The Rotaract Club of Antigua has successfully concluded its impactful ‘Drops of Change’ initiative, a project aimed at enhancing access to clean drinking water, fostering sustainability, and engaging youth in community service. On September 11, 2025, the Club, alongside library staff and students from various institutions, unveiled a drinking water dispenser at the National Public Library. This initiative underscores the importance of hydration, particularly in the context of climate change and rising global temperatures. Community Service Director Kayah Ward emphasized the broader goals of the project, stating, ‘This dispenser symbolizes our dedication to healthier habits, reducing single-use plastics, and advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.’ The dispenser, now a fixture in the library’s lobby, was accompanied by twelve five-gallon water bottles, with the public encouraged to contribute additional bottles to sustain the effort. Additionally, the Club organized a Creative Writing Competition themed ‘Access to Clean Water,’ which saw enthusiastic participation from primary schools across Antigua. Winners, including Asia Joseph from Newfield Primary School, were recognized for their insightful submissions. The initiative highlights the Club’s commitment to community well-being, sustainability, and youth empowerment, while fostering collaboration with local institutions and corporate partners.
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Rotary Club of Antigua Joins the Global Effort to End PolioWorld Polio Day – October 24, 2025
The Rotary Club of Antigua has joined millions globally in commemorating World Polio Day 2025, reaffirming its steadfast dedication to eradicating polio worldwide. Polio, a debilitating and potentially fatal infectious disease, once afflicted hundreds of thousands of children annually. However, since the inception of Rotary’s PolioPlus program in 1985, global polio cases have plummeted by over 99%, with only a handful of cases persisting in Afghanistan and Pakistan. This extraordinary achievement stands as one of the most successful global health campaigns in history.
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Getting to the root in surge of violent crime
The Barbados Police Service’s latest crime statistics for 2025 reveal a concerning dichotomy in the nation’s security landscape. While overall crime has decreased by approximately two percent, serious crimes against individuals have surged dramatically, with robberies more than doubling and major crimes increasing by 13 percent. Acting Police Commissioner Erwin Boyce has voiced confidence in the force’s readiness for the upcoming national celebrations, the We Gatherin’ initiative, and the peak tourist season. However, he emphasized that optimism must be paired with urgency and a strengthened partnership with the community to address the escalating violence. The data is alarming: robberies have skyrocketed from 100 in 2024 to 213 this year, reflecting heightened fear among citizens and growing boldness among criminals. Although murders have slightly decreased from 41 to 38, the fact that 22 of these involved firearms underscores the persistent issue of illegal gun circulation. The police’s seizure of 63 firearms and 1,750 bullets, a significant increase from the previous year, highlights both enforcement successes and the ongoing accessibility of weapons. Acting Commissioner Boyce cautioned against complacency, stressing that major crimes—those directly threatening personal safety—are the true indicators of public security. He pledged a relentless approach to tactical operations but acknowledged that statistics alone do not tell the full story. Sustainable solutions require addressing root causes such as unemployment, educational gaps, drug abuse, and cultural glorification of criminal lifestyles. Encouragingly, the police have prioritized community engagement, aiming to rebuild trust and encourage public cooperation. Boyce noted that visible policing and outreach efforts are beginning to yield results, as residents feel more confident in sharing information. However, combating violent crime demands a coordinated national strategy involving law enforcement, social services, schools, and community leaders. Public confidence hinges on transparency, with regular updates on crime-fighting strategies, their outcomes, and officer accountability. While Commissioner Boyce’s optimism is reassuring, it must be matched by a collective commitment from Barbadians to prioritize safety. The island’s history of overcoming crises through unity offers hope, but only a united effort can reverse the troubling rise in violent crime.
