The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), is thrilled to announce the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards 2025. This annual event, set to take place on November 29, 2025, at Sandals Grande Antigua, will celebrate excellence, innovation, and service within the nation’s thriving tourism industry. Themed ‘Mirror Ball Gala – A Night to Reflect and Shine,’ the evening will honor the dedication, passion, and resilience of professionals who have elevated the sector. The Honourable Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, emphasized the awards’ role in showcasing the pride and professionalism of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry. ABHTA Chairman Craig Marshall highlighted the event as a celebration of the hospitality sector’s heart and soul, recognizing the contributions of individuals who power the industry’s success. The awards will feature categories such as Employee of the Year, Chef of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Award, with winners selected by a panel of industry leaders. The gala will conclude Tourism Week 2025, themed ‘Our People, Our Culture, Our Environment in Full Thrive,’ which aims to inspire the tourism community and celebrate its achievements. ABTA CEO Colin C. James praised the nominees for their professionalism and dedication, which encourage visitors to return to Antigua and Barbuda. The event promises to be a night of glamour, recognition, and inspiration for the industry’s future.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
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UPP Mobilizes Support for Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa
In a recent interview on Observer A.M. with Dr. Jacqui Quinn, Jamale Pringle, Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), announced plans to support Jamaica in its recovery from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa. Pringle emphasized the UPP’s commitment to organizing resources and aid for the storm-affected nation, highlighting the shared identity and history between Caribbean nations. ‘Hurricane Melissa has inflicted severe hardship on our Caribbean brothers and sisters,’ Pringle stated, underscoring the moral obligation of Antiguans and Barbudans to assist. The UPP’s relief efforts will include fundraising initiatives, such as the upcoming Independence Banquet on November 2 at the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union Banquet Hall, as well as collaborations with local organizations and churches to mobilize donations and support recovery. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica earlier this week, causing catastrophic winds, flooding, landslides, and multiple fatalities, leaving behind widespread destruction.
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Permanent Secretary Colin O’Keiffe Attends Pan-American Highway for Digital Health Meeting in El Salvador
Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Colin Okeiffe, is actively participating in the Pan-American Highway for Digital Health (PH4H) meeting, held in San Salvador, El Salvador, from October 27 to 30, 2025. This high-level regional gathering, themed “Driving Innovation and Connection in the Americas,” unites representatives from all Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Member States to accelerate the digital transformation of healthcare systems across Latin America and the Caribbean. The PH4H initiative aims to create a unified, interoperable digital health ecosystem that fosters interoperability, continuity of care, patient-centered approaches, information verification, and regional resilience. Currently, the Americas’ healthcare systems face challenges due to fragmented technological integration, which impedes information sharing and hampers swift responses to health crises. PH4H seeks to address these issues by transitioning Member States from isolated systems to a fully digitized, interconnected health sector. Organized by PAHO in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the workshop focuses on establishing legal, ethical, and governance frameworks to ensure secure, confidential, and private cross-border data exchange. PAHO will assist Member States in implementing these systems following national readiness assessments. Key anticipated benefits include enhanced regional collaboration, improved cybersecurity, better patient engagement, data-driven decision-making, increased stakeholder participation, and the integration of digitized health registries. Mr. Okeiffe highlighted the transformative potential of this initiative, stating, “Every person’s health will travel with them, ensuring seamless access to health information across borders, cultures, and backgrounds, with their consent.” The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its dedication to fostering regional cooperation, advancing technological innovation, and ensuring equitable participation in the digital transformation of public health.
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Ambassador Daven Joseph Issues Public Apology to Environmentalist Martha Watkins-Gilkes
In a significant development, Ambassador Daven Joseph has publicly apologized to renowned environmentalist Martha Watkins-Gilkes. The apology comes in the wake of a recent controversy where statements made by the ambassador were perceived as dismissive of Watkins-Gilkes’ environmental advocacy efforts. In his statement, Joseph acknowledged the importance of her work in promoting sustainable practices and combating climate change. He expressed regret for any unintended offense caused and emphasized his commitment to supporting environmental initiatives. Watkins-Gilkes, a prominent figure in the environmental community, has accepted the apology, calling it a step toward fostering greater collaboration between policymakers and activists. This incident highlights the growing recognition of environmental issues in public discourse and the need for constructive dialogue between stakeholders.
