Nurse Claire Althea Frances West has been awarded the Grand Cross of the Most Illustrious Order of Merit (GCM) in recognition of her exceptional contributions to nursing and community development in Antigua and Barbuda. This prestigious honor was bestowed during the National Awards Ceremony at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, held as part of the nation’s 44th Independence celebrations. With over five decades of service, Nurse West has become a beacon of compassion and professionalism in the healthcare sector. Starting her career in 1972 at the Holberton Hospital, she served across multiple departments, including the Children’s Ward, Operating Theatre, and Casualty Department, earning widespread respect for her dedication and leadership. Beyond her clinical work, West has been instrumental in community health outreach and mentorship, shaping the next generation of nurses and advocating for excellence in patient care. Her enduring impact on public health and her unwavering commitment to the community have solidified her legacy as a cornerstone of Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare system.
分类： society
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Zona Bartley Honoured for Lifelong Service to Youth Leadership and Community Development
Mrs. Zona Iotha Isilma Bartley has been bestowed with the prestigious Grand Cross of the Most Illustrious Order of Merit (GCM) in recognition of her exceptional contributions to community service and youth development in Antigua and Barbuda. This distinguished accolade was conferred during the National Awards Ceremony held at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, marking the nation’s 44th Independence celebrations.
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Final Call: IHO Nature Rangers Biodiversity Conservation Photo Contest Closes November 15th, 2025
Young nature enthusiasts in Antigua and Barbuda have just 12 days remaining to submit their entries for the IHO Nature Rangers Biodiversity and Conservation Photography Contest. Open to individuals aged 13 to 24, the competition encourages participants to showcase the stunning biodiversity of Antigua and Barbuda, from its mangroves and coral reefs to its wildlife and coastal landscapes. The contest is a key component of the broader initiative, ‘Strengthening Conservation Actions in the North East Marine Management Area (NEMMA) in Antigua and Barbuda,’ which seeks to foster environmental stewardship and youth engagement through hands-on conservation activities, skill development, and community involvement. The submission deadline is November 15, 2025, with winners announced on December 1, 2025. Prizes include XCD $300 for first place, XCD $200 for second place, and XCD $100 for third place. Participants are urged to explore and photograph the nation’s diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, coral reefs, and native species, while adhering to the theme of biodiversity and conservation. Parental guidance is recommended for younger entrants. This contest is part of a series of youth-focused activities under the NEMMA conservation project, which also includes litter prevention initiatives, illegal dumping monitoring, community cleanups, mangrove restoration training, gender sensitization workshops, biodiversity education, and recreational exploration. These efforts aim to cultivate environmental leadership and build a community committed to protecting Antigua and Barbuda’s ecosystems. The IHO Nature Rangers, a registered organization dedicated to biodiversity conservation and youth empowerment, encourages eligible participants to seize this opportunity to creatively express their love for nature and contribute to a growing movement of environmental awareness. Through activities like mangrove tours, cleanups, media engagement, and skill development, the Nature Rangers empower young people to turn their passion for nature into meaningful action. The NEMMA project is funded by the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund (CEPF) and the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute – Regional Implementation Team (CANARI-RIT), and implemented by the IHO Nature Rangers with support from Integrated Health Outreach (IHO).
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Architect Who Designed Heritage Quay Honoured for National Contribution
Renowned architect Fausto Fattarelli has been honored with the prestigious title of Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of the Nation (CN) for his exceptional contributions to economic and urban development in Antigua and Barbuda. The accolade was presented during the National Awards Ceremony at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, as part of the nation’s 44th Independence celebrations. Fattarelli, an Italian-born architect who became a naturalized citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, has been recognized for his nearly four decades of architectural innovation and dedication to nation-building. The official citation lauded his “remarkable contribution to national development through the art and science of architecture,” highlighting his role as a “visionary designer and builder” whose work has significantly enhanced the nation’s built environment. Among his most celebrated projects is Heritage Quay, a national landmark praised for its resilience against hurricanes, earthquakes, and the test of time. Fattarelli’s architectural influence spans across the twin-island state, including Jolly Harbour, Long Island, and Galley Bay Heights. His designs are noted for their harmonious blend of elegance and environmental consciousness, utilizing indigenous materials and sustainable practices long before they became global priorities. The citation also emphasized how his work has contributed to Antigua and Barbuda’s economic progress, tourism development, and urban resilience. In bestowing this honor, the government acknowledged Fattarelli’s “visionary design, environmental foresight, and decades of service to national progress,” cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in the nation’s architectural and developmental history.
