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  • PBC Interact Club at Regional Model United Nations Conference

    PBC Interact Club at Regional Model United Nations Conference

    Grenada’s youth diplomacy received international recognition as delegates from Presentation Brothers College (PBC) Interact Club made their mark at the Caribbean Regional Model United Nations Conference on November 8, 2025. The event, orchestrated by the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain, served as a premier platform for emerging leaders across the region to engage in simulated United Nations proceedings.

    Under the overarching theme of ‘Peace and Human Rights,’ this year’s conference assembled more than 200 participants from multiple Caribbean territories including Antigua, Montserrat, St Vincent, Curaçao, and Grenada. The gathering facilitated intense diplomatic simulations where students debated pressing global issues, honed negotiation techniques, and developed resolution-building capabilities.

    Representing the Southeast African nation of Mozambique in the simulation, Grenada’s delegation featured two standout students from PBC Interact Club—Xavi Buckmire and Jonathan Powell—under the guidance of their faculty advisor Darvin Clouden. The team demonstrated exceptional diplomatic engagement throughout committee sessions, participating actively in complex negotiations and voting procedures centered on peacebuilding initiatives and human rights protections. Observers noted their professional demeanor and confident delivery throughout the multi-day conference.

    This educational diplomacy initiative underscores the Rotary Club’s broader commitment to fostering global citizenship and leadership capabilities among Caribbean youth. By providing experiential learning opportunities that mirror actual UN operations, the program equips young participants with critical thinking skills and cross-cultural competencies essential for addressing both local and international challenges.

    The participation of PBC Interact Club, supported by the Rotary Club of Grenada, highlights the growing importance of youth engagement in global affairs and demonstrates how educational partnerships can create meaningful pathways for student development in international relations and diplomatic practice.

  • Sophia Welch Named Supervisor of the Year at Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Awards Gala 2025

    Sophia Welch Named Supervisor of the Year at Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Awards Gala 2025

    Sophia Welch from the prestigious Mill Reef Club has received the distinguished Supervisor of the Year accolade at the 2025 Tourism Awards Gala. The recognition celebrates her exceptional leadership capabilities, dedicated staff mentorship, and unwavering commitment to sustaining superior guest satisfaction levels. Award committee members particularly highlighted how Welch’s distinctive management approach significantly boosts team performance while simultaneously elevating the overall visitor experience. The Tourism Awards Gala represents the industry’s premier event for acknowledging excellence in hospitality leadership and service standards across the sector. Welch’s achievement underscores the critical importance of effective supervisory practices in delivering outstanding tourism and hospitality services. Her award-winning performance sets a new benchmark for leadership excellence within the competitive tourism industry, demonstrating how strategic personnel management directly correlates with enhanced customer experiences and operational success.

  • Leon Norville Named Young Hotelier of the Year at Tourism Awards Gala

    Leon Norville Named Young Hotelier of the Year at Tourism Awards Gala

    The 2025 Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards Gala, an illustrious event celebrating excellence within the nation’s vital tourism sector, culminated in the prestigious recognition of Leon Norville from Sandals Grande Antigua as the Young Hotelier of the Year. The ceremony, orchestrated by the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), convened industry luminaries on November 29 under the evocative theme, ‘Mirror Ball Gala: A Time to Reflect and Shine.’

    The gala served as a platform to honor exceptional achievement across a spectrum of roles, from frontline service to executive leadership. Alongside Norville’s accolade, the ABHTA presented a suite of awards to other distinguished professionals. Albev Wade of Blue Waters Resort & Spa was celebrated as Employee of the Year, while Sophia Welch of Mill Reef Club received Supervisor of the Year honors. The Rising Star of the Year title was awarded to Shemaiah Gordon of Royalton Antigua. Culinary excellence was highlighted with Kahendi Jackson of Hermitage Bay named Young Chef of the Year and Jean-Pierre Tuitt of Jumby Bay Island honored as Chef of the Year. The media outlet ‘Antigua Inside Out,’ represented by Qasim Henry, was also recognized for its contributions.

