Khan Cordice, Director of Culture for Antigua and Barbuda, has publicly congratulated Barbuda on a groundbreaking new initiative. In a post on Facebook, Cordice celebrated the possibilities the initiative offers the Barbudan community and commended Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s administration for its efforts. With excitement, Cordice expressed his readiness to visit Barbuda, underscoring the cultural and developmental significance of this move.
This development marks a significant step forward for Barbuda and highlights Cordice’s dedication to fostering cultural growth and community engagement throughout the islands. Stay tuned for more details on this emerging initiative.

​Calypsonians Divided: Controversy Erupts Over New Tent Process; Former President King Kaseeba Strikes Back with Private Tent

By: Vernon Jones 

St. John's, Antigua — The Calypso community in Antigua is embroiled in a heated debate as controversy rocks this year's Calypso tent process. Traditionally a bastion of live music, this year's events have taken a dramatic turn with the introduction of pre-recorded tracks, igniting fury among Calypsonians and enthusiasts alike.

The decision to abandon live bands in favor of canned music has divided the community, with many decrying it as a betrayal of Calypso's soul. The heart-pounding rhythms, spontaneous jams, and electrifying energy of live performances are now threatened, leaving Calypsonians feeling betrayed and disheartened.

Amidst the chaos, former Calypso Association president, King Kaseeba, has emerged as a rebel with a cause. Refusing to bow to the new order, he's defiantly launched his own private Calypso tent, complete with a powerhouse live band. This bold move has sent shockwaves through the community, challenging the authority of the established order and sparking a battle for the soul of Calypso.

King Kaseeba's private tent promises to be a sanctuary for those craving the authentic Calypso experience, untainted by the compromises of modernization. It's a rallying cry for tradition, a stand against the commodification of culture, and a declaration of independence in the face of adversity.

But the drama doesn't end there. As tensions reach a fever pitch, the official Calypso tent is set to kick off this Friday and Saturday at the highly anticipated Carnival New Tent City. It's a showdown between tradition and innovation, with the fate of Calypso hanging in the balance.

Will the community unite behind King Kaseeba's rebellion, or will the allure of the new tent city prove too enticing to resist? Only time will tell as Calypsonians brace themselves for a carnival season like no other, where passion, politics, and power collide in a symphony of drama and defiance.

Peetron Thomas, the Telecommunications Coordinator of NODS St. Peter's District Disaster Response Team, sheds light on the team's comprehensive cleanup campaign on November 25, 2023 held in Gunthropes.
Thomas detailed the commitment to clean the Harvest Giant main artery, extending it by over 100 feet and excavating schubs, covering a broad area in both north-south and east-west directions.

The team's goal is to transform Gunthropes into a safe and healthy community. Thomas share that the team envisions a clean and healthy St. Peter's constituency, emphasizing eliminating potential pest breeding grounds and removing tall bushes fostering criminal activities.
An open invitation is extended to Gunthropes Community members, especially those in the 'Gunthropes Community Group,' to actively participate in the campaign, to enhance Gunthropes into a cleaner and safer environment.
Recognizing the collective impact, Peetron Thomas encourages community support, stating, "We earnestly seek support from the community and warmly welcome volunteers to join us." The cleanup campaign continues tomorrow, Sunday, November 26, 2023, with the meeting point near the green tent near Zolton Richards Residence in Gunthropes. 
Benefits of the Cleanup Campaign:
- Pest Prevention: Reducing potential breeding grounds creates a healthier living environment.
- Crime Deterrence: Removal of tall bushes enhances visibility, deterring criminal activities for a safer community.
- Community Engagement: Encouraging Gunthropes Community members, especially those in the 'Gunthropes Community Group,' to join hands in enhancing the community.

~ Linda Roberts

​In the race for St. John's Rural West, Michael M. Joseph has captured the hearts of many, emerging as the preferred candidate with a mantra that echoes, "all about timing. #PeopleDriven." Known for his active involvement and unwavering compassion, Joseph has become a stalwart figure in the community, leaving an indelible mark through his support in every conceivable way.

