On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, the Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams, accompanied by Lady Williams and Sir Lionel Hurst, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister, graced the official launch ceremony of the MV Logos Hope. The event took place aboard the vessel, which was docked at St. John’s Harbour, marking its return to the island nation after an eight-year absence since its last visit in 2017. Operated by GBA Ships e.V., the Logos Hope is celebrated globally as “the world’s largest floating book fair,” having brought knowledge, assistance, and hope to over 140 ports in more than 70 countries. During the ceremony, Sir Rodney Williams commended the dedicated crew and volunteers for their unwavering commitment to the ship’s mission of fostering global service and friendship. He emphasized the alignment between the Logos Hope’s vision and Antigua and Barbuda’s dedication to education, community development, and international collaboration. The Governor General was presented with a commemorative plaque by the ship’s Director, Mr. Décio de Carvalho, and participated in a guided tour of the onboard book fair alongside Lady Williams, Sir Lionel Hurst, and senior crew members. The launch event featured a parade of nations, speeches by ship leaders and local dignitaries, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the entrance to the book fair.
分类： society
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Governor-General Commends Antigua and Barbuda–China Collaboration in Sustainable Agriculture
The Villa Community and Conference Centre recently hosted the Closing Ceremony of the Agriculture Water-Saving Irrigation Technology Training Programme, a significant initiative organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy (MOAFLBE) in partnership with the Yuan Longping High Tech Agriculture Company and supported by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Antigua and Barbuda. The event was graced by His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, who delivered the Feature Address.
Sir Rodney praised the participants for their dedication to enhancing local agriculture and underscored the critical role of water-saving technologies in combating the escalating challenges of climate change and water scarcity. He emphasized that efficient irrigation systems are essential for ensuring food security and sustainability in small island nations like Antigua and Barbuda. “Water-saving irrigation technologies are not just tools of efficiency; they are instruments of resilience. Every drop saved contributes to a stronger, more food-secure nation,” he remarked.
The Governor-General also expressed gratitude to the Government and People of the People’s Republic of China for their ongoing partnership and technical support in agricultural development. He highlighted the fruitful collaboration between the two nations, which has led to significant advancements in education, technology, and food production.
The ceremony included remarks from Madam Chang Yun, Honorary Consular of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China; Mr. Walter Christopher, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture; and Professor Chen Xiaoliang, Training Coordinator, who outlined the achievements of the training programme. Participants such as Ms. Roseann Pile, Mr. Laurent Amsterdam, and Mr. Dexter Bristol shared their experiences and the practical benefits of the hands-on training.
Certificates and tokens of appreciation were awarded to the participants, followed by cultural performances, including a special poem on irrigation by Ms. Victoria Skepple. The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Mrs. Bakesha Francis-James, a group photo session, and a farewell luncheon.
The training programme brought together a diverse group of agricultural stakeholders, from farmers and technicians to ministry officials, all committed to bolstering Antigua and Barbuda’s capacity in sustainable water and soil management. His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams extended their congratulations to the graduates, encouraging them to implement their newfound knowledge in their communities to drive innovation in local agriculture.
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How Antigua and Barbuda Can Protect Its Agriculture from Tsunami Threats
On World Tsunami Awareness Day, observed annually on November 5th, the world is reminded of the latent dangers beneath the ocean’s surface. For Antigua and Barbuda, a twin-island nation surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, the threat of tsunamis is a pressing concern. These catastrophic events, often triggered by seismic activity such as underwater landslides or tectonic plate movements, can unleash devastating waves within minutes. The region’s proximity to the Puerto Rico Trench and the Lesser Antilles subduction zone makes it particularly vulnerable. Recent seismic activity, including a series of earthquakes in late October 2025, has heightened awareness of this risk.
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Urban renewal works to begin November 11, affecting key intersections in Colonial City
Santo Domingo, November 7, 2025 – Residents and visitors in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo are advised to prepare for temporary disruptions due to construction work set to commence on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The affected areas include the intersections of Espaillat and Arzobispo Nouel Streets, as well as Arzobispo Nouel and Hostos Streets. This initiative is part of a broader urban renewal and transformation project aimed at enhancing infrastructure and safeguarding the cultural heritage of Santo Domingo’s historic center. Local authorities have urged motorists and pedestrians to plan alternative routes and stay updated on detour maps and traffic guidance through the project’s official platforms. The construction is expected to improve the area’s accessibility and preserve its historical significance, though it may cause temporary inconveniences.
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Ganga Nahaan te Weg naar Zee en andere locaties
Across multiple locations in Suriname, the annual Ganga Nahaan ritual took place on Wednesday, honoring the sacred Ganges River. This ceremonial bath, held during the full moon between October and November, drew hundreds of devotees to the pilgrimage site at Weg naar Zee. Among the participants were Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin and his wife, who joined the crowd on the steps leading to the sea, where the rising waves soon embraced them. Ramon Baynath, Chairman of the Weg naar Zee Pilgrimage Site Foundation, highlighted the event’s deep-rooted tradition, noting that while people in India bathe in the Ganges daily, Suriname observes this ritual once a year. The celebration typically attracts between 2,000 and 3,000 participants, with activity peaking after 3 PM as the tide rises. Adhin emphasized the spiritual significance of the ritual, describing it as a symbol of rebirth and purification—both physical and mental. This year, Ganga Nahaan was celebrated not only at Weg naar Zee but also at seven other locations across Commewijne, Wanica, Saramacca, and Nickerie, according to the Hindu Media Organization.
