标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The Barnes Hill community in Antigua experienced a wave of relief on Monday as 15-year-old Dejahnique Charles, who had been reported missing, was safely located and reunited with her family. The teenager had disappeared on Saturday afternoon after leaving her home to attend the Mega Bounce event, sparking immediate concern among her family and friends. Her disappearance prompted an island-wide search effort, with relatives, neighbors, and local authorities mobilizing to find her. The search gained momentum through social media, where countless citizens shared posts and appeals for information. The collaborative effort culminated in her discovery, bringing the ordeal to a positive conclusion. Dejahnique’s family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the police and the community members who played a pivotal role in ensuring her safe return. This incident highlights the power of community solidarity and the effectiveness of social media in mobilizing resources during emergencies. While the details of her disappearance remain unclear, her safe return has been celebrated as a testament to collective action and vigilance.

Authorities have confirmed the completion of a post-mortem examination on the body of George ‘Charlie’ Barnes, a prominent businessman who was tragically killed in Antigua and Barbuda. The examination, conducted by Government Pathologist Dr. Petra Miller-Nanton on September 29, has yet to reveal its findings as the homicide investigation remains ongoing. Barnes, a 74-year-old gas station owner, was shot outside his home on Nugent Street, Ottos Newtown, on September 12. Reports suggest that an unidentified assailant approached him shortly after he arrived home and fired a fatal shot to his chest before fleeing the scene. The murder has sent shockwaves through the local community, where Barnes was highly regarded for his dedication and generosity. Investigators are actively pursuing multiple leads but have not yet established a motive for the crime. The public is urged to provide any relevant information by contacting the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 800-TIPS (8477).

A violent pit bull attack has left 27-year-old Shabo Nedwell from Cashew Hill hospitalized with severe injuries. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon while Nedwell was visiting relatives in Skerritt’s Pasture. According to reports, the attack began shortly after she entered the house, leaving her with deep bite wounds on both legs and a severely injured lip. Family members and neighbors rushed to her aid, restraining the dogs and ensuring she received immediate medical attention. Nedwell was transported to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where she remains in stable condition. Doctors have confirmed that her injuries, while serious, are not life-threatening. The incident has reignited public debate over the control of aggressive dog breeds and the responsibilities of pet owners to secure their animals. Police are currently investigating the attack, but no decisions have been made regarding the seizure of the dogs or potential charges. The case underscores the need for stricter regulations and awareness around the ownership of potentially dangerous pets.

Residents and commuters in Antigua are advised to prepare for temporary disruptions as C.O. Williams (Antigua) Limited undertakes essential road repairs on Valley Road North. The maintenance work, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, will continue throughout the week, affecting the stretch from Jolly Harbour to Antigua State College. During this period, single-lane traffic will be enforced daily from 8 am to 6 pm, potentially causing delays and inconvenience. Motorists are urged to adhere to traffic signs and follow the guidance of flag persons to ensure smooth navigation. Two-way traffic will be restored each night to minimize disruption. The repairs are part of the Second Road Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project, a government initiative aimed at enhancing road quality across Antigua and Barbuda. C.O. Williams has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and encourages queries to be directed to their Project Office at 562-9573. This project underscores the government’s commitment to improving public infrastructure for the benefit of all citizens.

The Ministry of Works’ Project Implementation Management Unit (PIMU) has announced the implementation of single-lane traffic on Valley Road North and Anchorage Road to facilitate critical infrastructure repairs. The temporary traffic arrangement, effective daily from 8:00 a.m., is part of the Second Road Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project undertaken by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. On Valley Road North, the work includes road markings, drainage systems, headwalls, concrete swales, and asphalt repairs. Similarly, Anchorage Road will see the completion of road markings, drainage, and sidewalks. Flag persons will be stationed to guide motorists, ensuring safe passage amidst heavy-duty equipment operations. While the repairs may cause delays, all businesses in the area remain open. C.O. Williams Ltd., the contractor overseeing the project, has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and urges stakeholders to adjust their travel plans accordingly. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing road infrastructure for improved safety and efficiency.

Authorities and family members are urgently seeking the public’s help in locating Dejahnique Charles, a teenager from Barnes Hill who has been reported missing. According to reports, Dejahnique left her home at approximately 1:40 p.m. on Saturday to attend the Mega Bounce event. While she was seen at the venue, she has not returned home since.

In a distressing turn of events, two separate suicide attempts were reported in Freetown and Ottos on Saturday, prompting police investigations and urgent medical interventions. The incidents, occurring hours apart, involved a woman from Freetown and a man from Ottos, both of whom are now recovering at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a significant upgrade to Antigua and Barbuda’s water infrastructure, with plans to increase daily water production by an additional two million gallons. This initiative aims to strengthen the nation’s water resilience and ensure a reliable supply throughout the year. Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM, Browne revealed that the expansion will be achieved through the construction and upgrading of reverse osmosis (RO) plants, including facilities at Barnacle Point and Bethesda. ‘We’re adding another two million gallons of water per day,’ Browne stated. ‘We’ve already addressed water shortages; now, we’re building redundancy to maintain system reliability.’ The prime minister emphasized that the government’s goal extends beyond meeting current demand. Instead, the focus is on creating a robust system capable of sustaining production even during plant maintenance or drought conditions. ‘We’re not just meeting demand — we’re getting ahead of it,’ Browne explained. ‘The aim is to ensure that even if one plant goes down, there’s no disruption.’ This investment is part of a broader strategy to enhance national infrastructure resilience, complementing ongoing efforts to improve roads, electricity supply, and public facilities. The additional production capacity will elevate Antigua and Barbuda’s total water output well above domestic and commercial needs, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s long-standing battle against water scarcity. Browne described this development as ‘a turning point’ in the nation’s journey toward water security.