In recent times, the name Sir Robin Yearwood may not dominate headlines, but the enduring impact of his leadership remains palpable. The workers of APUA and other ministries under his guidance continue to embody the values he instilled, particularly through their courteous and professional service delivery. This is a testament to the success of the training programs and annual internships he championed during his tenure.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
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Veterinary Team Expands African Swine Fever Surveillance to Barbuda
In a proactive move to shield its pig farming sector from the devastating African Swine Fever (ASF), the Ministry of Agriculture has broadened its surveillance efforts to include Barbuda. This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure the health of Antigua and Barbuda’s livestock and maintain regional food security. A delegation from the Veterinary and Livestock Division, spearheaded by Alexandria Dowdey, recently conducted a field visit to Barbuda to gather blood samples from local pig herds. Three farmers on the island voluntarily participated in this regional pilot project, underscoring the community’s commitment to disease prevention. The ASF pilot program is a collaborative endeavor involving the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Ministry of Agriculture. It aligns with the government’s broader objectives of enhancing food and nutrition security through rigorous livestock monitoring and disease control measures. Simultaneously, fieldwork in Antigua has been advancing steadily, with technicians collecting 35 blood samples from four additional farms, edging closer to the target of 80 samples. These samples are slated for specialized testing at Plum Island on November 7. The testing is crucial to verify that Antigua and Barbuda remain free of ASF, a highly contagious viral disease with a near 100 percent mortality rate in pigs. While ASF poses no threat to human health, it represents a significant risk to regional food production and the livelihoods of farmers. By extending surveillance to Barbuda, veterinary authorities aim to bolster early detection capabilities and safeguard the nation’s livestock, a cornerstone of Antigua and Barbuda’s food security strategy.
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Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Says Political Will Needed to Drive Climate Action at COP30
BELÉM, Brazil (Nov. 6, 2025) — Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda delivered a compelling address at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), emphasizing the critical need for political will to combat the escalating climate crisis. Speaking to global leaders, Browne highlighted the urgency of the situation, warning that inertia and indecision could jeopardize the planet’s future. He stressed that the world possesses the knowledge, technology, and financial resources to drive meaningful action but lacks the collective resolve to implement them. Browne described COP30 as the “COP of Truth,” urging it to be remembered as the moment when “honesty met action” and ambition translated into tangible results. He called for immediate and decisive measures to avert planetary disaster, noting that the 1.5°C threshold—a critical limit for small island states—has already been breached. For these nations, the climate crisis is not a distant threat but a daily reality. Browne criticized major polluters for their continued environmental destruction and advocated for an “economic revolution” to transform global production, consumption, and trade. He cited Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in the Caribbean as a stark reminder of the “loss and damage” caused by climate change, framing it as “the bill nature is presenting to humanity.” The prime minister also emphasized that climate finance should be seen as an obligation, not charity, and called for the adoption of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index to ensure targeted support. He praised Brazil for hosting the summit in the Amazon, the “lungs of the Earth,” and welcomed the launch of the Tropical Forests Forever Facility as a symbol of global solidarity. Browne concluded by urging nations to ensure COP30 is remembered as the moment when climate justice transitioned from promise to practice.
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Drainage Works Still Pending at New Cemetery
Over a month after receiving government approval, the installation of a drainage system at Tranquility Park Cemetery remains stalled, as revealed during a recent Cabinet briefing. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, confirmed that while burials are ongoing at the site, officials are still in the process of conducting evaluations and mobilizing resources. ‘Burials are taking place there, and there’s still some evaluations being done. Resources are being assembled to facilitate the much-needed installation of a drainage system,’ Merchant stated during the Thursday post-Cabinet press briefing. The decision to install the drainage system was made last month following severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall, which resulted in significant water-logging at the cemetery. Despite the urgency, Merchant did not provide a specific timeline for when the work will commence. The delay has raised concerns, particularly as the cemetery remains operational, and efforts to expedite the process are under close scrutiny.
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Two Men Remanded Over Vehicle Break-Ins at Soca Sangria Event
Two individuals have been formally charged in relation to a series of criminal activities that occurred during the Soca Sangria event on November 2. Omar Richards, a 19-year-old resident of Carnival Gardens, and St. Claire Simon, a 26-year-old from Barnes Hill, appeared before Senior Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel on Tuesday. The charges against them include providing false information to law enforcement, malicious damage, and theft. According to police reports, the duo, along with other known accomplices, allegedly broke into multiple vehicles at the event. Among the items reported stolen or damaged were a Nissan Xtrail key, Versace perfume, Apple AirPods, and various personal belongings, collectively valued at $977. Richards, who was already on bond for a prior larceny charge, and Simon were both remanded into custody. Their next court appearance is scheduled for Friday.
