In a shocking act of vandalism, thieves targeted the Centre for the Deaf in the early hours of yesterday morning, causing extensive damage and stealing critical educational resources. The intruders smashed windows, breached the school’s fencing, and made off with the institution’s bus, which was later found crashed and abandoned at Ross Corner. The incident occurred around 12:25 AM, with security personnel discovering the aftermath during their routine checks. Education Director Dominique McCartney-Russell described the scene as grim, noting the theft of children’s learning devices and the severe damage to the school’s infrastructure. Police have confirmed the recovery of the bus, which collided with a wall, and have launched a manhunt for the suspects. While the exact cost of the damages remains unclear, Mrs. McCartney-Russell assured that all stolen items, including tablets, would be replaced. Repairs to the mangled fencing were already underway by the afternoon. Despite the disruption, school operations continued uninterrupted, with students relocated to another building and supported by the school’s guidance counselor. The Centre for the Deaf, established by the Red Cross in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, serves approximately 22 students and employs 11 staff members. In response to the incident, security teams have recommended enhanced mobile patrols and additional officer support to prevent future breaches.
分类： society
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Doc credits national award to colleagues who fought COVID-19
Dr. Karen Webster Kerr, a prominent figure in public health and epidemiology, was among the distinguished individuals honored with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) on Monday. The ceremony, held at King’s House in St. Andrew, recognized her exceptional contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Webster Kerr, however, humbly attributed the honor to her colleagues who worked tirelessly to safeguard Jamaica’s health.
Reflecting on the pandemic, Dr. Webster Kerr emphasized the critical role of Jamaica’s national epidemiology branch in analyzing data and implementing effective interventions. ‘Our team worked day in, day out to slow the virus’s spread, and their efforts likely saved many lives,’ she stated. As the principal medical officer and national epidemiologist at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, she highlighted the measurable impact of these efforts, noting fewer severe illnesses and deaths compared to other nations.
Also honored was Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness, who received the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) for his leadership in enhancing Jamaica’s health infrastructure. Dr. Tufton described the award as a reminder of the intrinsic rewards of public service. ‘It’s not why we serve, but it feels good to be appreciated,’ he remarked, adding that such recognition motivates continued dedication to the nation’s well-being.
In the education sector, Dr. Janet Dyer, principal of HEART College of Hospitality Services, was vested with the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) for her transformative work in technical and vocational training. From humble beginnings in St. Elizabeth, Dr. Dyer has dedicated her career to empowering young Jamaicans through education. ‘This honor represents the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance,’ she shared, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to shape Jamaica’s tourism and hospitality workforce.
The ceremony also celebrated gospel artiste Kevin Downswell, who received the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) for his contributions to Jamaican music. Downswell, known for uplifting songs like ‘You Make Me Stronger,’ described the award as a divine inspiration to continue serving through his craft. ‘This recognition is not about fame but about faith and purpose,’ he said.
The event underscored the profound impact of dedicated individuals across various sectors, highlighting their unwavering commitment to Jamaica’s progress and resilience.
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PAS Denise Matthias-Thomas Graduates Magna Cum Laude with Master’s in Business Management
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Lands & the Blue Economy of Antigua and Barbuda has extended its warmest congratulations to Principal Assistant Secretary (PAS) Denise Matthias-Thomas for her exceptional academic accomplishment. On October 19, 2025, Mrs. Matthias-Thomas graduated Magna Cum Laude from Monroe University, earning a Master’s Degree in Business Management with a specialization in Finance. The prestigious graduation ceremony took place at the Royalton Saint Lucia Resort, where she was joined by family, friends, and colleagues to celebrate this significant milestone. Among the 55 graduates, Mrs. Matthias-Thomas stood out as the sole Master’s Degree recipient from Antigua and Barbuda, showcasing her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. Her achievement not only highlights her personal determination but also aligns with the Ministry’s core values of professional growth, leadership, and national development. The Ministry expressed immense pride in her success and looks forward to her continued contributions to the nation through her enhanced expertise and knowledge. This accomplishment serves as an inspiration to her peers and underscores the importance of lifelong learning and professional advancement.
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Police Officers Achieve Top Academic Honours
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda is celebrating the remarkable academic achievements of several of its members, whose dedication to higher education is raising the bar for professional excellence within the organization. Acting Sergeant Enzingar Jones, Corporal Kendel Shillingford, and Police Constables Paula Simon and Milton Jeremy have all graduated with top honours from internationally recognized universities, showcasing their commitment to personal and professional growth.
