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标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • ABLP Selects Benjamin for St Mary’s North, Beazer to Contest Barbuda Seat

    ABLP Selects Benjamin for St Mary’s North, Beazer to Contest Barbuda Seat

    In a significant political realignment, the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) has announced dramatic candidate changes for two crucial constituencies. The party has selected physician Dr. Philmore Benjamin to contest the St Mary’s North seat, replacing veteran parliamentarian Sir Molwyn Joseph. Simultaneously, environmental advocate Kendra Beazer has been nominated as the ABLP’s candidate for Barbuda.

    The political reshuffling comes amid mounting speculation about an impending snap general election, with both appointments scheduled for formal ratification at the party’s delegates convention on April 12th. Dr. Benjamin, who defected from the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) last year, currently serves as a medical consultant to community clinics. His selection represents a strategic infusion of professional expertise into the ABLP’s electoral roster.

    Ms. Beazer, a former Barbuda Council member who previously represented the Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM), will now challenge long-serving MP Trevor Walker. This nomination marks a bold attempt to reclaim a seat the ABLP has not held since 2017. The BPM has maintained political dominance in Barbuda, demonstrated by their comprehensive victory in the recent 2025 Barbuda Council elections.

    Political analysts interpret these candidate changes as a calculated repositioning strategy by the ruling party. The selection of both figures—each with cross-party appeal and established community credentials—suggests the ABLP is pursuing a broader coalition-building approach ahead of potential electoral contests. The moves also indicate potential internal restructuring within the party’s leadership hierarchy as it prepares for possible political challenges.

  • ECAB to Close Jolly Harbour ATM from March 26

    ECAB to Close Jolly Harbour ATM from March 26

    In a strategic move impacting local financial services, the Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB) has officially declared the permanent discontinuation of its Automated Teller Machine (ATM) operations at its Jolly Harbour location. This cessation of services is scheduled to take effect from Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

    The decision forms part of the bank’s broader operational review and network optimization strategy. ECAB has indicated that this measure is aimed at enhancing overall service efficiency and reallocating resources to channels with higher customer utilization rates. The bank’s internal analysis of transaction volumes and customer footfall at the Jolly Harbour terminal reportedly influenced the final verdict to decommission the facility.

    Financial patrons who regularly utilized the Jolly Harbour ATM are advised to transition to alternative service points. ECAB has confirmed that its nearest banking facilities, including full-service branches and other ATMs, remain fully operational in the surrounding vicinities. Customers can continue to access cash withdrawal, deposit, and account inquiry services at these locations without interruption.

    Furthermore, the bank emphasizes its commitment to expanding its digital banking portfolio, encouraging clients to adopt online and mobile banking solutions for routine transactions. This shift towards digitalization reflects a wider industry trend, reducing reliance on physical infrastructure while offering customers greater convenience and 24/7 access to their finances.

    ECAB has committed to ensuring a seamless transition for affected customers and has pledged to provide clear signage and customer communication in the lead-up to the closure date to minimize potential inconvenience.

  • LETTER: Is Dr. Philmore Benjamin a good choice to replace Sir Molwyn?

    LETTER: Is Dr. Philmore Benjamin a good choice to replace Sir Molwyn?

    Antigua and Barbuda’s political landscape is witnessing a significant potential transition as speculation intensifies regarding the replacement of long-serving parliamentarian Sir Molwyn Joseph. Multiple sources within the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) indicate that Dr. Philmore Benjamin, a former United Progressive Party candidate who defected during last year’s mass exodus, has emerged as the favored successor for the St. Mary’s North constituency.

    The anticipated move would mark a substantial shift in representation, ending Sir Molwyn Joseph’s lengthy tenure. While other names including Winston Williams have been circulated within party discussions, internal consensus appears to be consolidating around Dr. Benjamin as the heir apparent to the ABLP ticket.

    This potential candidate change occurs against the backdrop of imminent general elections, with political observers suggesting the nation could head to the polls as early as April. The timing raises questions about the strategic calculations behind the possible nomination shift. Sir Molwyn, despite his extensive service and perceived capacity for at least another term, may be making way for a candidate believed to possess stronger electoral appeal in the current political climate.

    The transition reflects broader realignments within Antigua and Barbuda’s political sphere, particularly following the significant movement of politicians from the opposition UPP to the governing ABLP last year. As the constituency prepares for potential representation changes, voters and analysts alike are evaluating whether Dr. Benjamin’s candidacy represents a strategic masterstroke or a premature retirement of experienced leadership.

  • St. Mary’s North Registration Unit relocates

    St. Mary’s North Registration Unit relocates

    ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – In a strategic move to bolster electoral participation, the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) has announced the relocation of its St. Mary’s North Registration Unit to a more accessible community location. The new operational base will be situated on Golden Grove Main Road, within the premises previously occupied by the Christian Faith Academy, adjacent to the Dr. Allister Francis Campus.

