标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

PM Says Barbuda to Become ‘Smart Island’ Powered Fully by Green Energy

Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced an ambitious government initiative to transition Barbuda into the Caribbean’s first fully renewable-powered, technology-forward smart island, a centerpiece of a broader strategy to carve out the territory’s niche as a premium luxury and innovation-driven tourism hub.

Speaking during an interview with local radio station Pointe FM this past Saturday, Browne outlined the foundational step of the plan: expanding Barbuda’s existing solar energy infrastructure to deliver round-the-clock, all-green electricity across the entire island. Currently, the small Caribbean island only runs on renewable energy for roughly 12 hours each day, with the remaining power supply reliant on polluting fossil fuels. To close this gap, the administration is moving forward with installing 2 to 3 megawatts of new solar generation capacity paired with utility-scale battery storage systems, a combination that will eliminate fossil fuel dependence entirely.

“What we are building is a completely green renewable energy facility that will power every corner of Barbuda,” Browne told listeners. “Right now, we get 12 hours of green power a day. Our goal is to get to 24 hours, so that Barbuda becomes a fully organic, green island.”

This energy transition is not an isolated project, but the backbone of a long-term economic development vision that integrates cutting-edge digital infrastructure, modernized public utilities, and expanded high-end tourism. Browne emphasized that the ultimate goal is to position Barbuda as a global standout among Caribbean travel and second-home destinations by blending sustainable development, luxury amenities, and leading-edge technology.

The government aims to build a tech ecosystem that keeps Barbuda at the forefront of emerging innovations, including artificial intelligence, to attract high-net-worth homeowners and long-term investors from North America and Europe. “Our plan is to make Barbuda a smart island and a world-class luxury destination,” Browne said. “When it comes to AI and other emerging technologies, we intend to keep Barbuda on the cutting edge. Before long, Barbuda will be home to vacation and permanent residences for some of the wealthiest people from North America and Europe.”

By combining environmental sustainability, technological advancement, and exclusive luxury development, the administration hopes to differentiate Barbuda from competing regional tourism markets, creating a unique value proposition that drives long-term economic growth while upholding the island’s natural environmental heritage.

25 5 月, 2026
Air Peace Flight Lands in Barbados

In a development that signals growing connectivity between West Africa and the Caribbean, Nigeria’s leading private airline Air Peace has successfully landed one of its commercial flights in Barbados. This landing represents a significant step forward for the carrier’s ongoing expansion strategy beyond its traditional regional operating base in West Africa.

Air Peace, which was founded in 2013, has built a reputation for expanding Nigeria’s air access to global markets over the past decade. Prior to this landing, the airline had already expanded its routes to cover major destinations across the Middle East, Asia, and other parts of Africa, as well as select European cities. The arrival in Bridgetown, Barbados’ capital, opens up a new direct air link between West Africa and the Eastern Caribbean, a region that has long lacked convenient direct connections from African markets.

Industry analysts note that this new route has the potential to boost multiple sectors, including tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between the two regions. For African travelers seeking access to the Caribbean, the direct service eliminates the need for inconvenient layovers in European or North American hubs, cutting down travel time and reducing overall travel costs. Similarly, Caribbean tourists looking to visit West Africa will now have a more streamlined travel option.

Barbadian aviation officials have welcomed the new service, highlighting that increased air connectivity aligns with the island nation’s post-pandemic tourism recovery strategy, which aims to attract visitor markets from beyond North America and Europe. Air Peace representatives have not yet released full details on the frequency of this new route or long-term operational plans, but the successful landing is widely viewed as the first step in establishing a regular service between Nigeria and Barbados.

25 5 月, 2026
Antigua’s Unruly Union Wins Caribana Barbuda Classic Horse Race

One of the Caribbean’s most anticipated annual sporting showdowns wrapped up with a thrilling victory for Antigua at the 26th Caribana Barbuda Classic Horse Racing Competition, held at Barbuda’s iconic Coronation Park. In the marquee match-up between the two neighboring islands that served as a centerpiece event for 2026 Caribana celebrations, local favorite Unruly Union delivered a dominant, crowd-pleasing performance to secure the top prize.

