Carib Scope

标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Tourism Figures Show Seasonal Slowdown but Steady U.S. Market Growth

    Tourism Figures Show Seasonal Slowdown but Steady U.S. Market Growth

    The tourism sector in Antigua and Barbuda continues to exhibit its characteristic seasonal trends, with the summer months presenting persistent challenges for hoteliers. According to the latest data from the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourist Association (ABHTA), average hotel occupancy in August 2025 stood at 60.4 percent, a slight increase from the 59.9 percent recorded in the same month the previous year. However, September witnessed a notable decline, with occupancy dropping to 42 percent compared to 46.2 percent in 2024.

    For the first seven months of 2025, stay-over arrivals reached 205,893, marking a modest rise from the 205,004 visitors during the same period in 2024. The United States remains the dominant source market, contributing over half of all stay-over tourists, with arrivals increasing to 115,599 from 109,016 in 2024. The United Kingdom follows as the second-largest market, with 44,007 arrivals, up from 42,152 the previous year. Canada, while ranking third, experienced an 18 percent decline, with 17,578 visitors compared to 20,660 in 2024.

    Despite the seasonal dip, industry leaders perceive the marginal year-on-year improvements as a sign of steady resilience in Antigua and Barbuda’s core tourism markets, even amidst global travel uncertainties.

  • Jamaicans wake to devastation as hurricane causes floods, power cuts and splits city in two

    Jamaicans wake to devastation as hurricane causes floods, power cuts and splits city in two

    Jamaica awoke to a grim reality this morning as Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm to hit the island in modern history, left behind a trail of devastation. Nearly three-quarters of the country is without electricity, and extensive flooding has submerged entire communities, particularly in the western regions. Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the island a ‘disaster area,’ emphasizing the ‘devastating impacts’ on infrastructure, including hospitals, homes, and businesses. While no fatalities have been confirmed, the true scale of the destruction remains unclear due to crippled communication networks. Local officials described the aftermath as resembling ‘the scene of an apocalypse movie,’ with floodwaters reaching the roofs of two-story homes and rescue teams struggling to reach trapped families. Montego Bay, a tourism hub, was split in two by floodwaters, and the agricultural heartland of St. Elizabeth, known as Jamaica’s breadbasket, faces significant crop losses. Hurricane Melissa, which intensified rapidly due to abnormally warm Caribbean waters linked to climate change, has now moved on to Cuba, leaving Jamaica to grapple with the monumental task of recovery. The country’s catastrophe bond offers some hope for rebuilding, but the immediate challenges are immense.

  • Three Earthquakes Recorded Near Antigua and Barbuda

    Three Earthquakes Recorded Near Antigua and Barbuda

    The northeastern Caribbean experienced a sequence of moderate earthquakes between late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, as reported by the UWI Seismic Research Centre (SRC). This latest seismic activity adds to a series of tremors that have recently affected the region. The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 3.9, occurred at 10:04 p.m. local time on October 28, approximately 52 kilometers north of St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, at a depth of 22 kilometers. A second tremor, measuring 3.8, was recorded at 12:13 a.m. on October 29, located 261 kilometers east-southeast of Antigua, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. The third and most powerful quake, with a magnitude of 4.1, struck at 2:42 a.m., about 282 kilometers east of Antigua, also at a depth of 10 kilometers. All events were automatically detected by the SRC’s monitoring systems, which noted that these initial readings are provisional and may be updated following further analysis. Fortunately, there have been no reports of damage or injuries. The SRC has encouraged residents who felt the tremors to share their experiences to aid in ongoing research and analysis.

  • Health Ministry Continues Prescription Glasses Distribution This Week

    Health Ministry Continues Prescription Glasses Distribution This Week

    The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs has announced the continuation of its prescription glasses distribution program. The initiative, which began earlier this week, will run from Wednesday, October 29, to Friday, October 31, 2025, at the Ministry of Health Headquarters on High Street, St. John’s. Distribution hours are scheduled as follows: October 29 and 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and October 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This follows the successful distribution of over 200 pairs of glasses in the initial phase, with a total of more than 500 pairs expected to be distributed by the program’s conclusion. The Ministry encourages all individuals who were prescribed glasses during the Health Fair held in June 2025 at the Multi-Purpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre to collect their eyewear during the specified hours. Recipients are reminded to bring a valid form of identification. This initiative underscores the Ministry’s commitment to promoting equitable access to healthcare and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens through vision care and outreach programs.

