Carib Scope

标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Say no to whale hunting, NGOs urge Antigua & Barbuda’s PM

    Say no to whale hunting, NGOs urge Antigua & Barbuda’s PM

    A coalition of international and regional non-governmental environmental organizations has issued a direct public appeal to the Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, calling on the Caribbean nation to rule out any return to commercial whaling activities. The appeal comes amid growing international speculation that some small island nations may reconsider lifting long-standing bans on whale hunting in exchange for economic incentives from pro-whaling countries.

    NGOs argue that Antigua & Barbuda has built a thriving, sustainable whale watching tourism industry that draws thousands of wildlife enthusiasts to its waters each year, generating far greater long-term economic benefits for local communities than commercial hunting could ever deliver. Beyond economic concerns, the groups emphasize that protecting whale populations supports critical marine ecosystem health—whales play a key role in carbon sequestration and maintaining balanced ocean food webs, which are essential to the Caribbean’s fishing and tourism sectors that form the backbone of the nation’s economy.

    The coalition also notes that Antigua & Barbuda’s participation in any resumption of commercial whaling would damage its international reputation as a leader in Caribbean marine conservation. Environmental advocates say they are collecting public signatures from both local residents and global tourists who support permanent protection for the humpback whales and other cetacean species that migrate through Antigua & Barbuda’s waters annually. As of the latest update, the Prime Minister’s office has not issued an official response to the NGOs’ appeal, leaving the international conservation community awaiting clarification on the nation’s future whaling policy.

  • New ECAB-ABWU Agreement Delivers Salary Increases and Enhanced Benefits

    New ECAB-ABWU Agreement Delivers Salary Increases and Enhanced Benefits

    Workers at the Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB) are set to enjoy improved compensation and working conditions after bank leadership and the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) signed a new three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement.

    The multi-year deal, which will run from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2028, guarantees an overall 11% base salary increase across the three-year term. High-performing staff will also be eligible to earn an extra annual pay boost of up to 2%, creating additional incentives for outstanding work performance. Beyond salary adjustments, the agreement introduces a suite of updated employment benefits designed to support employee well-being and work-life balance. These include new paid study leave to support professional development, a doubling of paternity leave from five days to 10 days, five days of paid leave for new adoptive parents, shorter Friday working hours, and enhanced compensation for employees with long tenures at the institution.

    Leadership from both sides praised the collaborative tone of the negotiation process, which resulted in a mutually satisfactory outcome. Fernando Samuel, Senior Industrial Relations Officer at ABWU, framed the talks as uniquely constructive, highlighting the consistent spirit of cooperation between the two negotiating teams. “The negotiations were very smooth and all parties were pleased with the outcome. I am satisfied that the benefits contained in this agreement represent real progress for our members,” Samuel shared.

    Glenroy Aaron, an ABWU Shop Steward, welcomed the successful conclusion of talks, noting that the agreement reflects a shared commitment to preserving a productive, positive working relationship between the bank and its staff. “This agreement shows that the bank and the union are working together for the benefit of both employees and the organisation,” Aaron explained.

    Fellow Shop Steward Natasha Joseph-Richards echoed that satisfaction, while calling for continued efforts to streamline negotiation timelines in future talks.

    ECAB General Manager Michael Spencer emphasized that collaborative collective bargaining is a core part of building a balanced, high-productivity workplace. He noted that the new agreement underscores the bank’s long-term dedication to maintaining a strong, healthy partnership with the union and its member employees. “We are determined to ensure that our staff are treated fairly and that we are operating in an extremely harmonious environment. We’re very focused on that,” Spencer said.

    Sandra Abbott, ECAB’s Human Resources Manager, reiterated the bank’s commitment to maintaining open, transparent, and respectful communication with union leadership moving forward. Tracy Benn-Roberts, ECAB General Counsel and Corporate Secretary and a member of the bank’s negotiation team, added that the years-long positive working relationship between the two institutions was a key factor in delivering the deal. “This win-win outcome for both parties would not have been possible without the foundation of trust we have built over time,” Benn-Roberts noted.

