标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The Hopeful Hearts Foundation (HHF) is culminating its annual operations with an extensive array of community-oriented programs designed to uplift disadvantaged families and foster youth development. These initiatives underscore the organization’s sustained commitment to creating meaningful social impact through strategic partnerships and targeted outreach.

In a landmark collaboration on November 7th, HHF joined forces with Logos Hope, the globally recognized floating book fair, to provide fifteen children with an immersive educational excursion. The participants received comprehensive tours of the vessel and were gifted personally selected books along with ice cream treats, blending intellectual enrichment with recreational enjoyment.

Marking World Children’s Day, the foundation allied with Something Nice Books to distribute fifty customized activity publications. These materials featured specially crafted crossword puzzles and interactive content aimed at stimulating young minds through engaging literary experiences.

The foundation’s outreach continued at Adele School, where HHF representatives delivered crucial sanitary supplies while volunteers facilitated heartfelt interactions with students, generating an atmosphere of genuine connection and mutual appreciation.

Future initiatives include a December 4th technological contribution to Piggots Primary School comprising computer monitors and PCs to enhance digital literacy capabilities. Subsequently, on December 5th, HHF Founder Kristine Louisa will leverage her new capacity as National Youth Ambassador to address Pares Secondary School students regarding youth violence prevention, positive behavioral development, and responsible citizenship. Her presentation will incorporate empowering cognitive exercises featuring affirmations such as ‘I am capable of doing anything’ and ‘My mind is powerful.’

Concluding its annual cycle, HHF is preparing its Christmas Project initiative targeting 300-500 economically vulnerable families throughout Antigua. The program will distribute toys, clothing, food provisions, and essential supplies to alleviate holiday season hardships and spread celebratory cheer.

In a landmark achievement for Caribbean dental professionals, Dr. Derek Marshall from Antigua and Barbuda has made history as the inaugural regional examiner invited to participate in the prestigious National Trinidad Dental Board Examinations. The rigorous two-day assessment, conducted on November 27-28, 2025, represents a significant step toward regional integration in dental certification standards.

The examination process, designed to ensure global standards of dental care, comprises both theoretical and clinical components that candidates must successfully complete. Dr. Marshall joined an elite panel of Trinidadian dental experts with international training backgrounds spanning the United Kingdom, United States, and the University of the West Indies system.

The clinical evaluations followed a structured format: Day 1 focused on endodontics (root canal procedures) and fixed prosthodontics (crowns and bridges), while Day 2 assessed candidates’ skills in restorative dentistry (fillings) and periodontics (deep scaling and root planing). This comprehensive testing approach ensures that successful candidates meet the stringent requirements for registration and licensure in multiple jurisdictions.

Candidates from Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados participated in the examination session, with final results to be formally announced by the Dental Council of Trinidad and Tobago following thorough evaluation.

Dr. Marshall brings exceptional qualifications to this role. A Temple University (USA) graduate, he currently practices as a senior practitioner at Dental Care Clinic in St. John’s, Antigua. His distinguished career includes 24 years of service as District Dental Officer within the Ministry of Health (1993-2017), and he currently holds the position of Senior Dental Consultant within the same ministry.

Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Marshall holds leadership roles as Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Medical Registration Board and serves as Vice President of the Antigua and Barbuda Dental Association, having previously served as its President.

In response to this honor, Dr. Marshall expressed gratitude to the Dental Council of Trinidad and Tobago for his selection, while also acknowledging the support from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Environment & Civil Service for enabling his participation. He further credited his colleagues in both private and public practice for their unwavering support in advancing professional standards across the region.

In a significant humanitarian effort, the Calvin Ayre Foundation in partnership with CalvinAir has facilitated urgent overseas medical treatment and a secure repatriation for a local Antiguan taxi driver facing a severe health crisis. The initiative underscores a growing trend of private sector intervention in bolstering community healthcare support systems where public resources may be stretched.

