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标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Unicomer Recruiting Short-Term Workers for Peak Season

    Unicomer Recruiting Short-Term Workers for Peak Season

    As the busiest shopping period of the year approaches, regional retail and consumer electronics leader Unicomer has announced a major short-term recruitment push to prepare for surging customer demand. The initiative, which targets temporary workers across the company’s network of stores, distribution centers and customer service hubs, is designed to address the typical staffing gap that emerges during peak seasonal periods such as end-of-year holidays or major regional shopping events.

    Industry analysts note that seasonal hiring has become a standard strategic move for large retail players, allowing them to scale up operations quickly without committing to long-term payroll increases. Unicomer’s recruitment drive comes as retail forecasters predict a notable uptick in consumer spending for the upcoming peak season, driven by steady regional economic activity and growing consumer confidence.

    The open roles cover a wide range of responsibilities, including in-store sales support, inventory management, order fulfillment, and customer assistance. The company has indicated that many of these positions are open to flexible scheduling, making them particularly accessible to students, part-time job seekers and individuals looking to earn additional income during the busy shopping period. Local workforce development experts have welcomed the move, noting that short-term seasonal roles often provide valuable work experience for entry-level candidates and can sometimes lead to permanent positions for high-performing workers.

    Unicomer has not yet released an exact target for the number of roles it plans to fill, but confirmed that recruitment efforts are already underway across multiple markets where the company operates. Applications are being accepted through both online career portals and in-store submissions, with the company aiming to complete all hiring and onboarding processes before the peak season begins in earnest.

  • National Public Library to House Cultural and Educational Camp This August

    National Public Library to House Cultural and Educational Camp This August

    As families across the region gear up for the 2026 academic year, the National Public Library is preparing to host a purpose-driven cultural and educational summer camp this August, designed to fill the end-of-vacation period with meaningful, growth-focused activities for young people.

    Named WORK FU UM! Summer Camp 2026, the program is scheduled to run from August 10 through September 4, welcoming children and adolescents between the ages of 4 and 16. All camp activities will be held on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the National Public Library’s premises, creating a safe, accessible central location for participants.

    Organized in partnership with the Peetron Music Group, the camp blends three core pillars of youth development: targeted educational support, broad cultural exposure, and hands-on creative skill building. To align with its back-to-school mission, the program’s activity lineup includes targeted back-to-school preparation workshops, curriculum-aligned educational sessions, performing arts classes covering music and dance, cultural celebration events, curated outdoor field trips, structured community service projects, and a wide range of interactive group sessions.

    Beyond keeping young people engaged during the final weeks of summer break, the initiative is built to deliver long-term benefits for participants. Camp attendees will get structured opportunities to build new practical skills, nurture their creative talents, and practice collaboration through team-focused activities that foster collective learning, communication, and personal growth. For many young people transitioning between grade levels, the camp’s structured routine also eases the shift from unstructured summer vacation back to the regular schedule of the academic year, helping students feel prepared and confident on their first day back.

    Registration for WORK FU UM! Summer Camp 2026 is open now for interested guardians. Parents and caregivers can complete the enrollment process in person at the National Public Library any weekday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A non-refundable registration fee of 300 Eastern Caribbean dollars applies to all participants. The Peetron Music Group Secretariat confirmed that all program logistics and coordination are being finalized ahead of the camp’s August launch.

  • National CHOGM Task Force Expresses Delight With Carnival 26 Activations

    National CHOGM Task Force Expresses Delight With Carnival 26 Activations

    The National Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Task Force has publicly shared its satisfaction with the widespread, well-executed activations rolled out for the 26th edition of the national carnival.

    Carnival 26, designed as a cultural lead-up to the upcoming high-profile CHOGM summit, brought together thousands of participants from local communities, cultural groups, and event planning teams across the country. The series of activations included street parades featuring traditional folk performances, public art installations highlighting Commonwealth cultural heritage, community dialogues focused on cultural exchange, and food festivals showcasing diverse culinary traditions from across member states.

    Task Force leadership noted that the events successfully achieved their core goal: building public excitement for the upcoming CHOGM gathering while celebrating the shared cultural ties that bind Commonwealth nations together. Organisers reported strong turnouts at every activation site, with both local residents and international visitors turning out to engage with the programming.

    “This level of community participation and creative execution exceeds our initial expectations,” said a senior spokesperson for the National CHOGM Task Force in a media statement. “The Carnival 26 team has managed to blend local cultural identity with the inclusive, collaborative spirit that defines CHOGM, creating a welcoming atmosphere ahead of the main summit. We are incredibly grateful to every community group, artist, volunteer, and attendee that contributed to making these activations a resounding success.”

