The Rotary Club of Antigua has unveiled a Peace Pole at Clare Hall Secondary School, marking a significant step in promoting peace and unity within the community. The installation, which took place recently, serves as a powerful symbol of hope, compassion, and the collective aspiration for a harmonious society. The Peace Pole carries a profound message: ‘Peace begins within—through thought, word, and action.’ It is designed to inspire students to embody peace in their daily lives, whether at home, in the classroom, or in their broader interactions. Rotary officials emphasized that the project aligns with the organization’s core principle of ‘Service Above Self,’ reflecting their commitment to fostering positive change. In a statement, the club expressed their vision for the monument: ‘Our mission shines brightest when rooted in hope. May this Peace Pole inspire a generation to lead with kindness and create a future filled with peace.’ The Rotary Club of Antigua has a long-standing history of contributing to education, health, and community development initiatives across the island, and this latest project underscores their dedication to nurturing a culture of peace among the youth.
作者： admin
-
Antigua and Barbuda Government Pushes Ahead With Removal of Derelict Vehicles
The government of Antigua and Barbuda is ramping up its efforts to tackle the long-standing issue of abandoned vehicles littering roadsides and communities. Despite the initiative’s slow and complex progress, officials remain committed to the cause. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, revealed during a recent Cabinet press briefing that a dedicated team has been formed to systematically map the country by zones, identifying and marking derelict vehicles. Owners are given a 14-day notice to remove their vehicles; failure to comply results in the state taking control and disposing of them at designated dumpsites. Merchant emphasized the growing impatience of Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Cabinet members, who have repeatedly expressed frustration over the sluggish pace of the cleanup. The prime minister has consistently linked the initiative to broader beautification and greening projects, urging for accelerated action. Legal complexities, particularly regarding vehicles located on property boundaries, have further hindered progress. Officials are treading carefully to avoid disputes with property owners. The derelict vehicle cleanup is part of a larger national beautification campaign, which includes tree-planting along highways and a nationwide cleanup drive led by the Defence Force next month. These initiatives aim to enhance the country’s aesthetics, boost its tourism appeal, and foster community pride. Despite the challenges, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming Antigua and Barbuda’s landscape.
-
Camp Blizzard to Become New Coast Guard Base
The government has unveiled plans to relocate the Coast Guard from St. John’s Harbour to Camp Blizzard, a move aimed at facilitating the expansion of the port. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, made the announcement during the weekly Cabinet press briefing on Thursday. He emphasized that the Ministry of Works has been tasked with preparing the new site, which already features a dock. The relocation will proceed once office spaces and living quarters for staff are completed at Camp Blizzard. Merchant highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance St. John’s port’s capacity and solidify its position as a key regional transshipment hub. The announcement comes on the heels of the recent acquisition of a US$6.2 million mobile harbor crane, which is expected to significantly boost the port’s operational efficiency, enabling it to handle over 60 containers per hour when integrated with existing infrastructure. The government’s long-term vision focuses on modernizing the port to attract more international trade and bolster economic growth.
-
UWI’s Pelican Pride Episode 4 (FINALE): The Change Maker – Cozier Frederick
In the final episode of ‘The Change Maker,’ we spotlight Wynante Adrien-Roberts, a distinguished legal professional whose life and career are deeply rooted in her faith and love for family. Known for her humility and unwavering commitment, Adrien-Roberts has navigated numerous challenges with grace, consistently serving her community with integrity and excellence. Her expertise and wisdom have made her an indispensable figure in the legal landscape of our region. This profile not only celebrates her professional achievements but also highlights her personal values that inspire those around her.
-
Digicel begins roll-out to solarise half its mobile network
Digicel Jamaica has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to solarize more than half of its 930 cell sites across the country. This multimillion-dollar project, executed in collaboration with U.S.-based Caban Energy, aims to enhance network resilience against weather-related disruptions and frequent power outages while reducing reliance on diesel generators. Over the next 12 months, 511 sites will be equipped with solar panels and battery systems, providing a robust backup power solution to meet the ever-growing demand for mobile data. The initiative was officially launched at a ribbon-cutting ceremony near Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport, attended by Digicel executives and country managers from across the Caribbean. The move comes in response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl in July 2023, which left large sections of the island without power for weeks. Digicel Jamaica CEO Stephen Murad emphasized the project’s alignment with the government’s call for telecom providers to strengthen service continuity during crises. Caban Energy’s technology will generate electricity onsite and store excess power in battery packs, significantly reducing downtime and fuel costs. Digicel estimates the initiative will produce over 15,000 megawatt hours of clean energy annually and cut carbon emissions by approximately 38,000 tonnes. Caban Energy CEO Alexandra Rasch Castillo highlighted the project’s dual focus on sustainability and resilience, noting the Caribbean’s vulnerability to severe weather. While Jamaica is the first market to benefit, the partnership will expand to Digicel’s 25 other markets across the region, setting a new standard for clean, reliable, and future-ready telecom infrastructure.
