分类： society

District Governor Soraya Warner-Gustave has commenced her official visit to Antigua, where she will engage with local Rotary Clubs and participate in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) 2025. The event, themed ‘Youth in Leadership: Embracing Challenges and Empowering Change,’ is scheduled to take place from November 14 to 16. Warner-Gustave was warmly received at V.C. Bird International Airport by prominent Rotary figures, including Assistant Governor Jonah Ormond, Rotary Club of Antigua President Elisa Graham, and Rotary Club of Antigua Sundown President Nicole Stevens. Other notable attendees included District RYLA Chair Evangeline Allen, Past President Dr. Vanetta Rodgers, Youth Services Director Rozanne Emmanuel, Public Image Chair Sherwyn Greenidge, Rotarian Jo-Anne Scotland Gilkes, and Rotaractor Yhan Robert. This visit is part of the District Governor’s annual tour to foster collaboration and advance service initiatives across the region. The Rotary Club of Antigua expressed enthusiasm for a weekend filled with leadership development, educational workshops, and team-building activities, as youth from the district gather to enhance their skills and contribute to meaningful change.

Authorities are currently investigating a reported theft involving a woman’s former boyfriend, who allegedly broke into her St. John’s Street apartment early Sunday morning. The suspect is accused of stealing an $800 wig and $2,000 in cash during the incident, which occurred around 5 a.m. The man, who is reportedly known to the victim, entered the residence, took the items, and fled the scene. Officers from the Criminal Investigations Department have interviewed the complainant and initiated searches for both the suspect and the missing property. Despite their efforts, neither the individual nor the stolen items have been located. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement continues to pursue leads.

The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has announced ongoing mainline installation works along Barnacle Main Road, Cedar Valley Main Road, and Conference Drive, leading into the New Winthorpes area. These efforts are part of the final preparations for the upcoming commissioning of a state-of-the-art 2-million-imperial-gallon Reverse Osmosis Plant, designed to enhance the island’s water supply system. As the project progresses, residents and motorists can expect intermittent road closures and traffic disruptions. APUA emphasized the importance of these upgrades, which aim to significantly improve Antigua’s water infrastructure. The Authority extended its gratitude to the public for their patience and cooperation during this critical phase of development.

The Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development (GARD) Center has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative in collaboration with His Majesty’s Prisons: a Soap Crafting Training Program designed to foster rehabilitation and societal reintegration for inmates. This innovative program integrates practical skill-building with essential life skills, including communication, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial thinking, equipping participants with the tools necessary for sustainable livelihoods post-release. The GARD Center emphasizes that the program’s core mission is to empower individuals to transition seamlessly back into society through entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency. By blending hands-on training with personal development, the initiative underscores the Center’s commitment to empowerment, rehabilitation, and offering second chances to those in need. This expansion of their partnership with the prison system highlights a progressive approach to addressing the challenges of reintegration and reducing recidivism.

A parent has raised alarming accusations against a primary school principal, alleging that he attempted to sexually assault her child and other students. The anonymous parent disclosed that the incidents reportedly occurred between 2023 and 2024, when her daughter was merely 10 years old. She expressed outrage, stating, ‘He is supposed to guide them and fulfill his appointed role. Instead, he has shown no remorse and continues to move around the school, even after being instructed to stay away.’ The parent further asserted that the principal has a history of inappropriate conduct toward young girls, urging him to ‘seek someone your own size and leave people’s children alone.’ As of now, education authorities have not confirmed whether an investigation into these serious allegations has been initiated.

In celebration of World Interact Week, Interactors across Antigua have been actively engaging in community service projects, spreading both smiles and meaningful assistance. This global initiative, organized by Rotary International, empowers young people to make a positive impact in their communities through volunteerism and leadership. In Antigua, Interactors focused on a variety of activities, including environmental clean-ups, educational workshops, and support for vulnerable populations. Their efforts not only addressed local needs but also fostered a sense of unity and purpose among participants. The week-long event highlighted the power of youth-driven initiatives in creating lasting change. By combining service with compassion, these young leaders demonstrated the importance of giving back and inspiring others to do the same. World Interact Week serves as a reminder of the potential within the next generation to tackle global challenges with creativity and dedication.