The Sports Department has recently become the center of attention for troubling reasons, as internal conflicts and inefficiencies continue to plague its operations. Earlier this week, a pivotal meeting intended to address these challenges and enhance departmental performance took an unexpected and dramatic turn. Tensions between two senior leaders escalated into a heated verbal altercation, witnessed by other staff members, leaving many shocked and disheartened by the unprofessional conduct during such a critical session. This incident underscores deeper issues within the department, including management inefficiencies, poor coordination, and a growing lack of confidence among athletes and sporting organizations. In the wake of the confrontation, numerous staff members have expressed frustration and called for immediate leadership changes, emphasizing the need for mutual respect, stronger teamwork, and structural reforms to restore unity and public trust. The fallout has also prompted demands for intervention from higher authorities, as the sporting community eagerly awaits the department’s next steps to rebuild its credibility and vision. As one concerned administrator aptly stated, ‘We can’t fix sports if the people leading it can’t work together.’ The focus must now shift from personal disagreements to meaningful progress.
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OECS Congratulates Antiguan Youth Farmer Michael Joseph on CARICOM Award
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has warmly congratulated Michael Joseph, President of the Antigua and Barbuda Agriculture Forum for Youth (ABAFY), for being named the CARICOM Youth Farmer of the Year 2025. The prestigious award was presented during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture, held in St. Kitts, where Joseph was celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to agricultural innovation and sustainability. The OECS lauded Joseph as a trailblazer, particularly for his use of advanced technologies such as spray drones, water-saving systems, and natural farming methods, which have significantly modernized food production across the Eastern Caribbean. Joseph’s journey is an inspiring tale of perseverance and creativity. He shared how he began his agricultural career by walking four miles daily to his farm and using recycled plastic bottles for irrigation. His innovative practices, including no-till methods and sustainable farming techniques, have enabled him to produce twice the average yield per acre compared to traditional farms. His two spray drones have reduced labor, water, and chemical use by over 50%, while enhancing efficiency and crop coverage. The OECS emphasized that Joseph’s success highlights the critical role of young people in developing climate-smart and resilient food systems in the Caribbean. His achievements demonstrate how innovation and sustainability can work together to secure the region’s agricultural future. The Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2025, which concluded on October 4, featured technical sessions, policy dialogues, and exhibitions focused on food security, climate-smart agriculture, and regional cooperation.
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Antigua and Barbuda Art Week Returns with ‘Culture in Colour’
Antigua and Barbuda is gearing up to host its much-anticipated Art Week from November 26 to December 2, 2025. This annual festival, themed ‘Culture in Colour,’ promises to transform the twin-island nation into a vibrant hub of artistic expression and cultural celebration. Organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority in collaboration with the Department of Culture, the event will feature over 15 diverse activities, including visual arts, music, dance, fashion, spoken word, and culinary delights.
Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, emphasized the festival’s role in showcasing the islands’ rich cultural heritage. ‘Art Week offers a unique opportunity for visitors and residents alike to explore the creativity and stories that define Antigua and Barbuda,’ he said. The festival aims to highlight the islands’ dynamic cultural identity beyond their renowned beaches.
Key venues for the event include historic sites like Redcliffe Quay and Heritage Quay, as well as public spaces such as V.C. Bird International Airport. The opening night on November 26 will feature live art demonstrations, music performances, and open-air exhibitions at Redcliffe Quay. Highlights of the week include a Visual Arts Exhibition at the Dr. Alister Francis Campus, showcasing works by Antiguan artist Mark Brown and students from the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies. A Sustainable Art Workshop by Good Humans 268 Inc. will explore eco-friendly materials, while Art Talks will delve into the future of Caribbean creativity.
Fashion enthusiasts can look forward to the ‘ZOIGE’ Fashion Show on November 30, hosted by designer Garrett Javan, which will present bold new designs and interactive experiences. Art and Culture Bus Tours on November 28 and 29 will offer curated visits to galleries, artisan spaces, and scenic landscapes. Other notable events include a Student Art Competition, the Expressions of Art and Fashion Exhibit at V.C. Bird International Airport, and ‘Mandala and Mojitos,’ an art-and-cocktail evening at Local in Bay Gardens.
Most activities are free and open to the public, with select experiences requiring pre-registration. Paid events start at EC$75, with tickets available from mid-October via the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, TickeTing App, and other organizers. For the full schedule and hotel packages, visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.com or follow @antiguabarbudaartweek on social media.
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ABIA Launches BRIDGE Facility to Fund Green and Digital Projects for Caribbean MSMEs
The Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA) has unveiled the BRIDGE Facility, a groundbreaking funding initiative designed to empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the Caribbean. This program, spearheaded by the Caribbean Export Development Agency and backed by the European Union under the Global Gateway initiative, seeks to drive the region’s transition toward sustainable and digitally advanced business models. The BRIDGE Facility offers substantial financial support for projects focused on green transition and digital transformation. MSMEs can secure up to EUR 100,000 for initiatives in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, blue economy, and green technologies. Additionally, up to EUR 50,000 is available for projects in e-commerce, automation, cybersecurity, digital products, and supply chain digitization. A key requirement for applicants is to contribute at least 40% of the project cost, ensuring commitment and long-term sustainability. Interested businesses are encouraged to review the full guidelines, complete the application form, and utilize the provided budget templates available on the Caribbean Export Development Agency’s website. The deadline for submissions is November 9, 2025, at 11:59 PM AST. For further inquiries, contact [email protected]. This initiative marks a significant step in fostering economic resilience and innovation in the Caribbean, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and embrace digital advancements.
