Carib Scope

标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Overnight Clean-Up Drive Transforms St John’s Streets as Solid Waste Teams Work Through the Night

    Overnight Clean-Up Drive Transforms St John’s Streets as Solid Waste Teams Work Through the Night

    In a remarkable overnight operation, the streets of St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, underwent a dramatic transformation while most citizens slept. Between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. on Monday, December 22nd, dozens of dedicated workers from the National Solid Waste Management Authority descended upon the capital’s major thoroughfares and alleyways.

    Under the leadership of General Manager Mrs. Indira James Henry, crews executed a comprehensive urban cleanup campaign. Teams meticulously cut overgrown grass, pruned obstructive branches, and conducted extensive sweeping operations. The operation extended to flushing clogged gutters and removing accumulated sludge and garbage deposits that had plagued the city’s drainage systems.

    The scale of the endeavor was demonstrated when heavy-duty trucks were deployed to pump thick mud from completely blocked drainage channels, addressing critical flood prevention concerns. In a coordinated multi-agency effort, personnel from the Central Board of Health joined the initiative at 4 a.m., implementing public health measures including gutter spraying, application of white lime, and strategic bait placement to combat rodent infestations.

    Authorities have announced an identical follow-up operation scheduled for the early hours of Tuesday morning, indicating an intensified commitment to urban sanitation and public health maintenance in the capital city.

  • LETTER: On Drunken Tirades, Bad Diplomacy, Illogical Strategy, and Geopolitical Prostitution: A Reply to Kamla Persad-Bissessar

    LETTER: On Drunken Tirades, Bad Diplomacy, Illogical Strategy, and Geopolitical Prostitution: A Reply to Kamla Persad-Bissessar

    A severe political controversy has erupted within CARICOM following inflammatory statements by Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar that threaten regional solidarity. The diplomatic crisis began when Persad-Bissessar falsely attributed recently announced US visa restrictions on Antiguans, Barbudans, and Dominicans to “bad mouthing” of America by Caribbean leaders—a claim thoroughly debunked by Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders, who confirmed the issue resulted from routine administrative misunderstandings promptly resolved through diplomatic channels.

    Rather than retracting her baseless allegations, Persad-Bissessar escalated her rhetoric dramatically, declaring CARICOM “unreliable,” predicting its “implosion,” and outrageously accusing the regional bloc of aligning with a “Maduro narco government.” This diplomatic arson occurs despite Trinidad and Tobago being the primary beneficiary of CARICOM economic arrangements, particularly the Common External Tariff (CET) established under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

    Economic analysis reveals the staggering scale of Trinidad’s advantage: in 2024 alone, CARICOM consumers and governments forfeited approximately US$142.7 million in revenue through the CET, effectively paying premium prices for Trinidadian manufactured goods including beverages, processed foods, and cement—often when cheaper alternatives were available from the United States, Europe, or within CARICOM itself from Jamaica and other member states.

    The Prime Minister’s dangerous rhetoric coincides with concerning domestic challenges, including depleted oil and gas reserves, a crime epidemic, and systematic marginalization of the nation’s Black population. Most alarmingly, her attempts to exploit Venezuelan resources and peddle false narratives risk making Trinidad and Tobago a target in unlawful warfare scenarios.

    Regional analysts warn that should CARICOM members respond rationally to cost-of-living crises by relaxing CET restrictions and sourcing goods from beyond Trinidad, the nation’s already struggling economy would face catastrophic consequences. Persad-Bissessar’s actions represent not merely irresponsible leadership but potentially suicidal foreign policy that threatens both regional stability and her nation’s economic security.

    The situation evokes tragic historical parallels, with observers noting similarities to the economic dependency depicted in the Mighty Sparrow’s “Jean and Dinah,” where Trinidadian prosperity became perilously tied to external forces. Caribbean leaders across the region are now calling for sober diplomatic engagement to preserve CARICOM unity and ensure a prosperous, wisely engaged future for all member states.

  • Flow Announces Latest Winners in ‘12 Days of Christmas Spin the Wheel’ Promotion

    Flow Announces Latest Winners in ‘12 Days of Christmas Spin the Wheel’ Promotion

    Telecommunications provider Flow has announced a new cohort of victors in its ongoing ’12 Days of Christmas Spin the Wheel’ holiday promotion. The campaign, designed to engage customers during the festive season, offers participants the chance to win an array of prizes through a digital spinning wheel mechanism.

