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标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Road Upgrades Advance Across Antigua and Barbuda as April Works Continue

    Road Upgrades Advance Across Antigua and Barbuda as April Works Continue

    ST JOHN’S, Antigua — Across the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda, ongoing road improvement projects maintained consistent momentum through the month of April, with government officials confirming that key infrastructure initiatives, most notably the rehabilitation of the heavily traveled All Saints Road, are moving forward as planned.

    The entire nationwide infrastructure overhaul is being backed by a $100 million regional development loan, which is structured to speed up upgrades to smaller neighborhood access roads even as crews continue work on the country’s primary transport arteries. Among the scheme’s flagship projects, the All Saints Road rehabilitation has logged steady progress over the past four weeks, with construction teams maintaining consistent activity along the high-traffic corridor to keep the timeline on track.

    Delivering the upgrades is a coordinated partnership between the Ministry of Works, the national Project Implementation Management Unit (PIMU), contracted construction firms, and several cross-agency supporting bodies including the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board (ABTB).

    Project leads have been transparent about the short-term impacts of the large-scale works, acknowledging that the construction activity has caused unavoidable disruptions to regular traffic flow and daily community movement across affected areas. In a public statement, authorities extended gratitude to local residents and commuters for their patience and ongoing cooperation as the works proceed.

    Looking ahead, the Antigua and Barbuda government confirmed that road development activity will ramp up in the coming months as additional tranches of the funding are disbursed. The expanded effort will prioritize improvements to both high-capacity major roadways and less prominent secondary routes that serve local communities across both islands, with the goal of delivering a safer, more reliable national transport network for all users.

  • World Press Freedom Day Underscores thea Vital Role of a Free Press: Advancing Peace, Human Rights, and Global Security

    World Press Freedom Day Underscores thea Vital Role of a Free Press: Advancing Peace, Human Rights, and Global Security

    Each year on World Press Freedom Day, global stakeholders pause to celebrate the irreplaceable contribution that free, independent journalism makes to upholding human rights, advancing equitable development, and stabilizing global security. Beyond celebration, the annual observance also shines a critical spotlight on the persistent threats that confront media professionals worldwide: from state-enforced censorship and the unchecked spread of disinformation to targeted violence and harassment that put journalists’ lives at risk simply for doing their jobs.

    This year’s official theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security,” reflects a growing global consensus that a free press is not a secondary privilege, but a foundational building block of peaceful, resilient societies. When journalists are able to work without interference, sharing accurate, verified information with the public, they deliver far-reaching public good: they help defuse emerging conflict before it escalates, hold powerful actors accountable for their actions, and create space for inclusive, informed public dialogue that bridges divides.

    As the global media landscape undergoes rapid transformation, marked by rising disinformation campaigns and growing public disengagement from traditional news sources, a growing shift is underway in journalistic practice. More outlets and reporters are turning to solutions-oriented reporting, an approach that does not just highlight pressing global challenges, but also explores actionable pathways forward for audiences seeking to understand how to address complex issues.

    At the forefront of this movement to align journalism with global peace is HWPL, the Heavently Culture World Peace Restoration of Light, a non-governmental organization that has long advanced the cause of peace journalism through programs in Washington D.C. and across the globe. This work directly reflects the core mission of HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee, who has long argued that “To attain world peace, all journalists must frequently report on peace.” Today, a growing community of journalists is answering that call, integrating peace-focused reporting into their work to support global efforts to end conflict.

    Earlier this year, HWPL brought together roughly 220 journalists from every region of the world for its International Workshop on Peace Journalism Studies, a gathering that turned the principles of peace-focused reporting into actionable practice. Attendees centered their discussions on three core priorities: rebuilding eroded public trust in media, countering the rising political polarization that distorts public discourse, and expanding access to accurate, balanced, solutions-focused reporting that serves the public good. The workshop’s core goals aligned directly with the mission of World Press Freedom Day, emphasizing the critical need to rebuild public confidence in journalism and ensure the field acts as a positive force for inclusive, peaceful societies.

    “‘As we observe World Press Freedom Day, we are reminded that press freedom is inseparable from peace,” an HWPL representative shared in comments marking the annual observance. As cross-border challenges from climate change to political extremism intensify across the globe, World Press Freedom Day serves a dual purpose: it is both a celebration of the critical work journalists do every day, and an urgent call to action. The observance urges governments, civil society, and global publics to continue defending press freedom and supporting responsible journalism that advances human dignity and works toward lasting global peace.

