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Reflections on 2009

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Reflections on 2009The year has undoubtedly left a significant and sizeable imprint on the history of this country. It has virtually cut a new path in the journey towards the successful development of our nation and the improvement of the lives of our people.

There is no year in recent memory that has had such a profound impact on the way of life of Antiguans and Barbudans.

In the short space of time that Caribarena has been in existence, just around a year to be exact, we have managed to capture in our daily reporting some of those events and the personalities that in many ways created the defining moments of 2009

Together they have embodied the myriad circumstances over the past 12 months that have served to characterise one of the most memorable periods in our history.

It was an election year, and politics always dominates the landscape in Antigua and Barbuda, poll or poll not.

An intense campaign led to a tense battle that ultimately ended in a very close result.

Former Prime Minister Lester Bird’s re-entry into the House of Parliament, if not for anyone else, was certainly a poignant moment for him personally.



Not for everyone though, especially his nemesis, Dr Errol Cort, and many UPP supporters, following a hard-fought election season. In the UPP, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer seemed to have a difficult time holding things together, as a letter from Wilmoth Daniel sharing his deep discontent with how he was being treated crept into the public spotlight, exposing signs of divisions in Cabinet.

 

The election drama will not soon depart, as the outcome of the election petition cases will continue to stoke the political fires in Antigua and Barbuda in the New Year.

It seemed in less than a wink that Antigua and Barbuda’s economic fortunes took a turn for the worse, with the sudden arrival of the International Monetary Fund on the country’s doorsteps. Before that however, there was no bigger story this year than the arrest of billionaire investor Sir Allen Stanford.

The fallout caused severe dislocation as hundreds lost their jobs, putting even more stress on what was turning out rapidly to be a troubled economy.  Finance Minister Harold Lovell was asked to handle all this, and the British American debacle - still largely unresolved as many who invested their life savings in the company lamented their huge losses.

One other story competed with the headlines of crime and the economy. Joey “Hungry Bird” Medica and six American tourists made life quite interesting for many of us in 2009, giving the authorities reasons to look seriously at the tourism product.

Rising crime kept  law enforcement authorities quite busy, as there seemed to be no end or solution to the unceasing incidents of rape and armed robberies. The year ended with some 16 murders, two more than 2008.

But even as the cloud of adversity swept across the political and economic landscape, there were reasons to celebrate.

There was none grander than in the arena of sports, as Daniel “Bakka” Bailey carried his nation into the well-needed positive spotlight by speeding his way to becoming the fourth fastest man in the world in 2009 at the IAAF World Championships.

The Independence celebrations, though low-keyed, gave us occasion to join in celebrating all those who made a contribution to national development.

The father of the nation, Sir Vere Cornwall Bird, was given his due with appropriate centennial celebrations in recognition of his lifetime of work in uplifting his people and developing his beloved nation.

 

There was pause for a moment as the shock was felt around the world at the sudden passing of international music star Michael Jackson. But a star was being made here in Antigua as Tian Winter accomplished only what Claudette CP Peter has done before, winning double crowns on the soca stage.

We now step from the old into the new, guided by the wisdom of perspective and the knowledge of experience.

The past behind us, we at Caribarena were indeed happy to be a part of the effort to record and share the events as they happened on this small stage. The year ended with bright prospects as the subregion came together in the formation of an Economic Union.

It is then to the future we look, as we invite you to take a look at some of those stories, features, and events captured on video and featured on our site that coloured the year 2009. We look forward to doing the very same in 2010, wishing you God’s blessings and a bright and prosperous NewYear.

Below you can see a gallery of all the top stories for 2009. This gallery will "slide" all on its own, so just kick back, relax, and enjoy the show! If you would like to view the story, just click on it!

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American Tourists Fined

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The five American tourists who pleaded guilty on Saturday to multiple charges, including assault and battery on police officers, were fined when their trial ended in the St John’s Magistrate's ...

police | Ian Magic Hughes | Tuesday, 6 October 2009

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Teen Desperate For Blood After Car Crash

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Four young men had to be rushed to the Mount St John's Medical Centre (MSJMC) after a serious car crash on the Friars Hill Road on Sunday night. One of ...

police | tami | Monday, 23 November 2009

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Police Investigate Teen's Death; Two In

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The police have begun to probe the death of 13-year-old Tequani Jackson, whose body was discovered in Fitches Creek earlier ...

