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标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Rotaract District 7030 Conference Returns to Antigua After More Than 20 Years

    Rotaract District 7030 Conference Returns to Antigua After More Than 20 Years

    For the first time in more than 20 years, the Rotaract District 7030’s flagship annual conference has returned to Antigua and Barbuda, hosted by the Rotaract Club of Antigua. This four-day gathering, which ran under the official theme “Linked in Wadadli”, welcomed nearly 200 young leaders from 15 Caribbean territories spanning English, French, and Dutch-speaking nations, uniting a diverse network of young changemakers on Antiguan soil.

    The conference kicked off with a lively cultural opening celebration titled “Rep Your Flag”, where delegates dressed in custom outfits centered on their home countries’ national colors and symbols to showcase the region’s rich cultural mosaic. This opening session set the tone for the conference’s core goals: fostering unity across Caribbean communities, strengthening cross-border collaboration, and celebrating the shared values of the Rotaract movement.

    Following the opening, two full days of targeted leadership development workshops equipped delegates with modern skills for 21st-century service and leadership. Led by prominent Caribbean professionals and thought leaders, sessions covered a wide range of timely topics. Elijah James led a discussion on how artificial intelligence and innovation can shape the next generation of community service, challenging participants to embrace emerging technology responsibly. Ato Kalderish explored how young leaders can build impactful global professional networks, while Calisha Spencer, Makonem Hurley, and Her Excellency Ruleta Camacho Thomas led sessions on ethical leadership, integrity, and centering sustainability in decision-making and community projects. All workshops pushed attendees to think critically about the future of regional leadership and their role in driving progress.

    Staying true to Rotaract’s core motto of “Service Above Self”, the conference delivered tangible, lasting benefits to the local Antiguan community. Ahead of the event, a district-wide initiative encouraged all delegates to bring sanitary product donations from their home territories to address the widespread issue of period poverty across the Caribbean. All collected donations were distributed to two local organizations, Mount St. John’s Medical Centre and Scrub Life Cares, to support women and girls in need in Antigua and Barbuda. As a second permanent community contribution, the Rotaract Club of Antigua installed a Peace Pole at Mount St. John’s Medical Centre inscribed with Rotary’s universal message: “May Peace Prevail on Earth”, serving as a permanent reminder of the movement’s commitment to global peace and cross-cultural understanding.

    Beyond leadership training and community service, intentional fellowship was the heart of the conference experience. Each day of programming ended with casual social events that let delegates connect over shared Caribbean culture, build cross-border friendships, and strengthen professional ties that extend far beyond the event itself. These informal connections remain one of the most transformative and defining elements of the Rotaract experience for young leaders across the region.

    The conference drew to a close with an elegant Great Gatsby-themed Awards and Closing Dinner, where the district recognized outstanding Rotaract clubs, impactful community projects, and exceptional individual Rotaractors for their work over the past Rotary year. The evening celebrated four days of growth, collaboration, and connection before formally closing the 2026 conference.

    Event organizers extended profound gratitude to all partners and supporters who made the historic return of the conference to Antigua and Barbuda possible. Major backing from the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, Mrs. Karen Walwyn, and Equisoft laid the groundwork for the event, with additional support from a long list of corporate sponsors, local businesses, educational institutions, hospitality partners, government agencies, and volunteer groups. The Rotaract Club of Antigua and District 7030 also thanked every delegate for bringing the “Linked in Wadadli” theme to life through their commitment to collaboration and service.

    Rotaract is a global non-profit network that brings together young professionals and community leaders to create tangible positive change through local and international service, leadership development, and cross-cultural understanding. District 7030 encompasses all Rotaract clubs across the English, Dutch, and French-speaking Caribbean, with a core mission of empowering young people to lead, serve, build stronger communities, and forge lifelong cross-border connections. As the district enters a new year of service, the legacy of the 2026 “Linked in Wadadli” conference will continue to inspire deeper collaboration, lasting friendships, and a renewed dedication to building more connected, resilient, and compassionate communities across the Caribbean region.

  • Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy Launches with Regional Opportunity for Top Student

    Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy Launches with Regional Opportunity for Top Student

    Fourteen promising secondary school students from Antigua and Barbuda have officially embarked on a transformative career-building journey with the 2026 iteration of the Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy, a targeted six-week immersive training initiative crafted to nurture emerging talent in the island nation’s key hospitality sector.

    Running from July 13 through August 21, the program moves beyond textbook learning to place young participants directly in professional commercial kitchens at some of Antigua and Barbuda’s most respected hotels and restaurants. Under the close guidance of seasoned, expert chef mentors, students will gain on-the-ground practical experience that lays a foundational understanding of day-to-day operations in the fast-paced food service and tourism industries.

    The six-week training period will conclude with a high-stakes public Cook-Off Challenge, scheduled to take place between August 25 and 28. This capstone event will give each trainee the opportunity to demonstrate the technical skills, creative vision, and professional habits they have refined during their internship placements. The overall champion will be unveiled at a formal awards ceremony on September 3, where they will officially receive the title of 2026 Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef.

    A standout new addition to this year’s academy is an expanded regional partnership with the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, opening exciting international opportunities for the competition’s winner. The top-performing student will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands in 2027 to join the Junior Lit’l Chefs Program, a component of the territory’s popular TCI Hospitality Adventure Camps. During the exchange, the young chef will train alongside leading Caribbean culinary professionals and connect with other like-minded young people pursuing culinary careers from across the region.

    Program organizers have emphasized that the initiative would not be possible without the generous support of key community and industry partners. The academy is sustained in large part by the support of the Isaac family, who back the program as a living tribute to the late Ted Isaac, a beloved figure in Antigua and Barbuda’s hospitality community. Additional sponsorship and in-kind support comes from Global Ports Holding, which operates Antigua Cruise Port, as well as all participating accommodation and dining venues, volunteer chef mentors, secondary school teachers, and a range of other community stakeholders that have contributed time, resources, and expertise to the project.

    At its core, the Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy was created to address a key need in Antigua and Barbuda’s economy: nurturing homegrown young talent to fill roles in the country’s largest economic sector, tourism and hospitality. By providing accessible, hands-on training early in young people’s educational journeys, organizers hope to inspire more secondary school students to pursue long-term, rewarding careers in culinary arts and hospitality across the twin-island nation.

  • Rotaract Club of Antigua Leaves Lasting Legacy with First Peace Pole and “Supporting Her Flow Collective”

    Rotaract Club of Antigua Leaves Lasting Legacy with First Peace Pole and “Supporting Her Flow Collective”

    After successfully hosting the long-awaited Rotaract District 7030 Conference, Linked in Wadadli, the Rotaract Club of Antigua has cemented a lasting, meaningful legacy in the Caribbean nation through two landmark initiatives: the installation of the country’s first official Peace Pole and the launch of Supporting Her Flow Collective, a cross-regional project dedicated to advancing menstrual health equity and dignity.

    ## A Permanent Monument to Intentional Peace
    As the centerpiece of the conference’s community impact agenda, the inaugural Peace Pole was permanently installed at Antigua’s Mount St. John’s Medical Centre. Carved with the iconic message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages, Peace Poles are globally recognized symbols that stand for collective hope, cross-cultural unity, and mutual understanding. With thousands of these monuments already placed in public spaces, hospitals, schools, and parks across every inhabited continent, they serve as a constant, visible reminder that global peace starts with individual action and intentional empathy.

    This initiative aligns directly with peacebuilding, one of the seven core focus areas of Rotary International. For decades, Rotary and its youth-focused affiliate Rotaract have advanced dialogue, cross-community understanding, and conflict prevention across the globe through humanitarian work, leadership development, educational outreach, and cross-sector community partnerships.

    At the official unveiling ceremony, representatives from Rotaract clubs spanning District 7030 — which encompasses multiple Caribbean nations — delivered short remarks in both English and French, a deliberate nod to the district’s rich cultural diversity and a powerful illustration that peace messaging transcends national borders and linguistic divides.

