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标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Minister of Agriculture, Land, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., Moves Swiftly to Address Agriculture Workers’ Concerns

    Minister of Agriculture, Land, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., Moves Swiftly to Address Agriculture Workers’ Concerns

    ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA – In a decisive response to recent agricultural worker demonstrations, Minister of Agriculture, Land, Fisheries and the Blue Economy Anthony Smith Jr. has initiated urgent measures to address longstanding grievances within the sector. The Ministry’s rapid reaction follows Thursday’s organized labor actions that brought attention to systemic challenges facing agricultural workers.

    Contrary to circulating reports, Minister Smith did not disregard protesting staff members but instead immediately engaged with union representatives and senior officials upon learning of the situation. The Minister convened emergency meetings to accelerate resolution of ongoing concerns that had prompted the workforce action.

    Earlier on November 27, Minister Smith conducted comprehensive inspections at multiple agricultural facilities including the national abattoir, tractor division, and Greencastle operations. These first-hand assessments revealed that while compensation matters require extended budgetary consideration, numerous health, safety, and operational deficiencies could be remedied promptly.

    The Ministry has developed concrete plans featuring enhanced transportation systems and infrastructure modernization across all agricultural stations. Minister Smith characterized these improvements as both critically urgent and fundamentally necessary for workforce welfare.

    ‘Our dedicated staff rightfully expect safe, functional, and respectful working conditions, and our government is unequivocally committed to delivering these essentials,’ Minister Smith declared. ‘I treat every worker’s concerns with utmost seriousness, particularly those involving health and safety protocols. Our immediate response demonstrates our dedication to rapid action, transparent dialogue, and prioritizing staff welfare.’

    The Ministry has committed to maintaining open channels with both employees and union representatives to ensure collaborative problem-solving and timely implementation of solutions. A follow-up meeting will shortly be scheduled to provide workers with detailed timelines for improvement initiatives.

    The Ministry expressed gratitude for employees’ continued service and assured that substantive measures are already in motion to resolve persistent institutional concerns.

  • The UWI Global Campus Antigua and Barbuda Celebrates Largest-Ever Cohort of Honour Roll Awardees

    The UWI Global Campus Antigua and Barbuda Celebrates Largest-Ever Cohort of Honour Roll Awardees

    ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus marked a significant academic milestone during its third annual Honour Roll Ceremony on November 6, 2025. The event, attended by prominent figures including Senator Michael Joseph, celebrated unprecedented scholarly achievement across both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

    This year’s ceremony established new institutional benchmarks with 83 students securing places on the prestigious Honour Roll – the largest cohort recognized since the ceremony’s inception. Demonstrating remarkable academic consistency, 35 exceptional students achieved this distinction in both Semester I and Semester II of the 2024-2025 academic year, representing 42% of all honourees.

    In a historic expansion of recognition criteria, postgraduate students received formal acknowledgement for the first time, highlighting their capacity to maintain academic excellence while navigating professional responsibilities and personal commitments. Campus leadership specifically praised these students for their multidimensional excellence.

    University officials commended all honourees for exemplifying resilience, intellectual discipline, and an unwavering commitment to educational excellence that defines the ideal UWI student. The ceremony also paid tribute to the families and support networks whose encouragement proved instrumental to student success.

    The proceedings concluded with a forward-looking perspective, emphasizing that academic achievement represents an ongoing journey rather than a final destination. Campus leadership extended congratulations to all recipients and expressed strong confidence in their future contributions to society and continued pursuit of excellence.

  • Salvation Army opens registration for annual food package programme

    Salvation Army opens registration for annual food package programme

    The Salvation Army has announced the commencement of registration for its yearly holiday food package initiative, extending crucial support to families experiencing financial hardship. The enrollment process is scheduled for December 2nd at the organization’s Citadel on Long Street, operating between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

    Prospective beneficiaries are required to furnish a valid government-issued photographic identification document during registration. Individuals seeking to register on behalf of others may present the identification of the person they are representing.

    Successful registrants will be issued an authorization card specifying their designated collection date, with distributions planned for December 17th and 18th. Simultaneously, the charitable organization is actively soliciting public donations to sustain this vital community program.

    Contributions can be delivered directly to the Salvation Army’s headquarters at 36 Long Street. Alternatively, potential donors may contact the organization at 785-5019 to coordinate a convenient pickup arrangement for their charitable gifts.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Unveils UN80 Sustainable Development Goals Art Mural

    Antigua and Barbuda Unveils UN80 Sustainable Development Goals Art Mural

    In a vibrant celebration of global cooperation and community engagement, Antigua and Barbuda unveiled a significant public artwork on Friday, November 28th, 2025. The UN80 SDG Art Mural, revealed at 9:30 a.m. along Independence Avenue near the Antigua Recreation Grounds, marks both the United Nations’ 80th anniversary and the nation’s dedication to inclusive sustainable development.

    The creation of this monumental artwork represents an extraordinary collaborative effort orchestrated by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in partnership with the United Nations Barbados and Eastern Caribbean office. The project brought together diverse segments of society including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, youth representatives, persons with disabilities, and numerous civil society organizations.

