标签： Antigua and Barbuda

A violent robbery occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning on Fort Road, leaving a man severely injured and robbed of his belongings. The incident took place near Percival’s Service Station at approximately 4:15 a.m., when two assailants reportedly ambushed the victim as he was walking along the road. The attackers physically assaulted the man, stole his mobile phone, and took an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the scene on foot. Emergency services promptly transported the injured victim to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Despite an extensive search operation by local law enforcement, the suspects remain at large. Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure public safety. The community has been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. This incident has raised concerns about security in the area, prompting calls for increased police patrols and preventive measures.

A legal battle has emerged as Dylan Simon, a former employee of Hadeed Motors, has filed a lawsuit against the government, alleging unpaid compensation of $135,000 for two vehicles he sold to them. Simon claims he sold a Nissan X-Trail and a pickup truck to the government but faced persistent delays in receiving payment. Despite repeated visits to the Treasury to collect the owed amount, he was met with frustration and inaction. The case, initially filed on November 16, 2022, has experienced multiple postponements but is finally set to be heard today in the High Court. Simon is being represented by attorney Warren Cassell. This lawsuit highlights potential inefficiencies in government procurement processes and raises questions about accountability in public transactions. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar disputes in the future.

The High Court has denied bail to Karim Warner, a 37-year-old police officer currently serving a one-year prison sentence for firing a gun in public. Justice Stanley John emphasized that the High Court lacks the authority to grant bail in such cases, directing that any bail applications must be submitted to the Court of Appeal. Warner was convicted on October 1 by Senior Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel following an incident on December 3, 2023, near Emerald Cove Resort in Willikies. During the altercation, Warner allegedly fired 12 rounds at a car involved in a dispute over a leased vehicle. Court evidence revealed that Warner blocked the vehicle with his Lexus, ordered the occupants out, and proceeded to fire at the car, causing significant damage to the rear door, trunk, and front wheel. A female passenger testified that she was so terrified during the incident that she urinated on herself. Warner defended his actions as an attempt to protect his property, but the magistrate deemed the use of 12 rounds “highly excessive.” Warner broke down in tears upon receiving the guilty verdict. His case will now proceed to the Court of Appeal for further consideration.

Pigotts Primary School has been targeted by yet another break-in, marking the third such incident since the start of the current school term. Senator Michael Freeland addressed the issue in a public statement, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He described the repeated intrusions as a significant threat to the safety of students and staff, as well as a disruption to the educational environment. Freeland condemned the acts as “an attack on our children’s future and the work of our dedicated educators,” calling for enhanced community vigilance to prevent further occurrences. He expressed confidence in the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, urging them to investigate the matter thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice. Additionally, Freeland encouraged the public to assist by providing any relevant information, directing them to contact the police or the CrimeStoppers Tips Hotline at 800-TIPS (8477). The repeated break-ins have raised serious concerns about the security measures in place at the school, prompting calls for immediate action to safeguard the institution and its community.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Lands & the Blue Economy of Antigua and Barbuda has extended its warmest congratulations to Principal Assistant Secretary (PAS) Denise Matthias-Thomas for her exceptional academic accomplishment. On October 19, 2025, Mrs. Matthias-Thomas graduated Magna Cum Laude from Monroe University, earning a Master’s Degree in Business Management with a specialization in Finance. The prestigious graduation ceremony took place at the Royalton Saint Lucia Resort, where she was joined by family, friends, and colleagues to celebrate this significant milestone. Among the 55 graduates, Mrs. Matthias-Thomas stood out as the sole Master’s Degree recipient from Antigua and Barbuda, showcasing her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. Her achievement not only highlights her personal determination but also aligns with the Ministry’s core values of professional growth, leadership, and national development. The Ministry expressed immense pride in her success and looks forward to her continued contributions to the nation through her enhanced expertise and knowledge. This accomplishment serves as an inspiration to her peers and underscores the importance of lifelong learning and professional advancement.

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda is celebrating the remarkable academic achievements of several of its members, whose dedication to higher education is raising the bar for professional excellence within the organization. Acting Sergeant Enzingar Jones, Corporal Kendel Shillingford, and Police Constables Paula Simon and Milton Jeremy have all graduated with top honours from internationally recognized universities, showcasing their commitment to personal and professional growth.

Sergeant Jones, who earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Human Resource Management from Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland, has demonstrated exceptional determination and drive. Constable Paula Simon, attached to the St. John’s Fire Station, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Monroe University with both a Bachelor of Arts in Administration and a Master of Arts in Business Administration, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA. Her outstanding performance earned her induction into the Delta Mu Delta International Business Honor Society and the honour of carrying the main flag for the master’s degree graduates.

In her reflections, Constable Simon emphasized the importance of education in shaping better officers and a more just society, urging her colleagues to embrace learning and service with wisdom. Similarly, Corporal Shillingford and Constable Jeremy graduated Summa Cum Laude from Monroe University, with Shillingford earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management (3.905 GPA) and Jeremy obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology (3.915 GPA).

Acting Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers praised the graduates, highlighting their discipline, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. He underscored the critical role of education in equipping modern law enforcement professionals with the analytical, ethical, and leadership skills needed to address evolving challenges. The Police Administration continues to encourage its members to pursue higher education and professional training, reinforcing its mission to build a stronger, smarter, and more service-oriented organization dedicated to the safety and progress of Antigua and Barbuda.