With general elections in Antigua and Barbuda anticipated within months, Member of Parliament Richard Lewis has publicly affirmed the United Progressive Party’s (UPP) confidence and internal resolve. Representing St. John’s Rural West, Lewis acknowledged during an appearance on Observer AM that while internal divisions exist, they are being handled through private, internal channels rather than public discourse. He emphasized that such internal disagreements are a common feature of all political organizations and stressed the party’s commitment to resolving matters behind closed doors to project a unified front. Lewis articulated the party’s core philosophy that ‘unity is strength,’ a principle guiding their preparations for the imminent electoral contest. He contrasted the UPP’s position with that of the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), which he characterized as deeply unpopular. Lewis expressed strong conviction that by conveying the correct message to the electorate, the UPP is strategically positioned to secure victory. His statements occur amidst a period of intensified political maneuvering and public speculation regarding party cohesion, setting the stage for what analysts predict will be a highly competitive election.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
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4 killed as US forces strike drug-trafficking vessel in Caribbean
In a significant escalation of its counter-narcotics campaign, U.S. forces under Joint Task Force Operation Southern Spear conducted a targeted strike on a vessel in the Caribbean Sea, resulting in four fatalities. U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) officially confirmed the operation on Wednesday, alleging the boat was transporting illicit narcotics and was operated by entities it designated as terrorist organizations, though no specific group was identified.
This incident marks the third such engagement in March alone, raising the operation’s cumulative toll to 160 individuals killed across 47 separate strikes on suspected drug-smuggling crafts. According to data compiled by USNI News, this figure includes ten individuals who were initially reported as survivors but are now presumed deceased following unsuccessful search and rescue attempts. A previous strike on March 20th in the Eastern Pacific had left three survivors, though their current status remains unclear as the U.S. Coast Guard has not provided further updates.
The military action coincides with a major interdiction success. In a coordinated effort, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Ecuadorian Navy seized 592 kilograms of cocaine on Tuesday in international waters off the coast of Ecuador, a seizure announced by SOUTHCOM on the social media platform X.
This sustained counter-narcotics effort unfolds against a backdrop of shifting U.S. naval deployment priorities. The number of American warships in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility has diminished as strategic focus pivots towards Iran. The guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG-64) recently concluded its independent deployment, returning to Norfolk on Monday. Current U.S. naval presence in the region consists of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, the cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG-70), and the destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG-106). It remains uncertain whether a replacement vessel will be dispatched to fill the capability gap left by the Gettysburg’s departure.
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Man Found Hidden in Car’s Gas Tank in Attempt to Enter United States
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents successfully intercepted a perilous human smuggling operation at California’s San Ysidro Port of Entry, uncovering a Mexican national concealed within a modified gas tank compartment. The incident unfolded on Wednesday evening when border officers encountered a 20-year-old male driving a 2005 GMC SUV during routine screening procedures.
A specialized CBP canine unit detected anomalies beneath the vehicle’s undercarriage, prompting officers to escalate the inspection to a secondary screening area. Upon detailed examination, authorities discovered a non-factory compartment integrated into the fuel tank system containing an individual who had sustained significant burn injuries during the smuggling attempt.
Emergency medical services promptly transported the concealed person to Scripps Mercy Hospital in Chula Vista for urgent treatment. The driver was immediately taken into custody and transferred to the Metropolitan Correctional Center in San Diego facing human trafficking charges.
San Ysidro Port Director Mariza Marin condemned the smuggling tactics, stating: ‘This alarming case demonstrates the ruthless and inhumane methods employed by trafficking networks who value financial gain over human safety. The alertness and expertise of our CBP officers potentially saved a life by removing this individual from an immediately dangerous situation and ensuring they received critical medical care.’
As the nation’s primary border security organization with over 67,000 personnel, CBP maintains its commitment to disrupting transnational criminal operations that jeopardize public safety while facilitating legitimate travel and commerce across U.S. borders.
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DJ Quest Nominated for International DJ of the Year at Caribbean Music Awards
In a landmark achievement for Antiguan musical talent, renowned disc jockey DJ Quest has received an official nomination for the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards. The artist has been shortlisted in the highly competitive Male – International DJ of the Year category, positioning him among the Caribbean region’s most distinguished electronic music performers.
This nomination represents a substantial career milestone for the Antiguan entertainer, signaling his expanding influence within the international music industry. The recognition serves as testament to his artistic development and growing prominence across Caribbean entertainment markets.
The announcement has triggered widespread enthusiasm throughout Antigua and Barbuda, with both public supporters and cultural figures mobilizing to endorse the nominated artist. Community members are actively encouraging nationwide participation in the preliminary voting process to bolster DJ Quest’s candidacy.
Industry analysts perceive this development as a significant advancement for Antigua and Barbuda’s music sector, potentially enhancing the dual-island nation’s visibility within regional and international entertainment circuits. The nomination underscores the country’s emerging capacity to produce world-class musical talent capable of competing at the highest levels.
