分类： politics

In a significant law enforcement leadership transition, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has formally appointed Mr. Everton Jeffers as its Commissioner of Police. The confirmation, announced on December 8, 2025, solidifies a position he had occupied in an acting capacity since November 21, 2025.

Commissioner Jeffers assumes command following the retirement of his predecessor, Atlee Rodney, who concluded a distinguished forty-year career with the police force earlier this year. Mr. Rodney, who served six years as Commissioner after his appointment in November 2019, has transitioned to a new role as Deputy Director of the Regional Security System (RSS).

Marking a historic milestone, Jeffers becomes the eleventh individual to hold the esteemed position of Commissioner. His appointment is backed by an impressive four-decade tenure within the Force, characterized by exceptional professionalism and an unwavering dedication to national security and public welfare.

In his inaugural address, Commissioner Jeffers expressed profound humility at his selection. “I am truly humbled to be given this task to lead this noble organization,” he stated, adding, “I can assure the people of this nation that I am committed to continue giving my best service to the nation of Antigua and Barbuda.”

The newly confirmed Commissioner extended gratitude to his family, colleagues, and supporters for their steadfast encouragement during his provisional leadership. He also paid tribute to Retired Commissioner Rodney for his exemplary national service and wished him success in his regional security position.

Concurrent with this appointment, the Police Administration announced the promotion of Superintendent Louisa Benjamin Quashie to Deputy Commissioner of Police, effective the same date. This elevation was part of broader organizational realignments that included several other senior officer promotions within the force’s command structure.

The police leadership has formally congratulated Commissioner Jeffers, Deputy Commissioner Benjamin Quashie, and all newly promoted officers, expressing confidence in their capabilities to uphold national security and serve the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda effectively.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Parliament is poised to recommence deliberations on the landmark 2026 national budget this coming Monday, with government ministers preparing to unveil comprehensive policy overhauls across critical sectors. The upcoming parliamentary session follows Thursday’s presentation of what Cabinet officials have characterized as a transformative, people-centered fiscal plan emphasizing economic stability, social welfare, and climate resilience.

During Friday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant revealed that ministers will elaborate on initiatives initially introduced during the Prime Minister’s budget address. These include unprecedented fiscal achievements, sector-wide modernization efforts, and numerous innovative social and development programs designed to bolster national progress.

The ministerial lineup features significant announcements: Sports Minister Daryl Matthew will detail the newly approved national sports development framework, incorporating a state-of-the-art Center of Excellence and the strategic conversion of rural athletic fields into specialized training facilities. Simultaneously, Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith is scheduled to introduce a groundbreaking program focused on enhancing food security, providing substantial support to agricultural workers, and implementing contemporary farming methodologies.

Further ministerial presentations will address wide-ranging reforms discussed in Cabinet sessions, including substantial healthcare enhancements such as the scheduled reopening of the national cancer treatment facility in early 2026. Additional medical advancements comprise the establishment of a specialized chest and cardiac center through a collaborative partnership with China, alongside the implementation of a National Health Insurance system.

The budget debate will also feature updates on government initiatives to distribute construction materials to economically vulnerable households, expand nationwide broadband access via APUA’s innovative WITS program, and accelerate preparatory measures for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Opposition parliamentarians, led by opposition leader Jamale Pringle, are expected to deliver their formal responses to the proposed budgetary measures during the session.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly challenged opposition parties in Antigua and Barbuda to substantiate their claims about unemployed skilled workers as his administration moves forward with plans to recruit foreign tradesmen. The Prime Minister made these remarks during a recent appearance on Pointe FM, where he addressed the nation’s development agenda and current labor shortages in the construction sector.

With the government preparing to accelerate major housing and infrastructure projects scheduled for 2026, Browne emphasized the critical need for additional skilled labor. The administration has signaled its intention to recruit foreign workers including carpenters, masons, electricians, and plumbers to meet the rising construction demands driven by ongoing housing developments and reconstruction initiatives.

The Prime Minister directly addressed opposition claims that local tradesmen remain unemployed, stating that no credible evidence has been presented to support these allegations. Browne issued a formal invitation to opposition figures to compile and submit verifiable lists of any skilled citizens currently without work, pledging that such individuals would receive immediate employment priority over foreign recruits.

The government maintains that its decision to import additional workers stems from a demonstrated shortage of local labor capacity to meet current project timelines. Officials argue that the construction boom requires more specialized tradespeople than are currently available within the domestic workforce, necessitating international recruitment to maintain development momentum.

This development highlights the ongoing tension between the government’s ambitious infrastructure agenda and opposition concerns about local employment opportunities. The administration has reiterated its commitment to prioritizing Antiguan and Barbudan workers provided that verifiable evidence of available skilled labor is presented through proper channels.

In a defining moment of political self-identification, newly elected Senator Kiz Johnson articulated a profound connection to her origins following a decisive primary win. Appearing on the Browne and Browne Show, Johnson was prompted to introduce herself to the wider public and acknowledge the villages within the St. Philip’s South constituency she aims to represent. Her response transcended a mere introduction, evolving into a philosophical declaration of her political ethos.

Johnson meticulously framed her entire political outlook through the lens of her upbringing, local culture, and a profound sense of place. Rejecting a generic political persona, she instead painted a vivid picture of her identity, stating, “I am a woman of the village… a woman of country… a woman of East.” This tripartite description served to underscore her deep-rooted connection to the community’s everyday life, national spirit, and the specific eastern region of the nation.

The interview highlighted how her recent victory in the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party primary is being interpreted not just as a personal achievement, but as a testament to a grassroots-driven campaign. By defining herself as a ‘woman of the village,’ Johnson effectively positions her forthcoming tenure as one dedicated to relatable, community-centric representation. This narrative strategically aligns her with the core constituents, suggesting that her governance will be informed by an intimate understanding of their needs and aspirations, rather than by detached political ambition.