Carib Scope

标签： Saint Kitts and Nevis

圣基茨和尼维斯

  • Prime Minister Drew Salutes Defence Force as New Combat Uniform Debuts

    Prime Minister Drew Salutes Defence Force as New Combat Uniform Debuts

    On June 10, 2026, a ceremonial march through the capital streets of Basseterre marked a landmark moment for St. Kitts and Nevis, as the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF) officially unveiled its modern new combat uniform, with top national leadership praising the force’s decades-long commitment to protecting the federation.

    Speaking to assembled uniformed personnel, senior command staff, and local residents who turned out for the event, Prime Minister Terrance Drew — who also holds the cabinet portfolio for National Security — framed the new rollout as far more than a superficial aesthetic update. For Drew, the purpose-built uniform stands as a tangible symbol of the federal government’s ongoing investment in the SKNDF, and a reflection of the unbroken loyalty that force members extend to the people of the twin-island nation.

    “Today you look sharp, sharper, and stronger, your uniform is designed for real work, the real work that you do on our land, in our waters, through whatever weather this region, this nation faces,” Drew told attendees. He went on to explain that while casual observers may dismiss the rollout as nothing more than a new set of clothing, the uniform carries profound weight for the personnel who wear it and the nation that relies on their service.

    “It is a commitment our Federation makes to you, and a commitment you make to your federation,” Drew added.

    The prime minister extended broad praise to all active and serving members of the SKNDF, highlighting how the force consistently upholds core values of strict discipline, willing sacrifice, and deep patriotism. Unlike many professional roles, service in the national defence force routinely demands that members set personal interests aside to prioritize the safety and well-being of the nation, a standard Drew said the SKNDF meets consistently.

    Drew also took the opportunity to outline the wide-ranging, often underrecognized responsibilities the SKNDF fulfills daily to keep the federation running. These critical duties include securing national border infrastructure, leading rapid response efforts during natural disasters, coordinating support during unplanned national emergencies, and bolstering local public safety and national security frameworks that benefit all residents.

    In closing, the prime minister issued a call to all citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis to recognize, honor, and stand behind the men and women of the SKNDF. It is their consistent, dedicated service that preserves the federation’s hard-won peace, stable security environment, and long-held democratic traditions, he noted.

    This report is based on a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office to SKNVibes.com, which published the release in its unedited original form.

  • Sugar Mas 55 full schedule released as St. Kitts and Nevis prepares for biggest carnival season yet – WIC News

    Sugar Mas 55 full schedule released as St. Kitts and Nevis prepares for biggest carnival season yet – WIC News

    One of the Caribbean’s most anticipated cultural celebrations is gearing up for its 55th iteration, with the St. Kitts & Nevis National Carnival Committee officially dropping the complete event calendar for Sugar Mas 55 on June 9, 2026. Touted as the largest carnival the twin-island nation has ever hosted, the festival blends centuries-old African and European cultural traditions to create one of the region’s most vibrant annual attractions, drawing visitors from across the globe.

    Sugar Mas 55 will unfold across two overlapping tracks: national events, kicking off November 20, 2026, and running through January 2, 2027, and independently organized private events scheduled from November 28, 2026, to January 3, 2027. The core official celebration runs from December 11, 2026, to January 2, 2027, packing more than six weeks of programming that ranges from intimate cultural showcases to large-scale street parties.

    National event programming opens with the Senior Calypso Eliminations on November 20 and 21, building momentum through the Soca Monarch Eliminations on November 27 and the four-day Christmas-themed celebration *In the Spirit of Christmas* held December 7 to 10. The official opening of the carnival, the Midnight Escape, kicks off on December 11, followed by a packed lineup of competitive and cultural events: Senior Calypso Semi-Finals on December 12, Junior Calypso Finals on December 13, the Republic Bank Miss Teen SKN pageant on December 15, Folk Galore cultural showcase on December 17, Soca Monarch Finals on December 18, the Miss SKN Pageant on December 22, the iconic early-morning street party J’ouvert on December 26, the Panorama steelpan competition on December 27, Senior Calypso Finals on December 29, Junior Carnival on December 30, the much-anticipated Grand Parade on New Year’s Day 2027, and the closing Last Lap event on January 2.

