Carib Scope

标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Barbuda Launches Six-Day World AIDS Day Programme on Saturday

    Barbuda Launches Six-Day World AIDS Day Programme on Saturday

    The sister island of Barbuda has become the focal point for a comprehensive six-day health initiative launched on Saturday, marking its observance of World AIDS Day. Spearheaded by the National AIDS Programme and the AIDS Secretariat, the campaign represents a strategic shift in public health outreach by bringing critical services directly to Barbuda’s community.

    The extensive schedule commenced with an interfaith service at the Barbuda Seventh-day Adventist Church, establishing a community-centered approach to health awareness. The program features diverse activities including targeted teen discussions on sexual health, widespread community outreach efforts, and nightly educational sessions addressing HIV prevention and treatment.

    A cornerstone of the initiative is the provision of daily HIV testing services at the Barbuda Public Health Building, ensuring unprecedented access to confidential screening. The campaign will culminate on December 13th with an open-day community health fair at Madison Square, offering comprehensive health resources and information.

    Health officials emphasize that this intensive outreach aligns with the 2023 global theme ‘Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response in Antigua and Barbuda.’ The program specifically addresses healthcare accessibility challenges by decentralizing services from the main island, thereby reaching underserved populations through culturally appropriate interventions and stigma-reduction strategies.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Government Elevates Women to Key Diplomatic and Political Posts

    Antigua and Barbuda Government Elevates Women to Key Diplomatic and Political Posts

    ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – In a significant move toward gender-inclusive governance, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a series of high-level appointments placing women in critical diplomatic and legislative positions. This strategic initiative underscores the administration’s dedication to transforming gender equality from principle into practice by leveraging female expertise in international relations and national policymaking.

    The newly appointed officials include Marie Louise Francis, an accomplished attorney with extensive U.S. legal experience, who has been designated Senior Trade, Investment and Diaspora Officer at the Consulate General in Miami. She is expected to assume the role of Consul General early in the new year.

    Zeina Hechme, another appointee, brings over nine years of foreign service experience to her new position as Vice Consul at the Consulate General in Toronto, Canada. Her extensive background is anticipated to enhance bilateral relations and consular services.

    Furthermore, Kiz L. K. Johnson, a former Independent Senator and recently elected Labour Party candidate for St. Philip’s South, will rejoin the Senate on the government benches. Her return is seen as a reinforcement of women’s voices in the nation’s legislative processes.

    These appointments are part of a broader commitment by the Browne administration to promote women into leadership roles across government. Prime Minister Browne has consistently emphasized the importance of gender-balanced representation, noting that diverse leadership strengthens institutional effectiveness and national resilience.

    Globally, the inclusion of women in diplomacy and foreign policy has been linked to improved decision-making, sustainable peacebuilding, and more innovative approaches to international challenges. Antigua and Barbuda’s latest moves align with a growing international trend toward gender parity in diplomatic corps and governance structures.

    The government asserts that these steps are vital not only as a matter of social justice but also as a strategic imperative for sustainable development and democratic strengthening.

  • Massive Yorks Cleanup Nears Completion With Nearly 12 Tons of Waste Collected

    Massive Yorks Cleanup Nears Completion With Nearly 12 Tons of Waste Collected

    The transformative ‘Love where You Live!’ campaign has successfully concluded its operations across multiple districts in Yorks, marking a significant achievement in urban revitalization. Municipal crews executed an extensive cleanup operation spanning from Fort James Drive through Anchorage Road to Mckinnons Pond and Old Runaway, resulting in the collection of 11.8 tons of accumulated bulk waste from public spaces, residential properties, and neglected lots.

    Comprehensive environmental improvements included the clearance of forty-four vacant plots that had become overrun with debris, uncontrolled vegetation, and potential safety hazards. The initiative also facilitated the removal of thirty-three abandoned vehicles as of December 4th, 2025, substantially enhancing both safety protocols and community aesthetics.

    Additional landscape management involved systematic tree trimming and vegetation control throughout the targeted areas, significantly improving visibility for pedestrians and motorists while elevating the overall visual appeal of the neighborhood.

    The Municipal Authority has announced the campaign’s expansion into Point and central St. John’s, urging residents to properly dispose of waste materials during scheduled collection periods to maintain the newly restored environment. Officials specifically request that community members refrain from placing additional bulk waste on curbsides or exterior home areas after the cleanup teams depart. Instead, residents should contact the Authority directly at 562-2019 to arrange professional collection services for any subsequently accumulated waste, ensuring sustained cleanliness and hygiene standards across the municipality.

  • Guyana to Supply Cheaper Food to Antigua in 2026, PM Says

    Guyana to Supply Cheaper Food to Antigua in 2026, PM Says

    In a strategic move to combat rising living costs, the Antiguan government has announced a significant expansion of its agricultural trade partnership with Guyana starting in 2026. Prime Minister Gaston Browne revealed the initiative during Thursday’s parliamentary budget presentation, positioning it as a dual solution to immediate price stabilization and long-term food security challenges.

