分类： politics

The United States has unveiled a comprehensive hike in immigration and visa fees, set to take effect this October. The new fee structure introduces substantial increases across various categories, impacting foreign travelers, immigrants, and visa applicants.

Opposition MP Sherfield Bowen has called for a strategic focus on tracing the origins of illegal firearms entering Antigua and Barbuda, emphasizing the need for advanced container scanning technologies at the border. Speaking at a United Progressive Party town hall, Bowen criticized reactive measures to violent incidents, advocating instead for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to crime prevention. He highlighted the alarming rise in gun-related crimes as a critical national issue, urging authorities to identify and disrupt the channels through which firearms are smuggled into the country. Bowen speculated that weapons might be entering via sea routes or concealed in shipping containers, stressing that enhancing container inspections and investing in detection technologies should be top priorities. He also underscored the importance of a long-term strategy involving collaboration between law enforcement, educators, social workers, and communities to achieve sustainable crime reduction. Bowen concluded that since Antigua and Barbuda does not manufacture firearms, addressing the external sources of these weapons is essential to curbing the escalating violence.

In a scathing open letter addressed to the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, a concerned citizen has voiced deep-seated frustrations over the nation’s trajectory under the current administration. The letter questions the rationale behind the Prime Minister’s consideration of early elections, challenging the administration to demonstrate tangible achievements that would justify another term in office. The writer highlights widespread disillusionment among citizens, citing unmet promises, deteriorating public services, and worsening socio-economic conditions. Key issues such as crumbling infrastructure, a struggling education system, an overburdened healthcare sector, and rising crime rates are emphasized as evidence of governmental neglect. The letter accuses the administration of prioritizing political maneuvering over genuine progress, urging the Prime Minister to focus on delivering measurable improvements rather than relying on rhetoric. It concludes with a call for accountability, asserting that the people of Antigua and Barbuda are no longer willing to accept empty promises and are prepared to demand real change.

Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has announced that his party, the United Progressive Party (UPP), is contemplating the use of a writ of mandamus to compel the government to adhere to financial disclosure laws. Pringle accused Prime Minister Gaston Browne of withholding crucial financial reports from Parliament, thereby undermining transparency and accountability. Speaking at a UPP town hall meeting, Pringle highlighted the 2006 Finance Administration Act, which mandates the Minister of Finance to submit detailed investment reports and related agreements to Parliament. He pointed out that these reports, including those concerning the government’s Jolly Beach investment and Social Security financials, have not been made available to the public. Pringle criticized the Prime Minister for allegedly blocking access to audit opinions that were unfavorable, describing the move as unlawful. The writ of mandamus, a court order requiring a public official to perform a legal duty, is one of several legal avenues the UPP is exploring to ensure compliance. Pringle emphasized the importance of public pressure in holding the government accountable, regardless of the court’s decision. He framed this legal action as part of a broader effort to restore confidence in public financial management and strengthen accountability.

On September 30, 2025, Japanese Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi held a significant meeting with Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Minister, the Hon. Everly Paul Chet Greene, during the latter’s visit to Japan for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. The 35-minute discussion marked Minister Greene’s third visit to Japan and underscored the growing diplomatic ties between the two nations. Minister IWAYA highlighted the importance of Antigua and Barbuda’s National Day celebration at the Expo, held on September 28, as a pivotal moment to showcase the Caribbean nation’s culture and identity on a global stage. Minister Greene expressed gratitude for Japan’s multifaceted support and reiterated his commitment to deepening bilateral relations and international collaboration. Both ministers emphasized their shared goals of addressing the unique challenges faced by small island states, leveraging Japan’s technological expertise and private sector involvement to foster sustainable development. The dialogue also extended to regional security concerns, particularly policies toward North Korea, including nuclear and missile issues and the abductions problem. The ministers agreed to enhance cooperation in upholding a free and open international order grounded in the rule of law. This meeting not only reinforced the existing partnership but also set the stage for future collaborative efforts in addressing global and regional challenges.

The 80th session of the UN General Assembly concluded with resounding calls to lift the US blockade against Cuba, a topic that was raised over 40 times during the High-Level Segment. Ambassador Dionisio Da Costa Babo Soares of Timor-Leste, in his closing remarks, condemned the longstanding unilateral sanctions imposed on the Caribbean nation. Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Denis Moncada echoed this sentiment, denouncing the ‘horrific, odious, and execrable policies of criminal economic blockade’ and reaffirming solidarity with Cuba and Venezuela. A coalition of nations, including Brazil, South Africa, Vietnam, Russia, and Mexico, voiced their support for Cuba, highlighting the global consensus against the blockade. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez emphasized the blockade’s devastating impact, describing it as a ‘comprehensive and prolonged economic war’ aimed at undermining Cuba’s sovereignty and livelihood. He also criticized the US for labeling Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, a claim he called ‘cynical’ and unsupported by the international community. The session underscored the growing international pressure on the US to reconsider its policies toward Cuba.