Antigua Observer by NewsCo Ltd

19/12/2025

Friday 19th December 2025 Evening Edition News

19/12/2025

Golden Grove FC made yet another bold statement in their bid for promotion to the Antigua Premier League when they pulled off a confident 4-2 win over former champions and one of the country’s most successful clubs, Empire FC when they met in the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) First Division earlier this week.

Playing at the Keithley Sheppard Recreation Park, Nyique Baptiste led the charge for Golden Grove with a hat trick, netting in minutes 22, 25 and 28. An own-goal by Alex Hadaway in minute 38, accounted for Golden Grove’s other conversion.

By Neto Baptiste Golden Grove FC made yet another bold statement in their bid for promotion to the Antigua Premier League when they pulled off a confident 4-2 win over former champions and one of the country’s most successful clubs, Empire FC when they met in the Antigua and Barbuda…

19/12/2025

Former Finance Minister Harold Lovell has defended the United Progressive Party’s original Citizenship by Investment Program design while criticizing what he calls the current administration’s “reckless way” of managing the initiative.

Speaking about the program’s origins, Lovell detailed the careful consultation process undertaken before the UPP passed the CIP Act in 2013.

“We held consultations with the US authorities, the Canadian authorities, the authorities from the European Union,” he explained. “And it was out of those discussions and consultations that we designed our program.”

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By Sharon N Simon [email protected] Former Finance Minister Harold Lovell has defended the United Progressive Party's original Citizenship by Investment Program design while criticizing what he calls the current administration's "reckless way" of managing the initiative. Speaking abou...

19/12/2025

The Voice of the People

19/12/2025

The Good Morning Jojo Sports Show

19/12/2025

Observer A.M. W/ Dr. Jacqui Quinn

19/12/2025

Our newsroom has been flooded with questions since the U.S. visa announcement — so we’re putting it to you.

Question of the Day: If it came down to it, would you rather keep easier U.S. visa access or keep the current CBI programme structure?

19/12/2025

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Attorney General to take “all necessary steps” to complete the federal rulemaking process to reschedule ma*****na from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act.

The White House order frames the move around medical use and research, citing prior federal health reviews that found scientific support for ma*****na’s use in treating conditions including pain, nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, and anorexia related to certain medical conditions.

A shift to Schedule III would not legalize ma*****na at the federal level, but it could reduce regulatory barriers for research and ease some operational burdens for state-legal cannabis businesses.

19/12/2025

First Morning Edition of the Big Stories

19/12/2025

The U.S. military says it carried out “kinetic strikes” on two vessels it alleges were involved in drug smuggling in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing five people — three on one boat and two on the other.

In a statement, U.S. Southern Command said the vessels were operating in international waters along known narco-trafficking routes and were targeted at the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Reuters reported the military described those killed as “male narco-terrorists,” though no identities were released.

The strikes are part of a wider U.S. campaign that has drawn growing scrutiny over evidence standards and oversight. The Associated Press reported the latest deaths bring the known total to 28 boat strikes and at least 104 fatalities since the operation began earlier this year, with critics noting the U.S. has not publicly provided evidence backing the claims against each targeted vessel.

19/12/2025

Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) is advising the public to take increased precautions as the hospital records an early and more severe-than-usual onset of the influenza season.

Hospital laboratory data show an early and concerning rise in influenza cases. Since the start of December, SLBMC has confirmed 15 cases of Influenza A, following eight cases recorded in November, with most cases involving patients who required hospital admission.

To date, one influenza-related death has sadly been recorded.

Clinicians are also seeing a higher-than-usual number of patients requiring hospitalization and intensive care for severe influenza at this time of year, reflecting trends being observed internationally.

Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) is advising the public to take increased precautions as the hospital records an early and more severe-than-usual onset of the influenza season. Hospital laboratory data show an early and concerning rise in influenza cases. Since the start of December, SLBMC has...

19/12/2025

With less than two weeks before the US visa proclamation takes effect, Cabinet says government officials are still seeking clarification and a reversal, as Washington has not yet provided new official guidance.

Meanwhile pressure is mounting and anxiety is rising among travellers, students and families with US ties, with many wanting clear answers on how the restrictions will be applied and what to expect when the calendar turns to January.

Read more ⬇️
https://antiguaobserver.com/pressure-mounts-as-cabinet-awaits-official-us-guidance-on-visa-proclamation-set-for-january-1st/