Latest | tami | Sunday, 1 February 2009

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Suspect Confesses to Murder

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A Dominican national has confessed to the murder of American tourist Nina Elizabeth Nilssen, bringing closure to police investigations into the country’s first homicide of the ...

police | tami | Monday, 1 February 2010

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Police Describe Murder Suspect

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The police have released a description of a man they are seeking in connection with their investigation into the murder of an American tourist, Nina Elizabeth ...

police | tami | Wednesday, 20 January 2010

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Hayden Walsh drowns

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Prolific Antiguan batsman, Hayden "Shalo" Walsh drowned Saturday afternoon at Dove Cove. According to unofficial reports, he had been swimming in the pool at the Dove Cove Hotel on Antigua’s ...

Latest | tami | Saturday, 9 January 2010

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Daniel’s 'Resignation' Letter

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Early last month, there were tales of a private and confidential letter sent to Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer from his then deputy, Wilmoth Da...

Politics | tami | Wednesday, 17 June 2009

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Weapons Seized- Musician on the Run

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A well-known member of the music fraternity has reportedly gone into hiding after the police invaded his home and discovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition ...

police | tami | Wednesday, 25 November 2009

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UPP - No Reaction To White March

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The United Progressive Party (UPP) will not be issuing a statement in reaction to last Thursday's White March. Chairman Leon “Chaku” Symister told Caribarena his party has “no reaction whatsoever!” ...

Politics | Hazra C Medica | Tuesday, 18 August 2009

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Late Night Shooting And Car Crash

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A pickup transporting a gunshot victim to the hospital last night encountered a major roadblock as rescue personnel struggled to save the victim of a serious road accident from the ...

Latest | tami | Friday, 23 January 2009

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Cuban Doctor Killed

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A Cuban doctor is dead in what appears to be Antigua’s third murder. His body was discovered on Tuesday night in his apartment off All Saints Road, a short distance ...

police | caribarena news | Wednesday, 17 February 2010

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Stanford Needs Bail

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Lawyers for R Allen Stanford have filed another appeal for bail, fearing that he is heading for a mental breakdown. Online sources have said a psychiatrist confirmed that the disgraced ...

Latest | tami | Wednesday, 23 December 2009

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Bird Vows To Shut Country Down

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Amidst thunderous applause at the Rising Sun Grounds Thursday evening, Leader of the opposition ALP Lester Bird assured the people that the power to take back the realms of the ...

Politics | Aisha Caleb Browne | Friday, 14 August 2009

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King Indicted With Stanford

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Leroy King, former Head of Antigua & Barbuda’s Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) has been indicted along with Sir Allen Stanford by the US on multiple charges....

Latest | tami | Friday, 19 June 2009

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Change of Pleas

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The fate of five of the six American tourists on trial following a fracas at the St. John’s Police station hangs in the balance.  Chief Magistrate Ivan Walters will sentence ...

police | Ian Magic Hughes | Sunday, 4 October 2009

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Teacher-Student Sex Scandal

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A school teacher is being investigated for alleged indecent involvement with a student. Reports are the educator, in his 30’s, is being sought for involvement in child pornography. He ...

police | Dale Herbert | Monday, 31 August 2009

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UPP Wants Election Inquiry

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The United Progressive Party (UPP) is calling on the government to order a commission of inquiry into irregularities during the 2009 general ...

Politics | | Wednesday, 10 June 2009

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Contradicting Statements Highlight Trial

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The opposition Antigua Labour Party's legal challenge to the election results in four constituencies got started in the High Court on Monday. Justice Louise Blenman is presiding over the case ...

police | Ian Magic Hughes | Tuesday, 17 November 2009

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Stanford’s Fiancee Takes on Immigration

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Andrea Stoelker, fiancée of embattled billionaire Sir Allen Stanford, is wrangling with Antigua & Barbuda’s Immigration Department as it seeks to deport her. Well-placed sources told Caribarena that Stoelker, longtime ...

