The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), is thrilled to announce the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards 2025. This annual event, set to take place on November 29, 2025, at Sandals Grande Antigua, will celebrate excellence, innovation, and service within the nation’s thriving tourism industry. Themed ‘Mirror Ball Gala – A Night to Reflect and Shine,’ the evening will honor the dedication, passion, and resilience of professionals who have elevated the sector. The Honourable Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, emphasized the awards’ role in showcasing the pride and professionalism of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry. ABHTA Chairman Craig Marshall highlighted the event as a celebration of the hospitality sector’s heart and soul, recognizing the contributions of individuals who power the industry’s success. The awards will feature categories such as Employee of the Year, Chef of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Award, with winners selected by a panel of industry leaders. The gala will conclude Tourism Week 2025, themed ‘Our People, Our Culture, Our Environment in Full Thrive,’ which aims to inspire the tourism community and celebrate its achievements. ABTA CEO Colin C. James praised the nominees for their professionalism and dedication, which encourage visitors to return to Antigua and Barbuda. The event promises to be a night of glamour, recognition, and inspiration for the industry’s future.
分类： society
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UPP Mobilizes Support for Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa
In a recent interview on Observer A.M. with Dr. Jacqui Quinn, Jamale Pringle, Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), announced plans to support Jamaica in its recovery from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa. Pringle emphasized the UPP’s commitment to organizing resources and aid for the storm-affected nation, highlighting the shared identity and history between Caribbean nations. ‘Hurricane Melissa has inflicted severe hardship on our Caribbean brothers and sisters,’ Pringle stated, underscoring the moral obligation of Antiguans and Barbudans to assist. The UPP’s relief efforts will include fundraising initiatives, such as the upcoming Independence Banquet on November 2 at the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union Banquet Hall, as well as collaborations with local organizations and churches to mobilize donations and support recovery. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica earlier this week, causing catastrophic winds, flooding, landslides, and multiple fatalities, leaving behind widespread destruction.
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Adrian Morales of Dominican Today receives special mention at the PEL 2025 National Tourism Journalism Awards
Journalist Adrian Morales, renowned for his incisive feature in Dominican Today, has been awarded a special mention in the “Opinion Journalism” category at the 21st Premio Nacional de Periodismo Turístico Epifanio Lantigua (PEL 2025). Organized by the Asociación Dominicana de Prensa Turística (Adompretur) under the leadership of Sarah Hernández, the event celebrated excellence in tourism journalism. Morales was recognized for his article, “Influencers, ‘sinvergüencers,’ ‘fakevergüencers,’ and other figures in tourism promotion,” which critically examines the role of social media influencers in tourism marketing. The piece, praised for its clarity and ethical rigor, incorporates insights from communications analyst Edgar Argüello, who coined the terms “sinvergüencers” and “fakevergüencers” to describe unqualified influencers. Morales’s work calls for greater accountability in tourism communication, urging media and policymakers to prioritize accuracy and sustainability over viral metrics. The article had previously garnered international acclaim, winning the “Pasaporte Abierto” prize from the World Travel Journalism Organization (WTJO) in August 2025. This dual recognition underscores the article’s significance as a critical contribution to tourism journalism. Morales’s achievement highlights the growing importance of ethical, well-researched commentary in an era dominated by superficial content. The PEL 2025 ceremony, held at the Sheraton Santo Domingo Hotel, celebrated Dominican identity and the legacy of Epifanio Lantigua, a pioneer in tourism journalism. The event also honored other outstanding contributors across various categories, reaffirming Adompretur’s commitment to ethical and creative communication in the tourism sector.
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Public assistance payments for October 2025 begin
The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment has officially launched the disbursement of payments for the Public Assistance Program (PAP) for October 2025. The payment process began on Monday, October 27, 2025, and will conclude on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. This initiative targets beneficiaries residing in the Babonneau, Castries, Gros-Islet, San Souci, and Millet regions. All transactions will be processed at the Castries Constituency Council (CCC) Office, situated on Peynier Street in Castries. For additional information or assistance, the public is encouraged to reach out to the ministry via the following contact numbers: Castries at 468-5103/5108 or Vieux Fort at 454-6478.
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Ambassador Daven Joseph Issues Public Apology to Environmentalist Martha Watkins-Gilkes
In a significant development, Ambassador Daven Joseph has publicly apologized to renowned environmentalist Martha Watkins-Gilkes. The apology comes in the wake of a recent controversy where statements made by the ambassador were perceived as dismissive of Watkins-Gilkes’ environmental advocacy efforts. In his statement, Joseph acknowledged the importance of her work in promoting sustainable practices and combating climate change. He expressed regret for any unintended offense caused and emphasized his commitment to supporting environmental initiatives. Watkins-Gilkes, a prominent figure in the environmental community, has accepted the apology, calling it a step toward fostering greater collaboration between policymakers and activists. This incident highlights the growing recognition of environmental issues in public discourse and the need for constructive dialogue between stakeholders.
