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  • UWI Press Celebrates Global Award Win for Book Honouring Bridget Brereton

    UWI Press Celebrates Global Award Win for Book Honouring Bridget Brereton

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — July 24, 2026 — The University of the West Indies (UWI) Press has announced that one of its flagship 2025 publications has earned international acclaim, taking home silver honors in the 28th annual Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards.

    Titled *History Matters: Reassembling the Fragments of a Contested Past – In Honour of Bridget Brereton*, the edited volume claimed the Silver Winner distinction in the Adult Nonfiction History category. The collection, assembled by three UWI-based academics — Dr. Heather Cateau, Dr. Rita Pemberton, and Dr. Ronald Noel — centers on celebrating the transformative career of Bridget Brereton, one of the Caribbean’s most influential modern historians whose work has reshaped global understandings of the region’s past.

    Across the volume’s collected essays, contributors unpack under-explored dimensions of Caribbean history, spanning economic structures, social dynamics, political evolution, and cultural identity formation. The volume’s analytical framing mirrors Brereton’s own scholarly approach, which prioritizes nuance, contextual depth, and a commitment to unpacking the complexities of contested historical narratives rather than oversimplifying the region’s past.

    The Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards stand as one of the most prestigious recognitions for independent and university press publishing in North America and beyond. Each year, the awards program highlights exceptional works released over the prior calendar year from small independent publishing houses and academic presses, a segment of the industry that often produces niche and high-impact scholarship that receives less mainstream attention. Winners for the 2025 publishing cycle were announced earlier in July 2026 by Foreword Reviews, the leading trade journal focused exclusively on coverage of independent publishing.

    In a statement following the award announcement, Christine Randle, Managing Director of UWI Press, emphasized the unique meaning of the international recognition. “This honor carries special significance, as *History Matters* pays tribute to the remarkable life and legacy of Bridget Brereton, one of the Caribbean’s most distinguished historians. We are delighted that the book has received international recognition from Foreword Reviews and extend heartfelt congratulations to the editors and contributors. This achievement highlights the global importance of Caribbean scholarship and reinforces the value of safeguarding and exploring our collective past.”

    Michelle Schingler, Editor-in-Chief of Foreword Reviews, noted that competition for the 2026 awards was stiffer than ever before. “Each year, as our number of entrants increases and diversifies, the task of narrowing each genre category to a select few finalists gets harder. But that also makes the judges’ ultimate selections all the more exciting. We so look forward to their final choices, and we are proud to celebrate this year’s exemplary slate of winners,” Schingeton said.

    Founded in 1992, UWI Press operates as a not-for-profit scholarly publisher focused on advancing research across 14 academic fields, with particular global recognition for its deep catalog of work focused on Caribbean history, cultural studies, literature, gender studies, education, and political science. All UWI Press publications undergo rigorous peer review and approval from an editorial committee made up of leading local and international scholars. To date, the press has more than 350 titles in print, with over 100 available through major e-book platforms including Kindle and Kobo, and it launched a dedicated mobile reading app for both iOS and Android devices in 2023. Over the past two decades, UWI Press titles have earned more than 80 international, regional, and national awards for excellence in scholarship, editing, and production.

    The award comes as UWI, the parent institution of UWI Press, continues to cement its status as the Caribbean’s leading English-speaking research university. Established in 1948 as a small medical college affiliated with the University of London in Jamaica, UWI has grown dramatically over 75 years to serve nearly 50,000 students across five physical campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda, and the online Global Campus, plus it maintains partnership research centers with leading higher education institutions across North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

    Today, the university offers more than 1,000 academic programs ranging from professional certificates to doctoral degrees across nine broad academic divisions, and it holds a consistent place in the Times Higher Education (THE) global rankings, having been included annually since 2018. It is the only English-speaking Caribbean university to be featured in four of THE’s most prestigious ranking lists: the overall World University Rankings, which evaluates more than 2,000 research-focused institutions globally; the Golden Age University Rankings for universities founded between 50 and 80 years ago; the Latin America and Caribbean Regional Rankings; and the Impact Rankings, which assess institutional contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This international recognition has supported the launch of UWI’s new International School for Development Justice, a global online graduate school focused on training future leaders for equitable and sustainable development across the Global South. As an SDG-engaged institution, UWI consistently ranks among the top universities globally for its advancement of the UN’s sustainable development agenda. More information about the university and its programs is available at www.uwi.edu.

