标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a flash flood advisory for Antigua, as relentless rainbands from Tropical Storm Jerry continue to inundate the island. The advisory, activated at noon on Friday, remains effective until 4 p.m., with forecaster Lenard Josiah reporting up to nine inches of rainfall in certain areas over the past 12 hours. Additional precipitation is anticipated this afternoon, exacerbating the already saturated conditions. While the flooding is not deemed life-threatening, authorities are urging residents to exercise extreme caution. Streams, drains, and roads are at risk of overflowing, and the public is advised to avoid flooded zones. A critical safety reminder has been issued: ‘Turn around, don’t drown — just one foot of flowing water can sweep your vehicle away.’ Officials warn that the situation could deteriorate rapidly, potentially prompting an upgrade to a flood warning. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local media or by contacting the Met Office at 463-4638 for updates. Amid the crisis, the community is reminded to prioritize safety and heed official guidance to mitigate risks.

Paynters Court, a residential area in Antigua, has been severely affected by recent flooding, causing significant disruption to local residents. The flooding, captured in photographs by George Wehner, has inundated streets and homes, leaving many families grappling with the aftermath. The images depict waterlogged roads and properties, highlighting the extent of the damage. Authorities are yet to release an official statement regarding the cause of the flooding or the measures being taken to assist affected residents. Meanwhile, local businesses are offering support, with some, like the region’s most visited news site, providing platforms for community updates and assistance. The situation underscores the growing challenges posed by extreme weather events in the region. Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions as recovery efforts continue.

The All Saints Church of the Nazarene is set to commemorate its 50th anniversary with a week-long celebration from November 2 to November 9, 2025. Under the theme ‘Grateful Hearts, Enduring Faith,’ inspired by Psalm 106:1, the church will honor five decades of unwavering ministry, worship, and community engagement. The festivities will include a diverse array of events such as worship services, cultural evenings, community outreach initiatives, an awards banquet, and a grand Anniversary Celebration of Praise on November 9 at 5 pm. Reverend Sandra E. Martin, the church’s pastor, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating, ‘This anniversary is a testament to God’s enduring love, the commitment of our congregation, and the support of our community. We move forward with gratitude and faith as we continue to serve and transform lives for the Kingdom of God.’ The public is warmly invited to participate in these celebrations, which promise to be a time of reflection, thanksgiving, and joyful fellowship. The event highlights the church’s enduring legacy and its ongoing mission to impact lives positively.

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Office faced significant disruption on Friday as Tropical Storm Jerry unleashed torrential rains, leading to severe flooding at the critical weather facility. Reports indicate that water infiltrated the building through the roof, causing damage to operational areas and essential equipment used for weather monitoring and airport support. Despite the staff’s efforts to mitigate the situation, the relentless downpour rendered their attempts futile. The incident occurred during a flash flood advisory, with widespread water accumulation reported across multiple communities. Authorities have issued warnings, urging residents to remain vigilant and stay updated as unstable weather conditions persist. The flooding underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to extreme weather events, raising concerns about preparedness and resilience in the face of increasingly unpredictable climate patterns.

Acting Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers has publicly commended three officers for their extraordinary dedication to public service. Constable Jamilla Edwards, Constable Choyan James, and Constable Linton Degallerie were recognized at Police Headquarters for their professionalism and compassion in assisting a distressed member of the public. The officers went above and beyond their duties to help a Liberta woman whose vehicle suffered a flat tire on a dark road. They not only changed the tire but also accompanied her to multiple tire shops in St. John’s to secure a replacement and reinstalled it for her. The commendation ceremony was attended by senior members of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, including Superintendent Rodney Ellis, Assistant Superintendents Frankie Thomas and Dr. Raffie Browne, and Inspector Stuart Issac. Acting Commissioner Jeffers praised the officers for embodying the values of the police force, emphasizing the importance of building trust and strengthening community relations through every public interaction. He encouraged them to continue serving as ambassadors of the organization and to remain committed to excellence. In recognition of their outstanding service, a letter of commendation will be placed on each officer’s personal file.

In an open letter addressed to Ms. Joanna I. Charles, General Manager of ACB Caribbean, and copied to the Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, a frustrated customer has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by bank clients in accessing their own funds. The letter, which reflects the grievances of many, underscores the deteriorating service standards of what was once a trusted financial institution in the region. The customer expressed deep concern over the inability to withdraw cash from ATMs, which has become a daily ordeal for countless individuals. Long lines, non-functional machines, and exorbitant fees for using alternative ATMs have exacerbated the situation, leaving customers feeling penalized for seeking access to their hard-earned money. The letter also pointed out the broader implications of these issues, particularly in a cash-dependent economy like Antigua and Barbuda, where digital payment systems are not yet fully accessible or affordable. The customer called for immediate action to address the bank’s operational failures and urged the government to intervene, emphasizing the need for accountability and improved service delivery. The letter concluded with a plea for a banking system that prioritizes customer needs and operates with integrity.