标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has launched a manhunt for an individual suspected of breaking into a clothing store on Market Street in St. John’s. The incident, which occurred between Wednesday and Thursday of this week, involved the theft of an undisclosed sum of money, iPhones, Samsung tablets, and shoes. Authorities have since recovered several of the stolen items, which are now being held at the police station for further investigation. The public is being urged to refrain from purchasing any suspected stolen goods, as doing so constitutes a criminal offense. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at 462-3913/14 or Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS (8477). The police have emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving this case and ensuring justice is served.

In a significant crackdown on illegal drug trafficking, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, in collaboration with Customs Enforcement, seized over 13 pounds of cannabis at the Deep Water Harbor on October 2, 2025. The operation, conducted by the Narcotics Department and the K-9 Unit, led to the discovery of 14 vacuum-sealed packages concealed in a brown cardboard box within the Custom Cargo Shed. The confiscated drugs, with an estimated street value of $81,000, were transported to Police Headquarters for further investigation. Authorities praised the joint efforts of the agencies involved and urged the public to continue supporting their fight against illegal drug trade. This seizure underscores the ongoing challenges and successes in combating narcotics trafficking in the region.

In a historic move, Sarah Mullally has been appointed as the new Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the first woman to hold the position in its 1,400-year history. The 63-year-old, who previously served as the Bishop of London, will now lead the global Anglican Communion, comprising 85 million members. Mullally’s appointment marks a significant milestone for the Church of England, which has been grappling with declining relevance in an increasingly secular society. Her diverse background, including a distinguished career as a nurse and Chief Nursing Officer for England, brings a unique perspective to her new role. Mullally’s leadership will be tested as she navigates internal divisions between conservative and liberal factions, addresses the fallout from past safeguarding failures, and works to rebuild trust within the church. Her appointment, made possible by reforms introduced by her predecessor Justin Welby, has been met with mixed reactions, particularly from conservative Anglican groups in Africa and Asia. Mullally has pledged to prioritize listening to survivors of abuse, caring for the vulnerable, and fostering a culture of safety and wellbeing. She will officially assume her role in March 2026, succeeding Welby, who resigned amid controversy over his handling of a child abuse scandal. As the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, Mullally will also face the challenge of reversing declining church attendance and addressing financial pressures. Her appointment reflects a broader shift within the Church of England toward inclusivity and modernization, though it remains to be seen how she will bridge the growing divide between the church’s liberal and conservative wings.

The government of St. John’s is exploring the implementation of parking meters as a strategic measure to alleviate the persistent traffic congestion plaguing the capital. This initiative, spearheaded by the St. John’s Development Corporation in collaboration with the Transport Board, aims to introduce a structured parking system to better manage the city’s limited space and heavy traffic.

Maurice Merchant, the Director General of Communications, highlighted the challenges of finding parking in St. John’s during a recent post-Cabinet media briefing. He emphasized that the proposal is currently being developed into a policy paper for Cabinet approval. The plan will outline the placement of parking meters and the allocation of revenue generated from their use.

If approved, this move would represent a transformative shift in the city’s approach to parking management. For years, residents and visitors have grappled with the frustrations of limited parking availability and gridlocked streets. The introduction of parking meters is expected to streamline traffic flow, reduce congestion, and potentially generate funds for further urban development.

The proposal has sparked discussions among stakeholders, with many hopeful that it will bring much-needed relief to the city’s transportation woes. However, the plan’s success will depend on careful implementation and public acceptance.

Ian Joseph, President of the United Taxi Company (UTC), addressed public concerns on Thursday regarding proposed regulations for ground transportation at V.C. Bird International Airport. He emphasized that the new measures would not restrict family members or friends from picking up loved ones. Joseph clarified that the regulations are aimed at curbing unauthorized taxi operators who illegally collect passengers for profit, rather than targeting personal pickups.

Joseph acknowledged that confusion surrounding the proposal had led to widespread misunderstanding. “I want to reassure the public that there will never be restrictions on families picking up their loved ones,” he stated. “Our focus is on individuals who operate unauthorized taxi services at the airport.”

The announcement followed a recent meeting between UTC, other transportation groups, and the attorney general to address the persistent issue of illegal taxi operators. Proposed solutions include implementing a vehicle sticker system, requiring non-members to pay premiums and royalties to UTC, and enhancing monitoring at the airport.

While some residents criticized the proposals as excessive, Joseph defended the measures, stating they are designed to promote fairness, security, and order for both drivers and travelers. The UTC president’s clarification aims to alleviate public concerns and ensure transparency as the regulations move forward.

Three drivers are awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to careless driving in distinct incidents, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety. In the first case, a woman admitted to the charge following a January collision on Utility Drive, where she struck another vehicle while attempting to overtake. Her sentencing is scheduled for November 20. The second case involves a young woman who failed to notice oncoming traffic on the Sir Sydney Walling Highway last December, resulting in a collision. Her sentencing, set for November 12, is pending an insurance report. The third incident involves a male driver who initially denied responsibility for a November 2024 crash with a Mack truck at the junction of St. John’s and Cross Streets. He later conceded fault, stating, “I should have been more careful.” His case was adjourned to November 6 to allow the complainant to provide damage details. These cases underscore the importance of vigilance and adherence to traffic laws to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.