分类： society

In a proactive move to bolster community safety, National Security Minister and Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin has urged residents of All Saints West to actively participate in crime prevention by establishing neighbourhood watch groups. Speaking at a town hall meeting held at the Sea View Farm Primary School on Thursday evening, Sir Steadroy emphasized the importance of fostering stronger communication within local communities to deter criminal activities. He encouraged residents to organize themselves into neighbourhood watch groups, utilize platforms like WhatsApp for coordination, and remain vigilant for unfamiliar individuals in their areas. ‘Call your neighbour, let them know someone strange is in the neighbourhood,’ he advised. Additionally, Sir Steadroy announced plans to install additional street lights in areas such as Bellevue to enhance visibility and security. He also revealed that the government would intensify police patrols in the constituency as part of its broader strategy to improve public safety. Highlighting the government’s commitment to youth development, the minister noted that the local MP has been actively identifying young individuals with potential for educational opportunities through initiatives like UWIFIC. Sir Steadroy’s address underscored the need for collaborative efforts among citizens, law enforcement, and government agencies to build safer and more resilient communities.

The Rotaract Club of Antigua has successfully concluded its impactful ‘Drops of Change’ initiative, a project aimed at enhancing access to clean drinking water, fostering sustainability, and engaging youth in community service. On September 11, 2025, the Club, alongside library staff and students from various institutions, unveiled a drinking water dispenser at the National Public Library. This initiative underscores the importance of hydration, particularly in the context of climate change and rising global temperatures. Community Service Director Kayah Ward emphasized the broader goals of the project, stating, ‘This dispenser symbolizes our dedication to healthier habits, reducing single-use plastics, and advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.’ The dispenser, now a fixture in the library’s lobby, was accompanied by twelve five-gallon water bottles, with the public encouraged to contribute additional bottles to sustain the effort. Additionally, the Club organized a Creative Writing Competition themed ‘Access to Clean Water,’ which saw enthusiastic participation from primary schools across Antigua. Winners, including Asia Joseph from Newfield Primary School, were recognized for their insightful submissions. The initiative highlights the Club’s commitment to community well-being, sustainability, and youth empowerment, while fostering collaboration with local institutions and corporate partners.

The Immigration Department of Antigua and Barbuda is set to organize a community engagement session tailored for the Hispanic community on Friday, October 24, at 5:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Multipurpose Cultural Centre, offering an interactive platform to discuss residency and citizenship procedures in the country. Chief Immigration Officer Ms. Katrina Yearwood, alongside other senior immigration officials, will lead the presentations, providing detailed guidance and addressing queries from participants. The Hon. Sir Steadroy Benjamin, Attorney General and Minister responsible for Immigration, will also deliver a speech, highlighting the government’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and maintaining open communication with all resident communities. This initiative is a joint effort between the Embassy and Consulate of the Dominican Republic and the Antigua and Barbuda Immigration Department, designed to enhance bilateral relations and improve awareness of immigration processes within the Hispanic community.

In a bid to bolster sustainable landscaping and plant care practices, the National Parks Authority and Grounds Department recently hosted a comprehensive gardening and landscaping training workshop. This initiative, conducted in partnership with the Plant Protection Unit and the Forestry Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, took place on October 21 and 22, 2023. To ensure maximum participation, the workshop was repeated on the second day to accommodate different employee groups.

The training was spearheaded by Mrs. Camellia Wallace-Tonge and Mr. Sebastian Cochrane from the Forestry Department, alongside Mr. Jahmol Colbourne of the Plant Protection Unit. Mrs. Wallace-Tonge led sessions on botanical and propagation techniques, emphasizing plant taxonomy, identification, and the critical role of species selection in landscaping. Mr. Cochrane provided hands-on demonstrations of grafting and air layering, essential methods for enhancing plant survival and reproduction.

Mr. Colbourne’s segment focused on pest and disease management, addressing common plant pests, invasive species, and practical control strategies. He stressed the importance of prioritizing natural pesticides, biological controls, and pest trapping over chemical solutions, which can harm beneficial insects like ladybugs. Participants were also trained in the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize chemical exposure and mitigate long-term health risks.

Additional discussions explored the cost-effectiveness of organic versus synthetic fertilizers, with organic options proving more sustainable by improving soil health and supporting multiple crop cycles. The training also highlighted the importance of cleanliness and monitoring to prevent pest spread, recommending immediate removal and burning of severely infected plants to curb disease transmission.

This collaborative effort underscores a broader commitment to enhancing landscape management practices across government departments while fostering inter-agency cooperation and environmental stewardship.