-
JWN Foundation prepares scholarship recipients for the world of work
Over 50 scholarship recipients from the J Wray & Nephew (JWN) Foundation recently participated in a transformative workshop aimed at equipping them with essential skills for their academic and professional journeys. The event focused on effective communication, wardrobe essentials, and business etiquette, preparing students for the transition from high school to university and from university to the workplace. The one-day session also emphasized self-care and personal development, ensuring participants are well-rounded individuals ready to face life’s challenges. Corporate and image consultant Althea Laing, a trailblazer in the fashion industry and Jamaica’s first supermodel, delivered an inspiring presentation on the importance of first impressions, professionalism, and self-confidence. Laing, who defied stereotypes in her career, encouraged the students to celebrate their uniqueness and build meaningful networks. The workshop also included professional headshots by LH Multimedia, enhancing the recipients’ online professional presence. JWN Foundation General Manager Garfene Grandison highlighted the initiative’s goal to leave a lasting impact on students, particularly those from underserved and rural communities. The day concluded with an awards ceremony, marking the first time the foundation hosted a workshop of this nature. Makeup artist Shanique Ellington and her team provided glam makeovers, while Ellington emphasized the value of versatility in business and entrepreneurship. Participants, including Ruth-Ann Alexander and Tisayra Jones, expressed gratitude for the invaluable lessons and experiences gained. The event underscored JWN Foundation’s commitment to empowering young individuals to excel in their personal and professional lives.
-
‘Deliver real change’
In a powerful address at the 80th United Nations (UN) General Assembly debate, Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness condemned the failure of developed nations to fulfill their climate finance commitments and criticized the global financial system for marginalizing vulnerable states. Holness emphasized the urgent need for reforms to make the UN more inclusive and responsive to the needs of smaller nations, particularly those grappling with the escalating impacts of climate change.
Holness highlighted Jamaica’s significant strides in fiscal discipline, reducing its debt-to-GDP ratio from 144% to 62%, yet underscored the persistent challenges in accessing affordable financing. Despite limited resources, Jamaica has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and is on track to meet its renewable energy target of 50% by 2030. However, the Prime Minister lamented that these efforts are hampered by a flawed global financing system that imposes high borrowing costs on reforming economies while ignoring their vulnerabilities.
He called out wealthy nations for repeatedly failing to deliver on their $100 billion annual climate finance pledge, describing the $800 million initial capitalisation of the COP28 loss and damage fund as grossly inadequate. Holness advocated for a new approach to measuring countries’ needs through the multidimensional vulnerability index, which would ensure fairer access to affordable loans. He also endorsed innovative financing mechanisms, such as debt-for-climate swaps and mixed funding, to attract private investment and alleviate debt burdens.
Beyond climate finance, Holness addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, condemning the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel while expressing deep concern over Israel’s counteroffensive. He called for a diplomatic resolution, urging adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 242 and a ceasefire agreement that includes the release of hostages.
Turning to Haiti, Holness, who chairs the Caribbean Community (Caricom), urged UN member states to act on the Secretary-General’s recommendations by establishing a stronger hybrid mechanism to address the crisis. He stressed that security operations alone are insufficient and called for rebuilding democratic institutions, ensuring free elections, and expanding humanitarian relief once stability is restored.
Holness also highlighted the global threat posed by transnational criminal gangs, describing them as global syndicates with resources rivaling nation-states. He called for a coordinated international campaign to combat organized crime, urging full implementation of the UN’s program on small arms and light weapons.
Concluding his speech, Holness challenged the global community to address pressing issues such as climate change, debt, poverty, conflicts, and crime through collective action. “Jamaica stands ready to work with all member states in partnership and solidarity to create a future defined by peace, prosperity, and dignity for all,” he declared.
-
Bellefield High sets sights on ending shift system
MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Bellefield High School is making significant strides toward eliminating its shift system, a long-standing challenge for the institution. The recent inauguration of an eight-classroom block, constructed at a cost of $75 million through independent funding, marks a pivotal step in this journey. Principal Paul Grant emphasized the need for an additional 16 classrooms to fully transition to a whole-day operation mode for its 1,400 students.
-
Apology to Fesco and CEO Mr Jeremy Barnes
The Jamaica Observer has issued a formal apology for incorrectly attributing a statement about Fesco’s market position to Mr. Jeremy Barnes, the company’s CEO, in a recent BusinessWeek article titled ‘Fesco Fuel Sales Surge 7.4%’. The publication acknowledged that Mr. Barnes did not make the quoted remark and expressed regret for the error and any resulting confusion among its readers. As part of its corrective measures, the Observer has removed the misattributed quote from all its published materials. This incident highlights the importance of accurate reporting and the potential consequences of misinformation in business journalism. The Observer has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding journalistic integrity and ensuring the reliability of its content moving forward.
-
West Indies cricket back in the spotlight
The West Indies cricket team embarks on a packed schedule in the final quarter of 2025, spanning all formats of the game. Ranked sixth in Twenty20 (T20) cricket, the Caribbean side, led by new captain Akeal Hosein, combines seasoned players with promising young talent. Their first challenge is a three-match T20 series against 18th-ranked Nepal, a team that cannot be underestimated given the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and the West Indies’ historical vulnerabilities across formats.