标签： Antigua and Barbuda

Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Nuffield Burnett has urged caution in labeling recent police-involved shootings as “extrajudicial killings,” emphasizing that such terminology could be prejudicial without conclusive evidence. Speaking at a United Progressive Party town hall, Burnett advocated for describing these incidents as “suspicious deaths” or “killings” until thorough investigations are completed. He argued that premature classification could compromise the integrity of ongoing inquiries and unfairly tarnish the reputation of law enforcement officers. Burnett highlighted that the deaths of young, healthy men under “unnatural and suspicious circumstances” warrant meticulous examination rather than hasty judgments. He stressed the importance of precise language to ensure fairness and accountability, noting that only comprehensive police work and coroner’s inquests can determine whether the deaths were lawful, unlawful, or extrajudicial. His comments come amid growing public scrutiny over high-profile cases, including the deaths of Manny James and Khalil Simon, where families and rights advocates have criticized the pace and transparency of investigations. Burnett’s remarks underscore the need for balanced discourse and rigorous due process in addressing such sensitive issues.

The Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) is currently hosting its annual Industry Conference at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica, from October 1st to 2nd, 2025. The event, themed ‘Embracing the Blue Economy: Navigating the Future through Sustainable Development,’ aims to address critical maritime and environmental challenges facing the Caribbean region. As the premier maritime training institution in the Caribbean, CMU has been a key partner of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda since 2014, offering specialized training and education in marine transportation and engineering. Through scholarships provided by the Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) and the Port Authority, over 30 nationals have graduated from CMU, contributing to both local and global maritime operations. The conference was inaugurated by H.E. Ambassador Dwight Gardiner, Director/Registrar General of ADOMS and Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the International Maritime Organization, who was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws by CMU in 2024. The event brings together regulators, industry leaders, and academics from across the Caribbean and North America to discuss pressing issues such as Industry 4.0 applications, climate-resilient maritime practices, inclusive policies for indigenous communities, and economic analyses of shipping decarbonization. Notable participants include Mr. Darwin Telemaque, CEO of the Port Authority; Lt. Cdr. Wayne Mykoo, Deputy Director of Maritime Affairs at ADOMS; Dr. Branson Belle, Executive Director of the Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy; and Mr. Ethan James, CEO of Green Energy Management Inc. The conference underscores the region’s commitment to sustainable development and the blue economy, fostering collaboration and innovation in the maritime sector.

Antigua’s primary airport is currently addressing the malfunction of its departure escalator, with officials confirming that repair efforts are in full swing. Joseph Samuel, the Director of Operations, assured the public that technicians from the service provider are on-site and all required components have been delivered. ‘We’re working diligently to restore functionality as quickly as possible,’ Mr. Samuel stated. ‘With all parts now available, we anticipate the escalator will soon be fully operational.’ The malfunction has recently caused delays and inconvenience for passengers, prompting airport authorities to prioritize the repair to ensure seamless passenger flow. The airport remains committed to minimizing disruptions and enhancing the travel experience for all visitors.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries hosted its annual Thanksgiving Service on Wednesday, blending scripture, music, and reflections under the theme “Colouring Outside the Lines – Harmonised Efforts and Collaboration.” The event, held in recognition of both the school year and International Music Day, brought together students, teachers, officials, and partners at a church service attended by Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams and Education Minister Daryll Matthew. Matthew praised educators, parents, and support staff for their role in shaping national character, urging gratitude and joy in giving thanks. “Education is where we mold character in our young people,” he said, noting the sacrifices of teachers and parents alike. He also highlighted a teacher who has served for 50 years, calling her commitment an example of dedication to the nation. Students played a central role, with performances from schools and scripture readings by top achievers in the Grade 6 National Assessment. The Green Bay Primary School Steel Orchestra provided the offertory music, while the final hymn, “Right Hand of God,” closed the program. Ajani Edwards, a student of the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies, delivered the sermon titled “If My Crayon Could Speak.” Using the crayon as a metaphor, he urged the audience to think creatively while working in unity. Drawing from Joshua 1 and Galatians 5, Edwards called for courage, collaboration, and spirit-filled character in education and national life. “The crayon is in your hand. The page is open. What will you create?” he asked. Reverend Marlene Gordon-Reed led prayers for the nation’s educators and students, appealing for strength, vision, and protection for young people. “The youth of Antigua and Barbuda shall stand, shall rise in your righteousness,” she prayed. The service tied its dual themes of education and music to a broader message of harmony, with leaders stressing that unity, innovation, and faith remain central to the country’s future.

In a decisive move to tackle environmental degradation and public health concerns, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has designated October as National Anti-Litter Month. This initiative is part of a broader National Cleanup Campaign (NCC), a collaborative effort led by the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) and supported by multiple government agencies and community stakeholders. The campaign aims to address critical issues such as improper waste disposal, derelict vehicles, abandoned houses, and illegal dumping sites, which have been identified as significant threats to the nation’s well-being. A rapid assessment conducted by the ABDF revealed alarming statistics, including 31 derelict vehicles, 31 abandoned houses, and 2 illegal dump sites in just one sector of St. John, highlighting the urgent need for action. The NCC is being implemented in three strategic phases: preparation, execution, and sustainability. During the preparation phase, priority sites are being mapped, notices issued, and equipment secured. The execution phase involves a nationwide cleanup, starting in St. John and extending to all communities, including Codrington, with leadership from government ministers. The sustainability phase focuses on publishing results, promoting school-based environmental programs, and establishing regular community cleanups to ensure long-term impact. To foster public engagement, schools are organizing student activities to promote anti-litter practices, while national influencers, including soca artists and sports personalities, are participating in a marketing campaign to raise awareness and inspire community involvement. The Cabinet has praised the ABDF for its leadership, the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) for its operational support, and the various ministries, schools, NGOs, and citizens contributing to this collective effort. Citizens are urged to actively participate in this month-long initiative and beyond, with the goal of fostering a lasting cultural shift toward environmental stewardship. ‘Together, we can protect our health, preserve our environment, and strengthen national pride,’ the Cabinet emphasized.

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a significant request from the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) to waive all utility charges—electricity and water—at the ABFA Technical Center in Paynters, St. George. The request, submitted by the Hon. Minister for Sport, Daryll Matthew, highlights the center’s pivotal role in the nation’s sports development. The Technical Center, a multi-million-dollar investment, features two FIFA-certified artificial turf fields, administrative offices, modern player facilities, and public amenities. It serves as the national hub for football training, development, and competitions, including school-level tournaments in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports. The Cabinet emphasized the center’s unique status as the first facility of its kind in the country and its alignment with government policies that provide utility concessions to other national sporting venues. This decision underscores the government’s commitment to fostering youth development, promoting sports excellence, and enhancing Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation in regional and international football. The Cabinet also commended the ABFA for its substantial investment and partnership in advancing the nation’s sporting infrastructure.