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标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Health Minister Says Stigma Still Prevents Many From Seeking Mental Health Support

    Health Minister Says Stigma Still Prevents Many From Seeking Mental Health Support

    As Antigua and Barbuda marks Mental Health Awareness Month, the nation’s top health official is shining a spotlight on a persistent barrier to care: harmful social stigma that leaves countless residents suffering in silence. Health Minister Michael Joseph is leading a renewed push to normalize open conversations about mental wellbeing, arguing that mental health deserves the same level of priority and public attention as physical health.

    In his official address for the annual awareness campaign, Joseph highlighted that deep-seated misunderstanding and social judgment continue to stop many people experiencing mental health challenges from reaching out for the support they need. “Far too many individuals continue to suffer in silence, often afraid to seek help because of the stigma and misunderstanding it comes with,” he explained.

    Joseph emphasized that the month-long observance is more than a symbolic gesture — it is a call to action for communities across the twin-island nation to build a more supportive culture. It reminds residents that there is no shame in asking for help, that open discussion of mental health struggles should be normalized, and that everyone has a role to play in lifting up neighbors, friends, and family members who are navigating difficulties.

    Beyond cultural change, the minister reaffirmed the Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Health’s ongoing commitment to improving mental health outcomes for all residents. The department remains focused on expanding public awareness of mental health issues, breaking down systemic barriers to care, and ensuring that every person who needs support can access affordable, high-quality services.

    Closing his message, Joseph called for collective action to build a more inclusive, compassionate society. “Together, let us continue to foster a society rooted in compassion, understanding, and hope,” he said.

  • PM Says Antigua’s UN Secretary-General Nominee Emerging as ‘Top Candidate’

    PM Says Antigua’s UN Secretary-General Nominee Emerging as ‘Top Candidate’

    The race to succeed António Guterres as United Nations Secretary-General has a new standout contender, according to the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, who says his nation’s nominee María Fernanda Espinosa has quickly established herself as one of the strongest candidates in the running, thanks to her deep diplomatic roots, multilingual proficiency, and decades of experience within the UN system.

    In an interview with local outlet Pointe FM this past Saturday, Browne noted that leading international media outlets and independent diplomatic analysts have already flagged Espinosa as a serious competitor for the world’s top diplomatic post, just two weeks after she officially entered the race. Nominated by Antigua and Barbuda earlier this month, the former Ecuadorian foreign minister and ex-president of the United Nations General Assembly brings a rare combination of experience that sets her apart from other hopefuls, Browne argued.

    Calling Espinosa a formidable competitor, the Prime Minister highlighted her proficiency in three major global working languages — English, Spanish and French — as a key advantage for leading an intergovernmental organization as diverse as the UN. Browne emphasized that multilingualism has become an increasingly critical qualification for top leadership roles in global institutions, noting that almost all leading contenders for senior positions at major international bodies hold at least conversational fluency in a second language.

    Browne also outlined Espinosa’s personal and professional background: born in Spain, she has built nearly her entire life and career in Ecuador, where she rose to hold both the foreign minister and defense minister portfolios before transitioning into senior leadership within the United Nations system. Her years of work within the UN have given her an intimate, on-the-ground understanding of how the organization operates, a key trait for anyone stepping into the secretary-general role, Browne added.

    Beyond her technical qualifications, Browne stressed that Espinosa’s track record of consensus-building and collaborative diplomacy makes her uniquely appealing to UN member states across all regional and ideological blocs. “The good thing about Maria, Maria will be more of a consensus leader,” Browne said. “I think she can bring people together.”

    The Prime Minister also positioned Espinosa as the de facto candidate for the entire Caribbean region, after Antigua and Barbuda waited to nominate a candidate to see if any other Caribbean national would enter the race. Following internal consultations across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Antigua and Barbuda moved forward with Espinosa’s nomination, and in the absence of another CARICOM-endorsed candidate, she now stands as the Caribbean community’s de facto pick, Browne explained.

    Beyond her regional and UN experience, Espinosa holds membership in the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC), a global policy and dialogue network. She is one of three current candidates for the UN secretary-general post who hold NGIC membership, introducing a notable Azerbaijani-linked dimension to the 2026 UN leadership race.

  • Malaka Parker Says Pringle’s Victory Shows Antiguans and Barbudans “Are Still Awake”

    Malaka Parker Says Pringle’s Victory Shows Antiguans and Barbudans “Are Still Awake”

    At a celebratory thanksgiving service held by the United Progressive Party (UPP) All Saints East and St. Luke branch for Jamale Pringle’s recent electoral victory, senior party figure Senator Malaka Parker framed the win as far more than a simple retention of a single parliamentary seat — instead, she positioned it as a symbol of enduring hope and unbroken resilience for the island nation’s main opposition movement.

