The 2025 Independence National Schools Panorama, a highly anticipated steelband competition, is set to commence this evening, Saturday, October 25, at 5 p.m. at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, the event will showcase the talents of 15 school bands, including six from primary schools and nine from secondary schools, under the theme “Solid, Stable, Soaring.” The evening will begin with an opening performance by DJ Ace, followed by hosting by Steve “Ibis” Freeland and musical interludes by DJ Sparks. Primary school participants include Bendals Primary, T.N. Kirnon Primary, Sunnyside Tutorial, Villa Primary, Nevis Street (Willikies), and Greenbay Primary, performing popular soca hits such as “Swimming Engine” by Burning Flames and “Don’t Go” by Claudette Peters. The secondary division features St. Anthony Secondary, St. Joseph’s Academy, Ottos Comprehensive, All Saints Secondary, Irene B. Williams, Clare Hall Secondary, Christ the King High, Princess Margaret, Antigua Grammar, and Sir Novelle Richards Academy, with performances ranging from Claudette Peters’ “Out Deh” to Burning Flames’ “Stampede.” The event will conclude with judges’ decisions and award presentations for both categories. Admission is priced at $10 for children and $20 for adults.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
-
Antigua Yacht Club Officially Opens the Caribbean Dinghy Championship 2025
The Caribbean Dinghy Championship (CDC) 2025 officially commenced on Thursday, 23rd October 2025, with a vibrant Opening Ceremony held at the Antigua Yacht Club (AYC) Multipurpose Centre. The event, which began at 7:00 p.m., marked the start of a weekend filled with competitive sailing, skill-building, and regional camaraderie. The ceremony was expertly orchestrated by Mr. John Gaillard, AYC’s House and Grounds Director, who introduced the distinguished speakers and welcomed the attendees. Dr. Clarence E. Pilgrim, Commodore of the AYC and Chairman of the 2025 CDC, delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing that the championship transcends competition, focusing instead on fostering friendships, learning, and the collective growth of sailing across the Caribbean. He warmly welcomed all participating nations and praised the young sailors, calling them ‘the future of the Caribbean maritime industry.’ His remarks were met with enthusiastic applause, setting a tone of unity and optimism. Dr. Pilgrim also acknowledged the event’s proud sponsors, the National Parks Authority and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. Mrs. Alison Sly-Adams, representing the Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA), commended the inclusive format of the championship, which encourages broader regional participation. She highlighted the CSA’s efforts to enhance collaboration among islands through an updated racing calendar and the event’s evolution since its establishment in 1967. The Hon. Paul ‘Chet’ Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Barbuda Affairs, encouraged the young competitors to embrace discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, values he noted are essential both in sailing and life. Following the speeches, Dr. Pilgrim rang the Sailors’ Bell, symbolically opening the championship and heralding three days of spirited racing. Antigua and Barbuda, the host nation, enters the competition with a proud record, having won the Nation’s Cup in 2024 and securing five consecutive victories since 2019. The evening concluded with a sumptuous dinner prepared by Bar-B’s, a long-time supporter of AYC events, fostering fellowship among sailors, parents, and officials. Teams from St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Sint Maarten, and Antigua will compete in a series of races, with the championship culminating in the Prize-Giving Ceremony on Sunday at noon. The weekend promises to be a celebration of excellence, regional unity, and the enduring spirit of Caribbean sailing.
-
Four-Way Race Shapes Up for ABLP St. Philip’s South Primary
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) is bracing for a pivotal primary election in the St. Philip’s South constituency, where four candidates are competing for the party’s nomination in preparation for the upcoming general election. Scheduled for December 4, 2025, the primary will see party delegates cast their votes to determine the ABLP’s representative. Although the general election is not slated until 2028, rumors of an early poll have heightened the significance of this primary. Political analysts suggest that the outcome could play a crucial role in shaping the ABLP’s overall campaign strategy, as the party seeks to consolidate its position and address emerging challenges. The contest has drawn considerable attention from both party members and the public, reflecting the high stakes involved in this internal battle for leadership.
