Rawdon Turner, Member of Parliament for St. Peter, conducted a comprehensive tour of the Gunthropes community on Thursday, engaging directly with residents amidst ongoing infrastructure issues that have severely impacted daily life. Turner emphasized the importance of transparent and candid dialogue with affected individuals, acknowledging that while some progress has been made with concrete paving, significant upgrades remain essential. Residents voiced their concerns, highlighting areas still in dire need of repair. Accompanied by Public Works officials, including the minister and director, Turner reaffirmed the government’s dedication to completing the project. Officials outlined a phased approach to repairs, prioritizing the most severely damaged sections. Turner stressed that his hands-on, accessible approach allows him to better grasp the community’s challenges. “Meeting residents directly on the damaged roads is crucial to understanding their realities,” he stated. “While there is much work ahead, we are committed to moving forward with integrity, service, and resolve.” Turner plans to extend his outreach to other St. Peter communities in the coming weeks to address similar issues. Gunthropes residents expressed appreciation for the engagement and expressed hope that the renewed focus would result in sustainable improvements.
标签: Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
-

Scrub Life Cares Announces 5th Annual “Grow With The Flo” Women & Girls Health Expo, Set for May 23rd, 2026
Scrub Life Cares, a prominent public health NGO in Antigua and Barbuda, has announced the 5th Annual Grow With The Flo Women & Girls Health Expo, scheduled for Saturday, May 23rd, 2026. This event coincides with the organization’s fifth anniversary in November, marking a significant milestone in its mission to promote menstrual equity and comprehensive reproductive and sexual health literacy. Since its inception in 2021, the Expo has grown into a cornerstone community health event, uniting women, girls, families, educators, and health professionals in a day dedicated to dignity, access, and education. Tanya Ambrose, MPH, Founder and CEO of Scrub Life Cares, emphasized the event’s importance, stating, ‘This year celebrates the growth of a movement shaped by our community and partners. It’s a testament to the power of prioritizing dignity, equity, and education.’ Over the years, the Expo has expanded its reach, attracting increasing participation from men and boys, reflecting a broader societal recognition of menstrual and reproductive health as community-wide concerns. The 2026 Expo will adopt a more family-centered approach, offering programs that include maternal and child health education, prenatal and postpartum support, breastfeeding resources, and family bonding activities. This expansion aligns with Scrub Life Cares’ commitment to addressing public health needs across all life stages. Through its advocacy, research, and community engagement, the organization has established itself as a leader in advancing health equity in Antigua and Barbuda. As it celebrates its fifth anniversary, Scrub Life Cares invites families, educators, health professionals, and community leaders to join the 2026 Expo, promising an event that is bigger, bolder, and more impactful than ever.
-

Free KDP Workshop Held This Week at the National Public Library During Inaugural National Authors’ Week
In a landmark event celebrating literary creativity, the National Public Library hosted a free Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) workshop this week as part of the inaugural National Authors’ Week. The workshop aimed to empower aspiring writers by providing them with essential tools and knowledge to self-publish their works through Amazon’s KDP platform. Attendees gained insights into the publishing process, from manuscript preparation to marketing strategies, while also learning about the benefits of digital publishing. The event attracted a diverse audience, including first-time writers, seasoned authors, and literary enthusiasts. This initiative underscores the growing importance of self-publishing in the modern literary landscape and highlights the library’s commitment to fostering creativity and accessibility in the arts.
-