Latest | tami | Tuesday, 8 December 2009

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AG Justin Simon on Stanford and King

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A statement Issued by the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Justin L. Simon, QC.The Government has been reliably informed that the US Securities Exchange Commission has today ...

Latest | tami | Saturday, 20 June 2009

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Is Obama After Antigua?

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Just two days after Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer renamed Boggy Peak Mount Obama, Arthur Shaw of vheadline.com - news and views about Venezuela - is reporting that Antigua & Barbuda ...

Latest | Ian Magic Hughes | Friday, 7 August 2009

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Stanford Investors Sue Antigua, Claiming

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A group of R. Allen Stanford-run business investors sued the government of Antigua and Barbuda, claiming the Caribbean nation helped the financier engineer an alleged billion fraud ...

Latest | tami | Tuesday, 14 July 2009

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Calypsonian in Police Custody

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The police search for a well-known young calypsonian has ended. This followed Monday evening's find of a hoard of guns and ammunition. At a press conference on Wednesday at Police ...

police | Hazra C Medica | Thursday, 26 November 2009

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New Currency Approved for Member Nations

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Antigua- The Seventh Summit of the ALBA, the Venezuela-led trade and economic bloc, ended here Saturday with a decision to implement a single currency for transactions among member ...

Economy | tami | Monday, 19 October 2009

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Tourists Behaviour Worse than Gretna

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The St John’s Magistrate's Court will convene a special session Saturday to attempt to bring resolution to the case against six American tourists - Rachel Henry, Dolores Lalane, Shoshanna Henry, ...

police | Ian Magic Hughes | Saturday, 19 September 2009

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Alleged Fraud Leads To Lawsuit

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An Antiguan man is filing suit against a former Dominican pageant contestant he claims defrauded him of over ,000 by using his credit cards and making lengthy international calls from ...

Latest | tami | Saturday, 16 January 2010

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Government To Pull Plug On Zookz

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Following CARIBARENA‘s investigation of the controversial website Zookz.com, the Government of Antigua & Barbuda has reacted decisively and are taking no unnecessary risk re...

Latest | Ian Magic Hughes | Friday, 17 July 2009

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All Hell Broke Loose

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Antigua- The trial of six Americans facing multiple charges, including assault and battery of police officers, continued Monday with civilian witnesses on behalf of the prosecution. The first, ...

police | Ian Magic Hughes | Tuesday, 15 September 2009

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Woman Killed in Ovals

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A woman has been killed in Antigua’s second murder for the year. Police report she is Maria Christina Feliz said to be about 35 years old and of Hispanic ...

police | tami | Saturday, 6 February 2010

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Pirates of Antigua

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Antigua & Barbuda is once again in the international spotlight. This time it’s not about a Ponzi scheme, corruption or internet gaming, but serious concerns being raised about the legality ...

Latest | Ian Magic Hughes | Tuesday, 14 July 2009

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Lovell Says No Money From Dominica

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An announcement by Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit that Antigua was the beneficiary of a large cash injection courtesy his country has been met with some astonishment by Antigua & Ba...

Latest | tami | Friday, 11 December 2009

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Accident At Darkwood

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An Easter Monday accident along the Darkwood Beach road, near the Darkwood Bridge, has left a young man in critical condition and a family, including a pregnant mother, nursing varying ...

Latest | Aisha Caleb Browne | Monday, 13 April 2009

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Airport Store Owners Angry

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A furore is brewing at the VC Bird International Airport, and former CEO of the Airport Authority Ken Hurst seems to be in its ...

Latest | tami | Tuesday, 5 January 2010

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Fifth Murder Rocks Antigua

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Grays Farm and the wider community were rocked by yet another murder this morning. Shortly after 8 this morning, according to Senior Sergeant William Holder, a young Dominican man was ...

Latest | tami | Saturday, 21 February 2009

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Diamond International Responds to Strike

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As a result of last week's strike and the disruption to its business and reputation, Diamond International has issued a press release.  CaribArena is publishing it in its entirety to ...