  • PM Browne Defends Giving Cash to Supporters as ‘Obligation to Share’

    PM Browne Defends Giving Cash to Supporters as ‘Obligation to Share’

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — At a joint Labour Day rally organized by the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) and the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has pushed back against growing criticism of his habit of giving personal cash assistance to members of the public who approach him at public gatherings, framing the practice as a reflection of his personal commitment to supporting vulnerable citizens rather than any form of inappropriate political conduct.

    Browne openly confirmed that when members of the public approach him after he leaves official event platforms to request small sums ranging from $100 to $200, he almost always complies with their requests. “When you see I leave the platform… and they say they want $100, $200… and I give them… I have an obligation to share,” the prime minister told attendees of the rally.

    Rejecting any attempts to frame the gesture as inappropriate or politically motivated, Browne positioned the cash handouts as a natural expression of his care and connection to the people of Antigua and Barbuda. “I have an obligation to care… to love the people of this country,” he emphasized.

    The prime minister explained that his willingness to give direct assistance stems from deep empathy for ordinary working people, rooted in his own working-class upbringing and that of many senior members of his administration. “We are product of you,” he said, stressing that he has never lost touch with the everyday struggles that many citizens face, and remains dedicated to delivering tangible, on-the-ground support to those in need.

    Browne’s public defense of the practice comes as the practice has sparked ongoing political debate across the country, with some observers questioning whether direct cash handouts by a sitting prime minister at public events are appropriate for public office.

    The remarks about cash assistance formed one part of Browne’s wider Labour Day policy address, in which he also laid out his administration’s upcoming plans to address worker wages, improve national working conditions, expand social support programs, and reaffirmed the government’s core priority of lifting living standards for working people and the country’s most vulnerable demographic groups.

    Closing his remarks on the issue, Browne made clear that he has no intention of ending the practice, saying that providing direct help to citizens where he is able is simply part of his core responsibility as a national leader.

  • Sazeek Joseph Jailed Four Years for Attempted Rape of 18-Year-Old Woman

    Sazeek Joseph Jailed Four Years for Attempted Rape of 18-Year-Old Woman

    A local man has been handed a four-year custodial sentence following a guilty verdict on charges of attempted rape and serious indecency against an 18-year-old woman. Sazeek Joseph was found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict back in March, with the court ordering his separate sentences to be served concurrently: four years behind bars for the attempted rape count and an additional one-year term for the second charge of serious indecency.

    The legal case traces back to a traumatic incident that unfolded in June 2022, according to testimony and evidence presented during the trial. Prosecutors laid out the sequence of events, explaining that Joseph had driven the young victim to an isolated, out-of-the-way location before launching his attempted sexual assault. The teen fought back against Joseph’s attack, and after the incident, she recorded a portion of a subsequent conversation between the two, in which he explicitly acknowledged that he had damaged her clothing during the encounter.

    Prosecutors further told the court that Joseph carried out a second assault on the victim before she was finally able to escape from his presence. The victim did not delay in reporting the crime, contacting local law enforcement and filing an official report the very same day she managed to get away.

    During the trial, jurors were presented with a robust body of evidence to consider, including text message exchanges, the audio recording made by the victim, and tangible physical evidence tied to the crime. Throughout the legal proceedings, Joseph provided multiple conflicting, inconsistent accounts of the June 2022 encounter, explanations that the jury ultimately rejected when delivering their guilty conviction. Following the guilty verdict in March, Joseph was taken into custody and held in remand, with his final sentencing hearing held this Tuesday to formally issue the prison term.

  • VACANCY: Assistant Maintenance Manager

    VACANCY: Assistant Maintenance Manager

    A leading multinational manufacturing organization with established operations across the United Kingdom has announced an opening for the position of Assistant Maintenance Manager at its Midlands production facility. This full-time, permanent role offers an attractive compensation package ranging from £45,000 to £52,000 annually, depending on the successful candidate’s level of experience and professional qualifications.

