Carib Scope

标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Police to Expand Road-Safety Media Campaign With New ABS Programming, Cabinet Says

    Police to Expand Road-Safety Media Campaign With New ABS Programming, Cabinet Says

    The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda is launching an expanded public education initiative to combat dangerous driving behaviors, following concerning road safety statistics presented to Cabinet officials. Police Commissioner Atlee Rodney will collaborate with ABS Television and other media outlets to develop targeted programming addressing the nation’s escalating traffic collision rates.

    Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant revealed the strategic partnership during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing, emphasizing the urgency of addressing eight road fatalities recorded this year and over 1,300 collisions occurring between June 2024 and June 2025. The comprehensive campaign will focus on three primary objectives: reducing speeding through enhanced enforcement, minimizing distraction-related accidents, and empowering community members to intervene against dangerous driving.

    The educational component will be supplemented by strengthened police presence, including nighttime traffic stops and increased visibility in high-risk areas. Merchant stressed that education and enforcement must work synergistically to achieve meaningful behavioral change. Additionally, the police force is awaiting delivery of new radar guns to replace several malfunctioning units currently hampering speed enforcement capabilities.

    Coordination with ABS Television is underway, with officials anticipating a formal launch once programming details are finalized. This multimedia approach represents the government’s most robust response to date in addressing what authorities describe as a growing public safety crisis on the nation’s roadways.

  • Cabinet Renews Push to Improve Public-Sector Productivity After Earlier Reform Effort

    Cabinet Renews Push to Improve Public-Sector Productivity After Earlier Reform Effort

    The national government has reinvigorated its previously stalled campaign to enhance productivity throughout the public service sector. In a decisive move, Cabinet directives have instructed permanent secretaries and departmental leaders to prioritize performance metrics and workplace standards after progress waned in recent months.

    Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, announced on Thursday that Cabinet demands this initiative return to the forefront of administrative priorities. He acknowledged that previous endeavors to bolster accountability and operational consistency across government agencies had unfortunately “fallen off the radar somewhat” despite initial momentum.

    While Merchant confirmed that certain ministries have demonstrated measurable improvements, Cabinet maintains that all departments must intensify their efforts. This renewed focus coincides with the government’s comprehensive evaluation of operational efficiency, service delivery mechanisms, and overall workplace conditions.

    The timing aligns strategically with the Ministry of Works conducting extensive assessments of over 400 government-owned buildings. These inspections specifically address emerging concerns regarding employee health, ventilation systems, and environmental factors directly impacting productivity.

    According to official statements, the productivity enhancement initiative is projected to gain substantial traction in the coming weeks. Cabinet plans to revisit earlier reform proposals, with further developments anticipated as the administration advances its broader modernization agenda.

    This effort constitutes a critical component of a larger governmental strategy that encompasses updating building infrastructure standards, resolving persistent ventilation issues in federal offices, and guaranteeing all public employees secure and fully functional work environments.

  • Vacancy: Cook Needed for St. John’s Snackette

    Vacancy: Cook Needed for St. John’s Snackette

    A neighborhood snack bar in St. John’s has announced an opening for a culinary professional to strengthen its kitchen brigade. The establishment is actively searching for a proficient and reliable cook who demonstrates exceptional skill in crafting premium local cuisine while adhering to stringent food safety protocols.

    The successful applicant will be expected to showcase expertise in traditional meal preparation and contribute to maintaining an efficient, hygienic, and collaborative kitchen atmosphere. This opportunity represents a chance to join a dedicated culinary team committed to delivering authentic dining experiences to the community.

    The hiring process will be selective, with communications restricted to candidates who progress beyond initial screening stages. The position emphasizes both technical cooking abilities and professional reliability, reflecting the eatery’s commitment to operational excellence and quality service delivery.

  • Flow Celebrates Young Artists at Art Week

    Flow Celebrates Young Artists at Art Week

    In a significant boost for youth development and digital inclusion, telecommunications provider Flow Antigua and Barbuda has awarded a suite of cutting-edge technology prizes to the talented winners of the 3rd Annual Antigua and Barbuda Art Week (ABAW) Student Art Competition. The ceremony, which celebrated the nation’s emerging artistic talent, saw the top three winners in each competition category receive new laptops, smartphones, and other valuable technological tools.

    The sponsorship and prize presentation underscore a growing corporate commitment to nurturing creative education and bridging the digital divide for young people. By equipping students with modern devices, Flow aims to empower the next generation of artists, providing them with the necessary resources to further develop their digital skills and creative potential. The Antigua and Barbuda Art Week serves as a pivotal platform for showcasing local student artistry, and this corporate partnership significantly elevates the competition’s impact and prestige.

    This initiative reflects a broader recognition of the intersection between art and technology, ensuring that young creators are not only celebrated for their traditional artistic talents but are also provided with the digital instruments to thrive in a modern creative economy. The investment in these students is an investment in the cultural and technological future of the nation.

