Carib Scope

标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Hermitage Bay staff raise concerns over pay and benefits

    Hermitage Bay staff raise concerns over pay and benefits

    Workers at the luxury Hermitage Bay Resort in Antigua have launched a formal protest regarding compensation structures and financial transparency. Dozens of employees, supported by the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU), voiced significant discontent during a specially convened meeting focused on labor conditions within the island’s hospitality sector.

    Central to the dispute are opaque practices concerning the allocation of service charges. Staff members are demanding comprehensive clarity on how these customer-added fees are distributed, suspecting potential discrepancies in the current system. Furthermore, with the ABWU engaged in ongoing negotiations with the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, there is a collective hope for a substantive wage increase to be implemented by 2026.

    Kem Riley, a Senior Industrial Relations Officer with the union, played a pivotal role in the session. He meticulously detailed the provisions enshrined in the existing Collective Agreement, emphasizing that a well-informed workforce is fundamental to safeguarding entitlements and asserting legal rights. This educational outreach is a critical component of the union’s strategy to empower its members.

    The ABWU has announced that this event marks the beginning of a broader initiative. The union plans to conduct a series of similar outreach sessions across numerous hotels and resorts, signaling a concerted push to fortify worker protections and elevate employment standards throughout Antigua and Barbuda’s vital tourism industry.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Joins Caribbean Partners at UN Desertification Talks in Panama

    Antigua and Barbuda Joins Caribbean Partners at UN Desertification Talks in Panama

    Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are taking center stage at the 23rd session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC 23) in Panama City, demonstrating regional commitment to sustainable land management. From December 1-5, 2025, representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Haiti, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia are participating under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) framework.

    The Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) is serving as a regional help desk for Caribbean SIDS for the first time, addressing critical capacity gaps in reporting to the UNCCD. Executive Director Dr. Ronen Francis highlighted significant achievements, including the successful development of updated soil maps and comprehensive datasets for five Caribbean nations. These tools represent essential resources for national planning, environmental management, and evidence-based decision making.

    A major milestone discussed was the Global Environment Facility’s approval of the CSIDS SOILCARE Project Phase 2, which will extend benefits to 14 Caribbean SIDS through enhanced soil mapping capabilities. This new generation of soil information will strengthen countries’ abilities to meet Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) reporting obligations and effectively participate in the UNCCD’s Performance Review and Assessment Implementation System (PRAIS).

    Caribbean representatives including Enrique Monize (Guyana), Dr. Eric Browne (St. Kitts and Nevis), Joseph Noel (Grenada), and Karl Augustine (St. Lucia) championed initiatives such as the CARICOM ’25 by 25+5 Initiative,’ Caribbean SOILCARE Phases I & II, and CARSIS—the Caribbean Soil Information System. These programs demonstrate the region’s coordinated approach to achieving land degradation neutrality and safeguarding terrestrial resources for future generations.

    The conference follows preparatory events including a November 27-28 training workshop and a UNCCD SIDS Forum on November 29, 2025, underscoring the comprehensive preparation undertaken by Caribbean nations to address land degradation challenges.

  • Police Arrest Suspect After Fire Destroys Woman’s Home

    Police Arrest Suspect After Fire Destroys Woman’s Home

    A devastating fire completely destroyed the residence of Vanessa Benain, a 30-year-old Jamaican woman, on Monday evening, resulting in a total loss of her property and possessions. The incident has now escalated into a criminal investigation, with law enforcement officials taking one individual into custody on suspicion of arson.

    According to police reports, the small 16-by-16 foot wooden structure was fully engulfed in flames by the time emergency services arrived on the scene. Benain, who had been away from the property earlier that afternoon, received an alarming notification around 8 p.m. indicating her home was ablaze. Upon returning, she discovered firefighters actively working to contain the inferno, though her dwelling and all belongings within were already beyond salvageable condition.

    Critical investigation details emerged revealing the home operated without electrical power and carried no insurance coverage, compounding the tragedy for the displaced resident. Joint investigative teams from both the Fire Department and Police Force conducted a thorough forensic examination of the fire’s origin. Their preliminary assessment suggested possible deliberate ignition, leading to the subsequent detention of a male suspect whose identity remains undisclosed as the inquiry progresses. Authorities continue to pursue evidence regarding the fire’s intentional setting while the community faces questions regarding targeted residential attacks.

  • Antigua Hosts Fourth US–Caribbean Talks on Citizenship by Investment Oversight

    Antigua Hosts Fourth US–Caribbean Talks on Citizenship by Investment Oversight

    In a significant diplomatic development, officials from five Eastern Caribbean nations operating Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs convened with United States representatives to review substantial governance enhancements within the region’s economic citizenship framework. The high-level roundtable, hosted in Antigua and Barbuda, marked the fourth such collaborative meeting in approximately thirty months.

    Co-chaired by Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Governor Timothy NJ Antoine and US Treasury Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary Warren Ryan, the discussions included participation from international partners including the United Kingdom, European Commission, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission, and CARICOM IMPACS/Joint Regional Communications Centre. US Departments of State and Homeland Security also contributed to the multilateral dialogue.

