Carib Scope

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  • 2025 Census Begins Across Antigua and Barbuda

    2025 Census Begins Across Antigua and Barbuda

    The 2025 National Population and Housing Census has officially commenced in Antigua and Barbuda, with enumeration teams initiating door-to-door visits across the nation. The process, which began in Cassada Gardens and other communities over the weekend, will span all 400 districts in the twin-island nation by October. Barbuda’s census activities are scheduled to start next month.

    Chief Statistician Stachel Edwards confirmed that the census, though delayed, is now fully prepared and operational. Approximately 200 enumerators, supported by supervisors and IT personnel, are conducting interviews using advanced tablet technology instead of traditional paper forms. Edwards emphasized the confidentiality of all collected data, assuring residents that it will not be shared with law enforcement or immigration authorities. To ensure transparency and trust, enumerators are equipped with photo IDs, branded vests, and census bags.

    The census aims to account for every individual who has resided in Antigua and Barbuda for more than six months. Officials highlight the critical role this data will play in shaping national policies and planning, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging accurate demographic information for sustainable growth and improved public services.

  • Senator Joseph Highlights Regional Health Gains at Washington Meeting

    Senator Joseph Highlights Regional Health Gains at Washington Meeting

    In a landmark gathering in Washington, D.C., Antigua and Barbuda’s Senator Michael Joseph played a pivotal role in advancing regional health initiatives during the 50th Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD–Health) Meeting. Chaired by Grenada’s Health Minister Philip Telesford, the event brought together health officials from across the Caribbean to address pressing health challenges and strengthen regional cooperation. Key outcomes included the endorsement of the Pandemic Agreement by CARICOM, the launch of the PAHO–CARICOM Cooperation Strategy, and the signing of a memorandum of understanding between CARICOM and HEDPAC. Discussions also focused on critical issues such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the intersection of crime and public health. Senator Joseph emphasized the urgency of building resilient health systems to combat climate and economic pressures, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration in enhancing preparedness and response capabilities. The meeting marked a significant step forward in addressing the Caribbean’s health challenges and fostering a unified approach to public health.

  • Fresh Hope Flows: Farmers Welcome Solar-Powered Desalination Pilot

    Fresh Hope Flows: Farmers Welcome Solar-Powered Desalination Pilot

    For farmers in Antigua and Barbuda, water is not just a resource—it is a lifeline. Each dry season brings the same challenges: parched soil, withering crops, and dwindling incomes. However, a groundbreaking initiative is now offering a glimmer of hope. Under the FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP/3901), a pioneering solar-powered desalination pilot project has been launched, promising to transform the agricultural landscape of the region. The Nanophotonics Enhanced Direct Solar Membrane Distillation (NESMD) system, developed in collaboration with the University of Texas at El Paso, has been installed in Blubber Valley, Jennings. This innovative system converts brackish water into fresh, low-salinity water suitable for irrigation, providing a sustainable solution to water scarcity. The mobile unit, powered entirely by solar energy, produces 2 cubic meters of fresh water daily for delicate crops like tomatoes, while also generating 2 cubic meters of concentrate water for hardier crops such as sweet potatoes. Brent George, Projects Coordinator at the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized the project’s significance, stating, ‘This gives farmers access to water when they otherwise would have none.’ The initiative is part of a broader effort to build resilience against climate change and ensure food security. Julius Pohjola, CEO of Solar Water Solutions, highlighted the system’s simplicity and reliability, noting that it requires minimal maintenance and produces no waste. FAO Project Coordinator Luke Nedd described the project as a turning point, offering farmers the confidence to continue producing even in times of drought. As the pilot progresses, data on water quality, crop performance, and cost-effectiveness will be closely monitored to guide future expansion. With support from the government, private sector, and climate funds, similar units could soon be deployed across the island, providing farmers with a shield against the impacts of climate change. For now, the hum of the solar-powered unit carries more than the sound of machinery—it carries the sound of reassurance, proving that resilience is not just a slogan but a tangible reality for the farmers of Antigua and Barbuda.

