标签： Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda has intensified its efforts to tackle human trafficking through expanded training programs and the adoption of a 2025 National Action Plan. However, persistent challenges such as weak evidence collection, inadequate victim protection, and court backlogs continue to hinder progress, according to the 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report. Authorities have trained first responders and established a Trafficking in Persons Prevention Unit to coordinate victim identification, outreach, and investigations. Standard operating procedures are in place to guide law enforcement, immigration, customs, labor, and social services in screening potential cases. Despite these measures, prosecutorial outcomes remain stagnant. In 2024, officials investigated 13 suspects across nine cases, a significant drop from the previous year’s 26 suspects in 25 cases. Notably, no prosecutions were initiated, and the country has yet to secure a conviction under the 2010 Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Act, which imposes severe penalties, including up to 25 years for crimes involving children. Observers attribute these shortcomings to weak investigative capacity, particularly in evidence collection and case management, as well as systemic corruption. Court backlogs, exacerbated by insufficient resources, further delay justice. Although courts have the option to use virtual and written testimony to protect victims, these tools remain unused in trafficking cases. Victim protection remains a critical issue, with officials identifying 13 potential victims in 2024 but confirming none as trafficking victims. The last confirmed case dates back to 2019. The report highlights a widespread confusion between trafficking and migrant smuggling, complicating victim identification. Additionally, the small size of Eastern Caribbean nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, limits authorities’ ability to safeguard victim-witnesses, discouraging reporting and testimony. Prevention efforts, including multilingual public awareness campaigns and government funding for anti-trafficking activities, continue. However, the report underscores that without improved evidence handling, consistent application of screening protocols, and robust witness protections, training alone is insufficient to achieve prosecutions or convictions.

Children in Antigua and Barbuda are increasingly vulnerable to forced labor, exploitation, and trafficking, according to the 2025 U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report. The report highlights alarming trends, including the exploitation of minors in farms, mechanic shops, domestic service, and even forced criminal activities linked to rising gang-related crime. Youth working in construction, agriculture, and family-owned businesses are particularly at risk, while girls, especially those from Guyana and Jamaica, face heightened dangers of sex trafficking in bars, taverns, and brothels. Despite efforts by the government to combat trafficking through public awareness campaigns and training for officials, significant gaps remain in victim identification, protection, and prosecution. Notably, no trafficking victims were confirmed in 2024, and no convictions have been secured under the 2010 Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Act. Civil society groups have raised concerns about limited victim-witness protections and weak investigative capacities, which deter victims from coming forward. The report underscores the urgent need for improved screening mechanisms, enhanced protections for vulnerable youth, and stronger legal measures to bring traffickers to justice. Until these issues are addressed, children in Antigua and Barbuda will remain at risk of exploitation and forced labor.

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus in Antigua and Barbuda has addressed concerns following a misleading online publication regarding a medical incident involving one of its students. The incident, which occurred on September 29, 2025, involved a student experiencing a seizure during a class session. The campus has firmly denied allegations of inadequate response, emphasizing that student safety remains its top priority. The student, who had previously disclosed their medical condition upon admission, was accompanied by a family member during the incident, ensuring immediate support and swift transportation to the campus medical station. Qualified medical personnel were on standby, and the student is now in stable condition. The campus has also provided counseling services for affected students and reiterated its robust protocols for handling medical emergencies. The family of the student expressed gratitude for the campus’s support and condemned the publication of unverified information. UWI Five Islands reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining a safe and caring environment for its community.

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a stern reminder to motorists regarding the persistent issue of illegal parking on Joseph Lane in St. John’s. Despite repeated warnings and the installation of clear traffic signs and road markings, some drivers continue to flout the regulations, causing significant disruptions to the flow of traffic. To combat this ongoing problem, the police have announced intensified traffic checks in the area. Vehicles found parked illegally will be ticketed and towed immediately, with all costs borne by the vehicle owner. The Police Administration has urged all road users to adhere to traffic laws and cooperate with authorities to ensure safer and more efficient roadways. The Royal Police Force expressed gratitude for the public’s continued support in maintaining order and safety on the nation’s streets.

