标签： Antigua and Barbuda

Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a compelling call to the nation’s youth, emphasizing the critical connection between employment and social stability. Addressing attendees at the VC Bird Day ceremony, the national leader revealed that approximately 54,000 jobs currently exist throughout the twin-island nation, with an additional 4,000 positions created within the past year alone.

The Prime Minister expressed concern about emerging workforce trends, particularly the tendency among young citizens to selectively reject available employment opportunities. He cautioned against this growing preference for idleness, warning that such attitudes create vacancies that are increasingly filled by foreign workers from within the region and beyond.

Browne delivered a stark message regarding the societal consequences of avoiding employment: “There exists no easy path. Pursuing an effortless existence inevitably leads to criminal engagement and violence, which ultimately results in premature mortality.” He directly connected workforce participation to national security, emphasizing that reducing homicides to near-zero and minimizing property crimes requires citizens to choose legitimate employment over illegal activities.

The national leader offered practical advice to first-time job seekers, encouraging them to accept available positions regardless of initial preferences. “Your career beginning matters less than the fact that you begin. Secure whatever opportunity presents itself while working toward your desired position,” he counseled.

Browne concluded with a direct appeal to young citizens, framing workforce participation as both a personal development strategy and a civic responsibility essential to maintaining Antigua and Barbuda’s stability and continued development.

A pivotal constitutional challenge against the nation’s abortion legislation reached its culmination in the High Court on World AIDS Day, December 1, marking the endpoint of a protracted 43-month legal journey. The proceedings unfolded with methodical legal arguments from both sides, absent of courtroom theatrics, leaving the matter now awaiting judicial determination.

The case, spearheaded by advocacy group ASPIRE, encountered numerous procedural obstacles since its initial filing on April 18, 2024. Government attorneys employed successive delaying tactics, including the remarkable assertion that the legislation currently being enforced had supposedly been repealed in 1995—a claim unanimously dismissed by the Court of Appeal on February 28, 2025.

With the constitutional question now before the High Court, ASPIRE emphasizes that the waiting period must not be passive. The organization outlines a comprehensive strategy focusing on educational reform regardless of the judicial outcome. Central to this mission is the transformation from criminalization and punishment toward legalization and education, particularly through strengthening Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) programs.

Current regional educational standards fall significantly short of international benchmarks for comprehensive sexuality education. ASPIRE’s initiative calls for collaborative efforts with educators to develop improved curricular materials, alongside engaging parents who currently demonstrate low rates (5-10%) of discussing sexuality with their children. Additional outreach to religious leaders aims to reduce stigma while reinforcing positive moral messaging about sexuality.

The proposed paradigm shift moves from a reactive “Accident and Emergency” model to a preventive framework of “Access and Education.” Empirical evidence consistently demonstrates that comprehensive sex education delays sexual debut, countering concerns that such education might encourage premature sexual activity. With approximately 70 schools and 90 churches within the state, ASPIRE envisions substantial societal transformation through committed implementation of these educational reforms.

A distressed family has launched an urgent public campaign seeking assistance in locating their beloved pet Luna, a light-brown pitbull they fear was deliberately taken from their residence. The missing canine possesses distinctive identifying features including a blue collar and a noticeable patch of missing fur along her back, characteristics the owners hope will aid in her recognition.

Described as exceptionally friendly and gentle, Luna’s sudden disappearance has generated profound concern among family members who report being ‘extremely worried’ about her current condition and whereabouts. The emotional toll of the situation continues to mount as each day passes without any solid leads regarding her status.

In a coordinated effort to maximize visibility, the family has distributed digital and physical flyers containing Luna’s photograph and descriptive details across their community and through social media channels. They are vigorously encouraging widespread sharing of these notices and have established direct communication channels for potential sightings or information.

“Our primary focus remains entirely on Luna’s safe return to our household,” expressed the family through an emotional statement. They directly appealed to individuals possessing any knowledge of the dog’s situation to demonstrate compassion and come forward with details, regardless of how insignificant such information might appear. Community response has begun mobilizing as neighbors and local volunteers join the expanding search efforts.

Antiguan authorities have ordered the deportation of five foreign nationals following their conviction for immigration offenses in St. John’s Magistrate Court. The individuals, comprising one Trinidadian and four Jamaican citizens, formally admitted to overstaying their legally permitted duration in the country.

Appearing before Senior Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, the group—whose ages range from 28 to 39—entered guilty pleas to charges of violating Antigua’s immigration regulations. Among those facing removal are Cornelius Thomas, a 39-year-old nightclub manager at the Boardroom establishment on Nevis Street, and independent contractor Marcel Parker. The group further includes beauty specialist Kizzy Johnson, carpenter Javon Keroy Watson, and barber Luckicy Andra McDermott.

Following judicial proceedings, all five individuals received formal removal orders mandating their expulsion from the nation. They are currently detained at a secure immigration holding facility under the supervision of border control authorities. Official sources confirm the deportations will be executed before the week’s conclusion, with arrangements underway for their repatriation to respective countries of origin.

The case highlights Antigua and Barbuda’s strengthened enforcement of immigration protocols, particularly regarding visa compliance and authorized duration of stay for foreign workers. Legal experts note that such enforcement actions demonstrate the government’s commitment to maintaining immigration system integrity while addressing concerns about unauthorized employment practices.

A grieving father from Guyana finds himself trapped in bureaucratic limbo on the island of Antigua, awaiting overdue autopsy procedures for his deceased son who perished in a tragic road accident more than two weeks ago. Brian Bristol arrived on the Caribbean island on November 24th, just four days after his 40-year-old son Brenton Bristol died when their vehicle collided with a horse along Friars Hill Road. While an inquest concluded last week, critical post-mortem examinations remain pending due to operational failures within the local medical system.