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DPP defends lack of jail time for rich businessman
Bahamas Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier has defended the controversial decision to impose a non-custodial sentence on wealthy American businessman James Finkl, who was convicted of firearm-related offenses. Finkl, the former head of global steel giant Finkl Steel, admitted to bringing 14 firearms and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition into The Bahamas aboard his yacht in Bimini last week. Despite public outcry, Frazier emphasized that sentencing is based on individual case merits, not wealth or nationality. She highlighted Finkl’s medical issues as a key factor in the decision, stating that a prison sentence would have been impractical. Frazier also noted that mandatory minimum sentences for firearm offenses have been abolished, and fines have been imposed on Bahamians in similar cases when justified. The ruling has sparked debate, with some senior lawyers labeling it ‘highly irregular.’ Frazier cited a 2022 Court of Appeal case involving a diabetic American man, Ronald Ralph Moorhead Jr, whose prison sentence was reduced due to medical concerns. While the court acknowledged firearm offenses typically warrant jail time, it stressed that Moorhead’s case was exceptional and not a precedent. Frazier reiterated that magistrates retain discretion to impose non-custodial sentences when circumstances warrant, but custodial sentences remain the standard for such crimes.
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‘She gwaan bad’: Piggery resident says Hurricane Melissa destroyed his home
PORTLAND, Jamaica — Demani Campbell, a resident of Piggery in the Rio Grande Valley, Portland, is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which ravaged his home on Tuesday. The storm, which lasted approximately five hours, unleashed relentless winds that left a trail of destruction in its wake. Campbell recounted the harrowing experience, stating that the devastation became apparent only the following morning. ‘She gwaan bad. She rip up the place for about five hours straight, a just a continuous breeze. We did deh over deh a watch wah gwan but we couldn’t see on this side here so ah inna the morning when time we come up we see the destruction,’ Campbell told Observer Online on Wednesday. Despite the loss, Campbell expressed gratitude for his survival and is now focused on rebuilding his life. However, he remains uncertain about the government’s assistance process. ‘We ah look forward to picking up the pieces but we don’t know the process of the Government. We nuh move nothing yet because we want them see say we destroyed and would need help if anything,’ he added. The community now looks to local authorities for support in the recovery efforts.
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Neighbours help Tobago family after gas tank explodes
A potentially catastrophic incident unfolded in Bon Accord, Tobago, on October 26, when a defective LPG gas tank caused an explosion at the home of Tamecia Cox. The explosion occurred during the bustling carnival celebrations in Scarborough, but thanks to the quick actions of Cox’s family and the solidarity of her neighbors, disaster was averted. Cox, visibly relieved, recounted the harrowing experience in an interview on October 28. She and her family were in their kitchen on Gaskin Bay Road when the explosion ignited a sudden blaze. Fortunately, the house was equipped with two fire extinguishers, which her children knew how to use, slowing the fire’s spread. Cox emphasized the importance of community support, stating, ‘It pays to live good with people. Everybody in the community came out to help.’ Her daughter sustained minor burns, but the family emerged otherwise unharmed. Devon Thomas, a neighbor, was particularly praised for risking his life to remove the gas tank from the house. Cox also expressed gratitude to the Crown Point Fire Station and Police Station for their swift response. Tobago East MP David Thomas, a retired Assistant Chief Fire Officer, urged homeowners and businesses to exercise caution with gas cylinders, recalling a similar fatal incident four years ago. He explained that while gas tanks rarely explode, leaks can create highly volatile environments, especially when combined with flammable materials. Thomas stressed the importance of regular maintenance and vigilance to prevent such tragedies.
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Conditions ‘devastating’ in St Elizabeth, says Black River mayor
The parish of St Elizabeth in Jamaica is grappling with the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, as described by Black River Mayor Richard Solomon. The hurricane has left the region in a state of devastation, with severe damage to infrastructure and limited communication capabilities. Solomon emphasized that the term ‘catastrophic’ barely captures the extent of the destruction witnessed on the ground. Emergency and security forces are facing significant challenges in responding to the crisis due to widespread flooding and infrastructure damage. The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is currently immobilized and relies on Starlink satellite internet for communication. Solomon revealed that the local hospital has been ‘totally devastated,’ and police units, along with the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), are non-operational after being submerged during the hurricane. Rescue operations are currently impossible, and the situation is expected to worsen as the day progresses. Solomon urged residents to remain calm and assured them that efforts are being made to address the crisis. He appealed for external assistance, stressing that the parish urgently needs all the help it can get.
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Edge of disaster
Despite the ferocity of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica’s south-western region on Tuesday, the parish of St Thomas largely escaped severe damage. However, for residents living near the Plantain Garden River in Bath, the storm brought chaos and fear as landslides tore through the riverbank, threatening homes and livelihoods. A viral video on social media captured the dramatic evacuation of residents as sections of the riverbank collapsed, sweeping away a parked car in the process.