标签： Antigua and Barbuda

Trinidadian artist Melly Rose has expressed deep concern over recent reports of U.S. military operations in Caribbean waters, which have allegedly led to the bombing or destruction of boats. The singer, known for her advocacy for community and humanity, shared her heartfelt thoughts on the situation, emphasizing the potential impact on innocent lives.

“I’ve been seeing what’s happening, and honestly, it’s been sitting heavy on my heart,” Melly Rose stated. “While I understand the need to protect our region, innocent people could be getting hurt in the process. These are real families, real lives. Everyone deserves their day in court. There has to be a better way.”

Melly highlighted the plight of everyday people who rely on the sea for their livelihoods, including fishermen, ferry workers, travelers, and families moving between islands. “For many of us, the ocean is not just water; it’s how we connect, how we feed our families, how we survive. I just want safety for our people,” she added.

The artist also called on regional and international powers to prioritize peace over force, reminding them that Caribbean lives matter. “The Caribbean has always been a place of love, rhythm, and resilience,” Melly said. “I just hope leaders choose compassion and care when making decisions that affect our people. We deserve to feel safe in our own waters.”

Melly Rose’s message resonates with many in the Caribbean, where the ocean is not only a source of livelihood but also a cultural and emotional lifeline. Her plea for compassion and justice underscores the broader need for peaceful resolutions in conflicts that impact vulnerable communities.

In a heartfelt letter to the editor, a passionate advocate for recognizing unsung heroes has highlighted the remarkable contributions of Eustace ‘Gatoux’ Harris, a master steelpan builder and tuner whose work has shaped the cultural landscape of Antigua. The writer, Alex, emphasizes the importance of honoring individuals like Harris during their lifetime, ensuring they can fully appreciate the accolades they deserve. Harris, a veteran in the craft since the early 1970s, has built and tuned pans for renowned steelbands such as Halcyon Steel Orchestra, Superstars, Geomonites, and Harmonites, while also mentoring students in various communities. Steelpan building, though often overlooked, is a demanding profession requiring exceptional skill, dedication, and precision, particularly when preparing for competitions. Despite their behind-the-scenes role, pan builders are indispensable to the music industry, much like songwriters. As Antigua approaches its 44th Independence anniversary, Alex calls for Harris to receive a national award and formal recognition from the Cultural Department for his invaluable contributions to the nation’s cultural heritage. This acknowledgment, Alex argues, is long overdue and would serve as a fitting tribute to Harris’s lifelong dedication and artistry.

In a landmark operation, the Dominica Police Force has made the largest drug seizure in the nation’s history, confiscating over 1,700 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value exceeding EC$46 million (approximately US$17 million). The seizure, part of the ongoing ‘Operation Clean Street,’ marks a significant milestone in the country’s fight against drug trafficking. Acting Police Commissioner Lincoln Corbette announced the breakthrough during a press conference, emphasizing the magnitude of the bust. ‘This is the largest haul ever recorded in Dominica, surpassing the 3,000 pounds seized in the early 1980s,’ Corbette stated. He praised the dedicated efforts of the officers involved, highlighting the critical impact of removing such a substantial quantity of cocaine from circulation. ‘This is EC$46 million that will not be used to harm our citizens. Cocaine is an extremely dangerous substance,’ he added. While Corbette did not confirm any arrests directly linked to the cocaine seizure, he revealed that 24 individuals—19 men and 5 women—had been detained as part of the broader operation. Authorities also confiscated significant amounts of cash, including over US$10,000, 800 Barbados dollars, 400 Euros, and EC$30,507, alongside an arsenal of firearms, including shotguns, pistols, and ammunition. The operation underscores Dominica’s commitment to combating organized crime and safeguarding public safety.

The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has announced that the Potworks Reservoir currently holds enough water to meet the island’s needs for the next four to five months. As of October 17, the reservoir’s staff gauge recorded a water level of 12 feet, with the Water Business Unit distributing approximately one million imperial gallons daily to customers across the network. APUA remains hopeful that ongoing rainfall and runoff from the Liberta and All Saints areas will further enhance the reservoir’s capacity in the coming days. This optimistic outlook comes as a relief to residents, ensuring a stable water supply during the critical months ahead. APUA continues to monitor the situation closely, leveraging natural resources to maintain water security for the island.

