Sewa International Trinidad and Tobago (Sewa TT) is set to host its sixth annual clothing drive on October 25 and 26 at the National Council of Indian Culture’s (NCIC) Divali Nagar site in Chaguanas. This initiative, which began in 2018, has grown into one of the largest textile recycling efforts in the Caribbean, blending environmental sustainability with humanitarian service. Sewa TT’s president, Revan Teelucksingh, emphasized the drive’s evolution, noting its innovative collection and distribution systems have improved each year. The event not only redistributes gently used clothing but also fosters regional collaboration, particularly with Sewa Dominica, Sewa Guyana, and Sewa Suriname, to enhance disaster response logistics. The clothing drive has had a profound impact on the community, providing professional attire for job trainees and law students, and comfort for long-stay hospital patients. Volunteers have also found a sense of community and lasting friendships through their participation. The drive’s system ensures dignity for recipients by allowing them to select clothing in a private setting. Additionally, it addresses environmental concerns by reducing textile waste in landfills. Despite challenges such as funding and time constraints, Sewa TT remains committed to transparency and efficiency, with less than five percent of funds allocated to administrative costs. The organization’s growing volunteer base and partnerships with supermarkets and corporate sponsors highlight the collective effort’s success. Teelucksingh encourages more people to get involved, emphasizing that even small contributions can make a significant difference. The 2025 drive aims to improve the racking system for displaying donations, with a budget exceeding $500,000. For more information or to donate, visit www.sewa.org or contact Sewa TT via WhatsApp at 333-SEWA.
分类： society
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Ambassador Roberts to be honoured at UWI London Benefit Dinner
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Theresa Roberts, Jamaica’s Ambassador and Special Investment Envoy for Culture and Arts in the United Kingdom, has been selected to receive the University of the West Indies’ (UWI) Vice-Chancellor’s Award. This prestigious accolade will be presented to her at the 2nd annual UWI London Benefit Dinner, scheduled for November 7, 2025. The event will take place at The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn in the UK, with notable patrons including Sir Lenny Henry, Baroness Floella Benjamin, and Professor Shirley Thompson. Roberts, a distinguished businesswoman and philanthropist, was appointed as one of Jamaica’s four special ambassadors by Prime Minister Andrew in 2023. Her unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements in the cultural and arts sectors have earned her this recognition. The award underscores her significant contributions to promoting Jamaica’s cultural heritage and fostering international collaborations in the arts.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Digicel urges customers to report acts of vandalism during Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches, Digicel Jamaica is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or acts of vandalism that could disrupt network services. Stephen Murad, CEO of Digicel Jamaica, emphasized the company’s preparedness while calling for community cooperation to safeguard connectivity during the storm.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Burger Gully residents brace for heavy rain as storm approaches
As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches Jamaica, residents of Burger Gully in Mountain View, St. Andrew, are taking proactive measures to mitigate potential flooding. On Friday, locals were seen stacking sandbags along the gully to reinforce their defenses against the impending storm. Among them is Hyacinth Thomas, a long-time resident who vividly recalls the devastation caused by severe flooding 26 years ago. ‘My house was washed away when the gully burst. We lost two houses and received no compensation. Now, with the gully dug out, even a little rain makes us anxious,’ Thomas shared. She added that recent rainfall has heightened her fears, prompting her to prepare for evacuation if necessary. Another resident, Rennie, echoed her concerns, stating that he has already raised his furniture and packed essentials, ready to move to a nearby shelter or his sister’s home on Windward Road. The community’s collective efforts underscore the urgency of the situation as they brace for the storm’s impact.
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UN, Japan help Tobago with sargassum management
Tobago has taken a significant step forward in addressing its sargassum problem with the donation of specialized management equipment by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Japanese government. The handover ceremony took place on October 21 at the Shaw Park Complex, attended by THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, UNDP resident representative Ugo Blanco, and Japanese Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Akima Umezawa. Augustine highlighted the severe environmental and economic impacts of sargassum, which first appeared in Tobago East in 2011, affecting fisheries, tourism, and coastal businesses. He expressed gratitude for the investment, emphasizing that the equipment would be managed by the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) with guidance from the Department of Environment. Augustine also noted that the donation marks the beginning of a broader effort, with plans to acquire boats and booms for further sargassum management. Allan Stewart, Director of TEMA, described the event as historic, recalling the devastating effects of sargassum on the island since 2011. He stressed the importance of capacity building for small-island developing states in the Caribbean. Ambassador Umezawa reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting Tobago in its cleanup efforts, calling the donated tractor a symbol of cooperation. UNDP’s Ugo Blanco also emphasized the collaborative nature of the initiative, underscoring its significance for Tobago’s environmental sustainability.
