Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador, has issued a stark warning about the dual threats of climate change and an inequitable global financial system, which are trapping small Caribbean states in a cycle of ‘permanent recovery.’ Speaking at a consultation organized by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), Sanders highlighted how natural disasters are exacerbating public debt while insurance costs skyrocket. He emphasized that when catastrophic events like Category-5 hurricanes devastate infrastructure, governments are forced into repeated borrowing to rebuild. Sanders pointed to alarming environmental trends, including ocean heating and mass coral bleaching, which are eroding the region’s blue economy. Since January 2023, over 84% of the world’s reefs have experienced bleaching-level heat stress. Additionally, sea levels in the Caribbean are rising at approximately 3.4 mm annually, with studies projecting tourism revenue losses of 38–47% by 2100 if significant adaptation measures are not implemented. The region also faces challenges from a record influx of sargassum and tightening reinsurance markets, making coverage increasingly unaffordable. Sanders stressed that the impacts of climate change are outpacing the fiscal capacity of small states to adapt, with average annual disaster losses nearing 2% of GDP and adaptation needs around 3.4% of GDP. Despite these challenges, small island states receive only about 2% of tracked adaptation finance. The situation is further compounded by talent flight, with roughly 70% of the Caribbean’s tertiary-educated population residing in OECD countries. Sanders criticized the use of per-capita income as a metric, arguing that it distorts reality by graduating vulnerable states out of affordable finance without accounting for their exposure to shocks. He called for the rapid implementation of the UN-endorsed Multidimensional Vulnerability Index to unlock affordable, long-term financing. Framing climate and debt as human rights issues, Sanders cited recent rulings by the Inter-American and International Courts, which emphasize that financing terms must protect essential services and social spending as fundamental human rights.
标签: Antigua and Barbuda
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VIDEO: Man Apprehended After Alleged Early Morning Attack on Woman
A disturbing incident unfolded early this morning when a woman was reportedly attacked by her former partner. According to local sources, the altercation began when the suspect confronted the woman over personal messages, escalating into a physical assault. Neighbors reported hearing loud screams and witnessing the man violently attacking the woman. The incident has sparked concern in the community, highlighting the ongoing issue of domestic violence. Authorities have been notified, and an investigation is underway to address the situation and ensure the safety of the victim. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing interpersonal conflicts through non-violent means and the need for robust support systems for victims of abuse.
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Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing $10,000 Worth of Crack Cocaine
Teshawn Steve Lynch, a man with a history of prior court appearances, has admitted to possessing nearly 300 grams of crack cocaine, valued at over $10,000. The admission came during a court hearing on Monday, where details of the case were revealed. Lynch was apprehended in a recent police operation, and prosecutors have emphasized the significant quantity of the dangerous drug involved. Sentencing is scheduled for later this week, with the court expected to take Lynch’s previous convictions into account when determining his punishment. This case underscores the persistent issue of drug-related offenses and their detrimental effects on the community. Authorities continue to address the challenges posed by illegal drug activities, aiming to mitigate their impact on public safety and well-being.
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Hatton gun attack ends in crash, suspect arrested
A shocking shooting incident unfolded in Hatton on Sunday evening, culminating in a dramatic car crash that left the community in turmoil. According to reports, two men in a black Toyota BB opened fire at a roadside car wash, demanding information about the whereabouts of a man driving a Toyota Corolla. The assailants discharged several rounds, causing widespread panic before attempting to flee the scene. Their escape, however, was thwarted by a vigilant motorist who pursued their vehicle along Sea Road. In a daring move, the motorist rammed the suspects’ car into a fence, causing significant damage. Law enforcement swiftly responded to the scene, arresting one suspect who is now cooperating with the investigation. Authorities are actively searching for the second suspect. The incident has raised concerns about public safety in the area, with residents calling for increased police presence. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released as they become available.
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Barbudans Tackle Literacy Crisis from Community Centred Approach
Barbuda has embarked on a transformative journey to enhance literacy among its youth with the launch of ‘The Lit! Project.’ This pioneering initiative, introduced on September 23, 2025, at the Barbuda Community Centre, is designed to cultivate confident and imaginative readers while fostering a community-wide appreciation for literacy. Spearheaded by The Be Foundation (TBF), the project aims to provide students with access to engaging, age-appropriate books, encourage family and community involvement in literacy development, and spark creativity in young learners. The initiative also seeks to establish sustainable systems to ensure reading success across schools. Under the theme ‘Reading Revolution: Igniting Imagination, Building Bright Futures,’ the project has garnered support from parents, educators, and government representatives. Mrs. Tulip Nicholas-Lee, the project lead, emphasized the importance of reading in shaping brighter futures for Barbudan youth. The launch event featured interactive activities and a call to action for community collaboration to promote a culture of reading. The Lit! Project will continue with a weekly Reading Club and a follow-up community meeting in November, reinforcing its commitment to empowering young minds through literacy.
