Global Pulse

标签： Europe

欧洲

  • Antigua Is Getting a World-Class Cruise Passenger Terminal

    Antigua Is Getting a World-Class Cruise Passenger Terminal

    SOURCE: CARIBBEAN JOURNAL- A new world-class passenger terminal is nearing completion at Antigua Cruise Port, part of the first phase of the Upland Development project set to be finished by November 2025. Designed to support the island’s growing homeporting operations, the development will also introduce a mix of shopping and dining venues aimed at showcasing the culture and appeal of Antigua and Barbuda as a leading Caribbean cruise destination.

    Officials received a comprehensive walkthrough of the site earlier this month, including Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Minister of Tourism Charles Fernandez, during a scheduled progress update. The project, located along Newgate Street in St. John’s, is a central component of the port’s broader landside redevelopment.

    The terminal is being developed through a public-private partnership with Global Ports Holding, which manages operations at Antigua Cruise Port. Once completed, the new facility is expected to elevate the island’s ability to handle cruise traffic, particularly as demand for homeporting in the Eastern Caribbean continues to grow.

    Alongside the terminal, the Upland Development will include retail and dining spaces intended to enhance the visitor experience while creating new opportunities for local businesses. The goal is to deliver a modern, efficient port district that reflects both the operational needs of the cruise sector and the distinct identity of Antigua and Barbuda.

    It’s the latest project in the region for Global Ports Holding, which led the massive transformation of the Nassau Cruise Port and manages San Juan and Saint Lucia’s ports, both of which are also being transformed.

    Cruise traffic to Antigua has continued to trend upward. According to port officials, cruise calls during the most recent season increased by more than 10 percent compared to the previous year, while homeporting activity grew by over 20 percent — a sign of Antigua’s expanding role in the regional cruise landscape.

    The project is also generating new investment in the surrounding area, with nearby developments underway as local entrepreneurs respond to the changing dynamics of the port zone. A second phase of construction is expected to follow, further expanding the footprint of the redevelopment.

  • Five Islands Man Injured in West Bus Station Shooting

    Five Islands Man Injured in West Bus Station Shooting

    A 32-year-old man from Five Islands is recovering after being shot at the West Bus Station on Sunday night. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

    Amid a surge in gun-related violence across Antigua and Barbuda, authorities have stepped up efforts to curb the spread of illegal firearms. The government, working closely with law enforcement, has launched several initiatives aimed at getting weapons off the streets.

    Penalties for gun-related offences have been toughened, and police have already seized multiple illegal firearms this year.

  • Minister Turner Pays Tribute to Disability Advocate Regan Calliste Following Sudden Death

    Minister Turner Pays Tribute to Disability Advocate Regan Calliste Following Sudden Death

    Social Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner has paid tribute to Regan Calliste, the Director of the National Vocational and Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, who died suddenly on Friday afternoon at a KFC drive-thru.

    Calliste was a long-serving official within Turner’s ministry and was widely regarded as a passionate advocate for persons living with disabilities.

    In a statement posted to social media, Minister Turner described Calliste as “a kind soul” and a colleague whose dedication to inclusion and empowerment left a lasting mark.

    “It is with profound sadness that I acknowledge the sudden and tragic passing of Mr Regan Calliste,” Turner wrote. “Regan was not just a colleague — he was a kind soul.”

    He also reflected on their shared efforts to renovate and relaunch the rehabilitation centre later this year—an initiative Calliste championed. “He poured his heart into that mission, and it breaks mine that he will not see it come to life,” Turner said.

    The minister extended condolences on behalf of the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation to Calliste’s family, friends, and all those impacted by his work.

    “Rest well, Regan,” he added. “Your light will continue to shine in the lives you’ve touched and in the work we will carry forward in your honour.”

    Calliste’s death has left a significant void in the ministry and among the many who benefited from his service. His legacy as a tireless advocate for the disabled community is expected to endure.

  • VIDEO: PM Browne Acknowledges Beach Access Issues, Criticises UPP’s Handling and Rhetoric

    VIDEO: PM Browne Acknowledges Beach Access Issues, Criticises UPP’s Handling and Rhetoric

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has acknowledged ongoing concerns around beach access in Antigua and Barbuda but criticised the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) for what he described as hypocritical and politically damaging behaviour.

    Speaking on his _Browne and Browne_ radio show, the Prime Minister said that while challenges with beach access exist in some areas, many of the issues date back decades and are not the result of recent government policy.

    “I accept that there’s a challenge with beach access in many instances,” Browne said. “That’s an issue we’re going to have to try and recalibrate and resolve.”

    However, he argued that the UPP is wrongly attempting to lay the blame solely at the feet of his administration, despite being in office for over a decade themselves in the past.

    “When you look at Emerald Cove, that place has been fenced since the VC Bird administration,” he said. “The UPP was in government for ten and a quarter years. They did nothing about it. But now, they want to act like it’s a problem created by the current administration.”

    Browne criticised the opposition’s approach to recent disputes over access points, saying their confrontational tactics with developers were counterproductive and alienating investors.

  • SLBMC Quality Manager Participates in Regional Public Health Meeting in Guyana

    SLBMC Quality Manager Participates in Regional Public Health Meeting in Guyana

    Barbara Joseph, Quality Manager for Laboratory Services at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC), recently participated in the Caribbean Public Health Laboratory Network (CaribPHLN) Regional Meeting held in Guyana from 24 to 26 July.

