In a poignant celebration of International Men’s Day, BPW (Business and Professional Women) Dominica hosted a significant ceremony on November 19 at the Public Service Union (PSU) headquarters. The event, titled ‘Homage to Men,’ was a heartfelt tribute to the indispensable roles men play in the Commonwealth of Dominica. Nineteen exemplary men from the local community were honored for their exceptional leadership and service. The ceremony highlighted the multifaceted responsibilities men undertake, both within their households and across various sectors of national life. Traditionally seen as the primary providers of guidance, stability, and resilience, men were celebrated for their contributions to families and society at large. This inaugural event marks the beginning of a new tradition for BPW Dominica, which plans to make it an annual occurrence. The organization emphasized the importance of recognizing men’s positive impact to foster a community grounded in respect and appreciation. By honoring these often-overlooked heroes, BPW Dominica aims to inspire the younger generation and acknowledge the leaders, mentors, and pillars of strength who uphold families, communities, and the nation.
分类： society
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Housing Push Passes 1,000 Units, With More Condos Coming in 2026
In a significant move to address housing needs, Antigua and Barbuda will expand its national housing programme by 2026, with hundreds of new homes planned across various communities, including the highly anticipated Booby Alley redevelopment. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams unveiled the initiative during the Throne Speech on Thursday, highlighting the government’s commitment to meeting growing housing demands. Since 2014, over 1,000 housing units have been constructed through collaboration between the government and private contractors, yet the need for additional homes continues to rise. The Booby Alley Project, a flagship initiative, will deliver 200 condominium-style units for former residents and others upon completion. Outside the capital, 100 additional condos will be built—50 in Barbuda and 50 in Bolans—to accommodate larger populations, with support from the People’s Republic of China. Affordability and resilience remain central to the housing strategy, with the National Housing and Urban Renewal Corporation offering subsidized housing and the Central Housing and Planning Authority focusing on hurricane-resilient designs. The programme also prioritizes vulnerable groups, including the poor and elderly, through initiatives like food vouchers, electricity support, minimum Social Security payments, and the HAPI programme, which rebuilds homes for those affected by fires or unsafe living conditions. Sir Rodney commended the housing minister for his dedication and compassionate leadership.
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Antigua and Barbuda Producing 11 Million Gallons of Water Daily — A Record Output
Antigua and Barbuda has reached a historic milestone in its water production, now generating over 11 million gallons of desalinated water daily—the highest output in the nation’s history. This achievement was announced during the Throne Speech on Thursday by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, who highlighted the country’s significant progress in addressing long-standing water shortages.
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STATEMENT: UN Secretary-General Message on World Children’s Day (with video)
On the occasion of World Children’s Day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the urgent need to safeguard children’s rights, emphasizing that the future of humanity hinges on the well-being of its youngest members. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, the most universally ratified treaty in history, was signed 36 years ago, affirming the fundamental principle that protecting children is essential for building a better world. However, Guterres warned that children’s rights are increasingly under threat. Poverty, emergencies, and climate change are disrupting education and jeopardizing futures, while the digital world introduces new risks. Many children are forced into labor or caregiving roles, bearing responsibilities far beyond their years. Tragically, famine and conflict have stripped thousands of children of their most basic right: the right to life. Guterres stressed that while every child’s circumstances are unique, their rights are universal, regardless of identity or location. This World Children’s Day, he urged the global community to listen to children, amplify their voices, and unite in creating a safe and equitable world for every child. The future, he concluded, will be defined by how we care for the next generation.
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Serious Crime Falls 10% as Government Plans New Forensic Services Bill in 2026
Antigua and Barbuda has witnessed a significant 10% reduction in serious crime this year, as announced by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams during the Throne Speech at the opening of Parliament. The decline, attributed to effective leadership within the Royal Police Force and enhanced community policing initiatives, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s public safety efforts. Sir Rodney outlined a series of ambitious reforms set to modernize law enforcement and criminal justice by 2026, including the establishment of the Antigua and Barbuda Forensic Services. This new agency will focus on drug analysis and the development of specialized biology and chemistry divisions, equipping investigators with advanced scientific tools currently unavailable locally. Additionally, plans to expand the Industrial Court with more judges aim to expedite labor-related case resolutions, while the government reaffirms its commitment to transparency and the rule of law. Antigua and Barbuda’s ranking as second in the Caribbean and 38th globally on the 2025 Rule of Law Index underscores these efforts. Rehabilitation within His Majesty’s Prison also received renewed attention, with a focus on reducing recidivism through skills-training programs and the recruitment of qualified correctional officers. The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force was commended for its joint security initiatives with the police, particularly during high-profile events. Sir Rodney emphasized that this comprehensive strategy—combining modern policing, forensic advancements, and structured rehabilitation—is essential to sustaining the nation’s improving public safety landscape.
