Carib Scope

标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Labour Queen Delegates to Take Stage at ABLP ‘Big Red Machine’ Launch Tonight

    Labour Queen Delegates to Take Stage at ABLP ‘Big Red Machine’ Launch Tonight

    The kickoff of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s (ABLP) flagship “Big Red Machine” general election campaign will bring a standout traditional segment to the stage Thursday evening at People’s Place, where all candidates competing for the coveted ABLP Queen title will make their first formal public introduction to attendees.

    Set to get underway at 7 p.m. local time, the campaign opening event centers around a high-energy showcase that will give each Labour Queen contestant the opportunity to present their personalities, values and connection to the party to ABLP supporters and the general public. Organizers have framed the segment as far more than a ceremonial event, highlighting it as a space to display contestants’ sharp talent, graceful poise and unshakable confidence, qualities party leadership says align with the ABLP’s vision for the coming election cycle.

    Party leadership has issued an open invitation for all community members to attend the event and back the participating young women, who have been tapped to take on high-visibility roles across all campaign activities in the lead-up to the country’s upcoming general election. Beyond the pageant segment itself, the entire evening will carry the energy of a full-scale political rally, with planned activities including live musical performances, audience entertainment, and policy-focused speeches from senior party officials designed to rally base supporters.

    According to event organizers, the gathering serves two core purposes: to demonstrate the growing political momentum the ABLP has built ahead of the election, and to shine a deliberate spotlight on the critical contributions of young people — and especially young women — within the party’s ranks. This intentional focus on elevating youth voices aligns with the long-standing role of the Labour Queen Pageant in ABLP operations. As a recurring, signature feature of the party’s pre-election activity schedule, the pageant has long functioned as a platform to elevate emerging party personalities while galvanizing grassroots support in the critical lead-up to major national political contests.

  • Red Carpet Welcome For Team Antigua and Barbuda

    Red Carpet Welcome For Team Antigua and Barbuda

    Publicly available information confirms that a red carpet welcome is scheduled to be held for Team Antigua and Barbuda, though full details on the event context, participating members and the occasion for the welcome remain undisclosed in the provided source material. No additional specifics on the location, timing, or purpose of the red carpet event have been released for public reporting at this stage.

  • Delegation from China Conducts Feasibility Study on the Development of Marine Spatial Planning in Antigua and Barbuda

    Delegation from China Conducts Feasibility Study on the Development of Marine Spatial Planning in Antigua and Barbuda

    A technical delegation from China has recently arrived in the twin-island Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda to carry out on-the-ground feasibility research for the future development of a comprehensive national marine spatial planning framework. This initiative grows out of a broader bilateral cooperation agreement focused on ocean governance and sustainable blue economy development, signed by the two governments in recent years.

    During their in-country visit, the Chinese team of marine scientists, spatial planners and policy advisors conducted field surveys across key coastal and offshore areas of Antigua, as well as the smaller sister island of Barbuda. They held multiple rounds of productive working sessions with senior officials from Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Fisheries, Ministry of Environment, and national planning agency, collecting baseline data on local ocean use, fisheries activities, coastal tourism development, marine conservation priorities, and existing infrastructure.

    Antigua and Barbuda, a small island developing state heavily dependent on marine resources for its national economy and livelihoods, has long faced growing challenges including overlapping ocean use conflicts, climate change-driven coastal erosion, and declining fish stocks. The government has identified establishing a science-based marine spatial planning system as a critical step to better manage its exclusive economic zone, protect critical marine ecosystems, unlock sustainable economic opportunities from the blue economy, and advance its national climate adaptation goals.

    Through this feasibility study, the Chinese delegation aims to assess the current state of ocean management capacity in Antigua and Barbuda, identify key gaps in data, policy and institutional frameworks, and lay the groundwork for a customized, context-appropriate marine spatial planning system that aligns with the country’s national development priorities. Both sides have emphasized that the cooperation is fully demand-driven, respects the national sovereignty and development priorities of Antigua and Barbuda, and aims to deliver tangible benefits for local communities dependent on marine resources.

    At the conclusion of the initial assessment phase, the Chinese delegation is expected to present a preliminary feasibility report to the government of Antigua and Barbuda, outlining potential next steps for technical cooperation, capacity building for local planning officials, and future implementation support. This project adds to a growing portfolio of South-South cooperation projects between China and Caribbean small island developing states focused on climate resilience and sustainable ocean development.