    The core mandate of this position is to support the Head of Maintenance in overseeing all upkeep operations for the facility’s extensive production lines, industrial equipment, and on-site infrastructure. Key responsibilities include coordinating scheduled preventive maintenance programs, troubleshooting unplanned equipment breakdowns to minimize production downtime, managing a team of on-site maintenance technicians, and ensuring full compliance with UK health and safety regulations across all maintenance activities.

    Ideal candidates will hold a nationally recognized qualification in mechanical or electrical engineering, have a minimum of three years of experience working in a maintenance role within a fast-paced manufacturing environment, and demonstrate strong leadership and problem-solving capabilities. Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) is listed as a highly desirable qualification for interested applicants.

    The company highlights that it is committed to investing in employee professional development, offering clear pathways for career progression within the organization’s broader maintenance and operations division. Applications are being accepted through the company’s official careers portal, with a closing deadline set for four weeks from the date of this vacancy announcement.

  • Pringle Calls for Unity and Respect for Workers at ABWU Labour Day Rally

    Pringle Calls for Unity and Respect for Workers at ABWU Labour Day Rally

    On Labour Day in Antigua and Barbuda, United Progressive Party (UPP) Leader and opposition head Jamale Pringle delivered a keynote address to crowds gathered at the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) rally, centering his remarks on honoring working people and pushing for cross-group unity to drive national progress. Opening his speech with formal greetings to the union’s executive branch, president, and general secretary, Pringle first extended his sincere praise to all members and organizers who dedicate their time and effort to sustain the union’s operations in service of the working class. Pringle emphasized that Labour Day carries far deeper meaning than a simple day off from work. He framed the annual observance as a living tribute to the generations of effort and sacrifice that workers across every sector of the country have poured into national growth. “Labour Day is not just a holiday. It is a celebration of dedication, skill, and the countless hours that keep our industries, businesses, and neighborhoods thriving,” he told the gathered crowd. Going beyond purely economic contributions, Pringle highlighted the far-reaching social impact of working people’s daily labor. He noted that workers’ effort does more than boost national output—it lays the foundation for strong families, nurtures individual and collective dreams, and builds the long-term future of Antigua and Barbuda. In his remarks, Pringle also acknowledged the persistent daily challenges that working people across the country face, while commending their consistent resilience in navigating and overcoming those barriers. A core policy-focused point of his address centered on workplace justice, with the UPP leader stressing that fair, respectful treatment must be non-negotiable for every worker. “Every worker deserves respect, fair treatment, and opportunity,” he stated, reaffirming his party’s commitment to advancing worker rights. The central throughline of Pringle’s speech was a urgent call for national unity, framing collective action as the only sustainable path toward meaningful national progress. “Progress is made together… we have to be united,” he told attendees, urging workers, union members, and political allies to align around shared goals for national development. Closing his address, Pringle reiterated unwavering solidarity between his party, the national labor movement, and all working people, closing with three rousing declarations of support: “Long live the United Progressive Party. Long live the working class. Long live the Antigua Barbuda Workers Union.”

  • PM Orders Back Pay to Be Cleared: ‘Every Single Worker Must Be Paid’

    PM Orders Back Pay to Be Cleared: ‘Every Single Worker Must Be Paid’

    Fresh off his administration’s return to power following the April 30 general election, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has delivered a forceful mandate to public sector leadership: clear all lingering back pay owed to public workers immediately, with no further delays or excuses.

    Speaking at the annual Labour Day rally jointly hosted by the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) and the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, Browne centered his address on upholding labor rights and fulfilling commitments to the nation’s workforce. Among his top priorities is resolving longstanding unpaid wage disputes, including those accumulated during the period of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, when dozens of workers faced suspended pay over compliance requirements.

    The prime minister made clear that the administrative ball is now firmly in the court of senior public sector officials, who he has tasked with taking direct ownership of processing all outstanding claims. “When we said to you that they must process their back pay, we expect you to do so and to make sure that every single worker is paid,” Browne stated in his address. He went on to emphasize that funding for the payments is already secured and held in the national treasury, removing any financial justifications for continued hold-ups. “Do the research… provide the documentation, the money is in the treasury. Every single worker must be paid,” he added.

    Browne’s hardline stance comes in response to persistent complaints from public sector workers across multiple departments, who have reported months-long delays in receiving owed back pay. Beyond the immediate financial issue, the prime minister warned that failing to address workers’ legitimate grievances erodes public trust in governmental institutions, stressing that all laborers deserve dignified, respectful treatment from their public sector employers. “Treat the workers with respect,” he said.

