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.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has hailed the newly completed golf course at the Peace, Love and Happiness (PLH) development in Barbuda as one of the best in the Caribbean, describing it as a symbol of transformation and a key contributor to the island’s economic future.
Speaking on his Browne and Browne radio show over the weekend, the Prime Minister said all 18 holes of the international-standard course have now been constructed. While some irrigation and landscaping work is ongoing, he said the facility already rivals top regional courses and is likely to be surpassed only by one in the Dominican Republic.
“It’s actually a better course than practically all but maybe one or two in the region,” Browne said. “It’s absolutely beautiful.”
He said visiting regional leaders were equally impressed when Barbuda recently hosted a Monetary Council meeting—the first time such a gathering has been held on the island.
The Prime Minister also emphasised the broader economic impact of the PLH project. According to Browne, PLH currently contributes over US$2 million annually to the Barbuda Council in ABSD (Administration of Barbuda Special Development) fees, a figure projected to rise to US$10 million within two years as development continues.
“They don’t want the project, but every year they go and collect the cheque,” Browne said of local critics. “They’ve never once given credit for that.”
The development, which will soon boast around 350 rooms including luxury villas, has also restored sections of the island’s coastline, Browne said. He credited the developers with rebuilding sand dunes up to 14 feet high using geomatting, helping to protect against storm surges and erosion.
“They’ve preserved native vegetation and improved the area’s resilience,” he added, describing the surroundings as a haven for birdlife and natural beauty.
Browne also addressed previous legal action taken against him and the project by environmental advocates and Barbudan residents. He said the government and PLH were wrongly accused of corruption and environmental destruction—claims that were dismissed in court.
“They lost the case,” he said. “PLH had to spend over a million dollars defending it.”
Vowing to push back against future attacks on his integrity, Browne said he is considering legal action of his own. “It’s not that I’m thin-skinned,” he said, “but these people are routinely trying to destroy my reputation. At some point, I have to go on the offensive.”
The historic St. John’s Police Station officially reopened on Thursday following a $2 million renovation that modernized the 19th-century building while preserving its distinctive West Indian charm.
The ceremony, held in the station’s courtyard, marked the return of officers to their capital headquarters after months in temporary accommodation. Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin, who led the project, described it as a balance between preserving heritage and meeting modern policing standards.
“We aimed to retain one of the most architecturally distinctive properties to protect it for future generations,” he said.
The complete interior overhaul included upgraded detention and interview rooms, modern communications systems, expanded operational spaces, and the restoration of the long-unused upper floor.
Acting Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers reflected on the building’s legacy, calling it the place where many officers transitioned from theory to practice after graduating from the academy.
Works Minister Maria Browne commended contractor Patrice Luke and his team for completing the restoration without compromising the building’s character. Assistant Commissioner Samuel Joseph also praised officers for their patience during the relocation.
The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, prayers of dedication, and a charge from Sir Steadroy for officers to serve “with distinction and honor.”
The project is part of a wider government initiative to improve law enforcement infrastructure across Antigua and Barbuda.
An Antiguan hotelier who has held top tier positions at some of the Caribbean’s most esteemed resorts has been unveiled as General Manager of the forthcoming Moon Gate Hotel & Spa.
Trevor McDonald will oversee the 73-suite luxury boutique resort’s daily operations, after guiding it through its opening later this year.
With a genuine passion for service, McDonald’s exacting standards meld seamlessly with Moon Gate’s ‘Gracious Hospitality’ ethos, which emphasises meaningful connections and traditional Caribbean warmth.
The devoted father-of-two brings more than three decades of experience to the post, with several managerial roles under his belt, including at prestigious Jumby Bay, Rex Resorts and Jolly Beach Resort in Antigua, along with Almond Resorts in Barbados and St Lucia.
Born to an Antiguan father and Barbadian mother, McDonald grew up between Antigua and Barbados, studied hospitality management in Florida and describes himself as “proudly Caribbean”.
His interest in Moon Gate was inspired, he says, by the quality and workmanship of its physical structures fast taking shape at Half Moon Bay on Antigua’s east coast, coupled with the passion of its developers Gaye Hechme and Cameron Fraser who are committed to offering guests an authentic Antiguan experience.