    Complementing the official national lineup, the private event schedule offers even more options for attendees, ranging from family-friendly galas to exclusive cruises and brunches. Standout private events include Valour’s Masquerades Cultural Canvas and Traditional Trails Turns Two on November 28, Events R Us Ties & Tiaras Family Gala on December 5, Junior Jouvert on December 12, CaneJuice Carnival Fete on December 19, the ASAP Glow Parade on December 21, multiple holiday fetes and boat rides on Christmas Eve, a full day of events on December 27 including the Sundaze Premium All Inclusive Breakfast Fete and a BYOB catamaran cruise, the Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant on December 30, the Palm’s Court legendary New Year’s Eve party, and multiple wrap-up events on January 3, 2027.

    Organizers and local industry leaders are projecting that this year’s festival will deliver substantial economic benefits across the islands’ tourism and local business sectors. Hotels, restaurants, craft vendors, taxi operators, and small retail businesses are all expected to see significant revenue gains from the influx of regional and international visitors, with early booking trends pointing to record turnout for the event.

    Sugar Mas 55 has secured broad support from a coalition of corporate and institutional sponsors, including Republic Bank, First Federal Credit Union, the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Department of Creative Economy, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, and major local hospitality brands including Marriott St. Kitts Beach Club, Park Hyatt St. Kitts, and Royal St. Kitts Hotel.

    In a promotional post shared to Facebook, the St. Kitts and Nevis National Carnival Committee framed Sugar Mas 55 as “The Ultimate Vibe,” teasing the upcoming celebration for eager attendees. “Here’s a little Sunday sneak peek to get your blood pumping… Start packing your bags….Book those flights… Call your people…Like and Share because Sugar Mas 55 is coming and it’s going to be a VIBE!!” the post read.

  • Pretty Vee to host Rum Island Festival in Atlanta this July

    Pretty Vee to host Rum Island Festival in Atlanta this July

    ATLANTA, Ga. — June 9, 2026 — A new landmark Caribbean cultural event is gearing up to make its debut this summer in one of the American South’s most vibrant major cities, and it has locked in a high-profile host to lead the celebration. The first-ever Rum Island Festival, scheduled to take over Piedmont Park Promenade on Saturday, July 11, 2026, has named multi-hyphenate media personality, comedian and entrepreneur Pretty Vee as its official host, organizers announced this week.

    The announcement lands right in the middle of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, a nationwide observance honoring the far-reaching contributions and cultural impact of Caribbean communities across the United States. It also comes on the heels of a packed season of Caribbean cultural festivities in Atlanta, including the well-attended Atlanta Caribbean Carnival held just one month prior — a continuation of momentum event organizers call “di vibes nah stop,” as Caribbean culture grows its footprint across the city and the broader U.S.

    Caribbean cultural expressions — from music to fashion, language to daily lifestyle — have increasingly broken into the global mainstream in recent years. Genres including Dancehall and Soca dominate streaming platforms, viral cultural moments spread rapidly across social media, and Caribbean creative influence now shapes global music charts, digital trends and youth culture worldwide. Against this backdrop, Rum Island Festival arrives at a moment when Caribbean creative energy is reaching larger, more diverse audiences than ever before, cutting across entertainment, sports and digital media spaces.

    Pretty Vee, who boasts a massive following across entertainment and social media, is celebrated for her contagious high energy, sharp comedic timing and widespread cultural influence. As host, she will bring her signature one-of-a-kind charisma to every segment of the full day of live programming.

    “Listen, Atlanta is not ready! Rum Island Festival is about to bring some of the biggest Caribbean vibes the city has ever seen. The culture, the music, the rum, the food, the fashion, and everything in-between! I’m so excited to be the official host of this incredible celebration,” Pretty Vee said in a statement following the announcement. “As someone with Caribbean roots and so much love for Atlanta, this one is personal. July 11, we’re outside!”

