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  • LETTER: Concern Over Prolonged Mold Exposure Affecting APUA Employees

    LETTER: Concern Over Prolonged Mold Exposure Affecting APUA Employees

    Employees of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) are raising serious health and safety concerns regarding extensive mold contamination at the Roberts Building in APUA Gardens, which they share with the Aviation Department. The large blue facility adjacent to the racetrack has been plagued by unresolved mold issues for over two years, creating hazardous working conditions that management has failed to adequately address.

    Investigations reveal that the Aviation Department, recognizing the severity of the environmental hazards, implemented protective measures for its staff including early dismissal at noon daily due to documented poor ventilation and unsafe air quality. The department further commissioned independent professional air quality testing that scientifically confirmed the building’s unsafe working environment.

    Despite these findings, APUA employees continue to work normal hours in the same contaminated environment without comparable protective measures. This discrepancy in treatment has created a significant health equity issue within the shared workspace, with APUA staff expressing frustration over the apparent disregard for their wellbeing.

    Visible mold panels are currently present in the main lobby area where all employees must pass through daily to use the time clock system. This contaminated space additionally functions as a waiting area for customers accessing internet services, potentially exposing both staff and the public to health risks. Photographic evidence confirms the severity of mold growth in this high-traffic zone, with reports indicating multiple other affected areas throughout the facility.

    The employees emphasize they are not seeking superficial repairs but rather demand comprehensive environmental and health assessments followed by meaningful corrective action. There is growing concern that management has failed to prioritize this urgent health matter, prompting formal requests for immediate intervention to address the unsafe working conditions before further harm occurs to personnel and visitors alike.

  • Vieux Fort schools hit the track

    Vieux Fort schools hit the track

    In a display of youthful athleticism and spirited competition, Walcott House emerged victorious over Lewis House at the Vieux Fort Infant and Primary Schools championship held Wednesday at Phillip Marcellin Grounds. The closely contested meet culminated in a decisive 496-437 point victory for Walcott, with enthusiastic support from teachers, parents, and community members fueling the competitors throughout the event.

    The championship showcased exceptional talent across multiple age categories. In the girls’ open 1000m race, McKenzee Ambrose, Andia Tal, and Shannia Classe delivered impressive performances, while the boys’ 1200m event featured strong showings from Markie Louis, Treyvion Felicien, and Khalil Jonas.

    Notable individual achievements emerged in the Under-11 and Under-13 divisions. Arianna Descartes demonstrated remarkable consistency in U11 girls’ events, while Aiden Smith dominated the U13 boys’ category. Mariella Descartes excelled in U13 girls’ middle-distance competitions, highlighting the depth of talent across age groups.

    Relay events formed a centerpiece of the championship program, emphasizing teamwork, coordination, and technical precision. Athletes including Arianna Descartes, Kyron Beckford, Curticia Marcellin, Aiden Smith, and Nya Joseph executed flawless baton exchanges and powerful anchor legs, contributing significantly to their teams’ successes.

    Organized under the leadership of physical education teachers Sashima Harry and Jesse Fontallio, the event represented weeks of dedicated preparation. Fontallio emphasized the institutional support for physical education, noting: ‘The principals of both schools recognize physical education as essential to holistic student development. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in making events like this possible.’

    The championship benefited from substantial community and corporate backing, with donations and parental involvement playing crucial roles. ‘We’ve received tremendous support from the commercial sector and parents alike,’ Fontallio told St Lucia Times. ‘The turnout today demonstrates how deeply our community values youth development through sports.’

    This collaborative meet established a robust framework for future inter-school initiatives within the Vieux Fort district, effectively embodying the ‘Phoenix Stars Rising’ ethos while promoting comprehensive student development through athletic excellence.

  • Tourism Minister Fernandez pleased with progress of the MOONGATE development ahead of its 2026 opening

    Tourism Minister Fernandez pleased with progress of the MOONGATE development ahead of its 2026 opening

    Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector is poised for a significant enhancement with the imminent opening of MoonGate Hotel and Spa, an ultra-modern, self-sustaining luxury property scheduled to begin accepting reservations within four months. Situated at the iconic Half Moon Bay on the island’s east coast, this boutique resort embodies a strong eco-conscious ethos, targeting the discerning luxury travel market.

    Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez recently conducted an inspection tour of the development, expressing strong approval of its progress. Accompanied by Policy and Planning Director St. Clair Soleyn, and guided by project directors Gaye Hechme and Camron Fraser along with General Manager Trevor MacDonald, Minister Fernandez highlighted the property’s alignment with the nation’s strategic tourism vision.

    The development’s Phase One, now nearing completion, features 47 suites including 26 standard suites, 14 premium suites, and seven penthouse accommodations. Phase Two will expand the property with an additional 22 luxury one- and two-bedroom suites.

    MoonGate will offer guests an extensive array of premium amenities including a sophisticated reception area with piano lounge, plant-based bistro, full-service restaurant and bar, landscaped gardens, infinity swimming pools, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and a comprehensive wellness center and spa.

    Minister Fernandez emphasized the project’s strategic importance: ‘MoonGate represents exactly the direction Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry is heading—thoughtfully designed, environmentally conscious, and aligned with contemporary traveler expectations. This development enhances our east coast offerings while demonstrating our commitment to sustainable, high-quality investment that delivers lasting economic benefits.’

    The project will generate substantial employment opportunities with over 120 local residents scheduled to be employed at the resort, contributing to the nation’s economic development through luxury tourism investment.

  • Owner Appeals for Public Assistance to Identify Suspected Thieves

    Owner Appeals for Public Assistance to Identify Suspected Thieves

    A property owner has issued a public appeal for assistance in identifying two individuals captured on surveillance footage following a reported theft incident. The circulated video evidence, characterized by its limited clarity, fails to provide distinct facial details of the persons involved. Despite this visual constraint, the proprietor suggests the suspects might still be recognizable through distinguishing physical characteristics, including their unique gait and general body morphology. Authorities have been approached, yet it remains officially unconfirmed whether a formal police investigation has been initiated. The property owner is encouraging anyone with potentially relevant information to step forward and assist in the identification process. Further specifics regarding the stolen items or the exact location and time of the incident have not been disclosed to the public at this time.

  • Simon House leads the charge at BCGRCP sports meet

    Simon House leads the charge at BCGRCP sports meet

    In a vibrant display of youthful athleticism and school spirit, Simon (Red House) claimed victory at the Bishop Charles Gachet RC Primary School’s annual track and field meet. The event, hosted at Mindoo Philip Park this past Wednesday, saw Red House secure a commanding win with 401 total points. They were followed by Quinlan (Green House) in second place with 344 points, and George (Blue House) in third with 238 points.

    Principal Alison Lewis, in a discussion with St Lucia Times, emphasized that the competition’s purpose extends far beyond determining a winner on the track. She framed the event as a critical component of the school’s holistic education strategy, designed to foster essential life skills and personal development outside the traditional classroom setting.

    “Participation in sports is fundamental for character development,” Lewis stated. “It instills the value of teamwork while simultaneously encouraging children to strive for their personal best. For some students who may face academic challenges, the track becomes a venue where they can excel and build immense self-confidence. This newfound belief in their abilities invariably transfers to their academic pursuits, creating a positive feedback loop of achievement.”

    The event was notably bolstered by strong community involvement, with parents enthusiastically filling the stands to cheer on the young athletes. Principal Lewis highlighted their indispensable dual role, noting that their support went beyond mere spectatorship. With a limited teaching staff stretched thin across various organizational duties—from managing the public address system to directing the meet and managing concessions—parental assistance with supervision was crucial for the event’s seamless execution.

    School facilitators expressed strong confidence that the values promoted through such activities—including discipline, cooperation, and resilience—are instrumental in nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared for success both on and off the field.

  • Eli Fuller responds to open invitation by PM Browne

    Eli Fuller responds to open invitation by PM Browne

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – A significant dialogue is set to unfold between Antigua and Barbuda’s political leadership and tourism industry representatives following Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s invitation to address longstanding structural imbalances in the sector. Prominent tourism stakeholder Eli Fuller has accepted the Prime Minister’s offer for a Saturday discussion on Point FM, signaling a potential turning point for local entrepreneurship in the islands’ dominant economic industry.

    The forthcoming conversation, initiated through Browne’s public invitation this week, aims to develop concrete strategies for expanding domestic ownership and more effectively incorporating the nation’s cultural heritage into its tourism offerings. Fuller responded with enthusiastic acceptance, expressing hope that the dialogue would finally address systemic challenges that have persistently disadvantaged local investors.

