分类： society

A severe single-vehicle accident occurred on Thursday night along Friars Hill Road, resulting in the hospitalization of the driver. Reports indicate that the driver, operating a black Honda Fit, was traveling southbound when he lost control of the vehicle. The car collided with a roadside rail near Woods Pond before coming to a halt several meters away on the opposite side of the road.

Emergency medical technicians swiftly responded to the scene, carefully extricating the driver from the wreckage. He was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Although the exact nature and severity of his injuries remain undisclosed, witnesses noted that he appeared conscious as he was being taken away by ambulance.

In the wake of the incident, local authorities have reiterated their plea for motorists to exercise heightened caution, especially given the recent rainfall that has rendered many road surfaces slippery and dangerous. This accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safe driving practices, particularly under adverse weather conditions.

The Honourable Minister responsible for Utilities recently updated the Cabinet on the significant progress of water infrastructure improvements across Antigua, spearheaded by the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA). These initiatives aim to enhance water distribution and storage capacity, addressing the island’s growing demands. Key developments include the reactivation of the Lower Buckleys Reservoir, which had been offline for six years. With a storage capacity of approximately 600,000 gallons, this reservoir will now support water distribution to Swetes, Follys, and Liberta. Additionally, expansion works at the Pigeon Point and Pattersons Plants are set to double their production capacity to 500,000 gallons per day, catering to the burgeoning yachting sector in the region. Plans are also underway to integrate the Pattersons Reservoir into the transmission and distribution system for St. Paul. Retail distribution piping works in the Montuella area will commence following the completion of re-piping projects in Cedar Valley. Furthermore, the hydraulic improvement programme on the northern side of the island includes the construction of two new concrete reservoirs at Wink-Eye Hill, New Winthropes. The Minister also highlighted ongoing coordination with the Ministry of Works on road repair and redevelopment projects, with assessments underway on major roadways, including All Saints Road from the Townhouse Junction to English Harbour. A definitive timeline for APUA’s re-piping works on All Saints Road is expected to be presented before the next Cabinet meeting.

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch effective from 6 a.m. to 12 noon today, with the potential for an extension. This advisory spans Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands, as a frontal trough continues to unleash heavy showers and thunderstorms across the northeastern Caribbean. Reports indicate that some regions have already experienced up to two inches of rainfall, with an additional two inches or more expected within the next 12 hours. Authorities are warning of moderate to major flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Residents are strongly advised to remain vigilant, avoid flooded roads, and prepare to relocate to higher ground if conditions deteriorate or if a Flash Flood Warning is issued. The public is encouraged to stay informed through local media and official updates from the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service. This situation underscores the importance of preparedness and timely response to natural disasters in the region.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has acknowledged the slow progress in the construction of the St. Mary’s South playing field viewing stand, agreeing with St. Mary’s South MP Kelvin Simon that the project is significantly behind schedule. During a recent session of the House of Representatives, Simon raised concerns about the delays, emphasizing that with only two months remaining in the year, the completion of the facility seems unlikely. Browne expressed his shared frustration, stating, “The viewing stand should have been completed by now.” He pledged to personally intervene to ensure the project is finished “within the shortest possible time.” The Prime Minister also mentioned that he would instruct the Minister for Rural East to investigate the contractor responsible for the delays. Browne clarified that there are no known issues with payments, suggesting that the contractor’s inefficiency is the primary cause of the holdup. While acknowledging that adverse weather conditions, such as rainfall, may have contributed to the delays, Browne emphasized that the construction of a viewing stand is not a complex task. He vowed to monitor the situation closely to ensure swift progress. The project, which includes both a viewing stand and an upgraded playing field, is designed to support local athletes and provide a recreational space for the St. Mary’s South community. The Prime Minister’s commitment to expediting the project reflects the government’s focus on addressing community needs and improving public infrastructure.