Global Pulse

标签： South America

南美洲

  • Young Conservationists Mark World Snake Day on Bird Island

    Young Conservationists Mark World Snake Day on Bird Island

    A group of young conservationists joined Senator Michael Joseph and the Royalton Hotel for a special World Snake Day expedition to Bird Island, spotlighting efforts to protect the endangered Antiguan Racer.

    The visit offered a rare encounter with the Antiguan Racer—one of the world’s rarest snakes—while promoting awareness of its fragile habitat and the broader importance of wildlife conservation.

    Participants engaged in hands-on learning activities and heard from local experts about the ecological challenges facing the species. The event aimed to inspire greater community involvement in safeguarding Antigua and Barbuda’s natural heritage.

  • Antigua and Barbuda wants CARICOM Support on Landmark CCJ Advisory Opinion

    Antigua and Barbuda wants CARICOM Support on Landmark CCJ Advisory Opinion

    Dear Colleague CARICOM Permanent Missions

    Please see the attached URGENT Diplomatic Note and draft Declaration from Ambassador Sanders, regarding the Advisory Opinion issued today by the International Court of Justice. The Opinion declares unequivocally that all nations “have a duty to prevent environmental harm” by limiting greenhouse‑gas emissions. The Court affirmed that existing treaties—from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to the Paris Agreement—require science‑based mitigation targets, robust environmental impact assessments, adaptation measures, and financial and technological cooperation with vulnerable countries. Crucially, it recognized a stable climate as foundational to human rights and held that failure to comply constitutes an “internationally wrongful act,” triggering duties of cessation, guarantees of non‑repetition, and reparations for harm.

    The Permanent Mission is seeking the support of all CARICOM Countries for the draft Declaration which it wishes to submit to the Chair of the Permanent Council by 5pm on Friday 25 July to take advantage of the currency of the moment.

    We ask that CARICOM States respond as soon as possible. This Mission is available for a discussion on all aspects of the draft resolution and welcomes the inputs of each of you.

    Kind regards

    Gillian JosephCounsellorEmbassy of Antigua and BarbudaPermanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to the OAS

  • Atlantic Hurricane Season Still Projected to Be Above Normal

    Atlantic Hurricane Season Still Projected to Be Above Normal

    Antigua and Barbuda climatologist Dale Destin is predicting an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2025, with the potential to rank among the top 10% of the most active seasons since 1991.

    The latest forecast, based on data up to 20 July and including tropical storms Andrea, Barry and Chantal, shows a 77% chance of an above-normal season, with a 43% likelihood it could be _super-hyperactive_ —a classification for the most intense hurricane seasons on record.

    Destin projects 16 to 27 named storms, 6 to 13 hurricanes, and 3 to 7 major hurricanes, with Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) ranging from 104 to 271—well above the 1991–2020 average.

    He is expected to issue a final update in mid-August. The forecast highlights peak activity from August to October, though uncertainty remains due to evolving El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) patterns and Atlantic sea surface temperatures.

  • VIDEO: Jeffers Urges Strong Oversight as Social Security funds are invested into the Jolly Beach Resort

    VIDEO: Jeffers Urges Strong Oversight as Social Security funds are invested into the Jolly Beach Resort

    Former chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), Vernon Jeffers Sr, has expressed support for the government’s controversial decision to invest Social Security funds into the redevelopment of Jolly Beach Resort, while calling for rigorous governance measures to safeguard public interests.

    Speaking on The Big Issues radio programme over the weekend, Jeffers, who also previously served as general manager of Jolly Beach, said the move was justified given the central role of tourism in the country’s economy.

    “I fully support and endorse the idea,” he said, referencing Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s announcement that the Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board had acquired the property. “If tourism is ultimately our main industry, the government and the people, through Social Security, should be willing to play their role in carrying out such an investment.”

    However, Jeffers stressed the need for robust governance structures to be put in place to protect contributors’ funds and ensure the project’s success. He recommended the formation of a dedicated oversight board, separate from the Social Security Board, to manage the project.

    “That board should consist of representatives from Social Security, independent financial experts, and individuals who advocate for the public interest—such as a union representative,” Jeffers said.

    He added that clear benchmarks and mandatory reporting requirements should be established from the outset, along with the immediate hiring of an external management company to operate the resort.

    Jeffers also advised that the oversight board, in collaboration with the management company, conduct detailed market analysis to determine current tourism trends and demands—particularly in light of government plans to add 200 rooms to the facility.

    While acknowledging that Jolly Beach is already an existing operation, he said continued evaluation and risk mitigation would be critical to the project’s long-term viability.

    “We really need to be looking at all of the associated risks—whether they be financial, operational, regulatory, or environmental—as the project moves forward,” he noted.

