The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), is thrilled to announce the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards 2025. This annual event, set to take place on November 29, 2025, at Sandals Grande Antigua, will celebrate excellence, innovation, and service within the nation’s thriving tourism industry. Themed ‘Mirror Ball Gala – A Night to Reflect and Shine,’ the evening will honor the dedication, passion, and resilience of professionals who have elevated the sector. The Honourable Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, emphasized the awards’ role in showcasing the pride and professionalism of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry. ABHTA Chairman Craig Marshall highlighted the event as a celebration of the hospitality sector’s heart and soul, recognizing the contributions of individuals who power the industry’s success. The awards will feature categories such as Employee of the Year, Chef of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Award, with winners selected by a panel of industry leaders. The gala will conclude Tourism Week 2025, themed ‘Our People, Our Culture, Our Environment in Full Thrive,’ which aims to inspire the tourism community and celebrate its achievements. ABTA CEO Colin C. James praised the nominees for their professionalism and dedication, which encourage visitors to return to Antigua and Barbuda. The event promises to be a night of glamour, recognition, and inspiration for the industry’s future.
分类： society
-
UPP Mobilizes Support for Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa
In a recent interview on Observer A.M. with Dr. Jacqui Quinn, Jamale Pringle, Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), announced plans to support Jamaica in its recovery from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa. Pringle emphasized the UPP’s commitment to organizing resources and aid for the storm-affected nation, highlighting the shared identity and history between Caribbean nations. ‘Hurricane Melissa has inflicted severe hardship on our Caribbean brothers and sisters,’ Pringle stated, underscoring the moral obligation of Antiguans and Barbudans to assist. The UPP’s relief efforts will include fundraising initiatives, such as the upcoming Independence Banquet on November 2 at the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union Banquet Hall, as well as collaborations with local organizations and churches to mobilize donations and support recovery. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica earlier this week, causing catastrophic winds, flooding, landslides, and multiple fatalities, leaving behind widespread destruction.
-
Adrian Morales of Dominican Today receives special mention at the PEL 2025 National Tourism Journalism Awards
Journalist Adrian Morales, renowned for his incisive feature in Dominican Today, has been awarded a special mention in the “Opinion Journalism” category at the 21st Premio Nacional de Periodismo Turístico Epifanio Lantigua (PEL 2025). Organized by the Asociación Dominicana de Prensa Turística (Adompretur) under the leadership of Sarah Hernández, the event celebrated excellence in tourism journalism. Morales was recognized for his article, “Influencers, ‘sinvergüencers,’ ‘fakevergüencers,’ and other figures in tourism promotion,” which critically examines the role of social media influencers in tourism marketing. The piece, praised for its clarity and ethical rigor, incorporates insights from communications analyst Edgar Argüello, who coined the terms “sinvergüencers” and “fakevergüencers” to describe unqualified influencers. Morales’s work calls for greater accountability in tourism communication, urging media and policymakers to prioritize accuracy and sustainability over viral metrics. The article had previously garnered international acclaim, winning the “Pasaporte Abierto” prize from the World Travel Journalism Organization (WTJO) in August 2025. This dual recognition underscores the article’s significance as a critical contribution to tourism journalism. Morales’s achievement highlights the growing importance of ethical, well-researched commentary in an era dominated by superficial content. The PEL 2025 ceremony, held at the Sheraton Santo Domingo Hotel, celebrated Dominican identity and the legacy of Epifanio Lantigua, a pioneer in tourism journalism. The event also honored other outstanding contributors across various categories, reaffirming Adompretur’s commitment to ethical and creative communication in the tourism sector.
-
Public assistance payments for October 2025 begin
The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment has officially launched the disbursement of payments for the Public Assistance Program (PAP) for October 2025. The payment process began on Monday, October 27, 2025, and will conclude on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. This initiative targets beneficiaries residing in the Babonneau, Castries, Gros-Islet, San Souci, and Millet regions. All transactions will be processed at the Castries Constituency Council (CCC) Office, situated on Peynier Street in Castries. For additional information or assistance, the public is encouraged to reach out to the ministry via the following contact numbers: Castries at 468-5103/5108 or Vieux Fort at 454-6478.
