairs.

    Moving forward, DSC confirmed it will continue to proactively pursue new partnerships with international development agencies and grant-making organizations to sustain investments in campus innovation, infrastructure, technology integration, and student-centered learning improvements.

  • Scouts appeal for more adult volunteers

    Scouts appeal for more adult volunteers

    Against a backdrop of waning volunteerism across the Caribbean island of Barbados, one of the nation’s most prominent youth development organizations is facing an unprecedented challenge: it is successfully attracting young people to its programs, but cannot find enough adult leaders to guide them. The Barbados Boy Scouts Association has publicly issued a call for up to 300 additional adult volunteers, with a particular focus on recruiting men to support older scout cohorts, according to the organization’s top leader.

    Chief Commissioner Trevor Jones outlined the group’s current predicament in an interview with local media outlet Barbados TODAY, explaining that after years of targeted outreach, the association achieved its goal of growing youth membership last year, and expects that upward trend to continue in 2024. The organization’s biggest barrier to expansion, however, has shifted from recruiting young participants to retaining and attracting adult leadership. Jones noted that the volunteer shortage is most acute in programs for older scouts, where male mentors are particularly needed to provide guidance for adolescent participants.

    Jones pointed to a broader cultural shift driving the leadership gap, explaining that the decline in volunteer spirit is not unique to scouting, but a widespread challenge across Barbados. “A lot of people tell us they are too busy to commit, and for many that is a genuine reality,” he said. “But beyond competing priorities, we’ve seen the overall culture of volunteerism decline. More people now expect compensation when they step forward to help, and this is fundamentally a volunteer role.” While the association is open to providing limited financial stipends to offset out-of-pocket costs for volunteers, Jones emphasized that individuals motivated primarily by pay are unlikely to bring the level of commitment that young people in the program need.

    Marsha-Ann Clarke, lead consultant for the association’s Learning Inclusiveness, Entrepreneurship and Environmental Protection (LIEEP) initiative, pushed back against the idea that volunteers need to make extensive, time-consuming commitments to contribute. Clarke noted that women already make up the majority of leadership for younger scout cohorts, including Beaver and Cub programs, but scouting rules require male leadership for older groups including standard Scouts and Venture Scouts. Even men who can only spare a few hours per month can make a meaningful difference, she argued.

    Clarke urged fathers of scout participants to move beyond waiting in the parking lot during activities and get directly involved. “You don’t need to commit to every weekend,” she said. “If you can give a few hours one Saturday a month, or even one Saturday every two months, that is more than enough. Men can help with simple, core tasks from organizing groups to assisting with hands-on projects.” Beyond logistical support, Clarke highlighted the long-term impact positive male role models can have on young participants: “Boys watch how men behave, how they interact with women and female leaders, and they learn so much just from having consistent, positive male presence in their scouting experience.”

    Dr. David Bynoe, national coordinator for the United Nations Development Programme’s Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme – which provides funding for some scouting activities – added his voice to the recruitment call, emphasizing scouting’s unique role in shaping the next generation of Barbadian leaders. “Scouting really moulds and develops young men, who will go on to become future leaders across this country,” Bynoe said. He also noted that conversations around gender equity must also address the specific challenges facing boys in Barbados, where many young men are falling behind socially and academically.

    Bynoe clarified that while the organization has a particular need for men, people of all genders are welcome to volunteer. “Even though it is the Boy Scouts, females are already the backbone of much of our work, especially behind the scenes in administration,” he said. “Whether you are male or female, we urge you to consider stepping forward to support this important work for Barbados’ young people.”

  • Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority appointed to ACI-LAC Governing Board for 2026 – 2027

    Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority appointed to ACI-LAC Governing Board for 2026 – 2027

    In a landmark announcement made during the 2026 ACI-LAC/ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition in Lima, Peru, the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) has been officially appointed to the Governing Board of Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) for the 2026–2027 governing term. The high-profile regional aviation event, which ran from September 25 to 29, hosted ABAA Chief Executive Officer Kurt A.G. Menal, who represented the twin-island nation at the gathering.

    This appointment marks a major milestone for Antigua and Barbuda’s aviation sector, granting the ABAA an elevated platform to contribute to critical regional conversations about the evolution and future direction of the global airport industry. The new governing role will open doors to deeper, more collaborative engagement with airport operators, civil aviation authorities, and cross-sector industry stakeholders, creating structured pathways to share specialized expertise, exchange proven best practices, and disseminate cutting-edge technical knowledge across the region.