    Pretty Vee joins a already stacked, star-studded lineup of talent for the festival. Iconic Dancehall artist Aidonia and fast-rising breakout Caribbean performer Ayetian will top the bill, with a roster of acclaimed DJs including Ricky Platinum, Yung Rage, Unique Soundz, Propa English, Boogy Ranks and DJ Fabb set to keep the crowd moving between sets.

    Built around the core ethos of “Culture. Community. Rum.”, the festival is far more than a standard music event. It is designed as a full premium cultural experience, spanning eight hours of live performances across multiple genres including Dancehall, Soca, Afrobeats and Reggaeton. Attendees will also get access to premium rum tastings, custom curated cocktail activations, immersive themed lounges and a dedicated Caribbean food village highlighting authentic Afro-Caribbean cuisine from local and regional vendors.

    Beyond entertainment, the event is rooted in intentional community impact through a formal partnership with Her Village Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on supporting families affected by poverty. A share of all ticket proceeds will go directly to the nonprofit, with additional on-site donation drives and community-focused initiatives planned to create long-term positive change that extends far beyond the one-day event.

    Organizers launched the festival in Atlanta as a starting point, with long-term plans to expand the experience to other major U.S. cities and Caribbean destinations in coming years. The goal is to build a global celebration platform centered on authentic Caribbean culture, connection and collective joy.

    Tickets for the 2026 inaugural Rum Island Festival are on sale now, and updates on the lineup and event logistics are available on the official festival website at www.rumislandfest.com.

  • Cricket West Indies Announces Squad for T20 Series Against Sri Lanka in Jamaica

    Cricket West Indies Announces Squad for T20 Series Against Sri Lanka in Jamaica

    On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Cricket West Indies (CWI) officially announced its 15-player squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Sri Lanka, set to take place between June 11 and 14 at Kingston’s iconic Sabina Park in Jamaica. This home series marks the Caribbean side’s first T20I outing since their impressive run at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year, and it serves as a critical building block for long-term preparations ahead of the 2028 ICC T20 World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

    Three new faces have earned call-ups to the squad that competed in the 2026 World Cup, held across India and Sri Lanka, where the West Indies, popularly known as the Men in Maroon, narrowly missed out on a semi-final berth. Young batting prospects Ackeem Auguste and Jewel Andrew, alongside versatile all-rounder Shamar Springer, are the three inclusions that bring fresh depth to the side. Star fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been rested from the series as part of CWI’s structured workload management strategy; he will remain in training to prepare for the upcoming two-match Test series scheduled to be held in Antigua.

    West Indies head coach Daren Sammy expressed optimism about the upcoming contests, noting that the series provides a valuable platform for emerging and established players alike to connect with home fans while displaying the aggressive, entertaining brand of cricket the region is known for. “This series is an important one for us as it’s our first since the World Cup in India, where the team played with passion, fight and the togetherness that West Indies cricket is built on,” Sammy said in the official announcement. “Our focus now is to build on those foundations, continue growing as a team and make our fans proud with the way we compete against Sri Lanka.”

    Fast bowler Shamar Joseph, who exited the Caribbean side’s recent ODI tour of Sri Lanka early to attend to personal matters, is confirmed to rejoin the squad ahead of the series opener on June 11. The full 15-member squad led by captain Shai Hope includes: Jewel Andrew, Ackeem Auguste, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, and Shamar Springer.

    Alongside the player squad, CWI also confirmed the full team management unit for the series, with Rawl Lewis serving as team manager, Floyd Reifer as assistant batting coach, Ravi Rampaul as assistant bowling coach, Rayon Griffith as fielding coach, Dr Denis Byam as physiotherapist, Darc Browne as strength and conditioning coach, Harone Jackson as massage therapist, Avenesh Seetaram as performance analyst, and Jerome Foster as content and media officer.