    The promotion structure incentivizes customer interaction with the brand through a time-limited, gamified experience. Participants typically gain entry by completing specific actions, which may include using certain services, engaging with promotional channels, or entering unique codes. The spinning wheel, a central feature of the marketing initiative, randomizes prize allocation, creating an element of excitement and instant gratification for users.

    This type of promotional strategy is increasingly common in the highly competitive telecom sector, where companies leverage holiday periods to boost brand loyalty, attract new subscribers, and increase product visibility. Flow’s adoption of a ’12 Days’ theme capitalizes on traditional Christmas narratives to enhance campaign memorability and emotional connection with its audience.

    The announcement of winners serves not only to fulfill promotional obligations but also to generate continued publicity and social proof, encouraging further participation for the remainder of the campaign period. The company typically publicizes winners through its official communication channels, including social media platforms, email newsletters, and its corporate website.

    Industry analysts note that such promotions, while creating short-term engagement spikes, also provide valuable data on customer preferences and campaign effectiveness that can inform future marketing strategies. The success of these initiatives is often measured through participation rates, customer acquisition costs, and overall return on investment during the promotional window.

  • Community First Launches “Wishes and Warmth” Initiative for the Christmas Season

    Community First Launches “Wishes and Warmth” Initiative for the Christmas Season

    Demonstrating the essence of seasonal goodwill and cooperative principles, Community First Cooperative Credit Union (CFCCU) has inaugurated its ‘Wishes and Warmth’ campaign, delivering tangible comfort and festive joy to vulnerable populations in Antigua and Barbuda. The initiative formally commenced on December 16th.

    The program’s inaugural act involved a special engagement with the Salvation Army Sunshine Home for Girls. CFCCU representatives personally visited the facility and invited residents to articulate their personal Christmas desires. Each request was meticulously curated and fulfilled by the Credit Union, resulting in personalized gift distributions. This approach was deliberately designed to honor each recipient’s individuality and uphold values of dignity and compassionate support.

    This philanthropic endeavor embodies the foundational credit union ethos of ‘People Helping People,’ showcasing an institutional commitment that transcends conventional financial services. Community First is reinforcing its role as a pivotal community pillar, actively working to elevate social welfare across the nation, with particular emphasis during holiday periods when human connectivity and generosity hold profound significance.

    The organization has publicly expressed its profound gratitude to the administration and residents of the Salvation Army Sunshine Home for Girls for their collaborative partnership and for providing an opportunity to participate in their seasonal festivities.

    As the festive period unfolds, Community First is issuing a broader call to action, encouraging civil society throughout Antigua and Barbuda to perpetuate cycles of kindness, mutual support, and the cooperative ethos that fortifies community bonds.

    Background Note: Community First Cooperative Credit Union stands as a premier financial cooperative in Antigua and Barbuda, focusing on member and community empowerment via accessible financial products and transformative social programs.

  • Dr Carla Barnett Urges Unity and Resilience in CARICOM End-of-Year Message

    Dr Carla Barnett Urges Unity and Resilience in CARICOM End-of-Year Message

    In her annual year-end message, Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), presented a comprehensive assessment of the region’s turbulent year marked by both severe challenges and significant achievements. The address highlighted how recent natural disasters have starkly revealed regional vulnerabilities while simultaneously reinforcing the critical importance of regional unity.

    The Caribbean faced unprecedented devastation in 2025 as Hurricane Melissa inflicted catastrophic damage across Jamaica and Haiti, following closely on the heels of Hurricane Beryl’s destructive path through multiple Member States in 2024. These consecutive disasters resulted in substantial loss of life and infrastructure, necessitating extensive recovery efforts that will demand considerable time and resources. Compounding these natural calamities, the region confronted complex geopolitical tensions that threatened export revenues, regional stability, and national sovereignty.

    Despite these formidable obstacles, CARICOM nations demonstrated characteristic resilience through coordinated emergency response efforts and innovative approaches to safeguard economic stability and livelihoods. The community mobilized rapidly to address critical needs in hurricane-affected areas while implementing creative strategies to protect business continuity.

