分类： politics

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda convened on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, addressing a range of critical issues aimed at enhancing national infrastructure, public safety, and environmental sustainability. The meeting began with a prayer led by a pastor from the Zion Church of God, who drew inspiration from Psalm 31, emphasizing trust and resilience in challenging times. The pastor urged Cabinet members to remain patient and committed to their roles, likening their efforts to planting seeds that will yield future benefits. A significant highlight of the meeting was the Attorney General’s briefing on the arrival of a state-of-the-art Liebherr LHM 420 mobile harbor crane at the St. John’s Port. Costing US$6.2 million, this advanced crane is expected to revolutionize port operations, boosting efficiency and positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a leading logistics hub in the Eastern Caribbean. The crane, capable of handling up to 60 containers per hour, is currently being assembled by a team of German engineers, with local operators undergoing hands-on training to ensure seamless integration. In other developments, the Acting Prime Minister informed Cabinet about discussions with the Airport Taxi Association and other stakeholders to improve service standards at V.C. Bird International Airport. A Select Committee has been established to recommend regulatory and operational enhancements. Additionally, the Minister for Public Safety addressed rising concerns over motorized bicycles and scooters, which have been linked to increased traffic accidents. Stakeholders are drafting legislative measures to mitigate these issues. On the environmental front, Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to beautification initiatives, including tree planting along highways and the establishment of a supervised inmate work team to support community clean-up efforts. The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force will lead the October National Clean-Up Campaign under the theme ‘Love Where You Live,’ furthering the government’s vision for a cleaner, greener nation.

Kuwait’s Foreign Minister, Abdullah Al-Yahya, held a significant meeting with Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Barbuda Affairs, Everly Paul Chet Greene, during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The high-level discussion, which took place on Wednesday, centered on enhancing bilateral relations across multiple sectors, as confirmed by a statement from Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both ministers explored avenues for deeper cooperation and exchanged views on pressing regional and international issues of mutual interest. This diplomatic engagement underscores the commitment of both nations to fostering stronger ties and addressing global challenges collaboratively. The meeting also highlighted the importance of multilateral platforms like the UN General Assembly in facilitating dialogue and partnership between geographically distant but diplomatically aligned countries.

The United Progressive Party (UPP) has announced a town-hall meeting scheduled for September 30 at Freedom Hall on Lower Newgate Street in Antigua and Barbuda. The event, set to commence at 7 p.m., aims to address escalating concerns over crime and government accountability. The panel will be led by Deputy Political Leader and criminal defense attorney Hon. Sherfield Bowen, alongside financial consultant Kem Warner and former Royal Police Force member Nuffield Burnett. The UPP has emphasized that the meeting will focus on the recent surge in crime, alleged mismanagement of state funds, and the government’s perceived inadequate response to these issues. In a pre-event statement, the party expressed that citizens are increasingly frustrated with violent crime, extrajudicial killings, and a lack of transparency in public spending. The town-hall will serve as a platform for citizens to voice their grievances and propose solutions to these pressing national concerns. The event will be broadcast live on Progressive 107.3 FM and streamed via the UPP’s official Facebook page, ensuring widespread accessibility for the public.

On the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Minister, E.P. Chet Greene, held a pivotal meeting with UK Minister Chris Elmore to discuss preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), set to be hosted in Antigua and Barbuda. The meeting underscored the robust collaboration between the two nations as they intensify planning for this landmark event. Minister Greene expressed pride in Antigua and Barbuda’s role as host and highlighted the productive partnership with the UK, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts in ensuring the summit’s success. The discussions also focused on the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Centre of Excellence, a cornerstone initiative of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS). This center aims to foster innovation and sustainable development solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by SIDS. Minister Greene urged the UK to fully support this initiative, which aligns with the broader goals of advancing shared Commonwealth values and achieving sustainable development. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting island nations in overcoming their distinct challenges and advancing global development priorities. Minister Greene’s packed schedule at the UN General Assembly included additional bilateral discussions with other nations, expected to yield significant benefits for Antigua and Barbuda. The meeting marks a significant step in strengthening international cooperation and advancing the interests of small island states on the global stage.

In a bold address at the United Nations Climate Summit, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne issued a stark warning to global leaders: if diplomatic efforts fail to address climate change, small island nations will resort to legal action to hold major polluters accountable. Browne emphasized that advancements in attribution science—research linking extreme weather events to fossil fuel emissions—now provide the necessary evidence to pursue such cases in court. ‘If diplomacy fails, then we should use the courts to hold these large polluters accountable,’ he declared. Browne framed the issue as a matter of survival for small island developing states (SIDS), which face existential threats from rising sea levels, intensifying storms, and escalating climate-related damages. He stressed that the 1.5-degree Celsius target set by the Paris Agreement is non-negotiable for these vulnerable nations. Browne also criticized the global financial system as ‘unfit for purpose,’ highlighting the staggering $387 billion annual cost of climate adaptation and the inadequacy of current climate finance. He endorsed the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, which advocates for a rules-based phase-out of coal, oil, and gas, supported by financial and technological transfers. Antigua and Barbuda has taken proactive steps with its National Adaptation Plan and plans to update its climate targets this year. However, Browne emphasized that national efforts alone are insufficient. He called for the international community to adopt the ‘polluter pays’ principle, expand concessional financing, and ensure access to affordable renewable technologies. ‘Let us treat the 1.5-degree limit as a lifeline, not as a line in the sand,’ he urged. ‘And let us act—not tomorrow, but today—so that the smallest and most vulnerable nations among us are not left to face the greatest storms alone.’