标签: Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Antigua And Barbuda Participates In Island States Ocean Summit In Tokyo

    Antigua And Barbuda Participates In Island States Ocean Summit In Tokyo

    Against a backdrop of growing climate vulnerability for low-lying coastal nations, the 2026 Island States Ocean Summit kicked off on June 3–4 in Tokyo, Japan, gathering global stakeholders around the central mission of turning ambitious ocean sustainability goals into tangible, resilience-building action for island communities. This year’s gathering, themed “Sustainable Ocean Action for Resilient Islands,” brought together a diverse coalition of island state representatives, global development partners, leading marine scientists and representatives of major international organizations, all united by a shared goal: to advance climate-resilient, data-driven ocean planning that meets the unique needs of small island developing states (SIDS).

    Leading Antigua and Barbuda’s high-level delegation to the summit is Honourable Anthony Shamari Smith Jr., the country’s Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy. He is joined by a cross-sectorial team of experts: Climate Ambassador Her Excellency Ruleta Camacho Thomas, Marver Woodley, Senior Operations and Policy Manager at the national Department of the Blue Economy, Dr. Tricia Lovell, Deputy Chief Fisheries Officer, and Dr. Branson Belle from the Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy at The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus. The diverse composition of the delegation reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s holistic approach to blue economy governance, bridging policy, science, and climate action.

    During the summit’s opening High-Level Segment, Minister Smith delivered Antigua and Barbuda’s official national statement, grounding the global conversation in the daily reality of SIDS. He emphasized that for Antigua and Barbuda, the ocean is far more than an environmental resource—it underpins every pillar of the national economy, from food security for local communities to the livelihoods of thousands employed in tourism, fisheries, and maritime sectors. Against this context, he laid out the cascading threats that SIDS like Antigua and Barbuda face daily: accelerating sea-level rise that eats away at coastal land, widespread erosion that threatens tourism infrastructure and residential areas, degradation of critical coral reef habitats that buffer storms and support fisheries, rampant marine pollution from plastic runoff and shipping activity, and mounting pressure on finite marine resources that local communities depend on for survival.

    In his address, Minister Smith also outlined the proactive steps Antigua and Barbuda has already taken at the national level to strengthen ocean governance and build long-term resilience. Key initiatives include the ongoing drafting of a landmark national Blue Economy Bill, designed to create a clear legal framework for sustainable ocean use, and continuous work to implement comprehensive Marine Spatial Planning—an approach that maps out competing ocean uses from conservation to shipping to reduce conflict and protect sensitive ecosystems. Both initiatives are designed to support balanced, sustainable management across all key ocean sectors: commercial and small-scale fisheries, tourism, marine conservation, maritime transport, and coastal development.

    Minister Smith went on to reaffirm Antigua and Barbuda’s full commitment to the global 30×30 biodiversity target, which calls for protecting 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030. But he also stressed that SIDS cannot meet these global goals alone. He issued a clear call for expanded global access to critical resources for SIDS: advanced ocean science, targeted research support, standardized marine data collection, innovative climate adaptation technology, and sustained technical assistance to help local governments implement their ocean action plans.

    As a newly admitted member of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, Antigua and Barbuda also expressed strong support for the Summit’s new Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management Strategy, framing it as a valuable, practical framework to advance integrated ocean governance and deepen regional cooperation between island states facing shared climate challenges.

    Beyond the plenary sessions, Minister Smith took part in a High-Level Special Event focused on “Sea Level Rise and International Law,” a gathering dedicated to advancing legal frameworks that protect the sovereign rights and economic interests of SIDS at risk of displacement and territorial loss from rising seas. A core outcome of this year’s summit is the official launch of the new Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management Support Platform, a global initiative designed to scale up technical assistance, improve cross-stakeholder coordination, and strengthen global partnerships to support ocean action in island states. While in Tokyo, Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation has also held a series of bilateral meetings and technical working sessions covering a range of priority issues, from improved ocean governance frameworks to sustainable fisheries management, climate resilience programming, and innovative climate finance for SIDS.