    Parker opened her address by urging attendees not to dismiss the importance of holding just one seat in Antigua and Barbuda’s legislative body, drawing on personal childhood memories to ground her argument. Growing up in the Grace Farm community during the era when former Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer served as the only opposition parliamentarian in the chamber, Parker said she witnessed firsthand the unyielding determination of Spencer and his grassroots supporters through years of political adversity. That small, persistent presence, she argued, was the initial flicker that would eventually grow into the larger opposition movement the UPP represents today.

    Popularly dubbed the “Single Pringle” campaign in reference to Pringle holding the party’s only parliamentary seat, Parker said the victory carries a far deeper ideological meaning rooted in the power of unified purpose. “Oneness is powerful,” she emphasized. “You are representing again this movement — a profound movement of resilient people.” Parker grew visibly emotional throughout her speech as she recognized long-time UPP backers in the crowd, many of whom she has known since her early childhood.

    Parker made clear that the win sends a clear message about the political consciousness of Antiguans and Barbudans, stating: “I want to say that Jamal, your election represents hope. It is a testament to the fact that Antiguans and Barbudans are still awake.” She also alleged that organized efforts have been underway across the country to destabilize the opposition’s core mission, vision, and collective spirit, but struck a defiant tone in response. Echoing longstanding opposition rhetoric, she repeatedly vowed: “We will not retreat, and we will not surrender.” Looking ahead, she said the party would leverage Pringle’s victory as a starting point for broader change, noting “We’re going to use this spark that is the Honorable Jamal represents, and we will light the flame.”

    Turning to the UPP’s strategic path forward, Parker argued that the party must immediately shift into a phase of rebuilding and outreach, rather than limiting its discourse to closed internal conversations with loyal supporters. “We cannot be a church talking to ourselves,” she said, urging members to tear down barriers and expand their base by connecting with new voters across the country.

    To illustrate the party’s ongoing educational mission, Parker invoked the legacy of 19th-century American abolitionist Harriet Tubman, framing her as a historic symbol of resistance and political consciousness-building. She referenced Tubman’s famous quote that she “could have freed more people if they knew they were slaves,” using the analogy to argue that the UPP’s core responsibility is to educate and re-educate voters across Antigua and Barbuda. “We are on a mission to free people, build the awareness, to re-educate,” she said. “The mission continues.”

    Closing her remarks, Parker extended formal congratulations to Pringle on his re-election, and highlighted a young party supporter named Jonathan as an example of the next generation of UPP leadership, calling him “the future of the UPP.”

  • 10th Annual Run in Paradise Draws International Field and Record Performances in Antigua and Barbuda

    10th Annual Run in Paradise Draws International Field and Record Performances in Antigua and Barbuda

    On Sunday, May 24, 2026, Antigua and Barbuda hosted its milestone 10th Annual Run in Paradise Race, drawing more than 380 registered competitors from across the Caribbean, North America, Europe and beyond to reinforce the nation’s standing as one of the world’s most desirable sports tourism hotspots.

    What began as a small regional event a decade ago has evolved into one of the Caribbean’s most iconic and scenic road races, attracting participants from a wide swathe of countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Guadeloupe. Runners competed across three distinct distance categories: Half Marathon, 10K and 5K, with every route concluding along the sun-drenched, postcard-perfect shores of Fort James Beach.

    Race Director Stanley Humphreys marked the 10th staging as one of the most successful editions in the event’s 10-year history, crediting the overwhelming international turnout and widespread community support for the event’s ongoing success.

    “We are truly overwhelmed and grateful for the response this year,” Humphreys said in a post-race statement. “To see so many runners travelling to Antigua specifically for this event speaks volumes about how much Run in Paradise has grown over the last decade.”

    Humphreys added that the largest group of international participants originated from the United States, with nearly 100 American runners making the trip, including a 40-member squad called LatinasinMotion. More than a dozen runners from Guadeloupe also crossed the Caribbean to compete in this year’s event.

    Athletes repeatedly praised the race for its one-of-a-kind experience, describing the event as “beautiful” and “amazing” that stands apart from any other destination race in the region. For the large contingent of returning runners, the winning combination of rolling, challenging terrain, jaw-dropping coastal scenery and the famously warm hospitality of Antigua and Barbuda has secured Run in Paradise a permanent spot on their annual racing calendars.

