分类： society

Richard S. Lewis, Member of Parliament for St. John’s Rural West, has publicly commended the Ministry of Works and its road crew for their recent efforts in repairing a critical section of road in the Hatton area. The repairs, which address a long-standing issue, were completed following persistent advocacy by Lewis, who had previously used personal resources to provide temporary solutions for residents affected by the deteriorating infrastructure.

In a statement, Lewis expressed his gratitude, highlighting the specific stretch of road west of Martin’s Shop leading to the Spanish Church of God of Prophecy. ‘The Ministry has delivered relief,’ he said, acknowledging the hard work of the crew and the positive impact of the repairs on the community. He also emphasized his commitment to continuing his advocacy for further infrastructure improvements across the constituency.

The road repairs come after months of growing concern among residents about the poor conditions of roads in Hatton and surrounding areas. Lewis’ efforts to bring attention to the issue have been instrumental in securing the necessary government action. The completion of these repairs marks a significant step forward in addressing the community’s infrastructure needs and improving the quality of life for residents.

Lewis concluded his statement by expressing optimism about future developments, stating, ‘We are indeed grateful for the roadworks done to date and look forward to continued relief throughout the constituency.’ His remarks underscore the importance of collaboration between elected officials and government agencies in addressing public concerns and delivering tangible results.

The Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust (QECT) has unveiled the QECT 100 Young Leaders Awards, a distinguished initiative designed to commemorate the centenary of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which would have been celebrated in April 2026. This program aims to identify and honor 100 exceptional young leaders from the 56 Commonwealth nations who are driving transformative change in their communities across key areas such as education and employability, health, environment, food and agriculture, and inclusion.

Selected awardees will be celebrated at an official ceremony and will have the opportunity to apply for microgrants to scale their impactful initiatives. Additionally, they will benefit from personalized mentorship, capacity-building support, and global exposure through international media coverage. The program also offers unparalleled networking opportunities with funders, partners, and experts across the Commonwealth, fostering a vibrant community of changemakers.

Eligibility for the awards requires applicants to be aged between 18 and 35 (born between April 1990 and April 2008), and they must be founders, co-founders, or leaders of social impact initiatives. Applicants must also be citizens or permanent residents of a Commonwealth country, demonstrate at least 12 months of measurable impact, and align with QECT’s ethical and transparent values. Applications must be submitted in English.

Eligible individuals from Antigua and Barbuda are encouraged to apply before the deadline on November 1, 2025. For further details and to submit an application, visit the official portal at https://airtable.com/appTh6DkNvnDGCqb8/pagabE7jMU0iizFbb/form.

A letter addressed to the editor has highlighted growing concerns over the scheduling of Antigua and Barbuda’s Independence Ceremonial Parade and National Food Fair. The events, set to take place on a Saturday, have inadvertently excluded members of the Seventh-day Adventist community, who observe the Sabbath on this day. This decision has been criticized as unfair and dismissive of the nation’s religious diversity. The letter, penned by an SDA member, emphasizes that the choice of a weekend day prevents approximately 15,000 individuals from participating fully in the celebrations. The author suggests that holding the event on the following Monday would have ensured inclusivity, allowing all citizens to partake in the festivities. The letter underscores the importance of national events being accessible to everyone, fostering unity and respect for all communities. It calls on organizers to consider these concerns for future celebrations, ensuring that such significant occasions are representative of the entire population. The issue has sparked a broader conversation about the need for sensitivity and inclusivity in planning national events, particularly in a country as culturally and religiously diverse as Antigua and Barbuda.

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has warmly congratulated Michael Joseph, President of the Antigua and Barbuda Agriculture Forum for Youth (ABAFY), for being named the CARICOM Youth Farmer of the Year 2025. The prestigious award was presented during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture, held in St. Kitts, where Joseph was celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to agricultural innovation and sustainability. The OECS lauded Joseph as a trailblazer, particularly for his use of advanced technologies such as spray drones, water-saving systems, and natural farming methods, which have significantly modernized food production across the Eastern Caribbean. Joseph’s journey is an inspiring tale of perseverance and creativity. He shared how he began his agricultural career by walking four miles daily to his farm and using recycled plastic bottles for irrigation. His innovative practices, including no-till methods and sustainable farming techniques, have enabled him to produce twice the average yield per acre compared to traditional farms. His two spray drones have reduced labor, water, and chemical use by over 50%, while enhancing efficiency and crop coverage. The OECS emphasized that Joseph’s success highlights the critical role of young people in developing climate-smart and resilient food systems in the Caribbean. His achievements demonstrate how innovation and sustainability can work together to secure the region’s agricultural future. The Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2025, which concluded on October 4, featured technical sessions, policy dialogues, and exhibitions focused on food security, climate-smart agriculture, and regional cooperation.