标签: Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Missing Vessel “Endurance 2” Reported Lost After Leaving Jolly Harbour

    Missing Vessel “Endurance 2” Reported Lost After Leaving Jolly Harbour

    Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have initiated a large-scale search operation for the fishing vessel ‘Endurance 2,’ which went missing on Tuesday afternoon after departing from Mosquito Cove, Jolly Harbour. The vessel, an 18-foot white fibre-reinforced plastic pirogue powered by a single Yamaha 40-horsepower two-stroke outboard engine, is registered as V2-1597 JH. Chief Fisheries Officer Ian Horsford has confirmed that the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) Coast Guard is spearheading the search efforts. In a public appeal, Horsford urged all fishers and mariners to assist in locating the missing vessel. Individuals with any information are encouraged to contact the authorities at (268) 462-3206, (268) 462-2841, or (268) 462-2843, or to report to the nearest police station. The community has been mobilized to aid in the search, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the situation.

  • UWI Five Islands Students Launch Campus Newsletter to Amplify Student Voices

    UWI Five Islands Students Launch Campus Newsletter to Amplify Student Voices

    The Frigate Post, a dynamic publication at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWI FIC), has become a cornerstone of campus life, celebrating student creativity, achievements, and community spirit. Conceived as a platform to foster connection and storytelling, the publication aims to reflect the diverse talents and experiences of its student body.

    ‘Our mission was straightforward: to unite the campus through compelling narratives while showcasing the ingenuity and accomplishments of our students,’ explained the editorial committee. ‘We envisioned a space that was both entertaining and enlightening, where every student could find a piece of their own journey.’

    Each edition of The Frigate Post is meticulously crafted by a dedicated team of student volunteers who invest countless hours to ensure the content is accurate, high-quality, and innovative. Beyond its serious features, the publication also includes lighthearted elements such as the ‘Joke of the Day,’ capturing the lively and spirited atmosphere of UWI FIC.

    ‘We take immense pride in the progress we’ve made and are eager to continue evolving,’ the committee shared. ‘Every issue is a snapshot of our campus’s unique story, and we’re thrilled to see where the future takes us.’

    The Frigate Post is now accessible online and actively encourages submissions from all UWI FIC students, inviting them to contribute their voices and perspectives to this growing campus legacy.

  • PM Browne: Tenders Board Members to Be Rotated for Accountability

    PM Browne: Tenders Board Members to Be Rotated for Accountability

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has unveiled plans to implement a rotation system for members of the Tenders Board and other key public offices as part of a broader strategy to enhance governance and prevent complacency. Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show, Browne emphasized the need for balance and accountability in oversight roles. He clarified that the initiative is not a response to any wrongdoing but a proactive measure to ensure no individual becomes too entrenched in their position. ‘The Tenders Board, for example, I’m going to rotate the people serving the Tenders Board too. They must not get comfortable,’ Browne stated. He extended this policy to senior officials, including Diane Black-Layne at the Department of Environment, and even within his own Cabinet, to foster growth and development among other capable individuals. This move aligns with Browne’s ‘national reset’ initiative, launched following a government vehicle procurement controversy. The reset encompasses reforms in the Treasury, Public Works Department, and procurement systems to bolster transparency and public trust. Browne reiterated his commitment to creating a culture of renewal and balance in leadership roles, asserting, ‘What I want to ensure is that this government, this country, is governed better.’

  • Senator Lamin Newton Supports Irene B. Williams Students Ahead of Panorama

    Senator Lamin Newton Supports Irene B. Williams Students Ahead of Panorama

    Senator Lamin Newton has stepped forward to support students from the Irene B. Williams Secondary School by funding their uniforms for the upcoming Schools Panorama competition. In a heartfelt statement, Newton emphasized his unwavering dedication to youth development, stating that he was “called upon to assist” and acted “without hesitation.” He highlighted the importance of nurturing young minds, saying, “We must always be willing to assist our youth, inspire them, and provide the necessary guidance required to make them model citizens.” Newton also extended his best wishes to the students, invoking “God’s continued guidance” for their success in the competition. The annual Panorama event, a celebrated platform for young steelpan musicians across Antigua and Barbuda, is set to bring together talent from various schools, fostering cultural expression and community spirit.

  • LISTEN: Pringle Denies Involvement in Vehicle Scandal, Calls Allegations Political Distraction

    LISTEN: Pringle Denies Involvement in Vehicle Scandal, Calls Allegations Political Distraction

    Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has vehemently refuted allegations linking him to the ongoing controversy surrounding government vehicle procurement, labeling the accusations as politically driven distractions. In a strongly worded audio statement, Pringle demanded that those making the claims provide concrete evidence and take full responsibility for their assertions. He emphasized that accountability should be based on verifiable facts rather than unsubstantiated rumors. Pringle also called for an independent investigation not only into the vehicle procurement issue but also into the broader operations of the Public Works Department, hinting at potential systemic irregularities. He argued that focusing solely on the vehicle scandal without examining the department’s overall conduct would be shortsighted. Additionally, Pringle dismissed calls for his resignation as premature and unfounded, urging a measured approach to addressing the controversy. His remarks come at a time when the vehicle procurement scandal has sparked widespread public debate and cross-party scrutiny, raising questions about transparency and governance.

