A significant diplomatic gathering in Antigua and Barbuda saw the participation of prominent officials, including Acting Prime Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin, Dominican Republic Ambassador Yolanda Alexandra Victoria, and Consul General Joaquín Díaz López. The event, which also featured Chief Immigration Officer Katrina Yearwood and other senior figures, was marked by heightened security protocols. Authorities emphasized that these measures aligned with international standards, ensuring the safety of all attendees. Contrary to circulating claims, the department clarified that no discomfort was caused by security checkpoints, nor were attendees required to present passports for entry. All procedures were reportedly executed with uniformity and professionalism. Representatives from the Dominican Republic, who also spoke at the event, raised no complaints regarding the arrangements. The gathering underscored the importance of robust security practices in hosting high-profile diplomatic engagements.
作者： admin
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Making change and shaping our future
In his 46th Independence Day address, Dr. the Hon Godwin Friday, Leader of the Opposition, emphasized the importance of gratitude, unity, and collective action in addressing the nation’s challenges. He began by acknowledging the divine grace that has sustained the country through the years and expressed appreciation for the global support that has bolstered national development. Dr. Friday highlighted the sacrifices of citizens, both celebrated and unsung, who have contributed to the nation’s sovereignty and progress. He urged the public to draw inspiration from their dedication and strive for a brighter future.
Dr. Friday addressed pressing issues such as rising living costs, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and a struggling healthcare system. He expressed deep concern over the surge in violent crime and the lack of protection for vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls. The Opposition Leader criticized the neglect of law enforcement, citing poor training and working conditions as factors undermining their effectiveness.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Friday remained optimistic, calling for unity and active participation in the democratic process. He emphasized the upcoming general elections as a pivotal opportunity to demand change and hold the government accountable. Dr. Friday urged citizens to reflect on the nation’s progress, evaluate whether the promises of independence have been fulfilled, and make informed decisions at the polls.
Concluding his address, Dr. Friday extended Independence Day wishes and invoked divine blessings for the nation. He encouraged citizens to take responsibility for shaping the country’s future, ensuring a better life for current and future generations.
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Applications Open for Inaugural Miss St. John’s Rural West Pageant 2026
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — The first-ever Miss St. John’s Rural West Pageant is set to debut in 2026, offering young women from the constituency a platform to showcase their elegance, leadership, and community spirit. Organizers have officially opened applications for female residents aged 18 to 27, emphasizing that no prior pageant experience is required. Instead, they seek participants who demonstrate poise, authenticity, and a drive for personal growth. The competition aims to celebrate women who embody beauty, intelligence, and a deep commitment to their community. The winner will assume the role of a community ambassador, fostering civic engagement and inspiring others to pursue leadership roles. Applications can be submitted online at https://forms.gle/DtqkXTVSmj8RZaWc9. This groundbreaking event is hailed as a significant milestone, blending heritage, empowerment, and grace into a single celebration.
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COP’s 46th Anniversary of Independence Address
As Saint Vincent and the Grenadines commemorates 46 years of independence, Commissioner of Police Enville Williams delivered a heartfelt address, reflecting on the nation’s journey and the pivotal role of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF). Williams emphasized that this milestone is not merely a date but a testament to the resilience, strength, and faith of the Vincentian people. Since 1979, the RSVGPF has been integral to the nation’s progress, ensuring the safety and security that underpin societal prosperity. Williams highlighted the sacrifices made by officers, including those who gave their lives in service, and expressed gratitude to their families. He acknowledged the evolution of the force, from modest beginnings to a modern, disciplined, and innovative institution that collaborates with regional and international partners. Despite facing complex challenges, including global threats and domestic crime, the RSVGPF remains resolute in its mission to protect the nation. Williams called for unity, urging citizens to embrace vigilance, respect, and civic pride as essential components of national security. He concluded with a message of hope, envisioning a future marked by peace, prosperity, and collective strength, and extended his wishes for a blessed Independence Day.
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Suspect identified in deadly car explosion- Home Affairs Ministry
The Ministry of Home Affairs in Guyana has announced that the Guyana Police Force has identified a suspect linked to a deadly car explosion that occurred on Sunday evening at the Mobil Service Station on Regent and King Streets in Georgetown. The tragic incident resulted in the death of six-year-old Soraya Bourne and left four others injured, including Sedyia McIntosh and Rishad Lorde, who sustained serious injuries, and Jennifer Cooper and Yvonne Jones, who suffered minor wounds. President Irfaan Ali, currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, has been briefed on the matter and has directed that images of the suspect be widely circulated to aid the public in assisting the investigation. He emphasized the need for a full-scale investigation, utilizing all available resources to determine the exact cause and circumstances of the explosion. In response, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond convened a high-level meeting early Monday morning with key security officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, and the Head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Mr. Sheldon Howell. The Ministry is collaborating closely with relevant security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and to bring justice to the victims. This incident follows a similar occurrence in May 2025, when explosions simultaneously rocked the Ruimveldt Police Outpost and a nearby Guyana Power and Light substation, with two Spanish-speaking individuals identified as suspects at that time.
