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.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
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ABWU and Airport Services Antigua Sign New Collective Bargaining Agreement
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.
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Jamaica reels from Hurricane Melissa as island suffers historic devastation
Jamaica is grappling with unprecedented devastation after Hurricane Melissa, the most intense storm in the island’s recorded history, unleashed its fury overnight. The hurricane left a trail of destruction, crippling power and communication networks across the nation. Journalist Nick Davis painted a grim picture of the aftermath, reporting catastrophic flooding, mudslides, and extensive roof damage. He likened the force of the winds to palm trees being ‘tossed like toothpicks,’ underscoring the storm’s ferocity. In Montego Bay, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie disclosed that parts of the city were entirely isolated as rivers surged up to five meters. Critical infrastructure, including hospitals and government offices, was inundated, forcing the evacuation of a homeless shelter. Rescue operations are ongoing but face significant challenges due to blocked roads and downed power lines. While no fatalities have been confirmed, communication with several parishes remains limited, raising concerns about the full extent of the damage. Amid the chaos, moments of hope emerged. McKenzie shared that three babies were safely delivered during the storm, one of whom he affectionately dubbed a ‘Melissa baby.’ He hailed these births as a testament to Jamaica’s resilience ‘even in the darkest hours.’ Hurricane Melissa has since moved on to Cuba, where it brought torrential rain and storm surges with winds reaching 185 km/h. The storm is now tracking northeast toward the Bahamas and Bermuda, prompting authorities to issue warnings for destructive winds and coastal flooding. In Jamaica, residents have begun the arduous task of clearing debris and checking on neighbors, showcasing the community’s enduring spirit of unity in the face of disaster.
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Simmons Captures a Double at Pre-Independence Table Tennis Open
The Antigua and Barbuda Table Tennis Association (ABTTA) successfully hosted its Pre-Independence Table Tennis Open on Saturday, October 25, at the Multipurpose Cultural & Exhibition Centre. The event, designed as a preparatory platform for the ANOCES Table Tennis Championships scheduled for November 7–9 in Grenada, drew significant attention and participation.
Mekhi Simmons emerged as the star of the tournament, delivering a stellar performance across both the U19 and Open categories. His remarkable control and poise captivated the audience, earning him widespread acclaim. In the U19 Final, Simmons triumphed over Emmanuel Stout in straight sets, with scores of 11–7, 11–4, 11–4. Later in the evening, he clinched the Open title in a gripping match against Sandra Joseph, securing victory with scores of 11–8, 11–9, 9–11, 11–2. The match was a testament to Simmons’ blend of power, patience, and precision.
ABTTA President praised the participants for their dedication and competitive spirit, stating, ‘This event underscores the growing passion for table tennis in Antigua and Barbuda. Our mission is to provide opportunities for players of all levels—from school beginners to national athletes—to compete, develop, and enjoy the sport.’
With the Pre-Independence Open concluded, the ABTTA is now focused on preparing the national team for the ANOCES Championships. The Association aims to leverage the positive momentum from recent domestic and regional competitions to achieve success on the international stage.
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Asphalt Works Advance in Tyrells and Bathlodge as Road Upgrades Continue
In a significant move to enhance local infrastructure, road improvement crews have commenced extensive resurfacing operations on key routes in Tyrells and Bathlodge. This initiative is a crucial component of the government’s broader islandwide infrastructure upgrade program, aimed at addressing long-standing transportation challenges. Local residents have expressed optimism about the project, highlighting its potential to alleviate persistent issues such as potholes and flooding, which have plagued the areas for years, particularly during heavy rainfall. The ongoing efforts are expected to improve road safety, reduce vehicle damage, and enhance overall connectivity, marking a pivotal step toward sustainable urban development in the region.
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Hurricane Melissa kills over 30 in the Caribbean as it heads toward the Bahamas
Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 3 storm, wreaked havoc across the Caribbean, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The hurricane made landfall in Cuba on Wednesday morning, causing ‘significant damage’ and isolating approximately 140,000 people due to rapidly rising river levels. As the storm advanced toward the Bahamas, its impact continued to be felt across the region. In Jamaica, Melissa struck as one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record, severely damaging public infrastructure and plunging most of the island into darkness. The full extent of the devastation remains unclear, with many areas still inaccessible. The storm also proved deadly, claiming at least 25 lives in Petit-Goâve, Haiti, after a river swollen by the hurricane burst its banks. Three fatalities were reported in Jamaica during storm preparations, and one person died in the Dominican Republic. As communities grapple with the aftermath, efforts to provide aid and support are underway. Here’s how you can assist those affected and share your experiences if you’ve been impacted by the disaster.