    For the small island developing state of Antigua and Barbuda, a permanent seat on the ACI-LAC Governing Board significantly amplifies the country’s voice in regional aviation decision-making. It also creates unprecedented opportunities to forge new strategic cross-border partnerships, advance shared initiatives, and align on priority work streams spanning airport infrastructure expansion, operational efficiency upgrades, enhanced aviation safety and security protocols, industry-wide sustainability transitions, digital technology integration, improved passenger experience, and expanded regional and global air connectivity.

    The appointment carries outsize strategic importance for Antigua and Barbuda, where aviation acts as a foundational backbone of the national tourism economy and supports broader economic growth across all sectors. A robust, globally competitive airport ecosystem is non-negotiable for maintaining vital international air links, sustaining steady tourism growth, and attracting new foreign business and investment to the islands.

    To provide context, Airports Council International (ACI) is the leading global trade association that represents over 2,200 airports across more than 160 countries worldwide, acting as the unified collective voice for the global airport community. The organization works in close collaboration with national governments, airport operators, and a full range of aviation stakeholders to advance policy and practice that supports safe, secure, efficient, sustainable, and economically viable airport operations around the world.

    ACI-LAC is ACI’s regional arm serving the Latin America and Caribbean region, with a core mission centered on industry advocacy, professional workforce development, standardized skills training, cross-border technical cooperation, and the open exchange of industry knowledge and best practices. Beyond these core functions, the organization hosts a collaborative regional platform for airports to coordinate action on shared challenges and opportunities impacting the region, from aviation safety and infrastructure development to climate action, digital innovation, passenger facilitation, and expanded air connectivity.

    With its new appointment to the ACI-LAC Governing Board, ABAA deepens Antigua and Barbuda’s integration into the regional and global airport community, positioning the authority to play an active role in shaping the future trajectory of aviation across Latin America and the Caribbean. Moving forward, ABAA has confirmed it will leverage its governing board participation to build targeted strategic partnerships that drive the long-term development and global competitiveness of Antigua and Barbuda’s aviation sector for years to come.

  • Zapping Haiti of October 6, 2026

    Zapping Haiti of October 6, 2026

    In the first week of October 2026, a series of disparate events have unfolded across Haiti, ranging from a horrific domestic tragedy to key political, social and diplomatic developments that paint a multifaceted picture of the nation’s current landscape.

    On the morning of Saturday, October 3, a devastating act of violence shook the Delmas 33 neighborhood of Saint Patrick, claiming three lives including an infant. According to Haiti’s national police (Police Nationale d’Haïti, PNH), the incident was carried out by serving police officer Luc André Dossous, who first shot and killed his partner Magalie Augustin—also an active duty police officer—and their 11-month-old child before turning the gun on himself. Investigators have told local media that ongoing domestic strife between the couple is the primary working hypothesis for the attack, though the full picture of the tragedy will not be confirmed until the ongoing official inquiry reaches its final conclusions.

    The same day brought a key development in Haiti’s upcoming presidential election, as a new candidate formally joined the race. Former Marigot Member of Parliament Deus Deronneth officially registered his candidacy with the nation’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), running under the banner of the Visionary Democrats for New Haiti (DVNH) party. Deronneth is listed as candidate #56 on the CEP’s official ballot.

    A day later, on Sunday October 4, Pétion-ville hosted a milestone event for Haitian public health: the graduation of 25 newly trained midwives from the National Higher Institute for Midwifery Training (INSFSF) Pôle Ouest program. The graduation ceremony was co-hosted by INSFSF leadership and Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health, with critical funding and logistical support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)—the UN body focused on sexual and reproductive health—and the government of Canada. The new midwives will now deploy across the country to expand access to critical maternal and reproductive health services, addressing a longstanding gap in care for Haitian communities.

    On the international policy front, two senior Haitian officials traveled to Guyana this week to participate in a regional forum focused on aviation safety. Minister of Public Works Engineer Joseph Almathe Pierre Louis joined Hantz Célestin, Director of Haiti’s National Civil Aviation Office (OFNAC), at the Caribbean High-Level Symposium on Aviation Safety, held at the Arthur Chung Conference Center in Georgetown. The event, centered on the theme “Strengthening aviation safety in the Caribbean: Regional cooperation, resilient surveillance and sustainable capacity development”, brought together sector leaders from across the region to address shared challenges. On the sidelines of the symposium, Minister Pierre Louis held bilateral working sessions with representatives from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Regional Director of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and other leading industry stakeholders. The talks focused on coordinating cross-border action and developing concrete actionable solutions to strengthen safety protocols, bring Haiti’s civil aviation regulatory framework into full compliance with international standards, and build long-term resilience for the country’s aviation system.