Latest | tami | Monday, 9 March 2009

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FSRC Distance Itself From King

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The Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) is aware of recent international developments which have brought into public focus its ongoing investigations into the conduct and employment of Mr. Leroy ...

Latest | tami | Saturday, 20 June 2009

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Tourists Still Stirring Bad Press

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Shoshannah Henry, one of the six US tourists slapped with charges after beating local police officers, said she and her three female companions could have been raped if they did ...

Latest | Afeefah Beharry | Sunday, 11 October 2009

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US tycoon charged over bn fraud

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Texan billionaire and cricket promoter Sir Allen Stanford has been charged over a bn investment fraud, US financial regulators say.The Securities and Exchange Commission said the businessman, had orchestrated "a ...

Latest | tami | Tuesday, 17 February 2009

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Landlady Watched Victim Die

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The landlady of Antigua’s second murder victim barely heard the dying woman’s last words, and was unable to learn her killer’s ...

police | tami | Monday, 8 February 2010

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Antiguan Politics, American Case

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The trial of six American tourists accused of assault and battery of police officers took a political twist Tuesday. The six are being defended by attorney Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin, a ...

police | Ian Magic Hughes | Wednesday, 30 September 2009

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Numbers Don’t Lie

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Leader of the Antigua Labour Party (ALP), Lester Bird, has accused the Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, Baldwin Spencer of the United Progressive Party (UPP) of attempting to “heist” ...

Politics | | Saturday, 14 March 2009

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Airport Manager Quits

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CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) Ken Hurst has reportedly quit. Caribarena learnt that Hurst handed in his resignation late last week and is on vacation. A ...

Latest | Afeefah Beharry | Monday, 21 December 2009

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Doctor's Identity Revealed

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The police have released the identity of the Cuban doctor found dead in a pool of blood in his apartment off All Saints Road Tuesday ...

police | caribarena news | Wednesday, 17 February 2010

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Chin Remanded

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Jaymarie Chin, wife of slain businessman Raymond Chin, has been remanded until a court hearing on March 25, 2010. The Willikies woman was charged with her husband's murder after a ...

police | Ian Magic Hughes | Tuesday, 15 December 2009

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Stanford Victims Seek To Block Antigua

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The Stanford Victims Coalition (SVC) has added its voice to the debate on negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It is calling for the nation to be blocked from ...

Latest | Hazra C Medica | Monday, 26 October 2009

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Saying Sorry Saves Chaia

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Businessman and politician Charles “Max” Fernandez has dropped a defamation lawsuit against Donna “Evergreen” Chaia after she sent him a letter of apology. In August, Fernandez filed suit against Chaia, ...

Latest | tami | Thursday, 15 October 2009

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Bird And Others Charged

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Charges have been laid against seven members of the Antigua Labour Party, including its leader, Lester Bird. Additionally, an assistant commissioner of police has been relieved of his duties for ...

Politics | | Wednesday, 6 May 2009

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Fiancee Wants Control of Stanford Compan

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Andrea Stoelker, fiancee of billionaire investor Sir R Allen Stanford, who is locked away in a US prison awaiting trial on fraud charges, wants to take over the running of ...

Latest | tami | Thursday, 10 December 2009

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Reflections on 2009

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The year has undoubtedly left a significant and sizeable imprint on the history of this country. It has virtually cut a new path in the journey towards the successful development ...

Latest | tami | Friday, 1 January 2010

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Agricultural Awards Up coming

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Sunday January 18 is the new date for the newly sanctioned Sir RobertL Hall Agricultural Prizes & Awards Ceremony, formerly the annualPlot-to-Plot competition.The date was confirmed by Clarence Pilgrim, permanent ...

Latest | tami | Friday, 16 January 2009

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Body Found On Anchorage Road

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A man’s body was discovered in a drain on Anchorage Road Tuesday morning, not far from the First Choice ...

police | tami | Tuesday, 23 February 2010

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Antigua Sun Newspaper to Retract Story

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The AntiguaSun has been forced to retract the portion of its news story published under the caption “$US50 million yet to leave Venezuela,” which stated that the Antigua government had no...

