In response to growing public discourse and concerns, Swyft, Antigua & Barbuda’s first taxi-hailing app, has issued a comprehensive statement reaffirming its mission to enhance mobility while respecting existing taxi services. The company emphasizes its goal to modernize the transportation sector without marginalizing traditional operators, focusing on connectivity, safety, and transparency. Swyft’s platform offers real-time ride booking, upfront fare estimates, cashless payments, and driver verification, ensuring a seamless experience for users. Since its soft launch during Carnival 2025, the app has demonstrated strong engagement, with over 300 ride requests fulfilled on its first day and drivers earning between $750 and $1,000 daily during peak periods. Swyft has proactively collaborated with the Antigua Barbuda Transport Board to align with local regulations, ensuring all drivers are licensed and compliant. The company welcomes oversight and dialogue with taxi associations and government bodies to co-develop safeguards that uphold public safety and fair competition. Swyft invites licensed operators to join its platform, offering benefits such as increased ride requests, flexible scheduling, and reduced idle time. The company commits to transparency, pledging periodic reports on rides, driver performance, and customer feedback. Swyft aims to prove that technology and tradition can coexist harmoniously, fostering innovation while respecting the established taxi industry.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
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Antigua Cruise Port honours Andre in employee spotlight
Antigua Cruise Port, under the umbrella of Global Ports Holding (GPH), has recently highlighted one of its senior managers, Andre, as part of a staff recognition initiative. Andre, who currently holds the dual roles of Health, Safety, and Compliance Manager and Deputy Port Facility Security Officer, has been instrumental in ensuring the port’s adherence to safety and regulatory standards. Starting his career as a Health, Safety, and Logistics Supervisor, Andre has steadily climbed the ranks, culminating in his promotion to Port Facility Security Officer and Health & Safety Officer on August 1, 2023. This promotion underscores his significant contributions to the development, implementation, and maintenance of safety programs at the port. A native of Antigua and Barbuda, Andre has been with GPH for six years and is fluent in English. In a personal anecdote shared by the company, it was revealed that Andre once spent four days vacationing in a treehouse, adding a unique touch to his professional profile. GPH’s recognition of Andre is part of its broader efforts to celebrate the contributions of its staff and to highlight the individuals who play pivotal roles in its operations. The initiative not only acknowledges Andre’s dedication but also serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to fostering a culture of appreciation and recognition among its workforce.
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Nutramix Team Hosts Seminar to Support Local Livestock Farmers
In a collaborative effort to enhance livestock farming practices, representatives from Nutramix, a subsidiary of the CB Group, conducted an insightful seminar for local farmers in Antigua. The event, held at the Multipurpose Centre on September 23rd, was organized under the guidance of Mr. Adrian Hall, a seasoned livestock farmer, and Mr. Emanuel Peters, a Nutramix distributor. The seminar featured Dr. Gilbert Williams, a veterinarian, and Mr. Winston Thomas, Regional Sales Manager, who shared their expertise with approximately twenty attendees. Mr. Thomas opened the session with an overview of the CB Group and its subsidiaries, Newport Mill Ltd. and Nutramix, emphasizing the three pillars of successful livestock farming: good genes, good feed, and good management. He highlighted that while farmers have limited control over genetics and feed, effective management practices are within their grasp. Drawing from his dual experience as a sales manager and livestock farmer, Mr. Thomas offered practical advice to the participants. Dr. Williams followed with a detailed technical presentation, covering essential topics such as biosafety protocols, optimal coop construction, and animal health maintenance. He stressed the importance of deworming, vitamin supplementation, and vaccination schedules, while also advising against simultaneous deworming of entire herds. The seminar also addressed feed transition strategies, lighting requirements for layers, and the benefits of proper ventilation in poultry production. Despite challenging weather conditions, the event was well-attended and marked by active engagement from the farmers. Both speakers encouraged attendees to implement the recommendations to improve livestock health and productivity. The seminar underscored Nutramix’s commitment to supporting farmers with actionable insights and technical expertise.
