In a significant move to enhance governance and economic collaboration, the Cabinet has announced the expansion of its weekly stakeholder meetings to include farmers and supermarket operators. Cabinet spokesman Maurice Merchant revealed that the initiative follows a successful inaugural session with 14 local contractors earlier this week. The government aims to institutionalize these meetings as a cornerstone of its governance model, fostering direct dialogue between policymakers and key economic stakeholders. Farmers are slated to meet with the Cabinet next Wednesday, with supermarket operators expected to join the discussions shortly thereafter. Merchant emphasized that these sessions will be an ongoing process, with the Ministry of Works identifying additional contractors for future engagements while other ministries propose their own stakeholder groups. The primary objectives of these meetings are to provide direct support, gather critical feedback, and address operational challenges faced by industry participants. The initiative is closely aligned with the government’s broader food security agenda, with farmers set to discuss critical issues such as irrigation, fencing, seedling production, access roads, subsidies, and the reallocation of unused agricultural lands. Supermarket operators, on the other hand, will focus on consumer prices, supply chain efficiency, and national food resilience. Merchant underscored the importance of these weekly sessions in promoting transparency, enhancing sector performance, and ensuring that policies are grounded in real-world insights. The government views this initiative as a vital tool for fostering collaboration and driving sustainable economic growth.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
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Government Scales Back One Million Trees Goal to 300,000 on Advice of Forestry Experts
In a significant shift, the government has scaled back its ambitious tree-planting campaign from one million trees to 300,000, following recommendations from forestry experts. The decision was announced by Cabinet spokesman Maurice Merchant during Friday’s post-Cabinet briefing. Merchant explained that the Forestry Division had advised the Cabinet that the original target was unfeasible, prompting a reevaluation of the initiative. The revised goal, now set at 300,000 trees, reflects a more realistic and achievable approach, ensuring the program’s success and proper implementation. The Forestry Division, alongside the Department of Agriculture and other relevant agencies, will spearhead the adjusted campaign. This move underscores the government’s commitment to aligning its environmental agenda with expert insights, prioritizing practicality and sustainability in national reforestation efforts.
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Black Bar Association to Host Major U.S. Legal Conference in Antigua Next Year, Cabinet Spokesman Says
Antigua and Barbuda has been chosen as the host nation for a significant U.S. legal conference organized by the Black Bar Association of the United States, scheduled for January 2024. The announcement was made by Cabinet spokesman Maurice Merchant during a post-Cabinet briefing on Friday. Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin confirmed that the association has finalized its plans to hold the event in Antigua, marking another milestone in the country’s growing portfolio of international gatherings. This decision underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s emerging status as a prime destination for high-profile professional, legal, and academic conferences. Merchant emphasized that the government views this development as a testament to the nation’s enhanced reputation as a regional hub for major events. He highlighted the country’s improved infrastructure, robust air connectivity, and its welcoming environment for international delegations as key factors driving this trend. While specific details regarding the number of attendees and conference sessions remain undisclosed, Merchant assured that further information will be released by the Attorney General’s office closer to the event. The government anticipates substantial economic benefits from the influx of conference tourism, including increased hotel bookings, restaurant patronage, and local spending. This initiative aligns with the administration’s broader strategy to diversify tourism and attract new visitor demographics to the country.
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BREAKING: Louis Armstrong Of Upper Fort Road Dies Following Shooting Incident
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has launched a homicide investigation following a fatal shooting incident on Upper Fort Road. Louis Armstrong, a 43-year-old local resident, tragically passed away on Saturday morning at approximately 7:24 a.m. while receiving medical care at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. The incident occurred early Friday morning near Toy Toy Restaurant, where Armstrong was found with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest, eye, and left hand. Police officers swiftly responded to the scene after receiving reports of the shooting. Authorities are now actively investigating the case as a murder and are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help identify the perpetrator(s). Individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or use the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477).
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Cabinet Meets 14 Contractors in First-of-Its-Kind Session; New Support Unit and Sector Reforms Announced
In a groundbreaking session, the Antigua and Barbuda government convened a high-level meeting with 14 local contractors, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s construction sector. The meeting, held on Wednesday, was attended by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Works Minister Maria Bird Browne, and senior ministry officials. The dialogue focused on addressing long-standing industry challenges and introducing transformative reforms to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and modernization. Contractors lauded the government’s direct engagement, describing it as a critical step toward fostering a robust local industry. They also commended the Works Ministry for its improved communication, organizational efficiency, and consistent payment practices under Minister Browne’s leadership. Prime Minister Browne acknowledged decades of persistent issues, including cash-flow constraints, cost overruns, project delays, and weak management practices. He emphasized the need for modernization to empower local contractors to operate at international standards while meeting national timelines and budget requirements. As part of the reforms, the Ministry of Works will establish a Contractor Support Unit to assist firms with bid preparation, costing, administrative systems, technical support, and training aligned with global benchmarks. The unit will also prepare local companies for major tenders, including projects funded by the Caribbean Development Bank in Barbuda. The ministry will launch its first bid-preparation workshop on Monday at the John E. St. Luce Centre. Additionally, the government reaffirmed its commitment to timely payments and promoted joint contracting arrangements between local firms and established regional or international companies to facilitate knowledge transfer, management capacity, and access to working capital. This meeting is the first in a series, with further sessions planned with contractors, farmers, and supermarket operators. Both the government and contractors agreed that the session marked a significant stride toward building a more competitive, modern, and resilient construction sector in Antigua and Barbuda.
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Antigua to Get Modern Private Jet Lounge Under New UAE Deal
On November 20, 2025, during the prestigious Dubai Airshow, the Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced a groundbreaking strategic partnership. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Jetex, a global leader in executive aviation, and Diplomatic Solutions, a strategic advisory firm. This agreement focuses on the development of a state-of-the-art Fixed Base Operation (FBO) at VC Bird International Airport in Antigua and Barbuda.
