In a world where change is inevitable, meaningful transformation requires more than mere chance—it demands strategic visioning. This disciplined process involves envisioning a preferred future and meticulously planning the steps to achieve it. At the national level, Barbados stands on the brink of significant change. Inspired by Singapore’s model of disciplined, long-term development, there is a growing consensus that Barbados can become the “Singapore of the Caribbean.” This vision, supported by both local residents and expatriates, is gaining traction in public discourse. While the journey will be gradual, it can be integrated into a rolling ten-year strategic plan, continuously refined and renewed annually. At the sector level, the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica underscores the importance of resilience and innovation. Discussions among industry leaders highlight the need for strategic partnerships to protect critical infrastructure, such as burying power lines to mitigate future storm damage. At the corporate level, strategic visioning necessitates collaboration between government and private enterprises to align national development goals with business opportunities. Visioning, as a guiding compass, requires passion, persistence, and patience at all levels. It is the key to achieving a sustainable and prosperous future, step by step, decade by decade. As President Obama aptly put it, “Just learn how to get stuff done.”
作者： admin
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Antigua and Barbuda’s National Culinary Team Arrives in Barbados for Regional Competition
The National Culinary Team of Antigua and Barbuda has made a grand entrance in Barbados, gearing up for the highly anticipated Taste of the Caribbean competition, hosted by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association. The event, scheduled from November 16 to 18, will see the team showcase their culinary prowess against regional rivals. Upon their arrival on Friday, the chefs and bartender were welcomed with a Barbados Transport Board bus adorned in Antigua and Barbuda branding—a gesture orchestrated by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. This initiative not only supports the team’s participation but also serves as a vibrant promotion of the nation’s culture and pride. Officials highlighted that the branded transport symbolizes a strong sense of national identity as the delegation embarks on their competitive journey. Over the three-day event, the team will face off against culinary experts from across the Caribbean, aiming to bring home accolades and further elevate their country’s reputation in the culinary arts.
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Dominica’s Adejah Shillingford scores 100%, top performer in entire region for CCSLC math exam
Adejah Shillingford, a fourth-form student at Dominica Grammar School, has achieved an extraordinary milestone by securing the highest score in mathematics across the Caribbean in the Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC) exam. Despite her long-standing affinity for mathematics, Adejah admitted that her perfect score of 100% came as a surprise. Her mother, Adamah, echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in her daughter’s consistent academic excellence while acknowledging the unexpected nature of this achievement. Adejah took the exam in June 2025 as a third-form student and received her results in August, learning she had attained a ‘mastery’ level grade. However, it was only recently that she discovered she had outperformed every other student in the region. In addition to her math success, Adejah also achieved a ‘mastery’ score in English, missing just one question. The CCSLC exam, introduced in 2007 by the Caribbean Examination Council, emphasizes core knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values essential for secondary school graduates. Adejah’s preparation for the exam was unconventional; she did not formally study but relied on her consistent academic diligence and natural aptitude for numbers. Interestingly, she revealed that she is not an avid reader but prefers to simplify concepts to their essence for better understanding. Adejah aspires to become an accountant and attributes her success to her love for mathematics, which has been a lifelong passion. She shared valuable advice for fellow students, emphasizing the importance of using technology as a learning tool while avoiding plagiarism. Adejah also stressed the significance of active classroom participation and maintaining a positive mindset. ‘Tell yourself you are intelligent and you can succeed,’ she urged, highlighting the power of self-affirmation in achieving academic goals.
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National Blood collection centre benefits from Sagicor donation
The National Blood Collection Centre has significantly enhanced its operational capacity with the generous donation of a state-of-the-art multifunctional blood donor electric bed from Sagicor. This contribution increases the total number of beds at the facility to eight, improving both efficiency and comfort for donors and staff alike. Nurse Wendy Lorde, Senior Blood Collecting Technician, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the timely donation, emphasizing its transformative impact on the Centre’s ability to serve the public. ‘This new bed from Sagicor has revolutionized our daily operations,’ she remarked. ‘Previously, we had four beds, one of which required replacement. With the addition of three beds from the QEH and now this latest donation, we have eight fully functional units. This allows us to accommodate more donors simultaneously, with each bed facilitating at least seven donations daily. This not only reduces waiting times but also ensures a more comfortable experience for everyone.’ Nurse Lorde also highlighted a positive trend of increased blood donations in recent months, particularly from individuals donating on behalf of family and friends. However, she encouraged more people to become regular donors, stressing the importance of a consistent blood supply in saving lives. Paul Inniss, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Sagicor Life Inc. (Barbados), shared the company’s pride in supporting the National Blood Collection Centre’s vital work. ‘At Sagicor, we are committed to caring for our communities in meaningful ways. The Centre plays a pivotal role in sustaining our healthcare system, and we are honored to contribute to making the donation process more accessible and comfortable. We hope this donation inspires more Barbadians to give the gift of life.’ This initiative is part of Sagicor’s broader commitment to health and wellness across Barbados and the region.
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When the voice of labour falls silent, then what?
