标签: Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • PM Says New Crane Marks Major Step Toward Transshipment Hub

    PM Says New Crane Marks Major Step Toward Transshipment Hub

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has heralded the commissioning of a state-of-the-art cargo-handling crane at the Deepwater Harbour as a pivotal milestone in Antigua and Barbuda’s ambitious plan to establish itself as a regional transshipment hub. The new crane, Browne emphasized, is not merely an operational enhancement but a strategic investment in the nation’s future, symbolizing the government’s dedication to modernization, competitiveness, and global connectivity. This development follows an estimated EC$500 million investment in modernizing both cargo and cruise ports over recent years. The prime minister highlighted that the crane will significantly boost cargo-handling capacity, streamline turnaround times, and enhance the reliability of port operations. These improvements are expected to facilitate business operations, benefiting importers, exporters, and local entrepreneurs through faster and more efficient services. Browne articulated a broader vision of transforming Antigua and Barbuda into a premier regional transshipment port, leveraging expanded capabilities, cutting-edge technology, and robust logistics infrastructure to attract major shipping lines. Increased cargo volumes are anticipated to reduce freight and handling costs, thereby lowering the overall cost of doing business. The government also foresees heightened revenues from taxes, fees, and port-related services as transshipment activities grow. Additionally, the initiative is projected to generate employment opportunities for technicians, engineers, logistics specialists, and young professionals entering the maritime sector. Beyond the port, Browne envisions the burgeoning maritime economy spurring new industries such as bunkering, ship repair, marine supplies, and warehousing. He concluded that the transformation of the port into a transshipment hub will serve as a major driver of national economic growth and a significant contributor to the country’s GDP. The crane, Browne declared, stands as a “symbol of progress,” signaling Antigua and Barbuda’s readiness to thrive in a competitive global environment.

  • Branch Office Burglarized; Police Launch Investigation

    Branch Office Burglarized; Police Launch Investigation

    Authorities are currently probing a break-in at a political branch office located on Federation Road, where intruders forcibly entered the premises and absconded with several items. The incident is estimated to have occurred between 4 p.m. on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, and 8 a.m. on Wednesday, 12 November 2025. The office secretary confirmed that the building was securely locked the previous afternoon but was discovered breached upon the staff’s return the following morning. Preliminary reports indicate that the perpetrator(s) utilized a heavy tool to pry open an eastern door to gain access. Among the stolen items were a laptop, a composition book, and two AAA batteries, though the total value of the missing goods remains undetermined. Despite a thorough search of the vicinity, no suspects have been apprehended. Forensic experts have been summoned to examine the scene meticulously as the investigation continues.

  • Tourism Awards Nominees Announced for Chef of the Year and Young Chef of the Year

    Tourism Awards Nominees Announced for Chef of the Year and Young Chef of the Year

    The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association has unveiled the nominees for the prestigious 2025 Tourism Awards, spotlighting exceptional culinary talent in the Chef of the Year and Young Chef of the Year categories. This annual event honors professionals whose expertise, creativity, and commitment elevate the nation’s tourism industry. The nominees represent a roster of Antigua’s premier hospitality establishments, including Blue Waters Resort & Spa, Cocobay Resort, Hermitage Bay, Jumby Bay Island, Keyonna Beach Resort, Royalton Antigua, Sandals Grande Antigua, The Verandah Antigua, and Trade Winds Hotel. The winners will be revealed on November 29 at the Tourism Awards Gala, hosted at Sandals Grande Antigua. This year’s gala, themed ‘Mirror Ball Gala – A Night to Reflect and Shine,’ is a collaborative effort between the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, and Antigua and Barbuda Tourism. The event underscores the vital role of culinary professionals in enhancing the country’s tourism appeal.

  • Jamal Joseph of Green Bay Charged with Unlawful Possession of Firearm and Ammunition

    Jamal Joseph of Green Bay Charged with Unlawful Possession of Firearm and Ammunition

    In a decisive move to combat illegal firearms, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has arrested and charged 37-year-old Jamala Joseph of Green Bay for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The incident occurred during a routine stop-and-search operation in the early hours of Friday, November 14, 2025. Officers from the Grays Farm Police Station intercepted a vehicle on George Street, Green Bay, following a community report. During the search, they uncovered a .25 Beretta pistol and two rounds of .25 ammunition. Joseph was promptly taken into custody and formally charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition. This arrest underscores the police force’s unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal weapons from the streets, ensuring the safety and security of all residents. The Royal Police Force continues to enforce strict measures against such violations, reinforcing their dedication to maintaining public order.