The collaborative mission was activated following a formal request for assistance from the driver’s family, who were confronted with the daunting financial and logistical challenges of accessing specialized treatment unavailable on the island nation. The Foundation provided comprehensive funding to cover the substantial costs of advanced medical procedures, international travel, and associated expenses. Concurrently, CalvinAir, a private aviation service, dedicated its resources to manage the complex logistics of a medically supervised air transfer, ensuring the patient’s safe journey to a foreign medical facility and subsequent return home.

This intervention highlights critical gaps in healthcare accessibility within small island developing states (SIDS), where limited domestic medical infrastructure often necessitates overseas travel for complex treatments. The successful operation not only provided a lifeline for the individual and his family but also sets a potent precedent for public-private partnerships in addressing urgent community welfare needs. A representative for the entities involved expressed a commitment to evaluating future support for similar cases, reflecting a model of corporate social responsibility that directly impacts local communities.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA — The Peetron Movement International Team, under the leadership of Peetron Thomas, has announced the fifth annual return of the Noreen Mingo Christmas Initiative for December 2025. This community program honors the enduring legacy of the late Mrs. V. Noreen Mingo, who passed away in October 2020 but remains celebrated for her lifelong dedication to service and compassion.

Mrs. Mingo is remembered as a multifaceted pillar of her community—a nurturing mother, supportive sister, caring aunt, trusted friend, and a woman whose generosity flourished in the kitchen. Her extensive contributions included pioneering work within prison ministries, serving as a chaplain, leading community outreach programs, and supporting numerous organizational initiatives aimed at uplifting those in need.

Her commitment extended deeply into faith-based service as an active member of the Parham Seventh-day Adventist Church. In her earlier years, she also made significant contributions to the Church of God of Prophecy, where her efforts focused on spiritual growth and community support.

Launched in December 2020 shortly after her passing, the initiative has consistently provided essential support to families and individuals during the holiday season. This year’s program aims to expand its impact with enhanced activities designed to bring nourishment and joy to the community.

Key components of the 2025 initiative include:
– Soup Kitchen Service: Offering warm meals and companionship to those experiencing food insecurity
– Food Package Distribution: Providing essential groceries and supplies to families across the community

“Each Christmas, Mrs. Mingo could be counted on to provide a plate of food, a warm smile, and a helping hand. Her legacy continues to feed, uplift, and inspire,” stated Peetron Thomas, reflecting on the continued relevance of Mingo’s humanitarian spirit.

The Noreen Mingo Christmas Initiative stands as a lasting tribute to a life dedicated to service, faith, and generosity, embodying the true spirit of holiday giving and community solidarity.

A disturbing global assessment from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) reveals a significant escalation in modern slavery, with an estimated 50 million individuals trapped in exploitative conditions in 2021—a staggering increase of 10 million victims since 2016. This umbrella term, encompassing forced labour, debt bondage, coerced marriage, and human trafficking, signifies situations where individuals cannot escape due to threats, violence, or deception.

The geographical spread of this crisis is pervasive, transcending ethnic and economic boundaries. Contrary to common perception, over half (52%) of all forced labour and a quarter of forced marriages are documented in upper-middle or high-income nations. The Asia-Pacific region bears the highest absolute burden with 15.1 million victims, though the Arab States show the highest prevalence per capita.

Financially, this exploitation is a colossal illicit enterprise. The ILO estimates that forced labour alone generates an annual $236 billion in illegal profits—funds effectively stolen from vulnerable workers. This massive capital drain exacerbates poverty, reduces remittances for migrant families, deprives governments of tax revenue, and empowers criminal networks, thereby undermining the rule of law.

The private sector is the primary perpetrator, responsible for 86% of cases. This breaks down to 63% for labour exploitation and 23% for sexual exploitation across industries like manufacturing, services, agriculture, and domestic work. State-imposed forced labour accounts for the remaining 14%.

