In a recent development, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has formally charged Troy Mathew of Cooks Hill in connection with a significant case of larceny. The incident, which occurred on September 11, 2025, involved the theft of a blue power washer valued at $4,495.00 E.C. from Lower Tanner Street. Following a thorough investigation, Mathew was apprehended and taken into custody. He is now set to face court proceedings to address the charges brought against him. The police have seized this opportunity to remind the public that purchasing suspected stolen property is a criminal offense. Authorities are urging community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly to help maintain public safety and order.
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Beach soccer makes big return in Barbados
After a prolonged hiatus, beach soccer made a spectacular comeback in Barbados with the launch of the inaugural Barbados Beach Soccer Championship last Sunday. Organized by the Sports Development Unit under the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, the tournament commenced at Brighton Beach and is set to continue until November 16. The championship will feature 28 teams competing across three iconic beaches—Brighton, Brandons, and Browne’s—with over $20,000 in prizes up for grabs, including a grand $10,000 cash reward for the champions. The opening day delivered an electrifying start, with six action-packed matches showcasing skill, intensity, and breathtaking goals. Among the standout performances, the Sundown Ballers dominated Trident Spurs with a commanding 9-2 victory, thanks to braces from Eric Joseph and Duan Best, along with contributions from Clairmonte Callender and Jayden Mayers. The Beach Blitzers also impressed, overpowering Island Fusion 7-3, with Rashad Smith scoring four goals. Other notable matches included the Sunset Chasers’ 6-2 triumph over Soca Stormers, Full Volley’s 6-1 rout of Crop Over Kings, and a nail-biting penalty shootout victory by the Tiki Tacklers over Bajan Heat. The championship promises to be a thrilling showcase of beach soccer talent and passion.
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CWI restarts coaching courses in Leeward Islands and SVG
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has reignited its commitment to nurturing a robust pool of high-quality cricket coaches across the Caribbean by launching the second round of its Foundation Level and Refreshers Coaching Courses. This initiative, which began in Antigua and Barbuda on October 2 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, is strategically timed to align with the anticipated restart of primary schools and community-based grassroots cricket programs. The sessions are scheduled to continue in Montserrat, the British and US Virgin Islands, Sint Maarten, Anguilla, and conclude in St Vincent on October 30.
Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, ‘The continuation of these courses underscores CWI’s dedication to enhancing coaching talent and fortifying cricketing infrastructure throughout the region. By investing in coaching education at this foundational stage, we are laying the groundwork for the sustainable growth and future success of cricket in the Caribbean.’
Bascombe further highlighted the broader impact of this effort, noting that well-trained coaches are essential for flagship programs like the Republic Bank Limited (RBL) Five for Fun Cricket and the Girls Under-16/19 Territorial Cricket Hub initiatives. These programs are pivotal in inspiring the next generation of cricketers and fostering mass participation in the sport.
The coaching courses are led by Brendon Ramlal and Keshava Ramphal, both Level 3 certified coaches with extensive experience in age-group cricket development and education systems in Trinidad and Tobago. Their expertise spans critical areas such as child protection, analytics, tactical awareness, physical fitness, and effective communication.
In a move to prioritize the safety and well-being of young players, all participants are required to complete the UNICEF Child Protection Course and attend a virtual Cricket Safeguarding and Child Protection Workshop before commencing the program. These measures ensure that coaches are equipped to create a secure and supportive environment for player development.
Previously, CWI successfully conducted these courses in Dominica, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Grenada (including Carriacou), Jamaica, and Barbados, engaging over 150 participants. These efforts are designed to empower current and aspiring coaches with the skills necessary to cultivate young talent and drive the growth of cricket at the grassroots level.