    The enhanced collaboration will leverage Guyana’s position as a regional agricultural powerhouse, providing Antigua and Barbuda with increased access to competitively priced staple foods. Browne emphasized that this partnership represents a pragmatic approach to addressing global market volatility that has disrupted supply chains and driven up shipping costs in recent years.

    ‘Our strengthened relationship with Guyanese partners will enable us to import more affordable essential food items directly to Antiguan consumers,’ Browne stated before Parliament. The initiative directly supports the government’s recent suspension of the 42 percent Common External Tariff on selected food imports, which is already anticipated to reduce retail prices within coming weeks.

    The partnership will specifically target price-sensitive staples that constitute substantial portions of household grocery expenditures, including grains, vegetables, and ground provisions. This focused approach aims to mitigate the dramatic price spikes experienced during pandemic-related supply disruptions.

    Notably, the arrangement complements rather than contradicts the government’s parallel efforts to boost domestic agricultural production. Browne framed the regional partnership as part of a comprehensive strategy that includes encouraging citizens to ‘buy local’ while simultaneously developing more resilient import networks within the Caribbean community.

    The Prime Minister concluded that combining enhanced regional trade relationships with strengthened domestic production capabilities would provide economic cushioning against future global market shocks. Parliamentary debate on the 2026 national budget is scheduled to continue next week.

  • Bus Operators Received 76,800 Fuel Vouchers — Averting Fare Hikes

    Bus Operators Received 76,800 Fuel Vouchers — Averting Fare Hikes

    The Antiguan government has successfully averted widespread public transportation fare increases through a strategic fuel voucher program benefiting bus operators, Prime Minister Gaston Browne revealed during Thursday’s 2026 national budget presentation. This intervention formed a critical component of the administration’s comprehensive cost-of-living relief strategy.

    Between January and October 2025, exactly 198 bus operators received 76,800 fuel vouchers under the subsidy initiative, which carried an approximate government expenditure of $1.1 million. Browne emphasized that this substantial investment prevented fare adjustments that would have otherwise been inevitable given the escalating global fuel prices, thereby protecting commuters from additional financial strain.

    The Prime Minister articulated the program’s significance for vulnerable demographics, noting that stable transportation costs directly benefit schoolchildren, workers, senior citizens, and low-income families. Maintaining unchanged bus fares has provided crucial stability for households already navigating heightened expenses for food and utilities.

    This transportation subsidy aligns with broader budgetary measures designed to alleviate living costs, including the suspension of the 42 percent Common External Tariff on essential food imports, continued subsidies for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and electricity, and the planned doubling of the Food Voucher Programme in 2026. Approximately 7,000 pensioners and over 1,600 vulnerable families currently receive direct support through various social programs slated for continuation or expansion.

    Browne further highlighted the macroeconomic benefits of stable transportation costs, noting that reliable, affordable travel facilitates economic recovery by ensuring consistent mobility for workers and students. The government has committed to ongoing collaboration with transport associations to develop additional supportive measures as global fuel prices continue to fluctuate.

    The parliamentary budget debate is scheduled to resume next week, where further details of the government’s fiscal strategy will be examined.

  • PM Urges Citizens to ‘Buy Local’ to Cut Food Bills

    PM Urges Citizens to ‘Buy Local’ to Cut Food Bills

    In a significant move to address economic pressures, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has issued a compelling call to citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, urging heightened consumption of domestically produced food items. The announcement formed a central pillar of the 2026 national budget presentation this Thursday, positioning agricultural self-sufficiency as a critical mechanism for alleviating the nation’s cost-of-living crisis.

    Browne articulated a dual-purpose strategy, framing the initiative as both an economic safeguard and a public health measure. He emphasized that patronizing local farmers and fishers represents the most effective defense for consumers against volatile international market prices. Domestically sourced produce, he noted, offers superior freshness, greater affordability, and significantly reduced exposure to global supply chain disruptions compared to imported alternatives.

    “Supporting our local agricultural producers isn’t merely an economic choice—it’s a smart, health-conscious decision that promotes longevity,” Browne declared before Parliament. He underscored the necessity of enhancing domestic production capabilities to stabilize supermarket pricing structures, highlighting how expanded local output diminishes national reliance on expensive food imports that carry substantial freight costs and vulnerability to commodity market fluctuations.

    This agricultural push constitutes one component of a comprehensive government strategy to reduce living expenses. Additional measures include suspending the 42% Common External Tariff on specific imported food categories, doubling the financial allocation for the Food Voucher Programme in 2026, and maintaining existing subsidies on liquefied petroleum gas, electricity, and essential household items. Browne positioned these combined tactics as complementary approaches toward establishing a more resilient and stable national food market.

    The Prime Minister further connected immediate economic measures with long-term food security objectives, noting that strengthened domestic production capacity reduces vulnerability to global disruptions similar to those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 inflation surge. His administration has committed to continued support for agricultural workers through direct grants, improved land access policies, and modernization of irrigation infrastructure.

    This renewed emphasis on local consumption coincides with strengthened trade cooperation with Guyana to import affordable staple goods, while parallel investments continue in domestic production capabilities. Browne characterized both international partnerships and local investment as essential to delivering sustained financial relief to consumers.

