In a significant development in the High Street robbery case, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has arrested and charged 27-year-old Stephon Jackson of Clare Hall. The incident, which occurred on September 22, involved the robbery of two individuals who were stripped of their vehicle, mobile phones, and other valuables. Jackson is alleged to have acted alongside other accomplices in the crime. Earlier, a 17-year-old from Clare Hall was also arrested and charged in connection with the same incident. Jackson is expected to appear in court later this week. Meanwhile, a third suspect voluntarily surrendered to the police on Tuesday, marking a crucial breakthrough in the ongoing investigation. Authorities continue to probe the matter, emphasizing their commitment to bringing all perpetrators to justice. The case has drawn public attention, highlighting concerns over street crime in the region.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
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Pringle Says Lack of Trust Undermines Crime-Fighting Efforts
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has raised concerns over the growing mistrust between the public and law enforcement, stating that it is severely hindering crime-solving efforts. Speaking at a United Progressive Party town hall, Pringle emphasized the need for stronger community engagement and greater transparency from the police to rebuild confidence. He cited a recent incident in Scarit’s Pasture where a resident, who considered sharing surveillance footage with the police, received a handwritten threat the following morning, warning them against cooperating. Pringle argued that such breaches of confidentiality undermine trust and discourage citizens from providing crucial information. He stressed that rebuilding this trust requires not only safeguarding sensitive communications but also fostering closer interactions between the police and the community. Additionally, Pringle criticized the lack of regular updates on ongoing investigations, urging law enforcement to keep the public informed to demonstrate that cases are being actively pursued. His remarks were part of a broader discussion on crime, accountability, and governance, where panelists also proposed measures such as independent investigations and enhanced border security.
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A Response to the UWI Incident Article
A recent article published on September 30, 2025, detailing an alleged seizure incident involving a student at the University of the West Indies Foundation for International Cooperation (UWI-FIC), has sparked significant controversy. The article claimed that the university failed to respond adequately to the situation. However, a concerned mother, whose daughter experienced a similar incident on the same day, has raised serious doubts about the accuracy and motives behind the report. In a heartfelt response, she emphasized that the details provided in the article were inconsistent with her daughter’s experience and questioned whether the author was impersonating or misrepresenting the event. The mother highlighted the importance of using established internal channels to address such issues rather than resorting to public criticism. She also expressed concern that the article could damage the long-standing collaborative relationship between her family and the university, which has been instrumental in supporting her daughter’s education. As an educator and advocate for equitable access to education, she urged the author to retract the article and issue a public apology to protect her daughter’s reputation and the integrity of UWI-FIC. She emphasized the university’s critical role in the region’s development and called for constructive dialogue to address health-related challenges in academic settings.
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The UN General Assembly Is Over But The Conversation Continues
The annual United Nations General Assembly, a platform where world leaders convene to address global challenges, took a disappointing turn this year. The anticipation for a unifying message and a shared vision was met with a speech that starkly deviated from the expected tone of multilateralism and cooperation. Delivered by a major power, the address was criticized for its transactional and boastful cadence, which seemed ill-suited for a forum founded on the principles of mutual respect and collective action. The speech’s focus on narrow self-interest and rivalry, rather than collaborative solutions, left a void in addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, displacement, and geopolitical strife. The absence of a reaffirmation of universal human rights, empathy for vulnerable populations, and a unifying vision further underscored the speech’s shortcomings. This approach risks encouraging isolationism at a time when complex interdependence demands sophisticated engagement. The critique highlights the need for nations to fill this void with a renewed commitment to dialogue, peace, and shared responses to global challenges.
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New US$250 visa “Integrity Fee” takes effect today
The United States has unveiled a comprehensive hike in immigration and visa fees, set to take effect this October. The new fee structure introduces substantial increases across various categories, impacting foreign travelers, immigrants, and visa applicants.
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Leading Cancer Experts to Convene in Antigua for Regional Symposium
This weekend, Antigua will become the epicenter of a groundbreaking initiative as some of the Caribbean’s most distinguished health professionals convene for the Multi-Disciplinary Cancer Symposium. Hosted by the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) at the luxurious Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa, the event aims to address one of the region’s most pressing health crises—cancer. The symposium will bring together a diverse array of specialists, including oncologists, urologists, gynecologists, pediatricians, radiologists, surgeons, nutritionists, and nurses, to share insights and develop actionable strategies for improving cancer prevention, treatment, and patient care.
Salma Crump, SLBMC’s Marketing and Communications Manager, emphasized the symposium’s broader mission: ‘We are creating a collaborative platform where knowledge, innovation, and compassion converge to make cancer care more effective, accessible, and equitable for our communities.’ The event will feature presentations from leading experts such as Dr. Anesa Ahamad, who will discuss advancements in breast cancer care; Dr. Jonathan Makanjuola, who will explore the role of artificial intelligence in prostate cancer treatment; and Dr. Michelle Reece-Mills, who will address the unique challenges of pediatric oncology.
Cancer remains a leading cause of death in the Caribbean, with late diagnoses, treatment gaps, and disparities in access to care posing significant challenges. Organizers hope the symposium will strengthen regional health systems by fostering collaboration and equipping professionals with practical solutions. ‘This is about saving lives,’ Crump stated. ‘The symposium is not just theoretical—it’s about building capacity, forging partnerships, and ensuring the Caribbean is not left behind in the global fight against cancer.’
