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标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Minister Nicholas Welcomes Mr. Girvan Piggott as Director of Energy

    Minister Nicholas Welcomes Mr. Girvan Piggott as Director of Energy

    Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), Utilities and Energy has announced a key leadership appointment to guide the nation’s evolving energy agenda. In an official statement, the Honourable Melford Nicholas, minister overseeing the portfolio, confirmed that Girvan Piggott will assume the role of Director of Energy starting August 1, 2026.

    Piggott enters the senior leadership post with an extensive professional background spanning more than two decades in the regional energy and utilities industry. He previously held a project engineering position at the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), where he built a reputation for delivering strong results on complex initiatives. Over the course of his career, Piggott has played a central role in the planning, rollout, and ongoing management of multiple high-priority energy infrastructure projects, each of which has helped reinforce the foundation of Antigua and Barbuda’s entire energy sector.

    During an internal welcoming meeting with the Ministry’s Energy Unit, Nicholas formally introduced the incoming director and outlined the expectations for the role going forward. A core focus of the ministry’s current work is aligning cross-team collaboration to advance the country’s established national energy priorities, a point Nicholas emphasized in his remarks.

    “Girvan Piggott’s combination of deep technical knowledge, proven leadership acumen, and longstanding dedication to public service makes him an outstanding fit for this leadership role on our team,” Nicholas said. He added that the appointment arrives at a pivotal juncture for the country, as officials continue pushing forward with expanded renewable energy development, enhanced energy security frameworks, and broad sustainable development goals across Antigua and Barbuda.

    Looking ahead, the Ministry of ICTs, Utilities and Energy has expressed confidence that Piggott’s leadership will drive meaningful progress as the sector continues its modernization journey. The ministry’s overarching goal remains delivering energy solutions that are reliable, accessible in terms of cost, and sustainable for all residents of the nation, and officials anticipate Piggott will be a key contributor to achieving that mission.

  • King Young Destroyer Captures 2026 Calypso Monarch Crown

    King Young Destroyer Captures 2026 Calypso Monarch Crown

    One of the most anticipated premier competitions of Antigua’s annual Carnival celebration has wrapped up, with King Young Destroyer taking home the top honor as the 2026 Cavalier Rum Calypso Monarch.

    Following Friday night’s tightly contested live performance showcase, the Antigua Carnival Festivals Commission published official results confirming the final rankings behind the new champion. Dr. Solo earned a strong second-place finish to secure first runner-up, while Lyrical Reds rounded out the top three as second runner-up.

    Beyond the main ranking positions, the event also included a series of special awards highlighting the unique strengths of competing calypsonians. Dr. Solo added additional recognition to his night by receiving the prestigious Philbert Mason Award, which honors outstanding work in social commentary through calypso. Melypnostick took home the Most Humorous Award for his lively performance of the track “Tek De Money”, while Dr. Paul was celebrated with the Most Improved Award for his growth and standout showing in this year’s competition.

    In a statement released after the event, the Antigua Carnival Festivals Commission extended formal congratulations to every artist that stepped onto the competition stage. The commission praised all competitors for sustaining the longstanding cultural spirit of calypso, delivering powerful, high-energy performances marked by exceptional lyrical craft. Officials also thanked the participants for helping craft what organizers call “another unforgettable night of Antigua Carnival”, cementing the competition’s reputation as a core highlight of the island nation’s annual cultural celebration.

  • Timroy Titus Wins Caribbean Baking Award for Best All-Buttercream Cake Designer

    Timroy Titus Wins Caribbean Baking Award for Best All-Buttercream Cake Designer

    In a celebratory milestone for Caribbean culinary artistry, Antigua and Barbuda’s own Timroy Titus has cemented his place among the region’s top baking talents, taking home the prestigious title of Best All-Buttercream Cake Designer at the 2024 Caribbean Baking Awards. The St. John’s-based creative, who has built his brand Teez Delights over more than a decade of dedicated practice, shared his gratitude and reflection on the years-long journey that led to this regional recognition.

