标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has announced the postponement of the Community Policing Townhall Meeting, which was originally set to take place at the UWI Five Islands Campus on Thursday, 27 November. The event, aimed at fostering dialogue between law enforcement and the residents of Grays Farm and Five Islands, has been delayed indefinitely. The Police Administration expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by this decision and thanked the community members for their understanding and unwavering support. A new date and time for the rescheduled meeting will be announced at a later time. The Administration emphasized its commitment to maintaining open communication with the public and ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.

In a heartwarming display of corporate social responsibility, Digicel North West Indies has made a significant contribution to the Victory Center, a dedicated institution for children with special needs. The donation, which includes a state-of-the-art Smart TV, aims to enhance classroom instruction, therapy sessions, and interactive educational programs. These resources are essential for the center’s mission to deliver personalized, high-quality education to its students.

The initiative gained deeper meaning following a recent visit by a group of Victory Center students to the Digicel Corporate office. During their visit, the students participated in a life-skills practical session, allowing Digicel staff to connect with them on a personal level. Wenise Davis, CEO of Digicel North West Indies, expressed the emotional impact of the visit, stating, ‘It was truly heart-breaking when we heard about their challenges. We knew we had to take meaningful action to support their journey.’

Mrs. Jahmorla James-Francis, Principal of the Victory Center, expressed profound gratitude for the timely donation, emphasizing its importance in advancing the center’s educational objectives. This act of generosity aligns with Digicel’s broader commitment to fostering genuine connections within the community, particularly during the holiday season. The company’s ‘Real Connections’ initiative highlights the true spirit of Christmas—coming together to uplift and support one another.

A recent flyer promoting town hall meetings on community policing and crime prevention in Antigua and Barbuda has ignited widespread confusion and concern among residents. The flyer, distributed by the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, prominently features political branding, colors, and the image of Senator Michael Joseph. This has raised questions about the true nature of the events, which are intended to foster open dialogue between law enforcement and the community. Community policing is a public service designed to create a neutral space where all residents feel equally welcomed and encouraged to participate. However, the inclusion of political imagery has blurred the purpose of the meetings, leaving the public uncertain about whether the initiative is led by the police or influenced by political interests. This ambiguity risks alienating residents who may hesitate to attend events perceived as politically aligned, thereby undermining community engagement and public safety. The Royal Police Force must urgently clarify whether these meetings are part of their community outreach or political events disguised as public forums. Transparency is essential to maintain trust and ensure effective policing. If the meetings are police-led, the flyer must be revised to reflect neutrality and professionalism. If they are political, the public has a right to know. Genuine community policing requires an environment free from political influence, where all residents feel respected and included. The public demands accountability and a process that upholds the integrity of community engagement.

On Tuesday evening, a significant milestone was celebrated as 28 exceptional individuals graduated from the Assistive Nurses Personnel Program at the Multi-Purpose Cultural and Exhibition Center. The ceremony marked the culmination of six months of intensive training, with the graduating class of 2025 comprising 21 women and 7 men. Among them, Miss Yannick Ogarro was honored as the Valedictorian for her outstanding achievements. The event was graced by notable figures, including Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph, featured speaker Dr. Karen Josiah, coordinator Elnora Warner, and Permanent Secretary Miss Stacey Gregg Paige. The evening was further elevated by a captivating performance of Whitney Houston’s iconic song, “There Can Be Miracles,” delivered by Antigua and Barbuda’s renowned vocalist, Miss Suzetta Hamilton. The ceremony not only celebrated the graduates’ hard work but also highlighted the importance of their contributions to the healthcare sector.