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus is set to unveil an innovative initiative that blends Caribbean art with environmental advocacy, focusing on ocean conservation and the blue economy. Titled ‘Voices of the Ocean: Art Walk,’ the project, developed in collaboration with several non-governmental organizations (NGOs), will showcase four large-scale sculptures and a mural across the campus. Each piece will incorporate reclaimed coastal materials such as ocean plastics, glass, and fishing lines, emphasizing sustainability and marine preservation. The initiative aims to raise awareness about marine conservation while highlighting the economic potential of the blue economy, which focuses on the sustainable use of ocean resources. Professor C. Justin Robinson, Principal of UWI Five Islands Campus, emphasized the project’s role in combining education with community engagement on pressing environmental issues. ‘As we expand our focus on the blue economy and climate change, this project brings these concepts to the community in an engaging and impactful way,’ he stated. The sculptures will be created in partnership with local environmental organizations, including the Antigua and Barbuda Environment Foundation, Environmental Awareness Group, Elkhorn Marine Conservancy, Antigua and Barbuda Ocean Trust, Good Humans 268, and the Barbuda Council. Renee Cooper, the project’s conceptual lead and a climate advocate, highlighted the ocean’s centrality to Caribbean identity and future. ‘The Blue Economy represents a significant opportunity for Antigua & Barbuda and the wider Caribbean,’ she said. ‘Through this project, we are transforming that opportunity into something visible and lasting—art that speaks to who we are and how innovation can drive resilience.’ The art walk will be free and open to the public, inviting both students and community members to engage with the installations. UWI Five Islands is currently seeking Caribbean sculptors to submit proposals for the sculptures and inviting corporate sponsors to support individual artworks. This initiative is part of the campus’ broader sustainability and community engagement efforts, with additional partners and sponsors to be announced in the coming weeks. For more information on artist submissions or sponsorship opportunities, interested parties can contact the Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy.

A late-night road incident in Piccadilly has left a pedestrian with severe head injuries, prompting an ongoing police investigation. The incident occurred on Sunday evening around 8:00 p.m., when authorities were alerted to a man lying injured on the roadside. Emergency services swiftly transported the victim to Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he remains under medical supervision. According to the injured man’s account, he was walking along the main road when a white car approached from behind with its headlights turned off. In an attempt to avoid the vehicle, he jumped but subsequently fell, striking his head on the ground. Police have confirmed that inquiries are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the incident and identify the driver of the vehicle. The case has raised concerns about road safety and the need for heightened vigilance among both drivers and pedestrians, particularly in poorly lit areas. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation.

The historic English Harbour residence of former Governor-General Dame Louise Lake-Tack was targeted by burglars on Friday, 27 September. According to police reports, the intruders gained entry by forcing open a basement door and subsequently accessed the upper floor through an unlocked bedroom window. The perpetrators ransacked the property, making off with a variety of items including electrical wiring, paint brushes, roller pads, and dishwashing liquid. The total value of the stolen goods remains unassessed as investigations continue. Forensic teams have meticulously examined the scene, gathering evidence to aid in the ongoing inquiry. The incident has raised concerns about security in the area, particularly for high-profile residences. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and ensure their properties are adequately secured. This break-in marks a troubling violation of privacy and safety for one of Antigua’s most distinguished public figures.

In a targeted operation early Sunday morning, law enforcement officials in Antigua and Barbuda conducted a search in Clare Hall, resulting in the seizure of multiple vehicle registration plates and a Samsung tablet. The raid, which took place at approximately 07:20 local time, was part of an ongoing investigation into criminal activities in the area. Authorities also apprehended a man suspected of involvement in a robbery. He is currently being held at St John’s Police Station pending further inquiries. Senior police officers have been briefed on the operation, and the investigation remains active. The seized items have been taken for forensic examination to determine their potential connection to criminal activities. This operation underscores the continued efforts of local law enforcement to combat crime and ensure public safety in the region.

A student at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus has penned a scathing letter to the editor, detailing a harrowing experience during a lecture that exposed a glaring lack of compassion and emergency preparedness. The student, who suffered a seizure in the middle of a class, described the incident as one of the most humiliating and distressing moments of their academic life. Despite their visible distress and urgent need for medical attention, the lecturer reportedly continued teaching as if nothing had happened. This shocking indifference left the student feeling dehumanized and betrayed, raising serious concerns about the university’s duty of care. The student criticized the lecturer’s failure to respond appropriately, emphasizing that a seizure is a medical emergency that demands immediate action. They also questioned whether UWI Five Islands provides its staff with adequate training in emergency response or basic first aid. The incident has sparked outrage, with the student calling for immediate action from university leadership. They urged the institution to enforce protocols, train lecturers, and prioritize the health and safety of students. The letter underscores the need for universities to be safe environments where health crises are taken seriously, rather than ignored in favor of academic schedules. The student concluded by demanding accountability, stating that such negligence is dangerous and must never happen again.