In a heartfelt eulogy delivered at St. George’s Anglican Church, Senator Michael Freeland paid tribute to the life and legacy of Kenneth Nathaniel “Nat Moses” Francis, a revered broadcaster and former Member of Parliament whose voice became a cornerstone of Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural fabric. Freeland described Francis as a “household name” whose unmistakable baritone resonated across the nation for decades, offering comfort and connection to countless listeners. Born on July 27, 1950, in Barnes Hill, Francis rose from humble beginnings to become a national icon, celebrated for his warmth, humor, and unwavering commitment to his community. Freeland highlighted Francis’s deep family ties, noting his role as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, as well as his ability to bring people together through food, storytelling, and laughter. A lifelong Anglican, Francis’s faith and service were central to his life, as he served in various roles within the church and beyond. His broadcasting career, marked by his signature phrase “Good morning, world,” earned him the moniker “Nat Moses,” a name that became synonymous with his enduring impact on Antigua and Barbuda. Freeland concluded by reflecting on Francis’s legacy, stating that while his voice may be silenced, its echo will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him.
分类： society
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Nevis Police Appeal for Unity and Community Action Against Crime and Violence
In a powerful appeal for unity, Superintendent Alonzo Carty, Divisional Commander for District C (Nevis) of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF), has urged the Nevis community to actively engage in the fight against crime and violence. This call to action follows two recent gun-related incidents in the Combermere area, highlighting the growing concern over public safety. Demonstrating their commitment, RSCNPF officers participated in the Combermere Methodist Church’s anti-violence march, supporting grassroots efforts to address violent crime on the island. Superintendent Carty emphasized the importance of open dialogue, community cooperation, and faith-based initiatives in tackling crime. He encouraged residents to report incidents, seek help from law enforcement, and support one another. ‘We cannot deal with this alone,’ he stated, urging prayers for the police and their mission. Carty also stressed the role of families in guiding at-risk individuals and called for collective responsibility in addressing crime. He reassured the community of the RSCNPF’s dedication to protecting citizens and expressed hope that, through partnership and prayer, Nevis can overcome the challenge of violent crime.
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The youth of North Leeward face a growing mental health crisis
By Wilbert Mason
Returning to my hometown in North Leeward, particularly Rose Hall, I was confronted with a distressing reality. Each morning, groups of young men congregate along the roadside, some indulging in rum and marijuana as early as 9 a.m., while others wander aimlessly, seemingly lost. One young man confided, ‘Weed and rum are my escape from the struggles around me.’
His words unveil a harsh truth: countless youth in our community are ensnared in cycles of despair, resorting to substance abuse to dull the pain of their daily lives. This is not just a social issue—it is a mental health crisis. Depression, addiction, and hopelessness are festering in our neighborhoods, yet the response has been muted. Families are silently suffering, and our young people are being neglected.
As election day on November 27 approaches, politicians and their representatives are canvassing villages, urging these same young men to register and vote. However, I implore our leaders to look beyond the ballot box. These young men are not mere votes to be secured; they are lives in desperate need of salvation.
We must demand clear answers from our candidates: What is your strategy to tackle the mental health crisis in North Leeward? What programs will you implement to support our youth, offer counseling, create opportunities, and reignite hope?
Rose Hall and the broader North Leeward community cannot afford to wait any longer. If our leaders genuinely care about the people they aspire to represent, they must act immediately with compassion, urgency, and foresight. The future of our youth hangs in the balance.
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The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of iWitness News. Opinion pieces can be submitted to [email protected].
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BARD delivers aid to families affected by Hurricane Melissa in Ocoa
In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Food Bank of the Dominican Republic (BARD) has intensified its efforts to support affected families in San José de Ocoa. With financial backing from ADM, BARD has successfully distributed essential aid packages to 100 families in the region. These packages include critical supplies such as food, drinking water, and other basic necessities, providing immediate relief to those grappling with the aftermath of the storm.
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Working together to defend Cuba
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has intensified efforts to assess and accelerate recovery in the eastern regions devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Over the past week, Díaz-Canel has focused on the hardest-hit areas, including Cauto Cristo and Río Cauto, which remain under hurricane alert. Accompanied by high-ranking officials, he engaged with local residents, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity and government responsiveness during this challenging period. The President highlighted the critical role of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) and Ministry of Interior (Minint) in rescue operations, particularly in flood-affected zones. He also stressed the need for swift action to restore infrastructure, agriculture, and housing, while ensuring the safety and well-being of displaced families. Despite significant losses in crops and livestock, Díaz-Canel expressed optimism about the recovery process, urging collective effort and resilience. The President’s visit underscored the importance of updating disaster response plans to better handle future crises of similar magnitude.
