The Ministry of Public Works’ drive to repair roads throughout the country has come to a halt with the breakdown of two of the country’s main quarry facilities.

The Public Works Department is currently awaiting bids to initiate a $1.3 million upgrade of the old headquarters of the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS).

The slaughtering of animals at the Government’s Abattoir at North Sound has come to a grinding halt.

Businessman and contractor Alex John has been given until Valentine’s Day to fork out more than $21,000 to the government after one of his buildings was flattened by the Development Control Authority (DCA).

Work on the passenger-clearing facility at the new emergency ferry dock in St John’s is set to proceed despite the recent removal of security fencing there.

Efforts to bring about better co-ordination between the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Antigua & Barbuda Public Utilities Authority (APUA) in order to minimise damage to the country’s paved roads have so far failed to produce the desired results.

Financial woes and lack of manpower are some of the problems identified by the Public Works Department as hampering the progress of road works in Antigua & Barbuda.

Life at Her Majesty’s Prison has begun to return to normal after an early morning fire in Prison Block “B” Division caused disruption at the facility.

Government was given a six-week extension after employees in its trade departments, backed by a union, dropped their tools vowing that no more work would be done until there was a commitment for immediate payment of occupational hazards allowances.

Antigua & Barbuda Amateur Cycling Association (ABACA) officially opened their 2011 season on Sunday with a church service and their opening Fun Ride.