In a significant diplomatic event, Her Excellency Emriye Bağdagül Ormancı, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), formally presented her credentials in Antigua and Barbuda. The ceremony took place on Thursday at Government House, where she was warmly received by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams. The discussions during the meeting focused on enhancing bilateral relations and fostering cooperation between Türkiye and the Eastern Caribbean region. Following the credential presentation, Ambassador Ormancı paid courtesy visits to Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Minister of Foreign Affairs E.P. Chet Greene, further solidifying the diplomatic engagement. Ambassador Ormancı, who holds the prestigious rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, will be based in St Lucia and accredited to Antigua and Barbuda, as well as other OECS member states. This appointment marks a pivotal step in strengthening the ties between Türkiye and the Eastern Caribbean, with a focus on mutual development and collaboration.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
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Barbuda under high surf warning as dangerous swells approach
A high surf warning has been declared for Barbuda, with the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service forecasting perilous marine conditions extending through the weekend. The alert, effective from Friday night until Monday afternoon, anticipates swells generating waves exceeding 10 feet (3 meters) and seas reaching up to 11 feet (3.4 meters). Neighboring regions, including Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands, are also under similar warnings, with hazardous conditions expected to persist from Friday into Monday. Authorities have escalated the threat level to high, citing life-threatening rip currents, coastal flooding, beach erosion, reef damage, and dangerous navigation in harbors. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to avoid entering the water in affected areas, steer clear of reefs and coastal structures, and only swim at sheltered beaches under lifeguard supervision. The public is encouraged to stay updated via antiguamet.com and the official channels of the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service.
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LETTER: Is UPP still in politics?
In a candid letter to the editor, a former parliamentarian and staunch supporter of the two-party system has voiced deep concerns over the United Progressive Party’s (UPP) apparent disengagement from the country’s political affairs. The writer laments the lack of meaningful political discourse within the party, criticizing the repetitive and uninspiring nature of their current outreach efforts, such as daily radio programs that fail to resonate with the electorate. The letter highlights a growing perception that the UPP is losing touch with its base, with internal activities like ‘mobilization Sundays’ and social events overshadowing the need for robust political strategies. The writer questions whether the party’s leadership is truly committed to winning the next election, pointing to a lack of operational branches and a top-down leadership style that stifles grassroots involvement. The letter also touches on the uncertain role of Harold Lovell, a key figure in the party, whose recent actions have left many supporters confused about his commitment. The writer concludes with a stark warning: without a renewed focus on political engagement and a clear vision for the future, the UPP risks further decline and irrelevance in the political landscape.
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Atlantic Tropical Wave Could Develop as It Moves Toward Caribbean
A tropical wave has been detected off the African coast, potentially becoming a weather system to watch in the Caribbean, according to meteorologists. The disturbance is forecasted to move westward to west-northwestward at speeds of 15 to 20 mph, interacting with another system in the eastern tropical Atlantic. While slow development is possible, the National Hurricane Center has indicated that the likelihood of cyclone formation remains minimal. The probability of development within the next 48 hours is near 0%, with a slight increase to 20% over the next seven days. Despite the low risk, experts are urging Caribbean residents to remain vigilant, as October is historically an active month during the hurricane season. The situation underscores the importance of preparedness during this period, even as current forecasts suggest limited immediate threat.
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Burnett Says Illegal Guns Enter Antigua Through Ports, Stolen From Licensed Owners
Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Nuffield Burnett has revealed that illegal firearms plaguing Antigua and Barbuda primarily originate from two sources: smuggling through the nation’s ports and theft from licensed gun owners. Speaking at a United Progressive Party town hall, Burnett highlighted the role of corruption and negligence in facilitating the influx of weapons. He emphasized that firearms are often smuggled through seaports and airports, with insiders sometimes orchestrating the illegal entries. “They’re coming into our seaports and our airports,” Burnett stated. “A lot of it happens because of unethical workings of some people — simple as that.” He criticized law enforcement for focusing on weapon seizures rather than targeting the individuals behind the smuggling operations. “What are you seizing it for? We want to catch the people who are bringing it,” he asserted. Burnett also pointed out that licensed gun owners contribute to the problem when their firearms are stolen during home invasions or misused. Many such incidents go unreported due to fear of backlash, he explained. This diversion of legally owned guns into criminal hands has exacerbated violent crime in the region. Burnett’s remarks come amid growing public concern over rising gun violence and calls for enhanced port security and stricter firearm regulations. The situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the dual challenges of smuggling and firearm mismanagement.
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Kem Warner urges political leaders to embrace universal standards of transparency
Governance expert Kem Warner has unveiled his ‘Ten Essentials of Good Governance’ during a United Progressive Party (UPP) town hall event, emphasizing the critical need for transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in public administration. Warner articulated these principles as universal benchmarks that should guide governments, irrespective of political affiliation, to foster public trust and ensure the responsible management of resources. The ten essentials include accountability to citizens, transparency, integrity, respect for the rule of law, responsiveness, inclusiveness, equity, consensus-based decision-making, efficiency and effectiveness, and stakeholder participation. Warner described these as foundational pillars for effective governance, asserting that their consistent application would enhance institutional trust and decision-making processes. Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle seized the opportunity to critique the current administration, claiming it scored ‘a big fat zero’ in adhering to these standards, particularly in transparency and citizen communication. Warner reiterated that these principles are non-partisan and universally accepted in governance practices, urging leaders to adopt them to better serve their constituents. The event highlighted the opposition’s strategy to center upcoming political debates around governance accountability, positioning Warner’s framework as a critical evaluation tool for leadership performance.