    Kayah Ward, the incoming 2025-2026 Community Service Director for the district, emphasized that while most Caribbean nations are spared the devastation of active armed conflict, peace is a universal human right that requires consistent, intentional nurturing. She urged Rotarians and Rotaractors to view the Peace Pole not as a static decorative monument, but as a daily call to practice compassion, open dialogue, mutual understanding, and service within their own homes, clubs, local communities, and national spaces.

    Incoming District Governor 2025–2026 Soraya Warner-Gustave commended Rotaract clubs across the district for bringing the Peace Pole project to fruition, noting that peacebuilding remains a foundational pillar of Rotary’s global mission. She shared particular pride in watching the district’s young leaders translate Rotary’s core values into tangible, on-the-ground action, creating a legacy that will inspire future generations of community leaders across the Caribbean.

    On behalf of the hosting medical institution, Emelda Benjamin of Mount St. John’s Medical Centre thanked the Rotaract Club of Antigua for choosing the facility as the Peace Pole’s permanent home. Reflecting on the ceremony, she highlighted what she called the day’s most resonant takeaway: “Peace is not abstract. Peace must be intentional.” Benjamin added that the monument will stand as a lasting reminder of the value of peace for staff, patients, and visitors at the medical center, and for communities across Antigua and Barbuda as a whole.

    ## Launching a Regional Movement for Menstrual Dignity
    Beyond the peace initiative, the conference marked the official launch of Supporting Her Flow Collective, a regional service project designed to expand access to affordable menstrual hygiene products and raise public awareness of the widespread crisis of period poverty across the Caribbean.

    In the months leading up to the conference, every attending delegate was asked to travel to the event with at least one package of sanitary products. What started as a small, simple ask grew into a large-scale collective act of service, with delegates from across District 7030 contributing hundreds of products to the growing stockpile.

    Romancier Edwards, the conference’s Community Service Lead, expressed gratitude to every delegate whose individual donation made the initiative possible. Edwards emphasized that the collective’s early success is a direct reflection of the generosity, empathy, and shared commitment to community service that unites Rotaractors across the entire Caribbean district.

    The initiative received a significant boost from a private donation: Frank B. Armstrong contributed five full cases of sanitary napkins, dramatically expanding the volume of products available for distribution to vulnerable communities.

    A first portion of the collected supplies was donated to Mount St. John’s Medical Centre, to support patients who face barriers accessing essential menstrual hygiene products during their care. During the handover, Conference Co-Chair Sherwyn Greenidge framed the initiative as a reflection of cross-regional solidarity. “This donation reflects the generosity and unity of Rotaractors from across District 7030, working together to support the health and well-being of the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” Greenidge said. “We hope these items will make a meaningful contribution to the work of the dedicated doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals who serve our community every day.”

    A second allocation of products was presented at Antigua’s Rotary House by Conference Co-Chair Dr. Namadi Belle to Tanya Ambrose, representative of local community organization Scrub Life Cares. Scrub Life Cares works to support frontline healthcare workers and expand access to essential health services through outreach, advocacy, and targeted support for marginalized community members. By partnering with the organization, Supporting Her Flow Collective extends its impact far beyond the conference, allowing Scrub Life Cares to reach more vulnerable people and expand public education around menstrual health across Antigua and Barbuda.

    During the handover, Ambrose explained that period poverty encompasses far more than just a lack of access to pads, tampons, or other products. It includes a range of interconnected barriers that prevent people from managing their periods safely and with dignity: high product costs, limited access to clean water and private sanitary facilities, inadequate comprehensive menstrual health education, persistent cultural stigma and shame, and a lack of supportive policies in schools, workplaces, homes, and community spaces.

    Conference organizers note that Supporting Her Flow Collective embodies the core mission of international humanitarian service. Delegates from across the Caribbean united around a shared goal, proving that small individual contributions can add up to large, lasting, transformative change when people work together. The initiative closed with a call to action for attendees to imagine and build a truly period-friendly Caribbean, where no one experiences shame, exclusion, or limited opportunity because they menstruate.

