The rental market in Antigua has reached a critical juncture, with escalating prices and stagnant wages creating a dire situation for residents. Despite working full-time or juggling multiple jobs, many individuals find themselves unable to afford basic housing. Landlords, capitalizing on the demand, are raising rents without making necessary property improvements, exacerbating the crisis. The lack of government intervention and regulatory oversight has allowed this issue to spiral out of control, with decision-makers seemingly indifferent to the plight of their constituents. The situation is further aggravated by the practice of property hoarding, where multiple homes remain vacant for years, driving up scarcity and prices. The rental market’s focus on expats and short-term renters, who can afford inflated USD prices, has marginalized locals, pushing them into shared or substandard living conditions well into their 30s and 40s. The silence from policymakers is deafening, raising questions about their priorities and commitment to addressing this pressing issue. Urgent reforms are needed, including rent caps, serious regulations of the rental market, and policies to penalize long-term vacancies. Incentives for long-term rentals and measures to disallow short-term rentals in certain areas could help alleviate the crisis. The time for action is now, as the failure to treat housing as a human necessity rather than a profit machine continues to have devastating consequences for the community.

The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), acting on behalf of the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board, has issued a public notice urging drivers of vehicles designated for emergency or disaster use to return them to the Government’s Motor Pool immediately. This directive aims to ensure that these vehicles are properly accounted for and maintained, ready for deployment in future crises. The announcement underscores the importance of preparedness in disaster management, particularly in a region prone to natural disasters. The notice also highlights the collaborative efforts between NODS and the Transport Board to streamline emergency response mechanisms. Additionally, the message includes a promotional offer for advertising on Antigua’s most visited news site, emphasizing customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. For inquiries, interested parties are encouraged to contact [email protected].

The highly anticipated town hall meeting in All Saints West, organized by Member of Parliament Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions. Originally set for Friday, October 17, at Seaview Farm Primary School, the event has been rescheduled to Thursday, October 23, starting at 8 p.m. The decision was made with public safety in mind, ensuring residents can attend without risk. The meeting will address critical local issues, including road improvements, water system upgrades, healthcare services, security measures, and economic opportunities. Prime Minister Gaston Browne is slated to attend as a special guest, providing updates on financial policies, economic development, and his government’s vision for the constituency. Other notable speakers include Hon. Melford Nicholas, Minister responsible for the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA); Hon. Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Health; Hon. Maria Browne, Minister of Public Works; and Hon. Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin, Minister of National Security. Organizers emphasize the importance of community participation and encourage residents to join the rescheduled event under the banner of #WeStillLegitWithSmith. The discussion will continue to focus on infrastructure projects and community development plans, aiming to foster progress and address local concerns.

A severe single-vehicle accident occurred on Thursday night along Friars Hill Road, resulting in the hospitalization of the driver. Reports indicate that the driver, operating a black Honda Fit, was traveling southbound when he lost control of the vehicle. The car collided with a roadside rail near Woods Pond before coming to a halt several meters away on the opposite side of the road.

Emergency medical technicians swiftly responded to the scene, carefully extricating the driver from the wreckage. He was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Although the exact nature and severity of his injuries remain undisclosed, witnesses noted that he appeared conscious as he was being taken away by ambulance.

In the wake of the incident, local authorities have reiterated their plea for motorists to exercise heightened caution, especially given the recent rainfall that has rendered many road surfaces slippery and dangerous. This accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safe driving practices, particularly under adverse weather conditions.

The Honourable Minister responsible for Utilities recently updated the Cabinet on the significant progress of water infrastructure improvements across Antigua, spearheaded by the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA). These initiatives aim to enhance water distribution and storage capacity, addressing the island’s growing demands. Key developments include the reactivation of the Lower Buckleys Reservoir, which had been offline for six years. With a storage capacity of approximately 600,000 gallons, this reservoir will now support water distribution to Swetes, Follys, and Liberta. Additionally, expansion works at the Pigeon Point and Pattersons Plants are set to double their production capacity to 500,000 gallons per day, catering to the burgeoning yachting sector in the region. Plans are also underway to integrate the Pattersons Reservoir into the transmission and distribution system for St. Paul. Retail distribution piping works in the Montuella area will commence following the completion of re-piping projects in Cedar Valley. Furthermore, the hydraulic improvement programme on the northern side of the island includes the construction of two new concrete reservoirs at Wink-Eye Hill, New Winthropes. The Minister also highlighted ongoing coordination with the Ministry of Works on road repair and redevelopment projects, with assessments underway on major roadways, including All Saints Road from the Townhouse Junction to English Harbour. A definitive timeline for APUA’s re-piping works on All Saints Road is expected to be presented before the next Cabinet meeting.

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch effective from 6 a.m. to 12 noon today, with the potential for an extension. This advisory spans Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands, as a frontal trough continues to unleash heavy showers and thunderstorms across the northeastern Caribbean. Reports indicate that some regions have already experienced up to two inches of rainfall, with an additional two inches or more expected within the next 12 hours. Authorities are warning of moderate to major flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Residents are strongly advised to remain vigilant, avoid flooded roads, and prepare to relocate to higher ground if conditions deteriorate or if a Flash Flood Warning is issued. The public is encouraged to stay informed through local media and official updates from the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service. This situation underscores the importance of preparedness and timely response to natural disasters in the region.