标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a stern warning to the public regarding a surge in cybercrime incidents, urging heightened vigilance during online transactions. Reports have emerged of individuals being defrauded and having their personal information compromised, prompting an ongoing investigation into these fraudulent activities. Scammers are reportedly posing as government officials, soliciting credit top-ups or requesting sensitive personal and financial details from unsuspecting victims. The Police Administration has emphasized the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any individual or agency before sharing information or making payments. To combat these threats, the police have outlined several safety measures: avoiding the disclosure of personal information to unknown contacts, refraining from sending money to unverified individuals, regularly updating passwords, and monitoring financial accounts for suspicious activity. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious behavior to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) or their nearest police station. The Royal Police Force remains committed to protecting citizens and mitigating the risks posed by cybercriminals.

Jahmalier Grant, a resident of Cooks Hill, has been mandated by the High Court to repay over $4,000 or serve a six-month prison sentence following her admission to a 2022 check fraud scheme. The court delivered its verdict on Thursday, convicting Grant on three counts of obtaining money through forged instruments. She is required to pay $2,300 in restitution by mid-December and an additional $2,000 fine by the end of January. According to prosecutors, Grant cashed three fraudulent checks totaling $2,300 at a wholesale business in September 2022. The checks originated from a stolen checkbook taken during a residential burglary. Initially, Grant claimed that a young man had provided her with the checks, but she later confessed to forging them herself. The fraudulent checks were cashed on September 7 and September 9 on Lower Market Street, all bearing the same forged signature. Grant, a mother of three, had initially pleaded not guilty to six related forgery charges, which prosecutors subsequently withdrew. She ultimately pleaded guilty to the charges of obtaining money by forged instruments last month.

A 28-year-old Civil Registry employee, Sedeki Akelo Andre from Gambles, has been sentenced to nearly two years in prison after admitting to illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The sentencing, delivered by Senior Magistrate Emanuel on Thursday, included concurrent terms of one year and nine months for possessing a 9mm Taurus pistol and one year for seven rounds of ammunition. The case originated on November 16 when a police officer noticed Andre entering a nightclub with a suspicious bulge at his waist. Upon being approached, Andre resisted the officer’s attempts to search him, insisting, “Everything good. Me good. Na touch me.” A security guard intervened, and during the ensuing struggle, the firearm fell from Andre’s clothing. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about illegal weapons in public spaces and the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing such issues.

Malcolm “Alvin” Charles has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the St.Philip South community through a series of impactful donations. This time, his contributions included three microwave ovens, three hot water kettles, and three 220-volt step-down transformers to safeguard the appliances. These items were distributed to the Bethesda Clinic, Freetown Clinic, and Oceanview Preschool (Bethesda), addressing specific needs raised by Nurse Osbourne of the Bethesda Clinic. Charles emphasized the importance of ensuring that both nurses and patients are well cared for, noting that such small gestures can have a profound impact. Over the past three years, Charles has been a pillar of support for the community, undertaking initiatives such as restoring the Bethesda Basketball Court, sponsoring local tournaments, and providing essential supplies to schools and sports clubs. He has also championed youth development through scholarships and entrepreneurial programs, advocated for improved infrastructure, and organized community events. Charles has pledged to continue his efforts to enhance the lives of St.Philip South residents, reaffirming his dedication to fostering a thriving and supportive community.

In a decisive move to enhance national food security, the Cabinet has mandated that all leased farmlands left unused must be brought into production within 30 days or face reassignment to active farmers. This directive, announced by Cabinet spokesman Maurice Merchant during Friday’s post-Cabinet briefing, underscores the government’s urgency to boost domestic agricultural output amidst growing geopolitical tensions in regional waters. Merchant emphasized that the initiative is not punitive but a necessary step to mitigate the risks posed by the country’s heavy reliance on food imports, which account for approximately 90% of the food supply. The government is particularly concerned about potential disruptions to shipping routes due to military activities involving Venezuela and the United States in nearby waters. To enforce the directive, the Ministry of Agriculture’s dedicated unit will monitor compliance, inspect leased plots, and report findings to senior officials and Minister Anthony Smith, who will oversee enforcement. In addition to reclaiming idle land, the Cabinet has instructed the ministry to accelerate support measures for active farmers, including fencing to prevent theft, expanded nursery production, wider seedling distribution, new wells and dams, improved farm lighting, better access roads, and fuel subsidies for farmers and fisherfolk. The government also plans to engage with farmers weekly, starting with a meeting next week, as part of its broader strategy to strengthen domestic food resilience and ensure the nation is better equipped to withstand external shocks.

A tragic accident occurred in the early hours of Friday on Friar’s Hill Road, resulting in the death of a male driver, according to local law enforcement. Initial investigations suggest that the driver’s vehicle collided with an animal, causing the car to lose control and veer off the road. Despite the swift arrival of emergency services, the man succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Authorities have yet to disclose the identity of the deceased, and additional information surrounding the incident remains scarce. The crash has prompted renewed discussions about road safety measures in areas prone to wildlife crossings.

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has issued an urgent appeal to the public for assistance in identifying the perpetrators of a violent shooting incident that occurred early Friday morning, November 21, 2025, on Upper Fort Road, near Toy Toy Restaurant in St. John’s. Officers arriving at the scene discovered a 43-year-old local resident, Louis Armstrong, severely injured with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body, including his chest, eye, and left hand. Armstrong was immediately rushed to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where medical professionals described his condition as critical and life-threatening. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and contact the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at 462-3913, their nearest police station, or Crimestoppers at 800-TIPS (8477). The police have emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving this case and ensuring justice for the victim.