    Both negotiating teams left the signing confident that unresolved issues deferred during the current round of talks will be addressed efficiently in the coming months, aligned with the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that guided the entire process. The ABWU reiterated its ongoing commitment to partnering with regional employers to negotiate fair agreements that lift up working people and support stable, productive work environments across Antigua and Barbuda.

  • Tourism Accounts for Over 80% of Services Exports in 6 CARICOM Member States

    Tourism Accounts for Over 80% of Services Exports in 6 CARICOM Member States

    New 2024 balance of payments data from the International Monetary Fund, compiled in the World Bank’s World Development Indicators, has laid bare the extraordinary economic reliance that most Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states place on travel service exports. Across 12 of the bloc’s 15 members that are included in the analysis, six economies see travel services — which measure all visitor spending within a nation’s borders — make up more than 80% of their total annual services exports. Topping the list is The Bahamas, where travel exports account for nearly 94% of all outbound services trade, followed closely by Saint Lucia at 90.1% and Grenada at 88.6%. Rounding out the group of highly dependent nations are Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, and Jamaica, all of which crossed the 80% threshold in 2024. Behind the leaders, other CARICOM members still recorded far higher shares than most global comparators: Saint Kitts and Nevis came in at 72.4%, Belize at 69.4%, and Dominica at 62.2%. Only three of the 12 surveyed nations posted travel export shares below 40%. These outliers are Haiti at 37.7%, Trinidad and Tobago at 34.7%, and Suriname at just 16.9%. Both Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname are established resource exporters, and their economies have developed other high-value service sectors that outpace travel in export volume. Experts stress that these percentages reflect the composition of national export sectors, not the absolute scale of the travel industry. A high share of travel in total services exports simply signals that no other service categories — including finance, transportation, and business services — generate export revenue at a similar level to tourism and visitor spending. When placed in a global context, the CARICOM average is dramatically out of step with international benchmarks. The global average share of travel services in total services exports sat at 19.8% in 2024, while the broader Latin America and Caribbean regional average was 41.5%. Even among global small states, which often lean more heavily on tourism than large economies, the average travel share is just 30.9% — less than half the share recorded in six CARICOM members. The current dataset excludes three CARICOM members due to gaps in recent reporting: Barbados has not submitted updated data since 2017, Guyana’s most recent figures are from 2023, and Montserrat is not included in the current round of statistical compilation.

  • Ambrose, Fenton and Daley Named to Antigua and Barbuda Team for World U20 Championships

    Ambrose, Fenton and Daley Named to Antigua and Barbuda Team for World U20 Championships

    A new generation of Antigua and Barbuda’s track and field talent is set to compete on a global stage, with three rising young athletes earning a spot on the national roster for the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships, hosted in Eugene, Oregon, USA. The Antigua and Barbuda Athletic Association formally announced the official team this week, confirming that Kettia Ambrose, Tyra Fenton and Kasiya Daley will carry the nation’s flag at the biennial event, which is scheduled to run from August 5 to 9 at the University of Oregon’s iconic Hayward Field, a venue long renowned for hosting elite international track and field competitions.

    Each athlete has been assigned their specific events for the upcoming championships. Ambrose, one of the nation’s most promising young female sprinters, will line up in both the women’s 200-metre and 400-metre races. Fenton will also compete in the women’s 200-metre event, bringing her own specialized speed and training to the starting line. On the men’s side, Daley will compete across two short-distance sprint events, the 100-metre and 200-metre races, aiming to post strong times against the world’s best under-20 competitors.

    The young delegation will not travel without support: experienced coach Teddy Daley and team leader Jo-Ann Small will accompany the trio throughout the trip, providing on-the-ground training guidance, logistical support and strategic advice ahead of their races. As one of the world’s most prestigious gatherings for emerging track and field talent, the 2026 championships will draw hundreds of top junior athletes from every corner of the globe, giving young competitors a critical opportunity to gain international competition experience and showcase their skills ahead of potential senior-level careers.

