标签： Antigua and Barbuda

Authorities have issued an urgent plea to the public for assistance in finding 14-year-old Tamarley Kentish, who was reported missing on Tuesday. Kentish was last spotted around noon on October 21 in the Sea View Farm area, reportedly en route to All Saints Secondary School. Since then, his family has had no contact with him and remains deeply concerned about his safety. The police are urging anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to come forward immediately. Contacts for reporting include the following numbers: 734-8105, 773-9775, 773-3834, or 723-0518. The community is encouraged to share this information widely to aid in the search efforts.

The long-awaited bathroom facility at the YASCO Sports Complex continues to face significant delays, despite initial promises from the government. Originally announced by Cabinet in May, the project was projected for completion by the end of 2025. However, the timeline has now been pushed to early 2026, with no definitive deadline in sight. On-site observations reveal partial progress, including the installation of rafters and some plumbing work. National coach and former athlete Teddy Daley expressed cautious optimism, stating that workers indicated a potential completion by January, which would align with the Christmas training camp schedule. ‘The pace is slow, but we’re encouraged because we’re seeing more progress now than in the last decade,’ Daley remarked. The project, initiated over 15 years ago under the former UPP administration, had been abandoned for years and overtaken by vegetation before recent efforts to revive it. Sports Minister Daryll Matthew estimated in May that completing the project would cost approximately EC$350,000. National Housing is overseeing the construction, though delays in material deliveries continue to hinder consistent progress.

In a landmark event last month, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority successfully organized the inaugural ‘Antigua and Barbuda Mixer’ at The Qube Canary Wharf in London. The gathering welcomed nearly 100 distinguished members of the Antiguan and Barbudan diaspora, marking a pivotal moment in fostering connections with the community across the United Kingdom. The event united influential figures from diverse fields, including creative arts, business, and community leadership, alongside celebrated musicians and international sports icons. The evening was expertly hosted by Mikaela Vivian, who curated a vibrant program featuring cultural insights from Denize Ledeatte, Director of the National Windrush Museum, and Keshia Sakarah, a renowned food writer and former chef. Interactive segments, such as an icebreaker led by fitness expert Andrea Wallace and a trivia quiz celebrating Antiguan and Barbudan heritage, added a dynamic touch. Live performances by saxophonist Tony Looby, singers Carla Thomas and Laurent John, and DJ JAH UTH’s atmospheric beats further enriched the experience. Guests savored authentic Antiguan-themed canapés by Touch of Class catering, paired with natural juices from Pure Squeeze and delectable desserts from Aurora Cakes. Cherrie Osborne, Director of Tourism UK & Europe, emphasized the event’s importance, stating, ‘This mixer is a cornerstone of our diaspora engagement strategy. Seeing accomplished individuals reconnect with their roots while gaining new perspectives on our twin-island paradise reaffirms why Antigua and Barbuda continues to inspire pride.’

The Honorable E.P. Chet Greene has announced the postponement of the Town Hall Meeting originally scheduled for October 23. The delay is attributed to unforeseen circumstances, with a new date to be communicated in the near future. Minister Greene expressed gratitude to the community for their understanding and emphasized the importance of maintaining open dialogue and active participation once the meeting is rescheduled. This decision underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring meaningful engagement with citizens, despite unexpected challenges. Further updates will be provided as soon as details are finalized.

The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) Coast Guard has launched a comprehensive search and rescue operation following reports of a captain who fell overboard from a vessel near Guadeloupe. The incident occurred late on October 21, 2025, when Phillippe “Daniel” Jules, Master of SV VOILACTUS, reportedly fell into the open waters approximately six nautical miles northeast of Guadeloupe while attempting to avoid being struck by the vessel’s mast. The ABDF Coast Guard, in coordination with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) Fort-de-France and other regional authorities, is working tirelessly to locate Mr. Jules. The remaining ten crew members have been confirmed safe and are currently in Guadeloupe. The ABDF Coast Guard expressed regret over the delayed response, as official notice of the incident was received only during the early daylight hours of the following morning. Despite the challenges, the organization has mobilized all available resources to maximize the chances of a successful rescue. The ABDF Coast Guard reiterated its commitment to maritime safety and urged all mariners to adhere to strict safety protocols, including the use of personal flotation devices and man-overboard alert systems. Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves. The thoughts and prayers of the ABDF Coast Guard remain with Mr. Jules’ family and friends during this difficult time.

Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to fostering cleaner and healthier communities has taken a significant leap forward with the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) unveiling three state-of-the-art 20-ton trucks. This strategic investment underscores the nation’s dedication to improving waste management efficiency and promoting environmental sustainability. The introduction of these heavy-duty vehicles is set to revolutionize landfill operations by ensuring consistent daily soil coverage—a critical practice for effective landfill management. This advancement will mitigate unpleasant odors, control pest populations, reduce fire risks, and create safer, more eco-friendly landfill conditions. Beyond landfills, the new fleet will play a pivotal role in supporting community clean-up initiatives, particularly during the 2025 National Clean-Up Campaign, which kicked off in October under the inspiring slogan, “Love Where You Live!” The campaign aims to address bulk waste accumulation and foster a culture of environmental stewardship. More than just an upgrade in equipment, this initiative represents a profound investment in public health, environmental resilience, and national pride. The NSWMA has expressed gratitude to the Government for its unwavering support and partnership in this endeavor, emphasizing that caring for our environment is a reflection of our love for our communities. With these resources, the Authority is laying the groundwork for sustainable waste management practices and cleaner, more vibrant communities across the nation.