Carib Scope

标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Thousands Turn Out as One Nation Festival Opens to Packed Grounds in Antigua

    Thousands Turn Out as One Nation Festival Opens to Packed Grounds in Antigua

    The inaugural evening of the One Nation Caribbean Music Festival transformed Antigua’s Recreation Grounds into a vibrant tapestry of regional culture on Friday, with thousands of attendees creating an electric atmosphere. The event showcased a powerful display of Caribbean unity, evidenced by the sea of flags from Dominica and St. Lucia waving among the enthusiastic crowd.

    The night’s most unexpected highlight emerged when Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne took the stage in his musical alter ego ‘Gassy Dread,’ delivering a memorable collaboration with Jamaican dancehall sensation Mr. Vegas. This unprecedented fusion of politics and performance generated significant buzz throughout the venue.

    Jamaica’s musical dominance continued with compelling sets from dancehall powerhouse Masicka, the legendary fire-reggae performer Capleton, soulful crooner Christopher Martin, and the iconic Gramps Morgan of Morgan Heritage fame. The festival’s diverse musical palette expanded further with Dominica’s Signal Band, who delivered an infectious bouyon rhythm that energized the audience.

    Local Antiguan talent received substantial representation through acclaimed performances by Tian Winter, soca artist Claudette Peters, and the legendary Burning Flames ensemble. The festival continues its momentum on Saturday evening from 5 p.m., transitioning to spiritual melodies with American gospel superstar Tasha Cobbs Leonard leading a program featuring both regional and local gospel artists, ensuring the event’s musical diversity remains a central theme.

  • Dominican community in Antigua denies voting claims, calls for formal representation

    Dominican community in Antigua denies voting claims, calls for formal representation

    The Dominican expatriate community in Antigua and Barbuda has formally refuted allegations that its members participated illegally in the nation’s recent general elections. This rebuttal comes in direct response to media reports circulated on December 3, 2025, which suggested electoral misconduct by Dominican immigrants.

    In an official communiqué, community representatives explicitly stated that their constituency has never appointed any individual or group to act as governmental liaisons. Despite constituting the largest immigrant population within the country and having developed substantial roots across the islands, the community emphasized its historical lack of formal representation before official authorities.

    Community leaders now assert that establishing structured representation has become both equitable and essential for improved governance relations. They propose constituting a specialized commission to oversee a transparent selection process for community representatives. This framework would mandate clear eligibility requirements, methodological selection criteria, and precisely defined functional boundaries for any appointed representatives.

    The proposed representation model would operate strictly within parameters mutually recognized by both Antiguan and Dominican governments. Representatives would serve purely consultative roles without exercising political authority or diplomatic privileges. The initiative aims to facilitate improved communication channels between the Dominican community and governmental bodies while maintaining strict adherence to legal protocols.

    Community members expressing interest in participating in this democratic initiative are encouraged to engage with organizers as planning discussions progress.

  • Food Handlers Urged to Register for February Training Sessions

    Food Handlers Urged to Register for February Training Sessions

    The Central Board of Health (CBH) under St. Lucia’s Ministry of Health has unveiled comprehensive preparations for its upcoming food safety certification program, scheduling training sessions throughout February 2026. Health officials are strongly advising all current and prospective food service professionals to complete their registration promptly due to limited capacity arrangements.

    Registration protocols require personal attendance at the CBH offices situated on Upper Church Street during specified morning hours from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The enrollment process demands different documentation based on applicant status: first-time participants must provide two passport-sized photographs, while those seeking certificate renewal need to present expired food handler badges dated 2018 or later.

    A standard registration fee of EC$50 applies to all participants, with an additional EC$25 penalty charge for those requiring session rescheduling after missing their allocated training date. Each instructional session will accommodate a maximum of 80 attendees at the Multi-Purpose Centre in Perry Bay, with specific scheduling arrangements: February 5th dedicated to new applicants (9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.), while February 12th (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.) and February 19th (1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.) will focus on retraining programs.

    The health regulatory body has explicitly stated that children will not be permitted within training facilities during instructional hours. This policy reinforces the professional nature of the certification program and ensures optimal learning conditions for all participants.

  • Gender-Based Violence Walk 2026 Launched Alongside Women’s Shelter Fundraising Drive

    Gender-Based Violence Walk 2026 Launched Alongside Women’s Shelter Fundraising Drive

    Antigua and Barbuda has officially launched its third annual Gender-Based Violence Walk, scheduled for March 7, 2026, with organizers expressing confidence in surpassing previous participation records. The event, unveiled January 7th at the Multipurpose Centre, represents the nation’s largest public advocacy initiative addressing gender-based violence.

    Organized through a collaborative effort between the nonprofit Integrated Health Outreach (IHO) and the Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA), the 2025 walk attracted over 2,000 participants. Both organizations anticipate significantly increased attendance for the 2026 event, which aligns with International Women’s Day observances.