For years, public schools have faced intense scrutiny, often criticized for their shortcomings, while private schools have been lauded for their academic excellence and pristine reputations. However, beneath this polished facade, there may be deeply troubling issues that remain hidden from parents’ view. While discipline is essential in education, the line between discipline and abuse of power is increasingly being crossed, particularly in private institutions. A parent’s firsthand account reveals alarming practices that raise serious concerns about the safety and well-being of students. The parent’s six-year-old son, who once eagerly shared stories of his school day, now recounts disturbing incidents of teachers and the headmistress reacting with anger and violence when students struggle to understand lessons. Students are reportedly beaten on their knuckles, shouted at, and even called derogatory names like ‘stupid.’ These actions are not discipline—they are intimidation and abuse. Moreover, the practice of ‘double discipline,’ where students are punished twice for the same issue—first by teachers and then by the principal—has been described as excessive, harmful, and demoralizing. Private schools often fail to address their own misconduct but are quick to contact parents when a child’s behavior reflects poorly on the institution. This double standard underscores a systemic issue that demands immediate attention. Parents are urged to engage in open conversations with their children, ensuring they feel safe, respected, and supported in their learning environments. While fostering respect and compassion in children can alleviate some stress for teachers, it does not justify abusive practices. Education should never be driven by fear. It is imperative to eliminate harmful disciplinary methods and replace them with patience, understanding, and effective teaching strategies. Every child deserves to learn in a safe and nurturing environment, free from fear and intimidation.

The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) has strongly criticized Jumby Bay Resort (JBR) for its decision to terminate six employees who left their shifts early after reporting illness. The Union described the action as not only unreasonable and unjust but also shockingly harsh and entirely unacceptable. During internal hearings and investigations, the ABWU repeatedly urged the resort’s management to act with fairness, reason, and sound judgment. However, these appeals were ignored, and the company opted for the most severe disciplinary measure. This punitive approach to human resource management highlights a troubling disregard for worker dignity and rights. Employees, the Union emphasized, must always be treated with fairness, justice, and respect. The ABWU expressed deep concern that JBR, a company renowned for its hospitality and service excellence, failed to uphold even the most basic principles of fairness in this case. ABWU General Secretary David Massiah condemned the resort’s actions, stating, ‘Such callous treatment of workers has no place in today’s labor market.’ The Union pledged to support the dismissed workers fully, including potential legal action through the industrial court and public demonstrations if necessary. The ABWU called on JBR’s management to reconsider its decision, reinstate the workers, and allow reason and fairness to prevail.

In the Caribbean, where natural disasters are becoming increasingly severe and frequent, the gap between swift recovery and prolonged suffering often hinges on one critical factor: access to timely and accurate information. Who is affected? How extensive are the damages? Who requires immediate assistance? These questions underscore the urgent need for innovative solutions to transform chaos into coordinated action. The Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) highlights the potential of technology to address these challenges, but also emphasizes the importance of ensuring equitable access and integration with traditional support systems. Currently, only 21% of community organizations in the region maintain vulnerability data on their members, leaving many at-risk individuals—such as elderly farmers, young fishers, and market vendors—without targeted assistance during crises. Digital tools like shared databases, mobile apps, and SMS-based platforms can help local organizations identify risks and track needs in real time. For instance, cooperatives could use apps to pinpoint members most exposed to flooding, while credit unions could quickly verify eligibility for emergency payouts. However, the digital divide remains a significant barrier. Many women, rural families, and the elderly lack access to smart devices or stable internet, and post-disaster power outages can render digital tools temporarily useless. To bridge this gap, CPDC advocates for a ‘Smart Caribbean’ approach that blends digital tools with traditional methods, ensuring no one is left behind. Technology also plays a crucial role in strengthening Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI) at the meso level. Parametric insurance, for example, uses weather data triggers to automate payouts, while mobile money transfers and digital surveys enable informal workers to access financial support. Ultimately, recovery must begin before disaster strikes. By combining technology with trusted institutions, the Caribbean can shorten recovery times, target assistance more effectively, and build resilience for the future. CPDC’s research offers a roadmap for integrating technology and CDRFI to protect livelihoods and ensure faster, more equitable recovery.