Latest news with #AntiguaAndBarbuda
The Guardian
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Caribbean leaders pledge to join forces against crime and support for Haiti
Leaders in the Caribbean have pledged to join forces to tackle crime and violence as they reaffirmed their support for Haiti, which the UN says continues to be 'paralysed' by gangs. Taking the reins as chair of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), a bloc of 15 countries, Andrew Holness, Jamaica's prime minister, said security in the region would be a 'matter of great priority' under his chairmanship. The prime minister raised concerns about the current pace of the international momentum to support Haiti, as he addressed the opening of this week's Caricom leaders' summit. He committed to prioritising support for the Caribbean nation, which is a member of Caricom. Speaking to the Guardian at the conference, the prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, said the challenge of crime and security 'is one of the most significant existential threats facing the region'. 'It requires a collaborative approach among Caricom countries and we recognise that the criminals are getting far more sophisticated and when you look at the issue of transnational criminal activities it is important for us to conjoin our efforts,' he said. Echoing his sentiments, Terrance Drew, the St Kitts and Nevis' prime minister, said he welcomed a regional approach to the issue. 'The region is dealing with the issue of security on multiple levels, Haiti being the area that is most affected. I think this would require, of course, the coordination of all of the member states of the Caricom … so I welcome the reiteration of us working together as a region,' he said. Even as the conference was opening in Montego Bay, Jamaica, on Sunday, Haiti's once-iconic Hotel Oloffson, a beloved Gothic gingerbread building in Port-au-Prince that inspired books, hosted parties and attracted visitors from Mick Jagger to Haitian presidents, was burned down by gangs. According to the UN, since January, more than 4,000 people have been killed in Haiti, a 24% increase compared with the same period last year. Speaking at a press conference at the meeting, member of Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council, Laurent Saint-Cyr, joined the calls for stronger regional assistance to curb the illicit arms trade and drug trafficking, which play a part in fueling Haiti's crisis. 'Haiti, today, needs the region to speak with one voice in defense of security, peace and sustainable development,' he said, adding, 'we are also counting on you to intensify advocacy with other regional and global partners for increased support towards more rigorous regional cooperation.' Holness, who has proposed a regional justice and security framework, called for a strong and coordinated response to the escalating violence in the region, which he said had evolved far beyond traditional street-level crime, posing a threat to the region's security. 'We must dismantle the influence of gangs in our communities, disrupt their finances … I am on record as saying that we need to launch a war on gangs of a similar magnitude and nature to the 'war on terror',' he said. In the past, Caribbean leaders have jointly raised concerns about the alarming 'epidemic of crime and violence in the Caribbean, fueled by illegal guns and organised criminal gangs'. In 2024, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica topped Statista's homicide rates ranking for Latin America and the Caribbean. Affirming her commitment to unity on regional justice and security, outgoing chair of Caricom, Mia Mottley, the prime minister of Barbados, in her speech at the conference pointed to the issue of gun trafficking from the US to the Caribbean: 'Regrettably I've said over and over we pay a high price for the second amendment rights of the United States of America's citizens,' she said. In 2024, the New York attorney general, Letitia James, announced new measures and legislation to tackle gun trafficking from the US to the Caribbean. James quoted Jamaican government estimates that at least 200 guns are trafficked into the country from the US every month, and said that the weapons are fuelling violent crime and enabling networks that traffic drugs to the US. But Jamaica has since seen a significant decline in murders. The country has accomplished a more than 40% reduction in murders in the first five months of the year, compared with the same period last year, the result, officials say, of a 'sustained and strategic' multibillion-dollar investment in national security. At the Caricom meeting, Holness showed Caribbean leaders some of the country's crime-fighting tech and strategies, which officials said 'demonstrate how Jamaica has integrated advanced technology into law enforcement operations, improving incident response, investigative processes and strategic deployment'. In her opening speech at the conference, Mottley stressed the importance of regional approach to crime and security as she appealed for more countries to choose the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), whose new president, the Jamaican jurist Winston Anderson, was sworn in during the conference, as their final court of appeal. The CCJ is now the final court of appeal for Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Dominica and St Lucia, but for some other Caribbean countries, which were former colonies, the London-based privy council is the final court of appeal. Mottley urged Caribbean citizens to support the CCJ. 'We are aware that there are some countries that have the requirement of referendum,' she said, pointing to the need for public education on the subject.
BBC News
09-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Goalkeeper Townsend departs Newport County
Newport County goalkeeper Nick Townsend has opted to leave the League Two club after seven Supporters Player of the Year for the last two seasons, Townsend was out of contract this Antigua and Barbuda international was offered a new deal by The Exiles, but will depart Rodney Parade after 209 statement the club said: "Newport County would like to thank Nick for his service, commitment and dedication over the last seven years and wish him well with his new challenge."County, who appointed David Hughes as manager last month, have agreed personal terms with a new goalkeeper which they will announce "in due course."
