In light of recent reports of individuals impersonating census officials to gain unauthorized access to private properties, residents are being strongly advised to verify the identification of census enumerators. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, has confirmed that the Statistics Division and Census Secretariat have been notified of these fraudulent activities. Merchant emphasized that legitimate enumerators are easily identifiable, wearing official government-issued blazers and badges. ‘Authorized enumerators will be properly identified, ensuring you know who you are allowing onto your premises,’ he stated during a post-briefing session on Thursday. He urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious individuals to the relevant authorities. This warning comes as the 2025 Census progresses in Antigua and Barbuda, with over 400 enumerators deployed to gather crucial data for national planning and development.
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One Million Trees Campaign to Be Accelerated, Says Government
The government of Antigua and Barbuda is intensifying its ambitious ‘One Million Trees in a Year’ reforestation campaign as part of a broader strategy to enhance environmental restoration and climate resilience. Spearheaded by the Forestry Division and the Department of the Environment, the initiative has entered a more active phase aimed at revitalizing degraded landscapes, bolstering watershed protection, and expanding tree cover nationwide. Maurice Merchant, the Director General of Communications, emphasized the government’s commitment to accelerating the program during a recent post-briefing session. ‘This campaign will be meticulously coordinated to ensure we achieve our target within the stipulated timeframe,’ Merchant stated. The initiative will prioritize community engagement, school-based planting activities, and collaborations with environmental organizations to meet its national objectives. Officials highlight that the campaign aligns with Antigua and Barbuda’s international environmental and climate commitments, contributing to biodiversity conservation and mitigating the adverse effects of deforestation and land degradation.
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Adell School for Special Children Receives Donation from Rotary Club
In a remarkable gesture of community support, the Rotary Club of Antigua has donated essential equipment to the Adell School for Special Children. This contribution is designed to enhance the motor skills and overall learning experience of students with special needs. The handover ceremony was attended by District Governor Soraya Warner-Gustave, who emphasized the club’s dedication to fostering inclusive education. The donated resources are expected to play a pivotal role in promoting both physical and intellectual development among the students. Rotary Club representatives reaffirmed their commitment to making a lasting impact, ensuring that every child has access to the necessary tools to achieve their full potential. This initiative underscores the club’s ongoing efforts to support educational equity and community well-being.
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Ghanaian royal urges direct Africa-Caribbean links to rebuild shared ties
A groundbreaking direct flight from Ghana to Barbados has reignited discussions on establishing permanent transport links between Africa and the Caribbean. The historic journey, which took place earlier this week, was highlighted by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the ceremonial ruler of Ghana’s Ashanti Empire, during a forum titled ‘Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny: Connect. Build. Renew’ at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill. The Asantehene emphasized the need for ‘air and sea bridges’ to foster deeper connections between the two regions, which share a profound historical and cultural legacy. He praised Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley for her advocacy in this regard, describing her as a ‘daughter of Africa.’ The Asantehene and his delegation arrived in Barbados on Tuesday aboard the historic flight, ahead of the GUBA 2025 Investment Conference and Awards. He stressed that overcoming long-standing barriers to travel and engagement is essential for meaningful reconnection. ‘A direct flight can take a shorter time and be more convenient,’ he noted, urging greater determination and coordination to transform geographic proximity into genuine connectivity. The Asantehene outlined a broader mission to reconnect Africa and its diaspora through education, culture, and direct engagement. He called for confronting the shared trauma of enslavement, colonization, and racism, while promoting academic exchanges, cultural partnerships, and diaspora-led initiatives in sectors like health, agriculture, and finance. Economic cooperation, he argued, is vital for both regions, with new trade corridors needed to bypass traditional colonial routes. He highlighted the African Union’s 2006 designation of the diaspora as the continent’s ‘sixth region’ and the role of institutions like Afreximbank in supporting development across CARICOM. The Asantehene also pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a catalyst for expanding opportunities. ‘Finance is the oxygen of development,’ he said, urging creative resource mobilization. Concluding his address, he called for unity and long-term cooperation, emphasizing, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ The Ashanti Empire, founded in the late 1600s, remains a symbol of African resilience, with its rich cultural heritage enduring despite colonial challenges.
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Trump briefed this week on options for military operations in Venezuela
President Donald Trump was recently briefed on potential military operations in Venezuela, as he continues to evaluate the best course of action in the politically turbulent nation, according to four sources familiar with the matter. The briefing, which took place earlier this week, outlined a range of strategic options but did not signal an imminent decision, one source revealed. Trump has historically expressed reservations about military intervention aimed at ousting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, citing concerns over its effectiveness and potential risks. The options presented, part of an initiative dubbed ‘SOUTHERN SPEAR,’ were developed by the United States Southern Command and included potential air strikes on military or government facilities, as well as drug trafficking routes. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine were among the top officials who briefed Trump on these plans. Hegseth later announced the operation on social media, though specifics remain undisclosed. The USS Gerald R Ford, the U.S. Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier, recently arrived in the Caribbean, signaling a significant military buildup in the region. Despite the escalating rhetoric, Trump has not ruled out the possibility of avoiding military action altogether. Administration officials have acknowledged the lack of a legal justification for land-based attacks, though they could potentially develop one if needed. Trump’s cautious approach reflects his wariness of actions that could result in failure or endanger U.S. troops. This report has been updated with additional details.