  • Queen of Carnival Zaine Frederick to Represent Antigua and Barbuda at Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant

    Queen of Carnival Zaine Frederick to Represent Antigua and Barbuda at Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant

    Fresh off her triumphant win as Antigua and Barbuda’s 2026 Carnival Queen, Zaine Frederick has already received a new milestone appointment: regional pageant organizers have named her the nation’s official delegate to the 2026 Bank of Nevis Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant. The announcement came mere hours after Frederick claimed the national Carnival crown, capping off a successful run that also saw her carry the title of Miss St. John’s Rural West into the national competition.

    A multi-talented young leader with a diverse professional background, Frederick is far more than a pageant titleholder. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a specialized concentration in Entrepreneurship, and has already built her own brand as an entrepreneur: she is the founder of Beauty Mark by Zaine, a beauty-focused venture rooted in her professional expertise. Beyond her business pursuits, Frederick has a background in competitive sports, having played both netball and basketball at previous levels, and is an enthusiastic skilled steel pan player — tying her directly to the rich musical traditions of the Caribbean.

    Central to Frederick’s platform as she heads to the regional pageant is her community initiative *Beyond the Dream*, a program designed to uplift and empower young girls across Antigua and Barbuda. The initiative delivers targeted support through five core pillars: entrepreneurship training, leadership skill-building, one-on-one mentorship, financial literacy education, and professional cosmetology training, equipping participants with practical tools to build their own successful futures.

    As she begins preparations for the regional competition, organizers note that Frederick aims to lift up the distinctive cultural heritage of Antigua and Barbuda on the regional stage, while modeling core values of confidence, determination, and integrity for young people across the Caribbean. The Bank of Nevis Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant is a landmark regional event that brings together competing delegates from dozens of Caribbean nations and territories, serving as a platform to celebrate the diversity, creativity, and leadership of Caribbean women while showcasing the breadth of the region’s unique cultural identity.

  • Police Launch Investigation into Death of Prisoner Rashawn Shabazz

    Police Launch Investigation into Death of Prisoner Rashawn Shabazz

    St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda – July 25, 2026: The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has opened a formal inquiry into the death of 36-year-old Rashawn Shabazz, a prisoner who passed away at a local hospital two days after an altercation at His Majesty’s Prison.

    According to official preliminary details, the incident unfolded on Thursday, July 23, when correctional officers moved to escort Shabazz to a pre-scheduled medical appointment. Instead of complying with the order, the inmate became confrontational and barricaded himself inside his cell, blocking access for staff.

    Prison personnel first attempted to de-escalate the situation through peaceful negotiation, but all efforts to resolve the standoff without force failed. Following this breakdown, institutional authorities placed a formal request for additional support from local law enforcement.

    Once on scene, law enforcement and correctional teams attempted to take Shabazz into custody to move him from the cell. Officials confirm the prisoner continued to resist detainment and made threats toward responding officers, prompting the use of non-lethal containment measures to secure the area and safely remove him from the locked cell.

    Immediately after being taken into custody, Shabazz was transferred by emergency transport to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where clinical teams began urgent care immediately. Despite aggressive resuscitation efforts from the hospital’s medical staff, Shabazz was pronounced dead at 11:37 a.m. that same day.

    In an official statement released through the force’s Office of Strategic Communications, the Police Administration extended its deepest condolences to Shabazz’s family and loved ones. Senior officials have given a formal reassurance that the investigation will be comprehensive, transparent, and conducted to the full standards of regional law enforcement protocol, leaving no aspect of the incident unexamined.

