On the eastern side of Antigua’s rural belt, a coordinated environmental improvement push led by the National Cleanup Programme is well underway, bringing much-needed infrastructure and aesthetic upgrades to multiple residential communities. Teams from the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) are deploying a mix of manual labor and heavy equipment to address a range of longstanding environmental and accessibility issues across the region, working their way across the constituency in a phased rollout of work.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
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Papi’s Horns Live On in Zamoni’s New Anthem “What We Drinking?” for Antigua Carnival 2026
One of the Caribbean’s most anticipated annual cultural celebrations, Antigua Carnival, is gearing up for its 2026 edition with an exciting new release that is already building buzz across the region. Rising local soca artist Zamoni has dropped his highly anticipated carnival anthem “What We Drinking?”, a track crafted to carry forward the beloved legacy of Papi’s Horns, a legendary musical institution that has defined Antigua’s carnival sound for decades.
Antigua Carnival, held annually to celebrate the nation’s emancipation from slavery and highlight the vibrant spirit of Antiguan and Barbudan culture, draws thousands of visitors from across the globe each year, eager to experience the pulsating rhythms, colorful parades, and infectious joy that define the event. At the heart of many of the carnival’s most iconic moments has been Papi’s Horns, a brass collective whose distinctive melodies have become inseparable from the sound of Antigua’s biggest celebration. After the passing of the group’s founder, the community has rallied to ensure his musical influence does not fade, and Zamoni’s new track stands as one of the most heartfelt tributes to date.
“What We Drinking?” weaves the recognizable, punchy horn lines that Papi’s Horns made famous into a modern soca arrangement, designed to get crowd jumping from the opening beats. Zamoni, who grew up attending Antigua Carnival and listening to Papi’s Horns perform along the parade route, shared in early comments that the track is a personal love letter to the culture that raised him, as well as a nod to the generations of musicians who built Antigua’s carnival sound. The track leans into the signature call-and-response that gets crowds singing along all day, with lyrics centered on the communal joy, friendship, and unbridled celebration that are the core of the carnival experience.
Industry insiders and carnival veterans have already praised the track for balancing respect for tradition with fresh, contemporary energy that resonates with both long-time carnival attendees and younger first-time visitors. As event organizers finalize plans for the 2026 celebration, “What We Drinking?” is already positioned as one of the leading road march contenders, with many local fêtes and events already adding the track to their rotation months ahead of the official parade. For Antigua’s cultural community, the release is more than just a new carnival song—it is proof that the legacy of Papi’s Horns will continue to echo through the streets of St. John’s for many more carnivals to come.
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EMT Injured in Hit-and-Run While Entering Company Vehicle
A female Emergency Medical Technician is recovering in the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre following a shocking hit-and-run incident that left her injured as she prepared for a shift. Multiple law enforcement and medical sources confirm the caregiver was struck by a passing motorist moments before she could climb into her service vehicle. The driver responsible for the collision failed to stop at the scene, immediately fleeing the area before bystanders or responding emergency workers could note their identity.
First responders quickly provided on-site aid to the injured EMT before rushing her to the island’s main public medical facility for further care. As of the latest update, hospital officials have confirmed the victim is in stable condition, easing initial fears over more severe harm. The attack has sent ripples of concern through both the local healthcare community and the general public. As a frontline emergency worker who has spent years responding to life-threatening crises across the nation, the EMT is widely respected among her peers, and the senseless act has drawn widespread condemnation.
Local law enforcement has launched a full investigation into the collision, working to piece together the timeline of the incident and track down the at-large driver. Authorities are now asking the public to step forward with any piece of information, no matter how small, that could help identify the motorist or locate their vehicle. Anyone with details related to the hit-and-run is instructed to reach out to their closest police district immediately. The investigation remains active and ongoing as investigators work to bring the responsible party to justice.