“Every guest will enjoy an experience shaped by luxurious standards in service, care and attention to detail within an atmosphere that’s warmly personal and refreshingly relaxed – Gracious Hospitality,” McDonald says.
“Putting that into practice starts now, with the team that we build and nurture. Gracious Hospitality does not simply mean taking care of how we look after our guests but how we look after each other too, with a mutual respect for all, regardless of who you are,” he explains.
“Everything at Moon Gate will be executed with the utmost finesse and elegance. We will be putting the personal touch back into hospitality.”
When he’s not working, McDonald can often be found in his garden, tending to his plants and flowers, surrounded by his five shih tzu dogs. He’s also a keen tennis player and a cricket fan who loves to sharpen his problem-solving skills on the backgammon board.
His profound love for music has given rise to regular travels around the region, such as for the annual St Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. “For me, the most peaceful time of day is sunset. I love to head down to the beach to relax and watch the sunset, taking my music with me,” he says.
Thirty-one years since his very first day in the industry – one that saw him tasked with scrubbing 200 beach chairs clean – McDonald is galvanised by helping others succeed in the region’s economic mainstay.
“Growing young talent and helping them develop their careers motivates me much more than promotions and high salaries,” McDonald says. “I can name several Antiguans who started on the lowest rungs of the industry and are now in high executive positions; that’s how I gauge my success.
I’m a firm believer that your employees are your most important asset and it’s the team you have around you that makes you successful.”
Meanwhile, Moon Gate’s recruitment process continues. Identifying the right personnel to help raise the bar in Antiguan hospitality is crucial, say Hechme and Fraser.
“On behalf of the Moon Gate team, we’re delighted to extend a warm welcome to Trevor as our new General Manager,” the developers said.
“Our culture thrives on mutual respect, shared ambition, and an unwavering commitment to excellence – and we’re honoured to have him join us. We are excited for what the future holds under his guidance and look forward to making great things happen at Moon Gate Hotel & Spa.”
The adults-only resort offers beautifully appointed accommodation across seven buildings, all just a short stroll from the beach. Facilities include a spa with multiple treatment rooms, swimming pools, an à la carte restaurant serving farm-to-fork cuisine, a lobby piano bar, and a plant-based bistro.
Moon Gate redefines luxury with a focus on wellness, sustainability and meaningful connections – topped off with an invigorating, carefree energy that will enchant visitors from both home and abroad.
“Antigua is quite simply a special place,” McDonald adds. “It offers an ease of life that does not exist anywhere else – and we are looking forward to sharing it with our guests.”
St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda – The Ministry of Housing and Works celebrates the successful completion and reopening of the newly revitalized St. John’s Police Station, marking a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the nation’s law enforcement infrastructure.
At the Re-Commissioning Ceremony held today, the Minister of Housing and Works, Hon. Maria Browne, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all individuals and organizations whose dedication and teamwork made the project possible. The Minister highlighted the collaborative spirit that defined the rehabilitation process, noting the essential roles played by the contractor, Mr. Patrice Luke and his team, the Ministry’s Buildings Department, and the unwavering support from the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Port Authority.
“This day has been long in the making, and it is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together,” said Minister Browne. “From the outset, this project was a team effort. I want to extend a special thank you to Mr. Patrice Luke and his team for their professionalism and commitment, as well as to our Buildings Department for their expertise in design and outfitting. Their hard work has ensured that the St. John’s Police Station not only meets modern standards but also retains its unique West Indian charm.”
The Minister also acknowledged the patience and cooperation of the officers and staff of the Royal Police Force, who were temporarily relocated to Bay Street during the renovation. Special thanks were extended to Port Manager Darwin Telemaque and the Minister responsible for the Port for providing temporary accommodations, ensuring that police services continued uninterrupted.
The revitalized St. John’s Police Station now features expanded office space, upgraded holding facilities, and a newly restored top floor, which had not been in use for many years. These improvements will provide officers with a more functional and comfortable working environment, enhancing their ability to serve and protect the public.