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Antigua and Barbuda and United Kingdom Deepen Collaboration Ahead of CHOGM 2026
On the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Minister, E.P. Chet Greene, held a pivotal meeting with UK Minister Chris Elmore to discuss preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), set to be hosted in Antigua and Barbuda. The meeting underscored the robust collaboration between the two nations as they intensify planning for this landmark event. Minister Greene expressed pride in Antigua and Barbuda’s role as host and highlighted the productive partnership with the UK, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts in ensuring the summit’s success. The discussions also focused on the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Centre of Excellence, a cornerstone initiative of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS). This center aims to foster innovation and sustainable development solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by SIDS. Minister Greene urged the UK to fully support this initiative, which aligns with the broader goals of advancing shared Commonwealth values and achieving sustainable development. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting island nations in overcoming their distinct challenges and advancing global development priorities. Minister Greene’s packed schedule at the UN General Assembly included additional bilateral discussions with other nations, expected to yield significant benefits for Antigua and Barbuda. The meeting marks a significant step in strengthening international cooperation and advancing the interests of small island states on the global stage.
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OPINION: Why Back-to-School Time Shouldn’t Mean Back to Unhealthy Food Marketing
Renée Thomas-Venugopal, an Instructor at St. George’s University and a member of Grenada’s National Chronic Non-Communicable Disease Commission, recently shared her experience as a first-time parent navigating the ‘First Day of School’ preparations. While the excitement of preparing her toddler for preschool was palpable, she was struck by the unethical marketing tactics targeting children with unhealthy, ultra-processed foods. These products, often promoted as essential for school lunches, are designed to appeal to young consumers, exacerbating the rise of obesity, diabetes, and other preventable illnesses among children and youth.
As a public health advocate, Thomas-Venugopal emphasizes the importance of nourishing children with healthy foods to support their physical and mental well-being. She highlights the concerning normalization of unhealthy products through pervasive advertising and the profit-driven motives of food companies and fast-food chains. This marketing strategy not only harms children’s health but also places a growing burden on the region’s already strained healthcare systems.
To address this issue, Thomas-Venugopal calls for stronger advocacy and collective action. She references the Healthy Caribbean Coalition’s campaign, ‘Let’s Do Better for the Children,’ which underscores the urgent need to protect children from harmful marketing practices. Parents alone cannot tackle this challenge; it requires a unified effort from communities, educators, policymakers, and governments. Implementing robust policies to ban the marketing of unhealthy foods to children is crucial to safeguarding their health and future.
Thomas-Venugopal’s message is clear: it is everyone’s responsibility to create healthier environments for children. By amplifying voices and advocating for change, society can ensure that children receive the strong, healthy start they deserve. The time to act is now, as the consequences of inaction will have far-reaching implications for the region’s productivity and healthcare systems.
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Antigua and Barbuda PM Tells UN: Take Polluters to Court if Diplomacy Fails
In a bold address at the United Nations Climate Summit, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne issued a stark warning to global leaders: if diplomatic efforts fail to address climate change, small island nations will resort to legal action to hold major polluters accountable. Browne emphasized that advancements in attribution science—research linking extreme weather events to fossil fuel emissions—now provide the necessary evidence to pursue such cases in court. ‘If diplomacy fails, then we should use the courts to hold these large polluters accountable,’ he declared. Browne framed the issue as a matter of survival for small island developing states (SIDS), which face existential threats from rising sea levels, intensifying storms, and escalating climate-related damages. He stressed that the 1.5-degree Celsius target set by the Paris Agreement is non-negotiable for these vulnerable nations. Browne also criticized the global financial system as ‘unfit for purpose,’ highlighting the staggering $387 billion annual cost of climate adaptation and the inadequacy of current climate finance. He endorsed the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, which advocates for a rules-based phase-out of coal, oil, and gas, supported by financial and technological transfers. Antigua and Barbuda has taken proactive steps with its National Adaptation Plan and plans to update its climate targets this year. However, Browne emphasized that national efforts alone are insufficient. He called for the international community to adopt the ‘polluter pays’ principle, expand concessional financing, and ensure access to affordable renewable technologies. ‘Let us treat the 1.5-degree limit as a lifeline, not as a line in the sand,’ he urged. ‘And let us act—not tomorrow, but today—so that the smallest and most vulnerable nations among us are not left to face the greatest storms alone.’
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Rihanna Welcomes Third Child, a Baby Girl Named Rocki Irish Mayers
Global music and fashion icon Rihanna has joyfully announced the arrival of her third child, a baby girl named Rocki Irish Mayers. The 37-year-old superstar shared the heartwarming news on Instagram, posting a tender photo of herself cradling her newborn daughter. The caption simply read, “Rocki Irish Mayers. Sept 13 2025 [ribbon emoji] (sic).” This latest addition to the family joins her two older brothers, RZA, aged 3, and Riot, aged 2. Rihanna and her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, who have been together since 2020, revealed in May that they were expecting their third child. Sources close to the couple have previously shared that Rihanna and A$AP Rocky wanted their children to be close in age, emphasizing the importance of family in their lives. Despite her immense success in the music and fashion industries, friends and family have noted that Rihanna finds her greatest joy in motherhood. She has made it a priority to keep her children at the center of her life, often traveling with them and embracing the role of a devoted mother. The birth of Rocki Irish Mayers marks another milestone in Rihanna’s journey as a parent, further solidifying her commitment to her growing family.