    This transition, effective from Monday, March 23rd, 2026, represents a significant enhancement in ABEC’s service delivery framework. The commission’s initiative is designed to streamline voter registration processes and improve constituent engagement by situating essential electoral services directly within the community. The relocation eliminates geographical barriers, offering residents expedited access to a comprehensive suite of electoral services, including new voter registrations, transfer applications, and replacement of expired Voter’s ID Cards.

    ABEC’s operational schedule remains consistent with previous arrangements. Constituents can avail themselves of these services from Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and on Fridays from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. This relocation underscores ABEC’s commitment to fostering democratic participation through improved logistical planning and community-centric service models.

  • Ministry of Health joins with the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre to Recognize World Down Syndrome Day

    Ministry of Health joins with the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre to Recognize World Down Syndrome Day

    The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, in partnership with the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, is leading national observances for World Down Syndrome Day on March 20th. This global recognition spotlights the ongoing efforts to advance public understanding and societal acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome.

    Aligning with this year’s international theme centered on acceptance and inclusion, the Ministry has reinforced its dedication to creating equitable pathways to comprehensive healthcare, educational opportunities, and essential social services. The initiative emphasizes that these rights must be universally accessible, irrespective of an individual’s abilities.

    Public engagement is identified as a cornerstone of this mission. Citizens are encouraged to actively participate in building a more inclusive community by demonstrating solidarity, confronting and dismantling existing stigmas, and honoring the accomplishments of those with Down syndrome.

    In a formal statement, the Ministry expressed profound gratitude to the nation’s healthcare professionals, dedicated caregivers, and relentless advocacy organizations. These groups are acknowledged for their pivotal role in safeguarding the rights and enhancing the quality of life for people with Down syndrome, serving as the backbone of support and progress in this vital area of public health.

  • Antigua Marks International Day of Forests with Focus on Economic Value of Forestry

    Antigua Marks International Day of Forests with Focus on Economic Value of Forestry

    The International Day of Forests, established through a United Nations General Assembly resolution in 2012, achieves global recognition each March 21st. This carefully selected date aligns with the vernal equinox phenomenon, representing seasonal transformation through nearly equal daylight and darkness across both hemispheres. The astronomical event occurs biannually, with the second equinox taking place approximately six months later in September.

    Central to this international observance is the mission to enhance public understanding regarding the multifaceted value of diverse forest ecosystems. The initiative promotes worldwide conservation strategies and sustainable management practices for wooded areas and individual trees alike.

    For the 2026 commemoration, the thematic focus “Forests and Economies” underscores the indispensable economic functions forests perform beyond conventional timber harvesting and renewable resource extraction. These natural systems fundamentally underpin agricultural productivity, strengthen community resilience, protect vital watershed infrastructure, and harbor immense biodiversity including potential pharmaceutical resources. The economic contributions extend far beyond direct employment and revenue generation, encompassing countless ecosystem services that form the foundation of sustainable development.

    In recognition of this year’s theme, the Ministry of Agriculture’s Forestry Division has scheduled official ceremonies for Monday, March 23rd, with primary activities concentrated in the Body Pond’s Area. This coordinated celebration highlights the intersection of environmental conservation and economic policy, emphasizing how forest preservation directly correlates with national prosperity.

  • Harold Christopher Carter, Last of the 39ers, Laid to Rest

    Harold Christopher Carter, Last of the 39ers, Laid to Rest

    Antigua and Barbuda paid solemn tribute to Harold Christopher Carter MH, the final surviving member of the pioneering ’39ers’ labor movement, during an Official Funeral and Thanksgiving Service at St Andrew’s Anglican Church on March 19, 2026. Carter, who passed away on December 26, 2025, was celebrated as a foundational figure in the nation’s workers’ rights history.

    The 39ers, comprising both men and women, established the Antigua Trades and Labour Union—the territory’s first organized labor movement. Carter’s activism came at significant personal risk: in 1951, he was among thirteen activists arrested for leading protests against the brutal plantocracy system that dominated the islands’ socioeconomic structure.

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who had previously honored Carter in January 2020, recognized his enduring legacy: “You represent the struggle and sacrifices made for the progress and development that Antigua & Barbuda enjoys today.”

    The ceremony drew the nation’s highest leadership, including Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, Prime Minister Browne, Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant, multiple government ministers, Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers, newly elected MP Randy Baltimore, and Senator Johnathan Joseph, demonstrating cross-governmental respect for Carter’s historical significance.