    All three matches of the series will be hosted at Sabina Park, with the first T20I kicking off at 7:30 pm local time (8:30 pm Atlantic Standard Time) on June 11. The second match will follow on June 13 at the same time, with the third and final series decider scheduled for June 14, also under lights at the Jamaican venue.

  • Premier Brantley: Steps Being Taken to Cushion Impact on Homeowners Amid Property Tax Revaluation

    Premier Brantley: Steps Being Taken to Cushion Impact on Homeowners Amid Property Tax Revaluation

    CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS – June 8, 2026 – As the Caribbean island of Nevis nears completion of its first comprehensive property valuation exercise in nearly 18 years, Premier Mark Brantley has moved to reassure resident homeowners that the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) is putting targeted safeguards in place to prevent undue financial strain from potential tax increases tied to updated property assessments.

    The island-wide valuation initiative, led by the local Inland Revenue Department (IRD), launched its on-the-ground data collection phase in July 2025. The core goal of the project is to modernize Nevis’ outdated property tax system, bringing official assessed property values in line with current real estate market conditions that have shifted dramatically since the last full valuation was completed in 2008.

    Speaking at a recent public press briefing, Brantley emphasized that the NIA’s top priority is shielding lower and middle-income homeowners from sudden, unaffordable tax hikes while updating the system. To achieve this balanced outcome, the administration is actively reviewing policy recommendations from the Property Tax Division focused on expanding the property tax exemption threshold.

    Under Nevis’ current tax framework, the first Eastern Caribbean $80,000 of a property’s assessed value is exempt from property taxation, with levies only applied to the assessed value exceeding this threshold. Brantley confirmed that adjusting this exemption level upward is the central policy proposal under consideration, to reduce or eliminate tax increases for most residential homeowners.

    “As a government, our clear priority is to cushion the impact of any potential tax increase for local homeowners, particularly those in lower and middle-income brackets,” Brantley said during the briefing. “We are working closely with the Property Tax Division to expand the exemption threshold, and Cabinet will conduct a thorough review of the IRD’s final proposals before moving forward. Our goal is to modernize the tax system without making property tax unaffordable for residents. The core principle guiding this work is that the heaviest tax burden should fall on those most able to pay – specifically owners of high-value multi-million-dollar villas and luxury properties. That is the intentional design of this approach.”

    Brantley added that once the Cabinet reaches a final decision on the adjusted exemption threshold, the new terms will be publicly announced immediately. To ensure the entire revaluation process meets global benchmarks for fairness and accuracy, the NIA has structured the exercise around internationally recognized standards set by the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO), which guarantees assessments are consistent, transparent, and objective across all property types.

    The department has also adopted the International Property Measurement Standards (IPMS), a modern uniform framework for measuring buildings and property improvements. This update may lead to minor adjustments to previously recorded building measurements for some properties, which Brantley noted is a normal part of aligning local practices with global norms.

    The full valuation exercise is on track to be substantially completed by the end of June 2026, which will give the IRD adequate time to process new assessments and prepare for the 2026 tax cycle. To accommodate the ongoing revaluation work, the IRD has already extended the 2026 property tax payment deadline from the original June 30 date to September 30, 2026, giving homeowners extra time to adjust to the new framework.

    Once individual assessments are finalized, every property owner will receive an official Certificate of Valuation detailing their property’s updated assessed value. Taxpayers will have a 30-day window from the date of issuance to review their assessment, submit formal objections if they disagree with the valuation, or request clarification from IRD staff if they have questions about the process.

  • Invest in technology-driven learning to protect education amid insecurity

    Invest in technology-driven learning to protect education amid insecurity

    As Nigeria continues to battle widespread insecurity and a rising trend of school-linked abductions, a prominent Nigerian education leader is calling on federal and state authorities to ramp up investment in technology-powered learning infrastructure to guarantee that children’s education remains uninterrupted regardless of safety risks.

