Carib Scope

标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Government Defends Decision Not to Use Genetically Modified Mosquitoes—for Now

    Government Defends Decision Not to Use Genetically Modified Mosquitoes—for Now

    The Antigua and Barbuda government has confirmed extensive internal discussions regarding the potential deployment of genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes as a novel strategy against vector-borne diseases. However, officials have declared the nation is not yet ready to implement this biotechnology solution, identifying significant barriers that must first be overcome.

    During a recent post-Cabinet media briefing, Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, addressed inquiries about adopting more aggressive mosquito control methods. Merchant revealed that while the government has seriously evaluated GM mosquitoes, the approach remains under scrutiny with no immediate plans for implementation.

    Public acceptance emerged as the primary concern, with Merchant emphasizing that comprehensive public education and community sensitization represent substantial challenges. The significant financial investment required for genetically modified initiatives presents another considerable obstacle, making cost-effectiveness a critical factor in the decision-making process.

    The nation’s tropical climate further complicates potential deployment, creating environmental conditions particularly conducive to mosquito proliferation that may diminish the effectiveness of singular technological solutions.

    Currently, the government continues to prioritize conventional mosquito control methodologies administered through the Central Board of Health’s vector-borne disease control division, which Merchant described as exceptionally effective. These established programs rely heavily on public participation in eradication efforts and community-level preventive measures.

    Government officials indicated that innovative scientific approaches would only be reconsidered should existing conventional methods prove inadequate in addressing the persistent challenge of mosquito-borne illnesses in the Caribbean nation.

  • Four Candidates Qualified Under St Philip’s South Scholarship Programme to Attend UWI Five Islands Campus

    Four Candidates Qualified Under St Philip’s South Scholarship Programme to Attend UWI Five Islands Campus

    ST. PHILIP’S SOUTH, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – A significant educational milestone has been achieved in the St. Philip’s South Constituency as Senator Hon. Kiz Johnson, ABLP Caretaker, revealed that four exceptional candidates have been selected for the constituency’s Scholarship Programme. These scholars will pursue their academic ambitions at the prestigious University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWI FIC).

    The scholarship initiative, which initially announced five available awards, generated substantial interest among constituency residents, demonstrating a strong community commitment to educational advancement. After implementing a meticulous and competitive evaluation process, four applicants successfully met all established criteria for the program’s inaugural cohort, which is scheduled to commence in the near future.

    Senator Johnson originally unveiled this educational initiative on December 12, 2025, as part of her comprehensive strategy to enhance learning opportunities and develop human capital within St. Philip’s South. The program reflects her philosophical commitment to education as a transformative force, with Senator Johnson emphasizing: ‘Education possesses the profound power to transform families, communities, and individual destinies. The people of St. Philip’s South merit every opportunity to achieve upward mobility and realize their full potential.’

    The successful scholarship recipients who will participate in the 10-week academic program include:
    – Ruetoya Browne
    – Egypt Emanuel
    – Carlene Thomas
    – D’Hijah Matthew

    Senator Johnson extended her congratulations to the selected candidates, acknowledging their achievement in meeting the program’s rigorous standards. She encouraged them to approach their educational journey with dedication, academic discipline, and self-assurance as pioneering participants in this constituency-based initiative.

    The Senator also expressed genuine appreciation to all applicants who sought consideration for the St. Philip’s South (SPS) Scholarship Programme, noting that the robust response demonstrated a clear constituency-wide commitment to educational advancement and professional development.

    In recognition of collaborative support, Senator Johnson specifically thanked Dr. Dave Ray, Diaspora Liaison, for his valuable contributions to the scholarship program. She simultaneously issued an open invitation to potential donors and organizational partners to assist in expanding the initiative’s reach. Senator Johnson has articulated ambitious plans to scale the program throughout the coming months, thereby enabling additional beneficiaries to receive support in subsequent cohorts.

    ‘The overwhelming response to this initiative confirms our constituency’s deep hunger for educational opportunities and personal growth,’ Senator Johnson observed. ‘Through sustained partnerships and community support, this scholarship program will evolve into a robust and enduring pathway toward opportunity and advancement for the people of St. Philip’s South.’

