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标签： Antigua and Barbuda

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  • Antigua and Barbuda Sprinters Greene and Dowdye Advance to Commonwealth Games Semifinals

    Antigua and Barbuda Sprinters Greene and Dowdye Advance to Commonwealth Games Semifinals

    GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – The 2026 Commonwealth Games got off to a promising start for Antigua and Barbuda’s national sprint squad on the opening day of track competition, as both top sprinters Cejhae Greene and Geolyna Dowdye punched their tickets to the 100-meter semifinals with strong heat performances.

    On the men’s side, veteran competitor Greene delivered a polished performance in his qualifying heat, taking control of the race from the moment the starting gun fired. He maintained consistent acceleration through the stretch and crossed the finish line with a comfortable lead over the rest of the field, clocking a season-best time of 10.12 seconds. The result earned him automatic qualification to the next round, keeping alive his long-running goal of claiming a Commonwealth Games medal for his small island nation. According to official updates from the Antigua Barbuda Athletic Association, Greene is set to return to the track for the men’s 100-meter semifinal round on Tuesday, where he will compete for a spot in the final.

    In the women’s 100-meter qualifying draw, Dowdye matched her male compatriot’s success, securing the second-place spot in Heat Three with a time of 11.28 seconds. Her placing was enough to lock in an automatic qualifying position for the semifinal stage, marking a rare achievement for Antigua and Barbuda: having representatives in both the men’s and women’s 100-meter semifinal rounds at a major global multi-sport competition. Both athletes now turn their focus to the next round, where they will aim to earn a place in the finals and continue building on their strong opening performance as the country’s 2026 Commonwealth Games campaign unfolds.

  • Child Allegedly Steals Wallet From Parked Vehicle on Brownes Avenue

    Child Allegedly Steals Wallet From Parked Vehicle on Brownes Avenue

    A local resident in the Brownes Avenue neighborhood is publicly calling for the return of personal property after surveillance footage reportedly shows a young boy entering their parked car and taking their wallet over the weekend.

    The vehicle owner says the alleged incident unfolded on Saturday evening, when the unidentified minor gained access to their unattended vehicle and made off with a wallet holding a range of critical personal items. Alongside a sum of cash and multiple payment bank cards, the stolen property includes the owner’s driver’s license, medical card, and several other official personal documents that are costly and time-consuming to replace.

    In a public appeal shared locally, the owner pleaded directly with the young person responsible, saying, “I don’t want to have to come looking,” adding a request that the child “kindly bring back my stuff.” What troubles the owner most, they noted, is the child’s apparent youth: it is deeply distressing to see someone so young allegedly involved in an act of theft, they explained.

    As of the latest update, no official statement has confirmed whether the owner has filed a formal report with local law enforcement, and the child’s identity has not been verified by any official sources.

    The emergence of news of the alleged theft has reignited online conversations about two pressing social issues: the growing trend of juvenile offending, and the critical role that early parental guidance and intervention play in steering children away from criminal behavior before minor missteps escalate into more serious harm.

  • Free Reading Glasses Distribution Begins July 31 For Eligible Residents

    Free Reading Glasses Distribution Begins July 31 For Eligible Residents

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda is rolling out a groundbreaking public health program aimed at addressing unmet vision care needs for its aging population, officials announced this week. A collaboration between the country’s Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs and global non-profit vision health organization RestoringVision, the new effort has been officially branded as the Prime Minister’s Vision Initiative.

    Starting July 31, 2026, the program will roll out its core services across participating community health clinics, offering eligible residents comprehensive access to no-cost vision support. Adults aged 40 and older who meet program requirements will first undergo a complimentary vision screening at clinic sites, and will receive a pair of free reading glasses if they are determined to need them. To confirm eligibility and verify identity, program organizers require all participants to bring a valid government-issued photo ID when they attend their screening appointment.