    Significant progress was achieved in advancing regional integration through the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) framework. Four Member States—Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines—initiated full free movement of citizens among their territories, establishing foundations for enhanced economic collaboration and strengthened people-to-people connections.

    The development of a comprehensive CARICOM Industrial Policy and Strategy reached advanced stages, creating frameworks for expanded productive capacity, innovation, and economic diversification. Agricultural initiatives under the ’25 by 2025+’ strategy generated production growth despite substantial setbacks from hurricane damage and climate-related events that severely impacted farming communities.

    Cultural achievements flourished with CARIFESTA XV in Barbados celebrating the region’s artistic talent and vibrant cultural diversity. Democratic traditions were strengthened through peaceful general elections conducted in seven Member States and five Associate Members throughout the year.

    Human capital development received focused attention with particular emphasis on enhancing inclusivity and expanding participation opportunities for youth and women in economic activities, decision-making processes, and regional affairs. Future preparedness efforts include examining artificial intelligence implications for regional business practices while expanding physical and digital connectivity to drive economic development.

    Dr. Barnett acknowledged the substantial contributions of Caribbean citizens, CARICOM Secretariat staff, international partners, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, labor movements, and the CARICOM diaspora. Their collective engagement has been instrumental in advancing regional welfare and development objectives.

    The Secretary-General expressed confidence in the Community’s capacity to address ongoing challenges with clarity and determination, citing outcomes from the Conference of Heads of Government meetings in Barbados and Jamaica that demonstrated strategic focus on trade, regional security, foreign policy coordination, reparations, governance, human development, and climate change.

    Dr. Barnett concluded by inviting all stakeholders to collaborate in building a resilient, prosperous, and united ‘Community for All’ while extending wishes for peace and progress during the festive season and coming year.

  • Antigua and Barbuda police to introduce real-time licence plate tracking technology

    Antigua and Barbuda police to introduce real-time licence plate tracking technology

    The Antigua and Barbuda Police Force is poised to implement cutting-edge automated license plate recognition (ALPR) technology in 2025, marking a significant technological advancement in the nation’s law enforcement capabilities. Commissioner Everton Jeffers confirmed the deployment would transform traditional policing methodologies by enabling real-time offense identification during patrol operations.

    This sophisticated surveillance system, already operational in numerous United States jurisdictions and select Caribbean territories, utilizes high-speed cameras and artificial intelligence algorithms to scan vehicle registrations instantaneously. As vehicles pass police units, the technology cross-references plates against comprehensive databases containing stolen vehicle reports and registration irregularities.

    Commissioner Jeffers emphasized the strategic shift from reactive response to proactive crime prevention, stating: ‘This technological integration will fundamentally enhance our operational effectiveness in combating automotive-related criminal activities.’ The system automatically alerts officers when detecting vehicles associated with theft, fraudulent plates, or other registration discrepancies.

    Law enforcement officials anticipate substantial improvements in arrest rates for vehicle crimes following implementation. The announcement arrives during heightened security preparations for seasonal crime patterns, particularly addressing concerns about increased criminal activity during Christmas and New Year celebrations. Authorities believe the technology will serve as both investigative tool and deterrent measure against transportation-related offenses.

  • Monochrome Announces an Unforgettable New Year’s Eve Celebration: Elysian Glow Party

    Monochrome Announces an Unforgettable New Year’s Eve Celebration: Elysian Glow Party

    Monochrome has unveiled details for its eagerly awaited Elysian Glow Party, scheduled to illuminate New Year’s Eve on December 31, 2025, with an exceptional entertainment lineup. The event will feature international reggae star Alaine from Jamaica alongside acclaimed artists Tian Winter and Iconic, plus the dynamic stage presence of Menace XL.

    Complementing the musical performances, four of Antigua’s most prominent DJs—Riddim Master, Quantimus, Altitude, and Tenny—will deliver an eclectic sonic experience designed to maintain continuous energy across diverse musical genres throughout the evening.

    The celebration will reach visual crescendo with a spectacular fireworks display transforming the night sky into a canvas of light. Attendees will have access to premium beverage selections including bottle service, with specially crafted signature cocktails such as Reggae Rum Punch and the Elysian Dream available for tasting.