  • Antigua And Barbuda Art Week Opens With ‘Symphony Of Colours’

    Antigua And Barbuda Art Week Opens With ‘Symphony Of Colours’

    The historic Redcliffe Quay served as the vibrant backdrop for the grand opening of Antigua and Barbuda Art Week’s third edition on Wednesday evening. The inaugural event, themed ‘Symphony of Colours’, transformed the venue into a dynamic cultural hub featuring an eclectic program of live musical performances, traditional dance, spoken word poetry, and official addresses from prominent tourism and cultural figures.

    Colin C. James, Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, emphasized the event’s profound significance in his opening remarks. “Antigua and Barbuda Art Week represents a celebration of our national identity and collective spirit,” James stated. “It successfully converges locals, international visitors, visionaries, established creators, and even those who claim they cannot draw a straight line. This inclusive magic ensures there is genuinely something for every participant.”

    James further elaborated on the Tourism Authority’s strategic vision behind the event, noting its role in showcasing the extraordinary depth of artistic talent across the twin-island nation. “We are highlighting the beauty of our heritage and the transformative power of the arts to build bridges, ignite meaningful dialogue, and foster unity among our people,” he added.

    Echoing this sentiment, Khan Cordice, Director of Culture within the Department of Culture, articulated the deeper value of such initiatives. “These events transcend mere exhibition; they constitute a vital investment in imagination, innovation, and the strengthening of our national identity,” Cordice explained. “They provide a platform for creators of all generations to experiment, articulate their vision, and refine their craftsmanship. Through brushstrokes, movement, rhythm, and melody, our artists demonstrate that colour is not merely visual—it is deeply felt.”

    Cordice also acknowledged the collaborative partnership between the Department of Culture and the Tourism Authority, praising their shared belief in “the power of the arts to narrate our story to the global community.”

    The evening’s entertainment featured captivating performances by a roster of local talents, including O’dane Doyley, Lael Farrell, Maurisha Potter, Vaughn Parker, the RT Performers, the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Culture’s Cultural Performers, and the Point and Villa Iron Band.

    Stephen Murphy, visual artist and proprietor of Zemi Art Gallery—a key advocate and partner for Art Week—formally inaugurated the exhibitions at the Quay. These include the Quay Studio, displaying works from over thirty artists, and the newest addition, The Barracks Art Gallery. In a significant announcement, Murphy revealed that for Art Week 2025, The Barracks Art Gallery will host a retrospective exhibition honouring the legacy of former Antiguan artists. This initiative is designed to preserve and document the islands’ artistic heritage, showcasing pieces from late masters such as ET Henry, Frank Walter, and Rhonda Williams.

    Signature events scheduled for the remainder of Art Week include the Art and Culture Bus Tour on November 28th, the Rhythm and Vibes social gathering at Hodges Bay Resort and Spa on the same evening, and the Canvas and Cocktails event at Heritage Quay on November 29th, presented in collaboration with Long Bay Brewing and Antigua Cruise Port. Tickets are available through the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, independent event organizers, or digitally via the TickeTing mobile application.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Announces Winners of the 2025 Student Art Competition

    Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Announces Winners of the 2025 Student Art Competition

    The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has officially unveiled the triumphant winners of its highly anticipated 2025 Student Art Competition. This annual initiative, designed to foster creative talent among the nation’s youth, showcases artistic interpretations of the twin-island nation’s vibrant culture, pristine landscapes, and rich heritage.

    This year’s contest witnessed an unprecedented level of participation, with submissions from students across various age categories. The artworks, spanning mediums from painting and drawing to digital art and sculpture, were evaluated by a distinguished panel of local artists and cultural experts. Criteria for judgment included technical skill, originality, creativity, and the effective embodiment of themes related to Antigua and Barbuda’s identity and tourism appeal.

    The competition serves a dual purpose: it acts as a platform for young, emerging artists to gain recognition and encourages them to visualize their homeland through an artistic lens. The Tourism Authority emphasized that engaging the youth is crucial for sustainable tourism development, as their fresh perspectives are integral to shaping the future narrative of the islands’ brand.

    Winners received prestigious accolades, scholarships, and opportunities to have their work featured in official tourism promotional materials, both domestically and internationally. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to integrating arts and culture into its economic and tourism strategy, highlighting how national identity can be powerfully communicated through creative expression.

  • Gonsalves Defeated as Friday Steers NDP to Resurgence in St Vincent

    Gonsalves Defeated as Friday Steers NDP to Resurgence in St Vincent

    In a historic political shift, the New Democratic Party (NDP) has clinched a decisive victory in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ 2025 general election, marking its return to power after a quarter-century in opposition. The electoral outcome concludes the extensive tenure of incumbent Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and his Unity Labour Party (ULP).

    Official results confirm the NDP secured a commanding majority of nine parliamentary seats, effectively ending Gonsalves’ 25-year administration. This victory paves the way for Dr. Godwin Friday, the NDP leader, to ascend as the nation’s seventh Prime Minister since gaining independence. The leadership transition is scheduled to occur imminently.