    In closing, Minister Smith reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s long-standing commitment to working hand-in-hand with regional and international partners to advance science-based sustainable ocean management, and build a resilient, inclusive blue economy that will benefit current and future generations of island residents.

  • Vehicle Reported Missing from Cassada Gardens

    Vehicle Reported Missing from Cassada Gardens

    Local law enforcement has issued a public call for information after a privately owned vehicle with registration number A73157 was reported missing from a residential yard in the Cassada Gardens area.

    Details of the incident were first circulated to the public on Thursday, with authorities confirming that the vehicle’s disappearance was discovered earlier that same day. At this stage, investigators have not confirmed the exact circumstances that led to the vehicle going missing, and no suspects have been named or identified in connection with the case.

    Police are urging any member of the public who may have traveled through the Cassada Gardens area recently, noticed the vehicle matching the provided registration number, or has any knowledge of its current location to assist with the ongoing investigation. There are multiple channels available for people to share information: tipsters can either visit their closest local police department in person, or place an anonymous call to one of two dedicated tip lines – 714-5745 or 732-8642.

    Law enforcement emphasized that even small pieces of information could prove critical to recovering the vehicle and resolving the case, and encouraged anyone with relevant details to come forward as soon as possible.

  • OPINION: Paving the way forward: Minister Maria Browne’s impact on national roadworks

    OPINION: Paving the way forward: Minister Maria Browne’s impact on national roadworks

    Across Antigua and Barbuda, a sweeping wave of road rehabilitation and construction projects is reshaping the nation’s transportation landscape, driven by the proactive leadership of Housing Minister Maria Browne. Since taking office, Browne has moved swiftly to deliver on campaign promises, placing critical infrastructure improvement at the top of her administration’s policy agenda.

    The most high-profile of these ongoing projects is the reconstruction of All Saints Road, a key arterial corridor that connects residential neighborhoods and local business districts. When completed, the upgrade is projected to dramatically cut travel times, reduce vehicle wear, and create a safer, smoother driving experience for everyone who relies on the route. Beyond improved mobility, the initiative is expected to catalyze local economic activity by making it easier for businesses to move goods and for customers to access commercial hubs, unlocking new growth potential for the area.

    All Saints Road is not the only project underway. Crews are also advancing substantial upgrades on two other high-traffic routes: Newgate Street and Lauchland Benjamin Drive, both of which serve as critical access points for local communities. Work has also been completed or initiated in dozens of smaller residential and suburban areas, including Collins, Herberts, New Winthropes, Halcyon Heights, and Seaview Farm, spreading the benefits of infrastructure investment across every corner of the nation.

    A key part of the initiative’s success has been the transparent, proactive communication strategy rolled out by the Ministry of Public Works. The department has leveraged multiple media platforms to share regular updates on project timelines, road closures, and progress, keeping the public fully informed every step of the way. This approach represents a marked improvement in both efficiency and professionalism in public communication, demonstrating the government’s commitment to accountability and encouraging ongoing public engagement with local development projects.

    What stands out most to observers is the sustained pace of road work that has been maintained through pre-election, election, and post-election periods. Critics initially voiced skepticism that the infrastructure push could be sustained long-term, arguing that the projects were merely pre-election political posturing. But those doubts have been proven wrong: the momentum of construction and repair work has only accelerated since the election, defying early expectations and underscoring the administration’s genuine commitment to delivering tangible improvements for citizens.

    Browne’s ability to keep this ambitious program on track amid logistical, budgetary, and scheduling challenges is a testament to her strong leadership and the widespread respect she has earned within her ministry. Her hands-on approach and unwavering focus on delivery have turned a long-standing promise of infrastructure improvement into a visible, on-the-ground reality.

    In the end, the nationwide road upgrade initiative is more than just a construction program: it is transforming the physical landscape of Antigua and Barbuda, while also rebuilding public trust in effective governance. Under Browne’s leadership, the current administration has turned infrastructure investment into a source of renewed hope and confidence for communities across the nation, laying the groundwork for long-term inclusive growth.

