标签: Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Community Bulk Waste Clean-Up Held in St. Mary’s South

    Community Bulk Waste Clean-Up Held in St. Mary’s South

    The constituency of St. Mary’s South witnessed its second major bulk waste removal operation on Saturday, marking another milestone in community-led environmental efforts. Spearheaded by Senator Dwayne George, the initiative saw collaborative action between the National Solid Waste Management Authority and the Bolans Beautification Team.

    Operating under the community campaign theme ‘Clean Where You Live,’ the program focused on removing large discarded items while simultaneously promoting responsible waste disposal practices among residents. Volunteers and community members mobilized across multiple neighborhoods to collect bulky waste that typically falls outside regular garbage collection services.

    Senator George emphasized the initiative’s significance in preserving both the aesthetic appeal and sanitary conditions of communities within his constituency. He characterized the event as notably successful, attributing its achievements to the remarkable cooperation between residents and volunteer participants.

    The senator particularly highlighted the demonstrated sense of unity and collective community pride displayed throughout the clean-up effort. He noted the encouraging sight of community members working collaboratively toward a common environmental goal. According to George, such initiatives powerfully demonstrate how coordinated community action can effectively contribute to creating cleaner, healthier living environments for all residents.

    The event represents an ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and community improvement, building on previous successes while establishing a framework for future clean-up operations throughout the constituency.

  • Sir Rodney and Lady Williams hold talks with Royal Drawing School

    Sir Rodney and Lady Williams hold talks with Royal Drawing School

    In a significant development for Caribbean arts education, Their Excellencies Sir Rodney and Lady Williams, the Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda and the President of the Holy Foundation, have concluded strategic talks with London’s prestigious Royal Drawing School (RDS). The high-level meeting, held in the British capital, has resulted in a major expansion of the school’s teaching residency program.

    Traditionally limited to primary, secondary, and tertiary students, the residency will now be opened to a broader demographic, encompassing all citizens with a demonstrated interest and involvement in the visual arts. This policy shift aims to foster a more inclusive and widespread engagement with artistic practices across Antigua and Barbuda.

    The discussions, which included RDS Director Harry Parker and Partnerships Consultant Fiona Fox, also advanced planning for potential public exhibitions to be staged during the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). These exhibitions are envisioned to showcase both local Antiguan and Barbudan talent and the fruits of the expanded residency program on a global stage. Furthermore, the parties outlined a series of collaborative initiatives targeting both short and medium-term implementation, signaling a sustained commitment to strengthening cultural ties and arts education in the region.

    The engagement underscores a growing recognition of the arts as a vital component of societal development and international diplomacy.

  • APUA warns public about fake disconnection notice circulating online

    APUA warns public about fake disconnection notice circulating online

    The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has issued a formal alert regarding a fraudulent disconnection notice circulating within specific communities of St. John’s. In a March 14th announcement, the utility provider explicitly denounced the malicious communication, confirming it did not originate from any official company channel.

    APUA clarified the context of its legitimate communications, explaining it had recently distributed standard monthly reminders to customers with accounts overdue by more than 30 days. The authentic reminder, the authority stressed, was a general notification and did not single out or target any specific geographic communities or neighborhoods for disconnection.

    The circulating fraudulent notice specifically identified areas that, according to APUA, are entirely absent from any official disconnection listing. The company expressed strong condemnation for the creation and dissemination of such false information, highlighting its potential to generate unnecessary panic and concern among its customer base.

    APUA issued a direct appeal to those responsible for producing and distributing the misleading message, urging an immediate cessation of these activities. Reaffirming its commitment to transparent and honest communication with the public, the utility provider concluded its statement by thanking its customers for their ongoing vigilance and cooperation.

  • Final Statement from Cricket West Indies on the Return of the West Indies Men’s Cricket Team.

    Final Statement from Cricket West Indies on the Return of the West Indies Men’s Cricket Team.

    Cricket West Indies (CWI) has released its conclusive official communication addressing the return of the West Indies Men’s cricket team after their recent international tour. The statement provides a comprehensive overview of the tour’s outcomes, player performances, and the administrative framework supporting the team’s transition back to regional operations.

    The communication outlines strategic assessments of the team’s competitive performance, highlighting both individual athletic achievements and collective challenges faced during the tournament. It further details the structured debriefing process involving coaching staff, selectors, and players to evaluate technical, tactical, and psychological aspects of the campaign.

    CWI’s announcement emphasizes the organization’s commitment to player development and welfare, noting specific support mechanisms implemented for athletes returning from international duty. The statement also acknowledges fan support and stakeholder contributions while outlining the preparatory roadmap for upcoming fixtures in the international cricket calendar.

