A high-level delegation, including Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, other Caribbean heads of government, and representatives from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), arrived in Jamaica to conduct a comprehensive assessment of communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 storm wreaked havoc across St James, Westmoreland, and St Elizabeth, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. The delegation, led by CARICOM Chairman and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, aims to evaluate the extent of the damage and identify urgent recovery needs. This collaborative effort underscores the region’s commitment to disaster response and resilience-building. The visit also highlights the critical role of international partnerships in addressing the aftermath of natural disasters, particularly in vulnerable Caribbean nations.
标签: Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
-

This Christmas, Flow Unwraps Its Most Exciting Plans — Built to Elevate Everyday Life
This holiday season, Flow is set to revolutionize everyday experiences with its latest suite of cutting-edge innovations. Designed to seamlessly integrate into daily routines, these advancements promise to enhance convenience, efficiency, and overall quality of life. From smart home solutions to AI-driven personal assistants, Flow’s new offerings aim to redefine how individuals interact with technology in their homes and beyond. The company’s focus on user-centric design ensures that these products are not only functional but also intuitive and accessible. As the festive season approaches, Flow’s unveiling marks a significant leap forward in the tech industry, setting a new standard for innovation and practicality. With these developments, Flow continues to solidify its position as a leader in the realm of transformative technology.
-

Akelo Andre of Gambles charged with multiple firearm-related offences
In a significant crackdown on illegal firearms, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has arrested and charged 28-year-old Sedeki Akelo Andre from Gambles with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, November 16, 2025, when Narcotics Officers, conducting an operation on Perry Bay Main Road, encountered Andre and conducted a search. During the search, officers discovered a Taurus 9mm Pistol and seven matching rounds of ammunition in his possession. Andre was immediately taken into custody and formally charged. He is scheduled to appear in court to face the charges. This arrest is part of the Royal Police Force’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal firearms and ammunition, which are central to their broader strategy to reduce crime. Authorities are urging the public to report any information related to illegal weapons or suspicious activities to assist in these efforts.
-

TinyHope Marks Prematurity Awareness Day with Call for Greater Support for Preterm Families
TinyHope, a local support group dedicated to families of preterm infants, has united with the global community to mark Prematurity Awareness Day 2025. This year’s theme, ‘Give preterm babies a strong start for a hopeful future,’ underscores the importance of early intervention and compassionate care for these vulnerable newborns. In a heartfelt statement, the organization emphasized that even the smallest beginnings warrant steadfast support and opportunities to flourish. TinyHope, renowned for its guidance and emotional assistance to parents facing the challenges of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), reaffirmed its mission to enhance community awareness and build meaningful connections among families impacted by prematurity. The group aspires to ignite awareness, fortify community bonds, and inspire conversations that empower parents throughout their journey, even after leaving the NICU. Honoring the ‘brave little fighters’ and the families and healthcare teams who nurture them, TinyHope expressed profound gratitude for their resilience, stating, ‘Your strength lights the path toward brighter tomorrows.’ The organization pledged its unwavering support, both now and in the future, through its network of dedicated support members.
-

ABWU Women’s Council hosts Seminar on Self-Care and Mental Health
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) Women’s Council recently organized a thought-provoking mini-seminar centered on self-care and mental health. Held on Wednesday, the event attracted a diverse group of women from the Union’s membership, all seeking to enhance their quality of life through actionable insights and shared experiences. The seminar featured a compelling presentation by Clinical Psychologist Feona Charles-Richards, who addressed critical topics such as fostering strong sisterhoods, overcoming past traumas, nurturing self-awareness, and embracing mindfulness. Her session was complemented by an interactive discussion where participants exchanged personal stories and strategies to strengthen connections and empower one another. Hazel Luke, the ABWU Women’s Coordinator, further enriched the event with a practical workshop on self-care. Through hands-on exercises, Luke emphasized the importance of focusing on controllable aspects of life to achieve peace and balance. Attendees lauded the seminar as a transformative experience, with one participant describing it as a powerful reminder of self-worth and the value of self-love. This event marked the first initiative since the ABWU Women’s Council’s reconstitution in August, signaling a renewed commitment to advancing women’s development and encouraging their active participation in the workforce. The Council plans to host a series of impactful activities in the coming year, continuing its mission to empower women across all levels of society.
-

Government Invites Public to National Consultation on the Price of Goods Bill, 2025
The Ministry of Trade, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Barbuda Affairs, led by the Hon. E.P. Chet Greene, has announced a National Stakeholder Consultation on the proposed Price of Goods Bill, 2025. This landmark legislation aims to replace the antiquated Distribution and Price of Goods Act, Cap. 138, aligning Antigua and Barbuda’s pricing and consumer protection systems with contemporary economic demands. The consultation is scheduled for Monday, November 25th, at 10:00 AM in the Parliament Building on Queen Elizabeth Highway, St. John’s. The Bill is a cornerstone of the Government’s broader strategy to bolster consumer rights, enhance market transparency, and ensure equitable pricing practices. Key provisions of the Bill include measures to prevent price gouging, improve supply chain accountability, mandate transparent price displays, introduce modern enforcement mechanisms, and protect public interests during emergencies or supply chain disruptions. Minister Greene emphasized the Government’s dedication to fostering a balanced economic environment that safeguards consumers while supporting sustainable business growth. He highlighted the critical role of public participation, urging stakeholders to share their insights to ensure the legislation effectively addresses the needs of consumers, retailers, importers, and distributors. Draft copies of the Price of Goods Bill, 2025, will be accessible during the consultation and online at www.laws.gov.ag. The Ministry invites all interested parties to attend and contribute to this pivotal national dialogue.
-