  • Antiguan Schools Invited to Enter CARICOM Agriculture Video Competition

    Antiguan Schools Invited to Enter CARICOM Agriculture Video Competition

    Secondary schools across Antigua and Barbuda have been invited to participate in a region-wide agricultural video competition that offers significant cash rewards for winning teams, launched by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

    The CARICOM Regional High School Youth in Agriculture Video Competition requires participating institutions to craft an original, engaging one-minute video created by students. Entries must center on student-led agricultural production projects, and clearly articulate the critical role that agriculture plays in sustaining local communities, national economies, and the broader Caribbean regional ecosystem. For emerging winners, the rewards are structured as $1,700 for the first-place team, $1,300 for second place, and $1,000 for the third-place finisher.

    According to a statement from the CARICOM Secretariat, the competition serves multiple core strategic goals. Beyond celebrating high-performing agricultural education programs already operating at secondary schools across the region, organizers aim to raise awareness of sustainable farming practices and open young people’s eyes to agriculture as a viable, rewarding professional path and entrepreneurial opportunity. Too often framed as a declining industry, the competition seeks to reframe agriculture as an innovative, essential sector that welcomes young new talent.

    This initiative is not a solo effort by CARICOM: it is a collaborative project developed alongside the CARICOM Youth Advisory Body, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute, and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture. This cross-organizational partnership brings together expertise in youth engagement, global agricultural development, regional research, and agricultural cooperation to support the competition’s mission.

    Aspiring participating schools have ample time to prepare their submissions, with a final entry deadline set for September 4, 2026. Full official competition guidelines and all required entry information are currently available for review directly through the CARICOM Secretariat for interested institutions.

  • Senator Beazer Says Freehold Certificates Open New Era for Barbuda

    Senator Beazer Says Freehold Certificates Open New Era for Barbuda

    A historic milestone for land rights on the Caribbean island of Barbuda has opened a transformative new chapter defined by greater self-determination, long-term security, and sustainable growth for the island’s population, a senior senator has announced. For hundreds of years, the people of Barbuda have built their families, livelihoods, and communities on land collectively held under common ownership, a system that has shaped the island’s social fabric for generations. Now, the rollout of official freehold land ownership certificates marks a break from this long-standing arrangement, delivering more than just legally recognized property claims to residents. Speaking on the significance of the occasion, Senator Beazer emphasized that these documents carry far deeper meaning than legal ownership alone. They stand as tangible symbols of the local population’s inherent dignity, generations of resilience in the face of challenges, and the long-awaited realization of their right to hold the land that has sustained their communities for centuries. “This milestone represents more than a legal document; it is a symbol of dignity, resilience and the right of every Barbudan to stand on land that is truly theirs,” Beazer stated. The achievement, Beazer noted, is the product of decades of organized advocacy, unwavering faith in the cause of land reform, and relentless determination from the Barbudan community, and the moment was being celebrated across the entire island alongside residents and advocates. Beyond its symbolic weight, widespread land ownership is expected to unlock tangible economic and social benefits for the community. Securing formal property rights will give residents the foundation to put down stable roots with permanent housing, launch and grow small local businesses, expand domestic agricultural production, and build intergenerational wealth that can be passed down to children and grandchildren, strengthening the island’s long-term prosperity. Beazer also paid tribute to the trailblazers who laid the groundwork for the freehold land process, highlighting figures including Arthur Nibbs, a former Member of Parliament for Barbuda, who was among the first recipients of the new ownership certificates. “Their example lights the path forward for all Barbudans,” Beazer said of the early advocates. Framing the rollout as a moment of shared purpose and collective progress for the entire island, Beazer reaffirmed his ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives that will shape a stronger, more prosperous, and more inclusive Barbuda for all residents. “Together, we will continue to build a Barbuda that is resilient, prosperous and inclusive, where every citizen has the chance to thrive on the land of their birth,” he added.

  • Venezuelan Embassy in Antigua Marks Simón Bolívar’s 243rd Birthday

    Venezuelan Embassy in Antigua Marks Simón Bolívar’s 243rd Birthday

    On a historic Friday in St. John’s, the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela hosted a solemn wreath-laying ceremony to celebrate the 243rd anniversary of the birth of Simón Bolívar, the iconic revolutionary widely known as the South American Liberator. The commemoration centered on celebrating Bolívar’s enduring legacy as a relentless advocate for independence, cross-regional unity, and national sovereignty across every corner of Latin America.

