The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s constituency branch has announced the formal commencement of a significant road rehabilitation initiative on Cul de Sac in St. John’s City East. This infrastructure enhancement project represents a critical component of the government’s broader strategy to upgrade transportation networks throughout the constituency. The comprehensive roadworks are specifically designed to address longstanding pavement deterioration issues while implementing modern engineering solutions to improve overall road quality. Transportation officials emphasize that the primary objectives include substantially enhancing vehicular safety standards, creating more reliable commuting routes for daily travelers, and delivering a noticeably improved driving experience for both residents and commercial operators. Local authorities have extended gratitude to community members for demonstrating understanding and cooperation during the construction phase, acknowledging that temporary inconveniences will ultimately yield long-term benefits for the area’s infrastructure resilience and transportation efficiency. Project coordinators confirm that all work will be conducted in accordance with international road construction standards while implementing appropriate traffic management protocols to minimize disruption to local mobility patterns.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
-
Court rules airline funds held by CAS do not belong to liquidation estate
In a landmark ruling with significant implications for creditor rights and trust law in commercial transactions, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has determined that over EC$513,000 collected by Caribbean Airport Services Ltd. (CAS) on behalf of two major airlines does not constitute company assets and must be returned to the carriers. Justice Rene Williams delivered the decisive judgment, establishing that the funds were held in a fiduciary capacity despite not being segregated in separate accounts.
The case centered on CAS, a ground-handling company ordered into liquidation in February 2025, which had collected cargo and service payments from customers for Amerijet International Airlines and Caribbean Airlines Limited. The company’s standard practice involved deducting commissions before remitting balances to the airlines. When liquidation proceedings began, the court-appointed liquidator sought judicial clarification regarding whether these collected funds should be distributed among creditors or returned to the airlines.
Justice Williams’ analysis focused on the fundamental question of whether CAS exercised discretionary control over the funds. After examining contractual agreements and operational practices, the court determined that CAS functioned merely as a financial intermediary without ownership rights. The company was obligated to account to the airlines after reconciliation and could only retain predetermined commissions and charges.
The judgment emphasized that the absence of formal trust account segregation did not alter the funds’ legal character, as evidence demonstrated CAS lacked authority to utilize the money for corporate purposes beyond agreed deductions. Consequently, the court declared the funds were held in trust and must be repaid to both airlines once final amounts are mutually agreed upon or judicially determined.
The ruling establishes a 30-day window for parties to reach agreement on exact sums, during which disputed amounts will remain in a separate account pending judicial resolution if necessary. Notably, the court issued no order regarding costs, acknowledging the liquidator’s appropriate conduct in seeking guidance on this complex matter of commercial law.
-
Antigua and Barbuda U-17s Head to Guatemala for CONCACAF Qualifiers
The national Under-17 football team of Antigua and Barbuda has commenced its journey to Guatemala, marking the beginning of their crucial CONCACAF U-17 Qualifiers tournament. This development was officially confirmed through a statement released by the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA).
The youthful squad, affectionately known as the ‘Benna Boys,’ faces a challenging group stage schedule against formidable regional opponents. Their campaign opens with a high-stakes encounter against the host nation, Guatemala, on February 5th with a 9 p.m. local time kickoff. The team will subsequently confront Haiti in their second group match scheduled for February 7th at 7 p.m., before concluding the preliminary round against Grenada on February 10th with a 6 p.m. start time.
These qualifying matches represent the initial phase within CONCACAF’s structured competitive pathway, serving as the gateway to the prestigious CONCACAF U-17 Championship. Success in this tournament could potentially lead to advancement to higher international competitions, showcasing the region’s emerging football talent on a larger stage. The participation underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s ongoing commitment to developing youth football and competing within the Caribbean and broader North American football community.
-
Seedling Distribution Boosts Backyard Gardening Efforts in Barbuda
Barbuda has witnessed significant community engagement through a recent seedling distribution initiative, forming a crucial component of the ongoing Plant 2Plate Backyard Gardening Competition. This program, designed to bolster household food production and enhance national food security, has generated enthusiastic participation from residents of the sister island.
Ika Fergus, Acting Chief Extension Officer, reported exceptionally strong response from Barbudan residents, noting both impressive turnout and positive energy throughout the agricultural outreach visit. The collaborative effort between the Barbuda Council’s Department of Agriculture and the Extension Division of the Ministry of Agriculture resulted in the distribution of 20 full trays of seedlings to participating households.
The distributed seedlings encompassed a diverse array of crops ideally suited for backyard cultivation and domestic consumption, including watermelon, cucumber, tomato, sweet pepper, and Chinese cabbage. This careful selection provides households with both nutritional variety and practical growing options.
Beyond distribution, the initiative served a dual purpose of comprehensive data collection and verification. Extension officers meticulously updated records on backyard gardens throughout Barbuda, identifying active producers and assessing their production scales. This crucial information enables authorities to quantify the substantial contribution of backyard gardening to the national food supply.
