As Tropical Storm Jerry continues to develop, the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) has issued urgent warnings to residents of Antigua and Barbuda to prepare for potential severe weather conditions. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the storm, which poses significant risks to the region. According to the latest updates from the Met Office, there is a 47% chance of storm-force winds impacting Barbuda and a 10% chance of hurricane-force winds. For Antigua, the probabilities stand at 22% and 1%, respectively. Residents are advised to stay informed as the situation evolves. NODS emphasizes the importance of having a well-stocked emergency kit, including non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, a battery-operated radio, flashlight, medications, and personal hygiene items. Special attention should be given to vulnerable family members, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with special needs. Additionally, homeowners are urged to secure their properties against potential wind and rain damage and to identify the nearest shelter locations. The Met Office assures that updates will be provided as the storm progresses, urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared.
博客
-
Caribbean Development Bank hosts 22nd annual meeting for Independent Accountability Mechanisms Network
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is co-hosting the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Independent Accountability Mechanisms Network (IAMNet) in Barbados from October 6 to 9, 2025. This prestigious event, organized in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank’s Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism (MICI) and the Office of the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, has drawn nearly 70 accountability professionals from development finance institutions worldwide. Attendees include representatives from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and other global financial entities. IAMNet, established to foster cooperation among independent accountability bodies, aims to promote best practices in addressing complaints related to development projects, particularly those concerning environmental and social impacts. CDB President, Mr. Daniel Best, emphasized the importance of accountability in development finance, stating, ‘As development challenges grow more complex, strong accountability frameworks become even more critical.’ The conference agenda addresses pressing issues such as the stagnation of Sustainable Development Goals progress, declining aid budgets, and climate-related disasters. Key topics include IAM policy reviews, safeguarding mechanisms for complainants, accountability in climate projects, technological innovations, and strategies to combat retaliation. A dedicated session on October 8 will focus on capacity building for civil society organizations, early conflict resolution, and strengthening collaborations between IAMs and development advocates. Mr. Best highlighted the critical role of accountability in the Caribbean, noting, ‘In the Caribbean, accountability isn’t a luxury; it’s a matter of survival.’ Since 2015, CDB has maintained the Office of Integrity, Compliance, and Accountability, ensuring institutional integrity and ethical practices through its Projects Complaints Mechanism and whistleblowing procedures.
-
New President of Barbados elected
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Davidson Bostic has been unanimously elected as the next President of Barbados, marking a significant moment in the nation’s political landscape. The confirmation of his election took place during a joint session of the House of Assembly and the Senate, where no objections were raised against his sole nomination. This nomination was jointly endorsed by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne, showcasing a rare display of bipartisan unity. Speaker of the House Arthur Holder declared that, in the absence of any objections, a formal vote was unnecessary, and the nomination was officially approved. In their remarks, both Prime Minister Mottley and Opposition Leader Thorne praised Bostic’s qualifications and character. Thorne highlighted Bostic’s steady and respected presence in Barbadian society, while Mottley emphasized that he embodies all the essential qualities needed for the presidency at this pivotal time. Bostic’s election reflects a collective confidence in his ability to lead and represent Barbados with dignity and integrity.
-
PM promises payments by Christmas as workers march on Parliament
Prime Minister Philip Davis of The Bahamas has vowed to disburse overdue payments to public sector workers before Christmas, following a protest led by union leaders outside the House of Assembly. The demonstration, organized by the Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU) and the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT), saw workers demanding their long-awaited wage increases. Union presidents Kimsley Ferguson and Belinda Wilson spearheaded the rally, with chants of ‘pay us our money’ echoing through the streets. The delay in implementing government wage hikes has been a persistent issue, with union officials accusing the administration of sidelining key worker groups and failing to engage in proper consultations. Addressing the crowd, PM Davis emphasized his personal commitment to resolving the matter, stating, ‘The decision to give y’all some money came from me, from my heart. I understood that y’all need that. It was nothing negotiated, I’m trying to help all of you, y’all will be paid and the payment will be before Christmas.’ Last month, the government announced that public servants who missed earlier pay raises would receive their increments in December, retroactive to September. Each employee is expected to receive at least two salary increases, though the exact amounts will vary by category.
