Carib Scope

标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • PM Feels Vindicated by Global Ports Deal After Opposition Criticism

    PM Feels Vindicated by Global Ports Deal After Opposition Criticism

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly defended Antigua and Barbuda’s cruise port concession agreement with Global Ports Holding, revealing significant financial benefits following years of substantial private investment. The arrangement, once criticized as disadvantageous to the nation, has transformed the port’s economic trajectory from loss-making to revenue-positive operation.

    Appearing on Pointe FM’s ‘Browne and Browne’ program Saturday, the Prime Minister detailed the comprehensive financial turnaround. Global Ports Holding has injected over $80 million into modernizing port infrastructure while simultaneously clearing approximately $21 million in inherited government debt that previously burdened the facility.

    The concession agreement has fundamentally altered the government’s financial responsibilities, transferring major capital expenses from public coffers to private management. This shift has positioned the government as a net revenue earner rather than bearing continuous operational losses. Additionally, passenger head taxes have increased to between $3-$4 per cruise passenger, generating amplified revenue streams as tourist numbers recover post-pandemic.

    Prime Minister Browne emphasized that enhanced facilities and expanded berthing capacity have substantially boosted the nation’s competitiveness within the Caribbean cruise industry. The agreement contains a reversion clause ensuring all port assets will return to government control after the 30-year concession period, characterizing the arrangement as a long-term infrastructure investment rather than a permanent transfer of assets.

    The Prime Minister addressed critics directly, noting that objections frequently overlook both the massive scale of private investment and the port’s precarious financial condition preceding the agreement. He maintained that the partnership has successfully modernized critical national infrastructure while simultaneously stabilizing public finances, declaring the arrangement ‘extremely well’ for the country’s economic interests.

  • Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta welcomes return of Carriacou sloop New Moon

    Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta welcomes return of Carriacou sloop New Moon

    The prestigious Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta 2026 will feature the celebrated return of New Moon, a 31-foot Carriacou sloop that embodies both maritime tradition and youth development initiatives. Based in Antigua, this vessel has become an iconic participant in the region’s sailing events.

    Constructed in 2010 on Windward Beach in Carriacou using locally sourced timber harvested during a new moon phase, the sloop represents traditional boatbuilding techniques. In 2018, ownership transferred to sailing enthusiasts Billy Gernertt and Charlotte Hooijdonk, who subsequently relocated the vessel to Antigua where it has since become a regular competitor.

    New Moon has established an impressive competitive record, consistently appearing on the winner’s podium. The sloop has been honored with the John Leader Trophy for Most Respected Yacht and the Seahorse Studios Trophy for best embodying the event’s spirit. Additionally, it has achieved the remarkable distinction of winning the Concours d’Elégance for traditional boats for five consecutive years.

    The vessel sails with a crew of young Antiguan trainees, combining competitive racing with educational development. Its distinctive blue and orange hull coloration has become instantly recognizable on the water, serving as a visual representation of Caribbean sailing’s rich heritage while simultaneously pointing toward its future through youth engagement and training programs.

  • Antigua and Barbuda adds three new CARIFTA qualifiers

    Antigua and Barbuda adds three new CARIFTA qualifiers

    Antigua and Barbuda’s athletic delegation for the upcoming CARIFTA Games has received a significant boost with three new athletes securing their spots through outstanding competitive performances. The qualification achievements highlight the nation’s growing prowess in track and field disciplines across multiple age categories.

    Reigning CARIFTA champion Zonique Charles has successfully defended her competitive standing by qualifying in the Under-17 javelin event, reinforcing her position as one of the country’s most promising field athletes. Her continued excellence demonstrates remarkable consistency in the specialized throwing discipline.

    In track events, Javon Simon earned his qualification in the demanding Under-20 400-meter sprint, showcasing impressive speed and endurance capabilities. Simultaneously, Naeem Simon secured his position in the Under-17 high jump competition following a particularly impressive performance that met the rigorous qualification standards.

    National sports officials have expressed considerable satisfaction with these developments, noting that the triple qualification provides substantial momentum to the team’s preparatory efforts for the regional championships. With additional qualification opportunities anticipated in the coming weeks, expectations remain high for further expansions to the national contingent. The successful qualifications reflect both individual athletic excellence and systematic development programs within Antigua and Barbuda’s sporting infrastructure.

  • LISTEN: PM Browne thanks Sir Robin for his “sacrifices” for Antigua and Barbuda

    LISTEN: PM Browne thanks Sir Robin for his “sacrifices” for Antigua and Barbuda

    The Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda will convene a special ceremonial session on February 18th to commemorate an extraordinary political milestone—Sir Robin Yearwood’s fifty years of continuous parliamentary service. Prime Minister Gaston Browne made the formal announcement during his weekly appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Browne and Browne’ program, revealing that the event will serve as the centerpiece of nationwide celebrations orchestrated by a specially appointed Cabinet committee.

