分类： society

In 2025, the Sir Lester Bird Medical Center in Antigua continues to mandate white uniforms for its nurses, a practice that has sparked significant debate. While white may symbolize cleanliness and professionalism, its practicality in a hospital setting is questionable. White uniforms are prone to visible stains and spills, which not only cause discomfort for nurses but also may mislead patients about hygiene standards. Furthermore, maintaining white uniforms is labor-intensive and costly. The fabric fades quickly, loses its crispness, and becomes difficult to restore after repeated washes and bleaching. This forces nurses to frequently purchase new uniforms, adding financial strain to an already demanding profession. Despite a uniform allowance provided to nurses, the frequent need for replacements renders this benefit ineffective. Nurses have repeatedly advocated for a shift to more practical, colored scrubs, which are easier to clean, more durable, and cost-efficient in the long run. However, the administration has resisted these changes, clinging to outdated standards. Globally, nursing attire has evolved to meet both practical and professional needs, with colors like navy blue, burgundy, and patterned scrubs becoming the norm. It is high time for Antigua to align with these modern practices, ensuring that nurses have uniforms that are both practical and professional, thereby reducing unnecessary stress in their already challenging roles.

Licensed taxi drivers at VC Bird International Airport are intensifying their efforts to address the growing issue of unauthorized pickups, which they claim undermines their livelihoods and disrupts airport operations. On Wednesday, representatives from the United Taxi Company (UTC) convened to discuss an eight-point plan aimed at restoring order and ensuring fair competition. The proposal, submitted earlier this week to Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin, outlines measures to curb the activities of unlicensed drivers and create a more structured system for airport-based transportation services. Among the key recommendations are increased police enforcement against illegal operators, the establishment of a separate licensing framework for airport taxis, a royalty arrangement benefiting UTC, and the implementation of a dispatch system to manage passenger pickups more efficiently. UTC President Ian Joseph emphasized that the plan is not about exclusion but about fostering fairness, safety, and accountability. He welcomed the formation of a government-led committee to review the proposals, viewing it as a positive step forward after weeks of mounting tensions. Attorney General Benjamin has indicated that the measures will soon be presented to the Cabinet for further consideration.

In a significant move to support inclusive education, the Kiwanis Club of Antigua AR Fusion donated new signage to the School for the Deaf on September 13, 2025. This institution, dedicated to nurturing children with speech impairments, shares its premises with the TN Kirnon Primary Schools. The new signage aims to improve the school’s visibility and accessibility, ensuring it is easily identifiable by the community. The school’s motto, ‘We focus on our abilities and not our disabilities,’ underscores its commitment to empowering students. Ms. Rebekah Warner, President of AR Fusion, emphasized that the enhanced signage will raise awareness about the school’s vital work in preparing students to communicate effectively with the world. Additionally, the school offers sign language classes, encouraging community members to learn and engage. Mrs. Francis, President of the Parent Teachers Association, expressed gratitude for the donation and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration with the Kiwanis Club. The project was supported by Iprint, which assisted in the design, production, and installation of the signs. Outgoing Lieutenant Governor Adrian Boyce of Barbados, present at the event, praised the initiative as a reflection of Kiwanis International’s mission to serve children globally.

The Media Institute of the Caribbean (MIC), with support from UNESCO, has released a groundbreaking report titled ‘Disasters and Crises in the Caribbean Region: A Review of Experiences in Seven Islands.’ This comprehensive study examines disaster communication and information management across Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The report emphasizes the Caribbean’s heightened vulnerability to natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, volcanic eruptions, droughts, and health crises, stressing the urgent need for robust, culturally sensitive, and timely communication strategies before, during, and after disasters. The findings reveal that effective local media operations are as crucial as physical infrastructure in saving lives, combating misinformation, coordinating aid, and ensuring equitable recovery in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Key insights include the significant role of local journalists in disseminating emergency information and advocating for accountability, despite limited resources and hazardous conditions. The report also highlights the necessity for trauma-informed disaster reporting training, resilient news infrastructure, and stronger partnerships among media, government, and humanitarian organizations. Recommendations include targeted investments in newsroom tools and safety equipment, redundant communication channels, streamlined Freedom of Information processes, and formalized collaborations for coordinated crisis messaging. Kiran Maharaj, President of MIC, described the report as a ‘call to action’ for governments, media leaders, and international partners to strengthen the Caribbean’s communicative infrastructure in the face of climate and health emergencies. Dr. Paul Hector, Officer in Charge at UNESCO’s Caribbean Regional Office, underscored the importance of policy reforms, institutional investments, and community engagement to foster a safer and more resilient region. The full report is available at www.mediainstituteofthecaribbean.com and https://online.flippingbook.com/view/970074714/.

Antigua and Barbuda has intensified its efforts to tackle human trafficking through expanded training programs and the adoption of a 2025 National Action Plan. However, persistent challenges such as weak evidence collection, inadequate victim protection, and court backlogs continue to hinder progress, according to the 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report. Authorities have trained first responders and established a Trafficking in Persons Prevention Unit to coordinate victim identification, outreach, and investigations. Standard operating procedures are in place to guide law enforcement, immigration, customs, labor, and social services in screening potential cases. Despite these measures, prosecutorial outcomes remain stagnant. In 2024, officials investigated 13 suspects across nine cases, a significant drop from the previous year’s 26 suspects in 25 cases. Notably, no prosecutions were initiated, and the country has yet to secure a conviction under the 2010 Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Act, which imposes severe penalties, including up to 25 years for crimes involving children. Observers attribute these shortcomings to weak investigative capacity, particularly in evidence collection and case management, as well as systemic corruption. Court backlogs, exacerbated by insufficient resources, further delay justice. Although courts have the option to use virtual and written testimony to protect victims, these tools remain unused in trafficking cases. Victim protection remains a critical issue, with officials identifying 13 potential victims in 2024 but confirming none as trafficking victims. The last confirmed case dates back to 2019. The report highlights a widespread confusion between trafficking and migrant smuggling, complicating victim identification. Additionally, the small size of Eastern Caribbean nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, limits authorities’ ability to safeguard victim-witnesses, discouraging reporting and testimony. Prevention efforts, including multilingual public awareness campaigns and government funding for anti-trafficking activities, continue. However, the report underscores that without improved evidence handling, consistent application of screening protocols, and robust witness protections, training alone is insufficient to achieve prosecutions or convictions.