  • Social Security Board Sponsors 20th Gillian Brazier Basketball Tournament

    Social Security Board Sponsors 20th Gillian Brazier Basketball Tournament

    In a significant boost for women’s athletics, the Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board (ABSSB) has reinforced its dedication to youth development by sponsoring the landmark 20th edition of the Gillian Brazier Basketball Tournament. The official sponsorship presentation occurred on March 18, 2026, at the YMCA Sports Complex, where ABSSB’s Corporate Relations Manager, Ms. Nicola Christian, formally presented the financial contribution to Jodaliah Constant, captain of the Mystics team, representing the CPTSA Wings Sports Club.

    Esteemed as a premier platform for female athletic excellence in the Caribbean, the Gillian Brazier Tournament has spent two decades fostering talent, discipline, and competitive spirit among young women. The ABSSB’s investment underscores a strategic commitment to maintaining the event’s status as a top-tier regional basketball showcase, directly aligning with broader national goals concerning youth empowerment and community health.

    Mr. Lucaso Brumant, President of the CPTSA Wings Sports Club, along with team members, publicly acknowledged the profound impact of ABSSB’s sustained partnership, which now spans twenty years. This collaboration is celebrated not merely as sponsorship but as a vital investment in the nation’s future, cultivating health, stability, and ambition among the next generation.

    The upcoming tournament is scheduled to run from March 30 to April 4, 2026, with nightly games commencing at 6 p.m. at the JSC Sports Complex. The public is enthusiastically encouraged to attend and support the athletes, marking two decades of this empowering sporting tradition.

  • Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Telbert Benjamin Celebrates Six Years of Leadership in the ABDF

    Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Telbert Benjamin Celebrates Six Years of Leadership in the ABDF

    The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) commemorates a notable leadership milestone this year as Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Telbert Benjamin completes six years at the helm of the nation’s military establishment. Appointed to his commanding role in 2020, Brigadier Benjamin has orchestrated a comprehensive enhancement of the force’s operational capabilities, structural discipline, and strategic regional positioning.

    Throughout his tenure, Brigadier Benjamin has championed significant modernization initiatives and advanced training protocols, ensuring both officers and enlisted personnel remain prepared for contemporary security challenges. His leadership philosophy extends beyond conventional military duties, emphasizing robust community engagement through humanitarian projects and national development programs.

    The ABDF has substantially expanded its operational scope under Benjamin’s command, now playing an integral role in national security architecture, disaster management response, and regional cooperation frameworks. The force has repeatedly demonstrated its critical support to civil authorities during natural disasters and public emergencies, highlighting the evolving nature of military service in national safeguarding.

    This six-year leadership journey reflects Brigadier Benjamin’s unwavering dedication to service excellence and his strategic vision for a progressive, collaborative military institution. His continued emphasis on regional partnerships, force development, and uncompromising professional standards has solidified the ABDF’s reputation as a vital national asset and regional security contributor.

  • Consultant warns Industrial Court ruling on job abandonment could undermine worker protections

    Consultant warns Industrial Court ruling on job abandonment could undermine worker protections

    A landmark Industrial Court decision in Antigua and Barbuda has sparked significant controversy within labor relations circles. The ruling, which found that Carlisle Bay Resort chef Akeele Thomas had abandoned his position rather than being unfairly dismissed, is facing rigorous scrutiny from human resources experts who warn it could establish dangerous precedents for worker protections nationwide.

    In a formal communication dated March 19, 2026, Javonson Willock, Managing Director of ConsultHIM and a specialist in industrial relations, urgently called upon the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union to consider appealing the Court’s February 6 verdict. The case centered on Thomas, who had taken certified sick leave for several months ending in March 2020 but subsequently failed to return to work or maintain adequate communication with his employer.

    The Court determined that removal from the work roster did not constitute dismissal and placed the evidentiary burden entirely on Thomas to prove termination had occurred. With no formal dismissal documentation presented, the Court concluded the chef’s extended absence and lack of communication objectively demonstrated job abandonment.

    Willock challenges this interpretation, arguing the judgment disproportionately favors employers while neglecting their fundamental responsibilities in managing employment relationships. He contends that established industrial relations practice obligates employers to roster employees and notify them of return-to-work schedules following medical leave, rather than requiring workers to initiate contact to determine their status.

    The consultant further criticized the Court’s narrow definition of dismissal, noting that termination can occur through conduct beyond formal notice. Willock warned that allowing employers to cease scheduling employees without communication could effectively create a state of professional limbo that amounts to de facto dismissal while avoiding legal liability.

    Particular concern was raised regarding the Court’s refusal to fully consider constructive dismissal arguments, which Willock characterized as prioritizing procedural technicalities over substantive fairness. He cautioned that if upheld, this approach could enable employers to circumvent worker protections by simply stopping scheduling without formal termination, then subsequently claiming abandonment.

    The ruling leaves unresolved critical questions regarding employer obligations following extended sick leave and may prompt broader examination from labor advocates and legal professionals concerned about potential erosion of worker rights in Antigua and Barbuda.