标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a high surf advisory, alerting residents and visitors to potentially dangerous sea conditions expected to persist over the coming days. Moderate, long-period swells are predicted to generate waves ranging from 6 to 10 feet (2–3 meters), with occasional larger sets, particularly along the northern and western coastlines of the islands. The advisory, which extends from Friday through Tuesday, also encompasses neighboring eastern Caribbean territories, including the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Montserrat, and St Kitts and Nevis. Authorities have highlighted significant risks such as life-threatening rip currents, beach erosion, coastal flooding, and potential property damage. Beachgoers are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution, avoid rocky shorelines, and swim only in areas supervised by lifeguards. The Meteorological Service emphasized the importance of heeding the advisory and staying informed through official channels for updates. For further details, the public is encouraged to visit the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service’s website and social media platforms.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda, in collaboration with the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer for the Caribbean (BCRC–Caribbean), convened a pivotal National Priority Workshop on Hazardous Waste Management on October 2, 2025. Held at the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute (ABHTI) in Osbourn, the event marked a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to address hazardous waste challenges. The workshop was part of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) ISLANDS Programme, a regional initiative aimed at fostering sustainable and non-chemical development across twelve Caribbean nations. Antigua and Barbuda is currently implementing Output 2.2 of the programme, which focuses on developing a National Hazardous Waste Strategy and Roadmap. This comprehensive strategy aims to strengthen policy frameworks, assess national capacities, and outline actionable steps for managing priority waste streams, including PCBs/POPs, obsolete pesticides, PFAS-containing foams, electronic waste, used lead-acid batteries, waste oils, and healthcare waste. During the workshop, national representatives emphasized the urgency of tackling hazardous waste, noting its growing risks to the country’s natural beauty and public health. A key concern highlighted was the improper categorization and treatment of medical waste, a challenge shared across the Caribbean region. The event served as both a validation and planning forum, enabling stakeholders to review collected data, identify gaps, and establish short-, medium-, and long-term priorities. Presentations covered initial assessments of national capacity, sectoral consultations, and field visit outcomes. Discussions also focused on prioritizing critical waste issues, setting the stage for the next phase of roadmap validation. The session concluded with a Country Engagement Forum led by BCRC–Caribbean, providing an overview of regional activities and gathering stakeholder feedback. By uniting government agencies, technical experts, and local stakeholders, the workshop underscored Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to enhancing its hazardous waste management framework under the ISLANDS Programme.

The Rotary Club of Antigua has taken a significant step forward in its mission to enhance education and professional development through its Education Through Technology Programme. On October 1, 2025, the organization distributed laptops to several key institutions and educators, marking a pivotal moment in their ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide. Among the recipients were The Tiny Smiles Preschool and Daycare Centre, the New Bethel Seventh Day Adventist Academy, the Caribbean Council of the Blind, the Industrial Workshop for the Blind, The Victory Center, and Industrial Arts Teacher Fitzgerald Ponde. Each representative expressed profound gratitude for the Rotary Club’s support in advancing technological growth and training within their respective fields. President Elisa Graham emphasized the club’s unwavering commitment to fostering technological development among young minds, highlighting the collaboration with international partners, such as the Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club from Washington State. This initiative underscores the Rotary Club of Antigua’s dedication to leveraging local and global resources to meet the evolving needs of schools and students.

A towering statue recently unveiled by Glorious Hope Ministries has ignited a heated debate within Antigua’s religious community. The installation, inspired by the biblical book of Daniel, was intended to raise awareness about the return of Christ, according to Elder Claude Weaver, the church’s leader. However, the project has drawn sharp criticism from other religious figures, including Bishop Charlesworth Brown of the Christian Council, who argues that the statue has caused division rather than fostering unity. Brown contends that the Christian message is better conveyed through faith and teaching rather than expensive monuments. He also suggested that the funds used for the statue could have been better allocated to support needy families. The statue, prominently located along All Saints Road, has become a focal point of controversy, with its symbolism and necessity continuing to be debated. Despite the criticism, the statue remains in place, serving as a testament to the ongoing tensions within the community.

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued an excessive heat warning, alerting residents to prepare for extreme temperatures that could feel as high as 43°C (109°F). The warning, effective daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Sunday, highlights the combination of light winds and high humidity, which will create perilously hot conditions, especially during early afternoons. The heat index, a measure of perceived temperature factoring in humidity and air temperature, is expected to peak at 43°C, surpassing the threshold of 41°C (106°F) that triggers such warnings. This threshold is typically activated when temperatures remain elevated for two or more consecutive days with wind speeds below 18 km/h (11 mph). The elderly, young children, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those engaged in outdoor activities are at the highest risk of heat-related health issues, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and potentially fatal heat stroke. Symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, extreme thirst, or confusion should prompt immediate action, including moving to a cooler environment, staying hydrated, and seeking medical assistance if necessary. Authorities are urging residents to take preventive measures, such as staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours, and checking on vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbors. Additionally, individuals on medication are advised to consult their healthcare providers about potential heat-related risks. The extreme weather conditions underscore the importance of community vigilance and preparedness to mitigate the adverse effects of the ongoing heatwave.