Police Constable Karim Warner is challenging his one-year prison sentence after being convicted of unlawfully discharging a firearm during a heated confrontation in Willikies last December. The incident occurred near the Emerald Cove Resort, where Warner was involved in a dispute over a rental vehicle he owned. According to court testimonies, Warner allegedly blocked the renters’ Toyota Mark X with his Lexus and demanded they exit the vehicle. When a female passenger suggested resolving the matter at a police station, Warner reportedly drew his firearm and fired multiple shots, striking the car’s rear panel, trunk, and a front tire. The passenger testified that she was so terrified during the incident that she lost control of her bladder. Warner denied the prosecution’s claims, stating he only fired a few shots in self-defense to protect his property. However, Senior Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel dismissed his defense, ruling that firing twelve bullets was a “grossly disproportionate” use of force. Warner, who wept as the verdict was read, has now taken his case to the Court of Appeal. His attorney, Andrew Okola, filed the appeal shortly after the October 1 conviction. The case continues to draw attention as it highlights issues of property disputes and the appropriate use of force by law enforcement officers.

The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment has unveiled the eagerly awaited Tourism Week 2025, set to take place from November 22 to 29. This year’s theme, “Our People, Our Culture, Our Environment in Full Thrive,” highlights the integral role of Antigua and Barbuda’s citizens, cultural heritage, and natural beauty in fostering a sustainable and prosperous tourism industry. The event marks the official commencement of the Winter Tourism Season, serving as a platform for reflection, celebration, and renewed dedication to the nation’s leading economic sector.

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Brian Emmanuel Sims, CEO of Got Stamps? Travel LLC, has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts during a recent visit to Antigua and Barbuda. The Hon. H. Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, expressed profound gratitude for Sims’ timely donation of cash, sporting equipment, and school supplies to Cedar Grove Primary School. The gesture came at a pivotal moment for the school, which had recently faced challenges due to vandalism. During a courtesy visit, Minister Fernandez presented Sims with a handcrafted Wari board, a traditional game symbolizing friendship, strategy, and community resilience. Fernandez praised Sims for his commitment to giving back while on vacation, highlighting the personal significance of the school to the CEO. Sims, whose travel company promotes Antigua and Barbuda as a premier destination, shared that the trip deepened his connection to the island. “Antigua has exceeded all our expectations. It only felt right to give back to a place we’ve grown to love,” he remarked. Got Stamps? Travel LLC, based in the U.S., is known for its unique blend of leisure, culture, and philanthropy, ensuring travelers leave destinations better than they found them. The donation not only provided material support but also uplifted the school community during a difficult time. Minister Fernandez emphasized the cultural significance of the Wari board, describing it as a piece of Antigua’s heritage and a symbol of the island’s enduring spirit.

The family of Merlissa Jhero, in collaboration with the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, has issued a heartfelt plea for public assistance in locating the young woman, who has been reported missing. Relatives have expressed growing concern as Merlissa has not been seen for an extended period, and all attempts to reach her have proven futile. Authorities are urging anyone with even the slightest information to come forward and contact the police at 781-1990 or visit the nearest police station. The Royal Police Force emphasized that no detail is too small, as it could be crucial in ensuring Merlissa’s safe return. The community is being called upon to rally together and provide any leads that might help bring her home. Meanwhile, the family remains hopeful and is relying on the collective efforts of the public and law enforcement to resolve this distressing situation.

Telecommunications provider Flow has issued a critical public alert regarding a surge in scam calls targeting residents of Antigua and Barbuda. The company revealed that fraudsters are impersonating Flow representatives, attempting to extract sensitive personal information such as email addresses, verification codes, and urging victims to click on malicious links or claim non-existent prizes. These deceptive tactics aim to exploit unsuspecting customers, potentially leading to identity theft or financial loss. Flow has strongly advised residents to immediately disconnect any suspicious calls and refrain from engaging with the callers. To assist customers in verifying the authenticity of communications, the company has provided official contact numbers: 1-268-764-9238 and 1-800-804-2994. This advisory is part of Flow’s broader initiative to safeguard its customers from fraudulent activities and enhance cybersecurity awareness. The company emphasized the importance of vigilance and encouraged individuals to report any suspicious interactions to their customer service team promptly.