A stark health disparity is unfolding across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), where diabetes prevalence exhibits a near twofold variance among member states. According to the latest International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas (11th Edition, 2025), age-adjusted comparative data reveals a troubling landscape. Guyana leads the region with a staggering 16.4% of its adult population (aged 20-79) living with diabetes, closely followed by Belize at 14.1%, and both St. Kitts and Nevis and Suriname at 13.8%. A significant middle cluster encompasses seven nations, including Barbados (13.2%), Trinidad and Tobago (12.9%), Jamaica (12.6%), Antigua and Barbuda (12.3%), Dominica (11.9%), St. Lucia (11.6%), and Grenada (11.3%). Notably distanced at the lower end of the spectrum are The Bahamas (8.9%), St. Vincent and the Grenadines (8.6%), and Haiti (8.5%). This detailed epidemiological snapshot, which standardizes figures for age structure to ensure equitable comparison, underscores the severe and uneven burden of the disease. Compounding the concern is the broader context: the North America and Caribbean region already bears the world’s second-highest diabetes prevalence. The IDF projects an additional 12 million adults will be living with the condition across the region by 2050. For high-prevalence CARICOM members, this trajectory intensifies an already critical public health emergency, demanding urgent and targeted intervention strategies.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
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Antigua PM Gaston Browne honoured for global peace advocacy
In a significant diplomatic recognition, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has been presented with a prestigious international accolade by the International Association of World Peace Advocates. The award specifically acknowledges his persistent advocacy for global peace and diplomatic solutions to international conflicts.
The honor celebrates Prime Minister Browne’s firm position that the Caribbean region should maintain its status as a “Zone of Peace” and his ongoing appeals for the cessation of hostilities worldwide. During the ceremony, Dr. Martin Kofi Danso, representing the peace organization, commended Browne’s consistent stance against military conflicts, emphasizing that his messaging accurately reflects the profound human toll of warfare.
Beyond the ceremonial aspects, the visit facilitated substantive discussions regarding enhanced cooperation between Antigua and Barbuda and the international peace organization. Key proposals emerged, including the establishment of direct air connectivity between Caribbean nations and African countries, alongside the expansion of bilateral trade relationships, with particular focus on strengthening economic ties with Ghana.
In a gesture symbolizing cultural solidarity, Dr. Danso presented Prime Minister Browne with traditional Ghanaian attire, highlighting the shared heritage and ongoing efforts to fortify relations between African nations and Caribbean communities. This diplomatic exchange underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s increasingly influential role in international peace advocacy and regional collaboration initiatives, positioning the small island nation as a significant voice in global diplomatic discourse.
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Residents urge action over stagnant water left by excavation in All Saints
The community of All Saints is confronting a persistent public health and safety crisis stemming from an abandoned excavation site near Mock Pond. The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), which conducted roadworks in the area last December, left behind a large stagnant pool that has remained unresolved for months despite escalating concerns from local residents.
Community members report that all attempts to engage APUA officials have been met with silence, deepening frustrations over the apparent neglect. The waterlogged site presents dual threats: it serves as an ideal breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes while creating hazardous conditions for road users due to significantly compromised visibility and uneven terrain.
Public health experts warn that standing water of this nature significantly increases risks of mosquito-borne illnesses, particularly during warmer months. Transportation safety advocates additionally note that such obstructions create dangerous blind spots for drivers and pedestrians alike.
The prolonged inaction has sparked broader questions about utility contractors’ accountability for restoring work sites upon project completion. Local representatives are now preparing to escalate the matter to higher governmental levels if the utility authority continues its unresponsive stance.
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Antiguan-Born teacher Alex Wharton named South Carolina Teacher of the Year finalist
In a remarkable recognition of educational excellence, Ms. Wharton, a seasoned special education teacher originally from Antigua and Barbuda, has been selected as one of five finalists for the highly competitive 2026 South Carolina Teacher of the Year award. The announcement was made in a surprise ceremony at Berkeley High School on March 17, where state and district officials presented the honor in the presence of her husband and son.
With over three decades of dedicated service in special education, Ms. Wharton has developed an exceptional career centered on inclusive, student-focused learning methodologies for children with disabilities. Her expertise spans grades nine through twelve, where she meticulously crafts individualized education plans that address both academic advancement and personal development.
The educator’s professional qualifications include degrees from multiple prestigious institutions: the University of the West Indies, Florida Memorial University, and Grand Canyon University, providing her with a comprehensive theoretical and practical foundation in special education pedagogy.