    Local cultural leaders echoed the task force’s positive assessment, noting that the carnival activations have also provided a critical economic boost to small local businesses in host communities, from hospitality vendors to craft artisans. Many attendees shared on social media that the events offered a accessible, joyful way to connect with the work of CHOGM ahead of the official leadership meetings.

  • Two Villa Men Shot Near West Bus Station

    Two Villa Men Shot Near West Bus Station

    A brazen shooting incident has rocked the area around St. John’s West Bus Station, leaving two young men from Villa with gunshot wounds just moments after the attack unfolded. Local law enforcement has launched an urgent investigation into the attack, which occurred as the two victims were traveling home from a public works gathering hosted at the city’s Multi-Purpose Centre, according to initial law enforcement briefs.

    Preliminary medical updates confirm that one of the victims sustained a gunshot wound to his torso side, while the second victim was hit in the leg. Both men are currently receiving urgent medical care, though official updates on their current conditions have not yet been released to the public.

    Investigators have also confirmed that the two injured young men are reportedly linked to a local faction known by the name “2Drilly”, a detail that has added a new layer of context to the ongoing probe into what led to the public attack. Local residents have expressed shock over the violent incident taking place in a busy transit hub, and authorities are asking any witnesses who were in the area around the time of the shooting to come forward with any information that could help move the investigation forward.

  • NOAA Revises Atlantic Hurricane Outlook, Still Expects Below-Normal Season

    NOAA Revises Atlantic Hurricane Outlook, Still Expects Below-Normal Season

    As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season heads toward its climatological peak in early September, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has reaffirmed its initial projection that the region will see substantially below-normal cyclone activity. The updated outlook, published Thursday, points to a rapidly strengthening El Niño event as the dominant factor suppressing storm formation and growth across the Atlantic basin.

    Per NOAA’s revised prediction, the entire Atlantic will see between seven and 13 named storms total, counting the two systems that have already formed through the current stage of the season. Of these projected storms, two to six are expected to strengthen into full hurricanes, and just zero to two are forecast to reach major hurricane status – the classification reserved for systems with sustained wind speeds of 111 mph (178 km/h) or greater, ranking Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

    The agency puts the probability of the season ending below the long-term average at 75%, with just a 20% chance of near-normal activity and a mere 5% chance of activity exceeding average levels. This updated outlook shows almost no shift from NOAA’s initial seasonal forecast released back in May, reflecting the consistent trajectory of climate conditions shaping the season.

    To put the projections in context, an average Atlantic hurricane season typically generates 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. Through the first half of the 2026 season, only two named storms – Tropical Storm Arthur and Tropical Storm Bertha – have formed, and neither gained enough strength to reach hurricane status. Both systems originated in the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall in Louisiana, bringing heavy downpours to the Gulf Coast; Arthur also spawned multiple tornadoes across the region during its passage.

    Ken Graham, director of NOAA’s National Weather Service, stressed that storm strength measured by wind speed does not capture the full scope of potential harm from tropical systems. “Inland rainfall is a major cause of damage from tropical storms and hurricanes, as Arthur demonstrated,” Graham noted. “That’s why it’s important to prepare for every storm that’s projected to impact your area, even if it never reaches hurricane strength.”

    Forecasters confirm that the primary force limiting Atlantic storm activity this year is the strengthening El Niño, which first developed in the equatorial Pacific back in June. El Niño alters global wind patterns to increase vertical wind shear across the entire Atlantic basin – a condition that tears apart developing tropical systems before they can organize and intensify, sharply reducing the overall number of storms that form.

    Matt Rosencrans, NOAA’s lead seasonal hurricane forecaster, explained that El Niño has solidified its role as the overriding climate influence for the 2026 Atlantic season. “When El Niño emerges, it usually becomes the dominant factor in total hurricane season activity, and this El Niño continues to get stronger every month,” Rosencrans said. “Compared to a mature El Niño, other mechanisms play a smaller role in determining the number and intensity of tropical storms in the Atlantic basin.”

    Two secondary climate factors are also factored into the outlook: near-average sea surface temperatures across the Atlantic and a neutral West African monsoon. Forecasters note both will have far less impact on overall seasonal activity than the strengthening El Niño event.