    Titus opened up about the challenges and small wins that defined his 14-year career in cake design, framing every experience—both positive and difficult—as a building block for his current success. “For over 14 years I’ve followed my passion for the culinary arts. It has been a journey of many disappointments, lessons and growth,” he shared in a post-competition statement. “I am grateful for everyone who has along the way offered encouragement, guidance, support and even negativity. It has all helped to shape the success that I see today.”

    Unlike many judged baking competitions, this award relied in part on public voting to determine the winner, and Titus made sure to center the role of his local and regional fanbase in his victory. He emphasized that the outpouring of voter support was not just a win for him, but a validation of the independent baking brand he has nurtured from the ground up. “For all the dedicated voters, I could not have seized this recognition without you; your votes were testament of your belief in me and the Teez Delights brand. Nuff love and respect for you all,” Titus added.

    Far from viewing this regional award as the capstone of his career, the Antiguan artist says this honor is just the first step in an expanding creative journey. Teasing upcoming projects and new designs that will push his craft further, Titus left supporters with a message of anticipation: “I promise, this is barely the beginning! Look out! There’s much more to come.” The win marks a rare moment of national pride for Antigua and Barbuda’s small but growing community of independent culinary artists, shining a regional spotlight on the island nation’s creative talent.

  • Chief Drug Inspector Alfred Athill Participates in Global Regulatory Summit

    Chief Drug Inspector Alfred Athill Participates in Global Regulatory Summit

    The global landscape of pharmaceutical regulation is shifting rapidly as new treatments, drug manufacturing supply chains, and public health threats continue to emerge. Against this backdrop, one of the leading voices in drug safety oversight has joined a high-profile gathering of regulators from around the world. Chief Drug Inspector Alfred Athill is among the hundreds of senior regulatory officials, pharmaceutical industry leaders, and public health experts gathered for the annual Global Regulatory Summit, a landmark event focused on aligning standards and strengthening cross-border cooperation to protect global public health.

    The summit comes at a critical juncture for drug regulation worldwide. In recent years, the rapid expansion of generic drug manufacturing, the rise of novel biologic therapies, and ongoing challenges related to counterfeit medications entering global supply chains have highlighted gaps in international coordination. Regulators have also been grappling with how to speed up the approval process for life-saving new treatments without compromising safety standards, a debate that gained urgency during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

    Athill, who brings decades of experience in drug safety inspection and regulatory enforcement to his role, is expected to lead a working group focused on improving shared inspection protocols across major drug manufacturing hubs. His participation underscores the commitment of his home regulatory body to fostering international collaboration, as even the most robust national regulatory systems cannot address cross-border challenges alone. Attendees at the summit will also discuss emerging topics including the regulation of cannabis-derived medical products, gene therapies, and the impact of artificial intelligence on drug development and safety monitoring.

    Participants in the summit note that coordinated global action on drug regulation not only improves public safety but also facilitates timely access to high-quality medications for patients in every region, from low-income nations to the world’s largest developed economies. The event is scheduled to run for three days, with attendees set to issue a joint statement outlining shared priorities and collaborative action plans by the closing ceremony.

  • ABEA to Host Annual Prayer-Cade on Emancipation Day

    ABEA to Host Annual Prayer-Cade on Emancipation Day

    As communities across Antigua and Barbuda prepare to mark Emancipation Day 2024, the Antigua Barbuda Evangelical Alliance (ABEA) has finalized plans for its signature annual observance: the Prayer-Cade, a faith-focused procession that blends public worship with national reflection. This year’s gathering will kick off at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, with participants assembling at the iconic Old Parliament Building before setting off on a cross-island motorcade.

