Acting Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers has rejected the United Progressive Party’s (UPP) application to hold a Whistlestop event in the St. John’s Rural East constituency on November 12. The decision was made without any explanation provided to the Party. The Whistlestop was planned to rally public support for an independent investigation into the ongoing scandal involving the Ministry of Public Works, led by Maria Browne, the parliamentary representative for Rural East. The UPP had initially sought police permission for the event on November 6, following the denial of their request for an islandwide Motorcade on November 9. The police cited insufficient personnel due to the Remembrance Day ceremony at The Cenotaph as the reason for the Motorcade denial. On November 7, the UPP proposed delaying their event by an hour to accommodate the ceremony, but the Commissioner remained firm in his refusal. He did, however, suggest that a later date after November 9 could be considered. The UPP has since announced plans to proceed with a Motorcade on November 16, pending written confirmation from the police. Meanwhile, the Party is urging citizens to join their protest actions against the alleged $15 million fraud scandal, dubbed ‘Bronco-gate/Vehicle-gate/Chain-Gang Scandal,’ and to demand an independent inquiry into the Ministry of Works.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
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ABLP Hopeful Adrian Richardson sponsors Bethesda FC
Adrian Richardson, a prominent figure in the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), has extended his support to the local community by sponsoring Bethesda Football Club (FC). This initiative underscores Richardson’s commitment to fostering grassroots sports development and community engagement. Bethesda FC, a well-established football club in the region, has long been a platform for nurturing young talent and promoting physical fitness among youth. Richardson’s sponsorship is expected to provide the club with essential resources to enhance their training programs, upgrade facilities, and participate in competitive tournaments. This move not only strengthens the club’s operational capacity but also highlights the importance of public figures investing in local sports initiatives. The sponsorship aligns with broader efforts to encourage healthy lifestyles and community cohesion through sports. Richardson’s involvement is seen as a positive step toward empowering young athletes and reinforcing the role of sports in societal development.
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Antigua and Barbuda Showcases Debt Reform Model at COP30
At the High-Level Panel on Debt Sustainability and Resilient Infrastructure during COP30, Antigua and Barbuda showcased its innovative Debt Sustainability Support Service (DSSS) as a groundbreaking approach to harmonizing debt reform, climate resilience, and sustainable finance. The event, hosted at the Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (DRI) Pavilion, highlighted the urgent need for integrated solutions in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Her Excellency Ruleta Camacho Thomas, Ambassador for Climate Change, emphasized the intertwined crises of debt and climate vulnerability in SIDS, stating, ‘Every hurricane, drought, and flood destroys infrastructure and public revenue, forcing countries to borrow more just to rebuild. This creates a debt trap that hinders investment in resilience.’ Under the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), the DSSS was developed to help vulnerable economies combine debt reform, climate finance, and resilience planning. The service integrates mechanisms such as debt-for-climate swaps, climate-contingent clauses, resilience-linked bonds, and insurance-backed instruments into a unified framework. ‘The DSSS ensures that finance supports resilience, not undermines it,’ Ambassador Camacho Thomas explained. ‘It aligns fiscal policy, infrastructure investment, and climate adaptation, ensuring every dollar spent on recovery also builds long-term security.’ Antigua and Barbuda is collaborating with partners like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) to advance debt sustainability and infrastructure resilience simultaneously. The Ambassador also highlighted the role of data analytics in attracting investment, noting that while spatial and financial data can demonstrate the return on investment (ROI) of resilience, they are often misused to label SIDS as ‘high-risk.’ She called for integrating data on adaptation outcomes into financial modeling to prove the economic viability of investing in SIDS. ‘Resilience must be recognized as a financial model, not a moral appeal,’ she concluded. Antigua and Barbuda continues to lead global efforts to enhance access to sustainable finance for vulnerable economies, promoting integrated approaches that link debt management, infrastructure resilience, and sustainable growth.
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Rotary District Governor Meets Prime Minister Browne to Discuss Continued Partnership
Soraya Warner-Gustave, the Governor of Rotary District 7030, recently embarked on an official visit to Antigua, where she engaged in a productive dialogue with Prime Minister Gaston Browne. The meeting focused on Rotary’s enduring role in fostering national development and its alignment with the country’s strategic priorities. Prime Minister Browne lauded Rotary for its unwavering commitment to service and expressed enthusiasm for potential collaborations that could further bolster Antigua’s progress. Governor Warner-Gustave, accompanied by a delegation of Rotary leaders, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and provided insights into Antigua’s preparations for hosting the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) in 2025. This event underscores Rotary’s dedication to empowering young leaders and fostering community engagement.