    This final communiqué serves as an official capstone to the tour, providing transparency regarding administrative processes and reinforcing CWI’s dedication to the continued progress of West Indies cricket on the global stage.

  • Antigua and Barbuda pushes for gender-sensitive climate action at UN Forum

    Antigua and Barbuda pushes for gender-sensitive climate action at UN Forum

    NEW YORK (March 14, 2026) – In a significant address before a United Nations assembly, Antigua and Barbuda’s Director of Gender Affairs Jamie Saunders presented a powerful argument for integrating gender equality objectives into climate financing mechanisms. Speaking at a side event during the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW80), Saunders emphasized that climate change impacts are not gender-neutral and require targeted financial solutions.

    The high-level panel discussion, titled ‘Advancing Climate Justice through Gender-Responsive Climate Finance,’ provided a platform for Saunders to outline Antigua and Barbuda’s pioneering policies addressing the disproportionate effects of climate change on women. He specifically highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by rural women, single-parent households, and women working in informal economic sectors who encounter significant obstacles in accessing resources, financing, and decision-making processes.

    Saunders detailed several innovative initiatives demonstrating Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership in climate justice. The country has formally integrated gender responsiveness into its climate governance framework and updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as official policy. These commitments prioritize increasing women-led businesses implementing renewable energy and climate adaptation solutions, supporting women’s economic recovery following extreme weather events, and promoting gender-responsive transitions in traditionally male-dominated sectors like energy and construction.

    A cornerstone initiative highlighted was the Sustainable Island Resource Framework Fund (SIRF Fund), established under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (2019) and administered by the Department of Environment. Through its blended finance window, the fund specifically expands access to climate-related investments for women-led enterprises, ensuring women participate not merely as beneficiaries but as active drivers of climate solutions.

    Meanwhile, Minister of State Shenella Govia described Antigua and Barbuda’s participation in CSW80 as profoundly moving and rewarding. She emphasized the importance of international collaboration in sharing progress and developing collective solutions to accelerate gender equality advancements worldwide. The delegation, which included Minister of Social and Urban Transformation Rawdon Turner and other senior officials, actively contributed to discussions that will inform and strengthen national policies and initiatives moving forward.

  • Government Praises Winners and Nominees of National Music Awards

    Government Praises Winners and Nominees of National Music Awards

    In a formal ceremony underscoring the cultural significance of the arts, government officials have extended high praise to the accomplished winners and distinguished nominees of this year’s National Music Awards. The event, a cornerstone of the country’s cultural calendar, was recognized not merely as a celebration of individual talent but as a vital showcase of national artistic achievement and creative industry strength.

    Senior cultural ministers highlighted the profound role music plays in shaping national identity and fostering social cohesion. They commended all participants for their exceptional contributions to the nation’s cultural landscape, emphasizing that their work resonates far beyond entertainment, serving as an ambassador for the country’s soft power on the global stage.

    The accolades covered a diverse spectrum of genres, from classical and jazz to contemporary pop and traditional folk, reflecting the rich tapestry of the nation’s musical heritage and its dynamic, evolving future. The government’s endorsement is seen as a strong signal of continued political and financial support for the arts sector, aiming to nurture future talent and ensure the industry’s robust growth and sustainability.

    This public commendation from the highest levels of governance is anticipated to bolster the prestige of the awards further and amplify the commercial success and public recognition of the honored artists, providing a significant boost to the entire music ecosystem.

  • Global Citizen Pitches Youth and Innovation Forum Ahead of CHOGM 2026

    Global Citizen Pitches Youth and Innovation Forum Ahead of CHOGM 2026

    The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has entered preliminary discussions with advocacy organization Global Citizen regarding a potential collaboration to expand the scope and impact of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). During a formal presentation, Global Citizen representatives proposed transforming the November 2026 gathering into a comprehensive global leadership platform that would integrate policy dialogue, youth engagement, and cultural programming alongside the official diplomatic proceedings.

    The proposed initiative, centered around the ‘Global Citizen Now’ forum, aims to convene government leaders, private sector executives, philanthropists, and youth representatives for high-level discussions on critical Commonwealth priorities. These would include climate action, youth opportunity, digital transformation, and entrepreneurial innovation through panel discussions and policy dialogues.

    A cornerstone of the proposal involves launching the ‘Digital Futures for Youth’ initiative, an ambitious effort to provide digital and AI skills training to young people across Commonwealth nations. The program targets supporting two million youth by 2030, with concrete employment pathways for at least 250,000 participants. Global Citizen estimates this would require mobilizing approximately $50 million in combined public, private, and philanthropic funding, with commitments anticipated to be announced during CHOGM events.

    The collaboration would also feature ‘Global Citizen Nights – Antigua and Barbuda,’ a cultural event designed to engage youth and the broader public through musical performances and advocacy campaigns featuring international and regional artists. This component seeks to galvanize global audience participation in support of youth development initiatives.

