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  • Christ the King High School Congratulates Top Three CSEC Students for 2026

    Christ the King High School Congratulates Top Three CSEC Students for 2026

    A regional secondary education institution is celebrating the exceptional academic achievements of three standout graduates from its 2026 cohort, who have secured the top three positions in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

    Jenai Emanuel, Daniella Saiegh and Sarah Saiegh have been recognized by Christ the King High School for their outstanding performance, with Emanuel leading the group of high achievers by completing examinations across 12 distinct CSEC subjects. The two other honorees, sisters Daniella and Sarah Saiegh, matched each other’s success by each sitting and passing 10 CSEC subjects, cementing their places among the school’s top performing students this year.

    In an official statement released following the announcement of CSEC results, school officials extended warm congratulations to the three students, encouraging them to continue pursuing their academic and professional goals. “Keep reaching high! Your journey is only beginning, and we look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish,” the institution shared in its public message of celebration, highlighting that the students’ hard work over the course of their secondary education has laid a strong foundation for future success in higher education and their chosen careers.

  • Direct Relief Representatives Visit Antigua and Barbuda to Advance Health Partnership

    Direct Relief Representatives Visit Antigua and Barbuda to Advance Health Partnership

    A years-long public health collaboration between U.S.-based humanitarian organization Direct Relief and the government of Antigua and Barbuda, implemented through a regional partnership with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), has reached a critical turning point, with stakeholders gathering recently to assess completed work and outline priorities for future cooperation.

    Since the initiative launched, Direct Relief has poured targeted investments into strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s public health infrastructure across multiple high-priority domains. Key investments have upgraded the country’s epidemiological and entomological surveillance capabilities, rolled out the widely used District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2) to streamline health data management, expanded frontline workforce skills and capacity, and improved access to critical transportation, digital tools and specialized equipment for on-the-ground field operations.

    These targeted interventions have already delivered measurable improvements to the country’s public health system. They have streamlined the full lifecycle of surveillance data, from initial collection and validation through in-depth analysis and actionable use. By boosting the efficiency of field operations, the investments have also helped create stronger, more consistent connections between real-time health data and evidence-based public health action — enabling earlier detection of emerging health threats and more precise, targeted prevention and response efforts that reduce population risk.

    The recent progress review meeting brought together senior leadership and technical experts from Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Health, including Acting Permanent Secretary for Primary Health Care Marvo Newton-Richards, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Teri-Ann Joseph, Deputy Chief Health Inspector Daryl Spencer, and a cross-functional team of technical officers from across the ministry. During the visit, the government team held in-depth discussions with Direct Relief’s technical team to conduct a full review of the initiative’s first two implementation phases, unpack key lessons learned from on-the-ground execution, and align on priority focus areas for the next phase of support.

    Speaking at the meeting, Direct Relief representative Ms. Bitter noted that the partnership has arrived at a pivotal juncture as both organizations work to map a shared path forward. “The partnership between Direct Relief and the Ministry of Health Antigua is at a pivotal point to identify solutions for the enhancement of patient care services,” she said. “We are committed to supporting the public health sector through material resources, strengthening preparedness initiatives and addressing regional issues including climate effects and resilience.”

    Antigua and Barbuda’s Health Minister, Minister Joseph, emphasized that all ongoing collaboration must ultimately deliver tangible, meaningful improvements to the daily lives and health outcomes of the country’s population. “Our responsibility is to ensure that every investment in health translates into stronger services and better outcomes for the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” he explained. He noted that the existing partnership has already meaningfully strengthened core pillars of the country’s public health system, particularly disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and the use of real-time health data to guide policy and action.

    “This visit allows us to build on those gains and, importantly, to look ahead,” Minister Joseph added. “We are identifying where the next phase of collaboration can have the greatest impact – strengthening patient care, expanding prevention and early intervention, and continuing to build a health system that is proactive, responsive and resilient, with the needs of our people at its centre.”

    In a statement following the meeting, the Ministry of Health expressed openness to continued engagement with Direct Relief, noting that the organization’s longstanding support has already delivered meaningful gains to the country’s public health system. Future discussions between the two parties will focus on mutually agreed priority areas designed to deliver sustainable, people-centered benefits for all residents of Antigua and Barbuda.