    Unlike standard parades or processions, the Prayer-Cade is designed to bring intercommunal prayer to every corner of the nation. Organizers have planned multiple stops at neighborhoods and population centers across the island, where participants will lead collective prayers for the people, institutions, and future prosperity of Antigua and Barbuda. Rooted in the annual commemoration of Emancipation Day, the event carries dual meaning: honoring the historical legacy of emancipation while uniting people of faith across the country in a shared mission of spiritual support.

    ABEA has issued an open invitation to all segments of local society, encouraging congregations from every church, family groups, and individual members of the public to join the procession. Event organizers note that the Prayer-Cade fills a unique role in the nation’s Emancipation Day calendar, providing an opportunity for people to express their faith publicly while lifting up the needs of local communities across the island. For anyone seeking additional details about registration, route information, or participation guidelines, organizers can be reached directly at two contact numbers: (268) 781-2899 and (268) 725-0282.

  • Caribbean Airlines Cargo Flight Declares Emergency, Lands Safely in Jamaica

    Caribbean Airlines Cargo Flight Declares Emergency, Lands Safely in Jamaica

    A cargo flight operating under the banner of Caribbean Airlines has successfully completed an emergency landing at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica, after the flight crew issued an emergency declaration mid-flight between Miami and the Jamaican capital, the regional carrier confirmed this week.

    The flight, designated BW 8045, was being operated by global air freight provider Atlas Air under a wet-lease agreement with Caribbean Airlines when the emergency was triggered on July 30. As soon as the emergency alert was issued, regional aviation regulators were alerted immediately, and Atlas Air kicked into action its pre-planned aviation security and emergency response frameworks, protocols that have been repeatedly tested to handle in-flight contingencies.

    Following the alert, the flight diverted smoothly to its intended destination of Kingston, where first responders, airport operations teams and national security officials were already standing by to meet the aircraft in line with International Civil Aviation Organization standard safety protocols. No injuries to any on-board personnel have been hinted at in the carrier’s official statement, and the aircraft has been voluntarily withdrawn from active service to undergo mandatory full maintenance inspections to identify and resolve the root cause of the emergency.

    Caribbean Airlines has confirmed that it has already reached out directly to every customer whose cargo was being transported on the flight, providing real-time updates on the status of their shipments and arranging alternative logistics where necessary to minimize delivery delays. At the time of publication, neither Caribbean Airlines nor Atlas Air had released any further details on the specific nature of the emergency, nor had they confirmed whether any structural damage to the aircraft was sustained during the incident.

  • UWI Five Islands Says Emancipation Means Protecting Caribbean Genius for Future Generations

    UWI Five Islands Says Emancipation Means Protecting Caribbean Genius for Future Generations

    As Antigua and Barbuda prepares to mark Emancipation Day, The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus has issued a powerful 2026 message framing the holiday as more than a historical commemoration: it is a moment for national reflection, collective peace, and renewed commitment to ending the exploitation of Caribbean potential. Titled “The Price of Genius,” the message from Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal Professor Justin Robinson centers on a little-known 19th-century anecdote to anchor a broader argument about righting historical injustice and centering regional talent.

    Robinson opens with the story of Isaac, an enslaved man whose multiple skills were documented in an 1854 letter written by slave trader agent A.J. McElveen. In the note, McElveen lavished praise on Isaac’s proficiency across a wide range of trades: he was a trained carriage driver, a skilled painter, a talented craftsman, a practiced musician, and a capable cook. Despite acknowledging Isaac’s breadth of ability, McElveen reduced that exceptional talent to a market price, valuing Isaac at $1,500 for resale.

    This dehumanizing transaction is not an isolated historical footnote, the university emphasizes. Isaac’s experience mirrors that of millions of enslaved Africans brought to the Caribbean and the Americas, whose inherent intelligence, creative gifts, and learned skills were treated as tradable commodities to be inventoried, appraised, and sold for the profit of outside owners. “This is what Emancipation Day asks us to remember,” the message reads. “Not slavery as an abstraction, but slavery as an arithmetic, a system that could look genius in the face, acknowledge it, and still put a dollar figure on it.”

