​Dear Editor,

I have observed with keen interest the recent announcement of candidates contesting the St. Phillip’s South constituency, which lists four contenders. The anomaly, however, does not lie in the number of candidates but rather in the peculiar inclusion of one who presently serves as an Independent Senator, appointed by His Excellency, the Governor-General.

This development raises serious concerns regarding constitutional propriety, ethical consistency, and the principle of impartiality expected of members of the Upper House. An Independent Senator, by definition, is appointed to serve the national interest - free from partisan allegiance. Their primary function is to deliberate on legislation objectively, offering balance and wisdom uncolored by political ambition or party loyalty.

When such a senator publicly declares candidacy on behalf of a political party, a profound conflict of interest emerges. It undermines both the spirit and purpose of their independent appointment. Continuing to occupy the senatorial seat while simultaneously campaigning under a party banner erodes public confidence in the independence of the Senate and raises legitimate questions about the senator’s ability to perform legislative duties without bias.

The Constitution entrusts the Governor-General with the appointment of Independent Senators precisely because they are meant to remain above the fray of partisan politics. By seeking to contest elections under a party ticket, the senator has, in essence, relinquished that neutrality. To maintain the dignity of the Upper House and uphold public trust in our democratic institutions, it would be both prudent and principled for the senator to resign the independent appointment forthwith.

This is not a matter of personal judgment but one of constitutional ethics and institutional integrity. Our parliamentary system depends on clear boundaries between roles that are political and those that are meant to remain nonpartisan. Blurring that line risks setting a dangerous precedent that could compromise the credibility of the Senate as a nonpartisan reviewing chamber.

I pray that principled action prevails!
Regards
Watchful and Non-Aligned (Independent) Constituent

-END-

Letter to the Editor

​Sir/Madam,
Recently, while speaking with a close friend, I was struck by a deeply troubling story concerning the St. John Hospice and the care her now-deceased relative received there. Over the years, I have heard scattered accounts of poor standards at the facility, but I often dismissed them as hearsay. However, when someone I know personally and trust recounted her family’s painful experience, it became clear that this is an issue demanding serious attention.

I must also add that I myself had a somewhat unpleasant encounter at the hospice when visiting someone. Upon entering, I was firmly told that I needed to wear a mask, which I was informed was the hospice’s policy. I want to be clear: I respect protocols and had no objection to complying. However, what troubled me was observing that staff members, who also come from external environments, were not themselves wearing masks or following the same procedures enforced on visitors. This inconsistency raises questions about whether such measures are being applied fairly or meaningfully, and whether they are serving the intended purpose of safeguarding patients.

Hospices are meant to be sanctuaries of dignity, compassion, and professional care - places where individuals in the final stages of life are comforted, and where families can feel assured that their loved ones are receiving attentive, respectful, and humane support. Instead, what I am hearing and experiencing points to a disturbing departure from this mission: patient neglect, disregard for basic medical protocols, insufficient nurse supervision, limited doctor coverage and input, discourteous interactions from staff, poorly train CNAs who seem to operate above their scope, and an alarming lack of empathy and oversight. Families have described an atmosphere where patients who require attentive and specialized care are left vulnerable, while administrative leadership seems detached from the daily realities of the hospice.

This is not simply a matter of operational shortcomings - it is a matter of human dignity. At a time when patients and families are most in need of compassion, professionalism, and reassurance, it appears that many are instead experiencing frustration, disappointment, and emotional distress. The role of a hospice is not only clinical but profoundly moral: to uphold the dignity of the dying and to support families through an emotionally demanding journey.
If these reports are accurate, then urgent corrective measures must be taken. Greater accountability, improved staffing and supervision, and a renewed commitment to patient-centered care are essential. The community deserves confidence that the St. John Hospice is a place of comfort, not concern.

Concerned

-END-

Antigua and Barbuda will be proudly represented by Peetron and Enoch Thomas in the forthcoming International Calypso Fusion Project, organized by Touched by an Angel, a distinguished gospel promotion organization based in Jamaica and New York. The project is scheduled for release later this year.


Enoch Thomas, winner of the inaugural season of Praise Break Antigua & Barbuda, brings his exceptional vocal talent and dynamic stage presence to this prestigious collaboration. Joining him is Peetron, acclaimed Singer, Calypsonian, and Humanitarian, recognized for his dedication to advancing Antigua’s cultural and musical heritage.

​Both artists are committed to making Antigua and Barbuda exceptionally proud through their contributions to this project. Peetron expressed sincere gratitude for the opportunity and anticipates the project’s success will significantly elevate Antigua’s musical presence on the international stage, particularly through the rich tradition of calypso.

