In a significant gesture of cultural diplomacy, the Chinese government has donated a traditional Chinese-style pavilion to the Sir Novelle Richards Academy in Antigua and Barbuda. The handover ceremony, attended by Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yanling and Principal Mrs. Bradshaw, marked a new chapter in the longstanding friendship between the two nations. Ambassador Zhang emphasized that the pavilion serves as a ‘window into Chinese culture,’ symbolizing the deepening ties in education and cultural exchange. Principal Bradshaw expressed her gratitude, highlighting the school’s dedication to fostering cross-cultural understanding through Chinese language programs and related initiatives. The pavilion, now a prominent feature of the school’s courtyard, will function as a communal space for students and faculty while standing as a testament to the enduring bond between China and Antigua and Barbuda. This initiative underscores the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening international relationships and promoting mutual learning.
博客
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Nederlands Koningspaar 1 december in Suriname op uitnodiging van president Simons
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands are set to embark on an official state visit to Suriname from December 1 to December 3. The Royal Information Service (RVD) confirmed the visit on Friday morning, highlighting that the trip is at the invitation of President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons. The visit aims to reinforce the collaborative relationship between Suriname and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This state visit follows closely after the Srefidensi celebration on November 25, which will be attended by the outgoing Dutch Prime Minister, Dick Schoof. According to the RVD, the royal couple’s visit will emphasize the “broad cooperation and warm ties between the two communities,” underscoring the historical and cultural connections that bind the nations.
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Open dag op de poli
On World Mental Health Day, we take a rare look into the psychiatrist’s office, where the primary tools are not just medical instruments but the psychiatrist’s own qualities of honesty, openness, sincerity, reliability, and empathy. These are essential for uncovering deep-seated inner turmoil and peculiarities. Today, ten patients are seen, each with their unique struggles and stories.
The first patient is a despondent police officer who has lost his zest for life, burdened by shame and fear of judgment. Initially reserved, he gradually opens up, showing a willingness to work towards recovery. The second is a lawyer with severe mood swings, who after a tumultuous year of manic episodes and deep depression, is now stabilized on lithium.
The third patient, a civil servant, uses laughter and alcohol as shields against painful emotions. Through therapy, she begins to connect with her true feelings, evolving into a more balanced individual. A medical student, the fourth patient, battles mood swings, compulsive behaviors, and self-harm, making progress with medication and therapy aimed at emotional regulation.
The fifth patient, an entrepreneur, struggles with the belief that he is always right, leading to conflicts. Therapy helps him gain self-awareness and find peace. The sixth patient, a woman with a history of neglect, abuse, and domestic violence, has built a stable therapeutic relationship but faces financial barriers to continuing her treatment.
The seventh patient, a man with a history of rejection, panics and acts out when faced with rejection, finding solace in his sharp mind rather than medication. The eighth patient, a long-term attendee, reveals a shocking secret after years of therapy, highlighting the complexities of mental health.
The ninth patient, a man with episodes of grandiosity and aggression, remains manageable with medication. The final patient, a student, finds relief in the diagnosis of ADHD, which helps him manage his symptoms and improve his academic performance.
Mental health issues often arise from a combination of vulnerability and stress, influenced by biological and environmental factors. Therapy involves listening, correcting unrealistic thoughts, and sometimes, medication. However, broader societal issues like poverty and housing require governmental intervention. President Simons emphasized the importance of mental health in her annual address, raising questions about the allocation of GDP towards mental health services.
