分类： society

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus achieved a significant milestone on Saturday, hosting its largest graduation ceremony to date. The event, held at the SJPC House of Restoration Ministries, celebrated 195 graduates, marking the campus’s biggest cohort since its inception. Among the graduates were the first-ever recipients of degrees in cutting-edge programs such as the Bachelor of Science in Data Science, Innovation Management, and Computer Science, as well as the Master of Arts in Teaching Exceptional Children. This historic occasion also saw the conferral of an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Dr. Padgett Henry, a distinguished Caribbean scholar and Professor Emeritus at Brown University. Dr. Henry, who joined the ceremony virtually, expressed his profound gratitude, stating, ‘There is no other university that I wanted an honorary doctorate from than the University of the West Indies. This is the real deal. This is the best.’ The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Deputy Governor General Sir Clare Roberts, and UWI Vice-Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles. Graduates from across the Caribbean, including students from Montserrat and St. Kitts and Nevis, were recognized, highlighting the campus’s expanding regional influence. In his keynote address, UWI Chancellor Dr. Dodridge Miller praised the institution’s growth, describing Five Islands as ‘a symbol of educational resilience and regional opportunity.’ Valedictorian Kadeem Charles, who earned first-class honors in Data Science, Innovation Management, and Computer Science, delivered an inspiring speech, urging his peers to embrace technological innovation while upholding the values of community and perseverance. The ceremony also showcased the campus’s commitment to academic excellence and regional development, with faculty leaders commending graduates for their balance of academic rigor and community service. As the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra filled the hall with music, graduates received thunderous applause from friends and family, many waving flags from across the Caribbean. Chancellor Miller concluded, ‘The Class of 2025 stands as a testament to what our small island states can achieve. You are the architects of the Caribbean’s future — bold, brilliant, and unstoppable.’

A violent domestic dispute in Belmont on the evening of October 10, 2025, resulted in a man being hospitalized after sustaining a stab wound to his groin. The altercation, which occurred around 6:30 p.m., involved a heated argument between the man and his former partner inside their home. Emergency services were alerted by the woman, who confessed to stabbing her ex-boyfriend during the confrontation. Upon arrival, police discovered bloodstains throughout the living room and hallway, along with a knife and a black shirt believed to be connected to the incident. The injured man was swiftly transported to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he underwent emergency surgery. Medical professionals later confirmed that he was in stable condition. Senior investigators and forensic teams meticulously processed the scene, though no charges have been filed as of yet. Authorities emphasized the ongoing issue of domestic violence, urging individuals in strained relationships to seek help before conflicts escalate into violence.

Authorities in Antigua are intensifying efforts to address a surge in praedial larceny, following a recent incident in All Saints where a farmer reported the theft of a $300 EC bundle of sugar cane. The theft, discovered on October 9, has added to a growing list of similar cases plaguing the island’s agricultural sector. Despite immediate police intervention, including interviews with local residents, no leads have been uncovered, leaving the investigation ongoing. This incident underscores a persistent issue that continues to undermine farmers’ livelihoods and disrupt local food production. Farmers are increasingly vocal about the need for stricter penalties and enhanced security measures, such as increased patrols in rural areas, to deter thefts that often occur during nighttime or when farms are unattended. Agricultural officials emphasize that while individual thefts may appear minor, their cumulative effect is significant, leading to reduced income for farmers, lowered morale, and a threat to national food security. Authorities are urging communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help safeguard local food supplies and support the agricultural sector.

In a recent social media post, Pastor K. Doyle of the Seventh-day Adventist Church addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the construction of a replica of the Daniel 2 statue. Titled “A Rationale for Building a Replica of the Image in Daniel 2,” his statement seeks to provide theological clarity and foster unity within the Christian community. Pastor Doyle emphasized that the replica is not intended for worship but as an educational tool to illustrate God’s sovereignty over earthly kingdoms. He explained that the statue serves as a visual reminder of the biblical prophecy that all human empires will eventually fall, while God’s eternal kingdom will endure. Doyle highlighted five key benefits of the replica: it aids in understanding biblical prophecy, creates evangelistic opportunities, reinforces spiritual truths, strengthens faith, and fosters community engagement. However, he also acknowledged potential drawbacks, such as misinterpretation in cultures unfamiliar with religious imagery and the risk of legal or cultural conflicts in regions with restrictions on public religious symbols. Doyle clarified that the biblical commandment in Exodus 20:4–5 prohibits worshiping graven images, not their creation. As the debate continues, legal experts are being consulted to determine whether Antiguan law permits the erection of such a statue. Pastor Doyle’s balanced approach has brought a measure of calm to the discussion, with many hoping it will refocus attention on understanding prophecy and promoting unity.