Carib Scope

标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Trinidadian Fugitive Handed Over; Four Jamaicans Ordered Removed for Overstaying

    Trinidadian Fugitive Handed Over; Four Jamaicans Ordered Removed for Overstaying

    In a significant demonstration of strengthened immigration enforcement, Antiguan authorities have executed two separate operations resulting in the extradition of a wanted fugitive and the impending deportation of four Jamaican nationals for visa violations.

    The Trinidadian national, identified as 39-year-old Cornelius Thomas, was apprehended during a coordinated joint task force operation on Saturday evening. Thomas, who held the position of assistant manager at the Boardroom nightclub on Nevis Street, was subsequently transferred to officials from Trinidad and Tobago where he faces serious criminal allegations in an ongoing investigation.

    In a parallel development, the St. John’s Magistrates Court presided over by Senior Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel issued removal orders against four Jamaican citizens who confessed to violating their entry permits. The individuals facing deportation include Marcel Parker, 34, an independent contractor residing in Perry Bay; Kizzy Johnson, 36, a beauty professional from St. John’s Street; Javon Keroy Watson, 28, a carpenter from Bendals; and Luckicy Andra McDermott, 34, a barber living in Yorks Village.

    All five individuals are currently detained at the Immigration Detention Facility pending their scheduled departures later this week. Government officials emphasized that these actions reflect the nation’s renewed commitment to reinforcing border security measures and ensuring strict compliance with immigration regulations.

    The coordinated operations signal Antigua and Barbuda’s determined approach to addressing both criminal elements seeking refuge within its borders and immigration violations that compromise the integrity of the nation’s entry systems. These measures align with broader regional security initiatives aimed at combating transnational crime while maintaining orderly immigration processes.

  • UPP Skips V.C. Bird Day, Honours All National Heroes

    UPP Skips V.C. Bird Day, Honours All National Heroes

    For a consecutive year, the United Progressive Party (UPP) has deliberately abstained from participating in the official V.C. Bird Day celebrations organized by the government. In a clear demonstration of political dissent, the principal opposition faction opted to conduct its own separate commemoration at an alternative venue, distinctly distanced from the state-sanctioned ceremony. This calculated absence underscores a deepening rift within the nation’s political landscape, transforming a day intended for national unity into a platform for showcasing partisan divisions. The move signals a persistent strategy of challenging the incumbent administration’s authority and narrative control over national symbols and historical events. Political analysts interpret this repeated boycott as more than mere protest; it represents a fundamental disagreement with the government’s policies and governance style. The party’s decision to host a parallel event further establishes a competing forum for political discourse, potentially reshaping how citizens engage with national heritage and official narratives. This development reflects broader tensions that characterize the current political climate, where traditional ceremonies become battlegrounds for ideological influence and public support.

  • Four Cruise Ships Bring Thousands to St. John’s, Fueling One of Season’s Busiest Tourism Days

    Four Cruise Ships Bring Thousands to St. John’s, Fueling One of Season’s Busiest Tourism Days

    The port of St. John’s, Antigua, transformed into a major hub of economic activity this Tuesday, experiencing one of its peak tourism days of the season. The simultaneous docking of four international cruise vessels—Marella Explorer, AIDAsol, Celebrity Eclipse, and the colossal Norwegian Epic—flooded the capital with thousands of international visitors, creating a significant windfall for the local economy.

    The morning commenced with the arrival of the first three ships, whose passengers swiftly dispersed from the waterfront to explore the city’s retail offerings, pristine beaches, and cultural landmarks. The spectacle intensified with the late morning entrance of the Norwegian Epic, whose imposing structure became a defining feature of the harbor skyline, contributing a substantial additional contingent of tourists.

    According to statements from Antigua Cruise Port, the collective influx provided a powerful boost to a wide spectrum of local businesses. Taxi operators, guided tour agencies, artisan craft vendors, restaurants, and excursion providers across the city and its periphery reported exceptionally robust demand and sustained customer traffic throughout the day.

