The Antigua and Barbuda Minimum Wage Advisory Committee (MWAC) is set to convene its inaugural meeting on November 4, 2025, marking a significant step in the review of the nation’s minimum wage. The virtual session will be led by Labour Commissioner Eltonia Anthony-David, with Deputy Commissioner Pascal Kentish co-chairing the proceedings. The Hon. Sir Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin, Attorney General and Minister of Labour, will deliver opening remarks to officially commence the meeting. The committee, comprising 18 members with equal representation from employers, employees, and the government, will receive its terms of reference. These mandate the group to assess working conditions and propose a revised minimum wage to the Minister of Labour, who will then consult with the Cabinet for final approval. Notably, each member is allowed to bring an alternate representative to the first meeting. The last minimum wage adjustment occurred in January 2023, when it was raised from EC$8.20 to EC$9.00 per hour. This upcoming review underscores the government’s commitment to addressing labor standards and economic equity.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
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Antigua PM Joins Festivities at Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival
Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne made a notable appearance at Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival this weekend, a cornerstone of the island’s Independence celebrations. The festival, now in its 24th year, kicked off on Friday night, drawing thousands of locals and international visitors to revel in the vibrant Creole culture through music, dance, and culinary delights. Browne, known for his affable demeanor, was seen engaging with festivalgoers and regional dignitaries, including Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and Tourism Minister Denise Charles. He enthusiastically participated in the festivities, posing for photos and mingling with fans. This year’s event boasts an impressive lineup of international and regional artists, with dancehall sensation Vybz Kartel among the most eagerly awaited performers. Browne’s presence at the festival highlighted its role as a platform for fostering regional unity and cultural diplomacy, reinforcing the shared heritage and camaraderie among Caribbean nations.
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Gender Affairs Directorate Promotes Respect and Equality at Five Islands Primary
The Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA) has reinforced its commitment to combating gender-based violence through its ongoing awareness initiative, recently engaging Grade 4 and 5 students at Five Islands Primary School. The program, designed to educate and empower young minds, focuses on equipping students with the tools to recognize, resist, and respond to gender-based violence while fostering values of respect, equality, and kindness.
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Training Boosts Antigua and Barbuda’s Capacity in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
In a strategic move to enhance disaster response capabilities, the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) of Antigua and Barbuda has joined forces with an international humanitarian organization to strengthen the nation’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. This collaboration, initiated after a comprehensive consultation with local stakeholders in August, culminated in a three-day intensive training program earlier this month. The training focused on critical areas such as freshwater treatment and water quality testing, equipping participants with essential skills to address public health and disaster management challenges. The program saw the participation of 32 representatives from key institutions, including the Central Board of Health (CBH), Department of Analytical Services, Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross, National Solid Waste Management Authority, and Department of Environment. As part of the practical training, attendees visited vital facilities such as Caribbean Water Treatment, the APUA Water Testing Lab, the Ivan Rodrigues Reverse Osmosis Plant, and Potworks Dam. Additionally, they engaged in field water testing exercises at Lightfoot Pond. This initiative underscores NODS’s commitment to bolstering national preparedness and resilience in disaster response and public health management, ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda is better equipped to handle future crises.
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The UWI Global Campus to Celebrate Class of 2025 in Virtual Graduation Ceremony
The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus is poised to celebrate the remarkable achievements of its Class of 2025 in a virtual graduation ceremony on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 6:00 pm Eastern Caribbean Time. The event will be broadcast live on UWItv.global, Flow EVO channels, and the Flow’s Bluu mobile app, allowing graduates and their loved ones to participate from across the Caribbean and beyond. This year’s theme, “Pelicans in an AI-Driven Future – Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” reflects the resilience and forward-thinking mindset of the graduates, who began their academic journeys during a period of rapid digital transformation. The Class of 2025 comprises 1,268 graduands, including 219 postgraduates and 1,046 undergraduates, marking the largest graduating class in the Campus’s history. Among them is the first-ever PhD graduand, a testament to the institution’s growing academic excellence. The ceremony will honor graduates from diverse disciplines, including Doctorates, Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate degrees, as well as Certificates and Diplomas. Distinguished attendees, including Heads of State, the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and senior university officials, will join families and friends in celebrating the graduates’ accomplishments. A highlight of the event will be the conferral of an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree upon Sir Calixte George, a renowned Saint Lucian agronomist, educator, and statesman, for his exceptional contributions to science, governance, and regional development. The valedictorian, Mr. Alex Anderson, a Jamaican educator graduating with First Class Honours in Educational Leadership and Management, will deliver the valedictory speech, embodying the spirit of academic excellence and leadership. Dr. Francis O. Severin, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal, emphasized the significance of the ceremony as a representation of the university’s mission to empower individuals across the Caribbean. The event will conclude with the graduates reciting the UWI Alumni Pledge and a musical rendition of the university song, “There is a Light.” UWI, a cornerstone of Caribbean development for 75 years, continues to lead in education, innovation, and regional progress, with a global presence and a commitment to addressing critical global challenges through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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Over 500 Prescription Glasses Arrive for Distribution Following Health Fair Commitment
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs has successfully honored its pledge to the public, following the Health Fair held in July 2025 at the Multipurpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre. After months of meticulous processing and manufacturing, over 500 prescription glasses have been produced and are now ready for distribution. This achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of United Hands Incorporated and the Seventh-day Adventist Church, whose generosity and partnership have been instrumental in bringing this vision project to fruition. The Ministry has expressed profound gratitude to these organizations for their invaluable contribution, which has not only restored sight but also enhanced the confidence, dignity, and quality of life for hundreds of citizens. The distribution of the prescription glasses is scheduled to take place at 39ers Square, Ministry of Health Headquarters, with specific time slots allocated based on surnames. Recipients are required to present a valid form of identification to collect their glasses. Minister of Health, Sir Molwyn Joseph, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating that it underscores the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to providing accessible and quality healthcare, including essential dental and vision services. He remarked, ‘When we open our eyes, we open our hearts to the world around us,’ reaffirming the Ministry’s dedication to ensuring that every citizen can see more clearly and live more fully.
