标签： Antigua and Barbuda

In a strategic shift toward optimized infrastructure management, the government has implemented a novel approach to housing development by establishing a dedicated Roads Division within National Housing. This innovative program enables construction workers to be dynamically reassigned between housing projects and road construction tasks based on real-time workflow requirements.

During the recent Budget Debate, Housing Minister Maria Browne detailed how this operational restructuring addresses the chronic issue of workforce idleness during transitional phases between housing construction cycles. Rather than maintaining workers on standby, the ministry now redeploys them to accelerate road infrastructure development within housing communities.

This cross-functional workforce deployment model specifically targets the persistent challenge of delayed road completion in residential areas. By maintaining continuous employment for construction teams across complementary infrastructure projects, the government achieves dual objectives: maximizing labor efficiency and eliminating bottlenecks that traditionally leave new communities with unfinished access roads.

The program has already demonstrated tangible progress in multiple housing developments. Construction crews have completed or are actively working on road networks in Cedar Valley and Pearns, addressing long-standing complaints from residents about inadequate road access to their communities.

Government officials emphasize that this integrated approach eliminates bureaucratic delays associated with separate contracting processes for road construction. The in-house Roads Division enables National Housing to respond immediately to infrastructure needs without undergoing external procurement procedures.

This initiative represents a fundamental rethinking of public works coordination, ensuring synchronized development of housing and supporting infrastructure. The model is projected to continue through at least 2026 as part of the government’s comprehensive infrastructure and housing development agenda.

In a significant policy shift, the government has overhauled its approach to repairing leaking roofs on public buildings after an initially deployed specialized sealant failed to meet performance expectations. The disclosure came from Housing and Works Minister Maria Browne during the recent Budget Debate, where she addressed ongoing concerns about mold and air quality issues plaguing government facilities.

The ministry’s initial intervention involved applying a specific sealant compound to combat water intrusion identified as a primary contributor to moisture accumulation and mold proliferation. However, post-application assessment revealed the material’s performance was unsatisfactory, failing to provide the durable barrier required for long-term protection.

This operational setback triggered a comprehensive review process that ultimately led to the adoption of a fundamentally different sealing compound. Technical experts within the Ministry of Works have endorsed the new material as substantially more effective in creating watertight seals that prevent moisture penetration. The upgraded compound has now been standardized across all government roof repair and remediation initiatives.

The material substitution represents a critical component of the broader Public Sector Building Enhancement Programme, which aims to systematically address structural deficiencies and environmental hazards in government-owned properties. Rather than pursuing repetitive temporary patches, the revised protocol emphasizes sustainable solutions that extend structural longevity and improve indoor environmental conditions.

With the 2026 infrastructure work programme approaching, officials emphasize that the revised methodology incorporates valuable lessons from previous repair campaigns. The adaptive approach demonstrates the government’s commitment to evidence-based maintenance strategies and continuous improvement in public asset management.

The Antiguan government has initiated a transformative policy shift in its housing strategy, moving from primarily distributing land parcels to directly constructing completed homes for citizens. Housing Minister Maria Browne announced this fundamental reorientation of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHAPA) during the recent Budget Debate, signaling a new approach to addressing the nation’s housing challenges.

This strategic pivot responds to a persistent problem where numerous working families acquired land through government programs but found themselves unable to build homes due to financial constraints. Skyrocketing construction expenses, restricted access to affordable financing, and prohibitive interest rates have left countless distributed plots undeveloped despite years of land allocation efforts.

Minister Browne emphasized that CHAPA has recognized land ownership alone cannot resolve housing inadequacies. While property acquisition represented progress, the absence of viable construction options meant many families remained without adequate shelter. The new methodology specifically targets middle-income residents who fall between eligibility for heavily subsidized housing programs and ability to finance private construction.

This policy evolution represents a concerted effort to bridge the gap between property ownership and habitable housing, particularly benefiting long-term renters seeking stability but facing market barriers. Government officials indicate the revised approach aims to align housing initiatives more directly with citizens’ actual living conditions—focusing not merely on land possession but on delivering functional residences.

The housing strategy overhaul is anticipated to integrate into a comprehensive 2026 national housing plan, featuring innovative low-cost home designs and expanded construction initiatives across multiple communities. This holistic approach addresses both infrastructure development and financial accessibility, potentially establishing new benchmarks for affordable housing solutions in the Caribbean region.

Youth Arise Antigua has culminated its 2025 operations with two significant community engagement projects, demonstrating the organization’s sustained dedication to social welfare and youth development under Makiba Ward’s guidance.

The first initiative occurred on November 29, 2025, at Fiennes Institute Nursing Home, where the organization conducted a Thanksgiving Lunch for elderly residents. Volunteers and members participated in meal service activities while establishing meaningful interpersonal connections with seniors. The event emphasized respect for older generations and highlighted the value of cross-generational relationships within community structures. Participants reported an atmosphere characterized by mutual appreciation and emotional fulfillment for both volunteers and residents.

