标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The Antiguan government has unveiled ambitious plans for a complete reconstruction of St. John’s drainage and road networks, signaling a fundamental shift from temporary repairs to comprehensive infrastructure renewal. Works Minister Maria Browne announced that the decades-old systems require complete rebuilding rather than partial fixes, emphasizing that the deteriorated underground infrastructure must be fully replaced before any meaningful road resurfacing can take place.

Minister Browne explained that the current approach of temporary repairs has proven ineffective in addressing the city’s chronic drainage and road problems. The new strategy involves coordinated replacement of underground piping systems alongside drainage reconstruction, ensuring that future road surfaces will have lasting durability. This integrated approach recognizes that surface-level improvements alone cannot resolve the underlying infrastructure deficiencies that have plagued the capital city for years.

The comprehensive overhaul represents a significant infrastructure investment that will address systemic issues dating back several decades. The government’s commitment to complete reconstruction rather than piecemeal repairs demonstrates a long-term vision for urban infrastructure resilience, acknowledging that only through fundamental rebuilding can sustainable solutions be achieved for St. John’s transportation and drainage challenges.

St. John’s is poised for a technological transformation of its parking infrastructure as the government advances plans to implement a QR code-based payment system. Tourism and Transportation Minister Charles Max Fernandez has revealed that the innovative approach forms part of broader reforms designed to optimize traffic management and enhance parking efficiency throughout the urban center.

The proposed system would enable drivers to utilize smartphone technology to scan QR codes at parking zones, facilitating instantaneous digital payments without physical cash or traditional meters. This modernization initiative aims to address longstanding congestion challenges while providing residents and visitors with a more streamlined parking experience.

Minister Fernandez emphasized that the QR code integration represents a significant step toward smart city development, aligning St. John’s with other progressive municipalities adopting digital solutions for urban mobility. The technology promises real-time monitoring capabilities that could allow transportation authorities to dynamically adjust parking availability based on demand patterns.

While implementation details and timelines remain under consideration, the proposal has generated considerable discussion among urban planners and technology advocates. The government is expected to conduct feasibility studies and stakeholder consultations before formalizing the modernization plan, ensuring the system meets both technological standards and public needs.

A Bitar fast-food restaurant became the target of a brazen armed robbery, sending shockwaves through the local community. The incident, which unfolded during operating hours, involved at least one assailant brandishing a firearm to intimidate staff and patrons before making off with an undisclosed sum of cash.

Early reports from law enforcement indicate that the perpetrator entered the establishment and immediately produced a weapon, creating an atmosphere of fear and coercion. Employees were forced to comply with demands under direct threat, highlighting the vulnerability of service industry workers to such violent crimes. While no physical injuries have been reported, witnesses described scenes of terror as customers scrambled for safety.

Local police have launched a comprehensive investigation, reviewing surveillance footage and collecting forensic evidence from the scene. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that might lead to the identification and apprehension of the suspect. This event marks concerning trend of armed robberies targeting retail and food service businesses, raising questions about security measures and crime prevention strategies in commercial districts.

The management of Bitar has expressed full cooperation with investigators while implementing additional security protocols across their chain of restaurants. Community leaders have called for increased police patrols in commercial areas to deter similar incidents and ensure public safety.

The judicial operations at the Magistrates’ Court situated on High Street in St. John’s, Antigua, are undergoing a temporary suspension to facilitate critical building enhancements. This necessary closure forms part of a coordinated initiative by the national judiciary to modernize its facilities and ensure the long-term structural integrity of its premises.

Court administrators have confirmed the shutdown will enable contractors to execute comprehensive maintenance work, which includes upgrades to electrical systems, improvements to public accessibility, and essential repairs to the historic building’s infrastructure. The project aims to create a safer, more efficient, and modernized environment for both court staff and the public once operations resume.

