Hon. Jamale Pringle, the Leader of the Opposition in Antigua and Barbuda, has issued a public invitation urging citizens and residents to attend the upcoming meeting of the Public Accounts Committee. The session is set to take place on Thursday, 25 September 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in the House of Parliament. In his statement, Mr. Pringle underscored the critical role of the Public Accounts Committee in promoting transparency and accountability by scrutinizing government expenditures and ensuring the efficient use of public funds. He emphasized the importance of civic participation in parliamentary proceedings, highlighting the committee’s function as a cornerstone of democratic oversight. While specific details of the meeting’s agenda remain undisclosed, this initiative reflects the Opposition’s ongoing commitment to fostering public engagement in governance. By encouraging community involvement, the Opposition aims to strengthen democratic processes and enhance trust in government operations. This move aligns with broader efforts to empower citizens and ensure that parliamentary activities remain accessible and transparent.
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VIDEO: Antigua and Barbuda PM Calls for Debt Relief and Financial Reform to Protect Small Island States
In a compelling address at the United Nations, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda called for urgent international action to address the escalating climate and economic crises threatening small island developing states (SIDS). Speaking before global leaders, Browne emphasized the profound challenges facing these nations, including trade fragmentation, financial volatility, and increasingly frequent climate disasters. He noted that climate-related disasters in 2024 alone caused $7 billion in damages across the region. Browne highlighted the vulnerability of economies heavily reliant on tourism, which in some islands contributes over 40% of GDP. He warned that rising sea levels, projected to reach up to one metre by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), could threaten homes, ports, and entire cultures. The Prime Minister stressed the gap between global pledges and action, citing slow progress on agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord and the UN’s 2030 Agenda. He outlined regional initiatives, including the establishment of a Debt Sustainability Support service (DSS) by the Antigua and Barbuda Gender for SIDS, aimed at restructuring debt and directing financing into resilience projects. Browne urged multilateral development banks and financial institutions to expand concessional financing, adopt vulnerability-based access, and implement automatic debt service pauses in the event of disasters. He also encouraged partnerships with philanthropy and private capital to fund resilient infrastructure, clean energy, and adaptation projects. ‘State-contingent debt, climate-resilient clauses, and debt-for-nature swaps must become standard practice, not pilots,’ he said, appealing for immediate global action to safeguard the futures of the world’s most vulnerable nations.
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Sustainable development of region’s oceans and natural resources take center stage in GGGI, CDF agreement
The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) have solidified their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step toward advancing sustainable development in the Caribbean. The agreement, finalized in August 2025, underscores a shared commitment to fostering the blue economy, promoting green growth, and enhancing climate resilience across the region. By combining GGGI’s expertise in sustainable strategies with CBF’s innovative financial mechanisms and conservation projects, the partnership aims to unlock economic opportunities while safeguarding biodiversity and improving livelihoods. The initiative will focus on strengthening planning processes, financial frameworks, and institutional capacities at national and local levels, with the ultimate goal of translating development plans into actionable outcomes. The blue economy, which emphasizes the sustainable use of ocean resources, is particularly vital for the Caribbean, where over 90% of economies rely on marine ecosystems. Green growth complements this by ensuring economic progress is environmentally sound and inclusive. Together, these strategies are critical for the region’s long-term sustainability and global competitiveness. The partnership also emphasizes regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and leadership development, with plans to establish learning hubs and collaborative platforms. Both organizations will explore innovative financial tools, such as blue bonds and circular economy models, to support Caribbean nations in achieving their sustainable development goals. Karen McDonald Gayle, CEO of CBF, highlighted the alliance’s importance in preserving the Caribbean way of life, while Daniel Muñoz-Smith, GGGI’s Caribbean Representative, stressed the strategic value of leveraging the region’s natural assets for inclusive progress and climate resilience.