Since the dawn of the 21st century, the world has undergone profound economic and political transformations, reshaping global economies, societal structures, and labor markets. These shifts, often driven by the decisions of superpower nations, have ignited trade wars and intensified competition over critical resources such as land, oil, and minerals, fostering a new era of neocolonialism. Amid these changes, trade unions have faced scrutiny for their perceived silence on these pressing issues. While international trade union organizations have voiced concerns, the muted response from developing nations—many reliant on first-world support—raises questions about their ability to safeguard labor rights and employment gains. Critics argue that unions may be either hesitant to challenge powerful entities or disconnected from the global developments threatening workers’ welfare. The hostile legal and political environments in many countries, marked by anti-union legislation and measures criminalizing union activities, further complicate their efforts. Even in democratic nations, unions struggle to address global challenges effectively. The rise of the gig economy and non-standard employment has further eroded traditional union structures, making it increasingly difficult to organize fragmented and vulnerable worker groups. Declining membership, particularly among younger workers who view unions as outdated, has diminished their influence and public visibility. As the nature of work continues to evolve, trade unions must confront these mounting challenges to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
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Team Antigua Island Girls Present Uncharted Waters—an evening of untold stories from their historic Pacific Ocean row
Team Antigua Island Girls, the groundbreaking all-Black female rowing team, invites the public to an exclusive event titled ‘Uncharted Waters.’ This intimate evening, scheduled for Friday, November 21, 2025, at the John E. St. Luce Financial and Conference Centre, will feature emotional storytelling and never-before-shared insights from their record-breaking 2023 Pacific Ocean crossing. The event begins at 7:15 p.m., with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. for a pre-show experience. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore ‘Dadli Gyal,’ the boat that carried the team across 2,800 nautical miles over 47 days, sample the dehydrated meals that sustained the rowers, and participate in a raffle with prizes including a dinner for two at Jumby Bay. Tickets are priced at $150 for adults and $50 for youth under 16, available via the Ticketing app, Ken’s Club in Cassada Gardens, Kennedy’s in Powell’s, or SICON at the airport. All proceeds will support the establishment of a home for girls in conflict with the law, reflecting the team’s dedication to empowerment and social change. Team Antigua Island Girls, composed of Christal (author and swim instructor), Elvira (health and wellness coach), Kevinia (personal trainer and team captain), and Samara (Antigua and Barbuda’s first female boat captain), made history in 2018–2019 by rowing 3,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic. In 2023, Christal, Kevinia, and Samara took on the World’s Toughest Row—Pacific, inspiring global audiences with their determination and teamwork.
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ABWU Announces Dr Dwayne ‘Baba’ Thwaites as Featured Speaker for 2025 Men’s Conference
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) has revealed that Dr. Dwayne “Baba” Thwaites, a distinguished urologist, will be the keynote speaker at its 2025 International Men’s Day Conference. Scheduled for November 19, the event, themed “Healthy Men, Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Society,” will emphasize men’s physical and mental health, early disease detection, and fostering healthier work environments. Dr. Thwaites’ participation underscores the Union’s dedication to advancing discussions on men’s health both nationally and regionally. Recognized as one of the Caribbean’s foremost urology experts, Dr. Thwaites boasts a career marked by clinical excellence, groundbreaking research, and public health advocacy. His extensive training includes stints at prestigious U.S. institutions such as the University of Miami, Emory University, and the State University of New York. A graduate of Ottos Comprehensive School and St Joseph’s Academy, Dr. Thwaites completed his undergraduate studies at St Leo University in Florida and post-baccalaureate work at the University of South Florida. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami, followed by a general surgery residency in New York and a trauma fellowship at St Vincent Hospital in Staten Island. Dr. Thwaites made history as Chief of Surgery at Alexandra Hospital in Nevis, performing the first laparoscopic surgery in the Eastern Caribbean. After specializing in urology at Emory University and the University of Miami, he returned to the region to conduct its first laser prostatectomy. Today, he maintains a successful urology practice and spearheads annual prostate screening initiatives across the Eastern Caribbean. The ABWU highlighted Dr. Thwaites’ trailblazing contributions and focus on early detection as vital to the conference’s mission. The event will convene on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
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APUA crew at work in Jamaica supporting power restoration
In a demonstration of regional solidarity, technicians from the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) have been dispatched to Jamaica to assist in ongoing electricity restoration efforts. This initiative is part of a coordinated response facilitated by the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC), which mobilizes resources and expertise across member nations during crises. The APUA team is working alongside the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to address recent disruptions to the island’s power grid, focusing on repairing and stabilizing electrical lines in affected communities. This collaborative effort highlights the longstanding tradition of regional cooperation among utility providers, who routinely share manpower and technical knowledge in the aftermath of significant outages. APUA has confirmed that its technicians will remain in Jamaica until all assigned restoration tasks are completed, ensuring a swift and effective recovery.
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Antigua & Barbuda Marks Arbor Day with Month-Long Push for Climate Resilience and Green Restoration
Arbor Day, observed internationally on November 16, stands as a powerful reminder of the critical role trees play in environmental sustainability and humanity’s duty to protect the planet. Communities worldwide commemorate this day by planting trees, revitalizing green spaces, and raising awareness about climate change and biodiversity. While the date may vary across countries, the core mission remains consistent: fostering a greener, healthier, and more resilient Earth.
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ABHTA Announces Nominees for Rising Star and Young Hotelier of the Year
The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) has unveiled the nominees for the prestigious Rising Star of the Year and Young Hotelier of the Year awards, set to be presented at the 2025 Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards. These accolades aim to honor the next generation of leaders in the hospitality industry, celebrating their dedication and professionalism in enhancing service standards nationwide.
This year’s nominees hail from some of the country’s most renowned establishments, including Blue Waters Resort & Spa, Cocos Hotel, Hawksbill Resort Antigua, Jumby Bay Island, Keyonna Beach Resort, Mill Reef Club, Royalton Antigua, Royalton CHIC Antigua, Sandals Grande Antigua, Tamarind Hills Resort & Villas, and Trade Winds Hotel. According to the ABHTA, these individuals embody the passion and excellence that drive Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector forward, contributing to elevated guest experiences and fostering industry-wide innovation.
The winners will be revealed on November 29, 2025, during the Tourism Awards Gala, hosted at Sandals Grande Antigua under the theme “Mirror Ball Gala – A Night to Reflect and Shine.” The event is a collaborative effort between the ABHTA, the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), highlighting the collective commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent within the hospitality industry.