    In a statement marking the team announcement, the Antigua and Barbuda Athletic Association extended well wishes to the entire national delegation, wishing all three athletes strong performances, a safe journey to Oregon, and success as they step onto the international championship stage to represent their small Caribbean nation.

  • The Pace Is Set – Antigua Carnival 2026 Officially Comes Alive

    The Pace Is Set – Antigua Carnival 2026 Officially Comes Alive

    The countdown to one of the Caribbean’s most iconic summer celebrations has reached a new milestone, with the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) hailing the overwhelming success of the official pre-launch events for the 2026 Antigua Carnival.

    Over successive evenings in the lead-up to the main festival, Carnival City emerged as a hub of electrifying energy, showcasing extraordinary artistic talent and creative expression from across the islands. Attendees flocked to the venue to experience world-class live entertainment, vivid traditional cultural performances, and an immersive, joyful atmosphere that has long earned Antigua Carnival the nickname of “the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival.”

    The main 2026 Antigua Carnival program is set to kick off officially on Saturday, July 25, 2025, and festival organizers say the glowing reception of the pre-events has set a promising, enthusiastic tone for the full celebrations. This year’s lead-up activities hold extra significance, as they pave the way for 2026’s milestone 70th anniversary of the iconic festival.

    Hon. Dwayne George, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Sports and Creative Industries, offered high praise for the ABFC and every contributor that turned the ARG venue into a premium Carnival City. He highlighted the dramatic upgrades to the space this year, noting that the commission has raised the bar for festival organization. “I am incredibly proud of the transformation of ARG into a first-class Carnival City. This year, the Commission has truly levelled up. I have great anticipation for what’s to come next year as we celebrate the 70th anniversary,” George stated.

    Acknowledging the overwhelmingly positive public feedback received for the pre-events, George added: “Everything sounded great, looked spectacular, and the atmosphere is exceptional. I have seen the major transformation and appreciate every single person who made it happen.”

    When asked about the main festival events he is most excited for, George shared a lighthearted, enthusiastic preview. He highlighted the highly anticipated Rhythm Court Vibes event scheduled for Monday, where he is eager to join local residents and visitors in enjoying local cuisine, top-tier live music, and the authentic communal spirit of Antigua Carnival. He even issued a playful public challenge: calling out local personality Gassi Dread to meet him for a game of dominoes at the festival grounds.

  • Barthley Named Young Benna Boys Captain for Concacaf U-20 Championship

    Barthley Named Young Benna Boys Captain for Concacaf U-20 Championship

    As the 2026 Concacaf Under-20 Championship prepares to kick off in Mexico this summer, the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) has announced its leadership group for the national under-20 squad, the Young Benna Boys. The official announcement, made Wednesday, confirmed that 18-year-old midfielder Dajari Barthley will take on the role of team captain, with Purdue University Fort Wayne goalkeeper Tegan Gumbs stepping in as vice captain.

    Barthley, an emerging talent with deep roots in Antigua and Barbuda’s football ecosystem, brings a unique mix of domestic and international training experience to the captaincy. A former student at Antigua’s Baptist Academy, he currently continues his athletic and academic development at Bede’s Senior School in the United Kingdom. His consistent standout performance in recent years has already earned him national recognition: he was nominated for the prestigious Antigua and Barbuda Junior Sportsman of the Year award in both 2024 and 2025, and he has already logged training time with the country’s senior men’s national team, giving him valuable exposure to high-level competitive play.

    Young Benna Boys head coach Shyan explained that the selection process for captain was far from straightforward, with the technical management team evaluating multiple candidates through a series of practice matches. Every contender got the chance to lead the squad in these test fixtures, allowing the coaching staff to closely monitor their on-pitch communication, decision-making under pressure, and ability to unify the team. After extensive observations and one-on-one conversations with each candidate, the management group landed on Barthley. “The final choice was not an easy one,” Shyan noted. “We had different guys captain the practice games, we monitored them and spoke to them. In the end, the management group was impressed with how Dajari handled the responsibilities. He is well respected by his teammates.”