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Construction Begins on New Five Islands Primary School
In a significant move to bolster education infrastructure and community development, Education Minister Daryll Matthew has officially announced the commencement of construction for the new Five Islands Primary School. The project, unveiled in a social media post on Thursday, underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing educational facilities across the region. Matthew emphasized that this initiative represents a continued investment in quality education and community growth. The new school, designed to be climate-resilient and modern, will replace the existing facility and feature expanded classroom spaces, early-childhood units, state-of-the-art laboratories, and recreational areas. It forms a key component of the broader Five Islands education complex, which also houses the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus. Prime Minister Gaston Browne had previously highlighted the project earlier this year, confirming that construction would begin before the end of 2025 under a local contractor, with an anticipated completion timeline of two years. This development aligns with the government’s broader strategy to create sustainable, future-ready educational environments.
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Cabinet Considers Moving Senior Panorama to Sir Viv
The Cabinet is currently evaluating a proposal to host the Senior Panorama Competition at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, drawing inspiration from the triumphant execution of this year’s Junior Panorama. The initiative aims to rejuvenate the national steelband showcase by replicating the successful two-stage format that captivated audiences during the 44th Independence Anniversary celebrations. Maurice Merchant, the Director General of Communications, highlighted that Cabinet members were particularly impressed by the Junior Panorama’s vibrant performances, robust youth engagement, and exceptional crowd turnout. These factors have spurred discussions about adopting a similar structure for the Senior Panorama during Carnival, with the goal of enhancing production quality, enriching audience experiences, and bolstering the event’s cultural significance. Merchant emphasized that further consultations with key stakeholders in the cultural sector will be conducted before finalizing the decision. Additionally, Cabinet extended commendations to the Ministry of Festivals and its team, led by Minister Daryll Matthew, for their outstanding contributions to the success of the Independence celebrations.
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Pringle Calls for Vehicle Scandal Probe to Extend to Quarries and Cement Factory
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has intensified calls for a comprehensive forensic investigation into the Ministry of Works, urging that the scope of the ongoing vehicle procurement scandal probe be extended to include the quarries and cement factory under the ministry’s purview. Speaking during the second day of protests outside the ministry, Pringle, leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), emphasized that these issues are interconnected, pointing to a broader pattern of alleged mismanagement and lack of transparency within the government.
Pringle highlighted the necessity of an independent investigation into the so-called ‘vehicle-gate’ scandal, as well as the quarries and cement factory, citing reports of $15 million allegedly misappropriated from the ministry. He also raised concerns about the ministry’s headquarters, which he claimed is ‘suffering tremendously from mold infestation.’
The UPP leader vowed to maintain pressure on the government until a full investigation is launched, stating, ‘We cannot continue to have this government hide or stifle accountability and transparency in Antigua and Barbuda. We will be here until we get such an investigation into the matters I’ve mentioned.’ The protest outside the Ministry of Works marked the second consecutive day of demonstrations by the UPP, which is advocating for independent oversight into government operations to ensure accountability and transparency.
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Calvin Ayre Foundation Invests EC$84,132 as Platinum Sponsor of National Swim Team for OECS Championships
The Calvin Ayre Foundation (CAF) has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering youth and sports development by providing a substantial EC$84,132 Platinum sponsorship to the Antigua and Barbuda Swimming Federation (ABSF). This funding is earmarked for the 33rd OECS Swimming Championships, set to take place from November 7th to 9th, 2025, in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The regional event will showcase young athletes from across the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), promoting both elite athletic performance and regional solidarity. The sponsorship covers round-trip airfare and accommodation for Antigua and Barbuda’s 39-member delegation, ensuring the team is fully prepared to defend its championship title. Jamilla Kirwan, Manager of the Calvin Ayre Foundation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to empowering youth through sports. Edith Clashing, President of the ABSF, expressed profound gratitude, highlighting that this marks the first time a private sponsor has offered such significant support. The delegation departed Antigua and Barbuda on November 6th, 2025, with high hopes for the competition.
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UPP Supporters Picket Ministry of Works Calling for Independent Investigation
On Thursday, supporters of the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) assembled outside the Ministry of Works building, urging an independent forensic investigation into what they describe as issues requiring enhanced government transparency. The demonstration, spearheaded by political activist and UPP member George Wehner, was marked by spirited chants and songs, with participants demanding accountability. Wehner led the crowd in a powerful rendition of the civil rights anthem ‘We Shall Overcome,’ symbolizing their unwavering resolve. Through a loudspeaker, Wehner proclaimed, ‘We want justice. Not for Justin Brown to tell us that he knows what went wrong and he alone can fix it. That is not good enough. That is not democracy.’ The chant ‘Justice!’ reverberated repeatedly as protesters lined the street in front of the ministry. The group is pressing for an independent inquiry into alleged irregularities linked to the Ministry of Works. As of now, government officials have not provided a formal response to the protest.