    While the Atlantic is set for a quieter than usual season, El Niño has the opposite effect on Pacific hurricane activity, pushing both the Eastern and Central Pacific basins toward above-average seasons this year. NOAA continues to project 15 to 22 named storms for the Eastern Pacific, where seven named storms – including two hurricanes and one major hurricane – have already formed, matching the above-average trajectory the agency initially predicted.

    NOAA underlines one critical caveat to its seasonal outlook: the broad projection of total storm activity does not include predictions for where any individual storm will make landfall. Landfall location is determined by short-term atmospheric patterns that can only be reliably forecast roughly one week in advance, the agency notes. The U.S. National Hurricane Center continues to issue regular, updated forecasts, watches and warnings for all active tropical systems to keep at-risk coastal communities informed.

  • Reminder: Queen Conch Closed Season Remains in Effect Until August 31

    Reminder: Queen Conch Closed Season Remains in Effect Until August 31

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – As the 2026 annual queen conch closed season enters its second month, local authorities and environmental conservation groups have reissued a public reminder to all residents, commercial fishers, and businesses across the twin-island nation that harvesting, trading, or holding queen conch remains illegal through August 31.

    This seasonal regulatory closure, which runs from July 1 to August 31 each year, aligns with the species’ critical annual breeding cycle. The pause in human harvesting activity gives queen conch populations unimpeded space to mate and reproduce, laying the groundwork for more robust population growth in the coming years. As one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most ecologically and economically valuable marine resources, long-term protection of queen conch is tied directly to the sustainability of the local fishing industry and the health of the nation’s coastal marine ecosystems.

    The Environmental Awareness Group (EAG), a leading local environmental advocacy organization, has emphasized that widespread public compliance with the closure rule is essential to preserving the species for future generations. Environmental advocates have called on community members to not only adhere to the regulations themselves but also remain vigilant for any suspicious activity related to the protected conch.

    Any member of the public who suspects illegal harvesting, sale, or possession of queen conch during the closed season is instructed to report the activity immediately to the national Fisheries Division via the dedicated contact line at 462-1372, enabling rapid enforcement of conservation rules.

  • National Security Committee to Stage CHOGM Readiness Exercise

    National Security Committee to Stage CHOGM Readiness Exercise

    In a formal public announcement issued on August 6, 2026, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda’s Office of Strategic Communications has confirmed that the country’s National Security Planning Committee for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will launch a large-scale, inter-agency security drill codenamed “Exercise Resilience” on August 10, 2026. The simulation exercise, set to run from 12 noon through 8 p.m., will focus on three key locations that are slated to host official CHOGM activities: Sticky Wicket Restaurant and Conference Centre at Barnacle Point, and the Copper and Lumber Store Hotel located in English Harbour. This drill is a core milestone in Antigua and Barbuda’s ongoing pre-event preparations for the November 2026 CHOGM, which the nation will host as the gathering’s official host country. Unlike routine tabletop planning exercises, Exercise Resilience is designed to test and reinforce national security protocols in a controlled real-world environment, with specific goals including evaluating current security preparedness levels, honing emergency response coordination, refining inter-agency communication workflows, and boosting overall operational effectiveness ahead of the high-profile international summit. During the 8-hour drill, participating security and emergency response agencies will run through a full suite of simulation scenarios that mirror the exact operations required for the official summit. These include route planning and movement protocols for VIP and VVIP motorcades, layered venue security screening, rapid emergency response to hypothetical security incidents, and coordinated operational procedures that align with the plans for the official CHOGM Business Forum scheduled to take place at Sticky Wicket. To support the safe execution of the drill, temporary security adjustments will be implemented across a wide swathe of the island, and local authorities are advising the public to prepare for disruptions. Temporary road closures, traffic diversions, and restricted access will be in effect across multiple major road networks, with limited parking available throughout the Sticky Wicket area, including road segments adjacent to the old terminal of V.C. Bird International Airport. Affected routes cover all major arteries leading to summit venues across the island’s four quadrants, including two key highways, Sir George Walter Highway and Sir Sydney Walling Highway, as well as Old Parham Road, Friars Hill Road, Valley Road, all access routes to and from V.C. Bird International Airport, and the entire English Harbour and Dockyard region. Pedestrian access will also be restricted in designated exercise zones, and uniformed police and security personnel will be deployed at strategic points along affected routes to guide drivers, manage traffic flow, and ensure the safe, orderly movement of both vehicles and pedestrians. Local authorities have issued clear guidance for residents, business operators, motorists, and airport travelers ahead of the drill. The public is strongly encouraged to plan travel in advance, depart early for scheduled commitments where possible, and allocate extra time for journeys to avoid unnecessary delays. Organizers have also urged the community to comply with all posted traffic signs, diversion orders, and instructions from on-site police and authorized security personnel, and to follow official government media channels for real-time updates and advisories before and during the exercise. In closing the official media release, both the National Security Planning Committee and the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda extended an apology for any temporary inconvenience caused by the exercise security measures, and expressed sincere gratitude for the public’s ongoing patience, understanding, and cooperation as the nation works to deliver a safe, successful 2026 CHOGM this November.