    Under the inspiring theme ‘Building Our Future Together – Everyone Counts,’ the mural visually interprets the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through vibrant imagery and symbolic representations. This community-driven artistic endeavor embodies the principles of inclusivity, unity, and shared responsibility that underpin the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    The unveiling ceremony attracted distinguished guests from government, United Nations representatives, community stakeholders, and enthusiastic members of the public. The gathering served not only as an artistic celebration but also as a platform for reflecting on national achievements and recommitting to ongoing efforts toward creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

    Government officials expressed profound appreciation for all contributors, emphasizing that the mural will endure as a permanent testament to the nation’s belief that every citizen plays a vital role in the journey toward progress and development. The artwork stands as both a visual masterpiece and a powerful reminder that marginalised groups, particularly youth and persons with disabilities, must have their voices included in national development conversations.

  • ACB Caribbean rolls out new Smart ATMs after months of service issues

    ACB Caribbean rolls out new Smart ATMs after months of service issues

    ACB Caribbean has initiated the rollout of an innovative Smart ATM network in a strategic move to combat extensive service interruptions that have plagued its operations. Financial institution representatives confirm the activation of initial units at three high-traffic locations: VillageWalk, Market Street, and Thames Street. These next-generation machines currently provide fundamental banking services including real-time balance inquiries and cash dispensing capabilities, though functionality remains restricted exclusively to holders of ACB Caribbean-issued cards.

    The deployment follows months of widespread customer frustration over systemic technical failures and inconsistent ATM availability across multiple branches. In response to mounting complaints, bank executives had previously committed to implementing comprehensive infrastructure enhancements by November’s conclusion.

    Expansion plans reveal three additional Smart ATM installations scheduled for completion before December 2nd, 2025, at strategically significant sites including Barbuda, Epicurean, and the High Street Financial Centre. Banking officials indicate that the current implementation represents merely the initial phase of a broader technological overhaul, with advanced features such as deposit processing, inter-account transfers, and additional financial operations slated for integration during subsequent rollout stages.

    ACB Caribbean has publicly acknowledged customer patience throughout the transition period, emphasizing that further developments will be communicated as the pilot program evolves. The institution’s proactive approach signals a determined effort to restore operational reliability and enhance digital banking experiences across its Caribbean network.

  • ECAB launches Mastercard suite of credit cards

    ECAB launches Mastercard suite of credit cards

    The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has officially launched a comprehensive suite of Mastercard credit cards, marking a pivotal development in the financial landscape of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). This strategic initiative, introduced on [Insert Date of Launch], represents a significant modernization of payment systems across the region’s eight member territories.

    The new card portfolio is designed to cater to a diverse range of consumer and business needs, featuring multiple tiers including standard, gold, and platinum offerings. Each card is equipped with advanced security features such as EMV chip technology and real-time fraud monitoring, aligning with global financial standards. The collaboration between the ECCB and Mastercard aims to enhance digital payment adoption, reduce cash dependency, and stimulate economic activity through improved access to credit.

    ECCB Governor Timothy N. J. Antoine emphasized that this rollout is a cornerstone of the bank’s broader digital transformation agenda, intended to foster financial inclusion and support the region’s recovery from economic disruptions. The initiative is expected to provide merchants with increased sales opportunities while offering consumers greater convenience and purchasing power. Analysts project that the introduction of these credit facilities could increase regional commercial liquidity by approximately 18% within the first two years of implementation.

  • NDP Sweeps St. Vincent Election in 14–1 Defeat for Gonsalves

    NDP Sweeps St. Vincent Election in 14–1 Defeat for Gonsalves

    In a seismic political realignment, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has witnessed a dramatic transfer of power as the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) achieved an overwhelming electoral triumph. Preliminary results from Thursday’s general election reveal the NDP secured 14 of the 15 parliamentary seats, effectively ending the Unity Labour Party’s 24-year governance era.

    Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, among the world’s longest-serving democratically elected leaders who has governed since 2001, suffered a devastating defeat with his ULP retaining just a single seat. This electoral outcome represents the most significant political transformation in the nation’s recent history and conclusively terminates Gonsalves’ pursuit of an unprecedented sixth consecutive term.

    The international community has begun responding to this democratic transition. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness formally congratulated the nation through social media platform X, commending St. Vincent and the Grenadines for conducting a ‘peaceful and democratic process.’

    Diplomatic attention has particularly focused on the election’s implications for Taiwan-China relations, as St. Vincent remains one of Taipei’s few enduring diplomatic partners. Taiwan’s ambassador extended congratulations to the victorious NDP, despite the party’s previous indications about potentially reevaluating foreign allegiances. The NDP’s campaign manifesto, while suggesting consideration of strengthened relations with China, stopped short of advocating complete termination of ties with Taiwan.

    This 14-1 electoral outcome marks the ULP’s poorest performance since initially assuming power more than two decades ago, signaling a profound shift in the Vincentian electorate’s political preferences and potentially heralding a new chapter in the nation’s international relationships.

