Shadesha Phillip, a resident of Gray’s Farm, has been handed a two-year prison sentence for her involvement in an attempted robbery at the Golden Grove Service Station. The incident, which unfolded on June 24, 2021, saw Phillip, then in her early twenties, and a masked accomplice confront a female pump attendant. The situation escalated when police arrived on the scene, leading to a shootout that left Phillip injured in the leg and subsequently arrested. Her accomplice managed to evade capture and remains at large. Security footage of the event was later made public, providing a clear account of the failed robbery attempt. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of crime and law enforcement in the region, underscoring the risks faced by both perpetrators and victims in such incidents.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
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Opposition Leader Invites Public to Attend Upcoming Parliamentary Committee Meeting
Hon. Jamale Pringle, the Leader of the Opposition in Antigua and Barbuda, has issued a public invitation urging citizens and residents to attend the upcoming meeting of the Public Accounts Committee. The session is set to take place on Thursday, 25 September 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in the House of Parliament. In his statement, Mr. Pringle underscored the critical role of the Public Accounts Committee in promoting transparency and accountability by scrutinizing government expenditures and ensuring the efficient use of public funds. He emphasized the importance of civic participation in parliamentary proceedings, highlighting the committee’s function as a cornerstone of democratic oversight. While specific details of the meeting’s agenda remain undisclosed, this initiative reflects the Opposition’s ongoing commitment to fostering public engagement in governance. By encouraging community involvement, the Opposition aims to strengthen democratic processes and enhance trust in government operations. This move aligns with broader efforts to empower citizens and ensure that parliamentary activities remain accessible and transparent.
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VIDEO: Antigua and Barbuda PM Calls for Debt Relief and Financial Reform to Protect Small Island States
In a compelling address at the United Nations, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda called for urgent international action to address the escalating climate and economic crises threatening small island developing states (SIDS). Speaking before global leaders, Browne emphasized the profound challenges facing these nations, including trade fragmentation, financial volatility, and increasingly frequent climate disasters. He noted that climate-related disasters in 2024 alone caused $7 billion in damages across the region. Browne highlighted the vulnerability of economies heavily reliant on tourism, which in some islands contributes over 40% of GDP. He warned that rising sea levels, projected to reach up to one metre by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), could threaten homes, ports, and entire cultures. The Prime Minister stressed the gap between global pledges and action, citing slow progress on agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord and the UN’s 2030 Agenda. He outlined regional initiatives, including the establishment of a Debt Sustainability Support service (DSS) by the Antigua and Barbuda Gender for SIDS, aimed at restructuring debt and directing financing into resilience projects. Browne urged multilateral development banks and financial institutions to expand concessional financing, adopt vulnerability-based access, and implement automatic debt service pauses in the event of disasters. He also encouraged partnerships with philanthropy and private capital to fund resilient infrastructure, clean energy, and adaptation projects. ‘State-contingent debt, climate-resilient clauses, and debt-for-nature swaps must become standard practice, not pilots,’ he said, appealing for immediate global action to safeguard the futures of the world’s most vulnerable nations.
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Antigua and Barbuda’s Michael Joseph Named CARICOM Youth Farmer of the Year 2025
Michael Joseph, a young farmer from Antigua and Barbuda, has been awarded the prestigious title of CARICOM Youth Farmer of the Year 2025. This accolade recognizes his innovative approach to agriculture and his unwavering commitment to the sector. The announcement was made this week, with the Ministry of Agriculture hailing it as a moment of pride for the nation.
Joseph’s journey in agriculture began modestly, but his ability to merge traditional farming practices with modern techniques has set him apart. He has been a vocal advocate for food security, climate-smart agriculture, and youth empowerment in the agricultural sector. His work emphasizes the importance of sustainability, as he integrates new technologies and environmentally friendly methods into his farming practices.
The Ministry of Agriculture, led by the Honourable Anthony Smith Jr., Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, along with Permanent Secretary Walter Christopher and Director Gregory Bailey, extended their congratulations to Joseph. In a statement, the ministry highlighted that his achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the dedication and creativity of young farmers in Antigua and Barbuda.
The CARICOM Youth Farmer of the Year award underscores the critical role young people play in shaping the Caribbean’s food systems. Joseph’s success is expected to inspire other youth to view agriculture as a dynamic and rewarding career path. The ministry reiterated its commitment to fostering youth engagement in agriculture, emphasizing that Joseph’s accomplishments will encourage more young men and women to contribute to national and regional food security.
Joseph’s story is a powerful reminder of the potential of agriculture to build communities, protect the environment, and create opportunities for future generations. His recognition serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young farmers across the Caribbean.
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Man on bail over unlawful sexual intercourse charge
A 21-year-old man accused of unlawful sexual intercourse has been granted bail by the St John’s Magistrates’ Court. The defendant, who is self-employed, must meet several stringent conditions, including depositing $3,000, providing two sureties, surrendering his passport, and reporting to the police three times a week. Additionally, he has been ordered not to contact the 18-year-old complainant. Acting Chief Magistrate Dexter Wason highlighted that the accused has no prior record of similar offenses. The committal proceedings are scheduled for December 15, with the defendant being represented by attorney Wendel Alexander. This case has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the court’s decision to grant bail under strict conditions.