    As vice captain, Gumbs brings a stellar track record of performance from the qualifying stage to the squad. Born in Chicago, the goalkeeper was instrumental in securing Antigua and Barbuda’s spot in the final 12-team championship, notching four consecutive clean sheets across four qualifying wins held in Costa Rica. His defensive reliability will be a critical asset for the Young Benna Boys as they face off against some of North and Central America’s top under-20 talent.

    For Antigua and Barbuda, the 2026 Concacaf Under-20 Championship carries extra regional significance: it is the only nation from the Eastern Caribbean to qualify for the final tournament. The team will get its campaign underway on July 24, when it faces tournament hosts Mexico at Puebla’s iconic Estadio Cuauhtémoc. Following the opening match, the Young Benna Boys will return to the pitch to take on Guatemala on July 27, before wrapping up their group stage play against Costa Rica on July 30.

  • Queen Conch Closed Season Now in Effect

    Queen Conch Closed Season Now in Effect

    Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have officially launched their annual seasonal protection period for Queen Conch, with a full ban on all harvesting and trade of the vulnerable marine species now active through the end of August.

    The Fisheries Division, which oversees marine resource management across the island nation, announced that the closed season is scheduled to run from July 1 to August 31 each year, aligning with a critical biological window for Queen Conch reproduction and population growth. Throughout these two months, any activity involving the species—including catching, selling, buying, or even personal possession of Queen Conch—violates local fisheries laws and can result in penalties.

    This long-standing annual restriction is designed to give Queen Conch populations uninterrupted time to breed and grow, preventing overexploitation that has threatened the species in many Caribbean coastal regions. Conservation officials emphasize that the temporary ban is a core strategy for maintaining the ecological health of Antigua and Barbuda’s marine ecosystems and ensuring the species remains available for future generations of fishermen and coastal communities.

    The division has issued a public call for full compliance from all groups that interact with Queen Conch, including local residents, commercial fishing operators, seafood vendors, and hospitality businesses that serve seafood to both locals and tourists. To help enforce the ban, authorities have also released a dedicated contact line for members of the public to report any suspected illegal activity related to Queen Conch. Anyone who witnesses potential violations can confidentially submit tips to the Fisheries Division by calling 462-1372.

  • Concacaf U-20 Championship Preview: Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica

    Concacaf U-20 Championship Preview: Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica

    As the 2026 Concacaf Men’s U-20 Championship approaches, Caribbean football pride is stepping into the spotlight, with four regional national teams finalizing their preparations to compete for the prestigious North, Central America and Caribbean continental title. The 2026 tournament marks the ninth edition of the elite youth competition, which brings together 12 of the region’s top under-20 sides to compete for regional supremacy. This year, four Caribbean nations earned their spots in the final group stage, each bringing unique history, momentum, and ambition to the contest.

    Antigua and Barbuda is making its sixth appearance at the Concacaf U-20 Championship, and its first since the 2022 iteration of the tournament. Nicknamed the Benna Boys, the side made history during the 2026 qualification process, sweeping all four of their Group C matches to top the group and secure their place in the final draw—an unprecedented achievement for the nation’s under-20 program. Drawn into Group B, Antigua and Barbuda will face off against Costa Rica, Guatemala, and tournament hosts Mexico, with the squad targeting a historic first-ever berth in the competition’s knockout round.

    Cuba secured an automatic spot in the 2026 tournament courtesy of its position among the top six teams in the official Concacaf U-20 rankings. This entry marks the Caribbean nation’s 16th appearance at the continental championship, a testament to the longstanding consistency of its youth football program. Known as Los Leones del Caribe, Cuba is still chasing its first regional title, having come closest back in the 1970 and 1974 tournaments when it finished as runner-up on both occasions. Cuba will kick off its 2026 campaign in Group A, where it will share the pitch with El Salvador, fellow Caribbean side Haiti, and tournament favorite the United States.

    Haiti earned its place in the 2026 championship by dominating Group D during qualification, finishing with a flawless 4-win, 0-loss record to claim the top spot in the group. This tournament will mark the 12th time Haiti has competed at the Concacaf U-20 Championship. One of the side’s players to watch this year is attacking talent Miguel Joseph, who notched one goal and one assist during the qualifying run and is expected to be a key playmaker for Les Grenadiers. Like Cuba, Haiti was drawn into Group A, where it will meet the United States, El Salvador, and Cuba in opening round play.