CBC
28-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Judge orders offshore gambling site Bodog to cease operations in Manitoba
A Manitoba judge has barred an offshore gambling site from operating in the province. The companies running and must cease operating the sister sites as well as any successors or replacements in a manner that's accessible to people in Manitoba, Court of King's Bench Judge Jeffrey Harris ruled in a court order signed Monday. Antigua and Barbuda-based companies Il Nido Ltd. and Sanctum IP Holdings Ltd. must implement geo-blocking technology so no one in the province can access or otherwise engage with any gambling products they offer, Harris ordered. The permanent injunction also orders the companies to cease any and all kinds of advertising, whether paid or unpaid, targeted at Manitobans. "The respondents' advertising … as a legitimate, lawful, 'safe,' or 'trusted' online gambling site, constitutes a false description of the respondents' goods and services that is likely to mislead the public," the ruling said. Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries filed a request for the injunction earlier this year on behalf of the Canadian Lottery Coalition, an advocacy group made up of the provincial gaming corporations in B.C., Saskatchewan, Quebec and Manitoba. The coalition said it hoped the case would set a precedent its jurisdictions could use in their fight against illegal gambling sites, which it said diverted revenue away from legitimate operations — and provincial coffers. The application argued that Bodog, which allowed players to place monetary bets on sporting events and casino games on the site, promoted itself to Manitobans as a legitimate service, even though Liquor & Lotteries has sole authority over gambling in the province. It argued the companies used the "free play site" to advertise their monetary gambling services on the .eu site. The site said it accepted players all across Canada except for those in Quebec and Nova Scotia.
Travel Daily News
23-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Global Residency and Citizenship by Investment Report unvealed
Global Citizen Solutions' first RCBI Report ranks 37 countries' investment migration programs, highlighting top destinations for citizenship and residency amid global uncertainty. LONDON – As the world navigates geopolitical instability, market volatility and shifting regulations, Global Citizen Solutions, a leading advisory firm specializing in investment migration, has released its first-ever Global Residency and Citizenship by Investment (RCBI) Report. The report evaluates Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Residency by Investment (RBI) programs currently available across 37 countries, providing key insights for those seeking a new beginning beyond their home nation. This timely report is the most comprehensive, data-driven analysis of global CBI and RBI programs to date, highlighting the top destinations where individuals can obtain a second passport or secure long-term residency. Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada lead the CBI rankings, while Greece and Malta lead the global RBI list. 'This groundbreaking new report reveals a growing interest in dual and multiple citizenships, made possible by the fact that more than 75% of countries now allow some form of dual nationality. In today's world, investment migration is no longer just about obtaining a second passport – it's about unlocking global mobility, securing long-term opportunities and building a legacy,' said Patricia Casaburi, CEO of Global Citizen Solutions. 'Our Global RCBI Report, designed to serve as an essential guide to navigating complex RCBI programs, helps individuals understand how and where they can protect their wealth, move freely and hedge against global uncertainty.' Whether seeking a long-term home or exploring the best options for dual citizenship, the report offers a new perspective on how legal frameworks of RBI and CBI programs can serve as platforms for greater freedom, improved quality of life and financial advantages aligned with individuals' mobility goals. The report evaluated programs using 18 key indicators across the following five dimensions: Procedure Index: Minimum Investment Threshold, Average Processing Time, Path to Citizenship (RBI only), Investment Options, Visit and Residency Requirements, Family Member Inclusion and Program Reputation Tax Optimization Index: Type of Tax System and Tax Rates Mobility Index: Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Access and Destination Attractiveness Quality of Life Index: Human Development, Migrant's Acceptance, Global Peace, and Healthcare Investment Environment Index: Ease of Doing Business and Economic Stability Top Countries for Global Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programs – programs where full citizenship and a passport are granted in exchange for an economic contribution, such as real estate, bonds or a business: Rank Country Total Score 1 Antigua and Barbuda 94.33 2 St. Kitts and Nevis 93.62 3 Grenada 93.16 4 Dominica 90.51 5 St. Lucia 89.79 The Caribbean region, known for its flexible investment options, moderate cost of living, and efficient processing timelines, suit individuals and families seeking fast-track citizenship with moderate investments, no residency requirements and attractive tax regimes. The region accounts for 36% of all active programs and ranks among the top five in the CBI Index. European countries such as Malta which is still processing pending applications despite the recent decision of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to end the Malta's Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) and Austria offer access to the European Union and high-quality healthcare, education and lifestyle, though tagged with significantly higher investment thresholds and processing times. Both programs appeal to investors seeking enhanced global mobility and seamless EU access, thanks to the strength of the passports they confer. to end the Malta's Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) and Austria offer access to the European Union and high-quality healthcare, education and lifestyle, though tagged with significantly higher investment thresholds and processing times. Both programs appeal to investors seeking enhanced global mobility and seamless EU access, thanks to the strength of the passports they confer. Asia, Oceania, Middle East, Africa regions including