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Two Face Court Over Alleged Forged Cheque
A 24-year-old mother from Nut Grove and a man from Gray’s Farm have been brought before the court on charges of attempting to pass a forged cheque. The duo was granted bail set at $10,000 each, with a $1,000 cash deposit and two sureties required as conditions for their release. The woman has been ordered to surrender her passport, while her co-accused is prohibited from applying for one. Both individuals must report to the Gray’s Farm Police Station three times a week as part of their bail terms. The case has been adjourned to December 16 and will be transferred to the High Court for trial. The exact value of the alleged forged cheque remains undisclosed at this time. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of financial fraud and the legal measures in place to address such crimes.
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Antigua and Barbuda Cultural Delegation Departs for World Expo 2025 in Japan
The Department of Culture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Creative Industries, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, has proudly announced the departure of a 10-member cultural delegation to represent the nation at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. The delegation’s participation, scheduled from September 23rd to October 2nd, 2025, will culminate in the National Day Celebration on September 28th, where Antigua and Barbuda will present a vibrant cultural production titled “Wadadli, Wa’Omoni – The Pearls of the Caribbean.”
This dynamic performance, directed by renowned steelpan artist Khan Cordice and featuring award-winning vocalist King Tian Winter, alongside the Antigua and Barbuda Cultural Group, is a celebration of the nation’s rich heritage. The production weaves together African-inspired rhythms, the elegance of the Antiguan quadrille, and the festive energy of Carnival and Soca music. It offers a seamless cultural journey that highlights the resilience, creativity, and unique identity of the Caribbean nation.
The engagement underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and its mission to showcase its artistic excellence on the global stage. The Ministry of Creative Industries and its partners expressed gratitude to all supporters who continue to champion the nation’s cultural industries internationally. This participation not only promotes Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural legacy but also fosters a deeper appreciation of its contributions to the global arts community.
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VIDEO: PM Gaston Browne Announces Antigua and Barbuda to Host Global Eye Health Summit
In a compelling address at the United Nations Friends of Vision Side-Event, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Honourable Gaston Browne, underscored the urgent need for global action to address vision loss. Reflecting on the landmark 2021 resolution, ‘Vision for Everyone,’ co-sponsored by Bangladesh, Ireland, and Antigua and Barbuda, Browne highlighted the stark reality five years later: progress has been insufficient, leaving millions of children, workers, and elderly individuals grappling with preventable or treatable vision impairments. This crisis, he emphasized, is not only a human tragedy but also an economic one, with untapped potential costing the global economy billions annually. A recent study by the IAPB, Seva Foundation, and Fred Hollows Foundation revealed that investing in vision care could yield $447 billion in economic returns, create 22 million jobs, and provide 13 million additional school years for children. Browne announced Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to hosting the first-ever Global Summit on Eye Health in 2026, aiming to foster innovation, partnerships, and actionable strategies to restore sight and dignity worldwide. He called for decisive action, urging leaders to seize the opportunity to transform lives and economies.
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Prime Minister Gaston Browne Wins Defamation appeal against Vere Bird III
In a significant legal development, the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal in a high-profile defamation case involving Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Vere Bird III. The decision, delivered on September 17, 2025, upheld the earlier ruling by Justice Nicola Byer, which found that Prime Minister Browne’s statements regarding Mr. Bird’s alleged benefit from an illegitimate cabinet decision were true, justified, and fair comment. The case dates back to April 27, 2023, when the High Court ruled in favor of the Prime Minister, stating that Mr. Bird had indeed benefited from a cabinet decision to sell him Crown lands at a preferential rate reserved for parliamentarians. Mr. Bird, dissatisfied with the initial ruling, appealed on sixteen grounds, all of which were unanimously dismissed by the Court of Appeal. The court also awarded costs to Prime Minister Browne, with the exact amounts currently under assessment. This ruling reinforces the legal standing of the Prime Minister’s comments and underscores the judiciary’s role in adjudicating complex political disputes.
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ABWU Shines Spotlight on Workplace Stress and Mental Health
The Antigua & Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) is set to tackle the pressing issue of workplace stress and its impact on mental health during its 58th Annual Delegates Conference. A special panel discussion, scheduled for September 22, will bring together experts to explore strategies for managing stress, reducing stigma, and fostering a supportive work environment. The panel will feature notable speakers, including clinical psychologist Feona Charles-Richards, counsellor Harriet Warner, and Edgar Diaz, Regional Secretary for Latin America and the Caribbean at the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF).
Workplace stress has emerged as a significant concern, with many employees grappling with burnout, anxiety, depression, and declining productivity due to the demands of modern work environments. ABWU Deputy General Secretary Chester Hughes emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, ‘Stress on the job is not just a personal matter—it’s a workplace issue. Employers and unions must collaborate to create healthier environments where employees feel supported, respected, and valued. Mental health must be treated with the same urgency as physical safety.’
The discussion is part of the ABWU’s broader initiative to prioritize mental health support and stress management in collective bargaining, workplace policies, and employer practices. The forum will take place during the conference’s business session on September 22 at 2:00 p.m., aiming to equip stakeholders with practical tools to address this growing challenge.