  • Flow launches ‘We Live For This’campaign to celebrate Caribbean passion for cricket

    Flow launches ‘We Live For This’campaign to celebrate Caribbean passion for cricket

    One of the Caribbean’s most prominent telecommunications providers, Flow, has unveiled a region-wide promotional campaign titled ‘We Live For This’ to build excitement for the upcoming 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the region’s premier T20 cricket tournament. The new campaign is anchored in Flow’s recently finalized official partnership with the CPL, uniting two of the Caribbean’s most recognizable brands that share a core mission of strengthening community bonds, centering Caribbean culture, and delivering memorable experiences for millions of cricket fans across the region.

    The ‘We Live For This’ slogan was crafted to encapsulate the one-of-a-kind energy that defines Caribbean cricket. It honors every part of the CPL experience that has earned the tournament its nickname as the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’ – from edge-of-your-seat on-field matchups and sold-out stadium crowds to the infectious music, neighborhood celebrations, unshakable community pride, and loyal fan support that set the league apart from global cricket competitions.

    Today, the Republic Bank CPL ranks among the most-watched domestic T20 cricket leagues on the planet, drawing more than one billion cumulative viewers from across the globe. The tournament serves as a global showcase for Caribbean athletic talent, cultural vibrancy, and world-class entertainment, putting the region’s unique identity in the international spotlight.

    Inge Smidts, Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Caribbean, Flow’s parent company, emphasized that the campaign reflects the deep, foundational role cricket plays in shaping Caribbean collective identity. Smidts noted, ‘Cricket in the Caribbean is woven into the fabric of our identity, our culture, and the shared rhythm that unites our region. ‘We Live For This’ celebrates the passion, pride, and sense of belonging that cricket sparks across every one of our islands. Through our partnership with the Republic Bank CPL, we are bringing fans closer than ever to the moments that matter, while continuing to invest in experiences that bind our communities together.’

    Beyond on-site and traditional broadcast access, Flow is also giving fans the option to stream every match of the 2026 tournament via its own dedicated streaming platform, Bluu. The service will roll out across nearly all Flow-operated markets, with the only exceptions being St. Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago, where existing broadcast rights agreements prevent Bluu from carrying CPL content. This streaming option gives fans a flexible, on-the-go way to follow the tournament, ensuring they never miss a key play no matter where they are in the region.

    The ‘We Live For This’ campaign also reaffirms Flow’s longstanding commitment to nurturing homegrown Caribbean talent, strengthening local communities, and investing in the sporting and cultural initiatives that hold the greatest meaning for Caribbean people. By combining Flow’s industry-leading reliable connectivity with the electric energy of the CPL, the partnership guarantees fans can follow every match, every celebration, and every unforgettable moment of the 2026 tournament without interruption.

    The 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League is scheduled to run from August 7 to September 20, with six franchise teams competing at venues across the Caribbean for the title of regional champion in one of the most prestigious T20 tournaments in world cricket.

    As a leading communications and technology provider operating across more than 20 Caribbean markets, Liberty Caribbean delivers broadband, mobile, video, and voice services to residential customers through its consumer brands Flow and BTC. Its business-to-business division, Liberty Business, provides enterprise-grade connectivity, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data center services to private businesses and government entities, supporting regional economic growth in an increasingly digital global economy. With a 150-year legacy rooted in the Caribbean, Liberty Caribbean remains focused on building robust local networks, delivering personalized community-focused support, and creating tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of the region’s people.

    First launched in 2013, the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League is a franchise-based T20 cricket tournament that blends top-tier competitive cricket with the vibrant, celebratory energy of Caribbean Carnival. In 2025 alone, the tournament drew 1.17 billion broadcast and digital viewers, cementing its status as one of the most-watched cricket leagues in the world. Trinbago Knight Riders enter the 2026 tournament as defending champions, and they will compete against Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Kingsmen, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, and Saint Lucia Kings for the 2026 title.