10 Keys to Transformative Leadership
Leadership transcends titles and ranks; it is a moral framework built on habits, priorities, and decisions that shape institutions, cultures, and lives. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned leader, the principles of enduring influence remain the same. This guide outlines ten essential keys to effective leadership, blending timeless wisdom with practical insights from diverse fields such as government, business, and human development. Use these principles as a compass to navigate challenges and sustain impact.
1. **The Power of Asking**: Embrace curiosity and seek knowledge. Asking questions fosters growth and connection.
2. **The Strength of the Circle**: Leadership is a team effort. Surround yourself with loyal, wise, and candid individuals who amplify your reach.
3. **The Impact of Integrity**: Trust is the foundation of lasting influence. Prioritize honesty and transparency to build a resilient reputation.
4. **The Courage to Decide**: Decisions drive progress. Avoid overanalysis; act decisively to maintain momentum.
5. **The Duty of Leverage**: Use your platform to create mutual benefits. Leverage opportunities to multiply impact.
6. **The Balance of Reward**: Sustain morale by balancing discipline with meaningful rewards.
7. **The Joy of Mentorship**: Multiply your influence by teaching others. Mentorship ensures continuity and legacy.
8. **The Art of Common Ground**: Build bridges, not walls. Find shared purpose amid differences to drive systemic change.
9. **The Strength of Struggle**: Adversity refines character. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
10. **The Value of Family**: Prioritize relationships. Family, whether biological or chosen, anchors your leadership journey.These keys form a cyclical framework: values shape effectiveness, effectiveness drives performance, and performance tests values. To apply these principles, start with small, intentional actions: ask for bold opportunities, make deferred decisions, mentor others, and reward your team. Leadership is both a gift and a responsibility. By pairing vision with humility and strategy with conscience, you can transform lives and institutions. Let wisdom and service define your legacy.
**About the Authors**: Dr. Isaac Newton, a Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia-trained strategist, advises governments and organizations on governance and global justice. Olivia Lindsay collaborates with him to champion a leadership model where integrity meets innovation for the greater good.
-

Ultim8 Promotions Thanks Sponsors After Successful Community Giveback
Ultim8 Promotions, a renowned organization dedicated to fostering community engagement, has extended heartfelt thanks to its sponsors following the triumphant execution of its latest community giveback initiative. The event, designed to uplift local residents and strengthen communal bonds, garnered widespread support and participation. Key sponsors, whose contributions were instrumental in the program’s success, were acknowledged for their unwavering commitment to social betterment. The initiative featured a series of activities aimed at addressing pressing community needs, including educational workshops, health awareness campaigns, and resource distribution drives. Ultim8 Promotions emphasized the critical role of collaborative efforts in achieving meaningful societal impact, while also highlighting the importance of sustained partnerships for future endeavors. The organization’s leadership expressed optimism about continuing to drive positive change through similar initiatives, underscoring their dedication to community welfare and development.
-

Minister Daryl Matthew Thanks Volunteers After Ottos Clean-Up
Daryl Matthew, Minister of Education and parliamentary representative, has extended heartfelt appreciation to the volunteers who actively participated in a community clean-up drive in Ottos last Sunday. The initiative, aimed at removing litter, clearing overgrown areas, and enhancing the neighborhood’s overall appearance, saw significant participation from local residents. Organizers highlighted that the strong turnout underscored a growing community commitment to maintaining clean and attractive public spaces. Matthew lauded the volunteers’ dedication, stressing that preserving a clean environment is a collective responsibility. ‘I extend my gratitude to the men and women who share this commitment and work tirelessly to keep our community clean,’ he remarked. The Minister also reaffirmed his ongoing support for similar initiatives within his constituency. Volunteers expressed optimism about future clean-up activities planned for later this year, viewing them as vital steps toward fostering civic pride and raising environmental awareness.
-