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Digicel and Digicel Foundation Launch Expanded Humanitarian Efforts in Jamaica Following Hurricane Melissa
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, Digicel Group and the Digicel Jamaica Foundation have intensified their humanitarian efforts to aid recovery in Jamaica’s hardest-hit regions. The initiative, launched on November 5, 2025, focuses on delivering essential supplies, restoring connectivity, and supporting long-term rebuilding efforts across affected parishes, including Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, Hanover, St. James, and Trelawny. The joint relief program has already distributed over 1,500 food care packages and plans to provide an additional 10,000 in the coming days. These packages include vital staples like water, rice, and oil, alongside hygiene kits, solar-powered lanterns, and emergency lighting for households still without electricity. To empower communities, Digicel is offering hardware certificates, enabling residents to purchase construction materials locally for sustainable rebuilding. Marcelo Cataldo, CEO of Digicel Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to reconnecting Jamaica through care and compassion, stating, ‘Our responsibility goes beyond business. We’re focused on helping families rebuild and restoring hope.’ The Digicel Foundation, a cornerstone of community development for nearly two decades, has mobilized staff and volunteers island-wide to coordinate distribution efforts. Additionally, Digicel is providing free mobile plans, SIM cards with data for relief workers, and mobile charging stations to ensure residents can stay connected. The initiative also includes donation bins at Digicel’s Kingston headquarters and a regional crowdsourcing campaign to support relief efforts. Charmaine Daniels, CEO of the Digicel Foundation, highlighted the mission’s broader purpose: ‘These care packages are more than supplies; they’re a message that communities are not alone.’ As Digicel’s network teams work tirelessly to restore connectivity, the company remains steadfast in its mission to rebuild with resilience and support Jamaica’s recovery.
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Veteran educator: teacher licensing needs planning, talks
The teaching profession in Barbados is set to undergo its most significant transformation in decades, as the Ministry of Educational Transformation has unveiled plans to mandate professional licensing for all teachers by 2027. This initiative, aimed at enhancing educational standards, has sparked both optimism and caution among experts.
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Cave Hill folk appeal to authorities after shooting
Residents of Cave Hill, Barbados, are voicing their frustration and fear following a recent spate of gun violence that has left one man severely injured. The latest incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when a man was shot on Montgomery Pasture, marking the third shooting in the area this year. Just over an hour later, another shooting took place in Cane Vale, Christ Church, further escalating tensions. Both victims were rushed to the hospital by private vehicles. This surge in violence has left the community on edge, with many expressing anger over what they perceive as inaction from authorities.
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Emergency chief tells public take charge of disaster preparation
The head of a District Emergency Organisation in Barbados has issued a stark warning about the nation’s lack of readiness for disasters, particularly tsunamis, despite ongoing drills and awareness initiatives. Selwyn Brooks, Chair of the St James DEO, highlighted widespread complacency among Barbadians during a recent tabletop exercise on tsunami preparedness. ‘Every year, we conduct drills and simulations, but the level of resilience needed for a tsunami remains inadequate,’ Brooks stated. He attributed this gap to a lack of firsthand experience with such disasters, noting that most residents have never encountered a tsunami unless they’ve traveled abroad. Brooks drew parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the importance of emergency preparedness. ‘People will die depending on the intensity of the disaster, but preparation can minimize the impact,’ he emphasized. He called for personal responsibility, urging citizens to safeguard themselves, their families, and their communities. Brooks also cautioned against constructing buildings in high-risk areas, acknowledging the challenges posed by Barbados’ limited landmass. ‘Resilience starts with the individual. Multiply that across the population, and the whole country becomes stronger,’ he said. The event, held on World Tsunami Awareness Day, brought together hoteliers, estate agents, police, and residents to assess preparedness and identify gaps, particularly for vulnerable groups like people with disabilities and small hospitality operators. Brooks expressed satisfaction with the turnout and interactions but stressed the need for broader participation. He emphasized that disaster preparedness is an ongoing process, requiring continuous education and engagement. ‘This is not a one-off. Everyone has a role to play,’ he concluded.
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Good work has been done, but now comes the most complex stage: recovery
Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, President of Cuba’s National Defense Council, recently concluded a comprehensive tour of the Holguín municipalities most devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The storm, which struck as a Category 3 hurricane on October 29, left significant destruction in its wake, particularly in Urbano Noris and Cacocum. During his visit, Díaz-Canel emphasized the importance of transparency and solidarity in the recovery process, acknowledging that while immediate solutions are not feasible, sustained efforts are underway to restore normalcy. Key priorities include sanitation, agricultural revitalization, and the restoration of essential services such as electricity, water, and telecommunications. The President also stressed the need for equitable distribution of aid and expedited construction of temporary housing. In addition to meeting with local authorities, Díaz-Canel visited affected communities, including the Guillermón Moncada Polytechnic and the Estrada neighborhood, where he assured residents of ongoing support. The hurricane caused extensive damage, with over 10,000 homes affected, 546 completely destroyed, and significant losses in agriculture and infrastructure. Despite these challenges, recovery efforts are progressing, with 60% of communication services restored and 56.95% of electricity customers back online. The President reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring no one is left helpless during this critical phase.