    In his detailed online response, Fuller highlighted the paradoxical reality that foreign investors frequently encounter fewer barriers to tourism sector entry than native Antiguans and Barbudans. “Local people face competitive disadvantages across multiple tourism sectors,” Fuller asserted, emphasizing that current frameworks inadvertently favor external capital over domestic entrepreneurship.

    This acknowledgment from the highest levels of government comes after years of advocacy from industry professionals. Fuller revealed he had raised identical concerns during a tourism conference with former opposition leader Harold Lovell several years prior, indicating the persistent nature of these structural issues.

    While welcoming the Prime Minister’s engagement as a positive development, Fuller maintained a cautiously optimistic stance, stressing that dialogue must translate into actionable policies. “I’m encouraged that Gaston Browne is articulating the right priorities,” Fuller noted, “but previous ministers have made similar commitments without delivering substantive change. What we require now is implementation, not just discussion.”

    The Saturday forum represents a critical opportunity to rebalance Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism economy, potentially creating more equitable conditions for local business owners while preserving the islands’ unique cultural identity within their primary industry.

  • Roadworks around power poles spark safety concerns

    Roadworks around power poles spark safety concerns

    A critical infrastructure project in Saint Lucia has reached an impasse due to a financial disagreement between the contracted construction firm and the national electricity provider, raising significant safety concerns for northern commuters.

    The Norbert Road rehabilitation project, designed to alleviate traffic congestion on the Sir Julian R Hunte Highway, has advanced to its final phase with construction occurring around existing electricity poles. Rayneau Gajadhar, owner of Rayneau Construction & Industrial Products Ltd., revealed his team proceeded with work after four formal requests for a detailed cost breakdown from Saint Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) were denied. The utility company had provided an estimated quote of $554,878.86 for relocating electrical infrastructure.

    “It’s impossible for us to be paying all those monies out and not know what you’re going to do and what we’re paying for,” Gajadhar stated in a social media video addressing the situation. His company has since installed reflective markers on the poles to enhance nighttime visibility as an interim safety measure.

    LUCELEC Managing Director Gilroy Pultie confirmed in an official statement that the company received the contractor’s request and has been engaged in discussions with both the contractor and overseeing government ministry over the past fortnight. “We have subsequently provided further breakdown of the cost. It is under discussion,” Pultie stated, expressing expectation that the ministry would provide feedback within days.

    The electricity provider defended its pricing methodology, explaining that it employs standard unit rates for materials and labor. Pultie emphasized the company’s responsibility to manage costs prudently to avoid passing unnecessary expenses to consumers through tariff adjustments. “Costs like the relocation of lines associated with roadworks should be treated and passed on to the government, or the agency or the contractor as part of the project,” he asserted.

    The managing director called for more responsible planning of future infrastructure projects, stressing the need for improved coordination among all stakeholders to prevent similar situations where utility infrastructure becomes public hazards.

    Meanwhile, northern residents and daily commuters who regularly use Norbert Road to avoid highway gridlock have expressed growing concerns about safety prioritization. One Bonneterre Gardens resident told local media that the apparent disregard for pedestrian and motorist safety represents “really bad optics for both companies” amidst their financial dispute.

    With approximately 21-25 electrical poles and sections of the distribution network requiring relocation, further delays now appear inevitable for the government’s congestion-reduction initiative.

  • Purple breaks 40-year drought to win Springer Memorial interhouse title

    Purple breaks 40-year drought to win Springer Memorial interhouse title

    In a historic athletic showdown, Purple House emerged victorious at the Dasani Barbados Secondary Schools Athletic Championships (BSSAC), securing their first interhouse sports title in forty years. The thrilling competition, hosted at the Usain Bolt Complex, culminated with Purple amassing 408 points to narrowly defeat Yellow House, which finished second with 380 points. Blue House captured third place with 361.50 points, followed by Green in fourth (340 points) and Red in fifth (263.50 points).

    The event showcased exceptional individual performances, with Purple’s Kanedra Morgan earning the prestigious senior Victrix Ludorum title after accumulating 67 points. Shataniya Straker-Ifill of Red House claimed the junior Victrix Ludorum honor. The title of “fastest girl” went to Yellow House’s Destinee Bruce, who achieved a personal best of 12.95 seconds in the Under-20 Girls’ 100m event. Bruce expressed elation with her performance, noting concerns about her start transformed into a triumphant race that positions her well for CARIFTA Games qualification in her primary hurdle events.

