标签： Antigua and Barbuda

A late-night road incident in Piccadilly has left a pedestrian with severe head injuries, prompting an ongoing police investigation. The incident occurred on Sunday evening around 8:00 p.m., when authorities were alerted to a man lying injured on the roadside. Emergency services swiftly transported the victim to Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he remains under medical supervision. According to the injured man’s account, he was walking along the main road when a white car approached from behind with its headlights turned off. In an attempt to avoid the vehicle, he jumped but subsequently fell, striking his head on the ground. Police have confirmed that inquiries are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the incident and identify the driver of the vehicle. The case has raised concerns about road safety and the need for heightened vigilance among both drivers and pedestrians, particularly in poorly lit areas. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation.

The historic English Harbour residence of former Governor-General Dame Louise Lake-Tack was targeted by burglars on Friday, 27 September. According to police reports, the intruders gained entry by forcing open a basement door and subsequently accessed the upper floor through an unlocked bedroom window. The perpetrators ransacked the property, making off with a variety of items including electrical wiring, paint brushes, roller pads, and dishwashing liquid. The total value of the stolen goods remains unassessed as investigations continue. Forensic teams have meticulously examined the scene, gathering evidence to aid in the ongoing inquiry. The incident has raised concerns about security in the area, particularly for high-profile residences. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and ensure their properties are adequately secured. This break-in marks a troubling violation of privacy and safety for one of Antigua’s most distinguished public figures.

In a targeted operation early Sunday morning, law enforcement officials in Antigua and Barbuda conducted a search in Clare Hall, resulting in the seizure of multiple vehicle registration plates and a Samsung tablet. The raid, which took place at approximately 07:20 local time, was part of an ongoing investigation into criminal activities in the area. Authorities also apprehended a man suspected of involvement in a robbery. He is currently being held at St John’s Police Station pending further inquiries. Senior police officers have been briefed on the operation, and the investigation remains active. The seized items have been taken for forensic examination to determine their potential connection to criminal activities. This operation underscores the continued efforts of local law enforcement to combat crime and ensure public safety in the region.

A student at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus has penned a scathing letter to the editor, detailing a harrowing experience during a lecture that exposed a glaring lack of compassion and emergency preparedness. The student, who suffered a seizure in the middle of a class, described the incident as one of the most humiliating and distressing moments of their academic life. Despite their visible distress and urgent need for medical attention, the lecturer reportedly continued teaching as if nothing had happened. This shocking indifference left the student feeling dehumanized and betrayed, raising serious concerns about the university’s duty of care. The student criticized the lecturer’s failure to respond appropriately, emphasizing that a seizure is a medical emergency that demands immediate action. They also questioned whether UWI Five Islands provides its staff with adequate training in emergency response or basic first aid. The incident has sparked outrage, with the student calling for immediate action from university leadership. They urged the institution to enforce protocols, train lecturers, and prioritize the health and safety of students. The letter underscores the need for universities to be safe environments where health crises are taken seriously, rather than ignored in favor of academic schedules. The student concluded by demanding accountability, stating that such negligence is dangerous and must never happen again.

A man was severely injured in a late-night assault in Nut Grove on Saturday, prompting an immediate police investigation. The incident occurred around 10:20 p.m. as the victim was walking through the area after visiting a relative. He was reportedly confronted and attacked by a group of men, sustaining a significant wound to his left arm. The victim was promptly transported to Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he was reported to be in stable condition. Authorities have interviewed the victim, who claims he can identify his assailants. The case has been escalated to the Nut Grove Police Post, with senior investigators taking charge of the inquiry. This incident has raised concerns about safety in the area, with local residents urging for increased police presence to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Two prominent young leaders from the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) Youth Arm, President Blair Rose and Vice President Charles Browne, recently participated in the UNI Americas Youth Organizing Forum held in Brazil. The event, which took place on September 24–25, brought together trade unionists from across the Americas to discuss the future of labor movements in an evolving global landscape. The forum featured intensive training sessions, committee meetings, and strategic discussions on pressing issues such as worker recruitment, economic challenges, and the impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Additionally, global concerns including climate change and the concept of a ‘just transition’ for workers were central to the dialogue. Blair Rose, who also serves as Vice President of the UNI Americas Youth Committee, emphasized the forum’s role in equipping participants with tools to enhance union membership and advocacy efforts. She highlighted the importance of Antigua and Barbuda’s democratic environment, where union rights are actively upheld. The event concluded with a collective commitment from young leaders to foster resilient unions and strengthen regional networks in response to the rapidly changing world of work.

The Ministry of Works’ Project Implementation Management Unit (PIMU) has announced the implementation of single-lane traffic on Valley Road North (VRN) and Anchorage Road (AR) to facilitate critical infrastructure repairs. The measures, which began this week, are part of the Second Road Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project initiated by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. On Valley Road North, single-lane traffic will be in effect daily from approximately 8:00 a.m. to allow for the completion of headwalls, concrete swales, and asphalt works. Similarly, Anchorage Road will experience single-lane traffic during the same hours to facilitate road markings, sidewalks, and culvert installations. Flag persons will be stationed at the sites to guide motorists, and heavy-duty equipment will be operational in the vicinity. Authorities urge drivers to adhere to instructions for safe passage. While the repairs may cause delays, all businesses in the area remain open. C.O. Williams Ltd., the contractor overseeing the project, has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and encourages stakeholders to adjust their travel plans accordingly. For further inquiries, the public can contact the C.O. Williams Project office at 562-9573.

The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) has successfully negotiated two new Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) with the American University of Antigua (AUA), effective from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026. These agreements mark a significant milestone for both line and security employees, introducing substantial financial and non-financial benefits. Key financial gains include a shared 2.5% increase in the thrift fund contribution for the first year, followed by annual salary increases of 3% in the second and third years. Additionally, the overtime clause has been revised, allowing staff to earn up to four times their hourly rate under specific conditions. Enhancements to call-out, shift, meal, and graveyard shift allowances further recognize the demands of shift work. On the non-financial front, paternity leave has been extended from five to seven days, and administrative staff will now receive uniforms. ABWU President Kem Riley praised the agreements as a reasonable improvement over previous terms, highlighting the resilience of the workers and the collective strength of the Union. He commended the shop stewards and works committee for their active involvement in the negotiation process. The ABWU reaffirmed its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and advancing fair labor standards across all sectors in Antigua and Barbuda.