The distressed father revealed to Stabroek News that authorities have provided no formal communication regarding the unexpected delay, which sources attribute to a malfunctioning X-ray machine required by local protocol before autopsy proceedings can commence. Mr. Bristol has explored alternative options including private medical services but has received no response to his inquiries regarding expedited solutions.

Brenton Bristol, a long-term Antigua resident and dedicated employee at Sandals Resort, died instantly at the accident scene. The driver, identified as a close family friend, survived with significant head injuries while the involved horse also succumbed to impact wounds.

The elder Bristol, a former Guyana Defence Force officer currently residing in the United States, expressed profound feelings of helplessness as bureaucratic hurdles prevent the issuance of an official death certificate required for his son’s body to be released and repatriated. Local regulations additionally mandate that a family member must be present during autopsy procedures, further complicating the emotional and logistical challenges.

Despite occasional communication from local police authorities, no concrete timeline has been established for resolving the technical issues. The frustrated father pleaded for transparency: ‘We cannot continue sitting in uncertainty. Please provide us with actionable information.’

Mr. Bristol acknowledged the supportive efforts of Sandals Antigua staff members and both Guyanese and Antiguan community representatives who have assisted during his prolonged stay. The situation recently gained diplomatic attention as Robert Edwin Reis, Honorary Consul of Antigua and Barbuda for Guyana, has pledged to investigate the case following a weekend meeting with the bereaved father.

In a poignant conclusion, Mr. Bristol questioned whether the silence and delays would be tolerated if the deceased held citizenship from Western nations, emphasizing the need for improved cooperation within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) regarding cross-border citizen services and crisis management.

PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – In a significant development for regional labor representation, Antiguan trade union leaders have achieved prominent electoral victories during the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL) conference held at Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies on December 7th, 2025.

Bernard de Nully, President of the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU), has been elected to the General Council of the CCL, ending the organization’s prolonged absence from regional labor governance. This achievement marks a substantial milestone for AT&LU’s regional engagement strategy.

The electoral success extended beyond de Nully’s appointment. Kem Riley, President of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU), secured the position of Third Vice President, while Janela Evanson, General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Public Service Association (ABPSA), also gained a Council Member seat.

During the conference, President de Nully served as a distinguished panel speaker, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining global labor standards and practices throughout the Caribbean region. His address highlighted the indispensable role of worker organizations in policy formation and addressing pressing labor challenges, aligning with International Labour Organization (ILO) principles.

The Antiguan delegation, which included AT&LU First Vice President Lisa-Ann Yearwood and Executive Member Jaquis Browne, demonstrated a cohesive front dedicated to advancing workers’ rights and enhancing labor standards across the Caribbean.

In his address, President de Nully stressed the necessity of solidarity: ‘Strengthening local trade union unity is fundamental to sustaining our regional and international efforts. We must embrace trade unionism’s value, cease counterproductive institutional undermining, and collectively advocate for workers’ rights in alignment with the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda and CCL’s mission at the CARICOM level.’

The AT&LU reaffirmed its commitment to fortifying regional partnerships and amplifying the voices of Antiguan and Barbudan workers on international platforms through continued tripartite consultations.

The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) has announced stringent new regulations governing ground transportation services at VC Bird International Airport, set to take effect December 1st, 2025. The comprehensive policy overhaul specifically prohibits unauthorized vehicles from conducting passenger pickups on airport premises, marking a significant shift in operational protocols.

This regulatory enhancement explicitly addresses the growing practice of informal transportation arrangements, clarifying that Airbnb hosts and similar accommodation providers lack authorization for guest collection at the airport. The mandate requires all commercial transportation entities—including taxis, limousines, shuttle services, and rental car agencies—to obtain formal ABAA authorization before conducting passenger pickup operations.

The policy framework maintains a distinction between passenger collection and drop-off activities, permitting all vehicles to continue airport drop-offs without restriction. Hotels participating in the ABAA Fast Track Program retain their existing privileges for guest collection services.

VC Bird International Airport currently supports approximately 500,000 annual arrivals through an extensive authorized transportation network comprising 70 licensed taxis, 19 car rental companies, 9 tour operators, and 3 limousine services. The ABAA has indicated potential for limited expansion of this network, with additional permits available through a first-come, first-served application process.

Prospective operators must contact Ms. Geneva George for application procedures and compliance requirements. Authorization mandates include comprehensive background verification, vehicle condition standards, recurring customer service training, and strict adherence to established fare structures.

The Antigua and Barbuda government has launched an innovative affordable housing solution specifically designed to address the dual challenges of housing accessibility and climate resilience. Housing Minister Maria Bird-Browne presented ‘The St. George’ model during parliamentary budget debates, highlighting its significance for low-income families previously excluded from traditional housing programs.

Priced at EC$117,000 (approximately US$43,300), this structurally advanced home represents a strategic approach to sustainable urban development. The minister emphasized that the design specifically targets citizens who fall below the EC$150,000 income threshold for conventional housing assistance but still require secure, permanent accommodation for their families.

Engineered with cutting-edge construction technology, The St. George incorporates heavy steel reinforcement throughout its structure, making it both earthquake resistant and capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions. The model has undergone rigorous wind-tunnel testing to ensure durability in tropical climate scenarios.

The two-bedroom, two-bathroom layout features modern architectural elements while maintaining practical functionality. Its modular design philosophy allows for future expansion as family needs evolve, creating what Minister Bird-Browne described as ‘a generational home that can grow alongside its inhabitants.’

This initiative directly supports the government’s ‘People-Centered Growth and Development’ agenda, providing immediate availability for pre-approved applicants with budgets under EC$120,000. The housing solution represents a significant advancement in making climate-resilient architecture accessible to lower-income segments of the population.