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PM Browne Secures LIAT Aircraft to Evacuate Antiguan Students from Jamaica if Needed After Hurricane Melissa
In a proactive response to the impending threat of Hurricane Melissa, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has finalized arrangements with LIAT Airlines to evacuate 53 students currently residing in Jamaica. The Prime Minister held discussions with LIAT’s CEO, Mrs. Hafsa Abdulsalam, on October 28, 2025, securing assurances that an aircraft will be on standby for evacuation if conditions necessitate. The students, who have been safely housed at the Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston since the previous Friday, are equipped with all necessary amenities to continue their studies while awaiting the storm’s impact. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 hurricane, is expected to make landfall on Tuesday, moving at a slow pace with ferocious winds that pose significant risks to life and property. Prime Minister Browne has urged the nation to pray for Jamaica and its residents, seeking divine intervention to mitigate the storm’s potential devastation. Drawing from Antigua and Barbuda’s own experiences with hurricanes, the Prime Minister has pledged post-hurricane recovery assistance to Jamaica, emphasizing solidarity and support in times of crisis.
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Melissa now making catastrophic landfall in Jamaica; Cuba and Bahamas on alert for destructive impacts
Jamaica is bracing for unprecedented devastation as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, makes landfall. With wind gusts reaching up to 215 mph, storm surges as high as 18 feet, and rainfall exceeding 3 feet, the island faces life-threatening conditions. AccuWeather experts warn that the hurricane’s slow forward speed of just 4.6 mph will prolong its destructive impact, making it one of the most severe storms in Jamaica’s recorded history. The eyewall’s wind gusts, comparable to an EF-3 or EF-4 tornado, could level entire communities, leaving critical infrastructure like power plants, water treatment facilities, and airports in ruins. The storm’s slow movement also increases the risk of catastrophic flooding and mudslides, which could render roads and bridges impassable for weeks or even months. After Jamaica, Melissa is expected to strike Cuba with winds of 120-140 mph and up to 24 inches of rain, followed by impacts in the Bahamas and Bermuda. The U.S. East Coast may also experience coastal flooding and rough surf. Recovery efforts in Jamaica could take years, with international aid likely required to address the widespread destruction.
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LETTER: Women in Politics Deserve More Than Tokenism, UPP Must Face the Truth
In a scathing critique of the United Progressive Party (UPP), the author expresses profound disappointment with the party’s current trajectory, accusing it of lacking purpose and engaging in political theatrics. The letter highlights the party’s failure to genuinely empower women in politics, arguing that their approach to gender representation is superficial and tokenistic. Instead of fostering capable and competent female leaders, the UPP has allegedly sidelined intelligent and qualified women, many of whom have found recognition and roles of influence within the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP).
The author contrasts the UPP’s approach with that of the ABLP, which has placed women in key administrative positions based on merit, thereby fostering true empowerment. The letter questions the UPP’s commitment to gender equality, pointing out the absence of meaningful efforts to elevate women within their ranks. It also criticizes the party’s focus on Barbara Coates, suggesting that her role is emblematic of the UPP’s tendency to exploit individuals for political convenience.
A significant portion of the letter is dedicated to defending Hon. Maria Browne, who has faced criticism from the opposition for a recent error. The author commends Browne for her accountability and leadership, contrasting her response with the UPP’s alleged hypocrisy. The letter accuses UPP members of deflecting attention from their own controversies, such as Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle’s business dealings and the East Bus Station project, which has been described as a financial burden on the public.
The author concludes by urging the UPP to focus on rebuilding its leadership and addressing national issues with maturity, rather than engaging in shallow theatrics and personal attacks. The letter expresses confidence in Maria Browne’s ability to emerge stronger from her challenges and praises the ABLP for its commitment to empowering women of substance and ability. Ultimately, the author asserts that the UPP is not a viable opposition and lacks the vision, coherence, and competence required to lead the nation.
