标签: Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • 100 Days to Go -Antigua and Barbuda Begins Countdown to CHOGM 2026

    100 Days to Go -Antigua and Barbuda Begins Countdown to CHOGM 2026

    As the clock ticks toward one of the Commonwealth’s most high-profile global gatherings, Antigua and Barbuda has officially hit the 100-day milestone ahead of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled to run from November 1 to 4 this year. This landmark marker represents a critical turning point in the twin-island nation’s years-long planning process, bringing Antigua and Barbuda one step closer to welcoming senior leaders, official delegations, stakeholder representatives, institutional partners, and international press from all 56 Commonwealth member states for a historic four-day summit.

    For the small Caribbean nation, hosting CHOGM 2026 is far more than an administrative undertaking: it is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shine a global spotlight on its dynamic leadership, rich cultural heritage, world-renowned hospitality, and unwavering dedication to fostering constructive, solution-oriented dialogue on the pressing challenges facing Commonwealth nations. The summit will convene a diverse cross-section of participants, including heads of government, senior state officials, business leaders, youth advocates, civil society organization representatives, and global partnership stakeholders, all coming together to deepen collaborative ties and advance collective action on shared global priorities.

    Honourable E.P. Chet Greene, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration, who also serves as Chair of the 2026 CHOGM National Taskforce, emphasized that the 100-day marker is a testament to the nation’s consistent commitment to delivering a successful, inclusive summit. “This 100-day milestone opens a critical new chapter in Antigua and Barbuda’s journey to welcoming the Commonwealth family,” Greene stated. “It reflects the dedication, cross-sector collaboration, and whole-of-nation effort that has shaped our preparations from day one. This summit gives us an extraordinary platform to showcase our nation’s leadership, resilience, vibrant culture, and untapped economic and social potential, as we open our shores to the Commonwealth. I encourage every citizen and resident to embrace this historic moment, and recognize the unique role each of us plays in making CHOGM 2026 a resounding success.”

    Karen-Mae Hill, Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and a sitting member of the Commonwealth Board of Governors, underscored the summit’s central role in reinforcing collaborative ties across the 56-nation bloc. “As a proud, longstanding member of the Commonwealth family, Antigua and Barbuda is deeply honoured to serve as host for CHOGM 2026, and to provide a neutral, inclusive platform for open dialogue, cross-border collaboration, and partnership building among our member states,” Hill explained. “This gathering will bring leaders from every corner of the Commonwealth together to address our shared priorities and reaffirm the shared values that unite our diverse bloc. Now that we have reached this critical milestone, we are ready to welcome the Commonwealth with the warmth, commitment to excellence, and spirit of partnership that have always defined Antigua and Barbuda.”

    Sharifa George, Co-Lead of the Media and Public Affairs Committee for the CHOGM National Taskforce, highlighted the taskforce’s ongoing focus on inclusive public engagement as the final countdown gets underway. “Hitting the 100-day mark officially kicks off the final stretch of preparations for CHOGM 2026,” George noted. “Our core priority right now is ensuring that every citizen and resident understands why this historic event matters for our nation, and that every member of our community feels invested in Antigua and Barbuda’s journey as we prepare to welcome global leaders.”

    This focus on public engagement will remain front and center throughout the remaining countdown period, with the taskforce working to bring up-to-date information, raise awareness, and build excitement for the summit directly into local communities across both islands. To tie into the nation’s beloved cultural calendar, the taskforce will integrate CHOGM 2026 outreach into Antigua’s 2026 Carnival, marketed as the Caribbean’s “Greatest Summer Festival.” During the carnival’s opening parade, interactive public activations will allow organizers to engage both residents and visiting tourists, share key details about the summit, and celebrate Antigua and Barbuda’s historic role as host nation.

    As preparations enter their final phase, the 2026 CHOGM National Taskforce is calling on all citizens and residents to join the countdown, stay updated on summit developments, and take pride in showcasing the very best of Antigua and Barbuda to the global community. Members of the public can access the latest updates, planning announcements, and engagement opportunities via the official CHOGM 2026 website at https://chogm26.gov.ag, and by following official social media channels using the hashtag #ABCHOGM2026 ahead of the November 1–4 summit.

  • Government Advances EC$100 Million Road Programme

    Government Advances EC$100 Million Road Programme

    Antigua and Barbuda’s ambitious nationwide road rehabilitation initiative is on track to enter a faster implementation phase, after the government confirmed it is in the final stages of securing a $33 million infrastructure loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

    According to official updates presented to the national Cabinet, the multilateral development bank’s financing will be disbursed within just a matter of days, as soon as the last outstanding contractual formalities are completed. This new CDB funding acts as a complementary investment to a previously secured EC$100 million bond that was earmarked specifically for upgrading road networks across both islands of the twin-nation.