Sergeant Jones, who earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Human Resource Management from Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland, has demonstrated exceptional determination and drive. Constable Paula Simon, attached to the St. John’s Fire Station, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Monroe University with both a Bachelor of Arts in Administration and a Master of Arts in Business Administration, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA. Her outstanding performance earned her induction into the Delta Mu Delta International Business Honor Society and the honour of carrying the main flag for the master’s degree graduates.
In her reflections, Constable Simon emphasized the importance of education in shaping better officers and a more just society, urging her colleagues to embrace learning and service with wisdom. Similarly, Corporal Shillingford and Constable Jeremy graduated Summa Cum Laude from Monroe University, with Shillingford earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management (3.905 GPA) and Jeremy obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology (3.915 GPA).
Acting Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers praised the graduates, highlighting their discipline, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. He underscored the critical role of education in equipping modern law enforcement professionals with the analytical, ethical, and leadership skills needed to address evolving challenges. The Police Administration continues to encourage its members to pursue higher education and professional training, reinforcing its mission to build a stronger, smarter, and more service-oriented organization dedicated to the safety and progress of Antigua and Barbuda.
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Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl to showcase near 100 vendors at launch today
The 4th Annual Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl-‘Tout Biten Domnik’ event is set to captivate attendees from October 20 to October 23 at the Botanic Gardens in Dominica. This vibrant four-day celebration, running from 12 PM to 8 PM daily, highlights the products, skills, and talents of nearly 100 small businesses, offering a unique platform for local entrepreneurs to shine. Replacing the former Creole in The Park (CITP) event, Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl serves as a cultural prelude to the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), enriching the island’s cultural calendar. Daren Pinard, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, emphasized the event’s role in showcasing Dominica’s rich heritage, including its music, food, traditional dress, language, and dance. The opening ceremony, initially scheduled for 11:00 AM, has been rescheduled to 1 PM, though no explanation was provided for the delay. Attendees can enjoy performances by renowned artists such as Bouyon musicians Ridge and Pudaz, Midnight Groovers Riddim Knockaz, and cultural groups like Paix Bouche Drummers and Morne Jaune Cultural Group. The event also features a diverse lineup of acts across the week, including Asa Bantan, Swinging Stars, and Signal Band, culminating in a grand finale on October 23. Admission is free for students in uniform, while tickets for adults and children are priced at $10 and $5, respectively. This year, local honey takes center stage as a highlight of the event, further emphasizing the island’s natural and cultural treasures.
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Ti Vilaj Kweyol Ceremony later start time
The organizers of the Ti Vilaj Ceremony have announced a significant change in the event schedule. Originally slated to commence at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 20, the ceremony will now begin at 1:00 PM. The event is set to take place at the picturesque Botanic Gardens, a venue known for its lush greenery and serene ambiance. While the announcement did not provide specific reasons for the delay, such schedule adjustments are not uncommon in large-scale public events, often due to logistical preparations or unforeseen circumstances. Attendees are advised to adjust their plans accordingly and arrive at the new start time to fully enjoy the cultural festivities. The Ti Vilaj Ceremony, a celebration of local heritage and community spirit, promises to be a memorable occasion despite the slight delay.
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Corporal Shillingford and Constable Jeremy Honoured for Academic Achievement
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has publicly celebrated the academic accomplishments of Corporal Shillingford and Constable Jeremy, who recently graduated from Monroe College. In an official statement, the Force lauded the officers for their unwavering commitment to both personal and professional growth. Their success was highlighted as a testament to the organization’s dedication to fostering excellence and promoting lifelong learning among its members. The officers were commended for their perseverance and were encouraged to serve as role models, inspiring their peers to pursue higher education and continuous self-improvement. This achievement underscores the Force’s broader mission to enhance the skills and capabilities of its personnel, ensuring they are well-equipped to serve the community effectively. The recognition also reflects the importance of education in advancing law enforcement standards and fostering a culture of development within the police force.
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Single-Lane Traffic Continues on Major Roads as Repairs Progress
The Ministry of Works’ Project Implementation Management Unit (PIMU) has announced the continuation of single-lane traffic on several major roads to facilitate ongoing infrastructure repairs. These measures are part of the Second Road Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project, a government initiative aimed at improving road conditions in Antigua and Barbuda.
