标签： Antigua and Barbuda

A United States national faced legal consequences in Antigua after authorities discovered cannabis in his luggage upon arrival at V.C. Bird International Airport. Fady Aziz Saloum, 34, was intercepted during a coordinated operation involving Narcotics Department officers, K-9 Unit personnel, and Customs Enforcement officials on March 7th.

The incident unfolded approximately at 4:30 PM when a police detection canine alerted to Saloum’s black suitcase following his arrival aboard United Airlines Flight 2020 from Pennsylvania. Subsequent inspection revealed 23 pre-rolled cannabis joints alongside a blue zip-lock bag containing additional cannabis material, with the combined substances totaling 56 grams.

Saloum was transported to Police Headquarters where formal charges were filed and the substances confiscated. During proceedings before Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, the prosecution accepted Saloum’s guilty plea for possession while withdrawing a separate importation charge. The court imposed a $1,000 fine payable within 30 days, with a 30-day prison sentence as alternative penalty.

Notably, the defendant presented a United States medical cannabis card during proceedings, explaining his use of cannabis for anxiety management and back pain treatment. Chief Magistrate Emanuel emphasized that such documentation holds no legal validity within Antigua and Barbuda’s jurisdiction and advised the traveler to acquaint himself with destination countries’ laws before international travel.

ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – March 11, 2026 marked a significant milestone in youth-driven philanthropy as the International Women’s Day Piggy Bank Initiative generated over EC$1,200 within twenty-four hours. The funds were designated for Youth Arise, a charitable organization established by Makiba Ward, participant in the 2026 Young Women in Leadership (YWiL) program.

This philanthropic endeavor constituted a central component of YWiL’s International Women’s Day celebrations, strategically aligned with the 2026 global theme ‘Give to Gain.’ The initiative featured presentations from three youth-founded charities, with participants casting votes to determine the recipient organization. Youth Arise emerged victorious, securing more than 65% of the votes, demonstrating overwhelming support for its community-focused mission.

The ceremonial donation transfer was executed by Alecia Cherubin, Treasurer of CIWiL Antigua and Barbuda, with Ms. Desire Markham, Queen of Carnival 2024, accepting the contribution on behalf of Youth Arise.

Senator the Hon. Alincia Williams Grant, President of the Senate and Interim Chair of the Network of Women Parliamentarians Antigua and Barbuda, emphasized the program’s significance within broader partnership frameworks. ‘The IWD Piggy Bank initiative highlighted the spirit of young women supporting and investing in one another’s ideas, reinforcing the belief that when women uplift each other, entire communities benefit,’ Senator Grant observed, noting the concurrent observance of International Women’s Day and Commonwealth Day.

The philanthropy initiative culminated the intensive eight-week YWiL 2026 mentorship program, conducted from January 21 to March 9, which equipped participants with critical leadership capabilities through both virtual and practical experiences. The comprehensive curriculum encompassed gender equality studies, feminist advocacy, parliamentary procedures, leadership development, and cannabis legislation review.

Practical components included a leadership workshop, parliamentary tour and practice session, gender-based violence awareness walk, an all-female parliamentary sitting, and a formal closing ceremony. The 2026 cohort notably included three participants from Barbuda: Star George, Shaznie Beazer, and Saniqua Jeffery.

Participant Jeressa Jeremy reflected on the transformative experience: ‘I am sincerely grateful to CIWiL and YWiL for this opportunity to develop my voice.’ Through such initiatives, the YWiL program continues to foster civic engagement, leadership development, and collaborative networks among Antigua and Barbuda’s emerging female leaders.

The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has unveiled its scholarship awardees for the second semester of 2026, selecting numerous staff members for specialized professional development programs. This initiative represents the hospital’s strategic investment in human capital enhancement across diverse operational domains.

The institution’s Learning and Development Unit confirmed these scholarships constitute a fundamental component of their continuous strategy to bolster employee capabilities and elevate service quality for patients and community stakeholders. This educational investment underscores the medical center’s dedication to workforce empowerment through targeted skill acquisition.

Among the distinguished recipients, Davontee Joseph will undergo comprehensive training in HVAC Systems operation and theory. Adahlia James, Carla Massicott, and Raheem Williams collectively secured placements in Office Management studies, while Andy Lawrence advances to Advanced Supervisory Management training.

The scholarship roster further includes Shaqeola Kennedy pursuing Supervisory Management, Oshima Thomas specializing in Customer Service Management, and Shawn Bailey focusing on Occupational Health and Safety Fundamentals. Akilah Looby-Barton gains opportunity for CT and MRI Cross-Sectional Anatomy certification.

Notably, Nicole Antoine was selected for Effective Management and Leadership development, with Shani Watts advancing to Project Management studies. Belinda Benjamin enters Medical Billing and Coding Certification training, while Carol Scholar will specialize in Managing Public Relations Communication.

Hospital administration emphasizes that this educational initiative reflects their institutional commitment to fostering professional growth and expanding the collective expertise of their workforce. Officials highlighted that sustained employee development directly contributes to enhanced healthcare quality and service delivery standards throughout Antigua and Barbuda’s medical ecosystem.

The Calvin Ayre Foundation has orchestrated an urgent medical evacuation for a 30-year-old Antiguan construction worker requiring specialized thoracic care unavailable locally. Leon Haynes-Dover from All Saints was successfully transported via air ambulance to the University Hospital of Martinique following physician recommendations for immediate specialized evaluation.

The complex medical transfer required specialized equipment, a trained medical team, and coordinated ground ambulance services between Antigua and Martinique. Dr. Benjamin Bridge, Senior Registrar in Internal Medicine at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, emphasized the critical nature of timely access to specialized care: “This case demonstrates how rapid intervention can make the difference between life and death. Without the Foundation’s support, this patient might not have received the definitive treatment he urgently required.”

Haynes-Dover, a father and family provider, expressed profound gratitude for the intervention: “This support has given us hope during tremendous uncertainty. As the sole provider for my family, receiving this medical assistance means everything to us.”

Patrice Jacobs, Media and Production Associate at CAF, highlighted the organization’s ongoing commitment: “We approach each medical case with equal urgency and consideration, recognizing our responsibility to support community members during their most vulnerable moments.”

This incident underscores the vital role of public-private partnerships in addressing healthcare gaps within small island nations, ensuring citizens receive life-saving medical attention when local facilities cannot provide specialized treatment.