    On the smaller island of Barbuda, one of the first key projects set to break ground imminently is the rehabilitation of Two Mile Road, a critical transport artery connecting the Barbuda Codrington Airport to River Dock. The construction work for this project is scheduled for an eight-month timeline? No, correction: the complete build is projected to take eight weeks, and the government has appointed an independent third-party monitor to oversee all construction activity to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.

    A single contractor with existing operations and experience working across both Antigua and Barbuda has already been awarded the contract for the initial phase of works, while a slate of additional road segments across Barbuda have already been identified and prioritized for future rehabilitation under the broader program.

    Minister of Works Maria Browne emphasized that this infrastructure push represents one of the largest sustained investments in national road infrastructure that Antigua and Barbuda has seen in recent decades. She outlined that the overarching goals of the program extend far beyond paving new surfaces: the upgrades are designed to boost domestic and inter-island connectivity, enhance the road network’s resilience to extreme weather events common to the Caribbean region, and lay the groundwork for broader long-term national economic development.

    Cabinet officials noted that they will release regular public updates on project timelines and progress as construction kicks off at sites across both islands, keeping citizens informed of this major public infrastructure initiative.

  • Former MP Arthur Nibbs Among First to Receive Freehold Land Certificate in Barbuda

    Former MP Arthur Nibbs Among First to Receive Freehold Land Certificate in Barbuda

    In a landmark decision that reshapes land governance on the Caribbean island of Barbuda, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has formally approved the issuance of the first batch of freehold land certificates, a policy step the national government frames as a critical win for formalizing private property rights for local residents.

    Maurice Merchant, director general of communications at the Prime Minister’s Office, made the announcement public during the regular weekly post-Cabinet press briefing held Thursday.

    Five recipients will make history as the first to hold these legally recognized ownership documents: Atian Davis, former Barbuda Member of Parliament Arthur Nibbs, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard, Chaz Askey, and Eva Askey-George.

    Merchant emphasized that the approval marks a transformative milestone for the island, paving the way for the creation of Barbuda’s first formal land registry and the rollout of a modern, standardized land administration framework. The certificates are distributed under the administration’s flagship Land Empowerment Programme, a policy designed to expand accessible land ownership for eligible Barbudans. Under the initiative, qualifying applicants can acquire up to one full acre of land for just one Eastern Caribbean dollar, equivalent to roughly $0.37 USD.

    For residents already holding plots larger than one acre that fall under the regularization scheme, the additional acreage will undergo independent professional surveying and valuation to bring their full holdings into formal, legal ownership.

    Beyond its immediate administrative implications, Merchant noted that the certificates lay the critical legal groundwork for the permanent establishment of the Barbuda Land Registry. Government officials explain that the centralized registry will bring unprecedented clarity and transparency to island land management, while strengthening long-term tenure security for all property owners across Barbuda.

    The move comes after decades of debate over land ownership on the island. For generations, Barbuda has operated under a traditional communal land system, and the government’s push to formalize individual freehold ownership has drawn vocal opposition from segments of the Barbudan population who wish to preserve the island’s historic communal land governance model.

  • AT&LU Gains Bargaining Rights for WIOC Supervisors

    AT&LU Gains Bargaining Rights for WIOC Supervisors

    In a significant development for organized labor in Antigua and Barbuda, the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) has earned formal designation as the exclusive collective bargaining representative for supervisory employees at the West Indies Oil Company (WIOC), one of the nation’s largest corporate entities.

    Official confirmation of the appointment came via a formal certificate issued by Labour Commissioner Eltonia David on July 23. The documentation verifies that a majority of WIOC’s supervisory workforce cast their votes in favor of AT&LU taking on the representative role. Under the provisions of Antigua and Barbuda’s national Labour Code, this official designation grants the union sole legal authority to negotiate on behalf of the covered supervisory employees in all workplace and employment-related matters.

    AT&LU President Bernard de Nully formally welcomed the new group of WIOC workers into the union’s ranks in remarks following the certification. He emphasized that the organization is fully prepared to robustly advance and protect the professional interests of the supervisory staff during upcoming collective bargaining negotiations with WIOC company leadership.

    Beyond the immediate benefits for the workers involved, de Nully framed the appointment as a strategic milestone for the union. The selection expands AT&LU’s organizational footprint at WIOC, a major economic player in Antigua and Barbuda, while also addressing a longstanding gap by giving the facility’s supervisory personnel formal, legally recognized representation for their workplace concerns.