    Participants acknowledged the region’s considerable advancements in implementing the comprehensive risk mitigation framework known as the ‘Six Principles,’ initially established during the inaugural US-Caribbean Roundtable in February 2023. These principles encompass collective agreements on application denials, mandatory interviews, enhanced background checks, systematic audits, retrieval mechanisms for revoked passports, and standardized protocols regarding applicants from Russia and Belarus.

    The timing of this meeting follows the landmark September 2025 signing of the agreement establishing the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA), which all five participating nations have subsequently enacted into domestic legislation. This independent regional regulatory body is poised to commence operations in 2026, tasked with establishing uniform industry standards, enforcing compliance, and publishing annual transparency reports.

    The reform initiative has been characterized by extensive stakeholder consultations and robust political support, reflecting the critical importance of CBI programs to the economic resilience and socio-development objectives of Eastern Caribbean nations. The participating countries reaffirmed their commitment to ECCIRA’s successful implementation while welcoming continued international partnership in strengthening program integrity and sustainability.

  • Ministry of Health Launches National Workshop to Strengthen Nutrition Standards in Schools

    Ministry of Health Launches National Workshop to Strengthen Nutrition Standards in Schools

    Antigua and Barbuda has initiated a comprehensive national effort to address childhood nutrition through the inauguration of a multisectoral workshop focused on establishing rigorous food standards for educational institutions. The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs is spearheading this critical public health intervention amid growing concerns over dietary health in the Caribbean region.

    Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph delivered a stark warning during the opening ceremony, revealing that childhood overweight and obesity now affect approximately 33% of Caribbean children—a statistic that poses significant threats to the nation’s future prosperity. “The escalating prevalence of childhood obesity represents a clear danger to our national development,” Minister Joseph stated. “Unhealthy dietary patterns and inadequate food environments continue to fuel this public health crisis. This initiative constitutes a vital step toward protecting the health and potential of our youth.”

    The workshop operates under the guidance of the CARPHA/PAHO Technical Recommendations for the Development of Nutrition Standards for Caribbean Schools, an evidence-based framework specifically created to transform school food environments. This strategic approach focuses on limiting access to nutritionally deficient options while expanding availability of wholesome foods, thereby fostering improved dietary behaviors among children and adolescents.

    Minister Joseph articulated the program’s objective: “We are committed to establishing and enforcing robust national nutrition standards that will transform every school in Antigua and Barbuda into an environment that cultivates healthy development, cognitive excellence, and promising futures.”

    Participants will receive specialized training in multiple domains, including implementation of technical guidelines, enhancement of food safety protocols, development of nutritious meal plans, and formulation of national standards through collaborative multisectoral engagement. The event saw participation from key stakeholders including Director of Education Mr. Clare Browne and CARPHA Food Security Technical Officer Ms. Abigail Caleb, both of whom endorsed the initiative and emphasized the necessity of coordinated action to address nutritional challenges.

    The Ministry acknowledged CARPHA and PAHO for their sustained partnership in bolstering public health capabilities throughout the region. This workshop represents a component of Antigua and Barbuda’s broader strategy to combat noncommunicable diseases and eliminate malnutrition in all its forms by 2030, consistent with its commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals.

  • Ministry of Health Engages Chinese Medical Delegation on Advancing Healthcare in Antigua and Barbuda

    Ministry of Health Engages Chinese Medical Delegation on Advancing Healthcare in Antigua and Barbuda

    The Ministry of Health and Wellness of Antigua and Barbuda has initiated high-level discussions with a specialized medical delegation from the People’s Republic of China, marking a significant development in bilateral health cooperation. The strategic dialogue focused on enhancing the Caribbean nation’s healthcare infrastructure through potential knowledge transfer, technological exchange, and capacity building initiatives.

    This diplomatic health engagement examined multiple collaborative avenues including specialist medical training programs, telemedicine implementation, and public health system modernization. The Chinese delegation presented innovative healthcare solutions that have demonstrated effectiveness in diverse clinical environments, with particular emphasis on tropical medicine applications relevant to the Caribbean context.

    Health officials from both nations explored sustainable partnership models that could potentially revolutionize patient care delivery in Antigua and Barbuda. The discussions addressed critical healthcare challenges facing small island developing states, including limited specialist coverage, pharmaceutical supply chain vulnerabilities, and healthcare accessibility in remote communities.

    The bilateral talks represent a growing trend of South-South cooperation in global health, with China sharing advanced medical expertise and technological resources with Caribbean partners. This health diplomacy initiative aligns with Antigua and Barbuda’s broader national development strategy to achieve comprehensive healthcare transformation through international partnerships.

    Medical professionals from both countries are expected to establish working groups to develop implementation frameworks for the identified cooperation areas, potentially creating new opportunities for medical education, clinical research, and healthcare technology adaptation in the Eastern Caribbean region.