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New York All Saints Reunion Team Sponsors T-Shirts for All Saints Secondary School Pan Team
In a heartwarming gesture of community support, the New York All Saints Reunion Team has stepped forward to sponsor T-shirts for the All Saints Secondary School Pan Team. This initiative aims to bolster the school’s cultural and musical endeavors, particularly in the realm of steelpan music, which holds significant cultural importance in the Caribbean community. The sponsorship not only provides the team with a sense of unity and identity but also highlights the enduring connection between the diaspora and their roots. The reunion team, composed of former students now residing in New York, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to giving back to their alma mater. This latest effort underscores their dedication to fostering talent and preserving cultural heritage among the younger generation. The All Saints Secondary School Pan Team, known for its vibrant performances, is expected to benefit greatly from this support, enabling them to participate in upcoming events with renewed vigor and pride.
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Schools Panorama Returns Tonight with 15 Bands Competing
The 2025 Independence National Schools Panorama, a highly anticipated steelband competition, is set to commence this evening, Saturday, October 25, at 5 p.m. at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, the event will showcase the talents of 15 school bands, including six from primary schools and nine from secondary schools, under the theme “Solid, Stable, Soaring.” The evening will begin with an opening performance by DJ Ace, followed by hosting by Steve “Ibis” Freeland and musical interludes by DJ Sparks. Primary school participants include Bendals Primary, T.N. Kirnon Primary, Sunnyside Tutorial, Villa Primary, Nevis Street (Willikies), and Greenbay Primary, performing popular soca hits such as “Swimming Engine” by Burning Flames and “Don’t Go” by Claudette Peters. The secondary division features St. Anthony Secondary, St. Joseph’s Academy, Ottos Comprehensive, All Saints Secondary, Irene B. Williams, Clare Hall Secondary, Christ the King High, Princess Margaret, Antigua Grammar, and Sir Novelle Richards Academy, with performances ranging from Claudette Peters’ “Out Deh” to Burning Flames’ “Stampede.” The event will conclude with judges’ decisions and award presentations for both categories. Admission is priced at $10 for children and $20 for adults.
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Antigua Yacht Club Officially Opens the Caribbean Dinghy Championship 2025
The Caribbean Dinghy Championship (CDC) 2025 officially commenced on Thursday, 23rd October 2025, with a vibrant Opening Ceremony held at the Antigua Yacht Club (AYC) Multipurpose Centre. The event, which began at 7:00 p.m., marked the start of a weekend filled with competitive sailing, skill-building, and regional camaraderie. The ceremony was expertly orchestrated by Mr. John Gaillard, AYC’s House and Grounds Director, who introduced the distinguished speakers and welcomed the attendees. Dr. Clarence E. Pilgrim, Commodore of the AYC and Chairman of the 2025 CDC, delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing that the championship transcends competition, focusing instead on fostering friendships, learning, and the collective growth of sailing across the Caribbean. He warmly welcomed all participating nations and praised the young sailors, calling them ‘the future of the Caribbean maritime industry.’ His remarks were met with enthusiastic applause, setting a tone of unity and optimism. Dr. Pilgrim also acknowledged the event’s proud sponsors, the National Parks Authority and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. Mrs. Alison Sly-Adams, representing the Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA), commended the inclusive format of the championship, which encourages broader regional participation. She highlighted the CSA’s efforts to enhance collaboration among islands through an updated racing calendar and the event’s evolution since its establishment in 1967. The Hon. Paul ‘Chet’ Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Barbuda Affairs, encouraged the young competitors to embrace discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, values he noted are essential both in sailing and life. Following the speeches, Dr. Pilgrim rang the Sailors’ Bell, symbolically opening the championship and heralding three days of spirited racing. Antigua and Barbuda, the host nation, enters the competition with a proud record, having won the Nation’s Cup in 2024 and securing five consecutive victories since 2019. The evening concluded with a sumptuous dinner prepared by Bar-B’s, a long-time supporter of AYC events, fostering fellowship among sailors, parents, and officials. Teams from St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Sint Maarten, and Antigua will compete in a series of races, with the championship culminating in the Prize-Giving Ceremony on Sunday at noon. The weekend promises to be a celebration of excellence, regional unity, and the enduring spirit of Caribbean sailing.
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Four-Way Race Shapes Up for ABLP St. Philip’s South Primary
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) is bracing for a pivotal primary election in the St. Philip’s South constituency, where four candidates are competing for the party’s nomination in preparation for the upcoming general election. Scheduled for December 4, 2025, the primary will see party delegates cast their votes to determine the ABLP’s representative. Although the general election is not slated until 2028, rumors of an early poll have heightened the significance of this primary. Political analysts suggest that the outcome could play a crucial role in shaping the ABLP’s overall campaign strategy, as the party seeks to consolidate its position and address emerging challenges. The contest has drawn considerable attention from both party members and the public, reflecting the high stakes involved in this internal battle for leadership.