Ridden with precision and strategic skill by Antiguan jockey Junior “Ritical” Walters, Unruly Union held off challengers across the track to cross the finish line first. The winning colt is owned by Dr. Baba Thwaites and conditioned for competition by veteran trainer Devon O’Garo, whose preparation paid off in the high-stakes feature race.

Organized annually by the Barbuda Turf Club in partnership with State Insurance Company Limited, this year’s event stretched across seven competitive races and drew a packed crowd of racing enthusiasts and casual spectators alike. For locals and returning visitors, the Caribana Barbuda Classic is far more than a single-day competition: it is one of Barbuda’s most cherished long-standing sporting traditions, drawing crowds year after year to celebrate equestrian talent across the region.

Sunday’s victory for Unruly Union capped off a memorable edition of the race, adding a new exciting chapter to the event’s 26-year history. As has become the norm, the competition once again solidified its status as one of the unmissable highlights of the broader Caribana festival, drawing attention to equestrian sport across the Eastern Caribbean.

25 5 月, 2026
Falcons Crowned Champions, Eagles 2 Secure Second Place, Momentum Claims Men’s Title

Antigua and Barbuda’s grassroots volleyball landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by the Chargers Volleyball organization, whose youth development system has claimed three of the top positions in the country’s national Development Division competitions. This unprecedented sweep stands as a powerful validation of the program’s years-long commitment to structured training, disciplined growth, and intentional investment in young athletic talent.

In the women’s division, the Chargers-affiliated Falcons team claimed the coveted national championship title after wrapping up an entirely undefeated season, while a second Chargers development squad, Eagles 2, secured a solid second-place finish. The 1-2 finish cements Chargers Volleyball’s status as the undisputed leading force in female youth volleyball development across the nation.

For the men’s division, the organization’s Momentum team matched the Falcons’ perfect season record, storming to a first-place victory to claim the men’s Development Division crown. The win underscores the rapidly expanding depth, competitive edge, and technical progress of the Chargers organization’s male youth development pipeline.

Program leaders emphasize that these three top finishes are not a stroke of luck, but the outcome of years of collective effort that extended far beyond the court. Countless extra training hours, one-on-one mentorship, creative community fundraising to overcome logistical barriers, and steadfast emotional support have formed the foundation of the program’s success. Coaches, parent volunteers, community supporters, and the young athletes themselves all persisted through setbacks to bring the program to this milestone.

For Chargers Volleyball, this achievement means far more than collecting trophies or climbing league standings. It marks the realization of a founding vision to grow volleyball from the ground up in Antigua and Barbuda.

Rosemarie Simon, head coach of the Chargers female program, spoke to the depth of commitment her young athletes demonstrated throughout the 2024 season. “What fans see on match day is just the final chapter of a very long journey,” Simon explained. “These young women pushed through grueling training sessions, made personal sacrifices, lifted each other up through losses, and grew stronger mentally and emotionally every single week. Both Falcons and Eagles 2 earned these results through discipline, teamwork, and heart. This is concrete proof that investing in intentional youth development delivers results.”

Simon also highlighted the critical role that family and community support played in the program’s success. “Our parents have been absolutely phenomenal,” she said. “Their constant encouragement, help with transportation to practices and games, personal sacrifices, and unwavering belief in what we’re building made this possible. We’ve worked hard to build a family culture here at Chargers, and every single person has a share in this success.”

Meanwhile, Frank Schwartz, head coach of the Chargers men’s program, attributed Momentum’s championship run to the team’s culture of persistence and personal accountability. “Momentum’s title didn’t happen overnight — it came from consistent hard work every single week,” Schwartz said. “These young men bought into our development process completely. They showed up to every training session ready to push, accepted feedback to improve their game, and held each other accountable to get better. What makes me most proud isn’t the trophy itself — it’s the growth I’ve seen in their character, confidence, and self-discipline over the course of the season.”

