标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has issued an update on the ongoing power restoration efforts in Barbuda, following a generator failure at the Barbuda Power Plant. Mechanical technicians are actively working to repair the damaged generator, but the process remains incomplete, necessitating continued load shedding measures. The load shedding will persist tonight, operating in four-hour intervals to manage the limited power generation capacity.

To alleviate the situation, a temporary generator is currently being transported to Barbuda and will be installed immediately upon arrival. This interim solution aims to support the power system until the primary generator is fully restored. In a significant development, APUA has also acquired a new generator for the Green Barbuda Solar Hybrid System, the island’s main power plant. Once integrated, this addition is expected to restore full generation capacity and enhance the stability of Barbuda’s power supply.

APUA acknowledges the inconvenience caused by these outages and extends its sincere apologies to affected customers. The utility authority reassures the public that its teams are working tirelessly to resolve the issue as swiftly as possible. APUA urges residents to remain patient and understanding during this challenging period.

In a groundbreaking addition to the Entrepreneurship Day 2025 activities in Antigua and Barbuda, the Mentrepreneurship Workshop was introduced to inspire and equip the next generation of male leaders and entrepreneurs. Held on November 7, 2025, under the theme “Empowering Young Men with Entrepreneurial Skills for the Future,” the workshop provided practical guidance on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, personal development, and professional grooming. Through interactive sessions, team challenges, mentorship discussions, and business plan development, young men were encouraged to transform their ideas into viable business ventures and cultivate the mindset of successful entrepreneurs. Dr. Janelle O’Mard, the workshop coordinator and Education Officer with business responsibilities, emphasized the need for targeted guidance to shape innovative, responsible, and impactful future business leaders. The event also featured guest speakers including Mr. Kadesh Bailey, Mr. Bernard Peters, Mr. Colin John Jenkins, and Mr. Kevin Morgan, who shared insights on overcoming challenges, building resilience, and leading with integrity. The workshop not only aimed to develop entrepreneurial skills but also to instill positive values and self-confidence among participants. Meanwhile, schools like All Saints Secondary School, Sir Novelle Richards Academy, and Pares Secondary School have already begun their Entrepreneurship Day activities, with some planning to showcase a marketplace in their communities.

A dramatic collision unfolded on Wednesday morning near the Robinson Gas Station when a motorcyclist crashed into the front of a white SUV. The incident, captured on video by bystanders, shows the motorcycle striking the SUV head-on, leaving the bike trapped beneath the vehicle. Witnesses immediately rushed to the scene, with a police officer and several members of the public attempting to provide assistance. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and there has been no official update regarding the motorcyclist’s condition. Those who recorded the incident expressed deep concern, hoping the rider escaped serious injury. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the factors leading to the collision.

Violence against women and girls remains a pervasive and alarming issue in the Americas, as highlighted by new estimates released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its UN partners. The data, unveiled ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, reveals that one in three women aged 15 and older in the region has endured physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. Intimate partner violence is the most prevalent form, affecting one in four women aged 15-49, while one in eight has experienced sexual violence from someone other than a partner. Young women are particularly vulnerable, with 21% of those aged 15-19 facing partner violence before turning 20, and older women are not exempt, as 23% of those aged 65 and above report similar abuse. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), emphasized that these figures underscore the preventable nature of violence and the urgent need for high-quality data to drive action. Despite increased awareness and policy efforts, progress has been minimal, with intimate partner violence rates remaining largely unchanged over the past two decades. The report, which analyzes data from 2000 to 2023 across 168 countries, including 29 in the Americas, highlights the severe and long-lasting impacts of violence, including physical injuries, mental health issues, and intergenerational cycles of abuse. PAHO is actively supporting countries through evidence-based strategies like the RESPECT framework, which focuses on prevention, empowerment, and systemic change. As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, PAHO will host a hybrid event on November 24, 2025, to discuss effective interventions and foster regional collaboration. Dr. Barbosa stressed that violence against women is a shared regional priority requiring sustained investment and commitment to eliminate this pervasive issue.

A 63-year-old man has been found guilty of sexual intercourse with a dependent and indecent assault after abusing his wife’s 16-year-old niece while she was under his care. The victim, who moved into the household in 2018, initially viewed the accused as a father figure. However, she testified in court that he began entering her bedroom at night and inappropriately touching her while his son slept nearby. She further revealed that in November 2018, he drove her to a secluded farm, threatened her, and coerced her into submission. The accused denied the allegations, asserting that the teenager initiated the encounters and offered sexual favors. He also claimed that erectile dysfunction prevented intercourse, a statement corroborated by his wife. Despite being acquitted of rape, the jury convicted him of the other charges, highlighting the gravity of his actions.

Two major infrastructure initiatives under the Ministry of Works have achieved notable milestones, signaling a boost in public infrastructure development. The Cedar Grove Pour project, a critical endeavor aimed at enhancing local road networks, has successfully completed a key phase. Simultaneously, the Point Upgrades initiative, designed to modernize essential public facilities, is also progressing steadily. These projects are part of the government’s broader strategy to improve community infrastructure and ensure sustainable urban development. The advancements are expected to significantly benefit residents by improving transportation efficiency and upgrading public amenities. The Ministry of Works has emphasized its commitment to timely project delivery and maintaining high-quality standards throughout the construction process.