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标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Young Senator Thanks His ‘Political Mother’ D. Gisele Isaac for mentorship

    Young Senator Thanks His ‘Political Mother’ D. Gisele Isaac for mentorship

    A rising star in the national legislative landscape has opened up about the transformative impact of a veteran political figure who guided his early steps in public service, calling her his ‘political mother’ in a heartfelt public acknowledgment. The first-term senator, who won his seat on a platform of generational change and community-centered policy, recently spoke at a local civic event where he took the opportunity to highlight the critical role D. Gisele Isaac played in his political emergence.

    Long before the young lawmaker launched his first campaign for city council, Isaac, a decades-long public servant with deep roots in grassroots organizing and legislative advocacy, took him under her wing. She taught him the nuances of constituent outreach, walked him through the process of drafting legislation, and instilled in him a core commitment to ethical governance that he says still defines his work today. For many in local political circles, the mentorship pairing has been an open secret, one that bridges the gap between established institutional knowledge and the new wave of political leadership pushing for systemic reform.

    In his remarks, the senator recounted early mornings spent reviewing policy proposals at Isaac’s kitchen table and late-night phone calls asking for advice when he faced his first tough electoral battles. He emphasized that mentorship in politics is far too often overlooked, noting that leaders who make space for rising talent are the ones who build sustainable, responsive political movements. “I would not be standing here today without Gisele’s patience, her honesty, and her willingness to lift up a young person who wanted to make a difference,” the senator said. “She didn’t just give me a chance—she taught me how to lead with empathy, something no textbook or campaign workshop can ever fully teach you.”

    Isaac, who has largely stepped back from frontline politics in recent years to focus on cultivating new leadership, attended the event and responded to the tribute with warm remarks of her own. She praised the senator’s commitment to his constituents and said that investing in the next generation of public servants is the most enduring legacy any political leader can leave. The tribute has resonated across political circles, sparking wider conversations about the importance of intergenerational mentorship in building more inclusive and effective governance, as more young people enter politics seeking to address long-unresolved challenges facing the country.

  • Governor General Extends Condolences to Venezuela Following Deadly Earthquakes

    Governor General Extends Condolences to Venezuela Following Deadly Earthquakes

    In the wake of destructive earthquakes that left a trail of death, injury and massive infrastructural damage across Venezuela, the highest-ranking representative of Antigua and Barbuda has formally offered the nation’s deepest sympathies to the affected South American country.

    Governor General Sir Rodney Williams communicated Antigua and Barbuda’s collective grief through an official letter dated June 25, addressed to Carmen Velásquez de Visbal, Venezuela’s incumbent ambassador to the twin-island nation. In the correspondence, Sir Rodney instructed that the message of condolence also be passed to Venezuelan Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, the entire Venezuelan cabinet and the broader Venezuelan public.

    “It is with profound sadness that we learned of the devastating earthquakes which have struck the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, resulting in the tragic loss of life, numerous injuries and widespread destruction,” Sir Rodney wrote in the formal statement.

    The Governor General directed a special message of condolence to families who had lost relatives and close ones in the seismic events, adding sincere wishes that every person injured in the quakes would regain full health quickly and without complication. “Our thoughts and prayers are especially with the families who have lost loved ones. We also extend our sincere wishes for the swift and full recovery of all those who have been injured, and for strength and comfort to everyone affected by this tragedy,” he emphasized.

    Beyond expressing sympathy, Sir Rodney used the letter to publicly reaffirm that Antigua and Barbuda stands firmly behind Venezuela as it begins the long, challenging process of recovery and reconstruction. “The people of Antigua and Barbuda stand in solidarity with the people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela during this difficult time,” he noted. “Please assure Her Excellency the President that we stand ready to support Venezuela in whatever way we can as the nation undertakes the difficult task of recovery and rebuilding.”

