NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Authorities in Western New Providence have initiated a thorough investigation following a violent armed robbery that took place on the evening of Wednesday, 1st October 2025. The incident involved an Australian national who was attacked and robbed by a group of assailants, leaving him with significant injuries.
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Man shot in the legs while at a business establishment in Montel Heights
Authorities in Nassau, Bahamas, have initiated a thorough investigation into a shooting that took place on the afternoon of October 2, 2025, near Bowe Avenue in the Montell Heights area. The incident unfolded shortly after 1:00 p.m., leaving a male victim with gunshot wounds. According to initial reports, the victim was at a local business when a black Japanese vehicle pulled up. Three masked individuals emerged from the car, armed with firearms, and opened fire in the victim’s direction. Despite managing to escape the attackers, the victim sustained injuries to his legs and was rushed to the hospital via a private vehicle. His current medical condition remains undisclosed as the investigation progresses. Police are actively working to uncover the motives behind the attack and identify the perpetrators.
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Rhapsody of the Seas Marks Start of Antigua’s 2025/2026 Cruise Season
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua (Oct. 2, 2025) — Antigua Cruise Port ushered in the 2025/2026 cruise season with a momentous event on Thursday, as Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas made its inaugural scheduled call. This arrival not only marked the official start of the season but also set the stage for what is anticipated to be a record-breaking year for the port. The occasion was further amplified by significant advancements in the port’s Upland Development Project, a transformative initiative led by Global Ports Holding. This ambitious project seeks to modernize the facility, enhance passenger amenities, and solidify Antigua and Barbuda’s status as a premier cruise destination in the Caribbean. Port officials celebrated these dual milestones, emphasizing their potential to drive continued growth in the tourism sector. With high expectations for increased passenger arrivals, the port is poised to strengthen its economic impact and global reputation. The season’s launch also highlighted the port’s strategic partnerships and commitment to delivering world-class experiences for travelers. As the Upland Development Project progresses, the port aims to attract more visitors and boost local businesses, further cementing its role as a key player in the Caribbean’s tourism industry.
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VIDEO: Antigua and Barbuda Eyes Record-Breaking Tourism Year in 2025
Antigua and Barbuda is gearing up for a landmark year in tourism, with projections indicating that 2025 could surpass the record-breaking numbers achieved in 2024. Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez shared this optimistic outlook during a recent regional industry conference, highlighting the strong booking trends for the latter half of the year. The first half of 2025 has already mirrored the robust performance of 2024, which saw the twin-island nation and the broader Caribbean region set unprecedented arrival records. Fernandez emphasized that the surge in bookings across cruise, air, and yachting sectors positions 2025 to exceed the previous year’s figures. However, he also cautioned about external factors that could impact performance, such as the uncertainty surrounding a potential U.S. government shutdown—a critical source market for Antigua and Barbuda—and ongoing challenges with airlift capacity. To mitigate these risks, the government is actively diversifying its tourism markets. Recent air service agreements with Qatar and Saudi Arabia, along with discussions with Emirates Airlines, aim to establish direct flights from the Middle East and Africa within the next 6 to 12 months. Infrastructure development is another cornerstone of the nation’s strategy. The V.C. Bird International Airport is undergoing a $50 million runway resurfacing project, while Barbuda’s new international airport, operational since October 2024, is being marketed as a luxury gateway for high-end travelers and private jets. Fernandez also highlighted the growing importance of sports tourism, with events like the Caribbean Dinghy Challenge expected to attract visitors in the coming months. Despite the challenges, Fernandez remains optimistic about the future, citing Antigua and Barbuda’s strategic infrastructure, logistics, and market diversification as key drivers for sustained tourism growth.