    Melanie Williams-Kirnon, Programme Officer at DoGA, characterized gender-based violence as “a pervasive issue that leaves deep scars on victims and disrupts the social fabric of our communities.” She emphasized the walk’s evolution into “a critical initiative for raising awareness about gender-based violence in Antigua and Barbuda” since its 2024 inception.

    The 2026 campaign features an comprehensive eight-week awareness initiative, including weekly youth workshops and a fundraising drive supporting the establishment of a women’s shelter. The shelter project, envisioned as a women-led social enterprise incorporating a beeping farm for sustainable funding, received government approval for a five-acre land lease in October 2025.

    Dr. Nicola Bird, IHO’s Executive Director, acknowledged community support as instrumental in securing government backing for the shelter initiative. “It is the voice of the people, and that people-driven momentum that really helped us,” Dr. Bird stated during the launch ceremony.

    Organizers are particularly focused on increasing male participation, emphasizing that men and boys play crucial roles in achieving cultural transformation. Registrants for the 2026 walk can optionally complete an anonymous survey designed to gauge public perception regarding violence against women and girls in Antigua and Barbuda.

    The event occurs against a sobering global backdrop where UN Women statistics indicate at least one in three women worldwide experiences intimate partner violence. The Caribbean region faces particularly acute challenges, with 46% of women experiencing some form of gender-based violence—exceeding global averages.

    Event Details:
    The Gender-Based Violence Walk 2026
    Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
    Location: The Botanical Gardens
    Time: 2:00 PM
    Registration: https://qrco.de/bgXYuu
    Shelter Project Support: https://gofund.me/9bba6cc27

  • High Court rules Ryan Reid’s 2022 arrest unlawful

    High Court rules Ryan Reid’s 2022 arrest unlawful

    In a landmark ruling that clarifies the boundaries of police authority, the High Court has declared the 2022 arrest and overnight detention of motorist Ryan Reid unlawful. Justice Nicola Byer delivered a decisive judgment establishing that officers lack the legal power to arrest or detain individuals for minor traffic infractions classified as ticketable offenses.

    The court specifically identified violations such as failure to wear a seatbelt and mobile phone use while driving as offenses subject only to fixed penalty notices, not warranting arrest. Reid’s detention over two days following a November 7, 2022 traffic stop was deemed an unlawful trespass on his person.

    In a significant clarification of administrative procedures, the court further ruled that only the Commissioner of Police possesses the authority to suspend driver’s licenses before conviction. This finding rendered previous enforcement actions based on presumed suspensions in 2021 unlawful.

    The case, brought against Commissioner of Police Casey Jean Baptiste and the Attorney General, saw Reid represented by attorney Wendel Alexander. While affirming the unlawfulness of Reid’s detention, the court rejected his additional claims of malicious prosecution, harassment, and abuse of discretion in bail refusal, noting these allegations failed to meet established legal thresholds.

    Regarding a separate May 2021 arrest for dangerous driving, the court found police acted within their authority as Reid had failed to provide identification when requested, creating lawful grounds for detention under traffic regulations.

    The court granted Reid leave to pursue damages for his unlawful detention, allowing 21 days to file application. Additionally, he was awarded 75% of his legal costs in the proceeding.

  • CXC Releases New Literacy and Numeracy Standards for Lower Secondary Schools

    CXC Releases New Literacy and Numeracy Standards for Lower Secondary Schools

    In a significant move to elevate educational outcomes across the region, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has formally introduced a new framework of learning standards targeting literacy and numeracy. Designed specifically for students in grades one through three of secondary education, these benchmarks represent a coordinated regional strategy to bolster foundational skills and address persistent achievement disparities.

    The official unveiling was conducted by CXC Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Wesley, during a press briefing in Kingston this Wednesday. Mr. Wesley emphasized the critical role of the new standards, characterizing them as indispensable tools for both educators and assessors. He detailed that the framework is engineered to provide clear, consistent expectations for student performance, thereby guiding instructional methods and shaping assessment criteria across participating Caribbean nations.

    This initiative is a direct response to comprehensive data and regional reports that have highlighted uneven academic preparedness among secondary school entrants. By establishing a unified set of expectations, the CXC aims to create a more equitable and standardized educational landscape, ensuring that all students, regardless of their territory, acquire the essential competencies required for academic success and future workforce readiness. The rollout of these standards is anticipated to prompt a review of curricular materials and teaching methodologies throughout the region’s educational systems.

  • Spanish Community Leadership Vote to Proceed Unopposed on Jan. 11

    Spanish Community Leadership Vote to Proceed Unopposed on Jan. 11

    The Spanish-speaking community of Antigua and Barbuda will witness an uncontested leadership election on January 11th, following the expiration of the candidate nomination period without any challengers emerging. This development was confirmed by Alex Martinez, the longstanding community representative whose position has been at the center of recent internal debates.