    Toyin Joseph Larayintan, Director of the Abuja-based Zion Study Centre, issued this appeal during the organization’s monthly youth engagement event, Echoes of Zion. The gathering, hosted at the centre’s facilities, brings together young people from across the region for mentorship and open discussion on pressing national issues, with educational resilience topping the agenda during the most recent session.

    Larayintan emphasized that repeated attacks on educational institutions and the kidnapping of students across multiple regions of Nigeria have exposed a critical gap in the country’s education system: a lack of flexible, emergency-ready learning alternatives. When physical classroom attendance becomes too dangerous for students and staff, he argues, digital platforms can bridge the gap and keep learners on track with their studies.

    While he acknowledged that Nigerian security forces are actively working to dismantle criminal networks and curb violent attacks, Larayintan noted that proactive system-level changes are just as critical to protecting students’ learning trajectories. “The future of education cannot depend solely on physical classrooms,” he stated. “Technology offers a reliable pathway for continuous learning, especially at a time when so many Nigerian parents live in fear for their children’s safety on the way to school.”

    To build this resilient system, Larayintan outlined four core investment priorities: expanding national digital infrastructure, scaling access to fully functional virtual classroom platforms, extending high-speed broadband connectivity to underserved communities across the country, and providing comprehensive training for teachers to effectively integrate digital tools into their instruction. “These investments will ensure that learning never stops, no matter what security challenges we face,” he added.

    Drawing on global case studies to support his argument, Larayintan highlighted how developed nations have integrated technology into their core education frameworks. South Korea boasts a 97% national internet penetration rate, with nearly every school connected to nationwide digital learning networks. Finland has embedded digital literacy as a core requirement in its national K-12 curriculum, while more than 95% of U.S. public schools already have high-speed internet access and standardized online learning platforms.

    He also pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as a real-world test of educational resilience: countries with pre-existing robust digital education ecosystems were able to maintain learning for hundreds of millions of students through months of mandatory school closures, while nations with underdeveloped digital infrastructure saw massive learning loss that continues to impact students years later. Nigeria, he argued, can draw direct lessons from this global experience to prepare for ongoing and future emergency threats, including security instability.

    Beyond emergency preparedness, Larayintan stressed that investment in educational technology delivers long-term economic benefits for Nigeria’s large youth population. In an increasingly digital global economy, innovation and technological proficiency have become key determinants of professional success. Building out tech-driven learning systems will not just protect education during crises, he said, but will also equip young Nigerians with the in-demand skills they need to compete in regional and global job markets.

    To move this agenda forward, Larayintan called for coordinated action across multiple sectors: he urged government policymakers to prioritize edtech investment in national education budgets, encouraged international development partners to direct funding and technical support to digital learning initiatives, and called on private sector stakeholders to contribute infrastructure and expertise to expand access across low-income and rural communities. He framed the investment as a core step toward securing a prosperous, stable future for Nigeria’s growing young population.

    The monthly Echoes of Zion programme, which hosted the announcement, has operated for years as a nonpartisan platform to engage Nigerian youth on topics spanning national development, ethical leadership, educational access, and social responsibility, connecting emerging young leaders with mentors and policy advocates to address the country’s most pressing challenges.

  • Belize Senator Urges Regional Unity Amid Growing Geopolitical Challenges

    Belize Senator Urges Regional Unity Amid Growing Geopolitical Challenges

    NASSAU, BAHAMAS – As global geopolitical friction and widespread international uncertainty continue to rise, a senior Belizean official has issued a urgent call for Caribbean nations to reinforce collective regional cooperation and solidarity to address shared challenges. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)’s 56th Annual Meeting held in Nassau, Dr. Osmond Martinez, Belize’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, framed regional unity as the Caribbean’s most powerful tool for navigating an increasingly unstable global landscape.