    Prime Minister Browne expressed profound admiration for Sir Robin’s unprecedented achievement, noting, ‘This remarkable longevity represents an exceptional record not merely within our nation, but across the entire Caribbean region and potentially throughout the Commonwealth nations. To maintain both health and public trust across five decades demonstrates extraordinary dedication.’

    The Cabinet has established a select committee comprising Prime Minister Browne, Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin, and Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph to coordinate multifaceted commemorative activities. These will honor Sir Yearwood’s uninterrupted representation of the St. Philip’s North constituency since first taking office in 1974.

    Sir Robin Yearwood’s distinguished career includes ministerial leadership across critical portfolios including Agriculture, Public Works, and Finance. Despite approaching his octogenarian years, he maintains active political engagement and robust health. The government is collaborating with Sir Robin’s family members to design appropriate tributes that properly reflect his enduring legacy.

    Beyond the parliamentary ceremony, celebrations will include constituency-level events and separate commemorations organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party. Prime Minister Browne emphasized that such prolonged service necessitates both exceptional personal resilience and sustained voter confidence, stating, ‘The public’s enduring trust remains the fundamental requirement for such longevity. In this regard, Sir Robin represents a truly special case in Caribbean political history.’

  • PM Signals Possible Extension for Shell Beach Investment Deadline

    PM Signals Possible Extension for Shell Beach Investment Deadline

    Antigua and Barbuda’s government is considering extending the January 30 deadline for investment proposals in the Shell Beach development project following unexpectedly strong public interest. Prime Minister Gaston Browne revealed during his weekly appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Browne and Browne’ program that both the government and the National Asset Management Company (NAMCO) are evaluating the possibility of prolonging the submission period.

    Browne emphasized that the substantial response from potential investors has prompted authorities to reconsider the original timeline. ‘Given the level of interest, we may have to extend it,’ the Prime Minister stated, referring to the current cutoff date for project proposals.

    The National Asset Management Company, which oversees the evaluation process, is currently assessing both formal submissions and general public response to determine whether an extension would facilitate broader participation. Browne highlighted that the primary objective remains ensuring inclusive investment opportunities, particularly for ordinary citizens of Antigua and Barbuda.

    The Shell Beach initiative represents a strategic effort to expand local involvement in tourism-related investments through innovative accommodation models similar to Airbnb platforms. The project offers both beachfront and inland lots complemented by government concessions to stimulate domestic investment in the tourism sector.

    Any final decision regarding deadline adjustments will be formally communicated through NAMCO, which maintains responsibility for managing the entire proposal evaluation process. The potential extension demonstrates the government’s commitment to balancing administrative timelines with public accessibility, particularly when encountering substantial citizen engagement.

  • US-led task force steps up Caribbean maritime security operations

    US-led task force steps up Caribbean maritime security operations

    A multinational task force under U.S. leadership has significantly escalated its campaign against illicit maritime operations throughout the Caribbean basin. This strategic intensification follows a series of recent interdictions targeting vessels violating international sanctions regimes in the region.

    Designated as Operation Southern Spear, this comprehensive initiative represents a coordinated effort spanning multiple U.S. government agencies. The operation brings together specialized capabilities from the Department of Defense, Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Justice in a unified front against transnational criminal networks.

    Military assets operating under United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) are providing extensive operational support across the Caribbean theater. Defense officials characterize these efforts as crucial for disrupting criminal logistics chains, preventing sanctions evasion, and protecting vital national security interests.

    The joint task force, identified as Joint Task Force Southern Spear, emphasized that recent successful interdictions demonstrate the high state of readiness and operational capability of deployed forces. These maritime interventions form part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal infrastructure and strengthen regional maritime security frameworks.

    Operation Southern Spear constitutes a key component of the White House and Department of Defense’s hemispheric security strategy, specifically addressing threats including illegal trafficking, sanctions violations, and other maritime-based challenges. While operational specifics remain classified, the initiative reflects an ongoing commitment to maintaining maritime domain awareness and enforcement capabilities throughout the Caribbean region.

  • Medical students enter clinical training at MCM white coat ceremony

    Medical students enter clinical training at MCM white coat ceremony

    The Metropolitan College of Medicine (MCM) celebrated a significant academic milestone this weekend with its annual White Coat Ceremony, formally initiating approximately 45 medical students into the clinical phase of their professional training. The prestigious event, held at the Royalton Hotel on Saturday, recognized students across MD1 to MD5 levels who are now advancing to hands-on medical practice.