-
Walker confirmed
Former NFL star Herschel Walker has been officially confirmed by the United States Senate as the next US ambassador to The Bahamas, marking the end of a 13-year vacancy in the position. Walker, a 63-year-old Georgia native, becomes the first individual to hold the role since Nicole Avant’s departure in 2011. The US Embassy in Nassau confirmed the Senate’s decision, expressing eagerness to welcome Walker after he receives his presidential commission and is sworn in. His exact arrival date in New Providence remains uncertain but is expected to occur after the end of the month, causing him to miss the upcoming wedding of US Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish, who has led the embassy since 2024. The official ambassador’s residence, Liberty Overlook, will be prepared for his arrival after sitting unused for over a decade. Walker was nominated in December 2024 by President Donald Trump, who returned to office following his election victory that year. During his Senate confirmation hearing in September, Walker outlined his priorities, including countering China’s influence in the region, enhancing anti-drug trafficking efforts with the DEA and regional partners, and promoting US investment to foster local prosperity. His confirmation was secured by a 51 to 47 vote, making him one of over 100 nominees approved by the Senate. Walker’s illustrious career spans college football, the NFL, Olympic bobsledding, and mixed martial arts. He has also been a national spokesperson for the Patriot Support Programme, advocating for mental health awareness among military personnel. From 2017 to 2021, he co-chaired the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and for over 18 years, he led National Health Through Fitness Day, connecting fitness advocates with lawmakers to promote physical education. Walker entered politics in 2022 as a Republican candidate for the US Senate in Georgia but faced defeat amid controversy over allegations of domestic abuse and claims of hypocrisy regarding his anti-abortion stance. His appointment concludes a prolonged period of delays in filling the US ambassador post, with nominees across three administrations failing to secure confirmation. The Bahamas was one of only five countries, including Bolivia and Cuba, without a US ambassador for over a decade. A US State Department spokesperson praised Walker’s appointment, stating he would champion the ‘America First’ foreign policy agenda and advance US interests in the Bahamas, located less than 60 miles from Florida.
-
Long-delayed Accident and Emergency at PMH to be completed by late 2025
After years of persistent delays and shifting timelines, the much-anticipated Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department at Princess Margaret Hospital is now projected to open by the end of 2025. Initially announced with high hopes in 2023, the project has encountered numerous setbacks, including equipment delays and repeated revisions to its completion schedule. Originally slated for a 2023 launch, the opening was first postponed to August, then to October, but the facility remains non-operational.
Aubynette Rolle, Managing Director of the Public Hospitals Authority, revealed that the final phase of the project hinges on the installation of a critical cooling system, known as the DX system, which is essential for regulating airflow in the new unit. Earlier plans to utilize the hospital’s existing system were deemed insufficient, prompting the need for this upgrade.
Rolle emphasized that contractors are currently preparing the space for operations, with furniture, fixtures, and equipment being installed. She urged the public to remain patient, assuring that officials are committed to ensuring the facility is fully equipped before opening. While expressing cautious optimism about meeting the new target, Rolle acknowledged potential challenges, particularly in importing necessary components.
The A&E expansion is designed to modernize emergency care and alleviate pressure on the hospital’s overcrowded existing department, which has long struggled with extended waiting times, limited space, and staff shortages. Public frustration has mounted over the repeated delays, as the new facility is seen as a critical solution to improving conditions for both patients and healthcare workers.
-
PM promises payments by Christmas as workers march on Parliament
Prime Minister Philip Davis of The Bahamas has vowed to disburse overdue payments to public sector workers before Christmas, following a protest led by union leaders outside the House of Assembly. The demonstration, organized by the Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU) and the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT), saw workers demanding their long-awaited wage increases. Union presidents Kimsley Ferguson and Belinda Wilson spearheaded the rally, with chants of ‘pay us our money’ echoing through the streets. The delay in implementing government wage hikes has been a persistent issue, with union officials accusing the administration of sidelining key worker groups and failing to engage in proper consultations. Addressing the crowd, PM Davis emphasized his personal commitment to resolving the matter, stating, ‘The decision to give y’all some money came from me, from my heart. I understood that y’all need that. It was nothing negotiated, I’m trying to help all of you, y’all will be paid and the payment will be before Christmas.’ Last month, the government announced that public servants who missed earlier pay raises would receive their increments in December, retroactive to September. Each employee is expected to receive at least two salary increases, though the exact amounts will vary by category.
