Carib Scope

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  • Antigua and Barbuda Government Closing Bethesda Tissue Culture Lab as New Facility Planned

    Antigua and Barbuda Government Closing Bethesda Tissue Culture Lab as New Facility Planned

    In a strategic move to bolster national food security and agricultural output, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has initiated a significant restructuring of its agricultural support system. The Cabinet has confirmed the imminent closure of the existing tissue culture laboratory in Bethesda. This decision, announced by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant during the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, paves the way for the establishment of a new, advanced agricultural facility.

    The core objective of this transition is to enhance plant propagation capabilities across the twin-island nation. The new center will be dedicated to the production of superior, disease-free planting materials. These high-quality resources are specifically intended for widespread distribution to local farmers and national agricultural programs, ensuring a healthier and more robust foundation for crop cultivation.

    Government officials project that this modernization initiative will yield substantial benefits, including a marked increase in crop production volumes and a significant improvement in the overall quality of plants available to the agricultural sector. By providing farmers with access to optimized planting material, the initiative aims to strengthen the resilience of local agriculture against diseases and climate vulnerabilities, thereby reinforcing long-term food security.

    Complementing this infrastructural upgrade, the government has also procured new agricultural machinery. This equipment has already arrived at the port and is slated for imminent deployment. The integration of this modern technology is designed to further empower farmers, directly supporting efforts to boost crop yields and overall production efficiency, marking a comprehensive investment in the future of the nation’s agriculture.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Advancing ‘Blind Free Zone’ Eye Care Initiative

    Antigua and Barbuda Advancing ‘Blind Free Zone’ Eye Care Initiative

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has launched an ambitious public health program designed to eliminate preventable blindness and dramatically enhance national eye care capabilities. The groundbreaking ‘Blind Free Zone’ initiative, recently approved by the Cabinet, represents a strategic two-year collaboration between the Ministry of Health and international partners.

    Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, confirmed the program’s dual focus on expanding accessibility to vision services while implementing robust early detection and treatment protocols for ocular conditions. ‘This represents a comprehensive collaborative program specifically engineered to reduce preventable blindness and substantially strengthen eye care services throughout Antigua and Barbuda,’ Merchant stated.

    The initiative has already secured significant international support, including a substantial donation of specialized ophthalmic equipment valued at US$90,000 to upgrade medical infrastructure nationwide. In a critical capacity-building component, several Antiguan nurses are presently undergoing advanced clinical training at India’s prestigious Aravind Eye Hospital, recognized as the world’s largest eye care network.

    Upon completing their intensive specialization, these healthcare professionals will return to establish and manage two new community-based eye care centers operating under Ministry of Health supervision. These facilities will strategically serve populations along a designated corridor extending from Grace Farm through Golden Grove, Jennings, All Saints, English Harbour, and Falmouth, while remaining accessible to residents across both islands.

    The program will prioritize early intervention for treatable eye conditions that constitute major causes of vision impairment globally. In a significant affordability measure, government officials have committed to maintaining eyeglass prices below $100, ensuring economic accessibility while preserving the initiative’s long-term operational sustainability.

  • Investors Propose $150M Mega-Yacht Marina for Fort James Harbor

    Investors Propose $150M Mega-Yacht Marina for Fort James Harbor

    A consortium of international investors has unveiled a transformative vision for Antigua’s Fort James Harbor peninsula, proposing a $150 million luxury marina and mixed-use waterfront development. The ambitious plan, presented directly to the nation’s Cabinet this week, aims to create a world-class destination while preserving the area’s historical significance.

    The project’s first phase centers on constructing a state-of-the-art mega-yacht marina designed to accommodate at least 50 luxury vessels, positioning Antigua as a premier destination for high-end maritime tourism. According to Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, the development team presented “an ambitious vision for transformation into a vibrant world-class waterfront community that blends heritage, tourism, recreation, and residential development.”

    Government officials emphasized that the proposal remains at a preliminary stage and must undergo comprehensive review processes, including detailed assessments by technical agencies, environmental authorities, and planning bodies. The administration has reiterated its commitment to responsible sustainable investment that stimulates economic growth while protecting historical assets.

    The development concept integrates tourism infrastructure with recreational and residential components, creating a multifaceted destination that honors the Fort James area’s unique character. This approach aligns with the government’s strategy to enhance the country’s tourism offerings while safeguarding culturally significant sites.

    Should the project advance through approval processes, it represents one of the most substantial recent investments in Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism infrastructure, potentially creating new economic opportunities while redefining the waterfront experience for visitors and residents alike.

  • St. John’s Public Cemetery to Close to New Burials

    St. John’s Public Cemetery to Close to New Burials

    Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have formally announced the cessation of new interments at St. John’s Public Cemetery, marking the end of an era for the long-serving burial ground. The cabinet’s decision, revealed during a weekly media briefing, will be enforced starting late March, effectively closing the cemetery to new graves due to exhaustive capacity constraints.

