In a landmark event last month, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority successfully organized the inaugural ‘Antigua and Barbuda Mixer’ at The Qube Canary Wharf in London. The gathering welcomed nearly 100 distinguished members of the Antiguan and Barbudan diaspora, marking a pivotal moment in fostering connections with the community across the United Kingdom. The event united influential figures from diverse fields, including creative arts, business, and community leadership, alongside celebrated musicians and international sports icons. The evening was expertly hosted by Mikaela Vivian, who curated a vibrant program featuring cultural insights from Denize Ledeatte, Director of the National Windrush Museum, and Keshia Sakarah, a renowned food writer and former chef. Interactive segments, such as an icebreaker led by fitness expert Andrea Wallace and a trivia quiz celebrating Antiguan and Barbudan heritage, added a dynamic touch. Live performances by saxophonist Tony Looby, singers Carla Thomas and Laurent John, and DJ JAH UTH’s atmospheric beats further enriched the experience. Guests savored authentic Antiguan-themed canapés by Touch of Class catering, paired with natural juices from Pure Squeeze and delectable desserts from Aurora Cakes. Cherrie Osborne, Director of Tourism UK & Europe, emphasized the event’s importance, stating, ‘This mixer is a cornerstone of our diaspora engagement strategy. Seeing accomplished individuals reconnect with their roots while gaining new perspectives on our twin-island paradise reaffirms why Antigua and Barbuda continues to inspire pride.’
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FRS Express ferry service resumes full service; charter flight for affected parties from St Lucia to DA
Desma Patrick, Marketing Officer at H.H.V Whitchurch & Co. Ltd, has confirmed the full restoration of FRS Express Des Iles services, ensuring seamless travel for passengers. Speaking at the weekly World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) press conference on Tuesday, Patrick addressed earlier operational challenges but emphasized the resumption of multiple sailings between Dominica and neighboring islands, including Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St Lucia. These sailings are crucial for transporting visitors, returning nationals, and festival enthusiasts to Dominica in time for the grand celebrations. As the WCMF marks its 25th anniversary, Patrick expressed pride in H.H.V Whitchurch’s continued support for Dominica’s vibrant music, culture, and spirit. She urged everyone to unite in celebrating Creole heritage and making this milestone event unforgettable. In related updates, FRS Express Des Iles has arranged charter flights for passengers affected by cancellations between October 18 and 21. These flights, scheduled for October 23 and 24, are exclusively available to passengers holding unused ferry tickets from the specified period. Registration is required at the Castries Ferry Terminal on October 22 and 23.
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Zoekactie naar vermiste vissers opgeschort; drenkelingen als ‘vermist’ aangemerkt
The Suriname Coast Guard has announced the suspension of the search operation for four fishermen who went missing after their vessel sank near Lareco on the evening of October 18, 2025. The decision follows two days of intensive search efforts involving aerial and maritime operations, supported by the National Army’s Marine Corps, Omni Helicopters (in collaboration with Chevron and ExxonMobil), and the Guyana Coast Guard. Despite these efforts, no survivors or bodies have been located. The incident was reported to the Coast Guard on October 20, approximately 34 hours after the vessel likely sank. Delayed reporting and inaccurate location data complicated the search, with authorities estimating that the missing individuals may have drifted up to 168 kilometers westward, potentially into Guyanese waters. The Coast Guard has officially changed the status of the fishermen to ‘missing’ and remains prepared to recover and identify any bodies that may surface in the future.
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PM Skerrit, PM Pierre in St Vincent and Grenadines for one-day visit
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica and Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre of Saint Lucia are set to conduct a one-day official visit to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on October 22, 2025. The visit, as reported by The St Vincent Times, will focus on key infrastructure developments and bilateral discussions. The leaders are scheduled to tour two major projects: the Acute Care Hospital at Arnos Vale and the newly upgraded Port of Kingstown. These sites represent significant advancements in healthcare and maritime infrastructure for the region. Following the tours, Prime Ministers Skerrit and Pierre will engage in high-level talks with Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and his Cabinet members. The visit will culminate in a press briefing at the conference room within the Modern Port facility, where the leaders are expected to address the media and share insights from their discussions. This visit underscores the ongoing collaboration and diplomatic ties among the Caribbean nations, highlighting their commitment to regional development and cooperation.
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Latest U.S Anti-Narcotics Strike Kills 2
In a significant escalation of its anti-narcotics operations, the U.S. military executed a lethal strike in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of two individuals aboard a targeted vessel. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation on Wednesday, stating it was authorized by President Donald Trump. The strike targeted a boat allegedly operated by a designated terrorist organization involved in drug trafficking, marking the eighth such operation since early September and the first outside the Caribbean. These strikes have collectively claimed at least 34 lives. Hegseth framed the operation as part of a broader campaign against ‘narco-terrorists’ threatening U.S. borders, drawing parallels to the war on terror. The Trump administration has justified these actions as essential to combat transnational cartels it labels as terrorist entities. However, critics and legal experts have raised concerns about the legality of such strikes, arguing they lack judicial oversight and could violate international law. The Pentagon has yet to disclose the nationality of the vessel or the identities of the deceased. This incident follows recent operations in the Caribbean, which have also sparked debates over the administration’s authority to detain foreign nationals captured in anti-narcotics missions. The story continues to develop.
