Drought Watch: The Antigua and Barbuda Evangelical Alliance is holding an Emancipation Day Prayer-cade today, with a key stop at Pot Works Dam focused on prayers for increased rainfall as the country battles ongoing drought and its knock-on effects for water and agriculture. Reparations Push: Prime Minister Gaston Browne used his Emancipation Day address to renew calls for reparatory justice over slavery and colonialism, arguing the case is about justice and accountability, not charity. Energy Leadership: Veteran engineer Girvan Piggott has been appointed Director of Energy in the Ministry, tasked with steering energy efficiency, renewable opportunities and energy security. Airport Upgrade: Runway paving at V.C. Bird International Airport is completed, moving the US$50m rehabilitation toward final testing and approvals. Maritime Skills: Tropical Shipping, PMAC and the Port Authority have launched the second Maritime Apprenticeship cohort, giving three young Antiguans hands-on training across shipping, port operations and logistics. Pharma Regulation: Chief Drug Inspector Alfred Athill is representing Antigua and Barbuda at a Global Drug Regulatory Conclave in India. Tourism & Hospitality: Antiguan hospitality professional Ryancia Henry has been appointed hotel manager at The Knox in Dallas, while Antigua is also ranked among TTW’s top beach destinations for 2026. Public Sentiment: A new survey finds most Antiguans oppose commercial whaling and say many were unaware of government advocacy.