    Martinez stated that despite active efforts to encourage broader participation in the electoral process, no alternative candidates submitted their nominations before the official deadline. This absence of opposition means the election will proceed as a single-candidate ratification rather than a competitive contest.

    The scheduled vote comes after extended periods of internal discussion regarding representation legitimacy within the community. Certain faction members had raised questions about the formal legitimacy of the current leadership structure, particularly whether Martinez had been properly elected or appointed through democratic means. These concerns highlighted growing demands for transparent governance procedures and ultimately catalyzed the movement toward establishing a clearly defined electoral process to determine community representation.

    The upcoming election, while uncontested, represents a significant institutional step toward addressing these governance concerns and establishing formal protocols for community leadership selection moving forward.

  • CXC Uses Digital Exams to Keep January Tests on Track After Flight Disruptions

    CXC Uses Digital Exams to Keep January Tests on Track After Flight Disruptions

    In response to widespread flight cancellations stemming from the Venezuelan situation, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has successfully deployed its digital assessment infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted January 2026 examinations for affected candidates. Registrar and Chief Executive Officer Wayne Wesley announced at a Wednesday press conference in Kingston that the council immediately activated both e-assessment and hybrid examination platforms to accommodate students facing travel disruptions during the critical examination period.

    This technological intervention forms part of CXC’s comprehensive modernization initiative, with ambitious plans to transition all examinations to digital formats within the next three to five years. Currently, over 10,000 regional candidates are participating in January examinations running from January 22nd through 29th, utilizing these digital and hybrid assessment methods. Thursday’s examination schedule featured English B Paper Two and Human and Social Biology Paper Two administrations.

    Following the January examination session, CXC will shift focus toward preparing for the significantly larger May-June examination period, which anticipates over 100,000 candidates registering for more than 600,000 subject entries across both CSEC and CAPE qualification levels.

    Wesley emphasized the council’s unwavering commitment to educational continuity, noting CXC’s five-decade legacy as a CARICOM treaty organization. ‘The work at CXC never stops,’ Wesley stated, reaffirming confidence in the continued regional and international recognition of the council’s qualifications despite contemporary challenges.

  • Central Board of Health Revises Public Burial Fees

    Central Board of Health Revises Public Burial Fees

    The Central Board of Health (CBH) of The Bahamas has unveiled a comprehensive restructuring of burial service fees, scheduled to take effect on January 5, 2026. This updated pricing framework introduces a tiered system based on age demographics for single grave excavations, marking a significant shift in public health service charges.

    Under the new regulations, interment costs will vary substantially depending on the deceased’s age. The most modest fee of $100 applies to stillborn infants and children under three years of age. For juveniles aged three to under fifteen, the grave digging charge increases to $250. Adults aged fifteen and above will incur a service fee of $500 for single grave preparations.

    Additionally, the CBH has established new rates for ongoing grave maintenance. Annual care and preservation of individual burial sites will now cost $150, covering a full twelve-month period or any portion thereof. For private family plots containing multiple graves, the pricing structure follows a different model: the initial grave space carries a $300 fee, with subsequent plots within the same compound priced at $50 each.

    The Board has specified that all transactions must be processed exclusively at their Upper Church Street administrative office. This centralized payment system aims to streamline financial operations and maintain consistent record-keeping across all burial service arrangements. The announced changes represent the first major fee adjustment for Bahamian burial services in recent years, reflecting updated operational costs and service delivery standards within the public health infrastructure.

  • Antigua and Barbuda’s 2025 Second Place CSEC Student Receives Regional TVET Award

    Antigua and Barbuda’s 2025 Second Place CSEC Student Receives Regional TVET Award

    In an extraordinary display of academic prowess, Khalique Harris from St. Joseph’s Academy in Antigua and Barbuda has been crowned the Caribbean Examinations Council’s Most Outstanding CSEC Candidate in Technical and Vocational Studies for 2025. The prestigious recognition was formally bestowed during the CXC Regional Awards Ceremony in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on December 11, 2025.

    Harris’s path to regional distinction was paved with exceptional academic achievement, having successfully completed 22 CSEC subjects with an impressive 17 Grade One passes. His award specifically acknowledges his supreme mastery across multiple technical disciplines, including perfect scores in Information Technology, Food Nutrition and Health, Family and Resource Management, Technical Drawing, and three specialized Industrial Technology fields covering Electrical, Mechanical and Building applications.

    The Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries publicly celebrated Harris’s accomplishment, highlighting his remarkable discipline and dedication across diverse technical and vocational fields. Ministry officials emphasized that his achievement not only reflects individual excellence but also demonstrates the strength and quality of Antigua and Barbuda’s educational framework.

    In recognizing the broader support system, the Ministry extended commendations to the administrative and teaching staff at St. Joseph’s Academy, along with Harris’s parents, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to fostering academic success. This landmark achievement stands as both an inspiration to students throughout the nation and a validation of the government’s ongoing investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs as crucial components of national development strategy.