标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The National Solid Waste Management Authority, under the Ministry’s directive, has confirmed that all trash and waste receptacles were thoroughly removed from the venue before the departure of cleanup teams on Saturday. Officials emphasized that the site underwent a comprehensive cleaning process, adhering to standard post-event protocols. The Ministry further clarified that a separate event held on November 23 at the same location is believed to be the probable source of the litter depicted in a widely circulated online video. Tourism authorities reiterated their dedication to preserving clean and secure public spaces and expressed gratitude to the public for their patience as the situation is being investigated and resolved.

A groundbreaking initiative to enhance community policing and crime prevention has been unveiled in St John’s Rural West. Spearheaded by Senator Michael Joseph in collaboration with the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, a series of town hall meetings has been announced to foster stronger ties between residents and law enforcement. The first session is set to take place on 27 November at the UWI Five Islands Campus, followed by subsequent gatherings on 3 December at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Golden Grove Extension and 10 December at the Grays Green Multi-Purpose Centre. Senior officers from the St John’s and Grays Farm police stations, alongside representatives from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Public Complaint Department, will be in attendance. These meetings are designed to provide a platform for residents to voice their concerns and offer actionable suggestions to bolster community safety. Organisers emphasize that this initiative is a critical step toward building trust and cooperation between the public and law enforcement agencies.

An urgent request has been made for a short-term rental of a fully furnished one-bedroom or studio apartment. The desired lease duration is between one to three months, with a budget ranging from $1,200 to $1,800. The apartment must be move-in ready, including all necessary utilities. Interested parties are encouraged to contact via WhatsApp at (268) 779-9391. When responding, please provide details such as the cost, location, photos of the property, and information on which utilities are included. This is a time-sensitive search, and prompt responses are appreciated.

Antigua and Barbuda has officially commenced the 16 Days of Activism campaign, a global initiative aimed at eradicating gender-based violence. The campaign, which began on November 25th—the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women—will run until December 10th, Human Rights Day. This year’s theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,” underscores the growing concern over online harassment and abuse targeting women and girls. The Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, through its Directorate of Gender Affairs, is spearheading the campaign’s coordination. Honorable Rawdon Turner, Minister for Social and Urban Transformation, emphasized the campaign’s significance, stating, “The 16 Days of Activism provides a crucial platform for government, civil society, the private sector, and citizens to advocate, learn, share experiences, and take meaningful action to raise awareness and ultimately eradicate gender-based violence.” A series of events have been planned to mark the occasion, including Orange Day, where citizens are encouraged to wear orange in solidarity with survivors, a media day to amplify awareness, and a high-level press conference addressing the national state of gender-based violence. Other activities include a Support and Referral Centre Open House, a youth parliament debate, a church service, a poster competition, and a panel discussion on digital gender-based violence. Minister Turner issued a rallying call to the nation, urging citizens to be fearless advocates for survivors and to contribute to making Antigua and Barbuda a regional leader in gender-based violence response. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing gender equality and eliminating gender-based violence through policies, programs, and legislation.

On Wednesday, 19 November 2025, the University of London bestowed the prestigious title of Honorary Doctor of Social Sciences upon Professor Sir Hilary Beckles. The ceremony, held on the university’s Foundation Day, commemorated its 189th anniversary and took place at Senate House, the institution’s administrative hub, under the patronage of Chancellor Her Royal Highness Princess Anne. During the event, orator Professor Kingsley Abbott lauded Sir Hilary for his decades of exceptional scholarship, leadership in higher education, and groundbreaking advocacy for social justice globally. Born into the ‘Windrush’ generation, Sir Hilary’s academic journey began in the UK, where he earned a PhD in Economic History from Hull University at just 24 years old. His career soared as he became the youngest professor at the University of the West Indies at 35, later serving as its Vice-Chancellor. Today, he holds dual roles as Chancellor of the United Nations University and Distinguished Chancellor’s Visiting Professor at Cornell University. In his acceptance speech, Sir Hilary dedicated the honor to the University of the West Indies, which he described as his academic ancestral home, tracing its roots back to the University of London in 1948. He also reflected on his time as a Senior Research Fellow at the university 39 years ago, where he published his first major academic work. The University of the West Indies, established in 1948 with 33 medical students, has since grown into a globally respected institution with nearly 50,000 students across five campuses and international centers. It offers over 1,000 programs in diverse fields and is recognized in the Times Higher Education rankings for its contributions to research and sustainable development. Its International School for Development Justice (ISD) further cements its commitment to fostering future leaders in sustainable development.

A prominent luxury resort has come under scrutiny after dismissing at least six employees who reported stomach pain during their shift, sparking widespread concern about worker treatment and disciplinary practices in the hospitality sector. The terminations followed a month-long suspension and internal investigation into an incident on October 19, 2025, when several staff members left work early due to illness. Management deemed their departure a disruption to guest services and a violation of Section C58 of the Labour Code, labeling it as misconduct justifying immediate dismissal. Termination letters reviewed by this newsroom suggested that the employees’ complaints of stomach pain were interpreted as a coordinated effort to stage a work stoppage, which the resort claimed ‘eroded trust and confidence’ essential for employment. Notably, the employer has not provided medical evidence to refute the employees’ claims of illness, raising questions about the fairness of the dismissals. Labour experts emphasize that sudden illnesses at work are typically treated as health issues rather than misconduct unless clear evidence of industrial action exists. The decision has left six families without their primary income, prompting urgent discussions about how employers should handle multiple workers falling ill simultaneously and whether current policies adequately protect employees from severe disciplinary actions. This remains a developing story.