This initiative represents a vibrant fusion of calypso and gospel music, showcasing the distinctive sound and talent of the Caribbean to a global audience. We encourage everyone to follow the journey of Peetron and Enoch Thomas as they bring the spirit and culture of Antigua and Barbuda to the world.
~PMI Secretariat 

​By J. M. Harrigan
July 9, 2025 | St. John’s, Antigua

In the midst of public uproar surrounding the 2025 Soca Monarch Quarterfinals, Tamisha “Tammy” Roberts, Secretary of the National Soca Fraternity (NSF), has stepped forward to clarify her role and set the record straight following statements made by artist Kid Fresh.

The controversy centers on the decision to have Kid Fresh privately judged due to travel constraints—an action many artists saw as unfair. Roberts, in a candid statement, explained that while she had spoken with Kid Fresh prior to the competition, she was never officially updated on any resolution and had no authority to make decisions independently.

“As the Secretary of the NSF, I facilitate communication on behalf of the board. No single person has the power to make executive decisions,” Roberts emphasized. “Anyone who understands how a board functions knows that.”

According to Roberts, after being informed by Kid Fresh about his situation, she immediately reached out—on a personal level—to key individuals including Denise Francis, Petley, Lisa, and Khan, to inquire if anything could be done.

“I said to him, ‘I will see what can be done.’ I followed up immediately. The last update I received was, ‘They’ll get back to me.’ No one ever did—neither them, nor Kid Fresh,” she explained. “That told me nothing was finalized.”

Roberts made it clear that her involvement was informal and not under her official NSF capacity. Ultimately, the Festivals Commission made a unilateral decision, failing to notify either the NSF board or Roberts herself.

Tensions peaked on Wednesday, July 2, when during the live show, the MC announced that Kid Fresh and Natural Rampler had been privately judged prior to the Quarterfinals. The move ignited strong backlash from fellow artists and industry insiders.

“From that moment, our phones started ringing,” Roberts recalled. “Artists were demanding answers, and rightly so. As a board, our priority is fairness and transparency for all 87 of our members.”

The NSF executive board, made up of 11 elected members, held an urgent meeting and then engaged in dialogue with the Commission, which resulted in a resolution and a subsequent press release from the Commission.

Roberts also expressed frustration that the NSF had not been consulted beforehand, stating they could have recommended a more inclusive alternative.

“Had we been informed early, we might have suggested that Kid Fresh perform his Jumpy song during the Groovy Quarterfinals on July 1st. He was present in person that night. He could have been slotted last after the Groovy performances,” she said, pointing to precedents like Krokus, who had been afforded similar accommodations for the past three years due to national duties.

Addressing public perception directly, Roberts reaffirmed her impartiality and dedication to fairness.

“I have no personal issues with any artist, including Kid Fresh. I did my best to look out for him. I’ve said it before, and I will say it again — my actions were in his best interest,” she said. “That was also stated publicly in the National Soca Fraternity group.”

Roberts concluded with a call for unity within the creative community.

“With such a large and passionate group of Soca contributors in Antigua and Barbuda, we must remain grounded in integrity, openness, and collective responsibility,” she said. “Love and light to everyone.”

The National Soca Fraternity wishes to formally address a matter of grave concern regarding the recently concluded Soca Monarch Quarterfinals preliminaries.

On the final night of the Quarterfinals, it was publicly announced from the stage by the MC that a decision had been made by the Festivals Commission to have two artists privately judged in an enclosed and undisclosed location, in front of a private panel of judges and a private audience. This decision was taken prior to the official judging of both Groovy and Jumpy Quarterfinals categories.

We are aware that in past years, requests from several artists to be adjudicated earlier — due to travel arrangements and other unavoidable circumstances — were declined on multiple occasions, ultimately resulting in those artists being unable to participate in their intended categories.

It is critical to note that performing in an enclosed, empty space is vastly different from performing on an open stage before a live audience, with the full technical setup including stage equipment, speakers, monitors, and crowd interaction. These differences directly impact the sound, energy, and overall performance experience, putting the artists who followed the established protocol at a significant and unfair disadvantage.

The National Soca Fraternity, along with other participating artists, was not notified or consulted about this decision prior to the private judging. Such a decision undermines the integrity of the competition, which is intended to provide a fair and level playing field for all contestants. It must be emphasized that other artists who arrived late or were unable to perform on the scheduled dates were disqualified, in strict adherence to the rules.