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Burnett Warns Against Using ‘Extrajudicial Killing’ Label Without Evidence
Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Nuffield Burnett has urged caution in labeling recent police-involved shootings as “extrajudicial killings,” emphasizing that such terminology could be prejudicial without conclusive evidence. Speaking at a United Progressive Party town hall, Burnett advocated for describing these incidents as “suspicious deaths” or “killings” until thorough investigations are completed. He argued that premature classification could compromise the integrity of ongoing inquiries and unfairly tarnish the reputation of law enforcement officers. Burnett highlighted that the deaths of young, healthy men under “unnatural and suspicious circumstances” warrant meticulous examination rather than hasty judgments. He stressed the importance of precise language to ensure fairness and accountability, noting that only comprehensive police work and coroner’s inquests can determine whether the deaths were lawful, unlawful, or extrajudicial. His comments come amid growing public scrutiny over high-profile cases, including the deaths of Manny James and Khalil Simon, where families and rights advocates have criticized the pace and transparency of investigations. Burnett’s remarks underscore the need for balanced discourse and rigorous due process in addressing such sensitive issues.
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Antigua and Barbuda Shows Strong Leadership at Regional Maritime Conference
The Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) is currently hosting its annual Industry Conference at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica, from October 1st to 2nd, 2025. The event, themed ‘Embracing the Blue Economy: Navigating the Future through Sustainable Development,’ aims to address critical maritime and environmental challenges facing the Caribbean region. As the premier maritime training institution in the Caribbean, CMU has been a key partner of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda since 2014, offering specialized training and education in marine transportation and engineering. Through scholarships provided by the Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) and the Port Authority, over 30 nationals have graduated from CMU, contributing to both local and global maritime operations. The conference was inaugurated by H.E. Ambassador Dwight Gardiner, Director/Registrar General of ADOMS and Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the International Maritime Organization, who was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws by CMU in 2024. The event brings together regulators, industry leaders, and academics from across the Caribbean and North America to discuss pressing issues such as Industry 4.0 applications, climate-resilient maritime practices, inclusive policies for indigenous communities, and economic analyses of shipping decarbonization. Notable participants include Mr. Darwin Telemaque, CEO of the Port Authority; Lt. Cdr. Wayne Mykoo, Deputy Director of Maritime Affairs at ADOMS; Dr. Branson Belle, Executive Director of the Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy; and Mr. Ethan James, CEO of Green Energy Management Inc. The conference underscores the region’s commitment to sustainable development and the blue economy, fostering collaboration and innovation in the maritime sector.
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Governor General’s Wife Reveals Health Struggles, Undergoes Multiple Surgeries
Sandra Scotland-Williams, the wife of Antigua and Barbuda’s Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, has opened up about her ongoing health struggles following a series of major surgeries. In a candid Facebook post on Friday, Scotland-Williams revealed that she underwent spinal surgery in the United Kingdom and additional procedures in Trinidad. She disclosed that the surgeries have left her with paralysis in her left hand and arm, and she remains uncertain about the possibility of regaining full functionality. ‘Time will tell if things will ever be ‘normal’ again,’ she wrote. Scotland-Williams also shared graphic details of her medical journey, explaining that her neck was incised from ear to ear to allow neurosurgeons to perform their work. Her vertebrae were replaced with a metal cage, and she continues to battle pulmonary embolism, which has caused significant swelling. Despite these challenges, she remains resilient, stating, ‘We never know what life holds. Always be prepared to deal with whatever curve ball you are thrown. I’m still standing.’ Her heartfelt disclosure has garnered an outpouring of support and well wishes from the public, highlighting her strength and determination in the face of adversity.
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VIDEO: Cobbs Cross Clinic Nears Completion, Set to Boost St. Paul’s Healthcare Services
The Ministry of Works (MOW) has officially completed the construction of the new Cobbs Cross Clinic, marking a significant milestone in healthcare development for the St. Paul’s community in Antigua and Barbuda. The state-of-the-art facility, now under the commissioning process by the Ministry of Health, is poised to deliver enhanced medical services to residents upon its imminent opening. This project underscores the collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Health, highlighting their shared commitment to improving the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. The completion of the clinic is part of a broader initiative by the Ministry of Health to upgrade healthcare facilities across Antigua and Barbuda. Officials expressed gratitude to the dedicated teams from both ministries whose hard work made this achievement possible. The Ministry of Works has reaffirmed its ongoing support for the Ministry of Health’s extensive healthcare modernization efforts, ensuring that communities nationwide benefit from improved access to quality medical care.