In response, the international community observes the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery on December 2nd, reinforcing commitments to eradicate these contemporary forms of servitude. The ILO’s legally binding Protocol to combat forced labour, active since November 2016, aims to strengthen global efforts, yet the data indicates a pressing and growing challenge that demands urgent, coordinated action worldwide.

The tranquil Agave Gardens served as the picturesque backdrop for the Antigua and Barbuda Horticultural Society’s Annual Fair & Flower Show this past Saturday, where His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General, made a distinguished appearance. The event transformed the society’s headquarters into a vibrant hub of botanical excellence, attracting plant enthusiasts, floral designers, local vendors, and community members for an afternoon dedicated to horticultural innovation and sustainable gardening practices.

President Mrs. Barbara Japal personally escorted the Governor-General through the meticulously curated floral exhibition room, where member Ms. Jackie Ferracho presented an impressive array of locally crafted floral arrangements and botanical displays. Sir Rodney Williams commended the society for its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, gardening education, and the enhancement of natural beauty throughout the nation.

The Governor-General engaged with numerous exhibitors during his tour, including Denise’s Plants and Lorilyn Walker’s diverse presentation of ornamentals, succulents, and tropical foliage. The marketplace atmosphere buzzed with energy, reflecting the growing island-wide interest in home gardening and eco-conscious horticultural methods.

The afternoon’s highlight emerged during the Floral Design Competition awards ceremony. Mr. Frankie Pereira accepted dual honors on behalf of Lorraine Davis, who achieved top accolades in multiple categories including the prestigious Best in Show award for her innovative ‘Let’s Pollinate’ creation. Additionally, Ms. Sandra Patrick of Exclimations received recognition for Best Booth, celebrating her exceptional creative presentation and audience engagement.

Other notable participants included Rene Potter from Prickly Plant Nursery, who introduced an extensive variety of cacti and succulents, and Ralph’s Trees, which featured a remarkable collection of rare fruit trees with historical significance. Fresh produce from Ann Ferkin’s garden provided attendees with locally grown fruits and vegetables.

In his closing remarks, the Governor-General expressed profound appreciation to organizers, exhibitors, and attendees for creating an inspiring community event that fosters local talent and strengthens communal bonds through shared appreciation for horticultural arts.

Barbuda is witnessing significant strides in marine workforce development through an innovative certification initiative led by environmental organization BarbudanGO. The program, now entering its latest phase, provides local fishers with professional PADI diving certifications alongside specialized training in marine conservation techniques.

This comprehensive capacity-building effort represents a strategic partnership between BarbudanGO, the Waitt Foundation, GEF Small Grants Program, and ProCaribe+. The collaborative framework has established a robust foundation for community-driven ocean stewardship that prioritizes both ecological sustainability and economic resilience.

Central to the initiative is the dual objective of enhancing maritime safety protocols while simultaneously promoting sustainable fishing practices. The program targets a 20% expansion in PADI-certified, conservation-trained fishers across the island, with an immediate focus on qualifying 15 individuals in marine citizen science methodologies.

Participants gain internationally recognized credentials that equip them with advanced capabilities in underwater research, diver safety protocols, and emergency response procedures. These skills empower local fishers to actively protect both their livelihoods and Barbuda’s delicate marine ecosystems.

Pethrolyna Isaac, Director of Environment at BarbudanGO, emphasized the program’s continuity: ‘We’re building upon the strong foundation established with our partners. Through proper training, our fishers evolve into stronger partners in sustainable ocean stewardship while acquiring crucial skills for understanding and protecting marine ecosystems.’

The certification unlocks multiple professional pathways including scientific research diving, certified dive guiding, tourism industry support, and conservation project implementation. Participants can engage in reef monitoring, restoration initiatives, debris removal operations, and collaborations with visiting researchers and non-governmental organizations.

These diversified opportunities provide supplemental income streams while creating more stable, environmentally-linked employment options. By expanding this multifaceted program, BarbudanGO ensures Barbuda’s fishing communities become safer, more skilled, and better positioned to benefit from various marine-related economic activities.