    Maurice Merchant, the Director General of Communications within the Office of the Prime Minister, clarified the policy’s specifics. While new burial plots will no longer be allocated, the rights of families with pre-existing tombs will be preserved, allowing them to continue interring relatives in their designated family spaces. This measured approach aims to balance spatial limitations with respect for established familial connections to the site.

    The cemetery, having served the public for numerous decades, has simply exhausted its available space. This closure initiates a transitional phase for the grounds. Officials are now exploring a future reconceptualization of the area, potentially transforming it into a ‘tranquility park.’ This initiative seeks to repurpose the space respectfully, focusing on environmental enhancement and creating a serene public area while honoring its historical significance.

  • Former CIBC Building to Become New National Archives

    Former CIBC Building to Become New National Archives

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda has formally authorized the transfer of its National Archives to a decommissioned banking facility at the intersection of High Street and Corn Alley. This strategic relocation aims to address critical preservation challenges by utilizing the former CIBC building’s specialized infrastructure.

    During the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, disclosed that the Ministry of Works will commence immediate retrofitting operations. The transition is projected to complete within an eight-week timeframe, potentially establishing operational capabilities at the new St. John’s location by early fall.

    The selection of the former financial institution represents a calculated preservation strategy. The building’s existing architectural features—particularly its numerous security vaults—provide ideal conditions for safeguarding historical materials. These fortified chambers maintain temperature-regulated environments essential for document conservation, addressing a crucial deficiency in the current facility.

    Merchant emphasized the urgency of relocation, citing significant structural deficiencies in the present archives building that jeopardize both personnel safety and document integrity. The move directly responds to these preservation emergencies while demonstrating the government’s commitment to heritage stewardship.

    The National Archives serves as the primary repository for the nation’s historical narrative, containing irreplaceable records spanning centuries of Antiguan and Barbudan development. This institutional transfer underscores the administration’s dedication to implementing innovative solutions for cultural conservation, ensuring future generations retain access to their historical legacy through professionally preserved artifacts.

  • Government Reaches Settlement in Long-Running Eloy De Freitas Case

    Government Reaches Settlement in Long-Running Eloy De Freitas Case

    The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has formally concluded one of the nation’s most protracted legal battles through a mutually agreed settlement with former public servant Eloy De Freitas. This resolution brings closure to a judicial matter that has persisted for nearly thirty years.

    Official confirmation emerged during the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, where government representatives announced the amicable resolution of De Freitas vs the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Lands and Housing. The settlement follows extensive negotiations between both parties involved in the historic litigation.

    The origins of this legal confrontation trace back to 1990 when Mr. De Freitas, then serving as an extension officer within the Ministry of Agriculture, engaged in peaceful demonstrations highlighting allegations of governmental corruption. These protests occurred in the aftermath of a national commission of inquiry, marking a significant moment in the country’s administrative history.

    Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, articulated the government’s position, stating that Cabinet members unanimously approved the settlement based on principles of justice and national reconciliation. “The Cabinet announced that it has amicably resolved that long-standing legal matter involving the former public servant, Eloy De Freitas, bringing conclusion to a dispute that has spanned near three decades,” Merchant declared during the official briefing.

    The comprehensive agreement addresses all outstanding issues between the parties, including provisions for the payment of mutually accepted legal costs. While the specific financial terms remain confidential, the settlement represents a significant administrative achievement for both the government and the citizen involved.

    Merchant emphasized the broader implications of this resolution, noting that “The settlement brings finality to a matter after many years of litigation and reflects a shared commitment to fairness and respect for the rule of law.” This conclusion not only ends one of Antigua and Barbuda’s longest-running legal disputes but also demonstrates the government’s dedication to upholding judicial principles and administrative accountability.

  • Caribbean youth advance to ‘knockout’ stage in 2026 international reparation debate competition

    Caribbean youth advance to ‘knockout’ stage in 2026 international reparation debate competition

    The 2026 International Reparation Debate Competition (IRDC), hosted by the Centre for Reparation Research at The University of the West Indies, has concluded its preliminary rounds following days of intellectually rigorous discourse. Secondary school delegations from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, Guyana, and the United Kingdom engaged in profound examinations of reparatory justice, addressing dimensions from economic policy and historical accountability to cultural restoration and political diplomacy.

    This academic tournament now advances to its knockout phase commencing March 16, where remaining institutions will confront increasingly complex questions regarding colonial legacies and contemporary justice. Early rounds demonstrated exceptional rhetorical skill, with Trinidad and Tobago’s Arima North Secondary successfully arguing against debt cancellation as reparations versus Jamaica’s Charlemont High. Jamaica’s Merl Grove High secured a narrow victory against Guyana’s Queen’s College debating whether Caribbean economic advancement is feasible without reparative measures.