  • Thieves steal equipment from Central Board of Health compound

    Thieves steal equipment from Central Board of Health compound

    In a startling incident that has raised significant security concerns, thieves infiltrated the Central Board of Health compound located on Lower All Saints Road. The break-in, which took place between 18:00 on September 25 and 06:00 on September 26, was discovered by an employee on Friday morning. The perpetrators forced their way into the premises through multiple access points, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Reports indicate that the intruders pried open a door to gain access to a storeroom, making off with a sander valued at approximately EC$300. Additionally, the woodwork department was not spared, as a wooden window was forcibly opened and the area was thoroughly ransacked. This incident has prompted a reevaluation of security measures at the compound, with authorities and staff alike expressing deep concern over the vulnerability of the facility. The Central Board of Health is now working closely with law enforcement to investigate the breach and implement more robust security protocols to prevent future occurrences.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Strengthens Agricultural Ties with Hainan Delegation Donation

    Antigua and Barbuda Strengthens Agricultural Ties with Hainan Delegation Donation

    In a landmark event on September 27, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy of Antigua and Barbuda welcomed a high-level delegation from Hainan Province, China, for a significant donation ceremony. The delegation, led by Vice Governor Mr. Zou Guang, officially handed over twelve motorized farm vehicles to support local agricultural efforts. The gesture underscores the growing bilateral ties between the two nations. The ceremony was attended by Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., Minister of Agriculture, who expressed profound gratitude for the donation, emphasizing its potential to enhance farming efficiency, particularly in rural areas. The event also featured discussions on agricultural development, with Permanent Secretary Walter Christopher highlighting the need for water conservation and Director Gregory Bailey stressing the importance of strengthening local staples like sweet potato and the Antigua Black Pineapple. Senior Research Officer Maudvere Bradford introduced the upcoming Water-Saving Irrigation Program, set to launch in October 2025, aimed at improving irrigation practices and resource management. The ceremony concluded with the symbolic exchange of certificates and a framed portrait of the donated vehicles, marking a new chapter in agricultural cooperation between Antigua and Barbuda and China.

  • Gov’t enlists Regional Security System to tackle illegal firearms in DA

    Gov’t enlists Regional Security System to tackle illegal firearms in DA

    Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica has officially announced the deployment of the Regional Security System (RSS) to assist local law enforcement in addressing the proliferation of illegal firearms. The announcement was made during a press conference on Monday, underscoring the government’s commitment to national security. Established in 1982, the RSS was created to mitigate regional threats and enhance the stability of member states. Skerrit emphasized that the decision to involve the RSS was made in consultation with the Chief of Police and the Minister of National Security, reflecting a unified approach to tackling this pressing issue. ‘The RSS is here to support our police in eradicating illegal firearms,’ Skerrit stated. ‘Anyone in possession of such weapons will face consequences.’ He highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that even a few incidents of violence can escalate rapidly, posing a significant threat to public safety. ‘The security of our citizens is our top priority,’ Skerrit declared. ‘An unsafe nation undermines all other efforts.’ The Prime Minister also outlined additional measures aimed at curbing the presence of illegal firearms, stressing that this issue takes precedence over other concerns, such as the illegal use of marijuana. ‘Our focus is on illegal firearms, and we will utilize every available resource to restore peace and normalcy,’ he affirmed. While acknowledging that recent violent incidents appear targeted, Skerrit reiterated the sanctity of human life, stating that no individual has the right to take another’s life under any circumstances.

  • 4 Mass shootings occur in the United States over 24 hrs

    4 Mass shootings occur in the United States over 24 hrs

    A harrowing series of mass shootings unfolded across the United States over the past weekend, with four separate incidents occurring within a 24-hour span. The tragedies struck in Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina, leaving communities in shock and mourning. The most devastating attack took place in Grand Blanc, Michigan, where a former Marine targeted a Mormon church, killing four individuals and injuring eight others before being neutralized by law enforcement. The assailant reportedly drove a pickup truck into the church building and ignited a massive fire, resulting in the complete destruction of the structure. Authorities have identified the gunmen in both the North Carolina and Michigan shootings as Iraq War veterans. This weekend’s violence echoes previous mass shooting sprees in the U.S., including a 2023 incident that claimed five lives and injured 56, as well as a particularly deadly Labor Day weekend in Chicago in 2025, which saw eight fatalities and 58 people shot. The recurring nature of such tragedies underscores the ongoing debate over gun control and mental health support in the country. Sources for this report include ABC News and demstate.com.

