The construction of the highly anticipated Bolans Fire Station is advancing, as confirmed by Minister of Works Maria Vanessa Browne in a recent update. This project, which has been a topic of public discourse for several years, is seen as a critical addition to the emergency response infrastructure for the southern communities of St. Mary’s South, including Bolans, Urlings, and Crab Hill. Residents and opposition representatives have repeatedly expressed frustration over delays, emphasizing the facility’s necessity. Last year, St. Mary’s South MP Kelvin Simon urged immediate fire safety reforms following a fire in Urlings, criticizing the government’s persistent failure to complete the project. Earlier assurances from officials claimed the project was on track, yet the community has continued to await its completion and the provision of essential equipment, such as a dedicated fire truck. Browne’s latest update highlights visible progress at the construction site, reigniting hope that the long-promised fire station may soon become operational. The Ministry of Works is managing the project in partnership with the Antigua and Barbuda Fire Department. Upon completion, the Bolans Fire Station is expected to significantly enhance emergency response capabilities and provide improved safety for the southwestern communities of the island.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
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FULL JUDGEMENT: Judge Rules Attorney Andrew O. Kola Not Immune from Negligence Suit
In a landmark decision on October 27, 2025, High Court Judge Jan Drysdale ruled that attorney Andrew O. Kola cannot invoke legal immunity in a professional negligence lawsuit filed by businessman Patrick “Paddy” Prendergast. The case arose from Kola’s alleged failure to file a defense in a 2022 civil lawsuit, resulting in a default judgment of $513,740 against Prendergast, who is now seeking $516,700 in damages for negligence and breach of contract. Prendergast, owner of a storage facility in Midway, St. John, had hired Kola to defend him against claims by former business associate Ronald Mind, who accused him of improperly storing items. Despite being retained promptly, Kola reportedly missed the deadline to file a defense and mishandled an application to set aside the judgment, which was dismissed due to non-compliance with court orders. Kola admitted to failing in his duties but argued that his actions were protected by barrister’s immunity under Antigua and Barbuda’s Legal Profession Act and common law principles established in cases like Rondel v. Worsley and Saif Ali v. Mitchell. He claimed that since he had entered an appearance on behalf of Prendergast, he was shielded from liability as an advocate in court. However, Prendergast’s legal team, led by King’s Counsel E. Ann Henry, countered that immunity applies only to in-court advocacy, not preparatory or administrative work. Justice Drysdale sided with the claimant, ruling that Kola’s negligence occurred during pre-trial preparation and procedural compliance, which does not qualify for immunity. She emphasized that the Legal Profession Act distinguishes between advocacy and preparatory work, and extending immunity to pre-trial negligence would be inconsistent with statute and precedent. The case, Patrick Prendergast v. Andrew O. Kola (ANUHCV2024/0018), highlights the limits of professional immunity in Antigua and Barbuda’s legal system, establishing that attorneys can be held liable for pre-trial negligence. The matter was adjourned to November 13, 2025, for further hearings on costs.
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Antigua and Barbuda Delegation Participates in SIDS Preparatory Meeting at COP30 in Belém, Brazil
The delegation from Antigua and Barbuda actively participated in the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Preparatory Meeting during the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. This year’s COP, hosted by Brazil, has been labeled as an Implementation COP, emphasizing the urgent need to protect and manage forests as a critical strategy to achieve the global temperature goal of 1.5°C. Forests, particularly the Amazon, are indispensable in maintaining the planet’s climate balance and advancing global mitigation efforts. The Antigua and Barbuda delegation is operating through two parallel tracks: the Leaders’ Summit and the SIDS Coordination Process. Ambassador Ruleta Camacho-Thomas, the nation’s Climate Change Ambassador, is supporting Prime Minister Gaston Browne at the Leaders’ Summit, while Diann Black-Layne, Director of the Department of Environment, is leading the SIDS negotiating team. The delegation also includes Zachary Phillips, Crown Counsel at the Attorney General’s Chambers; Arry Simon, Climate Assessment and Information Officer; and Gita Gardner, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and Green Climate Fund (GCF) Operational Focal Point. Black-Layne emphasized the shared responsibility of all nations, especially SIDS, to advocate for forest conservation as part of the global effort to curb climate change. She highlighted the non-negotiable nature of the 1.5°C goal and stressed the importance of supporting Brazil’s initiatives to protect and restore forests. “This COP is about turning commitments into tangible actions,” she stated. “Forests are vital to our survival, and their preservation is key to achieving real results.” This participation underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to climate action under the leadership of Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
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US military strikes another boat in the Caribbean, killing 3
The US military executed a targeted strike on a vessel in the Caribbean on Thursday, resulting in three fatalities, as confirmed by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. In a statement posted on X, Hegseth revealed that the operation was authorized by President Trump and targeted a ship operated by a designated terrorist organization involved in narcotics trafficking. The strike occurred in international waters, and no US personnel were harmed. This action is part of a broader campaign initiated on September 2, which has so far led to 70 deaths, the destruction of 18 boats, and three survivors, two of whom were briefly detained by the US Navy before being repatriated. The Trump administration has declared an ‘armed conflict’ against drug cartels, labeling those killed as ‘unlawful combatants’ and asserting the authority to conduct lethal strikes without judicial oversight, based on a classified Justice Department finding. Critics, including some members of Congress and human rights groups, have challenged this approach, arguing that suspected drug traffickers should face prosecution rather than extrajudicial killings. The administration has yet to provide public evidence linking the targeted vessels to drug cartels or confirming the presence of narcotics. Additionally, the US has intensified efforts to associate Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro with the drug trade, despite Venezuela not being a major source of cocaine for the US market. During a classified briefing, lawmakers were informed that the current legal framework does not permit strikes within Venezuela or other territories, though future actions remain a possibility.
