(PRESS RELEASE)
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda wishes to clarify a press release, issued late last night after a Cabinet meeting, which stated that a State of Emergency exists in Antigua and Barbuda.
Cabinet decided, in light of the destruction in the island of Barbuda caused by Hurricane Irma, to declare a State of Emergency for Barbuda only.
No State of Emergency applies in Antigua which continues to function as normal.
The press release conformed to the relevant article of the Emergency Powers Act but it should have stated clearly that the State of Emergency applies to Barbuda only.
The declaration of a State of Emergency in Barbuda is necessary for the Government to protect life and property there and to allow authorities to carry out necessary work for the immediate safety of the island and its rehabilitation, including the attraction of disaster relief from the international community.
The Government emphasizes that the State of Emergency does not apply to Antigua where normal life proceeds as usual, including the functioning of the airport and ports, government business, commercial activity, and social activities.