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Roseau Enhancement Project: ‘Alive and moving’, more info coming, says Poponne-Skerrit
Melissa Poponne-Skerrit, the Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau Central Constituency, has reaffirmed the ongoing progress of the Roseau Enhancement Project, emphasizing transparency and stakeholder involvement. Speaking on the ‘Focus on Government and Development’ program aired on DBS Radio, Poponne-Skerrit assured the public that the project is advancing steadily, with technical aspects nearing completion. Key steps, such as appointing a project manager, finalizing tender agreements, and sorting contracts, are being meticulously addressed before physical work commences.
Poponne-Skerrit highlighted the importance of engaging stakeholders, particularly vendors, residents, and business owners along Great George Street, the first area slated for transformation. She plans to discuss temporary relocations, construction timelines, traffic diversions, and other logistical details to minimize disruptions. The project aims to modernize Roseau, making it resilient, wheelchair accessible, and aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, initiatives like the ‘Paint the Town’ program will enhance buildings alongside infrastructure improvements.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit recently addressed delays in setting up the project information unit and staffing decisions during a press conference. He confirmed that negotiations with a supervisory firm are ongoing, with a contract expected by the end of October. Once approved, the project will proceed to the tender phase. Skerrit clarified that the $40 million loan from the Saudi Fund remains in Saudi Arabia, with disbursements scheduled in phases upon contract signing and certification of completed work.
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Jahfari Harper Charged in Connection with Multiple Larcenies
In a significant development, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has arrested and charged 30-year-old Jahfari Harper from Gray’s Farm in connection with two separate larceny incidents. The charges stem from alleged thefts that occurred on September 18, 2025. In the first incident, Harper is accused of stealing two backpacks containing valuable personal items, including an Antigua and Barbuda passport, a birth certificate, a cheque book, a social security card, a power bank, two bunches of keys, and an undisclosed amount of cash. The second incident involves the theft of a Louis Vuitton handbag, purse, and pouch, along with multiple identification cards, tools, and another undisclosed sum of money. Harper is set to appear in court to face these charges. The Police Administration has reiterated its call for the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly to the nearest police station or by calling 911. This case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat theft and ensure public safety in the region.
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LETTER: 15 Officers with guns stormed my neighbours house over a credit card investigation
In a scathing letter to the editor, a resident of Barnes Hill, Antigua, has voiced deep concerns over the conduct of the local police force, describing their actions as alarming and disproportionate. The writer, identified as D. Darius, recounted a disturbing incident that unfolded early Saturday morning when approximately 13 to 15 armed officers in six police vehicles surrounded a neighbor’s home. The operation, which initially led residents to fear a violent crime, was later revealed to be in response to an alleged credit card scam—a relatively minor offense. The resident expressed outrage at the excessive use of force and resources, questioning the priorities of a police force grappling with more serious crimes such as armed robberies, murders, and unsolved disappearances. The letter also highlighted broader issues of corruption and lack of accountability within the force, citing the recent killing of an 18-year-old by police as evidence of systemic dysfunction. The writer warned that without significant reform, the country’s law enforcement system risks further deterioration. The letter concluded with a call for legal action against the Attorney General, the government, and the police, urging a cleanup of the force to restore public trust.
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Antigua and Barbuda to Lead Crucial Global Climate Science Negotiations
Antigua and Barbuda is poised to play a pivotal role in global climate diplomacy as Arry Simon, a senior official from the Department of Environment, has been appointed to lead the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and CARICOM in high-stakes science negotiations. These discussions will take place at the 63rd Session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC-63) in Lima, Peru, and during the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. The talks are expected to shape the next decade of global climate action, with a focus on aligning the IPCC’s Seventh Assessment Report (AR7) with the Second Global Stocktake (GST2) under the Paris Agreement. However, this alignment has faced resistance from several major carbon-emitting nations. Simon, a seasoned negotiator with extensive experience in UNFCCC processes, emphasized the challenges ahead. ‘We are entering a critical phase where evidence-based policymaking is under scrutiny,’ he stated. ‘Our role as Small Island Developing States is to defend the integrity of science and ensure global climate ambition is grounded in the best available evidence.’ Observers highlight that these negotiations will determine how scientific findings are integrated into future climate targets, financing frameworks, and adaptation strategies. For vulnerable island nations like Antigua and Barbuda, the outcomes are of existential importance. Under Simon’s leadership, the AOSIS Science delegation will advocate for the independence and continuity of the IPCC process while ensuring the next assessment cycle delivers timely, policy-relevant insights to guide the implementation of the Paris Agreement. As the world approaches COP30, a landmark event marking the midpoint to 2030, the alignment of science and policy will be crucial in determining whether global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C remain on track.