-
Laroda: Bahamians need to have more kids to keep NIB sustainable
The Bahamas is facing a demographic challenge that threatens the sustainability of its National Insurance Board (NIB), prompting calls for citizens to have more children. Myles Laroda, the Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, highlighted the critical link between the country’s declining birth rate and the future of the NIB. With a current birth rate of 1.7 children per woman—below the replacement level of 2.1—the nation risks a shrinking workforce unable to support a growing number of pensioners. Laroda emphasized that the NIB’s viability hinges on the ratio of contributors to retirees, noting that a healthy balance requires at least six workers per pensioner. However, the ratio is nearing three, signaling potential instability. The minister’s remarks came during a workshop on sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence, organized in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund. He stressed that discussions on reproductive health must consider economic realities, as fewer births translate to fewer future contributors to the NIB. Successive actuarial reports have warned of the fund’s unsustainability without reforms, with projections indicating reserves could be depleted by 2028 if contribution rates and benefits remain unchanged. In July 2024, the government raised the contribution rate from 9.8 percent to 10.3 percent, with further increases potentially needed to stabilize the fund. Laroda underscored that population growth and reproductive health are integral to the Bahamas’ economic stability and long-term development, urging citizens to recognize the broader implications of declining fertility rates.
-
Munroe: Authorities need to ‘build better mousetrap’ after recent escape
In the wake of a startling escape by a murder suspect from the Magistrates’ Court in Nassau, Bahamas, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe has called for a comprehensive review of court security protocols. The incident, which occurred last Thursday, saw 34-year-old D’Angelo Culmer evade custody, sparking widespread concern and prompting urgent measures to prevent future breaches. Culmer, who has been on the run for nearly a week, was remanded in February for the alleged murder of 39-year-old Rudiska Bethel in a drive-by shooting on Ragged Island Street. At the time of the incident, Culmer was already on bail for attempted murder. Munroe emphasized the need to scrutinize closed-circuit camera footage from the court’s holding area to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the escape. He likened the process to ‘building a better mousetrap,’ referencing past incidents where suspects managed to flee custody. The minister stressed that authorities must ascertain whether the escape resulted from negligence or collusion, and hold accountable any individuals found complicit. Culmer’s escape, which occurred around 3:30 pm on October 3, has raised alarms about the vulnerabilities in the court’s security system. He was last seen wearing a blue T-shirt and light blue jeans, with distinctive tattoos of lips on his neck and the name ‘Tiffany’ on his right chest. Munroe urged the public not to assist or shield Culmer, warning that aiding a fugitive carries severe legal consequences. He also highlighted the potential dangers Culmer might face if his case is gang-related, suggesting that rival factions could pose a threat to his safety. Police have yet to release new information on Culmer’s whereabouts, and investigations into the escape remain ongoing. This incident marks one of the longest periods between an inmate’s flight from custody and recapture in recent years, underscoring the urgency of bolstering security measures.
-
Long-delayed Accident and Emergency at PMH to be completed by late 2025
After years of persistent delays and shifting timelines, the much-anticipated Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department at Princess Margaret Hospital is now projected to open by the end of 2025. Initially announced with high hopes in 2023, the project has encountered numerous setbacks, including equipment delays and repeated revisions to its completion schedule. Originally slated for a 2023 launch, the opening was first postponed to August, then to October, but the facility remains non-operational.
Aubynette Rolle, Managing Director of the Public Hospitals Authority, revealed that the final phase of the project hinges on the installation of a critical cooling system, known as the DX system, which is essential for regulating airflow in the new unit. Earlier plans to utilize the hospital’s existing system were deemed insufficient, prompting the need for this upgrade.
Rolle emphasized that contractors are currently preparing the space for operations, with furniture, fixtures, and equipment being installed. She urged the public to remain patient, assuring that officials are committed to ensuring the facility is fully equipped before opening. While expressing cautious optimism about meeting the new target, Rolle acknowledged potential challenges, particularly in importing necessary components.
The A&E expansion is designed to modernize emergency care and alleviate pressure on the hospital’s overcrowded existing department, which has long struggled with extended waiting times, limited space, and staff shortages. Public frustration has mounted over the repeated delays, as the new facility is seen as a critical solution to improving conditions for both patients and healthcare workers.