  • He Left Behind Standards, A Tribute to Cousin Daniel Cadet by Dr. Isaac Newton

    He Left Behind Standards, A Tribute to Cousin Daniel Cadet by Dr. Isaac Newton

    Daniel Cadet, a beloved Caribbean tourism leader and family man, grew up rooted in the quiet, grounding rhythms of rural St. Lucia long before he became a well-recognized name in regional hospitality. His childhood home, tucked between rolling, rugged hills and the island’s windswept, stunning coast, taught him foundational lessons that would shape every part of his life: that the land rewards only consistent, patient care, that life is a gift to be cherished rather than a possession to hoard, and that character is forged when no one is watching. From these early origins, three core commitments took root in him: work would always be done with intentional care, every person would be treated with inherent dignity, and integrity would guide his choices even in unobserved moments.

    Long before he stepped into leadership roles, Cadet mastered the art of listening before speaking, extending empathy before correcting others, and embodying excellence before demanding it from anyone else. He never leaned on grand slogans or self-promotion to assert influence; every aspect of his quiet, deliberate life served as a lesson for those around him. He lived by unwavering personal standards, and that consistency spoke far louder than any flashy rhetoric could.

    Over his decades-long career, Cadet served across the Caribbean tourism sector, holding roles in hotel operations, professional training institutions, and industry leadership. In an industry defined by constant change, high turnover, and rapid movement, he emerged as a steady benchmark for reliability and ethical practice. The Antigua and Barbuda Hotel and Tourism Association honored him as a distinguished professional whose work lifted up both individual team members and entire organizational systems. Even that formal recognition, however, fails to capture the full scope of his impact: he did not merely manage hospitality operations; he reshaped how people showed up for their work, their colleagues, and themselves.

    Dr. Isaac Newton, the author of this tribute, first knew Cadet as family, then later worked under him as a young intern at Antigua’s Heritage Hotel as he learned to navigate professional responsibility. Cadet never leaned into heavy-handed authority to assert control; instead, he brought quiet clarity to every situation. When Newton arrived late to a shift one day, there was no public shaming or angry outburst, only a polite but firm correction that reframed timeliness not as a arbitrary rule on a schedule, but as a basic act of respect for teammates and guests. In that moment, Newton learned that lateness is never just about minutes lost—it is a measure of how much we value other people’s time.

    On another occasion, Newton made a critical error during a guest checkout that required an urgent rush to the airport to fix, leaving him bracing for harsh punishment when he returned. Instead of demanding an explanation or doling out criticism, Cadet asked one simple question: What has this taught you about who you want to be? He did not care about rehashing the details of the mistake; he cared about pushing Newton to grow from the experience. In that exchange, Newton grasped a lesson he has carried ever since: Cadet did not judge people by their missteps—he cared more about who they were becoming.

    That same steady, intentional character defined Cadet’s family life just as much as his professional work. He would show up early to help family prepare for incoming storms, not for recognition, but to make sure his loved ones were safe. He stepped into tense family disagreements early, before stubborn pride could harden into permanent rifts. He laughed freely, spoke gently, and corrected mistakes without breaking the spirit of the person on the receiving end. Even when his life became more comfortable and abundant, he never forgot the discipline his upbringing had taught him, framing that discipline not as a restrictive burden, but as a grounding anchor that keeps families whole. He understood a truth that eludes many: strong families do not survive on shared memories alone—they stay strong through consistent, intentional investment in one another.

    Even after Newton launched his own career as a leadership and governance expert, the two stayed in touch, with Cadet offering sharp, honest feedback on Newton’s writing. If a passage was unclear or an argument weak, he never sugarcoated his input—his criticism was always meant to refine, not diminish. During one memorable lunch at a local golf club, Cadet spoke at length about rhythm, patience, timing, and restraint. Newton never took up golf, but he left that conversation with a far more valuable lesson: some moments cannot be rushed, some outcomes will not bend to urgency, and frustration never improves your next step. Cadet was not teaching golf that day—he was teaching how to respond to life’s ups and downs with grace.

    Today, Cadet is gone, but the foundation he built remains unshaken. His influence lives on in the coworkers who refuse cut corners on quality, in the leaders who correct mistakes without humiliating others, in the families who choose calm dialogue over angry reaction, and in every person who picks themselves up after failure without losing their dignity. These are not just static memories stored away in photo albums—they are living practices that continue to unfold in the lives of everyone he touched.

