Carib Scope

标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • St. Lucia heads to polls as ex-PM seeks return to power

    St. Lucia heads to polls as ex-PM seeks return to power

    The Eastern Caribbean nation of St. Lucia is witnessing a pivotal democratic moment as citizens cast their votes in a general election that could dramatically reshape the nation’s political landscape. The electoral contest features a compelling comeback narrative with former Prime Minister Allen Chastanet leading the United Workers Party (UWP) in a determined bid to reclaim governance from the incumbent St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) under Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.

    The election arrives at a critical juncture for the island nation, with voters weighing competing visions for addressing pressing economic challenges, tourism recovery post-pandemic, and social development priorities. Both major parties have conducted vigorous campaigns across the island’s seventeen constituencies, presenting distinct policy platforms on economic management, healthcare accessibility, and infrastructure development.

    International observer missions are monitoring the electoral process to ensure transparency and fairness in what is anticipated to be a closely contested race. The outcome will determine whether Prime Minister Pierre’s administration secures a renewed mandate or whether voters will opt for the alternative leadership proposed by former Prime Minister Chastanet, whose previous term from 2016 to 2021 faced both praise and criticism for its economic policies and pandemic response.

    The final results, expected within hours of polling stations closing, will not only decide the immediate political leadership but also set the trajectory for St. Lucia’s development priorities and international partnerships in the coming years.

  • CARICOM honours women and youth in sustainable energy

    CARICOM honours women and youth in sustainable energy

    In a landmark ceremony concluding CARICOM Energy Month 2025, the Caribbean Community celebrated exceptional women and youth leaders revolutionizing sustainable energy development across the region. The prestigious WISE (Women in Sustainable Energy) and SEY (Sustainable Energy Youth) Awards recognized ten visionaries for their transformative contributions to policy innovation, community advocacy, and clean energy entrepreneurship.

    The November 28th gala at Georgetown’s Pegasus Hotel honored eight female pioneers and two youth innovators spanning 2024 and 2025 award cycles. Guyana’s Shevon Wood received recognition for policy leadership while Jamaica’s Carol Lue triumphed in business entrepreneurship. Social impact accolades went to advocates Jayda Overton (Guyana) and Gabrielle Gay (Barbados), with utility sector honors awarded to Cheryl Lewis (Jamaica) and Nikita Mullings (Bahamas).

    Youth champions Amir Dillawar (Guyana) and Damani Thomas (Jamaica) secured SEY honors for their groundbreaking solar energy initiatives and carbon neutrality efforts. Ambassador David Prendergast, CARICOM’s Director of Sectoral Programmes, emphasized that regional energy transition “must reflect and embrace the vital contributions of women and youth” across all sectors from policymaking to consumer engagement.

    The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), which partnered with CARICOM on the awards, reinforced through representative Dr. Neibert Blair that “the CARICOM energy transition cannot be achieved without women and youth.” Blair highlighted awardees’ roles in climate adaptation, workforce modernization, and policy development that collectively shape the region’s sustainable future.

    This celebration capped a month-long series of energy transition activities including electric vehicle expositions, academic engagements, and community initiatives like the Regional Energy Kilo Walk. The awards ceremony underscored CARICOM’s commitment to gender-inclusive and intergenerational leadership in achieving its clean energy objectives across 15 member states and 6 associate members.

  • PM Browne: Global Crises Pushing World Toward “Implosion”

    PM Browne: Global Crises Pushing World Toward “Implosion”

    At the Medays 2025 Forum in Morocco, Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne delivered a dire assessment of the global condition, declaring the world is perilously close to catastrophic failure. He characterized the current era as one of extreme volatility in modern history, fueled by a convergence of multiple systemic threats.

    The head of government for Antigua and Barbuda detailed a multifaceted crisis driven by escalating geopolitical conflicts, severe climate-related disasters, widespread food insecurity, rapid digital disruption, unsustainable national debt levels, and the persistent socioeconomic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Browne emphasized that for small island nations, these are not abstract concerns but concrete obstacles that severely limit their capacity for strategic planning, economic investment, and citizen protection.