    This year’s conference marked the first time Antigua and Barbuda has hosted the Rotaract District 7030 gathering in more than 20 years. The two initiatives leave far more than just conference memories: the Peace Pole will stand as a permanent reminder that peace requires intentional daily effort, while Supporting Her Flow Collective will continue to advance menstrual dignity, improved public health, and greater hope for marginalized communities across the region through ongoing service.

    Together, the projects perfectly embody the 2025 conference theme Linked in Wadadli, proving that when people unite across national borders in shared service, they build stronger, more equitable communities and leave a legacy that endures for decades after an event concludes.

  • Cost Pro Supermarket Closes Permanently, Employees Laid Off

    Cost Pro Supermarket Closes Permanently, Employees Laid Off

    In a sudden development impacting the local retail sector of Antigua and Barbuda, Cost Pro Supermarket, an established grocery outlet located at Woods Mall in St. John’s, has permanently ceased all operations. The full staff complement of the supermarket has been terminated on redundancy grounds, ending their ties to the business immediately.

    A formal notification letter dated July 9 from the chain’s management confirmed the permanent closure of the location, noting that all existing positions at the supermarket had been eliminated, leading to the immediate end of every employee’s term of service. In line with the country’s labor regulatory requirements, the company has outlined clear next steps for compensating affected workers.

    According to the announcement, all employees will receive full compensation for hours worked up to their final day of employment. Company officials are currently conducting a comprehensive review of payroll records to calculate all additional owed payments, which include accumulated unused vacation pay, statutory notice pay for eligible workers, and severance packages mandated by Antigua and Barbuda’s labor laws.

    Management has committed to distributing itemized final payment statements to every affected worker no later than July 17. These documents will detail all outstanding amounts owed to employees, after all required statutory deductions have been applied. In a corresponding requirement, workers have been directed to return all company-owned assets in their possession by the same July 17 deadline. This includes work uniforms, facility keys, employee identification cards, work-related equipment and all company documents.

    In a closing statement, Cost Pro Supermarket’s management expressed gratitude to all former employees for their years of service to the company and extended well wishes for their upcoming job searches and future career paths. The shutdown brings a definitive end to the supermarket’s years-long tenure as a retail tenant at the Woods Mall location.

  • Officials Urge Cooperation, Understanding For Exercise Stronghold Day 2

    Officials Urge Cooperation, Understanding For Exercise Stronghold Day 2

    As Antigua and Barbuda prepares to welcome global leaders for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) this November, security agencies and key national stakeholders have dedicated the first half of this Friday to the second day of Exercise Stronghold, a large-scale pre-event readiness drill designed to evaluate the nation’s capacity to host the high-profile summit. A government spokesperson has confirmed that while the drill will bring temporary disruptions to regular business operations, most notably for commercial entities located inside the designated Red Zone security perimeter, the simulation is a non-negotiable component of the advanced planning required to pull off a major international gathering of this scale.

    Over the past two weeks, security teams have conducted door-to-door and business-to-business outreach across the Red Zone, walking residents and enterprise owners through the drill’s objectives and asking for their ongoing cooperation to ensure the exercise runs smoothly. Organizers have also paired these on-the-ground efforts with a broad media campaign to raise public awareness of the drill and explain its critical role in refining final summit security plans. The government has also held direct consultations with key local groups including the Antigua Chamber of Industry and Commerce to pre-empt concerns and request patience from stakeholders operating in affected areas.

    E.P Chet Greene, Chair of the National CHOGM Task Force and the nation’s Foreign Minister, has echoed the call for public support for the exercise, releasing a public statement emphasizing the collective importance of the drill. “To the public, I extend my sincere gratitude. Your cooperation and patience are indispensable to the success of this exercise. Your participation demonstrates the ‘all-of-country’ support that defines us as a people and signals to the world our collective readiness to host this global event,” Greene said.

    The minister also addressed the inevitable disruptions the drill will bring, offering a formal apology for temporary changes to daily routines including traffic slowdowns and limited access to restricted areas. “Please understand that these temporary adjustments are necessary. Proper and effective planning is the only path to ensuring the safety of our international guests and our own people and the overall success of the event,” he emphasized.

