标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services have issued urgent high surf warnings and advisories for several Caribbean islands, including the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, and Nevis. The warnings, effective until Monday, and advisories until Tuesday, highlight the arrival of moderate long-period swells, creating life-threatening conditions along northern and north-facing coastlines. Significant wave heights are expected to reach 2.1 to 3.1 meters (7 to 10 feet), with occasional peaks near 3.7 meters (12 feet). These conditions are likely to cause dangerous battering surfs, rip currents, coastal flooding, and beach erosion. The swells, originating from the north, are predicted to produce breaking waves over 2.7 meters (9 feet), posing severe risks to life, property, and infrastructure. Coastal flooding is anticipated due to high tides combined with onshore winds and swell actions. The potential impacts include loss of life, injuries, beach closures, disruptions to marine activities, and damage to coral reefs. Authorities urge the public to avoid affected waters and coastal structures, bathe only in lifeguard-monitored areas, and exercise extreme caution. Rip currents, a significant hazard, can carry even strong swimmers out to sea. If caught in a rip current, individuals are advised to remain calm, float, and swim parallel to the shoreline. The Meteorological Office continues to monitor the situation and advises the public to stay updated through official channels.

Society has long embraced idols of Roman, Babylonian, and Greek origin, displayed prominently in public squares, churches, universities, and government buildings without question. Yet, when a new or unfamiliar structure, such as the one on All Saints Road in Antigua, is erected, it sparks widespread outrage. This selective acceptance raises a critical question: If we are to condemn one, consistency demands we examine and renounce them all, as their roots trace back to the same ancient pagan systems. Historically, the Roman Empire absorbed deities from Babylon, Greece, and other conquered nations, giving them Latin names while retaining their pagan functions. For instance, Zeus became Jupiter, Aphrodite became Venus, and Tammuz, the Babylonian god, was integrated into Roman mystery religions. These idols persist in Western art, religion, and architecture through statues, holidays, and place names, with many ‘Christian’ symbols actually being Romanized pagan symbols rebranded over centuries. The Bible is unequivocal on idolatry, with passages like Exodus 20:3–5, Deuteronomy 12:2–3, Isaiah 42:8, and Acts 17:29 clearly forbidding the worship of graven images, regardless of their cultural origin or familiarity. Today’s selective moral outrage—accepting familiar pagan symbols as ‘culture’ or ‘history’ while condemning unfamiliar ones as spiritual threats—is hypocritical. Biblically and historically, there is no difference; both are pagan and contrary to divine commandments. If one idol is to be rejected, all must be examined under the same standard. The Most High does not play favorites between idols.

Senator Dwayne George has announced a comprehensive series of community development projects aimed at enhancing public facilities and improving the quality of life in St. Mary’s South. The initiatives, set to commence in the coming weeks, include the construction of a new bus stop in Cades Bay to ensure safer and more convenient commutes, and the establishment of a public bathroom facility at Darkwood Beach to enhance comfort for both residents and visitors. Additionally, the Urlings Basketball Court will undergo a much-needed renovation, fostering youth engagement, recreation, and community unity. Senator George also reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing infrastructure improvements, such as road and sidewalk upgrades, the construction of the Bolans Playfield Spectator Stand, and the completion of the Bolans Fire Station. Sanitation efforts, including waterway and gutter cleaning, will also be prioritized. Furthermore, the expansion of Antigua Black Pineapple production in Cades Bay is expected to boost local agriculture. These projects reflect the senator’s dedication to effective advocacy, strong community cooperation, and unwavering service. Senator George concluded with a call for continued collaboration to advance St. Mary’s South, emphasizing the hashtags #StMarysSouthStrong, #StrongerTogether, and #CommunityFirst.

Novella Payne, a visionary agro-processor and rural advocate from Antigua and Barbuda, has been honored as a Leader of Rurality of the Americas by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). Recognized for her transformative contributions to agriculture, rural communities, and local gastronomy, Payne’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and cultural pride. Born in Antigua but raised in England, Payne returned to her homeland in 1987, where she transitioned from managing a beauty salon to founding Granma Aki, a company that transforms local agricultural produce into value-added products such as teas, sauces, and jams. Her dedication to sustainable practices and traditional cuisine has earned her the prestigious Soul of Rurality award. Payne’s leadership extends beyond her business; she chaired the Antigua and Barbuda Rural Women Producers Association for six years, earning the nickname “bulldozer woman” for her relentless advocacy. Her work has not only strengthened the domestic market but also inspired rural women to pursue agricultural entrepreneurship. Payne’s philosophy centers on natural ingredients and love, which she considers her true preservative. She also champions agritourism, promoting Antigua’s natural wealth and culinary traditions. With her grandchildren now involved in the business, Payne continues to pass on her passion for rural life, proving that innovation and cultural pride can thrive in rural communities.

A delegation from Hi Pro Feeds, led by Mr. Dayne Patterson, Brand Performance and Analytics Manager, and Dr. Mordecai Tulloch, Manager of Jamaica Egg Services and Senior Layer Specialist, visited Antigua this week to engage with local poultry farmers. The team, accompanied by Mr. Allan Osborne, a local farmer and Hi Pro Feeds distributor, conducted farm visits on October 2nd and hosted a pivotal meeting at the Multipurpose Centre. This marked a historic moment as Dr. Tulloch, who oversees over 500,000 layer birds for Hi Pro Feeds, provided in-person technical support for the first time in Antigua, a significant upgrade from previous telephone consultations. Mr. Osborne emphasized the value of having Dr. Tulloch’s expertise on-site, stating, ‘We are extremely fortunate to have his knowledge and experience available to us in person.’ Mr. Patterson also delivered an overview of Hi Pro Feeds and its subsidiaries, highlighting the company’s historical achievements and current capabilities. Dr. Tulloch’s presentation focused on layer production, covering essential topics such as coop construction, sanitation, feeding, watering, lighting, and farm management, supported by instructional mini-videos. The meeting was well-attended, interactive, and highly appreciated by attendees. The Ministry of Agriculture expressed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable agricultural practices, climate resilience, and food security. This collaboration underscores Hi Pro Feeds’ dedication to providing technical support and fostering agricultural development in Antigua.

The Barbuda Council has issued a public statement regarding a recent fire at the Codrington Landfill, clarifying that neither the Council’s Health Department nor landfill workers were responsible for igniting the blaze. The Council strongly condemns the unauthorized burning of solid waste at the site, emphasizing the environmental and health hazards it poses. Authorities are actively investigating the incident and urge anyone with information about the perpetrator(s) to come forward and report to the Health Administrative Office or the Police. The fire has significantly compromised air quality in the community, prompting the Council to advise residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions, to take extra precautions to protect their health. In response to the emergency, the Barbuda Council is collaborating with the Barbuda Fire Department to deploy all available resources to contain and extinguish the fire. The Council remains committed to addressing the situation swiftly and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.