    Health officials noted that additional community clinic locations will be added to the program network over the course of the initiative, with new announcements made on an ongoing basis as expansion plans are finalized. The initiative is built around a simple but powerful mission: improving individual quality of life by removing barriers to basic vision care. By helping more adults access the corrective lenses they need, program leaders aim to strengthen local communities and create better long-term outcomes for residents across the country. The campaign’s core slogan, “Clear Vision. Better Lives. Stronger Communities. Together, We Can See the Future,” sums up the public health and social goals driving the new effort.

  • Destiny George Begins Junior Chef Internship at Keyonna Beach Resort

    Destiny George Begins Junior Chef Internship at Keyonna Beach Resort

    A promising young culinary talent from Antigua has taken the first major step toward her professional career through a targeted industry training initiative. Destiny George, a student at Ottos Comprehensive School, has officially started a 10-week culinary internship at the luxury Keyonna Beach Resort Antigua, placed through the highly anticipated Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy 2026 program.

    As the sixth young chef selected to be featured in this initiative, George will receive one-on-one mentorship throughout her placement from seasoned professional Chef Patrick Brown. Unlike traditional classroom learning, the internship is designed to immerse participants in the fast-paced environment of a commercial resort kitchen, giving George the chance to build practical, hands-on skills that cannot be learned from textbooks. Over the course of the placement, she will develop core culinary techniques alongside customer-centric hospitality expertise, laying a strong foundation for a future career in Antigua and Barbuda’s thriving tourism sector.

    The structured program follows a clear timeline that builds from training to competitive evaluation: the in-resort internship runs from July 13 through August 21, after which all participating trainee chefs will advance to a high-stakes cook-off competition held between August 25 and 28. The entire initiative will wrap with a formal closing ceremony on September 3, where final awards and recognitions will be distributed to participants.

    The top prize for the program offers a life-changing career opportunity for one outstanding trainee: the selected Top Junior Chef will earn the right to represent Antigua and Barbuda at the 2027 Junior Lit’l Chef Camp hosted in Turks and Caicos, opening doors to international networking, skill development, and industry exposure.

    The Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy is a collaborative effort between three key stakeholders invested in nurturing local talent: the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, the Ted Isaac Family, and Global Ports Holding, which is the operator of Antigua Cruise Port. The initiative reflects a growing commitment across Antigua’s tourism industry to train young local professionals and build a skilled, homegrown workforce for the country’s top economic sector.

  • LETTER: President Alincia Williams-Grant seems to be timid but a no nonsense person

    LETTER: President Alincia Williams-Grant seems to be timid but a no nonsense person

    On July 23, 2026, a contentious senate debate marked a notable shift in the dynamics of the nation’s legislative chamber, according to an opinion piece shared by a regular observer of parliamentary proceedings, Alex. For years, this observer has followed senate debates from home via television broadcasts, but this particular session stood out for an unprecedented display of assertiveness from Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant.

    Widely known for her calm, measured approach to presiding over senate business, Williams-Grant publicly expressed visible frustration during the debate, a departure from her typical composed demeanor. The observer notes that this outburst was not unprovoked: opposition senators, particularly senior Senator Malaka Parker, pushed the Senate President outside her usual professional comfort zone with aggressive procedural challenges and pointed questioning.

    Public and political commentary has already split over Williams-Grant’s reaction, with some critics framing her response as evidence of partisan bias, while others dismiss it as a calculated political maneuver. But from the writer’s perspective, the Senate President’s conduct reaffirms her reputation as a thoroughly professional, even-handed leader who has consistently demonstrated remarkable patience and composure throughout her tenure.

    Beyond her leadership skills, the author highlights Williams-Grant’s extraordinary linguistic command: she speaks the formal King’s English with striking eloquence and clear articulation, and has a unique, impressive ability to seamlessly code-switch to the local native dialect when emphasizing key points for legislators and audiences watching at home. This skill, the writer argues, makes her uniquely effective at uniting and guiding the chamber during tense moments, and deserves public recognition.