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Sherfield Bowen wants authorities to prioritize how illegal guns are entering the country
Opposition MP Sherfield Bowen has called for a strategic focus on tracing the origins of illegal firearms entering Antigua and Barbuda, emphasizing the need for advanced container scanning technologies at the border. Speaking at a United Progressive Party town hall, Bowen criticized reactive measures to violent incidents, advocating instead for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to crime prevention. He highlighted the alarming rise in gun-related crimes as a critical national issue, urging authorities to identify and disrupt the channels through which firearms are smuggled into the country. Bowen speculated that weapons might be entering via sea routes or concealed in shipping containers, stressing that enhancing container inspections and investing in detection technologies should be top priorities. He also underscored the importance of a long-term strategy involving collaboration between law enforcement, educators, social workers, and communities to achieve sustainable crime reduction. Bowen concluded that since Antigua and Barbuda does not manufacture firearms, addressing the external sources of these weapons is essential to curbing the escalating violence.
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LETTER: Open Letter to the Prime Minister | Time for Reflection Before Early Elections
In a scathing open letter addressed to the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, a concerned citizen has voiced deep-seated frustrations over the nation’s trajectory under the current administration. The letter questions the rationale behind the Prime Minister’s consideration of early elections, challenging the administration to demonstrate tangible achievements that would justify another term in office. The writer highlights widespread disillusionment among citizens, citing unmet promises, deteriorating public services, and worsening socio-economic conditions. Key issues such as crumbling infrastructure, a struggling education system, an overburdened healthcare sector, and rising crime rates are emphasized as evidence of governmental neglect. The letter accuses the administration of prioritizing political maneuvering over genuine progress, urging the Prime Minister to focus on delivering measurable improvements rather than relying on rhetoric. It concludes with a call for accountability, asserting that the people of Antigua and Barbuda are no longer willing to accept empty promises and are prepared to demand real change.
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PAHO/WHO and Antigua and Barbuda sign multi-country cooperation strategy 2026-2031 to advance health and resilience
In a landmark move to address pressing health challenges, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has joined forces with the governments of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries to sign the Multi-Country Cooperation Strategy (MCCS) 2026–2031. The agreement was formalized in Washington, D.C., during the sidelines of the 62nd Directing Council of PAHO. The signing ceremony was attended by PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Barbados’ Minister of Health Senator Dr. Jerome Walcott, and Grenada’s Minister of Health Hon. Philip Telesford, with other Ministers of Health set to follow suit. The MCCS aims to enhance health and development across seven nations: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. These countries, with a combined population of over 886,000, are characterized by stable parliamentary democracies and a predominantly African descent population, alongside indigenous Kalinago and Garifuna communities. The strategy was developed through extensive consultations with Member States, civil society, and development partners, focusing on critical health issues such as high rates of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), persistent infectious diseases, and the growing impacts of climate change and natural disasters. Despite high life expectancy, health inequities driven by social and economic factors remain a challenge, compounded by health system issues like workforce shortages and high out-of-pocket spending. The MCCS prioritizes strengthening health systems, expanding primary health care, and building climate-resilient infrastructure through initiatives like PAHO’s Smart Hospitals program. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa emphasized the shared commitment to transform health systems, address inequities, and build resilience against climate and health threats. The strategy outlines five Strategic Priorities and 16 Strategic Deliverables, focusing on strengthening health governance, combating communicable diseases, reducing NCDs and mental health burdens, transforming health systems, and building climate-resilient health systems. These priorities align with regional frameworks like the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), fostering collaboration to address shared challenges such as economic dependencies and climate risks, exemplified by the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl in 2024. The MCCS builds on progress in NCD prevention, mental health integration, and digital health transformation, while strengthening partnerships with organizations like CARPHA, UNICEF, and the Healthy Caribbean Coalition to ensure inclusive, community-driven solutions. It is a call to action for governments, communities, and partners to work together toward a healthier, more resilient Caribbean.
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FIDE Director for Chess Development visits Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda Chess Federation recently hosted a landmark visit by renowned chess grandmaster Nigel Short, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the region. Upon his arrival, Short was warmly welcomed by key figures of the federation, including President Hannibal Fleming, Vice President Matthew Bailey, and Media Manager Julian Piper. The visit commenced with a social gathering at the Cedar Valley Golf Club, attended by cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards and Leon “Kuma” Rodney, President of the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association. During the event, Sir Vivian shared his personal connection to chess, reminiscing about his interactions with Viswanathan Anand and the inspiration he drew from the historic Fischer–Spassky match of 1972. The following day, Short conducted a simultaneous exhibition, triumphing in all eight games against Antigua’s top players, including members of the national team. He also expressed strong support for the country’s initiative to send its first women’s team to the 46th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan. The event was graced by His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams and his wife, Sonja Williams, alongside Sir Vivian Richards and Kuma Rodney. Short’s visit extended to media appearances, where he and Hannibal Fleming discussed the future of chess in Antigua and Barbuda on ABS Television. The delegation also met with prominent government officials, including Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who pledged unwavering support for the federation’s initiatives. Additionally, Short visited the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, where Principal Professor Justin Robinson highlighted the potential of chess to enrich campus life. The trip concluded with visits to Island Academy and Cobs Cross Primary School, where Short introduced students to the fundamentals of chess, encouraging them to embrace the game. This visit not only celebrated the growth of chess in Antigua and Barbuda but also laid the groundwork for future development and international representation.