OPINION: Why Antigua and Barbuda Risks Becoming a ‘Failed State’ if Partisanship Prevails
In a thought-provoking analysis, Yves Ephraim highlights the deep-rooted partisan politics in Antigua and Barbuda, which often overshadow the nation’s broader interests. Ephraim observes that party agendas frequently take precedence over national welfare, even when such priorities defy logic, morality, or common sense. He suggests that the colonial framework of independence was designed to perpetuate internal divisions, ensuring that the nation remains preoccupied with internal conflicts rather than challenging external hegemony. This strategy, he argues, has been alarmingly effective.
Reflecting on 44 years of political independence, Ephraim questions whether significant progress has been made in critical areas such as cost of living, education, infrastructure, and public services. He lists 13 pressing concerns that directly impact the well-being of ordinary citizens, emphasizing that meaningful improvement requires acknowledging past failures. However, he notes that successive administrations have been reluctant to admit policy shortcomings, leading to stagnation or regression.
Ephraim draws a striking comparison between independent nations like Antigua and Barbuda and remaining colonies, revealing that the latter often outperform the former in key economic metrics such as GDP per capita. He attributes this disparity to the inability of leaders to admit mistakes and adapt policies, often doubling down on ineffective strategies. This lack of accountability, he argues, has fostered a political culture where personal ambition trumps national interest.
He further critiques the political elite, pointing out the rise of millionaire politicians despite the nation’s struggles. Ephraim also condemns the ease with which politicians switch parties, viewing it as a betrayal of principles and a sign of power-driven opportunism. He calls for leaders who prioritize national welfare over personal gain, warning that the current trajectory threatens the very fabric of Antigua and Barbuda.
Ephraim’s analysis serves as a stark reminder of the need for humility, accountability, and a renewed focus on the collective good in governance. Without such changes, he fears that the nation’s future hangs in the balance.
-

PM Outlines Eco-Tourism Cabins Planned for Christian Valley
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced an ambitious eco-tourism initiative for Christian Valley, Antigua, aimed at blending sustainable development with the preservation of the region’s natural beauty. The project, revealed during an episode of the Browne and Browne Show, will feature solar-powered cottages and an eco-lodge designed to minimize environmental impact. Browne emphasized the valley’s scenic allure, urging citizens to explore its lush greenery. The eco-lodge will comprise 30 to 40 off-grid cabins, offering approximately 80 rooms, and will include amenities such as a pool, restaurant, and other supporting facilities. The Prime Minister highlighted the project’s self-sustainability, with cabins powered by solar energy and equipped with independent water systems. Additionally, residents will have the opportunity to invest in individual cottage units, fostering community involvement. While no specific timeline for construction was provided, Browne confirmed that concept development is in progress, with officials collaborating with land-use planners to ensure the project aligns with environmental preservation goals.
-

PM Says Former 2 Drilly Members Could Be Hired to Paint Government Buildings
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reintegrating young men previously associated with the 2 Drilly group into society by offering them paid work to paint public buildings. Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show, Browne emphasized the dual purpose of this project: to enhance community aesthetics and provide legitimate employment opportunities for at-risk youth. He stated, ‘We want to take them off the block and give them contracts to go and… paint government buildings.’ Browne directly addressed the 2 Drilly group, expressing hope that they are no longer active as a gang and inviting them to participate in the initiative. ‘They can probably come and check me. We can give them a job to paint the fisheries there so they can put some money in their pocket for Christmas,’ he said. This effort is part of a broader strategy to support social and cultural development, focusing not just on economic metrics like GDP but also on fostering a well-cultured society and a clean, attractive environment. The initiative is both economic and social, aiming to provide alternatives to street life while beautifying public spaces in preparation for the Christmas season. Although the start date remains unspecified, the government plans to identify community teams to carry out the work.
-

PM Promises Support As Minister Matthew Develops Hotel Project
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has openly supported Minister Daryll Matthew’s initiative to develop a boutique hotel, emphasizing transparency and compliance with regulations. During an appearance on the Browne and Browne Show, Browne disclosed that the project, a 15- to 20-room hotel, is already in progress. He assured the public that there is no conflict of interest, as Matthew has adhered to all legal requirements, including paying the fair market price for the land. Browne criticized the public’s tendency to view investments by government officials as inherently corrupt, stating that such projects should be encouraged rather than scrutinized unfairly. He highlighted the hotel as part of a broader trend of private-sector growth in the tourism industry, particularly in boutique and mid-size developments. While no specific timeline was provided, Browne confirmed that Matthew has the Cabinet’s unwavering support for the venture.