    This year’s Half Marathon delivered one of the most historic moments in race history, as a new course record was set by first-time competitor Alex Beach, a runner from Miami. Beach crossed the finish line in a blistering time of 1 hour, 17 minutes and 57 seconds to claim the top spot and reset the benchmark for the 21-kilometer route. Homegrown talent Kamar Thomas of Antigua and Barbuda turned in an outstanding performance to take second place with a time of 1:20:22.

    In the shorter distance categories, Guadeloupe secured two championship titles: Christina Laurent claimed the overall 5K crown, while compatriot Jordan Parraire crossed first in the 10K race.

    Beach, who was competing in Antigua and Barbuda for the first time, called the event a “super unique experience,” emphasizing that the island’s unspoiled natural beauty and warm, welcoming atmosphere were the standout highlights of his trip.

    “The course was beautiful the entire race,” Beach explained. “The hills and wind definitely made it challenging, but the early start helped keep the temperatures manageable. By the final 5K, the wind shifted behind us which really helped with the finish. Reaching the beach at the end was an incredible reward after such a tough run.”

    Beach also noted that the race’s early start allowed all competitors to cross the finish line by 6:20 a.m., leaving the rest of the day free to explore the islands’ attractions, making the event a perfect fusion of competitive running and Caribbean leisure. The newly crowned champion already plans to return for future editions and says he will encourage more runners from the United States to visit Antigua and Barbuda for what he calls an ideal “destination race.”

    Beyond competitive results, the 10th edition featured dozens of inspiring personal stories from participants. Among them was Joseph Emas, who completed his 165th career half marathon at the event, and another runner who hit a new personal best after leaning on the motivating mantra “I will persist until I succeed.”

    As organizers celebrate a decade of consistent growth and achievement, they note that the event continues to outperform expectations while introducing thousands of international visitors to Antigua and Barbuda’s standing as a world-class hub for sports tourism, wellness and outdoor adventure. The successful 10th staging further solidifies the race’s expanding global appeal and its growing contribution to the nation’s tourism sector, local community engagement and culture of active living.

  • Dashcam Captures Moment Truck Smashes Into Food Truck

    Dashcam Captures Moment Truck Smashes Into Food Truck

    A shocking traffic collision that unfolded on a busy urban arterial road last Wednesday has been preserved in full thanks to a passing driver’s dashcam, with the footage showing the exact moment a heavy-duty delivery truck slammed into a stationary food truck parked along the curb. Local law enforcement confirmed that the incident occurred just after 11:30 a.m. during the peak lunch rush, when the delivery truck reportedly suffered a brake failure as it descended a steep downhill section of the roadway. Eyewitness accounts complementing the dashcam footage indicate the out-of-control heavy truck swerved briefly across multiple lanes in a failed attempt to avoid obstacles before striking the unoccupied food truck. The food truck vendor had stepped away just two minutes before the crash to drop off an order at a nearby office building, according to local fire department officials. Emergency responders arrived at the scene within six minutes of receiving the first 911 call. They cleared the debris blocking the roadway and assessed the damage: the food truck was completely totaled, while the delivery truck sustained significant front-end damage. The delivery truck driver was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening minor injuries, and no other pedestrians or bystanders were hurt in the collision. Local transportation authorities have launched an investigation into the crash, focusing on whether the delivery company failed to conduct required safety inspections on the truck’s braking system prior to the incident. The dashcam footage, which has been shared with investigating officers, is expected to serve as key evidence in determining official fault for the accident. Members of the local small business community have already started organizing a fundraiser to support the food truck owner, who relied on the mobile business as their primary source of household income.

  • Antigua And Barbuda Festivals Commission Launches Free 5-Day Music Development Masterclass

    Antigua And Barbuda Festivals Commission Launches Free 5-Day Music Development Masterclass

    Antigua and Barbuda is set to boost its growing creative economy with a groundbreaking new initiative from the national Festivals Commission: a fully complimentary Music Development Masterclass, designed to elevate local music talent and prepare industry professionals for long-term, global success in the entertainment sector.

    Scheduled to run from June 8 to 12, 2026, the 5-day immersive program will host daily sessions from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Eustace Hill Campus (formerly the Antigua and Barbuda International Institute of Technology) located in Coolidge. The training program is open to a broad range of creative and music-focused professionals, including recording artists, songwriters, producers, DJs, artist managers, dancers, visual creatives, content creators, writers, and other industry stakeholders who are committed to advancing their craft and building sustainable careers.

    The masterclass is structured around three core focus areas that address the most pressing gaps for emerging and established regional talent: hands-on training in songwriting, audio mixing and mastering, strategic music distribution, and critical education on copyright and intellectual property rights—foundational knowledge for building durable careers in the modern music industry.