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W.I.S.H Marks One Year of Transforming the Mental Health Conversation in Antigua and Barbuda
One year ago, on World Mental Health Day, Antigua and Barbuda witnessed the inception of a transformative movement aimed at reshaping the national conversation around mental health. The Wadadli Initiative for Self-care and Healing (W.I.S.H), founded by Chaneil Imhoff, an award-winning entrepreneur and mental health advocate, has marked its first anniversary with significant achievements in its mission to normalize mental wellness and ensure accessible care for all. W.I.S.H was established to address the long-standing silence surrounding emotional wellbeing in the country. Over the past year, it has grown from a community-driven idea into a respected advocacy organization influencing public policy, inspiring youth, and fostering a culture of empathy and openness. The initiative’s foundational message, ‘It’s okay to not be okay,’ has resonated widely, transforming mental health from a hidden conversation into a national dialogue. W.I.S.H has reached over 20,000 people through digital campaigns, storytelling, and infographics, dismantling stigma and promoting mental wellness. A notable achievement is the development of the W.I.S.H Mood Tracker, a digital platform designed to help individuals monitor their emotions and access supportive resources. The organization has also collaborated with educators and youth leaders to integrate mental health education into schools, empowering young people to prioritize their emotional wellbeing. W.I.S.H has been a strong advocate for policy reform, supporting the Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s efforts to update national mental health legislation and championing workplace wellness laws. Looking ahead, W.I.S.H has outlined five strategic priorities for 2026, including strengthening policy engagement, conducting a nationwide mental health survey, launching the W.I.S.H Mood Tracker, integrating mental health education into schools, and certifying fifty individuals in Mental Health First Aid. Chaneil Imhoff, the founder of W.I.S.H, expressed her gratitude to the volunteers, supporters, and partners who have contributed to the initiative’s success. She emphasized the importance of continuing to expand the conversation around mental health into legislation, classrooms, and workplaces, ensuring that healing becomes a universal right rather than a privilege. W.I.S.H remains committed to its mission of breaking silence and shattering stigmas, envisioning a future where mental wellness is normalized, accessible, and treated as a fundamental human right in Antigua and Barbuda.
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Dominica’s music takes center stage at Miami Carnival, ‘Big Bad Bouyon’
The Miami Carnival, a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, is set to showcase the dynamic sounds of Bouyon music in 2025. Organized by Jay Upscale, the newly introduced Big Bad Festival will span three days, from October 10 to 13, in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District. This year’s highlight is the Saturday night segment dedicated to Bouyon, a rhythm-driven genre originating from Dominica’s carnival scene, which is gaining international acclaim. The festival will feature a diverse lineup, including Ridge, a two-time Bouyon Artist of the Year, alongside other prominent artists such as 1T1, Edday, Shelly, Reo, Trilla-G, Infrared, DJ Luchshiy, and Unstoppable Shax. Jay Upscale, the festival’s founder, emphasized the cultural significance of Bouyon, describing it as more than music—it’s an energy and a movement that connects the Caribbean diaspora. The event will take place at Toe Jam, a modern and intimate venue, offering attendees an immersive experience of Bouyon’s raw energy. Ridge expressed his excitement about performing Bouyon on such a prestigious stage, noting its growing global influence. The festival will also include Soca performances on Friday and conclude with the Big Bad Brunch on Monday. Shelly of Signal Band highlighted Bouyon’s role as a medium of cultural expression and identity. From its roots in Dominica to its presence on international stages, Bouyon continues to evolve while staying true to its rhythmic and communal essence. The Big Bad Bouyon event is a testament to the genre’s rising prominence and its ability to unite audiences worldwide.
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PCS benadrukt belang van geestelijke zorg bij crises
On World Mental Health Day, the Psychiatric Center Suriname (PCS) emphasized the critical importance of mental health care during disasters and emergencies. This year’s global theme, ‘Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,’ underscores the necessity of adequate mental health support in times of crisis. Mental health disorders are among the most prevalent global health issues, causing not only visible suffering but also profound internal pain and tension that severely impact daily functioning. These conditions significantly contribute to the loss of healthy life years (Disability-Adjusted Life Years – DALYs), as individuals often live with long-term functional and well-being limitations. Depression, anxiety disorders, and substance dependency are leading causes of disease burden worldwide, with their impact increasingly evident in Suriname. Many individuals struggle with socioeconomic challenges, domestic violence, and addiction. ‘Many suffer in silence, yet timely intervention can facilitate effective recovery,’ stated the PCS. The center highlighted that access to care involves not only service availability but also awareness, destigmatization, and collaboration among healthcare providers, policymakers, and society. ‘A listening ear, appropriate guidance, or a supportive social network can significantly contribute to recovery and resilience,’ the PCS added. The center called for a collective effort to create an environment in Suriname where mental health care is accessible, effective, and normalized for all.
