In a strategic move to enhance tourism ties with South America, Antigua and Barbuda will commence weekly direct charter flights to Cartagena, Colombia, starting October 24. The initiative, unveiled on Friday, is a collaborative effort between DMC BlueSea and Liat Air. The partnership aims to establish South America as a pivotal source market for the Caribbean destination. The announcement was made during a press conference attended by key figures, including Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), María Britto Bettini, CEO of BlueSea, and José Abreu, also from BlueSea. Britto Bettini revealed that the concept of directly linking Antigua and Barbuda with Colombia had been in the pipeline even before the pandemic. James described the new service as a ‘gateway’ to untapped markets, emphasizing its potential to attract a fresh influx of tourists. This development is expected to significantly bolster the tourism sector in Antigua and Barbuda, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy. The initiative also highlights the growing importance of South America as a key player in the global tourism industry.
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US Says Launch of Credit Bureau Will Improve Access To Loans in Antigua and Barbuda
The U.S. Department of State has endorsed the establishment of a regional credit bureau in Antigua and Barbuda, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize the lending sector and fortify the nation’s financial infrastructure. The initiative, spearheaded by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) under the Credit Reporting Act of 2024, aims to provide banks and lenders with enhanced tools for assessing borrower credibility. This development is part of a broader strategy to improve financial inclusion across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, which includes Antigua and Barbuda. According to the 2025 Investment Climate Statement, the credit bureau will play a pivotal role in collecting, storing, and disseminating credit information to financial institutions. U.S. officials predict that this will lead to increased access to credit for households and businesses, while simultaneously reducing the incidence of loan defaults. The ECCB has reported that the banking sector in Antigua and Barbuda remains stable, with commercial bank assets totaling $2.4 billion at the end of 2024. However, nearly 10% of loans were classified as non-performing, highlighting the urgent need for more robust oversight mechanisms. In addition to improving credit assessment, the bureau is also tasked with enforcing stringent data protection measures to safeguard consumer information, thereby fostering greater trust in the financial system. This initiative is expected to have a transformative impact on the region’s economic landscape, offering new opportunities for growth and development.
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Runway Animal Risks Are a Global Aviation Challenge -Eugene Kaseba Silcott
In a recent statement, Eugene Kaseba Silcott addressed misconceptions surrounding a runway incident at V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua, involving a stray dog. Silcott emphasized that such occurrences are not unique to Antigua but are a global issue affecting aviation safety. He highlighted similar incidents at major airports worldwide, including New York’s JFK Airport and Pune Airport in India, where stray animals forced flights to execute go-around maneuvers. A go-around, where an aircraft aborts its landing to avoid potential collisions, is a standard safety procedure in aviation, applicable to both commercial jets like the British Airways Boeing 777 and smaller aircraft like the Cessna 172. Silcott urged the public to maintain a broader perspective, recognizing the challenges faced by air traffic control and aviation professionals globally. His message underscored the importance of staying informed and working together to ensure the safety of air travel. The statement concluded with a call for unity and a reminder of the complexities inherent in managing runway safety.
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17-Year-Old Charged With Robbery
In a recent development in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, a 17-year-old male from Clare Hall has been formally charged with robbery. The incident, which occurred on Monday, September 22, along High Street, involved the alleged theft of a vehicle and several valuable items from two individuals. Reports suggest that the victims were robbed at gunpoint by two assailants, who swiftly fled the scene with the stolen goods. The accused was apprehended on Thursday in the Clare Hall area and is currently in custody. He is scheduled to appear in court to face the charges. The police are actively investigating the case and have urged anyone with additional information to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or anonymously call Crimestoppers at 800-TIPS (8477). The Police Administration has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens and visitors, vowing to take all necessary actions to bring those involved in criminal activities to justice.
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17-Year-Old Charged After Robbing Couple of Vehicle and Valuables
A 17-year-old male from Clare Hall, Antigua and Barbuda, has been formally charged with robbery following an incident on High Street. The alleged crime occurred on Monday, September 22, 2025, when the teenager, along with an accomplice, reportedly robbed two individuals at gunpoint. The assailants made off with a vehicle and several valuable items. The accused was apprehended on Thursday in the Clare Hall area and is currently in custody awaiting his court appearance. The police have launched a thorough investigation into the matter and are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Witnesses can contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or anonymously call Crimestoppers at 800-TIPS (8477). The Police Administration has reaffirmed its commitment to public safety and its determination to bring those involved in criminal activities to justice.
