分类： society

The Office of the Coroner has initiated an inquest into the untimely demise of 25-year-old Shenika Baptiste, who passed away shortly after delivering her child at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. Coroner Dexter Wason commenced the proceedings at 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday at Barnes Funeral Home. A close family member formally identified the body in the presence of a seven-member jury before the session was adjourned indefinitely, awaiting further details. Senior officials from the Royal Police Force have been informed and are actively involved in the ongoing investigation. Baptiste, admitted for a routine Caesarean section, reportedly died soon after being moved to the Intensive Care Unit. Her grieving family is calling for accountability and contemplating legal measures to uncover the truth behind her sudden death.

Antigua’s primary airport has been in a state of disarray since 2019, following a breakdown in relations within the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) and the abrupt departure of three successive CEOs. Attempts to fill the leadership void with accounting-trained personnel and other mismatched candidates proved futile, leaving the position vacant and the aviation hub in chaos. Over the past five years, seasoned aviators have witnessed a stark decline in standards, marked by the abandonment of rules, regulations, and transparency—the foundational pillars of aviation. Personal opinions have overshadowed International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, and deteriorating relationships with stakeholders have replaced civility with disrespect in airport operations. The government, in a desperate bid to restore order, has struggled to find competent management, often appointing junior, unqualified officers to roles beyond their expertise. Regional efforts have also failed, exacerbating the chaos in this rule-oriented industry. The loss of Category 1 classification for Antigua and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), coupled with the looming ICAO Audit in 2026, has forced the government to seek international assistance. An Antiguan-owned company based in Atlanta, renowned in the global aviation sector, has been engaged for a 90-day contract. Its president, a respected figure with extensive experience in the Caribbean and Latin America, has taken on the role of Interim CEO. However, given the magnitude of the crisis, 90 days is widely regarded as insufficient to address the deep-rooted issues. The government’s approach, driven by sovereignty rather than integrity, has raised questions about the feasibility of this short-term solution. The interim CEO, known for his patriotism, faces an uphill battle against time, further complicated by the government’s lack of respect for both his capabilities and the ABAA. The challenges at V.C. Bird International Airport (VCBIA) cannot be resolved in such a limited timeframe, underscoring the need for a more sustainable and strategic approach.

In a gesture of national pride and encouragement, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda met with the country’s National Culinary Team ahead of their participation in the prestigious Taste of the Caribbean competition. The event, set to take place from June 16 to 18 in Barbados, will bring together the region’s finest culinary talents. During the courtesy visit, described as both inspiring and honorable, Prime Minister Browne lauded the team’s dedication and urged them to showcase Antigua and Barbuda’s excellence and creativity on the regional stage. The team, organized under the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), aims to highlight the nation’s hospitality and culinary prowess. The ABHTA expressed deep appreciation for the Prime Minister’s motivational words, emphasizing that his support has bolstered the team’s determination to secure top honors and bring pride to their homeland.