标签： Antigua and Barbuda

In a landmark decision signaling a new era for international legal discourse, the National Bar Association (NBA) has announced Antigua and Barbuda as the host nation for its prestigious 2026 Midwinter Convention. This selection marks a significant moment, representing the first time the prominent organization will hold its key annual gathering within the Caribbean region.

The convention, scheduled for early 2026, is anticipated to draw a distinguished assembly of legal professionals, including attorneys, judges, scholars, and policymakers from across the African diaspora and the global legal community. The event will serve as a premier platform for critical dialogue on pressing international legal issues, professional development, and the advancement of judicial excellence.

This strategic choice by the NBA underscores a deliberate effort to foster greater inclusivity within the global legal landscape and to highlight the vibrant professional communities within the Caribbean. Hosting the event is expected to provide a substantial economic boost to Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism and hospitality sectors, while simultaneously elevating the nation’s profile as a center for serious international conferences and diplomatic engagement.

The week-long convention will feature an extensive agenda comprising continuing legal education (CLE) seminars, judicial panels, networking receptions, and community outreach initiatives. Key topics for discussion are projected to encompass transnational law, climate justice, international trade agreements, and the evolving role of technology in legal practice.

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has launched an innovative national competition to transform home gardening into a strategic food security initiative. Dubbed ‘Plant to Plate,’ the program offers substantial monetary incentives ranging from $3,500 to $7,500 for top performers in backyard cultivation.

This competition represents a cornerstone of a broader governmental strategy to mitigate dependence on imported foodstuffs, enhance community resilience, and alleviate rising living costs through domestic agricultural production. Registration is currently open through dedicated online portals, designed for accessibility on both mobile and desktop platforms. The initiative welcomes both novice and experienced gardeners, though first-time participants must complete a separate registration to be officially recognized as backyard growers prior to competition entry.

Beyond the financial rewards, which include a top prize of $7,500, a second-place award of $5,000, and $3,500 for third place, enrolled participants will gain access to expert technical support and guidance via the nation’s agricultural extension services. This comprehensive support system aims to ensure participants’ success and sustainable gardening practices.

Government officials are urging widespread and early registration, emphasizing that citizen engagement is fundamental to achieving the program’s overarching objectives: expanding local food production capabilities and fortifying national food security. The competition’s online registration for the event is available at https://shorturl.at/9zD8D, while first-time backyard gardener registration can be completed at https://shorturl.at/ag4lq.

The Ministry of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries has officially unveiled the champions of the highly anticipated 2025 Christmas Home and Business Lighting Competition. This cherished annual tradition, designed to celebrate community creativity and illuminate the holiday season, recognized outstanding achievements across both residential and commercial sectors through a display of spectacular and imaginative lighting arrangements.

The residential competition was structured across four distinct geographical zones—East, West, North, and South—to ensure broad participation, while the business category encompassed the entire island. This year’s entries were noted for their exceptional artistry and profound embodiment of the festive spirit, transforming communities into winter wonderlands.

A significant incentive program accompanied the honors. All category winners received substantial cash awards, with first place awarded $3,000.00 ECD, second place securing $2,000.00 ECD, and third place taking home $1,000.00 ECD. In a move to alleviate holiday season expenses, the Ministry also announced a full 100% waiver on the December 2024 electricity bill for all home category participants. Businesses were granted a 50% waiver on their respective bills.

The Ministry extended its congratulations to the top performers. In the Business category, Shoulds’s Toys Gifts Houseware claimed the premier position, followed by Galley Bay Resort and Falmouth Harbour Marina as first and second runners-up, respectively.

Zone-specific residential winners were also celebrated: Joel Rayne (West Zone), Desiree Simon (East Zone), Vernel Weste (South Zone), and Dave Peters (North Zone). Notably, Vernel Weste achieved a perfect score of 100, followed closely by Desiree Simon with 99.7, marking them as the top overall scorers in the competition.

