Ambassador Calvin Ayre, founder of the Ayre Group, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Antigua and Barbuda on the occasion of their 44th Independence Anniversary. In a statement, Ayre described the nation as ‘solid, stable, and soaring,’ highlighting its remarkable progress and resilience since gaining independence in 1981. He emphasized the country’s economic stability, political maturity, and its ability to overcome challenges, which have positioned it as a beacon of success in the Caribbean region. Ayre also acknowledged the government’s efforts in fostering innovation, particularly in the technology and financial sectors, which have attracted global attention. The Ayre Group, known for its investments in blockchain and digital assets, has been a key partner in Antigua and Barbuda’s technological advancements. Ayre expressed optimism about the nation’s future, predicting continued growth and prosperity. His remarks underscored the strong relationship between the Ayre Group and Antigua and Barbuda, rooted in mutual respect and shared goals for sustainable development.
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Revolution in the making? Nation’s first crematorium set to open November 4
In a groundbreaking move for Antigua and Barbuda, Stefanie Meyer is set to open the nation’s first crematorium on November 4, 2024, through her venture, Meyer’s Funeral Home. This initiative aims to provide families with more options for laying their loved ones to rest, addressing long-standing challenges such as limited burial space and the high costs of transporting remains to neighboring islands for cremation.
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CARICOM Highlights Antigua and Barbuda’s Diplomatic Leadership on 44th Independence Anniversary
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, has lauded Antigua and Barbuda for its prominent role on both regional and international platforms as the nation prepares to celebrate its Forty-Fourth Anniversary of Independence on November 1, 2025. In a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Hon. Gaston Browne, Dr. Barnett highlighted the country’s significant diplomatic achievements, including its successful hosting of the 55th Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly in June 2025 and its upcoming role as host of the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2026. Dr. Barnett also commended Prime Minister Browne’s leadership in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet, particularly in the Services portfolio. The Secretary-General’s message emphasized the theme of this year’s celebrations, ‘Solid – Stable – Soaring,’ which reflects the nation’s resilience, vision, and aspirations. She extended her best wishes for continued peace, stability, and progress in Antigua and Barbuda.
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Jaarinflatie stijgt licht naar 10,7 procent in september
Preliminary data released by the General Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveals that consumer prices in September 2025 increased by an average of 0.8% compared to August. On an annual basis, inflation reached 10.7%, marking a slight uptick from the 10.5% recorded in August. The ABS highlighted significant price hikes in housing and utilities (+1.6%), meat and meat products (+1.0%), and butter, oils, and fats (+1.0%). However, a notable 6.6% drop in the prices of vegetables and fruits helped temper the overall monthly inflation. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose from 905.9 in August to 913.1 in September 2025, while the fuel index climbed from 999.3 to 1,013.7, indicating higher transportation and energy costs. These figures underscore the persistent inflationary pressures affecting households and businesses alike.
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Journalisten ervaren de pracht en geschiedenis van de Chinese opera
The Beijing Opera House recently hosted nearly 100 journalists from around the world, offering them a unique glimpse into the rich history and artistry of Chinese opera. The event began with a chaotic yet fascinating scene as reporters crowded the hall to admire the exquisite handmade costumes and hairpieces on display. The sheer number of attendees led to the group being split, with some moving to the opera hall for performances while others stayed to learn about the historical evolution of the costumes. The intricate royal robes, adorned with gold and red embroidery, stood in contrast to the simpler yet equally impressive warrior attire. Ghaffar, the event’s MC, explained that Chinese opera is not a single art form but a fusion of various regional styles. The journalists, part of the China International Press Communication Center 2025 Program, also had the opportunity to dress in traditional costumes and experience opera makeup. The event culminated in three performances showcasing the diversity of Chinese opera, including ‘The Red Lantern,’ ‘The Great Immortal Herb Robbery,’ and ‘Farewell My Concubine.’ These pieces highlighted the art form’s ability to blend music, dance, martial arts, and storytelling, cementing its status as a vital cultural heritage.
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November marks the start of the high cruise season in Puerto Plata with 49 port calls
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, is poised for a bustling cruise ship season as November heralds the start of its peak tourism period. A total of 49 cruise ships are scheduled to dock at the province’s two major ports, Amber Cove and Taíno Bay, marking a substantial increase from the 23 vessels recorded in October. This surge in maritime arrivals is expected to provide a significant economic boost to the region, directly benefiting thousands of families reliant on tourism-related activities. From January to September this year, Puerto Plata welcomed 1,621,775 cruise passengers, representing 81.4 percent of all visitors arriving at the country’s terminals via this route. Last year, the province saw an even higher influx, with 2,186,000 cruise passengers accounting for 80 percent of the nation’s maritime visitors. The steady growth in cruise tourism underscores Puerto Plata’s vital role in the Dominican Republic’s tourism sector and its economic resilience.
