Carib Scope

标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • PHOTOS: Road Works Underway in Golden Grove Extension

    PHOTOS: Road Works Underway in Golden Grove Extension

    Transport authorities have issued a public advisory for motorists and local residents regarding ongoing infrastructure maintenance along the Golden Grove Extension corridor. The road rehabilitation initiative, currently in its active phase, necessitates heightened vigilance from all commuters traversing this sector.

    Officials from the Department of Public Works confirmed the project involves comprehensive resurfacing and safety enhancements, part of a broader municipal infrastructure upgrade program. While specific timelines remain fluid, project coordinators estimate completion within the coming fortnight, weather conditions permitting.

    The construction zone features reduced speed limits, temporary traffic control measures, and periodically altered lane configurations. Transportation analysts suggest these necessary improvements will ultimately enhance road safety and traffic flow, though short-term inconveniences are inevitable.

    Commuter advocates recommend exploring alternative routes during peak travel hours where feasible. Emergency service providers have been notified of the temporary traffic pattern changes to ensure uninterrupted response capabilities throughout the construction period.

    Real-time traffic updates are available through the city’s official transportation mobile application and variable message signs positioned along approaching thoroughfares. The public works department emphasizes that all scheduled work complies with contemporary safety standards and environmental regulations.

  • Ministry of Agriculture participated in CHOGM Training

    Ministry of Agriculture participated in CHOGM Training

    Antigua and Barbuda has initiated comprehensive security preparations for the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) through an intensive training program conducted by the Canadian Armed Forces. The two-week workshop, described by participants as exceptionally rigorous, brought together key security personnel from multiple government ministries, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF), the Royal Police Force, and the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

    Held at Camp Blizzard under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the training program represents the initial phase of the nation’s security strategy for hosting the prestigious international gathering. Canadian military experts delivered specialized instruction aimed at enhancing the capabilities of local security forces in managing large-scale international events.

    The collaborative initiative underscores the strengthening bilateral relations between Canada and Antigua and Barbuda while demonstrating the Caribbean nation’s proactive approach to ensuring a secure environment for the high-profile summit. This preparatory phase focuses on establishing robust security protocols, coordination mechanisms, and emergency response procedures necessary for successfully hosting world leaders and dignitaries.

    The training initiative marks a significant milestone in Antigua and Barbuda’s journey toward becoming the third Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member state to host the Commonwealth’s premier political gathering, following The Bahamas (1985) and Trinidad and Tobago (2009).

  • Governor-General Confers Faithful and Meritorious Service Awards at Investiture Ceremony

    Governor-General Confers Faithful and Meritorious Service Awards at Investiture Ceremony

    In a dignified ceremony at Government House, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, presented the Governor-General’s Faithful and Meritorious Service Awards to four exceptional citizens who have made transformative contributions to national development. The investiture ceremony celebrated decades of dedicated service across multiple sectors including cultural preservation, public health, architectural innovation, and sports development.

    The honored recipients included Mr. Eustace ‘Gaytooks’ Harris, recognized for his six-decade commitment to elevating the steelpan as both a national treasure and international symbol of Antiguan and Barbudan cultural identity. Mrs. Phylis Ephena Vanetta Matthew was celebrated for her distinguished work in public health and community development, particularly through nursing leadership and advocacy for marginalized populations.

    Mr. Colin John Jenkins received honors for his pioneering contributions to sustainable architecture and climate-resilient infrastructure development. Mr. Donald Zorol Barthley was acknowledged for his groundbreaking leadership in both sports administration, particularly within West Indies cricket, and business entrepreneurship with significant youth mentorship components.

    Governor-General Williams emphasized that these awards, established by Warrant in 2015, complement the National Honours system by recognizing exemplary service that might otherwise remain unacknowledged. The program specifically aims to encourage sustained excellence and commitment to nation-building while affirming the value of long-term dedicated service.

    The awards framework includes four distinct grades of recognition: the Faithful and Meritorious Service Cross, and the Faithful and Meritorious Service Medal in Gold, Silver, and Bronze classifications, each reflecting varying levels of achievement and service duration. His Excellency noted that nominations typically originate through community applications, highlighting how exceptional service often occurs without public visibility unless formally brought forward by organizations or institutions.

    Concluding the ceremony, the Governor-General and Lady Williams extended holiday greetings and expressed aspirations for a unified and productive 2026 marked by continued national progress and community service.

  • Antigua and Barbuda to Pay Outstanding Public Sector Wages From Covid Period

    Antigua and Barbuda to Pay Outstanding Public Sector Wages From Covid Period

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda has unveiled a definitive roadmap to reimburse public sector employees for income disruptions experienced throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. This initiative directly addresses longstanding grievances over unpaid wages, reduced hours, and mandatory leave without pay that affected numerous civil servants during the national emergency.

    In an official directive, all permanent secretaries across government ministries have been mandated to spearhead the claims process. Their primary responsibility involves the comprehensive collection and rigorous validation of compensation claims from eligible personnel. The administration has set a firm submission deadline of December 31, 2025, for all documented claims to be filed through the appropriate ministerial channels.

