The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, has lauded Antigua and Barbuda for its prominent role on both regional and international platforms as the nation prepares to celebrate its Forty-Fourth Anniversary of Independence on November 1, 2025. In a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Hon. Gaston Browne, Dr. Barnett highlighted the country’s significant diplomatic achievements, including its successful hosting of the 55th Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly in June 2025 and its upcoming role as host of the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2026. Dr. Barnett also commended Prime Minister Browne’s leadership in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet, particularly in the Services portfolio. The Secretary-General’s message emphasized the theme of this year’s celebrations, ‘Solid – Stable – Soaring,’ which reflects the nation’s resilience, vision, and aspirations. She extended her best wishes for continued peace, stability, and progress in Antigua and Barbuda.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
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ABDF Clarifies Reports of Foreign Military Presence in Antigua
The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) has issued a public statement to clarify the presence of foreign military personnel on the island. The ABDF confirmed that there is no verified or authorized activity by American soldiers in St. John’s or any other part of Antigua and Barbuda. This announcement comes in response to circulating rumors and unverified reports regarding foreign military operations on the island.
In contrast, the ABDF acknowledged the presence of Canadian military personnel, emphasizing their role in collaborative planning and preparatory exercises for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026, which Antigua and Barbuda will host. This partnership is part of a broader cooperation framework between the governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Canada, designed to enhance local readiness, coordination, and security measures for the upcoming high-profile event.
The ABDF reiterated its commitment to working closely with regional and international partners to ensure the safety, security, and seamless execution of CHOGM 2026. The public was urged to rely on official ABDF communication channels for accurate information and to avoid spreading unconfirmed reports.
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Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Digivan tour takes the twin-island nation to the streets of London
This autumn, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) is set to transform London’s streets into a vibrant showcase of Caribbean allure. From October 26th to November 1st, 2025, a fleet of digitally branded ‘Be Here’ advertising vans will traverse the city, targeting key neighborhoods to inspire future travelers to explore the twin-island nation’s beauty, culture, and warmth. The campaign is designed to reach a discerning urban audience, particularly those who value authentic travel experiences, luxury, and cultural depth. The vans will visit prestigious postcodes, including Greenwich, Hampstead, Shoreditch, and Richmond, among others. Each van will display captivating imagery of Antigua Carnival, pristine beaches, local cuisine, and the islands’ vibrant culture. The initiative is part of ABTA’s broader UK strategy to position Antigua and Barbuda as a premier destination for luxury, wellness, and cultural authenticity. Cherrie Osborne, Director of Tourism UK & Europe, expressed her excitement, stating that the campaign brings the Caribbean directly to London, offering an escape from the winter blues. This effort follows the success of the Antigua and Barbuda Mixer, a diaspora networking event held earlier this month, reflecting ABTA’s commitment to deepening engagement and showcasing the islands as a convergence of culture, connection, and natural beauty.
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NODS Support to Hurricane Melissa affected countries
In a coordinated effort to address the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) is collaborating closely with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to finalize assistance strategies for the impacted nations. Jamaica, Haiti, and the Bahamas, which bore the brunt of the hurricane earlier this week, are the primary focus of these relief operations. NODS has maintained continuous communication with CDEMA and other regional organizations to streamline logistics for an effective joint response. An official needs list for Jamaica has already been published, accessible via supportjamaica.gov.jm/needs, while NODS plans to release a similar list for local public support once transportation logistics are confirmed. Meanwhile, CDEMA has placed various assessment and response teams on standby, including personnel from Antigua and Barbuda’s police, fire, and defense forces, who are integral members of the Caricom Disaster Relief Unit (CDRU). The CDRU plays a critical role in providing immediate humanitarian aid, facilitating logistics, supporting emergency telecommunications, and coordinating both national and regional relief efforts. Further updates will be shared with the public as the situation evolves.
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Nelson’s Dockyard National Park Declared Noise Abatement Zone
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has officially designated Nelson’s Dockyard National Park as a Noise Abatement Zone under the Noise Abatement Act of 1996. This landmark decision, set to take effect on November 15, 2025, underscores the nation’s dedication to safeguarding the cultural and residential integrity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The move aims to balance the needs of residents, visitors, and businesses while ensuring the preservation of the Park’s unique character and high-end tourism appeal. Key regulations include prohibiting noise that causes annoyance to others, requiring loud music to cease by midnight, and mandating all music to stop by 1:00 AM. Activities extending beyond this time will require a special permit. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to sustainable tourism and heritage protection, encouraging collective efforts to maintain the Dockyard’s charm for future generations. #NelsonsDockyard #NoiseAbatementZone #NationalParks #UNESCO #AntiguaAndBarbuda #SustainableTourism #HeritageProtection
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Liberty Latin America and Liberty Caribbean Foundation Deliver Critical Humanitarian Aid to Jamaica Following Hurricane Melissa
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact, Liberty Latin America Ltd., in collaboration with the Liberty Caribbean Foundation, has swiftly mobilized to deliver critical humanitarian and technical aid to Jamaica. Within just 48 hours of the disaster, a chartered X-Cargo A321 aircraft transported essential supplies, including potable water, non-perishable food, hygiene products, flashlights, residential generators, and vital network restoration equipment to Kingston. This rapid response was made possible through the concerted efforts of partners such as Wesco-Anixter, EFL, IBC Airways – GlobalX, Starlink, Digicomm, Tarana, and Viavi. Aamir Hussain, Chief Technology and Product Officer at Liberty Latin America, expressed deep gratitude for their invaluable contributions. Upon arrival in Kingston, Flow Jamaica’s local operations team immediately began distributing supplies to the most severely affected communities. Stephen Price, Vice President and General Manager of Flow Jamaica, highlighted the seamless coordination between the Miami-based Liberty Latin America and Liberty Caribbean teams, which served as a secondary command center. The Liberty Caribbean Foundation is now urging the public and corporate partners to bolster relief efforts through donations, which will fund food, water, emergency kits, connectivity services, and long-term recovery programs. Contributions can be made securely online at the Liberty Caribbean Foundation’s hurricane relief page. Liberty Latin America, a leading communications company operating across Latin America and the Caribbean, continues to leverage its extensive network and resources to support disaster-stricken communities.