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Over 700 tonnes of waste removed in nationwide cleanup
A sweeping national cleanup campaign in Barbados, inspired by a young student’s heartfelt appeal, has successfully removed more than 700 tonnes of bulk waste from communities across the island. The initiative, titled ‘One Nation, One Mission, One Clean Up,’ was launched following a plea from nine-year-old Naomi Dummett, who envisioned a ‘beautiful Barbados.’ Environment and National Beautification Minister Adrian Forde praised Naomi as a young ‘Earth Champion’ and highlighted the program’s significant progress. The cleanup effort began two weeks before the school island cleanup, targeting schools reopening in early September, and has since expanded nationwide. Forde emphasized the removal of bulky items such as fridges, stoves, washing machines, and microwaves, underscoring the importance of collective action. ‘We are seeing success, but it is a costly exercise for the government. We urge Barbadians to do their part and honor their country,’ he stated. The initiative also includes the ‘Gullies are Life’ project, which has cleared 13 tonnes of solid waste from gullies, protecting the island from climate change impacts. Forde highlighted the rediscovery of the Barbados thread snake, the world’s smallest snake, after 136 years, as a testament to the project’s ecological benefits. Additionally, the ministry is launching a community beautification competition, tree-planting initiatives, and enhancing green spaces like the Botanical Gardens. ‘Barbadians must have green spaces to connect with nature,’ Forde emphasized, reaffirming the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and beautification.
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Melissa’s disaster in Jamaica brings a flood of tourists to the Dominican Republic
Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful cyclones in Jamaica’s history, has left a trail of devastation, severely crippling the island nation’s tourism sector. Hotels and airports have been forced to shut down, and thousands of tourists have been displaced, creating an unprecedented crisis for the industry. In the wake of this disaster, major tour operators have swiftly shifted their focus to alternative Caribbean destinations, with the Dominican Republic emerging as the primary beneficiary of this sudden tourist influx. According to sources connected to Punta Cana Airport, leading operators like TUI have already redirected flights to the Dominican Republic’s largest tourist hub. Other destinations, including Puerto Plata and Samaná, are also expected to gain from the surge in demand, as Punta Cana alone may struggle to accommodate the increased traffic. North American airlines are actively rescheduling flights to Jamaican destinations, as well as to Latin America and Europe, with the Dominican Republic witnessing the highest demand. However, the timing of this influx poses a significant challenge, as it coincides with the peak of the high season. The Dominican Republic, already experiencing record-breaking tourist arrivals, is projected to surpass 11.5 million visitors by 2025. This raises questions about hotel availability and infrastructure capacity. Meanwhile, Jamaica faces a long and arduous road to recovery, as the extensive damage to its tourist infrastructure will likely divert a substantial portion of its tourism market to the Dominican Republic for the foreseeable future.
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Some domestic abuse victims ‘forced to stay as cost of living soars’
A leading advocate against domestic violence has highlighted the alarming trend of victims remaining in abusive relationships due to mounting financial pressures and a lack of affordable housing. Barbara Daniel-Goddard, Chair of Advocates Against Domestic Abuse (AIDA), emphasized that for low-income earners, the high cost of living and limited housing options make it nearly impossible to escape abusive partners. Speaking to Barbados TODAY, she revealed that many victims earn as little as $24,000 annually, while average monthly rents hover around $1,000. After accounting for utilities, transportation, and childcare, these individuals are left with no financial leeway to seek independence.
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US government shutdown causes flight delays at Las Américas Airport
The ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown has begun to ripple across international air operations, with significant delays reported at Las Américas International Airport (AILA) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Aerodom, the airport operator and a subsidiary of Vinci Airports, confirmed on Friday that the disruptions stem from staffing shortages in the U.S. air traffic control system, exacerbated by the federal shutdown. While no flight cancellations have occurred so far, delays have been observed in flights to and from various U.S. cities. Luis López, Aerodom’s corporate director, emphasized that passengers should remain in contact with their airlines for real-time updates. The situation has heightened concerns among travelers, particularly those scheduled for Friday night flights to the United States. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged the severe impact of the shutdown on air traffic control personnel, noting that absenteeism among controllers has surged. Seven major air traffic control centers, including those in Dallas-Fort Worth, Newark, and Atlanta, are operating with reduced staff, leading to significant delays. Since the shutdown began, staffing shortages have quadrupled compared to the same period last year. The financial strain on air traffic controllers, who are working without pay, has further intensified the crisis. Thousands received zero-value paychecks on October 28, fueling frustration and absenteeism. As the political deadlock in Washington persists, international airports like AILA are closely monitoring the situation, hoping to avoid widespread cancellations over the weekend.