    On Thursday, one day ahead of the second phase of the drill, security leaders and partner stakeholders held a debrief to assess the outcomes of Day 1, which was held Wednesday under a soft lockdown protocol. The team used that review to finalize arrangements for Friday’s more extensive simulation, which will operate under a hard lockdown framework. For the full duration of Friday’s drill, no individuals without official event accreditation will be permitted entry to the Red Zone security perimeter, with strict restrictions in place for both vehicle and foot traffic inside the restricted area.

  • Prime Minister Browne Champions Bold “Big Push” Agenda to Double the Size of Eastern Caribbean Economies

    Prime Minister Browne Champions Bold “Big Push” Agenda to Double the Size of Eastern Caribbean Economies

    Against a backdrop of persistent economic headwinds that have held back small island developing states across the Eastern Caribbean for decades, Prime Minister Browne has launched an ambitious, forward-thinking policy agenda dubbed the “Big Push” that aims to double the size of the sub-region’s collective economies over the coming decade.

    Speaking at a regional economic summit hosted in Antigua and Barbuda, Browne, who also serves as chairman of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), framed the initiative as a transformative response to long-standing structural challenges, including heavy reliance on volatile tourism revenue, limited export diversification, chronic infrastructure gaps, and growing vulnerability to climate-related shocks. The agenda centers on five key pillars: targeted investment in renewable energy infrastructure to cut reliance on imported fossil fuels and reduce energy costs for businesses; expansion of the digital economy through improved broadband connectivity and support for tech entrepreneurship; deep integration of regional supply chains to cut cross-border trade costs; targeted investment in upskilling workforces for high-growth emerging sectors; and attracting sustainable foreign direct investment that prioritizes local job creation and community benefits.

    “For far too long, our economies have operated far below their potential, held back by fragmented markets and a dependence on sectors that leave us exposed to global shocks beyond our control,” Browne told attendees. “The Big Push is not just a set of policy proposals—it is a collective commitment to reimagine what our sub-region can achieve. Doubling our economic size will not happen overnight, but with coordinated regional action and aligned investment, it is well within our reach over the next 10 years.”

    Regional stakeholders have broadly welcomed the plan, with many noting that coordinated action is critical for small island economies that lack the scale to compete globally on their own. International financial institutions have also signaled preliminary interest in partnering with the OECS to fund key infrastructure projects outlined in the agenda, though some economists have warned that delivering on the bold target will require consistent policy implementation across member states and strong safeguards to ensure inclusive growth that benefits marginalized communities, rather than just a small segment of the population.

    The initiative comes as Eastern Caribbean economies continue to recover from the devastating economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which collapsed tourism revenue and pushed thousands out of work between 2020 and 2022. Browne emphasized that the “Big Push” will prioritize building more resilient, diversified economies that are better able to withstand future global and climate shocks, rather than simply returning to pre-pandemic growth patterns.

  • Prime Minister Browne Calls for Bold Regional Action to Transform ECCU Economies at ECCB Monetary Council Meeting

    Prime Minister Browne Calls for Bold Regional Action to Transform ECCU Economies at ECCB Monetary Council Meeting

    Against a backdrop of lingering global economic volatility and shifting international trade patterns that continue to pressure small island economies, the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) Monetary Council, hosted by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), convened its latest high-stakes meeting to address pressing economic challenges. At the center of the gathering’s agenda was a clarion call from Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who stepped forward to argue that incremental policy adjustments will no longer be enough to secure long-term prosperity for the bloc’s member states.

    Browne, who also serves as the current chairman of the ECCU Monetary Council, emphasized that the region’s heavy reliance on traditional economic pillars such as tourism and commodity exports has left it disproportionately vulnerable to external shocks. From global recessionary risks to climate-driven natural disasters that can wipe out years of economic progress in days, the status quo leaves nations across the bloc exposed. To reverse this trajectory, Browne pushed for transformative, regionally coordinated action that would diversify economic output, build resilience, and unlock inclusive growth.

