标签： Antigua and Barbuda

Ultim8 Promotions, a youth-founded organization, has unveiled a groundbreaking community initiative titled ‘A Day of Giving Back.’ Scheduled for November 22nd at a local soup kitchen, this event marks the launch of a broader youth-driven outreach program focused on service and leadership. The initiative seeks to engage young people in meaningful community work, starting with volunteering to serve meals to the homeless and those in need. Organizers emphasize that the project is designed to support vulnerable members of society while instilling values of responsibility, empathy, and civic engagement in youth.

What distinguishes this initiative is its youth-led approach. Unlike many community programs, ‘A Day of Giving Back’ is entirely planned and coordinated by young individuals, giving them a direct voice in decision-making and event organization. Ultim8 Promotions has a proven track record of successful youth engagement through events like ‘End of Term Jam’ and ‘UnderRated: The Ultim8 Teen Event.’ Now, the group is expanding its efforts beyond entertainment into impactful community service.

As part of the launch, Ultim8 Promotions is calling on more young people to get involved. Teens aged 13–18 are encouraged to volunteer and participate in future outreach activities. Interested individuals can sign up by contacting the group via Instagram (@Ultim8_promotions) or WhatsApp (785-6653). Organizers believe this initiative will not only benefit the community but also nurture the next generation of leaders in Antigua. Community members are also invited to support the initiative by contributing supplies or resources, as donations of any kind are welcomed and will directly aid those in need.

On October 4th, Antigua and Barbuda joined the global community in celebrating World Animal Day, a significant occasion dedicated to elevating the status of animals and enhancing their welfare worldwide. This annual event underscores the deep and multifaceted relationship between humans and animals, which extends beyond companionship to encompass food security, agriculture, livelihoods, and biodiversity conservation.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy in Antigua and Barbuda has been a steadfast advocate for animal welfare. Through its various divisions, the Ministry emphasizes the importance of both domesticated and wild animals in national development and environmental protection. The Veterinary and Livestock Division, in particular, has spearheaded initiatives such as vaccination programs, disease prevention campaigns, and rural outreach efforts to promote responsible animal care and sustainable livestock management. These measures not only safeguard the nation’s food supply but also support the livelihoods of farmers and animal owners.

In addition to terrestrial animals, the Ministry recognizes the critical role of marine life in the Blue Economy. Fish, turtles, and other marine species are integral to ecological balance and economic sustainability. Conservation policies and public awareness campaigns are key components of the nation’s strategy to protect marine biodiversity and ensure that future generations can benefit from the ocean’s resources.

World Animal Day also serves as an opportunity for the Ministry to bolster public education on animal rights and humane treatment. By engaging schools, farmers, and community groups, the Ministry fosters greater awareness of the vital role animals play in the environment and economy. These educational initiatives highlight the importance of compassion towards animals as a hallmark of a progressive society.

As Antigua and Barbuda advances towards sustainable development, the observance of World Animal Day reaffirms the Ministry’s commitment to protecting and valuing all forms of animal life. This alignment with global standards ensures that animals remain a cornerstone of the country’s agricultural, environmental, and cultural identity. On this day, the Ministry celebrates not only animals but also the shared responsibility to treat them with dignity, respect, and care.

A wave of discontent has swept across the nation as Christians United, a religious group, staged protests against the Daniel 2 statue at Glorious Hope Ministries on All Saints Road. The statue, which symbolizes the biblical dream of Daniel and the promise of Christ’s second coming, has become a focal point of controversy, sparking division within the Christian community. Many citizens are baffled by the protests, questioning why a group identifying as Christian would oppose a scripture-based symbol meant to inspire faith and theological reflection. The Daniel 2 statue is not an object of worship but a reminder of spiritual significance, deeply rooted in biblical teachings. Elderly members of the community have expressed shame and disbelief, lamenting the internal conflict among church groups. This discord has raised concerns about the broader implications for religious harmony in the nation. Critics argue that such protests send a message of conflict rather than unity, urging Christians United to reconsider their stance and focus on fostering mutual respect and understanding. The statue, like other cultural and spiritual symbols in Antigua and Barbuda, holds cultural, spiritual, and economic value. The nation is calling for peace and unity, emphasizing the importance of respecting diverse beliefs and allowing religious symbols to serve as sources of inspiration and education. Social advocate Peetron Thomas has highlighted the need for harmony, urging all parties to prioritize the greater good over division.

In a heartfelt plea for unity and mutual respect, humanitarian Peetron Thomas addresses the ongoing debate surrounding religious statues in Antigua. Thomas emphasizes that traditions and beliefs, such as the veneration of Mother Mary statues, are deeply rooted in culture and heritage and should be respected rather than dismantled. Drawing parallels to biblical teachings, he highlights the importance of allowing individuals to practice their faith freely without judgment or division. Thomas argues that the focus should shift from tearing down statues to fostering unity, prayer, and understanding among diverse religious communities. He criticizes the infighting among churches, urging them to embody the teachings of Christ through love and compassion rather than condemnation. Thomas also points out the irony of targeting scriptural-based statues while ignoring more pressing issues like satanic practices. His message is clear: Antigua is too small for division, and the path forward lies in embracing love, wisdom, and peace.

The University of the West Indies (UWI) has officially launched its 2025 graduation season, marking a significant milestone with nearly 9,000 degrees conferred across its five campuses in Mona (Jamaica), St. Augustine (Trinidad and Tobago), Cave Hill (Barbados), Five Islands (Antigua and Barbuda), and its Global Campus. The first of 15 ceremonies began this weekend at the Five Islands Campus, the youngest in the UWI system, setting the stage for a series of celebrations that will span the region.

This year’s graduation theme, ‘Pelicans in an AI-Driven Future – Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,’ encapsulates the transformative journey of the Class of 2025. These graduates embarked on their academic pursuits during a pivotal era marked by the rise of remote learning and artificial intelligence. Emerging as digitally fluent and resilient leaders, they are poised to shape the Caribbean’s future in an increasingly tech-driven global landscape.

Among the graduating class are the inaugural cohorts of the Master of Arts in Teaching Exceptional Children and the Bachelor of Science in Data Science, Innovation Management, and Computer Science. These programs underscore UWI’s commitment to addressing contemporary challenges and equipping students with cutting-edge skills.

In a longstanding tradition, UWI will also bestow honorary degrees upon 11 distinguished individuals whose contributions span music, agriculture, religion, science, research, and aviation. These honorees exemplify the university’s dedication to celebrating Caribbean excellence and global impact.

The ceremonies will be broadcast live and on-demand via UWItv.global, UWItv’s Facebook Live, Flow EVO channels, and Flow’s Bluu mobile app, allowing family, friends, and well-wishers worldwide to partake in the celebrations.

Founded in 1948 as a university college of London with just 33 medical students, UWI has evolved into a globally respected institution with nearly 50,000 students. It offers over 1,000 certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate degree options across diverse fields, including Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport.

UWI’s global standing is further validated by its consistent inclusion in the Times Higher Education (THE) annual rankings since 2018. It is the only English-speaking Caribbean institution featured in four of THE’s prestigious ranking lists: World University Rankings, Golden Age University Rankings, Latin America Rankings, and Impact Rankings, which assess contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This recognition has also catalyzed the establishment of UWI’s International School for Development Justice (ISD), a global online graduate business school aimed at nurturing future leaders for sustainable development. As an SDG-engaged university, UWI continues to play a pivotal role in Caribbean development and global progress.