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.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
-
Several people charged following multiple drug arrests
In a significant crackdown on illegal drug activities, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has arrested and charged three individuals in separate operations this week. The arrests, which took place in various locations across the island, underscore the police administration’s unwavering commitment to combating the illicit drug trade.
-
Empowerment Doll-Making: Botanique and The Water’s Edge Museum Bring Caribbean–Irish Heritage to Dublin
This October, Dublin will host a unique cultural event as part of the Artistic Islands Programming. Botanique Studios, in collaboration with The Water’s Edge Museum from Maryland, USA, will present the Heritage Empowerment Doll Seminars. This event aims to celebrate the rich and resilient cultural heritage of Antigua and Barbuda, while also highlighting the historical connections between Africa, the Caribbean, and Ireland.
-
Botanique and The Water’s Edge Museum Showcase Antiguan and Barbudan Seedwork at Dublin Castle
This October, Dublin will host a unique cultural event as Artistic Islands Programming collaborates with Botanique Studios of Antigua and Barbuda and The Water’s Edge Museum of Maryland, USA, to present the Heritage Seedwork Seminar. This event shines a spotlight on seedwork jewelry, a traditional craft from Antigua and Barbuda made from wild tamarind and jumbie beads. Once a fading art form practiced by only a few women, Botanique Studios has successfully revived this African-rooted tradition, elevating it to global recognition. The seminar will be led by Louise Edwards, a master seedwork artisan, alongside Botanique founder Anne Jonas and creative Mosia Challenger. Participants will engage in three-hour workshops, gaining hands-on experience in this intricate craft. Each session will begin with a short film exploring the history and cultural significance of seedwork, followed by guided practice using specially prepared kits. The collaboration with The Water’s Edge Museum, represented by co-directors Ja’Lyn Hicks and Sara Amber Marie Park, underscores a shared commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage that transcends borders. The workshops will take place from October 3–5, with sessions running from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Additionally, a special illustrated lecture titled ‘The Beauty of Antigua’s Intangible Cultural Heritage’ will be hosted at Dublin Castle’s State Apartments on October 4 at 6:30 p.m. This event not only celebrates the artistry of seedwork but also highlights the resilience and creativity of Antiguan culture.
-
PHOTOS: Roadworks Keep Rolling Across the Island
The Ministry of Works has ramped up its road construction activities across multiple locations, including Wireless Road and Glanville, showcasing a dedicated effort to enhance infrastructure. Teams have been working tirelessly since sunrise, with the concrete plant crew ensuring a steady supply of materials to keep the projects on track. The initiative aims to improve road conditions and ensure smoother transportation for residents and commuters. Photographs captured by Maria Browne highlight the progress and scale of the operations, underscoring the commitment of the Ministry to deliver quality results. This large-scale project reflects the government’s focus on upgrading public infrastructure to meet growing demands and improve overall connectivity.
-
US citizen to sue for $50m over violent ICE arrest
In a dramatic turn of events, Rafie Shouhed, an elderly U.S. citizen and former Trump voter, has announced his intention to file a $50 million damages claim against the U.S. government following a violent encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The incident occurred during a raid at Shouhed’s Los Angeles car wash earlier this month, part of President Donald Trump’s intensified crackdown on undocumented migrants. Surveillance footage captured the moment Shouhed was forcefully body-slammed to the ground by several masked and heavily armed agents, who then detained him for nearly 12 hours without providing medical attention, despite his pleas about a pre-existing heart condition. Shouhed, who immigrated to the U.S. from Iran in the 1980s, described the agents as unresponsive and aggressive, stating, ‘The only word they said was, ‘You do not F with ICE.’’ The raid has sparked widespread controversy, particularly in Los Angeles, where critics argue that such operations disproportionately target individuals based on ethnicity or workplace. The video of the incident, which shows agents pinning Shouhed to the ground with one agent’s knee on his neck, has fueled public outrage and raised questions about the methods employed in these enforcement actions. Shouhed’s legal claim underscores the growing tensions surrounding ICE’s operations and their impact on communities across the nation.