-
LETTER: Are our representatives sleeping or failing?
In a heartfelt letter to the editor, a concerned resident of the All Saints East and St. Luke community has voiced growing frustration over the apparent neglect by local representatives. Amidst an ongoing vehicle scandal, the resident questions whether elected officials are failing in their duties or simply turning a blind eye to the pressing issues faced by the community. The letter specifically calls out Parliamentary Representative Mr. Jamale Pringle, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, and ABLP Caretaker Mr. Lamin Newton, urging them to address the deteriorating conditions in the area. The resident highlights the lack of progress in the Government’s clean-up and beautification initiative, pointing to overgrown grass in Folley’s and nearly impassable roads within the Folley’s Housing Development. The letter also criticizes the Ministry of Works for its failure to repair the community’s crumbling infrastructure. The resident expresses exhaustion over unfulfilled promises and calls for leaders to prioritize the needs of their constituents over political agendas. The plea underscores a broader demand for accountability and action from both the Government and the Opposition.
-
Sir Curtly Ambrose Joins Leeward Islands Cricket Board as Technical Consultant
The Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB) has officially named cricket icon Sir Curtly Ambrose as its new Technical Consultant, with his tenure set to commence on October 1, 2025. In this pivotal role, Sir Curtly will oversee the strategic development of the Leeward Islands Hurricanes and contribute as a key member of the LICB Selection Panel. Additionally, he will mentor players across all levels, leveraging his illustrious international career and deep expertise in cricket to guide the next generation of talent. LICB President Mr. Enoch Lewis expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, highlighting Sir Curtly’s professionalism, discipline, and dedication to excellence as transformative assets for the organization. Sir Curtly, in turn, shared his eagerness to give back to the sport that shaped his legacy, emphasizing his commitment to nurturing both the athletic and personal growth of young players. His first task will involve observing the LICB Senior Men’s Tournament in St. Kitts, where he will evaluate emerging talent and prepare for the upcoming season. The LICB has pledged its full support to Sir Curtly as he embarks on this mission to elevate the standard of cricket in the Leeward Islands.
-
Antigua and Barbuda Students in Jamaica to Be Housed at Hotel During Storm
As Tropical Storm Melissa looms over Jamaica, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has swiftly organized temporary shelter for its students studying in the region. Starting Saturday, October 25, 2025, the students will be accommodated at the prestigious Jamaica Pegasus Hotel for a two-night stay. The arrangement includes complimentary meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—with specific restrictions, and rooms will be shared between two students. To avail of this provision, students must present a valid Antigua and Barbuda passport and their student ID. Authorities have assured that the situation will be reevaluated post-storm. In the event of an evacuation, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has pledged to arrange a charter flight to ensure the students’ safe return home. Check-in at the hotel will commence from midday on Saturday.
-
Ministry of Education Congratulates Top 2025 CSEC Students
The Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries in Antigua and Barbuda has lauded the outstanding performance of students in the 2025 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations. Through a series of messages disseminated by the Education Broadcasting Unit, the Ministry highlighted the remarkable achievements of three exceptional students: Kaylei John-Baptiste, Kha-lique Harris, and Nayima Lewis. Kaylei John-Baptiste, hailing from the Baptist Academy of Antigua, was crowned the Top CSEC Student for 2025. The Ministry praised her as a role model for her peers, emphasizing her dedication and the fruits of her hard work. Kha-lique Harris from St. Joseph’s Academy secured the second position, earning accolades for his ‘stellar performance’ and being hailed as an inspiration for students nationwide. Nayima Lewis, also from the Baptist Academy of Antigua, clinched the third spot, with the Ministry commending her ‘impeccable performance’ and extending wishes for her future success. The Ministry expressed immense pride in all students who participated in the 2025 CSEC examinations, attributing their achievements to the robust education system and the unwavering support of teachers, parents, and educational institutions.
