标签: Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Antigua to Get Modern Private Jet Lounge Under New UAE Deal

    Antigua to Get Modern Private Jet Lounge Under New UAE Deal

    On November 20, 2025, during the prestigious Dubai Airshow, the Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced a groundbreaking strategic partnership. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Jetex, a global leader in executive aviation, and Diplomatic Solutions, a strategic advisory firm. This agreement focuses on the development of a state-of-the-art Fixed Base Operation (FBO) at VC Bird International Airport in Antigua and Barbuda.

    The collaboration signifies a transformative step in bolstering the aviation infrastructure of the twin-island nation. The new FBO will feature premium lounges, concierge services, and efficient handling for private jet clients, positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a premier destination for luxury private aviation. The project aims to harmonize world-class amenities with the natural allure of the Caribbean islands.

    Adel Mardini, Founder and CEO of Jetex, expressed enthusiasm for the venture, stating, ‘We are excited to bring the Jetex experience to Antigua. Drawing inspiration from the island’s rich heritage, our bespoke FBO will enhance its luxury hospitality offerings and attract discerning international travelers.’

    Jetex is renowned for its excellence in executive aviation, offering services such as FBO management, trip planning, ground handling, and aviation fuel. Diplomatic Solutions specializes in fostering private-public partnerships, making this collaboration a strategic alignment of expertise and vision.

    This initiative is expected to significantly boost tourism and economic growth in Antigua and Barbuda, further cementing its status as a luxury travel hub.

  • Joyride turns chaotic in Golden Grove, two 16-year-olds hospitalized

    Joyride turns chaotic in Golden Grove, two 16-year-olds hospitalized

    Authorities in Golden Grove are currently investigating a severe car crash involving a 16-year-old driver who allegedly took his mother’s vehicle without consent. The incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m. on Friday when the teenager lost control of the car and collided with a tree. According to state media reports, another 16-year-old boy who was a passenger in the vehicle sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. In a concerning turn of events, two young females who were also in the car reportedly fled the scene immediately after the crash, leaving the injured teens behind. Preliminary reports from ABS News suggest that the teenage driver suffered the most severe injuries. The investigation is ongoing as police work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the unauthorized use of the vehicle and the subsequent accident.

  • New York Independence Gala Honours Musical Icons and Announces Diaspora Initiative

    New York Independence Gala Honours Musical Icons and Announces Diaspora Initiative

    The annual Independence Gala, hosted by the New York Offices of Antigua and Barbuda, became a grand celebration of both national pride and musical excellence this year. The event paid a heartfelt tribute to the Burning Flames, a legendary family band whose revolutionary sound has left an indelible mark on Caribbean music. On the occasion of Antigua and Barbuda’s 44th Independence Day, the band members—Sir Toriano ‘Onyan’ Edwards, Sir Clarence ‘Oungku’ Edwards, Sir David ‘Bubb-I’ Edwards, and Sir Rone ‘Foxx’ Watkins—were honored with some of the nation’s highest accolades. Their contributions to music and culture have not only made their small nation proud but also showcased their talent on the global stage. The gala, themed “Solid, Stable, Soaring,” celebrated the nation’s progress and unity, while also recognizing the band’s enduring legacy. In a touching gesture, the band received gold records and a new set of musical instruments from their super fan, Eugene “Bobadilla” Otto, and other supporters. Sir Clarence, the bandleader, expressed gratitude for the recognition and revealed plans to display the instruments in a proposed museum at their former band house in Potters. The event also featured inspiring speeches from Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H. E. Walton Aubrey Webson, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. E. P. Chet Greene. Minister Greene announced the upcoming “Solid, Stable, Soaring: Diaspora Investment Conference,” aimed at engaging the diaspora community in national development projects. The evening concluded with vibrant celebrations as attendees danced to the music of the Burning Flames, eagerly anticipating next year’s 45th Independence milestone. The New York Offices extended their gratitude to event sponsors and partners for their unwavering support.