    Martinez stressed to attending delegates that the region’s collective strength does not depend on the size or economic power of individual nations, but on their willingness to stand together. “We must deepen, not dilute, our regional solidarity,” he told attendees. “Our strength has never rested on the size of our individual states.” He went on to emphasize that the Caribbean’s greatest competitive and strategic advantage is its proven ability to align around common goals, arguing that effective solutions to the region’s challenges must be rooted in local realities rather than imported from outside powers.

    The address comes as Belize prepares to take on the chairmanship of the CDB Board of Governors in 2027, when it will also host the institution’s annual meeting. Martinez outlined that Belize is approaching this new leadership role with clear purpose and a forward-looking vision, rooted in the country’s unique regional position.

    Unlike most other CDB member states, Belize sits at the intersection of two regions: geographically located in Central America, while sharing deep historical and cultural ties with the Caribbean. This positioning, Martinez explained, has shaped Belize’s approach to development, reinforcing the core principle that regional resilience cannot be built by individual nations acting in isolation. “It is built through connection and integration. We have created tangible networks for collaboration, trade, innovation, climate action, and economic growth,” he said.

    During its chairmanship, Belize plans to leverage this unique position to act as a bridging gateway between the Caribbean community and Central American neighbors, deepening cross-regional ties that turn geographic proximity into shared, mutual prosperity. Martinez confirmed that Belize’s leadership agenda will align fully with the CDB’s newly adopted 2026-2035 Strategic Plan, which centers on boosting social, economic, and environmental resilience across all member states.

    A core priority of Belize’s chairmanship will be advancing growth in the blue, green, and orange economic sectors – areas where Martinez says the wider Caribbean holds enormous untapped potential. He highlighted existing work Belize has already done in these spaces, including the country’s groundbreaking Blue Bond, expanded support networks for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), youth entrepreneurship training programs, sustainable tourism development, cultural creative industries, large-scale conservation projects, and climate resilience infrastructure initiatives.

    Far from just emerging market opportunities, Martinez framed these sectors as transformative pathways to empower Caribbean people, especially young people, to take an active role in building a more prosperous and resilient regional future. Looking ahead to the 2027 gathering, Martinez said Belize’s leadership will focus on forging renewed cross-sector partnerships, attracting targeted regional investment, supporting youth-led innovation, and advancing homegrown solutions that highlight the Caribbean’s unique strengths and capabilities. He closed by noting that Belize hopes the 2027 Annual Meeting will carry forward the same spirit of collaborative resilience that defined the 2026 Nassau gathering.

  • Technology, Advocacy and Partnerships among CHTA’s major gains under Destang

    Technology, Advocacy and Partnerships among CHTA’s major gains under Destang

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – As Caribbean tourism continues to navigate persistent global headwinds, outgoing Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) President Sanovnik Destang is reflecting on a tenure marked by targeted progress across three core pillars: digital innovation, industry advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration, as the regional body prepares for a leadership transition later this year.

    In an interview with SKNVibes conducted on the sidelines of the recent Caribbean Travel Marketplace hosted in Antigua and Barbuda, Destang emphasized that all advances achieved during his two-year term were the product of collective team work, rather than individual achievement. “I don’t think that there’s any one accomplishment that I had. It’s a team effort,” he noted, pointing to digital transformation as one of his proudest achievements.

    Long before he assumed the presidency, Destang chaired CHTA’s founding Technology Task Force, a working group that has already published two widely circulated artificial intelligence guidebooks for regional tourism stakeholders. The team is currently finalizing its third edition, which centers on a timely and often debated topic: AI’s impact on tourism sector employment. Unlike many narratives that frame AI as a direct replacement for human workers, Destang explained the upcoming guide will outline actionable frameworks and strategies to leverage AI as a tool that enhances, rather than replaces, existing tourism workforces.

    Digital upgrading efforts under Destang’s leadership have also focused on helping local and regional hotels gain greater operational autonomy and financial stability. The association has prioritized initiatives to support hoteliers in integrating technology into day-to-day operations, growing their share of direct customer bookings, and reducing overreliance on high-commission third-party booking platforms. Strong turnout and stakeholder engagement at CHTA’s recent Direct Booking Summit served as a clear signal of widespread industry demand for these support services, Destang added.

