Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne has launched a scathing critique of the Mia Mottley administration, accusing it of employing ‘pretty talk’ to create ‘illusions of prosperity’ while many Barbadians grapple with economic hardships. During a heated debate in the House of Assembly over the Barbados National Energy Company (Transfer and Vesting of Assets) Bill, Thorne highlighted the growing disparity between the government’s confident rhetoric and the stark realities faced by citizens. He argued that despite ministers’ claims of economic progress, the benefits are not translating into tangible improvements in the lives of families, small businesses, and street vendors. Thorne urged lawmakers to witness the struggles firsthand by visiting Swan Street, where vendors are fighting to survive rather than thrive. He dismissed the government’s narrative of national prosperity as a ‘cruel joke,’ emphasizing that the people of Barbados are enduring significant suffering. Thorne also criticized the administration’s reliance on buzzwords like ‘sustainable,’ ‘resilient,’ and ‘whole-of-country approach,’ which he described as empty slogans devoid of substance. He warned that the government’s refusal to acknowledge the hardships faced by citizens risks deepening public apathy and eroding trust in leadership. Thorne concluded that speeches alone cannot alleviate the economic pressures weighing on Barbadians, calling for more concrete actions to address their struggles.
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Tourism Figures Show Seasonal Slowdown but Steady U.S. Market Growth
The tourism sector in Antigua and Barbuda continues to exhibit its characteristic seasonal trends, with the summer months presenting persistent challenges for hoteliers. According to the latest data from the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourist Association (ABHTA), average hotel occupancy in August 2025 stood at 60.4 percent, a slight increase from the 59.9 percent recorded in the same month the previous year. However, September witnessed a notable decline, with occupancy dropping to 42 percent compared to 46.2 percent in 2024.
For the first seven months of 2025, stay-over arrivals reached 205,893, marking a modest rise from the 205,004 visitors during the same period in 2024. The United States remains the dominant source market, contributing over half of all stay-over tourists, with arrivals increasing to 115,599 from 109,016 in 2024. The United Kingdom follows as the second-largest market, with 44,007 arrivals, up from 42,152 the previous year. Canada, while ranking third, experienced an 18 percent decline, with 17,578 visitors compared to 20,660 in 2024.
Despite the seasonal dip, industry leaders perceive the marginal year-on-year improvements as a sign of steady resilience in Antigua and Barbuda’s core tourism markets, even amidst global travel uncertainties.
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Jamaicans wake to devastation as hurricane causes floods, power cuts and splits city in two
Jamaica awoke to a grim reality this morning as Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm to hit the island in modern history, left behind a trail of devastation. Nearly three-quarters of the country is without electricity, and extensive flooding has submerged entire communities, particularly in the western regions. Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the island a ‘disaster area,’ emphasizing the ‘devastating impacts’ on infrastructure, including hospitals, homes, and businesses. While no fatalities have been confirmed, the true scale of the destruction remains unclear due to crippled communication networks. Local officials described the aftermath as resembling ‘the scene of an apocalypse movie,’ with floodwaters reaching the roofs of two-story homes and rescue teams struggling to reach trapped families. Montego Bay, a tourism hub, was split in two by floodwaters, and the agricultural heartland of St. Elizabeth, known as Jamaica’s breadbasket, faces significant crop losses. Hurricane Melissa, which intensified rapidly due to abnormally warm Caribbean waters linked to climate change, has now moved on to Cuba, leaving Jamaica to grapple with the monumental task of recovery. The country’s catastrophe bond offers some hope for rebuilding, but the immediate challenges are immense.
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Bajan students in Jamaica accounted for as Hurricane Melissa batters island
All 41 Barbadian students in Jamaica have been confirmed safe and securely accommodated as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, made landfall on the island. Ambassador to CARICOM, David Comissiong, provided this assurance on Tuesday, just before the hurricane struck with unprecedented wind speeds of 185 miles per hour and heavy rainfall. While 26 students were evacuated on short notice, others remained safely sheltered at the University of the West Indies’ Mona Campus and a hotel in Kingston, the island’s capital. Comissiong emphasized that the situation in Kingston, where most students are based, remained stable, with Barbados’ honorary consul in Jamaica maintaining constant communication with the students. Some students were flown back to Barbados via a special flight arranged by the government, though the tight timeline of just four hours meant not all could be accommodated. Rakeia Mayers-Parris, Public Relations Officer of the Barbados Student Association of Jamaica (BSAJ), recounted her experience of receiving a last-minute call for an afternoon flight back home. She praised the government’s swift action, noting that those unable to evacuate were provided safe accommodations at hotels. Despite reports of infrastructure damage and flooding at the UWI Mona Campus, Comissiong assured that the Foreign Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with both students and Jamaican authorities. The BSAJ expressed profound gratitude to the government and all individuals involved in ensuring the students’ safety, highlighting the efforts of Foreign Minister Kerrie Symmonds, Director General of Foreign Affairs Donna Forde, and Honorary Consul Winston Bayley.