    Browne issued an urgent call for enhanced multilateral collaboration, asserting that no single nation possesses the resources to withstand these compounding cycles of instability independently. Alongside his warnings, the Prime Minister highlighted significant legal advancements for vulnerable states, particularly referencing Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership role in the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS).

    He pointed to a landmark advisory opinion secured by COSIS that establishes a critical legal precedent: nations causing marine environmental damage through greenhouse gas emissions are in breach of their international legal obligations. This opinion, Browne noted, substantially strengthens the legal standing of all countries whose populations and economies face existential threats from climate change.

    The Caribbean leader delivered a severe condemnation of major polluters, accusing wealthy nations of profiting from fossil fuel industries while developing states endure the devastating consequences. Browne cautioned that continued failure to reduce emissions would ultimately “imperil human civilization” and implored major emitting countries to implement immediate, decisive measures to preserve the possibility of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

  • Dominican Communities Mourn 23-Year-Old Killed in St. John’s Scooter Crash

    Dominican Communities Mourn 23-Year-Old Killed in St. John’s Scooter Crash

    A devastating pre-dawn incident on Popeshead Street in St. John’s has resulted in the tragic death of Joshua Alexander, a 23-year-old Dominican national residing in Light Foot. The fatal collision occurred approximately at 2:00 AM on Sunday when Alexander’s black scooter reportedly veered out of control, striking a concrete wall and adjacent sidewalk in close proximity to the Pita Pocket establishment.

    Emergency response teams arriving at the scene discovered no vital signs from the victim. Medical professionals subsequently formally pronounced Alexander deceased at 3:16 AM despite resuscitation efforts. The Royal Police Force of Antigua has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, though preliminary evidence suggests no other vehicles were involved in the incident.

    The tragedy has triggered profound mourning within Dominican expatriate communities across both Antigua and Wesley, where Alexander was recognized as a vibrant young member. Law enforcement authorities have publicly extended their deepest sympathies to the grieving family while continuing their examination of contributing factors that might have led to the loss of control. The investigation remains active as officials work to determine whether road conditions, mechanical failure, or other elements played a role in this fatal outcome.

  • Antigua & Barbuda Honours Top Industry Performers at 2025 Tourism Awards

    Antigua & Barbuda Honours Top Industry Performers at 2025 Tourism Awards

    The Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality & Tourism Association (ABHTA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), orchestrated a magnificent celebration of industry excellence on November 29th, 2025. The event, formally titled the ‘Mirror Ball Gala: A Time to Reflect and Shine,’ served as the prestigious platform for the annual Tourism Awards, recognizing the nation’s most outstanding contributors to its vital tourism sector.

    The gala evening was a profound occasion to both reflect on past achievements and shine a spotlight on the individuals driving the industry forward. A diverse array of awards were presented across multiple categories, highlighting excellence from frontline service to executive leadership.

    Recipients of the coveted ABHTA Awards included Albev Wade from Blue Waters Resort & Spa, named Employee of the Year, and Sophia Welch of Mill Reef Club, who earned Supervisor of the Year. The Rising Star of the Year accolade was awarded to Shemaiah Gordon of Royalton Antigua, while Leon Norville from Sandals Grande Antigua was celebrated as Young Hotelier of the Year. Culinary expertise was prominently featured, with Kahendi Jackson of Hermitage Bay named Young Chef of the Year and Jean-Pierre Tuitt of Jumby Bay Island honored as Chef of the Year.

    The Ministry of Tourism bestowed its own set of distinctions. Sandy Ramsaran (Sandals Grande Antigua) received the Customer Service Excellence Award, Jahlyn Turner (Antigua & Barbuda Department of Immigration) was named Port Frontline Employee of the Year, Philbert John Baptiste (South Coast Horizons) won Tour Guide of the Year, and Ian Richards (United Taxi Company Antigua Ltd) earned the Transportation Service Provider of the Year title.