    The official correspondence closed with renewed formal assurances of Antigua and Barbuda’s highest respect and unwavering solidarity, as Venezuela enters a period of national mourning for the lives lost to the disaster.

  • Four Elite Island Resorts Chefs Earn Prestigious American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef Designation

    Four Elite Island Resorts Chefs Earn Prestigious American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef Designation

    Four culinary professionals from Elite Island Resorts, a leading hospitality brand across Antigua & Barbuda, have achieved one of the most respected credentials in the global food service industry: the Certified Executive Chef (CEC) designation from the American Culinary Federation (ACF). The milestone is being formally celebrated by the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) as a major win for the destination’s burgeoning culinary and tourism sectors.

    The newly certified culinary leaders are Dwaney Roberts, Executive Chef at Pineapple Beach Club; Paul Lawrence, Executive Chef at The Verandah Antigua; James Hibbert, Executive Chef at St. James’s Club Antigua; and Caden Dobson, Executive Sous Chef at St. James’s Club Antigua. Widely regarded as one of the highest professional honors in global culinary arts, the CEC credential is only awarded to candidates who pass a rigorous battery of both practical and theoretical assessments. These evaluations test mastery of advanced cooking techniques, food safety protocols, nutritional science, food service cost control, kitchen operations management, team leadership, and overall operational excellence.

    For each of the four chefs, the achievement caps years of intentional skill-building and unwavering commitment to culinary excellence, with personal journeys rooted in early passion for the craft. Roberts, who has built a 20-plus-year career with Elite Island Resorts, calls the CEC designation the pinnacle of his professional life. “The certification process was both demanding and rewarding, requiring practical and theoretical assessment. Successfully completing it is a testament to my commitment to continuous learning and excellence in the culinary profession,” he said. As Roberts prepares to join a culinary exchange program in St. Lucia, the achievement has boosted his confidence to represent his resort, his employer, and Antigua & Barbuda on an international stage, he added, crediting Elite Island Resorts for investing heavily in his career growth from entry-level to executive chef.

    Lawrence echoed that sentiment, noting that the certification journey pushed him to grow both personally and professionally. “Becoming a Certified Executive Chef wasn’t simply about earning a title, it was about proving to myself that I could meet one of the highest professional standards in the culinary industry,” he explained. The process required months of disciplined preparation, demonstrating technical mastery in the kitchen and deep knowledge of management, nutrition, safety, and leadership. Lawrence emphasized that the milestone reinforces his responsibility to mentor young local chefs and uphold the highest standards for guests, adding that he hopes his achievement inspires other emerging culinary professionals in Antigua & Barbuda to pursue globally recognized credentials. “Excellence is achieved through dedication, continuous learning, and an unwavering passion for the craft,” he said.

    For Hibbert, the CC credential honors a 26-year culinary career that began with learning to cook alongside his grandmother as a child. After studying food and nutrition and honing his skills in a range of kitchen environments, he worked his way up from a line cook role he took in 2000 to his first senior executive position in 2020. “Earning my Executive Chef certification from the American Culinary Federation is a proud milestone that honours my years of consistent focus. I am incredibly thankful to my current employer for actively investing in my career progression,” Hibbert said.

    Dobson’s journey also started in family: he grew up helping his mother in her small restaurant, where he discovered his love of cooking before pursuing formal training at Jamaica’s HEART Trust/NTA. After gaining experience in one of Jamaica’s top luxury hotels, he joined Elite Island Resorts, where he refined his skills in international hospitality and leadership. “Earning my Certified Executive Chef credential from the American Culinary Federation represents the pinnacle of my dedication, continuous growth, and unwavering commitment to culinary excellence,” Dobson said, noting the achievement will drive him to keep innovating and mentor emerging culinary talent.