  • Jamaicans in Antigua Urged to Uphold Nation’s Values on 64th Independence Anniversary

    Jamaicans in Antigua Urged to Uphold Nation’s Values on 64th Independence Anniversary

    As Jamaica prepares to mark its 64th year of sovereign self-governance, a leading Caribbean immigration services executive has delivered a heartfelt message of celebration to Jamaican nationals building lives across Antigua and Barbuda. Nevoy Morrison, Principal Consultant of Caridocs – Caribbean Document Processing & Immigration Services, used the national milestone to urge diaspora members to embrace their role as goodwill ambassadors for their homeland, while continuing to lift up the local communities they now call home.

    For Morrison, the anniversary of Jamaica’s 1962 independence is far more than a ceremonial holiday. It stands as a lasting testament to the extraordinary resilience, unwavering determination, and trailblazing achievements that have defined the Jamaican people from the fight for sovereignty to the present day. Even as thousands of Jamaicans have built new lives outside the nation’s borders over the decades, Morrison emphasized that core Jamaican traits — including the island’s rich cultural heritage, strong communal work ethic, and deep national pride — remain central to the identity of every diaspora member.

    “Members of the global Jamaican diaspora share a common responsibility to act as intentional ambassadors for our nation,” Morrison explained in his official greeting. “When we lead with integrity, contribute our time and effort to local service, and add value to the communities that welcome us, we honor the enormous sacrifices made by the generation that fought for our freedom and laid the foundation for every generation that followed.”

    Morrison encouraged Jamaicans at home and abroad to frame this year’s independence celebration as both a moment of reflection on the nation’s history and a call to action for its future. By staying connected to one another, offering mutual support, investing in community growth, and upholding the values that have made Jamaica a global source of inspiration, diaspora members can play a critical role in shaping the nation’s next chapter, he said.

    Beyond his holiday message, Morrison also used the occasion to reaffirm Caridocs’ longstanding commitment to serving Jamaican communities across the Caribbean. The firm remains dedicated to delivering efficient, professional, and dependable document processing and immigration support to Jamaicans living throughout the region, ensuring they can access the services they need no matter where they reside.

    Closing his address, Morrison offered prayers for sustained growth and widespread prosperity for Jamaica, extending blessings to the nation’s leaders, people, and diaspora members around the world. “May God continue to bless Jamaica, guide her leaders, protect her people, and strengthen every Jamaican at home and abroad,” he said, closing with a final wish for a joyful and meaningful 64th Independence Day celebration for all.

  • LIAT Air Marks Second Anniversary With Launch of Loyalty Programme

    LIAT Air Marks Second Anniversary With Launch of Loyalty Programme

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Caribbean regional carrier LIAT Air is celebrating two years of independent operations this week, marking the milestone with the official launch of a brand-new customer loyalty initiative designed to reward frequent travelers: LIAT Air Club. Unveiled to the public on Thursday, this free membership program opens up new perks for passengers who choose the airline for their regional travel, introducing a points-based system that turns every eligible purchase into redeemable rewards.

    Under the program’s structure, members accrue one point for every U.S. dollar spent on qualifying flights with the carrier. Those accumulated points can then be exchanged for a range of benefits, including free future flights, discounted or complimentary excess baggage allowance, and other travel-related perks. To cater to different levels of travel frequency, LIAT Air has structured the initiative across four tiered membership levels: Blue, Bronze, Silver, and Gold, with higher tiers unlocking increasingly valuable exclusive benefits for frequent fliers.

    As a special anniversary promotion to commemorate the carrier’s two-year milestone, LIAT Air is also extending eligibility for points to passengers who completed eligible flights with the airline in the three months leading up to the program’s launch. New members who sign up for LIAT Air Club will have until September 30, 2026, to submit claims for these retroactive points, giving travelers more than two years to take advantage of the limited-time offer.

    Hafsah Abdulsalam, Chief Executive Officer of LIAT Air, emphasized that the new loyalty program is first and foremost a gesture of gratitude to the customer base that has supported the carrier through its first two years of operations. “Today’s launch is our way of saying thank you to the thousands of customers who have supported LIAT Air throughout our journey,” Abdulsalam said in an official statement announcing the program. “LIAT Air Club is an investment in our customers, giving back to them by rewarding their loyalty while making travel even more accessible and rewarding.”

    Since launching operations two years ago, LIAT Air has steadily expanded its footprint across the Caribbean, growing its regional route network to improve connectivity between island nations across the region. Company representatives framed the launch of LIAT Air Club as a key milestone in the carrier’s ongoing expansion strategy, building on its early growth to deliver greater value to the passengers that power its operations. The program is now open for new member enrollment via the airline’s official platforms.