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Irrigation System Installed and Tested at ABDF Farm, Crabbs
A comprehensive irrigation system demonstration and installation event recently took place at the ABDF Farm, located in the Crabbs Training Area on the northeastern side of the island. This practical exercise complemented theoretical coursework on irrigation hydraulics and land management, providing participants with a valuable opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world agricultural setting. The event was organized by Lance Corporal Michael Gunthrope, Manager of the ABDF Farm, in collaboration with Senior Research Officer Mrs. Madvere Bradford from the Ministry of Agriculture. Approximately 90 participants, including representatives from the Chinese Agricultural Mission, attended the event. Acting Ambassador and Honorary Consular Madam Yun Chang and her Secretary were also present to observe the activities on October 31, 2025. The agricultural plot at Crabbs features a gently undulating terrain that influences surface and subsurface water flow. The site includes a crop production zone equipped with a drip irrigation system designed to meet the precise water needs of the crops. The irrigation system operates on a gravity-fed or low-pressure design, with water distributed from an elevated reservoir through a network of mainlines, submains, and lateral lines. The system uses drizzle tape (drip tape) fitted with pressure-compensating emitters to ensure consistent water flow across the field. However, the field exercise revealed several hydraulic challenges, including preferential flow paths, emitter discharge variability, and pressure differentials within laterals, which aligned with theoretical predictions about the effects of topography on irrigation systems. The results underscored the importance of land leveling, contour mapping, and slope correction before irrigation system installation. The event successfully bridged theory and practice, reinforcing Professor Yang Feng’s lessons on irrigation hydraulics through hands-on experience.
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RDPorLoAlto calls for restoration of Punta Torrecilla Lighthouse
In Santo Domingo, the patriotic campaign RDPorLoAlto has launched a compelling appeal for the restoration of the Punta Torrecilla Lighthouse. The initiative calls upon the Government, specifically the Ministries of Culture and Tourism, along with the Santo Domingo East Mayor’s Office, to undertake a comprehensive renovation project. This effort aims to preserve the lighthouse’s historical significance while transforming it into a vibrant cultural and community hub. RDPorLoAlto argues that the restoration should be viewed as a strategic investment in the dignity and identity of the residents of eastern Santo Domingo, a region steeped in rich symbolism and heritage. The proposed sustainable restoration plan includes structural rehabilitation with solar-powered LED lighting, the establishment of an interpretive center showcasing interactive exhibits on the Dominican Republic’s maritime history, and the formation of public-private partnerships to host cultural and tourism events. This multifaceted initiative is expected to create local employment opportunities, attract tourists, and generate an estimated annual economic impact of RD$50 million through enhanced tourism and community development.
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‘Better life than material’: Mother recalls fleeing Melissa with children in tow
When the river behind her home surged and the wind ripped the roof off her kitchen, Tasheva Hinds knew it was time to flee. The mother of four was at home in River Lane with her family of seven, including a five-month-old baby, when Hurricane Melissa ravaged St Ann. ‘The river rose rapidly, and then the bathroom and kitchen roof were torn away,’ Hinds recounted to Barbados TODAY. ‘The children’s room was blown off, and water poured in from every direction.’ The family braved torrential rain and fierce winds to seek refuge at a nearby police station, where an officer helped them reach a shelter. ‘It was terrifying,’ Hinds admitted. ‘Trees were falling, and the river was rising uncontrollably.’ Days later, Hinds, still clutching her baby, surveyed the ruins of her home. ‘I’m grateful it wasn’t worse,’ she said, determined to rebuild. Nearby, Tina Wilson faced a similar ordeal. She was preparing dinner when the storm hit. ‘I saw the roof lift off and told my daughter to run with the baby,’ Wilson recalled. ‘I stayed to save what I could, but the house was swept away.’ Wilson and her family sought shelter in a friend’s unfinished concrete house, narrowly escaping as a massive tree crushed their home. ‘We lost almost everything,’ she said, ‘but we’re alive, and that’s what matters.’ Both families, like many in River Lane, are now salvaging what remains, clearing debris, and burning ruined furniture. ‘If we can get materials to patch up a shelter for the children, we’ll be content,’ Wilson said, embodying resilience in the face of disaster.