    Sanjay Ambrose, Managing Director of Elite Island Resorts, congratulated the four chefs on their historic achievement. “We are incredibly proud of these four extraordinary chefs for reaching this pinnacle of professional excellence. Their dedication to mastering their craft reflects the exact standard of culinary quality we strive to deliver to our resort guests every day,” Ambrose said. He added that the milestone underscores the company’s core commitment to investing in local talent development and elevating guest culinary experiences across all of its Caribbean properties. The four new CECs now join an elite global network of fewer than 2,000 certified executive chefs worldwide.

    The certification milestone does more than recognize individual achievement: it significantly strengthens Antigua and Barbuda’s overall culinary profile by expanding the pool of internationally certified executive chefs working in the country’s $2.6 billion tourism industry, which is the backbone of the nation’s economy. ABHTA notes that the chefs’ success highlights the exceptional quality of local Caribbean culinary talent while reinforcing the value of ongoing professional development and mentorship in the hospitality sector. The industry association has formally congratulated the four chefs on their accomplishment and their contribution to advancing culinary excellence across Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector.

  • Rotaract Club of Antigua Thanks Supporters as 2025-26 Rotary Year Ends

    Rotaract Club of Antigua Thanks Supporters as 2025-26 Rotary Year Ends

    As the 2025-26 Rotary international service year draws to a close, the Rotaract Club of Antigua is publicly acknowledging the critical role that its wide network of sponsors, partners, presenters, individual supporters and friends have played in advancing its work across the island. In an official end-of-year statement, the youth-led service organization emphasized that every form of support it received over the past 12 months — from financial sponsorships and in-kind donations to collaborative partnerships, venue access, shared professional expertise, active participation and simple words of encouragement — laid the groundwork for a full slate of successful initiatives.

    Operating under the 2025-26 Rotary theme “Service Beyond Borders: Unite. Inspire. Lead.”, the Antigua club structured its programming around eight core priority areas: expanding grassroots community service, creating professional development pathways for young people, fostering member fellowship, growing its membership base, raising public awareness around critical health topics, increasing youth engagement in civic action, and running strategic fundraising campaigns to sustain future projects. The collective backing from external stakeholders allowed the organization to scale these efforts far beyond what it could have achieved independently, turning planned small-scale projects into impactful programs that reached more community members.

    Club President Martina Lewis delivered the formal message of gratitude on behalf of the 2025-26 Board of Directors and the club’s entire membership, noting that external partnerships were not just helpful but foundational to advancing the organization’s core mission of service and youth empowerment. Looking ahead to the upcoming Rotary year, the Rotaract Club of Antigua says it is eager to deepen its connections with existing supporters, build new collaborative relationships with cross-sector stakeholders, and continue delivering work that creates long-lasting positive change for communities across Antigua.

  • Antiguans urged to be on the look out for wanted man from St. Kitts

    Antiguans urged to be on the look out for wanted man from St. Kitts

    Law enforcement agencies in the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis have issued an official public wanted notice for 44-year-old Rohan Mullings, a resident of Pond’s Pasture on the island of St Kitts. The bulletin was released as part of an active criminal investigation that is currently ongoing in the country.

    According to credible information from well-placed sources within regional law enforcement, Mullings is believed to have crossed the Caribbean border and is currently residing in the neighboring island nation of Antigua and Barbuda. Local police have issued a clear public warning: any member of the general public who encounters Mullings or recognizes him from the bulletin should not attempt to confront or apprehend him, as he is considered a potentially dangerous person of interest in the case.

    Instead of taking matters into their own hands, authorities are urging anyone with relevant information on Mullings’ current location to share what they know with the appropriate law enforcement entities. Possible reporting channels include the Criminal Investigations Department of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, the regional Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477), or any staff at the closest local police station.

    To encourage more people to come forward with accurate information without fear of retaliation, law enforcement officials have confirmed that every tip provided will be handled with the strictest possible confidentiality. This policy is designed to protect the identity of witnesses and help advance the ongoing investigation into Mullings’ alleged criminal activity.

