In a remarkable demonstration of national solidarity, Antigua and Barbuda is preparing to send a unified delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) in Belém, Brazil. Prime Minister Gaston Browne has extended a formal invitation to Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle to join the delegation, emphasizing the importance of presenting a united front on one of the country’s most critical global issues. Maurice Merchant, Director-General of Communications, confirmed the invitation, stating that the Prime Minister views Pringle’s participation as an opportunity to engage him in the global climate discourse and showcase Antigua and Barbuda’s collective advocacy for environmental justice. The delegation will amplify the voices of small island developing states (SIDS), calling for increased climate finance and loss-and-damage compensation from major emitters and developed nations, particularly the United States. The conference will also serve as a platform to highlight the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, underscoring the escalating threats posed by climate change to Caribbean economies and livelihoods. Prime Minister Browne is set to attend key meetings in Belém, expressing confidence that the Opposition Leader will accept the invitation given the issue’s significance for the nation and the region.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
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Cabinet Tightens Tax Concession Policy — Three-Year Limit Set
In a decisive move to enhance fiscal accountability and address systemic abuses, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has introduced a policy capping all tax concessions to a maximum of three years, effective December 1, 2025. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that fiscal incentives are transparent, time-bound, and aligned with the nation’s economic goals. Maurice Merchant, Director-General of Communications, announced that all existing concessions will expire on November 30, 2025, and businesses seeking continued benefits must reapply under the revised guidelines. Applicants will be required to provide documented proof of active business operations and compliance with tax obligations to the Inland Revenue Department. Merchant highlighted that the Cabinet’s decision was driven by concerns that certain long-standing concessions had become outdated and were being exploited for purposes beyond their original intent. For instance, benefits initially granted for hotel development were later diverted to unrelated ventures such as restaurant operations or equipment imports. ‘The government believes that three years is an adequate period for any new project to establish itself,’ Merchant stated, adding that companies would be eligible to reapply once their concession term concludes. This policy overhaul underscores the administration’s commitment to fostering a more equitable and efficient fiscal environment while supporting sustainable economic growth.
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Antigua Government in Active Talks on Cargo Plane Partnership
The government of Antigua and Barbuda is actively engaging in discussions with regional transport companies to forge a cargo aircraft partnership, aimed at enhancing trade and logistics across the Eastern Caribbean. Maurice Merchant, the Director-General of Communications, confirmed that while negotiations are ongoing, the procurement of a government-owned cargo plane has been temporarily suspended pending the outcome of these talks. Merchant emphasized that a successful agreement with these companies would streamline the acquisition process. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to fortify regional trade links and supply chains, particularly within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Additionally, the partnership could improve access to cost-effective goods from neighboring markets, such as the Dominican Republic. Merchant highlighted that this effort is seen as a pivotal step to make regional commerce more efficient and resilient, while also bolstering Antigua and Barbuda’s role in regional trade and transport logistics.
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Twelve Nationals to Receive Independence Honours on Monday
Antigua and Barbuda will celebrate its 44th Independence Day by honoring twelve distinguished citizens for their exceptional contributions to national development. The ceremony, set to take place at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, will include the knighting of five individuals for their outstanding service. The event, scheduled to begin at 5 p.m., is part of the broader Independence Parade and Food Fair, which also features National Dress Day and a vibrant food fair. Maurice Merchant, Director-General of Communications, emphasized that the national honors symbolize the nation’s gratitude toward its citizens for their dedication to education, community service, nursing, artistic and cultural development, and youth empowerment. The festivities mark the country’s 44-year journey of resilience and nation-building since gaining independence in 1981, showcasing the collective spirit and progress of Antigua and Barbuda.
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PM Browne to Meet Trinidad’s Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Clico-Bico Issue
Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda is set to engage in high-level discussions with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to address the protracted Clico-Bico insurance settlement issue. The talks aim to resolve financial disputes arising from the collapse of the Colonial Life Insurance Company (Clico) and its subsidiary, British American Insurance Company (Bico), ensuring compensation for affected policyholders. Maurice Merchant, Director-General of Communications, confirmed during a recent Cabinet press briefing that both leaders are committed to advancing negotiations. While no specific date has been finalized, Browne’s team is prepared to travel to Trinidad and Tobago as soon as schedules permit. Merchant emphasized the enduring diplomatic ties between the two nations, assuring that recent remarks by Persad-Bissessar on CARICOM’s stance regarding Venezuela would not hinder the Clico-Bico discussions. Prime Minister Browne expressed confidence in Persad-Bissessar’s commitment to negotiating in good faith, aiming for a fair and conclusive resolution to this long-standing financial matter.