    Diplomatic representatives from the Venezuelan mission placed a ceremonial wreath at the base of a bronze bust of Bolívar, a permanent monument that stands between the flying national flags of both host nation Antigua and Barbuda and Venezuela. This annual gathering is part of a long-running tradition to honor the revered Venezuelan national hero, whose military and political leadership fundamentally reshaped the continent by breaking colonial rule for multiple South American peoples.

    Born on July 24, 1783, Bolívar remains one of the most consequential and studied figures in Latin American history. His groundbreaking leadership of pan-regional independence movements directly led to the formation of six modern sovereign nations: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Panama. Beyond its tribute to a historical icon, this year’s observance also highlighted the deep, long-standing diplomatic ties that bind Caracas and St. John’s, while reaffirming Bolívar’s timeless impact on the region’s ongoing fight for self-determination and collective progress.

  • Vincentian Among The Three Fishermen Missing off Antigua

    Vincentian Among The Three Fishermen Missing off Antigua

    A wide-scale cross-regional search and rescue mission is ongoing in the Eastern Caribbean after three fishermen, including Vincentian native Gregory Questelles, vanished during a planned short-duration fishing expedition departing from Antigua.

    The trio—Questelles, Rowel Martin, and Cleofoster Jarvis—set sail from Port Wharf on their vessel, the Lady Madesha, on July 16. The journey was scheduled to conclude just two days later, but when the men failed to return to port as scheduled, authorities received an official missing persons report on July 20.

    Acting Commander Vaughn Simon of the Antigua and Barbuda Coast Guard confirmed that coordinated search efforts have combined both aerial and maritime patrols across waters surrounding Antigua. The operation has received critical support from partner agencies, including the St. Kitts Coast Guard and the local Antigua and Barbuda Search and Rescue team, expanding the scope of the search beyond what local resources could cover independently.

    International coordination has also been activated: the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre based in Guadeloupe has been formally notified of the incident, and navigation alerts have been distributed to all commercial and recreational vessels operating in the maritime zones around Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Redonda, and South Bank. These alerts ask all passing ships to maintain a heightened lookout for any signs of the missing vessel or its crew.

    As of the latest official update, search teams have not located any debris, wreckage, or trace of the three missing men. Commander Simon emphasized that the Coast Guard maintains regular, compassionate communication with the families of the missing fishermen and has pledged that search operations will continue until every possible avenue for locating the trio has been fully explored.

  • SLBMC Staff Attend Caribbean Cardiology Conference to Strengthen Cardiac Care

    SLBMC Staff Attend Caribbean Cardiology Conference to Strengthen Cardiac Care

    Cardiovascular care providers from Antigua and Barbuda’s Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) are among the attendees at the 39th Annual Caribbean Cardiology Conference, a key regional gathering that brings together leading heart health specialists to examine the most recent breakthroughs in cardiovascular medical practice.

    This annual conference serves as a critical hub for collaboration across the Caribbean region, uniting practicing physicians, nurses, and a wide range of other healthcare professionals. The core mission of the event is to facilitate open exchange of groundbreaking research, hands-on clinical insights, and innovative new strategies for both preventing and treating cardiovascular disease – one of the leading causes of mortality across much of the Caribbean.

    In an official statement, SLBMC officials emphasized that the decision to send clinical representatives to the event aligns directly with the institution’s long-standing commitment to ongoing professional education for its care teams. The hospital noted that staying abreast of rapid advancements in patient care is a non-negotiable priority for ensuring the community receives gold-standard treatment.

    “Continuing medical education is a foundational pillar of delivering high-quality healthcare to our population,” the hospital statement read. “When our clinical teams stay up to date on the latest peer-reviewed research, widely accepted best practices, and newly emerging treatment modalities, they are far better prepared to meet the diverse cardiovascular care needs of all people living in Antigua and Barbuda.”

    Beyond highlighting the value of the conference itself, SLBMC publicly recognized its participating representatives for their personal dedication to ongoing professional growth and lifelong learning. Hospital leaders confirmed that the practical knowledge and clinical insights the team gains during the conference will directly translate to a stronger, more advanced cardiovascular care program for local patients, improving health outcomes across the nation in the years ahead.