-
Ambassador Daven Joseph Issues Public Apology to Environmentalist Martha Watkins-Gilkes
In a significant development, Ambassador Daven Joseph has publicly apologized to renowned environmentalist Martha Watkins-Gilkes. The apology comes in the wake of a recent controversy where statements made by the ambassador were perceived as dismissive of Watkins-Gilkes’ environmental advocacy efforts. In his statement, Joseph acknowledged the importance of her work in promoting sustainable practices and combating climate change. He expressed regret for any unintended offense caused and emphasized his commitment to supporting environmental initiatives. Watkins-Gilkes, a prominent figure in the environmental community, has accepted the apology, calling it a step toward fostering greater collaboration between policymakers and activists. This incident highlights the growing recognition of environmental issues in public discourse and the need for constructive dialogue between stakeholders.
-
#MelissaAftermath: Radio silence worrying loved ones
As the aftermath of a devastating storm continues to unfold in western Jamaica, families are grappling with an agonizing silence from their loved ones in the worst-hit areas. Portia Barnes, a mother navigating her Toyota through debris and mud, shared her distress with Observer Online. Having left her home in Parottee District, St. Elizabeth, to stay with her son in Mandeville, she now fears for her other son who remained behind. ‘I don’t know if anything happen to him,’ she said, her voice heavy with worry.
-
Man gunned down in Tobago
Tobago has witnessed its sixth homicide of the year 2025, marking a grim milestone for the island. The victim, identified as Ronald Butcher, was tragically shot multiple times near the Calder Hall playing field on the evening of October 28. Emergency services rushed Butcher to the Scarborough General Hospital for urgent medical attention. Despite efforts to save his life, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. Local law enforcement has launched a thorough investigation into the incident, though no suspects or motives have been disclosed at this time. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges Tobago faces in addressing violent crime, raising concerns among residents and authorities alike.
-
Quarry operators threaten shutdown after arrests
The recent arrest of 19 workers at an illegal quarrying site in Manuel Congo, Guanapo, has sent shockwaves through Trinidad and Tobago’s aggregate industry. Nigel Tenia, President of the TT Aggregate Producers Alliance, expressed deep concern over the incident, warning that it could disrupt the production of essential materials for construction and road repairs. The quarry owner, Danny Guerra, was charged for operating without a license, a situation Tenia claims is widespread due to an inefficient licensing process under the Mineral Act, 2000. Tenia has urgently requested a meeting with Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal to address the issue, proposing a two- to three-year moratorium to decriminalize unlicensed operations. He emphasized the critical role of the aggregate industry in supporting construction and absorbing former Cepep and URP workers. Despite applications for processing licenses by 24 companies in March 2023, none have been issued, leaving the entire sector in legal limbo. Tenia and Ramdeo ‘Dan’ Persad, President of the Quarry Association, have called for immediate government action to reform the licensing process and ensure the industry can operate legally. The arrests have strained operators’ relationships with financiers and suppliers, while media portrayals have unfairly labeled quarry operators as criminals. Both leaders stressed the need for collaborative solutions to resolve the crisis and sustain the industry’s vital contributions to the nation’s economy.
-
#EyeOnMelissa: Flash flood watch in effect for several parishes
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Meteorological Services of Jamaica has issued a Flash Flood Watch for northern, southwestern, and south-central parishes, warning that additional rainfall could exacerbate localized flooding and landslides, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions. This alert comes despite the discontinuation of the tropical storm warning previously in effect for the island.
-
Clean up begins in Montego Bay
St James, Jamaica, has embarked on an extensive clean-up operation following the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa. Since the early hours of Wednesday, firefighters have been actively working to clear debris and restore access to several key roads within the city. Concurrently, teams from the St James Municipal Corporation have been mobilizing across various neighborhoods to facilitate recovery efforts. In Montego Bay, limited vehicular traffic has resumed as residents begin their personal clean-up activities. However, areas such as Catherine Hall and Westgreen have faced severe flooding due to the swollen Pye River, leaving homes filled with mud and debris. Coastal communities like Mango Walk have been particularly hard-hit, with numerous houses losing their roofs. The aftermath has also seen downed trees, damaged solar panels, and other debris, prompting a large-scale clean-up initiative now underway in the western city.