分类： society

The Gray’s Green Community Club of America commemorated Antigua’s 44th year of independence with its 16th annual gala on Saturday, November 8. Held at the newly inaugurated Westchester Majesty Event Hall in Mt. Vernon, NY, the event brought together members of the Antiguan and Barbudan diaspora to celebrate their shared heritage and achievements. Under the leadership of President Keanna Appleton, the gala honored four distinguished individuals—Ms. Deborah Moore, Mr. Gregg Batchelor, Mr. Calvin Prophet, and Dr. Dave A.B. Ray—for their exceptional contributions to nation-building, patriotism, community service, and cultural preservation. A special presidential award was also bestowed upon Ms. Valda DeSilva in recognition of her unwavering dedication to providing school supplies for the children of Green Bay. The evening commenced with an invocation by Rev. Belgrave Pelle, followed by a keynote address from Ms. Temika Christian, principal of Green Bay Primary School, who emphasized the club’s unifying motto, “One Aim, One Community, One Destiny.” Musical performances by Nicole Rivera, who sang the American anthem, and Renee Airall, who performed the Antiguan national anthem, added a patriotic touch to the festivities. Mrs. Daphne Henry-Palma served as the Mistress of Ceremony, while Ke-Naudra Aska delivered the vote of thanks. The celebration continued with lively music by DJ Chalice and the Klymaxx Band, featuring local hits by Claudete “CP” Peters and the Burning Flames, creating an atmosphere of cultural pride and unity.

In a significant legal development, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has arrested and charged a 35-year-old man from Cassada Gardens for the offense of bigamy. The individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, is accused of entering into a second marriage on April 9, 2025, at Fort James, while still legally wedded to his first spouse. This act, which violates the nation’s matrimonial laws, was uncovered during a detailed investigation by local authorities. Following the inquiry, the accused was formally charged and is now awaiting his court appearance to address the allegations. Bigamy, the act of marrying someone while already married to another person, is a criminal offense in Antigua and Barbuda, punishable under the law. This case highlights the legal consequences of such actions and serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to marital laws. The accused’s court date has yet to be announced, but the case has already drawn public attention to the enforcement of legal standards in matrimonial matters.

In a significant move to safeguard consumer interests, the Consumer Protection Act of 2025 has introduced stringent regulations requiring entities to obtain prior approval before conducting raffles or giveaways. This legislative update aims to curb deceptive marketing practices and ensure transparency in promotional activities. Businesses, organizations, and individuals planning such events must now seek authorization from designated regulatory bodies, which will assess the fairness and legality of the proposed schemes. The Act also imposes penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential legal action. This development underscores the government’s commitment to protecting consumers from fraudulent schemes while fostering a trustworthy marketplace. Stakeholders are advised to familiarize themselves with the new requirements to avoid disruptions in their promotional strategies.

The Department of Environment (DOE) has announced plans to host Arbour Day 2025 on November 27, centered around the theme “Buzzing with Power – Planting Trees for a Climate-Smart Future.” This annual event, set to take place on the DOE Lawn starting at 9 a.m., aims to engage residents in environmental conservation and bolster climate resilience. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a diverse range of fruit trees, including coconut, custard apple, raspberry, soursop, guava, and pomegranate. Plant bags will be available for $2.50 each, with the option to exchange two bags for a tree. Beyond tree planting, the event will feature an array of activities such as live music, food and drink stalls, prize giveaways, and educational workshops focused on sustainable living and reforestation. Officials emphasize that the initiative seeks to inspire communities to take actionable steps toward a greener Antigua and Barbuda by promoting the cultivation of climate-resilient fruit trees. For more information, residents can call 462-4625 or visit environment.gov.ag.