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INAPA water tank explosion destroys homes and injures three in San Pedro de Macorís
A water tank operated by the National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (INAPA) exploded early Wednesday morning in Consuelo, San Pedro de Macorís, resulting in extensive damage to at least ten homes and leaving three individuals injured. The explosion occurred on Isidro Barros Avenue, close to the Sor Leonor Gibb Elementary School, where the force of the blast also damaged a nearby vehicle. The injured victims were promptly transported to the Antonio Musa Regional Hospital, while other residents affected by the shockwave are reported to be in stable condition. Provincial governor Yovanis Baltazar swiftly arrived at the scene to coordinate relief efforts and assess the damage. Emergency response teams, including the Emergency Medical Services (DAEH), the Dominican Red Cross, Civil Defense, Fire Department, and National Police, were deployed to assist victims, secure the area, and mitigate further risks. Authorities remain on-site, providing aid to affected families and monitoring the situation to ensure safety.
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We agree, reading must become our true superpower
Barbados, a nation celebrated for its impressive 99.6% literacy rate, is taking bold steps to address underlying gaps in comprehension and critical thinking. Minister of Educational Transformation Chad Blackman has emphasized that literacy must be more than a statistic—it should be the cornerstone of national development. In a world increasingly driven by data, innovation, and creativity, Blackman’s assertion that “reading has to be our country’s superpower” underscores the importance of intellectual capital over material resources. However, despite the high literacy rate, challenges persist. Misinformation spreads rapidly, and public discourse often lacks reasoned debate, revealing deficiencies in how information is processed and understood. Recognizing these issues, the government has launched Project SOAR (Strengthen Our Ability to Read), a comprehensive literacy initiative targeting both children and adults. The program aims to foster a love for reading, enhance critical thinking, and empower individuals to participate meaningfully in societal and national discussions. Blackman highlights the critical role of parental involvement, acknowledging that economic pressures and the dominance of digital distractions pose significant challenges. The initiative also addresses adult literacy, offering community-based and online resources to ensure inclusivity. For Project SOAR to succeed, it will require sustained funding, teacher training, public-private partnerships, and a cultural shift that prioritizes reading as essential to national identity. Barbados, already a leader in education, now has the opportunity to redefine literacy for the digital age and set a global example.
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Duguid defends choice of QEH expansion site over old hospital grounds
In a recent parliamentary session, Senior Minister Dr. William Duguid defended the government’s decision to expand the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) at the Enmore Clinic site, emphasizing safety and accreditation concerns. The decision to bypass the old general hospital at Jemmotts Lane was influenced by the risks of storm surges, particularly in light of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. Dr. Duguid highlighted the importance of meeting stringent accreditation requirements for hospitals, which the Jemmotts Lane site could not satisfy due to its proximity to the shoreline and vulnerability to storm surges. He cited the example of Black River Hospital in Jamaica, which suffered significant damage from a storm surge due to its location. The $390 million expansion project, facilitated by a loan agreement signed by Health Minister Senator Jerome Walcott, will include a bridge connecting QEH to the Enmore Clinic site. Dr. Duguid also addressed concerns about the Harrison Point facility, which experts deemed unsuitable for hospital accreditation due to its infrastructure limitations and the need for patient transportation between buildings. Additionally, he emphasized the benefits of Barbados becoming a full member of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), describing it as a ‘tremendous opportunity’ for accessing concessional funds. This move, he noted, would benefit not only the government but also businesses and individuals, providing a line of credit when needed.
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Massive technologically-driven Georgetown drainage improvement begins; paid parking over covered drains likely
Georgetown, Guyana, is set to witness a transformative upgrade to its drainage system, as President Irfaan Ali announced a comprehensive plan leveraging advanced technology to address long-standing infrastructure challenges. The initiative includes the mapping of the city’s drainage network, rehabilitation of existing systems, and the installation of additional pumps to enhance efficiency.
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Social : Distribution of 27,000 hot meals in one day
In a significant humanitarian effort, the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES) distributed 27,000 hot meals on November 3rd to displaced individuals in Port-au-Prince and Pétion-ville, Haiti. This initiative, part of FAES’s Mobile Canteen program, underscores the organization’s dedication to alleviating the plight of vulnerable families amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The meals were distributed across multiple strategic locations, including Lycée Marie Jeanne in Bois-Verna, Club International in Frères, and Sogesol in Lalue, among others. FAES aims to address urgent food needs with dignity and compassion, ensuring a basic level of well-being for the most affected communities. Additionally, FAES launched its ‘Off-Site Restaurants’ program at the Karibe Hotel, attended by key figures such as Minister of Social Affairs Georges Wilbert Franck and FAES Director General Serge Gabriel Colin. The program will supply 105 restaurants, bolstering government efforts in food security and social support. Minister Franck praised the program’s partners and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing daily affordable meals for the vulnerable.