Looking ahead, Minister Browne reaffirmed the Ministry of Housing and Works’ commitment to ongoing improvements across police facilities throughout Antigua and Barbuda. “This is just the beginning,” she stated. “We will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Legal Affairs and other partners to rehabilitate and upgrade government-owned buildings, reducing our reliance on leased spaces and ensuring that our police officers have the resources they need to carry out their vital duties.”
The Ministry of Housing and Works extends sincere appreciation to everyone involved in the St. John’s Police Station project and looks forward to further collaborations as part of its mission to enhance public infrastructure for the benefit of all citizens and residents.
(AP) — Hulk Hogan, a mustachioed, headscarf-wearing icon in professional wrestling who turned the sport into a massive business and cultural touchstone, died Thursday at age 71, Florida police said.
In Clearwater, Florida, authorities responded to a morning call about a cardiac arrest. Hogan was pronounced dead at a hospital, police said in a statement on Facebook.
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was perhaps the biggest star in WWE’s long history. He was the main draw for the first WrestleMania in 1985 and was a fixture for years, facing everyone from Andre The Giant and Randy Savage to The Rock and even company chairman Vince McMahon.
He won at least six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
“One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans,” WWE said.
“Hulkamania,” as the energy he created was called, started running wild in the mid-1980s and pushed professional wrestling into the mainstream. He was a flag-waving American hero with the horseshoe mustache, red and yellow gear and massive arms he called his “24-inch pythons.”
In recent years, Hogan has waded further into politics.
At the 2024 Republican National Convention, Hogan merged classic WWE maneuvers with President Donald Trump’s rhetoric to vociferously endorse his longtime acquaintance.
“Let Trumpamania run wild! Let Trumpamania rule again! Let Trumpamania make America Great Again!” Hogan shouted into the crowd.
He ripped off a t-shirt emblazoned with a picture of himself on a motorcycle to reveal a bright red Trump-Vance campaign shirt underneath. Then-presidential candidate Trump stood to applaud the move.
In 2016, a Florida jury awarded Hogan $115 million in his sex tape lawsuit against Gawker Media and then added $25 million in punitive damages. Hogan sued after Gawker in 2012 posted a video of him having sex with his former best friend’s wife. He contended the post violated his privacy.
Hogan smiled and wore black throughout the three-week trial.
“Everywhere I show up, people treat me like I’m still the champ,” he said of the support from fans.
Hogan first became champion in what was then the World Wrestling Federation in 1984, and pro wrestling took off from there. His popularity helped lead to the creation of the annual WrestleMania event in 1985, when he teamed up with Mr. T to beat “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff in the main event.
He slammed and beat Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III in 1987, and the WWF gained momentum. His feud with the late “Macho Man” Randy Savage – perhaps his greatest rival — carried pro wrestling even further.
Hogan was a central figure in what is known as the Monday Night Wars. The WWE and World Championship Wrestling were battling for ratings supremacy in 1996. Hogan tilted things in WCW’s favor with the birth of the Hollywood Hogan character and the formation of the New World Order, a villainous stable that put WCW ahead in the ratings.
CABINET NOTES – The Cabinet received an update from the Honourable Minister for Agriculture on his Ministry’s ongoing efforts to construct a series of new dams and water catchment ponds across Antigua. This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to bolster national food security and reduce dependence on desalinated water for agricultural use.
In support of this critical project, Cabinet has immediately approved funding for the purchase of a dedicated excavator, which will be used to accelerate the construction of these water storage facilities. This equipment investment signals the government’s commitment to providing the necessary tools and resources to implement water infrastructure solutions that will directly benefit local farmers and enhance irrigation capacity.
This latest development follows Cabinet’s decision, made several months ago, to prioritize the development of water catchment systems as a key pillar of its national food production agenda. Recognizing that reliable and affordable water access is essential to sustainable farming, the government is taking a proactive approach to ensure the agricultural sector is better equipped to withstand drought conditions and climate variability.
The Minister further informed Cabinet that the Ministry of Agriculture is collaborating closely with the Geology Department of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) to identify the most viable and strategic locations for the construction of dams and ponds. This partnership ensures that scientific and environmental assessments guide the site selection process, optimizing the long-term functionality and impact of the new infrastructure.
