In a gesture of international goodwill, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, has conveyed warm congratulations to Rodney Williams, the Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, on the occasion of the nation’s Independence Day. This diplomatic message underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering positive relations with countries worldwide. Additionally, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, along with His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, extended similar messages of felicitation to Governor-General Williams and Gaston Browne, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. These communications highlight the UAE’s active role in global diplomacy and its efforts to strengthen ties with nations across diverse regions.
作者： admin
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Israeli military kills two in new Gaza attack despite ‘resuming’ ceasefire
Israel’s military has launched another deadly attack in northern Gaza, further destabilizing an already fragile ceasefire. The aerial strike on October 29 in Beit Lahiya claimed at least two lives, according to al-Shifa Hospital. Israeli authorities justified the attack by stating it targeted a weapons storage site posing an ‘immediate threat’ to its troops. This incident follows a wave of intense bombardment on October 28, the most severe since the ceasefire began on October 10. The violence escalated after the reported killing of an Israeli soldier in Rafah, southern Gaza, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order ‘powerful’ retaliatory strikes. These attacks resulted in 104 fatalities, predominantly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israel claimed the strikes eliminated senior Hamas fighters and later announced a resumption of the ceasefire by mid-Wednesday. Despite the renewed violence, U.S. President Donald Trump asserted the ceasefire ‘is not in jeopardy.’ Meanwhile, Qatar, a key regional mediator, expressed frustration but remains committed to advancing the truce, including efforts towards Hamas’s disarmament.
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Trump directs nuclear weapons testing to resume for first time in over 30 years
In a significant policy shift, former President Donald Trump has urged US military leaders to resume nuclear weapons testing, citing the need to keep pace with nations like Russia and China. Trump made the announcement via social media on October 29, just before his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. He emphasized that the US, which possesses the largest nuclear arsenal globally, must modernize its capabilities to match advancements by other nations. Russia and China, he noted, are actively enhancing their nuclear programs, with China projected to make substantial progress within five years. Trump’s directive to the Department of War marks a departure from a decades-long moratorium on nuclear testing, last conducted in 1992 under President George H.W. Bush. The US’s Nevada Test Site, a key facility for past nuclear experiments, remains operational and could be reactivated if authorized. This move has sparked debate over its implications for global security and arms control agreements.
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Police Investigate Shooting Incident on Joseph Lane
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has launched an investigation into a shooting incident that occurred on Joseph Lane in St. John’s during the early hours of Monday, November 3, 2025. The incident left a 26-year-old man from All Saints with a non-life-threatening injury. According to reports, the victim and a companion were walking near Velvet Touch when they heard a loud explosion. The victim soon realized he had been struck by a bullet. He was promptly taken to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he received treatment for a gunshot wound to his left shoulder. Medical staff confirmed his condition as stable and not life-threatening. Authorities are now seeking a male suspect described as approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, last seen wearing dark clothing and a purple ski mask. The suspect was reportedly driving a dark grey Suzuki Vitara when he fled the scene. The police are urging anyone with information about the incident or the suspect to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or Crimestoppers at 800-TIPS (8477).
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PM Browne says new luxury investments will raise wages and diversify tourism product
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has unveiled ambitious plans to transform Antigua and Barbuda into the Caribbean’s foremost luxury tourism destination. During his weekly radio program, Browne emphasized the nation’s strategic shift from traditional all-inclusive resorts to high-end tourism projects designed to attract affluent travelers and generate higher-paying jobs.
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WIOC Pays Over $170 Million to Government in Taxes and Dividends
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has hailed the West Indies Oil Company (WIOC) as a paragon of public-private partnership, emphasizing its substantial contributions to Antigua and Barbuda’s economy. During his weekly radio program, Browne revealed that the government has amassed approximately $170 million in taxes and dividends from WIOC, marking it as the nation’s most successful collaborative venture.
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VS-Venezuela: toenemende spanning, maar nog geen directe aanval
Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have intensified following a significant increase in military presence in the Caribbean region. The deployment of warships, fighter jets, and thousands of troops to the Gulf of Venezuela and adjacent maritime areas has raised concerns. While Washington claims these movements are part of an international operation against drug trafficking, analysts perceive them as a political show of force targeting the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The Venezuelan government has condemned the actions as ‘border provocations’ and placed its armed forces on high alert. President Maduro warned over the weekend that the US is ‘playing dangerously with regional peace.’ Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump denied any plans for military strikes on Venezuelan territory, describing the activities as ‘preventive security patrols’ and ‘support for regional partners.’