  • Two Antiguan Students Selected for Prestigious Caribbean STEM Programme

    Two Antiguan Students Selected for Prestigious Caribbean STEM Programme

    Two outstanding young students from Antigua and Barbuda have secured coveted positions in the 2026 Student Programme for Innovation in Science and Engineering (SPISE), opening the door for them to collaborate and learn alongside the Caribbean’s most promising emerging STEM talents. The nation’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology made the official announcement this Friday, confirming that Ajenai Charles and Kha-Lique Harris will depart this weekend for Barbados to complete the programme’s intensive residential learning segment. In an official statement released to the public, the ministry extended warm congratulations to the selected pair, praising them as extraordinary young representatives of Antigua and Barbuda who will carry their nation’s pride into an experience of advanced academic study and cross-regional collaborative problem-solving. “We wish them every success as they continue to represent Antigua and Barbuda with pride,” the statement read. SPISE is widely recognized as one of the Caribbean’s most competitive youth STEM initiatives, structured as an immersive, intensive program that integrates rigorous university-level coursework, targeted leadership skill building, and hands-on practical training across all STEM disciplines: science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The program was developed specifically to equip high-achieving secondary students from across the Caribbean with the foundational skills and networks needed to build successful long-term careers in fast-growing STEM sectors. Both selected students currently pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) at Island Academy International, with distinct academic backgrounds prior to their enrollment: Charles is a graduate of Christ the King High School, while Harris completed his earlier secondary education at St. Joseph’s Academy. Beyond celebrating the individual achievements of Charles and Harris, the ministry emphasized that their selection to the competitive program is a tangible reflection of Antigua and Barbuda’s sustained, long-term investment in advancing academic excellence and nurturing the next generation of homegrown innovators in STEM fields.

  • Carnival Opens Today with T-Shirt Mas Parade Through St. John’s

    Carnival Opens Today with T-Shirt Mas Parade Through St. John’s

    One of the Caribbean’s most anticipated annual cultural celebrations, Antigua Carnival 2026, has officially launched today, starting with the iconic Opening Parade and beloved T-Shirt Mas event that is expected to draw thousands of celebration-goers, talented performers and curious spectators to the capital city of St. John’s. The festivities will run from 2 p.m. through 9 p.m., turning the streets of the capital into a vibrant hub of music, color and cultural heritage.

    The official opening proceedings will convene at Parliament Drive, the site of the old House of Culture, where elaborately decorated floats, world-famous Antiguan steel bands, traditional cultural performers and this year’s carnival pageant contestants will gather ahead of the procession. From this assembly point, the celebration will move through the pre-planned parade route to showcase the energy of Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural identity to onlookers.

    The T-Shirt Mas procession, a popular accessible segment of the carnival open to wide participation, will begin at Old Parham Road, adjacent to the T.N. Kirnon School. The full route winds through key thoroughfares across St. John’s, taking procession participants along Old Parham Road, Simon Bolivar Drive, Factory Road, Parliament Drive, Queen Elizabeth Highway, Independence Avenue, Redcliffe Street, Thames Street and High Street, before looping back to the starting point at Old Parham Road. This route is designed to give as many community members and visitors as possible the chance to watch the festivities from vantage points across the city.

    Event organizers have issued practical guidance for attendees ahead of the event, urging anyone planning to attend to arrive early to secure good viewing positions along the parade route. They have also reminded the public that widespread traffic diversions will be in place across St. John’s throughout the afternoon and evening to accommodate the procession, and road users should plan alternate routes for any travel during this period.

    For attendees seeking elevated experiences, VIP tickets are still available for two major themed carnival events: the Melting Pot cultural showcase and the I Am Woman celebration, which highlights female creators and performers in the carnival community. This year’s 10-day celebration of Antiguan and Barbudan culture operates under the official 2026 theme “Feel the Rhythm,” which was selected to encapsulate the infectious energy, musical heritage and community spirit that defines the annual carnival tradition.