On Valley Road North, asphalt repairs, drain cleaning, and road markings will be conducted daily, starting at approximately 8:00 a.m. Similarly, Old Parham Road will see drain cleaning near Fabi Building Supplies during the same hours. Anchorage Road will undergo sidewalk rehabilitation, drainage work, and road markings, while Sir Sydney Walling Highway will focus on asphalt repairs, junction fixes, and miscellaneous tasks.
Flag persons will be stationed at these locations to guide motorists, who are urged to follow instructions carefully due to the presence of heavy-duty equipment. Despite the disruptions, all businesses in the affected areas remain open. C.O. Williams Ltd., the contractor overseeing the project, has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and encourages stakeholders to adjust their travel plans to account for potential delays.
For further inquiries, the public can contact the C.O. Williams Project office at 562-9573. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing road infrastructure, ensuring safer and more efficient travel for residents and visitors alike.
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Head of InterCaribbean Airways awarded honorary doctorate from UWI
Lyndon Gardiner, the visionary Founder and Chairman of interCaribbean Airways, was conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree by The University of the West Indies (UWI) during a prestigious graduation ceremony at the Cave Hill Campus on October 18, 2025. This accolade recognizes Gardiner’s groundbreaking impact on the aviation sector and his unwavering commitment to fostering regional development across the Caribbean. The honor celebrates his three-decade-long leadership in building the Caribbean’s largest privately owned airline network, which has significantly enhanced connectivity and community growth. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Gardiner reflected on his journey, stating, ‘This recognition is deeply humbling. My dream was to connect our islands and make travel accessible to all, and today, that dream thrives through the dedication of our interCaribbean family.’ The UWI Council lauded Gardiner’s rise from modest beginnings in Bottle Creek, North Caicos, to transforming interCaribbean Airways into a regional powerhouse servicing 27 destinations across 17 countries. His bold leadership during the 2020 pandemic, when he expanded operations into seven new countries while competitors scaled back, was particularly commended. Beyond his business achievements, Gardiner’s philanthropic efforts were highlighted, including the establishment of the Manville Gardiner Memorial Scholarship, which supports Caribbean students pursuing aviation careers, and his collaborations with the World Pediatric Project for medical transport. The ceremony also celebrated his contributions to youth mentorship and disaster relief. Accompanied by family and colleagues, Gardiner’s recognition underscores his enduring legacy of innovation and community care. Trevor Sadler, CEO of interCaribbean Airways, remarked, ‘Lyndon’s story embodies the Caribbean spirit of determination and unity.’ The 2025 UWI graduation honored eleven distinguished individuals, with Gardiner being one of two celebrated at the Cave Hill Campus. Since its founding in 1992, interCaribbean Airways has grown into the Caribbean’s most extensive air transport network, employing hundreds and operating a modern fleet of over 20 aircraft.
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‘Chef Papi’ stirring traditions into modern Creole cuisine
As Saint Lucia commemorates Mwa Éwitaj Kwéyòl (Creole Heritage Month), the essence of Creole culture is vividly alive in its cuisine. For Chef Rashid ‘Papi’ Defraitas, a Saint Lucian chef based abroad, the aromas of green seasoning, fried accra, and simmering bouillon are more than just culinary delights—they are a profound connection to his roots, heritage, and purpose. Defraitas’ journey into the culinary world began unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Isolated from loved ones, he turned to cooking as a creative outlet, transforming curiosity into a professional passion. Starting with humble experiments in his kitchen, Defraitas faced initial skepticism from family and friends, who were amused by his newfound interest. However, through relentless practice and countless trials, he honed his skills and began sharing his creations online, eventually turning his passion into a career. For Defraitas, Saint Lucian cuisine is more than food—it is identity. He believes in evolving traditional dishes rather than reinventing them, aiming to celebrate classic flavors while adding his unique touch. One of his signature innovations is the reimagined fish cake, or ‘accra,’ paired with a garlic-lime aioli to elevate its presentation while preserving its authentic essence. Defraitas’ cooking philosophy is deeply rooted in the principles of patience, layering, and seasoning, techniques passed down through generations of Saint Lucian cooks. His signature dish, pig foot souse, exemplifies this approach, blending traditional ingredients with fresh herbs and vibrant vegetables to create a dish that is both familiar and refreshingly new. As Mwa Éwitaj Kwéyòl continues, Defraitas’ story embodies the spirit of the season, showcasing how heritage, heart, and purpose can come together to create culinary masterpieces that honor and innovate Saint Lucian culture.