标签： Antigua and Barbuda

An Antigua resort, Mill Reef Club, has been mandated by the Industrial Court to compensate a former receptionist, Andre Thomas, with over EC$29,000 for his wrongful dismissal nearly three decades ago. The court found that the 1998 termination, prompted by Thomas’s refusal to change his hairstyle, violated his constitutional rights and breached principles of good industrial relations. Thomas, who had been employed at the resort for six years, was suspended and subsequently fired after a new European manager insisted on altering his appearance. Notably, the court highlighted that there were no prior complaints about Thomas’s hairstyle and that the resort lacked a formal grooming policy. The judges deemed the dismissal “frivolous and extreme,” criticizing the resort for denying union representation and failing to investigate the matter adequately. Additionally, the destruction of employment records by the club undermined its defense during the proceedings, which commenced in 2011. Thomas was awarded EC$29,325.60, covering lost income, damages, and legal costs, with the payment deadline set for 17 November 2025.

The much-anticipated rehabilitation of All Saints Road is progressing steadily, with preliminary testing and groundwork now in motion, as confirmed by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant. Speaking during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Merchant revealed that the project was a key topic of discussion in this week’s Cabinet meeting. A joint venture between a Canadian engineering firm and a local partner has already initiated testing activities on the road.

Merchant elaborated, ‘They have commenced preliminary work, including testing and surveys. In certain sections of All Saints Road, teams are conducting ground surveys and cutting out patches for testing purposes.’ The comprehensive reconstruction plan will not only address the road surface but also modernize underground infrastructure by removing outdated APUA pipelines and installing new ones.

The project will cover a significant stretch of approximately 11 to 12 miles, extending from the VC Bird bust in St. John’s to English Harbour. To ensure minimal disruption to traffic, the team is preparing strategic traffic diversions. Merchant emphasized, ‘Mobilization will begin shortly, and the transformation of All Saints Road will soon be evident.’ He also assured that the Cabinet would provide further updates next week as additional project details are finalized.

The government’s second Seven Seas desalination plant is poised to commence operations this weekend, significantly enhancing the national water supply by adding approximately two million gallons of water daily. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, announced the imminent launch during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, emphasizing the facility’s role in improving water accessibility across the island. The plant’s initial production phase will include rigorous testing and system adjustments, meaning immediate improvements may not be apparent to residents. Communities in the northern regions, including Hodges Bay, Coolidge, New Winthorpes, Barnes Hill, Blue Waters, and Cedar Valley, are expected to benefit from the increased water output. This initiative is a critical component of the government’s comprehensive strategy to bolster water reliability, particularly in drought-affected areas, and is part of broader infrastructure upgrades overseen by the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA).

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has unveiled an ambitious national beautification project aimed at revitalizing the country’s infrastructure. The initiative will involve the repainting of over 400 government-owned buildings, starting with state offices in the capital, St. John’s. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, revealed that the Cabinet has allocated a substantial budget for this endeavor, which aligns with the administration’s broader transformation and modernization goals. Merchant emphasized that the project is expected to inspire private sector participation, encouraging businesses to refurbish their properties as well. The initiative is complemented by the establishment of a Building-Repair Fund, designed to finance the restoration and maintenance of public offices nationwide. This fund will address the structural needs of government properties, ensuring their long-term sustainability. The beautification campaign is part of extensive preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which Antigua and Barbuda will host. Officials believe these efforts will enhance the nation’s appearance and infrastructure, showcasing its readiness to welcome international delegates.

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has taken decisive action to address unauthorized vending operations along its public beaches. The Cabinet has instructed the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and other relevant agencies to disconnect electricity and utilities from unapproved vending structures at key locations, including Morris Bay, Darkwood Beach, Fryers Beach, and Fort James. This move is part of a comprehensive effort to regulate vending activities and ensure orderly development across the nation’s beaches.

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has launched investigations into two separate incidents of student violence that occurred on High Street in St. John’s on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Both incidents involved physical altercations among groups of students, resulting in injuries to two young males.

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has greenlit the construction of a state-of-the-art vending facility at Little Ffryes Beach, marking a significant step toward improving the working conditions of local entrepreneurs, enhancing the visitor experience, and ensuring the sustainable management of one of the nation’s most cherished coastal destinations. This initiative is part of a broader government program aimed at upgrading and regulating vending operations at key tourism sites across the country. Little Ffryes Beach, a popular attraction for both locals and tourists, has long benefited from the vibrant presence of local vendors. However, the absence of structured facilities has led to challenges in sanitation, safety, and business organization. The new facility will address these issues by providing modern, sanitary, and eco-friendly vending spaces that blend seamlessly with the beach’s natural beauty. Key features include advanced waste disposal systems, restroom facilities, upgraded utilities, and designated parking and access areas. The project will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, in collaboration with the Development Control Authority (DCA) and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. The Ministry will also engage closely with existing vendors to ensure their needs are met and that their operations continue uninterrupted during construction. This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to supporting small and micro-enterprises, enhancing tourism experiences, and promoting sustainable development through environmentally responsible infrastructure. Construction is set to commence shortly after the completion of design and consultation phases. In a related move, the Cabinet has also approved the removal of unauthorized vending facilities from public beaches, including Morris Bay, Darkwood Beach, Fryers Beach, and Fort James. The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has been instructed to disconnect utilities to these unauthorized operations. The Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, alongside the DCA, will oversee the transition process to ensure affected vendors are supported and relocated to the new facility at Little Ffryes Beach. This dual approach underscores the government’s efforts to balance economic opportunities for small vendors with the need for orderly development, public safety, and environmental preservation.