    Following the verification phase, the National Treasury Department will assume responsibility for processing the validated financial claims. The government projects that the actual disbursement of funds will commence in January 2026, providing a clear timeline for affected workers awaiting restitution.

    This compensation program represents a significant component of the government’s broader strategy to mitigate the severe financial hardships precipitated by pandemic-related restrictions. Officials are strongly encouraging all eligible public servants to adhere to the announced deadline to facilitate seamless processing and ensure timely receipt of payments. This development is anticipated to receive widespread approval from labor unions and public sector advocates who have consistently lobbied for resolution of these outstanding salary issues.

  • CARICOM Voices Concern Over US Entry Restrictions on Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica

    CARICOM Voices Concern Over US Entry Restrictions on Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica

    The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has formally expressed apprehension regarding recent immigration measures enacted by the United States government. On December 16, 2025, the US issued a proclamation imposing partial entry restrictions on nationals from Antigua and Barbuda and the Commonwealth of Dominica, prompting a diplomatic response from the regional body.

    While acknowledging the sovereign right of nations to regulate border entry, CARICOM’s Bureau of the Conference of Heads of Government highlighted several significant concerns. The organization emphasized that the decision was implemented without prior consultation, despite the potential for adverse consequences on legitimate travel and people-to-people exchanges. The move is particularly troubling for these small island states, where such restrictions could substantially impact social and economic well-being.

    Additionally, CARICOM raised questions regarding the ambiguous status of existing visas beyond January 1, 2026, noting that the lack of clarity creates uncertainty for travelers and diplomatic relations. The regional group has called for immediate engagement between US authorities and the governments of affected nations to clarify the proclamation’s provisions and address outstanding issues.

    Reaffirming its commitment to international cooperation, CARICOM emphasized the importance of dialogue founded on mutual respect, shared interests, and adherence to the rule of law. The organization continues to prioritize regional prosperity and the welfare of Caribbean citizens through diplomatic channels, hoping to resolve the matter in accordance with the longstanding partnership between the United States and CARICOM member states.

  • U.S Visa Update From Sir Ronald Sanders Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States

    U.S Visa Update From Sir Ronald Sanders Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States

    In a significant diplomatic development, Antigua and Barbuda has secured crucial assurances from the United States regarding visa arrangements following Washington’s recent security proclamation. Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders, acting under direct instructions from Prime Minister Gaston Browne, held high-level discussions with U.S. State Department officials to address concerns arising from the December 16, 2025 proclamation restricting foreign national entry.

    The negotiations yielded three key agreements that provide substantial protection for Antiguan and Barbudan citizens. First, all currently valid U.S. visas held by passport holders will remain fully recognized and accepted for entry without exception. This comprehensive protection covers all visa categories including tourist (B-1/B-2), exchange visitor (J), and student (M) visas.

    Second, U.S. authorities confirmed there will be no revocation of any visas issued to nationals prior to December 31, 2025. This guarantee provides stability for existing visa holders amid changing security protocols.

    Third, for new visa applications submitted after December 31, 2025, both governments will develop mutually agreeable arrangements focusing specifically on biometric information collection. The enhanced system will ensure full compatibility with U.S. biometric standards while applying equally to all citizens regardless of acquisition method—whether by birth, descent, naturalization, or investment.

    Ambassador Sanders expressed appreciation for the constructive engagement from U.S. officials, acknowledging America’s security concerns while emphasizing Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to cooperative security measures. The agreement represents a balanced approach that protects U.S. national security interests while preserving legitimate travel and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.

  • UPP Expresses Gratitude to Cuba for Decades of Medical and Educational Support

    UPP Expresses Gratitude to Cuba for Decades of Medical and Educational Support

    The United Progressive Party (UPP) of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a formal commendation honoring the Republic of Cuba for its decades of substantial contributions to the nation’s development. This praise specifically highlights the pivotal role of Cuban medical diplomacy, which deployed hundreds of healthcare professionals to serve the Antiguan and Barbudan populace.

    A cornerstone of this bilateral cooperation was the acclaimed Eye-Care Programme, implemented during the UPP administration of former Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer. This initiative provided critical ophthalmological services, delivering life-changing care to hundreds of citizens and establishing a benchmark for international medical collaboration.

    Beyond healthcare, Cuba’s educational assistance program is recognized as a transformative force. The UPP emphasized that hundreds of Antiguan students received university-level training in diverse professional disciplines—opportunities that would have been financially unattainable for most families. This investment in human capital is credited with elevating numerous graduates and their families from poverty, thereby securing a more prosperous socioeconomic future.

    The UPP’s statement also reflected on the profound mutual respect and affection shared between Cuban officials and party representatives, characterizing the long-term relationship as genuinely cordial and productive. A note of regret was expressed regarding the current administration’s decision to abruptly terminate this partnership, which the UPP deemed mutually beneficial. Concluding with a pledge of enduring gratitude, the party assured Cuba that its generosity, offered from its own limited resources, would remain etched in the nation’s memory and prayers.