As a finalist, Ms. Wharton will receive a $10,000 award and advance to the competition’s final phase, which involves a comprehensive interview process. The ultimate winner, scheduled to be announced in April, will be granted a $25,000 prize, a one-year vehicle lease, and the distinguished role of educational ambassador representing South Carolina’s teaching community throughout the state.
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ABLP Plans April Convention
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), the nation’s current governing political force, has officially declared its intention to convene a significant national convention in April. This gathering is poised to serve as a pivotal platform for the party to solidify its strategic direction, address pressing national issues, and galvanize its support base ahead of future electoral considerations. Party officials have indicated that the convention will focus on critical policy reviews, leadership discussions, and the reinforcement of the ABLP’s foundational principles. The event is expected to draw key party stalwarts, delegates from various constituencies, and influential supporters. Political analysts are closely monitoring this development, viewing the convention as a crucial barometer for the party’s internal cohesion and its readiness to present a unified front. The outcomes of this assembly are anticipated to have substantial implications for the country’s political landscape in the coming months.
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Caribe Wave tsunami exercise under way today in Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is actively engaging in CARIBE WAVE 26, a pivotal annual tsunami preparedness drill encompassing nations throughout the Caribbean region. This critical exercise, meticulously orchestrated by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission via the Caribbean Tsunami Warning System, serves as a comprehensive simulation to evaluate the responsiveness of governmental bodies and local communities to a hypothetical tsunami scenario. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center is instrumental in the operation, disseminating fictitious alerts to enable national agencies to rehearse the intricate processes of receiving, interpreting, and disseminating urgent warnings in a real-time context. On the domestic front, the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service is at the helm of the technical execution. Concurrently, the National Office of Disaster Services is managing the coordination of preparatory measures and potential emergency interventions. Authorities emphasize that this initiative is fundamentally designed to enhance inter-agency coordination, refine communication protocols, and sharpen decision-making capabilities. The ultimate objective is to ensure the populace is thoroughly educated and prepared to take appropriate action should a tsunami, identified as a rare yet profoundly catastrophic threat to the area, ever occur.
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ABCAS launches poultry and crop courses to support food production
In a strategic move to enhance domestic food production capabilities, the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) has unveiled two specialized short-term programs in agricultural practices. The institution’s School of Agriculture will administer both the Broiler Poultry Production and Crop Production courses, which are specifically crafted to deliver practical, applicable skills for home-based and small-scale agricultural operations.
Department Head Andrea Edwards-Browne emphasized the comprehensive nature of the poultry curriculum, which encompasses the entire lifecycle of broiler chickens—from nurturing day-old chicks through market preparation stages. The initiative emerges against the backdrop of persistent food security challenges, particularly acute within small island developing states like Antigua and Barbuda.
“Global food security concerns have taken on renewed significance, and for our nation, developing self-sufficiency in food production is paramount,” Edwards-Browne stated. “Our instructional approach begins with fundamental principles, guiding participants through crop initiation, effective management techniques, and final market readiness.”
The college has structured both programs as 10-week intensive studies, with poultry classes convening on Mondays and Wednesdays while crop production sessions occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This scheduling framework enables simultaneous enrollment in both courses, reflecting ABCAS’s commitment to encouraging multifaceted agricultural engagement.
These educational initiatives represent a concerted effort to stimulate community participation in agricultural sectors and expand local food output capacities, addressing both immediate food security needs and long-term sustainable development goals.
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PM Browne calls for a realignment of African and Caribbean economies
In a significant address to a Nigerian royal delegation, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne issued a powerful appeal for economic transformation across African and Caribbean nations. The Prime Minister received Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, soon to be installed as King of Abagana Kingdom from Nigeria’s Anambra State, at his official residence.
Browne delivered a critical analysis of what he termed ‘extractive economies’ that continue to plague both regions. He articulated how historical plundering created generational wealth in Europe while simultaneously establishing persistent poverty in Africa and the Caribbean. The Prime Minister emphasized that these nations have yet to achieve their full economic potential due to these deeply entrenched systems.
The Antiguan leader presented a concrete example from his own administration’s experience with international banking operations. When two major Canadian banks attempted to withdraw from the region and sell their local branches externally, Browne’s government intervened decisively. Despite facing personal criticism and being labeled a ‘dictator,’ he refused to sign the necessary Vesting Orders unless the banks agreed to local ownership.
This steadfast approach resulted in the successful sale of bank branches to local financial institutions, which have since grown substantially and now retain profits within the domestic economy. Browne framed this as emblematic of the ‘bold leadership’ required to counter special interests that resist economic sovereignty.