  • Officials Push Back Against Misinformation After U.S. Visa Reports

    Officials Push Back Against Misinformation After U.S. Visa Reports

    The Antigua and Barbuda government has launched a comprehensive effort to address widespread misinformation regarding U.S. visa processing changes affecting the Caribbean nation. The initiative follows international media reports that triggered public concern and required immediate diplomatic verification.

    Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing that officials swiftly engaged verification protocols upon learning of the purported changes. “The Cabinet immediately made contacts to verify, because it was coming from news portals,” Merchant stated, emphasizing the government’s proactive approach to information validation.

    The administration deployed Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders, the nation’s top diplomat in Washington, to seek direct clarification from U.S. officials. Leveraging his strategic position in the American capital, Sanders conducted thorough research and established high-level contacts to ascertain the factual situation, subsequently advising the Cabinet of his findings.

    In response to growing public anxiety, the government implemented a multi-channel communication strategy. This included issuing official statements from senior officials, coordinating regular media appearances, and disseminating accurate information through authorized platforms. Merchant specifically noted that certain reports had significantly mischaracterized the scope of actual visa restrictions, creating unnecessary alarm among citizens.

    The communications director emphasized that current visa holders remain unaffected by any changes. “As it stands, persons with current visas, valid visas, can travel back and forth between Antigua and the United States and its territories,” he clarified, aiming to reassure the public about continued travel privileges.

    Merchant concluded by affirming the government’s commitment to transparency, noting that official channels would provide continuous updates as discussions between Antiguan and U.S. authorities progress toward resolving the situation.

  • WATCH: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Recaps 2025 Gains in Year-in-Review Video

    WATCH: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Recaps 2025 Gains in Year-in-Review Video

    The Caribbean twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda has unveiled its comprehensive 2025 Year in Review presentation, documenting a transformative period of strategic development and cultural celebration. This visual retrospective captures how the destination has evolved beyond conventional sun-and-sand tourism into a multifaceted cultural hub with global appeal.

    The review highlights significant infrastructural and connectivity advancements throughout 2025, particularly enhanced air accessibility that has strengthened the islands’ global linkages. The nation’s tourism strategy successfully emphasized immersive cultural programming, with flagship events including the internationally recognized Antigua Sailing Week, the gastronomic celebration of Culinary Month, and the vibrant spectacle of Antigua Carnival—hailed as the Caribbean’s premier summer festival. Additional cultural highlights featured Art Week and substantial upgrades to tourism infrastructure.

    Colin C. James, Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, characterized 2025 as “a period of sustained momentum and meaningful international engagement for our tourism sector.” He noted, “We have successfully expanded our global presence while highlighting our distinctive cultural offerings that define our dual-island paradise.”

    James extended appreciation to the broader tourism ecosystem—industry partners, hospitality professionals, cultural representatives, content creators, and local communities—whose collaborative efforts have elevated the visitor experience and enhanced the islands’ international reputation.

    The review demonstrates how Antigua and Barbuda offer complementary yet distinct experiences. Antigua presents a dynamic blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, featuring 365 beaches, UNESCO World Heritage sites including Nelson’s Dockyard (the world’s only continuously operational Georgian-era naval dockyard), luxury resorts, and diverse culinary traditions.

    Meanwhile, Barbuda, located 27 miles northeast and accessible via short flight, offers serene seclusion with its renowned 11-mile pink sand beach and the Western Hemisphere’s largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary. This pristine environment has made the island a preferred retreat for eco-conscious travelers and discerning visitors seeking tranquility.

    Together, the islands provide a comprehensive destination experience combining adventure, cultural immersion, luxury amenities, and authentic Caribbean living. The 2025 review conclusively demonstrates that Antigua and Barbuda have established themselves as a destination where exceptional vacation experiences are not just promised but delivered.

  • Maria Browne Offers 20 Fully Funded Scholarships to St. John’s Rural East Residents

    Maria Browne Offers 20 Fully Funded Scholarships to St. John’s Rural East Residents

    In a significant educational advancement for local residents, a new scholarship initiative has been unveiled offering comprehensive funding for specialized short courses at the University of the West Indies Global Campus. The program will provide 20 fully funded scholarships specifically designed for constituents seeking career-focused education opportunities.

    This educational initiative represents a strategic investment in human capital development, emphasizing practical, industry-relevant training that directly aligns with workforce requirements. The curriculum has been carefully selected to ensure participants gain immediately applicable skills that enhance both employability and professional growth prospects within the local constituency.

