Carib Scope

标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Nicki Minaj says she’s Trump’s number one fan

    Nicki Minaj says she’s Trump’s number one fan

    In a notable political alignment, rapper Nicki Minaj publicly endorsed former President Donald Trump during a U.S. Treasury Department event in Washington, D.C., proclaiming herself his foremost supporter. The event served to promote the upcoming “Trump accounts” initiative—a pilot program establishing investment accounts for children born between 2025 and 2028, with an initial federal deposit of $1,000 per eligible child.

    Minaj, who had previously expressed criticism toward Trump during the 2020 election cycle, delivered a fervent speech in his defense. She stated that external criticism and media campaigns only strengthened her resolve to support him, asserting, “The hate or what people have to say, it does not affect me at all. It actually motivates me to support him more.” She further emphasized a collective commitment among his supporters to prevent what she characterized as bullying and smear campaigns against him, adding her belief that “God is protecting him.

    Demonstrating her financial commitment to the policy, Minaj pledged a personal contribution ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 to help fund these investment accounts. This move signals a significant shift from her 2020 position, where she explicitly stated she would not “jump on the Trump bandwagon.” The event highlighted the intersection of celebrity influence and political advocacy, underscoring ongoing support for Trump’s policies within certain entertainment circles.

  • Aadham O’Garro to Be Sentenced Friday After Guilty Plea to Firearm Charge

    Aadham O’Garro to Be Sentenced Friday After Guilty Plea to Firearm Charge

    A Green Bay resident is facing sentencing this Friday after admitting to firearms offenses in a case that highlights ongoing law enforcement efforts against illegal weapons. Adham O’garro of #3 George Street entered a guilty plea for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, bringing a swift conclusion to his legal proceedings.

    The charges stem from a targeted police operation last Saturday evening in the Grays Farm area. At approximately 7:00 PM, authorities conducted a search of a property where they discovered O’garro in possession of a 9mm Glock pistol. The weapon, found concealed in his right front pocket, contained a loaded magazine with 15 rounds of ammunition.

    During this morning’s court appearance before Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, the case took a significant turn when O’garro accepted full responsibility for the weapons charges. This development led prosecutors to formally withdraw all charges against two additional individuals who had been initially implicated in the case. The court acknowledged O’garro’s acceptance of sole accountability for the illegal firearm possession.

    The upcoming sentencing hearing will determine the legal consequences for O’garro’s violations of firearms legislation. The case represents another successful intervention by law enforcement in removing illegal weapons from community circulation, particularly concerning given the weapon’s loaded status and concealed nature at the time of discovery.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Opens Applications for Solar Street-Light Program

    Antigua and Barbuda Opens Applications for Solar Street-Light Program

    The Government of Antigua and Barbuda, through its Department of Environment, has officially launched the application phase for its innovative Solar Street-Light Program. This sustainability project, supported through cooperation with the Government of the People’s Republic of China, represents a significant step in the nation’s renewable energy infrastructure development.

    Eligibility for the program extends to various organized community entities including registered community groups, faith-based organizations, agricultural associations representing local farmers, and private educational institutions. Successful applicants will be awarded comprehensive solar lighting kits featuring high-intensity 8,000-lumen solar street lights mounted on eight-meter poles with arms. Each complete system includes photovoltaic panels, storage batteries housed in weatherproof enclosures, and all necessary mounting hardware and assembly components.

    While the government provides the equipment through this initiative, recipients assume responsibility for installation expenses. Limited logistical support for transportation may be available upon specific request and approval, according to program guidelines.

    Prospective participants must complete official application documentation accessible through the Department of Environment’s digital portals. The administration has established a substantial application window, with all submissions due by February 20, 2026.

    This program constitutes a core component of Antigua and Barbuda’s strategic national framework aimed at accelerating renewable energy adoption and fostering sustainable community infrastructure development across the dual-island nation.

  • Tourism Industry Experts Warn ‘Traditional Marketing is Dead’ as DMOs Face Radical Shift to Story-Driven Media

    Tourism Industry Experts Warn ‘Traditional Marketing is Dead’ as DMOs Face Radical Shift to Story-Driven Media

    A seismic transformation is underway in the global tourism sector as destination marketing organizations (DMOs) confront the outright obsolescence of conventional promotional strategies. Leading tourism experts are delivering a stark verdict: traditional marketing methodologies have reached their expiration date, necessitating an urgent pivot toward narrative-rich, immersive media experiences.

    The paradigm shift stems from fundamental changes in traveler behavior and content consumption patterns. Modern tourists, particularly digitally-native generations, increasingly reject interruptive advertisements and generic destination brochures. Instead, they seek authentic, emotionally resonant stories that forge genuine connections with potential travel experiences before departure.