Cambodia in Asia and Vanuatu and Nauru in the Pacific, feature lower investment thresholds and accelerated timelines, making them attractive to cost-conscious investors seeking rapid access and flexible requirements, though their passports offer more limited, regionally focused mobility. Türkiye's CBI program stands out by offering a low investment threshold, expedited processing, and a passport granting visa-free access to important parts of the world. Top Countries for Global Residency by Investment (RBI) Programs – commonly referred to as 'golden visa' programs, these initiatives allow foreign nationals to obtain a legal residency through investment: Rank Country Total Score 1 Greece 91.47 2 Malta 89.97 3 Switzerland 89.94 4 Luxembourg 89.26 5 Portugal 89.2 European RBI programs are heavily weighted toward Europe, which accounts nearly for 50% of the 23 active programs worldwide. This reflects a shift in EU strategy toward longer-term integration and development goals, with countries like Portugal, Greece, Malta, and Luxembourg offering well-structured RBI options. Asia and the Middle East offer RBI programs characterized by business-friendly climates and favorable tax regimes, with the UAE and Singapore standing out for their global connectivity and zero-tax policies, attracting tech entrepreneurs and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Oceania, led by New Zealand, targets innovative entrepreneurs and venture capitalists through high-threshold programs tied to business creation and job development. The country also ranks highly for quality of life, appealing to families and retirees seeking long-term relocation. In Africa, Mauritius is the option for regional diversification and future mobility. The country draws real estate and business investors with strong legal protections and tax incentives. Additional key takeaways that emerged from Global Citizen Solutions' RCBI Report include: Increased Interest in Wealth Preservation and Security Through Global Mobility: Global mobility is no longer a luxury but a necessity for individuals navigating a world of shifting borders, regulations and economic realities. Second citizenships can simplify this process, allowing heirs to reside in or manage assets from locations with more favorable inheritance laws. New-Generation Programs Emphasize Talent, Innovation, and Sustainability: Countries like Canada, and Singapore are moving away from passive capital inflows and focusing on attracting skilled entrepreneurs and professionals in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, clean energy and biotechnology. Dual citizenship: Most of Europe and the Anglosphere RBI jurisdictions (61%) allow dual citizenship with most schemes offering a pathway to naturalization, making them attractive to globally mobile individuals. In contrast, 26% of countries require renunciation of prior citizenship, mainly in Asia, which limits their appeal. Another 13%, in the Middle East, operate in legal grey zones where dual nationality is restricted but inconsistently enforced, creating uncertainty. Tax Optimization: The Caribbean remains the go-to region for CBI, offering minimal residence requirements, straight forward procedures and favorable tax structures. These programs operate under zero or territorial tax regimes, making them ideal for high-net-worth individuals focused on global mobility and tax neutrality, with relatively little regulatory friction. 'This is the first report of its kind to offer a holistic, transparent and comparable view of both CBI and RBI programs worldwide,' added Dr. Laura Madrid Sartoretto, research lead at Global Citizen Solutions. 'Our goal was to provide a resource that empowers stakeholders to make informed, forward-looking decisions.'
National Post
21-05-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Get to know Canadian hoops star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ahead of NBA MVP announcement
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the betting favourite to be named NBA most valuable player on Wednesday evening, here's an explainer for the uninitiated of who he is, where he came from and the historic nature of his accomplishments. Article content BIOGRAPHY Article content Born July 12, 1998, in Toronto, Gilgeous-Alexander is the son of Charmaine Gilgeous, who competed for Antigua and Barbuda in the women's 400 metres at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, and Vaughn Alexander, a high school basketball star in Toronto who won a city championship for Georges Vanier Secondary and would go on to coach his son. Article content CAREER TRAJECTORY Article content A classic late bloomer who consistently exceeded expectations along the way, Gilgeous-Alexander's basketball path was far from linear. Article content He was cut from his Grade 9 junior team at Hamilton's St. Thomas More, but dominated at the midget level, winning MVP and a championship. He also attended Sir Allan MacNab Secondary in Hamilton before leaving for a school in Tennessee in search of bigger competitive challenges. Article content He impressed enough to earn a scholarship to Florida as a four-star recruit and was ranked 35th by ESPN in his high school class (cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker, his opponent in the Western Conference final this year was ranked 21st), but kept generating buzz after attending a Basketball Without Borders camp and was one of the youngest players to ever make Canada's senior men's national team in 2016. Article content That led to a new recruiting war that Kentucky eventually won. Even so, Gilgeous-Alexander initially was considered one of the lesser prospects of the seven Kentucky commits that year (all but two would make the NBA, but Gilgeous-Alexander has clearly become several levels above even the second-best recruit, Dallas big man P.J. Washington). Article content Article content Article content Article content Several teams became enamoured by him as he turned heads during the pre-draft process, including the Toronto Raptors, who tried to trade for a late lottery pick to nab him. Ultimately, Gilgeous-Alexander went to the Los Angeles Clippers 11th overall via a trade with Charlotte. Article content 'I never really doubted this moment. My whole life I always believed in myself and my abilities, in how hard I worked. Article content '(I) got a lot better and then went to Kentucky for college and just always worked throughout my career and that's why I'm here today.'