    All sessions will be led by a roster of seasoned regional and international industry experts, each bringing decades of hands-on experience across global entertainment markets. Darryl Gervais, a multi-hyphenate songwriter, manager and producer with credits spanning multiple music genres, television and film, will lead sessions on intentional songcraft, music placement, and building cross-border hit songs that resonate with global audiences. His sessions will equip participants with practical frameworks to create music with long-term commercial and cultural potential that extends far beyond Antigua and Barbuda’s borders.

    International Stephen, a celebrated soca ambassador, international DJ, A&R executive, producer, festival curator and event promoter with nearly 25 years of experience working in the Caribbean music and global Carnival ecosystems, will share insights on building sustainable careers in entertainment, breaking into new international markets, crafting hit records, and navigating the global music business from a veteran’s perspective. Completing the faculty is Titan VCD of NXUS Collective Agency, who will lead training on creating stand-out branded content in an oversaturated digital marketplace, and building consistent, intentional identity across all audience touchpoints.

    Together, the faculty will guide participants to turn raw creative talent into tangible professional opportunities and build scalable, sustainable creative businesses. Hon. Dwayne George, Minister of Sports and Creative Industries, highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to investing in local creative talent, noting that the free masterclass marks another key milestone in the administration’s mission to professionalize and empower the domestic creative community. “By bringing experienced industry leaders to share practical, real-world knowledge—free of cost—we are investing directly in our artistes, producers, writers and music entrepreneurs,” George explained. “Our goal is not only to create great music for Carnival, but also to build careers and businesses that can thrive year-round and compete on the global stage. I strongly encourage every serious music professional to seize this free opportunity.”

    Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairperson of the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, echoed this sentiment, framing the program as a continuation of the commission’s longstanding commitment to direct investment in local music and creative professionals. “By providing access to world-class knowledge and training, we are equipping our engineers, producers, writers, artistes, and creatives with the tools to expand their work beyond Carnival and ensure that Antigua and Barbuda’s Creative Industry is heard, seen, and felt on the global stage,” Makhoul said.

    Registration for the program is now open, with interested participants able to collect physical registration forms at the National Festivals Office, located on the 1st Floor of the Cecil George-John Building at the intersection of Corn Alley and Redcliffe Street in St. John’s. Digital registration is also available via WhatsApp at (268) 727-9201, where applicants can send their full name and specify their professional area of focus related to the workshop. Organizers have warned that spots in the program are limited, and placements will be allocated on a strict first-come, first-served basis. Inquiries can also be directed to the commission’s phone line at 462-0194.

    The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission is urging all eligible entertainment professionals—from artists and producers to videographers and songwriters—to take advantage of this opportunity to sharpen their skills, expand their professional networks, and secure stronger, more sustainable futures in the global music industry. The initiative closes with the commission’s rallying cry: Build the music. Build the brand. Build the future. Register today.

  • Actress Aisha Hinds Arrives in Antigua for Culinary Month Celebrations

    Actress Aisha Hinds Arrives in Antigua for Culinary Month Celebrations

    Acclaimed television and film actress Aisha Hinds has landed in Antigua and Barbuda, kicking off her participation in the country’s highly anticipated annual Culinary Month celebrations. Her arrival adds another high-profile name to the growing roster of prominent international guests who have traveled to the twin-island Caribbean nation this season, drawn by its vibrant local cuisine, rich cultural heritage, and world-class tourism experiences.

    Hinds, who is celebrated for her standout performances in hit series including *9-1-1*, *Underground*, and *True Blood*, has never shied away from embracing her Caribbean roots. Born to Grenadian heritage, she has long spoken publicly about her deep personal connection to the region and her abiding passion for Caribbean food and cultural traditions. In a statement shared by local tourism officials, they noted that Hinds’ visit serves as a powerful reminder of the deep cultural bonds that tie all Caribbean communities together—bonds forged through shared flavors, interwoven ancestral heritage, collective storytelling, and time-honored traditions that bring people together around dining tables across the region.

    As officials from Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector explained, Hinds’ participation is fully integrated into the official programming of Culinary Month, a weeks-long initiative designed to shine a spotlight on the nation’s top local culinary talent, beloved independent restaurants, immersive one-of-a-kind food experiences, and diverse cultural events held across both islands of the nation.

    For the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Hinds’ visit represents a valuable new opportunity to position the country as one of the Caribbean’s leading destinations for cultural and culinary tourism. By welcoming a public figure who genuinely connects to the region’s identity, officials aim to showcase the unique hospitality and food culture that sets Antigua and Barbuda apart for travelers from across the globe.

