The Ministry of Works in Antigua has announced a series of remarkable achievements in its national road upgrade initiatives, marking September as a month of substantial progress. The ministry highlighted the collaborative efforts of engineers, contractors, quarry operators, and road crews, who have been instrumental in driving these advancements across the island. Key projects included extensive upgrades to Valley Road North, Anchorage Road, and the Sir Sydney Walling Highway. Additionally, resurfacing and drainage improvements were successfully completed in Clare Hall and along the Parham–Blue Waters main road. Minister of Works Maria Browne expressed her gratitude to all contributors, particularly contractor C.O. Williams, for their dedication. She emphasized the ministry’s commitment to delivering durable infrastructure that serves every community in Antigua and Barbuda. Looking ahead, the ministry plans to focus on major upgrades to All Saints Road, as part of an ongoing ‘road works revolution.’ This initiative underscores the government’s resolve to enhance the nation’s transportation network and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
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Former UPP Hopeful Jermaine N. Edwards Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and supporting those affected by this devastating disease. This year, the narrative takes a deeply personal turn as Jermaine N. Edwards, a long-time advocate, reveals her own battle with breast cancer. Known for her unwavering support and advocacy, Edwards now steps into the spotlight not just as a voice for others, but as a fighter in her own right.
Edwards’ journey with breast cancer began with a heavy truth she could no longer silence. ‘I have breast cancer,’ she writes, acknowledging the weight of those words. For Edwards, this diagnosis is more than a personal struggle; it is a call to action. She emphasizes the importance of early detection, urging women to perform self-examinations and seek medical attention at the first sign of abnormality. ‘Early detection is often the difference between life and death,’ she stresses.
Her story is one of resilience and vulnerability. Edwards reflects on the emotional and spiritual toll of cancer, describing it as a rollercoaster of courage, tears, hope, and exhaustion. She shares how cancer has reshaped her life and the lives of those around her, testing the strength of her family and loved ones. ‘Cancer does not strike one. It strikes all,’ she writes, highlighting the collective impact of the disease.
As a community advocate, Edwards has always been the pillar of strength for others. Now, she finds herself in the unfamiliar position of accepting support. ‘Vulnerability has never been my comfort zone,’ she admits, but cancer has forced her to open her hands and let others hold her up. Her message is clear: no one should face this battle alone.
Edwards concludes with a powerful call to action. She urges women to prioritize their health, get screened, and support organizations working tirelessly to find a cure. ‘Your tomorrow may depend on what you choose to do today,’ she reminds readers. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Edwards is not just raising awareness—she is standing in the fire, fighting with everything she has.
Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, hope and determination can prevail.
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World’s Largest Floating Bookfair to Return to Antigua Next Month
Book enthusiasts in Antigua and Barbuda are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the MV Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating bookfair, which is scheduled to dock next month. Originally planned for October, the visit was slightly delayed, but the excitement remains undiminished. The vessel boasts an impressive onboard bookstore with over 5,000 titles spanning diverse genres such as science, medicine, cookery, sports, hobbies, and children’s literature. Additionally, academic resources and language learning materials will be available at budget-friendly prices. Beyond its vast book collection, the Logos Hope is renowned for fostering cultural exchange and diversity. During its port visits, the ship’s crew organizes a variety of events, performances, and educational programs aimed at promoting community engagement and global understanding. Organizers are committed to ensuring accessibility for all residents, with specific details about the ship’s arrival date, location, and visiting hours to be announced soon. This unique initiative promises to be a cultural and educational highlight for the islands.
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Stolen Vehicle Alert
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Authorities in Nassau are urgently seeking the public’s assistance in locating two vehicles reported stolen over the weekend. The first incident occurred on Friday, October 3, 2025, when a charcoal gray 2019 Honda CR-V with license plate #DA3662 was taken from West Bay Street. The following day, Saturday, October 4, 2025, a white 2025 Changan Uni T bearing license plate #DD00179 was stolen from Windsor Place Road. Police have launched investigations into both cases and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Individuals can contact emergency services at 911 or 919, visit their nearest police station, or reach out to the Criminal Investigation Department directly at 502-9991. For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted through CRIME STOPPERS at 328-TIPS (8477). The public’s cooperation is crucial in resolving these incidents and preventing further criminal activity.
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Man in his 40s arrested for gun possession
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — In a significant development on Saturday, 4th October 2025, law enforcement officers from Operation Black Scorpion apprehended a 46-year-old man after uncovering an illegal firearm. The incident unfolded in the early hours of the morning when officers, acting on a search warrant, conducted a raid at a residence located on Windsor Lane. During the operation, a loaded firearm was discovered and subsequently seized, leading to the immediate arrest of the suspect. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover further details surrounding the case. Operation Black Scorpion, a collaborative effort between the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, continues to play a pivotal role in combating crime and ensuring public safety across the region.
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Lovell: ALP Left Social Security in Crisis While Misleading the Public
The Antigua Labour Party (ALP) has come under intense scrutiny for its handling of Social Security, with revelations of significant financial mismanagement and misleading public narratives. Data reveals that of the $550 million owed by the government to Social Security as of 2010, a staggering $464 million was accumulated under ALP administrations. Despite this, ALP propagandists have attempted to shift blame onto the United Progressive Party (UPP), which governed from 2004 to 2014. Contrary to these claims, the UPP never borrowed from Social Security during its tenure and paid $122.8 million in contributions entirely in cash—ten times the amount managed by the ALP over 28 years.
