Tropical Storm Jerry wreaked havoc across Antigua on Friday, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds that disrupted daily life, businesses, and essential services. The storm forced delayed openings and closures of commercial offices, financial institutions, and telecommunications services, while air travel was significantly impacted with numerous flight cancellations. The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) announced that all its commercial offices, including key locations such as Independence Avenue and Market Street, would open later than usual. Customers were encouraged to utilize the online payment portal at www.apua.ag to avoid disruptions. Financial institutions like ACB Caribbean and Community First Credit Union adjusted their schedules, with some branches remaining closed for the day. Telecommunications companies Flow and Digicel also suspended or delayed operations, urging customers to use digital platforms for support. Caribbean Airlines canceled regional flights, including routes between Trinidad, Antigua, St. Kitts, and St. Maarten, offering rebooking options without penalties until November 6, 2025. Broadcast services faced interruptions as ABS Television/Radio reported technical issues with its Boggy Peak transmitter, though updates continued on social media and their website. The Meteorological Service issued a Flash Flood Warning, advising residents to avoid flooded roads and stay informed as the storm gradually moves away from the Leeward Islands.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
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Greenbay Primary Celebrates 76 Years, Honours outstanding staff members, Oliver Joseph and Bonnie Prince
On October 6, 2025, Greenbay Primary School marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 76th anniversary, commemorating over seven decades of educational excellence and community impact. The event, held at the school’s current location, was a vibrant celebration attended by the acting principal, Clairopatra Henry, staff, students, parents, and esteemed guests, including Mr. Clare Browne, Director of Education, Senator Michael Joseph, and Reverend Joseph E. Nicholas, among others. The occasion highlighted the school’s enduring legacy of nurturing young minds and fostering leadership. A special tribute was paid to two long-serving staff members: Mr. Oliver Joseph, a dedicated Mathematics teacher with 35 years of service, and Ms. Bonnie Prince, the school’s secretary for over 30 years. Both were honored for their unwavering commitment to the school’s mission and their profound impact on the community. The celebration also featured the inauguration of the new Student Council Executive, symbolizing the school’s dedication to empowering young leaders. The newly elected council members pledged to uphold Greenbay Primary’s core values of excellence, responsibility, and service, ensuring a bright future for the institution.
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Local Dentists Strongly Support Taxation of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages in Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda Dental Association (ABDA) has thrown its weight behind the taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), aligning with global efforts to curb excessive sugar consumption and improve public health. This initiative is part of a broader strategy endorsed by the World Dental Federation (FDI), which includes 193 member countries, including Antigua and Barbuda. The FDI’s 2024 Policy Statement, adopted in Istanbul, emphasizes the critical role of taxation in reducing sugar intake and promoting healthier lifestyles.
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Tropical Storm Warning for Barbuda and watch for Antigua discontinued
The government of Antigua and Barbuda has lifted the Tropical Storm Warning for Barbuda and Anguilla, as well as the Tropical Storm Watch for Antigua, St. Kitts, Nevis, and Montserrat. However, vigilance remains high in other regions as Tropical Storm Jerry continues its path across the Caribbean. A Tropical Storm Warning is currently in effect for St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, Sint Maarten, Guadeloupe, and adjacent islands, while a Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Saba and St. Eustatius. These alerts indicate that tropical storm conditions are either expected or possible within the next several hours. As of 5:00 AM AST, Tropical Storm Jerry was located near latitude 19.2 North, longitude 62.5 West, moving northwest at 17 mph. A northward turn is anticipated tonight, with the storm expected to move away from the Leeward Islands later today. Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph, with potential for slow strengthening over the weekend. Tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 185 miles east of the center, with an estimated minimum central pressure of 1007 mb. Rainfall of 4 to 6 inches is expected in Barbuda, with 2 to 4 inches forecasted for the Leeward and Virgin Islands, raising concerns of flash flooding. Swells generated by Jerry are causing life-threatening surf and rip current conditions across the region. Residents are urged to monitor updates from their national meteorological services and adhere to safety advisories. The next intermediate advisory will be issued at 8:00 AM AST, followed by a complete advisory at 11:00 AM AST.
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Heavy Rains Affect Antigua and Barbuda as Storm Jerry Moves Away
Antigua and Barbuda are experiencing relentless rainfall this morning, with unstable weather conditions linked to Tropical Storm Jerry still affecting the region. Meteorologists have reported that Jerry has shifted northwest and is gradually moving away from the Leeward Islands. Consequently, the tropical storm watch for Antigua and the warning for Barbuda have been lifted. However, residual moisture from the storm continues to trigger heavy showers and thunderstorms across both islands. Forecasts predict rainfall totals ranging from 19 to 50 millimeters (0.75 to 2 inches), heightening the risk of flash flooding in low-lying or flood-prone areas. A flash flood advisory remains in effect until 8 a.m., with authorities urging residents to exercise caution, avoid flooded roads, and stay updated on further weather developments. The situation underscores the need for vigilance as the region copes with the aftermath of the storm.
