ABS MIDDAY NEWS (Tuesday January 14th 2025)

ANTIGUA BARBUDA TODAY (Tuesday January 14th 2025)

The authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have made a major breakthrough in the forfeiture of funds linked to the sordid saga involving Brazilian construction company, Odebrecht. The Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy, ONDCP, is now moving to recover funds in Meinl Bank (Antigua) Limited, belonging to Panamanian company, Creswell Overseas SA. Meinl Bank (Antigua) Ltd, an offshore financial institution, is now in liquidation. The ONDCP is moving to have the funds seized and forfeited to the Antigua and Barbuda Government, following a Recovery Order granted by Justice Rene Williams in the High Court last November, under section 60BB of the Proceeds of Crime Act. The ONDCP says the order covers just over US$14 million and just over 17.5 million euros owned by the Panamanian company. The recovery order was granted after the authorities alleged that the monies in the accounts at Meinl Bank (Antigua) Ltd came from accounts controlled by the Brazilian company Odebrecht SA, as part of the notorious operation car wash. ONDCP Director, Lieutenant Colonel Edward Croft is pleased with the performance of his financial investigators as they move to take the profit out of crime.

Jennings Grenades made significant strides in their quest to reclaim the Premier Division trophy with a convincing win over title-chasers All Saints United on Sunday. Jack Matthew reports.

The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission is assuring all is in place for electors to cast their ballots in Tuesday's by-election in St Peter. 4,762 electors are duly registered to cast their ballots to elect a new Parliamentary representative. ABEC’s Public Relations Officer, Elisa Graham provided an exclusive update to ABS News on the eve of the polls. Raghib Apparicio reports.

The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus says students returning later this month will have improved laboratory facilities and additional administrative services. The upgrades come as the campus prepares for a major expansion project being bankrolled by a loan of US$80M from the Saudi Fund for Development. Ercil Charles Jr reports

The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus is preparing to introduce two ground-breaking degree programmes which it expects to revolutionize education and finance in the region. Principal Professor C. Justin Robinson believes the initiative will make Antigua and Barbuda a hub for cutting-edge technology education. Jamie J. Roacher reports.

ABS MIDDAY NEWS (Monday January 13th 2025)

ANTIGUA BARBUDA TODAY (Monday January 13th 2025)

ABS EVENING NEWS (LOCAL SEGMENT & WEATHER REPORT) 12.1.2025

ABS EVENING NEWS (LOCAL SEGMENT & WEATHER REPORT) 11.1.2025

Cricket West Indies President Dr. Kishore Shallow says any introduction of a two-tier Test cricket system would need to align with the best interests of West Indies cricket and the sport globally. However, he says there has been no formal discussion on the alleged proposal. Jack Matthew explains.

The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party's candidate for St Peter, Rawdon Turner is making his case to voters on why he should be elected in Tuesday's by-election. Turner took the hot seat on ABS Meet the Candidates, outlining his plans, his connection to the late Hon. Asot Michael and addressing criticisms in some circles about his quiet demeanor. Jamie J. Roacher reports.

Veteran diplomat, Sir Ronald Sanders says remarks from United States President-Elect Donald Trump about the Panama Canal highlight the need for respectful dialogue and understanding. Trump has warned he is not ruling out military action to reclaim control of the vital canal. Sir Ronald, Antigua and Barbuda’s ambassador to the United States and Organisation of American States, shares his views in his latest syndicated column. Jamie J. Roacher reports.

Tourism Minister Hon. Charles Fernandez has welcomed Antigua and Barbuda’s inclusion on a list of the best regional islands to visit in 2025. He tells ABS news this is one of the fruits of strategic investments to burnish the country's tourism brand. Shannakisha Franis reports.

Antigua and Barbuda's oldest living centenarian, Hermena Winifred Goodin is now 104. The milestone was celebrated during an event at Jonas Road, All Saints on Friday. Governor General His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams joined family and residents at the celebration. Goodwin was born on the historical Betty's Hope Estate on December 28, 1920, but official records list her birth date as January 10, 1921. This was due to the delayed registration practices of the time. The centenarian turned the occasion into an opportunity to give back. In a remarkable gesture, she donated books, bicycles, and other gifts to the students of J.T. Ambrose Primary School in All Saints Village, a school she once influenced during her earlier years.

ABS MIDDAY NEWS (Friday January 10th 2025)

ANTIGUA BARBUDA TODAY (Friday January 10th 2025)

More frequent reports are to be made to cabinet regarding the state of the offshore financial sector. That was agreed when cabinet invited top officials of the Financial Services Regulatory Commission to its meeting on Wednesday, amidst challenges facing some offshore banks. Myrtle Bruno Hodge reports.

The Government will lead consultations on the feasibility of introducing a national retirement age, aligning the age for both social security and Government's occupational pensions. Attorney General and Minister for Labour, the Hon. Sir Steadroy Benjamin says the government will be engaging the Antigua and Barbuda Employers Federation, trade unions, businesses and social groups in dialogue.