  • DNA wil opheldering over cyanidevangst en illegale invoer chemicaliën

    DNA wil opheldering over cyanidevangst en illegale invoer chemicaliën

    A recent interception of two trucks carrying suspected illegal cyanide at the Burnside checkpoint has triggered widespread concern and rigorous questioning among members of Suriname’s National Assembly, with lawmakers pressing the government for clarity on cross-border smuggling controls, safe storage protocols and unregulated hazardous chemical use in the country’s gold mining sector. The incident, which unfolded earlier this week, has reignited long-simmering tensions over environmental risks, including unresolved questions about a recent mass fish die-off in the Saramacca River that has been linked to toxic runoff from small-scale and illegal gold extraction.

    Mahinder Jogi, a legislator from the VHP party, opened the debate by flagging gaps in government handling of seized hazardous materials, pointing to a high-profile prior case where a cache of confiscated mercury stored at a local police station went missing without explanation. Jogi demanded the government confirm whether all legally required protocols have been followed for the newly seized cyanide shipment, including details on how the toxic substance is being secured, what safety protections are in place to prevent accidental leaks or theft, and what violations prompted the seizure of the two trucks in the first place.

    Rabin Parmessar, parliamentary leader of the opposition NDP, focused his questioning on systemic failures in border control, noting the shipment entered Suriname from neighboring Guyana through the country’s western border region. While Parmessar praised law enforcement for successfully intercepting the cargo at the Burnside checkpoint in Coronie, he questioned why the unauthorised shipment was not detected earlier along its route through the country. He warned that cyanide is unlikely to be the only hazardous substance being smuggled across the border, noting illegal mercury and other toxic chemicals used in unregulated gold mining also regularly enter Suriname from Guyana, and called on the government to explain how it is policing these illicit flows. Parmessar also reminded the government that the National Assembly has been waiting weeks, if not months, for a full official report on the Saramacca River fish kill, stressing that parliament has not dropped the issue and will continue to hold authorities accountable.

    Asis Gajadien, VHP parliamentary faction leader, centered his remarks on the growing prevalence of unregulated cyanide use in Suriname’s interior gold mining sector. He told the assembly that over the past several months, a large number of new mining pits using cyanide for ore extraction have been established in remote interior regions, creating major risks for groundwater and river ecosystems. Gajadien called on the government to ramp up oversight of the sector, placing responsibility for stronger enforcement on the Ministry of Oil, Gas and Environment and the National Environment Authority. He also proposed that modern monitoring tools, including satellite imagery, should be deployed to track unauthorised expansion of mining activity across sensitive interior landscapes.

    Lawmakers across party lines extended praise to Surinamese law enforcement for successfully intercepting the two trucks, but united in calling on the government to prioritize secure, compliant storage for the seized cyanide to prevent environmental or public health disasters. The government has confirmed it will respond to all parliamentary questions during an official sitting scheduled for Thursday.

  • Break-Ins Rise as Police Release Latest Crime Statistics

    Break-Ins Rise as Police Release Latest Crime Statistics

    Newly released crime statistics from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda have revealed a mixed picture of public safety across the twin-island nation for the first seven months of 2026, with certain serious offense categories climbing even as total reported crime falls year-over-year.

    Assistant Commissioner Lisbon Michael, the leader of the force’s Criminal Investigations Department, shared the latest data in a public interview with ABS’ flagship current affairs program *Antigua Barbuda Today*, where he broke down trends across major crime classifications.

    According to Michael, residential and commercial break-ins have seen a notable uptick compared to the same period in 2025. Between January and July of this year, law enforcement documented 97 breaking-and-entering offenses, a 14% increase from the 85 cases recorded during the first seven months of 2025, marking a net rise of 12 reported incidents.

    This upward shift in break-ins comes despite a steady decline in the total volume of reported crime across the country. In 2026, 1,756 criminal offenses were reported to police by the end of July, down from 1,887 in the 2025 corresponding period. That number represents a significant drop from 2024, when 2,227 crimes were registered over the same seven-month window.

    Not all minor crime categories are trending upward, however: robbery offenses also fell, dropping from 115 reported incidents in early 2025 to 94 this year. But two of the most serious violent crime classifications have bucked the overall downward trend. Homicides rose from nine cases in January–July 2025 to 11 this year, while reported shooting incidents increased by six cases, jumping from 18 to 24 over the same comparison period.

    The release of the updated statistics coincides with ongoing implementation of Operation Restore Confidence, a targeted law enforcement initiative launched by the Antigua and Barbuda Police Force to curtail gun-related violence and other high-priority serious offenses. Key tactics under the operation include expanded stop-and-search patrols and targeted enforcement operations designed to disrupt criminal networks and reduce violent offending across the islands.