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Antigua and Barbuda’s Michael Joseph Named CARICOM Youth Farmer of the Year 2025
Michael Joseph, a young farmer from Antigua and Barbuda, has been awarded the prestigious title of CARICOM Youth Farmer of the Year 2025. This accolade recognizes his innovative approach to agriculture and his unwavering commitment to the sector. The announcement was made this week, with the Ministry of Agriculture hailing it as a moment of pride for the nation.
Joseph’s journey in agriculture began modestly, but his ability to merge traditional farming practices with modern techniques has set him apart. He has been a vocal advocate for food security, climate-smart agriculture, and youth empowerment in the agricultural sector. His work emphasizes the importance of sustainability, as he integrates new technologies and environmentally friendly methods into his farming practices.
The Ministry of Agriculture, led by the Honourable Anthony Smith Jr., Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, along with Permanent Secretary Walter Christopher and Director Gregory Bailey, extended their congratulations to Joseph. In a statement, the ministry highlighted that his achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the dedication and creativity of young farmers in Antigua and Barbuda.
The CARICOM Youth Farmer of the Year award underscores the critical role young people play in shaping the Caribbean’s food systems. Joseph’s success is expected to inspire other youth to view agriculture as a dynamic and rewarding career path. The ministry reiterated its commitment to fostering youth engagement in agriculture, emphasizing that Joseph’s accomplishments will encourage more young men and women to contribute to national and regional food security.
Joseph’s story is a powerful reminder of the potential of agriculture to build communities, protect the environment, and create opportunities for future generations. His recognition serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young farmers across the Caribbean.
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Man on bail over unlawful sexual intercourse charge
A 21-year-old man accused of unlawful sexual intercourse has been granted bail by the St John’s Magistrates’ Court. The defendant, who is self-employed, must meet several stringent conditions, including depositing $3,000, providing two sureties, surrendering his passport, and reporting to the police three times a week. Additionally, he has been ordered not to contact the 18-year-old complainant. Acting Chief Magistrate Dexter Wason highlighted that the accused has no prior record of similar offenses. The committal proceedings are scheduled for December 15, with the defendant being represented by attorney Wendel Alexander. This case has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the court’s decision to grant bail under strict conditions.
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Dominica to host OECS education ministers council meeting; Alfred assumes chair
Hon. Octavia Alfred, Dominica’s Minister of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence, is poised to take on the role of Chair of the OECS Council of Ministers: Education. This leadership transition will occur during the 10th Meeting of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Council of Ministers for Education (COM:Edu), set for September 25–26, 2025, at the State House Conference Center in Roseau. The event, as detailed in a Ministry of Education media release, will bring together education ministers and senior officials from OECS member states to discuss and advance the objectives of the OECS Education Sector Strategy (OESS) 2012–2026. The OESS, designed to address the unique challenges of Small Island Developing States, provides a framework for transformative educational reforms across the region. Key agenda items include inclusive education, improving learning outcomes, and comprehensive system reforms. Participants will also collaborate with development partners and regional agencies to strengthen collective efforts on educational initiatives. The meeting aims to modernize primary school curricula, enhance early grade assessments, expand access to quality early childhood education, and promote inclusive teaching practices. Additionally, efforts will focus on accelerating the implementation of the OECS Digital Learning Ecosystem by expanding digital infrastructure, increasing device availability, integrating high-quality digital content, and improving digital literacy among teachers and students. The event will also facilitate the exchange of best practices and innovative approaches, enabling member states to learn from each other’s successes and scale effective strategies. Strengthening partnerships with regional and international organizations will be crucial to coordinating expertise, funding, and policies to drive systemic improvements across the OECS. The official opening ceremony is scheduled for 8:30 AM.
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Two Face Court Over Alleged Forged Cheque
A 24-year-old mother from Nut Grove and a man from Gray’s Farm have been brought before the court on charges of attempting to pass a forged cheque. The duo was granted bail set at $10,000 each, with a $1,000 cash deposit and two sureties required as conditions for their release. The woman has been ordered to surrender her passport, while her co-accused is prohibited from applying for one. Both individuals must report to the Gray’s Farm Police Station three times a week as part of their bail terms. The case has been adjourned to December 16 and will be transferred to the High Court for trial. The exact value of the alleged forged cheque remains undisclosed at this time. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of financial fraud and the legal measures in place to address such crimes.