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November 3rd will be a public holiday
In accordance with the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, No. 23 of 2019, the Cabinet of Antigua has officially announced that Independence Day celebrations will be rescheduled to Monday, November 3rd. This decision comes into effect as the first day of November, the original date for Independence Day, falls on a weekend this year. The Act stipulates that when November 1st lands on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday shall be observed as the public holiday, with all official ceremonies and festivities taking place on that day. The Cabinet has confirmed that the Independence Ceremonial Parade and the Annual Independence Food Fair will be held on November 3rd, ensuring that the nation’s anniversary of independence is celebrated with the customary grandeur and public participation. The revised calendar of events for the Independence Anniversary will reflect this adjustment, allowing citizens and visitors alike to partake in the festivities. This move underscores the government’s commitment to preserving national traditions while accommodating practical scheduling considerations.
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Government Warns Car Dealers: Unauthorized Vehicle Sales Will Be Void
The Antiguan Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, has reaffirmed its stringent 2023 policy regarding the procurement of motor vehicles for government use. The policy mandates that all vehicle purchases must be explicitly authorized by a Cabinet decision. Any vehicle delivered or consigned to the government without this legal authorization will be considered null and void, absolving the government of any financial liability for associated costs or charges. Additionally, even with Cabinet approval, all purchase requests must undergo proper processing by the purchasing authority, with payment vouchers prepared and approved before vehicle delivery. This regulation applies uniformly to all vehicle suppliers and vendors, with no exceptions unless specifically approved by the Cabinet. The policy aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility in government vehicle acquisitions.
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CABINET NOTES: Wednesday, 8 October 2025
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda, under the leadership of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, convened on October 8, 2025, to address several critical national issues. The meeting began with a prayer led by a pastor from the Evangelical Association, who emphasized the importance of integrity, righteousness, and ethical conduct in leadership, drawing from Psalm 15. The pastor also prayed for wisdom and thanked the government for its efforts in serving the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
One of the key decisions reaffirmed was the 2023 policy on government motor vehicle purchases. The Cabinet reiterated that all vehicle acquisitions must be authorized by a formal Cabinet decision, with strict adherence to procurement procedures. Any unauthorized purchases will be deemed null and void, absolving the government of financial liability.
In a strategic move to bolster the nation’s economy, the Cabinet approved a proposal to enhance collaboration with international logistics partners, Southern Air and Seven Air. This initiative aims to position Antigua as a central air and maritime logistics hub for the Eastern Caribbean and beyond. The plan includes expanding air freight, port operations, and warehousing services, with a focus on transshipment, cold storage facilities, and regional connectivity. The government will work closely with private sector stakeholders to implement these measures, which are expected to benefit local industries such as agriculture, fisheries, and manufacturing.
Additionally, the Cabinet endorsed the suspension of the Common External Tariff (CET) on essential food items from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. This decision, aligned with CARICOM’s recommendations, aims to alleviate the impact of rising food prices on vulnerable households. Zero-rated duties will apply to staples such as butter, potatoes, fresh fruits, cereals, cooking oils, and canned meats, ensuring affordable access to nutritious food.
Finally, the Cabinet announced that Independence Day celebrations, including the ceremonial parade and food fair, will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, in accordance with the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act. This adjustment ensures that the festivities align with the official public holiday schedule.
The Cabinet’s decisions reflect the government’s commitment to economic growth, regional collaboration, and the well-being of its citizens.