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24-Hour Shelter Approved for Gender-Based Violence Survivors
In a significant move to combat gender-based violence, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has greenlit the creation of a 24-hour shelter for survivors. This initiative, developed through a collaborative public-NGO partnership with Integrated Health Outreach (IHO), underscores the government’s dedication to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and safeguarding vulnerable populations. The shelter will provide a secure environment for survivors, coupled with essential services such as counseling, vocational training, and empowerment programs aimed at fostering independence and self-sufficiency. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, emphasized that this partnership leverages IHO’s professional expertise alongside government resources, ensuring a sustainable and effective support system. The shelter is part of a broader strategy to enhance social protection measures, including mental health services, family counseling, and community outreach. It will operate in tandem with social services, health agencies, and law enforcement to deliver a cohesive national response to gender-based violence.
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Cooperation is key for securing children’s well-being, say officials
Dominica has initiated a groundbreaking Co-Parenting Campaign aimed at enhancing the welfare of children in foster care, as announced by Dr. Cassandra Williams, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services. The campaign, which commenced on Wednesday, is set to continue until February 2026. Dr. Williams highlighted that approximately 160 children are currently enrolled in Dominica’s foster care program. While some of these placements offer long-term stability, many serve as transitional arrangements, providing a safe haven for children as their families work towards reunification. Dr. Williams emphasized the critical role of effective co-parenting in these scenarios, urging biological parents, foster parents, and social workers to maintain open communication and shared responsibility for the children’s emotional and developmental well-being. The campaign underscores the principle that every child deserves consistent love, guidance, and care, regardless of their living arrangements. It promotes healthy co-parenting practices founded on communication, respect, and stability. Nicole Toussaint-Jno Baptiste, Child Protection Officer at the Department of Social Services, echoed these sentiments, noting a rise in the number of children being raised in households where parents are separated or divorced. She pointed out that the breakdown of co-parenting relationships often leads to emotional difficulties for children, impacting their growth and development. The campaign, themed ‘Apart but United- A Co-Parenting Campaign,’ aims to convey that separated parents can still collaborate effectively in the best interest of their child.
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Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet Approves Surveillance Cameras for All Public Schools
In a decisive move to address rising security concerns, the government has sanctioned the immediate deployment and enhancement of surveillance camera systems in all national public schools. This initiative comes in the wake of a surge in break-ins and security breaches at educational institutions, which have raised alarms among educators and parents alike. Maurice Merchant, the Director General of Communications, confirmed that the Cabinet has earmarked funds for the procurement and installation of these systems, underscoring the administration’s dedication to bolstering safety and safeguarding school assets. Merchant emphasized that this project aligns with the government’s broader strategy to fortify security within the education sector, ensuring the protection of both students and school property. The Ministry of Education will spearhead the initiative, with installations slated to commence without delay. Recent incidents of vandalism and theft have intensified demands for robust security measures, prompting this swift action. The advanced surveillance system will feature real-time monitoring and recording functionalities, enabling authorities to deter unauthorized access and respond promptly to potential threats. Officials highlighted that this security upgrade complements other significant investments in the education sector, including infrastructure improvements and the integration of technology-driven learning environments, all aimed at enhancing safety and academic outcomes.
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15 Homes to Be Built Under ‘Build on Your Own Land’ Programme
The National Housing and Urban Development Company Limited (NHUDC) has unveiled plans to construct 15 new homes across Antigua and Barbuda as part of its innovative ‘Build on Your Own Land Programme.’ This initiative is designed to assist individuals who already own land but require government-supported construction to develop their properties. The project will span multiple communities, including Painters, Radio Range, Villa, Low Pasture, Clarks Hill, All Saints, Jennings, Quesada Gardens, New Winthrops, McKinnons, Glanvilles, and Herberts. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, emphasized that the programme is a cornerstone of the government’s broader affordable housing strategy, which seeks to enhance homeownership accessibility while boosting employment in the construction industry. NHUDC is currently inviting qualified contractors to bid for the construction projects, which will be executed on privately owned lands. Unlike conventional government housing schemes, the ‘Build on Your Own Land’ initiative empowers individuals to build homes on their existing properties, with design and financing assistance provided by NHUDC. The company has indicated that the programme will be expanded in phases, aligning with national efforts to increase housing availability and foster community development.
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Government renames market, polyclinic, road and other public facilities
Barbados is embarking on a significant initiative to rename several public spaces in honor of distinguished citizens who have made enduring contributions to the nation’s progress. This move underscores the government’s commitment to celebrating individuals who have shaped the country’s development through their service, leadership, and dedication.