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Venezuela declares Trinidad and Tobago’s prime minister persona non grata
Venezuela has officially declared Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as persona non grata, escalating tensions between the two nations over US military operations in the Caribbean Sea. The Venezuelan National Assembly voted unanimously on Tuesday to impose the sanction, barring Persad-Bissessar from entering the country. This decision comes amid a heated dispute between Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Persad-Bissessar, who has openly supported the US military’s anti-drug trafficking campaign in the region.
Persad-Bissessar, one of the few Caribbean leaders to endorse the US military presence, has praised the deployment of US naval forces and their operations targeting alleged drug traffickers. In a statement on September 2, she expressed her approval of the US mission, stating, ‘I have no sympathy for traffickers; the US military should kill them all, violently.’ This stance has drawn sharp criticism from Maduro’s government, which has condemned the US strikes as ‘illegal and completely immoral.’ Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto reiterated this position at the United Nations General Assembly, accusing the US of posing a military threat to Venezuela.
The US military campaign, which has included at least 13 strikes on 14 maritime vessels, has resulted in an estimated 57 deaths. However, no concrete evidence has been provided to link the victims to drug trafficking. Legal experts have raised concerns about potential violations of international law, comparing the strikes to extrajudicial killings.
The diplomatic rift deepened this week as Trinidad and Tobago considered a mass deportation of undocumented migrants, primarily Venezuelans, following Maduro’s decision to suspend a major gas deal with the island nation. Maduro accused Persad-Bissessar of turning Trinidad and Tobago into ‘an aircraft carrier of the American empire against Venezuela.’ The US has deployed seven warships, a submarine, drones, and fighter jets to the Caribbean, intensifying its operations near Venezuelan waters. Observers speculate that the Trump administration is using military pressure to destabilize Maduro’s government, which the US has labeled as illegitimate following his re-election last year.
Despite the controversy, Persad-Bissessar remains unwavering in her support for the US campaign, emphasizing her commitment to combating drug trafficking in the region.
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Birthday Tribute for Daniel Held at Jolly Harbour Today
A heartfelt gathering is planned at the Jolly Harbour Super Yacht Dock on Wednesday, October 29, to commemorate the birthday of Daniel with a unique and touching tribute. The event, set to take place from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, has been timed to coincide with the picturesque sunset, offering a stunning natural backdrop for the celebration. Attendees are invited to bring their preferred beverages, share cherished memories, and recount their most treasured stories about Daniel. Organizers have emphasized that the event aims to honor Daniel’s vibrant life and enduring spirit in a warm, community-oriented atmosphere. This informal yet meaningful gathering is expected to bring together friends and well-wishers to celebrate the essence of Daniel’s character and the impact he has had on those around him.
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Logos Hope to Bring Floating Bookfair Back to Antigua in November 2025
The Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating bookfair, is making its much-anticipated return to Antigua and Barbuda from November 5 to 16, 2025. The vessel will dock at the Nevis Street Pier, St. John’s Cruise Terminal, offering a unique opportunity for both residents and tourists to delve into a treasure trove of over 5,000 books spanning diverse genres, including science, education, faith, fiction, and family life. Organized with the mission to disseminate ‘knowledge, help, and hope,’ the Logos Hope provides affordable literature and fosters cross-cultural understanding through its volunteer crew, which represents more than 60 nations. The official opening ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with boarding commencing at 9:30 a.m. Visitors can explore the ship from Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Entry is priced at 5 XCD per person, with complimentary admission for children under 12 and seniors over 65. Payments for books can be made via cash or credit card. Notably, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, with each adult permitted to supervise up to ten children. This visit underscores Logos Hope’s enduring commitment to promoting literacy, cultural diversity, and community engagement as part of its Caribbean tour.
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LETTER: Call for a One-Year Work Exemption for Citizenship-Eligible Residents in Antigua and Barbuda
In a bid to address the challenges faced by long-term residents, senior immigration officials in Antigua and Barbuda are advocating for a one-year work exemption for individuals who have met the residency requirements for citizenship but are currently barred from legal employment due to existing immigration policies. Under the current system, residents who have completed the necessary years of residence to qualify for citizenship lose their right to work once their work permit expires and they transition to an extension of stay. This creates a paradoxical situation where individuals who have contributed significantly to the nation’s economy and society are forced into unemployment or illegal work. The proposed exemption would grant a one-year work permit to those who have passed a standard immigration eligibility check, allowing them to continue working legally while completing their citizenship applications. This policy aims to reduce administrative burdens, promote fairness, and sustain economic contributions from experienced residents. Key benefits include economic stability, reduced bureaucratic hurdles, and enhanced social integration. The proposal also includes measures to ensure accountability, such as quarterly fees for delayed citizenship applications. By implementing this policy, Antigua and Barbuda would foster a more efficient and equitable immigration system that rewards long-term commitment and supports national development.