The awards organization has officially commenced public voting procedures, initiating a crucial phase where fan support could determine the final outcome. Supporters are coordinating digital campaigns to secure victory for the Antiguan nominee throughout the voting period.
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Meta and YouTube found liable in social media addiction trial
In a groundbreaking legal decision with far-reaching implications for the technology sector, a California jury has delivered a decisive verdict against Meta and YouTube, holding both companies fully liable for intentionally designing addictive platforms that caused substantial mental harm to a young user.
The jury determined following an extensive seven-week trial in Los Angeles Superior Court that both tech giants acted negligently in their platform designs, were aware of the dangerous nature of these designs, failed to adequately warn users of associated risks, and directly caused significant psychological injury to the plaintiff.
The case centered on Kaley, a now 20-year-old California woman who, along with her mother, initiated legal proceedings against Meta, Google’s YouTube, Snap, and TikTok. The lawsuit alleged these platforms deliberately engineered addictive experiences that hooked her during childhood, ultimately leading to diagnosed anxiety, body dysmorphia, and suicidal ideation. Snap and TikTok previously settled their portions of the case before trial proceedings commenced.
After more than eight days of deliberation, jurors apportioned responsibility between the remaining defendants, assigning Meta 70% liability and YouTube 30% for the plaintiff’s damages. The court ordered the companies to pay $3 million in compensatory damages, with additional punitive damages potentially forthcoming.
This verdict arrives amid escalating legal challenges for major technology firms. Both companies are scheduled to face trial later this year in the first of hundreds of similar lawsuits filed by school districts and state attorneys general nationwide—a legal campaign some commentators have likened to ‘Big Tech’s Big Tobacco moment.’
The decision follows closely on another adverse ruling for Meta, where a New Mexico jury found the company liable just one day prior for violating state consumer protection laws and failing to safeguard children from sexual predators on its platforms.
Meta has indicated it will challenge the verdict, with a spokesperson stating, ‘We respectfully disagree with the verdict and are evaluating our legal options.’ Google’s YouTube has not immediately responded to requests for comment. Both companies had previously denied the lawsuit’s core allegations, contested the notion that their platforms could be addictive, and highlighted recent safety enhancements including parental oversight tools and enhanced teen privacy protections.
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Richard Lewis Says Voters Should Judge Candidates Individually, Not Party Labels
With general elections approaching in Antigua and Barbuda, Parliament member Richard Lewis is advocating for a fundamental shift in voter mentality. The representative for St. John’s Rural West contends that electoral decisions should prioritize individual candidate merit over blind party allegiance.
In a recent appearance on Observer AM, Lewis elaborated on the nation’s electoral framework, characterizing it as a system of 17 distinct constituency elections rather than a single partisan contest. This structure, he argues, inherently demands personalized accountability from each representative.
“While political teams demonstrate unity during campaigns, electoral outcomes are ultimately determined at the hyper-local level,” Lewis stated, acknowledging party collaboration while emphasizing constituency sovereignty.
The MP presented his own record as a case study, urging constituents to evaluate his performance based on tangible deliverables rather than broader perceptions of his United Progressive Party (UPP). Citing three years of consistent engagement, Lewis highlighted his hands-on approach: “My representation has been performance-based since day one. I approach my constituents with a record I am proud of, confident in the work accomplished.”
This constituency-first philosophy emerges amid growing voter dissatisfaction with both major political parties. Lewis positions individual accountability as particularly crucial in the current climate of political skepticism.
His strategy underscores a deeper philosophy of governance—that effective representation stems from direct constituent engagement rather than party propaganda. “My constituents know I remain accessible and committed to their service,” Lewis affirmed, signaling his dedication to continued grassroots connection.
This emphasis on localized performance metrics suggests a strategic pivot in campaign approaches as Antigua and Barbuda’s political parties prepare for what observers anticipate to be a highly competitive election cycle.
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Dominican Community in Antigua backs ruling party ahead of elections
The Dominican expatriate community in Antigua and Barbuda is actively mobilizing to endorse the incumbent Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) in the forthcoming general election, as revealed by prominent community advocate Alex Martinez. This development emerges amid heightened political activities, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne signaling elections within the next three months.
Martinez confirmed that Dominican residents have been conducting discreet mobilization efforts to encourage eligible voters within their community to participate actively in the democratic process. The growing support stems from widespread perception that the current administration has fostered an inclusive environment where Caribbean migrants can thrive professionally and socially.
“The Dominican community stands firmly with Labour,” Martinez stated, emphasizing that this political alignment reflects a collective aspiration for sustained progress and enhanced regional integration. He further noted that many Dominican migrants recognize the government’s efforts in creating stable socioeconomic conditions that benefit all residents regardless of origin.
The community’s endorsement carries significant weight as Antigua and Barbuda prepares for what analysts anticipate to be a closely contested election. This demonstration of cross-cultural political support highlights evolving patterns of diaspora engagement in Caribbean politics, where migrant communities increasingly influence electoral outcomes through organized voting blocs.
