Carib Scope

标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Applications Open for CHOGM 2026 Social Media Correspondents

    Applications Open for CHOGM 2026 Social Media Correspondents

    Antigua and Barbuda, host nation of the forthcoming 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), has unveiled an innovative initiative to integrate youth perspectives into the global dialogue. The program is actively recruiting a cadre of young content creators to serve as official correspondents, tasked with documenting and disseminating the summit’s proceedings across digital media channels.

    This initiative specifically seeks to elevate youth commentary on critical agenda items, with a sharp focus on climate change mitigation, advancing gender equality, and strengthening civil society engagement. Eligibility is extended to active members or distinguished alumni of established youth leadership programs, including the Antigua and Barbuda National Youth Ambassador Programme, the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme, and the National Youth Parliament. Furthermore, the application pool encompasses current university students, tertiary institution attendees, former school leaders (such as head boys, head girls, and prefects), and young professionals with a proven dedication to socio-developmental causes.

    Prospective candidates must exhibit a compelling on-camera persona and possess foundational technical knowledge in video production, encompassing principles of lighting, audio capture, and compositional framing. Mandatory proficiency is required in contemporary content creation tools, including smartphone/HD camera operation, wireless microphone usage, and video editing software. Interested individuals are instructed to submit their applications via email to youthaffairs@ab.gov.ag, clearly marked with the subject line ‘CHOGM Correspondents,’ no later than the deadline of Friday, February 6, 2026.

    CHOGM 2026 is poised to convene leaders from across the Commonwealth in Antigua and Barbuda, positioning the twin-island nation at the epicenter of high-level international discourse on development, multilateral cooperation, and the collective challenges confronting member states.

  • ABFA Hosts Badge Ceremony for FIFA Match Officials

    ABFA Hosts Badge Ceremony for FIFA Match Officials

    In a significant event for Caribbean football, the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) convened a formal Badge Ceremony on January 21, 2026, to honor its cadre of FIFA-accredited match officials. The gathering, held at the ABFA Conference Room, served as a platform to celebrate the referees’ professional dedication and their critical role in maintaining the sport’s integrity.

    Senior ABFA leadership, including Technical Director Sowerby Gomes and Head of Referees Kelesha Antoine, presided over the proceedings. Both officials delivered commendations, highlighting the referees’ unwavering professionalism and their adherence to the highest international standards of officiating. The ceremony placed particular emphasis on the values of integrity, fairness, and the responsibility of officials to act as role models within the sporting community.

    A special segment of the event was dedicated to acknowledging three officials—Shemroy Alie, Teyarni Mourrillon, and Robet Emmanuel—for their pursuit of advanced training through regional referee development courses. Their engagement in these programs was cited as a vital investment in elevating the quality and credibility of football officiating across the nation and the wider region.

    The ABFA used the opportunity to reiterate its steadfast commitment to referee development programs. Gratitude was extended to technical instructors Darez Dundas and Ishan Philip, along with the assessors and support staff, for their instrumental role in preparing and equipping the officiating team. The association expressed strong confidence that these efforts will continue to foster the growth and professionalization of football in Antigua and Barbuda.

  • Here’s How to Apply for Airbnb Investment Properties at Shell Beach

    Here’s How to Apply for Airbnb Investment Properties at Shell Beach

    National Assets Management Company Limited (NAMCO), registered under Company No. C 88/16, has formally announced a call for expressions of interest regarding a significant investment opportunity. The initiative centers on the acquisition and development of properties designated for Airbnb operations within the Shell Beach Development Project.

    Prospective investors and corporate entities are now invited to submit detailed proposals for consideration. All submissions must be directed to the office of The Corporate Secretary at NAMCO. The company has set a definitive deadline of January 30, 2026, for the receipt of all applications.

    To be considered, each proposal must include a comprehensive yet concise overview of the intended development project. Furthermore, applicants are required to disclose the estimated capital readily available for two primary phases: the initial acquisition of land plots and the subsequent construction of purpose-built Airbnb hospitality facilities. This process is designed to identify serious partners with the financial capacity and strategic vision to contribute to the Shell Beach development.

  • FAO helps farmers assess investment opportunities and preparedness of protected agriculture farms in Antigua and Barbuda

    FAO helps farmers assess investment opportunities and preparedness of protected agriculture farms in Antigua and Barbuda

    The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is spearheading a strategic initiative to bolster agricultural resilience in Antigua and Barbuda through protected farming systems. This program focuses on empowering local farmers by providing critical analytical tools to evaluate investment viability and operational readiness for controlled-environment agriculture ventures.