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LETTER: When Friendship and Money Collide: A Costly Lesson in Trust
Dear Editor,
Trust is a fragile bond, often tested in unexpected ways. Recently, I experienced a situation that shattered my faith in someone I once considered my closest confidante.
A few weeks ago, my best friend requested $100 for lunch. While driving, I used ACB’s peer-to-peer transfer feature on my phone to send the amount. In my haste, I mistakenly added an extra zero, resulting in a $1,000 transfer instead of $100. Realizing my error, I immediately informed her. She laughed and assured me she would return the excess amount “as soon as she reached home.”
Two weeks have passed, and I am still waiting. Since then, I’ve been met with a barrage of excuses: she claimed to have entered her PIN incorrectly, got locked out of her account, and is waiting for the bank to resolve the issue. She even insisted she had already promised to handle it.
At this point, the issue transcends the money itself; it’s about trust. I suggested she withdraw the amount in cash and return it if the transfer was problematic. Yet, my calls remain unanswered.
The thought of involving the police has crossed my mind, but how does one report someone they once called a sister? This person has shared my table, cried on my shoulder, and entrusted me with their deepest secrets.
This ordeal has left me heartbroken but wiser. I’ve learned that money has a unique way of revealing character, often faster than time ever could. A true friend doesn’t hide behind excuses when they’re holding onto something that isn’t theirs.
Signed,
Heartbroken but Wiser -
PM Browne invites Opposition Leader to join COP delegation in show of climate solidarity
In a remarkable demonstration of national solidarity, Antigua and Barbuda is preparing to send a unified delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) in Belém, Brazil. Prime Minister Gaston Browne has extended a formal invitation to Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle to join the delegation, emphasizing the importance of presenting a united front on one of the country’s most critical global issues. Maurice Merchant, Director-General of Communications, confirmed the invitation, stating that the Prime Minister views Pringle’s participation as an opportunity to engage him in the global climate discourse and showcase Antigua and Barbuda’s collective advocacy for environmental justice. The delegation will amplify the voices of small island developing states (SIDS), calling for increased climate finance and loss-and-damage compensation from major emitters and developed nations, particularly the United States. The conference will also serve as a platform to highlight the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, underscoring the escalating threats posed by climate change to Caribbean economies and livelihoods. Prime Minister Browne is set to attend key meetings in Belém, expressing confidence that the Opposition Leader will accept the invitation given the issue’s significance for the nation and the region.
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Cabinet Tightens Tax Concession Policy — Three-Year Limit Set
In a decisive move to enhance fiscal accountability and address systemic abuses, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has introduced a policy capping all tax concessions to a maximum of three years, effective December 1, 2025. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that fiscal incentives are transparent, time-bound, and aligned with the nation’s economic goals. Maurice Merchant, Director-General of Communications, announced that all existing concessions will expire on November 30, 2025, and businesses seeking continued benefits must reapply under the revised guidelines. Applicants will be required to provide documented proof of active business operations and compliance with tax obligations to the Inland Revenue Department. Merchant highlighted that the Cabinet’s decision was driven by concerns that certain long-standing concessions had become outdated and were being exploited for purposes beyond their original intent. For instance, benefits initially granted for hotel development were later diverted to unrelated ventures such as restaurant operations or equipment imports. ‘The government believes that three years is an adequate period for any new project to establish itself,’ Merchant stated, adding that companies would be eligible to reapply once their concession term concludes. This policy overhaul underscores the administration’s commitment to fostering a more equitable and efficient fiscal environment while supporting sustainable economic growth.
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Antigua Government in Active Talks on Cargo Plane Partnership
The government of Antigua and Barbuda is actively engaging in discussions with regional transport companies to forge a cargo aircraft partnership, aimed at enhancing trade and logistics across the Eastern Caribbean. Maurice Merchant, the Director-General of Communications, confirmed that while negotiations are ongoing, the procurement of a government-owned cargo plane has been temporarily suspended pending the outcome of these talks. Merchant emphasized that a successful agreement with these companies would streamline the acquisition process. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to fortify regional trade links and supply chains, particularly within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Additionally, the partnership could improve access to cost-effective goods from neighboring markets, such as the Dominican Republic. Merchant highlighted that this effort is seen as a pivotal step to make regional commerce more efficient and resilient, while also bolstering Antigua and Barbuda’s role in regional trade and transport logistics.