标签： Antigua and Barbuda

Buckleys Primary School in Antigua has emerged as a model institution for disaster readiness, following a comprehensive earthquake preparedness drill conducted on Tuesday. The exercise, which involved the entire student body of over 100 children, was observed and evaluated by the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) as part of ongoing efforts to fortify the education sector against natural hazards.

The school’s enhanced preparedness capabilities stem from its inclusion in the transformative Model Safe School Programme Enhancement Works. This regional initiative, spearheaded by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) in partnership with the Ministry of Education, represents a significant investment in school safety. The program, made possible through substantial funding from the Government of Norway in 2024, focuses on both physical infrastructure improvements and the development of robust emergency protocols.

This strategic collaboration between national agencies and international partners demonstrates a proactive approach to disaster risk reduction. By upgrading school facilities and implementing regular, realistic drills, the program aims to create educational environments that can better withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters, thereby protecting both students and staff.

Antigua’s Royalton Resort served as the prestigious backdrop on January 24th, 2026, as Metropolitan University College of Medicine conducted its dual-purpose ceremony honoring both graduating physicians and incoming medical students. The institution merged its Graduation and White Coat Ceremony into a single event, creating a powerful narrative about the continuous journey of medical education.

The graduation segment recognized academic completions spanning 2019-2025, honoring graduates who have surmounted rigorous academic and clinical challenges. These newly minted healthcare professionals now serve communities throughout Antigua, the Caribbean region, and globally. Dr. Gurpreeth Sandhu, Dean of the medical college, delivered an emotionally resonant address highlighting the profound sacrifices made by graduates and the weight of responsibility they now carry toward their patients. Graduate representative Dr. Stephanie Deib reflected on the transformative educational journey, acknowledging the unwavering support from faculty that enabled students to realize their professional aspirations.

Simultaneously, the White Coat Ceremony provided a symbolic initiation for basic sciences and clinical students into the medical field. As participants donned their white coats, they embraced the core values of medical practice: integrity, responsibility, empathy, and continuous learning. Keynote speaker Dr. Jose Humphrey articulated the dual significance of the white coat as both a representation of scientific rigor and a reminder of the societal trust placed in medical professionals.

The event garnered significant institutional and governmental support, with attendance from Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, Education Minister Honorable Daryll Matthew, and Honorary Indian Counsel Mr. Vijay Tewani. University Vice President Mr. Tirumal Devulapalli emphasized the institution’s commitment to educational excellence and the extensive support system provided to students throughout their academic journey.

Metropolitan University, which achieved CAAM-HP accreditation in December 2024, demonstrates through such ceremonies its dedication to developing healthcare professionals equipped with both technical expertise and ethical foundation. The 2026 ceremony thus served as both a celebration of achievement and an inspiration for the next generation of medical practitioners.

A Trinidad and Tobago national is now the subject of an active arrest warrant after failing to appear in Antigua’s High Court for proceedings concerning significant cannabis-related offenses. The bench warrant was formally issued by the magistrate this Tuesday when defendant Andre Solomon and his legal representative were both absent from the scheduled hearing.

The charges stem from coordinated police operations conducted earlier this year at multiple locations including Pares and Parham. Law enforcement officials reported substantial seizures during these raids, including 192 grams of cannabis, over two pounds of processed marijuana, and approximately 790 cannabis plants. The investigation expanded one week later with an additional search at a Hodges Bay residence, where authorities allegedly discovered another four-and-a-half pounds of cannabis, leading to further criminal charges.

Despite being granted conditional release on a $50,000 bail package with a $5,000 cash requirement, Solomon violated his bail conditions which mandated regular reporting to both police and Immigration authorities. Records indicate Solomon had been residing in the country under a visitor’s permit that expired in July of the previous year, adding immigration complications to his existing legal challenges.

The family of Chinlee Robinson, a 23-year-old who died while incarcerated at His Majesty’s Prison in January 2025, has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against the government. The legal claim, submitted to the Attorney General’s Office, accuses both prison authorities and police officials of gross negligence leading to Robinson’s tragic demise.

Robinson was discovered deceased on January 24, 2025, merely hours after receiving bail for an alleged mobile phone theft offense. Recent testimony during a Coroner’s Inquest revealed contradictory narratives about the events preceding his death. A juvenile inmate testified about hearing a sudden scream on the night of January 23 followed by unusual silence throughout the correctional facility. The witness further described inadequate overnight supervision protocols, noting inmates remained confined to their cells from mid-afternoon without proper monitoring.

Forensic medical analysis presented to the inquest determined the cause of death as asphyxiation resulting from oxygen deprivation, neck trauma, and subsequent cardiac failure. Family members emphasized Robinson’s excellent physical condition as an active footballer with no pre-existing health complications.