    The Social Security Board’s investment in Jolly Beach has drawn criticism from some quarters concerned about the risks of using pension funds for commercial development. Jeffers’ comments represent one of the strongest endorsements to date from a key tourism figure, albeit with cautionary recommendations aimed at ensuring transparency and public accountability.

  • LETTER: All Banks Are Poorly Managed

    LETTER: All Banks Are Poorly Managed

    Dear Editor,

    ALL BANKS POORLY MANAGED

    I have decided to write this letter since I see the complaints about the banks and now the PM is also criticizing their poor service.

    The fact of the matter is that all the banks in Antigua are poorly managed. All. ECAB and ACB operate with Directors, most of whom are either untrained in finance or their training is 20 years outdated. CIBC Antigua only behave like they are in charge but all decisions are made in Barbados.

    ACB lost millions in their RCB acquisition and the Grenada operation is a disaster. No one at ACB seemed to understand what they were doing. I worked at ACB for years. The Manager is hardly in Antigua but at her home in St. Lucia. A decision was made to work with a company in St. Kitts to manage and clear credit and debit cards. They convinced ACB to change to smart ATMs which have been sitting in Antigua for over a year as the St. Kitts company does not have the technology.

    ACB is now changing companies but that will take time and, in the meantime, the old ATMs cannot take the pressure as with the acquisition of RBC, there is now more traffic. Had there been proper planning and management, this would not have happened. This cannot be fixed overnight and it will be months more of this frustration.

    Meanwhile customers will have to pay the $10 to go to a teller. All we get from ACB are knee jerk reactions like now opening later and on Saturdays.

    I don’t know how to fix the country’s banking issues without a total change of management and a vision. There must also be rules on charges as the banks are digging out our eyes for every service to get access to OUR OWN hard-earned money. I sometimes feel that with the miniscule interest paid, it is better to save under your bed. At least you will have access to your money when you need it and without paying a fee.

    Denzel Warner

  • Three Charged with Murder of Teenager Tafari Joseph

    Three Charged with Murder of Teenager Tafari Joseph

    Three men from Villa have been charged with the murder of 16-year-old Tafari Joseph and the armed robbery of a woman at Anita Supermarket.

    Jaheim Mannix, 19, and 22-year-olds Akim Tonge and Jahanjello Williams are accused of robbing Herwattie Nurdeen of $5,000 while armed with a firearm.

    The incident has sparked concern in the community. Police say investigations are continuing and have appealed to the public for any further information.

  • VIDEO: Professor Paget Henry Backs Bold Economic Pivot Towards Mixed Model

    VIDEO: Professor Paget Henry Backs Bold Economic Pivot Towards Mixed Model

    Paget Henry, globally renowned Antiguan scholar and Professor of Africana Studies at Brown University, has expressed strong support for what he describes as a timely and bold shift in economic thinking.

    Speaking on the Big Issues, though he did not name a specific country or action—Professor Henry said the move signals a welcome pivot amid significant changes in the global, regional, and national economic landscape.

    “My initial response was I thought this was a very good idea,” he stated. “We are in the midst of an unprecedented set of changes in the global economy, the regional economy, and I’m sure the national economy. This has to be a period of bold, innovative but careful thinking.”

    Henry said he hopes this shift represents a move away from strict, market-driven economic policies toward a more balanced mixed economy, where public and private sectors collaborate more effectively.

    “I am hoping that this particular move is part of a broader pivot… to a model where the mixed economy—where relations between the private sector and the state—are more friendly, more cooperative,” he explained.

    Reflecting on the historical development of Caribbean economies, Henry noted that periods of close collaboration between the state and private actors have often coincided with the region’s most confident and optimistic moments.

    “Those are the periods in which we’ve had the greatest periods of growth… where our outlook [was] positive, optimistic, and we get a lot more people willing to take risks and bring innovation and change to Caribbean economies,” he said.

    Describing the recent move as both courageous and necessary, Henry concluded, “On the face of it, I applaud this move. It’s bold. It is what I think the moment calls for.”

  • Antiguan & Barbudan Digital Artists Invited to Showcase Work at CARIFESTA XV in Barbados

    Antiguan & Barbudan Digital Artists Invited to Showcase Work at CARIFESTA XV in Barbados

    The Department of Culture is inviting Antiguan & Barbudan artists to submit digital or digitally adaptable artworks for _Code as Canvas_ —a regional digital gallery and artist talk at CARIFESTA XV, exploring art, technology, memory, and place.

    Accepted Media:

    • Digital painting
    • Video
    • Animation
    • Photography
    • Digitally adapted traditional media (e.g., drawings, sculpture)

    Theme of the Exhibition: _Code as Canvas: Digital Visions from the Caribbean_

    Venue: Queen’s Park Steel Shed, Barbados

    Date: August 29, 2025 | 5–8 PM

    Submission Details:

    • Up to 2 works per artist
    • One high-res image or video per work
    • Include:
      • Artist Name
      • Title of Work
      • Year Created
      • Medium, and
      • A Short Description

    Selected works will be shown on large LED screens and may be discussed during the artist talk. A local jury will choose up to 10 works for submission. Let’s showcase our digital creativity!