During this interim period, all scheduled court matters traditionally heard at the High Street location are being systematically relocated to alternative courtrooms within the jurisdiction. The Office of the Magistrate has issued clear directives for attorneys, defendants, witnesses, and jurors to verify their new assigned venues through official court communications channels to avoid any disruptions to their legal proceedings.

The judiciary emphasizes that these infrastructural improvements, while causing temporary inconvenience, are a vital investment in the nation’s legal framework. The enhancements are expected to significantly improve service delivery, case management efficiency, and public access to justice upon the court’s reopening, which is projected to occur upon completion of the mandated works.

A groundbreaking international training initiative for Antigua and Barbuda’s construction sector has been unveiled through a strategic partnership between The King’s Foundation (UK), the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This comprehensive Building Craft Programme offers fully-funded professional development for skilled artisans seeking specialization in heritage conservation and climate-resilient construction methodologies.

The intensive four-week curriculum, scheduled for April 2026, will be conducted at The King’s Foundation’s prestigious UK training facilities, including Dumfries House Estate in Scotland and Highgrove Gardens in Gloucestershire. The programme specifically targets experienced construction professionals from Antigua and Barbuda who demonstrate commitment to advancing their expertise in traditional building preservation and sustainable development practices.

Curriculum highlights include master-level workshops in traditional building techniques, sustainable material applications, and climate-adaptive construction methods directly relevant to Antigua and Barbuda’s architectural heritage. Participants will receive hands-on training from renowned craftspeople in specialized disciplines including carpentry, stonemasonry, decorative ironwork, traditional roofing systems, heritage plastering, technical drawing, and conservation architecture.

The selection process will identify only eight exceptional candidates who will receive comprehensive scholarships covering all tuition costs, accommodation expenses, round-trip airfare to the UK, and all necessary programme materials. Participants must be at least 18 years old, possess verified experience in building crafts, and commit to the programme’s full duration, including obtaining UK travel authorization.

Following the UK training component, participants will engage in practical Live Build projects within Antigua and Barbuda, collaborating with local partner organizations to implement their newly acquired skills in real-world conservation and development scenarios.

Dr. Simon Sadinsky, Executive Director of Education at The King’s Foundation, emphasized the programme’s significance: “We are delighted to offer this opportunity to talented individuals from Antigua and Barbuda who are looking to deepen their skills in traditional building crafts and climate-resilient construction.”

High Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda to the UK, Karen Mae-Hill, added: “This initiative directly supports our government’s mandate for people-focused development while strengthening our national skills pipeline and climate resilience capabilities.”

Interested applicants must submit completed application forms by the deadline of February 20, 2026, obtainable by contacting programme coordinators Raynel Carroll or Jennie Hartley.

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has greenlit a comprehensive ecological restoration program targeting critical watershed zones, with the Christian Valley area serving as the primary focus. This ambitious initiative represents a strategic fusion of environmental conservation, climate adaptation planning, and sustainable economic development.

During the weekly Cabinet briefing, Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed that agricultural officials presented a detailed proposal that received full ministerial endorsement. The program specifically addresses landscape degradation while fortifying the nation’s defenses against climate-related vulnerabilities.

The multi-faceted approach encompasses several national priorities simultaneously. Water security constitutes a fundamental component, alongside broader environmental protection measures and the promotion of sustainable economic practices. Reforestation efforts form the cornerstone of the project, with plans for seedling production that will enable expansion to additional regions beyond the initial implementation zones.

Merchant emphasized the anticipated socio-economic benefits, noting that the creation of new nature reserves will enhance the country’s eco-tourism appeal. These preserved areas are expected to attract visitors interested in nature-based experiences, thereby generating new revenue streams while conserving biodiversity.

The initiative aligns with broader climate objectives and development goals, creating synergies between ecological restoration and economic diversification. As the program progresses, Cabinet briefing documents will provide detailed implementation timelines and specific project parameters, offering greater transparency regarding the scope and sequencing of activities.