Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have issued an urgent plea for public assistance in locating 56-year-old Dawn Anjella Simon, a volunteer soldier with the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF), who has been reported missing. Simon, a resident of Bolans Village, was last seen in the Bolans area on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Despite extensive searches conducted by officers from the Bolans Police Station in surrounding communities, her whereabouts remain unknown. Simon is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall, with a brown complexion and medium build. The police are urging anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at 462-3913, the Bolans Police Station at 462-1080, or call 911 immediately. The community’s cooperation is crucial in ensuring her safe return.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
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LETTER: Concerned Parent says ‘Toxic’ Rule Enforcement at Antigua Girls’ High School
In a heartfelt letter to the editor, a concerned parent has shed light on the distressing conditions at Antigua Girls’ High School, calling for urgent intervention from the Ministry of Education. The parent, a single mother, expressed deep frustration over the school’s rigid enforcement of rules, which she claims has created an environment of fear and disrespect rather than discipline and learning.
Since the arrival of a new principal in September, the school’s atmosphere has shifted dramatically. Rules that were once enforced with reason and leniency are now applied with harsh rigidity. For instance, students are required to wear only Hoppers brand shoes, a policy that has caused significant hardship for families. The parent shared her own struggle: her daughter, unable to wear Hoppers due to a foot condition, was repeatedly sent home for wearing alternative shoes, despite the family’s financial constraints.
The letter also highlighted the emotional and physical toll on students. One incident involved a teacher punishing a student with spinal injuries by assigning her 200 lines to write three times, ignoring her medical condition. Another incident saw the principal publicly humiliating a student during Independence celebrations, leaving both the child and her mother deeply embarrassed.
Teachers, too, are reportedly suffering under the new administration, with many taking extended sick leave due to stress. The school’s internet is often turned off until late in the day, disrupting lessons and leaving both teachers and students unproductive.
Financial burdens on parents have also escalated. For the 2026 graduation, students are being asked to fundraise $20,000, including $7,000 for the church venue—a demand that is unrealistic in these challenging economic times.
The parent’s plea extends beyond her own child. She writes on behalf of all students and teachers who feel voiceless and overwhelmed. She urges the Ministry of Education to intervene, visit the school, and listen to the concerns of teachers, students, and parents without administrative interference. The parent emphasizes that discipline should build character, not break spirits, and calls for the restoration of Antigua Girls’ High School to a place of dignity, compassion, and learning.
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AT&LU President Bernard de Nully urges more consultations to address workers’ concerns
Bernard de Nully, President of the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU), has emphasized the critical need for increased dialogue and consultations to address the pressing challenges confronting workers across the Caribbean. His remarks followed a specially convened session of the Caribbean Conference of Labour, which united trade unionists and employer representatives to deliberate on workers’ rights and other urgent matters. The meeting, facilitated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the CARICOM Secretariat, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving labor-related goals. De Nully highlighted the necessity of social dialogue, stating, ‘We came to the understanding that social dialogue is quintessentially important if we are to meet the objectives that we set for ourselves.’ Among the key issues discussed was migration, with de Nully stressing that all workers, regardless of nationality or migrant status, must be guaranteed the right to free association and trade union representation. ‘These are rights that are enshrined in our Constitution,’ he affirmed, reinforcing the legal foundation for these protections.
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Caribbean Travellers Facing Record U.S. Visa Delays in 2026.
Several Caribbean nations, including Barbados, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, and Mexico, are currently experiencing significant delays in U.S. visa processing, compounded by new travel restrictions set to take effect in 2025. U.S. consulates across the region are overwhelmed by soaring demand and insufficient staffing, resulting in extensive backlogs that are disrupting travel plans for tourists, business professionals, and students alike. In some cases, applicants are forced to wait nearly a year or longer just to secure an interview appointment, prompting many to alter or cancel their travel arrangements. In Mexico, first-time visitor visa applicants face wait times of up to 458 days due to the overwhelming demand and limited consular resources. Similarly, in Jamaica, the U.S. Embassy reports delays of six months or more for interview appointments, causing significant disruptions for both leisure and business travelers. The Dominican Republic is among the hardest hit, with wait times stretching to 11 months or longer, leaving those with urgent travel plans in a precarious position. While the Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago experience comparatively moderate delays, applicants are still advised to plan well in advance, as interview slots remain scarce. Barbados, though faring slightly better with wait times averaging 36 days, also recommends early applications to account for potential additional checks. Across the Caribbean, the combination of high demand and limited consular staffing has created a challenging environment for U.S. visa applicants, underscoring the need for early planning and flexibility for those intending to travel to the United States in 2025.