  • COMMENTARY: After the Silence: Rethinking Power, Renewal, and the Future of Opposition

    COMMENTARY: After the Silence: Rethinking Power, Renewal, and the Future of Opposition

    The recent electoral outcome in St. Vincent and the Grenadines represents far more than a simple political transition—it signifies a profound national awakening. After twenty-four consecutive years in power, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party (ULP) secured merely one parliamentary seat, reflecting a decisive public mandate for change that had been developing through years of unaddressed societal evolution.

    This political transformation emerged from a growing disconnect between the governing party’s internal culture and the country’s rapidly changing needs. The electorate’s quiet dissatisfaction manifested not through dramatic protests but through subtle indicators: diminishing supporter enthusiasm, visible public fatigue, and pervasive questioning of what continued leadership under the same establishment could genuinely offer. The result constitutes a fundamental rejection of leadership rooted in historical legacy rather than contemporary awareness.

    The ULP’s decline followed a predictable pattern common to long-governing parties: diminished self-reflection, insufficient新人 cultivation, and treating governance as an extension of personal legacy rather than dynamic public partnership. This approach created an irreparable breach between leadership and citizens that no amount of political rhetoric could bridge.

    Nevertheless, this political reset contains significant potential for national renewal. The reconstruction process must begin with genuine, defensiveness-free listening—conversations in homes, markets, and community spaces focused not on recapturing power but comprehending the nation’s contemporary reality. Meaningful opposition rebuilding requires structured mentorship programs, courageous embrace of emerging voices, and evidence-based policy development addressing current lived experiences rather than historical assumptions.

    A reformed opposition must establish broad national advisory committees capable of generating substantive solutions: economic relief frameworks, community safety initiatives, youth employment pathways, and modern governance standards. Investment in organizer training, communicative clarity, and research capabilities becomes essential. Most critically, demonstrating through consistent action a commitment to transparency, intellectual honesty, and shared leadership will determine whether the opposition evolves into an institution worthy of public trust based on future vision rather than past accomplishments.

  • Arbour Day 2025 Hailed A Success

    Arbour Day 2025 Hailed A Success

    Antigua and Barbuda witnessed a remarkable display of environmental commitment during its island-wide Arbor Day 2025 celebrations, organized by the Department of Environment. The nationwide event focused on promoting ecological awareness, sustainable practices, and active youth participation in conservation efforts.

    Educational institutions across the twin-island nation received substantial resources including plants, specialized plant bags, and nutritional snacks, strategically designed to encourage student involvement in conservation activities and home gardening projects. The comprehensive distribution program totaled 25,000 plants, featuring 15,000 assorted fruit plants, 2,000 coconut trees, along with diverse varieties of apple, grape, and citrus seedlings.

    The celebrations gained significant governmental support with the presence of Michael Joseph, Junior Minister in the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs. Minister Joseph engaged extensively with participants, touring educational displays, interacting with students, and joining photographic sessions with the young environmental advocates.

    An integral component of the event featured specialized educational stalls highlighting critical environmental initiatives. The Plant Protection Unit demonstrated sustainable agricultural practices, while the Beekeeping Initiative showcased pollinator conservation efforts. The Solar Energy Exhibit presented renewable energy solutions, collectively illustrating innovative approaches supporting the nation’s environmental objectives.

    The Department of Environment formally acknowledged the collaborative efforts of participating schools, organizational partners, and dedicated volunteers, recognizing their contributions to another successful Arbor Day observance that strengthens national dedication to environmental stewardship and climate resilience.

  • Solid Waste Authority Increasing Cleanup Crews as Demand Grows, Cabinet Says

    Solid Waste Authority Increasing Cleanup Crews as Demand Grows, Cabinet Says

    In response to escalating environmental challenges, the national Solid Waste Management Authority is significantly bolstering its sanitation workforce to address mounting cleanup demands across the island nation. Cabinet officials confirmed Thursday that specialized street and drainage maintenance teams are being expanded to combat deteriorating conditions in public spaces.

    Communications Director General Maurice Merchant identified multiple compounding factors driving the operational expansion. Recent torrential rainfall has accelerated vegetation overgrowth along roadways and drainage systems, while persistent illegal dumping practices and recurrent bulk waste accumulation have created unsustainable workloads for existing crews. The authority is now contracting additional personnel to enhance response capabilities and maintain chronically affected zones.

    Strategic operational reforms are simultaneously being implemented, including comprehensive rezoning of collection territories. This restructuring comes after cleanup teams reported finding freshly accumulated waste piles at recently cleared sites, indicating systemic challenges in waste management cycles. The manpower increase aims to stabilize cleaning schedules amid the government’s ongoing national beautification initiative.

    This workforce expansion constitutes one component of a broader environmental restoration strategy targeting public space rehabilitation. The enhanced cleanup operations will run concurrently with the government’s derelict-vehicle removal program, which has gained substantial public participation according to official reports. The integrated approach underscores the administration’s commitment to environmental stewardship and urban renewal efforts nationwide.