  • Oldest Centenarian in Dominica Dies at 108

    Oldest Centenarian in Dominica Dies at 108

    The Dominica Council on Ageing Inc. (DCOA) has confirmed the death of Asher Timothy, the Caribbean nation’s oldest recorded centenarian, who died at his latest residence at the Dominica Infirmary at 108 years old. Hailing from the northern town of Marigot, Timothy leaves behind a lasting legacy that extends far beyond his extraordinary milestone of longevity.

    Shortly before his passing, Timothy had been moved to the Dominica Infirmary for ongoing care. In an official statement released this week, the DCOA lauded Timothy as a powerful emblem of resilience, whose decades-long life stood as a testament to the quiet strength that defines Dominica’s elderly community. Officials noted that his journey through more than a century of change, from colonial era shifts to modern island development, mirrored the perseverance of the older generations who shaped the country’s social and cultural fabric.

    News of Timothy’s death has resonated deeply across the island, with particularly profound grief felt throughout the close-knit Marigot community where he lived for most of his life. Residents and local leaders alike have shared recollections of his quiet wisdom and steady presence, which made him a beloved figure across generations of local families.

    The DCOA has formally extended its deepest condolences to Timothy’s immediate family, friends, and all who knew him over his long life. Beyond mourning his passing, the organization is using Timothy’s legacy to prompt national reflection on the invaluable contributions that senior citizens make to Dominican life. Officials emphasized that he is remembered not just for his unusual lifespan, but for the example of endurance, quiet commitment, and community connection he modeled for all Dominicans.

  • Sports Minister Hails CARIFTA Medalists as Team Returns Home

    Sports Minister Hails CARIFTA Medalists as Team Returns Home

    ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Fresh off the conclusion of the 53rd edition of the CARIFTA Games, one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious youth athletics competitions, Antigua and Barbuda’s national delegation has returned home to a warm welcome and widespread praise for their strong showings in Jamaica. Daryll S. Matthew, the country’s Minister of Sports, has lauded the team’s young competitors, pointing to an impressive haul of medals and a string of personal best performances delivered across every discipline.

    In an official address marking the team’s return, Matthew singled out sprinter Tyra Fenton for special recognition, after Fenton dominated the under-age sprints to claim two gold medals in the women’s 100-meter and 200-meter events. She added a bronze medal in the 400-meter contest to round out a breakout competition that cements her status as one of the Caribbean’s most promising young track talents.

    The national team also notched strong results in the field events, with Zonique Charles securing a silver medal in the women’s javelin throw, and Maliek Francis bringing home a bronze medal in the men’s division of the same event.

    Beyond the podium finishes, Matthew emphasized that the team’s success extended far beyond just medal hauls. A large group of competitors recorded new personal best marks over the course of the multi-day competition, a testament to the steady improvement of Antigua and Barbuda’s youth athletics programs. Among the athletes who hit new personal milestones were Ryan Aikin, Shaquan Garding, Jaeda Pigott, Shawn-Ze Joseph, Elite Thomas, Fenton, and Geron Henry.

    Matthew went on to extend his sincere gratitude to every member of the delegation, from the competing athletes to the full coaching and support staff, for their hard work in representing Antigua and Barbuda on the respected regional sports stage. He framed the entire 2024 CARIFTA Games campaign as an unqualified success for the nation, noting that both top-three podium finishes and the measurable performance gains across the wider team are clear indicators that the country’s youth athletics development is moving in the right direction.

  • ABNOC congratulates Tyra Fenton and the entire team for 6th place finish on the medal table

    ABNOC congratulates Tyra Fenton and the entire team for 6th place finish on the medal table

    Over the 2026 Easter weekend, the CARIFTA Track and Field Championships delivered a historic moment for Antigua and Barbuda’s young track and field athletes, who turned in a standout performance that earned widespread celebration from the nation’s National Olympic Committee (ABNOC).

    Leading the charge was sprinter Tyra Fenton, who delivered an unforgettable performance by claiming two gold medals in the Women’s 100m and 200m events, plus a bronze medal in the Women’s 400m. Fenton’s multi-medal success was not the only bright spot for the delegation: Maliek Francis secured a bronze medal in the men’s javelin competition, while Zonique Charles added another bronze to the team’s tally in the women’s javelin. By the end of the championships, Antigua and Barbuda’s entire team had secured an impressive 6th place on the overall medal table, a result ABNOC has highlighted as a marked achievement for the small island nation.