A cornerstone of Joseph's commitment lies in his extensive humanitarian efforts, notably his contributions to the local Soup Kitchen. His friendly and humble demeanor resonates with the people, embodying a genuine passion for the residents of St. John's Rural West. Beyond the borders of his constituency, Joseph has extended his influence through sponsorship of teams and support for diverse individuals and projects nationwide.

In a candid expression of his values, Joseph declares, "it's more important for me to be honest than for me to be nice." This transparency and integrity have further endeared him to voters, emphasizing a commitment to genuine representation.

As the countdown to the elections continues, Michael M. Joseph stands out not just as a candidate but as a force deeply rooted in the community, embodying the spirit of #PeopleDriven politics.

By: Brendon Jones 

Today witnessed a groundbreaking mobilization effort initiated by Senator Turner, deploying a formidable array of trucks, backhoes, rollers, and graders to address urgent road and drainage issues in Paynters and Gunthropes. This proactive and hands-on approach not only addresses immediate concerns but underscores Senator Turner's unwavering dedication to making lasting improvements for the community.

Residents of Paynters and Gunthropes can now anticipate relief as mobilized resources diligently work to uplift local infrastructure. Senator Turner's actions resonate with his commitment to prioritizing the people's needs, demonstrating a leadership style where results speak louder than rhetoric.

In a resounding statement, Senator Turner declared, “Our community deserves concrete solutions, and I am privileged to lead initiatives that directly impact the lives of those I represent. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure a brighter and more sustainable future for St. Peter.”


Senator Turner's proactive and transformative approach to addressing pressing issues not only stands as a testament to effective leadership but also heralds a new era of positive change eagerly awaited by the community in St. Peter.

In recent update, a notable announcement, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed the reinstatement of the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) reduction for specific days in December 2023. From December 15th to 17th and on December 22nd, citizens will witness a renewed decrease in the ABST rate, plummeting from 15 percent to 5 percent.

This decision underscores the government's commitment to providing economic relief and stimulating financial activity. The revived ABST reduction aims to reinvigorate consumer spending during the festive season, providing a much-needed boost to businesses navigating economic challenges.

Prime Minister Browne expressed confidence that the reduced taxation during these designated days will instill renewed consumer confidence and offer crucial support to businesses across Antigua and Barbuda, playing a significant role in the overall economic recovery.

With anticipation building for the upcoming ABST reduction period, citizens are optimistic about the potential benefits for both individuals and businesses. This proactive move by the government signifies a pivotal step in steering the nation toward economic revitalization in December 2023.

​By: Brendon Jones 

Ms. Colleen Roberts, Senior Trademarks Officer at the Antigua and Barbuda Intellectual Property and Commerce Office, is making waves on the global stage as she represents the nation at the Madrid Working Group. This influential group operates under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and holds its sessions in Geneva, Switzerland.

Ms. Roberts' impactful contributions within the Madrid Working Group highlight her dedication to refining the Madrid System—an essential mechanism for international trademark registration. Her active involvement underscores Antigua and Barbuda's commitment to fostering an efficient and modern intellectual property framework.

At the heart of Ms. Colleen Roberts' representation is a commitment to improving the global trademark registration process. Her efforts not only reflect her expertise but also position Antigua and Barbuda as a proactive participant in shaping international intellectual property standards.

The Madrid Working Group serves as a pivotal forum where nations collaborate to enhance trademark registration procedures on a global scale. Ms. Roberts, through her insightful contributions, is playing a key role in advancing the discussions that will influence the future of the Madrid System.

As she continues to excel in her representation, Ms. Colleen Roberts stands as a testament to Antigua and Barbuda's active engagement in shaping the landscape of international trademark registration. Her work contributes significantly to positioning the nation as a leader in the evolving realm of intellectual property.