标签： Antigua and Barbuda

A mother in Antigua is taking legal action against a bus driver who allegedly struck her 12-year-old daughter while the child was crossing Joseph Lane after school. The incident, which occurred as Jakanda Dominique stepped off the sidewalk, has left the young girl with significant injuries and unable to attend school. Witnesses reported that the bus was traveling at high speed when it hit Jakanda, throwing her several feet. A nearby coach intervened to prevent further harm as the girl fell. Jakanda sustained injuries to her leg and shoulder, with her leg still in a cast and ongoing pain. Her mother, Clevelander Christian, claims the driver attempted to flee the scene but was stopped by bystanders. Christian also alleges that the driver has not contacted the family or expressed any concern since the incident. The matter has been reported to the police, who are currently investigating. Christian has sought legal representation to pursue damages, describing the driver’s actions as reckless. She has called for increased caution among public transport operators, particularly during school dismissal times when children are more vulnerable on the roads.

The National Solid Waste Management Authority has initiated a comprehensive nationwide cleanup campaign in Antigua and Barbuda, targeting abandoned vehicles and neglected properties. In the first phase, authorities have identified and marked 155 derelict vehicles for removal. The initial sweep focused on the Villa and Point areas, where 75 vehicles were tagged by police, followed by an additional 80 vehicles in the Yorks area as the program expanded. The campaign, described by Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph as a ‘deep, deep cleanup,’ aims to restore the country’s appearance and enhance public health. The operation involves collaboration between the Defense Force, Solid Waste, the Central Board of Health, and Public Works. Beyond vehicles, the initiative also addresses derelict homes, overgrown lots, and unsightly fences. Property owners who fail to maintain their premises post-cleanup may face charges added to their property value under existing legislation. Cleanup efforts are being conducted systematically using mapped grids, with teams progressing through communities in phases. Sir Molwyn emphasized that the government intends to make this cleanup an ongoing, structured effort tied to health, sanitation, and national pride.

In a landmark achievement for Antigua and Barbuda, Rex Daly, Operations Manager at the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA), has become the first Antiguan to complete the Airport Management Professional Accreditation Programme (AMPAP), earning the esteemed International Airport Professional (IAP) designation. Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, the Hon. H. Charles Fernandez, personally congratulated Mr. Daly during a special meeting on October 13, 2025. Notably, Mr. Daly accomplished this feat in just nine months, a remarkable deviation from the typical three-year duration of the programme. Minister Fernandez highlighted that Mr. Daly’s success exemplifies dedication, discipline, and a passion for aviation, underscoring the importance of human resource development in national progress. Mr. Daly expressed his gratitude to the ABAA for their support and to the Global ACI-ICAO AMPAP for providing a transformative learning experience. He also revealed his plans to pursue the Airport Safety Professional (ASP) certification by 2026, aiming to become the first Antiguan to achieve this globally recognized distinction. Permanent Secretary Sean Cenac joined in celebrating Mr. Daly’s achievement, calling it a proud moment for the nation’s aviation sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy in Antigua has raised alarms over a surge in vandalism and theft targeting farms and agricultural facilities. These incidents, which include crop destruction, livestock theft, and damage to critical infrastructure, are jeopardizing national efforts to enhance food security and promote sustainable agriculture. In recent months, farmers have reported extensive losses, including damaged irrigation systems, stolen produce, and missing or killed animals. These acts not only inflict financial hardship on individual farmers but also deter investment and participation in the agricultural sector, particularly among younger generations. The Ministry has been actively working to revitalize the industry through training programs, infrastructure support, and access to modern technology. However, the persistent issue of vandalism threatens to undermine these advancements and erode confidence among local producers. Beyond individual losses, agricultural vandalism disrupts the national production chain, increases operational costs, and ultimately affects food availability and affordability. The Ministry emphasizes that these actions also create social tensions in rural communities, where farming is a primary livelihood. To combat this growing problem, the Ministry is urging citizens to view agricultural vandalism as a direct threat to the nation’s food security. Farmers are encouraged to take preventive measures, such as improving lighting and fencing, forming neighborhood watch groups, and documenting incidents for law enforcement. Additionally, the Ministry is exploring partnerships with law enforcement and community organizations to enhance rural patrols, raise farmer awareness, and provide security assistance to vulnerable farms. Public education campaigns are also in the works to highlight the importance of agriculture and foster a sense of shared responsibility for protecting the nation’s food supply. The Ministry remains committed to creating a secure and supportive environment for farmers and stakeholders, emphasizing that safeguarding agricultural property is crucial to reducing food imports and achieving greater self-sufficiency. Every act of cooperation and vigilance contributes to building a stronger, more resilient Antigua and Barbuda.