    Cliff Williams, Secretary General of ABNOC, emphasized that this year’s CARIFTA medalists represent the country’s most promising contingent for future success at regional, continental and global competitions. To nurture this emerging talent and help the athletes transition smoothly into professional sports careers, ABNOC has announced a comprehensive targeted support program tailored to the athletes’ holistic development.

    The three-pillar support framework covers on and off-field needs: first, dedicated mentorship and sport-specific coaching that extends beyond training sessions to address off-track challenges; second, academic and life-skills support designed to foster balanced development, ensuring athletes are prepared both for elite competition and long-term life beyond sports; third, customized structured preparation for major multi-sport events, ranging from regional championships and Continental Games to World Championships, the Commonwealth Games, and ultimately the Olympic Games, including specialized training to build competitive mindset and event readiness.

    To further strengthen this athlete development pathway, ABNOC has made a formal pledge to bring in an international sports methodologist to collaborate directly with the country’s local coaching and development teams. This expert will support the design of long-term athlete development roadmaps, share global best practices in elite sports training, and help prepare the emerging medalists to advance to the next stages of their competitive careers.

    ABNOC notes that this commitment to nurturing high-performing young athletes is not limited to CARIFTA track and field competitors. It extends to high achievers from CARIFTA Swimming and other top emerging athletes across every sport practiced in the nation. “We are incredibly proud of everything these athletes have already accomplished,” the organization affirmed, “and we remain fully dedicated to providing the resources and tailored guidance they need to compete and excel on the world stage.”

  • Mother of Two Makes Urgent Appeal for Kidney Donor

    Mother of Two Makes Urgent Appeal for Kidney Donor

    Laurin Williams, a dedicated mother raising two children, finds herself in a life-or-death battle against end-stage kidney disease, and she has issued an urgent public appeal to find a compatible living kidney donor that will allow her to undergo a life-sustaining transplant.

    Currently, Williams relies on regular dialysis treatments to manage her condition. While this invasive therapy has kept her stable in the short term, medical professionals universally agree that dialysis cannot serve as a permanent fix for her declining kidney function. According to leading clinical guidance, a successful kidney transplant remains the only intervention that can give Williams the opportunity to reclaim a long, healthy, and productive future.

    Williams’ appeal specifically centers on finding a living donor, a choice that carries significant clinical benefits. Medical research consistently shows that living donor kidney transplants typically have higher long-term success rates compared to transplants from deceased donors, and donors face minimal long-term risk: people born with two kidneys can lead fully normal, healthy lives after donating one to a person in need.

    Williams’ family and close supporters emphasize that a successful transplant would do more than just save her life—it would allow her to continue being the active, caring parent her children need, and restore the daily stability that her illness has stolen from their household. With her condition still categorized as critical, her loved ones are urging any member of the public who is willing to help to step forward and undergo simple compatibility testing.

    For any person interested in learning more about donor eligibility or exploring whether they may be a match for Williams, they can reach out directly to Williams at (268) 721-4508. Supporters stress that this one act of generosity would not just change Williams’ life forever—it would bring renewed hope to her entire family, who are holding out for a positive outcome to this urgent search.

  • Potters Stalwart Walcott Lewis Remembered as Pillar of Community by ABLP St George Candidate Michael Freeland

    Potters Stalwart Walcott Lewis Remembered as Pillar of Community by ABLP St George Candidate Michael Freeland

    ST JOHN’S, Antigua — The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) candidate for the St George constituency, Michael Freeland, has opened up about his profound grief following the death of Walcott Lewis, a beloved and longstanding community leader from Potters Village.

    In a heartfelt statement shared this week, Freeland paid tribute to Lewis, remembering him as one of the most respected and reliably dedicated public figures the Potters Village community has ever known. Freeland characterized Lewis as a person defined by strong moral character, quiet resilience, and unshakable loyalty to the people and causes he cared about. Beyond his community impact, Freeland emphasized that Lewis’s death carries deep personal weight for him and his family.

    As a lifelong, dedicated member of the ABLP, Lewis’s commitment to both his neighborhood and his political principles set him apart from many, Freeland noted. He went on to share the close, decades-long tie that bonded Lewis to his late father, former political figure Sir Adolphus Freeland. The two men worked side by side through every high and low of their political and community work, standing together through all manner of challenges and celebrating every milestone of success along the way.