  • Four mass shootings in 24 hours across U.S.

    Four mass shootings in 24 hours across U.S.

    A series of devastating mass shootings unfolded across the United States over a single 24-hour period this past weekend, leaving communities in Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina reeling. The most tragic of these incidents occurred in Grand Blanc, Michigan, where a former Marine stormed a Mormon church, killing four individuals and injuring eight others before being neutralized by law enforcement. The assailant, identified as an Iraq war veteran, rammed a pickup truck into the church building and ignited a massive fire, completely destroying the structure. Similarly, the North Carolina shooter was also reported to be an Iraq war veteran, highlighting a troubling pattern among the perpetrators. These incidents are part of a broader trend of mass shootings in the U.S., including a deadly spree in 2023 that resulted in five fatalities and 56 injuries, as well as a particularly violent Labor Day weekend in Chicago in 2025, which saw eight deaths and 58 people shot. Authorities and communities are grappling with the recurring violence, calling for urgent measures to address the crisis. Sources for this report include ABC News and demstate.com.

  • Outgoing bodybuilding leader eyes youth revival

    Outgoing bodybuilding leader eyes youth revival

    After more than two decades of leadership, Jacquline Trim has announced her departure as president of the Saint Lucia Bodybuilding and Body Fitness Association (SLBBFF). However, her exit comes with a clear vision for the future of the sport on the island. Trim’s tenure culminated in a significant achievement for Saint Lucia, as the national team secured second place at the Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championship. Despite this success, Trim emphasized that the true victory lies in fostering a new generation of athletes. She highlighted the SLBBFF’s commitment to early engagement, particularly through initiatives like the children’s fitness challenge, which aims to inspire participation among youth aged 5 and above. While Trim will not seek re-election, she plans to remain on the executive board to support recruitment and development efforts. Reflecting on her long-standing role, she expressed confidence in the potential of Saint Lucia’s athletes and the need for fresh leadership to elevate the sport further. Meanwhile, Team Barbados dominated the championship with an impressive medal haul, while Saint Lucia’s strong performance signaled its growing prominence in regional bodybuilding.

  • Climate Costs Outrun Small States’ capacity  – Antigua Envoy declares

    Climate Costs Outrun Small States’ capacity  – Antigua Envoy declares

    Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador, has issued a stark warning about the dual threats of climate change and an inequitable global financial system, which are trapping small Caribbean states in a cycle of ‘permanent recovery.’ Speaking at a consultation organized by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), Sanders highlighted how natural disasters are exacerbating public debt while insurance costs skyrocket. He emphasized that when catastrophic events like Category-5 hurricanes devastate infrastructure, governments are forced into repeated borrowing to rebuild. Sanders pointed to alarming environmental trends, including ocean heating and mass coral bleaching, which are eroding the region’s blue economy. Since January 2023, over 84% of the world’s reefs have experienced bleaching-level heat stress. Additionally, sea levels in the Caribbean are rising at approximately 3.4 mm annually, with studies projecting tourism revenue losses of 38–47% by 2100 if significant adaptation measures are not implemented. The region also faces challenges from a record influx of sargassum and tightening reinsurance markets, making coverage increasingly unaffordable. Sanders stressed that the impacts of climate change are outpacing the fiscal capacity of small states to adapt, with average annual disaster losses nearing 2% of GDP and adaptation needs around 3.4% of GDP. Despite these challenges, small island states receive only about 2% of tracked adaptation finance. The situation is further compounded by talent flight, with roughly 70% of the Caribbean’s tertiary-educated population residing in OECD countries. Sanders criticized the use of per-capita income as a metric, arguing that it distorts reality by graduating vulnerable states out of affordable finance without accounting for their exposure to shocks. He called for the rapid implementation of the UN-endorsed Multidimensional Vulnerability Index to unlock affordable, long-term financing. Framing climate and debt as human rights issues, Sanders cited recent rulings by the Inter-American and International Courts, which emphasize that financing terms must protect essential services and social spending as fundamental human rights.