分类： world

In a significant move to enhance bilateral relations, Antigua and Barbuda has announced visa-free entry for Panamanian citizens. Prime Minister Gaston Browne unveiled the policy during a credential ceremony for Panama’s newly appointed ambassador, Ana Irene Delgado, on Thursday. Browne described the decision as rectifying a long-standing oversight, emphasizing the mutual benefits of the reciprocal arrangement. He highlighted that just as Antiguans enjoy visa-free access to Panama, Panamanians will now have the same privilege when traveling to Antigua and Barbuda. The Prime Minister underscored the historical connections between the two nations, dating back to the early 20th century when many Caribbean nationals, including Antiguans, contributed to the construction of the Panama Canal. The visa waiver is anticipated to foster increased tourism, investment, and cultural exchange, further solidifying the bond between the two countries. Ambassador Delgado welcomed the initiative, lauding it as a progressive step toward deepening economic and diplomatic collaboration. This development aligns with broader efforts to strengthen regional ties and promote seamless travel within the Caribbean and Central America.

Tropical Storm Jerry wreaked havoc across Antigua on Friday, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds that disrupted daily life, businesses, and essential services. The storm forced delayed openings and closures of commercial offices, financial institutions, and telecommunications services, while air travel was significantly impacted with numerous flight cancellations. The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) announced that all its commercial offices, including key locations such as Independence Avenue and Market Street, would open later than usual. Customers were encouraged to utilize the online payment portal at www.apua.ag to avoid disruptions. Financial institutions like ACB Caribbean and Community First Credit Union adjusted their schedules, with some branches remaining closed for the day. Telecommunications companies Flow and Digicel also suspended or delayed operations, urging customers to use digital platforms for support. Caribbean Airlines canceled regional flights, including routes between Trinidad, Antigua, St. Kitts, and St. Maarten, offering rebooking options without penalties until November 6, 2025. Broadcast services faced interruptions as ABS Television/Radio reported technical issues with its Boggy Peak transmitter, though updates continued on social media and their website. The Meteorological Service issued a Flash Flood Warning, advising residents to avoid flooded roads and stay informed as the storm gradually moves away from the Leeward Islands.

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has lifted the Tropical Storm Warning for Barbuda and Anguilla, as well as the Tropical Storm Watch for Antigua, St. Kitts, Nevis, and Montserrat. However, vigilance remains high in other regions as Tropical Storm Jerry continues its path across the Caribbean. A Tropical Storm Warning is currently in effect for St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, Sint Maarten, Guadeloupe, and adjacent islands, while a Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Saba and St. Eustatius. These alerts indicate that tropical storm conditions are either expected or possible within the next several hours. As of 5:00 AM AST, Tropical Storm Jerry was located near latitude 19.2 North, longitude 62.5 West, moving northwest at 17 mph. A northward turn is anticipated tonight, with the storm expected to move away from the Leeward Islands later today. Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph, with potential for slow strengthening over the weekend. Tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 185 miles east of the center, with an estimated minimum central pressure of 1007 mb. Rainfall of 4 to 6 inches is expected in Barbuda, with 2 to 4 inches forecasted for the Leeward and Virgin Islands, raising concerns of flash flooding. Swells generated by Jerry are causing life-threatening surf and rip current conditions across the region. Residents are urged to monitor updates from their national meteorological services and adhere to safety advisories. The next intermediate advisory will be issued at 8:00 AM AST, followed by a complete advisory at 11:00 AM AST.

Antigua and Barbuda are experiencing relentless rainfall this morning, with unstable weather conditions linked to Tropical Storm Jerry still affecting the region. Meteorologists have reported that Jerry has shifted northwest and is gradually moving away from the Leeward Islands. Consequently, the tropical storm watch for Antigua and the warning for Barbuda have been lifted. However, residual moisture from the storm continues to trigger heavy showers and thunderstorms across both islands. Forecasts predict rainfall totals ranging from 19 to 50 millimeters (0.75 to 2 inches), heightening the risk of flash flooding in low-lying or flood-prone areas. A flash flood advisory remains in effect until 8 a.m., with authorities urging residents to exercise caution, avoid flooded roads, and stay updated on further weather developments. The situation underscores the need for vigilance as the region copes with the aftermath of the storm.

In a landmark development for Caribbean regional cooperation, the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) has inked two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at bolstering fisheries management and advancing the Blue Economy. The first agreement, signed on September 30, 2025, during the Sixteenth Special Meeting of the CRFM Ministerial Council in Saint Kitts and Nevis, formalizes a partnership with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). This historic accord was executed by Dr. Marc Williams, Executive Director of the CRFM Secretariat, and H.E. Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA), an annual event organized by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. The MoU, spanning 2025 to 2028, aims to enhance governance, management, and resilience in fisheries, while fostering youth and women empowerment, economic development, and research collaboration in the sector. Dr. Williams emphasized the importance of formalizing the long-standing informal relationship between the CRFM and OECS, which includes eight shared member states. Dr. Jules highlighted the agreement’s potential to elevate collaboration to new heights, particularly in areas such as safety at sea, insurance for fishers, and the integration of agriculture and fisheries. Earlier in September, the CRFM also signed a five-year MoU with the University of the West Indies (UWI), represented by Professor Carl Justin Robinson, Campus Principal of the UWI Five Islands Campus in Antigua and Barbuda. This agreement focuses on academic and educational collaboration in blue economy development, marine spatial planning, climate change adaptation, and ecosystem resilience. The Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy (COBE), a joint initiative involving the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, UWI, the Commonwealth Secretariat, and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, will play a pivotal role in supporting these efforts. These agreements mark a significant step forward in regional cooperation, aiming to create sustainable and inclusive growth in the Caribbean’s fisheries and Blue Economy sectors.