标签： Antigua and Barbuda

Survey teams have commenced operations for a comprehensive upgrade of All Saints Road, heralding the launch of what government officials are calling one of the nation’s most pivotal infrastructure initiatives in recent history. The Ministry of Works has officially announced that the reconstruction project is being spearheaded by Amdex, a collaborative venture between Canada’s Dexter Company and local engineering experts. This partnership is expected to bring advanced technical expertise to the endeavor, which aims to transform a crucial transportation artery. The project will cover over 10 miles, stretching from the V.C. Bird bust in St John’s to English Harbour. Preparatory activities are already underway, with survey teams and materials-testing crews actively working on-site. In a coordinated effort, the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) will replace outdated water pipes along the route, ensuring that the road does not require future excavation. To mitigate inconvenience for commuters, the Ministry of Works is devising detailed traffic-management strategies, including temporary diversions and phased road closures as construction progresses. The government has pledged to provide regular updates as the project advances.

In a landmark operation, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) offloaded a staggering 49,000 pounds of cocaine at Port Everglades, marking one of the largest single-ship drug seizures in history. The haul, valued at approximately $362 million, was the result of 15 separate interceptions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean by the crew of the USCG Cutter Stone, alongside aircrews and partner agencies. Vice Adm. Nathan Moore, Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, emphasized the significance of the seizure, stating, ‘This is more than just a pile of cocaine. It represents a tangible victory in our fight against transnational criminal organizations and narco-terrorism.’ The operation underscores the USCG’s commitment to disrupting drug trafficking networks and protecting communities. Terry Cole, Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), highlighted the broader impact, noting that such seizures weaken criminal organizations and save lives. The majority of the cocaine originated from Colombia and Ecuador. This seizure follows a series of significant drug interdictions by the USCG, including a record-breaking 38-ton haul in August 2025. Officials reported that 80% of U.S.-bound narcotics seizures occur at sea, emphasizing the critical role of maritime operations in combating drug trafficking.

In a bold and impassioned letter to the editor, a concerned citizen of Antigua and Barbuda has called for the immediate abolition of the country’s archaic bigamy law, labeling it as outdated, hypocritical, and out of touch with modern societal values. The writer, who identifies as an ordinary citizen rather than a legal or political expert, argues that the law unjustly intrudes into the private lives of consenting adults under the guise of protecting morality. The recent high-profile bigamy case has reignited public debate, highlighting the law’s irrelevance in a society where diverse relationship structures are increasingly common. The author emphasizes that a free society should respect individual choices, provided they are consensual and do not harm others. They criticize the law as a colonial relic rooted in a singular religious perspective on marriage, which no longer aligns with the cultural diversity and progressive ideals of Antigua and Barbuda. The letter also points out the absurdity of diverting limited police resources to investigate consensual relationships while more pressing issues like domestic violence, financial crimes, and missing children remain under-addressed. The writer concludes with a powerful plea for the government to demonstrate its commitment to modernization, freedom, and human dignity by repealing the bigamy law and allowing adults to build their lives without fear of criminalization.

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) successfully concluded its Tenth Meeting of the Council of Ministers: Education (COM: Edu) in the Commonwealth of Dominica on September 25-26, 2025. Held at the State House Conference Centre under the theme “Empowered Teaching for Resilient and Inclusive Digital Education,” the event brought together Ministers of Education, Permanent Secretaries, Directors from Ministries of Education, development partners, and education experts. Youth representatives were also included to ensure their voices were integrated into discussions, reflecting the OECS’s commitment to youth engagement through its Youth Empowerment Strategy.

The meeting focused on advancing regional education policies, fostering collaboration among education leaders, and aligning national efforts with the OECS Education Sector Strategy. Key discussions centered on accelerating the adoption of the OECS Digital Learning Ecosystem, enhancing teacher training, and promoting inclusive education for the twenty-first century. The event commenced with an opening ceremony celebrating Dominica’s cultural heritage, featuring remarks from Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, Deputy Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis and outgoing Chair of the Council, and His Excellency Dr. Didacus Jules, OECS Director General.