    Many people leave behind famous stories or impressive achievements when they pass. Cousin Daniel Cadet left behind standards. And unlike achievements that fade from memory, standards do not stay in the past—they wait to be lived out again by every new generation that encounters his legacy.

    *Editor’s Note: The author of this tribute, Dr. Isaac Newton, is a leadership strategist and governance expert with degrees from Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, and Oakwood University. He has published the books Face Life Squarely and Intimate Intimacy, co-authored the published Steps to Good Governance, and is working on a forthcoming book titled Daring to Hope. He advises leaders and institutions across the Caribbean on ethical leadership, organizational culture, and transformational change.*

  • Butch Stewart’s family differences resolved

    Butch Stewart’s family differences resolved

    Nearly three years after the passing of iconic Jamaican tourism and business leader Gordon “Butch” Stewart, his family has announced a resolution to internal disagreements that emerged following his death in January 2021. The formal announcement was delivered through a joint press statement released by Bahamas-based law firm LennoxPaton, bringing a close to a period of public uncertainty surrounding the future of Stewart’s multi-billion dollar hospitality empire.

    Stewart, widely celebrated as one of the Caribbean’s most influential entrepreneurs, revolutionized regional tourism through the founding of the Sandals & Beaches Group, an all-inclusive resort brand that put Jamaica and other Caribbean island destinations on the map as premium leisure getaways. His passing left not just a gap in the Caribbean business community, but also sparked unreported internal divisions among his heirs over the direction and governance of the brand he built from the ground up.

    In the official joint statement, the Stewart family confirmed that all parties have reached an amicable agreement that puts past disagreements to rest. “The family of The Hon Gordon “Butch” Stewart OJ, the founder of the Sandals & Beaches Group, are pleased to announce that they have resolved their differences that arose following Butch’s death in January 2021,” the statement reads.

    Looking ahead, the family says they are unified in their focus on upholding Stewart’s transformative legacy, prioritizing the ongoing expansion and long-term success of the Sandals & Beaches Group. The resolution comes as a welcome development for stakeholders across the Caribbean tourism industry, which has relied on Stewart’s brand to drive billions in annual revenue and support hundreds of thousands of local jobs across the region. With internal disputes settled, the brand is now positioned to move forward with planned growth initiatives as global travel demand continues to rebound post-pandemic.

  • Antigua and Barbuda suspends visa waivers for travelers from Africa amid heightened health vigilance

    Antigua and Barbuda suspends visa waivers for travelers from Africa amid heightened health vigilance

    In a proactive move to shield its population from potential Ebola outbreaks and other high-risk infectious diseases, the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has rolled out tightened entry protocols for all international travelers departing from African countries. The new public health precautions were formally announced following a Cabinet meeting held on May 27, during which government officials confirmed and expanded existing preventative policies targeting cross-border disease transmission.

    Maurice Merchant, the nation’s Director General of Communications, outlined the policy details during a post-meeting press briefing, noting that the Cabinet has reaffirmed its longstanding rule that no visa waivers will be issued to any traveler starting their journey from an African nation. Critically, the restriction is tied to a traveler’s point of departure rather than their citizenship, meaning even visitors who typically qualify for visa-free entry to Antigua and Barbuda must secure a valid visa in advance if they are leaving from any African country.

    As an additional layer of public health screening, all visa applicants based in African countries are now required to submit a full record of their travel history for the 45-day period preceding their application. This step allows immigration and health officials to identify potential exposure to dangerous contagious pathogens before a traveler arrives on national territory. Furthermore, the Cabinet has mandated that entry visas will be automatically rejected for any traveler who has recently visited regions or countries currently experiencing active Ebola outbreaks or other severe viral public health emergencies.

    Merchant emphasized that these restrictions are rooted in the government’s core priorities of protecting public health and upholding national security, noting that proactive border management is far more effective than responding to an outbreak after it reaches the country. The new entry requirements complement a broader suite of public health preparedness measures being rolled out by the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs.

