Carib Scope

标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Hurricane Humberto Passes Safely North of Antigua

    Hurricane Humberto Passes Safely North of Antigua

    Hurricane Humberto, a formidable Category 4 storm with sustained winds nearing 145 mph, has safely bypassed Antigua and Barbuda, maintaining a distance of over 350 miles north of the twin-island nation. While the hurricane’s direct impact has been avoided, its influence has disrupted local wind patterns, driving the heat index to a sweltering 40°C (104°F). Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have urged residents to remain vigilant, stay cool, and monitor official advisories as the hurricane season persists.

    Meanwhile, attention is shifting to Tropical Depression Nine, which is currently developing near the Bahamas. As of 2 p.m. EDT Saturday, the National Hurricane Center reported the system’s location approximately 195 miles northwest of eastern Cuba and 120 miles south-southwest of the central Bahamas. With maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and a northwestward movement at 6 mph, the depression poses a growing concern. Tropical storm warnings are now in effect for parts of the central and northwestern Bahamas, while a watch has been issued for sections of Florida’s east coast. Heavy rainfall continues to affect eastern Cuba and the Bahamas, and U.S. Air Force hurricane hunters are en route to assess the system.

    As the Atlantic hurricane season remains active, residents across the region are advised to stay informed and prepared for potential weather disruptions.

  • Dog on runway delays British Airways landing in Antigua

    Dog on runway delays British Airways landing in Antigua

    A routine British Airways flight from London to Antigua experienced an unexpected delay when a dog wandered onto the runway at V.C. Bird International Airport. Flight 2157, carrying passengers from the UK, was forced to abort its initial landing approach after the animal was spotted on the tarmac. The aircraft circled the airport while ground staff swiftly cleared the area to ensure safety. The plane successfully landed on its second attempt, with no injuries or damage reported. Passengers on board took the incident in stride, with one traveler humorously remarking, ‘You expect turbulence over the Atlantic, not a dog delaying your landing.’ The incident highlights the importance of rigorous airport safety protocols and the unpredictable nature of air travel. Authorities are investigating how the dog gained access to the runway to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

  • Caribbean Health Leaders Call for Urgent Action to Build Resilient Health Systems amidst Climate and Economic Threats

    Caribbean Health Leaders Call for Urgent Action to Build Resilient Health Systems amidst Climate and Economic Threats

    The 50th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development – Health (COHSOD-Health) convened in Washington, D.C., from September 26–27, 2025, bringing together CARICOM Ministers of Health, Permanent Secretaries, Chief Medical Officers, and representatives from regional and international institutions. The event, chaired by the Hon. Philip Telesford, Minister of Health, Wellness, and Religious Affairs of Grenada, underscored the urgent need to address pressing health challenges in the Caribbean region. Minister Telesford emphasized the dual social and economic implications of health threats, particularly Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs), which continue to strain productivity and national budgets. He highlighted that diseases not only impact individual well-being but also carry significant financial consequences, making health an economic imperative. CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General for Human and Social Development, Ms. Alison Drayton, reinforced the call for coordinated action, citing emerging communicable diseases, climate change, and rising crime rates as compounding factors. The meeting celebrated key milestones, including CARICOM’s endorsement of the Pandemic Agreement at the 78th World Health Assembly, the launch of the PAHO-CARICOM Joint Subregional Cooperation Strategy, and the signing of the CARICOM-HEDPAC Memorandum of Understanding. Efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance and address crime and violence as public health issues were also highlighted. The event reaffirmed CARICOM’s commitment to collaborative leadership and proactive responses to emerging health threats, ensuring the region’s health systems remain resilient in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

  • Rotary Club of Antigua Installs Peace Pole at Clare Hall Secondary School

    Rotary Club of Antigua Installs Peace Pole at Clare Hall Secondary School

    In a significant move to promote peace and unity among the youth, the Rotary Club of Antigua unveiled a Peace Pole at Clare Hall Secondary School on September 25, 2305. This initiative, celebrated during a ceremony on September 26, symbolizes a global call for harmony, bearing the universal message, ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth.’ The Peace Pole serves as a constant reminder of the importance of fostering understanding and compassion within communities and educational institutions. Elisa Graham, President of the Rotary Club of Antigua, emphasized the deeper meaning behind the installation. She stated that the Peace Pole is not merely a monument but a catalyst for students to internalize peace and reflect it in their thoughts, words, and actions. Graham expressed hope that the initiative would inspire students to become peacemakers in their homes, schools, and eventually, the world. Lorna Richardson, Principal of Clare Hall Secondary School, expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm for being part of this meaningful project. She highlighted the school’s commitment to not only academic excellence but also to instilling values of peace, conflict resolution, and civic responsibility. Richardson affirmed that the Peace Pole aligns perfectly with the school’s mission to nurture productive citizens who contribute positively to Antigua and Barbuda. Graham also acknowledged the vital role of educators in fostering peace, urging students to embrace kindness, empathy, and leadership. This initiative reflects the Rotary Club’s enduring dedication to ‘Service Above Self’ and its vision of transforming the dream of peace into a shared reality. The installation of the Peace Pole underscores the club’s broader efforts to cultivate goodwill and harmony, particularly among the younger generation, who hold the promise of shaping a more peaceful future.