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Daley urges young Sunshine Girls to leave all on court vs Aussies
Jamaica’s Under-21 netball team, led by head coach Annett Daley, is gearing up for a challenging quarter-final clash against Australia in the World Netball Youth Cup (WNYC). The match, set to take place at the Europa Sports Complex in Gibraltar, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two formidable teams. Australia, having topped Pool B, enters the game as a dominant force, while Jamaica, finishing second in Pool C, aims to showcase their resilience and skill. Daley has urged her players to focus on executing the basics—catching, passing, and driving—while maintaining confidence in their abilities. She emphasized the importance of not being intimidated by Australia’s reputation, reminding her team that self-belief is key to success. Despite a recent 33-64 loss to England, Daley remains optimistic, highlighting moments of potential during the match and encouraging her players to trust their skills. With Australia’s impressive WNYC track record—four titles and three runner-up finishes—the young Sunshine Girls face a tough but not insurmountable challenge. Daley’s message is clear: play hard, execute the fundamentals, and let the results speak for themselves.
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Reggae North Music Awards set for this weekend
The second edition of the Reggae North Music Awards (RNMA) is set to take place on September 28, 2024, at the Rose Theatre in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. This year’s event features 37 categories, including Top Vocalist (male and female), Top Album/EP of The Year, and Top Entertainer of The Year. The awards were initiated last year by veteran singer Tony Anthony, who recognized the need for a dedicated platform to honor Canadian reggae artists following a brief controversy when the Juno Awards considered eliminating their reggae category in 2025. The RNMA aims to fill a historical gap in recognition for reggae and dancehall music in Canada. Leading the nominations is Juno reggae winner Exco Levi, who has secured 10 nods across various categories. Ammoye follows closely with seven nominations. A new category, Top Club/Party Reggae Dancehall DJ, has been introduced this year, generating significant buzz. Additionally, the event will honor reggae stalwarts Nana McLean and Carl ‘Grandmaster Rosa’ Green with Living Legends Awards, celebrating their contributions to the genre. Tony Anthony emphasized the importance of these awards in preserving the legacy of reggae in Canada, acknowledging the pioneers who paved the way for today’s artists. The event also highlights the rich history of Jamaican musicians who thrived in Canada during the 1970s and 1980s, a story chronicled in the 2024 documentary *Sounds & Pressure: Reggae in A Foreign Land* by Chris Flanagan and Graeme Mathieson.
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A Taste of Marley Fragrance @ Gap Café
The Gap Café, a restored rustic boutique café perched at 4,200 feet above sea level near Hardwar Gap, served as the perfect venue for the Jamaican launch of the Marley Fragrance collection. On September 20, 2022, an exclusive luncheon was hosted by Rohan Marley, son of the legendary Bob Marley, and Novia McDonald-Whyte, Senior Associate Editor of the Jamaica Observer. The event was catered by renowned chef Alexa Von Strolley, who crafted a menu inspired by the fragrance notes of the Marley collection. Guests were treated to a sensory journey, starting with freshly brewed Marley Coffee and a series of meticulously designed dishes. The menu included Earl Grey Cured Salmon Roulade, Lemon-Sage Crab Tartlets, and a Mandarin & Grapefruit Salad, each dish echoing the aromatic elements of the fragrances. The main course featured Seared Snapper with Mango-Agave Glaze and a vegetarian Cauliflower Steak, both paired with saffron coconut rice. The meal concluded with a Lemon & Ambrette Pavlova, offering a delicate finish to the culinary experience. Chef Von Strolley’s innovative approach allowed guests to ‘taste’ the fragrances, creating a unique and memorable event. The intimate gathering was a celebration of Jamaican culture, gastronomy, and the legacy of Bob Marley.