标签： Antigua and Barbuda

In the wake of a series of devastating road accidents, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has issued a fervent plea for safer driving practices. The appeal was made during the Browne and Browne Show, where host Donna Evergreen Shire first reported a fatal collision involving Jerome Marsh, a prominent drag racer. Shire expressed her profound condolences to Marsh’s family, friends, and the drag racing community, describing the incident as ‘heart-wrenching.’ She revealed that Marsh’s son, who was also in the vehicle, is currently hospitalized. Prime Minister Browne echoed these sentiments, labeling the recent crashes as ‘two heinous accidents’ that resulted in fatalities. He emphasized the need for motorists, particularly younger drivers, to exercise caution, stating, ‘Speed kills.’ Browne also highlighted another serious crash involving two teenagers, one of whom is now in intensive care after taking his mother’s car. The Prime Minister stressed that passengers have a responsibility to discourage reckless driving, sharing his personal stance against riding with anyone driving dangerously. Investigations into these incidents are still underway.

A tragic incident unfolded early Friday morning when 43-year-old Louis Armstrong Jr. was fatally shot outside his Fort Road residence. According to police reports, Armstrong sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his head, chest, eyes, and left hand as he exited his vehicle. He was immediately rushed to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where medical personnel worked tirelessly through the night in an attempt to save his life. Despite their efforts, Armstrong succumbed to his injuries at approximately 7:24 a.m. on Saturday. The case has since been escalated to a murder investigation, with authorities appealing to the public for any information that could aid in solving the crime. Armstrong’s untimely death has left the community in shock, with family members and neighbors expressing their grief and concern over the escalating gun violence in the area.

St. Paul Member of Parliament E.P. Chet Greene has expressed profound sorrow and condolences to the family of Jerome Marsh, a prominent figure in the drag racing community, who tragically lost his life in a fatal collision in Parham on Friday night. In a heartfelt public message, Greene conveyed the collective grief of the English Harbour and St. Paul’s communities, emphasizing their solidarity with the Marsh family during this devastating time. Greene specifically extended his sympathies to Jerome’s father, Broyce Marsh, and the wider family circle, assuring them of the community’s unwavering support and prayers. Drawing from spiritual solace, Greene referenced Psalm 34:18, stating, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” He added, “You are not alone in your sorrow. We are holding you close in our hearts.” The tragic accident, which involved two vehicles, also left Jerome’s son and several others injured. Authorities are currently investigating the incident to determine the cause of the crash.

The 2025 World AIDS Day Church Service, a significant event in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, was held at the St. John’s Seventh-day Adventist Church on Nevis Street. The ceremony brought together prominent figures and organizations dedicated to combating the epidemic. His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, the Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, and his wife, Her Excellency Lady Williams, graced the occasion with their presence. The Minister of Health, Sir Molwyn Joseph, also attended, alongside representatives from key institutions such as the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross, Voices, the Ministry of Health, HOPE, the HIV Network, Women Against Rape, and MESH. Dr. Maria Perriera, the HIV/AIDS Clinical Care Coordinator, was among the distinguished attendees, offering her expertise and support. The event underscored the collective efforts of government bodies, NGOs, and community partners in addressing the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS, while also honoring those affected by the disease. The service served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing need for awareness, prevention, and compassionate care in the fight against this global health crisis.

In response to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Caribbean region, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to enhance national food security. Recognizing the potential risks posed by rising uncertainties, particularly between Venezuela and the United States, the government has prioritized a significant boost in domestic agricultural production. This initiative aims to safeguard the nation’s access to affordable and reliable food supplies, ensuring resilience against potential disruptions in regional supply chains.

Over the past decade, Antigua and Barbuda has made notable progress in agricultural development, including the expansion of farm infrastructure, construction of dams, implementation of drip-irrigation systems, and provision of incentives for farmers. However, the Cabinet emphasized that current global and regional challenges necessitate a more intensified national effort. As part of this renewed focus, lands leased for farming but left unproductive will be reassigned. Farmers failing to utilize their acreage within 30 days will see their lands reallocated to active farmers and cooperatives ready to cultivate. The Cabinet clarified that this measure is not punitive but essential to maximize the contribution of agricultural assets to food security, employment, and economic sustainability.

To support this initiative, the Ministry of Agriculture has been directed to accelerate state assistance to the farming community. Immediate actions include fencing farms to prevent theft, expanding nursery production, constructing new wells and dams, lighting farms for enhanced security, and improving farm access roads. Additionally, fishermen will receive fuel subsidies, acknowledging their critical role in the domestic food supply chain.

The government also announced the establishment of an Agro-Industrial Park at Diamonds and an Eco Park at Christian Valley to modernize large-scale production and support agro-enterprise development. Furthermore, the national reforestation program has been revised, with a new target of planting 300,000 trees annually, deemed both challenging and achievable. This initiative aims to bolster climate resilience, restore watersheds, and enhance biodiversity.

Over the last decade, Antigua and Barbuda has expanded domestic egg, poultry, and livestock production, implemented duty-free concessions for farm equipment, and invested in drought-resilient technologies. The Cabinet underscored the urgency of transitioning into full “production mode” to reduce dependence on food imports, stating, “Food security is national security.”

The government reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with farmers, fishermen, the private sector, and educational institutions to position Antigua and Barbuda as one of the most food-secure small states in the Western Hemisphere.