分类： society

Authorities are currently investigating a burglary that occurred at the Medical Surgical Associates office located in the Woods Centre, Gambles. The facility, owned by Dr. Joey John, was reportedly broken into between the evening of September 26 and the early hours of September 28. According to preliminary investigations, the perpetrators gained access by prying open a rear door on the eastern side of the building. Once inside, they forcibly entered the accounts office, broke into a locked filing cabinet, and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash and cheques. The suspects are believed to have exited through the same door they used to enter. Forensic teams have already processed the crime scene, and detectives are reviewing CCTV footage as part of their ongoing investigation. The incident has raised concerns about security measures in the area, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

Authorities in Pares Village have launched an investigation after a silver Honda Fit was discovered abandoned in a remote bushland area near Lindsey’s Estate. The vehicle, found without its keys, was reported by a concerned passerby who alerted local law enforcement. Upon arrival, officers cordoned off the scene and called in forensic teams to process the car for potential evidence. After a thorough examination, the vehicle was towed to Police Headquarters for further analysis. The circumstances surrounding how the car ended up in such an isolated location remain unclear, and police are continuing their inquiries to determine the cause. This incident has raised questions among residents about safety and the potential implications of abandoned vehicles in the area. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.

Authorities in All Saints are currently investigating a burglary that occurred at a local primary school during the early hours of Friday night. Intruders reportedly forced their way into the principal’s office, leaving the premises in disarray. The storeroom was also breached, resulting in the theft of a Stihl weed wacker and a set of keys. The total value of the stolen items is yet to be determined. Police conducted a thorough search of the area but were unable to locate any suspects or recover the stolen property. Crime scene investigators have been notified and are actively pursuing leads. The incident has raised concerns among the community, prompting calls for increased security measures at educational institutions. The school administration has yet to release an official statement regarding the break-in. Meanwhile, local law enforcement has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

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.

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.