The Ministry concluded by applauding every participant for their contribution to the season’s cheer and expressed great anticipation for the event’s continued evolution as a cornerstone of the nation’s Christmas celebrations.

A resident of Cedar Valley Heights has been ordered to remain in custody following his not guilty plea to multiple charges related to firearms and controlled substances. The accused, Hezekiah Parker Jr., appeared in a court proceeding presided over by Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel on Tuesday.

Legal representation for Parker was provided by defense attorney Sherfield Bowen during the hearing. The judicial proceedings have been scheduled to continue tomorrow, requiring Parker’s subsequent court appearance.

According to law enforcement authorities, the criminal charges stem from an early morning operation conducted on January 10, 2026. Police executed a search warrant at Parker’s residence before dawn, resulting in the alleged discovery of significant evidence.

During the search, officers reportedly confiscated an unregistered Smith & Wesson .380-caliber handgun along with seven corresponding rounds of ammunition. Additionally, approximately 100 grams of cannabis was allegedly seized from the premises.

The defendant now faces multiple counts including illegal possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, simple possession of cannabis, and the more serious charge of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. The combination of weapons and narcotics violations represents a significant case for local law enforcement agencies.

The judicial process will determine the validity of the charges as the case progresses through the court system, with the next hearing scheduled to address procedural matters and potentially set dates for future proceedings.

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has officially launched its volunteer recruitment drive for the prestigious Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2026), scheduled to take place in St. John’s from November 1-4, 2026. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Barbuda Affairs is seeking enthusiastic and professional citizens aged 18 and above to participate in this global diplomatic gathering.

This initiative presents a distinctive opportunity for individuals to contribute their expertise and time to support the execution of a world-class international event. Prospective volunteers will have the chance to enhance their professional experience, develop new skills, and establish valuable connections within global diplomatic circles. Available positions span various operational areas, with specific needs in hospitality management and delegation liaison services.

The government particularly welcomes applications from previous volunteers who have demonstrated capability in large-scale event coordination. All interested candidates must complete the official volunteer application form available through the government’s designated portal before the deadline of January 26, 2026, at 12:00 PM local time.

This recruitment effort represents a significant national undertaking to ensure the successful hosting of one of the most important multilateral gatherings in the Commonwealth calendar, marking a historic moment for Antigua and Barbuda’s international diplomacy and event hosting capabilities.

The media community across Antigua and Barbuda is grieving the loss of Darren Richards, a highly respected broadcast technician who passed away following a courageous battle with colon cancer. Pointe Broadcasting Network officially confirmed his passing on Tuesday, paying tribute to his significant yet often overlooked contributions to the nation’s media landscape.

Richards served as a quiet professional whose technical expertise formed the backbone of Pointe FM’s ‘Nightly News’ production. In an industry typically focused on on-air personalities, Richards exemplified the essential behind-the-scenes professionals who ensure seamless broadcast operations. Colleagues remembered his consistently calm presence in the newsroom, particularly during high-pressure live broadcasts, where his steady demeanor provided reassurance to presenters and production staff alike.

The network released an official statement emphasizing how technicians and engineers like Richards frequently work without public recognition despite being fundamental to media operations. “Pointe Broadcasting Network is deeply grateful for the time Darren spent with us and for the meaningful contributions he made to our nightly news operations,” the statement read, while extending sympathies to his family, relatives, and friends.

In a demonstration of Richards’ widespread respect, condolences also came from political quarters. The St. John’s City West branch of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party issued a separate statement through chairman Rodney Jarvis, conveying sympathies from Prime Minister Gaston Browne, branch executives, and constituency members. The statement specifically addressed former chairman Delano Richards and Darren’s immediate family, encouraging them to find strength in faith during this difficult period of mourning.

Both tributes highlighted Richards’ legacy as a dedicated professional whose technically vital work, though largely invisible to the public audience, played an indispensable role in broadcast journalism and media operations throughout the region.