    This revolution demands that DMOs completely reimagine their strategic approach. The new mandate requires developing sophisticated story-driven content across multiple digital platforms—from compelling short-form videos on social media to immersive virtual reality previews and influencer collaborations that showcase unique local narratives. Success now hinges on creating shareable moments rather than simply listing amenities or attractions.

    Industry analysts note that destinations embracing this storytelling ethos are achieving unprecedented engagement metrics and significantly higher conversion rates. The most forward-thinking organizations are leveraging user-generated content, interactive digital experiences, and personalized narrative journeys that allow potential visitors to envision themselves within the destination’s unique storyscape.

    This transition presents substantial challenges for established DMOs, requiring new skill sets, budgetary reallocations, and organizational restructuring. However, those who successfully navigate this radical shift stand to gain substantial competitive advantage in the increasingly crowded global tourism marketplace, where authentic stories now trump traditional advertising.

  • US$500 Reward Offered for Missing Cat Accidentally Released Near Willoughby Bay

    US$500 Reward Offered for Missing Cat Accidentally Released Near Willoughby Bay

    An American visitor to Antigua has launched an urgent search operation, offering a $500 reward for the safe recovery of a rescue cat that was accidentally released near the Crossroads Centre in Willoughby Bay. The incident has sparked a community-wide effort to reunite the traveler with his feline companion.

    According to local animal welfare organization Paaws Antigua, the visitor had completed all necessary documentation and made comprehensive arrangements to transport the cat to the United States. The mix-up occurred when the animal was inadvertently released before the travel plans were finalized, despite the completed paperwork.

    The emotional bond between the visitor and the cat has become central to the story. Paaws Antigua revealed that the American had developed a profound connection with the animal during his stay, describing how the cat had ‘built a home in his heart.’ The organization characterized the visitor as ‘heartbroken’ over the unexpected separation.

    Local authorities and animal welfare experts are advising the public on proper handling procedures. If community members can safely secure the cat, they are encouraged to do so using appropriate caution. Alternatively, witnesses should maintain visual contact with the animal and immediately contact Paaws Antigua’s emergency response team, which has mobilized recovery specialists to handle the situation.

    The organization has issued a public appeal for widespread information sharing through social networks and community channels. This collaborative effort aims to maximize visibility and increase the chances of successful reunion between the emotional support animal and its intended owner before the scheduled departure.

  • More Than 930 Patients Treated in ‘A Thousand Smiles’ Dental Project

    More Than 930 Patients Treated in ‘A Thousand Smiles’ Dental Project

    A major collaborative dental health initiative has provided essential care to hundreds of Jamaicans during its inaugural program. ‘A Thousand Smiles’ project, a partnership between the Sandals Foundation, non-profit organization Great Shape Inc., and the Jamaican Ministry of Health, has successfully treated over 930 patients in its first six days of operation.

    The comprehensive dental clinic, hosted at Kingston’s Multi-Purpose Cultural and Exhibition Center, is currently in its second and final week of service. Medical teams have been working extensively to address critical oral health needs across the community.

    During the initial operational period, dental professionals performed 758 procedures ranging from routine cleanings and fillings to more complex root canal treatments and extractions. Patient turnout reached its peak on Wednesday of the first week with 184 individuals receiving care, while Monday, January 26th, marked the second-highest attendance day with 176 patients served.

    The initiative represents one of the largest coordinated dental outreach efforts recently undertaken in Jamaica, bringing together governmental health authorities and philanthropic organizations to address accessibility challenges in dental healthcare. The project’s title, ‘A Thousand Smiles,’ reflects its ambitious goal of providing transformative dental treatment to those in need.

  • Disaster Office Assesses Buckleys Primary School During Earthquake Drill

    Disaster Office Assesses Buckleys Primary School During Earthquake Drill

    Buckleys Primary School in Antigua has emerged as a model institution for disaster readiness, following a comprehensive earthquake preparedness drill conducted on Tuesday. The exercise, which involved the entire student body of over 100 children, was observed and evaluated by the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) as part of ongoing efforts to fortify the education sector against natural hazards.

    The school’s enhanced preparedness capabilities stem from its inclusion in the transformative Model Safe School Programme Enhancement Works. This regional initiative, spearheaded by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) in partnership with the Ministry of Education, represents a significant investment in school safety. The program, made possible through substantial funding from the Government of Norway in 2024, focuses on both physical infrastructure improvements and the development of robust emergency protocols.

    This strategic collaboration between national agencies and international partners demonstrates a proactive approach to disaster risk reduction. By upgrading school facilities and implementing regular, realistic drills, the program aims to create educational environments that can better withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters, thereby protecting both students and staff.