    Against this grim historical context, Robinson pushes back against the idea that this history of exploitation can define the people it targeted. For generations, he notes, enslaved Africans held fast to their core identities, preserving their family structures, native languages, spiritual traditions, musical heritage, and cultural practices against systemic erasure. That legacy of resilience, he argues, remains the foundation of modern Caribbean society today.

    For Robinson, UWI itself has a core mission rooted in correcting this historical harm: for centuries, Caribbean genius built wealth and prosperity for foreign powers rather than the region itself, and the university exists to reverse that injustice. “Every classroom at Five Islands Campus stands as an answer to that letter from Sumterville,” Robinson says. He urges students to approach their education not merely as a pathway to personal qualification, but as both a legacy inherited from the resilient generations that came before them, and a responsibility to lift their entire region forward.

    The message also extends recognition to the campus’s own faculty and staff, who work to build institutional and regional capacity in a context of limited resources. Robinson notes that even with structural constraints, the people of the Caribbean have consistently delivered extraordinary achievements, a testament to the untapped potential the university is working to nurture.

    While legal chattel slavery was formally ended by emancipation, Robinson stresses that the work of building true freedom remains incomplete across the region. “Freedom is the work of every generation, and our assignment is to free the Caribbean mind from the idea that we are too small to matter, or too dependent to act, and to build societies where no one’s genius is ever again someone else’s property,” he says.

    In closing, Robinson encourages both the UWI Five Islands Campus community and all residents of Antigua and Barbuda to observe this year’s Emancipation Day as two things: a celebration of the unbreakable resilience of Caribbean people, and a public commitment to building a future that honors the sacrifices of all who endured the violence of slavery.

  • Flow Makes Carnival Dreams Come True for Latest “We Live For This” Summer Campaign Winner

    Flow Makes Carnival Dreams Come True for Latest “We Live For This” Summer Campaign Winner

    For many people, a trip to a world-famous carnival is a long-held dream that feels just out of reach — too expensive, too far, too packed into a busy schedule to ever become a reality. But this summer, one lucky winner got to watch that years-old fantasy turn into an unforgettable real-life experience, thanks to Flow’s popular annual “We Live For This” summer campaign.

    Flow, a brand built around connecting with community members and celebrating life’s most joyful moments, launched the “We Live For This” campaign earlier this year with a clear mission: to give ordinary people the chance to check a long-coveted experience off their bucket lists. Thousands of participants from across the country submitted their own personal dream experiences, sharing stories of why the specific event or trip meant so much to them. After weeks of public voting and careful judging by the campaign’s organizing committee, the winner was selected for their heartfelt story about a lifelong desire to attend the iconic carnival.

    In the lead-up to the trip, the brand arranged every detail to tailor the experience to the winner’s preferences, from secured event passes to accommodation and curated activities that aligned with what the winner had described in their entry. When the winner arrived at the carnival, they were able to immerse themselves in the vibrant parades, live performances, savory street food, and electric atmosphere that make the event famous around the globe.

    Campaign organizers say the “We Live For This” initiative is more than just a promotional contest — it’s a way for Flow to reaffirm its commitment to putting customers’ dreams first. “We created this campaign because we believe that everyone deserves a chance to experience the things that make life feel rich and meaningful,” said a Flow spokesperson in a statement following the trip. “Seeing this winner’s reaction when their dream came alive is exactly why we do this. It’s not just about giving away a prize; it’s about creating memories that last a lifetime.”

    Local community members have praised the campaign for its focus on personal, meaningful experiences over generic giveaways, and organizers have already confirmed that the program will return next summer, giving more people the chance to share their own dreams and potentially see them fulfilled.

  • PM Welcomes Revellers as Antigua Carnival Reaches Its Peak

    PM Welcomes Revellers as Antigua Carnival Reaches Its Peak

    As Antigua Carnival 2026 approaches its most high-energy, widely anticipated weekend of events, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has extended a warm official welcome to the thousands of festival-goers flocking to the island nation. In his address, he urged all attendees to embrace the celebrations guided by values of unity, national pride, and personal responsibility.

