ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – In a significant move to bridge the digital divide, the Rotary Club of Antigua has substantially enhanced the technological capabilities of the National Public Library through a major equipment donation. The philanthropic organization presented thirty-two state-of-the-art HP EliteBook laptops to the institution on March 19, 2026, marking a substantial investment in educational infrastructure and digital inclusion initiatives across the nation.
The donation ceremony featured addresses from key figures behind the initiative. Cordell Josiah, Past President of the Rotary Club and local Coordinator of the project, framed the contribution as more than mere hardware provision. ‘This initiative represents a fundamental commitment to opportunity creation,’ Josiah stated. ‘In our increasingly digital global landscape, technology access is no longer optional but essential. We’re providing critical tools that enable learning, personal development, and professional success.’
Elisa Graham, current President of the Rotary Club of Antigua, emphasized the strategic importance of strengthening institutional capabilities. ‘The National Public Library serves as a cornerstone of educational advancement and community development,’ Graham noted. ‘By augmenting its technological resources, we’re ensuring this institution remains a dynamic center for knowledge acquisition, innovation cultivation, and digital inclusion for all citizens.’
Library Director Ryllis Mannix welcomed the donation with profound appreciation, highlighting its practical implications for public service delivery. ‘This generous contribution from the Rotary Club will dramatically enhance our operational capacity,’ Mannix acknowledged. ‘These laptops will particularly benefit students and academic researchers who depend on our facilities for information access and technological resources that might otherwise be unavailable to them.’
This laptop donation represents the latest in a series of community empowerment initiatives undertaken by the Rotary Club of Antigua, which maintains an ongoing commitment to supporting educational advancement, youth development, and community capacity-building throughout Antigua and Barbuda.