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CWI CEO Calls for Increased Support for West Indies Cricket from Regional Tourism Partners
Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Chris Dehring has issued a compelling appeal to Caribbean tourism stakeholders, urging them to share the responsibility for the sustainability of West Indies cricket. Speaking at the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) held in Barbados from September 30 to October 3, Dehring highlighted the significant financial contributions CWI has made to the tourism sector over the past 15 years, including $82.5 million on airlift and $120 million on hotel accommodations. Despite these investments, sponsorship support from airlines and hotels has been minimal, creating an unsustainable imbalance. Dehring emphasized that without greater collaboration and investment from tourism beneficiaries, the future of West Indies cricket remains at risk. He praised Sandals Resorts International as a rare example of meaningful support, while calling on other regional players to follow suit. The CEO’s remarks underscored the critical intersection between sports and tourism, stressing that shared investment is essential for the long-term health of the sport and the Caribbean brand.
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Abinader inaugurates 27 de Febrero–Isabel Aguiar overpass
Santo Domingo has witnessed a significant leap in urban infrastructure as President Luis Abinader officially inaugurated the state-of-the-art overpass linking the 27 de Febrero Extension and Isabel Aguiar Avenue. This ambitious project, funded by RD$2 billion secured through the renegotiation of the AERODOM contract, marks a pivotal moment in the city’s transportation landscape, promising to benefit over one million daily commuters across Greater Santo Domingo. The overpass is projected to slash travel times by up to 40% for routes connecting Santo Domingo Oeste, the South region, and the National District, while simultaneously enhancing safety, fuel efficiency, and overall productivity. Accompanied by Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella, President Abinader highlighted that this initiative is a cornerstone of a broader urban mobility strategy, which includes the development of a new transport terminal, a cable car system, and ongoing metro expansions. These combined efforts aim to alleviate chronic congestion, particularly at the city’s western entry points. Spanning 480 meters, the overpass boasts three sections, eight operational ramps, and six lateral lanes designed to accommodate both heavy and light traffic. Constructed to meet the rigorous AASHTO 2018 international standards, the structure features advanced drainage systems connected to the Guajimía ravine, capable of managing up to one million gallons of water, thereby mitigating flood risks in the area.
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U.S. authorities intercept US$4 million cocaine shipment from Dominican Republic
In a significant operation at the San Juan port in Puerto Rico, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intercepted 365 pounds (165 kilograms) of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $4 million. The illicit shipment, originating from the Dominican Republic, was discovered during a routine container inspection conducted by CBP’s Anti-Terrorism and Contraband Team. Officers uncovered eight concealed bags containing 149 brick-shaped packages of cocaine. While no arrests have been made in connection with the seizure, authorities are continuing their investigation. Roberto Vaquero, CBP’s Chief of Field Operations for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, commended the officers for their vigilance, stating that such interceptions play a crucial role in preventing drugs from infiltrating communities and highlight the agency’s dedication to safeguarding the Caribbean border.
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Japan education advisor suggests transforming math teaching in Dominican Republic
During his recent visit to the Dominican Republic, Norihiro Nishikata, an education advisor with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), highlighted the urgent need to revamp the nation’s mathematics curriculum and teaching materials to elevate educational standards. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades in educational initiatives across Central America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, Nishikata observed that Dominican educators possess both motivation and capability. However, he stressed that they require access to pertinent resources and collaborative platforms to refine their teaching methodologies. Nishikata advocated for the production and distribution of textbooks tailored to local contexts, which he believes can foster greater accessibility and equity, often surpassing the efficacy of digital tools. ‘The Dominican Republic is endowed with robust human and economic resources. By aligning curriculum content and textbooks with students’ actual learning levels, academic outcomes—especially in mathematics—can be substantially enhanced,’ Nishikata remarked. This visit is a component of JICA’s broader initiative, ‘Strengthening the Capacity for Formulating and Implementing Educational Policies to Improve Learning,’ which is also active in El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. The project aims to pinpoint technical deficiencies and offer customized educational assistance.
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Drew reaffirms Caribbean as ‘Zone of Peace’ amid US–Venezuela tensions
As tensions between the United States and Venezuela escalate, Caribbean leaders are calling for the region to remain a ‘Zone of Peace.’ Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis has emphasized the importance of maintaining regional stability amidst recent U.S. military strikes on Venezuelan vessels in the Caribbean. These strikes, which U.S. officials claim targeted drug-trafficking operations, have resulted in over 20 fatalities, raising concerns about potential destabilization in the region. Dr. Drew acknowledged the necessity of combating drug trafficking but stressed that such efforts should not compromise the Caribbean’s long-standing peace. ‘We want to maintain our region as a zone of peace,’ he stated during a press briefing. The situation has reignited broader concerns about U.S.-Venezuela relations, with Venezuela’s leader facing U.S. sanctions and an arrest warrant linked to alleged drug trafficking. CARICOM leaders, excluding Trinidad and Tobago, have collectively opposed the U.S. actions, warning of the risk of open conflict. Dr. Drew reiterated the region’s commitment to addressing the drug trade through cooperation rather than military confrontation, emphasizing the Caribbean’s vulnerability. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth defended the strikes as necessary measures to protect U.S. borders and interests.
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