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Cabinet Waives Utility Charges for ABFA Technical Center
In a significant move to bolster sports infrastructure, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has granted a waiver on electricity and water charges for the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) Technical Center in Paynters, St. George. The decision, championed by Sports Minister Daryll Matthew, underscores the government’s recognition of the ABFA as the nation’s official football governing body. The Technical Center, a multi-million-dollar facility, features two FIFA-certified artificial turf fields, modern changing rooms, laundry services, administrative offices, and public amenities. It serves as a pivotal hub for football training, youth development, and competitions, including school tournaments organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports. The Cabinet emphasized that this waiver aligns with similar concessions extended to other national sports venues, ensuring equitable treatment. The ongoing waiver highlights the government’s commitment to advancing youth and community development, fostering sporting excellence, and elevating Antigua and Barbuda’s standing in regional and international football. The Cabinet also reaffirmed its dedication to expanding the country’s social and sporting infrastructure, creating more opportunities for young people through sports.
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Old Barnes Funeral Home Demolished as Antigua Cruise Port Expansion Advances
The demolition of the former Barnes Funeral Home has marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing expansion of Antigua Cruise Port’s Upland Development Project. This significant step is part of a broader initiative to modernize port infrastructure and enhance visitor facilities, driven by Global Ports Holding. The company has committed to delivering world-class upgrades to meet the increasing demands of the global cruise industry. The project aims to transform the port into a modern gateway for tourism, boosting economic growth in Antigua and Barbuda. The demolition coincided with the arrival of the Rhapsody of the Seas on October 2, the first scheduled call of the 2025/2026 cruise season. This event set a vibrant tone for what is anticipated to be a record-breaking year for cruise arrivals in the region. Port managers emphasized that these dual achievements—the demolition of the Barnes site and the start of the new cruise season—highlight their dedication to advancing tourism and infrastructure development. The expansion project is expected to significantly enhance the port’s capacity and appeal, positioning Antigua as a premier destination for cruise travelers worldwide.
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Difficult to see the brighter side of WI cricket but we must
West Indies cricket, once a symbol of regional pride and global dominance, is now grappling with a profound crisis. Recent disclosures by Chris Dehring, CEO of Cricket West Indies (CWI), have shed light on the financial struggles and tough decisions confronting the sport in the region. Among the most significant moves is the exclusion of developmental teams—Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) and the West Indies Academy—from upcoming professional tournaments, including the 2025 CG United Super50 and the 2026 four-day first-class competition. These teams have historically served as vital platforms for nurturing young talent, making their removal a painful yet necessary step in light of financial constraints. Dehring’s candid remarks during a press conference in Antigua underscored the precarious financial state of CWI. Despite a revenue boost from hosting the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the board’s income remains insufficient to sustain long-term development. The financial model, heavily reliant on lucrative tours by cricketing powerhouses like India and England, leaves little room for profitability from tours by other nations. In 2025, West Indies will host Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan—tours that are unlikely to generate substantial revenue from broadcast rights or ticket sales. Yet, these fixtures are non-negotiable under the ICC’s Future Tours Programme. The financial strain has also led to a reduction in tournaments. The upcoming CG United Super50 will feature only six teams, a stark contrast to previous editions that included developmental squads. Dehring emphasized the need for a long-term vision aligned with the board’s financial realities. However, the challenges extend beyond finances. West Indies cricket is plagued by deeper structural issues, including inconsistent governance, legal disputes between players and the board, underinvestment in grassroots development, and a fragmented domestic system. The region’s unique diversity, while a strength, complicates efforts to unify six territories under a single cricketing umbrella. The evolving global cricketing landscape further compounds these challenges. Revenue streams now hinge on broadcast rights, sponsorships, and commercial partnerships, with sponsors demanding competitive results to enhance their brands. To remain relevant, West Indies cricket must adapt swiftly, reducing its reliance on big tours and embracing innovative strategies to boost revenue. The path forward demands collective action from CWI, regional governments, sponsors, and fans. Greater financial transparency, innovative revenue-raising measures, and a commitment to on-field competitiveness are essential. The cricketing community’s enduring passion is being tested, with fans questioning the dedication of both players and the board. West Indies cricket stands at a critical juncture, requiring honesty, vision, and decisive action to reclaim its legacy. While the challenges are daunting, the hope for resurgence remains alive. Embracing change and rallying behind this mission will be crucial to restoring West Indies cricket to its former glory.