-
US Report: Antigua Easy to Start Business, But Legal Hurdles Persist
Antigua and Barbuda has positioned itself as an attractive destination for foreign investors, boasting a business registration process that can be completed in as little as three weeks. However, a recent U.S. government report highlights persistent legal complexities and procedural hurdles that continue to challenge foreign companies seeking to enter the market. The 2025 Investment Climate Statement, released by the U.S. Department of State in September, underscores the need for filings with multiple agencies, including the Intellectual Property and Commercial Office, Inland Revenue Department, Social Security Scheme, Medical Benefits Scheme, and the Board of Education. Most investors rely on local attorneys to navigate these requirements, adding to the complexity and cost of establishing a business. The Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA) plays a pivotal role in facilitating foreign investment by guiding investors through incentives and concessions. Additionally, the country’s participation in the World Trade Organization’s Joint Initiative on Investment Facilitation for Development has spurred reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and streamlining processes. Despite these efforts, the report notes that many policies affecting investors are developed without public consultation, and some legislation lacks broad stakeholder input. While accounting and regulatory procedures generally align with international standards, critics argue that a more robust consultative process is essential to bolster investor confidence. The government emphasizes that there are no restrictions on foreign ownership and that the legal system, rooted in British common law, safeguards property rights and commercial enforcement. Nevertheless, the report concludes that while the overall investment climate is improving, legal and procedural hurdles remain significant barriers for investors.
-
US Warns Over Property Dispute in Antigua, Cautions Investors
The U.S. Department of State has issued a warning to American investors regarding real estate investments in Antigua and Barbuda, citing an unresolved property dispute involving alleged expropriation of a U.S.-owned asset. The caution was highlighted in the 2025 Investment Climate Statement released in September, which raised concerns about the security of property rights in the Caribbean nation. While Antigua and Barbuda actively promotes foreign investment across sectors such as tourism and agriculture, the unresolved case has cast a shadow over its otherwise favorable investment climate. The report emphasized the need for careful consideration when investing in real estate, though it did not disclose specific details about the property or the parties involved. Despite the government’s assurances that it will not expropriate investments without due process and compensation, the dispute underscores potential gaps in enforcement of legal protections. This warning serves as a reminder of the risks that can accompany foreign investments, even in seemingly open markets.
-
Integrity Commission Under Fire in U.S. Report on Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda’s Integrity Commission has come under intense criticism in a recent U.S. government report, which highlights its inability to effectively enforce anti-corruption laws. The 2025 Investment Climate Statement, published by the U.S. Department of State in September, underscores the commission’s independence but points to severe operational challenges, including understaffing and insufficient resources. These limitations have hindered its capacity to thoroughly investigate complaints and enforce the Integrity in Public Life Act, which mandates public officials to disclose their income, assets, and gifts received during their tenure. The commission, appointed by the governor general, is also responsible for addressing violations of the Prevention of Corruption Act. However, the report notes that allegations of corruption are rampant, with both major political parties frequently accusing each other, yet investigations rarely yield tangible results. Critics have voiced concerns to U.S. officials, arguing that the Integrity Act is inadequately enforced and requires strengthening. Additionally, the report highlights deficiencies in the country’s Freedom of Information Act, which, in theory, grants citizens access to government documents. In practice, however, residents often face difficulties obtaining records due to funding constraints rather than deliberate obstruction. Antigua and Barbuda is a signatory to both the Inter-American Convention against Corruption and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). While the government claims to apply criminal penalties in proven cases of corruption, the report concludes that enforcement remains weak, raising questions about the nation’s commitment to combating corruption effectively.
-
Global Ports Holding is investing $250 million In Antigua and Barbuda and other major ports
Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world’s largest cruise port operator, is spearheading a $250 million initiative to transform cruise destinations across the Caribbean and Europe. The ambitious project, set to unfold through 2027, includes the construction of new pools, terminals, and piers, alongside upgrades to existing facilities. Key developments are underway in Nassau (The Bahamas), Antigua & Barbuda, St. Lucia, Las Palmas (Spain), and San Juan (Puerto Rico).
In Nassau, the West Marina Pool is slated to open by mid-October 2025, followed by a Superyacht Marina by year-end. Antigua’s port district in St. John’s is being reimagined with a homeport terminal for turnaround operations, complemented by new retail, dining, and public amenities. St. Lucia’s Point Seraphine is undergoing upgrades to accommodate the region’s largest cruise ships, while Las Palmas is set to unveil Europe’s largest cruise terminal by September 2025, capable of hosting up to five ships and 12,000 passengers.
Mehmet Kutman, Chairman and CEO of GPH, emphasized the company’s commitment to creating world-class destinations that benefit both passengers and local communities. The projects aim to enhance the guest experience, foster economic growth, and deliver sustainable infrastructure. GPH’s expansion also includes new terminals in Alicante and the Canary Islands, further solidifying its global presence. By integrating modern facilities with retail, dining, and public spaces, GPH is positioning its ports as premier destinations for cruise travelers.