  • VACANCY: Clerical Assistant – Lifelong Learning Unit

    VACANCY: Clerical Assistant – Lifelong Learning Unit

    One of the Caribbean’s most prestigious higher education institutions, The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWI FIC), has announced an open vacancy for a full-time Clerical Assistant position within its Lifelong Learning Unit, inviting applications from all suitably qualified candidates across the region and beyond.

    The successful applicant will take on a diverse range of core administrative responsibilities critical to the smooth operation of the unit. Key duties include the systematic upkeep of institutional records, physical files, and digital information systems; timely retrieval of key documentation such as student mark sheets and admission application forms; systematic receipt and initial processing of documents submitted by current and prospective students and other external stakeholders; collation, sorting, and distribution of institutional correspondence and materials; coordination of office supply requests to maintain steady departmental operations; dissemination of accurate, up-to-date information to customers and stakeholders in a timely manner; logistical and administrative support for the preparation of unit-hosted seminars, academic conferences, and university award ceremonies; management of incoming telephone calls and responses to routine public enquiries; and support for travel bookings and itinerary arrangement for departmental staff and visitors as required.

    To be considered for the role, candidates must meet a set of mandatory qualification and experience requirements. A minimum of five passing grades in CXC or GCE O’ Level examinations is required, with passes in both Mathematics and English Language as non-negotiable prerequisites. Applicants must also have at least three years of full-time work experience in a similar clerical or administrative role. Additional core competencies include advanced proficiency in common computer software, internet-based administrative tools, and strong interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a fast-paced, customer-centric workplace.

    All interested candidates must submit a complete application package, which includes a filled-out official UWI employment application form, a detailed curriculum vitae outlining all relevant qualifications and professional experience, contact information (full names and mailing addresses) for three professional references (with at least one reference from the applicant’s current employer), and certified copies of all academic qualifications listed in the application. Completed application packages must be submitted via email to the institution, addressed to the Manager of the Employee Success Department within the Office of the Campus Registrar at UWI Five Islands Campus, located in Five Islands, St. John’s, Antigua.

    The institution has set a firm application deadline of July 31, 2026. The candidate selected for the role will be required to begin their official duties at the Antigua-based campus on September 1, 2026. The posted salary range for the position falls between 27,099.51 Eastern Caribbean dollars and 33,843.73 Eastern Caribbean dollars per year.

    UWI FIC notes that while the university appreciates interest from all applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further screening and interviews. For additional information about the campus or the role, interested parties can contact the institution at (268) 484-3900 or visit the official UWI Five Islands Campus website at www.fiveislands.uwi.edu.

  • VACANCY: Functional Analyst

    VACANCY: Functional Analyst

    A leading international technology solutions provider has publicly announced a new full-time opening for a skilled Functional Analyst to join its growing product development team based in its downtown headquarters. The role is designed to bridge the communication gap between organizational stakeholders, business operation units, and technical development teams, turning complex business requirements into clear, actionable functional specifications for engineering staff.

    Key responsibilities outlined for the position include conducting in-depth interviews with cross-departmental stakeholders to map existing business processes, identify pain points in current workflows, and document actionable improvement opportunities. The successful candidate will also be tasked with creating detailed functional requirement documents, leading user acceptance testing protocols, and collaborating closely with software developers to ensure final product deliverables align with core business objectives. Additional duties include post-implementation review, troubleshooting functional issues, and updating system documentation to reflect ongoing process changes.

    Required qualifications for applicants include a minimum of three years of professional experience in a business analysis or functional analysis role, a strong working knowledge of agile development methodologies, and demonstrated skill in process mapping and requirement modeling. Candidates must also possess strong interpersonal and communication skills to facilitate productive discussions between technical and non-technical team members, as well as a bachelor’s degree in business administration, computer science, information systems, or a related field. Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and data visualization tools is listed as a strong preferred qualification.

    The company is offering a competitive compensation package that includes a base salary aligned with industry standards, performance-based annual bonuses, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, professional development stipends, and flexible hybrid work arrangements. The posting notes that the company is an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Applications are currently being accepted through the company’s official careers portal, with a deadline for submissions set for four weeks from the posting date.

  • VACANCY: Administrative Assistant- Exams Unit

    VACANCY: Administrative Assistant- Exams Unit

    One of the Caribbean’s most prestigious higher education institutions, The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus, has opened applications for a full-time Administrative Assistant role within its Examinations Unit, operating under the Office of the Campus Registrar.

    Located in Five Islands, St. John’s, Antigua, this position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from Eastern Caribbean $32,519.65 to $48,735.33, commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications and professional experience. The successful hire will report directly to the Assistant Registrar for Examinations, and take on a diverse set of core responsibilities that support the campus’s core academic operations.

