分类： society

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has executed a significant environmental and public safety operation, successfully extracting over fifty derelict vehicles from residential zones in the Villa and Yorks communities. This intensive week-long removal campaign targeted a diverse range of abandoned transportation, including personal cars, public transit buses, jeeps, and pickup trucks that had been left to deteriorate. The initiative represents a critical phase in the agency’s broader, intensified strategy to enhance urban cleanliness and community aesthetics across the region. By systematically clearing these substantial eyesores and potential hazards, the authority addresses longstanding complaints from residents concerning blight and safety risks. This operation underscores a renewed governmental commitment to enforcing public space regulations and improving quality of life. Officials have indicated that such targeted clean-up drives are set to continue, with plans to expand into additional neighborhoods in the coming months, signaling a sustained effort to combat urban decay.

Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector celebrated two of its most influential figures during the prestigious 2025 Tourism Awards Gala, where Annette Michael and Cleo Henry received special recognition for their exceptional three-decade-long careers. The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment presented the Women in Tourism Special Awards to these trailblazers, acknowledging their profound impact on the nation’s vital tourism industry through leadership, mentorship, and transformative influence.

The newly established awards program specifically recognizes women who have established exemplary standards within the tourism sector while simultaneously strengthening workforce capabilities, supporting national economic development, and inspiring emerging professionals. Both honorees have contributed 33 years of service each, representing the dedication and resilience that form the foundation of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism success.

Annette Michael, who embraced the personal motto ‘Country First’ throughout her career, progressed from her initial role as Tourism Field Officer to become a Hospitality Management Officer. Her work encompassed significant industry initiatives and government-led development programs that substantially advanced the nation’s tourism offerings.

Cleo Henry, possessing an Executive MBA and certifications in hospitality excellence (CHE, CGSP), received recognition for her regional impact on tourism education and professional training. Her expertise spans multiple disciplines including hotel operations, culinary arts, tour guiding, and professional certification development. As a consultant, educator, and trainer across the Caribbean region, Henry has played a pivotal role in elevating hospitality standards and empowering tourism professionals throughout the islands.

The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association characterized both recipients as ‘visionaries who uplift, inspire and transform the spaces they touch,’ emphasizing that their contributions reflect the resilience and dedication of women who have shaped the sector over multiple decades. Ministry officials noted that these awards highlight the indispensable role women play in building and sustaining Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism product, with the legacies of both Michael and Henry expected to continue influencing the industry for generations to come.

ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has announced a significant escalation of traffic enforcement measures nationwide in response to a troubling surge in vehicular collisions and fatal road incidents. Beginning December 1, 2025, authorities will implement enhanced traffic checkpoints and systematic stop-and-search operations conducted around the clock across both islands.

This strategic initiative represents a proactive approach by police administration to combat dangerous driving behaviors and ensure strict adherence to national traffic legislation. The comprehensive campaign aims to address growing concerns about road safety through visible law enforcement presence and regulatory compliance verification.

Official communications emphasize that all motorists must maintain vehicles meeting stringent roadworthiness standards, including current licensing, comprehensive insurance coverage, and full compliance with the Vehicles and Road Traffic Regulations. Drivers are additionally cautioned to exercise heightened vigilance behind the wheel and observe posted speed limits without exception.

Police authorities acknowledge that these necessary safety operations may occasionally create traffic delays or temporary disruptions to normal transit patterns. However, they stress that such measures are essential for reducing accident rates and preventing traffic fatalities. The administration formally requests public cooperation and understanding during this critical road safety campaign, expressing gratitude for community support in collective efforts to safeguard the nation’s roadways.

Sophia Welch from the prestigious Mill Reef Club has received the distinguished Supervisor of the Year accolade at the 2025 Tourism Awards Gala. The recognition celebrates her exceptional leadership capabilities, dedicated staff mentorship, and unwavering commitment to sustaining superior guest satisfaction levels. Award committee members particularly highlighted how Welch’s distinctive management approach significantly boosts team performance while simultaneously elevating the overall visitor experience. The Tourism Awards Gala represents the industry’s premier event for acknowledging excellence in hospitality leadership and service standards across the sector. Welch’s achievement underscores the critical importance of effective supervisory practices in delivering outstanding tourism and hospitality services. Her award-winning performance sets a new benchmark for leadership excellence within the competitive tourism industry, demonstrating how strategic personnel management directly correlates with enhanced customer experiences and operational success.

The 2025 Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards Gala, an illustrious event celebrating excellence within the nation’s vital tourism sector, culminated in the prestigious recognition of Leon Norville from Sandals Grande Antigua as the Young Hotelier of the Year. The ceremony, orchestrated by the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), convened industry luminaries on November 29 under the evocative theme, ‘Mirror Ball Gala: A Time to Reflect and Shine.’

The gala served as a platform to honor exceptional achievement across a spectrum of roles, from frontline service to executive leadership. Alongside Norville’s accolade, the ABHTA presented a suite of awards to other distinguished professionals. Albev Wade of Blue Waters Resort & Spa was celebrated as Employee of the Year, while Sophia Welch of Mill Reef Club received Supervisor of the Year honors. The Rising Star of the Year title was awarded to Shemaiah Gordon of Royalton Antigua. Culinary excellence was highlighted with Kahendi Jackson of Hermitage Bay named Young Chef of the Year and Jean-Pierre Tuitt of Jumby Bay Island honored as Chef of the Year. The media outlet ‘Antigua Inside Out,’ represented by Qasim Henry, was also recognized for its contributions.

In a parallel series of commendations, the Ministry of Tourism lauded top performers in critical frontline positions. Sandy Ramsaran of Sandals Grande Antigua was acknowledged for Customer Service Excellence. Jahlyn Turner of the Immigration Department was named Port Frontline Employee of the Year, Philbert John Baptiste of South Coast Horizons was declared Tour Guide of the Year, and Ian Richards of United Taxi Company Antigua Ltd was celebrated as Transportation Service Provider of the Year.

The evening also featured poignant special recognitions. Annette Michael was honored for an impressive 33 years of dedicated service to the industry, and Cleo Henry was applauded for her significant contributions to training and workforce development. In a moving tribute, a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to honor the enduring legacy and decades of foundational leadership and support provided to the ABHTA by the late Alexandre de Brito e Cunha.

In a ceremony highlighting excellence within the hospitality sector, Albev Wade from Blue Waters Resort & Spa was distinguished as the Employee of the Year at the 2025 Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards Gala. The prestigious accolade, presented by the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), recognizes individuals who exemplify the pinnacle of service and dedication.

Wade’s unwavering professionalism and steadfast reliability were cited as key factors in his selection. His consistent ability to generate exceptionally positive guest feedback positioned him as a standout performer. Award organizers emphasized that his conduct and service quality have established a new benchmark for excellence, inspiring peers across the nation’s vital tourism industry.

The ABHTA officially lauded Wade as ‘a model of excellence,’ stating that his daily performance and commitment perfectly encapsulate the high standards the sector strives to maintain. This award underscores the critical importance of individual contribution in elevating the overall visitor experience and strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation as a premier travel destination.