  • Jumby Bay Orders Swift Removal of Seaweed Following Environmental Complaints

    Jumby Bay Orders Swift Removal of Seaweed Following Environmental Complaints

    A popular resort on Antigua has moved quickly to address community anger over improper seaweed disposal, announcing immediate action to clear the illegally dumped material near the town of Parham. Jumby Bay Resort confirmed that it has issued a direct order to its contracted work team to remove the seaweed, a response triggered by widespread concerns from local residents about the environmental and public health impacts of the unregulated dumping. In an official public statement released this week, executive leadership at the resort said the issue was raised in a formal consultation with Rawdon Turner, Antigua’s Minister of Social and Urban Transformation, during a meeting held Tuesday morning. Resort management emphasized that it moved without hesitation as soon as internal leaders became aware of the inappropriate disposal, noting that the contractor responsible for the seaweed transport and placement has been explicitly told to complete the full cleanup without any delay. Beyond the immediate cleanup order, the resort announced that new, stricter monitoring protocols will be put in place going forward to ensure all future operations align fully with Antigua’s national environmental protection standards. In a gesture of accountability, Jumby Bay’s team also formally validated the concerns raised by nearby residents, reaffirming its long-standing pledge to preserve Antigua’s natural coastal ecosystems and nurture collaborative, positive relationships with all neighboring local communities. The resort’s statement comes on the heels of growing public pushback over the dumping, which had spurred widespread community calls not just for removal of the existing seaweed pile, but for tighter regulatory oversight of coastal waste disposal across the island. Sargassum seaweed influxes have become an increasingly common challenge for Caribbean coastal communities in recent years, with improper disposal creating risks of water contamination, foul odors, and harm to local marine habitats when not managed according to official guidelines.

  • Prime Minister Browne Sets the Record Straight on Alfa Nero — U.S. Appeals Court Already Ruled in Antigua’s Favour

    Prime Minister Browne Sets the Record Straight on Alfa Nero — U.S. Appeals Court Already Ruled in Antigua’s Favour

    In a recent public address aimed at ending ongoing speculation around the high-profile Alfa Nero superyacht dispute, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has moved to set the record straight, confirming that a U.S. federal appeals court has already issued a ruling that upholds Antigua and Barbuda’s legal position in the case.

    The Alfa Nero, a 269-foot luxury superyacht linked to sanctioned Russian oligarch Andrey Guryev, has been at the center of a tangled international legal battle since Antigua and Barbuda seized the vessel in 2022 and later auctioned it off to a private buyer to recoup unpaid docking and maintenance fees. The auction process drew international attention, and conflicting claims about the legal status of the sale and ownership of the yacht have circulated in global media in recent weeks, creating uncertainty around the outcome of the dispute.

    Addressing these lingering ambiguities, Browne emphasized that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit has formally rejected the challenges brought against Antigua and Barbuda’s actions, handing the Caribbean nation a clear legal victory. The prime minister noted that the ruling reinforces the legitimacy of the seizure and auction process that Antigua and Barbuda pursued after the yacht’s owner abandoned the vessel at the country’s Falmouth Harbor, leaving local authorities to cover hundreds of thousands of dollars in ongoing upkeep costs.

    Browne also pushed back against misinformation that has circulated about the case, stressing that the country followed all appropriate international legal protocols throughout the process. The ruling from the U.S. appeals court, he explained, removes a major layer of legal uncertainty for both the government of Antigua and Barbuda and the new private owner of the superyacht, closing one of the most contentious chapters in the recent international legal battle over assets linked to sanctioned Russian individuals.