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No Tsunami Threat to Antigua and Barbuda After 6.1 Venezuela Quake
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a Tsunami Information Statement confirming that there is no tsunami threat to the region following a 6.1 magnitude earthquake in northern Venezuela. The seismic event occurred at 6:22 am AST on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, with its epicenter located at 10.0° North, 70.9° West, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Despite the significant magnitude, the evaluation of available data indicates no substantial tsunami risk for Antigua and Barbuda. However, the statement noted a minimal possibility of tsunami waves affecting coastal areas nearest to the epicenter in the Caribbean. Authorities have advised the public to remain vigilant and stay updated through official channels, including the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service’s website and social media platforms. While no immediate action is required, residents in coastal zones are encouraged to review their tsunami evacuation plans and familiarize themselves with designated safe areas. This will be the only statement issued unless new data or changes in the situation arise.
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Dominica Brings World Creole Music Festival Spirit to Antigua With Burning Flames and Airline Partners
Dominica’s vibrant World Creole Music Festival is set to mark its 25th anniversary in grand style, with a celebration that extends beyond its shores to Antigua. The Discover Dominica Authority, in collaboration with the Antigua Festivals Commission, recently hosted a press conference in Antigua to unveil plans for the milestone event, emphasizing the cultural and economic ties between the two islands. The festival, scheduled for October 24-26 at Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Roseau, will feature over 40 artists, including international stars and regional legends. Among the highlights is the inclusion of Antigua’s iconic soca band, Burning Flames, who will headline the opening night as they celebrate their 40th anniversary. Other performers include Jamaican dancehall artist Spice, Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage, Trinidadian performer Bunji Garlin, and U.S. R&B star Kehlani. The event is expected to draw thousands of visitors, including returning nationals and tourists from across the Caribbean, providing a significant boost to Dominica’s economy. Regional airlines, such as Sunrise Airways, LIAT, and Contour Airlines, are offering discounted fares and additional services to accommodate the influx of travelers. Local sponsors, including West Indies Oil, are also contributing to the festivities with ticket giveaways and promotions. Festival organizers have encouraged attendees to plan extended stays, highlighting Dominica’s expanding tourism infrastructure, which includes eco-resorts and new attractions like a cable car to Boiling Lake. Tickets for the festival range from EC$200 (US$77) for general admission to premium VIP packages, with sales available online and at outlets in Antigua and Dominica. The event is being hailed as a celebration of Caribbean unity, Creole pride, and 25 years of music, magic, and memories.
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Nelson’s Dockyard Marks 300 Years as Antigua’s Maritime Icon
Nelson’s Dockyard, the crown jewel of Antigua and Barbuda’s historical landmarks, is commemorating its 300th anniversary this year. Established in 1725 as a strategic naval base in English Harbour, the site was initially developed to provide a safe haven for the British Navy amidst the dual threats of hurricanes and piracy. Over the centuries, it evolved into a fortified hub of maritime strategy and trade, leaving behind iconic structures such as Shirley Heights, Fort Berkeley, Fort Charlotte, and Blockhouse. The Dockyard’s distinctive Georgian architecture, tailored to the Caribbean climate, was a product of the labor of European sailors and soldiers, alongside free and enslaved Africans. Following the Royal Navy’s departure in 1899, the site languished in neglect until the 1960s, when conservation efforts spearheaded by the Friends of English Harbour and Antigua’s burgeoning yacht industry breathed new life into the historic landmark. In 1984, the establishment of Nelson’s Dockyard National Park ensured the legal protection of nearly 16 square kilometers of land and sea. Today, the Dockyard is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vibrant cultural and commercial center. Managed by the National Parks Authority, its preservation strategy addresses contemporary challenges such as rising sea levels and intensifying storms, while ensuring that heritage conservation benefits local communities. Community-driven initiatives, including the 8th of March Project, have amplified local voices in the narrative of the Dockyard, transforming it into a living heritage site rather than a static relic. As Antigua and Barbuda celebrate this tricentennial milestone, Nelson’s Dockyard stands as a testament to resilience and adaptation, embodying both national pride and international allure.