    From the bustling Heritage Quay deep into the city center, merchants enjoyed a steady stream of visitors. Tourists engaged in curated excursions, purchased authentic local products, and indulged in the island’s distinctive culinary offerings, directly injecting capital into the community.

    Port officials highlighted the event as a clear testament to the critical role the cruise industry plays within the economic framework of Antigua and Barbuda. With the crucial winter tourism season gaining momentum, authorities anticipate a series of similar high-capacity days, which are essential for sustaining hundreds of jobs and livelihoods dependent on the sector.

  • Government Trained 222 Caregivers in Two Years, Turner Says — But Country Still Needs 200 More

    Government Trained 222 Caregivers in Two Years, Turner Says — But Country Still Needs 200 More

    Antigua and Barbuda’s Social Transformation Ministry has successfully trained 222 professional caregivers over the past two years while confronting a persistent shortage in elder-care services, Minister Rawdon Turner revealed during Monday’s parliamentary Budget Debate. Despite this significant workforce development achievement, the nation requires at least 200 additional trained caregivers to adequately address its escalating elderly and disabled care needs.

    The minister detailed how program graduates have begun filling critical vacancies across the care sector, with many employed in private home care settings while others have qualified for ward-assistant positions at medical facilities due to their comprehensive training standards. Turner specifically credited Program Director Charles and Nurse Pascal for maintaining the initiative’s instructional quality and overall success.

    However, Minister Turner cautioned that demographic pressures continue to outpace training capabilities, with 54 individuals currently undergoing instruction in the latest cohort. He emphasized that expanding waitlists and a growing elderly population necessitate urgent action, indicating that sustained discussions with program leadership confirm the need for 200 additional caregivers even if current training trends continue.

    The ministry remains committed to workforce development but simultaneously appealed to families to maintain active involvement in caring for their relatives, highlighting the complementary roles of institutional training and family support in addressing the national care deficit.

  • Cost of Living ‘Too High’ — Lewis Says Families Can’t Make It to Month-End

    Cost of Living ‘Too High’ — Lewis Says Families Can’t Make It to Month-End

    During Monday’s parliamentary Budget Debate, Opposition MP Richard Lewis delivered a compelling testimony on the severe economic pressures facing households across Antigua and Barbuda. The Rural West representative presented a sobering assessment of how escalating living costs are crippling family finances, with many residents exhausting their salaries well before month-end.

    Lewis articulated that even traditionally stable income earners are experiencing unprecedented financial strain, particularly evident in routine supermarket visits where purchasing power has dramatically diminished. “The disconnect between expected and actual grocery purchases has become a weekly reality shock for thousands,” he stated, emphasizing that standard shopping budgets of $100-$200 now yield significantly fewer essentials.

    With December’s expenses looming, the MP revealed that numerous constituents have already depleted most of their monthly resources, creating widespread anxiety about surviving until the next pay period. This financial vulnerability persists despite government reports highlighting macroeconomic growth and positive budget indicators.

    Lewis challenged the administration’s economic narrative, arguing that statistical improvements “mean very little” to families grappling with soaring food prices, utility bills, and essential household expenses. He emphasized that citizens remain focused on fundamental “bread and butter issues” rather than abstract economic metrics.

    The opposition figure directly connected the current crisis to fiscal policies implemented over the past decade, asserting that cumulative tax measures, increased levies, and additional fees have systematically eroded purchasing power and intensified budget pressures. Lewis concluded with an urgent appeal for the government to adopt a more “people-centred” approach that acknowledges and addresses the stark contrast between official economic reports and the daily realities experienced by ordinary citizens.

  • Lewis Rejects Government’s Full-Employment Claim, Calls Job Numbers ‘Misleading’

    Lewis Rejects Government’s Full-Employment Claim, Calls Job Numbers ‘Misleading’

    During Monday’s parliamentary budget session, Opposition Member of Parliament Richard Lewis launched a substantive critique against the government’s employment statistics, characterizing official job figures as fundamentally unverifiable and potentially misleading. The contentious exchange emerged as lawmakers debated the administration’s economic performance claims.