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Police investigate sudden death
Authorities in Nassau, Bahamas, have launched an investigation into the unexpected passing of a 64-year-old man, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, September 28, 2025. According to initial reports, the individual was found unresponsive on Mount Royal Avenue (Hawkins Hill) shortly before 1:00 a.m. Emergency responders administered CPR on-site before he was transported to a nearby hospital via a private vehicle. Despite these efforts, he was later pronounced dead upon arrival. At this stage, law enforcement officials have not identified any signs of foul play. To ascertain the precise cause of death, an autopsy has been scheduled as part of the ongoing investigation. Further updates are expected as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
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Police investigate shooting incident
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Authorities are actively investigating a shooting that took place in the early hours of Sunday, September 28, 2025, near Soldier Road. The incident resulted in a 19-year-old male being hospitalized with gunshot wounds. Police were alerted to the scene on Red Sea Road shortly after 1:00 a.m., where they discovered the injured victim. He was promptly transported to a medical facility, though his current condition remains undisclosed.
Initial findings suggest that the victim was accompanied by two acquaintances from Nassau Village, who were riding motorcycles. As the group approached a local church, one of the individuals reportedly drew a firearm and fired at the victim, who managed to escape but sustained injuries to his upper body. Following the incident, law enforcement officers apprehended a juvenile male motorcyclist believed to be connected to the shooting.
The investigation is ongoing as police work to uncover further details surrounding this violent encounter.
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PM Drew calls for CARICOM unity to preserve zone of peace amid rising U.S.-Venezuela tensions
In the wake of escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has called for enhanced collaboration among CARICOM member states to preserve the Caribbean’s status as a “zone of peace.” Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2025, Dr. Drew emphasized that peace is not merely a slogan but a fundamental necessity for prosperity. He outlined concrete measures to defend peace, including improved public health systems, stronger interdiction of illegal weapons, enhanced maritime security cooperation, investments in community safety and youth employment programs, and international support for capacity building in policing and justice systems. Recent U.S. military strikes on Venezuelan vessels, allegedly targeting drug trafficking, have heightened regional tensions. Venezuela responded with a military flyover, further exacerbating concerns. The Caribbean, often seen as a peaceful region, has long been a transit hub for narcotics destined for the U.S. and Europe, with small island states and Guyana being key hotspots. Dr. Drew acknowledged the threats posed by transnational crime but stressed the importance of addressing them through cooperation, dialogue, and respect for international law rather than unilateral military actions. He urged dialogue between the U.S. and Venezuela to ensure regional stability. However, not all CARICOM leaders share this stance, with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister supporting Washington’s actions. Dr. Drew also advocated for UN Security Council reforms to better represent vulnerable regions like Africa, Latin America, and Small Island Developing States. Additionally, he condemned the ongoing conflict in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, and a two-state solution to ensure lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. The UN General Assembly’s general debate concluded on September 30, 2025.
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Probe continues into fatal accident in Frigate Bay
Authorities in St. Kitts are intensifying their investigation into a tragic traffic incident that unfolded on the evening of September 25, 2025, at Manor by the Sea in Frigate Bay. The accident, which occurred between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m., involved a vehicle driven by Michael Prendergast, a 50-year-old resident of Cedar Grove, St. Peter’s. Initial reports suggest that Prendergast lost control of his car while descending a slope within the Manor by the Sea Villas compound, leading to a collision with a retaining wall. The impact resulted in severe injuries, and Prendergast was pronounced dead at the scene by the District Medical Officer. To ascertain the precise cause of death, an autopsy is scheduled to be conducted. The police are meticulously examining the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine the factors that contributed to this unfortunate event.
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Minister Vaughn Miller Passes Away; Cause Unkown
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Bahamas is mourning the loss of Vaughn Miller, the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, whose passing was officially confirmed by the Director of Communications at the Office of the Prime Minister. Miller, a prominent political figure, began his parliamentary career in 2017 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Golden Isles. In a significant political shift, he joined the Progressive Liberal Party in 2019, where he remained an active and influential member. His contributions to environmental policy and national development have left a lasting impact. Further details regarding his passing are expected to be released in due course.