The government views these developments as essential steps toward building climate resilience, empowering farmers, and securing the nation’s agro-economic future.
The swearing-in of the reappointed members of the Income Tax Appeals Board has been successfully concluded at Government House, Antigua and Barbuda, in accordance with Section 60(1) of the Income Tax Act, Cap 212.
On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, three members of the Board, Chairman Laurie Freeland, Mrs. Francine Albertine and Mrs. Beulah Buckley were officially sworn in by His Excellency Sir Clare Roberts KCN, KC, Governor General’s Deputy, during a brief but meaningful ceremony held at Government House.
The final member, Mrs. Denise Armstrong, was sworn in on the morning of Thursday, July 24, 2025, completing the reappointment process. All four members are returning to serve another term on the Board.
Notably, Mrs. Maureen Hyman continues to serve as a member of the Board, with her current tenure still valid. No swearing-in was required in her case.
Mrs. Beulah Buckley will continue in her role as Secretary to the Board.
In his remarks, His Excellency Sir Clare Roberts underscored the importance of the Board in safeguarding the principles of fairness, transparency, and justice in the tax system. “Your appointments reflect the trust placed in your integrity, impartiality, and commitment to public service,” he noted.
Two official photographs will accompany this release, one featuring the three members sworn in on Tuesday, and another of Mrs. Armstrong following her individual ceremony on Thursday.
The Office of the Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda extends congratulations to all members and wishes them every success as they carry out their responsibilities on this important body.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Chet Greene, has voiced concern over what he sees as a breakdown in regional diplomatic protocol after former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley was stopped twice by immigration authorities at VC Bird International Airport without the Antiguan government’s prior knowledge.
Rowley, who stepped down from office in March, revealed this week that he was flagged during two separate visits to Antigua—on July 13 and again days later while returning to Trinidad from Montserrat. On both occasions, he was asked to wait by immigration officials and later told he had been placed on a list, which he initially believed to be an Interpol watch list.
He said during the first encounter, despite presenting his diplomatic passport, he was escorted to an executive lounge by Antiguan security officers after what he described as a significant delay. A second encounter allegedly involved a similar stop, though a supervisor reportedly explained it was a case of mistaken identity.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the reports emerged, Minister Greene said he was disappointed that Antigua and Barbuda—a sovereign Caribbean state—was neither informed of Rowley’s travel plans nor given the opportunity to formally acknowledge a former regional leader.
“There were no provisions made especially or particularly for Dr Rowley passing through,” Greene said. “And you know that in itself is where we have a concern because we would like to know that our protocol is extended to persons who would have served this region.”
He described the incident as regrettable, noting that Antigua had now been drawn into what he termed a “local political matter”.
Greene declined to comment on whether Dr. Rowley had, in fact, been placed on any security list, noting that he had not spoken directly to immigration authorities and that any further comment would be inappropriate. “Antigua and Barbuda does not have any comments to make on this matter, which seemingly is, even from Dr Rowley’s account, a local political development,” he said.
In Trinidad and Tobago, both the Police Commissioner and Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander have denied any government involvement in flagging the former prime minister.
“Just like everybody else, I am wondering from whence that came,” Alexander said. “We have no information about that. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago did not put anybody, from my knowledge, on any watch list… not that particular individual (Rowley) or anyone else.”
He emphasized that Interpol operates independently, and that the government does not interfere with its procedures. While no formal investigation is planned, Alexander said the matter may still be examined internally.
The Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board’s proposed $75 million investment in the defunct Jolly Beach Resort has ignited debate and deep reflection across the nation.
Critics have raised alarms over transparency and fiduciary risk, while others argue that this bold move could become a pioneering model for how pension funds support national development.
Aside from the political and trust issues, “me nah touch dem,” I am of the view that the proposed investment highlights the challenges of managing pension funds sustainably in Small Island Developing States with limited capital markets.