Prior to the competition, a number-picking process was conducted, and all artists were made aware of their designated performance dates. Any previous miscommunications regarding dates were addressed and resolved well in advance. Both artists in question were already aware of their unavailability for the scheduled dates but were still offered the opportunity to perform ahead of the preliminaries.

Following the announcement on July 2nd, the National Soca Fraternity immediately engaged the Festivals Commission and was redirected to the Judges Committee. Both bodies indicated that the decision was taken to account for prior miscommunication. Despite numerous efforts made between the evening of July 2nd and throughout July 3rd to express the deep concerns of the artist community, these efforts were dismissed. The response given was that, should the Fraternity not accept the decision, the results will remain unchanged.

The National Soca Fraternity made every effort to resolve this matter amicably and in good faith. However, this decision fails to respect and honor the artists who participated under the established rules and those who, in fairness, did not progress to the semifinals.

It is important to emphasize that this statement is in no way a personal attack on the two artists involved. We hold the highest respect for their talent, dedication, and contributions to the art form. Our concern lies solely with the manner in which this decision was made and executed and not the artists themselves.

We stand firmly against this unprecedented and unjust decision and call for immediate corrective action to uphold the fairness, integrity, and spirit of the Soca Monarch competition.

We remain committed to supporting and protecting the interests of all soca artists and will continue to advocate for a transparent and equitable process in all future events.

~National Soca Fraternity of Antigua & Barbuda ​

Amid growing public scrutiny of the public service, calls are intensifying for increased accountability not just among Permanent Secretaries, but also within the ranks of government directors. Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness, transparency, and leadership at the director level across various government ministries and departments.
While recent shifts in Permanent Secretary appointments have made headlines, some stakeholders argue that such changes only scratch the surface. They contend that a deeper, more systemic overhaul is needed — one that includes a critical review of directors who hold significant influence over the daily operations and implementation of government policies.


“There’s a glaring need to look beyond the top layer,” a source close to the matter stated. “Directors are just as pivotal in shaping how departments function. If we’re serious about public sector reform, we can’t ignore that.”


Critics argue that without this level of introspection and action, issues such as bureaucratic bottlenecks, inefficiency, and lack of innovation will persist. They are calling for performance audits, leadership evaluations, and a merit-based approach to promotions and reappointments.
​

As public demand grows for a more agile and responsive government, many are watching closely to see whether the necessary attention will be paid not just to the figureheads but to the leadership framework within. The conversation has clearly shifted — and so, they say, must the system.

With Antigua Carnival 2025 fast approaching, all eyes (and ears) are on Kuttin Edge Band as they drop what many are already calling a potential Road March hit — the explosive uptempo soca track, “Block De Road.”

Known for their unmatched stage presence and high-energy performances, Kuttin Edge delivers a pure adrenaline rush with this jumpy anthem, perfectly tailored for the road. From the opening beat, “Block De Road” unleashes a call to fete, wave, jump, and take over the streets in true Carnival spirit.

“Antigua Carnival is not just a celebration — it’s a movement,” said a member of the band. “Block De Road is our way of capturing that unstoppable energy. It’s about owning the road, feeling the music, and uniting in vibes.”

Backed by powerful rhythms, infectious hooks, and an undeniable soca groove, “Block De Road” is quickly becoming a favorite among DJs, revelers, and masqueraders. Its early momentum suggests it could be one of the strongest contenders for Road March 2025 — the prestigious title awarded to the song that dominates the streets during the official Carnival parade.
As the Carnival season heats up, one thing is clear: Kuttin Edge Band didn’t come to play — they came to block de whole road.

 Watch “Block De Road” by Kuttin Edge Band

Antigua and Barbuda-based artist Peetron has released a powerful new single titled “Mom, I Love You,” just in time for Mother’s Day. The emotionally charged track, produced by Island Trap Records, is more than just a song — it’s a deeply personal gift to his mother, Kharol (Brenda Thomas), whom he lovingly refers to as his Queen and Lioness.

“This is officially my Mother’s Day gift to you, Mom,” Peetron shared in a heartfelt message on social media. “Surprise, Mummy — this one is for you!”

The single delivers a moving blend of masterful lyrics, passionate vocals, and an infectious rhythm that invites listeners to groove while reflecting on the unmatched love of a mother. It resonates not only as a tribute to Peetron’s own mother but as a universal anthem celebrating mothers everywhere.

In a time when meaningful music is more important than ever, “Mom, I Love You” stands out as a reminder of the power of gratitude, love, and the irreplaceable role of mothers in our lives.

Peetron also extended his wishes to moms around the world:
“Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mothers. This one’s for you too.”