  • Senator Malaka Parker Calls for Comprehensive Reform of Search Warrant Laws to Strengthen Justice, Accountability and Public Confidence

    Senator Malaka Parker Calls for Comprehensive Reform of Search Warrant Laws to Strengthen Justice, Accountability and Public Confidence

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — During Monday’s senate debate over the 2026 Magistrate’s Code of Procedure Amendment Bill, opposition Senator Malaka Parker has delivered a forceful call for sweeping, systemic reform of Antigua and Barbuda’s fragmented search and seizure legislation, arguing that balanced, clear statutory frameworks protect both public safety and constitutional rights for all citizens and law enforcement officers alike. Parker stressed that the current regulatory landscape for search warrants is scattered across multiple overlapping statutes, including the national constitution, which already enshrines strict protections against arbitrary searches and unlawful invasions of privacy. While the opposition openly backs efforts to equip law enforcement with robust tools to tackle rising crime, Parker warned that expanding police authority without matching upgrades to procedural safeguards poses a direct threat to the fair administration of justice.

  • Liat Air Apologises for Schedule Disruptions and Provides Recovery

    Liat Air Apologises for Schedule Disruptions and Provides Recovery

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – In a public statement released June 30, 2026, regional Caribbean airline Liat Air issued a formal apology to thousands of passengers, industry partners, and key stakeholders for widespread flight disruptions that unfolded across its entire route network over the preceding 48 hours.

    The unexpected service interruptions were traced to unanticipated technical problems affecting multiple aircraft in the airline’s fleet, a problem that forced operational leaders to temporarily ground a large portion of active flights to address safety concerns. In alignment with the carrier’s longstanding priority of maintaining rigorous aviation safety protocols, all affected aircraft underwent mandatory comprehensive technical inspections and targeted maintenance work before being cleared to return to active passenger service. Liat Air officials emphasized that these precautionary measures, while critical to upholding global aviation safety standards, inevitably led to cascading delays and hundreds of canceled flights that disrupted travel plans for thousands of passengers across the region.

    In the wake of the disruptions, Liat Air has launched a full-scale operational recovery initiative aimed at restoring its regular flight schedule as quickly as possible and preventing additional unplanned service interruptions. Frontline operational and customer service teams have been working nonstop around the clock to rebook stranded passengers on the next available Liat Air flights, secure alternate travel arrangements on partner airline services, and coordinate with local airport authorities to mitigate ongoing congestion. Company leadership confirmed that every available resource is being deployed to return operations to full, stable normalcy in the fastest and safest manner possible.

    Acknowledging the significant inconvenience that the cancellations and delays have caused, including missed connections, disrupted travel itineraries, and extended wait times for passengers across the Caribbean, Liat Air expressed sincere gratitude to customers and industry partners for their patience, understanding, and ongoing loyalty during the recovery period. The carrier reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to returning to full, safe operations and continuing to deliver reliable, accessible air service to all communities across its route network.

  • Magnitude 3.9 earthquake recorded northeast of Antigua and Barbuda

    Magnitude 3.9 earthquake recorded northeast of Antigua and Barbuda

    A moderate preliminary earthquake with a magnitude of 3.9 has been recorded in the northeastern Caribbean Sea early Tuesday, according to the Seismic Research Centre (SRC) based at The University of the West Indies.

    The seismic event struck at 10:37 a.m. local time, which corresponds to 14:37 UTC, and was estimated to have originated at a depth of 10 kilometers below the sea floor. The epicenter of the tremor was pinned at geographic coordinates 18.58 degrees north latitude and 62.13 degrees west longitude. This positioning places it roughly 157 kilometers northeast of Basseterre, the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis, 166 kilometers north-northwest of St John’s, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, and 198 kilometers north of Brades, the administrative center of Montserrat.

    In an official update, the SRC clarified that the initial magnitude and location data for the earthquake were generated automatically through computer processing algorithms, meaning all current readings remain preliminary. The institution added that seismologists on its team will conduct a follow-up detailed analysis, and the published information may be adjusted once the review process is complete.

    As of the latest update, no immediate reports of structural damage or casualties linked to the tremor have been received. It also remains unconfirmed whether the shaking was perceptible to residents on the nearby Caribbean islands.