分类： society

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has unveiled plans to establish an agro-industrial park aimed at enhancing food security and expanding local agricultural production. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, announced that two potential sites—Old Road and Christian Valley—are under consideration for the project. The development will feature agro-processing facilities, a feed mill, and model homes constructed using sustainable materials. Merchant emphasized that the park will play a pivotal role in reducing the nation’s dependence on imported animal feed while promoting value-added processing in the farming sector. Speaking at a post-briefing session on Thursday, he highlighted the project as a cornerstone of the administration’s strategy to foster a self-sufficient and resilient agricultural economy. The initiative underscores the government’s dedication to food sustainability and rural development, marking a significant step toward long-term economic and environmental resilience.

An Antigua resort, Mill Reef Club, has been mandated by the Industrial Court to compensate a former receptionist, Andre Thomas, with over EC$29,000 for his wrongful dismissal nearly three decades ago. The court found that the 1998 termination, prompted by Thomas’s refusal to change his hairstyle, violated his constitutional rights and breached principles of good industrial relations. Thomas, who had been employed at the resort for six years, was suspended and subsequently fired after a new European manager insisted on altering his appearance. Notably, the court highlighted that there were no prior complaints about Thomas’s hairstyle and that the resort lacked a formal grooming policy. The judges deemed the dismissal “frivolous and extreme,” criticizing the resort for denying union representation and failing to investigate the matter adequately. Additionally, the destruction of employment records by the club undermined its defense during the proceedings, which commenced in 2011. Thomas was awarded EC$29,325.60, covering lost income, damages, and legal costs, with the payment deadline set for 17 November 2025.

The much-anticipated rehabilitation of All Saints Road is progressing steadily, with preliminary testing and groundwork now in motion, as confirmed by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant. Speaking during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Merchant revealed that the project was a key topic of discussion in this week’s Cabinet meeting. A joint venture between a Canadian engineering firm and a local partner has already initiated testing activities on the road.

Merchant elaborated, ‘They have commenced preliminary work, including testing and surveys. In certain sections of All Saints Road, teams are conducting ground surveys and cutting out patches for testing purposes.’ The comprehensive reconstruction plan will not only address the road surface but also modernize underground infrastructure by removing outdated APUA pipelines and installing new ones.

The project will cover a significant stretch of approximately 11 to 12 miles, extending from the VC Bird bust in St. John’s to English Harbour. To ensure minimal disruption to traffic, the team is preparing strategic traffic diversions. Merchant emphasized, ‘Mobilization will begin shortly, and the transformation of All Saints Road will soon be evident.’ He also assured that the Cabinet would provide further updates next week as additional project details are finalized.

The government’s second Seven Seas desalination plant is poised to commence operations this weekend, significantly enhancing the national water supply by adding approximately two million gallons of water daily. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, announced the imminent launch during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, emphasizing the facility’s role in improving water accessibility across the island. The plant’s initial production phase will include rigorous testing and system adjustments, meaning immediate improvements may not be apparent to residents. Communities in the northern regions, including Hodges Bay, Coolidge, New Winthorpes, Barnes Hill, Blue Waters, and Cedar Valley, are expected to benefit from the increased water output. This initiative is a critical component of the government’s comprehensive strategy to bolster water reliability, particularly in drought-affected areas, and is part of broader infrastructure upgrades overseen by the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA).

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has unveiled an ambitious national beautification project aimed at revitalizing the country’s infrastructure. The initiative will involve the repainting of over 400 government-owned buildings, starting with state offices in the capital, St. John’s. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, revealed that the Cabinet has allocated a substantial budget for this endeavor, which aligns with the administration’s broader transformation and modernization goals. Merchant emphasized that the project is expected to inspire private sector participation, encouraging businesses to refurbish their properties as well. The initiative is complemented by the establishment of a Building-Repair Fund, designed to finance the restoration and maintenance of public offices nationwide. This fund will address the structural needs of government properties, ensuring their long-term sustainability. The beautification campaign is part of extensive preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which Antigua and Barbuda will host. Officials believe these efforts will enhance the nation’s appearance and infrastructure, showcasing its readiness to welcome international delegates.