标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The 2025 WOW Factor Awards, hosted by iRise Management, illuminated the John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Centre on Saturday evening, spotlighting the spirit of excellence and exceptional customer service across Antigua and Barbuda. This annual gala recognized outstanding professionals from diverse industries for their innovation, dedication, and exemplary service. Among the distinguished honorees were Stosh Browne of Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB), who clinched the Financial Services award, and Brian Branker of Caribbean LNG Inc., celebrated in the Manufacturing, Energy, and Telecoms category. Priscilla Joseph of St. John’s Catholic Primary was lauded in Sports and Education, while Vito Walter, a private chef, triumphed in the Food and Beverage sector. Other notable winners included Qasim Henry of Antigua Inside Out for Transportation and Tours, Jeannette Bowen of Hadeed Motors Ltd. for Sales and Marketing, and Shallamar-Ann Williams of Shally’s Balloons Plus for Entrepreneurship. In the creative and entertainment sphere, Lennard “Young Lyrics” Henry was honored in I.T., Media, and Entertainment, while Karen Grenado-Wong of Sandals Grande Antigua took home the Hospitality and Tourism award. Anderson Tuitt of the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) was recognized in Law Enforcement and Safety, Charisse Pigott-Benta of the Social Security Board in Public Sector and Statutory Corporations, and Shenelle Benjamin, an emergency room nurse at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, in Health and Wellness. The event, bolstered by sponsors such as GIC Insurance, Paperclips, Harney Motors, and Falmouth Harbour Marina, underscored the nation’s commitment to raising standards and inspiring excellence across all sectors.

In a distressing incident that unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, a resident was robbed at gunpoint on Pope Head Street, near Pita Pocket. The assailant made off with a white 2011 Honda Fit RS, bearing license plate A71654, along with the victim’s personal belongings, including identification cards, bank cards, and cash. The victim, who remains unnamed, has since appealed to the public for assistance in recovering the stolen vehicle and identifying the perpetrator. Several bystanders were present during the robbery, including two women and a male who had parked across the street. Shockingly, the male was reportedly seen making remarks and laughing with friends, raising concerns about the community’s response to such incidents. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation. This alarming event has sparked discussions about public safety and the need for community vigilance in the area.

Corporal Brendan Sutherland of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has highlighted a growing safety concern regarding frequent spills of cement and concrete on public roads. These incidents, often occurring when trucks navigate uphill or sharp bends, force drivers to swerve into oncoming traffic, creating significant hazards. Residents have voiced fears that a serious accident is imminent if the issue remains unaddressed. Currently, there are no formal regulations mandating truck operators to stop and clear spills, leaving the problem largely unchecked. Authorities are now urging drivers of concrete, sand, stone, and gravel trucks to secure their loads and promptly clean up any spills to ensure the safety of all road users. The most affected areas include Scottsdale, Valley Road, and All Saints Road. This call to action underscores the need for stricter enforcement and public awareness to mitigate risks and prevent potential tragedies.

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus achieved a significant milestone on Saturday, hosting its largest graduation ceremony to date. The event, held at the SJPC House of Restoration Ministries, celebrated 195 graduates, marking the campus’s biggest cohort since its inception. Among the graduates were the first-ever recipients of degrees in cutting-edge programs such as the Bachelor of Science in Data Science, Innovation Management, and Computer Science, as well as the Master of Arts in Teaching Exceptional Children. This historic occasion also saw the conferral of an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Dr. Padgett Henry, a distinguished Caribbean scholar and Professor Emeritus at Brown University. Dr. Henry, who joined the ceremony virtually, expressed his profound gratitude, stating, ‘There is no other university that I wanted an honorary doctorate from than the University of the West Indies. This is the real deal. This is the best.’ The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Deputy Governor General Sir Clare Roberts, and UWI Vice-Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles. Graduates from across the Caribbean, including students from Montserrat and St. Kitts and Nevis, were recognized, highlighting the campus’s expanding regional influence. In his keynote address, UWI Chancellor Dr. Dodridge Miller praised the institution’s growth, describing Five Islands as ‘a symbol of educational resilience and regional opportunity.’ Valedictorian Kadeem Charles, who earned first-class honors in Data Science, Innovation Management, and Computer Science, delivered an inspiring speech, urging his peers to embrace technological innovation while upholding the values of community and perseverance. The ceremony also showcased the campus’s commitment to academic excellence and regional development, with faculty leaders commending graduates for their balance of academic rigor and community service. As the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra filled the hall with music, graduates received thunderous applause from friends and family, many waving flags from across the Caribbean. Chancellor Miller concluded, ‘The Class of 2025 stands as a testament to what our small island states can achieve. You are the architects of the Caribbean’s future — bold, brilliant, and unstoppable.’