Schwartz added that these results are just the first step in the organization’s long-term goals, pointing to the growing strength of its development pipeline as a sign of bigger things to come for Antigua and Barbuda volleyball. “This is only the beginning,” he noted. “Chargers Volleyball is building a sustainable system where young athletes can develop properly at their own pace, instead of rushing talent before it’s ready. If we keep investing in our youth, the future of volleyball in this country is incredibly bright.”

Across Antigua and Barbuda’s tight-knit volleyball community, the Chargers organization’s success has earned growing recognition as one of the most active and impactful youth sports development programs in the nation. From new beginners learning basic fundamentals to competitive athletes fighting for national titles, Chargers Volleyball continues to prove that when young people are given consistent structure, genuine encouragement, and equal opportunity, extraordinary outcomes are possible.

As the 2024 Development Division season comes to a close with Falcons at the top of the women’s podium, Eagles 2 in second, and Momentum leading the men’s division, one fact has become impossible to ignore: Chargers Volleyball is not just building competitive volleyball teams. It is building a lasting legacy for the future of the sport in Antigua and Barbuda.

25 5 月, 2026
Magnitude 3.7 Earthquake Recorded Northeast of Antigua

A magnitude 3.7 earthquake has been detected in the waters north of several Eastern Caribbean island nations, according to an initial alert from The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (SRC).

The seismic event was registered at 9:05 p.m. local time on Sunday, with automated systems placing its depth at 10 kilometres below the ocean surface. The calculated epicentre falls at geographic coordinates 19.15 degrees north latitude and 62.91 degrees west longitude, placing the tremor hundreds of kilometres from multiple populated island centers.

Per the preliminary geographic calculations, the quake sits roughly 255 kilometres northwest of St. John’s, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda; 206 kilometres north of Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts and Nevis; and 273 kilometres north-northwest of Brades, the administrative center of Montserrat.

The SRC emphasized in its announcement that the current epicentre and magnitude data were generated entirely by automated computer algorithms. Before the data is finalized, it will undergo manual review and potential adjustment by expert seismic analysts, meaning the published location details are not yet confirmed as final.

25 5 月, 2026
PM Says 25 Air Peace Passengers Will Travel to Antigua From Barbados on LIAT

As public health authorities across the Caribbean ramp up vigilance amid growing Ebola concerns in several regions of Africa, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has enacted a series of enhanced safety protocols for travelers arriving on the newly launched Air Peace direct service from Nigeria, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed. Even with these heightened precautions, approximately 25 passengers bound for the twin-island nation will still complete their journey, though their route will be adjusted to accommodate public health screening requirements.

In an interview aired on local outlet Pointe FM this past Saturday, Browne outlined the modified travel arrangement: the incoming Air Peace flight from Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, will divert from its original planned landing at Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport and instead touch down first in neighboring Barbados. From there, passengers with final destinations in Antigua and Barbuda will be transported onward to Antigua via regional carrier LIAT.

“Even though they’re landing in Barbados, about 25 of them will come here,” Browne confirmed, clarifying that the routing change is a purely precautionary measure designed to streamline public health checks rather than a full ban on entry. To mitigate any potential risk of imported Ebola cases, national health authorities will conduct rigorous screening for all passengers upon their arrival in Antigua, building on protocols that were first widely deployed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Browne noted that the government has already reinstated the full enhanced public health framework used during the global COVID crisis, including the return of infrared thermal scanners that enable rapid, non-contact temperature checks to identify potential fever, a common early symptom of Ebola. As an additional layer of precaution, the nation’s Infectious Disease Centre has been reactivated to stand ready for any potential cases.

“If any of them were to take ill while they’re here, we can easily isolate them and of course do the necessary contact tracing,” Browne explained, emphasizing that the reactivated facility gives authorities the infrastructure to respond quickly and contain any potential outbreak before it can spread to local communities.

The prime minister added that this unusually cautious approach stems not only from the current Ebola outbreak concerns in parts of Africa but also from a challenging past experience involving migrant arrivals on flights operated by Antigua Airways from Cameroon via Nigeria in 2022 and 2023. “We got burnt there, so we’ve been a little cautious,” he said, noting that the prior incident left the government determined to avoid repeating missteps in border health management.

