The U.S. Department of State has endorsed the establishment of a regional credit bureau in Antigua and Barbuda, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize the lending sector and fortify the nation’s financial infrastructure. The initiative, spearheaded by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) under the Credit Reporting Act of 2024, aims to provide banks and lenders with enhanced tools for assessing borrower credibility. This development is part of a broader strategy to improve financial inclusion across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, which includes Antigua and Barbuda. According to the 2025 Investment Climate Statement, the credit bureau will play a pivotal role in collecting, storing, and disseminating credit information to financial institutions. U.S. officials predict that this will lead to increased access to credit for households and businesses, while simultaneously reducing the incidence of loan defaults. The ECCB has reported that the banking sector in Antigua and Barbuda remains stable, with commercial bank assets totaling $2.4 billion at the end of 2024. However, nearly 10% of loans were classified as non-performing, highlighting the urgent need for more robust oversight mechanisms. In addition to improving credit assessment, the bureau is also tasked with enforcing stringent data protection measures to safeguard consumer information, thereby fostering greater trust in the financial system. This initiative is expected to have a transformative impact on the region’s economic landscape, offering new opportunities for growth and development.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
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Runway Animal Risks Are a Global Aviation Challenge -Eugene Kaseba Silcott
In a recent statement, Eugene Kaseba Silcott addressed misconceptions surrounding a runway incident at V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua, involving a stray dog. Silcott emphasized that such occurrences are not unique to Antigua but are a global issue affecting aviation safety. He highlighted similar incidents at major airports worldwide, including New York’s JFK Airport and Pune Airport in India, where stray animals forced flights to execute go-around maneuvers. A go-around, where an aircraft aborts its landing to avoid potential collisions, is a standard safety procedure in aviation, applicable to both commercial jets like the British Airways Boeing 777 and smaller aircraft like the Cessna 172. Silcott urged the public to maintain a broader perspective, recognizing the challenges faced by air traffic control and aviation professionals globally. His message underscored the importance of staying informed and working together to ensure the safety of air travel. The statement concluded with a call for unity and a reminder of the complexities inherent in managing runway safety.
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17-Year-Old Charged After Robbing Couple of Vehicle and Valuables
A 17-year-old male from Clare Hall, Antigua and Barbuda, has been formally charged with robbery following an incident on High Street. The alleged crime occurred on Monday, September 22, 2025, when the teenager, along with an accomplice, reportedly robbed two individuals at gunpoint. The assailants made off with a vehicle and several valuable items. The accused was apprehended on Thursday in the Clare Hall area and is currently in custody awaiting his court appearance. The police have launched a thorough investigation into the matter and are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Witnesses can contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or anonymously call Crimestoppers at 800-TIPS (8477). The Police Administration has reaffirmed its commitment to public safety and its determination to bring those involved in criminal activities to justice.
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17-Year-Old Charged With Robbery
In a recent development in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, a 17-year-old male from Clare Hall has been formally charged with robbery. The incident, which occurred on Monday, September 22, along High Street, involved the alleged theft of a vehicle and several valuable items from two individuals. Reports suggest that the victims were robbed at gunpoint by two assailants, who swiftly fled the scene with the stolen goods. The accused was apprehended on Thursday in the Clare Hall area and is currently in custody. He is scheduled to appear in court to face the charges. The police are actively investigating the case and have urged anyone with additional information to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or anonymously call Crimestoppers at 800-TIPS (8477). The Police Administration has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens and visitors, vowing to take all necessary actions to bring those involved in criminal activities to justice.
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High Surf Advisory Issued for Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Kitts and BVI
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a high surf advisory for several northeastern Caribbean islands, including Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Kitts, and the British Virgin Islands. The advisory, issued on Saturday morning, warns of hazardous swells moving into the region, with waves expected to reach heights of 6 to 10 feet. These conditions pose significant risks, including rip currents, beach erosion, and localized coastal flooding. The threat level has been classified as moderate, with the potential for substantial impacts on affected areas. The timing of the swells varies across the islands. Barbuda is expected to experience the worst conditions from Saturday afternoon until midnight, while Anguilla will be impacted through the early hours of Sunday. St. Kitts faces high surf from Saturday night into midnight, and the British Virgin Islands will be affected from Saturday evening through late Sunday. Authorities have urged residents and visitors to exercise caution, advising against swimming on exposed beaches and recommending the use of lifeguarded or sheltered southern beaches. They also warned against venturing onto rocks or jetties, as strong currents could sweep people away. The advisory provided safety tips for those caught in rip currents, emphasizing the importance of staying calm, floating, and swimming parallel to the shore until free. The meteorological service encouraged the public to monitor further updates on its official website and social media channels.
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Hurricane Humberto Passes Safely North of Antigua
Hurricane Humberto, a formidable Category 4 storm with sustained winds nearing 145 mph, has safely bypassed Antigua and Barbuda, maintaining a distance of over 350 miles north of the twin-island nation. While the hurricane’s direct impact has been avoided, its influence has disrupted local wind patterns, driving the heat index to a sweltering 40°C (104°F). Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have urged residents to remain vigilant, stay cool, and monitor official advisories as the hurricane season persists.