    In a parallel series of commendations, the Ministry of Tourism lauded top performers in critical frontline positions. Sandy Ramsaran of Sandals Grande Antigua was acknowledged for Customer Service Excellence. Jahlyn Turner of the Immigration Department was named Port Frontline Employee of the Year, Philbert John Baptiste of South Coast Horizons was declared Tour Guide of the Year, and Ian Richards of United Taxi Company Antigua Ltd was celebrated as Transportation Service Provider of the Year.

    The evening also featured poignant special recognitions. Annette Michael was honored for an impressive 33 years of dedicated service to the industry, and Cleo Henry was applauded for her significant contributions to training and workforce development. In a moving tribute, a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to honor the enduring legacy and decades of foundational leadership and support provided to the ABHTA by the late Alexandre de Brito e Cunha.

  • Albev Wade Named Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism Employee of the Year

    Albev Wade Named Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism Employee of the Year

    In a ceremony highlighting excellence within the hospitality sector, Albev Wade from Blue Waters Resort & Spa was distinguished as the Employee of the Year at the 2025 Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards Gala. The prestigious accolade, presented by the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), recognizes individuals who exemplify the pinnacle of service and dedication.

    Wade’s unwavering professionalism and steadfast reliability were cited as key factors in his selection. His consistent ability to generate exceptionally positive guest feedback positioned him as a standout performer. Award organizers emphasized that his conduct and service quality have established a new benchmark for excellence, inspiring peers across the nation’s vital tourism industry.

    The ABHTA officially lauded Wade as ‘a model of excellence,’ stating that his daily performance and commitment perfectly encapsulate the high standards the sector strives to maintain. This award underscores the critical importance of individual contribution in elevating the overall visitor experience and strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation as a premier travel destination.

  • 1 December: World AIDS Day and adolescents

    1 December: World AIDS Day and adolescents

    On World AIDS Day, a stark contrast emerges between global progress against HIV/AIDS and the dire situation unfolding in vulnerable regions following the dismantling of a major U.S. aid program. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), once a flagship American initiative, has been dramatically scaled back under current leadership, creating devastating consequences for the world’s poorest populations.

    Public health experts reveal the catastrophic human cost of this policy shift. Epidemiologist Brooke Nichols from Boston University estimates that over 600,000 deaths have already resulted from the program’s closure, with children accounting for two-thirds of these fatalities – a tragic rate of nearly 90 deaths per hour. This represents a dramatic reversal from PEPFAR’s documented success in saving approximately 92 million lives over two decades through USAID funding that constituted less than 1% of the U.S. federal budget.

    The Caribbean region now faces particularly severe challenges, ranking among the world’s worst in multiple health metrics including adolescent fertility rates, gender violence, unintended pregnancies, and sexual debut age. Health advocates Tonia Frame and Fred Nunes emphasize that this crisis demands local solutions rather than dependence on foreign aid.

    Their proposed intervention centers on comprehensive Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) programs that address the region’s alarming silence around sexual health. Currently, only 5% of parents discuss sexuality with their children, while schools relegate HFLE to inexperienced teachers and religious leaders often stigmatize these crucial conversations.

    The solution requires transforming HFLE into an examinable subject taught by qualified educators, coupled with community-wide engagement involving parents, religious leaders, and healthcare workers. This approach recognizes that protecting adolescent health requires overcoming cultural inhibitions and implementing evidence-based education as a matter of urgent priority.

  • Message from the Director of the PANCAP Coordinating Unit (PCU) on World AIDS Day 2025

    Message from the Director of the PANCAP Coordinating Unit (PCU) on World AIDS Day 2025

    CARICOM Secretariat, Guyana (November 29, 2025) – On World AIDS Day 2025, Caribbean health authorities have issued a resolute declaration to safeguard decades of progress against HIV/AIDS despite mounting financial challenges threatening regional treatment programs.

    Dr. Wendy Telgt Emanuelson, Director of the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) Coordinating Unit, delivered a stirring message under the theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.” Her statement comes amid significant reductions in global health funding that jeopardize access to essential medications, prevention initiatives, and community support services throughout the Caribbean basin.

