标签： Antigua and Barbuda

A young male driver narrowly escaped serious injury in a dramatic car crash on Jonas Road late Saturday morning. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. as the driver, traveling from north to south on the bustling roadway, reportedly lost control of his Honda Fit. The vehicle veered off the road, crashed through a wire fence, and overturned in the yard of a nearby mechanic shop. Despite the severity of the crash, the driver, who was alone in the vehicle, managed to climb out of the wreckage with only minor injuries. Eyewitnesses described the scene as harrowing, with the car sustaining extensive damage. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, with preliminary reports pointing to excessive speed or a sudden loss of control as potential factors. The visibly shaken driver expressed gratitude for his survival, attributing his escape to divine intervention. Law enforcement officials seized the opportunity to remind motorists to exercise caution, especially on high-traffic routes like Jonas Road, where a momentary lapse in attention can have catastrophic consequences.

CICA International University & Seminary, along with its Technical Centre of Excellence, has issued a robust legal response to what it describes as false, defamatory, and procedurally improper statements made by the Antigua & Barbuda National Accreditation Board (ABNAB) and the Ministry of Education. The statements questioned the legitimacy of CICA’s programs and accreditation status, prompting the institution to clarify its position and defend its reputation. CICA emphasized that it is not pursuing local accreditation in Antigua & Barbuda, as it already holds international accreditation from globally recognized bodies. These include the City & Guilds of London Institute, regulated by Ofqual (UK), and registration with the Florida State Department of Education under Section 1005.06(1)(f). Additionally, the university is ISO certified and WES verified, ensuring international equivalency and quality assurance. Between 2021 and 2024, CICA submitted extensive documentation to ABNAB on 21 occasions, totaling 69 attachments, demonstrating proactive transparency. Despite these efforts, ABNAB and the Ministry of Education issued two public statements without prior consultation, verification, or adherence to procedural fairness, causing significant reputational harm. CICA asserts that it has operated lawfully and in full compliance with international education standards. The matter has now been referred to legal counsel for further action to safeguard the institution’s reputation and global standing. CICA remains committed to educational excellence, faith-based leadership, and global collaboration, operating under internationally recognized frameworks and quality standards.

The Antigua and Barbuda Minimum Wage Advisory Committee (MWAC) is set to convene its inaugural meeting on November 4, 2025, marking a significant step in the review of the nation’s minimum wage. The virtual session will be led by Labour Commissioner Eltonia Anthony-David, with Deputy Commissioner Pascal Kentish co-chairing the proceedings. The Hon. Sir Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin, Attorney General and Minister of Labour, will deliver opening remarks to officially commence the meeting. The committee, comprising 18 members with equal representation from employers, employees, and the government, will receive its terms of reference. These mandate the group to assess working conditions and propose a revised minimum wage to the Minister of Labour, who will then consult with the Cabinet for final approval. Notably, each member is allowed to bring an alternate representative to the first meeting. The last minimum wage adjustment occurred in January 2023, when it was raised from EC$8.20 to EC$9.00 per hour. This upcoming review underscores the government’s commitment to addressing labor standards and economic equity.

The Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA) has reinforced its commitment to combating gender-based violence through its ongoing awareness initiative, recently engaging Grade 4 and 5 students at Five Islands Primary School. The program, designed to educate and empower young minds, focuses on equipping students with the tools to recognize, resist, and respond to gender-based violence while fostering values of respect, equality, and kindness.

In a strategic move to enhance disaster response capabilities, the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) of Antigua and Barbuda has joined forces with an international humanitarian organization to strengthen the nation’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. This collaboration, initiated after a comprehensive consultation with local stakeholders in August, culminated in a three-day intensive training program earlier this month. The training focused on critical areas such as freshwater treatment and water quality testing, equipping participants with essential skills to address public health and disaster management challenges. The program saw the participation of 32 representatives from key institutions, including the Central Board of Health (CBH), Department of Analytical Services, Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross, National Solid Waste Management Authority, and Department of Environment. As part of the practical training, attendees visited vital facilities such as Caribbean Water Treatment, the APUA Water Testing Lab, the Ivan Rodrigues Reverse Osmosis Plant, and Potworks Dam. Additionally, they engaged in field water testing exercises at Lightfoot Pond. This initiative underscores NODS’s commitment to bolstering national preparedness and resilience in disaster response and public health management, ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda is better equipped to handle future crises.

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus is poised to celebrate the remarkable achievements of its Class of 2025 in a virtual graduation ceremony on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 6:00 pm Eastern Caribbean Time. The event will be broadcast live on UWItv.global, Flow EVO channels, and the Flow’s Bluu mobile app, allowing graduates and their loved ones to participate from across the Caribbean and beyond. This year’s theme, “Pelicans in an AI-Driven Future – Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” reflects the resilience and forward-thinking mindset of the graduates, who began their academic journeys during a period of rapid digital transformation. The Class of 2025 comprises 1,268 graduands, including 219 postgraduates and 1,046 undergraduates, marking the largest graduating class in the Campus’s history. Among them is the first-ever PhD graduand, a testament to the institution’s growing academic excellence. The ceremony will honor graduates from diverse disciplines, including Doctorates, Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate degrees, as well as Certificates and Diplomas. Distinguished attendees, including Heads of State, the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and senior university officials, will join families and friends in celebrating the graduates’ accomplishments. A highlight of the event will be the conferral of an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree upon Sir Calixte George, a renowned Saint Lucian agronomist, educator, and statesman, for his exceptional contributions to science, governance, and regional development. The valedictorian, Mr. Alex Anderson, a Jamaican educator graduating with First Class Honours in Educational Leadership and Management, will deliver the valedictory speech, embodying the spirit of academic excellence and leadership. Dr. Francis O. Severin, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal, emphasized the significance of the ceremony as a representation of the university’s mission to empower individuals across the Caribbean. The event will conclude with the graduates reciting the UWI Alumni Pledge and a musical rendition of the university song, “There is a Light.” UWI, a cornerstone of Caribbean development for 75 years, continues to lead in education, innovation, and regional progress, with a global presence and a commitment to addressing critical global challenges through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

In a heartwarming gesture of community support, the New York All Saints Reunion Team has stepped forward to sponsor T-shirts for the All Saints Secondary School Pan Team. This initiative aims to bolster the school’s cultural and musical endeavors, particularly in the realm of steelpan music, which holds significant cultural importance in the Caribbean community. The sponsorship not only provides the team with a sense of unity and identity but also highlights the enduring connection between the diaspora and their roots. The reunion team, composed of former students now residing in New York, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to giving back to their alma mater. This latest effort underscores their dedication to fostering talent and preserving cultural heritage among the younger generation. The All Saints Secondary School Pan Team, known for its vibrant performances, is expected to benefit greatly from this support, enabling them to participate in upcoming events with renewed vigor and pride.