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Dangerously hot conditions in effect for Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued an excessive heat warning, alerting residents to dangerously high temperatures expected to persist across the islands through Sunday. The advisory, active daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., highlights that the heat index—a combination of temperature and humidity—could soar to 43°C (109°F). Meteorologists attribute the extreme conditions to a mix of high temperatures, elevated humidity, and light winds, which collectively create ‘dangerous heat stress conditions.’
While the risk level is classified as medium, the service warns that the heatwave could lead to severe health issues, including heat cramps, exhaustion, and potentially life-threatening heat stroke. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, individuals with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and low-income or homeless populations are particularly at risk.
Authorities have urged residents to take precautionary measures, including staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities, checking on vulnerable family members and neighbors, and seeking shade or cool areas if feeling unwell. They also emphasized the importance of recognizing symptoms of heat stroke, such as confusion, fainting, or dangerously high body temperature, and immediately contacting emergency services if these signs appear.
Updates on the situation will be provided on the official website antiguamet.com and through the meteorological service’s social media channels. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary steps to protect themselves and others during this extreme weather event.
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Antiguan Andrea Jacobs to Co-Chair Global AI Oversight Body
Antigua and Barbuda has emerged as a key player in the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, with Andrea Jacobs, a seasoned legal officer from the Ministry of Legal Affairs, appointed as co-chair of a newly established global network of AI supervisory authorities. This prestigious role, shared with Saudi Arabia, places the small island nation at the forefront of international efforts to develop ethical and effective AI standards. Andrea Jacobs’ appointment is a testament to Antigua and Barbuda’s growing influence in global technology governance and its commitment to shaping the future of AI. With over 11 years of legal experience and dual LL.M. degrees in Banking and Finance from Queen Mary University and Environment and Energy Law from Georgetown Law University, Jacobs brings a unique blend of expertise to the table. Her career highlights include significant contributions to banking regulations, FinTech, AI law, data privacy, and environmental law. Recognized as a leading authority in emerging fields such as AI, digital currency, and privacy law in the Caribbean, Jacobs has been instrumental in advancing legal scholarship and policymaking. As a respected member of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), she has played a pivotal role in developing ethical and regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with privacy and security. In addition to Jacobs’ appointment, Crown Counsel Zachary Phillips has been confirmed to lead legal coordination for the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) at the upcoming COP30 climate summit in Brazil. Phillips will advise negotiators, review draft texts, and align positions across the agenda, further solidifying Antigua and Barbuda’s role in global climate resilience. Despite these high-profile appointments, the government acknowledges the need to strengthen domestic AI capabilities. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, emphasized the importance of transitioning from theoretical discussions to practical frameworks. The Ministry of Legal Affairs is currently developing a national AI strategy and regulatory framework to ensure the secure and responsible adoption of AI technology. Together, these appointments highlight Antigua and Barbuda’s strategic approach to leveraging its professionals for international influence while building technological and climate resilience at home.
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Taxi Operators Say They Are Open To App-Based Services
Taxi operators at Antigua and Barbuda’s VC Bird International Airport are undergoing a significant transformation, embracing digital platforms and app-based services with strong government support. This modernization initiative aims to enhance the travel experience for international visitors while curbing illegal competition from unlicensed operators. At a recent post-Cabinet briefing, officials announced that the United Taxi Company (UTC) has committed to adopting online booking systems and mobile apps, aligning with global trends in transportation technology. The government is also encouraging the use of modern vehicles, including SUVs, to upgrade the taxi fleet. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, emphasized that travelers increasingly prefer pre-arranged transport to avoid delays at the airport. The Ministry of Information and Technology will provide technical support to develop or adapt these digital platforms. The move comes in response to concerns over ‘fly-by-night’ operators—unlicensed drivers who unlawfully solicit passengers, undermining legitimate services. To address this, the Cabinet has approved measures such as a dispatcher system, increased police presence, and a new sticker and registration regime for destination management companies. These reforms, agreed upon by taxi associations, the airport authority, and other stakeholders, represent a major shift in the country’s ground transportation sector. By combining technological advancements with stricter regulations, the initiative seeks to protect both operators and visitors, ensuring a seamless and secure travel experience.