In a decisive move to address rising security concerns, the government has sanctioned the immediate deployment and enhancement of surveillance camera systems in all national public schools. This initiative comes in the wake of a surge in break-ins and security breaches at educational institutions, which have raised alarms among educators and parents alike. Maurice Merchant, the Director General of Communications, confirmed that the Cabinet has earmarked funds for the procurement and installation of these systems, underscoring the administration’s dedication to bolstering safety and safeguarding school assets. Merchant emphasized that this project aligns with the government’s broader strategy to fortify security within the education sector, ensuring the protection of both students and school property. The Ministry of Education will spearhead the initiative, with installations slated to commence without delay. Recent incidents of vandalism and theft have intensified demands for robust security measures, prompting this swift action. The advanced surveillance system will feature real-time monitoring and recording functionalities, enabling authorities to deter unauthorized access and respond promptly to potential threats. Officials highlighted that this security upgrade complements other significant investments in the education sector, including infrastructure improvements and the integration of technology-driven learning environments, all aimed at enhancing safety and academic outcomes.
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15 Homes to Be Built Under ‘Build on Your Own Land’ Programme
The National Housing and Urban Development Company Limited (NHUDC) has unveiled plans to construct 15 new homes across Antigua and Barbuda as part of its innovative ‘Build on Your Own Land Programme.’ This initiative is designed to assist individuals who already own land but require government-supported construction to develop their properties. The project will span multiple communities, including Painters, Radio Range, Villa, Low Pasture, Clarks Hill, All Saints, Jennings, Quesada Gardens, New Winthrops, McKinnons, Glanvilles, and Herberts. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, emphasized that the programme is a cornerstone of the government’s broader affordable housing strategy, which seeks to enhance homeownership accessibility while boosting employment in the construction industry. NHUDC is currently inviting qualified contractors to bid for the construction projects, which will be executed on privately owned lands. Unlike conventional government housing schemes, the ‘Build on Your Own Land’ initiative empowers individuals to build homes on their existing properties, with design and financing assistance provided by NHUDC. The company has indicated that the programme will be expanded in phases, aligning with national efforts to increase housing availability and foster community development.
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Antigua Cabinet Orders End to All Tax Concessions Effective November 30
In a significant move to overhaul its fiscal policies, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has declared that all existing tax concessions for businesses and entities will be terminated effective November 30. This decision is part of a broader reform aimed at enhancing transparency, aligning policies with national priorities, and fostering fair competition. Starting December 1, 2025, businesses and ongoing projects will need to reapply for concessions under a new framework designed to ensure that incentives align with the country’s sustainable development and investment goals. Maurice Merchant, the Director General of Communications, emphasized during a post-Cabinet briefing that this measure will enable the government to reassess which sectors genuinely require support. He highlighted that the initiative aims to “promote fair competition” and strengthen accountability in the allocation of tax benefits. Merchant also pointed out that past broad-based concessions were often misused by businesses for projects beyond their original approval scope. The reform is expected to realign incentives with long-term objectives, including investments in green energy, tourism diversification, and the development of health and education sectors. While the decision will impact industries such as tourism, manufacturing, and renewable energy, officials clarified that qualified projects will still receive support. However, the reapplication process will ensure that incentives are appropriately scaled and compliant with updated national policies.
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Evelina Blanc is Madam Wob Dwiyet 2025
In a dazzling display of talent and cultural pride, Evelina Blanc, the owner of Everglow Beauty Salon, emerged victorious as the Madam Wob Dwiyet 2025. Representing Grand Bay and Mahaut, Blanc triumphed over two other contestants in a fiercely contested competition held at the Massacre Indoor Sporting Facility last night. The event, which was anticipated to feature four participants, saw Cynthia Talbert, the Pichelin representative, withdraw from the contest. Blanc not only clinched the prestigious title but also garnered accolades for Best Performing Talent and Best Creole Contemporary Wear. The first runner-up position was awarded to Angelica ‘Teacher Fiah’ Gasper from Castle Bruce, while Virginia Mendes secured the second runner-up spot, winning awards for Madam Photogenic and Best in Wob Dwiyet. The competition highlighted the rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence of the participants, making it a night to remember.
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Government renames market, polyclinic, road and other public facilities
Barbados is embarking on a significant initiative to rename several public spaces in honor of distinguished citizens who have made enduring contributions to the nation’s progress. This move underscores the government’s commitment to celebrating individuals who have shaped the country’s development through their service, leadership, and dedication.
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Antigua Government to Host National Workshop for Building Contractors
The government of Antigua and Barbuda is set to host a national workshop aimed at enhancing the capabilities of building contractors across the nation. Scheduled to take place shortly after the Independence celebrations, the event is being spearheaded by the Minister for Works. Contractors from all regions of Antigua and Barbuda are expected to participate in this comprehensive initiative. The workshop will delve into essential topics such as contract preparation, construction standards, project management, quality control, collaboration with government agencies, and workforce development. Senior Cabinet members, including Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Sir Molwyn Joseph, Minister for Health, Wellness, and the Environment, will deliver presentations during the sessions. According to Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, the workshop aims to foster stronger partnerships between the government and the private construction sector. It will also identify training and certification needs and explore financing initiatives to support small and medium-sized contractors in expanding their businesses and competing more effectively for both government and private sector projects. This initiative is part of the Cabinet’s ongoing efforts to modernize the construction industry, ensuring greater efficiency, safety, and quality in national development projects.