  • Good Humans 268 Turns Thousands of Discarded Bottles Into 10-Foot Teddy Bear

    Good Humans 268 Turns Thousands of Discarded Bottles Into 10-Foot Teddy Bear

    A creative environmental advocacy organization, Good Humans 268 Inc., has sparked public conversation about waste reduction by turning thousands of post-consumer discarded plastic bottles into an eye-catching 10-foot teddy bear sculpture. The ambitious art project is the group’s latest effort to reframe public perspectives on single-use waste, challenging the widespread assumption that thrown-away materials have no further value.

    Unveiled to the public recently, the oversized upcycled sculpture was intentionally designed to stand out in public spaces, catching passersby off guard and drawing spontaneous attention to the issue of plastic waste. Good Humans 268 explains that unconventional, surprising creative works are often the most effective tool to shift ingrained attitudes toward waste: by presenting a product most people would send to a landfill as the core material for a memorable piece of art, the organization forces people to reconsider their default approach to discarded goods. The teddy bear is built to spark curiosity, stop audiences in their tracks, and open up discussions about the untapped potential of everyday waste.

    Beyond raising questions, the project also aims to build broader public enthusiasm for recycling and circular economy practices, proving that innovative approaches to waste can unlock unexpected creative possibilities. This 10-foot teddy bear is only the first step in the organization’s ongoing creative environmental campaign, however. Good Humans 268 has already announced plans for its next public art initiative: crafting the official flags of all 56 Commonwealth nations entirely from recycled plastic bottle caps.
    “Today, it’s a 10-foot teddy bear. Tomorrow, it’s 56 Commonwealth flags made from bottle caps,” the group shared in a statement outlining its roadmap. Looking ahead, the organization says it is planning even larger-scale community-focused projects that merge creative expression, public education, and collective participation to boost global environmental awareness. “We are changing the conversation around waste, one wild idea at a time,” the group added.

  • Opposition Leader’s boat detained after he failed to produce ‘papers’

    Opposition Leader’s boat detained after he failed to produce ‘papers’

    On Wednesday, 26 August 2026, a fresh political dispute erupted in Guyana after law enforcement authorities detained a high-speed “go-fast” vessel owned by opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed over missing documentation, triggering accusations of partisan targeting from opposition figures.

    The sequence of events began when police and the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard intercepted the vessel after it reportedly failed to halt while entering the Demerara River, eventually locating it docked at Mohamed’s property in Friendship, East Bank Demerara. When ordered to present the boat’s valid registration, certificate of fitness, and the on-board captain’s operating license, Mohamed was unable to produce any of the required documents or even the vessel’s keys. A search of Mohamed’s person failed to turn up the keys, leading officers to order the boat detained at the Coast Guard’s headquarters.

    After four hours in police custody, Mohamed announced Wednesday morning that the vessel’s hull had sustained visible damage during detainment. Opposition parliamentarian Tabita Sarabo-Halley of the Working People’s Alliance (WIN) clarified that the captain of the boat was not present at the marine police facility to hand over documentation, explaining the decision to keep the captain away was a protective measure. She noted that a previous captain who worked with Mohamed was blacklisted from future employment after his association with the opposition leader, leaving the team no choice but to avoid similar victimization.

    Sarabo-Halley directly accused the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC)-led government of orchestrating the detainment as political retaliation for the opposition’s outreach trip to Port Kaituma and Mabaruma. During that trip, Mohamed and his delegation met with survivors and family members of victims of last month’s MV Barima river ferry disaster, where Sarabo-Halley said local residents openly criticized the government for failing to deliver any support or relief in the weeks after the tragedy.

    “This is a pre-planned political attack,” Sarabo-Halley argued. “The PPP was embarrassed by the anger residents expressed over their inaction after the sinking, so they fabricated a story of a high-speed chase and interception to justify stopping us on our way back.” She added that the detainment is part of a broader, coordinated campaign to bar Mohamed from traveling across Guyana to connect with constituents: following United States sanctions imposed on Mohamed and his father in June 2024 over allegations of gold smuggling and tax evasion, domestic airlines have already refused to carry Mohamed, tax authorities have attempted to seize his land vehicles over alleged import duty violations, and now the government is moving to restrict his travel by water.

    Law enforcement officials rejected the opposition’s accusations, stating that Mohamed was given ample opportunity at his dock to produce the required documentation before the detainment order was issued, and that officers would not engage in what they called “cross-talk” over political accusations. Mohamed for his part dismissed the police demand for documentation as “nonsense”, claiming law enforcement “don’t know the law”, and argued the boat was not in active use at the time it was intercepted—though countered by officers who noted the vessel was already moored in the water.