  • ‘Black-ish’ Star Marsai Martin Enjoys Antigua Getaway at Hodges Bay Resort & Spa

    ‘Black-ish’ Star Marsai Martin Enjoys Antigua Getaway at Hodges Bay Resort & Spa

    One of Hollywood’s youngest and most accomplished stars, Marsai Martin — the American actress and producer who has been breaking barriers in entertainment since her breakthrough role — has chosen the Caribbean island of Antigua as her latest vacation destination. The star has been documenting her sun-soaked getaway, posting vivid photos of her stay at the iconic Hodges Bay Resort & Spa, a top-tier property nestled along the island’s scenic northern coastline.

    Martin first captured national attention and earned widespread acclaim for her scene-stealing portrayal of Diane Johnson, the quick-witted daughter on ABC’s long-running hit sitcom *Black-ish*. The young entertainer made history in 2019 when she stepped into the dual role of lead actress and executive producer for the major studio comedy *Little*, earning her the title of the youngest person ever to hold an executive producer credit on a large studio feature film, cementing her status as a rising creative force in the industry.

    As one of Antigua’s most celebrated high-end hospitality destinations, Hodges Bay Resort & Spa stands out for its world-class amenities tailored to luxury travelers. The resort boasts expansive ocean-facing villas and suites, an exclusive private marina, a full-service luxury spa for guest relaxation, and a diverse lineup of dining experiences ranging from casual beachside bites to fine gourmet meals.

    Among the resort’s standout culinary offerings is its signature eatery Katsuya, a globally recognized brand co-founded by legendary celebrity chef Katsuya Uechi in collaboration with renowned designer Philippe Starck. The popular restaurant concept has expanded across major international hubs, with additional outposts already operating in major cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, and Dubai, bringing its acclaimed Japanese-inspired fusion cuisine to guests around the world.

  • UPP Jamale Pringle Thanks Supporters After Thanksgiving Service

    UPP Jamale Pringle Thanks Supporters After Thanksgiving Service

    Antiguan Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has issued a public statement of gratitude to hundreds of supporters and well-wishers who turned out for a special church thanksgiving service organized in his honor, describing the widespread display of community backing as a moving boost to his political work.

    The event, held at a local place of worship, drew crowds of aligned politicians, community members, and party activists who gathered to show their solidarity with Pringle’s leadership. In the days following the service, Pringle released a formal public message to acknowledge every person who contributed to the gathering and offered their encouragement.

    “It is with a grateful heart that I thank everyone who attended the Church Service of Thanksgiving held in my honour,” Pringle wrote in the statement, noting that the energy and warmth of the in-person gathering had left a lasting impact on him. He went on to extend his appreciation to the many backers who could not attend the service in person but sent messages of support and stood with him “in spirit”, emphasizing that their encouragement mattered just as deeply to him.

    Pringle added that the overwhelming outpouring of love and public backing had done more than lift his spirits — it had reinforced his determination to press forward with his policy goals and political agenda, sharpening his focus on the work he has committed to deliver for his constituents and the broader opposition movement.

    Closing his message, Pringle reaffirmed his long-held dedication to public service, framing his role as one rooted in service to the people he represents. “I remain your humble servant; committed to the cause,” he concluded.

  • HAPI Continues Home Transformation Programme for Vulnerable Families

    HAPI Continues Home Transformation Programme for Vulnerable Families

    A collaborative community housing improvement program in Antigua is earning widespread acclaim for its tangible impact on low-income residents, delivering upgraded, safer living spaces while fostering renewed optimism for participating families. The transformative project, spotlighted in a recent social media post from the community group Adoptafamily Ragguette, brings together a diverse coalition of partners spanning the national government, private sector actors, civil society, and the prison service to address substandard housing conditions for vulnerable households.

    In its public acknowledgment of the effort, Adoptafamily Ragguette extended gratitude to every contributing stakeholder, naming Prime Minister Gaston Browne as a key supporter alongside Rawdon Turner, the country’s Minister of Urban and Social Transformation. Other recognized contributors include community advocate Mary Baltimore, the Antiguan corporate sector, and a cohort of inmates from His Majesty’s Prison, who lent hands-on labor to the renovation work.

    Visual documentation shared alongside the post offers striking evidence of the project’s results, side-by-side before-and-after shots that showcase the dramatic changes to one family’s home. The upgrades completed include full interior repainting and comprehensive improvements to the home’s exterior, turning a neglected, unsafe structure into a dignified living space.

    In its statement, Adoptafamily Ragguette emphasized that the initiative extends far beyond physical construction. “The transformation is real,” the post affirmed, noting that the program is “building more than houses” — it is laying the foundation for lasting hope for families that have long struggled with inadequate housing.