The collaboration signifies a transformative step in bolstering the aviation infrastructure of the twin-island nation. The new FBO will feature premium lounges, concierge services, and efficient handling for private jet clients, positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a premier destination for luxury private aviation. The project aims to harmonize world-class amenities with the natural allure of the Caribbean islands.
Adel Mardini, Founder and CEO of Jetex, expressed enthusiasm for the venture, stating, ‘We are excited to bring the Jetex experience to Antigua. Drawing inspiration from the island’s rich heritage, our bespoke FBO will enhance its luxury hospitality offerings and attract discerning international travelers.’
Jetex is renowned for its excellence in executive aviation, offering services such as FBO management, trip planning, ground handling, and aviation fuel. Diplomatic Solutions specializes in fostering private-public partnerships, making this collaboration a strategic alignment of expertise and vision.
This initiative is expected to significantly boost tourism and economic growth in Antigua and Barbuda, further cementing its status as a luxury travel hub.
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Joyride turns chaotic in Golden Grove, two 16-year-olds hospitalized
Authorities in Golden Grove are currently investigating a severe car crash involving a 16-year-old driver who allegedly took his mother’s vehicle without consent. The incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m. on Friday when the teenager lost control of the car and collided with a tree. According to state media reports, another 16-year-old boy who was a passenger in the vehicle sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. In a concerning turn of events, two young females who were also in the car reportedly fled the scene immediately after the crash, leaving the injured teens behind. Preliminary reports from ABS News suggest that the teenage driver suffered the most severe injuries. The investigation is ongoing as police work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the unauthorized use of the vehicle and the subsequent accident.
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New York Independence Gala Honours Musical Icons and Announces Diaspora Initiative
The annual Independence Gala, hosted by the New York Offices of Antigua and Barbuda, became a grand celebration of both national pride and musical excellence this year. The event paid a heartfelt tribute to the Burning Flames, a legendary family band whose revolutionary sound has left an indelible mark on Caribbean music. On the occasion of Antigua and Barbuda’s 44th Independence Day, the band members—Sir Toriano ‘Onyan’ Edwards, Sir Clarence ‘Oungku’ Edwards, Sir David ‘Bubb-I’ Edwards, and Sir Rone ‘Foxx’ Watkins—were honored with some of the nation’s highest accolades. Their contributions to music and culture have not only made their small nation proud but also showcased their talent on the global stage. The gala, themed “Solid, Stable, Soaring,” celebrated the nation’s progress and unity, while also recognizing the band’s enduring legacy. In a touching gesture, the band received gold records and a new set of musical instruments from their super fan, Eugene “Bobadilla” Otto, and other supporters. Sir Clarence, the bandleader, expressed gratitude for the recognition and revealed plans to display the instruments in a proposed museum at their former band house in Potters. The event also featured inspiring speeches from Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H. E. Walton Aubrey Webson, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. E. P. Chet Greene. Minister Greene announced the upcoming “Solid, Stable, Soaring: Diaspora Investment Conference,” aimed at engaging the diaspora community in national development projects. The evening concluded with vibrant celebrations as attendees danced to the music of the Burning Flames, eagerly anticipating next year’s 45th Independence milestone. The New York Offices extended their gratitude to event sponsors and partners for their unwavering support.
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Major Workshop Wraps Up, Teaching Teams How to Prevent Dengue and Other Diseases
A two-week workshop titled ‘Building Resilient Communities: Integrating Public Health Strategies for Vector Control, Epidemiological Surveillance, and Disease Prevention in Response to Climate Change’ recently concluded in Antigua and Barbuda. The event, organized by the Central Board of Health (CBH) and sponsored by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Direct Relief Programme, aimed to enhance public health resilience against vector-borne diseases exacerbated by climate change. Held at the Harrison Centre in Tomlinson, the workshop trained 115 participants, including Public Health Inspectors and Environmental Health aides. Due to the high number of attendees, the program was divided into four segments, with two sessions specifically dedicated to mosquito control, which attracted the largest audience. Facilitated by former Chief Health Inspector Lionel Michael, the training emphasized vector control strategies, including educational, physical, biological, chemical, and environmental measures. Key topics included the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), alternative fogging techniques, and the impact of climatic conditions on vector control. Deputy Chief Health Inspector Daryl Spencer highlighted the workshop’s goal of strengthening capacity in vector control and providing formal training for new staff. Michael provided in-depth insights into the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary vector for dengue fever, discussing its characteristics, replication, transmission, and symptoms. Dengue fever, prevalent in Latin America and the Caribbean, accounts for over 92% of global cases, with symptoms including high fever, headache, joint pain, and nausea. The workshop underscored the importance of community responsibility in public health, emphasizing that government efforts alone are insufficient to combat vector-borne diseases. Participants were encouraged to adopt proactive measures, such as eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and maintaining proper sanitation, to mitigate the spread of diseases.
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Official Update: 32nd National Sports Awards Set for February 28, 2026
The Ministry of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries, in collaboration with the National Sports Awards Committee, has officially announced the rescheduled date for the 32nd National Sports Awards. The prestigious event will now take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Nominations for the awards remain open until November 30, 2025, providing ample time for submissions. Nomination forms are available at the Ministry of Sport, located in the former Cricket West Indies Office within the Government Complex. The National Sports Awards have long been a cornerstone in celebrating the remarkable accomplishments, unwavering commitment, and significant contributions of athletes, coaches, administrators, and sporting organizations throughout Antigua and Barbuda. The upcoming ceremony aims to continue this legacy of honoring excellence in sports.