Listen to "Mom I Love You"

Antigua, ~ Wednesday, May 7th at 8PM, the D’Executive Soca Tent took center stage at the Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG) parking lot, launched by DJ Merchy, Subcommittee Chair for the Party Monarch competition.
​
Now in its fourth year, the tent continues to serve as a key platform for soca artists to introduce new music, energize their fanbase, and engage directly with the public in the lead-up to the summer season.

“This is more than just a performance stage—it’s a movement for the culture,” said DJ Merchy. “The tent gives artists room to grow, experiment, and connect with the people who matter most: the fans.”
The event is powered by the support of dedicated sponsors including the Festival Commission, Get Scented, and APUA Inet.

Soca enthusiasts are encouraged to show up and be part of a night filled with rhythm, creativity, and the vibrant pulse of Antiguan culture.

~Peetron Thomas (National Soca Fraternity Chairman)

Excitement is building across Antigua and Barbuda as ENOCH, the Season One winner of the Praise Break Gospel Quest, prepares to release brand-new gospel music.
​
Following a powerful journey through the competition, 11 year old Enoch Thomas captured the hearts of audiences with his soul-stirring vocals, authentic faith, and commanding stage presence. Now, he’s ready to take the next step in his ministry through music—delivering a sound that promises to uplift, inspire, and leave a lasting impact.

The highly anticipated release is executively produced by Peetron Music and Island Trap Records, two powerhouse forces known for bridging faith, culture, and creativity through sound.

Organizers of Praise Break Gospel Quest have expressed their enthusiasm for what’s ahead, describing the upcoming release as “something unforgettable.”

“This is more than just music—it’s a movement of purpose, power, and praise,” one organizer shared. “ENOCH represents the spirit of what this platform was built to do: discover, elevate, and launch gospel talent rooted in truth and testimony.”

Further details will be revealed in the coming days.

Stay tuned—Antigua and Barbuda is about to experience a sound that shifts atmospheres.
~PMI Secretariat 

Nicholas Layne, a young Christian and emerging gospel artist, is using his birthday to give back in a big way. Today, he officially launched Living Intently for Everyone, an inspirational, gospel-driven youth project advocating for purposeful, faith-filled living.

Nicholas, now known by his artist name Timo Music, recently made waves as a Top 10 Finalist in the Praise Break Gospel Quest, where he also earned the Reggae Award Prize Package for his exceptional talent. He is also preparing to release his debut single under Peetron Music Label, following an exciting opportunity to sign with the label.

His new project, Living Intently for Everyone, is a values-based movement designed to inspire young people to live with intention and clarity, grounded in faith. With this initiative, Timo Music hopes to create a ripple effect of positive change, encouraging youth to walk with purpose and spiritual direction.
​
Through his music and humanitarian work, Timo Music continues to use his platform to uplift and guide others, making an impact far beyond his own birthday celebration.

In an exciting development for music lovers and aspiring songwriters, Peetron Music is set to host a songwriting seminar that promises to elevate the local music scene. The event, scheduled for May 17, 2025, will feature an impressive lineup of industry professionals, including Future Kid, Dr. Apostle Stanshaw Cornelius, Uprising artist Nicholas Layne, and will be facilitated by Peetron Thomas. The seminar will be hosted by Julian Kentish and is set to take place at Sun City Restaurant & Bar, located at Anchoridge Inn, Anchoridge Road.

This seminar is part of the Work Fu Um Initiative, an ongoing effort to support and uplift the music community in Antigua and Barbuda. The event is aimed at helping budding songwriters hone their craft, providing them with valuable insights into the music industry and the songwriting process.
Peetron Music, known for its dedication to the growth of the local music scene, is excited to bring together such esteemed professionals for an afternoon of learning, networking, and inspiration. The seminar will cover various aspects of songwriting, from composition and lyric writing to the business side of music.

The event will run from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM and is expected to attract songwriters, musicians, and music enthusiasts eager to learn from the experts. The registration fee for the event is set at $50, which includes tapas for attendees to enjoy during the seminar.
Participants will have the opportunity to interact with some of the best in the business, gaining practical tips and creative strategies that they can apply to their own songwriting journey. The seminar is expected to foster collaboration and inspire new talent to take their music to the next level.
Peetron Music invites all interested individuals to register early to secure their spot at this exciting event. Whether you’re an aspiring songwriter or simply passionate about the art of music, this seminar promises to be an unforgettable experience.
For more information or to register, visit the Peetron Music website or contact their team directly.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this game-changing event! Register today!