The RT Performers, a prominent local cultural group celebrated for their dynamic showcases of Antiguan and Caribbean traditions, have recently received three out of four outstanding payments for their performances at national events held over six months ago. Group leader Renee Thomas expressed the group’s frustration and demoralization caused by the prolonged delay, despite numerous appeals to officials. The situation drew media attention, prompting authorities to act, with Thomas confirming that most of the funds have now been settled, and the final payment is anticipated shortly. Renowned for their contributions to key national celebrations such as Independence and Carnival events, the RT Performers’ experience has shed light on broader concerns regarding the valuation and support of the creative sector. Thomas emphasized the need for better recognition and timely compensation for artists and performers who play a vital role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
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Minister Fernandez Strengthens Bilateral Tourism Relations with the United Arab Emirates
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – November 8, 2025: On the sidelines of the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly, Hon. H. Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment of Antigua and Barbuda, held a significant bilateral meeting with His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The high-level discussion, hosted in Riyadh, centered on enhancing mutual interests in air connectivity, tourism collaboration, and global partnership. Key topics included the potential launch of Emirates Airlines flights to Antigua and Barbuda and the development of joint tour packages to promote multi-destination travel between the Caribbean and the Middle East. Minister Fernandez also expressed Antigua and Barbuda’s support for the UAE’s candidacy in international tourism and economic forums, acknowledging the UAE’s leadership in tourism innovation and its pivotal role in global economic transformation. Fernandez emphasized the value of sustained bilateral engagement in the tourism sector, highlighting its potential to boost economic diversification and regional resilience. The meeting was attended by H.E. Theon Ali, Ambassador to Qatar and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda in the UAE.
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Minister Fernandez Leads Delegation to 26th UN Tourism General Assembly
In a significant move to bolster international tourism collaboration, Minister Fernandez spearheaded a high-profile delegation to the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly. Held in a pivotal year for global tourism recovery, the event convened leaders from across the world to address pressing challenges and opportunities in the sector. Minister Fernandez emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism practices, advocating for policies that balance economic growth with environmental preservation. The delegation also showcased innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing tourist experiences while fostering cultural exchange. This participation underscores the nation’s commitment to playing a leading role in shaping the future of global tourism, particularly in the post-pandemic era. The assembly served as a platform for forging strategic partnerships and sharing best practices, with Minister Fernandez’s contributions receiving widespread acclaim.
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Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Meets Executive Director of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage on the Sidelines of COP30 in Belém
During the Belém Climate Summit, held as part of COP30, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Honourable Gaston Browne, engaged in a pivotal meeting with Mr. Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, Executive Director of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. The discussions centered on the operational advancements of the Fund, which has already secured pledges totaling USD 800 million. Mr. Diong lauded Prime Minister Browne for his steadfast advocacy and leadership in establishing the Fund, as well as Antigua and Barbuda’s ongoing efforts to promote climate justice for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The Fund is designed to operate through three distinct modalities: multilateral development banks (MDBs), direct access entities, and existing accredited entities of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Adaptation Fund (AF). This multi-faceted approach aims to ensure flexibility, speed, and efficiency in delivering critical support to nations most vulnerable to climate change. The official launch of the Fund is slated for 15 December 2025, with full operational capacity expected within six months.
Prime Minister Browne expressed his appreciation for the progress update and reiterated Antigua and Barbuda’s intention to be among the first nations to apply for financing. He underscored the country’s recent struggles with hurricanes, coastal erosion, and other climate-related losses as a driving force behind this decision. Additionally, he commended Mr. Diong’s leadership and pledged Antigua and Barbuda’s continued collaboration as a member of the Fund’s Board to ensure that resources are effectively channeled to those in greatest need.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Browne highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s readiness to align national systems with the Fund’s operational requirements. He also announced the upcoming launch of the Barbuda Implementation Mechanism (BIM) on 10 November 2025 at COP30, which will serve as a model for locally driven initiatives to address loss and damage. Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to the full capitalization and effective implementation of the Fund, aiming to empower communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis to recover, rebuild, and thrive.
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Supreme Court to hear case of Rastafarian man seeking to sue prison officials for cutting his dreadlocks
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in a pivotal religious rights case involving Damon Landor, a Rastafarian prisoner whose dreadlocks were forcibly shaved by guards in a Louisiana prison. The case, which raises questions about whether prisoners can sue prison officials for damages over violations of their religious beliefs, has garnered significant attention due to its implications for religious liberty and federal law enforcement.
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Two Men Plead Not Guilty to Vehicle Break-In Charges from Soca Sangria Event
Two individuals, Omar Richards, 19, from Carnival Gardens, and St. Claire Simon, 26, from Barnes Hill, have entered not guilty pleas in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins during the Soca Sangria event on November 2. The duo appeared before Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel this week, facing multiple charges such as theft, malicious damage, and providing false information to law enforcement. According to prosecutors, the pair allegedly targeted several vehicles, stealing and damaging personal belongings valued at approximately $977. Among the items reported stolen were a Nissan Xtrail key, Versace perfume, and Apple AirPods. While Richards, who is also facing an additional theft charge, remains in custody, Simon has been granted bail. Both defendants are scheduled to return to court on March 4, 2026, for further proceedings.