    This ceremonial coating comes as many students are already engaged in clinical rotations across various healthcare facilities, including private clinics and the prominent Mount St John’s Medical Centre. Their practical training encompasses essential medical disciplines such as paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and psychiatry.

    The incoming cohort demonstrates notable diversity, comprising around 25 international students from India, Nigeria, the United States, and Pakistan, alongside local Antiguan scholars including Jason Mansoor.

    More than just a tradition, the White Coat Ceremony serves as a rite of passage that emphasizes the profession’s core values. It represents a solemn commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical professionalism, ethical practice, and compassionate patient-centered care throughout their evolving medical careers.

  • Bendals Primary School Classes Suspended After Fire

    Bendals Primary School Classes Suspended After Fire

    Educational operations at Bendals Primary School faced significant disruption following a destructive fire that engulfed the institution’s administrative wing during the early hours of Sunday morning. The incident prompted immediate suspension of all academic activities scheduled for Monday as authorities assess structural integrity and coordinate recovery efforts.

    Director of Education Clare Browne confirmed to local media that the blaze resulted in substantial damage to the facility’s central administrative infrastructure. While the precise origin of the fire remains undetermined, law enforcement agencies have launched a comprehensive investigation to establish causation factors and eliminate potential hazards.

    Education officials have outlined a phased resumption plan, anticipating teaching staff will return to campus by Tuesday. Preliminary assessments suggest normal educational operations could potentially restart by Wednesday, contingent upon successful completion of safety evaluations and infrastructure evaluations. School administrators emphasize that this timeline remains subject to change based on ongoing structural assessments.

    Authorities have committed to providing regular updates to parents and stakeholders as investigation milestones are achieved and recovery plans are formalized. The education department is simultaneously exploring temporary administrative solutions to minimize disruption to student learning outcomes during the reconstruction period.

  • Two Horses Stolen from Spring Hill Riding Club

    Two Horses Stolen from Spring Hill Riding Club

    Authorities at Spring Hill Riding Club have launched a public appeal following the overnight theft of two prized horses from their facilities. The incident, which occurred under cover of darkness, has sent shockwaves through the local equestrian community and triggered an extensive search operation.

    The missing horses, identified as Mars and Fizz, possess distinctive physical characteristics that authorities hope will aid in their recovery. Mars presents as a dark brown equine with a uniquely groomed pattern on his hindquarters—a carefully clipped design featuring both a heart and crescent moon. His companion Fizz displays a solid chestnut coloration without additional markings.

    Law enforcement officials have issued guidelines for public assistance, requesting heightened vigilance regarding any unusual equine transportation activities or sightings of unfamiliar horses in the region. The appeal extends particularly to rural property owners, trail riders, and transportation workers who might observe suspicious equine movement.

    Equestrian organizations throughout the region have been formally notified and asked to circulate descriptions of the stolen animals. Veterinary clinics, feed suppliers, and competition venues have additionally been placed on alert to prevent potential resale or concealment attempts.

    The emotional impact on stable staff and riders who developed bonds with these animals has been significant, with club representatives emphasizing the horses’ value extends beyond monetary worth to encompass deep emotional connections. Investigators continue pursuing multiple leads while analyzing forensic evidence recovered from the scene.

  • Macron says France to fast-track social media ban for under-15s

    Macron says France to fast-track social media ban for under-15s

    In a landmark policy announcement, French President Emmanuel Macron has declared his administration’s intention to accelerate the implementation of stringent social media access restrictions targeting children under the age of 15. This decisive move represents one of Europe’s most aggressive regulatory approaches to protecting youth in the digital sphere.

    The proposed framework, which would require parental authorization for social media platform access, stems from growing concerns about the psychological impact of unrestricted digital exposure on developing minds. Macron’s administration cites mounting evidence linking excessive social media usage to increased anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying among adolescents.

    This initiative forms part of a broader European digital sovereignty strategy that seeks to establish comprehensive safeguards for vulnerable populations online. The French government is reportedly collaborating with major technology firms to develop verifiable age-verification mechanisms that would enforce the proposed restrictions without compromising user privacy.

    Educational experts and child development specialists have largely welcomed the announcement, though some digital rights advocates have raised concerns about implementation challenges and potential unintended consequences. The policy is expected to undergo parliamentary review in the coming months, with potential implications for similar legislation across the European Union.

    The accelerated timeline reflects the administration’s commitment to addressing what it characterizes as a public health priority, positioning France at the forefront of global efforts to create safer digital environments for children.