Latest | Hazra C Medica | Thursday, 10 September 2009

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Jackson Strangled; Schoolmates Grieve

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The staff and students of the Christian Faith Academy are trying to come to grips with the loss of a young student who the principal Debbie Harvey has described as ...

Latest | tami | Tuesday, 3 February 2009

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Shoshanna- Afraid for my Life

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One of the six American defendants on trial for assault and battery of police officers testified in court on Wednesday. Shoshanna Henry, who all of the prosecution’s witnesses placed at ...

police | Ian Magic Hughes | Thursday, 24 September 2009

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Stanford Beaten In Prison, Hospitalised

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Former billionaire financier R Allen Stanford was reportedly hospitalised on Friday after a fight with another inmate. The extent of his injuries was not stated in a Reuters article, but ...

Latest | Afeefah Beharry | Saturday, 26 September 2009

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Antigua Braces for Influx of Haitian Ref

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Officials here are bracing for an influx of refugees from Haiti in the wake of the extensive damage and casualties caused by Tuesday’s magnitude 7.0 ...

Latest | tami | Friday, 15 January 2010

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UPP Reveals Alternate ALP Manifesto

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Officials of the United Progressive Party are questioning the vision of the opposition Antigua Labour Party (ALP), as two ALP manifestos have allegedly been discovered.The news was exposed during a ...

Politics | | Thursday, 12 March 2009

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More Delays for American Six

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Just when it seemed pressure from the American press would force a speedier trial for the American Six, more delays have come ...

police | Ian Magic Hughes | Thursday, 1 October 2009

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Newfield Man Admits To Sex With Stepdaug

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A Newfield man who pleaded guilty to having sex with his stepdaughter twice will learn his fate on February 12. He confessed to two counts of having sexual intercourse with ...

police | tami | Thursday, 21 January 2010

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Miracle on Old Parham Road

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Three persons survived a nasty collision on Old Parham Road Tuesday morning after a concrete truck slammed into a Nissan X-trail. The driver of the SUV escaped without any visible ...

police | Ian Magic Hughes | Tuesday, 19 January 2010

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Six Americans Back in Court

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The case involving six American tourists who came to Antigua aboard a Carnival cruise line vessel more than three weeks ago continues in the St John’s Magistrate's Court today following ...

police | Ian Magic Hughes | Tuesday, 29 September 2009

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Court No Longer Picking On Cavelle

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In an apparent quest to appease her conscience, former Medical Benefits Superintendent Cavelle John forked over 6,237 to the director at the High Court on ...

Latest | tami | Tuesday, 16 February 2010

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Police Officer Guilty of Murder

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A jury comprised of nine women and three men returned a guilty verdict against Constable Kevil Nelson Friday in the murder of Denfield “Toby” ...

police | Ian Magic Hughes | Friday, 30 October 2009

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Police Refute Fight Claims

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The police are refuting claims that undercover police officers were involved in an assault outside a bar in Bolans.A news release issued by the police force's Office of Strategic Communications ...

Latest | tami | Saturday, 10 January 2009

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Lester Bird on Law Suit, H1N1 and Bailey

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Fellow Citizens and Residents of Antigua and Barbuda. As you are aware, a group of persons who invested with Stanford Financial Services in the United States has filed a law ...

Politics | tami | Sunday, 19 July 2009

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Cruise Ship Pulls Out

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An emergency meeting between cruise stakeholders is reportedly scheduled for Friday, following news of the pullout of the Carnival Victory cruise ...

Latest | Afeefah Beharry | Friday, 25 September 2009

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written by jump'n'wave, January 02, 2010
What is truly amazing is how little attention is being paid to the horrible impression Antigua has made on the outside world, upon which it is completely dependent. The cruise industry was treated to the "Hungry Bird" spectacle. Foreign investors have watched the continuing Half Moon Bay confiscation, and any hope of a sustainable offshore banking industry has been ended by Antigua's refusal to cooperate in any information sharing, extradition or co-operation regarding the Stanford International Bank.

Antigua, if it has the wherewithal or ambition, will need to spend the next decade establishing itself as a legitimate player on the international stage.

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