    Primary duties for the role include delivering comprehensive administrative support to the Assistant Registrar to ensure consistent alignment with UWI’s institutional policies, rules and regulatory frameworks governing examination operations. The role also requires hands-on support for all logistical and administrative preparations ahead of examination periods, coordination of on-the-ground arrangements during exam cycles, and assistance with compiling, verifying and publishing final student results. Additionally, the Administrative Assistant will contribute to the planning and execution of the campus’s annual Graduation Ceremonies, manage transcript request processing and official transcript issuance, support the printing and distribution of formal degree certificates, oversee inventory management and issuance of academic gowns for events and students, and provide full administrative support for Boards of Examiners meetings—including drafting meeting documentation, recording official minutes, and distributing post-meeting follow-up materials. The role also involves supporting the scheduling of final institutional examinations, responding to student and faculty queries related to examination timetables, and completing any other job-relevant tasks assigned by the Assistant Registrar for Examinations.

    To be considered for the position, candidates must meet a set of clear essential qualification and experience requirements. All applicants must hold a minimum of an accredited Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Business Administration, Educational Administration, or a closely related academic field. Candidates are also required to have at least five years of professional experience in administrative support roles, with preference given to applicants who have gained this experience in a post-secondary or higher education setting. The university notes that completed accredited academic degrees above the minimum educational requirement may be substituted for professional experience on a case-by-case basis.

    All interested candidates must submit a complete set of application materials, including an official UWI employment application form, a detailed curriculum vitae outlining all qualifications and professional experience, contact information for three professional references (one of which must be a current employer or supervisor), and official copies of all academic qualifications. Application packets must be submitted via electronic mail to the university, addressed to the Manager of the Employee Success Department within the Office of the Campus Registrar at UWI Five Islands Campus.

    The deadline for all applications to be received is July 31, 2026. The selected candidate is scheduled to begin their official duties on Antigua’s campus starting September 1, 2026. UWI notes that while the institution appreciates interest from all applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for next steps in the hiring process. For general inquiries about the campus or this vacancy, candidates can reach the institution at (268) 484-3900 or visit the official website at fiveislands.uwi.edu.

  • VACANCY: Campus Counsellor

    VACANCY: Campus Counsellor

    One of the Caribbean’s most prominent higher education institutions, The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWI FIC), has publicly announced an open vacancy for a full-time Campus Counsellor position within the Office of the Campus Principal. This key student support role comes with a competitive annual salary ranging from 102,021 to 109,866 Eastern Caribbean dollars, reflecting the institution’s commitment to investing in qualified mental health and student development professionals.

    The selected candidate will take on a core mission: to deliver holistic support that empowers UWI FIC students to get the most out of their entire university journey. The campus counselling department serves the entire UWI FIC community, addressing a wide spectrum of personal, academic and mental health concerns through a multi-faceted service model. Core responsibilities include delivering confidential one-on-one counselling tailored to individual student needs, facilitating structured group counselling sessions, developing and hosting educational workshops on student wellness and life skills, and advocating for student needs within campus governance and support systems.

    Rooted in a comprehensive, student-centered framework, the role combines direct clinical support with structured developmental programming designed to foster long-term positive growth, emotional resilience and personal development for all students engaging with the service.

    UWI FIC has outlined clear eligibility requirements for candidates interested in applying. A master’s degree in Counselling, Psychology, Social Work, or a closely related human services discipline is a mandatory prerequisite for all applicants. Candidates must also hold a minimum of five years of hands-on professional experience working in counselling or a related field. While professional counselling experience in a college or university setting is not required, it is strongly preferred, as is active licensure in mental health counselling from a recognized regulatory body.

    To complete an application, candidates must submit a full package of application materials, including an official UWI employment application form, a detailed curriculum vitae outlining all relevant qualifications and professional experience, contact information for at least three professional references (with one reference coming from the candidate’s current or most recent employer), and official copies of all academic transcripts and degree certifications. All application materials must be submitted via electronic mail, addressed to the Manager of the Employee Success Department within the Office of the Campus Registrar at UWI Five Islands Campus, located in Five Islands, St. John’s, Antigua.

    The institution has confirmed that the successful applicant will be expected to officially begin their duties on Antigua’s UWI FIC campus starting September 1, 2026. As is standard for public university recruitment processes, UWI FIC notes that while all applications are appreciated, only candidates shortlisted for the role will be contacted for further screening and interviews. More information about the institution and this role can be found on the official UWI Five Islands Campus website, or by calling the campus main line at (268) 484-3900.