    To date, Antigua and Barbuda has not recorded any suspected or confirmed cases of Ebola within its borders. Even so, public health officials have moved rapidly to strengthen national surveillance and response capacity across multiple sectors. Ports of entry now maintain enhanced passenger monitoring, while healthcare facilities across the country have updated their infection prevention and control protocols to handle potential contagious disease cases. National authorities have also stepped up coordination with regional and global health bodies to align their practices with international public health standards.

    At V.C. Bird International Airport, the country’s main air gateway, health officials have reinstalled infrared thermal screening cameras to detect potential fever, a common early symptom of Ebola, in arriving passengers. This upgrade came just two days after the first new international flight from Nigeria landed at the airport on May 25, and has been paired with new inter-agency protocols that bring airport operations staff, immigration officials, customs agents and airline personnel into closer collaboration to implement screening checks.

    Government officials have been careful to frame all the new measures as temporary and precautionary, stressing that the current overall risk of an Ebola importation into Antigua and Barbuda remains low. Even so, they note that reinforced border controls are a necessary precaution to minimize the risk of infectious disease spreading through international travel channels. The government is urging all travelers who may be affected by the updated policy to confirm their visa requirements well in advance of their scheduled departure, and to prepare accurate documentation of their recent travel history to avoid entry delays or refusal.

  • Elon Musk set to Become World’s First Trillionaire

    Elon Musk set to Become World’s First Trillionaire

    Elon Musk, already the wealthiest individual on the planet, stands on the cusp of an unprecedented financial milestone, with SpaceX’s upcoming initial public offering (IPO) on track to push his net worth into the never-before-seen 13-figure territory, business analysts and financial outlets confirm.

    Per reporting from Forbes and the Associated Press, the private aerospace firm is preparing to launch its public debut later this month, with a projected valuation of roughly $1.75 trillion. Under the current terms, each share will be priced at $135, a structure that would allow the company to raise approximately $75 billion through the offering. If the listing proceeds as planned, it will claim the title of the largest initial public offering in global stock market history.

    Musk’s vast fortune has long been closely intertwined with SpaceX’s explosive growth, and the IPO would mark another landmark achievement in the billionaire’s decades-long career of building transformative technology companies. Current filings and financial tracking show Musk holds 4.8 million shares of SpaceX common stock alongside 350 million stock options. At the proposed $135 per share share price, these existing holdings alone would be valued at an estimated $688 billion, according to Forbes’ calculations.

    When combined with Musk’s existing equity stakes in Tesla, his artificial intelligence startup xAI, brain-computer interface firm Neuralink, tunnel construction venture the Boring Company, and his other business assets, the jump in SpaceX valuation will push his total net worth across the $1 trillion threshold, analysts project. That would make him the first person in recorded history to reach a trillion-dollar net worth.

    Beyond reshaping global rankings of personal wealth, the SpaceX IPO will also cement the company’s position among the most valuable public corporations on Earth. At a finalized valuation of roughly $1.77 trillion, only six current S&P 500 companies would outrank SpaceX in market capitalization, the Associated Press notes.

    Crucially, even after the company transitions to public ownership, Musk will retain overwhelming controlling interest in SpaceX. Through his holdings of Class B shares, which carry enhanced voting rights, Musk is positioned to hold approximately 82.4% of the company’s total voting power. He will continue to lead the firm in his triple role as chief executive officer, chief technical officer, and chairman of the board.

    The planned IPO comes as the latest high-stakes milestone for Musk’s sprawling business empire, which has expanded rapidly across electric vehicles, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and emerging infrastructure technology over the past two decades. It also arrives less than 12 months after Tesla shareholders approved a landmark compensation package for Musk that could ultimately be worth more than $1 trillion if the executive hits a series of aggressive long-term growth targets for the electric automaker, multiple business outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, and NBC News have confirmed.

    Shortly after that shareholder vote, Musk spoke at Tesla’s annual general meeting in Austin, Texas, where he expressed gratitude for investor support and framed the package as a foundation for transformative future growth. “I super appreciate it. Thank you, everyone,” Musk told attendees, per NBC News reporting. “What we’re about to embark upon is not merely a new chapter on the future of Tesla but a whole new book,” he added.