Dr. Jules emphasized the need for holistic education reform, stating, “Education is not transformed by technology alone, nor by policies written on paper. Real change requires moving beyond disconnected initiatives.” Honourable Octavia Alfred, Dominica’s Minister of Education and incoming Chair, highlighted the resilience of education systems in the face of challenges such as natural disasters, pandemics, and cultural shifts.

Over two days, participants engaged in robust discussions on priority areas, including the implementation of the OECS Education Sector Strategy (2011–2026), the development of the OECS Digital Learning Ecosystem, and initiatives like microcredentials, EMIS policy, and regional education technology policy. The Council also reviewed findings from the OECS Student Census Micropilot, a groundbreaking initiative to elevate student voices in educational reform.

Key outcomes included endorsing the establishment of national and regional teaching councils, advancing teacher professionalization, and adopting the Roseau Declaration for OECS Digital Education, which addresses data management, pedagogy, and artificial intelligence. The Council also commissioned a refreshed OECS Education Sector Strategy for 2027–2037, ensuring continued progress in transforming education across the region.

In a bid to address the persistent issue of abandoned vehicles, the government has introduced a new initiative offering a $150 incentive to private individuals who assist in the removal of derelict vehicles marked for disposal. This program is part of a broader national cleanup campaign aimed at improving urban environments and public health. The Ministry of Urban Development will oversee the project, collaborating with the National Solid Waste Management Authority and the Development Control Authority to ensure the proper verification, transportation, and disposal of these vehicles at the Cooks Landfill. Officials emphasize that enhanced inter-agency coordination will streamline the process, avoiding the delays and redundancies experienced in previous cleanup efforts. The Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation will soon release specific details, including dates, times, designated collection points, and participation guidelines. Derelict vehicles have long been a significant concern in many communities, contributing to environmental pollution, pest infestations, obstructed sidewalks, drainage problems, and safety hazards for residents.

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) launched its ‘Love Where You Live!’ National Clean-up initiative in October, marking a significant step toward community revitalization. Spanning three weeks, the campaign focused on the Villa Area, covering Dickenson Bay Street, Anchorage Road, and Fort James Drive. The effort aimed to transform the neighborhood into a cleaner, healthier environment for residents. During the campaign, NSWMA crews collected an astounding 13 tons of bulk waste from public spaces and vacant lots. Additionally, 75 vacant plots were cleared of debris, overgrown trees, and bushes, restoring them to safe and hygienic conditions. The removal of 31 abandoned vehicles further contributed to the area’s improved appearance. The initiative also addressed infrastructure concerns, identifying 13 damaged or blocked gutters and recommending repairs to prevent future flooding. Power washing of drains, tree cutting, and vegetation control were carried out to enhance visibility, public safety, and the neighborhood’s overall aesthetic. The campaign’s impact has been profound, with once-cluttered streets now cleared and residents expressing appreciation for the transformation. Building on this success, NSWMA has extended its efforts to the Yorks community, urging residents to dispose of waste responsibly and maintain the improved environment. The Authority will conclude its work in Yorks on November 21, 2025. This initiative highlights the power of organized waste management and community collaboration in reclaiming and preserving shared spaces. NSWMA encourages residents to report additional bulk waste for collection rather than leaving it on curbsides or outside homes.

Paula Lee, Head of the UWI Five Islands Lifelong Learning Unit, has emphasized the importance of providing education to incarcerated individuals, despite public backlash over prisoners graduating from the program. Lee articulated a multifaceted perspective, highlighting the legal, emotional, and academic dimensions of the issue. She underscored that imprisonment itself constitutes the punishment, stating, “We must never forget that families grieve, but these residents of the prison… their freedom has been restricted. That’s the punishment.”

Lee acknowledged the profound pain experienced by victims’ families, citing tragic examples such as murder and sexual assault. “My baby daddy died tragically when you stabbed him… Somebody was raped… we must never, ever forget that what happened to them will impact them for the rest of their lives,” she said. However, she also stressed the transformative power of education, arguing that it should not be denied to prisoners.

Lee warned that excluding inmates from educational opportunities would violate fundamental principles of access and equality. “The United Nations speaks about education being a right… If we do otherwise, we’re discriminating and that’s a flaw in the realm of universities,” she asserted. Her remarks come amid growing public debate over the role of education in the rehabilitation of prisoners and its broader societal implications.