    Special recognition was given to women shaping the tourism landscape. Annette Michael was honored for an incredible 33-year legacy of exemplary service and leadership. Cleo Henry, EMBA, CHE, CGSP, was celebrated for her outstanding contributions to workforce development, training, and tourism leadership.

    In a poignant moment, a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to honor the enduring legacy of Mr. Alexandre de Brito e Cunha, remembered as a visionary leader and long-standing pillar of the ABHTA.

    The association extended its deepest gratitude to all event partners and sponsors whose support was instrumental in creating an unforgettable night of reflection, celebration, and immense national pride.

  • Directorate of Gender Affairs Partners with Ebenezer Methodist Church for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

    Directorate of Gender Affairs Partners with Ebenezer Methodist Church for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

    In a significant demonstration of cross-sector collaboration, Antigua and Barbuda’s Directorate of Gender Affairs and Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation partnered with Ebenezer Methodist Church for a special worship service commemorating the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

    The event featured prominent government officials emphasizing the crucial role of religious institutions in national efforts to eliminate gender-based violence. Senator the Honorable Lamin Newton, representing Minister of Social and Urban Transformation the Honorable Rawdon Turner, joined Directorate of Gender Affairs Executive Director Mr. Jamie Saunders in highlighting how faith-based organizations contribute to shaping moral, spiritual, and ethical values in citizens—particularly youth—that can reduce violent and deviant behaviors.

    Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, Ms. Sarah Stuart, contributed a scripture reading during the service, reinforcing the spiritual dimension of the anti-violence initiative. The sermon, delivered by Brother Chris Matthews, focused on themes of hope and perseverance during challenging times, providing inspirational messaging aligned with the campaign’s objectives.

    The collaboration represents a strategic approach to addressing gender-based violence through multiple societal pillars, combining government resources with religious moral authority. The Directorate of Gender Affairs continues to advance its 16 Days of Activism calendar with additional activities planned throughout the coming week, encouraging public engagement and awareness.

  • STI cases rise, highest rates among young adults

    STI cases rise, highest rates among young adults

    Jamaica is confronting a significant public health challenge as official data reveals a persistent upward trajectory in sexually transmitted infection (STI) cases over the past four years. The Ministry of Health and Wellness has documented 35,713 STI cases within the public health system for 2024, marking a concerning increase from 34,278 in 2023 and 31,572 in 2022.

    Medical experts identify young adults aged 20-24 as the demographic bearing the highest infection burden, followed closely by the 15-19 and 25-29 age groups. Women continue to be disproportionately affected, comprising 28,220 of the total cases compared to 7,493 men in 2024.

    Dr. Nicola Skyers, Senior Medical Officer at the National HIV/STI Programme, clarified that genital discharge syndromes—encompassing conditions like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis—account for over 99% of presentations. Meanwhile, genital ulcer diseases, including herpes and syphilis, constitute approximately 1% of cases. Syphilis infections specifically surged to 1,216 cases in 2024 after dipping to 865 the previous year.

    Healthcare professionals attribute this epidemiological trend primarily to insufficient condom usage and engagement in multiple partner relationships. Dr. Annisha Skinner of St. Ann Medical’s AHF Wellness Centre reported observing steady testing numbers throughout the year, with syphilis positivity peaking at 5.7% in July.

    Despite the rising STI prevalence, Jamaica is witnessing parallel developments in its HIV landscape. UNAIDS statistics indicate approximately 28,000 Jamaicans were living with HIV in 2024, though new infections declined to 1,100 from 1,200 in 2023. The national HIV prevalence rate stabilized at 1.1%, showing improvement from previous years.

    The Ministry of Health is currently conducting enhanced surveillance through a comprehensive survey to gather detailed STI-specific data, with results anticipated in 2026. Medical authorities emphasize that while testing accessibility has improved, it should not replace consistent safe sex practices including condom use, transparent partner communication, and avoidance of high-risk behaviors.

