The Ministry of Works has initiated a widespread road repair campaign targeting several key areas, including Tyrell’s, Bathlodge, Clare Hall, and Golden Grove. This initiative aims to bolster road infrastructure in preparation for the impending rainy season. In Bathlodge, crews are currently engaged in base preparation, while patching teams are actively working in Clare Hall and Golden Grove. Officials have emphasized that these efforts are part of the ministry’s broader strategy to enhance community infrastructure and ensure safer, more reliable roadways. The ministry has also expressed appreciation for the recent favorable weather conditions, which have enabled the continuation of work following delays caused by earlier rainfall. This project underscores the government’s commitment to improving public infrastructure and addressing the needs of local communities.
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Antigua Yacht Club Commodore Dr. Clarence Pilgrim Hails October Mini Dinghy Regatta Champions
The Antigua Yacht Club recently concluded its October Mini Dinghy Regatta, a vibrant event that highlighted the prowess of young sailors in various competitive classes. The regatta, part of the club’s youth sailing series, aims to nurture the next generation of skilled sailors. Among the standout performers were Shanoy Malone, who clinched victory in the Laser Class, and Tyden Jones, who emerged triumphant in the Optimist Class. The Optimist Class also saw Ruben Van Hest and Lluc Agusti securing second and third places, respectively. Commodore Dr. Clarence Pilgrim extended heartfelt congratulations to all participants, emphasizing their dedication and talent. Provisional results from the event are now accessible on the Antigua Yacht Club’s official website. The regatta not only showcased competitive spirit but also reinforced the club’s commitment to fostering young talent in sailing. Photos from the event, credited to Loraine Mitchell Gaillard, captured the excitement and determination of the participants.
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Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Minister Showcases Key Initiatives at OECS Council Meeting
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) held its 8th Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs (COM:FA) on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly. The gathering, set against a backdrop of global geopolitical instability, economic uncertainty, and climate crises, aimed to forge a unified strategy for the resilience and survival of small island developing states. Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, emphasized the critical nature of the Council’s work, stating that the region’s challenges demand swift, coordinated, and sustained action. He stressed that the Council’s deliberations are essential for shaping policies that directly impact the resilience, sustainability, and prosperity of OECS Member States. Dr. Jules remarked, ‘In the face of turbulence, our mandate is clear: to safeguard resilience, defend sovereignty, and chart a sustainable future for our people. Our strength lies in solidarity and strategy.’ Hon. Frederick Stephenson, incoming Chair of the COM:FA and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, highlighted the importance of small states in the global community. He stated, ‘Our states, though modest in size, are indispensable voices in the global community. The seas are rising, but so too is our steadfastness. The challenges gather, but so too does our unity.’ The meeting saw the handover of the Chairmanship from Hon. Alva Baptiste of Saint Lucia to Hon. Frederick Stephenson. Ministers discussed a range of issues, including the reaffirmation of the region’s commitment to transforming Citizenship by Investment programmes, enhancing coordination ahead of COP30 in Brazil, and addressing Haiti’s crisis through humanitarian assistance and diplomacy. They also endorsed the expansion of the Canadian Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme and supported the OECS Joint Embassies in Rabat as a cost-effective platform for advancing relations with Morocco and Africa. The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, emphasizing that the decisions taken were concrete steps to protect livelihoods, strengthen regional unity, and amplify the Caribbean voice on the global stage. A special virtual meeting will be convened before November 2025 to accelerate work on joint mission restructuring and consolidate progress on the Council’s commitments.
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Antigua and Barbuda urges concrete financing reforms and quarterly accountability at OAS sustainable development meeting
At the 7th Regular Meeting of the Inter-American Committee on Sustainable Development (CIDS), held at the Organization of American States, Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders of Antigua and Barbuda delivered a compelling address on the urgent need for tailored financing mechanisms to support vulnerable nations. Emphasizing the practical challenges faced by small states, Sir Ronald highlighted the necessity of keeping electricity operational post-storms, ensuring educational facilities, rebuilding infrastructure, and maintaining fiscal space for essential services like healthcare and pensions. He criticized the inefficacy of vague promises and delayed funding, calling for concrete actions to address these critical issues. Sir Ronald outlined three immediate priorities: 1) Financing terms that align with risk, including standardized 30-year maturities, five-year grace periods, and automatic payment pauses post-disasters for high-vulnerability states. He advocated for the use of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) in determining access to grants and low-cost loans. 2) Transparent partner commitments, urging each partner to publicly declare their funding contributions for Caribbean projects by June 30, 2026, and to establish a dedicated fund for transport and basic services. 3) Quarterly public accountability reports from CIDS, tracking metrics such as coastal protection coverage, disaster recovery timelines, renewable energy adoption, and debt service ratios. Additionally, Sir Ronald proposed the creation of a small OAS project-preparation team focused on coastal defenses and water security, along with a public timeline webpage to monitor commitments and deadlines. Concluding his address, he stressed the importance of upfront resilience financing and the inclusion of loan repayment pauses during disasters as a standard loan condition.
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Lions Club of Antigua Celebrates 57 Years of Service to the Nation
The Lions Club of Antigua is set to celebrate its 57th anniversary with a week-long series of events from October 10th to 18th, 2025. This milestone underscores the Club’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian service, community engagement, and wellness initiatives. Established on October 14th, 1968, the Lions Club of Antigua has been a pivotal force in addressing the needs of thousands of individuals and families across the island. As it enters its 57th year, the Club reaffirms its mission to empower volunteers, meet humanitarian needs, and foster peace and international understanding. The anniversary week will feature a diverse array of activities, including a church service and food distribution, media appearances, a mental health workshop, and a celebratory social gathering. Additionally, the Club will honor its longstanding members and extend its outreach to Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital, where it will install benches and initiate a backyard garden project. The Lions Club of Antigua invites the community to join in these celebrations and continue supporting its mission of service with integrity, humility, and compassion. For more details on the events and how to get involved, visit the Club’s social media pages and website.
