ABS EVENING NEWS (LOCAL SEGMENT & WEATHER REPORT) 11.8.2024

ABS EVENING NEWS (LOCAL SEGMENT & WEATHER REPORT) 11.8.2024

The country's pioneering mother-daughter duo of Keisha Schahaff and Anastatia Mayers celebrated the first anniversary of their journey to the edge of space on Saturday. The odyssey thrust them and the country into the history books in a manner that was, literally, out of this world. They spoke with ABS’ Myrte Bruno Hodge.

The global spotlight on Antigua and Barbuda from the space flight of Keisha Schahaff and her daughter Anastatia Mayers a year ago, has provided a boost to tourism marketing efforts. Confirmation comes from Digital Media Manager at the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Sharifa George.

The Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development (GARD) Centre continues to empower individuals with training opportunities. The latest cohort of beneficiaries graduated from a programme on Friday. Hilesha Humphreys reports.

Antigua and Barbuda will soon see the implementation of Local Number Portability. This means residents will be able to keep their existing mobile phone number when they switch network providers. Information Communications Technology Minister the Hon. Melford Nicholas provided the update in an exclusive interview with ABS News on Friday.

Antigua and Barbuda is engaged in a pilot project to implement the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's Readiness Assessment Methodology regarding the use of artificial intelligence. The initiative is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology. Andrena Athill DaSouza reports.

Public Utilities Minister Hon. Melford Nicholas says APUA continues to make progress towards providing residents with an improved supply of potable water. Minister Nicholas says in addition to the further upgrade of the Ffryes Beach Reverse Osmosis Plant, APUA is also looking at significantly improving its storage capacity.

ANTIGUA BARBUDA TODAY (Friday August 9th 2024)

Police Commissioner Atlee Rodney is reasonably satisfied with the efforts to ensure safety and security for the just-concluded Carnival celebrations. Commissioner Rodney was a guest on ABS' Antigua Barbuda Today. Briana Anthony reports.

The Customs Department is celebrating a major revenue surge so far this year, in a boost to the Government's coffers. Comptroller of Customs, Raju Boddo says the Department has generated close to 50 million dollars more revenue compared to the same period last year.

Creative Industries Minister, Hon. Daryll Matthew has welcomed what he says was an increase in numbers, participation and corporate sponsorship for Antigua’s Carnival 2024. He was speaking at a news conference alongside officials of the Festivals Commission on Thursday. Theresa Goodwin reports.

Creative Industries Minister, Hon. Daryll Matthew says service providers for Carnival 2024 have so far received some 75% of their payments.

Police Commissioner Atlee Rodney has reacted to Tuesday night's quadruple shooting in the area of East Bus Station known as Shanty Town. Commissioner Rodney says fundamental adjustments must be considered to increase the safety profile of the area for future festivities.