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In a proactive response to the impending threat of Hurricane Melissa, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has finalized arrangements with LIAT Airlines to evacuate 53 students currently residing in Jamaica. The Prime Minister held discussions with LIAT’s CEO, Mrs. Hafsa Abdulsalam, on October 28, 2025, securing assurances that an aircraft will be on standby for evacuation if conditions necessitate. The students, who have been safely housed at the Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston since the previous Friday, are equipped with all necessary amenities to continue their studies while awaiting the storm’s impact. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 hurricane, is expected to make landfall on Tuesday, moving at a slow pace with ferocious winds that pose significant risks to life and property. Prime Minister Browne has urged the nation to pray for Jamaica and its residents, seeking divine intervention to mitigate the storm’s potential devastation. Drawing from Antigua and Barbuda’s own experiences with hurricanes, the Prime Minister has pledged post-hurricane recovery assistance to Jamaica, emphasizing solidarity and support in times of crisis.

Jamaica is bracing for unprecedented devastation as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, makes landfall. With wind gusts reaching up to 215 mph, storm surges as high as 18 feet, and rainfall exceeding 3 feet, the island faces life-threatening conditions. AccuWeather experts warn that the hurricane’s slow forward speed of just 4.6 mph will prolong its destructive impact, making it one of the most severe storms in Jamaica’s recorded history. The eyewall’s wind gusts, comparable to an EF-3 or EF-4 tornado, could level entire communities, leaving critical infrastructure like power plants, water treatment facilities, and airports in ruins. The storm’s slow movement also increases the risk of catastrophic flooding and mudslides, which could render roads and bridges impassable for weeks or even months. After Jamaica, Melissa is expected to strike Cuba with winds of 120-140 mph and up to 24 inches of rain, followed by impacts in the Bahamas and Bermuda. The U.S. East Coast may also experience coastal flooding and rough surf. Recovery efforts in Jamaica could take years, with international aid likely required to address the widespread destruction.

The Caribbean region is bracing for the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, an extremely dangerous Category 5 storm currently approaching western Jamaica. The National Hurricane Center has issued urgent warnings, emphasizing the catastrophic risks posed by the hurricane, including destructive winds, life-threatening storm surges, and severe flash flooding. These conditions are expected to cause widespread infrastructure damage, power outages, and communication disruptions, potentially isolating entire communities. Total structural failure is possible in areas directly in the path of the storm’s center. The southern coast of Jamaica is particularly vulnerable, with damaging waves and storm surges predicted to persist throughout the day. Authorities are urging residents to remain sheltered, as failure to heed warnings could result in serious injury or loss of life. Beyond Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa is also expected to impact Haiti, the Dominican Republic, eastern Cuba, the southeastern and central Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. In Haiti and the Dominican Republic, catastrophic flash flooding and landslides are anticipated, with extensive damage likely to isolate communities. Eastern Cuba is preparing for heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and life-threatening storm surges, while the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos are expected to experience hurricane conditions, significant storm surges, and heavy rainfall by Wednesday. Residents across the affected regions are advised to complete all preparations immediately and follow local official guidance to ensure safety.

The Honorable Anthony Smith Jr., Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy of Antigua and Barbuda, is actively participating in the second edition of Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue 2025. This prestigious event, hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, is taking place from October 27 to 29, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India. As a featured panelist in the high-level Plenary Session titled “Oceans of Opportunity: Reimagining the Global Blue Economy,” Minister Smith Jr. is joining global leaders and experts to explore innovative strategies for sustainable ocean development and resilient coastal economies. His involvement highlights Antigua and Barbuda’s emerging role as a regional leader in promoting a climate-resilient and inclusive Blue Economy. During the Dialogue, Minister Smith Jr. emphasized the critical link between ocean governance, climate resilience, and the sustainability of small island nations. He showcased Antigua and Barbuda’s efforts to integrate ocean policy into national planning, foster blue innovation, and empower coastal communities through inclusive growth. The Minister has also engaged in productive bilateral discussions with representatives from Suriname, The Bahamas, and Fiji, focusing on South-South cooperation, knowledge exchange, and ocean-climate partnerships. Further high-level talks are planned with India’s Prime Minister and other leaders from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), aiming to amplify the Caribbean’s influence in global ocean governance. Accompanying Minister Smith Jr. is Ms. Marver Woodley, Senior Operations and Policy Manager in the Department of the Blue Economy, who is instrumental in advancing Antigua and Barbuda’s blue economy initiatives. Minister Smith Jr.’s participation at Sagarmanthan 2025 underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s dedication to sustainable ocean stewardship, international collaboration, and the Antigua and Barbuda Sustainable Agenda (ABAS). The event serves as a vital platform to foster partnerships, attract investments, and strengthen policy frameworks. In his remarks, Minister Smith Jr. stated, “Our oceans represent the last frontier for both innovation and equity. Antigua and Barbuda’s participation in Sagarmanthan reflects our deep belief that small island voices must shape global solutions. The Blue Economy is not just an environmental agenda—it is our economic future, our security, and our identity.”

Antigua and Barbuda has achieved a significant milestone in global recognition, securing the 54th position out of 197 countries in the CEOWORLD Magazine Global Nations Reputation Index 2026, released on October 26. This prestigious annual index evaluates nations based on a comprehensive 50-attribute model, assessing perception and performance across ten critical dimensions, including ethics, governance, innovation, quality of life, sustainability, and social cohesion. With a reputation score of 76.65, the twin-island nation has surpassed many larger and more developed countries, highlighting its growing international stature. Within the Caribbean region, Antigua and Barbuda outperformed Saint Kitts and Nevis (55th), Trinidad and Tobago (62nd), and Saint Lucia (70th), reflecting its rising respect for governance, stability, and cultural identity. The report underscores that national reputation has become a pivotal factor in determining a country’s competitiveness, influencing foreign investment, tourism, trade, and diplomatic relations. CEOWORLD emphasizes that reputation now serves as a measurable and strategic determinant of competitiveness, influence, and prosperity, effectively acting as a global ‘trust index.’ Singapore claimed the top spot in the 2026 rankings, lauded for its consistent governance, innovation, and environmental stewardship. European nations, including Switzerland, Ireland, and the Nordic states, dominated the upper echelons of the index, praised for their integrity, equality, and high-quality governance. The report highlights that countries with robust reputational scores benefit from increased foreign investment, currency stability, and enhanced diplomatic influence, translating directly into economic growth and global engagement. Antigua and Barbuda’s ranking is a testament to its ongoing efforts to bolster its international profile through effective governance, sustainable development, and social cohesion. This achievement reinforces the nation’s growing influence in the Caribbean and its commitment to maintaining a trustworthy and respected image on the global stage.