标签： Antigua and Barbuda

As October unfolds in Antigua and Barbuda, the nation has embarked on an ambitious clean-up campaign aimed at revitalizing communities and restoring environmental pride. The initiative, which spans across various regions including Grays Farm, Hatton, and Green Bay, focuses on clearing drains, coastal areas, main roads, and village corners. Residents are urged to participate by placing bulk waste on curbsides for collection. This effort transcends mere cleanliness; it symbolizes a collective commitment to respect and preserve the environment, ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda shines once again. The campaign emphasizes community involvement, with organizers pledging to reach every home and neighborhood. The message is clear: love where you live, and let your surroundings reflect that pride. Additionally, the campaign highlights opportunities for local businesses to advertise with the most visited news site in Antigua, offering customizable digital marketing packages to support the initiative.

October has arrived in Antigua and Barbuda, marking the commencement of a nationwide clean-up initiative aimed at revitalizing communities and fostering environmental respect. The campaign, which spans multiple regions including Grays Farm, Hatton, and Green Bay, focuses on cleaning drains, coastal areas, main roads, and village corners. Residents are encouraged to participate by placing bulk waste on curbsides for collection. Beyond mere cleanliness, the initiative seeks to restore pride in local communities and showcase a collective commitment to preserving the nation’s natural beauty. Authorities have emphasized that this effort is a call to action for every household and neighborhood, urging citizens to take pride in their surroundings and demonstrate love for their homeland. The campaign also highlights the importance of community collaboration in achieving a cleaner, more vibrant Antigua and Barbuda. Additionally, the initiative is supported by digital marketing efforts to engage and inform the public, ensuring widespread participation and awareness.

In a highly emotional courtroom scene, Police Officer Karim Warner was found guilty on Wednesday of discharging a firearm in a public place. The verdict, delivered by Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, stems from an incident that occurred on December 3, 2022, near the Emerald Cove Resort in Willikies. Warner, visibly distraught, broke down in tears as the judgment was read. The case involved a confrontation during an attempt to reclaim a leased vehicle, during which Warner fired 12 rounds at a white Toyota Mark X with two occupants. According to court proceedings, the male occupant refused to surrender the vehicle before the shots were fired. Magistrate Emanuel has scheduled sentencing for Friday, and Warner will remain on bail until then. The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the complexities and consequences of law enforcement actions in high-pressure situations.

The Ministry of Works in Antigua and Barbuda has announced significant advancements in its nationwide road infrastructure projects during September. The ministry praised the relentless efforts of contractors, engineers, and road crews, who have been instrumental in driving the ongoing ‘road works revolution.’

In a recent statement, officials highlighted that concrete plants and quarries operated at maximum capacity to meet the high demand for materials. Simultaneously, trucking and construction teams executed upgrades across numerous communities, ensuring steady progress.

The ministry also revealed that detailed plans for the upcoming rehabilitation of All Saints Road and several other major highways will be disclosed shortly. These projects are part of the next phase of the comprehensive road upgrade initiative.

‘Behind every road upgrade were countless hands at work — our concrete plant batching overtime, quarries running at full capacity, dedicated truck drivers, skilled engineers, committed contractors, and resilient road crews all making this consistent progress possible,’ the ministry stated.

The ministry acknowledged the support of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Public Works Minister Maria Browne, and partner agencies such as the Antigua Public Utilities Authority and the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board. They emphasized that more extensive upgrades are on the horizon, aimed at building resilient roadways and modernizing the nation’s infrastructure.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the country’s transportation network, ensuring safer and more efficient travel for residents and visitors alike.

Antigua and Barbuda is making significant strides in revitalizing its agricultural sector by empowering the younger generation. The recent relaunch of the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Forum for Agriculture (ABAFI) underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the aging farmer demographic, which currently averages over 55 years old. Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. emphasized the urgency of investing in youth and women to ensure the sector’s sustainability.

Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Nuffield Burnett has reiterated his call for the creation of a Police Accountability Board, emphasizing the urgent need to address transparency issues and restore public confidence in law enforcement. Speaking at a United Progressive Party town hall, Burnett highlighted the growing concern over unresolved cases and the lack of clear communication with affected families, which he argued is eroding trust in the justice system.

Burnett pointed out that many families are left in the dark for months or even years, unsure whether investigations into serious crimes, including suspicious deaths, are being actively pursued. This silence, he noted, not only exacerbates the suffering of victims’ relatives but also fosters an environment ripe for rumors and speculation, further damaging the relationship between the public and the police.

He stressed that while frontline officers often face resource constraints, accountability must extend to higher levels of command. Burnett proposed that an independent Police Accountability Board could serve as a crucial oversight mechanism, ensuring that investigations are conducted transparently and efficiently. Such a body, he argued, would provide much-needed assurance to the public that cases are being handled with integrity and diligence.

Burnett’s remarks were part of a broader discussion on crime and governance, where panelists linked rising violence to systemic failures in planning and coordination. His intervention underscored the human impact of these issues, drawing attention to the plight of families who have been left waiting for answers.

For Burnett, the establishment of a Police Accountability Board is not merely about oversight—it is a vital step toward rebuilding public trust. ‘Accountability has to start from the top and flow through all levels,’ he asserted, emphasizing the need for transparency and responsiveness in addressing public concerns.