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Gail Christian Appointed Consul General in Toronto
In a significant diplomatic move, Gail Christian, a seasoned political and legal figure, has been appointed as Antigua and Barbuda’s new Consul General in Toronto, Canada. The announcement was made by Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, during a post-Cabinet briefing. This appointment underscores the Gaston Browne administration’s dedication to empowering women in leadership roles. Christian, who previously served as the country’s Ambassador to Mexico and held various high-ranking diplomatic and legal positions, will now manage consular operations in Toronto, a hub for one of Antigua and Barbuda’s largest diaspora communities. Joining her is Zeina Heshmi, a Foreign Service Officer from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who will assume the role of First Secretary. Merchant emphasized that these appointments reflect the administration’s consistent efforts to promote women to pivotal government positions, stating that both appointees will leverage their expertise to serve the nation and its people effectively.
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BCC, NUPW settle dispute after conciliation talks
The longstanding dispute between the Barbados Community College (BCC) and the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) has been successfully resolved following a series of conciliatory talks facilitated by the Labour Department. The conflict arose when the College appointed an individual to a vacant position, sparking industrial action by over 50 staff members at the Eyrie campus, who demanded the appointment be revoked. Despite three unsuccessful rounds of negotiations, the intervention of the Chief Labour Officer, Allison Elcock, proved pivotal in mediating the dispute. Principal Annette Alleyne announced that both parties reached an agreement in principle during the mediation sessions. Alleyne emphasized the importance of mature discussions, which allowed both sides to understand each other’s perspectives. She also highlighted the College’s commitment to reviewing its processes and strengthening its social partnerships with stakeholders. Alleyne expressed gratitude to the Labour Department and the NUPW for their open and constructive dialogue, stating that the resolution underscores their shared dedication to fostering a positive and supportive working environment. The agreement is anticipated to improve relations between the College and the union and restore stability to the campus after weeks of tension.
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Cabinet to Implement New Government Vehicle Policy Within 14 Days
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has unveiled a comprehensive government vehicle policy, set to be implemented within the next 14 days. This initiative aims to strengthen oversight over the use, allocation, and disposal of government-owned vehicles, marking a significant step toward improving fiscal responsibility and transparency.
Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, revealed the details during a post-Cabinet briefing on Thursday. He emphasized that the policy is a direct response to findings from a recent audit, which uncovered unauthorized vehicle purchases and mismanagement within the government fleet.
Under the new regulations, government vehicles will be allocated strictly based on official duties, with usage confined to authorized government business. Passengers must also be on official duty unless prior approval is granted or in emergency situations. Additionally, all vehicles must be parked at designated government locations after daily operations. Vehicles deemed unsuitable for use or exceeding five years of service will be disposed of through public auctions, in compliance with state asset disposal laws.
To ensure accountability, an advisory committee will be established to oversee vehicle allocation and usage across ministries and departments. Merchant also confirmed that vehicles purchased without Cabinet authorization will be auctioned to recover public funds. This decision follows an ongoing review by the Financial Secretary, which exposed irregularities in vehicle procurement.
The policy rollout comes on the heels of the government’s recent success in recovering EC$10 million from a dealership involved in unauthorized vehicle transactions. This move underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing financial mismanagement and safeguarding public resources.
By introducing these measures, the government aims to streamline its vehicle fleet, reduce unnecessary expenditures, and foster greater public trust in its operations.
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Integration of sustainable energy practices and regional tourism subject of new cross-sector agreement
The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), alongside its affiliate, the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST), have formalized a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing the Caribbean’s energy and tourism sectors. Signed on October 20, 2025, during the opening of the annual CARILEC Resilient Energy Community (CAREC) Conference and Exhibition in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the agreement seeks to foster collaboration between these critical industries. The partnership focuses on promoting sustainable energy practices, accelerating renewable energy integration, and bolstering climate resilience within the region’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Additionally, it aims to support economic development and environmental responsibility. The MOU outlines a collaborative framework across five key areas: knowledge exchange and research, policy and regulatory enhancements, disaster preparedness and resilience, membership opportunities and joint promotional efforts, and workforce development and capacity building. CARILEC emphasized that this initiative aligns with its overarching goal of achieving a sustainable energy future for the Caribbean. Furthermore, CARILEC has expanded its membership criteria to include Large Commercial Prosumers—businesses and institutions with at least 20 kW of grid-connected generation capacity. This inclusion allows tourism operators and self-generating enterprises to participate directly in regional dialogue, share best practices, and influence policies for cleaner, more resilient, and economically sustainable energy systems. The signing ceremony featured Mr. Wayne M. Caines, Chairman of CARILEC’s Board of Directors, and Dr. Cletus Bertin, CARILEC’s Executive Director, who highlighted the partnership’s potential to bridge energy and tourism for tangible progress in renewable energy deployment and disaster resilience. Mr. Sanovnik Destang, President of CHTA, underscored the interconnectedness of tourism and energy, noting that hotels and resorts are among the largest energy users in the region. He cited renewable energy projects in Aruba, Barbados, and Dominica as examples of progress but emphasized the need for greater adoption. The MOU also establishes a Joint Working Group to develop annual work plans, monitor implementation, and evaluate progress. The agreement is set for an initial term of three years, with provisions for renewal by mutual consent. This alliance aims to empower Caribbean utilities and tourism stakeholders to collaborate toward a cleaner, more resilient, and energy-efficient future, strengthening sustainable economic growth and competitiveness across the region.