    Gastronomic excellence will be provided by Chef Twos of Boundary Bites, offering culinary creations that perfectly complement the event’s vibrant atmosphere. With table reservations already exhausted and the venue 75% occupied, organizers emphasize limited availability for what promises to be Antigua’s premier New Year’s celebration.

    The event represents an optimal opportunity to welcome 2026 amidst music, gourmet offerings, and exceptional ambiance. Prospective attendees are encouraged to secure remaining tickets promptly through Monochrome’s official channels.

  • NODS to lead emergency preparedness during CHOGM

    NODS to lead emergency preparedness during CHOGM

    In preparation for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), Antigua and Barbuda’s National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) has been designated as the lead agency for comprehensive emergency management planning. The disaster response organization will implement robust contingency measures to address potential natural disasters and security incidents throughout the international gathering.

    The agency’s comprehensive preparedness strategy includes establishing coordinated inter-agency response protocols, maintaining advanced public safety communication infrastructure, and implementing detailed medical evacuation plans. Specialized readiness teams will be strategically positioned at all major summit venues to provide immediate on-site support during the presence of visiting international dignitaries and government leaders.

    Government authorities emphasize that these enhanced preparedness measures demonstrate the nation’s commitment to ensuring seamless security and emergency response capabilities during this high-profile diplomatic event. The multi-layered approach integrates natural disaster management with security incident protocols, creating a unified response system specifically designed for the unique requirements of hosting an international summit of this magnitude.

    The coordinated effort represents one of the most comprehensive emergency preparedness initiatives undertaken by the Caribbean nation, reflecting the serious commitment to ensuring both delegate safety and uninterrupted proceedings during the important Commonwealth meeting.

  • PHOTOS: Flow Hosts Festive Community Christmas Lunch at Heroes Park

    PHOTOS: Flow Hosts Festive Community Christmas Lunch at Heroes Park

    In a heartwarming display of community spirit, telecommunications provider Flow brought festive cheer to the public with a specially organized Christmas lunch at Heroes Park on Thursday, December 18, 2025. The event transformed the public space into a vibrant hub of seasonal celebration, where members of the community gathered to share in the joy of the holidays. Attendees enjoyed a festive meal in a convivial atmosphere that emphasized togetherness and goodwill. The initiative demonstrated corporate commitment to social engagement beyond commercial operations, creating a platform for genuine human connection during the holiday season. The carefully orchestrated event successfully blended corporate social responsibility with traditional holiday values, providing nourishment both physical and emotional to participants. This gathering represented more than just a meal—it served as a testament to the power of community bonding during special occasions, reinforcing the importance of collective celebration in public spaces.

  • Social Protection Board shares the joy of Christmas with the children

    Social Protection Board shares the joy of Christmas with the children

    POINTE VILLE – The Lion’s Den venue radiated with festive cheer last week as it welcomed hundreds of delighted children for the highly anticipated annual Christmas celebration, orchestrated by the Social Protection Board (SPB). This cornerstone event in the government social agency’s calendar saw attendance surge beyond three hundred youngsters.

    Attendees were treated to an afternoon brimming with entertainment and merriment. Highlights included a vibrant bounce castle, lively music, and refreshing treats. The festivities reached a peak with a special appearance from Santa Claus, who distributed gifts to the excited children, ensuring smiles all around.

    The success of this heartwarming initiative was attributed to robust corporate and community backing. Mary Baltimore, Coordinator of the Social Protection Board, emphasized the critical role of sponsors. “This event is a annual highlight for these children, made possible solely through the generosity of our sponsors. Without their unwavering commitment, realizing such a joyful gathering would be unattainable,” Baltimore stated.

    Major contributors recognized for their significant support included Sunny Ltd., Royalton Hotel, and Signs and Impressions. Baltimore extended a profound and heartfelt gratitude to these entities and all other contributors for their philanthropic efforts.

    Furthermore, Baltimore lauded the dedicated SPB staff members for their exceptional diligence and commitment. She praised their relentless efforts, stating, “My deepest thanks go to our incredible team for their unwavering support throughout the past twelve months and for going the extra mile to ensure this event’s resounding success.”