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Antigua and Barbuda Names Senior Men’s Squad for 2025 CONCACAF Series
The Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) has officially revealed its senior men’s national team roster for the highly anticipated 2025 CONCACAF Series. The squad is set to engage in two preparatory friendly matches at the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in St. John’s, Antigua. The first match will pit the team against Aruba on November 12th at 7:00 PM, followed by a clash with Guyana on November 18th at the same time. The announcement underscores the ABFA’s commitment to showcasing local talent on the international stage. The selected players represent a mix of domestic and international clubs, highlighting the depth and diversity of Antigua and Barbuda’s football talent. The goalkeeping trio includes Shahoi Dorsette (C.F. Lorca Deportiva), Zaieem Scott (Future Pro Academy), and Jayden Martin (All Saints United). The defensive lineup features Zafique Joseph, Leroy Graham, Kylano Isaac, Jazhiono O’Garro, Tyrik Hughes, and Amir Delay. Midfielders Sean Tomlinson, TJ Bramble, Shalon Knight, Quinton Griffith, Dannen Francis, and Dion Pereira bring both experience and versatility. The forward line is led by Raheem Deterville, Darryl Massicott, Karique Knight, D’Andre Bishop, and Josue “Neymar” Arias. The management team, under the leadership of Manager Janiel Simon and Head Coach Jacques Passy, is poised to guide the squad through these crucial matches. Assistant Coaches Shyan Jeffers, Lenny Hewlett, and Eduardo Suarez, along with Goalkeeper Coach Juan Lecona Nava, Physio McClean Lawrence, and Equipment Manager Danny Benjamin, complete the robust support staff. These friendlies are expected to serve as a litmus test for the team’s readiness ahead of the CONCACAF Series, offering fans a glimpse of the nation’s footballing potential.
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Two Antiguan Interactors Represent Antigua and Barbuda at the 25th Model United Nations Assembly
Two exceptional young Interactors from Antigua recently showcased their diplomatic prowess at the prestigious 25th Model United Nations (MUN) Assembly. Representing Antigua and Barbuda, these talented individuals engaged in rigorous debates, simulated UN committee sessions, and addressed global issues with remarkable insight and eloquence. The event, held in a dynamic international setting, provided a platform for youth to hone their negotiation, leadership, and public speaking skills while fostering cross-cultural understanding. Their participation not only highlighted the potential of Antiguan youth but also underscored the nation’s commitment to nurturing future leaders capable of addressing complex global challenges. This milestone event further strengthens Antigua and Barbuda’s presence on the international stage, inspiring the next generation to actively contribute to global dialogue and cooperation.
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OPINION: Why is AI so freaking smart?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of the modern era, captivating the world with its seemingly boundless capabilities. But what makes AI so remarkably intelligent? At its core, AI’s prowess stems from its ability to process vast amounts of data at unprecedented speeds, leveraging advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques to identify patterns, make predictions, and solve complex problems. Unlike human intelligence, which is constrained by biological limitations, AI thrives on computational power and scalability. It learns iteratively, improving its performance with each cycle of data analysis. Furthermore, AI systems are designed to mimic cognitive functions such as reasoning, decision-making, and even creativity, albeit in a structured and data-driven manner. The integration of neural networks, deep learning, and natural language processing has further amplified AI’s capabilities, enabling it to excel in diverse fields, from healthcare and finance to art and entertainment. However, the rapid advancement of AI also raises ethical and societal concerns, including issues of bias, privacy, and the potential displacement of human labor. As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial to strike a balance between harnessing its potential and addressing its challenges, ensuring that this powerful technology benefits humanity as a whole.
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MISSING: Dawn Simon
The tight-knit community of Bolans is rallying together in a desperate search for Dawn Anjella Simon, a 56-year-old resident who has been missing since Sunday, November 9th, 2025. Simon was last spotted in Bolans, and her sudden disappearance has left her family and neighbors deeply concerned. Standing at approximately 5 feet 4 inches, Simon’s absence has prompted widespread appeals for assistance. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding her whereabouts to immediately contact the nearest police station or call the dedicated hotline at 268 – 725 5595. The community is encouraged to share this information widely in hopes of ensuring Simon’s safe return. Every effort is being made to bring her back to her loved ones, and public cooperation is deemed crucial in this urgent search.
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America’s largest warship has arrived in the Caribbean
The US Navy has confirmed the deployment of a formidable naval strike force, led by the USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest warship, to the Caribbean. This move, ordered by President Donald Trump last month, comes amidst escalating tensions with Venezuela and ongoing military operations targeting alleged drug trafficking vessels in the region. Since its initiation, the US has conducted at least 19 strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of 76 individuals. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused the US of orchestrating a fabricated crisis aimed at destabilizing his socialist government. The strike force, which entered the operational area of US Southern Command on November 11, includes the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier, guided-missile destroyers, and various support vessels. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the deployment aims to enhance the US’s ability to detect and disrupt illicit activities, particularly narcotics trafficking, in the region. This deployment significantly amplifies the US military presence in Latin America, which already includes thousands of troops, a nuclear-powered submarine, and military aircraft based in Puerto Rico. The recent strikes have heightened tensions with Colombia and Venezuela, raising concerns among human rights observers about potential violations. Despite these tensions, President Trump has dismissed suggestions of plans to overthrow the Venezuelan government or initiate a conflict, emphasizing the necessity of the strikes to combat drug trafficking.
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Suspect Arrested in House Breaking Incident at Fort Road
In a swift response to a reported burglary, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has successfully arrested a 21-year-old suspect from Bathlodge. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at a residence on Fort Road. The homeowner alerted authorities that a knapsack filled with school supplies and other personal belongings had been stolen. Officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) promptly initiated an investigation, which led to the recovery of the stolen items near a local business establishment. The suspect was subsequently detained at the St. John’s Police Station, and the investigation is still underway. The police have reiterated their call for residents to remain vigilant, secure their properties, and report any suspicious activities by contacting 911 or the CID at 462-3913.