Police Constable Karim Warner is challenging his one-year prison sentence after being convicted of unlawfully discharging a firearm during a heated confrontation in Willikies last December. The incident occurred near the Emerald Cove Resort, where Warner was involved in a dispute over a rental vehicle he owned. According to court testimonies, Warner allegedly blocked the renters’ Toyota Mark X with his Lexus and demanded they exit the vehicle. When a female passenger suggested resolving the matter at a police station, Warner reportedly drew his firearm and fired multiple shots, striking the car’s rear panel, trunk, and a front tire. The passenger testified that she was so terrified during the incident that she lost control of her bladder. Warner denied the prosecution’s claims, stating he only fired a few shots in self-defense to protect his property. However, Senior Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel dismissed his defense, ruling that firing twelve bullets was a “grossly disproportionate” use of force. Warner, who wept as the verdict was read, has now taken his case to the Court of Appeal. His attorney, Andrew Okola, filed the appeal shortly after the October 1 conviction. The case continues to draw attention as it highlights issues of property disputes and the appropriate use of force by law enforcement officers.

The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment has unveiled the eagerly awaited Tourism Week 2025, set to take place from November 22 to 29. This year’s theme, “Our People, Our Culture, Our Environment in Full Thrive,” highlights the integral role of Antigua and Barbuda’s citizens, cultural heritage, and natural beauty in fostering a sustainable and prosperous tourism industry. The event marks the official commencement of the Winter Tourism Season, serving as a platform for reflection, celebration, and renewed dedication to the nation’s leading economic sector.

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Brian Emmanuel Sims, CEO of Got Stamps? Travel LLC, has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts during a recent visit to Antigua and Barbuda. The Hon. H. Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, expressed profound gratitude for Sims’ timely donation of cash, sporting equipment, and school supplies to Cedar Grove Primary School. The gesture came at a pivotal moment for the school, which had recently faced challenges due to vandalism. During a courtesy visit, Minister Fernandez presented Sims with a handcrafted Wari board, a traditional game symbolizing friendship, strategy, and community resilience. Fernandez praised Sims for his commitment to giving back while on vacation, highlighting the personal significance of the school to the CEO. Sims, whose travel company promotes Antigua and Barbuda as a premier destination, shared that the trip deepened his connection to the island. “Antigua has exceeded all our expectations. It only felt right to give back to a place we’ve grown to love,” he remarked. Got Stamps? Travel LLC, based in the U.S., is known for its unique blend of leisure, culture, and philanthropy, ensuring travelers leave destinations better than they found them. The donation not only provided material support but also uplifted the school community during a difficult time. Minister Fernandez emphasized the cultural significance of the Wari board, describing it as a piece of Antigua’s heritage and a symbol of the island’s enduring spirit.

The family of Merlissa Jhero, in collaboration with the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, has issued a heartfelt plea for public assistance in locating the young woman, who has been reported missing. Relatives have expressed growing concern as Merlissa has not been seen for an extended period, and all attempts to reach her have proven futile. Authorities are urging anyone with even the slightest information to come forward and contact the police at 781-1990 or visit the nearest police station. The Royal Police Force emphasized that no detail is too small, as it could be crucial in ensuring Merlissa’s safe return. The community is being called upon to rally together and provide any leads that might help bring her home. Meanwhile, the family remains hopeful and is relying on the collective efforts of the public and law enforcement to resolve this distressing situation.

Telecommunications provider Flow has issued a critical public alert regarding a surge in scam calls targeting residents of Antigua and Barbuda. The company revealed that fraudsters are impersonating Flow representatives, attempting to extract sensitive personal information such as email addresses, verification codes, and urging victims to click on malicious links or claim non-existent prizes. These deceptive tactics aim to exploit unsuspecting customers, potentially leading to identity theft or financial loss. Flow has strongly advised residents to immediately disconnect any suspicious calls and refrain from engaging with the callers. To assist customers in verifying the authenticity of communications, the company has provided official contact numbers: 1-268-764-9238 and 1-800-804-2994. This advisory is part of Flow’s broader initiative to safeguard its customers from fraudulent activities and enhance cybersecurity awareness. The company emphasized the importance of vigilance and encouraged individuals to report any suspicious interactions to their customer service team promptly.

The rental market in Antigua has reached a critical juncture, with escalating prices and stagnant wages creating a dire situation for residents. Despite working full-time or juggling multiple jobs, many individuals find themselves unable to afford basic housing. Landlords, capitalizing on the demand, are raising rents without making necessary property improvements, exacerbating the crisis. The lack of government intervention and regulatory oversight has allowed this issue to spiral out of control, with decision-makers seemingly indifferent to the plight of their constituents. The situation is further aggravated by the practice of property hoarding, where multiple homes remain vacant for years, driving up scarcity and prices. The rental market’s focus on expats and short-term renters, who can afford inflated USD prices, has marginalized locals, pushing them into shared or substandard living conditions well into their 30s and 40s. The silence from policymakers is deafening, raising questions about their priorities and commitment to addressing this pressing issue. Urgent reforms are needed, including rent caps, serious regulations of the rental market, and policies to penalize long-term vacancies. Incentives for long-term rentals and measures to disallow short-term rentals in certain areas could help alleviate the crisis. The time for action is now, as the failure to treat housing as a human necessity rather than a profit machine continues to have devastating consequences for the community.

The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), acting on behalf of the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board, has issued a public notice urging drivers of vehicles designated for emergency or disaster use to return them to the Government’s Motor Pool immediately. This directive aims to ensure that these vehicles are properly accounted for and maintained, ready for deployment in future crises. The announcement underscores the importance of preparedness in disaster management, particularly in a region prone to natural disasters. The notice also highlights the collaborative efforts between NODS and the Transport Board to streamline emergency response mechanisms. Additionally, the message includes a promotional offer for advertising on Antigua’s most visited news site, emphasizing customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. For inquiries, interested parties are encouraged to contact [email protected].

The highly anticipated town hall meeting in All Saints West, organized by Member of Parliament Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions. Originally set for Friday, October 17, at Seaview Farm Primary School, the event has been rescheduled to Thursday, October 23, starting at 8 p.m. The decision was made with public safety in mind, ensuring residents can attend without risk. The meeting will address critical local issues, including road improvements, water system upgrades, healthcare services, security measures, and economic opportunities. Prime Minister Gaston Browne is slated to attend as a special guest, providing updates on financial policies, economic development, and his government’s vision for the constituency. Other notable speakers include Hon. Melford Nicholas, Minister responsible for the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA); Hon. Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Health; Hon. Maria Browne, Minister of Public Works; and Hon. Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin, Minister of National Security. Organizers emphasize the importance of community participation and encourage residents to join the rescheduled event under the banner of #WeStillLegitWithSmith. The discussion will continue to focus on infrastructure projects and community development plans, aiming to foster progress and address local concerns.