作者： admin

Youth Arise Antigua has culminated its 2025 operations with two significant community engagement projects, demonstrating the organization’s sustained dedication to social welfare and youth development under Makiba Ward’s guidance.

The first initiative occurred on November 29, 2025, at Fiennes Institute Nursing Home, where the organization conducted a Thanksgiving Lunch for elderly residents. Volunteers and members participated in meal service activities while establishing meaningful interpersonal connections with seniors. The event emphasized respect for older generations and highlighted the value of cross-generational relationships within community structures. Participants reported an atmosphere characterized by mutual appreciation and emotional fulfillment for both volunteers and residents.

On December 13, 2025, the organization executed its annual Christmas Toy Drive, distributing more than 200 gifts to children throughout St John’s metropolitan area. This charitable endeavor brought festive celebrations to numerous families through contributions from donors and organizational members, ensuring widespread holiday enjoyment across the community.

Concurrently, Youth Arise Antigua has commenced membership recruitment for the 2026 operational year. The registration period opened December 1, 2025 and will continue through January 16, 2026. The organization seeks motivated individuals committed to community advancement and youth-driven development projects throughout Antigua and Barbuda.

Future objectives include expanded community outreach, enhanced partnership networks, and increased youth participation in national development initiatives, maintaining the organization’s core mission of service-oriented action and compassionate engagement.

A groundbreaking educational initiative combining academic reinforcement with comprehensive wellness support has been launched at Five Islands Primary School and Greenbay Primary School in Antigua. This innovative program represents a holistic approach to student development, addressing both educational needs and health requirements that fundamentally impact learning capabilities.

The program operates on the principle that academic excellence and physical wellbeing are intrinsically linked. By simultaneously strengthening instructional support systems and health outcomes, the initiative creates an optimized environment where students can achieve their maximum potential. The project enjoys political backing from Senator Michael Joseph, ABLP Caretaker for St. John’s Rural West, who serves as Junior Minister in the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs.

Academic enhancement components include structured after-school instruction for Grade Six students in Mathematics and English Language. Two specialized educators—one dedicated to mathematics instruction and another focusing on English—deliver targeted academic support four days weekly. Students participate in rotating group sessions to ensure balanced exposure to both subjects. These additional instructional hours serve multiple purposes: reinforcing classroom learning, recovering lost instructional time, and preparing students more effectively for national standardized assessments.

While the schools maintain responsibility for the academic framework, the program receives substantial augmentation through financial assistance, vitamin supplements, and additional resources provided through senatorial support, ensuring successful implementation.

The wellness dimension constitutes a equally critical component, with all participating students receiving daily nutritional supplements specifically formulated to support immune function, cognitive development, and overall health. The supplementation regimen includes multivitamins, DHA, vitamin C, and elderberry, complementing existing school meal programs. This nutritional support aims to reduce illness-related absenteeism while promoting sustained engagement in learning activities. Each student receives a three-month supply of supplements for administration under parental supervision, with continuation evaluated based on observed outcomes.

School administrators have enthusiastically endorsed the initiative as a timely intervention. Principal Alden James of Five Islands Primary School emphasized that the extended learning hours provide a structured, supervised environment during after-school periods. Acting Principal Cleopatra Henry of Greenbay Primary School highlighted the program’s dual approach to addressing both academic deficiencies and nutritional challenges affecting student populations.

Currently, more than 95 Grade Six students across both institutions are participating in the comprehensive program. Implementation will be closely monitored throughout the academic year, with performance metrics utilized to evaluate effectiveness. Successful outcomes may lead to program expansion in subsequent academic years, potentially extending the integrated approach to additional grade levels and schools.

This initiative reflects a broader commitment to youth development in St. John’s Rural West, aligning educational support with wellness interventions to not only improve examination results but also foster long-term student success and resilience.

The nation of Antigua and Barbuda is in mourning following the passing of Sir Gerald Owen Anderson Watt, KCN, KC, a towering figure in the country’s legal and political landscape. His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, and Her Excellency Lady Williams have issued official condolences expressing profound sorrow at the loss of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives.

In their tribute, the Governor-General and Lady Williams highlighted Sir Gerald’s exceptional decades-long career in public service, during which he held multiple prestigious positions including Attorney General, Parliamentarian, Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission, and President of the Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association. His most notable role as long-serving Speaker of the House of Representatives spanned over a decade, where he demonstrated remarkable dedication to parliamentary procedures and democratic principles.

Renowned for his formidable legal intellect and spirited demeanor, Sir Gerald was celebrated for his unwavering convictions and readiness to engage in vigorous debate. His distinctive combination of intellectual rigor and outspoken nature brought substantial clarity and courage to critical national discussions concerning legal frameworks, governance structures, and constitutional matters. This significant contribution played a pivotal role in strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s democratic institutions.

Throughout his distinguished career—whether in parliamentary chambers, courtrooms, or public forums—Sir Gerald consistently commanded respect for his principled positions and steadfast commitment to advancing the nation’s best interests. His tenure as Speaker was particularly noted for its passion, thoroughness, and profound respect for the responsibilities inherent to the office.

The Governor-General and Lady Williams emphasized that Sir Gerald’s legacy of exemplary public service, intellectual bravery, and national devotion will endure in the nation’s collective memory. His absence will be deeply felt across the legal and political spheres.

Their Excellencies have extended heartfelt sympathies to the Watt family, offering assurances of prayers and support during this period of profound loss and reflection for the nation.

The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) has announced the passing of its former chairman, Sir Gerald Watt, KC, who died on December 13, 2025. The commission expressed profound sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and professional associates.

Sir Gerald’s transformative leadership as ABEC Chairman from 2004 to 2009 fundamentally reshaped the nation’s electoral governance. During this formative period, he established critical administrative structures and operational protocols that became the bedrock of electoral integrity in Antigua and Barbuda. His tenure was characterized by visionary reforms that modernized the commission while strengthening public trust in democratic processes.

Current Supervisor of Elections Ian S. Hughes emphasized Sir Gerald’s exceptional contributions, noting his ‘principled leadership and sound judgment’ that established robust governance frameworks. ‘His vision and steady counsel laid a strong foundation upon which the Commission continues to build,’ Hughes stated, highlighting the enduring legacy of professionalism and dedication.

Ambassador Arthur G.B Thomas, current ABEC Chairman, contextualized Sir Gerald’s impact within a challenging political landscape. ‘He joined during a pivotal stage when modern electoral administration was still being defined,’ Thomas remarked, acknowledging how Sir Gerald navigated heightened political polarization through frank dialogue and ethical conviction.

Renowned for his legal expertise and unwavering impartiality, Sir Gerald became a towering figure in the commission’s history. His approach combined fairness, independence, and profound respect for the rule of law, setting exemplary standards that continue to guide ABEC’s operations. His calm authority and strategic reforms left an indelible mark on electoral administration and democratic governance throughout the nation.