    Key priorities laid out by Browne include accelerating the transition to renewable energy across all member islands, investing in digital infrastructure to support the growth of the digital economy and remote work industries, and strengthening cross-border regulatory frameworks to attract more sustainable foreign direct investment. He also noted that deeper integration of regional financial systems, supported by the ECCB’s monetary policy stability, would create a more attractive single market for both local entrepreneurs and international investors.

    The prime minister rejected the idea that small island nations must accept slow growth as an unavoidable reality. Instead, he framed bold collective action as the only path to transforming the ECCU from a region that reacts to crises into one that proactively shapes its own economic future. Attendees at the meeting engaged in robust discussions around Browne’s proposals, with many acknowledging the urgent need for coordinated reform, while also noting that implementation will require aligned political will and targeted investment from both regional and international partners.

    The ECCB, which oversees the common currency shared by ECCU member states, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the proposed reforms through monetary stability and targeted capacity building. Meeting participants agreed to form a working group to flesh out specific implementation timelines and funding mechanisms for the transformative agenda outlined by Browne, with the next progress review scheduled for the council’s upcoming quarterly meeting.

  • Government Approves US$50,000 for Injured Police Officer’s Treatment

    Government Approves US$50,000 for Injured Police Officer’s Treatment

    A senior Caribbean law enforcement officer will receive life-changing emergency medical care overseas after the national cabinet approved nearly $50,000 in public funding to cover his treatment and emergency transport. Senior Sergeant Jeffrey Benjamin, who sustained severe leg injuries in a recent road traffic collision, is scheduled to be airlifted to Trinidad and Tobago this Friday, July 10, in a last-ditch effort to save his injured limb from amputation.

    Of the total approved funding, $40,000 has been allocated through the country’s existing Medical Benefits Scheme to cover the cost of Benjamin’s treatment and inpatient care at Trinidad’s Southern Medical Services facility. An additional $8,104 has been earmarked to cover the full cost of chartering an air ambulance, a critical requirement to safely move the injured officer between islands for specialized care. Government officials confirmed that a portion of the overall medical expenditure is expected to be recovered through existing insurance coverage held by the officer, reducing the net cost to public funds.

    The emergency funding agreement was formalized during a recent meeting between Acting Prime Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin and representatives of the national Police Welfare Association, which has advocated for rapid support for the injured officer. Senior government officials confirmed that cross-ministerial coordination to arrange the overseas treatment has been underway for weeks, with both Health Minister Michael Joseph and Education Minister Daryll Matthew playing key roles in organizing logistics and securing approval for care at the Trinidad facility.

    Officials also moved quickly to refute circulating public claims that government agencies had deliberately delayed processing the assistance for the officer. They clarified that the Trinidad-based hospital only finalized its acceptance of Benjamin as a patient and issued its official treatment invoice this Wednesday, just two days ahead of the scheduled airlift, meaning no unnecessary hold-ups occurred in the approval process.

  • Nine Antiguans Nominated for the 2026 Caribbean Baking Awards in Sint Maarten

    Nine Antiguans Nominated for the 2026 Caribbean Baking Awards in Sint Maarten

    The Caribbean’s most anticipated celebration of baking craftsmanship is gearing up for its 2026 edition, with Antigua and Barbuda set to bring strong local representation to the upcoming Caribbean Baking Awards (CBA) Festival Weekend. Scheduled to take place in Sint Maarten, the three-day industry gathering has announced that nine standout bakers and pastry specialists from the dual-island nation have earned nominations for this year’s prestigious honors.

    Organized by the Caribbean Baking Awards, the annual festival has grown into one of the region’s leading events that ties together baking excellence, culinary tourism, youth skill development, and cross-regional connection. Uniting talented baking professionals from every corner of the Caribbean under the unifying theme “One Caribbean Baking Together,” the event aims to highlight the unique culinary identity of the region while fostering collaboration across borders.

    The weekend of activities opens with the high-stakes Ultimate Bake-Off Competition, where six teams from across the Caribbean will go head-to-head in a live, timed baking challenge. The contest will push participants to showcase not just technical mastery and creative flair, but also their ability to infuse traditional Caribbean flavors into their creations, giving audiences a true taste of regional culinary heritage. Members of the public are welcome to attend all open activities, offering baking enthusiasts a chance to witness world-class skill up close.