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NUPW seeks best deal as public sector shake-up looms
The National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) has firmly stated that hundreds of government employees will not receive approval for new terms and conditions until their job security and benefits are fully guaranteed. General Secretary Richard Greene emphasized on Thursday that unionized workers are being actively represented to secure the best possible outcomes during ongoing reforms.
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Halls Road grieving after fatal family altercation
The close-knit community of Halls Road, St Michael, Barbados, is mourning the tragic loss of 63-year-old David Leacock, who died from injuries sustained during a violent family dispute. The incident occurred late Tuesday evening at Leacock’s home in Marl Hole Gap, where he reportedly clashed with a male relative. The altercation turned physical, leaving Leacock critically injured. He was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
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Bequia student wins bronze in Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025
Hadassah Ollivierre, a 12-year-old student from St. Vincent Girls’ High School and a resident of Bequia, has been honored with the bronze award in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) 2025. This competition, recognized as the world’s oldest and most esteemed international writing contest, celebrated its 75th anniversary this year under the theme “Our Commonwealth Journey.” Organized by the Royal Commonwealth Society, the event aims to inspire young writers from across the Commonwealth to express their ideas, dreams, and experiences through creative writing. Ollivierre competed in the junior category, open to participants under 14, with her imaginative story titled “Through the Garden Door: A Secret Garden Adventure with Mysteries of the Heart.” Her essay, inspired by the prompt “A very special journey when you discover a secret door that takes you into your favourite book,” stood out among 53,434 entries from 897 schools across 54 Commonwealth nations. The judging panel, featuring renowned authors and cultural figures such as Sir Ben Okri OBE and Imtiaz Dharker, ensured a thorough and inspiring evaluation process. Ollivierre’s achievement highlights her creativity, discipline, and passion for storytelling, as well as the support of her teachers and family. Her success not only brings pride to Bequia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines but also showcases the literary potential of young Caribbean writers on a global platform. The QCEC continues to empower young voices to explore themes of identity, belonging, and shared humanity across the Commonwealth’s diverse cultures.
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One Nation Caribbean Music Festival Returns to the iconic Antigua Recreation Ground
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) has officially announced the revival of the much-celebrated One Nation Caribbean Music Festival, set to take place at the iconic Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG). This decision follows an outpouring of public enthusiasm and extensive consultations with festival-goers and stakeholders, underscoring the Commission’s dedication to curating an unparalleled cultural experience. Scheduled for January 10th and 11th, the event promises to be a vibrant celebration of Caribbean music, unity, and heritage. Hon. Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries, emphasized the festival’s role in showcasing Antigua and Barbuda as a premier entertainment hub. Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairperson of the ABFC, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of community involvement in creating a world-class event. Attendees can look forward to an electrifying lineup, with Night 1 described as ‘epic’ and Night 2 featuring unforgettable performances. The festival’s theme, ‘One People, One Love… One Nation,’ encapsulates its mission to foster cultural pride and regional solidarity.
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Tanner Street Redevelopment to Ease Flooding and Create Tourist Boulevard
Tanner Street, a downtown thoroughfare long troubled by flooding and traffic congestion during heavy rains, is poised for a significant overhaul. The government has unveiled plans to transform the area into a modern tourist and vendor boulevard, addressing both infrastructure and aesthetic concerns.
Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, announced during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing that the project will focus on improving drainage from Country Pond to the sea, while creating a more pedestrian-friendly and visually appealing environment. Key elements of the redesign include covering the open drain that currently runs through the area, widening the street, and enhancing traffic flow.
“The goal is to make Tanner Street more aesthetically pleasing while ensuring that overflow from the pond is properly managed,” Merchant explained. “This will eliminate the persistent flooding issues that have disrupted businesses and commuters for years, transforming the area into a welcoming space for both locals and visitors.”
Further details, including consultations with downtown vendors and specific design elements, are expected to be released in the coming weeks. The Tanner Street project is part of a broader urban renewal initiative that also includes road technology upgrades on the nearby Burning Flames Highway, utilizing materials developed in Colombia.
While the government has not yet disclosed the project’s timeline or cost, it has emphasized that the initiative will complement wider beautification efforts across St. John’s. These include repainting government buildings and expanding tree-planting drives throughout the capital.
Officials say the overarching aim is to balance tourism development with improved infrastructure and better working conditions for small business owners operating in the city.