标签： Antigua and Barbuda

A 44-year-old Antiguan woman has initiated legal proceedings against a surgeon she alleges performed a negligent hiatal hernia operation that resulted in years of debilitating symptoms and significant financial losses. Ananthsa McDonald of Powell’s Estate filed the claim with the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court on November 26, citing severe complications from a Nissen fundoplication procedure conducted in June 2020 that ultimately required corrective surgery in Germany.

The medical saga began when McDonald first experienced chest pain and breathing difficulties in May 2020, leading to the recommendation for surgical intervention. Contrary to expectations of a six-week recovery, her condition deteriorated markedly post-operation. She reported persistent swallowing difficulties, substantial weight loss, chronic chest and back pain, and overwhelming fatigue that severely impacted her quality of life.

Court documents reveal that McDonald made repeated attempts to seek follow-up care from her original surgeon but received inadequate medical attention. Instead of addressing her physical symptoms, she was reportedly advised to undergo psychiatric evaluation. The deteriorating health condition forced her to resign from multiple positions, including her role at the Ministry of Health and employment at La Bussola Restaurant and Royalton Antigua.

In a turning point in late 2021, a new physician diagnosed an abnormally tight esophageal junction and recommended immediate corrective surgery. McDonald traveled to Munich in January 2022, where German surgeons performed an extensive six-hour laparoscopic procedure. The surgical report documented extreme narrowing at the stomach entrance and significant esophageal dilation, noting the condition risked reaching a ‘point of no return’ without timely intervention.

The lawsuit alleges the initial surgery created an excessively tight gastro-esophageal junction and claims the medical team refused to release McDonald’s complete medical records, thereby delaying crucial secondary treatment. While McDonald has since resumed full-time work as a lecturer, she continues to experience some residual symptoms.

The plaintiff seeks comprehensive damages covering pain and suffering, loss of earnings between 2020-2022, breach of contract, and breach of statutory duty. Special damages include medical expenses, international travel costs, accommodation fees for the German treatment, and compensation for lost income during her period of disability.

The named surgeon has declined to comment on the allegations, and no defense had been formally filed at the time of the court documents’ release.

The culinary landscape of Antigua and Barbuda is experiencing a remarkable ascent as the islands celebrate their third baking professional securing a coveted spot in the 2026 Caribbean Baking Awards shortlist. This triple recognition significantly amplifies the nation’s standing within the regional gastronomic competition circuit.

Gabrielle Thomas has emerged as a contender for the distinguished Pastry Chef of the Year honor. Expressing profound appreciation for the accolade, Thomas remarked, ‘I am deeply grateful for this recognition,’ while extending heartfelt thanks to her family, friends, and community for their unwavering support throughout her culinary journey.

Thomas now joins compatriots Timoy Titus and Lana Williams in this year’s prestigious nominee circle. Titus, the creative force behind Teez Delights, has achieved his third consecutive nomination for Best Cake Designer—a testament to his consistent excellence. Simultaneously, Williams, founder of The Purple Rose Batter, has garnered recognition in the Innovative Baker of the Year category, highlighting the diverse talent emerging from the twin-island nation.

The prestigious awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Saint Martin from July 24-26, 2026. The nomination process will conclude on February 1st, followed by the commencement of public voting on April 7th, allowing baking enthusiasts across the Caribbean to participate in celebrating regional culinary excellence.

A resident of Grays Farm, Antigua and Barbuda, has been formally charged by the Royal Police Force in connection with the theft of a tourist’s personal items. Junior Emmanuel, whose address was confirmed as Federation Road, is alleged to have committed the act of larceny on the afternoon of Saturday, November 29, 2025, along Charles Henry Street.

The criminal complaint details that the stolen property consisted of a single fanny pack containing multiple high-value items. Among these were an official United Kingdom Passport, a Samsung A30 model cellular phone, and an unspecified amount of cash in United States currency. The items were confirmed to be the property of an international visitor to the twin-island nation.