-
Multi-Day Onslaught of Heavy Rain and Damaging Winds Forecast To Batter Jamaica as Melissa Approaches
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has raised alarms as Tropical Storm Melissa gains momentum in the Caribbean, with predictions indicating it will escalate into a major hurricane by the weekend. As of 5 p.m. EDT, Melissa was positioned approximately 215 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 225 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The storm is advancing northward at a sluggish pace of 2 mph, boasting maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and higher gusts, with a minimum central pressure of 995 millibars. A Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning are currently active for Jamaica and southwestern Haiti, with the NHC emphasizing the urgency of completing life-saving preparations. Forecasters anticipate Melissa will unleash life-threatening flash flooding and landslides across Jamaica, southern Haiti, and parts of the Dominican Republic starting late Saturday. Rainfall estimates range from 15 to 25 inches, with localized areas potentially receiving up to 35 inches, particularly on Haiti’s Tiburon Peninsula. The NHC has highlighted the risk of catastrophic flooding in southern Haiti and significant threats in Jamaica and the southern Dominican Republic. Hurricane-force winds are expected to impact Jamaica by late Sunday or early Monday, preceded by tropical-storm-force winds. Additionally, a life-threatening storm surge of 5 to 10 feet above ground level is predicted along Jamaica’s south coast, accompanied by destructive waves. Melissa’s slow progression exacerbates concerns, as prolonged heavy rain and wind could intensify flooding and landslide risks. The storm is projected to move westward through Monday, potentially affecting Jamaica before shifting north and northeast toward eastern Cuba by midweek. Authorities in Jamaica and Haiti are urging residents to stay informed and expedite emergency preparations. For updates, the NHC recommends visiting hurricanes.gov.
-
Degrees from Atlantic and CICA International University Not Valid in Antigua and Barbuda, says Accreditation Board
The Antigua & Barbuda National Accreditation Board (ABNAB) has issued a public advisory regarding the recognition of academic qualifications from two specific institutions. Following thorough research and regional consultations, the ABNAB has determined that degrees awarded by the Atlantic International University and CICA International University and Seminary will not be recognized. This decision underscores the Board’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the interests of its citizens and upholding the highest standards of quality in higher education. The ABNAB emphasizes that all accredited institutions must meet stringent criteria that reflect both academic excellence and integrity. While this announcement may prompt questions or concerns, the Board encourages individuals to reach out for further information or clarification. The ABNAB remains dedicated to maintaining educational standards and ensuring the credibility of academic credentials within the community. The public’s understanding and support are greatly appreciated as the Board continues its efforts to protect the integrity of higher education in Antigua & Barbuda.
-
Kaylei John-Baptiste Of Baptist Academy Named Top CSEC Student 2025
In a momentous announcement, Clare Browne, the Director of Education, revealed the names of the top three performers in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations for June 2025. These exceptional students, recognized for their academic excellence, were assessed by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).
Leading the pack is Kaylei John-Baptiste from Baptist Academy of Antigua, who achieved remarkable results across 20 subjects, securing 18 Grade I distinctions, alongside one Grade II and one Grade III. Close behind is Kha-lique Harris of Saint Joseph’s Academy, who excelled in 22 subjects, earning 17 Grade I distinctions, four Grade II, and one Grade III. Nayima Lewis, also from Baptist Academy of Antigua, demonstrated outstanding performance in 21 subjects, with 16 Grade I distinctions and five Grade II results. However, one of Nayima’s subjects remains under review by CXC due to an unresolved query.
The selection of the top CSEC student is based on the number of Grade I distinctions attained, highlighting the candidates’ academic prowess. Director Clare Browne extended heartfelt congratulations to the trio, their families, and their respective schools for the unwavering support that contributed to their scholastic success. This recognition underscores the dedication and hard work of these students, setting a benchmark for future scholars.