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U.S. Shutdown Could Impact Caribbean Travel as FAA Cuts Flights
The ongoing U.S. government shutdown is now casting a shadow over the aviation industry, with significant implications for Caribbean tourism. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated a reduction in operations at 40 major airports, including critical hubs like Miami, Atlanta, and New York. These airports serve as vital gateways for travelers heading to popular Caribbean destinations such as Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, and Barbados. Air traffic controllers, who are currently working without pay, are bearing the brunt of the shutdown. Airlines have begun cutting short-haul domestic routes that facilitate connections to international flights. The FAA has announced plans to gradually decrease flight capacity by up to 10 percent over the coming week. According to aviation data firm Cirium, approximately 780 flights—3 percent of the 25,000 scheduled departures on Friday—were canceled. However, most affected passengers were rebooked on alternative flights. This disruption underscores the broader economic and operational challenges posed by the government shutdown, particularly for sectors reliant on seamless air travel.
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Hearing for Chantel Crump Murder Case Delayed Until 2026
The legal proceedings for Angela Mejia, the woman accused of the murder of nine-year-old Chantel Crump, have been delayed until early 2026. Mejia, currently held in custody at His Majesty’s Prison, appeared in court this week, but her committal hearing was postponed due to the absence of her attorney, Wendel Alexander. The case has now been rescheduled for February 11, 2026, leaving the accused and the public awaiting further developments. The tragic incident dates back to March 15, 2025, when Chantel’s body was discovered in bushes near her Weatherills home, shortly after she was reported missing. The case has since garnered national attention, evoking widespread sorrow and demands for justice.
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UWI Scientists Co-Author Study That Finds Climate Change Enhanced Hurricane Melissa’s Intensity
A groundbreaking study led by scientists from The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has confirmed that human-induced climate change significantly intensified Hurricane Melissa, making it one of the most destructive storms to hit the Caribbean in recent history. The research, conducted in collaboration with the World Weather Attribution (WWA), analyzed data from Jamaica and eastern Cuba, revealing that climate change made the atmospheric and oceanic conditions behind the storm six times more likely. Hurricane Melissa, which struck the region in late October 2025, rapidly intensified from 68 to 140 miles per hour within a single day, leaving at least 75 people dead, displacing thousands, and causing billions of dollars in economic losses. The study, involving 20 researchers from institutions across Jamaica, Cuba, Ireland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Austria, utilized advanced modeling techniques to assess the storm’s rainfall, wind speeds, and environmental conditions. Findings indicate that climate change increased Melissa’s maximum wind speeds by 7% and extreme rainfall by 16%. Historical data also shows that maximum rainfall over five days in Jamaica and eastern Cuba is now 20-50% higher than in pre-industrial times. Dr. Jayaka Campbell of The UWI Mona Campus emphasized the urgency of the findings, calling for Melissa to serve as a turning point in climate action. Co-author Friederike Otto of Imperial College warned that without significant reductions in fossil fuel use, such storms will push vulnerable communities beyond adaptation limits. The UWI scientists are now working to ensure their findings inform regional negotiators ahead of COP meetings, advocating for resilient infrastructure and adaptation strategies to mitigate future disasters.
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Policymakers and Academics call for Strategic Unity on Free Movement and Regional Integration at UWI Vice-Chancellor’s Forum
At the recent Vice-Chancellor’s Forum hosted by The University of the West Indies (UWI), regional policymakers and academics convened to discuss critical issues surrounding Free Movement, the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), and the Caribbean Regionalisation Project. Held on October 21, the forum highlighted the urgent need for strategic unity among CARICOM member states to address shared demographic and economic challenges.
Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, a UWI alumnus, emphasized the importance of fully implementing freedom of movement across the Caribbean. He warned that hesitations or delays by member states could jeopardize long-term regional development. Dr. Gonsalves outlined several pressing challenges, including declining fertility rates, ageing populations, trade impediments due to currency exchange issues, and disparities in energy costs. He also stressed the need for increased funding for the CARICOM Development Fund, improved airspace management, and a more unified approach to foreign policy coordination.
UWI Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles framed the push for deeper integration as both a moral and historical imperative, rooted in the shared destiny of Caribbean people. He acknowledged progress but highlighted persistent internal and external forces that hinder unity. Professor Canute Thompson, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Undergraduate Studies, chaired the forum and questioned whether the promises of the 50-year-old integration treaty had been fulfilled.
Other notable speakers included Dr. Justice Anthony Gafoor, Dr. Indira Rampersad, Ambassador Anthony Hylton, and Dr. Delroy Beckford, who provided insights on legal frameworks, data-driven mobility analysis, and the need for aligning domestic laws with treaty obligations. Dr. Rampersad revealed gaps in regional data collection, while Ambassador Hylton urged greater use of the Caribbean Court of Justice to enforce CSME provisions.
The forum underscored the Caribbean’s ongoing struggle for deeper integration and the critical role of UWI in fostering regional development. With its rich history and global recognition, UWI continues to be a cornerstone of Caribbean progress, addressing both regional and global challenges.