Martinez concluded that the mobilization effort transcends mere political preference, representing instead a strategic commitment to maintaining stability and pursuing developmental continuity that serves the nation’s diverse population.
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Antigua and Barbuda Joins CARICOM Call for Reparatory Justice on Slavery Remembrance Day
On the International Day of Remembrance for Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the CARICOM Reparations Commission issued a powerful declaration honoring the approximately 15 million African men, women, and children who suffered through centuries of chattel enslavement in the Americas. The commission memorialized both the unimaginable horrors endured during the Middle Passage and the systematic denial of basic humanity that characterized the institution of slavery.
The statement simultaneously celebrated the extraordinary resilience and continuous resistance demonstrated by enslaved Africans against what it termed ‘a racialized system of European domination.’ This defiance, the commission emphasized, ultimately contributed to ending one of history’s most profound injustices.
CARICOM’s reparations framework finds concrete expression through its Ten Point Plan for Reparations, which establishes a comprehensive roadmap for addressing historical wrongs through regional development priorities. The commission renewed its urgent appeal for restitution and compensation via structured repair programs and sustained measures to dismantle persistent structural and institutional racism.
The commission presented a historical analysis framing transatlantic slavery as deliberately orchestrated crimes against humanity that simultaneously fueled European economic expansion while systematically underdeveloping Africa and the Caribbean. It noted how these deeply entrenched systems of exploitation continue to shape contemporary global inequalities.
Significant momentum was identified with the African Union’s declaration of the Decade for Reparations (2026-2035), hailed as a historic commitment that strengthens global reparations efforts. This development establishes a formal framework for enhanced collaboration between African nations, Caribbean communities, and the broader diaspora in forging a unified movement.
The commission characterized the current moment as decisive for the reparatory justice movement, citing growing international awareness and expanding coalitions across Global Africa. It reaffirmed commitment to continued advocacy, dialogue, and public education initiatives.
In its concluding remarks, the commission honored ancestral resilience in the face of extreme adversity while calling upon the international community to take concrete action. It framed justice for victims of African enslavement as fundamentally interconnected with justice for all humanity.
[Organizational Context]
The CARICOM Reparations Commission functions as a regional entity building the ethical, moral, and legal case for reparations from former colonial powers and their institutions to Caribbean nations and peoples. This case rests on addressing crimes against humanity including native genocide, the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, and racialized chattel slavery.CARICOM (Caribbean Community), established in 1973 and revised in 2001, comprises fifteen Member States and six Associate Members representing approximately sixteen million citizens. The organization operates through four pillars: economic integration, foreign policy coordination, human/social development, and security cooperation. Its Georgetown, Guyana-based Secretariat serves as the principal administrative organ.
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Dominican consul honours Antigua-based businessman for cultural leadership
In a significant ceremony recognizing cultural advocacy, the Dominican Republic’s Consul General has bestowed formal recognition upon prominent businessman Alex Martinez and his organization for their exceptional contributions to preserving Spanish Independence traditions and Dominican cultural heritage in Antonia and Barbuda. The prestigious award acknowledges Mr. Martinez’s pivotal role in enhancing bilateral cultural connections within the Caribbean nation while ensuring Dominican traditions remain vibrant among diaspora communities.
Consul General Julio Cesar Mateo Baez, during the official presentation, commended Martinez’s visionary leadership and his remarkable ability to inspire collective action toward cultural preservation. The diplomat emphasized how Martinez’s initiatives have cultivated unprecedented levels of unity and cultural pride within the Dominican community residing in the twin-island nation, creating meaningful bridges between Dominican heritage and local Caribbean culture.
In his acceptance remarks, Martinez characterized cultural support as both a profound personal passion and a civic responsibility. The honored businessman articulated his commitment to sustaining these efforts, vowing to continue developing programs that would ensure Dominican cultural traditions endure for future generations. His work has particularly focused on maintaining cultural visibility through organized celebrations, educational initiatives, and community engagement programs that highlight Dominican history and customs.
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Benjamin Appeals for Trust in Bid to Represent St. Mary’s North, Pledges Community-Focused Leadership
In a formal address to constituents, Dr. Philmore Benjamin has officially launched his electoral campaign as the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s representative for St. Mary’s North. The candidate opened with a tribute to outgoing representative Sir Molwyn Joseph, acknowledging his decades of public service and developmental contributions to the constituency.
Dr. Benjamin reported having conducted extensive grassroots outreach across multiple communities within the electoral district, actively listening to constituent concerns and aspirations. His campaign promises a governance model centered on collaborative engagement with both residents and community leaders to ensure equitable development distribution.
The candidate’s platform prioritizes four key policy areas: youth empowerment initiatives, housing improvement programs, enhanced social support systems, and future-ready community infrastructure. Dr. Benjamin emphasized his dual commitment to addressing hyperlocal needs while maintaining alignment with national development objectives.
In his closing appeal, the parliamentary candidate requested constituent trust and electoral support, framing the election as an opportunity to forge a unified path toward improved prospects for future generations through concerted leadership and shared vision.