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STATEMENT: Address by Hon. Dr Cassandra Williams on Universal Children’s Day (with audio)
In a heartfelt address on November 20, Hon. Dr. Cassandra Williams of Dominica marked Universal Children’s Day with a poignant message centered on the theme, ‘My Day, My Rights.’ Speaking to her fellow citizens, Dr. Williams emphasized the importance of recognizing children as more than just passive recipients of care but as active holders of fundamental rights. She highlighted the global significance of the day, which serves as a reminder to uphold and protect the rights of children everywhere. Dr. Williams called for collective action to ensure that every child has access to education, healthcare, and a safe environment. Her speech underscored the need for societal commitment to nurturing the potential of young minds and fostering a future where children’s rights are universally respected and implemented.
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Ms. Deravairere of L’Etoile Du Matin Prescolaire shares importance of Community Outreach Day
Ms. Georgette Deravairere, the principal of L’Etoile Du Matin Préscolaire (The Morning Star Preschool), recently emphasized the significance of Community Outreach Day, celebrated earlier this week. Known affectionately as Miss D within the community, she has been actively recognizing local businesses as part of Early Childhood Development Month, an initiative by the Ministry of Education/Early Childhood Education. Ms. Deravairere believes that fostering connections between schools, families, and the broader community is essential for the holistic development of children. She asserts that such partnerships support children’s safety, well-being, and social skills, while also strengthening ties between families, schools, and organizations. To this end, Ms. Deravairere and her team distributed tokens of appreciation to various community stakeholders, including Emerald Healthcare Ltd, Lindo Mart Supermarket, Waitucare Daycare Center, Nagico Insurance, Bullseye Pharmacy, Central Co-operative Credit Union Ltd, Deliverance Baptist Church, and D&D Plumbing & Electrical Inc. She envisions a lifelong commitment to building these connections, ensuring that children receive the nurturing environment they need to thrive. Ms. Deravairere’s efforts underscore the importance of community involvement in early childhood education, creating a supportive network that benefits both children and their families.
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All Saints Road Upgrade Moves Into Active Construction Phase
Survey teams have commenced operations for a comprehensive upgrade of All Saints Road, heralding the launch of what government officials are calling one of the nation’s most pivotal infrastructure initiatives in recent history. The Ministry of Works has officially announced that the reconstruction project is being spearheaded by Amdex, a collaborative venture between Canada’s Dexter Company and local engineering experts. This partnership is expected to bring advanced technical expertise to the endeavor, which aims to transform a crucial transportation artery. The project will cover over 10 miles, stretching from the V.C. Bird bust in St John’s to English Harbour. Preparatory activities are already underway, with survey teams and materials-testing crews actively working on-site. In a coordinated effort, the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) will replace outdated water pipes along the route, ensuring that the road does not require future excavation. To mitigate inconvenience for commuters, the Ministry of Works is devising detailed traffic-management strategies, including temporary diversions and phased road closures as construction progresses. The government has pledged to provide regular updates as the project advances.
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Derek Walcott Library added to UNESCO World Register
The Derek Walcott Library, housed at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, has achieved a prestigious milestone by being inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Regional Register for Latin America and the Caribbean. This recognition was announced during the program’s annual regional meeting, held from November 10 to 13, 2025, in Lima and Cusco, Peru. Among 71 nominations from 15 countries, 29 were approved, with the Derek Walcott Library standing out as a significant addition. The UNESCO Memory of the World Programme aims to protect documentary heritage at risk of being forgotten, damaged, or lost. The inscription highlights the cultural, historical, and literary significance of Sir Derek Alton Walcott’s personal collection, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the mind and influences of the Nobel Laureate. The library features Walcott’s original bookshelves, works he authored, titles gifted by peers and collaborators, and a diverse array of materials reflecting his engagement with Caribbean literature, art, theatre, history, and global cultures. Donated to the College in 2020 by Sigrid Nama, the collection serves as a preserved record of Walcott’s creative world and the broader literary dialogues that shaped his legacy. Additionally, the Saint Lucia National Commission for UNESCO acknowledged Kathy Birch-McDiarmed, Head Librarian of the Hunter J. Francois Library and Vice President of the Memory of the World Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean, for her ongoing efforts to safeguard and promote documentary heritage across the region. The inscription underscores the importance of preserving the Derek Walcott Library as a vital repository of literary memory for the Caribbean and the world.
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U.S Coast Guard Unleashes Historic Cocaine Seizure in $362M Blow to Cartels
In a landmark operation, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) offloaded a staggering 49,000 pounds of cocaine at Port Everglades, marking one of the largest single-ship drug seizures in history. The haul, valued at approximately $362 million, was the result of 15 separate interceptions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean by the crew of the USCG Cutter Stone, alongside aircrews and partner agencies. Vice Adm. Nathan Moore, Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, emphasized the significance of the seizure, stating, ‘This is more than just a pile of cocaine. It represents a tangible victory in our fight against transnational criminal organizations and narco-terrorism.’ The operation underscores the USCG’s commitment to disrupting drug trafficking networks and protecting communities. Terry Cole, Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), highlighted the broader impact, noting that such seizures weaken criminal organizations and save lives. The majority of the cocaine originated from Colombia and Ecuador. This seizure follows a series of significant drug interdictions by the USCG, including a record-breaking 38-ton haul in August 2025. Officials reported that 80% of U.S.-bound narcotics seizures occur at sea, emphasizing the critical role of maritime operations in combating drug trafficking.