The streets of New Providence have become a battleground for drivers as potholes, exacerbated by recent rainfall, wreak havoc on vehicles and finances. From Carmichael Road to Eastern Road, Balfour Avenue to Robinson Road, the island’s roads are riddled with deep craters and sunken asphalt, transforming daily commutes into treacherous obstacle courses. This has led to a surge in demand for tyre shops and mechanics, who are now inundated with customers facing costly repairs. At The Tire Outlet on Faith Avenue, workers report selling up to 30 tyres daily, with numbers spiking after heavy rains obscure potholes beneath water pools. Similarly, Rubberband Tires notes that nearly every customer arrives with pothole-related tyre damage. Mobile repair services are also overwhelmed, with Baton Roker of Keeping You Moving Mobile Tire Repair handling at least 15 calls daily. He humorously remarked that potholes are his ‘best employees,’ as they generate endless work without cost. Mechanics like Kipln Moss highlight that the damage extends beyond tyres, with broken shocks, lower arms, and tie rods becoming commonplace. Residents have taken to social media to share images of damaged vehicles and flooded streets, tagging officials and demanding action. Some have even created online maps to help motorists avoid the worst potholes. At the Ministry of Works, Superintendent Eric Rudon acknowledged the severity of the issue, stating that repair crews are working tirelessly alongside private contractors to address the problem. However, he admitted that the sheer number of potholes makes it impossible to count them all. In 2022, the ministry announced a two-year paving programme set to begin in January 2024, aiming to resurface 55 miles of road. Senior civil engineer Francis Clarke assured that once the paving network is stabilised, pothole complaints will significantly decrease. Yet, with thousands of potholes plaguing the capital and similar issues reported in Abaco and other islands, the promise of relief feels distant for many motorists.
分类： society
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WATCH: Manchester farmer killed by gunmen posing as police
In a shocking act of violence, a 30-year-old Manchester farmer, Ojay Gooden, was fatally shot during a home invasion in the Canewood district of Comfort Hall, Manchester, in the early hours of Tuesday. According to police reports, the assailants, posing as law enforcement officers, forcibly entered Gooden’s residence around 1:05 am and unleashed a barrage of gunfire, leaving him with multiple gunshot wounds. Following the attack, the perpetrators set ablaze Gooden’s grey 2003 Toyota Corolla, further intensifying the tragedy. Authorities are currently investigating whether this incident is connected to a previous murder that occurred in the same area on October 12. Local Councillor Rohan Kennedy, representing the People’s National Party in the Mile Gully Division, expressed deep concern over the incident, noting that Canewood is typically a peaceful community. This brutal killing has sent shockwaves through the region, raising questions about safety and security in rural areas.
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Youth leader seeks support to attend WHO conference in Switzerland
Nowell Lewin Jr., a passionate mental health advocate and law student from Jamaica, is calling for public assistance to attend a prestigious World Health Organization (WHO) youth conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Scheduled from October 28 to 31, the event is a collaborative effort between the WHO and the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), uniting youth leaders, diplomats, and policymakers to address critical global health issues. Lewin, the founder of the mental health organization Global Integration Society, has been selected to join a committee focusing on social connection and mental health—a subject he holds dear. He aims to represent Jamaica and the Caribbean, emphasizing the need for regional voices in international discussions. Participants are tasked with researching their assigned countries’ stances on global health topics, culminating in a resolution paper proposing actionable solutions. Lewin plans to share these recommendations with Jamaica’s Ministries of Health, Education, and Foreign Affairs upon his return. While his conference fee is covered, Lewin requires approximately US$4,060 to cover travel, accommodation, and living expenses. He highlights the broader issue of limited financial support for Jamaican youth attending international events, urging the government and private sector to step up. Lewin also stresses the importance of addressing mental health in Jamaica, noting its intersection with crime, education, and family life. He encourages Jamaicans to support his mission, as it could catalyze greater national awareness and change. Donations can be made to his National Commercial Bank account (May Pen Branch, account number 564741183).
