标签： Antigua and Barbuda

BELÉM, Brazil (Nov. 6, 2025) — Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda delivered a compelling address at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), emphasizing the critical need for political will to combat the escalating climate crisis. Speaking to global leaders, Browne highlighted the urgency of the situation, warning that inertia and indecision could jeopardize the planet’s future. He stressed that the world possesses the knowledge, technology, and financial resources to drive meaningful action but lacks the collective resolve to implement them. Browne described COP30 as the “COP of Truth,” urging it to be remembered as the moment when “honesty met action” and ambition translated into tangible results. He called for immediate and decisive measures to avert planetary disaster, noting that the 1.5°C threshold—a critical limit for small island states—has already been breached. For these nations, the climate crisis is not a distant threat but a daily reality. Browne criticized major polluters for their continued environmental destruction and advocated for an “economic revolution” to transform global production, consumption, and trade. He cited Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in the Caribbean as a stark reminder of the “loss and damage” caused by climate change, framing it as “the bill nature is presenting to humanity.” The prime minister also emphasized that climate finance should be seen as an obligation, not charity, and called for the adoption of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index to ensure targeted support. He praised Brazil for hosting the summit in the Amazon, the “lungs of the Earth,” and welcomed the launch of the Tropical Forests Forever Facility as a symbol of global solidarity. Browne concluded by urging nations to ensure COP30 is remembered as the moment when climate justice transitioned from promise to practice.

Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has intensified calls for a comprehensive forensic investigation into the Ministry of Works, urging that the scope of the ongoing vehicle procurement scandal probe be extended to include the quarries and cement factory under the ministry’s purview. Speaking during the second day of protests outside the ministry, Pringle, leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), emphasized that these issues are interconnected, pointing to a broader pattern of alleged mismanagement and lack of transparency within the government.

Pringle highlighted the necessity of an independent investigation into the so-called ‘vehicle-gate’ scandal, as well as the quarries and cement factory, citing reports of $15 million allegedly misappropriated from the ministry. He also raised concerns about the ministry’s headquarters, which he claimed is ‘suffering tremendously from mold infestation.’

The UPP leader vowed to maintain pressure on the government until a full investigation is launched, stating, ‘We cannot continue to have this government hide or stifle accountability and transparency in Antigua and Barbuda. We will be here until we get such an investigation into the matters I’ve mentioned.’ The protest outside the Ministry of Works marked the second consecutive day of demonstrations by the UPP, which is advocating for independent oversight into government operations to ensure accountability and transparency.

On Thursday, supporters of the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) assembled outside the Ministry of Works building, urging an independent forensic investigation into what they describe as issues requiring enhanced government transparency. The demonstration, spearheaded by political activist and UPP member George Wehner, was marked by spirited chants and songs, with participants demanding accountability. Wehner led the crowd in a powerful rendition of the civil rights anthem ‘We Shall Overcome,’ symbolizing their unwavering resolve. Through a loudspeaker, Wehner proclaimed, ‘We want justice. Not for Justin Brown to tell us that he knows what went wrong and he alone can fix it. That is not good enough. That is not democracy.’ The chant ‘Justice!’ reverberated repeatedly as protesters lined the street in front of the ministry. The group is pressing for an independent inquiry into alleged irregularities linked to the Ministry of Works. As of now, government officials have not provided a formal response to the protest.

Senior Trump administration officials informed lawmakers on Wednesday that the United States has no current plans to launch military strikes within Venezuela and lacks the legal basis to justify such actions against land targets. This revelation came during a classified briefing led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and a representative from the White House’s Office of Legal Counsel, according to sources familiar with the session. The briefing emphasized that the Justice Department’s legal opinion, which previously justified strikes against suspected drug boats, does not extend to operations within Venezuelan territory or other land-based targets. The officials also clarified that the “execute order” initiating the US military campaign against drug trafficking in September does not authorize land strikes. While the administration has not ruled out future actions, it is reportedly seeking a separate legal opinion from the Justice Department to justify potential land-based operations without congressional approval. The buildup of US military assets in the Caribbean, including the Ford Carrier Strike Group, has sparked speculation about possible strikes in Venezuela. However, officials stated that these assets are solely intended to support counternarcotic efforts and intelligence gathering. The administration has avoided involving Congress in its military operations in Latin America, asserting that it can conduct lethal strikes against alleged drug traffickers without legislative approval. Since September, the US military has carried out 16 strikes against boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, resulting in at least 67 deaths. Lawmakers have raised concerns about the legality and transparency of these operations, with some questioning the necessity of lethal force over interdiction methods. Despite assurances from officials like Rubio that strikes are meticulously tracked and justified, critics argue that the evidence linking targeted vessels to drug trafficking remains insufficient.