  • Minister Randy Baltimore Elected Chair of Caribbean Fisheries Council

    Minister Randy Baltimore Elected Chair of Caribbean Fisheries Council

    The Ministerial Council of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), the regional intergovernmental body affiliated with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), kicked off its 20th Regular Meeting on Wednesday, bringing together fisheries, aquaculture and blue economy ministers from across the Caribbean region to address pressing challenges facing the marine sector via remote teleconference.

    Before diving into policy deliberations, the council formally elected Hon. Randy Baltimore, Minister of State in Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, as its new chair. Baltimore takes over the role from Hon. Kyle Hodge, Minister of Economic Development, Industry, Commerce, Lands, Planning, Water, and Natural Resources of Anguilla, who was widely recognized for delivering exceptional leadership during his one-year tenure in the position.

    In his acceptance remarks, Baltimore reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s unwavering commitment to deepening regional collaboration, advancing the sustainable stewardship of marine resources, protecting the livelihoods of small-scale fisherfolk, and scaling innovative solutions to the most pressing threats facing the regional fisheries sector—from accelerating climate change to persistent illegal fishing activity and fragmented marine management.

    “The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is eager to partner closely with all CRFM Member States and regional stakeholders to advance the sustainable development of Caribbean fisheries and the broader blue economy throughout our term as chair,” Baltimore stated, noting he had only recently taken on the fisheries portfolio following Antigua and Barbuda’s recent national elections.

    Supported by Caribbean Fisheries Forum Chair Ian Horsford, who also serves as Antigua and Barbuda’s Chief Fisheries Officer, ministers made steady progress through the meeting’s agenda, ultimately approving 19 binding resolutions that are expected to drive meaningful progress for the regional fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

    In closing remarks to the gathering, CRFM Executive Director Dr. Marc Williams framed the moment as a turning point for the region. “The Caribbean stands at a pivotal moment when sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, the Blue Economy, climate resilience, and ocean governance must be integrated to secure prosperity for present and future generations,” Dr. Williams said. “I encourage all Member States to maintain their strong engagement in implementing today’s resolutions and to continue supporting the CRFM as a premier regional institution for fisheries and ocean governance.”

    Among the most significant outcomes of the meeting was the approval of a new 5-year strategic aquaculture development action plan, alongside a two-year work plan and operating budget for the CRFM covering the 2026-2027 period. Ministers also received detailed progress updates on three major ongoing regional initiatives led by the CRFM in partnership with member states and global institutional partners: the Canadian-funded Sustainable Technologies for Adaptation and Resilience in Fisheries (STAR-fish) Project, the IICA/EDF-EU Food Security Project, and the GEF/FAO/CAF/CRFM BE-CLME+ Project, which works to advance national blue economy priorities through marine spatial planning across the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem and adjacent areas.

    Dr. Williams emphasized that the council’s decisions on institutional priorities, budget allocations, financial governance, and staffing structure lay a solid foundation for the CRFM to deliver on its core mission and create tangible, lasting benefits for the millions of Caribbean people whose livelihoods depend on healthy marine resources.

    The council has scheduled its next plenary meeting for later this year, to be held in conjunction with the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Jamaica.

  • Turner Says New Performing Arts Centre on Track for September Completion

    Turner Says New Performing Arts Centre on Track for September Completion

    As construction on Antigua and Barbuda’s state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre enters its closing major phase, top government officials have confirmed the landmark venue remains scheduled to open to the public by the end of September. The confirmation came during an official on-site inspection led by Social and Urban Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner, who outlined the project’s current progress and upcoming milestones for observers.

    Designed to hold 875 audience members, the facility will play a central role in Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), serving as the venue for the gathering’s opening ceremony in November. After the conclusion of the international summit, the center will operate as a permanent hub for the country’s growing creative and performing arts sector.

    Minister Turner reaffirmed the government’s confidence in meeting the September deadline, noting that balcony seating installation – the final major construction task – is on track to be finished within just three weeks. Once this phase wraps up, construction teams will shift focus to fitting out the building’s interior, including mounting side panels, installing finished ceilings, and completing other decorative and functional internal work. Turner added that most of these materials have already been prefabricated and are ready for deployment, streamlining the next phase of work.