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Guyana govt requests proposals to build fertiliser plant
The Government of Guyana has officially launched a Request for Proposals (RFP) to establish a state-of-the-art ammonia and urea plant, aiming to produce approximately 300,000 tons of cost-effective fertiliser annually. This initiative, spearheaded by the Prime Minister’s office, seeks to address the high cost of fertilisers in Guyana and its neighboring regions, including northern Brazil and the Caribbean. The project, estimated to cost no more than $300 million, will operate under a public-private partnership model, utilizing 20 million standard cubic feet per day (MMCFD) of natural gas from the second phase of the Wales pipeline. The selected Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor will be responsible for securing a world-class licensor for the plant, which is slated for completion by 2027/2028, coinciding with the finalization of the gas-to-energy project. The plant will be strategically located in Wales, east of the combined cycle power plant and natural gas liquids facility. GAUP, the private company overseeing the project, will receive lean gas from Guyana Power and Gas Inc (GPGI), a wholly-owned government entity. Proposals must demonstrate prior EPC experience, detailed project schedules, financial projections, and a commitment to local content development. The Guyana government will facilitate the establishment of GAUP, secure financing, and manage contracts and permits, ensuring the project is structured on a Project Finance basis.
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Teen Remanded to Rehabilitation Centre on Multiple Traffic Charges
A 17-year-old male has been ordered to the Denis Bowers Rehabilitation Centre following his appearance before the Child Justice Board earlier this week. The teenager faces multiple traffic-related charges, including driving without a valid licence, operating a vehicle without insurance, and the fraudulent use of a registration plate. He will remain in custody until November 17, when his case is scheduled to be heard. The offences occurred on October 13, when a white 2011 Honda Fit was intercepted during a crime prevention operation in St. John’s. After a thorough investigation, the teen was arrested and charged over the weekend. The Police Administration has issued a stern reminder to all motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly licensed and insured, stressing that adherence to traffic laws is essential for road safety and accident prevention.
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Governor General Joins in Celebration of Diwali – The Indian Festival of Light
On the evening of October 25, 2025, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, graced the 2025 Diwali Festival Celebration at the Sir John E. St. Luce Financial Centre in Factory Road. The event, organized by the Honourary Consul of India, Mr. Vijay Tewani, brought together a distinguished gathering of diplomats, members of the Indian community, and friends of India. Among the attendees were representatives from Cuba, Venezuela, and the United Kingdom. In his address, Sir Rodney Williams praised Mr. Tewani for his unwavering dedication to fostering stronger ties between Antigua and Barbuda and India. He eloquently described Diwali as a celebration that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. The Governor-General also underscored the enduring partnership between the two nations, highlighting India’s significant contributions to Antigua and Barbuda’s development, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma and during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized ongoing collaborations in education, health, digital technology, investment, and tourism. Reflecting on his and Lady Williams’ previous visits to India as Chief Guests at international conferences, Sir Rodney expressed admiration for India’s rich cultural heritage and its steadfast commitment to global peace and understanding. The festival was marked by vibrant cultural performances, traditional Indian attire, delectable cuisine, and the ceremonial lighting of lamps, symbolizing the triumph of light and goodness.
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Sir Ronald Sanders to be Opening Speaker at United Nations Launch of Report on Arbitrary Detention
Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders of Antigua and Barbuda, who serves as the nation’s representative to the United States and the Organization of American States, will deliver the opening address at the United Nations’ launch of the Independent International Panel’s Report on Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations. The event is scheduled for October 28, 2025, at the UN Headquarters in New York, coinciding with International Law Week. The initiative is jointly organized by Antigua and Barbuda and Canada, with additional support from Australia, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. The groundbreaking report represents the first comprehensive legal examination of arbitrary detention practices, where foreign nationals are detained by one state to exert pressure on another—a practice that contravenes international law and undermines trust between nations. The document provides detailed legal analysis and actionable recommendations to enhance prevention, protection, and accountability. Ambassador Sanders will highlight Antigua and Barbuda’s early support for the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by smaller states with limited consular resources. He will assert that such detentions constitute coercion rather than diplomacy. The event will also feature contributions from notable experts, including Dr. Marja Lehto, Vice-Chair of the Panel; Dr. Jean-Michel Arrighi, Secretary for Legal Affairs at the Organization of American States; Dr. Elina Šteinerte, Vice Chair of the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture; and Dr. Alice Jill Edwards, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture. The session will be broadcast live on UN WebTV from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. EDT.
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Joerawan blij met vonnis SBB-zaak; Ravenberg kondigt hoger beroep aan
The ongoing legal dispute within the Foundation for Forest Management and Supervision (SBB) has taken a new turn following a recent court ruling. The cantonal judge ordered Ruben Ravenberg, the general director of SBB, to publicly apologize to board member Krishnadath (Kees) Joerawan for defamatory remarks. Judge Deborah Haakmat-Sniphout granted Ravenberg two days to remove the offending statements and issue a public apology. Despite the court’s decision, Ravenberg, in consultation with his attorneys Maureen Nibte and Murwin Dubois, has announced plans to appeal the ruling. The court’s judgment remains enforceable pending the appeal. Joerawan expressed satisfaction with the verdict, stating that ‘the wheels of justice grind slowly but surely.’ He emphasized that the accusations against him were unfounded and expressed hope that Ravenberg would respect the court’s decision rather than prolong the legal battle. Ravenberg, however, remains steadfast in his claims, asserting that he possesses evidence of Joerawan’s prior illegal activities and evasion of prosecution. He stated, ‘SBB has all the documents sent by the Attorney General,’ and vowed to continue the fight. The appeal does not automatically suspend the apology order, and Ravenberg has committed to following legal procedures while maintaining the case’s principled nature. He cautioned Joerawan against premature celebration, signaling that the legal battle is far from over.