标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries in Antigua and Barbuda has officially announced the opening of registrations for the 2025 Christmas Home and Business Lighting Competition. This annual event, deeply rooted in the nation’s cultural fabric, invites both residents and business owners to participate in a celebration of creativity and community spirit. Registration forms are available until December 17 at two locations: the Department of Creative Industries on Old Parham Road and the National Festivals Office in St John’s. The competition will feature pre-judging rounds from December 20 to 21, followed by final assessments on December 28. Winners will be revealed on the popular morning show, *Good Morning Antigua, Barbuda*, on January 5. Home entries will be evaluated across four geographical zones—East, West, North, and South—with participants enjoying incentives such as a full electricity waiver from December 15 to January 15 and duty-free concessions on lighting and decorations. Cash prizes for home participants range from EC$1,000 to EC$3,000. Businesses, on the other hand, will benefit from a 50% electricity waiver for December, duty-free concessions, and the same prize structure. The competition is designed to enhance communal bonds and highlight local ingenuity as the festive season approaches, reinforcing its role as a cherished tradition in Antigua and Barbuda.

In a significant display of regional solidarity, the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board (ABTB) has successfully concluded a relief drive to assist families in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, who have been grappling with recent hardships. The initiative, which focused on collecting essential clothing and food items, was spearheaded by ABTB staff and bolstered by contributions from community partners. A substantial volume of vital supplies was amassed, showcasing the collective effort of the participants. These donations are currently being prepared for shipment to Jamaica, where they will be distributed by Hope for Life Prayer Breakthrough Ministries, a local organization dedicated to supporting affected households. ABTB emphasized that this initiative underscores its unwavering commitment to fostering regional unity and providing community support throughout the Caribbean.

In light of recent reports of individuals impersonating census officials to gain unauthorized access to private properties, residents are being strongly advised to verify the identification of census enumerators. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, has confirmed that the Statistics Division and Census Secretariat have been notified of these fraudulent activities. Merchant emphasized that legitimate enumerators are easily identifiable, wearing official government-issued blazers and badges. ‘Authorized enumerators will be properly identified, ensuring you know who you are allowing onto your premises,’ he stated during a post-briefing session on Thursday. He urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious individuals to the relevant authorities. This warning comes as the 2025 Census progresses in Antigua and Barbuda, with over 400 enumerators deployed to gather crucial data for national planning and development.

In a remarkable gesture of community support, the Rotary Club of Antigua has donated essential equipment to the Adell School for Special Children. This contribution is designed to enhance the motor skills and overall learning experience of students with special needs. The handover ceremony was attended by District Governor Soraya Warner-Gustave, who emphasized the club’s dedication to fostering inclusive education. The donated resources are expected to play a pivotal role in promoting both physical and intellectual development among the students. Rotary Club representatives reaffirmed their commitment to making a lasting impact, ensuring that every child has access to the necessary tools to achieve their full potential. This initiative underscores the club’s ongoing efforts to support educational equity and community well-being.

Tanner Street, a downtown thoroughfare long troubled by flooding and traffic congestion during heavy rains, is poised for a significant overhaul. The government has unveiled plans to transform the area into a modern tourist and vendor boulevard, addressing both infrastructure and aesthetic concerns.

Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, announced during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing that the project will focus on improving drainage from Country Pond to the sea, while creating a more pedestrian-friendly and visually appealing environment. Key elements of the redesign include covering the open drain that currently runs through the area, widening the street, and enhancing traffic flow.

“The goal is to make Tanner Street more aesthetically pleasing while ensuring that overflow from the pond is properly managed,” Merchant explained. “This will eliminate the persistent flooding issues that have disrupted businesses and commuters for years, transforming the area into a welcoming space for both locals and visitors.”

Further details, including consultations with downtown vendors and specific design elements, are expected to be released in the coming weeks. The Tanner Street project is part of a broader urban renewal initiative that also includes road technology upgrades on the nearby Burning Flames Highway, utilizing materials developed in Colombia.

While the government has not yet disclosed the project’s timeline or cost, it has emphasized that the initiative will complement wider beautification efforts across St. John’s. These include repainting government buildings and expanding tree-planting drives throughout the capital.

Officials say the overarching aim is to balance tourism development with improved infrastructure and better working conditions for small business owners operating in the city.