  • Beekeepers unite to build national brand through “Buzz to Brand” workshop

    Beekeepers unite to build national brand through “Buzz to Brand” workshop

    The Copper and Lumber Event Centre in Nelson’s Dockyard buzzed with activity on October 16th as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Antigua and Barbuda Intellectual Property & Commerce Office (ABIPCO), and the Antigua and Barbuda Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. (ABBC) inaugurated a two-day workshop titled ‘Buzz to Brand: Celebrating Identity and Empowering the Beekeeping Community.’ This event marked a pivotal moment for the local beekeeping industry, showcasing how intellectual property (IP) can bolster community-based enterprises and transform national products into enduring legacies.

    In her opening address, Ms. Ricki Camacho, Registrar of ABIPCO, hailed the initiative as a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and transformation. She lauded the dedication of all partners and expressed gratitude to WIPO for their technical expertise and to her ABIPCO colleagues for their steadfast support. Ms. Jess Honculada, Senior Counsellor at WIPO, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to fostering inclusive development through IP. She highlighted the workshop’s alignment with WIPO’s mission to empower local industries by leveraging IP tools to promote identity, innovation, and sustainability.

    Mr. Gregory Bailey, Director of Agriculture, representing the Ministry of Agriculture, underscored the indispensable role of bees in sustainable agriculture and food security. He described beekeeping as more than an economic activity—it is a philosophy of environmental stewardship. ‘Sustainability,’ he remarked, ‘entails producing in ways that safeguard our environment, nurture our communities, and secure our future.’ He also noted that pollination is critical to over 75% of flowering plants and nearly 35% of global food production, underscoring the vital contributions of beekeepers to agriculture and biodiversity.

    The workshop also featured an Entrepreneurial Exhibition, curated by Mr. John Mussington, Chairman of the Barbuda Council and a Barbudan beekeeper, and Ms. Taril Walker Bowen, Vice President of the ABBC. The exhibition showcased a variety of locally crafted products, including honey-based goods, handmade candles, and artisan creations, highlighting the ingenuity of local entrepreneurs and the versatility of beekeeping by-products. The day concluded with a honey tasting session, allowing attendees to savor the distinct flavors of Antigua and Barbuda’s locally produced honey.

    Due to adverse weather conditions, the first day of the workshop ended at 12:30 p.m. and was set to resume on October 17th, continuing the dialogue on empowering the beekeeping sector through innovation, collaboration, and identity.

  • Earthquake Felt Near Antigua and Barbuda

    Earthquake Felt Near Antigua and Barbuda

    A minor earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale was detected northeast of Antigua and Barbuda on the evening of Monday, October 20, 2025. The seismic event, recorded by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Seismic Research Centre, occurred at approximately 9:09 p.m. local time. The tremor originated at a depth of 20 kilometers, with its epicenter pinpointed at coordinates 17.99°N, 62.43°W. This location places the quake approximately 117 kilometers northwest of St. John’s, 83 kilometers northeast of Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, and 135 kilometers north of Brades, Montserrat. Although some residents in Antigua experienced a brief shaking, there have been no reports of structural damage or injuries. The UWI Seismic Research Centre emphasized that the data was automatically generated and remains preliminary, awaiting further analysis by experts. Antigua and Barbuda is situated in a seismically active region of the eastern Caribbean, where moderate tremors are not uncommon due to the ongoing interaction between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates.

  • OPINION: In Defence Of Private Property Rights

    OPINION: In Defence Of Private Property Rights

    In Antigua and Barbuda, the sanctity of private property rights is under threat, raising concerns among citizens about governmental overreach and economic inequality. Yves Ephraim, a concerned citizen, highlights the alarming trend of property acquisitions by the government, which disproportionately affects the poor and middle class. Historically, such acquisitions targeted the wealthy, but recent amendments to the Tax Administration Act have lowered the threshold for government seizures, making it easier to acquire private property with minimal recourse for owners. This shift has sparked fears of widespread displacement and economic instability.

  • VIDEO: PM Plans Minor Cabinet Reshuffle Later This Year

    VIDEO: PM Plans Minor Cabinet Reshuffle Later This Year

    Prime Minister has announced plans for a minor cabinet reshuffle later this year. The reshuffle is expected to bring changes to key ministerial positions, though the specifics of the changes have not yet been disclosed. The announcement comes as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to optimize its administrative structure and address emerging challenges.

  • VIDEO: The former United Progressive Party sold Antigua and Barbuda Diplomatic Passports, PM Says

    VIDEO: The former United Progressive Party sold Antigua and Barbuda Diplomatic Passports, PM Says

    The sale of diplomatic passports in Antigua has sparked significant debate and scrutiny. These passports, which grant holders diplomatic immunity and other privileges, are reportedly being sold to foreign nationals, raising concerns about potential misuse and security risks. Critics argue that this practice could compromise national security and diplomatic integrity, while proponents claim it boosts the country’s economy through foreign investment. The Antiguan government has yet to issue a formal statement addressing these concerns, but the issue has drawn attention from international observers and human rights organizations. As the controversy unfolds, questions about transparency and accountability in the issuance of diplomatic passports remain at the forefront of the discussion.