    Beyond technology, the outgoing president highlighted major progress in policy and industry advocacy, particularly around the fast-growing short-term rental sector – a segment that now accounts for 30 to 40 percent of all visitor accommodation across the Caribbean, according to Destang. CHTA has launched the first phase of a centralized advocacy repository, with an initial focus on short-term rentals that takes a balanced, growth-oriented approach to regulation. Rather than pushing for strict rules that would force small operators out of business, Destang explained the association’s framework promotes responsible, sustainable growth for the sector, alongside efforts to raise professional standards and address tax-related policy challenges.

    A third key initiative that defined Destang’s tenure is the expansion of work by CHTA’s Linkages Committee, which partners with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) to spread the economic benefits of tourism across the entire regional economy, beyond just large hotel properties. The committee works to build stronger, mutually beneficial connections between the tourism sector and local industries including agriculture and manufacturing, ensuring more community-wide gains from regional travel growth.

    Destang credited CHTA’s board for its willingness to embrace innovative approaches and new ways of operating throughout his tenure, and expressed confidence that the initiatives launched during his term will be continued by his successor. Later this year, Dominican hotelier Gregor Nassief will take over the presidency of CHTA, stepping into a role that comes with a range of ongoing industry challenges as Caribbean tourism continues its post-pandemic recovery and adapts to shifting global travel trends.

  • Nevis Mango Fest 2026 set to showcase island’s rich culinary heritage from July 2-5 – WIC News

    Nevis Mango Fest 2026 set to showcase island’s rich culinary heritage from July 2-5 – WIC News

    Set against the backdrop of Nevis’ sun-drenched Caribbean shores, the 12th edition of the world’s most celebrated single-fruit festival – the Nevis Mango Festival – will welcome visitors from across the globe for four days of culinary celebration, community connection, and agricultural tribute from July 2 to 5, 2026.

    Widely recognized as one of the Caribbean’s most unique and beloved culinary events, this year’s festival marks a major milestone, expanding from its traditional three-day schedule to a full four-day lineup packed with immersive experiences for food lovers, families, and international travelers. The event centers on Nevis’ world-famous “sweet Nevis mango,” a local treasure that has earned the island the official title of “Mango Capital of the Caribbean.” Home to more than 44 distinct mango varieties, many of which are unique to the island’s terroir and cannot be exported for global consumption, Nevis offers festival-goers an exclusive chance to taste flavors found nowhere else on Earth.

    Far more than a gathering for food enthusiasts, the Nevis Mango Festival functions as a vital economic engine for the island, linking local smallholder mango farmers, culinary artisans, small business owners, residents, and international visitors to generate shared, community-wide economic benefits. By weaving together agricultural tradition, culinary innovation, and cultural storytelling, the festival has steadily strengthened Nevis’ two core economic sectors: tourism and local agriculture.

    This year’s expanded schedule kicks off on Thursday, July 2, with an official opening ceremony hosted at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park. Immediately following the launch, the festival’s brand-new signature initiative, “Nevis Goes Mango,” will run from noon through the end of the day. The island-wide event invites attendees to travel across Nevis, stopping at participating local businesses to sample hundreds of handcrafted mango-inspired dishes and drinks. The concept is intentionally designed to spread the festival’s economic impact evenly across all island communities, ensuring small businesses off the main tourist corridors also benefit from the influx of visitors. The opening day will conclude with the always popular Celebrity Chef Supper Club at the Four Seasons Resort’s Mango Restaurant, where top culinary talents will serve a carefully curated, multi-course mango-centric tasting menu.