  • St. Lucia ruling party wins majority of legislative seats

    St. Lucia ruling party wins majority of legislative seats

    CASTRIES – Prime Minister Philip Pierre has secured a second term in office following a decisive victory for his St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) in the island nation’s general election held this Tuesday. Official results confirm the incumbent party captured a commanding majority, winning at least nine of the seventeen contested seats in the House of Assembly. This electoral outcome grants Pierre’s administration a strong mandate to continue its governance agenda for another five-year term. The victory represents a significant endorsement of the SLP’s policies and leadership amidst regional economic challenges. The election process was observed to proceed smoothly, with voter turnout reflecting robust civic engagement. The final composition of the legislature is now set, with the focus shifting to the government’s policy priorities for its new term. The opposition parties are now tasked with regrouping after failing to secure a parliamentary majority.

  • Antigua and Barbuda reaffirms strong maritime leadership at 34th IMO Assembly in London

    Antigua and Barbuda reaffirms strong maritime leadership at 34th IMO Assembly in London

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has demonstrated robust maritime leadership during the 34th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly in London, positioning itself as a significant voice in global maritime governance. The delegation, led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, emphasized the country’s commitment to advancing sustainable shipping practices and enhancing maritime security protocols.

    During the assembly, Antigua and Barbuda advocated for strengthened international cooperation to address pressing maritime challenges, including climate change impacts on shipping routes and the need for technological adaptation in maritime operations. The nation’s representatives highlighted their successful implementation of the IMO’s maritime safety and environmental protection standards across their registry, which ranks among the world’s largest for vessel registration.

    The delegation also presented initiatives focused on supporting seafarer welfare and promoting digital transformation in maritime administration. Through bilateral meetings with other member states, Antigua and Barbuda forged partnerships to enhance maritime infrastructure development and capacity building in small island developing states.

    This active participation reinforces Antigua and Barbuda’s strategic position within international maritime policymaking and demonstrates its growing influence in shaping the future of global maritime operations.

  • Tourism Pioneer Alexandre de Brito e Cunha Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

    Tourism Pioneer Alexandre de Brito e Cunha Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

    In a poignant ceremony at the 2025 Tourism Awards Gala, Antigua and Barbuda posthumously celebrated the extraordinary legacy of Alexandre de Brito e Cunha, bestowing upon him the nation’s highest tourism honor. The visionary leader, whose career spanned nearly four decades, was recognized for his transformative impact on the Caribbean hospitality sector.

    De Brito e Cunha’s remarkable journey began in 1987 at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic, where he first demonstrated his exceptional aptitude for hospitality management. His most significant contributions emerged through his leadership roles within the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, where he served as both Chairman and enduring Board Member. Colleagues and industry stakeholders universally acknowledged his instrumental role in fortifying the association’s operational framework and crisis response capabilities.

    Throughout his distinguished career, de Brito e Cunha became renowned for his unwavering commitment to professional mentorship and service excellence. His strategic guidance proved particularly invaluable during the industry’s most turbulent periods, including the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He pioneered innovative collaboration models that united competing stakeholders, fostering an environment of shared growth and mutual support.

    The emotional award presentation saw de Brito e Cunha’s wife, Yovanni, and their sons Henrique and Hansel accepting the honor to a resounding standing ovation from assembled industry leaders. The family emphasized that the recognition mirrored not merely professional achievements but embodied his profound belief in human potential and sustainable sector development.

    Event organizers highlighted that de Brito e Cunha’s legacy continues to shape Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism identity, establishing service benchmarks that inspire emerging hospitality professionals across the twin-island nation. His philosophy of excellence through empowerment remains embedded in the industry’s foundational values, ensuring his influence will endure for generations to come.

  • LETTER: Why doesn’t the Health Department inspect restaurants?

    LETTER: Why doesn’t the Health Department inspect restaurants?

    A disturbing discovery at Club Sushi restaurant in English Harbour has revealed severe sanitation failures, raising alarms about public health oversight in Antigua’s dining industry. During a recent visit, a concerned citizen accidentally encountered unsanitary food preparation conditions that pose significant health risks to patrons.

    The witness reported observing kitchen staff washing cooking pots outdoors using contaminated water sources immediately adjacent to garbage disposal areas. These same food preparation vessels are routinely used for serving customers. Additionally, investigators found defective drainage systems causing foul-smelling wastewater to seep from Club Sushi into adjacent establishments, creating pervasive odor issues and potential contamination hazards.

    This exposure comes at a critical time as Antigua prepares for its annual boat season, when tourism activity peaks. The correspondent emphasizes that neither visitors nor local residents should face health compromises due to inadequate restaurant hygiene practices. Current health inspection protocols appear disproportionately focused on Chinese restaurants while neglecting broader industry-wide monitoring.

    Public health advocates are urging the National Parks Authority and Health Authority to implement unannounced inspections across all dining establishments islandwide. The letter writer stresses that with Antiguans increasingly relying on restaurant dining, strengthened food safety accountability measures have become essential for community wellbeing.