A violent domestic dispute in Belmont on the evening of October 10, 2025, resulted in a man being hospitalized after sustaining a stab wound to his groin. The altercation, which occurred around 6:30 p.m., involved a heated argument between the man and his former partner inside their home. Emergency services were alerted by the woman, who confessed to stabbing her ex-boyfriend during the confrontation. Upon arrival, police discovered bloodstains throughout the living room and hallway, along with a knife and a black shirt believed to be connected to the incident. The injured man was swiftly transported to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he underwent emergency surgery. Medical professionals later confirmed that he was in stable condition. Senior investigators and forensic teams meticulously processed the scene, though no charges have been filed as of yet. Authorities emphasized the ongoing issue of domestic violence, urging individuals in strained relationships to seek help before conflicts escalate into violence.

Authorities in Antigua are intensifying efforts to address a surge in praedial larceny, following a recent incident in All Saints where a farmer reported the theft of a $300 EC bundle of sugar cane. The theft, discovered on October 9, has added to a growing list of similar cases plaguing the island’s agricultural sector. Despite immediate police intervention, including interviews with local residents, no leads have been uncovered, leaving the investigation ongoing. This incident underscores a persistent issue that continues to undermine farmers’ livelihoods and disrupt local food production. Farmers are increasingly vocal about the need for stricter penalties and enhanced security measures, such as increased patrols in rural areas, to deter thefts that often occur during nighttime or when farms are unattended. Agricultural officials emphasize that while individual thefts may appear minor, their cumulative effect is significant, leading to reduced income for farmers, lowered morale, and a threat to national food security. Authorities are urging communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help safeguard local food supplies and support the agricultural sector.

In a recent social media post, Pastor K. Doyle of the Seventh-day Adventist Church addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the construction of a replica of the Daniel 2 statue. Titled “A Rationale for Building a Replica of the Image in Daniel 2,” his statement seeks to provide theological clarity and foster unity within the Christian community. Pastor Doyle emphasized that the replica is not intended for worship but as an educational tool to illustrate God’s sovereignty over earthly kingdoms. He explained that the statue serves as a visual reminder of the biblical prophecy that all human empires will eventually fall, while God’s eternal kingdom will endure. Doyle highlighted five key benefits of the replica: it aids in understanding biblical prophecy, creates evangelistic opportunities, reinforces spiritual truths, strengthens faith, and fosters community engagement. However, he also acknowledged potential drawbacks, such as misinterpretation in cultures unfamiliar with religious imagery and the risk of legal or cultural conflicts in regions with restrictions on public religious symbols. Doyle clarified that the biblical commandment in Exodus 20:4–5 prohibits worshiping graven images, not their creation. As the debate continues, legal experts are being consulted to determine whether Antiguan law permits the erection of such a statue. Pastor Doyle’s balanced approach has brought a measure of calm to the discussion, with many hoping it will refocus attention on understanding prophecy and promoting unity.

Senator Lamin Newton has been widely praised for his recent academic achievement, earning a Bachelor of Science degree with Second Class Honours from the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Trade led the accolades, highlighting Newton’s accomplishment as a testament to his dedication and perseverance. Education Minister Hon. Daryll Matthew took to social media to express his admiration, stating, ‘You did it, my friend. Congratulations. I pray that your resilience and commitment to learning will be an inspiration to others.’ Prime Minister Gaston Browne also joined in the celebration, encouraging Newton and fellow graduates to ‘continue to reach new heights,’ while expressing pride in their achievements. Minister E.P. Chet Greene and staff extended their congratulations to Newton and other graduates, including Atiya Fabian, Briana Anthony, and Sharee Philip, for their exemplary dedication and academic excellence. Permanent Secretary Dr. Clarence Pilgrim emphasized that their success reflects resilience and national pride, underscoring the transformative power of education. The Ministry further noted that Newton’s achievement serves as both a personal milestone and a source of inspiration for young Antiguans and Barbudans to pursue higher education and contribute to the nation’s development. The widespread recognition of Newton’s accomplishment highlights the importance of education in fostering personal growth and national progress.