    Global Citizen emphasized that their extensive digital media reach—spanning millions worldwide—would significantly enhance international visibility for Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership role. The organization proposed a structured engagement timeline including advocacy events in New York and other international forums to build momentum ahead of the 2026 summit.

    The Cabinet acknowledged the potential value of such partnerships in amplifying CHOGM’s impact and visibility while advancing sustainable development initiatives across the Commonwealth. Officials recognized the unique opportunity to showcase national leadership on the global stage while creating tangible benefits for youth development throughout the Commonwealth community.

  • Most CARICOM nations emit well below the global average, but face some of the world’s highest climate risk

    Most CARICOM nations emit well below the global average, but face some of the world’s highest climate risk

    A comprehensive analysis of carbon emissions data reveals a significant disparity among Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations, with most member states maintaining per capita emissions well below the global average. According to the latest figures from the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR), 13 of the 14 CARICOM countries emitted less than the worldwide per capita average of 4.69 tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2024.

    Trinidad and Tobago stands as the notable exception, registering 19.58 tonnes of CO₂ per person—more than quadruple the global benchmark. This elevated emission level is directly attributable to the nation’s petrochemical-dependent economy, though officials note a promising 28% reduction since 2015, coinciding with decreased output from its energy sector.

    At the opposite extreme, Haiti demonstrates the region’s lowest emissions at merely 0.30 tonnes per capita, followed by Belize at 0.93 tonnes. Several Eastern Caribbean nations—including Dominica, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and St. Lucia—all maintained emissions below 2 tonnes per person, representing less than half the global average.

    Guyana emerges as the most significant regional emitter on an upward trajectory, with per capita emissions surging 67% since 2015 from 2.73 to 4.56 tonnes. This increase parallels the rapid development of the country’s offshore oil industry.

    The data underscores a persistent climate injustice: Caribbean nations that contribute minimally to global carbon emissions simultaneously face disproportionate vulnerability to climate change impacts, including rising sea levels and intensifying hurricane activity.

  • Coast Guard Mobilises Regional Search for Missing ‘Faith P’ Fishermen

    Coast Guard Mobilises Regional Search for Missing ‘Faith P’ Fishermen

    The Antigua Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) Coast Guard has launched a comprehensive search and rescue operation for the missing fishing vessel ‘FAITH P’ and its three crew members. The vessel failed to return to port as scheduled on Thursday, March 12th, 2026, prompting immediate emergency response measures.

    According to official reports, the Coast Guard was notified of the overdue vessel at approximately 5:40 PM on Thursday. The three fishermen aboard—identified as Devon Prince (known as Grease Gun), Adrian Pryce (alias Ivan), and Carlton Pitt (alias Nagamootoo)—had departed for fishing operations 12.5 nautical miles south/southwest of Barbuda at 7:00 AM on March 11th, 2026.

    The search operation was immediately elevated to Distress phase due to notably unfavorable sea conditions at the time of the vessel’s disappearance. Maritime authorities have been continuously broadcasting an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB) message on VHF Channel 16, alerting all mariners operating within the search area to remain vigilant and report any potential sightings.

    The ABDF Coast Guard is coordinating with multiple local and regional stakeholders to maximize search efforts across the potentially affected maritime region. Officials have emphasized their unwavering commitment to locating the missing vessel and its crew, assuring families and the public that every available resource is being deployed to bring their loved ones home safely.

    The incident has drawn significant attention across the twin-island nation, with community members anxiously awaiting updates on the search operation’s progress amid challenging maritime conditions.

  • Police Seek Suspect After iPhone Stolen at High Street Store

    Police Seek Suspect After iPhone Stolen at High Street Store

    Authorities in the area have launched a public appeal for information following the brazen theft of an iPhone from Christo’s store on High Street. The incident occurred at approximately 10:38 a.m., prompting an immediate police response.

    According to official reports, the stolen device is housed in a distinctive black protective case. Investigators have highlighted a crucial identifying feature: the phone’s lock screen displays a clear photograph of a woman dressed in green standing before a white automobile.

    Law enforcement officials are urging heightened vigilance among both general citizens and specialized business operators. Particular attention has been requested from electronics repair shops and second-hand retailers, who are advised to be alert should anyone attempt to unlock or resell the device matching this description.

    The investigation team has established dedicated communication channels for information sharing. Individuals possessing any relevant details or recognizing the described individual are encouraged to immediately contact authorities at 764-6454 or 462-1073.

    Police emphasized the critical role of community cooperation in such investigations, noting that public assistance significantly increases the likelihood of recovering stolen property and apprehending those responsible. The case remains under active investigation as authorities pursue all available leads.