    The national budget debate is scheduled to continue through the coming week, with further details on agricultural funding expected during parliamentary discussions.

  • Senator Antonio Resigns; Kiz Johnson to Be Sworn In as Government Senator

    Senator Antonio Resigns; Kiz Johnson to Be Sworn In as Government Senator

    In a significant political development, Senator Clement Antonio has formally resigned from his position in the Upper House of Parliament. This strategic move facilitates his transition to a diplomatic role as Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, as officially reported by Pointe FM broadcasts.

    The vacancy created by Antonio’s departure has been promptly filled by Kiz Johnson, who is set to be sworn in as Government Senator during a ceremony at Government House this afternoon. This political succession occurs amidst a remarkable period for Johnson, who recently secured a decisive victory in the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party primary for St. Philip’s South constituency.

    Johnson’s political ascendancy was demonstrated in a competitive four-way contest where he emerged victorious, subsequently earning both the party’s candidacy and the role of constituency caretaker. The timing of these developments highlights the dynamic nature of political appointments and the strategic positioning within the current administration.

    This transition represents a carefully orchestrated political maneuver that strengthens diplomatic relations with China while maintaining governmental representation. The simultaneous departure and appointment ensure continuity in governance while rewarding party loyalty and electoral success.

  • ABDF Completes Week-Long Security Mission in Barbados

    ABDF Completes Week-Long Security Mission in Barbados

    In a significant demonstration of Caribbean regional cooperation, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) has completed a productive week-long security mission in Barbados. The specialized contingent departed for Barbados on November 26th, engaging in intensive collaborative operations with Barbadian security forces throughout their week-long deployment before returning home on December 2nd.

    The bilateral initiative featured comprehensive joint patrol operations, strategic planning sessions, and operational support activities designed to enhance regional security capabilities. The deployment served as a practical manifestation of the ABDF’s commitment to regional stability and its capacity to provide tangible support to neighboring Eastern Caribbean states when requested.

    This operation represents more than mere military assistance; it signifies the deepening of diplomatic and security relationships between Caribbean nations. The successful execution underscores how smaller nations can effectively pool resources and expertise to address shared security challenges through coordinated action.

    Defense analysts note that such collaborations strengthen the overall security architecture of the Eastern Caribbean region while building institutional knowledge and operational compatibility between national defense forces. The returned ABDF contingent brings valuable experience that will enhance Antigua and Barbuda’s own security readiness and future cooperative capabilities.

  • APUA Workers Return Home After Assisting Jamaica’s Post-Hurricane Restoration

    APUA Workers Return Home After Assisting Jamaica’s Post-Hurricane Restoration

    A dedicated team of utility specialists from Antigua and Barbuda has concluded their critical disaster recovery assignment in Jamaica, returning home after providing essential restoration services in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) officially confirmed the successful completion of their humanitarian mission.

    According to APUA’s announcement, the crew’s return occurred in two phases. Supervisor Kelvin Tanner concluded his leadership duties and returned to Antigua in late November, while the remaining team members—Sean Spencer, Wamani Grayman, Jamany Anthony, and Shoy Matthew—arrived home on December 5, 2026.

    The utilities authority extended formal gratitude to the entire team for their professional excellence and diplomatic representation abroad. In an official statement, APUA emphasized that the technicians had embodied national pride throughout their recovery efforts in Jamaica. “We thank them for their outstanding service and for representing Antigua and Barbuda with pride. Welcome home, gentlemen,” the authority stated, highlighting the international cooperation between Caribbean nations during natural disaster responses.

    The deployment demonstrates the growing regional collaboration among Caribbean utilities, where specialized teams provide mutual assistance following major weather events. Such partnerships have become increasingly vital as climate patterns intensify across the region, with nations developing formal protocols for rapid response team deployments following hurricanes and tropical storms.

  • Unmarked Container on Road to Shirley’s Heights Sparks Fears of Deadly Accident

    Unmarked Container on Road to Shirley’s Heights Sparks Fears of Deadly Accident

    A potentially catastrophic road hazard has emerged along Rotten Town Road, the primary access route to Shirley’s Heights lookout in Antigua, where an unmarked shipping container has been abandoned roadside for multiple days without any safety provisions. Local residents have issued urgent warnings about the obstruction, characterizing it as a lethal threat to motorists navigating the popular tourist corridor.

    The container’s placement presents particular danger during nighttime hours when the complete absence of reflectors, illumination, or warning cones causes it to blend invisibly into the darkness. This creates extreme hazards for both uphill and downhill travelers on the roadway frequently used by tour buses, service vehicles, local residents, and visitors accessing the renowned vantage point.

    Community members have directed urgent appeals to multiple government agencies including the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board, law enforcement, and public works officials, demanding immediate intervention. Photographic evidence confirms the container’s precarious positioning directly adjacent to the driving lane with zero visible safety measures implemented.

    The concerned public emphasizes that the combination of heavy traffic patterns, limited visibility conditions, and complete absence of warning devices creates a perfect storm for tragedy. Authorities are requesting public assistance in identifying the container’s owner to facilitate prompt removal or implementation of proper safety markings before preventable casualties occur.