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PAS Denise Matthias-Thomas Graduates Magna Cum Laude with Master’s in Business Management
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Lands & the Blue Economy of Antigua and Barbuda has extended its warmest congratulations to Principal Assistant Secretary (PAS) Denise Matthias-Thomas for her exceptional academic accomplishment. On October 19, 2025, Mrs. Matthias-Thomas graduated Magna Cum Laude from Monroe University, earning a Master’s Degree in Business Management with a specialization in Finance. The prestigious graduation ceremony took place at the Royalton Saint Lucia Resort, where she was joined by family, friends, and colleagues to celebrate this significant milestone. Among the 55 graduates, Mrs. Matthias-Thomas stood out as the sole Master’s Degree recipient from Antigua and Barbuda, showcasing her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. Her achievement not only highlights her personal determination but also aligns with the Ministry’s core values of professional growth, leadership, and national development. The Ministry expressed immense pride in her success and looks forward to her continued contributions to the nation through her enhanced expertise and knowledge. This accomplishment serves as an inspiration to her peers and underscores the importance of lifelong learning and professional advancement.
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Police Officers Achieve Top Academic Honours
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda is celebrating the remarkable academic achievements of several of its members, whose dedication to higher education is raising the bar for professional excellence within the organization. Acting Sergeant Enzingar Jones, Corporal Kendel Shillingford, and Police Constables Paula Simon and Milton Jeremy have all graduated with top honours from internationally recognized universities, showcasing their commitment to personal and professional growth.
Sergeant Jones, who earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Human Resource Management from Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland, has demonstrated exceptional determination and drive. Constable Paula Simon, attached to the St. John’s Fire Station, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Monroe University with both a Bachelor of Arts in Administration and a Master of Arts in Business Administration, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA. Her outstanding performance earned her induction into the Delta Mu Delta International Business Honor Society and the honour of carrying the main flag for the master’s degree graduates.
In her reflections, Constable Simon emphasized the importance of education in shaping better officers and a more just society, urging her colleagues to embrace learning and service with wisdom. Similarly, Corporal Shillingford and Constable Jeremy graduated Summa Cum Laude from Monroe University, with Shillingford earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management (3.905 GPA) and Jeremy obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology (3.915 GPA).
Acting Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers praised the graduates, highlighting their discipline, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. He underscored the critical role of education in equipping modern law enforcement professionals with the analytical, ethical, and leadership skills needed to address evolving challenges. The Police Administration continues to encourage its members to pursue higher education and professional training, reinforcing its mission to build a stronger, smarter, and more service-oriented organization dedicated to the safety and progress of Antigua and Barbuda.
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Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl to showcase near 100 vendors at launch today
The 4th Annual Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl-‘Tout Biten Domnik’ event is set to captivate attendees from October 20 to October 23 at the Botanic Gardens in Dominica. This vibrant four-day celebration, running from 12 PM to 8 PM daily, highlights the products, skills, and talents of nearly 100 small businesses, offering a unique platform for local entrepreneurs to shine. Replacing the former Creole in The Park (CITP) event, Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl serves as a cultural prelude to the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), enriching the island’s cultural calendar. Daren Pinard, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, emphasized the event’s role in showcasing Dominica’s rich heritage, including its music, food, traditional dress, language, and dance. The opening ceremony, initially scheduled for 11:00 AM, has been rescheduled to 1 PM, though no explanation was provided for the delay. Attendees can enjoy performances by renowned artists such as Bouyon musicians Ridge and Pudaz, Midnight Groovers Riddim Knockaz, and cultural groups like Paix Bouche Drummers and Morne Jaune Cultural Group. The event also features a diverse lineup of acts across the week, including Asa Bantan, Swinging Stars, and Signal Band, culminating in a grand finale on October 23. Admission is free for students in uniform, while tickets for adults and children are priced at $10 and $5, respectively. This year, local honey takes center stage as a highlight of the event, further emphasizing the island’s natural and cultural treasures.
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Ti Vilaj Kweyol Ceremony later start time
The organizers of the Ti Vilaj Ceremony have announced a significant change in the event schedule. Originally slated to commence at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 20, the ceremony will now begin at 1:00 PM. The event is set to take place at the picturesque Botanic Gardens, a venue known for its lush greenery and serene ambiance. While the announcement did not provide specific reasons for the delay, such schedule adjustments are not uncommon in large-scale public events, often due to logistical preparations or unforeseen circumstances. Attendees are advised to adjust their plans accordingly and arrive at the new start time to fully enjoy the cultural festivities. The Ti Vilaj Ceremony, a celebration of local heritage and community spirit, promises to be a memorable occasion despite the slight delay.