    Notable preliminary achievements included Trinidad’s Goodwood Secondary advocating strengthened post-colonial alliances against The Bahamas’ C.V. Bethel Senior High, while San Fernando Central Secondary prevailed over Jamaica’s Knox College regarding infrastructural development as reparative action. Defending champions St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain (Trinidad) maintained dominance alongside triumphs by Presentation College Chaguanas, Fatima College, and Herbert Morrison Technical High.

    Second-round highlights featured Trinidad’s Queen’s Royal College overcoming Jamaica’s Wolmer’s Boys’ School regarding diplomatic versus confrontational reparations advocacy. The UK’s Rawlins Academy delivered a compelling argument that reparations fundamentally concern dignity restoration beyond economic compensation, defeating Presentation College Chaguanas.

    Individual excellence was exemplified by Kennedy Valley of Fatima College achieving the highest speaker score during preliminaries. The competition provides Caribbean youth with crucial platforms for developing research, advocacy, and public speaking competencies while critically examining historical justice frameworks. With expanded international participation including returning UK institutions, all debates are streamed globally via the Centre’s YouTube channel.

  • Foreign Minister Greene Meets with India’s External Affairs Minister to Advance CHOGM 2026 Cooperation

    Foreign Minister Greene Meets with India’s External Affairs Minister to Advance CHOGM 2026 Cooperation

    In a significant diplomatic engagement on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Meeting in London, Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Minister E.P. Chet Greene held substantive talks with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The high-level meeting centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two Commonwealth nations, with particular emphasis on preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled for November 2026 in St. John’s.

    Minister Greene acknowledged India’s consistent partnership with Small Island Developing States and outlined Antigua and Barbuda’s specific requirements for hosting CHOGM 2026. The priority areas identified encompass maritime security collaboration, procurement of security motorcycles to improve mobility and motorcade operations, and technical assistance for audiovisual infrastructure at the primary conference facility to ensure state-of-the-art meeting accommodations for attending leaders.

    Both ministers emphasized their mutual dedication to expanding cooperation across security domains, technological exchange, and capacity development initiatives. They reached consensus on maintaining intensive technical coordination to progress the specified collaborative areas effectively.

    Minister Greene positively noted India’s ongoing active participation within the Commonwealth framework and conveyed assurance that India’s support would substantially contribute to the successful execution of CHOGM 2026. The Antiguan delegation included High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill and Minister Counsellor Chantal Phillip, underscoring the importance placed on these bilateral discussions.

  • Transport Board experiencing phone, internet disruptions

    Transport Board experiencing phone, internet disruptions

    The national Transport Board has issued a public advisory regarding significant technical disruptions affecting its digital and telecommunication services. Operational headquarters in Weymouth and several satellite locations are currently experiencing extensive internet and telephone service outages, creating temporary barriers to public communication channels.

    In response to these technical difficulties, transportation authorities have implemented contingency measures to maintain public accessibility. Officials have directed citizens with urgent inquiries to utilize an alternative contact number—836-3250—as primary communication systems undergo restoration. Technical teams are actively engaged in diagnostic procedures and repair operations to reestablish full connectivity across all affected facilities.

    The service interruption represents one of the more substantial technical challenges faced by the transportation infrastructure this year, though officials emphasize the disruption appears limited to administrative communications rather than actual transportation services. No estimated timeframe for complete system restoration has been provided, but the Board has assured the public that resolving these connectivity issues remains their highest priority. Transportation officials apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate public patience during this technical recovery period.

  • Gun, ammo found in primary school classroom

    Gun, ammo found in primary school classroom

    Authorities in Guyana have launched a comprehensive investigation after a licensed 9mm pistol and eleven rounds of matching ammunition were discovered beneath a student’s desk in a Georgetown primary school. The unsettling find occurred on Monday afternoon, March 9, 2026, prompting immediate police response and raising serious security concerns within the educational institution.

    According to official statements from the Guyana Police Force, the discovery was made approximately at 1:06 PM when a teacher, alerted by reports of suspicious noises near a student’s desk, conducted a search of the area. The subsequent discovery led to school administrators contacting law enforcement immediately. Investigators from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) subsequently visited the school, secured the firearm and ammunition, and transported them to a police station for safekeeping as the probe continues.

    Deputy Police Commissioner Wendell Blanhum, head of the CID, revealed that the weapon was legally registered to an individual who had previously reported it missing. Notably, the license holder’s child, who attends the same school, had been actively participating in family efforts to locate the firearm before its discovery in the classroom. Police have obtained statements from multiple persons connected to the incident, though specific details regarding how the weapon came to be in the classroom remain under investigation.

    The three-day gap between the discovery and the official police statement has drawn attention to protocol procedures in school security incidents. The event has sparked discussions among education officials and community leaders about enhancing security measures in educational environments to prevent similar occurrences in the future.