标签： Antigua and Barbuda

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.

The Barbuda International Airport is poised to significantly expand its operational capabilities through the installation of advanced apron lighting infrastructure. This strategic enhancement will permit scheduled flights to continue until 9:30 PM, effectively eliminating the current restriction that forces the airport to cease all operations at sunset.

According to Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, this decision resulted from high-level Cabinet discussions involving airport authorities and representatives from the PLH development project. The existing illumination system, described as ‘sunset lights,’ has historically limited aviation activities to daylight hours, creating logistical challenges for the island.

The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority is collaborating directly on this infrastructure project, which represents a critical component of broader developmental initiatives linked to PLH’s investments on the island. The extended operational window is anticipated to yield substantial benefits across multiple sectors including inter-island transportation, tourism expansion, and emergency medical response capabilities.

Officials emphasize that enhanced nighttime accessibility will be particularly valuable during peak travel seasons and for after-hours emergency situations. While specific completion timelines remain under development, authorities confirm that installation works will commence imminently, marking a new chapter in Barbuda’s connectivity and economic development.

The Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet has formally recognized mounting public discontent regarding the deteriorating state of inter-island transportation, specifically highlighting spiraling ferry expenses and a concerning contraction in flight availability. This pressing societal issue, which directly impacts the mobility and economic vitality of Barbuda’s residents, was formally tabled during the government’s weekly briefing session. However, a definitive deliberation and the formulation of potential countermeasures have been strategically postponed until the ministerial body’s subsequent convocation scheduled for the following week.

Maurice Merchant, the Director General of Communications within the Prime Minister’s Office, provided official commentary on the deferral. He confirmed that while the Cabinet is acutely aware of the grievances articulated by the populace, the agenda of the most recent assembly did not permit a thorough examination of the subject. Merchant assured stakeholders and concerned citizens that the matter retains a high priority on the governmental docket and is slated for comprehensive review imminently.

The core of the public’s consternation revolves around a tripartite challenge: exorbitant and rising ferry fares, a significant reduction in reliable air service operators, and profound reliability deficits plaguing the existing transportation infrastructure. This precarious situation generates severe impediments for Barbudans, adversely affecting daily commutes, access to employment opportunities, and the operational capacity of local enterprises. Particular inquiries have been directed toward understanding the rationale behind the temporary suspension of certain air carriers and the long-term strategy for ensuring stable and affordable connectivity.

While the government’s spokesperson abstained from speculating on prospective solutions or policy interventions, he emphatically guaranteed that the Cabinet intends to confront these logistical and economic challenges directly. The national community now anticipates substantive announcements and a clear, actionable plan from the administration subsequent to the conclusion of the next high-level meeting.