    Freeland described Lewis as a consistent, grounding presence in the lives of countless residents across Potters Village, calling him a foundational pillar of the community. His loss will leave a gaping hole that will be felt by residents of the village and many people beyond its borders, Freeland added. In a moving closing tribute, he said, “Walcott, you are never to be forgotten. Your impact on Potters and on our family will live on forever.”

    Freeland concluded his statement by extending his deepest condolences to all of Lewis’s loved ones, including immediate family members and close friends. He encouraged all those gathered to mourn Lewis to lean on one another for support during this challenging period of grief, ending with a simple, respectful wish: “Rest in peace, Walcott.”

  • HIRING: Bartenders and Cooks

    HIRING: Bartenders and Cooks

    The food and beverage sector continues to show signs of steady recovery, as one local hospitality business has recently posted open positions for two key front- and back-of-house roles: bartenders and cooks.

    As consumer demand for dining and social experiences out of the home continues to climb following years of industry disruption, venues across the country are working to rebuild their teams to match rising customer foot traffic. The open bartender role will be responsible for crafting beverage menus, mixing classic and signature drinks, interacting with guests to deliver a welcoming venue experience, and managing bar stock to keep service running smoothly. Ideal candidates will bring prior hospitality experience, a deep understanding of safe alcohol service protocols, and strong interpersonal skills to connect with patrons.

    For the open cook position, the business is seeking professionals who can maintain consistent food quality, work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment, adhere to strict food safety and sanitation standards, and collaborate with front-of-house staff to coordinate timely order delivery. Relevant culinary experience, the ability to multitapse during peak service hours, and a commitment to delivering high-quality dishes are listed as key qualifications for the role.

    Industry analysts note that ongoing hiring activity in frontline hospitality roles signals growing confidence among small business owners in the sustained strength of consumer spending on leisure and dining experiences. Many venues are currently offering competitive hourly wages, flexible scheduling, and in some cases tips and performance-based bonuses to attract qualified workers to fill these critical positions.

  • Kentish Pentecostal Church Marks One Year Since Passing of Bishop Lester Emanuel

    Kentish Pentecostal Church Marks One Year Since Passing of Bishop Lester Emanuel

    One year ago this week, the Kentish Pentecostal community lost its long-serving spiritual leader, Bishop Rev. Dr. Lester Emanuel. On Monday, congregants and church leadership gathered to mark the somber anniversary, celebrating a life defined by 45 years of devoted ministry that transformed both the institution and the broader local area.

    In an official tribute released April 7, church leadership walked through the decades of impact Emanuel carved out during his tenure. Framed not just as a church leader but as a caring shepherd to his flock, Emanuel was credited with strengthening family bonds across the congregation and nurturing spiritual growth across multiple generations of worshippers.

    “Today, we pause not only to remember Bishop Emanuel’s remarkable journey, but to acknowledge the lasting imprint he left on every heart he touched,” the church’s official statement reads.

    Church leaders have repeatedly highlighted three core traits that defined Emanuel’s service: an unwavering commitment to his calling, a steady abiding faith that anchored the community through uncertain times, and a willingness to give sacrificially of his time and energy for others. Even a year after his passing, his influence remains palpable in the ministry he helped grow and the countless lives he mentored and supported.

    As a foundational pillar of Kentish Pentecostal Church for decades, Emanuel earned a reputation for preaching the gospel with unshakable conviction, guiding the congregation with thoughtful wisdom, and extending radical compassion to every member of his flock, from the youngest new worshipper to the longest-serving members.

    Though his voice no longer echoes from the church’s pulpit during weekly services, the institution emphasizes that his teachings and personal example continue to act as a guiding light for current leadership and congregants alike.

    “His legacy is alive in our worship, our fellowship, and the love we share as a community,” the statement added.

    The tribute was coordinated and issued by current Bishop Michael C. Butler, Sis. Bunny Butler, and the full Kentish Pentecostal Church Board. The group collectively affirmed that Emanuel’s entire life was marked by faithful, dedicated service to God, setting a benchmark for future leaders to follow.

    Moving forward, the church says it will continue to hold Emanuel’s memory in grateful esteem, noting that the strong institutional foundation he built over decades of work continues to inspire and direct all current and future work of the congregation.