北美洲
A 32-year-old Yorks resident has been remanded to His Majesty’s Prison after being charged with murder and attempted murder following a fatal shooting at the Asylum Night Club, also known as Gspot.
Shalom Bailey is accused of opening fire on two patrons on 15 May 2024. Kevin Vaceannie, 24, died from his injuries at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, while Darien Rover of Cassada Gardens was wounded but survived.
Bailey is due back in court on 11 December.
Antigua and Barbuda has welcomed the highly anticipated opinion that was delivered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the obligations of States in relation to climate change.
The Opinion, which was delivered publicly on 23rd July 2025, at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, marks a major development in international legal responses to the climate crisis.
The Court, in its bold and declarative response, clarified the obligations of all states on the burning issue of climate change.
For example, the 1.5 degree Celsius temperature goal, which the Science community agrees must be achieved to prevent irreversible climatic impacts, has been reinforced by the court as a binding obligation.
The opinion also clarified the obligations of states on Nationally Determined Contributions, otherwise known as NDCS, which is a requirement under the Paris Agreement for all countries to spell out exactly how they will reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases. The court declared that NDCs are not merely discretionary, rather they are a binding obligation that must increase in climate ambition on each cycle.
It further offered that rising sea levels will not affect established baselines, nor the continued presumption of the State in international law.
Antigua & Barbuda is particularly proud of the leading role that SIDS have played in this Vanuatu-led initiative and other advisory opinions, such as the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) Advisory Opinion led by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS), which was co-chaired by Antigua and Barbuda and Tuvalu.
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne called the ruling an historic and landmark moment in the unrelenting struggle for climate justice for Small Island Developing States.
“This opinion is a landmark ruling that will be studied for decades to come. It simultaneously depicts the struggles that SIDS have been facing as a result of the climate crisis for decades; gives voice to the current tensions experienced and balance with which vulnerable communities and peoples like ours have to navigate the complicated international legal spaces,” Prime Minister Browne stated.
“Finally, it amplifies our call, which we have been making for years, that the current climate ambition and action is nowhere near enough and without a significant change the whole world will be affected,” he further stressed.
Antigua and Barbuda looks forward to collaborating with those on the right side of history, to make sure the decisions captured in the opinion are fully operationalised into the future and incorporated into the overarching goals of SIDS.
The full text of the ICJ Advisory Opinion is available at https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/187/187-20250723-adv-01-00-en.pdf, with additional materials and summaries expected to follow.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has praised the development of Tranquility Park, Antigua and Barbuda’s first newly built public cemetery in over 100 years, calling it a “state-of-the-art” facility designed to offer a dignified and environmentally conscious resting place.
Speaking on his Browne and Browne show on Pointe FM, the Prime Minister said the cemetery, located on a multi-acre site, marks a major step forward in how the country approaches burial spaces, moving away from “unkempt” graveyards and “ugly concrete structures.”
“This is a state-of-the-art cemetery,” Browne said. “We are moving away from those big mounds and littered sites to something more organised, pristine, and sustainable.”
Browne credited Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph for helping bring the idea to fruition and praised the Ministry of Works for its execution of the project, which he said reflects broader efforts to improve national aesthetics and infrastructure.
The cemetery will enforce a strict no-plastic policy, prohibiting artificial wreaths and decorations to preserve its natural appearance. Additional plans include fencing the remaining undeveloped acreage to prevent illegal land sales and planting long-lasting, indigenous trees such as mahogany.
“These trees will provide shade, sequester carbon, and enhance the beauty of the space for generations,” Browne explained, describing the initiative as one that blends environmental stewardship with national pride.
The cemetery forms part of a wider government beautification strategy. The Prime Minister announced that national housing authorities have been tasked with developing nurseries—such as a new one in Painters and another on Fort Road—to cultivate ornamental plants and trees for public spaces across the country.
Browne encouraged citizens, including immigrants and renters, to take pride in their properties by planting flowers and enhancing their surroundings. “No matter how modest your home, put some nice ornamental flowers. Show a little more pride in our environment,” he said.
In addition to Tranquility Park, Browne commended Public Works Minister Maria Browne and her team for their ongoing infrastructure projects, citing the improved coordination and professionalism within the ministry.
“We’re seeing a level of pride and technical expertise from the staff that has never happened before,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the role of Public Works Director Carlos King and his team, who meet regularly to track the progress of national projects. He added, “This methodical approach has been key to the successful delivery of multiple projects across the country.”
As part of the government’s larger vision, the Prime Minister reiterated the goal of creating a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful Antigua and Barbuda—starting with how the nation remembers and honours its dead.
The police have arrested and taken into custody a male suspect in connection with an assault and larceny incident that occurred in Parham.