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Terrifying CCTV Footage shows the exact moment cyclist was struck down by out of control Vitz
Newly released closed-circuit television footage has documented the terrifying seconds leading up to and including a collision between an out-of-control compact sedan and a cyclist traveling through a busy suburban intersection in Queensland, Australia, earlier this week. The 10-second clip, obtained by local law enforcement from a nearby traffic camera, shows the silver Toyota Vitz suddenly veering off its intended lane around 8:15 a.m. during peak morning commuting hours. Witnesses reported the vehicle appeared to suffer a mechanical failure that caused the driver to lose steering control, sending it jumping the curb and striking the cyclist, who was obeying all traffic signals at the time of the incident. Emergency response teams arrived at the scene within six minutes, administering immediate first aid before airlifting the injured cyclist to the nearest major trauma center. As of the latest update, medical officials confirm the cyclist remains in intensive care in critical but stable condition, while the 62-year-old driver of the Vitz escaped with only minor cuts and bruising. Local transportation authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident, focusing on whether mechanical issues, driver error, or poor road maintenance contributed to the crash. The footage has been shared with local road safety organizations, who plan to use anonymized clips in upcoming public awareness campaigns to highlight the vulnerability of cyclists sharing roads with motor vehicles. Community leaders have also called for a review of intersection safety infrastructure in the area, including the potential addition of protected bike lanes to separate two-wheeled commuters from vehicle traffic.
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Police Seize 34 Pounds Of Cannabis During Joint Drug Operation
Officials from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda and national customs authorities have confiscated a large haul of illegal cannabis following a coordinated anti-drug operation at V.C. Bird International Airport, law enforcement representatives confirmed in an official media statement released June 20, 2026.
The targeted operation was launched shortly after 3:30 p.m. local time on June 18, carried out by specialized personnel from the police Narcotics Department alongside Customs Enforcement agents at the LIAT Cargo Shed, a key transit point for incoming and outgoing air freight on the island. Forensic processing of the seized contraband confirmed the total weight of the cannabis reached 34 pounds, with law enforcement estimating the haul has a street value of approximately 204,000 Eastern Caribbean dollars.
As of the latest update, active investigations are continuing to trace the origin of the shipment, identify individuals connected to the alleged trafficking operation, and build a legal case ahead of potential prosecutions. The Royal Police Force emphasized in its release that disrupting cross-border drug networks remains a top priority for local law enforcement, noting the agency is committed to sustaining close collaboration with local, regional, and international partner agencies to counter illicit drug trafficking and other transnational criminal activities that threaten public safety and national security in Antigua and Barbuda.
Law enforcement officials are calling on members of the public to contribute any information that could advance the ongoing investigation. Members of the community can reach out to the Narcotics Department directly at police headquarters, contact the Criminal Investigations Department via phone at 462-3913 or 462-3914, or submit anonymous tips through the regional Crimestoppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477).
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Thieves Cut Fence, Steal Two Horses from Big Creek Farm
A disturbing theft incident has left a Big Creek farm owner searching for answers and pleading for community help after two horses were taken in an overnight trespassing incident. Chantelle Winter, the property’s owner, told reporters she made the grim discovery on her property Wednesday morning, after intruders cut through a perimeter fence to gain unauthorized access to the pasture where the animals were kept. Beyond the stolen horses, Winter also found an unattended animal trap left on her land, adding another layer of concern to the already alarming incident.
This is not the first time Winter’s farm has faced equine theft, and that history has amplified fears for the safety of the two missing animals. In previous theft incidents, horses taken from her property were eventually recovered, but they came back with visible injuries, clear signs of mistreatment, and permanent scarring that stayed with them for life. These past experiences have left Winter bracing for the worst and pushing hard for any tips that could bring her horses home safely before harm comes to them.
Law enforcement and Winter have released detailed descriptions to help the public identify the stolen animals. The first is a 16-hand-tall red chestnut male gelding, while the second is a smaller 14-hand chestnut female with a distinctive blonde mane and tail. Winter is reaching out to every group that may encounter the horses—local residents, neighboring farmers, equine enthusiasts, and travelers passing through the Big Creek area—to keep a close watch for any horses matching this description.