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Average Pension Payments could reach EC$3,000 within a few years
In a remarkable development, average pension payments in Antigua and Barbuda have more than doubled in recent years, soaring from approximately EC$1,000 to around EC$2,100. According to David Mathias, Executive Director of the Social Security Board, this upward trajectory could see pensions reaching EC$3,000 within the next few years. This surge is attributed to higher contribution levels and the increasing longevity of retirees, which has placed greater strain on the fund’s resources. Mathias emphasized that each new retiree is contributing at higher rates but also drawing more from the system due to longer lifespans. While short-term contribution income remains stable, long-term liabilities are outpacing inflows, raising concerns about the fund’s sustainability. Traditional solutions, such as increasing contribution rates or raising the pensionable age, have been met with public resistance. To address this, the Social Security Board has pivoted toward generating income through strategic investments. A key initiative is the government-backed redevelopment of the Jolly Beach Resort, which will be financed by the government and later transferred to the Social Security Board as equity. This innovative approach allows the fund to benefit from dividends and hotel revenues without directly utilizing contributors’ money. Transparency is ensured through monthly and quarterly reporting to Cabinet, and an expanded investment committee comprising banking and valuation experts will oversee the process. The ultimate goal is to bolster the fund’s cash flow, build a sustainable reserve, and ensure timely pension payments even during economic downturns. This forward-thinking strategy aims to secure the financial stability of Antigua and Barbuda’s social security system for future generations.
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LIAT to Launch Santo Domingo Route in December
LIAT Air has announced the launch of a new route to Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, starting December 12. This expansion is part of the airline’s broader strategy to revive its regional network and enhance connectivity across the Caribbean. The new service will provide a direct link between Antigua and Santo Domingo, with one-way fares beginning at US$348, inclusive of taxes. In a social media post on Monday, LIAT described Santo Domingo as a ‘vibrant cultural hub’ and urged travelers to secure their bookings early via the airline’s website or customer service line. The introduction of this route represents a significant milestone for LIAT 2020 as it continues to re-establish key regional connections and strengthen its presence in the Caribbean market. This move is expected to boost tourism and economic ties between the two destinations, offering travelers more options for exploring the region.
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Frank Rainieri announces Los Manantiales overpass to open within weeks
Frank Rainieri, the visionary founder of the Puntacana Group, has revealed that the Los Manantiales Crossing overpass is set to be inaugurated within the next three to four weeks. Although the exact financial investment remains undisclosed, Rainieri highlighted that the project has been completed in record time, showcasing his company’s dedication to providing swift and impactful solutions for local communities. The overpass, developed through a collaborative public-private partnership, aims to enhance mobility and connectivity for surrounding areas while improving access to key destinations in the eastern region. Rainieri made this announcement during the International Conference on Tourism Cooperation, an event organized in the Dominican Republic by UN Tourism in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur). This initiative underscores the Puntacana Group’s ongoing commitment to infrastructure development and community welfare.
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NIA Cabinet to Host Special Press Conference on October 28
The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) Cabinet has announced a pivotal press conference scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The event will be held in the NIA Cabinet Room, situated on the second floor of the Social Security Building in Pinney’s Estate. Central to the discussion will be the Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ) Act of 2025, alongside a groundbreaking project proposed for Nevis. This initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and environmental stewardship. The press conference will be accessible to a wide audience, with live broadcasts on multiple platforms, including Nevis Television (NTv) Channel 99, NevisTvOnline.com, the NTv Go App, the Nevis Television Facebook page, the Nevis Newscast YouTube channel, Voice of Nevis (VON) Radio, Freedom FM, and WINN FM. Media representatives are cordially invited to attend, and the public is encouraged to tune in for this significant announcement.
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Brewery president highlights over RD$17 billion invested since 2021
Santo Domingo – Fabián Suárez, President of the Dominican National Brewery (CND), revealed that the company has invested over RD$17.64 billion since 2021, a strategic move driven by the Dominican Republic’s economic stability and its attractiveness to foreign investors. Suárez emphasized that the cornerstone of AB InBev’s sustained investment in the country is the exceptional talent of the Dominican workforce, which has positioned the nation as a leading market in the Caribbean and beyond. His comments were made during the inauguration of the company’s new Logistics Transformation Hub, an event graced by President Luis Abinader. The state-of-the-art logistics center, a key component of CND’s 2021–2026 investment plan, spans 145,000 square meters on the Santo Domingo Beltway and represents an investment exceeding RD$2.9 billion. Designed for maximum operational efficiency, the facility can store 115 million beers, equivalent to 25 days of national demand, and is expected to create over 500 direct and indirect jobs. This project complements the 44,000 jobs already supported by the beer industry nationwide, aiming to enhance production capacity, streamline distribution, and advance sustainability efforts to bolster national development. Víctor “Ito” Bisonó, Minister of Industry and Commerce, hailed the new hub as a testament to investor confidence in the Dominican economy, citing the country’s stable economic climate and record-breaking foreign direct investment, which reached US$4.523 billion in 2024 and is projected to hit US$5 billion by year-end. He also commended CND’s achievements in operating entirely on renewable energy, producing its own glass bottles, and maintaining a fully integrated supply chain.