分类： society

In a heartfelt letter to the editor, a concerned parent has shed light on the distressing conditions at Antigua Girls’ High School, calling for urgent intervention from the Ministry of Education. The parent, a single mother, expressed deep frustration over the school’s rigid enforcement of rules, which she claims has created an environment of fear and disrespect rather than discipline and learning.

Since the arrival of a new principal in September, the school’s atmosphere has shifted dramatically. Rules that were once enforced with reason and leniency are now applied with harsh rigidity. For instance, students are required to wear only Hoppers brand shoes, a policy that has caused significant hardship for families. The parent shared her own struggle: her daughter, unable to wear Hoppers due to a foot condition, was repeatedly sent home for wearing alternative shoes, despite the family’s financial constraints.

The letter also highlighted the emotional and physical toll on students. One incident involved a teacher punishing a student with spinal injuries by assigning her 200 lines to write three times, ignoring her medical condition. Another incident saw the principal publicly humiliating a student during Independence celebrations, leaving both the child and her mother deeply embarrassed.

Teachers, too, are reportedly suffering under the new administration, with many taking extended sick leave due to stress. The school’s internet is often turned off until late in the day, disrupting lessons and leaving both teachers and students unproductive.

Financial burdens on parents have also escalated. For the 2026 graduation, students are being asked to fundraise $20,000, including $7,000 for the church venue—a demand that is unrealistic in these challenging economic times.

The parent’s plea extends beyond her own child. She writes on behalf of all students and teachers who feel voiceless and overwhelmed. She urges the Ministry of Education to intervene, visit the school, and listen to the concerns of teachers, students, and parents without administrative interference. The parent emphasizes that discipline should build character, not break spirits, and calls for the restoration of Antigua Girls’ High School to a place of dignity, compassion, and learning.

Bernard de Nully, President of the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU), has emphasized the critical need for increased dialogue and consultations to address the pressing challenges confronting workers across the Caribbean. His remarks followed a specially convened session of the Caribbean Conference of Labour, which united trade unionists and employer representatives to deliberate on workers’ rights and other urgent matters. The meeting, facilitated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the CARICOM Secretariat, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving labor-related goals. De Nully highlighted the necessity of social dialogue, stating, ‘We came to the understanding that social dialogue is quintessentially important if we are to meet the objectives that we set for ourselves.’ Among the key issues discussed was migration, with de Nully stressing that all workers, regardless of nationality or migrant status, must be guaranteed the right to free association and trade union representation. ‘These are rights that are enshrined in our Constitution,’ he affirmed, reinforcing the legal foundation for these protections.

The International Council of Museums (ICOM) is set to make history with its 2025 General Conference, marking the first time the event will be held in the Middle East, Africa, or South Asia since its inception in 1946. Dubai, chosen as the host city, will serve as a global platform for cultural dialogue and innovation, reinforcing its position as a leading hub for international collaboration. The conference, themed ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,’ will delve into critical issues facing the museum sector, including the preservation of intangible heritage, youth empowerment, and the integration of emerging technologies. These sub-themes aim to foster discussions on how museums can adapt and thrive in an era of rapid societal transformation. Meanwhile, at this year’s conference, Dr. Gabriella Howell, Director of The Heritage Trust (Antigua & Barbuda) Inc., presented the groundbreaking Government House Museum project. Scheduled to open in 2026, the museum will uniquely serve dual purposes: functioning as the Official Offices of the Governor-General while also welcoming the public as a museum. This innovative hybrid model challenges traditional museological boundaries by blending historical curation with contemporary governance, offering visitors a dynamic exploration of colonial legacies and modern narratives. Dr. Howell emphasized the project’s significance, stating, ‘By reimagining Government House as both a functional political space and a public-facing museum, we are crafting a new paradigm where the house museum actively shapes national identity, bridging historical continuity with contemporary relevance.’ The Government House Museum promises to be a living heritage site, inviting visitors to engage with the past and present in a transformative way.

Adrian Richardson, a prominent figure in the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), has extended his support to the local community by sponsoring Bethesda Football Club (FC). This initiative underscores Richardson’s commitment to fostering grassroots sports development and community engagement. Bethesda FC, a well-established football club in the region, has long been a platform for nurturing young talent and promoting physical fitness among youth. Richardson’s sponsorship is expected to provide the club with essential resources to enhance their training programs, upgrade facilities, and participate in competitive tournaments. This move not only strengthens the club’s operational capacity but also highlights the importance of public figures investing in local sports initiatives. The sponsorship aligns with broader efforts to encourage healthy lifestyles and community cohesion through sports. Richardson’s involvement is seen as a positive step toward empowering young athletes and reinforcing the role of sports in societal development.

Soraya Warner-Gustave, the Governor of Rotary District 7030, recently embarked on an official visit to Antigua, where she engaged in a productive dialogue with Prime Minister Gaston Browne. The meeting focused on Rotary’s enduring role in fostering national development and its alignment with the country’s strategic priorities. Prime Minister Browne lauded Rotary for its unwavering commitment to service and expressed enthusiasm for potential collaborations that could further bolster Antigua’s progress. Governor Warner-Gustave, accompanied by a delegation of Rotary leaders, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and provided insights into Antigua’s preparations for hosting the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) in 2025. This event underscores Rotary’s dedication to empowering young leaders and fostering community engagement.

Two exceptional young Interactors from Antigua recently showcased their diplomatic prowess at the prestigious 25th Model United Nations (MUN) Assembly. Representing Antigua and Barbuda, these talented individuals engaged in rigorous debates, simulated UN committee sessions, and addressed global issues with remarkable insight and eloquence. The event, held in a dynamic international setting, provided a platform for youth to hone their negotiation, leadership, and public speaking skills while fostering cross-cultural understanding. Their participation not only highlighted the potential of Antiguan youth but also underscored the nation’s commitment to nurturing future leaders capable of addressing complex global challenges. This milestone event further strengthens Antigua and Barbuda’s presence on the international stage, inspiring the next generation to actively contribute to global dialogue and cooperation.