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Renderings Released for New UWI Five Islands Campus Sports Complex
The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus has recently unveiled the highly anticipated architectural renderings for its new state-of-the-art sports complex. This ambitious project, designed to elevate the university’s athletic and recreational facilities, promises to become a landmark for sports enthusiasts and students alike. The complex will feature cutting-edge amenities, including a modern track and field stadium, multi-purpose courts, a fully equipped gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for sports science and wellness programs. The design emphasizes sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems. The project is part of UWI’s broader initiative to foster holistic development and promote a culture of excellence in sports. Construction is slated to begin in the coming months, with completion expected within two years. The new sports complex is poised to enhance the campus experience, attract top-tier athletes, and serve as a hub for regional sporting events.
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Venezuela announces ‘massive mobilization’ of military forces as America’s largest warship sails into region
Venezuela has announced a large-scale military mobilization in response to the increasing presence of US warships and troops in the Caribbean Sea. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López stated that land, air, naval, and reserve forces will conduct exercises through Wednesday, framing the deployment as a defensive measure against what he termed the “imperialist threat” posed by the US. The exercises will also involve the Bolivarian Militia, a civilian reserve force established by the late President Hugo Chávez and named after Simon Bolivar, the revolutionary leader of Latin American independence. Padrino López emphasized that the operation, directly ordered by President Nicolas Maduro, aims to enhance command, control, and communications while safeguarding national sovereignty. This move comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations, as the US continues to bolster its military presence in the region. The US Navy recently announced the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, America’s largest aircraft carrier, in the US Southern Command area of operations, which encompasses most of Latin America. The carrier strike group includes nine air squadrons, two guided missile destroyers, an integrated air and missile defense command ship, and over 4,000 sailors. The US has justified its military build-up as part of efforts to combat drug trafficking, conducting strikes on alleged drug boats in recent weeks. However, Venezuelan officials suspect the US is pursuing regime change, a strategy some Trump administration officials have privately acknowledged. Last month, President Trump authorized CIA operations in Venezuela and hinted at potential military strikes, though administration officials later clarified that no such actions are currently planned. Padrino López linked the Venezuelan military deployment to Maduro’s “Independence Plan 200,” a civic-military strategy aimed at mobilizing conventional forces alongside militias and police to defend the nation. Venezuela’s Bolivarian National Armed Forces comprise approximately 123,000 members, with Maduro claiming over 8 million reservists in the volunteer militias, though experts question the accuracy of these figures and the troops’ training quality. The US military presence in the region now includes around 15,000 personnel, with significant naval assets such as the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, and advanced aircraft like F-35 fighter jets and MQ-9 Reaper drones deployed to Puerto Rico. US bombers have also conducted training missions near the Venezuelan coast, including an “attack demonstration” in late October.
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The Barracks Art Gallery Presents a Retrospective of Former Antiguan Artists: Preserving Our Creative Heritage
The Barracks Art Gallery in Redcliffe Quay is proud to unveil a landmark retrospective exhibition, honoring the works of past artists from Antigua and Barbuda. This initiative is a vital effort to safeguard and chronicle the artistic heritage of the twin-island nation, ensuring that its cultural legacy endures for future generations. The exhibition is a cornerstone in the broader mission to compile a comprehensive archive of Antigua and Barbuda’s visual arts history.
‘Understanding our past is essential for progress,’ emphasizes the gallery’s curatorial team. ‘By meticulously collecting and archiving the stories and creations of our artists, we are not only preserving individual legacies but also weaving together the rich cultural tapestry of our nation.’