She is urging anyone who spots an animal matching the profile, or who has any information about suspicious activity on or near the farm overnight, to contact the appropriate authorities immediately. Even small, seemingly insignificant pieces of information could be the key to locating the two horses and holding those responsible for the break-in and theft accountable.
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Boy Found Stabbed After Alleged Kidnapping
Law enforcement officials in Antigua have opened a full criminal investigation into an alleged kidnapping that left a young boy hospitalized with multiple stab wounds across his body.
According to initial reports, the injured child was discovered several hours after the alleged abduction took place. Emergency responders immediately transported him to the island’s main healthcare facility, Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, to receive urgent medical intervention for his wounds.
Insiders familiar with the case confirmed that the boy suffered lacerations and puncture wounds across multiple areas of his body. Fortunately, medical teams have assessed that his injuries are not expected to prove fatal, though no further updates on his current progress have been released to the public as of yet.
To date, investigating authorities have not disclosed any public information about the potential motive behind the incident, nor have they confirmed details about how the alleged kidnapping unfolded. Detectives are currently working through evidence and witness statements to piece together a full timeline of events and identify any persons of interest connected to the attack.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have confirmed that additional details will be released to the public once further progress is made in the inquiry.
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Cyclist struck by vehicle on Factory Road
A traffic collision involving a cyclist and a motor vehicle has been confirmed on Factory Road, leaving the bicyclist with unspecified injuries. Local emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene shortly after the incident was reported, providing immediate medical attention to the affected cyclist before transporting them to a nearby medical facility for further evaluation and treatment. As of the initial reporting, authorities have not released additional details regarding the circumstances that led to the crash, including the identity of the individuals involved, the severity of the cyclist’s injuries, or whether any traffic citations or criminal charges will be filed. The collision prompted temporary traffic flow disruptions along Factory Road while first responders cleared the scene and conducted an initial on-site investigation, with local law enforcement urging motorists and non-motorized travelers to exercise additional caution when traveling through the area as the investigation into the crash continues. Community members have been reminded to remain alert for vulnerable road users, particularly during peak travel times when visibility can be reduced and traffic volumes are higher.
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CARICOM Must Accelerate Digital Transformation to Safeguard Competitiveness, Resilience and Sovereignty
Against a backdrop of shifting global digital dynamics and rising economic uncertainty, Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has issued a clarion call for accelerated, deeper regional collaboration to drive forward digital transformation across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). As the Lead Head of Government responsible for Science and Technology within CARICOM’s Quasi Cabinet, Mitchell made his case at the opening session of a gathering of the bloc’s ICT ministers, an event convened around the core theme ‘Accelerating Digital Development to 2030’.
In his opening remarks, Mitchell emphasized that modern digital technologies have transitioned from optional innovations to foundational pillars of lasting economic resilience, robust national security, and inclusive sustainable development across the region. He pointed to the tangible progress CARICOM has already unlocked through collective action, including the advancement of the CARICOM Single ICT Space, formal adoption of the 2025–2030 Strategic Framework for Digital Resilience, and enhanced cross-regional coordination on critical cybersecurity initiatives.
“If CARICOM is to retain its global competitiveness and remain relevant in the 21st century, we must act collectively and strategically to guarantee our region is not sidelined on the margins of the fast-growing global digital economy,” Mitchell told assembled delegates. The prime minister stressed that small island states are particularly vulnerable to the ripple effects of global uncertainty, economic volatility, and shifting geopolitical tensions, making coordinated action non-negotiable as the world updates rules for key digital domains including artificial intelligence, digital trade, and data and internet governance. No individual CARICOM member state can successfully navigate the complex digital transition in isolation, Mitchell argued, noting that coordinated regional action is the only path to collective strength.
“It is time we move decisively from policy discussions to measurable implementation and tangible outcomes to build a unified CARICOM digital economy,” he added.
