标签： Antigua and Barbuda

A male student at Princess Margaret School has been exonerated after being falsely accused of assaulting his form teacher during a classroom incident last week. Initially, the student was alleged to have inappropriately touched the teacher, which reportedly led to the teacher slapping him. The boy returned home with visible swelling, prompting his parents to intervene. They firmly maintained their son’s innocence and demanded a thorough investigation. A meeting on Tuesday involving school officials, the teacher, and the parents concluded that the student was not responsible for the alleged act. Instead, a female student later admitted to being the one who touched the teacher. Despite the exoneration, the boy’s mother revealed that the teacher has not apologized, and her son was humiliated in front of his classmates. The family is now considering legal action and expects the Ministry of Education to address the issue. The ministry has confirmed that it is currently reviewing the case.

The Ministry of Works in Antigua and Barbuda is currently spearheading a significant road rehabilitation project in Bathlodge, a community that has long grappled with deteriorating infrastructure. This initiative, which focuses on a crucial access road serving numerous residents, is set to transform the area’s transportation network. The project was necessitated by years of wear and tear, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, which had rendered the road unsafe and challenging to navigate. Local resident Maria Vanessa Browne expressed relief, describing the road’s previous condition as ‘horrid’ and highlighting the anticipated benefits of the upgrades. Minister of Health, Wellness, and the Environment, Sir Molwyn Joseph, alongside other officials, recently inspected the ongoing work, underscoring the government’s commitment to infrastructure development. This project is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Works to enhance road networks across Antigua and Barbuda, ensuring safer and more accessible travel for motorists and pedestrians alike.

The Barbuda Community Centre, recently renovated and reopened earlier this year, stands as a testament to the island’s resilience and recovery efforts following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Irma in 2017. The upgraded facility, which also functions as a hurricane shelter, has been meticulously restored and modernized to better serve the community during emergencies. Beyond its critical role as a refuge, the centre will now host a variety of community gatherings, cultural events, and celebrations, fostering stronger social bonds among Barbudans. Officials highlight that the renovation is a key milestone in the island’s broader infrastructure rebuilding initiative, which began after Irma devastated 95 percent of Barbuda eight years ago. The project was financed through a USD $31 million loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), with additional support from the government and the Project Implementation Management Unit (PIMU) within the Ministry of Works. In a statement, the ministry expressed gratitude for the continued assistance from organizations such as the UNDP, CDB, and the European Union, emphasizing that the upgrades embody “resilience in the face of adversity.” The refurbished Community Centre is part of a series of significant civil works completed on the island, including the renovated Barbuda Council Administrative Building and the newly constructed National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) Operations Centre. Ongoing projects, such as the Community Multipurpose Centre and resilient concrete roads, aim to enhance transportation and bolster Barbuda’s economic growth.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, authorities in St Elizabeth have confirmed the discovery of a fourth body, bringing the total death toll linked to the storm to four. Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St Elizabeth Police, provided the latest update to the media. According to SP Minto, the victims include three males and one female. Two of the deceased men have been identified as 35-year-old Davion Johnson and 57-year-old Glenroy Johnson. Preliminary investigations suggest that Davion Johnson drowned, while Glenroy Johnson may have succumbed to a heart attack. Additionally, two bodies were recovered from Gallon Beach, one of whom has been identified as 57-year-old Darlene Bambridge. Prior to the hurricane’s landfall, three individuals had already lost their lives in storm-related incidents—two were crushed by falling trees, and one was electrocuted. The police continue their investigations as the community grapples with the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.

The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) has successfully negotiated a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with Airport Services Antigua (ASA), effective from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2028. This landmark agreement promises significant benefits for workers, including a 9% wage increase over the three-year period, ensuring fairer compensation as ASA strengthens its market position. Additionally, the CBA introduces increased allowances for Call-Out, Laundry, and Honey Bucket services, addressing employees’ daily needs more comprehensively. Looking forward, the ABWU has prioritized the establishment of a comprehensive health insurance policy for staff in the next round of negotiations, reflecting its commitment to the long-term well-being of its members. Fernando Samuel, Senior Industrial Relations Officer, expressed optimism about future negotiations, highlighting the company’s growth and the anticipated benefits for staff. The ABWU continues to advocate for fair wages, improved working conditions, and greater security for workers across all sectors.