A Pillar Sector with Fragile Roots
Tourism is the beating heart of the Antigua and Barbuda economy, accounting for over 60% of GDP and thousands of jobs. Yet ironically, relatively few major tourism assets are locally owned.
While foreign investment has brought scale and marketing reach, it has also left Antigua and Barbuda with somewhat limited domestic control over its most vital industry.
The proposed acquisition of Jolly Beach by the Social Security Board offers a rare opportunity to change that.
Reviving Jolly Beach—a once-thriving property that drew thousands of visitors and employed hundreds—presents not just a chance for returns, but also for reclaiming local ownership in the tourism economy. That, however, demands not just ambition, but careful execution.
An Investment Constrained by a Thin Capital Market
Like most Eastern Caribbean nations, Antigua and Barbuda operates within a narrow capital market ecosystem.
Domestic stocks and bonds are limited, real estate investment trusts are virtually non-existent, hence the available pool of diversified, high-return instruments is shallow.
For pension funds with growing liabilities and an aging population, this creates a strategic dilemma: how to find adequate returns in a low-yield, low-liquidity environment?
Global Evidence: Real Estate in Pension Portfolios
Global pension fund practice provides compelling evidence for real estate investments as a strategic asset class.
According to the latest industry data, pension funds worldwide now allocate approximately 10% of their portfolios to real estate investments, with this allocation generating average returns of 8.1% in 2024, outpacing many other asset classes.
The $55.7 trillion global pension fund industry has increasingly recognized real estate as providing both diversification benefits and inflation protection essential for long-term pension obligations.
Leading institutional investors such as CalPERS in California, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Fortress Pension Fund in Barbados have demonstrated the strategic value of real estate investments. The key in every successful case? Professional oversight, strategic alignment, and risk management.
The Critical Importance of Cash Flow Matching
Pension Obligations Must Be Met in Cash
A fundamental principle that cannot be overlooked is that pension commitments must ultimately be met through cash payments to beneficiaries.
This creates unique liquidity management challenges that real estate investments must address through careful structuring. Leading pension fund practice emphasizes cash flow matching strategies to ensure liquidity needs are met. As demonstrated by successful implementation at major funds:
For the Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board, this means the Jolly Beach investment must be structured to ensure:
The evidence from successful pension fund real estate investments demonstrates several elements:
Professional Hotel Management : Jolly Beach must be operated by an international hotel management company with proven Caribbean experience, measurable performance metrics, and alignment with pension investment objectives.
Comprehensive Risk Framework : Implementation of institutional-grade risk management including stress testing, scenario analysis, and regular performance monitoring against hospitality benchmarks.
Transparent Governance : Public disclosure of all investment terms, performance metrics, and risk management procedures, following international pension fund transparency standards.
Liquidity Management Excellence : Maintenance of adequate liquid reserves, professional cash flow forecasting, and contingency planning for tourism downturns.
Portfolio Integration : Ensuring the hotel investment complements rather than concentrates the overall Social Security portfolio, with appropriate diversification safeguards.
Conclusion: Opportunity Through Excellence
The Social Security Scheme has a duty to protect contributors’ funds. But it also has an opportunity to build long-term wealth and domestic economic resilience. The proposed Jolly Beach investment can serve both ends—but only with institutional-grade governance, professional management, and comprehensive risk management.The evidence from global pension fund practice is clear: real estate can provide essential diversification, inflation protection, and attractive risk-adjusted returns when professionally managed within appropriate risk frameworks. The challenge for Antigua and Barbuda is not whether to invest in real estate, but whether to do so with the same professional standards and risk management practices that have made pension fund real estate investments successful worldwide. The stakes are too high for anything less than excellence. Contributors’ retirement security and the nation’s economic development both depend on getting this right.
Prof. C. Justin Robinson, a Vincentian and UWI graduate, holds a BSc in Management Studies, MSc in Finance and Econometrics, and PhD in Finance. With over 20 years at UWI, he has served in various leadership roles, including Dean and Pro Vice Chancellor, Board for Undergraduate Studies. A Professor of Corporate Finance with extensive research publications, he is actively involved in regional financial institutions and is currently the Principal of The UWI Five Islands Campus in Antigua and Barbuda.