  • Major Workshop Wraps Up, Teaching Teams How to Prevent Dengue and Other Diseases

    Major Workshop Wraps Up, Teaching Teams How to Prevent Dengue and Other Diseases

    A two-week workshop titled ‘Building Resilient Communities: Integrating Public Health Strategies for Vector Control, Epidemiological Surveillance, and Disease Prevention in Response to Climate Change’ recently concluded in Antigua and Barbuda. The event, organized by the Central Board of Health (CBH) and sponsored by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Direct Relief Programme, aimed to enhance public health resilience against vector-borne diseases exacerbated by climate change. Held at the Harrison Centre in Tomlinson, the workshop trained 115 participants, including Public Health Inspectors and Environmental Health aides. Due to the high number of attendees, the program was divided into four segments, with two sessions specifically dedicated to mosquito control, which attracted the largest audience. Facilitated by former Chief Health Inspector Lionel Michael, the training emphasized vector control strategies, including educational, physical, biological, chemical, and environmental measures. Key topics included the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), alternative fogging techniques, and the impact of climatic conditions on vector control. Deputy Chief Health Inspector Daryl Spencer highlighted the workshop’s goal of strengthening capacity in vector control and providing formal training for new staff. Michael provided in-depth insights into the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary vector for dengue fever, discussing its characteristics, replication, transmission, and symptoms. Dengue fever, prevalent in Latin America and the Caribbean, accounts for over 92% of global cases, with symptoms including high fever, headache, joint pain, and nausea. The workshop underscored the importance of community responsibility in public health, emphasizing that government efforts alone are insufficient to combat vector-borne diseases. Participants were encouraged to adopt proactive measures, such as eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and maintaining proper sanitation, to mitigate the spread of diseases.

  • Official Update: 32nd National Sports Awards Set for February 28, 2026

    Official Update: 32nd National Sports Awards Set for February 28, 2026

    The Ministry of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries, in collaboration with the National Sports Awards Committee, has officially announced the rescheduled date for the 32nd National Sports Awards. The prestigious event will now take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Nominations for the awards remain open until November 30, 2025, providing ample time for submissions. Nomination forms are available at the Ministry of Sport, located in the former Cricket West Indies Office within the Government Complex. The National Sports Awards have long been a cornerstone in celebrating the remarkable accomplishments, unwavering commitment, and significant contributions of athletes, coaches, administrators, and sporting organizations throughout Antigua and Barbuda. The upcoming ceremony aims to continue this legacy of honoring excellence in sports.

  • Youth Talent from the CGLF Programme Makes a Powerful Mark at Ocean Fest

    Youth Talent from the CGLF Programme Makes a Powerful Mark at Ocean Fest

    The 2025 Ocean Fest celebration was significantly enhanced by the active participation of students from Sir McChesney George Secondary School’s Culinary Arts Program and the Media Apprenticeship Programme, both initiatives supported by the CGLF (Civil Society and Local Governance Framework). Funded by the European Union, CGLF focuses on fostering stronger ties between civil society and local governance through community engagement and advanced technical vocational training. Their involvement in Ocean Fest vividly demonstrated the initiative’s real-world impact. In the culinary domain, students collaborated with renowned executive chefs to prepare and present four signature dishes, highlighting sustainable seafood, local flavors, and innovative ocean-inspired cuisine. Their responsibilities spanned prep work, cooking, garnishing, and serving samples, offering them invaluable professional exposure and hands-on experience. Executive chefs praised their professionalism and eagerness to learn, underscoring the quality of CGLF’s culinary training. Meanwhile, the Media Apprenticeship Programme participants provided comprehensive coverage of the festival, capturing its essence through interviews, photography, and video documentation. Their work highlighted the event’s themes of ocean conservation, sustainable seafood, cultural pride, and community unity. Ocean Fest 2025 served as a powerful platform for youth empowerment, showcasing how practical skills and mentorship can strengthen community-driven initiatives. The contributions of these young participants not only enriched the festival but also set a precedent for future community engagement across the island.