  • Antigua Grammar School alumnus earns spot on national sailing team

    Antigua Grammar School alumnus earns spot on national sailing team

    A distinguished alumnus of Antigua Grammar School has achieved a significant milestone in competitive sailing by securing a coveted position on Antigua and Barbuda’s national team. Shanoy Malone has officially qualified to represent the twin-island nation at the upcoming Under-21 ILCA 7 World Sailing Championship, marking a remarkable accomplishment in his athletic career.

    The educational institution proudly announced Malone’s selection, emphasizing that this achievement demonstrates exceptional dedication and perseverance in the demanding sport of sailing. School authorities highlighted that Malone’s success continues the established tradition of sporting excellence among the school’s alumni, serving as both an inspiration to current students and a source of national pride.

    The ILCA 7 World Championship represents one of the most prestigious global competitions for youth sailors, widely recognized as a critical developmental platform for athletes aspiring to reach elite and Olympic-level competition. This championship provides young sailors with invaluable international experience against world-class competition.

    Antigua Grammar School has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Malone, expressing immense pride in his representation of both the educational institution and the nation on the international stage. The school community has pledged its full support as Malone prepares to compete against the world’s top young sailing talent, anticipating that his participation will inspire a new generation of Antiguan and Barbudan athletes to pursue excellence in maritime sports.

  • UWI Five Islands to Host Public Lecture on Digital Privacy

    UWI Five Islands to Host Public Lecture on Digital Privacy

    The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus is set to present a significant public lecture addressing the critical issue of digital privacy in an increasingly interconnected world. Scheduled for February 5, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Campus Cafeteria, the event titled “The Ins and Outs of Digital Privacy” will feature prominent expert Professor Rajendra K. Raj.

    Organized by the School of Science, Computing and Artificial Intelligence, this educational initiative comes at a crucial time when digital platforms permeate nearly every aspect of modern life. The lecture will provide comprehensive insights into the mechanisms through which personal data is harvested, distributed, and utilized across digital ecosystems. Professor Raj will examine the sophisticated methods employed by various entities to collect user information and the subsequent implications for individual privacy rights.

    The discussion will extend beyond mere identification of problems to explore practical strategies for personal data protection. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge about implementing effective privacy safeguards and understanding the limitations of current protective measures in the digital landscape. The event specifically targets students, technology professionals, and general public members who actively engage with online services and digital platforms in their personal and professional capacities.

    This initiative represents the university’s commitment to fostering digital literacy and promoting informed discussions about technology’s societal impacts. By bringing together academic expertise and community engagement, UWI Five Islands continues its role as an institution addressing pressing contemporary technological challenges.

  • Metropolitan University Celebrates Graduation & White Coat Ceremony

    Metropolitan University Celebrates Graduation & White Coat Ceremony

    Antigua’s Royalton Resort served as the prestigious backdrop on January 24th, 2026, as Metropolitan University College of Medicine conducted its dual-purpose ceremony honoring both graduating physicians and incoming medical students. The institution merged its Graduation and White Coat Ceremony into a single event, creating a powerful narrative about the continuous journey of medical education.

    The graduation segment recognized academic completions spanning 2019-2025, honoring graduates who have surmounted rigorous academic and clinical challenges. These newly minted healthcare professionals now serve communities throughout Antigua, the Caribbean region, and globally. Dr. Gurpreeth Sandhu, Dean of the medical college, delivered an emotionally resonant address highlighting the profound sacrifices made by graduates and the weight of responsibility they now carry toward their patients. Graduate representative Dr. Stephanie Deib reflected on the transformative educational journey, acknowledging the unwavering support from faculty that enabled students to realize their professional aspirations.

    Simultaneously, the White Coat Ceremony provided a symbolic initiation for basic sciences and clinical students into the medical field. As participants donned their white coats, they embraced the core values of medical practice: integrity, responsibility, empathy, and continuous learning. Keynote speaker Dr. Jose Humphrey articulated the dual significance of the white coat as both a representation of scientific rigor and a reminder of the societal trust placed in medical professionals.

    The event garnered significant institutional and governmental support, with attendance from Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, Education Minister Honorable Daryll Matthew, and Honorary Indian Counsel Mr. Vijay Tewani. University Vice President Mr. Tirumal Devulapalli emphasized the institution’s commitment to educational excellence and the extensive support system provided to students throughout their academic journey.

    Metropolitan University, which achieved CAAM-HP accreditation in December 2024, demonstrates through such ceremonies its dedication to developing healthcare professionals equipped with both technical expertise and ethical foundation. The 2026 ceremony thus served as both a celebration of achievement and an inspiration for the next generation of medical practitioners.