The collected data proves indispensable for accurate food security assessment, particularly in determining how household cultivation supplements Antigua and Barbuda’s overall food provisions. This intelligence allows the Ministry of Agriculture to strategically deploy technical support and advisory services where most needed.
The program’s overarching objectives remain firmly focused on promoting the ‘Grow What You Eat’ philosophy, enhancing the quality of locally grown produce, and diminishing reliance on imported food items. A structured follow-up mechanism has already been established through the Backyard Gardening Committee and Extension Officers, incorporating ongoing crop cycle monitoring to ensure continued support and measurable outcomes from this vital food security initiative.
-
COMMENTARY: Amid CARICOM-Trinidad and Tobago Tension, Leaders Meet
A high-level diplomatic engagement between Caribbean leaders has highlighted deepening fractures within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) over foreign policy alignment with United States interventionist approaches. The January 30 meeting between St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew, current CARICOM Chair, and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar occurred against a backdrop of regional discord regarding appropriate responses to evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Both leaders characterized their discussions as “productive” and “constructive,” marking a significant departure from Persad-Bissessar’s previously critical stance toward CARICOM. The meeting represented a crucial component of Chair Drew’s strategy of direct engagement with regional counterparts ahead of the upcoming Fiftieth Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government, scheduled for February 24-27 in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The core tension stems from Trinidad and Tobago’s notable foreign policy shift toward supporting U.S. military operations in Venezuela, which precipitated the ouster of former President Nicolás Maduro. This position places Port of Spain squarely within a minority camp that downplays concerns about hard power approaches in international relations. This stance fundamentally contradicts CARICOM’s traditional unified opposition to hierarchical international orders and represents one of the most significant foreign policy reversals in Trinidad and Tobago’s post-independence history.
The emerging divide creates two distinct camps within the 14-member bloc. The majority maintains commitment to multilateralism and rules-based international order, while a smaller faction, led by Trinidad and Tobago, appears increasingly willing to accommodate U.S.-led interventionist policies. This division threatens to undermine CARICOM’s collective bargaining power and multilateral influence, particularly concerning small states’ reliance on international norms rather than force for protection.
The upcoming CARICOM summit now faces the critical challenge of addressing these divergent foreign policy approaches while attempting to preserve regional unity. The organization must demonstrate its capacity to formulate a coherent response to geopolitical trends that threaten the international gains member states have achieved since independence. How CARICOM navigates this inflection point will significantly determine its future relevance in an increasingly polarized global landscape where hard power dynamics challenge traditional multilateral approaches.
-
Mother Says Son’s Pet Goat Was Stolen in Bolans
Residents of Bolans are expressing heightened security concerns following a bold daylight livestock theft that occurred on Tuesday afternoon. At approximately 2:00 p.m., an unidentified perpetrator severed the chains and ropes securing a domesticated goat tied to a post, making off with the animal in a brazen act that has left the community unsettled.
The owner, who had properly secured the animal with both chain and rope reinforcements, discovered the theft after returning to find the cut restraints. This incident has reignited discussions about persistent livestock theft problems plaguing certain communities, where animals represent both economic assets and personal property.
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the matter and are appealing to the public for assistance. Community members with any information regarding the incident or the whereabouts of the stolen goat are being encouraged to come forward to aid in the investigation. The theft has prompted discussions about increased neighborhood vigilance and improved security measures for livestock owners in the area.
-
Sir ‘Oungku’ honoured with use of ‘Magician’ by Trinidad Steel Orchestra but calls for proper credit
Sir Clarence Oungku Edwards, founding member of Antigua and Barbuda’s iconic soca ensemble Burning Flames, has formally asserted his authorship of the hit song “Magician (I Command You)” amid its current performance by the Pan Elders Steel Orchestra. The distinguished musician clarified that he alone composed, arranged, produced, and originally performed the track as part of his group’s celebrated catalog.
In a public statement, Sir Clarence appealed to competition organizers and credit committees to properly acknowledge his creative ownership, emphasizing the need for accurate attribution in official documentation. This call for recognition highlights ongoing concerns about artistic rights within the Caribbean music scene.
Despite the authorship dispute, Sir Clarence extended generous praise toward Pan Elders Steel Orchestra for their interpretive performance. He specifically commended the arranger’s musical approach and described the players’ execution as technically impressive, acknowledging the skill involved in adapting the soca classic for steelpan instrumentation.
Expressing confidence in the ensemble’s competitive prospects, the veteran musician predicted a strong showing in upcoming finals based on the quality of both arrangement and performance. His supportive comments reflect a dual perspective—protecting intellectual property while appreciating artistic interpretation.
“Magician” remains one of Burning Flames’ most enduring compositions, maintaining widespread recognition throughout the Eastern Caribbean decades after its release. The situation underscores how soca music continues to influence contemporary steel orchestra repertoires, demonstrating the genre’s lasting impact on Caribbean cultural expression.