  • PHOTOS: Removal of Derelict Properties in St John’s Rural South Commences

    PHOTOS: Removal of Derelict Properties in St John’s Rural South Commences

    A comprehensive community enhancement project has been initiated in the St John’s Rural South constituency, spearheaded by local representative Daryll Matthew. The multifaceted program, which officially commenced operations this week, focuses primarily on the systematic removal of abandoned and dilapidated structures throughout the neighborhood.

    In his official communiqué released Sunday, Matthew detailed the project’s core objectives, emphasizing that eliminating derelict properties represents just one component of a broader strategy to foster safer, more aesthetically pleasing residential environments. The parliamentarian explicitly called upon community members to actively participate in maintaining their neighborhoods, advocating for collective responsibility in creating family-oriented living spaces.

    Characterizing the initiative as embodying positive ‘Sunday morning vibes,’ Matthew promoted a philosophy of civic pride with his exhortation for residents to ‘love where you live.’ He further elaborated on the psychological and social benefits of clean, well-maintained public spaces, noting their significant contribution to overall community wellbeing and quality of life.

    This targeted cleanup effort forms an integral part of a larger, constituency-wide campaign aimed at elevating both the visual appeal and environmental health standards across the Ottos region and broader Rural South district. The program represents a coordinated approach to urban revitalization that addresses both immediate safety concerns through structural removal and long-term community development through sustained citizen engagement.

  • Antiguan Micah McKenzie joins West Indies U19 squad for England series climax

    Antiguan Micah McKenzie joins West Indies U19 squad for England series climax

    In a strategic move ahead of the decisive final matches, Cricket West Indies has reinforced its Under-19 squad with two promising talents as they prepare to face England in Grenada. Eighteen-year-old leg-spinner Micah McKenzie from Antigua has received a late call-up, transitioning directly from the Leeward Islands Hurricanes camp in Trinidad where he was participating in the CWI Super50 tournament.

    McKenzie, who arrived in Grenada earlier this week, brings impressive recent form to the squad. The young spinner dominated the CWI Breakout Lead competition this year, emerging as the leading wicket-taker with 12 dismissals. He further demonstrated his capabilities by claiming 14 wickets for the Leeward Islands in the CWI Under-19 tournament, establishing himself as one of the region’s most promising bowling prospects.

    Joining McKenzie is fellow late addition Shamar Apple from the Guyana Harpy Eagles, providing additional options for the selectors as the series reaches its climax. Both players are immediately available for selection, beginning with today’s encounter at the Grenada National Stadium and extending to the series finale scheduled for December 1st.

    The reinforcements arrive at a critical juncture in the seven-match series, with the West Indies holding a slender 3-2 advantage over their English counterparts. With the final outcome hanging in the balance, these strategic additions could prove instrumental in determining which team emerges victorious from the closely contested youth international series.

  • Hurricane Season Closes With an Unusually Quiet November

    Hurricane Season Closes With an Unusually Quiet November

    The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season concluded today with an exceptionally tranquil finale, marking November as completely devoid of named storms for the first time in recent memory. Meteorological data confirms an unusual atmospheric peace settled across the Atlantic basin throughout the month, with the National Hurricane Center’s Tropical Weather Outlook identifying zero tropical disturbances—a rare occurrence particularly noteworthy given recent trends of late-season cyclonic development in Caribbean and western Atlantic waters.

    Climate scientists attribute this unprecedented calm to a convergence of suppressing meteorological factors. Unusually stable atmospheric conditions combined with heightened wind shear patterns created hostile environments for storm formation. Simultaneously, cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in primary development regions removed the essential thermal energy required for tropical cyclogenesis.

    While the season’s earlier months witnessed typical storm activity, the complete absence of November hurricanes provided coastal regions from Florida to New England with an unexpected reprieve. Emergency management agencies utilized this quiet period to conduct damage assessments from earlier storms and enhance preparedness protocols for future seasons.

    The meteorological community emphasizes that this seasonal conclusion shouldn’t diminish the importance of hurricane preparedness, as climate variability continues to make long-term forecasting challenging. The Atlantic hurricane season will officially recommence on June 1, 2026, with monitoring agencies continuing to analyze the unusual patterns observed in this year’s final month.