While the UPP faced minor delays in contributions, these occurred during the implementation of critical fiscal reforms, such as the Personal Income Tax (PIT) and Antigua & Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST), aimed at stabilizing government finances. In contrast, the ALP’s approach involved accumulating debt through loans, development bonds, and partial cash payments, leaving a legacy of financial instability.
Claims that the UPP caused a collapse in Social Security contributions are unfounded. Contributor numbers peaked at 40,818 in 2008 and only declined by 10% to 36,762 by 2012, with government employment remaining stable. This contradicts ALP assertions of artificial job creation to offset private sector losses.
The current ALP administration continues to mismanage Social Security debt, prioritizing asset transfers to reduce bond obligations over addressing a $220 million facility. This strategy has sacrificed interest income and left a significant unsecured debt burden.
The ALP’s financial mismanagement and attempts to rewrite history highlight a lack of accountability and transparency. The public deserves leadership that prioritizes the nation’s welfare over political maneuvering.
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Book sellers celebrate progress in reading habits
As the 27th Santo Domingo International Book Fair draws to a close, organizers, bookstore owners, and publishers are celebrating a successful event marked by robust attendance and a renewed public interest in reading. The Reading Walk Pavilion, a focal point of the fair, saw a steady stream of visitors, including families, students, and individuals of all ages, exploring a diverse array of books ranging from children’s literature to self-help guides and historical works. Notably, young readers emerged as the dominant demographic, eagerly seeking out trending titles popularized on social media. Among the standout bestsellers was the young adult novel ‘The King’s Perfume,’ which sold out across most bookstores by yesterday morning. While self-help books experienced a slight decline in demand compared to previous years, classics like ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad,’ ‘The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari,’ and ‘Atomic Habits’ continued to attract readers. Despite initial disruptions caused by rain, bookstore owners expressed satisfaction with overall sales and optimism about the younger generation’s growing enthusiasm for literature.
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National Police seized more than 1,700 motorcycles in Santiago during operations in the last 30 days.
In a significant crackdown on illegal activities, the Cibao Central Regional Directorate of the National Police, led by General Jiménez Reinoso, has seized more than 1,700 motorcycles in Santiago over the past 30 days. The operations, aimed at enhancing public safety, targeted various violations, including lack of proper documentation, involvement in illegal racing, and tampering with chassis and license plates. Additionally, authorities confiscated firearms, knives, and controlled substances, suggesting that some motorcyclists were engaged in criminal behavior. Notably, over 20 of the seized motorcycles have been returned to their rightful owners after being reported stolen. The National Police has urged motorcycle owners to ensure their documents are up to date and to adhere to legal requirements to avoid complications and contribute to community safety.
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Court throws out racial hostility case against WPA’s Ogunseye
In a significant legal development, the case against Tacuma Ogunseye, co-leader of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), has been dismissed by a Magistrate. Ogunseye was charged with inciting racial hostility during a public meeting in March 2023. Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore upheld the no-case submissions presented by Ogunseye’s defense lawyer, Nigel Hughes, stating that there was insufficient evidence to prove that Ogunseye’s remarks were directed at a specific racial group. Hughes emphasized that the content of Ogunseye’s speech was aimed at African Guyanese and discussed their representation in the armed forces, rather than targeting any particular racial group. Additionally, the Magistrate noted that Ogunseye’s comments were made during the Local Government Elections period, a time when politicians are granted some leeway in their statements. The court also considered that Ogunseye had quoted a foreign diplomat’s observation, which could not be interpreted as an intent to incite racial hostility. The decision was met with widespread approval from WPA members and supporters. Ogunseye had previously surrendered to the police in April 2023, pleading not guilty to the charges and was released on bail. His remarks at the WPA meeting in Buxton had sparked significant backlash from the government, private sector, and religious communities, as he called for Afro-Guyanese to defend themselves against racial discrimination and urged an African uprising on June 12.
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Guyana ready to acquire French “ingredients” as France offers radar systems to gather intel on Venezuela
In a significant move to bolster regional security, Guyana has expressed readiness to acquire advanced French radar systems to monitor Venezuela’s activities. This development follows France’s offer to provide air and sea radar coverage, aimed at enhancing Guyana’s surveillance capabilities. The announcement was made during the opening ceremony of the French Embassy in Guyana, where President Irfaan Ali emphasized the importance of defense cooperation between the two nations. Ali highlighted plans to launch a critical national asset next year, supported by a package of strategic ‘ingredients’ to ensure regional stability. Additionally, Guyana is set to receive a French-made Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) currently under construction, which will complement the existing GDFS Shahoud in safeguarding its Exclusive Economic Zone against illegal activities and incursions. Senator Cédric Perrin, Chair of France’s Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Armed Forces, underscored the necessity of interoperability between French and Guyanese military equipment. He noted France’s unique position as the closest nation with a military base capable of assisting Guyana, offering training and intelligence exchange. The collaboration is expected to be facilitated through France’s Thales Group, a leader in aerospace and defense technology. This partnership comes amid ongoing tensions between Guyana and Venezuela over the disputed Essequibo Region, a matter currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).