标签： Antigua and Barbuda

In a significant move to enhance national security capabilities, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has strategically expanded its K-9 Unit with four additional trained dogs. This development forms a crucial component of the Force’s comprehensive modernization initiative aimed at addressing evolving criminal threats through advanced policing methods.

Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers formally announced this tactical enhancement during his year-end address to personnel, detailing the Force’s progressive developments throughout 2025. The expansion specifically addresses growing concerns regarding sophisticated criminal operations, including illicit firearm distribution, narcotics trafficking, and cross-border criminal activities.

The newly augmented K-9 Unit has already demonstrated operational effectiveness through coordinated missions with the Narcotics Department and allied law enforcement agencies. These collaborative efforts have yielded substantial seizures of controlled substances, illegal weapons, and ammunition throughout the current year.

This strategic investment aligns with the Force’s commitment to intelligence-led policing methodologies that prioritize preventive measures and data-driven decision making. The enhanced capabilities are expected to improve operational response efficiency, increase crime detection rates, and strengthen overall public security infrastructure.

Commissioner Jeffers emphasized that these specialized upgrades ensure officers possess the necessary resources to confront escalating security challenges, particularly as the nation prepares for increased security demands anticipated in 2026. The K-9 Unit expansion represents a proactive approach to maintaining law enforcement readiness in the face of complex contemporary security threats.

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has celebrated the successful completion of its innovative ‘END IT HOW’ Summer Camp, with over 50 young participants graduating from the program designed to divert youth from criminal pathways. This initiative, orchestrated by the Force’s Youth Intervention Unit in collaboration with community partners, represents a strategic shift toward proactive crime prevention.

Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers formally recognized the achievement during his year-end address to officers, highlighting the program’s conclusion in September. The camp’s methodology centered on engagement, mentorship, and structured activities, providing adolescents with positive alternatives and life skills. Jeffers commended the collaborative effort between law enforcement and community stakeholders, which was instrumental in the program’s execution.

Law enforcement officials characterize the summer camp as a vital preventative instrument within their broader crime-fighting arsenal. This approach supplements traditional enforcement by emphasizing early intervention and fostering community partnerships. The initiative is a manifestation of the Force’s deepening commitment to community-oriented policing strategies aimed at sustainable crime reduction.

The graduation ceremony coincided with a year of reported progress in public safety, with authorities noting a decline in overall crime rates and improved community cooperation. Nonetheless, police administration acknowledges the persistent challenge posed by at-risk youth and the necessity for continued targeted interventions. Looking ahead to 2026, Commissioner Jeffers affirmed the administration’s dedication to expanding such programs that equip young people with guidance and viable alternatives to criminal behavior.

A section of Dominica’s boardwalk experienced a structural failure on Thursday after being overwhelmed by an excessive concentration of visitors, according to Port Manager Darwin Telemaque. The incident occurred when a critical number of individuals gathered in a single area, exceeding the structure’s load capacity and resulting in a fractured tile that subsequently collapsed.

Mr. Telemaque confirmed that despite this localized infrastructure failure, all cruise ship operations continue uninterrupted at the port. Emergency repair crews have been dispatched to the damaged section, with full restoration anticipated within the next 48-72 hours.

In a proactive safety measure, water taxi services have been temporarily relocated to the Montserrat Ferry Terminal. This strategic relocation aims to distribute passenger traffic more evenly and prevent potential overcrowding scenarios while repairs are underway. Port authorities emphasize that these precautions are strictly preventive and reflect their commitment to visitor safety rather than indicating broader structural concerns.

The incident has prompted port management to review crowd management protocols and structural load assessments for high-traffic waterfront areas. Officials confirm that no injuries were reported in the partial collapse, and all tourist activities continue normally with minimal disruption to visitor experiences.

Meteorological services have escalated alert levels across multiple Caribbean territories with the issuance of an urgent High Surf Warning for Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands. The advisory, formally released at 9:25 a.m. on Wednesday, December 24, highlights dangerously elevated surf conditions and potentially lethal rip currents predominantly affecting northern and north-exposed coastal areas.

Forecaster Letitia Humphreys indicated that the hazardous marine conditions stem from intensifying long-period northerly swells that began developing Wednesday evening. The warning period extends through Thursday morning or early dawn, with temporal variations expected across different island groups.

Oceanographic measurements project significant sea heights ranging from 2.4 to 3.1 meters (8-10 feet), with occasional surges approaching 3.7 meters (12 feet). Breaking waves are anticipated to surpass 2.1 meters (7 feet), accompanied by substantial north swells measuring 8-9 feet.

The convergence of these meteorological factors creates multiple threats including powerful battering waves, exceptionally strong rip currents, coastal flooding incidents, and accelerated beach erosion. These conditions present substantial risks to human safety, coastal infrastructure, and maritime operations.

Emergency management officials strongly advise against entering ocean waters along affected coastlines. Additional precautions include avoiding rocky coastal areas, jetties, and exposed marine structures. While west-facing beaches may offer marginally safer conditions, extreme vigilance remains necessary.

Safety protocols recommend that individuals caught in rip currents maintain calm, conserve energy by floating, and refrain from swimming directly against the current. Instead, swimming parallel to the shoreline provides the most effective escape strategy until free from the current’s pull.

In a display of workplace camaraderie, the Honourable H. Charles “Max” Fernandez, Parliamentary Representative and Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, was greeted with an unexpected birthday celebration organized by his ministry staff earlier today. The surprise event, meticulously coordinated by the Ministry’s Staff Social Club under the leadership of Ms. Onesha Elvin, transformed the minister’s office into a festive venue adorned with balloons and accompanied by cheerful renditions of the birthday song.

The heartfelt gesture included carefully selected gifts that reflected Minister Fernandez’s personal interests, demonstrating the staff’s thoughtful consideration. Visibly moved by the surprise, Minister Fernandez expressed profound appreciation for the effort, emphasizing that the personalized attention to gift selection particularly resonated with him.

In his response, Minister Fernandez highlighted the significance of such moments in fostering organizational unity, stating: “I am truly grateful for this gesture. What touched me most was not just the gifts, but the thought and effort that went into choosing something you knew I would genuinely enjoy. It speaks volumes about the camaraderie and spirit of this team.”

The minister further acknowledged the staff’s dedication and commitment to their ministerial duties, noting that such celebrations strengthen morale and reinforce familial bonds within the government department. Ministry staff concluded the celebration by extending their warmest wishes for the minister’s continued health, strength, and success in his leadership role serving Antigua and Barbuda.

A 29-year-old resident from Ottos, Antigua, faces impending sentencing after formally admitting to charges of illegal firearm and ammunition possession. Otis Jackson entered his guilty plea on Monday during proceedings before Senior Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, concluding the evidentiary phase of his case.

The charges originate from a December 11th incident when law enforcement officers on routine mobile patrol intercepted Jackson’s vehicle along Tindale Road approximately at 9 p.m. During a subsequent search operation, authorities uncovered a concealed 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol alongside seven corresponding rounds of ammunition.

Following standard protocol, Jackson was immediately taken into custody while the confiscated weapon, ammunition, and his vehicle were transported to Police Headquarters for forensic examination and secure storage, where they remain as evidence. The judicial system has scheduled formal sentencing for December 29th, at which time the court will determine appropriate penalties under Antigua’s firearms legislation.

This case highlights continued law enforcement efforts to combat illegal weapons circulation through proactive patrol strategies and vehicle inspections. The successful interception demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated policing measures in addressing weapons-related offenses within the community.