    The region’s top health official emphasized that financial constraints represent more than budgetary figures—they directly impact the wellbeing of countless individuals dependent on sustained antiretroviral therapy and comprehensive care systems. “These cuts are not just numbers on a spreadsheet,” Dr. Emanuelson noted, “they represent a potential threat to the medicines that keep our Caribbean brothers and sisters healthy.”

    Despite these challenges, the Caribbean demonstrates remarkable resilience. Several nations have already achieved elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission, while others approach the ambitious 95-95-95 targets (95% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 95% on treatment, and 95% with suppressed viral loads). These accomplishments, built through collaborative government action, healthcare worker dedication, and community activism, form the foundation for future progress.

    PANCAP is spearheading a transformative approach that prioritizes efficiency, integration, and sustainability. The organization is optimizing supply chains, empowering local communities, and maximizing resource utilization to ensure continued advancement toward an AIDS-free Caribbean. Dr. Emanuelson specifically acknowledged healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, and individuals living with HIV as essential partners in this renewed effort.

    The director’s message concluded with an unequivocal commitment: “We will not go back. We will not surrender the gains for which we have fought so hard. The journey may now be steeper, but our destination remains the same.”

  • World Aids Day 2025: Overcoming Disruption To Transform The Aids Response In The Caribbean

    World Aids Day 2025: Overcoming Disruption To Transform The Aids Response In The Caribbean

    KINGSTON, JAMAICA – December 1, 2025 – On World AIDS Day 2025, the Caribbean region confronts a perfect storm of challenges threatening to reverse decades of progress in HIV/AIDS elimination. The UNAIDS Multi-Country Office for the Caribbean has issued an urgent call for global solidarity as external HIV funding declines by 30-40% while climate disasters and economic pressures cripple healthcare systems.

    The region’s vulnerability stems from its heavy dependence on international financing, which constitutes 66% of HIV resources in 2024. This dependency becomes increasingly precarious as climate catastrophes like Hurricane Melissa have recently devastated Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, displacing communities and severing access to essential HIV treatment and prevention services.

    Alarming new data reveals that despite treatment advances, approximately 90,000 people living with HIV in the Caribbean remain outside the care system, with many likely presenting advanced disease progression. Even among those receiving treatment, significant numbers experience treatment interruptions and fail to achieve viral suppression.

    The compounding crises—including climate emergencies, unsustainable debt burdens, and sluggish economic growth—have severely constrained national budgets for health, education, and social protection programs. These pressures threaten to widen existing inequalities and create dangerous gaps in HIV prevention and community services.

    Nevertheless, Caribbean nations demonstrate remarkable resilience through innovative community-led solutions and strengthened regional partnerships. UNAIDS emphasizes that ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 remains achievable but requires immediate action on multiple fronts: strengthening health systems, scaling community-led responses, ensuring uninterrupted service access, and addressing persistent stigma and discrimination.

    The organization urges Caribbean leaders to embrace the forthcoming Global AIDS Strategy 2026–2031 and advance Sustainable Development Goal targets by increasing domestic investments in sustainable, community-led HIV responses capable of withstanding future shocks. This World AIDS Day serves as both a warning and a call to action—the region’s progress remains fragile, and without renewed commitment and international support, hard-won gains could be lost.

  • I And I Records Presents “No More Me, Me”  – A Timely Christmas Single By Enoch

    I And I Records Presents “No More Me, Me”  – A Timely Christmas Single By Enoch

    In a bold departure from traditional holiday music, independent label I And I Records has unveiled a provocative Christmas single titled “No More Me, Me” by artist Enoch. The release strategically counters the season’s characteristic commercialism with a message advocating for spiritual reflection and communal values.

    The composition emerges as a conscious alternative to conventional Christmas music, blending contemporary production with lyrical themes that critique materialistic tendencies surrounding the holiday period. Enoch’s musical approach incorporates elements of soul, gospel, and conscious hip-hop, creating a soundscape that simultaneously honors holiday traditions while subverting expectations.