Antiguan student earns global recognition as Hofstra’s first Rhodes Scholar
Rhysa B. Nelson, a 21-year-old biology major from Antigua, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming Hofstra University’s first Rhodes Scholar in its 90-year history. Selected from a competitive global pool of finalists, Nelson’s groundbreaking research focuses on converting invasive Caribbean seaweed into sustainable biofuel, a project that has garnered widespread attention across the United States, the Caribbean, and the global academic community. Her work was inspired by the environmental challenges posed by seaweed accumulation on Caribbean coastlines. ‘There are piles and piles of it, and it’s degrading,’ Nelson explained. ‘This was one avenue I could pursue to address the issue.’ Guided by Dr. Javier Escudero, Nelson has explored innovative methods to transform seaweed into biofuels and other byproducts. Beyond her environmental research, she has also delved into cancer immunology and neurobiology, aiming to increase representation for African-Caribbean scientists in cell biology. ‘Ten years from now, I see myself developing the first Afro-Caribbean stem cell line,’ she shared. Nelson’s achievements extend beyond the lab; she is an accomplished flautist and a dedicated tutor for middle-school students. Described by colleagues as quietly determined, she is deeply committed to making meaningful contributions to science and her Caribbean community. Nelson will now embark on two years of fully funded postgraduate study at the University of Oxford, an opportunity she believes will advance her scientific ambitions and her mission to give back to the Caribbean. Hofstra University celebrated her selection, stating it has placed the campus ‘in the global spotlight’ and marked a significant milestone for the institution.
-

PM Browne Among CARICOM Heads Visiting Storm-Devastated Communities in Jamaica Today
A high-level delegation of Caribbean leaders, accompanied by officials from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), is set to arrive in Jamaica today to evaluate the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. The group, led by CARICOM Chairman and Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, includes Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Guyana President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett, and IDB President Ilan Goldfajn. Their itinerary includes visits to severely affected areas in St. James, Westmoreland, and St. Elizabeth, with stops planned in Westgreen and Catherine Hall, two Montego Bay communities still grappling with the aftermath of the Category 5 storm. Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, unleashed catastrophic flooding and landslides, particularly in the western parishes. The Barnett, Pye, and Montego rivers overflowed, submerging entire neighborhoods, destroying homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure, and displacing thousands of residents. Many areas remain without reliable electricity or clean water. The tour aims to provide regional leaders with a firsthand understanding of the humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for coordinated recovery efforts. This visit follows pledges of solidarity and support from CARICOM member states, with Barbados establishing a field hospital at Cornwall Regional Hospital and other nations offering financial and technical assistance. The IDB, a key financial partner in the region, is expected to use this opportunity to discuss reconstruction funding and long-term climate adaptation strategies, especially as small island nations face increasing threats from extreme weather events. Prime Minister Holness has underscored the importance of regional unity and international collaboration in addressing the challenges posed by the disaster. Monday’s high-level engagement is anticipated to shape a comprehensive recovery framework, focusing on housing, infrastructure rehabilitation, and community support for the hardest-hit areas. Additional details of the delegation’s itinerary will be provided by the Office of the Prime Minister.
-

21-year-old Jesse Guthrie of Ottos charged with Attempted Murder
In a recent development, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has announced the arrest and formal charging of 21-year-old Jesse Guthrie from Ottos for the alleged crime of Attempted Murder. The incident, which occurred on November 4, 2025, in Tinning Village, involved a violent altercation that left a 40-year-old man from Grays Farm severely injured. The victim was found unconscious by the roadside, suffering from multiple wounds to his right hand and neck. Following a thorough investigation, Guthrie was apprehended and taken into custody. He is now facing legal proceedings and is scheduled to appear in court to address the charges brought against him. This case has drawn significant attention from the local community, highlighting concerns over public safety and the prevalence of violent crimes in the region.
-

Work Continues on Road to Cooks Landfill
Construction crews remain actively engaged in the extensive project along the mile-long stretch leading into Cooks Landfill. The initiative, which has been underway for several weeks, aims to enhance infrastructure and ensure safer access to the site. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of this development, citing its potential to improve waste management efficiency and reduce environmental risks. Residents in the vicinity have been advised to expect temporary disruptions but are assured that the long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term inconveniences. The project is part of a broader strategy to modernize landfill operations and align with stricter environmental regulations. Updates on the progress will be provided regularly to keep the community informed.