Notably, Robinson had endured approximately five weeks in detention and was reportedly experiencing significant distress due to unexpected delays in his release caused by administrative passport complications.

Legal representative Wendel Alexander, acting for the grieving family, has formally demanded a comprehensive homicide investigation. Law enforcement authorities have dismissed this request, with Assistant Police Commissioner Clifton Cabral asserting no indications of criminal wrongdoing. Conversely, Superintendent of Prisons Colonel Trevor Pennyfeather acknowledged strangulation as the probable cause of death, creating contradictory official statements.

The civil suit seeks substantial compensation including general and punitive damages, alongside legal expenses and accrued interest, highlighting the family’s pursuit of accountability and justice.

The Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA) in Antigua and Barbuda has officially commenced its nomination process for the International Women’s Day 2026 Spotlight Series, initiating a nationwide search for exceptional female philanthropists whose transformative contributions have significantly impacted local communities.

Aligned with the 2026 theme ‘Give to Gain,’ this initiative seeks to identify and celebrate women who have demonstrated remarkable dedication to community upliftment through selfless service and resource allocation. The program specifically targets individuals whose generosity has created tangible social improvements across the nation.

DoGA has extended an open invitation to public members, community organizations, and institutional bodies to submit nominations for women exemplifying leadership through actionable compassion. Ideal candidates are those who consistently dedicate time, assets, and emotional support to enhance societal welfare without seeking recognition.

The selection criteria emphasize transformative contributions in multiple domains including exceptional community service, advocacy for vulnerable populations, youth empowerment initiatives, compassionate leadership, and sustainable change creation. This recognition program forms an integral component of DoGA’s annual International Women’s Day observances, designed to illuminate the frequently overlooked contributions of women driving national development through quiet, consistent action.

The nomination window will remain open until February 18, 2026, with submission guidelines available through DoGA’s offices at Lower Nevis Street or via telephone consultation at 1 (268) 560-5207. The Directorate emphasizes the importance of public participation in identifying deserving candidates whose altruistic efforts embody the spirit of transformative giving worthy of national acknowledgment.

The Antigua and Barbuda government has announced a strategic prioritization of immediate water production increases over comprehensive pipeline replacement to tackle the nation’s pressing water shortage crisis. Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas, during a recent appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Taking Stock’ program, provided detailed insights into the country’s water infrastructure challenges.

Minister Nicholas revealed that a substantial portion of the nation’s water distribution network consists of corroded cast-iron pipes exceeding 50 years of service. These aging conduits have deteriorated significantly over time, contributing to persistent issues including water discoloration and substantial leakage problems throughout the system.

The government’s current approach focuses on enhancing potable water production capacity despite recognizing that increased output places additional strain on the compromised infrastructure. Nicholas explained that this temporary measure is necessary to provide residents with relief from immediate water shortages while long-term solutions are developed.

Regarding the pipeline replacement initiative, the minister confirmed the securing of external grant funding valued at approximately US$60 million dedicated to infrastructure modernization. However, he emphasized the monumental scale of the undertaking, noting that the network spans hundreds of miles across the nation, requiring a phased implementation approach due to both systemic complexity and logistical considerations.

While replacement work has commenced in critically affected areas, Nicholas stressed that production improvements cannot be delayed pending full infrastructure overhaul. The government’s dual-focused strategy aims to address both immediate citizen needs and long-term water system sustainability through this carefully balanced approach.

In a significant policy shift aimed at resolving a perennial infrastructure issue, Antigua’s Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas has announced that the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) will assume full responsibility for road reinstatement following underground utility works starting this June. The announcement was made during Minister Nicholas’s appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Taking Stock’ program, where he characterized the current situation as a ‘long-standing and deeply entrenched problem.’

The minister detailed how the existing system created a vicious cycle of infrastructure deterioration: newly repaired or resurfaced roads would frequently be excavated shortly afterward for utility repairs, leading to premature damage and repeated financial burdens on the state. This decades-old practice, according to Nicholas, has consistently compromised road quality nationwide while creating ongoing inconveniences for motorists and pedestrians.

Under the new framework, APUA will be required to restore excavated roads to acceptable standards immediately upon completion of their underground works, rather than leaving this task to the Public Works Department after the fact. This approach marks a fundamental restructuring of accountability mechanisms, with Nicholas emphasizing that ‘clearer coordination and defined responsibility’ are essential for achieving longer road service life.

While specific enforcement mechanisms were not outlined during the broadcast, the minister positioned this policy change as a deliberate corrective to systemic failures that have persisted across generations. The initiative represents an effort to institutionalize higher standards and greater accountability within the country’s infrastructure development processes, potentially ending a pattern that has plagued Antigua’s transportation network for decades.