Kingston, Jamaica, March 22, 2024 – More than 21,000 customers have benefited from the National Water Commission (NWC) Amnesty Programme as of March 14, 2025.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, provided the update during his contribution to the 2025/26 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Thursday (March 20).

“Total reconnections, so far, total 3,271, with a further 5,135 awaiting reconnections. This has yielded over $207 million in revenue collected for the NWC and that would have been uncollectible otherwise. We have also written off over $600 million of debt from those who most needed it, restoring the supply of water and returning dignity to households,” Dr. Holness said.

He noted that the amnesty is helping the most vulnerable and, as such, has instructed the NWC to extend the programme for a further two months.

In November 2024, the Prime Minister announced that the NWC would provide an amnesty to customers cut off from the utility for more than six months.

This amnesty has benefited pensioners, Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) beneficiaries and members of the disabled community, with up to a 100 per cent reprieve, and 50 per cent for other categories of customers.

Contact: Latonya Linton

Release : JIS

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

Anguilla, March 22, 2025 – The new premier of Anguilla is historically, a woman, Cora Richardson-Hodge, who led her Anguilla United Front (AUF) to a dominating victory of at the polls in the February 26 General Election in the British Overseas territory; gaining four seats and 49% of the vote.

When she addressed the nation from the House of Assembly on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 as the newly sworn-in Premier, her focus was on commitments made on the campaign trail; to build a more inclusive, dynamic and sustainable Anguilla.

“Our primary goals include: economic diversification. We recognize the need to move beyond traditional industries, and by investing in areas like renewable energy, technology and agriculture we can create a more resilient economy that offers opportunities for all,” said Richardson-Hodge.

Young people are also a priority, said Premier Richardson-Hodge who reminded of the AUF’s ‘People First’ plan.

“Our youth are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are valuable contributors to our present and the architects of our future.  They are innovators, dreamers and change makers. However, for them to flourish, we must prioritize their needs and aspirations that is our People First agenda places their needs at the forefront.”

Mentorship programs are coming, so is investment in business ideas to broaden the commercial landscape of the island nation, she said.

“We will establish initiatives, that support young entrepreneurs in their business endeavours by providing mentorship programs, access to funding and training in business development.  We aim to foster a generation of entrepreneurs who can create jobs and drive economic growth in Anguilla.”

The Premier wants to modernise education and resuscitate healthcare for the 16,000 residents of Anguilla.

“We pledge to improve educational facilities and transform our healthcare services into institutions of which we can be proud.”

Responsible tourism is also prioritised for the new AUF Government administration.  Renewable Energy is elevated in the new regime, she said.

In her maiden speech, she informed Anguillans that their involvement and solidarity are essential.

“Governance is not just for the appointed, it is for every Anguillan, and we will establish regular forums for community feedback and consultation, ensuring that your voices guide our decisions.

To achieve these ambitious objectives, unity is essential.  We must come together, government officials, business leaders, civil society and most importantly, the people of Anguilla,” said the representative for Sandy Hill, a 15-year MP.

Premier Richardson-Hodge reached across the aisle with her words, inviting the members opposite her physically to be tied to a better Anguilla, bi-partisanly.

“It is time to transcend political divides and collaborate for the greater good.  Let us focus on what binds us together, our love for Anguilla and our committee for a brighter future for our families and our children.  And as we embark on this journey, I urge each one of you to join us in embracing this People’s first agenda.  Each one of us plays a vital role in shaping the future of Anguilla. Let us work side by side as partners in progress as we reclaim our narrative and craft a legacy that future generations will be proud of.”

The AUF won eight of the 11 seats with the outgoing Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM) headed by now former premier Dr Ellis Webster, winning the other three seats. Webster was among the victorious candidates for his party.

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

Trinidad and Tobago, March 22, 2025 – From the energy minister to the Prime Minister and now a general election set for April 28 already announced; it has been a whirlwind week on the political scene for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Dr. Keith Rowley did as was expected when he stepped down as the country’s prime minister, after ten of service in that role.  Taking on the job of chief executive in governance is Stuart Young, an attorney by profession and the man who has held several ministerial portfolios including Energy, Communications and Security.

One day after becoming the Prime Minister, Stuart Young made headlines again when he demonstrated a readiness to receive a clear mandate from the nation’s voters and announced a national poll.

In addition to the election announcement, Young has re-organised the Cabinet.                                                                                                                                                                                            He has named Camille Robinson-Regis, an attorney as the new Attorney General; Adrian Leonce is now the Housing Minister; Marvin Gonzales, is the new Security Minister and shifted from the Ministry of Finance is Colm Imbert, who now takes up the Public Utilities portfolio.

It was just days into the new year when Keith Rowley announced his successor as Stuart Young.

Young had been selected, he said, by the Parliamentary Caucus of the People’s National Movement (PNM) as the party’s next leader.

Young has also served as National Security Minister and Communications Minister and is the eighth prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

Nomination Day is April 4, 2025.