  • Rotary Club of Antigua Donates Over $40,000 in Lifesaving Equipment to Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre

    Rotary Club of Antigua Donates Over $40,000 in Lifesaving Equipment to Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre

    The Rotary Club of Antigua (RCA) has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing healthcare in Antigua and Barbuda by contributing over $40,000 XCD to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC). This generous donation, made during an official visit by Rotary District 7030 Governor Soraya Warner-Gustave, is earmarked for the acquisition of Bubble CPAP machines and pulse oximeters for the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

    The Bubble CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are crucial for the care of premature and critically ill newborns, offering non-invasive respiratory support that aligns with international NICU standards. This technology significantly reduces complications and improves survival rates among preterm infants. Additionally, the donation includes several pulse oximeters, which are essential for monitoring oxygen levels in newborns, enabling the NICU team to provide faster and more efficient care.

    Michael Spencer, Past President of the Rotary Club of Antigua, emphasized the broader significance of the donation. ‘This is more than just equipment; it’s an investment in the future of our children,’ he said. ‘We are proud to support SLBMC in their mission to deliver high-quality neonatal care and ensure that even the tiniest patients receive the best possible start in life.’

    Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, Medical Director of SLBMC, expressed profound gratitude for the contribution. ‘The Rotary Club’s support continues to transform what’s possible for our patients,’ she noted. ‘These Bubble CPAP machines and pulse oximeters have already made a tangible difference in the care we provide. Countless babies and their families are benefiting from this investment.’

    Elisa Graham, current President of the Rotary Club of Antigua, reiterated the organization’s commitment to community health. ‘Supporting the hospital and, by extension, the health of our nation, is something we take great pride in,’ she said. ‘Our work is only possible because of the generosity of our members and the community, who believe in Rotary’s mission of service above self.’

    Beyond the immediate equipment, the donation will also fund additional resources to further strengthen neonatal care at SLBMC, underscoring RCA’s ongoing partnership with the medical centre and its dedication to improving patient outcomes.

  • Antigua and Barbuda considers tuition-free education for nationals at the UWI Five Islands Campus

    Antigua and Barbuda considers tuition-free education for nationals at the UWI Five Islands Campus

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda is actively exploring the possibility of providing tuition-free education for its citizens at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus. Prime Minister Gaston Browne revealed that the administration is currently reviewing the proposal, which aligns with its ongoing efforts to support higher education accessibility.

    Browne emphasized that the government already subsidizes a substantial portion of student expenses through existing scholarship programs. ‘Nearly every student attending UWI Five Islands benefits from government scholarships,’ he stated. ‘Given this, we are now discussing the feasibility of eliminating tuition fees entirely. Since we are already covering most costs, it makes sense to make university education completely free for our nationals.’

    The Prime Minister highlighted that this initiative would reinforce the government’s dedication to broadening access to higher education and fostering sustainable national development. By removing financial barriers, the policy aims to empower more citizens to pursue advanced education, ultimately contributing to the country’s socio-economic progress.

  • Antigua and Barbuda’s National Culinary Team Arrives in Barbados for Regional Competition

    Antigua and Barbuda’s National Culinary Team Arrives in Barbados for Regional Competition

    The National Culinary Team of Antigua and Barbuda has made a grand entrance in Barbados, gearing up for the highly anticipated Taste of the Caribbean competition, hosted by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association. The event, scheduled from November 16 to 18, will see the team showcase their culinary prowess against regional rivals. Upon their arrival on Friday, the chefs and bartender were welcomed with a Barbados Transport Board bus adorned in Antigua and Barbuda branding—a gesture orchestrated by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. This initiative not only supports the team’s participation but also serves as a vibrant promotion of the nation’s culture and pride. Officials highlighted that the branded transport symbolizes a strong sense of national identity as the delegation embarks on their competitive journey. Over the three-day event, the team will face off against culinary experts from across the Caribbean, aiming to bring home accolades and further elevate their country’s reputation in the culinary arts.