    Back in Haiti, rural development efforts got a boost on October 3, when the Ministry of Agriculture, with support from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), distributed critical agricultural support to 1,400 smallholder producers in the commune of Kenscoff. Each beneficiary received a complete agricultural kit containing core tools and inputs essential for small-scale farming: a watering can, a hoe, a rake, and complete mixed fertilizer. The kits are designed to lower barriers to production for local smallholders and improve overall working conditions for agricultural activity in the region.

    The commune of Kenscoff also received a high-profile diplomatic visit this week from Gautier Lekens, the newly appointed Ambassador of France to Haiti. During his visit, Lekens met with local authorities and law enforcement to assess the ongoing security situation and reaffirm French support for Kenscoff’s institutions and residents. The ambassador specifically highlighted the extraordinary resilience of local police and government officials, who have continued to fulfill their public duties alongside the community for nearly 21 months, despite repeated attacks from armed non-state groups and severe risks stemming from the country’s ongoing security crisis.

  • Two Men Charged With Kidnapping After San Andres Interception

    Two Men Charged With Kidnapping After San Andres Interception

    In a developing criminal case out of northern Belize, two local men have been formally charged with severe offenses including kidnapping and death threat following a police interception in the Corozal District, official law enforcement records confirm. The entire incident unfolded over a three-day period, beginning with a reported abduction on October 3, 2026, and concluding with the arrest and charging of the two accused just two days later.

    Authorities took into custody 28-year-old Alex Marcus Lewis, a local laborer, and 40-year-old Brian Ezikel Dena, a construction worker, both citizens of Belize, on Monday, October 5. The pair is being held jointly accountable for the two criminal charges, according to official police statements.

    The intervention that ended the alleged abduction took place on Saturday, when district police received an urgent report that two men had been taken against their will. Acting quickly on the tip, law enforcement officers stopped and searched a red pickup truck traveling through the San Andres neighborhood of Corozal. Inside the vehicle, police found all four people involved: the two alleged victims, 38-year-old Ricardo Zetina and 32-year-old Walter Pineda, alongside the two suspects who had been holding them.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, who leads the National Crimes Investigation Branch, shared details of the victims’ account. According to Romero, Zetina and Pineda told investigators they were forced into the suspects’ vehicle at gunpoint, and were repeatedly interrogated about a cache of stolen property the accused claimed the pair had purchased. After the initial questioning, the suspects reportedly were driving to confront the brother of one of the victims when a witness contacted local police to report the kidnapping.

    Romero confirmed that the suspects’ motive stems from their personal allegation that the two victims knowingly bought stolen goods from other residents of the Corozal District. As of press time, the two accused remain in police custody, and a court date has not yet been scheduled for their preliminary hearing. Law enforcement officials have urged any residents with additional information related to the incident or the alleged stolen property ring to contact the Corozal District police precinct to assist with the ongoing investigation.

  • Condé Nast Traveler Readers Rank Antigua and Barbuda No. 7 in Caribbean and Atlantic

    Condé Nast Traveler Readers Rank Antigua and Barbuda No. 7 in Caribbean and Atlantic

    One of the travel industry’s most respected and longest-running reader-voted honors has handed a new accolade to the twin-island Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda. Condé Nast Traveler officially unveiled the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards this week, ranking the destination as the No. 7 best island across the Caribbean and Atlantic region.

    Unlike many industry awards that rely on expert or critic judging alone, the Readers’ Choice Awards draw directly on the unfiltered experiences of everyday travelers. For this year’s edition, more than 757,000 readers from across the United States submitted responses to a comprehensive survey, rating their travel experiences at destinations around the globe. The survey was designed to identify not just popular tourist spots, but the locations that leave such a lasting impression visitors are eager to return year after year. With a decades-long legacy as the most prestigious reader-endorsed honor in travel, the award remains the gold standard for recognizing excellence across the global tourism sector. A full roster of 2026 winners is available on Condé Nast Traveler’s website, with all honorees also featured in the publication’s November print issue.

    For Antigua and Barbuda, the top 10 ranking underscores the destination’s wide-ranging, enduring appeal that goes far beyond its well-known coastal offerings. The nation’s tourism sector draws visitors for a diverse mix of attractions, from its world-famous shorelines and centuries-old sailing heritage to its layered history, lively local culture, innovative culinary scene, and one-of-a-kind twin-island experience.

    Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, shared his excitement over the international recognition. “We are delighted to see Antigua and Barbuda recognized as the #7 Island in the Caribbean & The Atlantic in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards,” James said. “This recognition is a testament to the experiences that continue to draw travellers to our shores and to the people across our tourism industry who work tirelessly to make every visit memorable. While our 365 beaches remain an iconic part of our appeal, Antigua and Barbuda offers so much more to discover, and we are proud to see that depth and diversity recognized on the world stage.”