24 5 月, 2026
Antigua Airways Controversy Influencing Government’s Approach to Air Peace Flights, PM Says

Against a backdrop of lingering public health concerns over Ebola in parts of Africa and hard-learned lessons from a past migrant controversy, the government of Antigua and Barbuda is moving forward with extreme caution on the proposed new Air Peace passenger service connecting Nigeria to the Caribbean, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed. Speaking during an interview with local outlet Pointe FM on Saturday, Browne outlined that the administration is holding a “very conservative position” on the planned route originating from Lagos, a direct response to the major complications the nation faced during the ill-fated Antigua Airways operation that unfolded between late 2022 and early 2023.

The prime minister made clear that the previous incident left lasting impacts on the country’s policy approach: “We got burnt there, so we’ve been a little cautious.” He detailed how the 2022-2023 crisis unfolded: Antigua Airways marketed flights as bringing tourists to the Caribbean nation, but in reality, most passengers were conflict migrants from Cameroon who transited through Nigeria on their way to Antigua, with the ultimate goal of reaching the United States illegally.

In response to the crisis, Antigua and Barbuda’s government made the decision to suspend the Antigua Airways flights, in large part to avoid any perception that the nation was enabling human trafficking. “We didn’t want anybody to think, even erroneously, that we were facilitating any form of trafficking of people,” Browne emphasized. The fallout extended far beyond the initial landing of the flights, he added: roughly 600 migrants refused voluntary repatriation to Africa, and many began attempting to travel onward illegally by small boat to the United States, creating prolonged enforcement and humanitarian challenges for the small island nation.

Despite the cautious approach to the new Air Peace route, Browne stressed that Antigua and Barbuda remains deeply committed to building stronger air connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean. The nation has long been a pioneer in establishing the “air bridge” between the two regions, he noted, and that core commitment has not changed. That said, the recent resurgence of Ebola concerns in parts of Africa has added an extra layer of urgency to the government’s need for precautionary measures.

In practical terms, the cautious approach means the inaugural scheduled Air Peace flight will likely not land in Antigua as originally planned. Instead, the service will fly directly to Barbados first, with passengers bound for Antigua transported onward to the country via regional carrier LIAT. To mitigate public health risks, the government is already moving to reinstate enhanced screening protocols at Antiguan airports, including the return of infrared thermal scanners and alignment with strict international public health standards. The nation’s Infectious Disease Centre has also been reactivated as a preventative measure to monitor and respond to any potential health threats linked to incoming travel.

24 5 月, 2026
Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Issues Public Apology to Ms. Jamona Samuel

A administrative misstep tied to the 2026 Queen of Carnival competition has prompted the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission to issue a public, unreserved apology to Jamona Samuel, a hopeful contestant who was incorrectly notified of her selection.

The error unfolded after the conclusion of the competition’s initial screening round. In a slip-up that has since sparked regret among commission leadership, an official congratulatory letter was incorrectly dispatched to Samuel, falsely confirming her spot as a contestant in the upcoming 2026 pageant. The commission has openly acknowledged the miscommunication, and expressed deep remorse for the letdown and emotional harm the mistake inflicted on Samuel.

In a statement released to the public, the commission emphasized that it fully recognizes what the Queen of Carnival platform means to emerging young leaders across the nation. Officials noted that every candidate who puts their name forward pours significant time, energy and personal commitment into preparing for the screening process, and all participants deserve to be treated with consistent professionalism and care. The commission admitted that the incident involving Samuel fell far short of the standards that applicants have every right to expect from the organizing body.

Taking full ownership of the administrative failure, the commission reiterated its heartfelt apology to Samuel for the negative impact the error has had on her experience as an applicant. Moving forward, the organization has pledged to implement sweeping improvements to its internal communication protocols and operational workflows. These changes are designed to boost accuracy, streamline efficiency, and reinforce accountability across all stages of the competition planning and execution process.

