标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The government of St. John’s is exploring the implementation of parking meters as a strategic measure to alleviate the persistent traffic congestion plaguing the capital. This initiative, spearheaded by the St. John’s Development Corporation in collaboration with the Transport Board, aims to introduce a structured parking system to better manage the city’s limited space and heavy traffic.

Maurice Merchant, the Director General of Communications, highlighted the challenges of finding parking in St. John’s during a recent post-Cabinet media briefing. He emphasized that the proposal is currently being developed into a policy paper for Cabinet approval. The plan will outline the placement of parking meters and the allocation of revenue generated from their use.

If approved, this move would represent a transformative shift in the city’s approach to parking management. For years, residents and visitors have grappled with the frustrations of limited parking availability and gridlocked streets. The introduction of parking meters is expected to streamline traffic flow, reduce congestion, and potentially generate funds for further urban development.

The proposal has sparked discussions among stakeholders, with many hopeful that it will bring much-needed relief to the city’s transportation woes. However, the plan’s success will depend on careful implementation and public acceptance.

Ian Joseph, President of the United Taxi Company (UTC), addressed public concerns on Thursday regarding proposed regulations for ground transportation at V.C. Bird International Airport. He emphasized that the new measures would not restrict family members or friends from picking up loved ones. Joseph clarified that the regulations are aimed at curbing unauthorized taxi operators who illegally collect passengers for profit, rather than targeting personal pickups.

Joseph acknowledged that confusion surrounding the proposal had led to widespread misunderstanding. “I want to reassure the public that there will never be restrictions on families picking up their loved ones,” he stated. “Our focus is on individuals who operate unauthorized taxi services at the airport.”

The announcement followed a recent meeting between UTC, other transportation groups, and the attorney general to address the persistent issue of illegal taxi operators. Proposed solutions include implementing a vehicle sticker system, requiring non-members to pay premiums and royalties to UTC, and enhancing monitoring at the airport.

While some residents criticized the proposals as excessive, Joseph defended the measures, stating they are designed to promote fairness, security, and order for both drivers and travelers. The UTC president’s clarification aims to alleviate public concerns and ensure transparency as the regulations move forward.

Three drivers are awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to careless driving in distinct incidents, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety. In the first case, a woman admitted to the charge following a January collision on Utility Drive, where she struck another vehicle while attempting to overtake. Her sentencing is scheduled for November 20. The second case involves a young woman who failed to notice oncoming traffic on the Sir Sydney Walling Highway last December, resulting in a collision. Her sentencing, set for November 12, is pending an insurance report. The third incident involves a male driver who initially denied responsibility for a November 2024 crash with a Mack truck at the junction of St. John’s and Cross Streets. He later conceded fault, stating, “I should have been more careful.” His case was adjourned to November 6 to allow the complainant to provide damage details. These cases underscore the importance of vigilance and adherence to traffic laws to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued an excessive heat warning, alerting residents to dangerously high temperatures expected to persist across the islands through Sunday. The advisory, active daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., highlights that the heat index—a combination of temperature and humidity—could soar to 43°C (109°F). Meteorologists attribute the extreme conditions to a mix of high temperatures, elevated humidity, and light winds, which collectively create ‘dangerous heat stress conditions.’

While the risk level is classified as medium, the service warns that the heatwave could lead to severe health issues, including heat cramps, exhaustion, and potentially life-threatening heat stroke. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, individuals with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and low-income or homeless populations are particularly at risk.

Authorities have urged residents to take precautionary measures, including staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities, checking on vulnerable family members and neighbors, and seeking shade or cool areas if feeling unwell. They also emphasized the importance of recognizing symptoms of heat stroke, such as confusion, fainting, or dangerously high body temperature, and immediately contacting emergency services if these signs appear.

Updates on the situation will be provided on the official website antiguamet.com and through the meteorological service’s social media channels. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary steps to protect themselves and others during this extreme weather event.