Meanwhile, attention is shifting to Tropical Depression Nine, which is currently developing near the Bahamas. As of 2 p.m. EDT Saturday, the National Hurricane Center reported the system’s location approximately 195 miles northwest of eastern Cuba and 120 miles south-southwest of the central Bahamas. With maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and a northwestward movement at 6 mph, the depression poses a growing concern. Tropical storm warnings are now in effect for parts of the central and northwestern Bahamas, while a watch has been issued for sections of Florida’s east coast. Heavy rainfall continues to affect eastern Cuba and the Bahamas, and U.S. Air Force hurricane hunters are en route to assess the system.
As the Atlantic hurricane season remains active, residents across the region are advised to stay informed and prepared for potential weather disruptions.
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Dog on runway delays British Airways landing in Antigua
A routine British Airways flight from London to Antigua experienced an unexpected delay when a dog wandered onto the runway at V.C. Bird International Airport. Flight 2157, carrying passengers from the UK, was forced to abort its initial landing approach after the animal was spotted on the tarmac. The aircraft circled the airport while ground staff swiftly cleared the area to ensure safety. The plane successfully landed on its second attempt, with no injuries or damage reported. Passengers on board took the incident in stride, with one traveler humorously remarking, ‘You expect turbulence over the Atlantic, not a dog delaying your landing.’ The incident highlights the importance of rigorous airport safety protocols and the unpredictable nature of air travel. Authorities are investigating how the dog gained access to the runway to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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Caribbean Health Leaders Call for Urgent Action to Build Resilient Health Systems amidst Climate and Economic Threats
The 50th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development – Health (COHSOD-Health) convened in Washington, D.C., from September 26–27, 2025, bringing together CARICOM Ministers of Health, Permanent Secretaries, Chief Medical Officers, and representatives from regional and international institutions. The event, chaired by the Hon. Philip Telesford, Minister of Health, Wellness, and Religious Affairs of Grenada, underscored the urgent need to address pressing health challenges in the Caribbean region. Minister Telesford emphasized the dual social and economic implications of health threats, particularly Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs), which continue to strain productivity and national budgets. He highlighted that diseases not only impact individual well-being but also carry significant financial consequences, making health an economic imperative. CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General for Human and Social Development, Ms. Alison Drayton, reinforced the call for coordinated action, citing emerging communicable diseases, climate change, and rising crime rates as compounding factors. The meeting celebrated key milestones, including CARICOM’s endorsement of the Pandemic Agreement at the 78th World Health Assembly, the launch of the PAHO-CARICOM Joint Subregional Cooperation Strategy, and the signing of the CARICOM-HEDPAC Memorandum of Understanding. Efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance and address crime and violence as public health issues were also highlighted. The event reaffirmed CARICOM’s commitment to collaborative leadership and proactive responses to emerging health threats, ensuring the region’s health systems remain resilient in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
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Rotary Club of Antigua Installs Peace Pole at Clare Hall Secondary School
In a significant move to promote peace and unity among the youth, the Rotary Club of Antigua unveiled a Peace Pole at Clare Hall Secondary School on September 25, 2305. This initiative, celebrated during a ceremony on September 26, symbolizes a global call for harmony, bearing the universal message, ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth.’ The Peace Pole serves as a constant reminder of the importance of fostering understanding and compassion within communities and educational institutions. Elisa Graham, President of the Rotary Club of Antigua, emphasized the deeper meaning behind the installation. She stated that the Peace Pole is not merely a monument but a catalyst for students to internalize peace and reflect it in their thoughts, words, and actions. Graham expressed hope that the initiative would inspire students to become peacemakers in their homes, schools, and eventually, the world. Lorna Richardson, Principal of Clare Hall Secondary School, expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm for being part of this meaningful project. She highlighted the school’s commitment to not only academic excellence but also to instilling values of peace, conflict resolution, and civic responsibility. Richardson affirmed that the Peace Pole aligns perfectly with the school’s mission to nurture productive citizens who contribute positively to Antigua and Barbuda. Graham also acknowledged the vital role of educators in fostering peace, urging students to embrace kindness, empathy, and leadership. This initiative reflects the Rotary Club’s enduring dedication to ‘Service Above Self’ and its vision of transforming the dream of peace into a shared reality. The installation of the Peace Pole underscores the club’s broader efforts to cultivate goodwill and harmony, particularly among the younger generation, who hold the promise of shaping a more peaceful future.
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UWI academic warns of democratic risk if migration policy is mishandled
Professor C. Justin Robinson, Principal of the Five Islands Campus at the University of the West Indies in Antigua, has issued a stark warning to Caribbean governments. As Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines prepare to launch the region’s most ambitious free movement agreement, Robinson emphasized the need to address public anxieties to avoid political backlash and threats to democratic stability. The initiative, emerging from the CARICOM Enhanced Cooperation Protocol, allows citizens of these nations to live, work, and access basic services without work permits or residency requirements. While this promises economic benefits, Robinson cautioned that lessons from the U.S. and Europe highlight the risks of uneven distributional impacts and public perception mismanagement. He stressed that success will depend on addressing infrastructure, employment, and social integration challenges. Robinson also highlighted the potential for economic disparities and infrastructure strain, particularly in small island states with limited resources. He underscored the importance of financial system integration and cultural affinity as key advantages, urging policymakers to learn from global migration experiences to avoid pitfalls.