    Central to this initiative is a comprehensive methodology enabling agricultural stakeholders to conduct thorough cost-benefit analyses of protected farming infrastructure. The program assesses multiple dimensions including technological adaptation, financial sustainability, and climate resilience capabilities. Through technical workshops and field assessments, FAO experts are guiding farmers in evaluating infrastructure requirements, operational costs, and potential market returns for greenhouse and other protected cultivation systems.

    The intervention addresses Antigua and Barbuda’s specific agricultural challenges, particularly those exacerbated by climate vulnerabilities and import dependency. By facilitating transition to protected agriculture, the project aims to enhance domestic food production capacity, reduce economic losses from extreme weather events, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities within the agricultural sector.

    This capacity-building effort represents a significant component of broader Caribbean agricultural modernization initiatives, demonstrating how targeted technical assistance can strengthen food security in small island developing states. The program’s implementation methodology could serve as a replicable model for other nations facing similar agricultural challenges in climate-vulnerable regions.

  • Antigua Cruise Port, AIDA Cruises Host Students Aboard AIDAperla for Educational Ship Visit

    Antigua Cruise Port, AIDA Cruises Host Students Aboard AIDAperla for Educational Ship Visit

    Antigua Cruise Port has launched an innovative educational initiative in partnership with AIDA Cruises, offering students from St. John’s Catholic School an immersive learning experience aboard the AIDAperla cruise vessel. The program specifically targets youth career development within the maritime and tourism industries.

    Under the guidance of Aubrey Miranda, General Manager of AIDAperla, and supported by the ship’s dedicated crew, participants received comprehensive operational insights during their onboard tour. The hands-on session provided practical exposure to cruise ship management and broader maritime industry operations, creating tangible connections between classroom learning and real-world applications.

    This educational visit represents a strategic component of Antigua Cruise Port’s sustained commitment to youth engagement and career development. The program deliberately emphasizes the cruise sector’s substantial contribution to national economic stability while encouraging students to consider professional opportunities within tourism and maritime services.

    As an integral member of the Global Ports Holding network, Antigua Cruise Port maintains its support for initiatives that forge stronger connections between academic institutions, community advancement, and the cruise industry. These efforts aim to develop local talent and create sustainable career pipelines that benefit both students and the maritime sector’s future workforce needs.

  • Antigua Has Become a Go-to Escape for the Wealthy—Including Jeff Bezos

    Antigua Has Become a Go-to Escape for the Wealthy—Including Jeff Bezos

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua, long celebrated for its 365 pristine beaches, is now emerging as a premier destination for luxury property investment. This shift is positioning the island as an exclusive, low-density alternative to more commercialized Caribbean hotspots, with its real estate market experiencing unprecedented growth.

    High-end developments, particularly in the coveted Jolly Harbour area on the western coast, are driving a significant transformation of formerly mid-market regions into upscale residential enclaves. Industry experts identify three primary catalysts for this surge: exceptional yachting accessibility, an unparalleled tropical lifestyle, and the nation’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. This program grants qualifying investors a pathway to citizenship through property acquisition.

    Post-pandemic interest from North American buyers, specifically from the United States and Canada, has intensified dramatically. A key financial incentive is the nation’s favorable tax structure, which includes no income tax, no capital gains tax, and no wealth tax.

    After a period of constrained construction, new inventory is finally entering the market. However, real estate agents project that despite this increased supply, the potent combination of high demand and limited premium land will continue to exert upward pressure on property values, signaling a sustained bullish market.

  • Fernandez to Join Regional Talks at CTO Air Connectivity Summit in Bermuda

    Fernandez to Join Regional Talks at CTO Air Connectivity Summit in Bermuda

    Bermuda is set to host a pivotal gathering of Caribbean leaders this February for the inaugural Air Connectivity Summit organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). Among the distinguished attendees is Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez. The high-level meeting, scheduled for February 24th, will focus on forging a unified strategy for the future of regional aviation. A central component of the agenda is the ‘Caribbean Skies — Ministerial Dialogue,’ a session dedicated to critical policy discussions on air transport, enhancing regional connectivity, and developing long-term aviation strategy. Minister Fernandez’s participation is particularly significant given his oversight of major aviation infrastructure projects in Antigua and Barbuda. These initiatives, including airport expansions on both islands, are designed to solidify the nation’s status as a premier air transport hub within the Caribbean. The CTO has stated that the core objective of this one-day summit is to synchronize aviation planning with the broader goals of tourism development. The ultimate aim is to craft policies that foster sustainable economic growth and significantly improve air travel linkages throughout the Caribbean region.