  • Joanne Smith Sworn In as Member of the Industrial Court

    Joanne Smith Sworn In as Member of the Industrial Court

    In a dignified ceremony held at Government House today, Ms. Joanne Smith was officially sworn in as a member of the Industrial Court. The oath of office was administered by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, signifying Smith’s formal induction into the tribunal. The Industrial Court plays a pivotal role in adjudicating industrial and employment disputes, ensuring fairness and justice in labour relations. The event was attended by Smith’s family and friends, who gathered to celebrate her appointment. This milestone underscores the court’s ongoing commitment to maintaining equitable labour practices and resolving workplace conflicts effectively. Smith’s addition to the tribunal is expected to further strengthen its capacity to address complex industrial issues with impartiality and expertise.

  • LETTER: Beyond Restitution: A National Conversation Continues

    LETTER: Beyond Restitution: A National Conversation Continues

    In a recent address, Hon. E.P. Chet Greene emphasized the urgent need for systemic reforms in Antigua and Barbuda following a high-profile corruption scandal that siphoned millions from the national treasury. The scandal has sparked a vital national conversation, highlighting the maturity of the country’s democracy as citizens and officials alike engage in meaningful dialogue. While some have politicized the call for restitution, others recognize its necessity in addressing prosecutorial limitations in recovering public funds. A legal expert’s intervention further underscored the importance of this discourse, reinforcing Greene’s warnings about the broader implications of the scandal. The question now is: What comes next after restitution? Greene argues that restitution is merely the starting point for a comprehensive national reset. The return of stolen funds, though crucial, addresses only a symptom of a deeper issue—the lack of personal responsibility and national consciousness. This scandal, while devastating, presents an opportunity to transition from outrage to action. Greene outlines five critical steps to rebuild the nation’s governance framework: 1. **Legislative Overhaul**: Strengthening laws such as the Integrity in Public Life Act, introducing a Freedom of Information Act, and enacting a Whistleblower Protection Act. 2. **Fortifying Financial Controls**: Implementing real-time audits, digitizing procurement processes, and ensuring transparency in financial management. 3. **Cultivating Accountability**: Establishing mandatory performance reports for public officials and enforcing consequences for negligence or malfeasance. 4. **Fostering Civic Education**: Integrating civic responsibility into school curricula and public discourse to combat corruption at its roots. 5. **Establishing a Permanent Anti-Corruption Framework**: Creating an independent Anti-Corruption Agency to ensure ongoing prevention, investigation, and public education. Greene concludes that the path forward is challenging but essential to building a nation where such systemic failures are impossible. The choice is clear: Will Antigua and Barbuda be defined by its scandal or by the reforms that emerge from it? The reset begins now, and it begins with collective action.

  • Antigua & Barbuda High Commission London, and Tourism Authority UK & Europe launch diaspora podcast for the 44th Independence

    Antigua & Barbuda High Commission London, and Tourism Authority UK & Europe launch diaspora podcast for the 44th Independence

    In a significant move to honor the 44th anniversary of Antigua & Barbuda’s independence, the High Commission in London, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority for the UK and Europe, has unveiled a new diaspora podcast. This initiative aims to connect with the global Antiguan and Barbudan community, fostering a sense of unity and pride among its members. The podcast will feature a series of episodes highlighting the nation’s rich cultural heritage, historical milestones, and contemporary achievements. By leveraging the power of digital media, the project seeks to engage the diaspora in meaningful conversations about their homeland, while also promoting tourism and cultural exchange. This innovative approach underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening ties with its citizens abroad and celebrating the nation’s journey since gaining independence in 1981.