    Notably, Mohamed confirmed the detained vessel is the same craft he deployed to assist rescue efforts after the MV Barima disaster last month. The ferry, which was carrying more than 179 passengers and crew when it sank, left 72 people dead; 76 survivors were rescued, and Mohamed’s boat assisted in recovering multiple victims’ bodies from the river.

  • Police Link Recent Shootings to Hostilities That Began Around J’ouvert

    Police Link Recent Shootings to Hostilities That Began Around J’ouvert

    Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have connected a string of recent shooting incidents to underlying tensions that ignited during the annual pre-Carnival J’ouvert celebration, a top law enforcement official has confirmed. Assistant Commissioner Lisbon Michael, who leads the country’s Criminal Investigations Department, shared the update in a recent interview with ABS’s *Antigua Barbuda Today*, where he addressed growing public anxiety over rising youth and gang-related violence across the twin-island nation.

    In his remarks, Michael made clear that the uptick in gun violence that has sparked concern in recent weeks can be traced back to an altercation or dispute that unfolded on J’ouvert morning, the raucous, paint-and-powder-filled opening event of Antigua and Barbuda’s annual Carnival celebration. The senior officer declined to share specific details about what exactly triggered the conflict during the event, nor would he elaborate on the nature of the disagreement that law enforcement believes escalated into subsequent violent attacks.

    Importantly, Michael emphasized that the 2024 Carnival season as a whole remained largely peaceful, contradicting early assumptions that the event itself was marred by widespread unrest. “Although the entire J’ouvert, Carnival were basically quiet, something sparked it,” he explained, noting that the specific incident that set off the hostilities did not disrupt the broader celebration but has had dangerous aftershocks in the weeks since.

    In the wake of the post-J’ouvert violence, law enforcement has moved quickly to crack down on gang-related activity: Michael confirmed that several individuals have already been arrested and formally charged in connection with the recent shootings, and their cases are currently working their way through the Antigua and Barbuda judicial system.

    The disclosure comes as part of a broader push by local police to curb a resurgence of youth and gang violence. The department launched a targeted anti-crime initiative, dubbed Operation Restore Confidence, on August 15 in response to mounting public concern over gun crime and violent clashes across the country. As part of the operation, police are working to dismantle violent gang structures in local communities, and are actively targeting members of two specific criminal groups that Michael named during his interview.

  • Falcons Crush Tridents by 30 Runs to Move Atop Points Table

    Falcons Crush Tridents by 30 Runs to Move Atop Points Table

    In a gripping T20 cricket clash that produced a stunning late turnaround, the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons have secured a dramatic 30-run victory over the Barbados Tridents, fueled by a devastating collapse in the Tridents’ middle order during their 156-run chase. The result has catapulted the Falcons to the summit of the tournament’s points table, with the side now holding four wins from seven outings this campaign.

    Chasing a target of 156 to claim full points, the Tridents looked on course for a comfortable win at 93 for three wickets in the 14th over, with plenty of batting resources still left in the locker. What followed was an unforeseen batting collapse that swung the match firmly in the Falcons’ favor: the Tridents lost four wickets for the addition of just two runs, slumping to a precarious 95 for seven in the space of mere overs.

    The collapse was triggered by fast bowler Joshua James, who removed Kevlon Anderson and star batter Sherfane Rutherford with back-to-back deliveries to shake the Tridents’ batting lineup. Rivaldo Clarke fell to the next delivery in the following over, and spinner Gudakesh Motie was sent back to the pavilion just two balls later, leaving the Tridents reeling.

    Daniel Sams and Chris Green made a short-lived attempt to rebuild the innings and steady the sinking ship, but James claimed his third wicket of the innings by removing Sams in the 17th over. Sufyan Moqim then put the final nail in the Tridents’ coffin, taking the last two wickets of the innings with consecutive deliveries. The Barbados side was bowled out for just 126 runs in 18 overs, 30 runs short of the target, handing the Falcons a memorable win.

    The dramatic chase victory was set up by a late-innings masterclass from Falcons captain Moeen Ali earlier in the match. When the Falcons were struggling at 80 for five wickets in the 14th over, the captain stepped up to anchor a vital recovery partnership with Shamar Springer. The pair turned the game on its head, plundering a brutal 49 runs from the final three overs of the Falcons’ innings. Moeen closed out his innings in spectacular style, hammering three consecutive sixes in the final over to reach an unbeaten half-century of 56 runs, lifting the Falcons to a competitive total of 155 for five wickets from their full 20 overs.