    The gathering brought together public health leaders from across the Caribbean to discuss strategies for strengthening the region’s laboratory systems and improving public health responses.

    Key topics included the expansion of laboratory networks, enhanced outbreak preparedness, measures to tackle antimicrobial resistance, and the adoption of safer sample transport protocols.

    The meeting placed strong emphasis on capacity building, with the aim of improving the region’s ability to detect and respond swiftly to emerging health threats, while ensuring more secure and effective patient care.

  • PM Browne Arrives in Grenada for AfriCaribbean Trade Forum

    PM Browne Arrives in Grenada for AfriCaribbean Trade Forum

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has arrived in Grenada for the 2025 AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF), where over 1,800 delegates are expected to gather for high-level discussions on boosting economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

    Browne received a warm welcome at Maurice Bishop International Airport ahead of the two-day event in St George’s. He is joined by Port Manager Darwin Telemaque, Ambassador Devin Joseph, and other government officials.

    ACTIF, now in its fourth year, is organised by Afreximbank in partnership with CARICOM and aims to deepen trade, investment, and cultural collaboration across key sectors including agriculture, tourism, and finance.

    Despite current trade levels between Africa and the Caribbean accounting for less than 1% of total exports, recent forecasts from the International Trade Centre suggest this could grow to over US$2.1 billion in the coming years.

    This year’s forum, running from 28–29 July, centres on resilience and transformation amid global challenges and is seen as a critical platform for advancing shared prosperity across both regions.

  • VIDEO: Power Affected Over Truck Accident

    VIDEO: Power Affected Over Truck Accident

    The APUA Electricity Business Unit would like to inform customers about an emergency unplanned outage affecting those serviced by the Central Feeder due to a truck pulling down some secondary lines.

    We assure our customers that our team have been dispatched and are working diligently to resolve this issue and restore normal service as quickly as possible.

    We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

    The affected areas include: Wapping Lane, North Street , Lower Newgate Street and Bishopsgate Street.

  • VIDEO: Lamppost Falls on Delivery Truck in Point Area

    VIDEO: Lamppost Falls on Delivery Truck in Point Area

    Emergency crews were called to the Point area on Saturday morning after a lamppost toppled onto a delivery truck.

    The incident occurred along a residential stretch of road, where the vehicle was reportedly making its rounds when the pole suddenly gave way and crashed onto its roof. No serious injuries have been reported, but the truck sustained visible damage.

    Motorists were temporarily diverted as crews cleared the debris.

    Authorities are investigating. APUA said in a statement that the truck pulled down secondary utility lines.

  • Dominica Confirms Premium VIP Experience for 25th World Creole Music Festival

    Dominica Confirms Premium VIP Experience for 25th World Creole Music Festival

    The Ministry of Tourism, Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) and Dominica Festivals Committee (DFC) confirm that a premium VIP Experience will remain a central feature of the 25th edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), set for October 24–26, 2025.

    The announcement follows confirmation that Radiance Productions and NexConneX, who co-led the VIP experience in recent years, will not be participating in WCMF25. In a public statement issued on July 23, the companies cited scheduling misalignment with their internal planning as the reason for their withdrawal. All financial matters between the DDA and NexConneX have been amicably settled.

    As preparations for this landmark edition advance, the DDA and DFC express gratitude to Radiance Productions and NexConneX for their six years of contributions in enhancing the VIP experience. Their partnership has played a significant role in shaping the festival’s premium service offering.

    To support transparency and competitive participation in this year’s planning, the DDA launched a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) process for the 2025 VIP Experience. All interested providers, including Radiance Productions and NexConneX, were informed of the submission guidelines, evaluation criteria and deadlines. While the schedule did not align with all parties, the process reflects the organizers’ ongoing commitment to fair engagement and quality delivery.

    Plans for an elevated VIP Experience are well underway. The 2025 offering aims to uphold high service standards while honoring Dominica’s cultural identity and enhancing guest experience. Details on packages and new features will be announced soon.

    The 25th anniversary of WCMF represents a moment of reflection, growth, and renewal. Organizers remain focused on delivering a world-class festival that celebrates Dominica’s creative excellence, cultural heritage and international appeal.

    For official updates, including ticketing and VIP announcements, visit www.dominicafestivals.com and follow @DominicaFestivals on Facebook and Instagram.

  • COMMENTARY: Pensioners should be totally tax exempt

    COMMENTARY: Pensioners should be totally tax exempt

    PENSIONERS SHOULD BE TOTALLY TAX EXEMPT

    They Already Paid Their Dues

    **………by Audley Phillip**

    Some months ago, I had a cordial and friendly discussion with a Government Senator. I raised what I considered to be a a genuine concern that all pensioners should be exempt of any taxes.

    Our pensioners have already paid their dues and it is almost double whammy to ask them to pay Antigua & Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) on food and other consumer items.

    Once a pensioner shows his/her pension card at the time of making purchase, all taxes should be exempted and removed.

    Pensioners are required to live and survive on a pension cheque which is by no means substantial.

    Old age comes with its share of ailments and sickness and very often the pension cheque is not even able to cover a fraction of their medical costs.

    I am therefore calling on the government to move quickly in order to address this anomaly and bring some much needed relief to pensioners.