    Email: varts.culture.ab@gmail.com

    Deadline: July 28, 2025

  • Police Prohibit Glass Bottles and Cans as Part of Wider Safety Guidelines for Carnival 2025

    Police Prohibit Glass Bottles and Cans as Part of Wider Safety Guidelines for Carnival 2025

    As the nation prepares to celebrate Carnival 2025, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda is implementing comprehensive safety and security measures to ensure the protection of all residents and visitors during the festive season.

    The Police Administration has announced an island-wide security strategy, which includes increased police patrols, random stop-and-search operations, and heightened public safety protocols. A key component of the initiative is the strict enforcement of a “No Weapons” policy. Members of the public are reminded that possession of firearms or any sharp or blunt objects, including knives, machetes, cleavers, scissors, pieces of iron, or wood, is strictly prohibited and will result in the arrest of anyone found in possession of any such item.

    Additional measures will also be in place to prevent break-ins and thefts from vehicles. These proactive steps are part of the police’s broader strategy to maintain law and order throughout the celebrations. The Police Administration is also urging vendors and bar operators to adhere to all rules and regulations regarding the sale of alcohol and other beverages. The use of glass bottles or cans is strictly prohibited during the Carnival period. The public’s full cooperation and support are critical to ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and incident-free Carnival 2025 for all.

    Public Safety Tips for the Carnival Season

    To further minimize risks and enhance personal safety, members of the public are encouraged to follow these important guidelines:

    • Always remain alert and aware of your surroundings.
    • Avoid poorly lit or isolated areas, especially when walking alone at night.
    • Refrain from using headphones playing loud music in public spaces, as this may reduce awareness.
    • Do not display or carry large amounts of cash; use secure payment methods where possible.
    • Be cautious when using ATMs and never accept assistance from strangers.
    • Be alert for counterfeit currency and report any suspicious transactions or individuals to the police.
    • Always lock your vehicle and avoid leaving valuable items in plain sight.
    • Park in well-lit, secure areas whenever possible.
    • Secure your home properly, especially when you are away and it is unattended.
    • Business owners should ensure they have adequate security measures in place to protect their property.
    • Stay a safe distance from large trucks, music trailers, and heavy vehicles during parades and other street events.
    • Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
    • Do not leave minors unsupervised at any event or location.
    • Ensure children know their names, addresses, and contact information, and establish a clear meeting point in case of an emergency.
    • Take extra care of the elderly or individuals with special needs during crowded events.
    • Report any suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities to the police or dial 911 immediately.
  • VIDEO: PM Browne Outlines Vision to Double Antigua and Barbuda’s Economy in 10 years

    VIDEO: PM Browne Outlines Vision to Double Antigua and Barbuda’s Economy in 10 years

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has unveiled an ambitious plan to double Antigua and Barbuda’s economy over the next 10 years, urging a regional shift toward entrepreneurship, innovation, and local ownership.

    Speaking on his _Browne and Browne_ radio show on Pointe FM over the weekend, the Prime Minister said that if growth across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) reaches at least 7% annually, Antigua and Barbuda could see its GDP rise from $6 billion to $12 billion within a decade.

    “If we’re able to achieve that level of growth, then we will transform the country’s economy,” Browne said, calling for what he described as “transformational leadership” across the sub-region.

    While current growth for Antigua and Barbuda is projected at 3.3% this year, Browne stressed that geopolitical and climate-related headwinds require a shift in strategy. He advocated for the adoption of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and smarter service delivery as tools to accelerate economic expansion.

    Central to the Prime Minister’s vision is the development of locally owned business infrastructure. He warned that foreign-dominated ownership structures result in profits being repatriated abroad, limiting national wealth accumulation.

    “There’s a deliberate strategy by my administration,” Browne said, referencing his government’s policy of offering waterfront and beach lots to Antiguans and Barbudans for Airbnb-style developments. These initiatives are supported by duty-free concessions on construction materials and furnishings to reduce entry barriers.

    “We’re not just talking, we’re doing it,” he said, encouraging other OECS governments to replicate the approach to promote both individual and collective wealth.

    Browne added that achieving resilient prosperity would also require a cultural shift in the region, away from a traditional employee mindset and toward a more entrepreneurial one. “Not everyone can be an entrepreneur,” he acknowledged, “but we need more entrepreneurs and a broader ownership base.”

    By increasing local wealth and capturing more of the profits domestically, Browne said governments would also see higher tax revenues, dividends, and overall GDP growth—turning incremental progress into exponential economic transformation.