    Rounding out the Caribbean contingent is Jamaica, which is making its 23rd appearance at the Concacaf U-20 Championship—more than any other Caribbean side in this year’s field. The Reggae Boyz are aiming to match or exceed their best-ever performance at the tournament, a third-place finish they achieved all the way back in 1970. Jamaica turned in an utterly dominant performance during qualification, sweeping all five of their Group B matches to finish with 15 points and the top spot in the group. Forward Jahmarie Nolan led the team’s offensive charge during qualifying, finding the back of the net five times to emerge as the side’s main goal threat. Drawn into Group C, Jamaica will open its campaign against Canada, Honduras, and Panama.

  • Two Persons of Interest Held in Eleazer “Fresshy” Francis Killing

    Two Persons of Interest Held in Eleazer “Fresshy” Francis Killing

    A small Caribbean community is reeling from a brutal early-morning murder that has left local residents shocked, as law enforcement officials ramp up a full investigation into the killing of a well-known local businessman. Sixty-year-old Eleazer “Fresshy” Francis, a prominent entrepreneur based in Freeman’s Village, was shot and killed at his own supermarket around 8:30 a.m. last Thursday, in broad daylight that has amplified public concern over public safety in the area.

    Speaking publicly about the ongoing case, Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers confirmed that investigative teams are leaving no stone unturned in their search for answers, following up on every potential clue and tip that has emerged in the days since the shooting. So far, law enforcement has taken two persons of interest into custody as part of the probe, as investigators work to piece together exactly what led to the deadly confrontation.

    Preliminary accounts from the initial investigation paint a clear picture of the attack: two unknown male suspects arrived at the supermarket in a silver-colored vehicle, entered the retail property, and an altercation broke out between the suspects and Francis before the shooting. Francis was pronounced dead at the scene immediately after the gunfire.

    Commissioner Jeffers stressed that the investigation into Francis’ killing has been assigned the highest possible priority within the police department, as officers work quickly to build a complete case and bring those responsible to justice. In a public appeal for community assistance, Jeffers urged any local resident who may have witnessed the shooting, noticed suspicious activity in the area around the time of the attack, or holds any other information that could advance the probe to come forward. Tips can be submitted directly to the department’s Criminal Investigations Department, or anonymously through the regional Crime Stoppers hotline, Jeffers confirmed.

  • Businessman Killed in Freemans Village Identified as Eleazer ‘Fresshy’ Francis

    Businessman Killed in Freemans Village Identified as Eleazer ‘Fresshy’ Francis

    A wave of grief has swept through the tight-knit community of Freemans Village in Antigua and Barbuda following the fatal shooting of prominent local businessman and cherished community leader Eleazer “Fresshy” Francis on Thursday morning.

    According to initial reports from local law enforcement and eyewitness accounts, the violent attack unfolded just after 8 a.m. at the small grocery superette that Francis owned and operated along Freemans Village Main Road. Emergency responders were called to the scene immediately, but Francis succumbed to his gunshot wounds at the location.

    Francis’ death marks the latest homicide recorded in Antigua and Barbuda, a development that has deepened the somber mood across the island nation. For many local residents, the loss comes as a sudden and devastating shock, as Francis had long been embedded in community life, earning a reputation as a kind, dependable figure who was widely respected across the area. In the hours after the shooting, residents gathered near the superette to share memories of Francis, expressing disbelief at the violent end to a life that had benefited so many in the village.

    In response to the killing, the Antigua and Barbuda Royal Police Force has formally launched a full criminal investigation. Investigators are currently working to piece together the full sequence of events that led to the shooting, interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence from the crime scene. A key priority for the investigation team is identifying any suspects and determining what motivated the attack, as authorities work to bring those responsible to justice.

    As the investigation progresses, local community leaders have called for anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward to assist police, while residents continue to mourn the loss of one of their most beloved members.