    Day two, Friday, July 3, offers a mix of hands-on learning and family-friendly fun. The morning kicks off with an intimate culinary masterclass hosted at Chaska Restaurant, where visiting celebrity chefs will guide small groups of attendees through step-by-step preparation of signature mango-infused dishes, giving home cooks and food lovers a chance to bring a taste of Nevis back home with them. In the afternoon, the family-focused Mango Mania event opens its gates, featuring a full slate of activities including guided mango tastings, the iconic mango tug-of-war, and the centuries-old traditional mango-stoning contest. Before the day wraps up, local and international bartenders will compete in a lively mango mixology competition, showcasing creative new takes on mango-infused cocktails. Evening brings the festival’s popular Pinney’s Beach Bar Crawl, where attendees can join an organized group tour or explore independent bar stops at their own pace with friends and family, sampling unique mango drinks from coastal venues across the island.

    Saturday, July 4, is dedicated to discovering the authentic, off-the-beaten-path flavors of Nevis through the festival’s fan-favorite Passport Food Tour. Running from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the tour transports attendees across the island via open-air party bus or safari vehicle, with stops at family-owned, independent restaurants and street food stalls that few regular tourists get to experience. The tour not only introduces visitors to Nevis’ hidden culinary gems but also directs critical tourism spending directly to small, locally owned food businesses.

    The festival will draw to a close on Sunday, July 5, with its iconic grand finale event, “For the Love of Mangos,” returning to Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park. The closing day features the festival’s world-famous open cooking competition, public culinary showcases from top chefs, and the highly anticipated under-the-stars Mango Festival Concert. Organizers expect attendees to travel from across the Caribbean – including neighboring St. Kitts, Anguilla, and St. Martin – as well as large numbers of international visitors from the United States and Canada, underscoring the event’s growing global reputation as a must-visit culinary destination.

  • SPBS all white Annual Boat Ride

    SPBS all white Annual Boat Ride

    Every summer, communities of Caribbean and St. Kitts and Nevis expats across New York and the broader United States mark their calendars for one of the most anticipated social gatherings of the season: the Sandy Point Benevolent Society (SPBS) Inc.’s iconic Annual All-White Boat Ride. For 2026, the beloved community event will return to Flushing, Queens, opening its doors to attendees from all backgrounds to celebrate connection, culture, and shared heritage.

    Hosted by members and friends of the New York-based SPBS, the gathering is more than just a social outing—it is a key fundraising event organized by a network of alumni with deep roots in St. Kitts and Nevis. SPBS is an official 501(c) non-profit organization founded by former students of Sandy Point High School, which has since been renamed the Charles E. Mills Secondary School. The group’s membership draws alumni from communities across St. Kitts and Nevis, including Halfway Tree, Sandy Point, Fig Tree, Newton Ground, St Paul’s, and Dieppe Bay, united by their shared school history and commitment to supporting their community.

    This year’s all-white themed boat ride will set sail from World’s Fair Marina, located at 1 Marina Road, Flushing, Queens, NY 11368, on Saturday, June 27, 2026. General admission is priced at $65 per person, with all proceeds going toward the non-profit’s community programming and initiatives.

    Attendees can expect a full evening of entertainment: pre-boarding tailgate activities will kick off at 5:00 PM, followed by boarding beginning at 6:30 PM. The boat will cruise from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with plenty of space for dancing to a curated soundtrack from popular DJs Trauma and Renee. A wide selection of food will be available throughout the evening, alongside a fully stocked cash bar for beverage purchases.

    Tickets are available for purchase through the Eventbrite platform, or directly from any SPBS member. For direct inquiries and ticket arrangements, attendees can contact any of the following representatives: Mervyn Richardson at 914-374-3381, Desmond Warner at 917-903-6185, Trevor Duggins at 917-560-1262, Collette Joseph at 917-497-5272, Tony Warner at 917-328-6875, Paulette Smithen at 347-755-2218, Junie Benjamin at 646-671-9451, and Trevor Hanley at 917-923-7185.

    This announcement is a press release shared in full with SKNVibes.com, which notes that it does not edit for spelling or grammatical errors in contributed press materials, and the views shared do not necessarily reflect those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors, or its advertising partners.