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Corporal Shillingford and Constable Jeremy Honoured for Academic Achievement
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has publicly celebrated the academic accomplishments of Corporal Shillingford and Constable Jeremy, who recently graduated from Monroe College. In an official statement, the Force lauded the officers for their unwavering commitment to both personal and professional growth. Their success was highlighted as a testament to the organization’s dedication to fostering excellence and promoting lifelong learning among its members. The officers were commended for their perseverance and were encouraged to serve as role models, inspiring their peers to pursue higher education and continuous self-improvement. This achievement underscores the Force’s broader mission to enhance the skills and capabilities of its personnel, ensuring they are well-equipped to serve the community effectively. The recognition also reflects the importance of education in advancing law enforcement standards and fostering a culture of development within the police force.
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Single-Lane Traffic Continues on Major Roads as Repairs Progress
The Ministry of Works’ Project Implementation Management Unit (PIMU) has announced the continuation of single-lane traffic on several major roads to facilitate ongoing infrastructure repairs. These measures are part of the Second Road Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project, a government initiative aimed at improving road conditions in Antigua and Barbuda.
On Valley Road North, asphalt repairs, drain cleaning, and road markings will be conducted daily, starting at approximately 8:00 a.m. Similarly, Old Parham Road will see drain cleaning near Fabi Building Supplies during the same hours. Anchorage Road will undergo sidewalk rehabilitation, drainage work, and road markings, while Sir Sydney Walling Highway will focus on asphalt repairs, junction fixes, and miscellaneous tasks.
Flag persons will be stationed at these locations to guide motorists, who are urged to follow instructions carefully due to the presence of heavy-duty equipment. Despite the disruptions, all businesses in the affected areas remain open. C.O. Williams Ltd., the contractor overseeing the project, has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and encourages stakeholders to adjust their travel plans to account for potential delays.
For further inquiries, the public can contact the C.O. Williams Project office at 562-9573. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing road infrastructure, ensuring safer and more efficient travel for residents and visitors alike.
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Head of InterCaribbean Airways awarded honorary doctorate from UWI
Lyndon Gardiner, the visionary Founder and Chairman of interCaribbean Airways, was conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree by The University of the West Indies (UWI) during a prestigious graduation ceremony at the Cave Hill Campus on October 18, 2025. This accolade recognizes Gardiner’s groundbreaking impact on the aviation sector and his unwavering commitment to fostering regional development across the Caribbean. The honor celebrates his three-decade-long leadership in building the Caribbean’s largest privately owned airline network, which has significantly enhanced connectivity and community growth. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Gardiner reflected on his journey, stating, ‘This recognition is deeply humbling. My dream was to connect our islands and make travel accessible to all, and today, that dream thrives through the dedication of our interCaribbean family.’ The UWI Council lauded Gardiner’s rise from modest beginnings in Bottle Creek, North Caicos, to transforming interCaribbean Airways into a regional powerhouse servicing 27 destinations across 17 countries. His bold leadership during the 2020 pandemic, when he expanded operations into seven new countries while competitors scaled back, was particularly commended. Beyond his business achievements, Gardiner’s philanthropic efforts were highlighted, including the establishment of the Manville Gardiner Memorial Scholarship, which supports Caribbean students pursuing aviation careers, and his collaborations with the World Pediatric Project for medical transport. The ceremony also celebrated his contributions to youth mentorship and disaster relief. Accompanied by family and colleagues, Gardiner’s recognition underscores his enduring legacy of innovation and community care. Trevor Sadler, CEO of interCaribbean Airways, remarked, ‘Lyndon’s story embodies the Caribbean spirit of determination and unity.’ The 2025 UWI graduation honored eleven distinguished individuals, with Gardiner being one of two celebrated at the Cave Hill Campus. Since its founding in 1992, interCaribbean Airways has grown into the Caribbean’s most extensive air transport network, employing hundreds and operating a modern fleet of over 20 aircraft.