    Industry analysts note the recording’s timing represents a significant strategic move within the independent music sector, offering consumers an antidote to the typically commercial nature of seasonal releases. The single’s thematic focus on selflessness and spiritual contemplation rather than gift-giving and consumption provides a distinctive narrative position within the holiday music market.

    Early critical reception has highlighted the track’s artistic courage in addressing the tension between modern holiday commercialization and the original spiritual significance of the Christmas season. Music critics have particularly praised Enoch’s authentic delivery and the production’s ability to balance festive atmosphere with thoughtful social commentary.

    The release demonstrates how independent artists and labels are increasingly using holiday themes to communicate substantive messages rather than simply pursuing commercial success. This approach reflects a growing trend within the music industry of leveraging seasonal platforms for artistic expression and social commentary.

  • Freeland Praises 2025 National Youth Awardees, Calls Young People ‘Vanguard of a New Generation’

    Freeland Praises 2025 National Youth Awardees, Calls Young People ‘Vanguard of a New Generation’

    In a ceremony brimming with optimism for the nation’s future, Senator Michael Freeland commended 25 exceptional young individuals at the 2025 National Youth Awards, positioning them as the cornerstone of Antigua and Barbuda’s developmental trajectory. The prestigious event, hosted at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, served to distinguish 16 National Youth Awardees and an additional nine Youth Ambassador Awardees. These honorees were celebrated for their profound contributions spanning a diverse array of sectors such as entrepreneurial ventures, academic excellence, tourism innovation, agricultural advancement, and athletic prowess.

    Addressing the gathering, Senator Freeland articulated that the accolades symbolized far more than mere recognition of past achievements. He framed them as a compelling mandate for the youth to pursue loftier goals, extend their influence, and dedicate themselves to generating an even more significant societal impact. His address underscored a commitment to progressive, gender-inclusive national policies, emphasizing initiatives designed to empower women and girls while simultaneously ensuring the active inclusion and development of young men.

    Hailing the awardees as the ‘vanguard of a new generation,’ Freeland issued a powerful call to action. He encouraged them to forge connections across generations, foster collaborative endeavors, drive innovation, and actively mold Antigua and Barbuda into a nation recognized not only as a regional frontrunner but as an international leader in every field they represent. He further stressed the indispensable role of youth leadership in navigating pressing global challenges, with a specific focus on the critical issue of climate change. Concluding his inspirational address, Freeland expressed his hopes that the evening would serve as a catalyst for continued barrier-breaking and dream-building, extending his congratulations to all the distinguished awardees for their remarkable accomplishments.

  • Antigua and Barbuda union leaders heading to regional labour talks

    Antigua and Barbuda union leaders heading to regional labour talks

    Antigua and Barbuda is dispatching a high-level delegation of trade union representatives to participate in the Caribbean Congress of Labour’s 22nd Triennial Delegates Conference, scheduled from December 2-5 in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The landmark gathering brings together labor leaders from across the Caribbean basin to address pressing workforce challenges under the unifying theme “One Caribbean, One Voice: Advancing Workers’ Rights through Governance and Solidarity.

    The Antigua and Barbuda Trades and Labour Union will be represented by President Bernard de Nully, First Vice President Lisa-Ann Yearwood, and Executive Member Jaquis Browne. This delegation signifies a concerted effort to champion workers’ interests through enhanced regional collaboration and strategic capacity building initiatives.

    Conference agenda items will critically examine labor migration patterns, professional development frameworks, and mechanisms for strengthening cross-border cooperation. The International Labour Organization will deliver specialized presentations, providing global context to regional labor discussions.

    President de Nully emphasized that their participation demonstrates an unwavering commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights throughout the Caribbean community while fortifying collective bargaining power through united action.

    Additional representation includes the Antigua and Barbuda Public Service Association, represented by General Secretary Janela Evanson, and the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union, which will send three delegates whose identities remained unconfirmed at the time of reporting.