  • LETTER: The UPP will almost certainly lose these 3 seats in the next general election

    LETTER: The UPP will almost certainly lose these 3 seats in the next general election

    As Antigua and Barbuda’s political landscape solidifies with nearly complete candidate nominations, a rigorous examination reveals substantial challenges facing the United Progressive Party (UPP) in the upcoming general election. With only the St. Mary’s North constituency remaining undeclared for the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), electoral projections indicate a concerning trajectory for the opposition force.

    Electoral forecasts suggest the UPP stands to relinquish at least three currently held constituencies. Political analyst Kiz Johnson appears positioned to claim victory over incumbent Bowen, while Michael Joseph is projected to unseat Richard Lewis. Similarly, Michael Freeland demonstrates strong potential to overcome the Dalso/Watts coalition. Despite these setbacks, Simon is anticipated to maintain control of St. Mary’s South, while Pringle is expected to retain both All Saints East and St. Luke constituencies. Barbuda likely remains under Trevor Walker’s representation.

    The All Saints West constituency presents particular uncertainty with Harold’s entry creating a competitive triangular contest against sitting representative Anthony Smith. Current analysis indicates ABLP will maintain majority control of its existing seats, though Jonathan Joseph presents a formidable challenge to Sir Molwyn’s successor.

    Notably, neither UPP newcomers nor returning candidates demonstrate sufficient momentum to secure electoral victories. St. Paul constituency is projected to remain under ABLP control despite Cleon’s vigorous previous campaign. Similarly, Pearl Quinn faces significant obstacles in City East where former leader Lovell previously failed to secure victory.

    Two critical variables could substantially alter these projections: Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s administration must successfully address persistent water infrastructure issues before polling day, while UPP leadership dynamics could significantly influence voter sentiment if organizational changes occur. Historical context remains relevant as UPP narrowly missed victory in the previous electoral cycle, though contemporary political realities have evolved considerably since that period.

  • Apparent Suicide Victim Identified As 24-year-old woman from St. Vincent and the Grenadines

    Apparent Suicide Victim Identified As 24-year-old woman from St. Vincent and the Grenadines

    Authorities in Jennings have identified the victim of a residential death as Makellia Reneisha Williams, a 24-year-old national of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The tragic incident occurred Tuesday when police responded to a distress call at a Pease Alley residence, where Williams was discovered unresponsive and subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene.

    Williams had been residing in the community with her boyfriend, Akeem Barkas, who shares her Vincentian nationality. Contrary to initial reports circulating within the community, Barkas has explicitly denied allegations of any domestic dispute occurring prior to the incident. In a statement to Antigua News, Barkas clarified that no argument took place between the couple and maintained that he never provided such information to law enforcement officials.

    Neighbors and local residents remember Williams as a quietly dignified yet approachable presence in their community. Descriptions consistently portray her as reserved yet consistently courteous, with multiple accounts confirming her habitual practice of exchanging greetings with both neighbors and local merchants during her daily routines. The sudden loss of this young woman has generated profound distress within the traditionally tight-knit neighborhood, where such tragedies remain uncommon.

    Law enforcement agencies have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Williams’ untimely death. While authorities have refrained from speculating on potential causes pending autopsy results, the case remains active with detectives pursuing multiple lines of inquiry. The international dimension of the case, involving citizens from St. Vincent and the Grenadines residing in Antigua, adds complexity to the ongoing investigation.

  • Trump administration completes US’ split from the World Health Organization

    Trump administration completes US’ split from the World Health Organization

    The Trump administration has formally executed the United States’ departure from the World Health Organization (WHO), finalizing a withdrawal process initiated earlier this year. This decisive move severs a 72-year-old relationship between the nation and the UN’s global health body, fundamentally altering America’s role in international public health coordination.

    The separation procedure, officially communicated to the UN Secretary-General on July 6, 2020, reached its conclusion following a mandatory one-year notice period required under WHO statutes. The administration’s decision stemmed from persistent criticisms regarding the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its perceived alignment with Chinese interests during the initial outbreak phase.

    This unprecedented disengagement includes terminating financial contributions that previously constituted approximately 15% of the WHO’s total budget. The withdrawal removes American scientists from vital WHO health networks and eliminates U.S. voting rights in the World Health Assembly, effectively marginalizing American influence in global health policy decisions.

    The administration concurrently released a comprehensive memorandum outlining required reforms for potential future reengagement, establishing specific benchmarks for transparency and structural changes within the organization. This formal exit occurs amid ongoing worldwide efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic, raising questions about international coordination mechanisms and America’s participation in global health initiatives moving forward.