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Three Earthquakes Recorded Near Antigua and Barbuda
The northeastern Caribbean experienced a sequence of moderate earthquakes between late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, as reported by the UWI Seismic Research Centre (SRC). This latest seismic activity adds to a series of tremors that have recently affected the region. The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 3.9, occurred at 10:04 p.m. local time on October 28, approximately 52 kilometers north of St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, at a depth of 22 kilometers. A second tremor, measuring 3.8, was recorded at 12:13 a.m. on October 29, located 261 kilometers east-southeast of Antigua, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. The third and most powerful quake, with a magnitude of 4.1, struck at 2:42 a.m., about 282 kilometers east of Antigua, also at a depth of 10 kilometers. All events were automatically detected by the SRC’s monitoring systems, which noted that these initial readings are provisional and may be updated following further analysis. Fortunately, there have been no reports of damage or injuries. The SRC has encouraged residents who felt the tremors to share their experiences to aid in ongoing research and analysis.
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Health Ministry Continues Prescription Glasses Distribution This Week
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs has announced the continuation of its prescription glasses distribution program. The initiative, which began earlier this week, will run from Wednesday, October 29, to Friday, October 31, 2025, at the Ministry of Health Headquarters on High Street, St. John’s. Distribution hours are scheduled as follows: October 29 and 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and October 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This follows the successful distribution of over 200 pairs of glasses in the initial phase, with a total of more than 500 pairs expected to be distributed by the program’s conclusion. The Ministry encourages all individuals who were prescribed glasses during the Health Fair held in June 2025 at the Multi-Purpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre to collect their eyewear during the specified hours. Recipients are reminded to bring a valid form of identification. This initiative underscores the Ministry’s commitment to promoting equitable access to healthcare and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens through vision care and outreach programs.
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Pharmacy at St Philip Polyclinic to close October 31 to November 5
The pharmacy at the St Philip Polyclinic will be temporarily shut down from Friday, October 31, 2025, through Wednesday, November 5, 2025, to allow for essential renovation works. The Ministry of Health and Wellness has announced that normal pharmacy operations are scheduled to resume on Thursday, November 6, 2025. During this period, patients who typically utilize the St Philip Polyclinic Pharmacy for prescription refills or other pharmaceutical services are advised to visit any other polyclinic pharmacy or out-patient clinic pharmacy. To ensure seamless service, patients should carry their identification cards and empty medication containers. The Ministry expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and extended gratitude to the public for their patience and understanding as they work to enhance the facility for improved service delivery.
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Room for debate as Uber enters Barbados
Uber officially debuted its ride-hailing services in Barbados last Tuesday with a high-profile event at the Hilton Barbados. The launch introduced three key offerings: Uber Taxi, Uber Reserve, and Uber Hourly. Uber Taxi allows passengers to book rides to their desired destinations, while Uber Reserve enables users to schedule trips up to 90 days in advance or as close as 30 minutes before pickup. Uber Hourly provides the option to hire a driver by the hour, catering to tourists needing airport transfers or island tours.
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Joanne Smith Sworn In as Member of the Industrial Court
In a dignified ceremony held at Government House today, Ms. Joanne Smith was officially sworn in as a member of the Industrial Court. The oath of office was administered by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, signifying Smith’s formal induction into the tribunal. The Industrial Court plays a pivotal role in adjudicating industrial and employment disputes, ensuring fairness and justice in labour relations. The event was attended by Smith’s family and friends, who gathered to celebrate her appointment. This milestone underscores the court’s ongoing commitment to maintaining equitable labour practices and resolving workplace conflicts effectively. Smith’s addition to the tribunal is expected to further strengthen its capacity to address complex industrial issues with impartiality and expertise.
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LETTER: Beyond Restitution: A National Conversation Continues
In a recent address, Hon. E.P. Chet Greene emphasized the urgent need for systemic reforms in Antigua and Barbuda following a high-profile corruption scandal that siphoned millions from the national treasury. The scandal has sparked a vital national conversation, highlighting the maturity of the country’s democracy as citizens and officials alike engage in meaningful dialogue. While some have politicized the call for restitution, others recognize its necessity in addressing prosecutorial limitations in recovering public funds. A legal expert’s intervention further underscored the importance of this discourse, reinforcing Greene’s warnings about the broader implications of the scandal. The question now is: What comes next after restitution? Greene argues that restitution is merely the starting point for a comprehensive national reset. The return of stolen funds, though crucial, addresses only a symptom of a deeper issue—the lack of personal responsibility and national consciousness. This scandal, while devastating, presents an opportunity to transition from outrage to action. Greene outlines five critical steps to rebuild the nation’s governance framework: 1. **Legislative Overhaul**: Strengthening laws such as the Integrity in Public Life Act, introducing a Freedom of Information Act, and enacting a Whistleblower Protection Act. 2. **Fortifying Financial Controls**: Implementing real-time audits, digitizing procurement processes, and ensuring transparency in financial management. 3. **Cultivating Accountability**: Establishing mandatory performance reports for public officials and enforcing consequences for negligence or malfeasance. 4. **Fostering Civic Education**: Integrating civic responsibility into school curricula and public discourse to combat corruption at its roots. 5. **Establishing a Permanent Anti-Corruption Framework**: Creating an independent Anti-Corruption Agency to ensure ongoing prevention, investigation, and public education. Greene concludes that the path forward is challenging but essential to building a nation where such systemic failures are impossible. The choice is clear: Will Antigua and Barbuda be defined by its scandal or by the reforms that emerge from it? The reset begins now, and it begins with collective action.