The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has announced ongoing mainline installation works along Barnacle Main Road, Cedar Valley Main Road, and Conference Drive, leading into the New Winthorpes area. These efforts are part of the final preparations for the upcoming commissioning of a state-of-the-art 2-million-imperial-gallon Reverse Osmosis Plant, designed to enhance the island’s water supply system. As the project progresses, residents and motorists can expect intermittent road closures and traffic disruptions. APUA emphasized the importance of these upgrades, which aim to significantly improve Antigua’s water infrastructure. The Authority extended its gratitude to the public for their patience and cooperation during this critical phase of development.
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Greene Calls for Stronger, Fairer EU–Caribbean Partnership at CELAC–EU Summit
E.P. Chet Greene, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Barbuda Affairs, has called for a strengthened alliance between the European Union (EU) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). Speaking at the Caribbean–EU Meeting during the 4th CELAC–EU Summit in Santa Marta, Colombia, Greene emphasized the need for a partnership rooted in justice, sustainability, and shared prosperity. He highlighted the long-standing relationship between the Caribbean and the EU, built on shared values and mutual benefits, and stressed the urgency of evolving this collaboration to address global challenges. Greene articulated Antigua and Barbuda’s proactive role in advocating for a transformative and equitable partnership, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) facing unprecedented uncertainties. He praised the EU’s leadership in global climate action and urged greater investment in renewable energy, concessional financing, and climate-resilient infrastructure across the Caribbean. Additionally, Greene joined regional leaders in urging the EU to maintain the Caribbean as a “Zone of Peace” and to support efforts to resolve the crisis in Haiti. He also emphasized the importance of the EU’s continued engagement with the region’s Investment Migration programmes, which are crucial to many Caribbean economies.
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Recovery is growing, but much remains to be done for easterners to return to their daily lives
Under the leadership of First Secretary of the Party Central Committee and President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, alongside Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, the National Defense Council has been rigorously overseeing recovery operations in regions devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The storm inflicted severe damage on Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and Holguín, disrupting essential services such as electricity, water supply, and telecommunications.
The restoration of electricity has been a focal point, with significant progress reported in various provinces. In Las Tunas, 99.95% of customers have regained power, while Guantánamo and Holguín have achieved 96.45% and 79.76% restoration, respectively. However, Santiago de Cuba remains a critical area, with only 29.23% of electricity services restored due to extensive damage to distribution lines. Efforts are concentrated here, with additional brigades being deployed to expedite repairs.
Water supply restoration is also underway, with varying levels of success across provinces. Holguín has restored service to 83% of its population, while Guantánamo and Granma have achieved 96% and 55%, respectively. Santiago de Cuba, however, lags with 57% restoration, partly reliant on water trucks.
The Economic and Social Body subgroups reported on agricultural recovery, with 13,000 hectares of crops like plantains, cassava, and coffee already rehabilitated. Additionally, construction materials and equipment have been dispatched to aid in rebuilding efforts.
The National Civil Defense General Staff has transitioned several municipalities into the Recovery Phase, acknowledging the disciplined and cooperative response from the population and media during this crisis.
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GARD Center Launches Soap Crafting Program for prisoners
The Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development (GARD) Center has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative in collaboration with His Majesty’s Prisons: a Soap Crafting Training Program designed to foster rehabilitation and societal reintegration for inmates. This innovative program integrates practical skill-building with essential life skills, including communication, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial thinking, equipping participants with the tools necessary for sustainable livelihoods post-release. The GARD Center emphasizes that the program’s core mission is to empower individuals to transition seamlessly back into society through entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency. By blending hands-on training with personal development, the initiative underscores the Center’s commitment to empowerment, rehabilitation, and offering second chances to those in need. This expansion of their partnership with the prison system highlights a progressive approach to addressing the challenges of reintegration and reducing recidivism.
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Antigua and Barbuda Calls for Regional Solidarity and Global Action on Climate Mobility at COP30
At the High-Level Session on Climate Mobility in the Greater Caribbean, held during COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed its commitment to climate justice and resilience. Her Excellency Ruleta Camacho Thomas, the Ambassador for Climate Change, delivered a compelling keynote address, urging enhanced international collaboration, regional solidarity, and robust financing mechanisms to safeguard the rights, culture, and livelihoods of Caribbean communities grappling with climate change.
Ambassador Camacho Thomas highlighted the immediate reality of climate-induced displacement in the region, citing examples such as Dominicans seeking refuge in Antigua after Hurricane Andrew and the evacuation of Barbuda’s entire population to Antigua following Hurricane Irma. These incidents underscore the vulnerability of communities already forced to relocate, often at the cost of their homes, heritage, and sense of belonging.
She emphasized that most residents of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) wish to remain in their ancestral lands due to deep cultural and historical ties. To support this, she called for increased investments in resilient infrastructure, innovative housing technologies, and community-based adaptation strategies.
The Ambassador also addressed the broader implications of climate mobility, describing it as the human face of loss and damage. She stressed the need for financing mechanisms that not only aid recovery but also preserve cultural identity, livelihoods, and community cohesion. “Justice without finance is delay by another name,” she asserted.
