分类： society

The Consulate General of the Dominican Republic in Antigua and Barbuda has expressed profound grief over the untimely death of Michael Alexander Garcia, a 23-year-old Dominican national who tragically lost his life in a workplace accident on Saturday. Garcia, a dedicated farm worker and father to a three-year-old child, reportedly fell from the roof of a building on a farm in the Diamond Estate area near Potworks Dam at approximately 4:30 p.m. He sustained severe head injuries and was discovered by emergency medical personnel lying in a pool of blood. Despite the immediate efforts of Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians and subsequent medical intervention at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, Garcia was pronounced dead. In a statement issued on Sunday, Hon. Joaquín Díaz López, the Consul General, conveyed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a tragic loss for the Dominican community. The Consulate has instructed Huascar Félix, Director of the Consular Cabinet, to collaborate with local authorities to ensure the victim’s family receives the necessary support and assistance. The Consulate’s message has deeply resonated within Antigua and Barbuda’s growing Hispanic community, many of whom gathered outside the hospital on Saturday evening to mourn Garcia’s passing. Meanwhile, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal fall. Tributes continue to pour in for Garcia, who is remembered by his peers as a hardworking, kind, and well-liked individual.

In Antigua and Barbuda, a growing number of women are silently grappling with burnout, as they juggle the demands of work, family, and community life. Young mothers, wives, and daughters are pushing themselves to their limits, often at the expense of their physical and emotional well-being. The societal expectation for women to ‘hold everything together’ is taking a severe toll, with rising cases of hypertension, heart disease, and chronic fatigue among women in their 20s and 30s. Stress has become a silent killer, eroding the health of countless women across the nation.

The letter, penned by a concerned sister, serves as a poignant reminder that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Women are encouraged to rest, say no, and prioritize their health over household chores. The message is clear: ‘You cannot pour from an empty cup.’ By taking time to heal and recharge, women not only safeguard their own well-being but also set a powerful example for the next generation.

The letter also calls on men and families to step up and share the responsibilities. A healthy woman, the writer emphasizes, is the cornerstone of a healthy home and, by extension, a stronger nation. Women of Antigua and Barbuda are urged to put themselves on their own priority list, reminding them that the housework will still be there tomorrow, but their health and presence are irreplaceable.

In a society that often glorifies the ‘superwoman’ archetype, this heartfelt plea serves as a wake-up call to recognize the importance of self-care and collective responsibility. It’s time to break the cycle of burnout and build a future where women can thrive, not just survive.

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a high surf warning for the northern and northeastern coastlines of several islands in the northeastern Caribbean. The alert, which was issued at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, applies to Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, and St. Kitts and Nevis. The warning is expected to remain in effect until midday Monday. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to stay out of the water due to life-threatening marine conditions. Forecaster Letitia Humphreys explained that long-period swells measuring between 2.4 and 3.1 meters (8 to 10 feet), with the potential to reach up to 3.7 meters (12 feet), are anticipated. These swells, with a period of 13 to 14 seconds, are likely to generate breaking waves exceeding 2.7 meters (9 feet), creating extremely dangerous rip currents and hazardous surf along exposed coastlines. Authorities have warned that the severe conditions could lead to beach erosion, coastal flooding, and damage to roads, marine facilities, and coral reefs. Small craft operators have been advised to remain in port, and beachgoers are urged to avoid rocky or open shorelines. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official channels such as antiguamet.com and the Meteorological Service’s social media pages. Humphreys emphasized that swimming should only occur at sheltered southern beaches or lifeguard-supervised locations until the warning is lifted.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has expressed his willingness to collaborate with local investors to establish a nightclub in Barbuda, aiming to enhance the island’s social life and stimulate economic activity. During an episode of the *Browne and Browne Show*, Browne emphasized the need for more leisure and entertainment options to complement recent infrastructure developments, such as the new airport and upgraded roads. He humorously suggested naming the potential venue the ‘Cassidgette Club’ and highlighted the lack of social activities on the island, proposing the addition of a small cinema as well. Browne’s vision extends beyond entertainment, as he sees these projects as opportunities to create jobs and support Barbuda’s expanding economy. He also encouraged private investors to participate in similar ventures, framing them as essential components of the island’s growth. The prime minister’s remarks underscore a broader strategy to integrate tourism, community life, and business development, fostering a more vibrant and sustainable future for Barbuda.

In a significant development following a violent altercation at Sanderson Estate, Antigua and Barbuda, the Royal Police Force has arrested and charged two individuals in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on October 1, 2025. The accused, 59-year-old Brian Benjamin of All Saints and 32-year-old Bryan Benjamin of Swetes, face multiple charges stemming from the incident. Both men have been jointly charged with Assault, Wounding, and Battery on Jace Farrell. Additionally, Brian Benjamin faces a separate charge of Shooting with Intent to Murder Simon Farrell, while Bryan Benjamin has been charged with Threatening Language. The altercation, which reportedly took place on a farm, resulted in two men sustaining gunshot injuries. Both victims are currently hospitalized in stable condition. The police have emphasized the importance of resolving disputes peacefully and through lawful means, as their investigation into the incident continues. The public is urged to cooperate with law enforcement and avoid resorting to violence in conflict resolution.

In a significant move to address housing affordability, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has unveiled a new initiative to provide subsidized concrete blocks for low-income home builders. Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced the plan during a recent episode of the Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM, emphasizing the government’s commitment to reducing construction costs and empowering citizens to achieve homeownership. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to stabilize the construction sector and promote national housing development. At the heart of this effort is the establishment of a state-owned concrete block manufacturing plant, set to open within the next two months. Developed in partnership with local businessman Jason Hadid, the plant will allow the government to produce its own building materials, ensuring cost control and quality assurance. Prime Minister Browne highlighted that the facility will sell blocks at cost or below, with additional subsidies for low-income builders. This approach aims to make homeownership more accessible while reducing government spending on infrastructure projects. Beyond housing, the plant will also supply materials for public projects, including road construction and community infrastructure, ensuring a steady supply of affordable, locally made building blocks. The initiative is expected to have a transformative impact on the construction industry, fostering economic growth and improving living standards across the nation.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced the imminent commencement of a transformative $100 million national road improvement initiative, with the first phase focusing on All Saints Road. Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM, Browne revealed that the government has nearly completed the preparatory work required by the lending institution and is awaiting final approval to access the initial $10 million funding tranche.

The project marks a significant milestone in the government’s broader infrastructure agenda, which encompasses road resurfacing, bridge and culvert repairs, and enhanced drainage systems across Antigua. Browne emphasized the government’s commitment to sustaining the momentum of its public works program, praising the contributions of local contractors, engineers, and road crews.

“This initiative is about improving access, safety, and the overall quality of life for our citizens,” Browne stated. “We are ensuring that communities long neglected will finally experience lasting improvements.” The All Saints Road upgrades follow recent enhancements to major routes such as Valley Road North, Anchorage Road, and the Sir Sydney Walling Highway, all part of the Ministry of Works’ ongoing national road rehabilitation program.

The new financing aims to build on these achievements and extend road development to rural and residential areas. “Our objective is to ensure every community benefits from reliable, well-constructed roads,” Browne added. “We are committed to continuing the progress we’ve made and ensuring equitable development for all.”

The project underscores the government’s dedication to infrastructure modernization, promising to address long-standing transportation challenges and foster economic growth across the island.