  • The Loc’d Lounge Graduates First Cohort of SereniTeaLocs™ Certified Loc Guides

    The Loc’d Lounge Graduates First Cohort of SereniTeaLocs™ Certified Loc Guides

    ANTIGUA – The Loc’d Lounge has ushered in a transformative chapter for professional dreadlock care with the graduation of its inaugural SereniTeaLocsTM Certified Loc Guides cohort. This landmark achievement, celebrated on November 9th at The Listening Spa in Bay Gardens, establishes a new benchmark for specialized loc education and professional standards throughout the Caribbean region.

    The ceremony honored six women who successfully completed the intensive certification curriculum—the first program of its kind in Antigua. SereniTeaLocsTM represents a holistic educational model that integrates advanced technical training in small and tiny loc installation with critical components of client psychology, service excellence, and essential business development skills.

    Master Loc Guide and Founder Thea Joseph Baynes developed this proprietary methodology to revolutionize the industry through disciplined precision and professional integrity. “SereniTeaLocsTM was created to bring precision and professionalism to Crown care,” Joseph Baynes stated. “Our graduates are equipped not only with technical mastery but also with the mindset, discipline, and profound understanding of the responsibility inherent in caring for another person’s Crown.”

    The comprehensive training encompassed Sacred Crown Assessment techniques, advanced client consultation protocols, and specialized business development strategies. The graduation ceremony featured distinguished guests including Ms. Tarsha Henry (Finance and Business Development), Ms. Sharifa, and Mrs. Tiffany Tonge-Knowles (Program Editor and Guest Speaker).

    The Loc’d Lounge extended gratitude to community partners including Dwayna Joseph of The Listening Spa for providing the venue, Meg Total Wellness and Devoncial Ralph of Rae-el Collections for gift contributions, Moore Moments Photography for documentation, and Kanesha James of Basil Box for culinary services.

    This pioneering program aims to cultivate a regional network of technically excellent, ethically-grounded professionals who can transform loc care into a sustainable, values-driven career. With applications now open for the 2026 certification cycle, SereniTeaLocsTM is positioned to become the definitive standard for professional loc education across the Caribbean.

    Prospective applicants can find program details and enrollment information at www.thelocdlounge.co.

  • MBS spends more than $40m a year on NCD drugs and overseas care

    MBS spends more than $40m a year on NCD drugs and overseas care

    Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare system is grappling with a significant financial burden, as revealed by Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph. The nation’s Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) allocates over $40 million annually to address mounting health challenges, primarily driven by non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

    Minister Joseph, speaking at the inauguration of a new polyclinic, provided a detailed breakdown of this substantial expenditure. Approximately $25 million is channeled each year into pharmaceutical purchases through the OECD Drug Procurement Programme, a strategic partnership that helps mitigate medication costs. The majority of these drugs are essential for managing chronic conditions, with diabetes treatments representing a considerable portion.

    An additional $15 million is dedicated to overseas medical referrals for specialized treatments not available within the country’s domestic healthcare infrastructure. Minister Joseph expressed deep concern over the ‘alarming’ escalation in NCD-related fatalities, directly linking this trend to lifestyle factors. He emphasized the critical importance of preventive healthcare strategies, advocating for improved nutrition and regular physical activity supported by broader collaborative efforts.

    MBS Board Chairman Sir Heston Benjamin highlighted that the newly opened polyclinic pharmacy aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and patient convenience. Andre Howell, Head of MBS Pharmaceutical Services, noted that the facility represents an evolution in healthcare delivery, reflecting an increased focus on chronic illness management including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory conditions.

    The ceremonial opening concluded with a ribbon-cutting event attended by Minister Joseph and Keston Simon, Chief Executive of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, marking a significant step in the nation’s healthcare modernization efforts.

  • PLH advances Barbuda projects with focus on training and environmental protection

    PLH advances Barbuda projects with focus on training and environmental protection

    The PLH Group is charting a progressive course for its development initiatives on the island of Barbuda, placing significant emphasis on two core pillars: comprehensive local workforce training and rigorous environmental protection protocols. This dual-focused strategy aims to ensure that the ambitious projects not only boost economic prospects but also foster sustainable growth and ecological stewardship.

    Central to this approach is the creation of specialized training programs designed to equip Barbudan residents with high-value skills in construction, hospitality, and environmental management. This initiative is poised to generate long-term employment opportunities and empower the local community, enabling them to actively participate in and benefit from the island’s development trajectory.

    Concurrently, PLH has committed to implementing a robust framework for environmental conservation. This includes measures to protect fragile coastal ecosystems, preserve native wildlife habitats, and integrate green building standards across all developments. The group is collaborating with environmental experts and local conservation bodies to minimize the ecological footprint of its operations, ensuring that natural beauty and biodiversity are maintained for future generations.

    The integrated model of prioritizing both human capital and environmental integrity represents a modern paradigm for responsible development in sensitive island regions, balancing economic advancement with unwavering commitments to community and conservation.