  • UWI academic warns of democratic risk if migration policy is mishandled

    UWI academic warns of democratic risk if migration policy is mishandled

    Professor C. Justin Robinson, Principal of the Five Islands Campus at the University of the West Indies in Antigua, has issued a stark warning to Caribbean governments. As Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines prepare to launch the region’s most ambitious free movement agreement, Robinson emphasized the need to address public anxieties to avoid political backlash and threats to democratic stability. The initiative, emerging from the CARICOM Enhanced Cooperation Protocol, allows citizens of these nations to live, work, and access basic services without work permits or residency requirements. While this promises economic benefits, Robinson cautioned that lessons from the U.S. and Europe highlight the risks of uneven distributional impacts and public perception mismanagement. He stressed that success will depend on addressing infrastructure, employment, and social integration challenges. Robinson also highlighted the potential for economic disparities and infrastructure strain, particularly in small island states with limited resources. He underscored the importance of financial system integration and cultural affinity as key advantages, urging policymakers to learn from global migration experiences to avoid pitfalls.

  • Several people charged following multiple drug arrests

    Several people charged following multiple drug arrests

    In a significant crackdown on illegal drug activities, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has arrested and charged three individuals in separate operations this week. The arrests, which took place in various locations across the island, underscore the police administration’s unwavering commitment to combating the illicit drug trade.

  • Empowerment Doll-Making: Botanique and The Water’s Edge Museum Bring Caribbean–Irish Heritage to Dublin

    Empowerment Doll-Making: Botanique and The Water’s Edge Museum Bring Caribbean–Irish Heritage to Dublin

    This October, Dublin will host a unique cultural event as part of the Artistic Islands Programming. Botanique Studios, in collaboration with The Water’s Edge Museum from Maryland, USA, will present the Heritage Empowerment Doll Seminars. This event aims to celebrate the rich and resilient cultural heritage of Antigua and Barbuda, while also highlighting the historical connections between Africa, the Caribbean, and Ireland.

  • Botanique and The Water’s Edge Museum Showcase Antiguan and Barbudan Seedwork at Dublin Castle

    Botanique and The Water’s Edge Museum Showcase Antiguan and Barbudan Seedwork at Dublin Castle

    This October, Dublin will host a unique cultural event as Artistic Islands Programming collaborates with Botanique Studios of Antigua and Barbuda and The Water’s Edge Museum of Maryland, USA, to present the Heritage Seedwork Seminar. This event shines a spotlight on seedwork jewelry, a traditional craft from Antigua and Barbuda made from wild tamarind and jumbie beads. Once a fading art form practiced by only a few women, Botanique Studios has successfully revived this African-rooted tradition, elevating it to global recognition. The seminar will be led by Louise Edwards, a master seedwork artisan, alongside Botanique founder Anne Jonas and creative Mosia Challenger. Participants will engage in three-hour workshops, gaining hands-on experience in this intricate craft. Each session will begin with a short film exploring the history and cultural significance of seedwork, followed by guided practice using specially prepared kits. The collaboration with The Water’s Edge Museum, represented by co-directors Ja’Lyn Hicks and Sara Amber Marie Park, underscores a shared commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage that transcends borders. The workshops will take place from October 3–5, with sessions running from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Additionally, a special illustrated lecture titled ‘The Beauty of Antigua’s Intangible Cultural Heritage’ will be hosted at Dublin Castle’s State Apartments on October 4 at 6:30 p.m. This event not only celebrates the artistry of seedwork but also highlights the resilience and creativity of Antiguan culture.

  • PHOTOS: Roadworks Keep Rolling Across the Island

    PHOTOS: Roadworks Keep Rolling Across the Island

    The Ministry of Works has ramped up its road construction activities across multiple locations, including Wireless Road and Glanville, showcasing a dedicated effort to enhance infrastructure. Teams have been working tirelessly since sunrise, with the concrete plant crew ensuring a steady supply of materials to keep the projects on track. The initiative aims to improve road conditions and ensure smoother transportation for residents and commuters. Photographs captured by Maria Browne highlight the progress and scale of the operations, underscoring the commitment of the Ministry to deliver quality results. This large-scale project reflects the government’s focus on upgrading public infrastructure to meet growing demands and improve overall connectivity.

  • US citizen to sue for $50m over violent ICE arrest

    US citizen to sue for $50m over violent ICE arrest

    In a dramatic turn of events, Rafie Shouhed, an elderly U.S. citizen and former Trump voter, has announced his intention to file a $50 million damages claim against the U.S. government following a violent encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The incident occurred during a raid at Shouhed’s Los Angeles car wash earlier this month, part of President Donald Trump’s intensified crackdown on undocumented migrants. Surveillance footage captured the moment Shouhed was forcefully body-slammed to the ground by several masked and heavily armed agents, who then detained him for nearly 12 hours without providing medical attention, despite his pleas about a pre-existing heart condition. Shouhed, who immigrated to the U.S. from Iran in the 1980s, described the agents as unresponsive and aggressive, stating, ‘The only word they said was, ‘You do not F with ICE.’’ The raid has sparked widespread controversy, particularly in Los Angeles, where critics argue that such operations disproportionately target individuals based on ethnicity or workplace. The video of the incident, which shows agents pinning Shouhed to the ground with one agent’s knee on his neck, has fueled public outrage and raised questions about the methods employed in these enforcement actions. Shouhed’s legal claim underscores the growing tensions surrounding ICE’s operations and their impact on communities across the nation.