The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) has announced a significant update to this year’s 5K Poppy Run/Walk, with the event set to commence from Nugent Avenue, deviating from its traditional route. Scheduled for Saturday, 8 November 2025, the annual event aims to honor the nation’s military heroes while promoting community engagement through a healthy and meaningful activity. Organizers are encouraging residents to begin training and register early to secure their participation slots. Participants will also have the chance to win exciting prizes from sponsors such as Royalton Antigua Resort & Spa, Subway, Carlisle Bay Antigua, Wadadli Cats, The Hut, and Meg’s Total Wellness. The ABDF emphasized that the event is not only a tribute to military service but also an opportunity to foster community spirit and physical wellness. Registration is now open online, with additional details available on the ABDF website. The event promises to be a memorable occasion, blending patriotism, health, and community camaraderie.
博客
-
Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda Calls for Renewed Partnership between the City of London and the Caribbean at Mansion House Reception
His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda and President of the West India Committee, delivered a keynote address at a prestigious fundraising reception hosted by The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of London at Mansion House. The event, held on October 13, 2025, aimed to support the West India Committee’s mission and celebrate its historic ties with the City of London. Attendees included members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, and representatives from the Caribbean community. Sir Rodney highlighted the Committee’s founding in 1735 and its pioneering role in establishing the Thames Police in 1798, the world’s oldest serving police force. He praised the Committee’s enduring commitment to public service, humanitarian aid, and education, emphasizing its innovative spirit. In a gesture of recognition, The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress were awarded Honorary Life Fellowships of the West India Committee. Sir Rodney humorously remarked that the honor made them “honorary West Indians,” complete with the warmth and rhythm the title implies. He also expressed gratitude for His Majesty The King’s continued interest in the Committee’s work and referenced the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda in 2026. The Governor-General commended Mrs. Blondel Cluff, Chief Executive of the West India Committee, and Mr. David Wells, Charity Secretary, for their dedicated leadership. He also acknowledged Mr. Algy Cluff for restoring the memorial gates at Shirley Heights, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The evening concluded with Sir Rodney urging renewed partnership and generosity to support the Committee’s mission, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration between the City of London and the Caribbean.
-
GFNC’s Snack Attack: 5 high schools competing
The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) has unveiled the participating schools for the highly anticipated High Schools Snack Attack! competition. This innovative initiative aims to foster creativity, nutrition awareness, and entrepreneurial spirit among students by challenging them to develop healthy, market-ready snacks using locally sourced ingredients. The participating schools, listed alphabetically, include Bishop’s College, Carriacou; Grenada Boys’ Secondary School; Grenada Seventh Day Comprehensive School; J W Fletcher Catholic Secondary School; and Presentation Brothers’ College. The competition will provide students with expert mentorship, hands-on training, and opportunities to hone their business, teamwork, and marketing skills. The event will culminate in a Grand Finale and Awards Ceremony, where finalists will showcase their snack creations to judges and the public. By encouraging the use of local ingredients, Snack Attack! not only promotes healthier eating habits but also supports Grenada’s food and nutrition security. For more information about the GFNC and its initiatives, visit their official website or follow them on social media. To schedule a nutrition counselling session, contact the GFNC directly.
-
‘Breakthrough’ in hurricane forecasts from ocean glider data
A groundbreaking field experiment in the Caribbean has marked a significant leap forward in hurricane prediction, thanks to the deployment of an autonomous underwater glider. The Vetlesen Caribbean Hurricane Ocean Glider Science Field Experiment, spearheaded by the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) in collaboration with Rutgers University and other partners, has yielded transformative data that is already enhancing the accuracy of hurricane forecasts across the region. The glider, which spent three months navigating the waters between Barbados, Guyana, and Trinidad, collected critical ocean temperature and salinity readings. These measurements are pivotal in understanding the spatial variations that influence hurricane development and intensity. Dr. David Farrell, principal of CIMH, emphasized the dual benefits of the project: improving hurricane forecasting and supporting fisheries and other maritime activities. The data has already corrected longstanding flaws in existing ocean models, extending forecast accuracy beyond the surveyed areas. Scott Glenn, a professor of marine sciences at Rutgers University, highlighted the widespread impact of the glider’s data, which has improved ocean forecasts across the Antilles. This development is expected to significantly enhance early warning systems and disaster preparedness in the region. The project also integrates the Caribbean into the global Sentinel Initiative, fostering international collaboration in ocean research. As the hurricane season draws to a close, Dr. Farrell urged continued vigilance, noting that the insights gained from this experiment will guide future forecasting and preparedness efforts, better equipping the Caribbean to face potential weather challenges.