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Colin James Calls WTM Stand Award a “Crowning Moment” for Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda has achieved a significant milestone in the global tourism industry, securing the prestigious Best Stand Design award at the 2025 World Travel Market (WTM) in London. Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, hailed the accolade as a “crowning moment” and a high-level endorsement of the nation’s tourism sector. The award highlights the islands’ commitment to sustainability and their natural allure, which were central themes of the winning exhibit. James expressed immense pride in the recognition, attributing the success to the dedicated UK team that brought the stand to life. The design, celebrated for its creativity and eco-conscious approach, effectively showcased the vibrant culture and warm hospitality of Antigua and Barbuda. This victory not only underscores the destination’s growing prominence but also sets a benchmark for sustainable tourism practices in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Americas.
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PM Gaston Browne | “The warming has reached 1.5°C. Our survival is officially on the line”
In a stark and urgent address, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda highlighted the alarming reality of global warming, emphasizing that the planet has already reached the critical threshold of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Speaking with a tone of grave concern, Browne declared that the survival of vulnerable nations, particularly small island states like his own, is now officially at risk. He underscored the disproportionate impact of climate change on these nations, which contribute minimally to global emissions yet face existential threats from rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and ecosystem collapse. Browne called for immediate and decisive global action, urging wealthier nations to fulfill their commitments under the Paris Agreement and provide adequate financial and technological support to those most affected. His speech resonated as a clarion call for solidarity and urgency in the face of an escalating climate crisis.
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Antigua PM and other World leaders ditch ties at sweaty climate summit
In an unconventional departure from traditional diplomatic norms, leaders and delegates at a climate meeting in Belem, Brazil, embraced a more relaxed dress code as they grappled with the sweltering Amazonian heat. Despite the organizers’ suggestion to adopt informal attire, several heads of state and government arrived in full business suits, only to quickly shed their ties in response to the oppressive 30-degree Celsius (86-degree Fahrenheit) temperatures. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who typically sports his signature ‘lucky tie’ in the colors of the Brazilian flag, set the tone by opting for a tie-less look. This move was soon mirrored by other attendees, including Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who removed his tie even before entering the venue. The decision to encourage a ‘tie-less’ summit was announced last month by COP30 president Andre Correa do Lago, aiming to enhance comfort and infuse the event with a distinctly Brazilian informality. As delegates navigated the outdoor walkways under the blazing sun, neckwear became a low priority, with many attendees visibly perspiring. Inside the air-conditioned conference center, however, the atmosphere remained cool and comfortable. Brazil has pledged to offset all carbon emissions generated by the summit’s cooling systems. Among the leaders who embraced the open-collar look were United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the presidents of Finland, Chile, Mozambique, and Colombia. The two-day summit precedes the 30th UN Climate COP, which opens on Monday.
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Greene announced as keynote speaker for PLP anniversary gala in Bermuda
In a last-minute adjustment to the Progressive Labour Party’s (PLP) 62nd Anniversary Black Tie Gala, E.P. Chet Greene, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Barbuda Affairs for Antigua & Barbuda, has been announced as the new keynote speaker. Originally, Terrance Drew, the Prime Minister of St Kitts & Nevis and incoming chair of Caricom, was scheduled to address the event. However, due to the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa and his commitment to represent the Caribbean region at the EU-CELAC meeting in Colombia, Drew was unable to attend. The PLP expressed understanding and gratitude for Drew’s regional responsibilities while welcoming Greene’s participation. Dawn Simmons, PLP chairwoman, emphasized Greene’s esteemed regional leadership and the value his insights will bring to the gala’s theme, ‘Leading for the Next Generation.’ The event, set to take place at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, will also feature messages from Geoffrey Hanley, Deputy Prime Minister of St Kitts & Nevis, and David Burt, Bermuda’s Premier, who noted the personal significance of this being his final gala in office. Tickets for the event, priced at $150 for general admission and $250 for patron admission, are available at gpass.bm.
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LETTER: Let’s not forget about Sir Robin
In recent times, the name Sir Robin Yearwood may not dominate headlines, but the enduring impact of his leadership remains palpable. The workers of APUA and other ministries under his guidance continue to embody the values he instilled, particularly through their courteous and professional service delivery. This is a testament to the success of the training programs and annual internships he championed during his tenure.
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Veterinary Team Expands African Swine Fever Surveillance to Barbuda
In a proactive move to shield its pig farming sector from the devastating African Swine Fever (ASF), the Ministry of Agriculture has broadened its surveillance efforts to include Barbuda. This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure the health of Antigua and Barbuda’s livestock and maintain regional food security. A delegation from the Veterinary and Livestock Division, spearheaded by Alexandria Dowdey, recently conducted a field visit to Barbuda to gather blood samples from local pig herds. Three farmers on the island voluntarily participated in this regional pilot project, underscoring the community’s commitment to disease prevention. The ASF pilot program is a collaborative endeavor involving the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Ministry of Agriculture. It aligns with the government’s broader objectives of enhancing food and nutrition security through rigorous livestock monitoring and disease control measures. Simultaneously, fieldwork in Antigua has been advancing steadily, with technicians collecting 35 blood samples from four additional farms, edging closer to the target of 80 samples. These samples are slated for specialized testing at Plum Island on November 7. The testing is crucial to verify that Antigua and Barbuda remain free of ASF, a highly contagious viral disease with a near 100 percent mortality rate in pigs. While ASF poses no threat to human health, it represents a significant risk to regional food production and the livelihoods of farmers. By extending surveillance to Barbuda, veterinary authorities aim to bolster early detection capabilities and safeguard the nation’s livestock, a cornerstone of Antigua and Barbuda’s food security strategy.