Following an investigation into the reported incident, law enforcement officials took Emmanuel into custody. He has since been charged under the relevant larceny statutes. The judicial process is now moving forward, with the accused scheduled for an imminent arraignment before a magistrate. The court appearance will mark the next phase in the legal proceedings, where the evidence will be presented and the charge formally addressed.

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has executed a significant environmental and public safety operation, successfully extracting over fifty derelict vehicles from residential zones in the Villa and Yorks communities. This intensive week-long removal campaign targeted a diverse range of abandoned transportation, including personal cars, public transit buses, jeeps, and pickup trucks that had been left to deteriorate. The initiative represents a critical phase in the agency’s broader, intensified strategy to enhance urban cleanliness and community aesthetics across the region. By systematically clearing these substantial eyesores and potential hazards, the authority addresses longstanding complaints from residents concerning blight and safety risks. This operation underscores a renewed governmental commitment to enforcing public space regulations and improving quality of life. Officials have indicated that such targeted clean-up drives are set to continue, with plans to expand into additional neighborhoods in the coming months, signaling a sustained effort to combat urban decay.

Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector celebrated two of its most influential figures during the prestigious 2025 Tourism Awards Gala, where Annette Michael and Cleo Henry received special recognition for their exceptional three-decade-long careers. The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment presented the Women in Tourism Special Awards to these trailblazers, acknowledging their profound impact on the nation’s vital tourism industry through leadership, mentorship, and transformative influence.

The newly established awards program specifically recognizes women who have established exemplary standards within the tourism sector while simultaneously strengthening workforce capabilities, supporting national economic development, and inspiring emerging professionals. Both honorees have contributed 33 years of service each, representing the dedication and resilience that form the foundation of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism success.

Annette Michael, who embraced the personal motto ‘Country First’ throughout her career, progressed from her initial role as Tourism Field Officer to become a Hospitality Management Officer. Her work encompassed significant industry initiatives and government-led development programs that substantially advanced the nation’s tourism offerings.

Cleo Henry, possessing an Executive MBA and certifications in hospitality excellence (CHE, CGSP), received recognition for her regional impact on tourism education and professional training. Her expertise spans multiple disciplines including hotel operations, culinary arts, tour guiding, and professional certification development. As a consultant, educator, and trainer across the Caribbean region, Henry has played a pivotal role in elevating hospitality standards and empowering tourism professionals throughout the islands.

The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association characterized both recipients as ‘visionaries who uplift, inspire and transform the spaces they touch,’ emphasizing that their contributions reflect the resilience and dedication of women who have shaped the sector over multiple decades. Ministry officials noted that these awards highlight the indispensable role women play in building and sustaining Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism product, with the legacies of both Michael and Henry expected to continue influencing the industry for generations to come.

ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has announced a significant escalation of traffic enforcement measures nationwide in response to a troubling surge in vehicular collisions and fatal road incidents. Beginning December 1, 2025, authorities will implement enhanced traffic checkpoints and systematic stop-and-search operations conducted around the clock across both islands.

This strategic initiative represents a proactive approach by police administration to combat dangerous driving behaviors and ensure strict adherence to national traffic legislation. The comprehensive campaign aims to address growing concerns about road safety through visible law enforcement presence and regulatory compliance verification.

Official communications emphasize that all motorists must maintain vehicles meeting stringent roadworthiness standards, including current licensing, comprehensive insurance coverage, and full compliance with the Vehicles and Road Traffic Regulations. Drivers are additionally cautioned to exercise heightened vigilance behind the wheel and observe posted speed limits without exception.

Police authorities acknowledge that these necessary safety operations may occasionally create traffic delays or temporary disruptions to normal transit patterns. However, they stress that such measures are essential for reducing accident rates and preventing traffic fatalities. The administration formally requests public cooperation and understanding during this critical road safety campaign, expressing gratitude for community support in collective efforts to safeguard the nation’s roadways.