    Turning to the newly seated opposition senate cohort, the observer offers rare praise, arguing that this group of legislators is the strongest opposition bloc assembled in decades. The performance during the July 23 debate makes clear that this is a cohesive, well-prepared team that will emerge as a formidable political force in the chamber over the coming term. Led by Senators Chester Hughes, Malaka Parker, Ashworth Azille, and Johnathan Wehner, the opposition has already demonstrated that they are fully prepared to tackle tough policy debates and push back against government initiatives aggressively.

    This new, energized opposition means that ruling party senators, despite holding a numerical majority in the chamber, will not face an easy, unchallenged term. The July 23 debate was merely a preview of the tense, confrontational legislative battles ahead. In the coming sessions, observers should expect more frequent emotional outbursts, increased cross-talk between opposing sides, and more frequent procedural clashes than have been seen in previous terms.

    Despite the rising tensions, the writer expresses unwavering confidence that Williams-Grant has the skill and authority to maintain order and keep all senators accountable. The stern public warning she issued during the July debate should serve as a clear wake-up call to legislators on both sides of the aisle: the rules of the chamber will be enforced firmly going forward, and business as usual will not be tolerated. As the writer puts it, Williams-Grant has already made her expectations clear, and all senators would be wise to heed her warning.

  • Family Appeals for Missing 16-Year-Old Janteah Small to Return Home

    Family Appeals for Missing 16-Year-Old Janteah Small to Return Home

    One week has passed since 16-year-old Janteah Small walked out of her home and vanished without a trace, and local law enforcement is now turning to the wider community for help to track down the missing teenager. Since Janteah’s disappearance, there has been no contact, no sightings, and no confirmed information about her whereabouts, which has left her family in a state of growing anxiety. Her relatives have issued a heartfelt public plea, urging the teenager to reach out in any way possible if she is able, and to return home where she is waited for safely. In addition to the family’s appeal, law enforcement has also addressed a direct message to Janteah herself: officials have asked her to contact either her loved ones or local police if she is in a position to do so, to confirm her safety and end the uncertainty that has stretched on for seven days. No extra details have been made public about the circumstances of her disappearance: authorities have not released information about where Janteah was last spotted, or what clothing she was wearing when she left her home, leaving investigators relying on tips from community members to move the case forward. Members of the public who hold any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, that could help law enforcement locate Janteah are being directed to three channels to submit their tips. They can visit their closest local police department to share information in person, call the Criminal Investigations Department directly at the hotline number 462-3913/14, or submit an anonymous tip through the Crimestoppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477). Officials note that all tips will be investigated promptly, and anonymous submissions remain fully confidential to protect anyone who wishes to share information without revealing their identity.

  • Missing Rental Car Recovered After Public Appeal

    Missing Rental Car Recovered After Public Appeal

    A weeks-long public search for a missing rental car has come to a close, after local vehicle hire firm 108 Estate confirmed the silver Toyota Axio at the center of the appeal has been successfully recovered. The vehicle, which carries the registration number 4384, was the subject of a widespread public call for information after the company lost all communication with the individual who had rented it.

    The situation began last Friday, when 108 Estate first noted that it could not reach the renter. Company representatives made repeated attempts over multiple days to reconnect with the person who had taken out the rental agreement, but all efforts went unanswered. With no leads on the vehicle’s location, the firm made the unusual decision to launch a public appeal, asking anyone who spotted the silver sedan or had information about its whereabouts to contact authorities or the company directly.

    On Wednesday, the firm confirmed that the search had concluded successfully with the recovery of the vehicle. However, 108 Estate has opted not to release any additional details about the case, including the specific location and timing of the recovery, nor has it indicated whether it will pursue any further legal or disciplinary action against the missing renter.