-
World Food Day address by Minister of Agriculture
On October 16, 2025, Dominica joined the global community in commemorating World Food Day under the theme, ‘Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.’ This year’s celebration held special significance as it coincided with the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, an institution that has tirelessly worked to eradicate hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture worldwide. Hon. Roland Royer, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, emphasized the critical role of collective action in achieving food security. In an audio statement, he underscored that access to adequate food is not just a fundamental right but a shared responsibility. Royer expressed gratitude for FAO’s continued support in enhancing Dominica’s food systems and resilience. The Minister highlighted the importance of unity, as symbolized by the theme, and called for collaboration across all sectors—farmers, fishers, educators, community members, and government agencies—to build a more resilient Dominica. He stressed the need to support local agriculture and fisheries, promote the consumption of locally produced foods, and empower the youth as essential steps toward independence and long-term prosperity. Despite global advancements, hunger remains a pressing issue, with nearly 730 million people worldwide facing chronic hunger and over 2.3 billion experiencing food insecurity. In the Caribbean, 16.3% of the population, or 7.2 million people, suffer from undernourishment, exacerbated by reliance on imports, climate change, and economic vulnerabilities. Royer reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges by improving local food systems, supporting farmers, and ensuring access to nutritious and affordable food for all citizens. Initiatives like CARICOM’s ’25 by 2030,’ which aims to reduce food imports by 25%, align with national goals to boost agriculture’s economic contribution to $700 million and cut meat imports by up to 40% by 2030. Recent efforts include expanding irrigation, introducing modern farming tools, enhancing market linkages, and promoting climate-smart practices. The government is also investing in food processing, safety, and product development to transform local produce into high-quality goods. Programs targeting youth engagement, agricultural education in schools, and fostering innovation in farming are also underway. Royer emphasized that every action, from planting trees to reducing food waste, contributes to the nation’s goal of eradicating hunger and building sustainability. He urged citizens to unite in supporting agriculture, protecting the environment, and empowering future generations. In closing, the Minister called on Dominicans to celebrate World Food Day by taking tangible steps toward a sustainable and food-secure nation.
-
Mother Who Lost Home in Fire Still In Need of Place To Call Her Own
Latoya Christian, a mother whose home was destroyed in a tragic fire earlier this year, continues to face significant challenges in securing stable housing for her family. Despite receiving essential donations such as food and clothing, Christian emphasizes that her most pressing need is a permanent place to live. She shared her plight with Antigua Newsroom, expressing her frustration and gratitude simultaneously. ‘I have been getting food, clothes, etc., but I’m in need of somewhere to stay. My daughter just had a baby, and I have others all over. It’s frustrating, to be honest. I’m not saying it’s anyone’s fault, but all I need is some assistance for somewhere to live,’ she said. The fire, which occurred in July, began in the kitchen when a gas hose caught fire. Despite her efforts to extinguish the flames, the blaze quickly engulfed the house, forcing Christian and her children to flee over a fence to safety. Among those affected were her six-year-old daughter, four-year-old son, and 21-year-old pregnant daughter, who has since given birth. The fire destroyed all their belongings, including clothing, documents, and baby supplies. Christian, who has been going to work without meals, relies on the school meal program to feed her five-year-old. She is deeply thankful for the support she has received so far but is urgently appealing for assistance to secure housing for her family. Those wishing to help can contact her at (268) 783-9068.
-
Barbados ‘leads CARICOM’ in introducing paid paternity leave
Barbados has set a groundbreaking precedent in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) by becoming the first nation to introduce paid paternity leave for fathers. The landmark legislation, championed by Minister of Energy and Business, Senator Lisa Cummins, was passed in the Senate following its approval in the House of Assembly. This progressive move positions Barbados as a regional leader in supporting working families and promoting gender equality in parenting.