    Springer Memorial Principal Sonja Goodridge praised the event’s organization and competitive atmosphere, highlighting the school’s remarkable legacy of 19 BSSAC girls’ titles, including 14 consecutive victories. Optimistic about securing a twentieth championship this year, Goodridge affirmed the school’s commitment to its motto: “steadfast and motivated, soaring to success.”

    Concurrently, Deighton Griffith Secondary hosted its rescheduled meet, featuring intensely contested 200m races across divisions. Roshae Broome of Blue House delivered a dominant performance in the Under-20 Boys’ 200m, potentially establishing a new record pending official confirmation. Broome, who earlier competed in the 100m and 400m events, aims to achieve qualifying times for the CARIFTA Games in both sprint disciplines. His mother, Aisha Graham, provided enthusiastic support, emphasizing her role as his primary cheerleader despite the demanding schedule.

    At the Usain Bolt Complex, Coleridge and Parry School concluded their athletic championships with Set A (Yellow) claiming top honors with 906 points, followed by Set B (Red) with 872 points and Set C (Blue) with 681 points. Set F (Purple), Set D (Green), and Set E (Orange) completed the standings with 598, 584, and 399 points respectively.

  • Nearly 1 000 tonnes of relief airlifted from Barbados to Jamaica

    Nearly 1 000 tonnes of relief airlifted from Barbados to Jamaica

    The Caribbean Regional Logistics Hub in Barbados has demonstrated its vital role in disaster response, facilitating the rapid delivery of nearly 1,000 metric tonnes of emergency supplies to Jamaica following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. According to Brian Bogart, Representative and Country Director for the World Food Programme’s Caribbean Multi-Country Office, the hub enabled an unprecedented coordinated response to the most destructive storm in Jamaica’s history.

    The Category 5 hurricane struck the island on October 28, causing widespread destruction across communities from the south coast to Montego Bay, severely damaging housing infrastructure and disrupting access to basic necessities. In response, the Barbados-based hub mobilized 982 metric tonnes of critical supplies—equivalent to 55 shipping containers—within days of impact.

    The consolidated relief effort included contributions from multiple United Nations agencies, international governments, and NGO partners, providing essential shelter materials, water purification systems, sanitation supplies, food provisions, energy equipment, and logistical assets. The strategic positioning of the hub allowed for remarkably efficient coordination, with Bogart revealing that vessel loading operations commenced in Barbados while Hurricane Melissa was still actively affecting Jamaica.

    This multi-partner platform represents a significant advancement in regional disaster response capabilities, leveraging military assets from French and Dutch navies alongside private sector transportation resources. The integrated approach has dramatically reduced traditional lead times that previously required supply lines from distant ports in Panama or Miami.

    The hub’s effectiveness was highlighted during a recent emergency logistics coordination simulation exercise designed to strengthen regional preparedness mechanisms. As climate-related disasters intensify across the Caribbean, the successful response to Hurricane Melissa underscores the critical importance of maintaining strategic logistics infrastructure for future emergency scenarios.

  • Heavy weather: Port operations hit by high waves

    Heavy weather: Port operations hit by high waves

    Significant maritime disruptions have struck the Caribbean as powerful ocean swells continue to batter the region, forcing the complete suspension of operations at Barbados’ primary shipping hub. Since Tuesday, the Port of Bridgetown has been unable to accommodate cargo vessels due to hazardous marine conditions, creating substantial logistical delays and leaving multiple ships stranded offshore.

    Barbados Port Inc. confirmed the operational standstill in an official statement released Thursday, noting that the severe swell conditions represent a regional phenomenon affecting multiple ports across the Caribbean. The situation gained public attention through viral social media footage captured from Trevor’s Way shoreline park, which visually documented the queue of commercial vessels anchored indefinitely off the coast.

    The port authority reported that the deteriorating conditions have already forced operational adjustments, including one vessel that had to abort its berthing attempt on Wednesday morning when conditions within the port became unsafe for continuing operations. Currently, four cargo ships—Tropic Express, CFS Horizon, Seaboard Ocean, and Iremos—remain anchored offshore awaiting clearance. An additional vessel, Orchid Ace, was scheduled for arrival Thursday evening.

    Despite having two vessel operations tentatively planned for Thursday night, port officials emphasized they would prioritize safety over schedule, committing to resume operations only when marine conditions improve to safe levels. The ongoing situation has created a domino effect on supply chains, delaying the critical discharge of imported goods and commodities at the island nation’s primary commercial gateway.