标签： Antigua and Barbuda

Licensed taxi drivers at VC Bird International Airport are intensifying their efforts to address the growing issue of unauthorized pickups, which they claim undermines their livelihoods and disrupts airport operations. On Wednesday, representatives from the United Taxi Company (UTC) convened to discuss an eight-point plan aimed at restoring order and ensuring fair competition. The proposal, submitted earlier this week to Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin, outlines measures to curb the activities of unlicensed drivers and create a more structured system for airport-based transportation services. Among the key recommendations are increased police enforcement against illegal operators, the establishment of a separate licensing framework for airport taxis, a royalty arrangement benefiting UTC, and the implementation of a dispatch system to manage passenger pickups more efficiently. UTC President Ian Joseph emphasized that the plan is not about exclusion but about fostering fairness, safety, and accountability. He welcomed the formation of a government-led committee to review the proposals, viewing it as a positive step forward after weeks of mounting tensions. Attorney General Benjamin has indicated that the measures will soon be presented to the Cabinet for further consideration.

In a significant move to support inclusive education, the Kiwanis Club of Antigua AR Fusion donated new signage to the School for the Deaf on September 13, 2025. This institution, dedicated to nurturing children with speech impairments, shares its premises with the TN Kirnon Primary Schools. The new signage aims to improve the school’s visibility and accessibility, ensuring it is easily identifiable by the community. The school’s motto, ‘We focus on our abilities and not our disabilities,’ underscores its commitment to empowering students. Ms. Rebekah Warner, President of AR Fusion, emphasized that the enhanced signage will raise awareness about the school’s vital work in preparing students to communicate effectively with the world. Additionally, the school offers sign language classes, encouraging community members to learn and engage. Mrs. Francis, President of the Parent Teachers Association, expressed gratitude for the donation and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration with the Kiwanis Club. The project was supported by Iprint, which assisted in the design, production, and installation of the signs. Outgoing Lieutenant Governor Adrian Boyce of Barbados, present at the event, praised the initiative as a reflection of Kiwanis International’s mission to serve children globally.

The Media Institute of the Caribbean (MIC), with support from UNESCO, has released a groundbreaking report titled ‘Disasters and Crises in the Caribbean Region: A Review of Experiences in Seven Islands.’ This comprehensive study examines disaster communication and information management across Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The report emphasizes the Caribbean’s heightened vulnerability to natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, volcanic eruptions, droughts, and health crises, stressing the urgent need for robust, culturally sensitive, and timely communication strategies before, during, and after disasters. The findings reveal that effective local media operations are as crucial as physical infrastructure in saving lives, combating misinformation, coordinating aid, and ensuring equitable recovery in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Key insights include the significant role of local journalists in disseminating emergency information and advocating for accountability, despite limited resources and hazardous conditions. The report also highlights the necessity for trauma-informed disaster reporting training, resilient news infrastructure, and stronger partnerships among media, government, and humanitarian organizations. Recommendations include targeted investments in newsroom tools and safety equipment, redundant communication channels, streamlined Freedom of Information processes, and formalized collaborations for coordinated crisis messaging. Kiran Maharaj, President of MIC, described the report as a ‘call to action’ for governments, media leaders, and international partners to strengthen the Caribbean’s communicative infrastructure in the face of climate and health emergencies. Dr. Paul Hector, Officer in Charge at UNESCO’s Caribbean Regional Office, underscored the importance of policy reforms, institutional investments, and community engagement to foster a safer and more resilient region. The full report is available at www.mediainstituteofthecaribbean.com and https://online.flippingbook.com/view/970074714/.