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Antiguan Educator Adeola Matthew Selected for Prestigious U.S. International Leadership Program
The United States Embassy to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean has announced the selection of Ms. Adeola Matthew, a prominent educator from Antigua and Barbuda, for the 2025 ‘University Partnerships’ Multi-Regional Project. This initiative, part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), aims to unite global education leaders to enhance international academic collaboration, research, and campus globalization. Ms. Matthew, who serves as the Recruitment Officer at the University of the West Indies–Five Islands Campus (UWI-FIC), brings over 25 years of experience in education to the program. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Education in Language and Literacy. Over the course of three weeks, Ms. Matthew will visit U.S. universities and organizations in Washington, D.C., California, Arizona, and North Carolina. The program will focus on key areas such as international student exchanges, public-private partnerships, and innovative strategies in higher education. Participants will engage with U.S. university administrators, policymakers, and industry leaders to foster global academic networks. The U.S. Embassy expressed confidence that Ms. Matthew’s involvement will significantly contribute to the advancement of higher education in Antigua and Barbuda.
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VIDEO: Social Security Director Details How Arrears Mounted from PLM Era, Escalated Under UPP, and Are Now Being Restructured by ABLP
David Mathias, Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board, has provided a comprehensive overview of the scheme’s historical debt and the measures taken to address it. During an interview on Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne show, Mathias traced the origins of the debt back to the PLM administration, highlighting its escalation during the UPP era, and the ongoing restructuring efforts under the current ABLP government. By the end of 2003, before the UPP assumed office, the Social Security scheme was already burdened with approximately $366 million in arrears. This figure surged by an additional $127 million during the UPP’s tenure, culminating in a total debt of nearly $550 million by 2010. To manage this, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was established, involving a bond and asset swap. Mathias emphasized the current administration’s progress in reducing the bond, transferring assets, and implementing reforms aimed at ensuring the scheme’s sustainability. The interview underscored the complexities of managing public social security systems and the importance of strategic financial reforms.
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ABDF Accused of Misleading High Court Judge into Erroneous Decision
A significant controversy has emerged involving the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF), as a recent court filing accuses its leadership of deliberately providing false information to the High Court. This alleged misinformation reportedly led to what the plaintiff describes as an erroneous and unjust decision. The case, brought forward by Captain Javonson Willock, alleges misconduct in public office against Brigadier General Telbert Benjamin and Lieutenant Colonel Dalton Graham. The trial is set to commence on October 8, 2025, and tensions have escalated following revelations that critical information presented to the Court may have been misleading. Captain Willock sought permission to cross-examine Lieutenant Colonel Alando Michael and Sergeant Manyakie Edwards, key witnesses for the defense. During a recent hearing, Willock argued that Sergeant Edwards’ testimony was crucial in demonstrating the alleged malice and misconduct of the defendants. The defense opposed the application, claiming that Sergeant Edwards was in China, where time-zone differences and communication challenges made remote testimony impractical. Acting on this information, the Court denied Willock’s request and ordered him to pay $750 in costs to the defendants for his late application. However, Willock has since filed new evidence suggesting that Edwards is not in China but in the United States, where time-zone differences and communication barriers are minimal. This revelation raises serious questions about the integrity of the defense’s submissions to the Court and the fairness of the judicial process. The allegation that the ABDF may have misled a sitting High Court judge strikes at the heart of public confidence in state institutions. If senior members of the Defence Force are found to have knowingly misrepresented facts to the judiciary, it could erode trust in the justice system and the armed forces. The High Court is now expected to consider Captain Willock’s fresh application to cross-examine Sergeant Edwards in light of the new evidence. Willock continues to represent himself, while the defendants are represented by Mrs. Joy Dublin-Baptiste, Ms. Rose-Ann Kim, and Ms. Chandera Codrinton.
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Social Security Director Confirms UPP Added $127M to Arrears
The Social Security Director of Antigua and Barbuda has revealed that the United Progressive Party (UPP) government significantly increased the arrears owed to the Social Security scheme during its first term in office. According to David Mathias, who appeared on the Browne and Browne Show, the arrears grew by $127 million between 2003 and 2009. By October 2003, just before the UPP assumed power, the outstanding amount was approximately $366 million. However, by 2009, this figure had surged to nearly $494 million. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, also present on the show, emphasized that this increase occurred within the UPP’s first five years in office. Mathias confirmed that the arrears stemmed from unpaid premiums, including employee deductions that were not remitted to the scheme. By 2010, the UPP government consolidated the debt into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Social Security Board, resulting in a total liability of $550 million, which included unpaid contributions, loans, and penalties. This revelation highlights the substantial financial burden added during the UPP’s tenure and underscores the long-standing issue of arrears accumulation across successive administrations.
