标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The RT Performers, a prominent local cultural group, are calling on Carnival organizers to settle outstanding fees for performances delivered at national events more than six months ago. Group leader Renee Thomas expressed deep frustration, stating that repeated attempts to contact officials have been ignored. ‘We’ve been waiting over five to six months for payment from the Treasury Department for events we proudly performed at,’ she said. ‘This is disrespectful to the artists, the effort, and the children who are the future of our culture.’

Renowned for their vibrant portrayals of traditional Antiguan and Caribbean characters, RT Performers highlighted that the delayed payments, amounting to over EC$5,000, have left their members, many of whom are young artists, feeling disheartened and undervalued. ‘This isn’t just about money; it’s about respect for the creative sector,’ Thomas emphasized in her statement to Antigua.News.

Efforts to reach Minister of Festivals Daryll Matthew for comment were unsuccessful. The group’s plea underscores broader concerns about the treatment of cultural performers and the need for timely recognition and compensation for their contributions to national events.

In a thought-provoking letter to the editor, Cheryl Baptiste raises pressing questions about the decline of modesty in contemporary society. She reflects on the increasing trend of women wearing revealing clothing in public spaces, accompanied by men who seem indifferent to the attention it garners. Baptiste contrasts this with the dignified manner in which previous generations carried themselves, emphasizing pride and class in their attire. She challenges both men and women to reconsider their choices: men, to reflect on the kind of attention they desire when their partners are the center of stares, and women, to question whether self-worth truly depends on the amount of skin shown. Baptiste calls for a revival of self-respect and pride in public presentation, arguing that streets, malls, and airports are not runways or beaches. Her message is a plea for a return to modesty and dignity in how we present ourselves in shared spaces.

The town of Potters has initiated a significant road improvement project aimed at enhancing infrastructure and ensuring safer, more efficient transportation for residents and visitors alike. This initiative, which is currently underway, focuses on upgrading key roadways, repairing potholes, and improving drainage systems to mitigate flooding risks during heavy rainfall. Local authorities have emphasized that these improvements are part of a broader strategy to modernize the town’s infrastructure and support future growth. While the project has caused temporary disruptions to traffic flow, officials assure the public that the long-term benefits will far outweigh the short-term inconveniences. The initiative is expected to be completed within the next six months, with regular updates provided to keep the community informed.

The construction of the highly anticipated Bolans Fire Station is advancing, as confirmed by Minister of Works Maria Vanessa Browne in a recent update. This project, which has been a topic of public discourse for several years, is seen as a critical addition to the emergency response infrastructure for the southern communities of St. Mary’s South, including Bolans, Urlings, and Crab Hill. Residents and opposition representatives have repeatedly expressed frustration over delays, emphasizing the facility’s necessity. Last year, St. Mary’s South MP Kelvin Simon urged immediate fire safety reforms following a fire in Urlings, criticizing the government’s persistent failure to complete the project. Earlier assurances from officials claimed the project was on track, yet the community has continued to await its completion and the provision of essential equipment, such as a dedicated fire truck. Browne’s latest update highlights visible progress at the construction site, reigniting hope that the long-promised fire station may soon become operational. The Ministry of Works is managing the project in partnership with the Antigua and Barbuda Fire Department. Upon completion, the Bolans Fire Station is expected to significantly enhance emergency response capabilities and provide improved safety for the southwestern communities of the island.

In a landmark decision on October 27, 2025, High Court Judge Jan Drysdale ruled that attorney Andrew O. Kola cannot invoke legal immunity in a professional negligence lawsuit filed by businessman Patrick “Paddy” Prendergast. The case arose from Kola’s alleged failure to file a defense in a 2022 civil lawsuit, resulting in a default judgment of $513,740 against Prendergast, who is now seeking $516,700 in damages for negligence and breach of contract. Prendergast, owner of a storage facility in Midway, St. John, had hired Kola to defend him against claims by former business associate Ronald Mind, who accused him of improperly storing items. Despite being retained promptly, Kola reportedly missed the deadline to file a defense and mishandled an application to set aside the judgment, which was dismissed due to non-compliance with court orders. Kola admitted to failing in his duties but argued that his actions were protected by barrister’s immunity under Antigua and Barbuda’s Legal Profession Act and common law principles established in cases like Rondel v. Worsley and Saif Ali v. Mitchell. He claimed that since he had entered an appearance on behalf of Prendergast, he was shielded from liability as an advocate in court. However, Prendergast’s legal team, led by King’s Counsel E. Ann Henry, countered that immunity applies only to in-court advocacy, not preparatory or administrative work. Justice Drysdale sided with the claimant, ruling that Kola’s negligence occurred during pre-trial preparation and procedural compliance, which does not qualify for immunity. She emphasized that the Legal Profession Act distinguishes between advocacy and preparatory work, and extending immunity to pre-trial negligence would be inconsistent with statute and precedent. The case, Patrick Prendergast v. Andrew O. Kola (ANUHCV2024/0018), highlights the limits of professional immunity in Antigua and Barbuda’s legal system, establishing that attorneys can be held liable for pre-trial negligence. The matter was adjourned to November 13, 2025, for further hearings on costs.