    According to program organizers, the primary objective is to democratize access to quality education while simultaneously addressing specific community development needs. The scholarships form part of broader preparatory measures being implemented ahead of 2026, indicating a long-term commitment to educational accessibility and workforce readiness at the grassroots level.

    The University of the West Indies Global Campus partnership ensures that recipients will benefit from internationally recognized certification while receiving training tailored to regional economic demands. This collaboration between educational institutions and constituency leadership demonstrates an innovative approach to addressing educational disparities and economic development simultaneously.

  • Inflation Across CARICOM: A 2025 Snapshot

    Inflation Across CARICOM: A 2025 Snapshot

    The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) demonstrated remarkable economic resilience throughout 2025 as the majority of member states successfully maintained inflation rates within manageable thresholds below 5%. This collective achievement marks a significant departure from the elevated price pressures that characterized the region in previous years.

    According to the latest International Monetary Fund data from its October 2025 World Economic Outlook, price stability varied across the regional bloc with several nations achieving exceptionally low inflation. Saint Lucia emerged as the region’s top performer with a minimal 0.4% rate, closely followed by The Bahamas at 0.5%. A substantial cohort including Grenada, Belize, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines all maintained inflation comfortably below the 2.5% benchmark.

    The middle tier of inflation performance featured Barbados (2.3%), Dominica (2.8%), Antigua and Barbuda (3.5%), and Guyana (3.6%). Jamaica registered a moderate 4.2% rate, still within the sub-5% stability threshold that characterized most of the community.

    Notable exceptions persisted at the upper spectrum, with Suriname reporting 9% inflation—a figure that, while elevated, represents dramatic improvement from the catastrophic 50%+ hyperinflation experienced during the 2021-2022 period. Haiti continued to face extreme economic challenges with inflation soaring to 27.8%, directly reflecting the nation’s protracted political crisis and severe humanitarian emergency.

    For both consumers and enterprises operating throughout the Caribbean basin, these indicators signal a substantial return to relative price normalcy. The current stability contrasts sharply with the 2022 economic landscape when multiple CARICOM economies documented inflation rates two to three times higher than present levels, demonstrating considerable progress in monetary policy effectiveness and economic management across the region.

  • Consultation to be held on issues affecting St. John’s City

    Consultation to be held on issues affecting St. John’s City

    The City of St. John’s is mobilizing its property and business owners for a pivotal public consultation focused on urban infrastructure and civic cleanliness. Scheduled for January 29 at 5:00 PM, the event will be held at the John E. St. Luce Conference Center on Sir Sydney Walling Highway.

    This forum, championed by Social and Urban Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner, aims to directly engage stakeholders in addressing critical quality-of-life issues. Under the banner “Your City. Your Voice,” the initiative seeks grassroots input on multiple urban challenges including waste management systems, road conditions, drainage infrastructure, aesthetic improvements, and the removal of derelict structures.

    The consultation will feature high-level government participation with confirmed attendance from Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin, Housing and Works Minister Maria Browne, and Tourism Minister Charles Max Fernandez. This demonstrates the administration’s commitment to incorporating public feedback into policy decisions.

    Minister Turner emphasized the participatory nature of the initiative, stating: “The future of St. John’s starts with you. This consultation represents a genuine opportunity for citizens to shape the urban landscape through direct dialogue with decision-makers.”

    Organizers have identified key discussion pillars including: enhanced garbage collection protocols, curbs and drainage improvements, road infrastructure modernization, anti-littering measures, and strategic demolition of abandoned properties. The event structure will allow for both presentation of current challenges and collection of community-generated solutions.

    Interested participants are required to RSVP through designated channels to ensure adequate accommodations. This consultation marks a significant step in the city’s broader urban transformation agenda, positioning citizen engagement as central to municipal development strategies.

  • Destination Dominica, Mas Domnik 2026 Showcased at Antigua Press Conference

    Destination Dominica, Mas Domnik 2026 Showcased at Antigua Press Conference

    The Commonwealth of Dominica has officially launched its promotional campaign for the highly anticipated Mas Domnik 2026 carnival, marking a significant moment in the Caribbean’s cultural tourism calendar. The unveiling occurred during a dedicated press conference in Antigua, strategically timed to capture regional media attention and travel industry interest.