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Guyanese among 10 foreigners arrested in The Bahamas with high-powered guns
A Guyanese national has been identified as one of ten foreign individuals apprehended in The Bahamas following the discovery of illegal contraband, including high-powered weapons, firearms, ammunition, and undeclared cash. The arrests occurred on Tuesday after a joint operation by the Alice Town Police Station and the Bahamas Customs Department targeted a vessel docked in Bimini. Authorities acted on intelligence and conducted a search of the vessel, uncovering three high-powered weapons, eleven firearms, a significant amount of ammunition, and a substantial sum of undeclared cash. The suspects, ranging in age from 21 to 62, include eight Americans, one South African, and the Guyanese national. All confiscated items are now in police custody, and investigations are ongoing. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of illegal arms trafficking in the Caribbean region.
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Town Hall Meeting with Minister Greene Postponed
The Honorable E.P. Chet Greene has announced the postponement of the Town Hall Meeting originally scheduled for October 23. The delay is attributed to unforeseen circumstances, with a new date to be communicated in the near future. Minister Greene expressed gratitude to the community for their understanding and emphasized the importance of maintaining open dialogue and active participation once the meeting is rescheduled. This decision underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring meaningful engagement with citizens, despite unexpected challenges. Further updates will be provided as soon as details are finalized.
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Antigua Coast Guard Working With Regional Partners to Find Missing Captain
The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) Coast Guard has launched a comprehensive search and rescue operation following reports of a captain who fell overboard from a vessel near Guadeloupe. The incident occurred late on October 21, 2025, when Phillippe “Daniel” Jules, Master of SV VOILACTUS, reportedly fell into the open waters approximately six nautical miles northeast of Guadeloupe while attempting to avoid being struck by the vessel’s mast. The ABDF Coast Guard, in coordination with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) Fort-de-France and other regional authorities, is working tirelessly to locate Mr. Jules. The remaining ten crew members have been confirmed safe and are currently in Guadeloupe. The ABDF Coast Guard expressed regret over the delayed response, as official notice of the incident was received only during the early daylight hours of the following morning. Despite the challenges, the organization has mobilized all available resources to maximize the chances of a successful rescue. The ABDF Coast Guard reiterated its commitment to maritime safety and urged all mariners to adhere to strict safety protocols, including the use of personal flotation devices and man-overboard alert systems. Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves. The thoughts and prayers of the ABDF Coast Guard remain with Mr. Jules’ family and friends during this difficult time.
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Electric cars roll into Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia has taken a significant step toward a greener future with the official launch of EV Lucian, the nation’s premier Electric Vehicle Trade Expo and Car Show. Held on October 16, this initiative aims to catalyze a nationwide transition to sustainable transportation by bringing together public and private sectors to showcase innovative green technologies. The event is scheduled for November 15, 2025, at the Caribbean Cinemas Car Park, promising a vibrant display of electric and hybrid vehicles, alongside interactive exhibits on charging infrastructure, green energy solutions, and accessible financing options. Kurt Inglis, Chief Energy and Public Utilities Officer, highlighted the event’s critical role in reducing fossil fuel dependency, cutting emissions, and advancing climate goals. Attendees can enjoy test drives, workshops, family-friendly activities, and local cuisine, making it a comprehensive experience for all. Key sponsors, including the Government of Saint Lucia, Accela Marketing, Republic Bank, and Beacon Insurance, have rallied behind this transformative project, emphasizing their commitment to environmental sustainability and community development.
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Solid Waste Authority Welcomes three brand-new 20-ton trucks
Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to fostering cleaner and healthier communities has taken a significant leap forward with the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) unveiling three state-of-the-art 20-ton trucks. This strategic investment underscores the nation’s dedication to improving waste management efficiency and promoting environmental sustainability. The introduction of these heavy-duty vehicles is set to revolutionize landfill operations by ensuring consistent daily soil coverage—a critical practice for effective landfill management. This advancement will mitigate unpleasant odors, control pest populations, reduce fire risks, and create safer, more eco-friendly landfill conditions. Beyond landfills, the new fleet will play a pivotal role in supporting community clean-up initiatives, particularly during the 2025 National Clean-Up Campaign, which kicked off in October under the inspiring slogan, “Love Where You Live!” The campaign aims to address bulk waste accumulation and foster a culture of environmental stewardship. More than just an upgrade in equipment, this initiative represents a profound investment in public health, environmental resilience, and national pride. The NSWMA has expressed gratitude to the Government for its unwavering support and partnership in this endeavor, emphasizing that caring for our environment is a reflection of our love for our communities. With these resources, the Authority is laying the groundwork for sustainable waste management practices and cleaner, more vibrant communities across the nation.