    Each of the two islands that make up the nation offers a distinct experience that caters to different traveler preferences. Antigua pairs its iconic white-sand beaches with world-class sailing regattas, a growing farm-to-table culinary scene, well-preserved colonial historic sites including the UNESCO-listed Nelson’s Dockyard, and a packed annual calendar of cultural and sporting events. Neighboring Barbuda, by contrast, offers a quiet, unspoiled escape defined by its iconic pink-sand beaches, untouched coastal wetlands, and vast stretches of undeveloped natural landscape. Together, the twin islands give visitors the chance to craft a trip that balances adventure, relaxation, cultural exploration, and deep connection to Caribbean heritage, inviting travelers to look beyond the typical beach vacation and experience the unique character of the nation.

  • President urges pupils to overcome obstacles

    President urges pupils to overcome obstacles

    On a landmark visit to Selah Primary School in St. Lucy this Monday, President Jeffrey Bostic delivered an inspiring message of resilience and purpose to the school’s student body, encouraging young learners to view obstacles as stepping stones rather than barriers on their journey toward long-term goals. During his time on campus, President Bostic praised students for the confidence they demonstrated across academic, artistic, and extracurricular programs – from Spanish language learning and music performance to uniformed youth groups. Drawing a direct lesson from the students’ poise during the morning’s welcome activities, he noted, “There’s no challenge that you children cannot overcome. And when you face obstacles, you find a way around them, over them, but you maintain the path that you are on.” The President highlighted the determination of Head Girl Shazariah Springer and Head Boy Micah Depeiza, who adapted to practical challenges – including the need to stretch to reach the microphone – to welcome him and present ceremonial gifts, calling their quick thinking and confidence a powerful example for their peers.

    Tying his message to the school’s Biblical name, Selah – which carries multiple meanings including “to pause and reflect,” “to lift up,” and “to serve with humility” – President Bostic emphasized the power of intentional stillness. “Your power is not in your fists. Your power is not in your hands. Your power is not through your mouth. Your power is in your pause,” he said. “Pause shows power, not weakness. Pausing is strength before you do something that you will regret later.” He also challenged students to build one another up instead of tearing peers down, urging them to celebrate classmates’ successes and support their teachers. He reminded students that the character values they develop during their school years are permanent, irreplaceable assets that cannot be bought with money, earned through academic certifications, or granted by a university degree. “You need to serve in order to lead… Leaders are not those who stand tallest, but those who bow to lift up others,” he added.

    The visit came at a particularly meaningful moment, falling during Education Month and as Barbados marks 60 years of national independence. Principal Cheryl Marshall shared that the occasion offered the school community a chance to reflect on the nation’s progress while reaffirming its commitment to preparing young people to build the future of Barbados. “Our school is focused on helping students discover their talents, develop character and gain the confidence needed to contribute to society,” Marshall explained. Echoing President Bostic’s message of perseverance, she pointed to the school’s motto – “Self-discipline and Dedication Brings Success” – to reinforce that success grows from commitment, resilience, responsible decision-making, and a willingness to persist through difficulty.

    Selah Primary currently offers students a wide range of extracurricular opportunities beyond core academics, including STEM programming, reading initiatives, multiple sports, music, educational tours, and youth clubs. The school fields teams in athletics, cricket, football, netball, and table tennis, and hosts uniformed groups including Brownies, Blossoms, and Cubs, with a new Beavers program set to launch this year. Students also participate in the Inter-School Christian Fellowship and a school violin program, and the administration plans to resume its popular swimming programme this term. President Bostic specifically highlighted the school’s Spanish language presentation, encouraging students to continue building their foreign language skills through secondary school and beyond, noting that the ability will open new doors for them in the future. The morning’s activities included a violin performance of *Tip Toe Boo!* and a recitation of the poem *Barbados*, celebrating national culture and student artistic growth.

    During the visit, President Bostic also raised a key concern about underrepresentation of male role models in positive youth development programs, noting that a lack of visible positive leadership disproportionately impacts boys’ participation in constructive extracurricular and community activities. “Our boys cannot be what they cannot see,” he said. “Our boys are a reflection of what they are seeing in our men.” He called on more adult men to get involved in youth programs, from uniformed groups to sports and faith-based initiatives, explaining that confidence and leadership skills cannot be learned solely from textbooks – they are developed through hands-on, mentored engagement.

    Principal Marshall closed by noting that President Bostic’s visit reinforced the core mission of Selah Primary, saying, “Your presence here today sends a powerful message to our students that they matter, that their education matters, and that their dreams and aspirations matter.” Looking ahead, the school will launch the President’s Chapman Challenge this Friday, and continue expanding its extracurricular offerings throughout the term with the new Beavers program and the return of swimming.