As part of this ambitious project, The Barracks Art Gallery is calling on the public to contribute information, photographs, artworks, and anecdotes related to earlier generations of Antigua and Barbuda artists. This collaborative endeavor aims to ensure that these valuable resources are meticulously documented, securely stored, and made accessible for future research and inspiration.
This retrospective exhibition represents the inaugural step toward the establishment of a National Gallery of Antigua and Barbuda – a permanent institution envisioned as a beacon for celebrating, protecting, and promoting the nation’s artistic achievements for years to come.
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Antigua’s Government House Project Presented at Landmark Conference in Dubai
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) is set to make history with its 2025 General Conference, marking the first time the event will be held in the Middle East, Africa, or South Asia since its inception in 1946. Dubai, chosen as the host city, will serve as a global platform for cultural dialogue and innovation, reinforcing its position as a leading hub for international collaboration. The conference, themed ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,’ will delve into critical issues facing the museum sector, including the preservation of intangible heritage, youth empowerment, and the integration of emerging technologies. These sub-themes aim to foster discussions on how museums can adapt and thrive in an era of rapid societal transformation. Meanwhile, at this year’s conference, Dr. Gabriella Howell, Director of The Heritage Trust (Antigua & Barbuda) Inc., presented the groundbreaking Government House Museum project. Scheduled to open in 2026, the museum will uniquely serve dual purposes: functioning as the Official Offices of the Governor-General while also welcoming the public as a museum. This innovative hybrid model challenges traditional museological boundaries by blending historical curation with contemporary governance, offering visitors a dynamic exploration of colonial legacies and modern narratives. Dr. Howell emphasized the project’s significance, stating, ‘By reimagining Government House as both a functional political space and a public-facing museum, we are crafting a new paradigm where the house museum actively shapes national identity, bridging historical continuity with contemporary relevance.’ The Government House Museum promises to be a living heritage site, inviting visitors to engage with the past and present in a transformative way.
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Police deny UPP permission for Rural East Whistlestop; no reason given
Acting Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers has rejected the United Progressive Party’s (UPP) application to hold a Whistlestop event in the St. John’s Rural East constituency on November 12. The decision was made without any explanation provided to the Party. The Whistlestop was planned to rally public support for an independent investigation into the ongoing scandal involving the Ministry of Public Works, led by Maria Browne, the parliamentary representative for Rural East. The UPP had initially sought police permission for the event on November 6, following the denial of their request for an islandwide Motorcade on November 9. The police cited insufficient personnel due to the Remembrance Day ceremony at The Cenotaph as the reason for the Motorcade denial. On November 7, the UPP proposed delaying their event by an hour to accommodate the ceremony, but the Commissioner remained firm in his refusal. He did, however, suggest that a later date after November 9 could be considered. The UPP has since announced plans to proceed with a Motorcade on November 16, pending written confirmation from the police. Meanwhile, the Party is urging citizens to join their protest actions against the alleged $15 million fraud scandal, dubbed ‘Bronco-gate/Vehicle-gate/Chain-Gang Scandal,’ and to demand an independent inquiry into the Ministry of Works.
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ABLP Hopeful Adrian Richardson sponsors Bethesda FC
Adrian Richardson, a prominent figure in the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), has extended his support to the local community by sponsoring Bethesda Football Club (FC). This initiative underscores Richardson’s commitment to fostering grassroots sports development and community engagement. Bethesda FC, a well-established football club in the region, has long been a platform for nurturing young talent and promoting physical fitness among youth. Richardson’s sponsorship is expected to provide the club with essential resources to enhance their training programs, upgrade facilities, and participate in competitive tournaments. This move not only strengthens the club’s operational capacity but also highlights the importance of public figures investing in local sports initiatives. The sponsorship aligns with broader efforts to encourage healthy lifestyles and community cohesion through sports. Richardson’s involvement is seen as a positive step toward empowering young athletes and reinforcing the role of sports in societal development.