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Nieuwe lichting strategisch legerkader klaar voor hoogste functies binnen Defensie
Nine officers, holding the ranks of major and captain, have successfully completed the Command and Staff Course (25-01), the highest military training program within the Surinamese National Army. This intensive ten-month course bridges tactical command and strategic leadership, equipping participants for pivotal roles within the defense apparatus. Colonel Justus Hew A Kee, Commander of the Institute for Defense Training, highlighted the significance of this achievement: “Where you once executed plans, you are now expected to craft them. You transition from tactics to strategy, becoming advisors, policymakers, and co-architects of our future operational strength.” Jayant Bidesie, Director of the Ministry of Defense, emphasized the importance of this new cohort for the moral compass of the armed forces, cautioning against declining discipline. “You are the emerging leadership of the army. Restoring trust—among the population, politicians, and international partners—lies in your hands. Trust is built not with words but with actions,” he stated. Major Ratna Ganpat was recognized as the top graduate of the course. Brigadier General Werner Kioe A Sen placed the achievement in a global context, noting the rapidly shifting security landscape. “Reacting is not enough—we must anticipate. Strong strategic leadership is not a luxury but a necessity. Weapons win battles, but people win wars,” he asserted. Lieutenant Colonel Arnold Kortstam, the course coordinator, detailed the curriculum, which included strategic planning, conflict analysis, decision-making under pressure, and leadership in dynamic environments. “This course demanded much from them. They worked long hours, dissected complex scenarios, and dared to be vulnerable to grow,” he explained. With the completion of this program, Suriname reaffirms its possession of strategic military leadership of international caliber.
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Opposition Senator Supports Citizenship by Investment Bill
Opposition Senator Shawn Messiah has voiced strong support for the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority Agreement Bill 2025, emphasizing its potential to bolster public trust and international confidence in the region’s investment initiatives. Speaking during a debate in the Upper House on Thursday, Messiah described the bill as a constructive and non-contentious measure that aligns with the interests of small island economies like Antigua and Barbuda, which heavily depend on Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs for development revenue.
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Dominican Week in Spain 2025 set for October 27–30
Madrid is set to host the Dominican Week in Spain (SEDE) 2025 from October 27 to 30, an event designed to showcase the Dominican Republic’s burgeoning potential as a regional leader in investment, logistics, and creative industries. The gathering will unite government officials, business leaders, cultural ambassadors, and members of the Dominican diaspora, underscoring the nation’s evolving role as a strategic partner for Spain. The opening ceremony, to be held at the Meliá Fénix Hotel, will feature prominent figures including Ambassador Tony Raful, Minister of Industry and Commerce Víctor “Ito” Bisonó, Minister of Culture Roberto Salcedo, and Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía. They will honor the founders of SEDE and celebrate the Dominican community’s contributions to strengthening bilateral relations. The event’s agenda includes panel discussions on international markets, banking transparency, advanced manufacturing, and global services, with participation from key institutions such as MAPFRE, the Madrid Chamber of Commerce, VISA Spain, and Banco Popular Dominicano. Cultural enthusiasts can look forward to the presentation of the book *Our First Settlers*, which delves into the Taíno heritage and the foundational elements of Dominican identity.
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Leader of Government Business Govia Calls Citizenship by Investment Bill a ‘Momentous Step Forward’ for Regional Integrity
In a landmark move aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability, Senator Shenella Govia, Leader of Government Business in the Senate, introduced the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority Agreement Bill 2025. The legislation, presented on Thursday in St. John’s, Antigua, establishes a regional authority to oversee and harmonize Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs across Eastern Caribbean states. The new regulatory body will implement uniform due diligence standards, approve eligibility frameworks for applicants, and maintain a comprehensive register of agents and developers. Additionally, the bill introduces stringent penalties for misconduct, including fines of up to US$250,000 for providing false or misleading information. A Council of Ministers, comprising representatives from each member state, will be tasked with overseeing the implementation and policy direction of the agreement. Govia emphasized that Antigua and Barbuda, a pioneer in the CBI sector, must uphold the highest standards of compliance to safeguard against reputational damage and potential sanctions. She highlighted that the legislation bolsters public confidence and reassures international partners of the region’s commitment to transparency and good governance. ‘This is a responsible and forward-thinking measure,’ Govia stated. ‘It signals to the world that Eastern Caribbean nations are united in protecting the value and credibility of our programs while strengthening the legal framework that underpins them.’ The bill received broad bipartisan support in the Senate and was passed without amendments.
