标签： Antigua and Barbuda

A severe preservation crisis is unfolding at the A & B National Archives, where critical historical documents face irreversible damage due to prolonged institutional neglect. Despite advanced warnings about the facility’s deteriorating condition, authorities failed to implement contingency plans for safeguarding the nation’s cultural heritage.

The archives house invaluable historical collections, including the prestigious Codrington papers, which require specialized climate-controlled environments for preservation. Instead, these irreplaceable documents remain trapped in mold-infested structures or improperly stored in containers, accelerating their degradation.

Academic researchers and historians report complete inability to access vital historical records, severely impacting ongoing research projects and historical scholarship. The situation has reached critical levels as documents risk permanent destruction.

Containers intended for temporary document storage during renovations have sat untouched for over nine months, representing a staggering administrative failure. This inaction contradicts previous restoration commitments and demonstrates a troubling disregard for cultural preservation.

Cultural heritage advocates are demanding immediate government intervention to prevent the complete loss of historical assets. The crisis highlights systemic failures in heritage management and underscores the urgent need for professional archival stewardship to protect national history for future generations.

In a heartfelt tribute to community dedication, the St. John’s Rural West Branch of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) organized a special appreciation luncheon this week, honoring over six decades of service from more than 60 longstanding constituents. The event served as a formal recognition of individuals whose unwavering commitment has fundamentally shaped the constituency’s development and sustained the branch’s operational capacity through years of political and social evolution.

The gathering was specifically designed to celebrate the community’s foundational pillars—those whose persistent loyalty, dedicated service, and grassroots activism have catalyzed growth throughout the St. John’s Rural West region. The luncheon fostered a congenial atmosphere brimming with camaraderie and mutual appreciation, where stories of collective achievement overshadowed political formalities.

Branch officials emphasized that this recognition initiative represents an ongoing institutional commitment to honoring legacy contributors while ensuring that those who have invested substantially in community development receive appropriate acknowledgment. The event’s organizational philosophy centers on maintaining institutional memory and demonstrating tangible gratitude to those who have paved the way for current successes.

Community advocate Carol Bird, among the honored attendees, expressed profound appreciation for the recognition, noting: ‘This was an exceptionally meaningful gesture from a robust team supported by deeply committed constituents. The invitation itself felt like a genuine acknowledgment of years of collective effort, and I depart with renewed appreciation for our community’s spirit.’

The branch leadership confirmed that such appreciation events serve dual purposes: they provide formal recognition of historical contributions while strengthening contemporary community networks. These gatherings are strategically aligned with the ABLP’s broader initiative to reinforce social cohesion and collaborative governance as the constituency advances toward future developmental objectives.

In a landmark event symbolizing cultural recognition and diplomatic ties, the flag of Antigua and Barbuda was formally raised for the first time in New York City history during a ceremony at Bowling Green on Wednesday. The event, orchestrated to commemorate the twin-island nation’s 44th Independence Day, was a collaborative effort between the New York City Department of Correction (DOC), the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.

The celebration was personally led by DOC Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie, whose appointment in December 2023 was itself historic, making her the department’s second Black woman and first Antiguan American leader. Commissioner Maginley-Liddie was joined by DOC executive leadership, representatives from the Association of Caribbean Americans in Correction, and other dignitaries.

In an emotional address, Commissioner Maginley-Liddie drew a direct line from her upbringing to her professional ethos. She credited her formative years on the 108-square-mile island with shaping her core identity, beliefs, and worldview, which in turn inform her approach as an attorney and as Commissioner. She articulated that the Antiguan values of community responsibility, selfless service, and a profound concern for others are principles she actively instills and recognizes throughout the Department of Correction.

Reflecting on the significance of the day, she expressed immense pride in celebrating this milestone with her ‘Boldest Family’—a term of endearment for the DOC staff—highlighting how her heritage continues to guide her leadership and foster a culture of inclusivity and service within one of New York’s key city agencies.

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a formal public advisory, strongly cautioning residents against the purchase of suspected stolen merchandise. This warning comes amid a concerning surge in property-related crimes across the islands, with law enforcement directly linking the illicit market for stolen goods to the increasing frequency of break-ins and larcenies.

Recent criminal patterns indicate a troubling trend where high-value items, including household appliances and electronics, are being systematically pilfered from private residences. The police administration’s strategic communications office (STRATCOM) revealed that these items are believed to be rapidly circulating within local underground markets, creating a persistent cycle of crime.

Emphasizing the serious legal ramifications, authorities have highlighted Section 241 of the nation’s Larceny Act, which explicitly criminalizes the knowing reception or purchase of unlawfully obtained property. Individuals convicted under this statute face severe penalties, including potential imprisonment for a term of up to a decade.

The police are appealing to those currently engaged in this illegal trade to cease all activities immediately. Simultaneously, the force is mobilizing community support, urging citizens to maintain heightened vigilance and to report any overtly suspicious sales activities or individuals attempting to offload items under dubious circumstances.

To facilitate information sharing, the public is encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department directly at 462-3913. For those preferring absolute anonymity, tips can be submitted through the confidential Crimestoppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477).

In a strategic move to decentralize emergency management, Antigua and Barbuda’s National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) is deploying a network of District Disaster Command Centres constructed from repurposed shipping containers. This nationwide initiative aims to embed robust coordination and communication capabilities directly within local communities.

The innovative centers are being built using 20-foot storage containers mounted on concrete columns, which are then custom-fitted for operational use. NODS has already acquired nine such containers, with ongoing placements across various districts. The ambitious target is to establish a dedicated center in each of the nation’s 17 designated disaster districts, including the island of Barbuda.

This infrastructure project represents a significant enhancement to community-level resilience by creating permanent facilities for disaster planning and response activities. These centers will serve as operational hubs for District Disaster Committees to collaborate with critical stakeholders and execute localized emergency protocols.

A operational model exists in the St. John’s Rural East District, where a completed command center on Hawkins Drive in Cassada Gardens became operational on June 22, 2023. This facility now functions as the permanent headquarters for district committee operations and community planning activities.

NODS Director Sherrod James emphasized the strategic value: ‘These dedicated command centres dramatically expand our capacity to reach affected populations directly, conduct targeted training programs, and maintain permanent operational presence in communities.’

The project receives financial backing through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) Country Directed Fund. NODS is collaborating with the Ministry of Works, the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), and other essential entities to ensure timely completion and operational readiness of all centers.