The Prime Minister connected current economic challenges directly to historical injustices, noting how European powers deliberately destabilized African and Caribbean economies through slavery and colonialism. He asserted that it remains possible to redesign economic systems to transition from extractive to productive models that benefit regional populations.
Browne expressed particular satisfaction with the Nigerian delegation’s visit and indicated his intention to reciprocate with a future visit to the Abagana Kingdom, signaling strengthened diplomatic ties between the regions.
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PHOTOS: Roadworks Underway Across Multiple Communities in Antigua
The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has initiated a comprehensive road rehabilitation initiative across multiple key communities as part of its ongoing national infrastructure enhancement program. The Ministry of Works is currently executing significant roadworks in the Potters, Piccadilly, Gunthrope’s, and Lightfoot districts, marking a crucial phase in the government’s broader strategy to modernize transportation networks and improve public infrastructure.
This infrastructure development project represents a substantial investment in the nation’s physical assets, focusing on improving road surfaces, drainage systems, and overall transportation safety. The selected areas for rehabilitation have been prioritized based on traffic volume assessments and community needs evaluations conducted by transportation authorities.
The strategic implementation of these improvements aligns with the government’s commitment to sustainable development and economic growth through enhanced infrastructure. By addressing road conditions in these densely populated and frequently traversed areas, the Ministry aims to reduce vehicle maintenance costs for residents, decrease travel time, and improve overall accessibility to essential services and economic centers.
Infrastructure experts note that well-maintained road networks serve as critical economic enablers, facilitating smoother commerce, tourism access, and daily commuting. The current projects demonstrate the administration’s proactive approach to maintaining public assets and investing in long-term solutions rather than temporary repairs.
Local residents and businesses have been notified of construction schedules and potential temporary disruptions, with authorities emphasizing that short-term inconveniences will yield long-term benefits through improved road quality and enhanced safety features.
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TSA staffing shortages are causing long wait times at airports across U.S Airports
A deepening crisis is unfolding at airports across the United States as critical staffing shortages within the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) trigger extensive security delays and operational disruptions. The situation stems from the ongoing partial government shutdown that has left approximately 50,000 security officers working without pay since February 14th.
According to CBS News, approximately 10% of TSA personnel nationwide called out of work on Monday, with some major airports experiencing absentee rates exceeding one-third of their workforce over the weekend. The Department of Homeland Security confirms that more than 360 security officers have resigned since the shutdown began.
The staffing crisis has created cascading effects throughout the aviation security system. Understaffed checkpoints are struggling to process passenger volumes, resulting in significantly extended wait times. These disruptions were further exacerbated by severe winter weather conditions affecting parts of the country earlier this week.
Financial Hardship and Essential Service Mandate
TSA employees occupy a unique position within federal workforce regulations. Unlike many government workers who are furloughed during shutdowns, security personnel are deemed essential to national security and are legally required to report to work despite the payroll suspension. The agency’s pay schedule structure meant employees received their last partial paycheck in early March, with Friday marking their first scheduled payday without compensation.
Aaron Barker, a representative for the TSA workers’ union in Atlanta, revealed the severe personal toll on employees: ‘Many are coping with eviction notices, vehicle repossessions, empty refrigerators and overdrawn bank accounts. Every available financial option has been exhausted, yet these officers still report to work protecting the traveling public.’
Political Impasse and Historical Precedents
The funding stalemate centers on immigration policy reforms within the Trump administration, though TSA operations are unrelated to the political disagreement. Both political parties share responsibility for the impasse—Democrats have blocked comprehensive Department of Homeland Security funding without immigration reforms, while Republicans have rejected proposals to reopen non-immigration agencies including TSA.
Historical patterns suggest that airport disruptions may eventually pressure lawmakers toward resolution. The record-setting 43-day shutdown in 2018 ended just five days after transportation officials forced 40 major airports to reduce air traffic due to staffing shortages. Similarly, a 2019 shutdown concluded hours after air traffic controller sick calls threw East Coast travel into disarray.
Travel Advisory and Operational Outlook
TSA’s acting deputy administrator Adam Stahl warned Fox News that continued deterioration could force actual airport closures: ‘If this continues, it’s not hyperbole to suggest we may have to quite literally shut down airports.’
Travelers are advised to build significant extra time into their airport itineraries and monitor airport advisories. Unlike previous shutdowns, this partial closure affects only TSA operations while leaving air traffic control and most other government functions unaffected, potentially limiting the ultimate scale of travel disruptions compared to historical precedents.