    Lewis directly contested the Prime Minister’s declaration that national unemployment had dropped below the five percent threshold, asserting that without current labor-force survey data, any precise unemployment rate calculation remains speculative. The parliamentarian highlighted that the most recent comprehensive Labor Force Survey dates back to 2018, with its findings published in 2020, creating a significant informational gap in workforce assessment.

    The opposition’s critique centered on methodological concerns regarding the government’s dependence on Social Security records to estimate employment levels. Lewis maintained that this approach potentially distorts economic realities and fails to capture the genuine employment landscape across Antigua and Barbuda.

    Finance Ministry officials had presented budget documentation indicating active employment had risen from 43,000 positions in 2014 to approximately 54,000 in 2025—figures the administration characterized as representing near-full employment conditions. Lewis dismissed these conclusions as premature and statistically unsupported without current labor force measurements.

    The Rural West representative framed his objections within broader concerns about economic reporting transparency, emphasizing that employment statistics must align with observable ground-level realities rather than theoretical projections derived from incomplete datasets. Lewis formally urged the administration to commission an updated labor-force survey to establish evidence-based policymaking foundations.

  • Experts Warn of Rising Cyberbullying and Grooming at Digital Violence Panel

    Experts Warn of Rising Cyberbullying and Grooming at Digital Violence Panel

    Antigua and Barbuda took a significant stride in addressing digital gender-based violence with a high-level panel discussion organized by the Directorate of Gender Affairs and UN Women. The event, a cornerstone of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign, convened experts to formulate strategies against online abuse targeting women and girls.

    Held at Siboney Beach Hotel, the forum featured opening remarks from Ms. Sara Stuart, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, who emphasized the urgency of collective action. Mrs. Chaneil Imhoff moderated the session, steering conversations toward practical solutions.

    The multidisciplinary panel included legal, cybersecurity, and advocacy experts: Ms. Alexandrina Wong (President, Woman Against Rape), Ms. Octavia Nicholas (Author and Advocate), Officer Renika Isaac Chandler (Criminal Investigation Department), Mrs. Gordina Hector-Murrell (Director, Cyber Security Unit), Mrs. Arnelle Michael Brann (Attorney at Law), and Mr. Lyle Jackson (HRIS Officer, Antigua Public Utilities Authority).

    Key discussions highlighted alarming trends in cyberbullying and online grooming of minors. Panelists stressed the critical need for comprehensive digital literacy programs educating youth on safe online practices, including responsible social media use, password security, and ethical digital behavior. A consensus emerged on the importance of reporting mechanisms and avoiding dissemination of inappropriate content.

    Notably, participants advocated for increased male involvement in gender-based violence dialogues to foster broader societal awareness and allyship. The event concluded with a reinforced commitment to unified action against digital violence, utilizing hashtags #EndDigitalViolence and #16DaysOfActivism to amplify their message globally.

  • PM Says UWI Five Islands Will Become ‘Easily the Best in the Caribbean’ after $200M Expansion

    PM Says UWI Five Islands Will Become ‘Easily the Best in the Caribbean’ after $200M Expansion

    In a landmark announcement during the VC Bird Day ceremony, Prime Minister Gaston Browne unveiled ambitious plans to transform the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus into what he described as “easily the best in the Caribbean” through a comprehensive $200 million expansion initiative. The substantial investment, scheduled to commence next year, represents a strategic commitment to positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a regional hub for academic excellence and innovation.

    Browne articulated the government’s vision for educational transformation, emphasizing that learning serves as “an engine of growth” crucial for national development. “Education stands as one of the foundational pillars of our progress, a driving force behind our expansion, and we remain dedicated to advancing every facet of our educational system,” he stated before an attentive audience.