    In his official national message marking this year’s Carnival, Browne emphasized that the iconic annual festival delivers an unparalleled chance for attendees to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage and centuries-old traditions of Antigua and Barbuda. This experience holds unique meaning for every participant, whether they are members of the local community, natives returning to their home country after time abroad, or first-time international visitors exploring the Caribbean nation for the first time.

    Browne opened his remarks by welcoming three core groups of attendees: members of the Antigua and Barbuda diaspora returning home for the festivities, neighboring guests from across the Caribbean region, and international travelers journeying from farther across the globe. He expressed sincere gratitude to every visitor for selecting Antigua and Barbuda as their destination of choice for this year’s major seasonal celebration.

    “Whether you are coming home to mark this beloved tradition or stepping onto our shores for your very first visit, I extend a warm, heartfelt welcome to all of you here in Antigua and Barbuda,” the prime minister stated in his address.

    Beyond the surface-level excitement of parades and live performances, Browne framed Carnival as a core reflection of the national identity of Antigua and Barbuda. He explained that the annual celebration acts as a showcase for the nation’s deep-rooted cultural traditions, the extraordinary creativity of its people, and the tight-knit, enduring sense of community that binds Antiguans and Barbudans together. He encouraged all revellers to slow down and savor every part of the experience: make time to enjoy the infectious rhythms of local music, sample the iconic flavors of Antiguan and Barbudan cuisine, experience the legendary hospitality of local communities, and cherish the chance to reconnect with loved ones and old friends throughout the course of the celebrations.

  • MP Chet Greene Hosts Annual Appreciation Day for St. Paul’s Seniors

    MP Chet Greene Hosts Annual Appreciation Day for St. Paul’s Seniors

    Antigua and Barbuda’s St. Paul’s constituency wrapped up its highly anticipated annual Senior Citizen Appreciation Day to resounding success, with local MP E.P. Chet Greene publicly extending his sincere gratitude to every individual and organization that turned the celebration into an unforgettable experience for the island’s older residents.

    Dozens of senior residents from across the constituency took part in the full-day outing, which blended sightseeing, live entertainment, and casual fellowship across multiple scenic and key development sites across the twin-island nation. The curated excursion took guests to a lineup of stops starting with Dennis Bar and Tamarind Hill Hotel in Fryes, followed by a visit to the Ivan Rodrigues Reverse Osmosis Plant, a tour of the proposed Barnacle Point marina development plot, and ended with a gathering at Pleasure Cove on Runaway Beach, where local host Jason George-John welcomed the group.

    For many participants, the event offered a rare, hands-on chance to witness the ongoing infrastructure and economic development transforming their country, all while being honored for the decades of contributions they have made to building the local community. In his post-event statement, Greene emphasized the irreplaceable role that elders hold in Antigua and Barbuda’s social fabric, noting that “Our elders are not just the keepers of our history; they are the very soul of our community.” He added that seeing the group’s joy and excitement during the shared celebration was a reward beyond measure for all the organizers involved.

    Greene made a point to recognize every stakeholder that contributed to the outing’s success. This included all individual sponsors and donors, along with the caterers, transportation companies, and volunteer teams that handled logistics and on-the-day support. He also extended special thanks to the management and staff of every venue that opened their doors to the senior group, as well as George-John for his warm hospitality at the final stop of the tour.

    The event featured a full lineup of live local entertainment, bringing beloved calypsonians Spider-Man, Rover, Faithful, Dr. Paul, and Lyrical Reds to the stage for the seniors, with popular soca performer Claudette Peters joining as a special surprise guest. According to Greene, the annual tradition has grown into a meaningful reflection of the tight-knit, intergenerational bond that connects the St. Paul’s community and its founding generation of residents, and he closed by reiterating his thanks to everyone who helped bring the 2024 celebration to life.