  • Men Unite for Health and Personal Growth at ABWU International Men’s Day Event

    Men Unite for Health and Personal Growth at ABWU International Men’s Day Event

    The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) marked International Men’s Day with a transformative conference on Wednesday, gathering nearly 100 men from diverse workplaces at the Union’s Freedom Hall Headquarters. Centered on the theme “Healthy Men, Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Communities,” the event aimed to enhance men’s holistic well-being, addressing physical, mental, and emotional health. ABWU General Secretary Sen. David Massiah opened the conference with a powerful call to action, urging men to play an active role in fortifying families and societal institutions. He emphasized the Union’s unwavering support for its male members, stating, “The union that represents you, that negotiates for you, is here to stand with you,” and highlighting the pivotal role of empowered men in fostering stronger communities. The first session, led by Clinical Psychologist Feona Charles Richards, focused on mental wellness as a cornerstone for stable families and thriving societies. Richards encouraged men to prioritize self-awareness and self-care, asserting, “In order for you to really love anyone else, you have to love yourself.” Urologist Dr. Dwayne Thwaites followed with an interactive discussion on prevalent health risks among men of African descent, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and prostate cancer. He underscored the importance of early detection and understanding family medical history, noting, “These diseases are treatable once we pick them up early.” The final session, facilitated by esthetician Octavia Nicholas, explored the role of personal grooming and self-care in boosting confidence and overall well-being. Nicholas challenged societal stigmas around personal care treatments, encouraging men to embrace self-care practices. The conference was widely praised by attendees, with one participant likening the atmosphere to “a day on the block,” highlighting the camaraderie and shared learning. Another expressed gratitude, stating, “I really want to thank the Union for putting on this conference just for us, because sometimes men are overlooked.” In closing, the ABWU reaffirmed its commitment to developing programs that empower men to contribute meaningfully to society at all levels.

  • Gita Nicholas Focuses on Just Transition At CoP 30, Brazil

    Gita Nicholas Focuses on Just Transition At CoP 30, Brazil

    At the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, Antigua and Barbuda is taking a leading role in advocating for a Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) that addresses the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Represented by Gita Nicholas, Technical Officer at the Department of Environment, the nation is emphasizing the need to place people at the center of climate action while ensuring equitable access to finance, technology, and resources. The JTWP serves as a collaborative framework for countries to develop low-emission, climate-resilient pathways that protect workers, frontline communities, and vulnerable populations. For Antigua and Barbuda, this initiative is critical to mitigating the severe impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, intensifying storms, and economic vulnerabilities tied to fossil fuel dependence. Nicholas highlights the importance of integrating traditional knowledge into adaptation strategies and securing institutional support to accelerate a fair and effective transition. At COP30, the nation is pushing for the operationalization of the JTWP through clear mechanisms that foster capacity-building, resource access, and global equity. These efforts aim to deliver tangible outcomes such as enhanced community resilience, clean energy access, and a more sustainable future for SIDS on the frontlines of climate change.

  • Residents Acted Quickly to save accident victims

    Residents Acted Quickly to save accident victims

    In a remarkable display of civic responsibility and quick thinking, local residents played a pivotal role in rescuing victims of a recent accident. The incident, which occurred in a bustling neighborhood, saw bystanders immediately spring into action upon witnessing the collision. Eyewitnesses reported that several individuals rushed to the scene, providing first aid and ensuring the safety of those involved until emergency services arrived. Their prompt intervention not only stabilized the victims but also prevented further complications. Emergency responders later praised the community’s swift and coordinated efforts, highlighting how such immediate actions can significantly impact the outcome of critical situations. This event underscores the importance of public awareness and preparedness in handling emergencies, serving as a powerful reminder of the collective strength inherent in local communities.

  • English Harbour Resident Dies in Two-Vehicle Crash

    English Harbour Resident Dies in Two-Vehicle Crash

    A tragic two-vehicle accident occurred in Parham on Friday, resulting in one fatality and two individuals being hospitalized, according to local authorities. The deceased has been identified as Jerome Marsh from English Harbour. Marsh was operating a yellow Vitz when it collided with a Toyota Noah van. The severity of the crash left Marsh trapped inside his vehicle, necessitating the use of specialized rescue equipment by firefighters to extricate him. Marsh’s son, who was also in the car, sustained injuries and was rushed to the hospital. The driver of the Noah van is reported to be in critical condition. Both vehicles suffered extensive damage. Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.