    A key highlight of the festival is the Youth Baking Showcase, a dedicated platform designed to lift up the next generation of Caribbean baking talent. The program gives young aspiring bakers the opportunity to display their work to industry leaders, build connections, and inspire more young people to pursue long-term careers in the baking and pastry arts.

    The event will wrap up with the exclusive Caribbean Baking Awards All-White Gala, a formal evening that honors the region’s top bakers, pastry chefs, cake designers, culinary business owners, and industry trailblazers for their extraordinary contributions to growing the Caribbean baking sector.

    To ensure the competition adheres to global industry standards, judging will be led by a diverse international panel of seasoned culinary experts. The panel includes Chef Nadine Anthony from Antigua and Barbuda, Chef Dominic Dart with roots in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, Chef Kareem Brooks of Sint Maarten, and a special celebrity guest judge, Chef Lincoln Alexander, from the United States.

    Shanda Webster-Glasgow, founder and CEO of the Caribbean Baking Awards, emphasized that the steady stream of participation and support from Antigua and Barbuda underscores the country’s deep dedication to advancing culinary excellence and its expanding influence across the regional baking industry. “We are incredibly proud to celebrate the nine nominees representing Antigua and Barbuda this year. Their passion, creativity, and dedication continue to raise the standard of Caribbean baking, and we look forward to welcoming them to Sint Maarten as we celebrate the very best our region has to offer,” Webster-Glasgow said.

    Local residents of Antigua and Barbuda who wish to attend the festival and cheer on their hometown nominees can purchase tickets for the Saturday Ultimate Bake-Off Competition and all associated public festival activities via the official ticketing link: https://www.ticketpulse.events/event/aef2d955-8381-4d49-b5a5-2212b8db77a2/caribbeanbakingawardsfestivalweekend2026fruitopia. For those interested in attending the invite-only All-White Gala, reservations can be made through the official Caribbean Baking Awards channels. Once a reservation is submitted, a member of the CBA organizing team will reach out directly to the guest with an official payment link to finalize their booking.

  • PM Browne reflects on Antigua and Barbuda’s Historic First Nomination for United Nations Secretary General

    PM Browne reflects on Antigua and Barbuda’s Historic First Nomination for United Nations Secretary General

    After the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting wrapped up successfully in Saint Lucia, the leadership of Antigua and Barbuda is celebrating a landmark milestone for the small island nation. For the first time ever since gaining full independence, Antigua and Barbuda has officially put forward a candidate for one of the most high-profile positions in global governance: Secretary-General of the United Nations. This step is far more than a procedural nomination; it stands as a bold demonstration of the country’s growing diplomatic confidence, its expanding engagement in multilateral affairs, and its rising influence on the global stage.

    Antigua and Barbuda has expressed deep honor in nominating and giving its full, unwavering endorsement to Her Excellency María Fernanda Espinosa for this prestigious role. Espinosa brings an extraordinary track record of global leadership to the table, paired with a long-standing, unshakable dedication to advancing multilateral cooperation. Throughout her career, she has consistently been a vocal and effective advocate for pressing global priorities, including sustainable development, enhanced climate resilience, gender equality, and the specific needs and interests of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) — a community that Antigua and Barbuda itself belongs to. According to the nation’s leadership, this combination of focus and experience makes Espinosa uniquely well-suited to steer the United Nations through the unprecedented and interconnected challenges facing the world today. The administration emphasized its full confidence that Espinosa holds the strategic vision, hands-on experience, and uncompromising integrity needed to guide the organization effectively in this critical era.

    Beyond this historic nomination from Antigua and Barbuda, the announcement also highlights the growing strength of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in global politics. Two CARICOM-affiliated candidates with extensive accomplishments are now in the running for the UN Secretary-General position. This dual candidacy reflects the deep pool of talented, principled leaders that the Caribbean region continues to produce, as well as the growing international credibility that CARICOM member states have built through decades of collaborative diplomacy.