A key focus of Mitchell’s remarks centered on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, a technology increasingly recognized as a defining force reshaping the global economic landscape. He noted that AI can streamline public service delivery, boost cross-sector productivity, and catalyze the creation of entirely new industries across the Caribbean. For CARICOM’s small developing economies, AI opens an unprecedented opportunity to leapfrog traditional, slower development pathways. Still, Mitchell cautioned that widespread adoption of the technology must be rooted in core principles of inclusion, public trust, and ethical governance to ensure benefits are shared broadly.
Mitchell also highlighted two under-prioritized priorities for the bloc: expanding investments in foundational digital infrastructure, strengthening cybersecurity systems, advancing digital skills training, and updating regulatory frameworks that can keep pace with rapid technological change, as well as equipping the region’s large youth population with the tools they need to participate and thrive in the growing digital economy. With 60% of CARICOM’s 16 million citizens under the age of 30, investing in youth digital inclusion is critical to unlocking the bloc’s long-term digital potential.
During the three-day meeting, ministers reviewed and formally approved new frameworks covering cross-regional digital cooperation, AI governance, cybersecurity standards, and digital skills development.
Established in 1973 via the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, CARICOM revised its founding agreement in 2001 to enable the creation of a single market and single economy. Today, the bloc counts 15 full member states and six associate members, serving a combined population of roughly 16 million people. Its work is organized around four core pillars: economic integration, coordinated foreign policy, human and social development, and security cooperation. Widely regarded as one of the most successful integration projects in the developing world, CARICOM’s overarching mission is to build an integrated, inclusive, and resilient community driven by knowledge, innovation, excellence, and productivity, where every citizen has equal opportunity to pursue their potential amid guaranteed human rights and social justice, and shares in the bloc’s collective prosperity. The CARICOM Secretariat, the bloc’s central administrative body, is headquartered in Georgetown, Guyana.
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APUA Launches 13th Summer Internship Programme for 17 Young Professionals
On June 19, 2026, a new chapter of youth professional development launched in St. John’s, Antigua, as the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) officially opened the 13th iteration of its renowned Summer Internship Programme. The opening ceremony, held on that Friday, marked the start of a six-week immersive experience for 17 selected early-career professionals, who will rotate through multiple operational divisions of the leading regional utility provider to build on-the-ground industry expertise.
Melford Nicholas, the island nation’s Minister responsible for Information Communication Technologies, Utilities and Energy, joined the launch event to extend formal congratulations to the new cohort of interns. In his address, Nicholas urged participants to lean into every learning opportunity available through the programme, emphasizing that their emerging perspectives and fresh innovative ideas could play a key role in advancing APUA’s ongoing organizational modernization goals. Beyond skill-building for the interns, he framed the initiative as a critical investment in Antigua and Barbuda’s future workforce, noting that robust youth development programs strengthen the country’s entire public service ecosystem.
APUA Chief Executive Officer John Bradshaw echoed that sentiment, highlighting the longstanding success of the internship programme that has been refined over more than a decade of operation. Bradshaw pointed to one of the initiative’s most tangible achievements: many past participants have transitioned from interns to full-time employees of APUA, bringing their early familiarity with the organization’s mission and operations to permanent roles across the authority. Today, those former interns continue to drive positive change through their specialized skills and dedicated work ethic, Bradshaw explained, helping to streamline core operations and elevate the quality of utility services delivered to communities across Antigua and Barbuda.
For 2026, the selection of 17 participants underscores APUA’s sustained commitment to nurturing the next generation of industry leaders, organization representatives confirmed. Over the coming six weeks, interns will work side-by-side with veteran APUA staff, taking on hands-on contributions to active projects that align with the authority’s core strategic mission. APUA leadership expressed full confidence that the 2026 cohort will carry forward the programme’s strong legacy of excellence, and extended well wishes to all participants for a productive, transformative experience that lays the groundwork for their future careers.