On December 13, 2025, the organization executed its annual Christmas Toy Drive, distributing more than 200 gifts to children throughout St John’s metropolitan area. This charitable endeavor brought festive celebrations to numerous families through contributions from donors and organizational members, ensuring widespread holiday enjoyment across the community.

Concurrently, Youth Arise Antigua has commenced membership recruitment for the 2026 operational year. The registration period opened December 1, 2025 and will continue through January 16, 2026. The organization seeks motivated individuals committed to community advancement and youth-driven development projects throughout Antigua and Barbuda.

Future objectives include expanded community outreach, enhanced partnership networks, and increased youth participation in national development initiatives, maintaining the organization’s core mission of service-oriented action and compassionate engagement.

A groundbreaking educational initiative combining academic reinforcement with comprehensive wellness support has been launched at Five Islands Primary School and Greenbay Primary School in Antigua. This innovative program represents a holistic approach to student development, addressing both educational needs and health requirements that fundamentally impact learning capabilities.

The program operates on the principle that academic excellence and physical wellbeing are intrinsically linked. By simultaneously strengthening instructional support systems and health outcomes, the initiative creates an optimized environment where students can achieve their maximum potential. The project enjoys political backing from Senator Michael Joseph, ABLP Caretaker for St. John’s Rural West, who serves as Junior Minister in the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs.

Academic enhancement components include structured after-school instruction for Grade Six students in Mathematics and English Language. Two specialized educators—one dedicated to mathematics instruction and another focusing on English—deliver targeted academic support four days weekly. Students participate in rotating group sessions to ensure balanced exposure to both subjects. These additional instructional hours serve multiple purposes: reinforcing classroom learning, recovering lost instructional time, and preparing students more effectively for national standardized assessments.

While the schools maintain responsibility for the academic framework, the program receives substantial augmentation through financial assistance, vitamin supplements, and additional resources provided through senatorial support, ensuring successful implementation.

The wellness dimension constitutes a equally critical component, with all participating students receiving daily nutritional supplements specifically formulated to support immune function, cognitive development, and overall health. The supplementation regimen includes multivitamins, DHA, vitamin C, and elderberry, complementing existing school meal programs. This nutritional support aims to reduce illness-related absenteeism while promoting sustained engagement in learning activities. Each student receives a three-month supply of supplements for administration under parental supervision, with continuation evaluated based on observed outcomes.

School administrators have enthusiastically endorsed the initiative as a timely intervention. Principal Alden James of Five Islands Primary School emphasized that the extended learning hours provide a structured, supervised environment during after-school periods. Acting Principal Cleopatra Henry of Greenbay Primary School highlighted the program’s dual approach to addressing both academic deficiencies and nutritional challenges affecting student populations.

Currently, more than 95 Grade Six students across both institutions are participating in the comprehensive program. Implementation will be closely monitored throughout the academic year, with performance metrics utilized to evaluate effectiveness. Successful outcomes may lead to program expansion in subsequent academic years, potentially extending the integrated approach to additional grade levels and schools.

This initiative reflects a broader commitment to youth development in St. John’s Rural West, aligning educational support with wellness interventions to not only improve examination results but also foster long-term student success and resilience.

The nation of Antigua and Barbuda is in mourning following the passing of Sir Gerald Owen Anderson Watt, KCN, KC, a towering figure in the country’s legal and political landscape. His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, and Her Excellency Lady Williams have issued official condolences expressing profound sorrow at the loss of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives.

In their tribute, the Governor-General and Lady Williams highlighted Sir Gerald’s exceptional decades-long career in public service, during which he held multiple prestigious positions including Attorney General, Parliamentarian, Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission, and President of the Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association. His most notable role as long-serving Speaker of the House of Representatives spanned over a decade, where he demonstrated remarkable dedication to parliamentary procedures and democratic principles.

Renowned for his formidable legal intellect and spirited demeanor, Sir Gerald was celebrated for his unwavering convictions and readiness to engage in vigorous debate. His distinctive combination of intellectual rigor and outspoken nature brought substantial clarity and courage to critical national discussions concerning legal frameworks, governance structures, and constitutional matters. This significant contribution played a pivotal role in strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s democratic institutions.

Throughout his distinguished career—whether in parliamentary chambers, courtrooms, or public forums—Sir Gerald consistently commanded respect for his principled positions and steadfast commitment to advancing the nation’s best interests. His tenure as Speaker was particularly noted for its passion, thoroughness, and profound respect for the responsibilities inherent to the office.

The Governor-General and Lady Williams emphasized that Sir Gerald’s legacy of exemplary public service, intellectual bravery, and national devotion will endure in the nation’s collective memory. His absence will be deeply felt across the legal and political spheres.

Their Excellencies have extended heartfelt sympathies to the Watt family, offering assurances of prayers and support during this period of profound loss and reflection for the nation.