  • Police Commissioner Urges Businesses to Surrender Cash, Not Risk Their Lives

    Police Commissioner Urges Businesses to Surrender Cash, Not Risk Their Lives

    A deadly armed robbery that claimed the life of a veteran small business owner has prompted Jamaica’s top law enforcement officer to issue a stark, life-saving warning to commercial operators across the country: surrender cash to armed robbers rather than risk a fatal confrontation.

    Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers made the public recommendation in the immediate aftermath of Thursday morning’s shooting that killed 60-year-old Eleazer “Fresshy” Francis, a long-time supermarket owner based in Freeman’s Village. The tragedy unfolded just after 8:30 a.m. along the community’s main road, where Francis ran his daily grocery operation.

    According to initial police accounts, two male suspects pulled up in a silver vehicle before exiting and walking into Francis’s supermarket. Reports indicate a confrontation broke out between the suspects and Francis, ending with the business owner being shot fatally at the scene.

    Speaking to reporters during a press briefing hours after the incident, Jeffers emphasized that life will always carry more value than any amount of money stolen by criminals. When law enforcement officers are not immediately available to intervene, he said, compliance is the only rational choice for business owners facing armed threats.

    “No amount of money costs your life. If you find yourself in a situation like this and there’s no police around, just turn over the money. Your life is more valuable,” Jeffers told reporters. He added that law enforcement would far rather work to solve a completed robbery than investigate a preventable homicide, a sentiment that underscores the gravity of the recent rise in violent armed robberies targeting small businesses.

    Beyond his core warning, Jeffers also shared a practical security tip for merchants: reduce the potential incentive for robbers by limiting the volume of cash stored on business premises, with regular cash drops that clear out registers throughout the day.

    To address growing public safety concerns ahead of the upcoming Carnival holiday, a peak period for local business activity and tourism, Commissioner Jeffers confirmed that police are rolling out expanded security operations nationwide. The enhanced measures will include more frequent foot and vehicle patrols across high-traffic commercial areas, plus the reallocation of additional law enforcement personnel to communities across the island to deter criminal activity and respond faster to incidents.

  • VACANCY: Accounts Receivables Clerk

    VACANCY: Accounts Receivables Clerk

    One of the Caribbean’s most prestigious higher education institutions, The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus, has announced an open vacancy for a full-time Accounts Receivables Clerk within the Office of the Campus Bursar, inviting applications from all suitably qualified professionals seeking to join the institution’s administrative and finance team.

    The role comes with a competitive annual salary ranging from $27,099.51 to $40,612.01, and the hired candidate will be tasked with a broad set of core finance responsibilities critical to the campus’s daily financial operations. Key duties include accurately posting and documenting all customer payments and transactions tied to UWI Five Islands Campus’ accounts receivable portfolios, generating and distributing invoices to enrolled students and other external debtors, and processing multiple forms of payment including cash, cheques, and credit transactions from these account holders.

    Additional daily responsibilities include preparing regular bank deposits for all funds collected each working day, reconciling total collected cash against the receipts issued on a daily basis, investigating and resolving discrepancies in customer accounts and addressing outstanding past-due balances, managing document organization including copying, filing, and retrieving accounts receivable records, updating digital financial records in the campus’s central Financial Management System, communicating any relevant information updates to relevant staff, departments, and campus stakeholders, and carrying out other role-related duties as assigned by the finance office leadership.

    To be considered for the position, candidates must meet a set of core mandatory requirements. These include holding an associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or another closely related relevant field, or an equivalent professional qualification recognized by the university, plus a minimum of one year of prior hands-on experience working in an accounting or financial role. The hiring committee notes that candidates with additional relevant skills will receive priority consideration: these include prior professional experience working with accounting software and formal financial information systems, as well as advanced, proficient working knowledge of the full Microsoft Office Suite.

    All applicants are required to submit a complete set of application materials, including a filled-out official UWI employment application form, a detailed curriculum vitae that outlines full qualifications and professional experience, contact information (full names and physical addresses) for three professional references (one of which must be from the applicant’s current employer), and official copies of all academic qualifications. Submissions must be sent via email and addressed to the Manager of the Employee Success Department at the Office of the Campus Registrar, The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, located in Five Islands, St. John’s, Antigua.

    The university has confirmed that the successful candidate will be expected to begin their official duties at the Antigua campus on September 1, 2026. As is standard for UWI hiring processes, the institution extends gratitude to all applicants for their interest, but notes that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for subsequent interview stages. For more general information about the campus and its job opportunities, candidates can reach the university by phone at (268) 484-3900 or visit its official website at www.fiveislands.uwi.edu.