    Tourism officials and cultural ambassadors from Dominica presented a comprehensive vision for the 2026 festivities, emphasizing the event’s unique positioning as “The Real Mas”—an authentic celebration deeply rooted in Caribbean tradition. The presentation detailed enhanced programming that will feature vibrant jouvert celebrations, elaborate costume parades, and traditional music performances that distinguish Dominica’s carnival from other regional events.

    This preemptive marketing strategy, occurring nearly two years ahead of the scheduled events, demonstrates Dominica’s commitment to establishing its carnival as a premier destination experience. Tourism representatives highlighted coordinated efforts with regional airlines and hospitality providers to create attractive travel packages, aiming to boost visitor numbers significantly beyond previous years.

    The Antigua location for the announcement was strategically selected to leverage existing regional tourism networks and media presence. Industry analysts suggest this early promotional activity reflects growing competition among Caribbean nations to capture the lucrative cultural tourism market, particularly during traditional carnival seasons that drive substantial economic activity across the region.

  • Antigua & Barbuda Trades and Labour Union Celebrates 87 Years of Service

    Antigua & Barbuda Trades and Labour Union Celebrates 87 Years of Service

    The Antigua & Barbuda Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) is preparing to commemorate its 87th anniversary on January 16, 2026, celebrating nearly nine decades of continuous service to the nation’s workforce. The milestone event will recognize the institution’s enduring legacy and unwavering dedication to labor rights and social justice.

    A special Thanksgiving service held on January 11, 2026, at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, led by Reverend Pauline Ramsey-Burns, set the spiritual tone for the anniversary celebrations. During the ceremony, Union President Bernard de Nilly delivered a powerful address reflecting on the organization’s historical significance.

    “The sustained existence of our Union transcends mere coincidence; it embodies a profound divine purpose,” de Nilly stated in his prepared remarks. He emphasized the fundamental principle that has guided the organization: “The Unity of Labour is the Salvation of our Country,” underscoring the critical role of collective worker solidarity in national development.

    The Union leadership has announced ambitious plans for 2026, prioritizing organizational renewal and enhanced youth engagement. A key initiative involves revitalizing the AT&LU’s youth wing to ensure intergenerational continuity and fresh perspectives within the labor movement. de Nilly connected this forward-looking approach with historical context, noting, “We owe our current position to the sacrifices of the pioneering 1939 founders, whose efforts established the foundation we continue to build upon.”

    The memorial service included a solemn moment of silence honoring late comrades Rufus Lewis and Harold Carter, whose contributions continue to inspire current union activities. Their dedication is cited as instrumental in maintaining the Union’s resilience through 87 years of operation.

    Infrastructure development forms another component of the anniversary plans, with scheduled rehabilitation works set to complete the “Emancipation House” project within the year. de Nilly concluded his address with a call for spiritual and collective strength: “As we embark on this new chapter, I pray for the transformation of our members’ spirits as we advance with faith and determination.”

    The Union extends an open invitation to all citizens to participate in recognizing 87 years of persistent commitment, sacrifice, and achievement in advancing workers’ rights and national development.

  • MP Rawdon Turner Offers 10 UWI Global Campus Scholarships for St. Peter Residents

    MP Rawdon Turner Offers 10 UWI Global Campus Scholarships for St. Peter Residents

    In a significant educational advancement for the constituency, St. Peter MP Rawdon Turner has unveiled a scholarship program offering ten fully-funded opportunities for local residents. The initiative provides complete financial coverage for short courses available through the UWI Global Campus based in Antigua.

    The scholarship program operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with precisely ten slots available for eligible constituents. Turner emphasized that the educational initiative aims to empower residents by facilitating skill acquisition, professional advancement, and personal development through the university’s diverse short-course catalog.

    Interested parties residing within the St. Peter constituency are directed to contact (268) 785-5757 for comprehensive information regarding application procedures and course selection. The MP characterized this effort as part of a broader commitment to fostering educational access and personal growth within the community, urging constituents to seize this opportunity while positions remain open.

    The UWI Global Campus short courses provide flexible learning options across various disciplines, enabling participants to enhance their qualifications without financial burden. This parliamentary initiative represents a direct investment in human capital development within the St. Peter constituency, potentially creating long-term benefits for both individual recipients and the broader community.