分类： society

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has launched investigations into two separate incidents of student violence that occurred on High Street in St. John’s on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Both incidents involved physical altercations among groups of students, resulting in injuries to two young males.

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has greenlit the construction of a state-of-the-art vending facility at Little Ffryes Beach, marking a significant step toward improving the working conditions of local entrepreneurs, enhancing the visitor experience, and ensuring the sustainable management of one of the nation’s most cherished coastal destinations. This initiative is part of a broader government program aimed at upgrading and regulating vending operations at key tourism sites across the country. Little Ffryes Beach, a popular attraction for both locals and tourists, has long benefited from the vibrant presence of local vendors. However, the absence of structured facilities has led to challenges in sanitation, safety, and business organization. The new facility will address these issues by providing modern, sanitary, and eco-friendly vending spaces that blend seamlessly with the beach’s natural beauty. Key features include advanced waste disposal systems, restroom facilities, upgraded utilities, and designated parking and access areas. The project will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, in collaboration with the Development Control Authority (DCA) and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. The Ministry will also engage closely with existing vendors to ensure their needs are met and that their operations continue uninterrupted during construction. This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to supporting small and micro-enterprises, enhancing tourism experiences, and promoting sustainable development through environmentally responsible infrastructure. Construction is set to commence shortly after the completion of design and consultation phases. In a related move, the Cabinet has also approved the removal of unauthorized vending facilities from public beaches, including Morris Bay, Darkwood Beach, Fryers Beach, and Fort James. The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has been instructed to disconnect utilities to these unauthorized operations. The Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, alongside the DCA, will oversee the transition process to ensure affected vendors are supported and relocated to the new facility at Little Ffryes Beach. This dual approach underscores the government’s efforts to balance economic opportunities for small vendors with the need for orderly development, public safety, and environmental preservation.

During Wednesday’s Cabinet Meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, the Ministry of Public Works presented groundbreaking initiatives aimed at transforming Antigua and Barbuda’s road infrastructure. The Ministry’s Management Team highlighted the adoption of innovative technologies to address the persistent challenges of durability, cost-effectiveness, and quality in road construction. Traditional methods have often fallen short, leading to frequent repairs and escalating maintenance costs. To counter this, the Ministry has embarked on a mission to integrate sustainable and resilient solutions. Two cutting-edge technologies were identified: SILICONPOX, a soil stabilization method that enhances road base strength and durability, and Natural Asphalt Cold Mix (“Asfaltita”), an energy-efficient, cold-applied surface developed by Colombia’s Hermis Corporation. A delegation, including Acting Director of Works and Engineer Joseph Prempeh, visited Pereira, Colombia, from October 16–21, 2025, to observe these technologies in action. The visit confirmed their potential suitability for local conditions. SILICONPOX, an eco-friendly solution, improves soil properties, reduces permeability, and increases load-bearing capacity, while Asfaltita offers a durable and cost-effective wearing surface. The Ministry also proposed the “Saint John’s Next Level Face Lift” project, envisioning Tanner Street as a Tourist and Vendors Boulevard under an EPC+F framework. Cabinet approved the Burning Flames Highway as the pilot site for these technologies, marking a significant step toward revolutionizing road construction and maintenance in the nation. Minister Maria Browne emphasized that this initiative will pave the way for broader adoption in future national infrastructure projects.

In an unprecedented display of solidarity, a coalition of local businesses and international humanitarian organizations has come together to provide critical aid to the devastated communities of Hanover and St. Elizabeth in Jamaica. Spearheaded by principal donors Cortsland Hotel, Harmony for Humanity, and The Salvation Army, the initiative has mobilized millions of Jamaican dollars to address the severe crisis gripping these regions. The effort is bolstered by the leadership of distinguished diplomats and global humanitarian figures, including Major Raymoncil Pierre of The Salvation Army, former Honorary Consul for Barbados Mr. Pedro Corbin, and UN.org Global Peace Ambassador Dr. Onika Campbell-Rowe. The initiative also benefits from the advocacy of global musical ambassador Dr. Christopher Rowe (DJ SkinnyRich) and the leadership of Dr. Melesha Sinclair Harris of Harmony for Humanity. Hanover remains in dire straits, with communities cut off by damaged roads, lacking electricity and communication, and struggling to access food, clean water, and medical supplies. Rural districts such as Chambers Pen, Askenish, Clifton, and Mount Pleasant are among the worst affected, with many residents trapped and homes destroyed. This relief effort aims to bring hope to these often-overlooked communities. Cortsland Hotel, led by philanthropists Mr. Pedro Corbin and Mrs. Hazel Corbin, kickstarted the initiative by providing essential supplies such as mattresses and bedding. Harmony for Humanity, founded by Dr. Rowe, leverages cultural diplomacy and global partnerships to drive creative advocacy and empowerment programs. The Salvation Army, under Major Pierre’s leadership, contributes its extensive expertise in emergency response and logistics to ensure transparent and efficient aid distribution. Humanitarian operations are already in motion, with relief items documented, processed, and prepared for shipment to Jamaica. A 20-foot humanitarian container is being organized, with logistics underway to deliver supplies to vulnerable communities. The Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, has praised the coalition, emphasizing the importance of best practices, proper documentation, and long-term planning for sustainable recovery. The Salvation Army will also conduct an islandwide collection drive this Saturday, inviting the public to donate urgently needed items such as food, water, bedding, clothing, toiletries, and medical supplies. All contributions will be channeled through The Salvation Army’s established humanitarian network to ensure direct delivery to those in need.

In a significant move to bolster local infrastructure, construction crews have commenced improvement works in Tyrell’s. This initiative is part of a broader, ongoing effort to modernize and enhance facilities across the region. The upgrades aim to address long-standing infrastructural deficiencies, ensuring that the area’s public amenities meet contemporary standards. Local authorities have emphasized that these improvements will not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also attract new investments and opportunities to the community. The project is expected to be completed in phases, with minimal disruption to daily activities. Residents have welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism about the long-term benefits it will bring to the area.

In a touching display of compassion and community spirit, students from Urlings Primary School have contributed to the fight against cancer by donating to the Oncology Unit at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. The donation, raised through Breast Cancer Awareness activities organized earlier this term, was formally presented by members of the school’s Student Council during a visit to the hospital on Wednesday. Oncology Nurse Lisian Thomas expressed heartfelt gratitude, emphasizing that the funds would directly support patients receiving treatment. School officials highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader educational strategy to instill values of empathy, responsibility, and civic engagement through student-driven projects. The gesture underscores the school’s commitment to fostering a sense of social responsibility among its young learners.

St. John’s has been struck by a surge of criminal activities this week, prompting intensive investigations by local authorities. Among the reported incidents are cyber theft, residential and commercial break-ins, and credit card fraud. In a particularly alarming case, a local professional reported that her bank account was allegedly hacked, resulting in the theft of over EC $19,000. Additionally, police are probing break-ins at two homes and a restaurant, where cash and valuables were stolen. Another business owner reported the theft of four vehicle rims from his property. The U.S. Consular Office also alerted local police about an American citizen who allegedly used a fraudulent credit card to purchase a travel ticket. Authorities have assured the public that investigations into all these incidents are ongoing and are being treated with urgency.