    In a statement following the recovery, 108 Estate extended its sincere thanks to members of the local public who shared the appeal, provided tips, and assisted with the search effort. The company said that the public’s rapid engagement and willingness to help was instrumental in bringing the search to a successful resolution.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Named Among Caribbean’s Best Retirement Destinations for Americans

    Antigua and Barbuda Named Among Caribbean’s Best Retirement Destinations for Americans

    For American retirees hunting for budget-friendly, easy-to-access Caribbean locations to spend their golden years, Antigua and Barbuda has secured a spot among the top four most desirable destinations, according to a recent analysis from financial education outlet Investopedia.

    Released on July 25, the report placed Antigua and Barbuda alongside three other top contenders: the Dominican Republic, The Bahamas, and Jamaica. To build its ranking, Investopedia evaluated six core categories: cost of living, pathways to residency, healthcare quality, travel accessibility, overall quality of life, and governance standards, with a total of 38 separate criteria and over 1,500 individual data points drawn from research conducted between January 30 and February 9. Affordability was weighted as the most important factor, followed by residency benefits, healthcare, accessibility, quality of life, and governance.

    Among the standout features the report highlighted for Antigua and Barbuda is its widespread English fluency, a major draw for American retirees who avoid language barriers. The country also boasts well-developed infrastructure and established expat communities concentrated in popular areas including Jolly Harbour and English Harbour, making it easy for new arrivals to settle in and build social connections.

    For those looking to put down permanent roots, Antigua and Barbuda offers flexible pathways to legal status, Investopedia noted. Retirees can apply for permanent residency, or pursue full citizenship through the nation’s long-running Citizenship by Investment Programme. The program requires a minimum non-refundable contribution of $230,000 U.S. to the national development fund, or a minimum investment of $300,000 U.S. in approved real estate projects.

    Another key economic advantage cited in the report is the country’s tax structure, which is designed to be retiree-friendly. Antigua and Barbuda charges no personal income tax, capital gains tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax, allowing retirees to keep more of their savings and pass assets to heirs without additional tax burdens.

    The analysis did not shy away from noting drawbacks, however. A large share of consumer goods in Antigua and Barbuda are imported, which drives up everyday living costs compared to many other locations. Property prices are also significantly higher than regional averages, making upfront entry costs steeper for retirees looking to buy a home.

    On the healthcare front, the report framed Antigua and Barbuda’s system as one of the most robust in the Eastern Caribbean. Most advanced medical services are centered at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, the country’s main public hospital located in the capital city of St. John’s, ensuring that retirees have access to critical care close to home.

    For U.S. retirees weighing Caribbean retirement options, the ranking positions Antigua and Barbuda as a strong contender that balances lifestyle benefits with legal and tax advantages, even as it acknowledges the higher cost barriers that come with living on the island nation.

  • AIDS Secretariat Urges Safer Sexual Practices During Antigua Carnival

    AIDS Secretariat Urges Safer Sexual Practices During Antigua Carnival

    As crowds of locals and tourists flood the streets of St. John’s for Antigua and Barbuda’s iconic annual Carnival, the national AIDS Secretariat has issued an urgent public call for responsible sexual behavior to curb preventable HIV transmission during the weeks of festival activity.

    The celebration kicked off in earnest on Saturday, opening with a vibrant parade and the popular T-Shirt Mas procession through the capital’s downtown core. Over the coming days, the festival will host a packed lineup of musical concerts, competitive performances, cultural showcases, and open-air street events that are projected to draw tens of thousands of attendees from across the country and around the Caribbean. While much of the celebration has proceeded as planned, organizers announced a last-minute schedule shift: the popular Junior Carnival, originally slated for Sunday, has been rescheduled to Wednesday after unseasonable severe weather made outdoor events unsafe.