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Recall of Neutrogena Make-up Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes
The Prices and Consumer Affairs Division has issued a public alert regarding the recall of Neutrogena Make-up Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes following the discovery of potential bacterial contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that Kenvue Brands LLC, the parent company of Neutrogena, conducted an internal investigation which identified the presence of Pluralibacter gergoviae in the product. The FDA has categorized this recall as Class II, indicating that while the product may lead to temporary or medically reversible health issues, the likelihood of severe adverse effects remains low. Pluralibacter gergoviae, as noted by the manufacturer, poses significant risks to individuals with compromised immune systems, chronic conditions, or those recovering from surgeries. The bacteria has been associated with respiratory ailments, urinary tract infections, eye infections, and even sepsis, according to Malbec Microbiology. Consumers who have purchased the affected product are strongly advised to discontinue its use and return it to the point of purchase for a full refund. For further details or support, individuals are encouraged to contact the relevant authorities.
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Maduro suspends energy agreements with Trinidad and Tobago
In a dramatic move, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has declared the immediate suspension of energy agreements with Trinidad and Tobago. This decision came shortly after Vice President Delcy Rodríguez presented a formal proposal to halt the Energy Cooperation Framework Agreement with Port of Spain. During his weekly televised address on Monday night, Maduro accused Trinidad and Tobago of acting as a strategic outpost for the United States, labeling it the ‘aircraft carrier of the US empire.’ He stated that Venezuela had no alternative but to withdraw from treaties established a decade ago. Maduro also claimed that Trinidad and Tobago had exhausted its gas reserves before Venezuela agreed to assist under the deal.
In response, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar dismissed Venezuela’s decision, asserting that her country would continue to advance its energy and economic strategies independently. ‘Our future does not depend on Venezuela and never has. We have our plans and projects to grow our economy both within the energy and non-energy sectors,’ she emphasized.
The two nations initially agreed to collaborate on gas exploration in 2018, but the project has faced significant delays, exacerbated by U.S. sanctions on Venezuela. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently expressed support for Trinidad’s Dragon gas proposal but emphasized measures to prevent substantial benefits from reaching Maduro’s government. The Dragon gasfield, reportedly containing 119 billion cubic meters of gas, remains a focal point of contention.
Tensions in the region have escalated further with increased U.S. military presence in the Caribbean. President Donald Trump recently deployed an amphibious squadron, a nuclear-powered attack submarine, reconnaissance aircraft, and several warships to address alleged threats from Latin American drug cartels. The U.S. military has conducted airstrikes in Caribbean waters, targeting what it claims are Venezuelan-backed drug traffickers—a charge vehemently denied by Caracas. Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto condemned the U.S. actions at the United Nations General Assembly, describing them as an ‘illegal and completely immoral military threat.’
Trinidad and Tobago has openly supported the U.S. operations, with Persad-Bissessar advocating for the violent elimination of drug traffickers. This alignment with U.S. interests has further strained relations with Venezuela, highlighting the deepening geopolitical rift in the region.
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Martinez Says Immigration Forum Left D.R Community Feeling ‘Like Criminals’
A recent immigration forum in Antigua and Barbuda has drawn sharp criticism from Hispanic community advocate Alex Martinez, who labeled the event as intimidating and counterproductive for the Dominican community. The forum, organized by the Immigration Department, aimed to address residency and citizenship concerns among Dominicans, one of the largest non-national groups in the country. However, Martinez claims that many Dominicans avoided the session due to fear, citing the presence of armed officers and rigorous security screenings at the venue. He argued that the event, intended to foster dialogue, instead left attendees feeling unwelcome and failed to tackle pressing issues such as prolonged document processing times and exorbitant visa and work permit fees. Chief Immigration Officer Katrina Yearwood defended the forum, stating that the heightened security measures were in line with international best practices, given the attendance of senior officials and diplomats. She emphasized that no passports were checked and only standard safety protocols were followed, deeming the session a success. Despite the controversy, immigration officials have committed to ongoing engagement with immigrant communities and announced plans to host another forum in the near future.