  • Team Antigua Island Girls Present Uncharted Waters—an evening of untold stories from their historic Pacific Ocean row

    Team Antigua Island Girls Present Uncharted Waters—an evening of untold stories from their historic Pacific Ocean row

    Team Antigua Island Girls, the groundbreaking all-Black female rowing team, invites the public to an exclusive event titled ‘Uncharted Waters.’ This intimate evening, scheduled for Friday, November 21, 2025, at the John E. St. Luce Financial and Conference Centre, will feature emotional storytelling and never-before-shared insights from their record-breaking 2023 Pacific Ocean crossing. The event begins at 7:15 p.m., with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. for a pre-show experience. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore ‘Dadli Gyal,’ the boat that carried the team across 2,800 nautical miles over 47 days, sample the dehydrated meals that sustained the rowers, and participate in a raffle with prizes including a dinner for two at Jumby Bay. Tickets are priced at $150 for adults and $50 for youth under 16, available via the Ticketing app, Ken’s Club in Cassada Gardens, Kennedy’s in Powell’s, or SICON at the airport. All proceeds will support the establishment of a home for girls in conflict with the law, reflecting the team’s dedication to empowerment and social change. Team Antigua Island Girls, composed of Christal (author and swim instructor), Elvira (health and wellness coach), Kevinia (personal trainer and team captain), and Samara (Antigua and Barbuda’s first female boat captain), made history in 2018–2019 by rowing 3,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic. In 2023, Christal, Kevinia, and Samara took on the World’s Toughest Row—Pacific, inspiring global audiences with their determination and teamwork.

  • ABWU Announces Dr Dwayne ‘Baba’ Thwaites as Featured Speaker for 2025 Men’s Conference

    ABWU Announces Dr Dwayne ‘Baba’ Thwaites as Featured Speaker for 2025 Men’s Conference

    The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) has revealed that Dr. Dwayne “Baba” Thwaites, a distinguished urologist, will be the keynote speaker at its 2025 International Men’s Day Conference. Scheduled for November 19, the event, themed “Healthy Men, Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Society,” will emphasize men’s physical and mental health, early disease detection, and fostering healthier work environments. Dr. Thwaites’ participation underscores the Union’s dedication to advancing discussions on men’s health both nationally and regionally. Recognized as one of the Caribbean’s foremost urology experts, Dr. Thwaites boasts a career marked by clinical excellence, groundbreaking research, and public health advocacy. His extensive training includes stints at prestigious U.S. institutions such as the University of Miami, Emory University, and the State University of New York. A graduate of Ottos Comprehensive School and St Joseph’s Academy, Dr. Thwaites completed his undergraduate studies at St Leo University in Florida and post-baccalaureate work at the University of South Florida. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami, followed by a general surgery residency in New York and a trauma fellowship at St Vincent Hospital in Staten Island. Dr. Thwaites made history as Chief of Surgery at Alexandra Hospital in Nevis, performing the first laparoscopic surgery in the Eastern Caribbean. After specializing in urology at Emory University and the University of Miami, he returned to the region to conduct its first laser prostatectomy. Today, he maintains a successful urology practice and spearheads annual prostate screening initiatives across the Eastern Caribbean. The ABWU highlighted Dr. Thwaites’ trailblazing contributions and focus on early detection as vital to the conference’s mission. The event will convene on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

  • APUA crew at work in Jamaica supporting power restoration

    APUA crew at work in Jamaica supporting power restoration

    In a demonstration of regional solidarity, technicians from the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) have been dispatched to Jamaica to assist in ongoing electricity restoration efforts. This initiative is part of a coordinated response facilitated by the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC), which mobilizes resources and expertise across member nations during crises. The APUA team is working alongside the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to address recent disruptions to the island’s power grid, focusing on repairing and stabilizing electrical lines in affected communities. This collaborative effort highlights the longstanding tradition of regional cooperation among utility providers, who routinely share manpower and technical knowledge in the aftermath of significant outages. APUA has confirmed that its technicians will remain in Jamaica until all assigned restoration tasks are completed, ensuring a swift and effective recovery.