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Message From Hon. Daryll Matthew Representative for St. John’s Rural South on World Mental Health Day
On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, Hon. Daryll Matthew, Minister Responsible for Education and Representative for St. John’s Rural South, reaffirmed the commitment of Antigua and Barbuda to prioritize mental health care. Speaking on behalf of the nation, particularly the residents of St. John’s Rural South, Matthew emphasized the importance of collective compassion and support in addressing mental health challenges. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, the government has been actively enhancing mental health services through expanded community programs, school-based counseling, and improved healthcare infrastructure. These initiatives aim to ensure that mental health support is accessible to all citizens, particularly in times of need. Matthew highlighted that mental health is a universal concern, affecting every family and household. He called for a cultural shift where seeking help is viewed as a sign of strength, judgment is replaced with empathy, and no one feels isolated in their struggles. The minister urged the nation to move forward with unity, healing, and hope, envisioning a stronger and more caring Antigua and Barbuda. The message concluded with an invitation to advertise with the most visited news site in Antigua, offering customizable digital marketing packages.
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Holder leads Bayley’s to Festival Six crown
In a thrilling display of skill and teamwork, A Class Battery Bayley’s Primary emerged victorious in the third annual six-a-side softball tournament, now rebranded as the ‘Festival Six,’ organized by the National Sports Council. The event, held at the Police Training facility and sponsored by City of Bridgetown Co-Operative Credit Union Limited, showcased exceptional talent and competitive spirit.
Jadeja Holder, the standout player of the tournament, was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title for his outstanding performance. Holder led Bayley’s Primary through the playoff rounds and into the finals, amassing 99 runs and taking six wickets across three matches. His contributions were pivotal in securing victories against Grazettes Primary by 78 runs in the quarterfinals and Selah Primary by 93 runs in the semifinals.
In the championship game, Bayley’s faced Jordans Supermarket Good Shepherd Primary, who had fought hard to reach the finals with narrow wins over St Cyprian’s Boys and Charles F Broome Primary. Batting first, Bayley’s set a formidable total of 116 runs for the loss of one wicket, with Holder scoring 59 and Aiden Blades adding 35. Holder then returned to the field, taking two wickets in the first over and finishing the tournament with a total of 16 wickets, the highest in the competition. Good Shepherd was bowled out for a mere 18 runs, sealing Bayley’s victory.
Other notable performances included Jasper King of St Gabriels, who scored the most runs in the tournament with 444, including two centuries (130 and 111), and Niasha Patterson of Shirley Chisholm Primary, who was named the best female player.
The young athletes now look forward to the upcoming Herman Griffith hard ball competition, set to commence on October 21 at various venues across the island.
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Orange dominates Queen’s College pool
The 2025 Queen’s College Inter-House Swimming Championship concluded in spectacular fashion at the Aquatic Centre in Wildey, St Michael, with Orange House emerging as the undisputed champions. Securing a total of 397 points, Orange House triumphed over fierce competition from Blue House, which finished second with 347 points, and Purple House, which claimed third place with 345 points. Red, Green, and Yellow Houses followed in fourth, fifth, and sixth positions, respectively.
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Airport Operations Resume Following Passage of Tropical Storm Jerry
Following the disruption caused by Tropical Storm Jerry, the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority has announced the gradual return to normal operations at VC Bird International Airport. The storm, which swept through the region, led to significant delays in both incoming and outgoing flights on Friday, October 10, 2025. Passengers are strongly advised to verify their flight schedules with their respective airlines before heading to the airport. The authority emphasized the importance of adhering to the revised check-in times provided by airlines to ensure a smooth travel experience. The Airport Authority expressed gratitude to the public for their understanding and cooperation during this challenging period. Additionally, the authority highlighted its commitment to maintaining safety and efficiency as operations return to normal. For those interested in advertising opportunities, the Airport Authority offers customizable digital marketing packages to reach a broad audience. For more information, contact [email protected].