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Brand Charlesburg nog niet onder controle; omwonenden klagen over rook en stank
A persistent fire at the Charlesburg landfill has been raging for several days, causing significant environmental and public health concerns. Despite assurances from Minister of Justice and Police Harish Monorath that the situation is “manageable,” the blaze remains uncontrolled, with thick smoke causing severe discomfort in the surrounding area. The fire initially appeared to be a minor grass fire, prompting no immediate response. However, as the situation escalated on the illegal dump site, firefighters were deployed to contain the flames. After briefly withdrawing when the immediate threat to nearby homes subsided, they were called back due to fears of environmental damage from the smoke. Monorath acknowledged the limited resources available, stating, “There is some equipment, but not enough. Some of the men are working without proper protective gear, and the area is infested with labaria snakes, making it a dangerous situation.” One worker was bitten by a labaria and required emergency medical treatment. The minister emphasized that landfills should be covered with sand daily to minimize fire risks. At the request of the fire department, a digger from the Ministry of Public Works & Spatial Planning (OWRO) has been deployed to assist in the operations. A nearby creek has been opened to facilitate water access for firefighting efforts. Meanwhile, residents in the area have complained of dense smoke and a pungent odor, reporting respiratory irritation and urging authorities to resolve the situation swiftly.
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Immigration Department to Engage Hispanic Community on Residency and Citizenship Procedures
The Immigration Department of Antigua and Barbuda is set to organize a community engagement session tailored for the Hispanic community on Friday, October 24, at 5:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Multipurpose Cultural Centre, offering an interactive platform to discuss residency and citizenship procedures in the country. Chief Immigration Officer Ms. Katrina Yearwood, alongside other senior immigration officials, will lead the presentations, providing detailed guidance and addressing queries from participants. The Hon. Sir Steadroy Benjamin, Attorney General and Minister responsible for Immigration, will also deliver a speech, highlighting the government’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and maintaining open communication with all resident communities. This initiative is a joint effort between the Embassy and Consulate of the Dominican Republic and the Antigua and Barbuda Immigration Department, designed to enhance bilateral relations and improve awareness of immigration processes within the Hispanic community.
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National Parks and the Ministry of Agriculture Conducted Gardening and Landscaping Training
In a bid to bolster sustainable landscaping and plant care practices, the National Parks Authority and Grounds Department recently hosted a comprehensive gardening and landscaping training workshop. This initiative, conducted in partnership with the Plant Protection Unit and the Forestry Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, took place on October 21 and 22, 2023. To ensure maximum participation, the workshop was repeated on the second day to accommodate different employee groups.
The training was spearheaded by Mrs. Camellia Wallace-Tonge and Mr. Sebastian Cochrane from the Forestry Department, alongside Mr. Jahmol Colbourne of the Plant Protection Unit. Mrs. Wallace-Tonge led sessions on botanical and propagation techniques, emphasizing plant taxonomy, identification, and the critical role of species selection in landscaping. Mr. Cochrane provided hands-on demonstrations of grafting and air layering, essential methods for enhancing plant survival and reproduction.
Mr. Colbourne’s segment focused on pest and disease management, addressing common plant pests, invasive species, and practical control strategies. He stressed the importance of prioritizing natural pesticides, biological controls, and pest trapping over chemical solutions, which can harm beneficial insects like ladybugs. Participants were also trained in the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize chemical exposure and mitigate long-term health risks.
Additional discussions explored the cost-effectiveness of organic versus synthetic fertilizers, with organic options proving more sustainable by improving soil health and supporting multiple crop cycles. The training also highlighted the importance of cleanliness and monitoring to prevent pest spread, recommending immediate removal and burning of severely infected plants to curb disease transmission.
This collaborative effort underscores a broader commitment to enhancing landscape management practices across government departments while fostering inter-agency cooperation and environmental stewardship.