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Education minister pledges ‘aggressive’ literacy drive
The Ministry of Educational Transformation in Barbados has unveiled a groundbreaking literacy initiative, Project SOAR (Strengthen Our Ability to Read), aimed at transforming the nation’s future by enhancing reading skills among both children and adults. Minister Chad Blackman, speaking at the launch of Literacy Week at St Giles Primary School, emphasized that literacy must become the country’s ‘superpower’ in the absence of traditional resources like military strength or vast natural reserves. ‘Our strength lies in our ability to lead in thought and influence global decisions,’ he declared. The campaign, set to roll out aggressively in the coming weeks, will focus on ensuring every child can read by age seven while also addressing adult literacy challenges. Blackman highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative, involving government, private sector partners, and NGOs. He urged parents to actively support the program, stressing that literacy is essential for children to thrive in a globalized world. The minister also linked poor literacy to societal issues, such as youth frustration, and called for a nationwide effort to achieve full literacy. Project SOAR will utilize community centers, schools, and online platforms to make literacy accessible to all, marking a transformative step in Barbados’ development.
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Discipline is the guarantee of success
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Cuba has launched a comprehensive recovery initiative, spearheaded by the President of the National Defense Council, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez. The recent high-level meeting, attended by key government figures including Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa and Army Corps General Álvaro López Miera, focused on assessing and accelerating the restoration of essential services across the hardest-hit eastern regions. Significant progress has been reported in the restoration of electricity, with Las Tunas achieving 94.5% recovery, while efforts in Holguín, Granma, and Guantánamo are ongoing. Santiago de Cuba is poised for a substantial recovery once the Felton thermoelectric plant becomes operational. The meeting also highlighted the receipt of international and domestic donations, including vital supplies like food, medicine, and construction materials, which are being systematically distributed to affected areas. Additionally, the restoration of drinking water services has seen notable advancements, with Las Tunas fully restored and other regions making steady progress. The construction sector is actively addressing housing damages, with innovative solutions like container-based housing being explored. Educational facilities, many of which served as shelters, are also being repaired. The government’s coordinated response, supported by the Revolutionary Armed Forces and local authorities, underscores a unified effort to mitigate the hurricane’s impact and expedite recovery. Lessons from this crisis are being meticulously analyzed to enhance future disaster preparedness and response strategies.
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Portvale workers down tools over colleague’s dismissal
A dispute over unfair dismissal and union representation has sparked a walkout at Portvale Sugar Factory in Barbados. Over a dozen workers staged a protest on Monday, standing in solidarity with a colleague who was dismissed on Friday following a verbal altercation with a junior manager. The incident reportedly began when the employee parked his vehicle inside the factory compound, a violation of company rules, to protect it from grass clippings during maintenance. When instructed to move his car, the situation escalated into a heated argument, leading to his termination. Caswell Franklyn, General Secretary of the Unity Workers Union, condemned the dismissal as “unfair, unreasonable, and stupid,” alleging that the worker was not given a fair hearing. Franklyn claimed that management had already prepared the dismissal letter and termination certificate before the hearing, violating legal procedures. He also criticized the factory for refusing to recognize the Unity Workers Union as the legitimate representative of the workers, instead favoring the Barbados Workers’ Union, which reportedly has no members at the factory. Workers expressed additional grievances, including unpaid overtime during the harvest season, with some working up to 56 hours without compensation. Franklyn suggested that the dismissal may be retaliatory due to the worker’s union affiliation. The workers have vowed to continue their protest one random day a week until the matter is resolved. Management was unavailable for comment, and other employees were instructed not to speak to the media. Before leaving the compound, all workers removed their names from the attendance logs, signaling their collective dissent.