    The expansion project aims to significantly enhance access to tertiary education while strengthening the nation’s human capital capabilities. Browne emphasized the government’s determination to equip citizens with globally competitive skills, asserting, “We are committed to ensuring our citizens can stand shoulder to shoulder with any international counterparts and compete effectively with the world’s best talent.”

    This substantial financial commitment forms part of a broader national agenda focused on leveraging education as a strategic tool for economic advancement, technological innovation, and social mobility. The Prime Minister reiterated his administration’s dedication to continuous heavy investment in educational infrastructure as an essential component of the country’s nation-building objectives.

  • National Archives Among Public Buildings Scheduled for Major Renovations Under 2026 Works Plan

    National Archives Among Public Buildings Scheduled for Major Renovations Under 2026 Works Plan

    In a significant address during the Budget Debate, Works Minister Maria Bird-Browne unveiled an ambitious building rehabilitation strategy targeting improved air quality and structural integrity across government facilities. The comprehensive plan, scheduled for implementation through 2026, addresses critical issues stemming from moisture intrusion and leaking roofs that have compromised indoor environmental conditions in multiple public buildings.

    Minister Bird-Browne revealed that inter-ministerial collaboration between Works, Health, and Environment departments identified roof leaks as the primary culprit behind mold proliferation and poor air quality that disrupted operations in several ministries. This discovery came after thorough inspections confirmed the direct correlation between structural deficiencies and deteriorating working conditions.

    The ministry’s technical team initially experimented with specialized sealants before identifying a more effective compound that is currently being deployed across government facilities. This strategic shift has already yielded tangible results, with successful roof-sealing completions at several high-profile structures including the Parliament Building, High Court Building, Prime Minister’s Office, and the Ministry of Tourism – all previously plagued by significant leakage issues.

    The 2026 expansion plan will prioritize the National Archives alongside continued upgrades at medical clinics and healthcare facilities nationwide. This phased approach demonstrates the government’s commitment to both preserving historical documents and ensuring health service continuity.

    Beyond immediate repairs, the ministry aims to address longstanding maintenance backlogs while establishing healthier work environments for public servants. This building rehabilitation initiative forms part of a broader infrastructure modernization agenda that incorporates road improvements, enhanced drainage systems, and climate-resilient construction standards designed to withstand increasingly extreme weather patterns.

  • New measures expected to improve the timeliness of payments to building and road contractors

    New measures expected to improve the timeliness of payments to building and road contractors

    In a significant move to address chronic payment delays in the construction sector, Works Minister Maria Bird-Browne has announced comprehensive reforms following intensive consultations with building and road contractors. The government’s new measures target two critical pain points: delayed compensation for completed work and challenges importing specialized equipment.

    The breakthrough came during what Minister Bird-Browne characterized as a pivotal sector-wide meeting that brought long-standing operational issues into sharp focus. Contractors had identified cash flow interruptions and equipment accessibility as primary constraints affecting project timelines and quality.

    In response, the administration has established a streamlined payment system designed to maintain current financial obligations to contractors, significantly reducing the gap between work completion and compensation. Simultaneously, the Cabinet has approved expedited importation protocols for essential tools and machinery required by local construction firms.

    Minister Bird-Browne emphasized that these structural changes aim to strengthen partnerships between contractors and the Ministry of Works, mitigate project delays caused by financial constraints, and enhance overall execution of government infrastructure initiatives.

    The reforms form part of a broader strategy to position 2026 as a landmark year for infrastructure development. The government anticipates improved collaboration between contractors, the Works Ministry, and broader governmental agencies, creating stronger alignment on national development goals.

    This new approach is projected to increase operational efficiency, bolster local contracting capacity, and accelerate planned upgrades across the nation’s infrastructure landscape. The comprehensive 2026 agenda encompasses road rehabilitation, drainage system enhancements, public building repairs, and climate resilience improvements—all expected to benefit from these operational reforms.