标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The tourism community of Antigua and Barbuda is grieving the profound loss of George Jeffery, a revered figure whose decades-long dedication to showcasing Barbuda’s ecological treasures left an indelible mark on the island’s tourism identity. The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) formally announced his passing, celebrating his legacy as a passionate ambassador who masterfully intertwined environmental conservation with visitor experiences.

Jeffery’s professional life was intrinsically linked to Barbuda’s most prized natural landmarks. He became synonymous with the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, one of the Caribbean’s most significant avian habitats, and the pristine Barbuda Lagoon, where he conducted immersive tours and educational programs. His profound knowledge of the island’s unique ecosystem, combined with an authentic and welcoming demeanor, transformed standard tours into profound cultural and environmental exchanges.

Beyond guiding visitors, Jeffery was a foundational advocate for sustainable tourism models that prioritized environmental integrity and community benefit. His philosophy ensured that tourism development remained respectful of Barbuda’s delicate ecology while empowering local residents. The ABHTA’s statement emphasized that his efforts were instrumental in crafting Barbuda’s international reputation as a destination for discerning travelers seeking authentic and environmentally rich experiences.

The association has extended its deepest sympathies to Jeffery’s family, his colleagues at the Barbuda Tourism Office, and the wider community, which regarded him not just as a tourism professional but as a custodian of their natural heritage. His passing represents a significant loss for the region’s sustainable tourism movement, leaving a void that underscores the critical role of dedicated individuals in community-based tourism.

In a warm holiday message resonating across All Saints West and the wider Antigua & Barbuda, the Smith family has extended heartfelt Christmas wishes to their community. Anthony Smith Jr., on behalf of the family, expressed profound gratitude for the enduring love, support, and trust shown by their constituents and fellow citizens.

The communiqué, shared publicly, framed the festive season as a time for collective reflection and appreciation for shared blessings. Emphasizing themes of unity and togetherness, the message highlighted the intrinsic strength found in community bonds, positing that ‘community is family.’ The Smiths’ greeting invoked the traditional hallmarks of the holiday—peace, joy, laughter, and love—as blessings for every household.

Concluding with wishes for a safe and joyful holiday season, the communication was underscored with hashtags signaling its origin and intent, including #MerryChristmas, #FromOurFamilyToYours, #AllSaintsWest, and the politically suggestive #CountryFirst and #WeStillLegitWithSmith, hinting at a continued connection to public service and community leadership.

In a seasonal address resonating with spiritual significance and communal solidarity, Richard S. Lewis, Member of Parliament for St. John’s Rural West, has disseminated a heartfelt Christmas message to his constituents and the wider public. The communication, imbued with theological reflection, centers on the quintessential values of the holiday season.

Grounding his message in biblical scripture, the parliamentarian opened with a quotation from the Gospel of Matthew (1:21), underscoring the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The discourse characterizes Christmas as a paramount period for spiritual rejuvenation, advocating for heightened focus on the preeminence of faith in daily life.

Moving beyond theological observance, Lewis championed the ethos of altruism and charitable giving. He emphatically stated, ‘There is joy in giving,’ and encouraged citizens to embrace this spirit, advocating for a Christmas dedicated to supporting those in need within the community. This call to action frames the holiday not merely as a time of celebration, but as an opportunity for tangible compassion and social responsibility.

The MP extended personal and familial wishes for the festive period, expressing hope that the season imparts profound meaning and renewed energy for a prosperous new year. His benediction invoked a desire for universal experience of ‘the light of laughter, the warmth of love, and the joy of gratitude,’ extending these good wishes beyond the immediate festivities.

Concluding with a specific acknowledgment of the residents of the St. John’s Rural West Constituency, the message closed with the traditional salutations of ‘Merry Christmas’ and a final blessing of ‘Peace be unto you,’ cementing its tone of benevolent goodwill and inclusive celebration.

The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre in Antigua has undergone a remarkable seasonal metamorphosis, with its clinical spaces now radiating festive warmth through an annual staff-led Christmas decoration initiative. This heartwarming tradition saw healthcare professionals from across departments channel their creativity to transform patient care areas into winter wonderlands, demonstrating that healing extends beyond medical treatment alone.