-
Senator backs ‘automatic’ DNA tests in maintenance cases
Opposition Senator Andre Worrell has reignited discussions on the necessity of mandatory DNA testing at the commencement of child maintenance and paternity cases. Emphasizing the importance of fairness and transparency, Senator Worrell argued that such a measure would mitigate emotional and financial turmoil for all parties involved. His remarks came during a Senate debate on the Family Leave Bill, where he aligned with acting Chief Magistrate Deidre McKenna’s recent advocacy for automatic DNA testing in family court proceedings. McKenna, speaking at a panel on child support delinquency, proposed that Barbados adopt a system where DNA tests are conducted as soon as a man is brought to court for maintenance, ensuring paternity is confirmed before proceeding with financial obligations. Senator Worrell supported the Family Leave Bill, which extends maternity leave and introduces paid paternity leave, but stressed the need for equitable treatment of men through accessible paternity testing. He highlighted the legal and emotional challenges faced by men who later discover they are not the biological fathers of children they supported. Worrell suggested that early DNA testing could prevent such issues, fostering clarity and fairness in family law.
-
Prime Minister to Present Bill Modernizing Tax Recovery and Enforcement Procedures
Prime Minister Gaston Browne is set to present the Tax Administration and Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in Parliament today. This landmark legislation aims to overhaul Antigua and Barbuda’s tax recovery system, introducing measures to modernize processes while ensuring fairness and accountability. The proposed reforms include establishing a statutory charge on real property for delinquent taxpayers, granting the Commissioner of Inland Revenue the authority to issue clear property titles post-asset seizure, and enhancing transparency in auctions and public sales. Additionally, the Bill redefines the term ‘property’ and formalizes the roles of ‘designated officers,’ clarifying enforcement boundaries and accountability within the tax framework. Government officials emphasize that the reforms seek to balance taxpayer rights with the state’s obligation to secure outstanding revenues, a critical step toward robust fiscal planning and sustainable development. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen fiscal management and bring Antigua and Barbuda’s tax administration in line with international best practices.
-
Caribbean urged to confront corporate power driving NCD crisis, says Walcott
Barbados and other small island developing states (SIDS) must unite to confront powerful global industries whose products exacerbate chronic diseases and undermine public health, according to Senator Jerome Walcott, Minister of Health. Speaking at the opening of a three-day global conference organized by the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Sen. Walcott emphasized the need for governments to balance economic growth with the well-being of their citizens. The conference, titled ‘Addressing the Commercial Determinants of NCDs in the Caribbean SIDS,’ was held at the Courtyard by Marriott. Sen. Walcott highlighted that public health strategies have traditionally focused on individual behavior change but stressed the importance of addressing upstream factors such as policies, markets, and environments that shape health choices. He identified the tobacco, alcohol, ultra-processed food, and fossil fuel industries as major contributors to global mortality rates, noting that these industries are responsible for over one-third of annual global deaths. Their economic and political influence often leads to policy inertia and hesitancy in implementing decisive health measures. Sen. Walcott pointed out the dilemma governments face: industries like tobacco and alcohol contribute significantly to GDP and employment, yet their products drive disease and premature death. While these industries may boost short-term revenue, the long-term consequences include strained health systems, reduced productivity, and hindered economic development. The World Economic Forum estimates that premature deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in lower and middle-income countries will cost $7 trillion over the next 15 years. Sen. Walcott called for bold action, advocating for fiscal measures such as excise taxes on unhealthy products to reduce consumption and generate revenue for health promotion. He stressed that the primary purpose of such taxes should be health, not profit, and suggested dedicating a portion of the revenue to NCD prevention and control. Additionally, he urged integrating health considerations into all sectors, including trade, agriculture, and economic planning, and called for restrictions on advertising unhealthy products, ensuring access to nutritious foods, and incentivizing the production of healthier alternatives. Sen. Walcott emphasized the importance of collaboration through CARICOM, PAHO, civil society coalitions, and academic institutions to share evidence and resources. He linked these efforts to Barbados’ national development framework, Mission Barbados, specifically Mission 4, which aims to reduce new NCD cases and crime by 50%. In conclusion, Sen. Walcott warned that the commercial determinants of health are among the most powerful drivers of disease today and called for courage, collaboration, and clarity of purpose to address these challenges.