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Major Material Shipment for Home Repairs to Arrive by November
The government of Antigua and Barbuda is set to receive an unprecedented shipment of building materials, marking the largest single import of such supplies in the nation’s history. This initiative, part of a newly launched social housing support program, aims to assist low-income families and residents living in wooden structures with essential home repairs and renovations. Maurice Merchant, Director-General of Communications, confirmed that the shipment will arrive before the end of November and will be distributed to vulnerable households across the country. ‘This is the largest order of material ever imported into Antigua and Barbuda by any entity,’ Merchant emphasized, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting the poor and indigent. The program aligns with ongoing projects funded by the Department of the Environment, including the construction of model homes for the Rastafarian community and affordable housing initiatives backed by climate financing mechanisms. According to Merchant, this effort is a key component of the government’s broader strategy to enhance resilience, improve living standards, and ensure that social assistance reaches those who need it most.
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HDPE Pipeline Installation and Road Rehabilitation to Begin on All Saints Road
The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has announced a significant initiative to modernize the country’s water distribution system. The project involves replacing outdated cast-iron pipelines with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes along All Saints Road, a move aimed at addressing persistent issues of leaks and water loss. This upgrade is part of APUA’s broader strategy to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the national water network. Esworth Bradshaw, APUA’s General Manager, recently updated the Cabinet on the project’s commencement, emphasizing the benefits of the new HDPE pipes, which are expected to offer superior durability, hydraulic performance, and overall system resilience. Maurice Merchant, Director-General of Communications, confirmed that the necessary equipment is already in place, with the new pipelines expected to arrive within the next two to three weeks. Installation work will begin shortly thereafter, with roadworks and pipeline laying to be conducted simultaneously from the junction near Townhouse Furnishings through to English Harbour. The Ministry of Works will issue detailed schedules for road diversions and public advisories as the project progresses. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing water infrastructure and ensuring reliable service for residents of Antigua and Barbuda.
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Antigua and Barbuda Authorities Seek Public Feedback on Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping Project
The Department of Environment (DOE) and the Development Control Authority (DCA) of Antigua and Barbuda have launched a public consultation initiative to review the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for a proposed project by the Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS). This move underscores the government’s commitment to transparency and inclusive decision-making in environmental matters. Officials highlighted that public feedback is crucial to ensuring sustainable development and safeguarding the nation’s natural resources. Citizens are encouraged to participate actively by reviewing the EIA and submitting their input. For further details and to contribute, visit the official platforms provided by the authorities.
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National Youth Ambassador Makiba Ward Calls on Young People to Lead with Purpose at Youth Rally 2025
Good morning, and welcome to the National Youth Rally 2025! It is both an honor and a privilege to address you today as the National Youth Ambassador, a teacher, and the President of Youth Arise Antigua. This event is a celebration of the pride, progress, and indomitable spirit of our young people, who are the heartbeat of our nation. Every day, I witness the brilliance, creativity, and determination of our youth. I have seen their dreams take shape, their courage tested, and their potential shine through even the most daunting challenges. To the youth gathered here today, you possess the power to inspire, create, and transform. The road ahead will not always be easy. You will face pressures to succeed, uncertainties about the future, and obstacles that may seem insurmountable. But remember: success is born from sustained effort. Keep moving forward, even when the path is unclear. Do not chase perfection; aim for progress. Every small step you take brings you closer to your purpose. Your energy, ideas, and creativity are vital to our society. We need young people who are bold, who take initiative, who uplift one another, and who strive to make a difference not only in their own lives but in the lives of others. Today is your moment to shine, to celebrate your achievements, and to find inspiration for the journey ahead. As we rise, let us also rise in peace. Violence has no place in our communities or in our hearts. Let us choose respect, understanding, and unity over anger and division. True strength lies in discipline, compassion, and self-control. Together, let us build a culture of peace where every young person feels valued, safe, and supported. To the youth across the nation, remain resilient, determined, and never underestimate your power to create change. The future is yours to shape, and together, we can make it brighter, stronger, and more inclusive than ever before. Let this rally be not only a celebration but also a call to action—a commitment to unity, progress, and building a brighter future together. Let us invest in our youth, believe in their abilities, and support them every step of the way. As we celebrate our nation’s Independence under the theme ‘Solid, Stable, Soaring,’ let us remember that our youth are the wings that will carry Antigua and Barbuda even higher. When we believe in them, invest in them, and empower them, our nation soars. Thank you, and welcome once again to the National Youth Rally 2025!
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Vendor Appeals to Prime Minister Gaston Browne Over Poor Market Conditions in King George
A seasoned vendor in St. John’s has publicly appealed to Prime Minister Gaston Browne for urgent intervention, citing persistent infrastructure issues at the King George market area. The vendor, who has operated at the location for nearly two decades, highlighted severe challenges including frequent flooding, damaged tables, and inadequate repairs. Despite Market Street being cleared for redevelopment, she has been barred from returning and continues to face harsh conditions at her current spot.