    In her public appeal, Delcora Williams, manager of Antigua and Barbuda’s national AIDS programme, emphasized that the increased social mixing and celebratory atmosphere of Carnival should not lead residents and visitors to let their guard down when it comes to sexual health. Williams outlined clear, actionable steps for people to protect themselves from HIV infection, starting with consistent condom use for anyone who is unsure of their sexual partner’s HIV status. She also highlighted the underused prevention tool of pre-exposure prophylaxis, more commonly known as PrEP, as a reliable option for people engaging in new or casual sexual encounters during the festival period.

    “PrEP is a daily medication that can prevent you from contracting HIV, whether you’re going on a date, attending a late-night party, or taking part in any of the exciting activities Carnival brings this season,” Williams explained in her public statement.

    This public health reminder aligns with Antigua and Barbuda’s broader national strategy to address HIV/AIDS, which combines widespread public education, free and accessible testing, expanding prevention services, and universal access to life-saving treatment. Health authorities across the country continue to prioritize encouraging all residents to get tested regularly to know their HIV status, and to seek early medical care if a test returns positive.

    The national effort is part of a coordinated regional push across the Caribbean. Governments and public health agencies throughout the bloc are working collectively to cut the rate of new HIV infections, expand affordable access to antiretroviral treatment, and combat the persistent social stigma surrounding HIV. This stigma remains a major barrier to progress, as it often discourages at-risk people from getting tested or seeking the care they need.

    Globally, medical and public health advances have dramatically strengthened the international fight against HIV/AIDS over the past two decades, from more effective prevention tools like PrEP to better-tolerated, more accessible treatment regimens. Even with these gains, global and regional health authorities continue to stress that foundational public health measures — sustained public education, regular routine testing, consistent adoption of safer sexual practices, and equitable access to high-quality healthcare for all — remain irreplaceable if the world is to achieve the goal of ending AIDS as a major public health threat.

  • Antigua and Barbuda ‘Better Positioned’ to Host CARIFESTA in 2029

    Antigua and Barbuda ‘Better Positioned’ to Host CARIFESTA in 2029

    After a global pandemic derailed its original plans to host one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated cultural gatherings, Antigua and Barbuda is gearing up for a second chance — and top cultural officials say the nation is far more ready today than it was nearly three years ago.

    Khan Cordice, the country’s Director of Culture, told local outlet ABS News that the twin-island nation is now in a far stronger position to welcome the Caribbean Festival of Arts, commonly known as CARIFESTA, than it was when it was first tapped to host the 15th edition of the event in 2021. That event was ultimately scrapped entirely amid sweeping global COVID-19 restrictions that put a halt to large-scale international gatherings across the region.

    The green light for Antigua and Barbuda’s 2029 hosting bid was officially given during the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), held in Saint Lucia, where regional leaders accepted the country’s reallocated offer to stage the iconic cultural showcase.

    Cordice emphasized that Antigua and Barbuda has long established a strong track record of dynamic, memorable representation at regional cultural events. Most recently, the nation sent a 105-person national delegation to last year’s CARIFESTA held in Barbados — the first full staging of the festival since 2019, following pandemic-related disruptions. Local cultural works, including original songs centered on national pride, highlight how deeply residents value the opportunity to share their unique cultural heritage with international audiences, he added.

    “When we go into different spaces, we represent and show the world the best of what we have,” Cordice said of the country’s approach to regional cultural exchange.

    A key asset that will elevate Antigua and Barbuda’s 2029 hosting capacity is the soon-to-be-completed National Performing Arts Theatre, a purpose-built venue that will allow the country to showcase a far broader range of artistic performances than would have been possible ahead of the originally scheduled 2021 festival. Even with the new infrastructure in place, Cordice noted that targeted training and capacity-building will be critical to ensure local cultural practitioners and technical teams can fully leverage the state-of-the-art facility.

    “People would need to be trained, not just in running the theatre, but in how to apply themselves in the theatre if they are going to be using the space,” he explained.

    The upcoming editions of CARIFESTA are already scheduled through the end of the decade: Guyana will host the 16th iteration of the festival in 2027, before Antigua and Barbuda steps into the host role two years later.