    This order forms a core plank of the new administration’s broader labor agenda, which centers on raising wages, strengthening workplace protections, and improving overall working conditions for all workers across Antigua and Barbuda. Browne reaffirmed that securing full entitlements for the nation’s labor force will remain a top priority for his government as it works to deliver on the campaign commitments that secured its renewed mandate last month.

  • ABWU: $11.50 Not Enough — Workers Need $13.50 Now

    ABWU: $11.50 Not Enough — Workers Need $13.50 Now

    Thousands of workers and union representatives gathered in St. John’s this Labour Day for a rally organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) that turned into a forceful call for urgent, meaningful wage reform amid a crippling cost-of-living crisis. Union leadership opened the event with sharp criticism of the government’s glacial timeline for wage adjustments, rejecting the recently proposed minimum wage hike to $11.50 as wholly inadequate to meet the basic needs of working families.

  • De Nully Calls for ‘Livable Pensions’ for Workers

    De Nully Calls for ‘Livable Pensions’ for Workers

    As the Antigua and Barbuda Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) marked its 75th year of advocating for working people, union president Bernard De Nully used the platform of a joint Labour Day rally with the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party to center a critical demand: pension systems must deliver real, livable retirement benefits that guarantee long-term financial security for former workers.

    De Nully pushed back against the common treatment of pensions as an afterthought or bureaucratic formality, arguing that after decades of dedicated service to workplaces across Antigua and Barbuda, retirees deserve a meaningful safety net that supports their quality of life. For him, the conversation around pensions is never just about receiving regular checks — it is about ensuring benefits keep pace with rising cost of living, and allow retired workers to retain a dignified, reasonable standard of living that matches their years of contribution.

    The call for livable pensions was the centerpiece of a broader address focused on advancing workers’ rights and social welfare across all sectors of the national economy. De Nully used the 75th anniversary milestone to reaffirm the union’s core mission of standing up for working people, emphasizing that under his leadership, the AT&LU will not back down from pushing for tangible improvements to workplace conditions and employee benefits.

    “The AT&LU will fight for you until results are achieved,” De Nully told assembled rally attendees.

    He also signaled a shift toward a more aggressive, results-focused approach to advocacy, noting that the union is prepared to leverage stronger collective action when negotiations and public appeals fail to deliver progress. “All this talk… is finished. It is time for action,” he said.

    De Nully’s demand comes as workers and labor organizers across Antigua and Barbuda continue to advance a wider public conversation about fair wages, safe working conditions, and long-term financial stability that supports working people from onboarding through retirement.

  • Daniel Warns Workers Not to Squander Their Money

    Daniel Warns Workers Not to Squander Their Money

    As the Antigua and Barbuda Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) marks its 75th anniversary, the organization’s top leader is calling on the nation’s workers to build two critical foundations for navigating coming economic headwinds: intentional personal savings and continuous skills development through lifelong education.

    AT&LU General Secretary Alrick Daniel delivered the appeal during a joint Labour Day rally co-hosted by the union and the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, framing preparedness as non-negotiable for working people facing an unpredictable global economic landscape. He pressed attendees to leave reckless, wasteful spending habits behind, urging a shift toward deliberate, responsible financial planning that benefits both individual workers and their families.

    “Hardship is not a question of if—it is a question of when,” Daniel emphasized, explaining that consistent saving creates a critical financial buffer to weather unforeseen difficulties that can arise at any point in a person’s career. Beyond financial discipline, he placed equal weight on ongoing education, arguing that learning has no age limit and that workers of all backgrounds and life stages should prioritize expanding their skill sets.

    For those who left formal schooling early, Daniel pushed back against the idea that age or past circumstances create insurmountable barriers to continued learning. He also challenged workers to reframe their relationship with employment, moving beyond the narrow view of a job as simply a place to earn a paycheck. Instead, he described work as a foundational tool that supports family survival and drives long-term improvements in living standards.

    In the face of a rapidly evolving global economy, Daniel encouraged workers to cultivate professionalism, boost productivity, and pursue upward mobility—all of which make workers more competitive in shifting labor markets. His remarks anchored the union’s 75th anniversary Labour Day message, which centers on equipping working people to navigate uncertainty and build sustainable, long-term professional and financial growth.