The recently concluded internal competition culminated in the Oncology Department claiming the top honors for their decorative achievements, followed closely by the Maternity Ward securing second position and the Emergency Department earning third place. Hospital administration officials observed that the program successfully achieved its dual objectives: enhancing the atmosphere for patients receiving care during the holiday season while simultaneously boosting staff morale during what is typically one of the most demanding periods for healthcare workers.

This innovative approach to fostering workplace camaraderie and patient comfort represents a growing recognition within healthcare that environmental factors significantly contribute to the holistic healing process. The decorating challenge has now become an anticipated institution at the medical facility, symbolizing the staff’s commitment to compassionate care that addresses both physical and emotional wellbeing.

A significant law enforcement operation in Nut Grove culminated in the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of a cache of illicit items, including ammunition and suspected stolen assets. The operation, which unfolded on the afternoon of December 23, 2025, began with the execution of a search warrant at a local residence. Authorities discovered a vehicle key, multiple currencies (Eastern Caribbean and U.S. dollars), a cellphone, and a set of license plates during the initial sweep. The scope of the investigation expanded to an adjacent plot of land, where officers uncovered a concealed black plastic container. This container held a firearm magazine, numerous rounds of ammunition, two snap caps, and gun oil. Additional evidence collected included clothing items and a black laptop. During personal searches, two units of gun oil were allegedly found on one of the suspects. Further compounding the findings, a blue automobile located on the premises was identified as likely stolen property. A subsequent inspection of a vehicle driven by one of the apprehended men yielded a magazine holster. The five suspects, all residents of Nut Grove, were taken into custody on allegations of robbery. All seized evidence, including the two vehicles, was transported to the St. John’s Police Station as authorities continue their investigative proceedings.

The Honorable E. P. Chet Greene, Parliamentary Representative for St. Paul, has delivered a heartfelt Christmas message celebrating the communal bonds and resilience within his constituency. In his official holiday address, Greene expressed profound gratitude toward families, neighbors, and friends who contribute to making the community both compassionate and strong.

Emphasizing the symbolic significance of the Christmas season, the representative highlighted themes of love, generosity, and unity. He noted that this time of year serves as an important reminder of the value of mutual support and collective strength.

Greene extended warm wishes for joy, peace, and optimism in the coming year, encouraging constituents to continue caring for one another. His message concluded with a call for continued solidarity and a shared commitment to progress as the community moves into the new year.

The communication stands as an official seasonal greeting from an elected official to the public, reinforcing social cohesion and shared values during the holiday period.

In a heartfelt holiday proclamation, Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne delivered an inspirational Christmas message to the nation this Wednesday, emphasizing themes of communal harmony and hopeful anticipation for the future. The Prime Minister’s address served as both a seasonal greeting and a motivational appeal to citizens, highlighting the importance of collective strength and optimism as the country approaches the new year. Browne articulated his wishes for widespread peace, abundant joy, and sustained prosperity throughout the holiday period and continuing into the coming years. His brief but impactful communication specifically encouraged national solidarity and a forward-looking perspective among residents. As the nation stands on the threshold of 2026, the leader urged populations to maintain resilience and positive momentum. The ministerial message concluded with formal benedictions and expressions of sincere goodwill extended to all members of the Caribbean nation.

The Rotary Club of Antigua has issued a heartfelt seasonal message extending Christmas greetings to all citizens of Antigua and Barbuda and residents throughout the nation. Club President Elisa Graham emphasized the holiday period as a poignant reminder of fundamental community values including compassion, generosity, and collective goodwill.

In her official statement, Graham highlighted how the season provides an opportunity for reflection on societal blessings while simultaneously encouraging outreach to vulnerable community members. The message specifically called attention to those experiencing loneliness, hardship, or financial difficulties during the festive period.

The communication detailed the organization’s ongoing commitment to its ‘Service Above Self’ philosophy, acknowledging the sustained support from corporate partners and the ‘Friends of Rotary’ network. Throughout the 2025-2026 term, the club has maintained its dedication to transformative community initiatives designed to create positive social impact.

Graham’s message underscored the profound significance of minor charitable acts, noting how simple gestures of kindness can provide substantial comfort and joy to recipients. The statement concluded with aspirations for national unity and mutual support, wishing citizens a celebratory Christmas season and a New Year characterized by peace, health, and prosperity.

The Rotary Club expressed hope that the holiday spirit would inspire renewed commitment to community service throughout the coming year, reinforcing the social bonds that define the Antiguan and Barbudan national identity.