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Parliament to Debate Multiple Bills on October 14
The Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda is set to convene on Tuesday, October 14, to deliberate on a series of pivotal legislative proposals aimed at addressing critical national issues. The agenda, as outlined by Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, includes the Prices Bill, which seeks to regulate the costs of goods and services, and the Disabilities and Equal Opportunities Bill, designed to enhance inclusivity and fairness. Additionally, lawmakers will examine the Electronic Evidence Amendment Bill, a crucial measure in combating crime through modernized legal frameworks. The session will also feature discussions on the Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill, which aims to bolster travel security and data sharing, alongside the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority Agreement Bill and the Fatal Accidents Bill. This legislative push underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing the nation’s legal infrastructure, improving consumer protection, and safeguarding human rights. The upcoming parliamentary sitting reflects a proactive approach to addressing both domestic and international challenges, ensuring Antigua and Barbuda remains aligned with global standards in governance and security.
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St. John’s Catholic Primary School will be closed
In response to an urgent Flash Flood Warning issued by the Ministry of Education, St. John’s Catholic Primary School in Antigua and Barbuda has announced its closure on Friday, October 10, 2025. The decision was made to ensure the safety of students, staff, and families amidst severe weather conditions. The school administration has urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions during this period of heavy rainfall. The closure aligns with the government’s directive to prioritize public safety during natural disasters. The school expressed gratitude for the community’s understanding and cooperation in these challenging circumstances. Additionally, the announcement included a promotional note encouraging local businesses to advertise on Antigua’s most visited news platform, offering customizable digital marketing packages. For inquiries, interested parties were directed to contact [email protected].
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Cabinet Honors Legacy of Broadcaster and Former MP Nat Moses Francis
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has formally recognized the passing of Nathaniel “Nat Moses” Francis, a distinguished broadcaster and former Member of Parliament, during its weekly post-Cabinet press briefing. Maurice Merchant, the Director General of Communications, conveyed the Cabinet’s condolences to Francis’ family, friends, and colleagues, while celebrating his significant contributions to both national politics and Caribbean media. Merchant, who had previously collaborated with Francis at ZDK Radio, reminisced about his impactful presence in the broadcasting industry, describing him as a cornerstone of the station’s success. The Cabinet also acknowledged the death of Winston Gomes, a former port official and union leader, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne personally extending sympathies to Gomes’ family and the port and union communities. Both individuals were lauded for their enduring legacies in their respective fields.
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APUA says power will be restored to affected areas but safety first
Recent adverse weather conditions have led to power disruptions across several areas of Antigua. The island’s electricity service providers have confirmed that repair teams are on high alert and will be deployed to affected locations as soon as safety permits. The authorities have urged residents to remain patient and assured them that efforts are underway to restore power swiftly. In a statement, the utility company emphasized their commitment to resolving the issue promptly while prioritizing the safety of both residents and repair crews. Meanwhile, the company also took the opportunity to promote their digital marketing services, inviting businesses to advertise on their widely visited news platform. For inquiries, interested parties can reach out via email at [email protected].
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Antigua’s UWI Five Islands Campus to Lead Regional Blue Economy Collaboration Under New MoU
In a landmark development for Caribbean regional cooperation, the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) has inked two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at bolstering fisheries management and advancing the Blue Economy. The first agreement, signed on September 30, 2025, during the Sixteenth Special Meeting of the CRFM Ministerial Council in Saint Kitts and Nevis, formalizes a partnership with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). This historic accord was executed by Dr. Marc Williams, Executive Director of the CRFM Secretariat, and H.E. Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA), an annual event organized by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. The MoU, spanning 2025 to 2028, aims to enhance governance, management, and resilience in fisheries, while fostering youth and women empowerment, economic development, and research collaboration in the sector. Dr. Williams emphasized the importance of formalizing the long-standing informal relationship between the CRFM and OECS, which includes eight shared member states. Dr. Jules highlighted the agreement’s potential to elevate collaboration to new heights, particularly in areas such as safety at sea, insurance for fishers, and the integration of agriculture and fisheries. Earlier in September, the CRFM also signed a five-year MoU with the University of the West Indies (UWI), represented by Professor Carl Justin Robinson, Campus Principal of the UWI Five Islands Campus in Antigua and Barbuda. This agreement focuses on academic and educational collaboration in blue economy development, marine spatial planning, climate change adaptation, and ecosystem resilience. The Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy (COBE), a joint initiative involving the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, UWI, the Commonwealth Secretariat, and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, will play a pivotal role in supporting these efforts. These agreements mark a significant step forward in regional cooperation, aiming to create sustainable and inclusive growth in the Caribbean’s fisheries and Blue Economy sectors.