It was reported that around 9:30 pm on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, a male suspect of Parham allegedly stole a cellular phone and wallet from a female’s vehicle in Parham. A report was made to the police at the Parham Police Station of the incident. Police officers responded to the report and found the suspect armed with an object resembling a firearm concealed in his waistband.
The police issued several verbal commands for him to disarm himself; however, the situation escalated into a physical confrontation, resulting in three police officers receiving injuries to their wrists, thighs, and ankles, respectively.
The suspect was also shot in the thigh during the confrontation and was transported to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Center, where he is currently receiving medical treatment for a non-life-threatening injury.
The injured officers were also treated at the hospital and later discharged. A weapon was recovered from the scene, and investigations into the incident remain ongoing.
The police have arrested and charged 32-year-old Shalom Bailey of Yorks in connection with the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Kevin Vaceannie, and the attempted murder of Darien Rover of Cassada Gardens.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, 15 May 2024, at the Asylum Night Club Bar and Restaurant on Independence Drive. It is alleged that Bailey shot both men before fleeing the scene.
Both victims were transported to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where Vaceannie was later pronounced dead. Rover received medical treatment for his injuries.
Following extensive investigations by the police, Bailey was arrested and formally charged with Murder and Attempted Murder. He is expected to appear before the court today.
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring public safety and bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice. Members of the public are urged to continue cooperating with law enforcement by sharing any information that can assist in ongoing investigations.
Participants in a National Oil Spill Contingency Plan Workshop, held at the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), concluded their training Thursday eager to move forward on a number of initiatives.The 21 individuals from 16 different departments and organizations have noted their interest in having the plan reviewed, engaging in additional training and supporting each other in an effort to enhance oil spill preparedness and response on the island.The workshop was organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) in collaboration with NODS and with support from the International Maritime Organization (IMO).It was facilitated by Senior Managing Director of the Regional Association of Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Companies in Latin America and the Caribbean (ARPEL) Miguel Moyano and Science, Technology and Stakeholder Engagement Officer from Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL) Michael Hernandez.
OSRL, a UK registered company, is reported to be the world’s largest industry-funded cooperative for oil spill preparedness and response.
Regional Coordinator for the IMO Vivian Rambarath-Parasram has pledged her organization’s support towards further development of the region’s efforts. She also had high praise for ADOMS which she noted has been very dynamic in the region.
The training had representatives from the West Indies Oil Company, the Ministry of Health, National Solid Waste Management Agency, the Department of Environment, Fire and Police forces, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard, NODS, the air and sea ports, ADOMS, Antigua Cruise Ports, the Ministry of Tourism, the Antigua Public Utilities Authority, Fisheries Division and the Met Office.
Participants were presented with certificates at the end of the training.
Parliament will convene next Thursday to debate the proposed multi-million-dollar investment in Jolly Beach Hotel.
Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin confirmed the development after Cabinet discussions, which included input from Social Security Scheme officials David Matthias and Geoffrey Joseph. Both backed Cabinet’s plan for Social Security to invest in the resort’s redevelopment.
The officials cited the Social Security Act, which allows a committee, overseen by the responsible Minister, to manage the Scheme’s investments—requiring Cabinet approval.
Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining fiduciary responsibility, recalling the 2010–2013 financial crisis that led to a $30 million IMF bailout. Under Prime Minister Gaston Browne, the Scheme has since stabilised, despite recent challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.
With 47,000 active contributors and a monthly surplus of EC $2 million, officials warned that longer life expectancy could impact the Fund’s long-term sustainability. The current contributions-to-payout ratio is 5.9:1—well below the ideal 10:1.
Plans are underway to strengthen the Fund through financial restructuring, property investment, legal reform, and regional partnerships.
The Social Security Scheme was introduced in 1965 by the Antigua Labour Party to replace the Poor Relief System with a more sustainable safety net.
Police and emergency services are on the scene at KFC on Buckley Line following a fatal incident in the drive-thru. Despite a prompt response, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
The cause of death is currently unknown, and authorities have launched an investigation. Further details will be released as the situation develops.
Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing story.
A 31-year-old man from Sea View Farm, Antigua and Barbuda, has pleaded guilty to forgery and uttering a forged cheque.
Akeem Feddoes appeared in court on 23 July after allegedly attempting to cash a stolen Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank cheque at a local supermarket on 20 July.
The business owner reported the incident to police, who later arrested Feddoes and recovered the cheque nearby.
He remains in custody and is set to be sentenced on 30 July.
A 4.2 magnitude earthquake struck northeast of Antigua early Thursday morning, according to the UWI Seismic Research Centre.
The quake occurred at 5:51am local time, with its epicentre 69km northeast of St John’s at a depth of 10km. Nearby locations include Montserrat and St Kitts and Nevis.
No tremors were reported on the island. The preliminary data was automatically generated and may be revised.