分类： society

A towering statue recently unveiled by Glorious Hope Ministries has ignited a heated debate within Antigua’s religious community. The installation, inspired by the biblical book of Daniel, was intended to raise awareness about the return of Christ, according to Elder Claude Weaver, the church’s leader. However, the project has drawn sharp criticism from other religious figures, including Bishop Charlesworth Brown of the Christian Council, who argues that the statue has caused division rather than fostering unity. Brown contends that the Christian message is better conveyed through faith and teaching rather than expensive monuments. He also suggested that the funds used for the statue could have been better allocated to support needy families. The statue, prominently located along All Saints Road, has become a focal point of controversy, with its symbolism and necessity continuing to be debated. Despite the criticism, the statue remains in place, serving as a testament to the ongoing tensions within the community.

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued an excessive heat warning, alerting residents to prepare for extreme temperatures that could feel as high as 43°C (109°F). The warning, effective daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Sunday, highlights the combination of light winds and high humidity, which will create perilously hot conditions, especially during early afternoons. The heat index, a measure of perceived temperature factoring in humidity and air temperature, is expected to peak at 43°C, surpassing the threshold of 41°C (106°F) that triggers such warnings. This threshold is typically activated when temperatures remain elevated for two or more consecutive days with wind speeds below 18 km/h (11 mph). The elderly, young children, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those engaged in outdoor activities are at the highest risk of heat-related health issues, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and potentially fatal heat stroke. Symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, extreme thirst, or confusion should prompt immediate action, including moving to a cooler environment, staying hydrated, and seeking medical assistance if necessary. Authorities are urging residents to take preventive measures, such as staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours, and checking on vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbors. Additionally, individuals on medication are advised to consult their healthcare providers about potential heat-related risks. The extreme weather conditions underscore the importance of community vigilance and preparedness to mitigate the adverse effects of the ongoing heatwave.

A high surf warning has been declared for Barbuda, with the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service forecasting perilous marine conditions extending through the weekend. The alert, effective from Friday night until Monday afternoon, anticipates swells generating waves exceeding 10 feet (3 meters) and seas reaching up to 11 feet (3.4 meters). Neighboring regions, including Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands, are also under similar warnings, with hazardous conditions expected to persist from Friday into Monday. Authorities have escalated the threat level to high, citing life-threatening rip currents, coastal flooding, beach erosion, reef damage, and dangerous navigation in harbors. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to avoid entering the water in affected areas, steer clear of reefs and coastal structures, and only swim at sheltered beaches under lifeguard supervision. The public is encouraged to stay updated via antiguamet.com and the official channels of the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service.

Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Nuffield Burnett has revealed that illegal firearms plaguing Antigua and Barbuda primarily originate from two sources: smuggling through the nation’s ports and theft from licensed gun owners. Speaking at a United Progressive Party town hall, Burnett highlighted the role of corruption and negligence in facilitating the influx of weapons. He emphasized that firearms are often smuggled through seaports and airports, with insiders sometimes orchestrating the illegal entries. “They’re coming into our seaports and our airports,” Burnett stated. “A lot of it happens because of unethical workings of some people — simple as that.” He criticized law enforcement for focusing on weapon seizures rather than targeting the individuals behind the smuggling operations. “What are you seizing it for? We want to catch the people who are bringing it,” he asserted. Burnett also pointed out that licensed gun owners contribute to the problem when their firearms are stolen during home invasions or misused. Many such incidents go unreported due to fear of backlash, he explained. This diversion of legally owned guns into criminal hands has exacerbated violent crime in the region. Burnett’s remarks come amid growing public concern over rising gun violence and calls for enhanced port security and stricter firearm regulations. The situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the dual challenges of smuggling and firearm mismanagement.

Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Nuffield Burnett has urged caution in labeling recent police-involved shootings as “extrajudicial killings,” emphasizing that such terminology could be prejudicial without conclusive evidence. Speaking at a United Progressive Party town hall, Burnett advocated for describing these incidents as “suspicious deaths” or “killings” until thorough investigations are completed. He argued that premature classification could compromise the integrity of ongoing inquiries and unfairly tarnish the reputation of law enforcement officers. Burnett highlighted that the deaths of young, healthy men under “unnatural and suspicious circumstances” warrant meticulous examination rather than hasty judgments. He stressed the importance of precise language to ensure fairness and accountability, noting that only comprehensive police work and coroner’s inquests can determine whether the deaths were lawful, unlawful, or extrajudicial. His comments come amid growing public scrutiny over high-profile cases, including the deaths of Manny James and Khalil Simon, where families and rights advocates have criticized the pace and transparency of investigations. Burnett’s remarks underscore the need for balanced discourse and rigorous due process in addressing such sensitive issues.

The Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) is currently hosting its annual Industry Conference at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica, from October 1st to 2nd, 2025. The event, themed ‘Embracing the Blue Economy: Navigating the Future through Sustainable Development,’ aims to address critical maritime and environmental challenges facing the Caribbean region. As the premier maritime training institution in the Caribbean, CMU has been a key partner of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda since 2014, offering specialized training and education in marine transportation and engineering. Through scholarships provided by the Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) and the Port Authority, over 30 nationals have graduated from CMU, contributing to both local and global maritime operations. The conference was inaugurated by H.E. Ambassador Dwight Gardiner, Director/Registrar General of ADOMS and Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the International Maritime Organization, who was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws by CMU in 2024. The event brings together regulators, industry leaders, and academics from across the Caribbean and North America to discuss pressing issues such as Industry 4.0 applications, climate-resilient maritime practices, inclusive policies for indigenous communities, and economic analyses of shipping decarbonization. Notable participants include Mr. Darwin Telemaque, CEO of the Port Authority; Lt. Cdr. Wayne Mykoo, Deputy Director of Maritime Affairs at ADOMS; Dr. Branson Belle, Executive Director of the Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy; and Mr. Ethan James, CEO of Green Energy Management Inc. The conference underscores the region’s commitment to sustainable development and the blue economy, fostering collaboration and innovation in the maritime sector.