    James finished the match with outstanding figures of three wickets for just 18 runs from his bowling allocation, while Rivaldo Clarke was the Tridents’ top scorer with 27 runs. For the Tridents, spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman claimed the best bowling figures of the innings, taking two wickets for 32 runs.

    Full match scorecard summary:
    Antigua and Barbuda Falcons: 155 for five wickets in 20 overs (Moeen Ali 56 not out; Mujeeb Ur Rahman 2-32)
    Barbados Tridents: 125 all out in 18 overs (Rivaldo Clarke 27; Joshua James 3-18)
    Antigua and Barbuda Falcons won by 30 runs.

  • Minister Joseph Welcomes UNFPA Ahead of MISP Workshop

    Minister Joseph Welcomes UNFPA Ahead of MISP Workshop

    Ahead of a critical two-day capacity-building workshop focused on the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) for sexual and reproductive health in emergency scenarios, senior government officials from Antigua and Barbuda hosted a United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representative for an introductory courtesy call this week. Michael Joseph, the country’s Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, formally welcomed De-Jane Gibbons, UNFPA’s Liaison Specialist covering Barbados and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, to kick off the collaborative effort.

    Organized jointly by UNFPA and Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Health, the workshop centers on two core objectives: first, conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the nation’s current ability to roll out MISP protocols when humanitarian emergencies strike, and second, co-developing a tailored national action plan to boost emergency preparedness and inter-agency coordination for these critical services. The initiative is embedded in a wider global and regional push to guarantee that life-saving sexual and reproductive health care does not face disruption amid crises, when vulnerable populations are at heightened risk of adverse health outcomes.

    Two of the nation’s top public health leaders also joined the introductory meeting: Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kamaria DeCastro and Senior Medical Officer Dr. Lori-ann Johnson, highlighting the government’s high-level commitment to strengthening the country’s emergency health infrastructure.

  • Flow CPL Partnership Connects Young Cricketers with Antigua and Barbuda Falcons

    Flow CPL Partnership Connects Young Cricketers with Antigua and Barbuda Falcons

    A standout youth cricket development event brought professional cricket talent together with eager young participants recently, as members of the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons shared their expertise with young campers at Exceptional Heights Summer Camp on the grounds of the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. This hands-on engagement was not an isolated event, but a core component of Flow’s “We Live For This” Summer Campaign, borne out of a strategic partnership between the leading regional communications provider and the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (RBL CPL), the Caribbean’s premier T20 cricket competition. The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between emerging young cricket fans and the elite athletes that inspire their passion for the sport.

    Leading the interactive training session were Falcons head coach Paul Nixon, alongside first-team players Karima Gore, Anderson Mahase, Jahmar Hamilton and Alzarri Joseph. Together, they walked campers through a full slate of practical cricket activities, covering targeted drills for batting, bowling, and fielding that are used at the professional level. Beyond just demonstrating technique, the Falcons squad offered personalized practical advice to each participant, offered consistent encouragement to the young players, and created an approachable environment that let campers ask questions and build confidence in their skills.

    Tiffany Joseph, head of Exceptional Heights Summer Camp, emphasized that the impact of the day extended far beyond the boundary of the cricket pitch. The camp itself has a core mission focused on supporting child development through structured activities that build teamwork, foster personal growth, and encourage consistent healthy lifestyles. For camp participants, the rare opportunity to work directly with professional players and a top-tier coach from one of the Caribbean’s leading T20 franchises created an unforgettable experience that cannot be replicated in regular youth training sessions.

    For Flow, which operates as a consumer brand under parent company Liberty Caribbean, the event aligns with long-standing commitments to connecting Caribbean communities with the cultural and sporting experiences they value most. Liberty Caribbean is the region’s leading communications and technology provider, serving residential customers across more than 20 Caribbean markets with broadband, mobile, video, and voice services under the Flow and BTC brands, while its Liberty Business division delivers enterprise-grade connectivity, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data center solutions to private businesses and government entities across the region. With a 150-year legacy anchored in the Caribbean, the organization prioritizes building robust local networks and community-focused initiatives that meet the unique needs of regional populations.

    The RBL CPL, founded in 2013, has grown from a regional startup to one of the most-watched T20 cricket leagues on the global stage. The franchise-based tournament blends high-stakes competitive cricket with the iconic, vibrant Carnival atmosphere that defines Caribbean culture, drawing a global broadcast and digital viewership of 1.17 billion in 2025. Current defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders lead a seven-team field that includes Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Kingsmen, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, and Saint Lucia Kings. The 2026 iteration of the tournament is scheduled to run from August 7 to September 20, 2026.