    E.P. Chet Greene, Foreign Affairs Minister and Chairman of the National Task Force for CHOGM 2026, joined the inspection tour and commended the high construction quality of the center. He specifically highlighted the critical contributions of local workers to the project’s development, noting their skill and dedication have kept the build on schedule.

    Fully funded by taxpayer dollars, the new center embodies the Antigua and Barbuda government’s long-term commitment to growing the performing arts community while expanding the country’s range of tourism attractions, Greene explained. He also pointed to the country’s proven track record of hosting large-scale international events, including the 2024 Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States and the 2025 Organization of American States General Assembly, expressing full confidence that the 2026 CHOGM will match these successful outcomes.

    While Greene acknowledged that project financing continues to be a top priority and ongoing challenge for the planning team, he noted that glowing feedback from Commonwealth officials and key stakeholders has significantly boosted confidence in the country’s preparation efforts. “I’m satisfied that we have never failed as a country,” Greene stated, reinforcing the government’s resolve to deliver a world-class event and a landmark cultural facility.

  • Festivals Commission Seeks Volunteers for Carnival Parade Marshal Programme

    Festivals Commission Seeks Volunteers for Carnival Parade Marshal Programme

    As the highly anticipated annual Carnival celebrations approach Antigua and Barbuda, the official Festivals Commission has launched a public recruitment drive seeking dedicated community volunteers to fill the critical role of parade marshals. Applications for the unpaid position opened earlier this year and will close strictly on June 15, giving interested locals and eligible participants just weeks to submit their completed forms. The commission has emphasized that parade marshals form the backbone of public safety and operational efficiency for the island nation’s biggest annual cultural event, making this volunteer opportunity a core part of delivering a successful Carnival experience for attendees and performers alike.

    The core mandate of the selected volunteers centers on upholding safety standards, preserving orderly flow of activities, and preventing disruptions across all parade routes. According to the official recruitment notice released by the commission, marshals will take on a range of key responsibilities: managing crowd movement, overseeing the steady progression of parade contingents, providing direct assistance to event participants, and relaying any on-site incidents to the central event organizing team. Beyond routine crowd management, volunteers will also serve as a first line of emergency support, with a mandate to report urgent incidents quickly and help establish clear, safe access routes for first responders when emergency situations arise.

    A key priority for the 2024 parade team is enforcing boundary rules to protect both spectators and performers. The commission notes that marshals will play an indispensable role in ensuring audiences remain behind designated viewing barriers, preventing dangerous overcrowding along narrow stretches of the route, and guaranteeing that musical bands and performance groups maintain safe, appropriate spacing as they progress through the parade course. To ensure consistent, professional performance from all volunteers, the commission has outlined clear operational guidelines all marshals must follow throughout their shift. These include remaining highly visible and alert at all times, maintaining open, clear communication with event attendees, and staying within their pre-assigned zones unless explicitly repositioned by a supervisory official.

    A formal code of conduct has also been published to set expectations for volunteer behavior. The code strictly prohibits the consumption of alcohol or use of recreational drugs while on duty, and requires all marshals to interact with every participant and spectator with professional courtesy and respect. All serious security-related concerns must be escalated immediately to on-site supervisors or local law enforcement officials, rather than being handled by volunteers independently.

    In exchange for their time and commitment, all successful applicants will receive full support from the commission. This includes mandatory pre-event training to prepare volunteers for their duties, official photo identification and branded apparel to ensure they are easily recognizable to the public, complimentary meals and refreshments during their shift, and the opportunity to gain hands-on practical experience in event management and public safety operations. The commission has also issued a note of guidance for volunteers prioritizing their own well-being, urging all recruits to stay hydrated throughout outdoor shifts, wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable footwear, and report any personal health or safety concerns to organizers immediately.

    Individuals interested in contributing to this year’s Carnival celebrations have been reminded to submit their fully completed application forms directly to the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission before the June 15 deadline to be considered for the role.