  • Diaspora urged to move from the sidelines to nation building during Independence Service in New York

    Diaspora urged to move from the sidelines to nation building during Independence Service in New York

    The Antigua and Barbuda diaspora in New York gathered at the Westchester Methodist Church in the Bronx this past Sunday to celebrate the nation’s 44th anniversary of political independence. The event, marked by heartfelt worship and patriotic fervor, brought together community members to reflect on their homeland’s progress and challenges. Rev. Dr. Lennox Pigott, an Antiguan and Barbudan minister and psychologist, delivered a powerful sermon addressing the social issues hindering the nation’s development. He urged the congregation to actively engage in nation-building, particularly in supporting the youth. Ambassador Walton Webson, Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the theme of this year’s celebrations, ‘Solid, Stable, Soaring.’ He highlighted the nation’s achievements and called on the diaspora to contribute their skills and resources to accelerate ongoing transformation. The service also featured musical performances by the Antigua and Barbuda International Chorale and the City South Steel Orchestra, adding a vibrant touch to the celebration. The independence festivities will continue with community events across the Northeast, culminating in an annual gala on November 15th, honoring the iconic Burning Flames.

  • Department of Culture Announces Selected Submissions for “Creatives Among Us 2025”

    Department of Culture Announces Selected Submissions for “Creatives Among Us 2025”

    The Ministry of Creative Industries, through its Department of Culture, has unveiled the seven exceptional individuals chosen for the 2025 edition of the ‘Creatives Among Us’ initiative. This national project aims to recognize and honor the significant contributions of Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural and creative practitioners. The 2025 honorees include Erol ‘Bumpy’ Nanton (Carnival Arts), Veronica Yearwood (Dance), Gavin Christopher (Music), Elston Adams (Drama), Mohammid Walbrook (Visual Arts), Barbara Mason (Cultural Arts), and Eustace ‘Gaytooks’ Harris (Steel Pan). These individuals exemplify the diverse talents and dedication found within the nation’s creative community, spanning education, performance, creation, and leadership in cultural development. Their work has not only enriched the cultural landscape but also inspired future generations in the visual and performing arts. The Department of Culture expressed profound gratitude to the public for their enthusiastic participation in this year’s nomination process, which highlighted the nation’s deep appreciation for its cultural pioneers. Unselected submissions are encouraged to reapply for future editions. A mini-documentary showcasing the honorees’ stories and contributions will premiere, further cementing their legacy in nation-building through the arts.

  • Liberty Caribbean Working With Starlink Direct To Cell To Provide Emergency Service In Jamaica During Hurricane Disaster Aftermath

    Liberty Caribbean Working With Starlink Direct To Cell To Provide Emergency Service In Jamaica During Hurricane Disaster Aftermath

    In a groundbreaking initiative, Liberty Caribbean, the operator of Flow Jamaica and Liberty Business, has announced a strategic partnership with Starlink Direct to Cell to ensure emergency connectivity for its customers in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. This collaboration, the first of its kind in Jamaica, leverages satellite technology to provide essential communication services when terrestrial networks are disrupted.

    Hurricane Melissa has caused significant damage across Jamaica, and the ability to communicate in such critical times is paramount. Liberty Caribbean, in coordination with the Spectrum Management Authority and the Ministry of Energy, Transport, and Telecommunications, will utilize Starlink’s satellite constellation to deliver SMS and text communications directly to mobile devices in affected areas.

    Inge Smidts, CEO of Liberty Caribbean, emphasized the importance of this innovation, stating, ‘We understand that communication during a disaster can be a matter of life and death. Our FLOW Essential service will provide immediate basic connectivity to those in need.’ This service ensures that emergency services, businesses, and families can stay connected even when local infrastructure is compromised.

    Liberty Caribbean, a subsidiary of Liberty Latin America, has a long-standing presence in the Caribbean, offering broadband, mobile, video, and voice services through its consumer brands Flow and BTC. Its B2B division, Liberty Business, provides enterprise-grade connectivity, cloud, security, and data center solutions, supporting economic growth in the digital era.

    Starlink Direct to Cell, with its constellation of over 650 low-Earth orbit satellites, is the world’s largest provider of 4G coverage in mobile dead zones. This technology enables seamless communication via existing LTE phones, acting as a cell tower in space. Starlink’s advanced phased array antennas and laser-based network integration ensure global connectivity, making it an ideal partner for emergency response efforts.

    This partnership underscores Liberty Caribbean’s commitment to the Caribbean region and its dedication to safeguarding Jamaicans, the economy, and the shared future. By integrating satellite redundancy into its mobile network, Liberty Caribbean and Starlink are setting a new standard for disaster resilience and connectivity.