    The electorate’s decision reflects widespread demand for new governance approaches amid pressing national concerns. Dr. Friday’s incoming administration faces immediate challenges including economic revitalization, social program modernization, and addressing systemic public service issues. Political analysts characterize this election as a watershed moment demonstrating democratic maturity within the Caribbean nation.

    International observers have commended the peaceful electoral process, while regional leaders extend congratulations to Dr. Friday. The Prime Minister-elect has pledged inclusive governance and comprehensive policy reforms, emphasizing economic stability and social equity as paramount priorities for his government’s agenda.

  • Agriculture Ministry Workers Halt Duties Over Safety Risks, Delayed Talks

    Agriculture Ministry Workers Halt Duties Over Safety Risks, Delayed Talks

    Employees at the Ministry of Agriculture have initiated a work stoppage, halting their official duties in a significant protest against unresolved workplace safety concerns and the prolonged stagnation of critical negotiations with government administrators.

    The collective action emerges from a deepening impasse between the workforce and ministry leadership. Staff representatives report that numerous formal appeals to address hazardous working conditions and procedural risks have been systematically ignored or met with indefinite delays. This alleged inaction has cultivated an environment of apprehension, compelling employees to withdraw their labor as a final recourse to demand accountability and meaningful dialogue.

    Compounding the safety issues is the reported breakdown in discussions concerning essential employment terms. Negotiations, which were anticipated to resolve longstanding grievances over safeguards and protocols, have allegedly reached a standstill, leaving critical matters in bureaucratic limbo. The cessation of work is intended to underscore the urgency of these issues and push them to the forefront of the ministerial agenda.

    The work stoppage is expected to disrupt a range of the ministry’s core functions, potentially affecting the processing of permits, the management of agricultural support programs, and the dissemination of vital information to the farming sector. This labor action highlights a critical clash between employee welfare and governmental operational efficiency, raising questions about the administration’s commitment to its workforce’s well-being.

    The ball now lies in the court of the ministry’s leadership to re-engage with employee unions and recommit to good-faith discussions. The resolution of this dispute is being closely watched, as it carries implications for public service delivery and the broader relationship between state employees and governmental bodies.

  • Proposal for Paid Parking in St. John’s Still Awaiting Cabinet Review, Officials Say

    Proposal for Paid Parking in St. John’s Still Awaiting Cabinet Review, Officials Say

    The highly debated initiative to implement paid parking in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda’s capital, remains in preliminary stages as the national Cabinet awaits formal documentation from the St. John’s Development Corporation (SJDC). Government spokesperson Maurice Merchant confirmed during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing that no proposal has reached ministerial levels despite previous public discussions.

    This potential policy shift represents a significant milestone in urban management for the capital city, marking what would be the first official governmental consideration of paid parking systems. The concept has generated polarized responses across various stakeholders, with business owners, daily commuters, and residents expressing conflicting perspectives regarding downtown congestion, limited parking availability, and potential economic consequences for commercial districts.

    The SJDC, designated as the lead agency for this initiative, has not disclosed anticipated timelines for proposal finalization nor shared specific details regarding proposed pricing structures, designated parking zones, or implementation schedules. The absence of concrete information has left both supporters and opponents of the plan in a state of uncertainty.

    With the approaching Christmas shopping season, characterized by increased vehicular traffic and parking demands, the issue is expected to regain public attention. The parking proposal forms part of broader governmental discussions concerning urban planning strategies, traffic optimization, and public space regulation reforms. The government’s cautious approach indicates careful consideration of the multifaceted implications before advancing the potentially transformative policy.

  • Governor-General Appoints Kirwan as Independent Senator, Role Seen as Key Nonpartisan Voice

    Governor-General Appoints Kirwan as Independent Senator, Role Seen as Key Nonpartisan Voice

    In a significant move to strengthen nonpartisan representation within its parliamentary system, Antigua and Barbuda has welcomed Jamila Kirwan as its newest independent senator. Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams exercised his exclusive constitutional authority to appoint Kirwan to the 17-seat Senate without consultation from either government or opposition parties.

    The appointment mechanism, unique to this single Senate position, is designed to ensure at least one legislative voice operates entirely outside formal party structures. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant emphasized during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing that this constitutional provision creates a crucial check and balance within the nation’s parliamentary democracy.

    Kirwan’s swearing-in ceremony occurred Thursday morning, strategically timed ahead of a packed legislative agenda. Her first official duties will include participation in next week’s critical 2026 national budget presentation and subsequent debates on building standards and public-sector reforms.

    The installation ceremony garnered substantial public attention, with ABS Television broadcasting the event during one of its most-viewed weekly briefings. This high viewership underscores growing citizen engagement with parliamentary proceedings and governance matters.

    Kirwan will assume her senatorial responsibilities immediately as the chamber convenes for budget discussions and consideration of pending legislation, bringing an independent perspective to the nation’s most pressing policy debates.