The commission closed its statement by thanking Samuel for bringing the error to its attention, and extended a final apology for the inconvenience and distress the miscommunication caused.

24 5 月, 2026
Honouring the Life and Legacy of Sir Aziz Hadeed A Tribute from the Guild President

The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus community is in mourning this week following the announcement of the death of respected campus leader Sir Aziz Hadeed. In a heartfelt statement released on behalf of the campus’s student body, Guild President Kerron McKenzie shared an outpouring of sympathy for the family, close friends, professional colleagues, and all others grappling with the loss of the iconic figure.

Far beyond holding the formal title of campus chairman, Sir Aziz distinguished himself as a forward-thinking visionary, a dedicated nation-builder, and a lifelong advocate for the life-changing power of accessible education. Under his steady guidance, radical generosity of spirit, and unshakeable commitment to advancing the campus’s mission, the UWI Five Islands Campus was transformed into a thriving hub of opportunity, personal growth, and collective hope for thousands of young scholars across Antigua and Barbuda, as well as the broader Caribbean region.

The true scale of Sir Aziz’s contributions to the institution cannot be quantified through a list of official titles or institutional achievements alone. His greatest impact is written in the countless lives he lifted up, the professional and educational doors he opened for underrepresented young people, and the optimistic vision of opportunity he cultivated for generations of future students. It was through his steadfast dedication to expanding access to higher education that countless students have been able to pursue bolder dreams, set loftier goals, and carve out meaningful personal and professional paths through learning.

The enduring legacy Sir Aziz leaves behind will continue to resonate across every corner of the campus for decades to come. It lives in each new student who walks the campus grounds, every graduate who carries the knowledge they gained here out into the world, and in every future expansion and improvement of the institution he nurtured so deeply.

On behalf of the entire UWI Five Islands Campus student body, McKenzie expressed sincere gratitude for Sir Aziz’s years of selfless service, his transformative vision for the campus, and his enduring investment in the futures of young Antiguans and Barbudans. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to serve as a guiding light for the institution and all those whose lives he touched.

24 5 月, 2026
Hon. Michael Freeland Congratulates Kalin Fontaine on Global Hospitality Recognition

A historic milestone for Caribbean hospitality has put Antigua and Barbuda on the global luxury tourism map, after one of the nation’s rising industry stars earned a spot among the world’s top 10 hospitality professionals at the 2026 Leading Quality Assurance (LQA) Sirius Awards.

Kalin Fontaine, who currently serves as Restaurant Manager at the acclaimed Carlisle Bay resort on Antigua, beat out more than 10,000 competing hospitality professionals from across the globe to claim her elite ranking at the awards ceremony, the inaugural edition of the event, which was hosted this year in Lisbon, Portugal. Beyond her top 10 placement, Fontaine also made history as the only hospitality worker from the entire Caribbean region to secure a spot among the awards’ top 100 honourees.

The achievement was publicly celebrated by Hon. Michael Freeland, Jamaica’s Minister of State in the Ministries of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, who recognized Fontaine during the 2026 FAB Fest. During the celebration, Freeland presented a national award to Fontaine, highlighting how her work has not only earned personal acclaim but lifted the international profile of Antigua and Barbuda’s world-class luxury tourism sector.

“Through consistent professionalism, unwavering commitment to excellence, and relentless dedication to delivering unparalleled hospitality experiences, Kalin Fontaine has made the entire nation of Antigua and Barbuda proud,” Freeland said in his remarks at the event. “Her win is far more than a personal career milestone. It is a transformative achievement for Antigua and Barbuda, and for the Caribbean hospitality community as a whole.”

Freeland went on to note that Fontaine’s global recognition underscores the exceptional quality of homegrown talent that drives Antigua and Barbuda’s core tourism and hospitality industry. Beyond showcasing existing talent, he added, her story will serve as a powerful source of inspiration for young people across the country pursuing careers in the tourism space.

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has officially joined the global and regional tourism community in extending formal congratulations to Fontaine, hailing her well-earned international accolade as a landmark moment for the nation’s tourism brand.

24 5 月, 2026