Domestically, Venezuela is divided over the foreign pressure. Some opposition groups view the US presence as an opportunity to further isolate Maduro’s authoritarian rule, while others fear potential intervention could lead to national chaos.
Internationally, Russia has sharply criticized the US military buildup, labeling it ‘excessive power projection’ and pledging diplomatic support for Caracas. China and Iran have also strengthened their defense cooperation with Venezuela.
The escalating tensions have regional implications. Diplomats in the Caribbean are concerned about the security of trade and transport routes, as well as the potential increase in migration flows if the situation worsens.
Military observers note that Venezuela’s armed forces have been significantly weakened by years of economic crisis, corruption, and sanctions. In contrast, the US possesses overwhelming resources and infrastructure in the region, including reopened naval bases in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
For now, neither side appears to seek direct confrontation, but diplomatic and military tensions persist.
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PM says he has nothing but love and admiration for Sir Viv
In a heartfelt tribute, the Prime Minister has publicly expressed his deep admiration and affection for cricket icon Sir Viv Richards. Speaking at a recent event, the PM highlighted Sir Viv’s unparalleled contributions to the sport and his enduring legacy as a role model both on and off the field. The Prime Minister emphasized that Sir Viv’s achievements transcend cricket, inspiring generations with his leadership, resilience, and sportsmanship. He also acknowledged Sir Viv’s role in fostering unity and pride in the Caribbean and beyond. The PM’s remarks underscored the profound respect and gratitude felt by many for the legendary cricketer, whose impact continues to resonate globally.
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Nevis Youth Voice Strong Support for Destiny SSZ Project, Express Excitement About Growth Opportunities
The youth of Nevis have expressed overwhelming support for the proposed Destiny Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ) Project, a multi-billion-dollar initiative aimed at fostering sustainable development on the island. In a recent consultation organized by the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), members of the Cabinet engaged with approximately 60 students from the Nevis Sixth Form College to discuss the project’s scope, benefits, and potential impact. The session featured a video presentation by lead developer Olivier Janssens, followed by a detailed overview by Honourable Senator Jahnel Nisbett, who addressed key aspects such as design concepts, financial commitments, sustainability measures, and community benefits. Students actively participated in a Q&A session, raising questions about employment opportunities, the project’s US $1 million annual scholarship fund, and the inclusion of local entrepreneurs and farmers. Many students acknowledged that prior misconceptions about the project were clarified during the discussion, leading to a more optimistic outlook. Premier Mark Brantley emphasized the importance of innovation and adaptation, drawing parallels to the success of the Four Seasons Resort, which initially faced opposition but now supports over 1,000 families. The students praised the government’s transparency and open communication, urging continued public engagement as the project progresses. The Destiny SSZ Project represents a forward-looking initiative that promises to create lasting opportunities for Nevis and its future generations.
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Government to Partner in New Beer and Distillery Ventures
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has unveiled ambitious plans to bolster Antigua and Barbuda’s economy through the establishment of a new brewery and the expansion of the Antigua Distillery. These initiatives, backed by a recently approved loan secured via a public-private partnership with the government, signify a strategic shift toward economic diversification and reduced dependence on tourism. Speaking on his weekly radio program, ‘Browne and Browne,’ the Prime Minister emphasized the significance of these investments in broadening the nation’s production base. ‘From next year, we may have a beer factory,’ Browne revealed, highlighting the collaborative effort between the government and Antigua Distillery. The Prime Minister noted that while tourism remains a vital sector, its contribution to GDP has decreased from 70 percent to approximately 55 percent due to the growth of other industries. ‘Banking, manufacturing, and services such as medical education and insurance are now playing a more substantial role in our economy,’ he explained. This diversification has enabled Antigua and Barbuda to achieve record economic growth, maintain fiscal surpluses, and reduce national debt. Browne also underscored the importance of joint ventures in agriculture, distilling, and financial services, which aim to enhance local ownership and economic participation. The Citizenship by Investment Programme, contributing around 10 percent of GDP, continues to complement these efforts. The Prime Minister’s announcement reflects a broader vision to strengthen the country’s economic resilience and ensure sustainable development.