Referencing the Advisory Opinions of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), Ambassador Camacho Thomas reiterated the legal obligation of states to prevent environmental harm and uphold the right to a healthy environment. She firmly declared that rising sea levels must not erode sovereignty or maritime rights, stating, “Loss of land must never mean loss of nationhood — nor loss of identity.”
She also advocated for regional cooperation, emphasizing the necessity of a unified Caribbean approach to address mobility, social protection, and relocation planning. “No island can face this crisis alone,” she said. “Collaboration and solidarity are the foundation of our survival — we do not want cultural displacement; we want support to stay rooted, resilient, and proud of who we are.”
Antigua and Barbuda continues to lead efforts to integrate climate mobility into National Adaptation Plans, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and Loss and Damage frameworks. The nation remains a staunch proponent of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) to guide concessional finance and ensure direct funding reaches affected communities efficiently.
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Parent Alleges Sexual Misconduct by Primary School Principal
A parent has raised alarming accusations against a primary school principal, alleging that he attempted to sexually assault her child and other students. The anonymous parent disclosed that the incidents reportedly occurred between 2023 and 2024, when her daughter was merely 10 years old. She expressed outrage, stating, ‘He is supposed to guide them and fulfill his appointed role. Instead, he has shown no remorse and continues to move around the school, even after being instructed to stay away.’ The parent further asserted that the principal has a history of inappropriate conduct toward young girls, urging him to ‘seek someone your own size and leave people’s children alone.’ As of now, education authorities have not confirmed whether an investigation into these serious allegations has been initiated.
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COP30: VN waarschuwt voor miljoenen ontheemden door klimaatverandering
As the United Nations prepares to convene its 30th annual climate conference (COP 30) in Brazil, a stark warning has been issued regarding the escalating global crisis of climate-induced displacement. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) revealed in a newly published report that weather-related disasters have forced approximately 250 million people to flee their homes over the past decade, equating to over 67,000 displacements daily. The report, titled *No Escape II: The Way Forward*, underscores the compounding challenges faced by displaced populations, particularly in conflict-ridden and vulnerable regions. Climate change exacerbates existing hardships, with floods in South Sudan and Brazil, record-breaking heatwaves in Kenya and Pakistan, and water shortages in Chad and Ethiopia cited as recent examples. By 2040, the number of countries facing extreme climate-related risks is projected to surge from three to 65, housing over 45% of the world’s conflict-displaced populations. UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi emphasized the devastating impact of extreme weather, which destroys homes and livelihoods, forcing families—many already displaced by violence—to flee again. The report also highlights the dire conditions in refugee camps across Gambia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Mali, where residents are expected to endure nearly 200 days of dangerous heat stress annually by 2050. Despite the growing urgency, global commitment to addressing climate change appears to wane. The UNHCR aims to reinvigorate efforts during COP 30, particularly as traditional donor nations, including the United States under former President Donald Trump, have significantly reduced foreign aid. Grandi stressed the need for climate financing to reach communities on the brink, urging COP 30 to deliver tangible action rather than empty promises. The conference, attended by 50,000 participants from over 190 countries, will also address contentious issues such as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which critics view as protectionist. Developing nations express concerns over the disproportionate financial burden of climate action.
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Interactors Spread Service and Smiles Across Antigua for World Interact Week
In celebration of World Interact Week, Interactors across Antigua have been actively engaging in community service projects, spreading both smiles and meaningful assistance. This global initiative, organized by Rotary International, empowers young people to make a positive impact in their communities through volunteerism and leadership. In Antigua, Interactors focused on a variety of activities, including environmental clean-ups, educational workshops, and support for vulnerable populations. Their efforts not only addressed local needs but also fostered a sense of unity and purpose among participants. The week-long event highlighted the power of youth-driven initiatives in creating lasting change. By combining service with compassion, these young leaders demonstrated the importance of giving back and inspiring others to do the same. World Interact Week serves as a reminder of the potential within the next generation to tackle global challenges with creativity and dedication.
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Antigua and Barbuda Signs MoU With China for Solar Powered Street Lights
In a significant move toward sustainable development, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the People’s Republic of China to enhance renewable energy infrastructure. The agreement, signed by Ambassador Diann Black-Layne, Director of the Department of Environment, during the COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil, will provide 1,500 solar-powered street lights and 200 residential photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage system (ESS) units to the Caribbean nation. This initiative is facilitated through the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China. The project marks a pivotal step in Antigua and Barbuda’s renewable energy transition, aligning with its broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and bolstering climate resilience. The solar street lights are expected to enhance public safety and community visibility while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering electricity costs for local authorities. Furthermore, the residential PV and ESS systems will empower households to generate and store clean energy, fostering energy independence and ensuring stability during power outages caused by extreme weather. Ambassador Black-Layne emphasized that this collaboration highlights the importance of international cooperation in tackling the global climate crisis and reflects China’s ongoing commitment to supporting small island developing states (SIDS) in achieving their sustainable development and energy transition objectives.
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Veel bewolking met wat regenbuien in de middag
The day begins with overcast conditions, and the cloud cover persists even after sunrise, increasing the likelihood of precipitation. By midday, scattered rain showers may develop, with temperatures potentially rising to around 31°C. A gentle breeze is expected throughout the day. As evening approaches and into the night, the skies remain cloudy, and temperatures are forecasted to drop to approximately 24°C. This weather pattern suggests a mix of warmth and moisture, typical for this time of year.