Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a stark warning to Darwin Telemaque, the Manager of the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority, regarding alleged customs irregularities. During his weekly radio address on Saturday, Browne revealed that he had received reports of containers leaving the port without the full payment of required duties. While the Prime Minister emphasized that there is currently no concrete evidence directly implicating Telemaque, he made it clear that any substantiated proof of misconduct would result in immediate termination. Browne’s statement underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing strict compliance with customs regulations and maintaining transparency in port operations. The warning comes amid heightened scrutiny of the port’s management practices, as the government seeks to curb potential revenue losses and ensure accountability. Telemaque, who has not yet publicly responded to the allegations, now faces increased pressure to demonstrate adherence to protocols. This development highlights the ongoing efforts by the Browne administration to address governance challenges and strengthen public trust in key institutions.

In a historic ceremony held on October 16, 2025, at the Office of the President of Guyana, the Honourable Mr Justice Arif Bulkan was officially sworn in as a Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). The event, presided over by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, underscored the significance of the CCJ as a symbol of Caribbean sovereignty and justice. President Ali lauded Justice Bulkan’s appointment, emphasizing that the CCJ represents justice rooted in Caribbean values rather than distant colonial influences. He described Justice Bulkan as a ‘man of intellect’ and expressed confidence in his ability to bring clarity, depth, and balance to the Court. President Ali also urged CARICOM member states to fully embrace the CCJ, calling it a crucial step toward realizing the region’s independence. The CCJ President, Justice Winston Anderson, welcomed Justice Bulkan, highlighting his distinguished career in human rights advocacy, particularly for indigenous and marginalized communities. Justice Roxane George, Chancellor of the Judiciary, reflected on Justice Bulkan’s academic brilliance and his consistent excellence throughout his career. In his response, Justice Bulkan expressed his deep honor in joining the CCJ, acknowledging its role in decolonization and regional integration. With a career spanning academia, activism, and international law, Justice Bulkan’s appointment marks a significant milestone for the CCJ and the Caribbean region.

In a startling revelation during his weekly radio address, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has accused certain Treasury employees of accepting bribes from influential business figures to expedite large government payments. This alleged corruption has reportedly left smaller local suppliers and contractors waiting for years to receive their dues, while larger entities enjoy swift disbursements. Browne emphasized the inequity of this practice, which disproportionately affects small businesses that rely on timely payments to sustain their operations. To combat this issue, the Prime Minister has instructed the Accountant General to halt the issuance of significant payments or check exchanges without prior Cabinet approval. This directive aims to restore fairness and transparency in the government’s financial operations. Browne’s announcement has sparked widespread debate, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations. The Prime Minister’s commitment to addressing these systemic issues highlights his administration’s focus on combating corruption and supporting local enterprises.

In a significant move against international drug trafficking, the United States Department of War has unveiled footage capturing the destruction of a submarine laden with illegal narcotics. The vessel, intercepted on a notorious narcotrafficking route, was reportedly transporting a substantial quantity of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs. President Donald Trump revealed that four individuals, described as ‘narcoterrorists,’ were aboard the submarine. Two were killed during the operation, while the remaining two were handed over to authorities in Ecuador and Colombia for prosecution. Trump emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the intercepted drugs could have claimed the lives of at least 25,000 Americans had they reached US shores. He also confirmed that no US military personnel were harmed during the mission. This operation is part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to combat drug trafficking by land and sea, targeting the networks that fuel the opioid crisis in the United States. The release of the footage underscores the administration’s commitment to transparency and its aggressive stance against narcoterrorism.