-
Ball Breakers Grind Out Thrilling 5–4 Win Over Sharp Shooters To Open Nppa 2026
The 2026 NPPA Elrick “Pat” Beazer 8-Ball Team Tournament commenced with an electrifying showdown as Ball Breakers narrowly defeated Sharpshooters 5–4 in a match characterized by dramatic momentum shifts and exceptional individual performances. The season opener set a high bar for competitive intensity from the very first break. Sharpshooters’ Head Hunter initiated the campaign with a decisive 7-ball victory, though he conceded the subsequent rack before ultimately securing his team’s inaugural point against Ball Breakers’ Prince M. Sharpshooters extended their lead to 2–0 when Rock overcame an initial setback to claim two consecutive racks against Kelly. Ball Breakers’ Killer halted the slide with a methodical 2–0 sweep over Hazel, injecting renewed energy into the contest. The match then witnessed a highlight-reel moment as Jay executed a flawless opening rack, culminating in a spectacular massé shot on the 8-ball. However, Sharpshooters’ Shadi demonstrated remarkable resilience by capturing the next two frames, pushing the team advantage to 3–1. Dennis narrowed the gap for Ball Breakers with a steady 2–0 performance against Desmond. The captains’ duel saw Ball Breakers’ M3 claim the opening rack before Sharpshooters’ vice-captain Joel, dubbed the African Giant, delivered two commanding racks to bring his team to the brink of victory at 4–2. Facing elimination, Ball Breakers mounted a stunning comeback through Maurice’s gritty 2–1 triumph over Jarvis and Chopz’s composed 2–0 win against Patrick, leveling the score at 4–4. The outcome hinged on the final encounter between Blacka and Supa, where Blacka maintained his composure under immense pressure to secure the decisive point, clinching a hard-fought 5–4 victory for Ball Breakers.
-
Dashcam Footage Highlights Dangerous Overtaking on All Saints Road
Recently released dashcam footage has cast a stark spotlight on the perilous driving conditions along All Saints Road, where reckless overtaking maneuvers are creating significant public safety concerns. The video evidence captures multiple instances of vehicles executing dangerous passes, often crossing solid center lines and narrowly avoiding head-on collisions with oncoming traffic.
The footage reveals a pattern of drivers taking extreme risks to overtake slower-moving vehicles, frequently in areas with limited visibility or where such maneuvers are explicitly prohibited by road markings. Traffic safety experts analyzing the recordings note that these actions consistently violate fundamental right-of-way protocols and demonstrate a blatant disregard for established traffic laws.
Local authorities have acknowledged the growing problem, with transportation officials confirming that All Saints Road has emerged as a particular hotspot for aggressive driving incidents. The road’s design—featuring alternating straightaways and curves—appears to encourage some motorists to make ill-advised passing decisions despite inherent dangers.
Community response has been one of heightened concern, with residents reporting numerous near-misses and expressing frustration over what they describe as increasingly brazen driving behavior. The publication of this visual evidence has sparked calls for enhanced traffic enforcement measures, including possible installation of automated monitoring systems and increased police patrols along the problematic corridor.
Transportation safety advocates are using the footage to emphasize the potentially catastrophic consequences of such driving practices, urging both improved infrastructure solutions and public awareness campaigns about the dangers of improper overtaking.
-
Lovell says constituents of All Saints West Are Angry About Lack of Water
A severe water crisis plaguing the All Saints West constituency has been framed as symptomatic of broader national governance failures by United Progressive Party representative Harold Lovell. In a recent radio address, the political caretaker delineated a pattern of systemic neglect characterized by inadequate planning, dismissal of local expertise, and fragmented utility management strategies.
Lovell reported that residents endure highly irregular water access, often limited to mere hours at a time, coupled with concerning quality issues when supply resumes. These chronic shortages persist despite substantial financial allocations and repeated governmental assurances of resolution.
The core of the crisis, according to Lovell, stems from deficient long-term planning and a disjointed approach to water management. He criticized the administration’s predominant focus on expanding desalination capabilities while critically overlooking essential storage and distribution infrastructure. This imbalanced strategy has resulted in costly yet ineffective solutions that fail to address fundamental operational constraints.
A significant concern raised was the systematic marginalization of seasoned local engineers and water specialists possessing invaluable institutional knowledge. Lovell emphasized that these professionals hold intricate understanding of pipeline networks and system dynamics, yet their expertise remains conspicuously absent from policy decisions.
The current approach was described as piecemeal, with new treatment facilities constructed without corresponding upgrades to storage capacity or distribution channels. Notably, previously built storage installations have remained non-operational for extended periods despite persistent supply shortages.
Lovell advocated for developing a comprehensive, expertise-driven water management plan incorporating local knowledge supplemented by international specialists where necessary. He stressed that only through integrated, long-term strategies can sustainable water security be achieved, moving beyond temporary fixes that perpetuate reliability issues.