标签： Antigua and Barbuda

In a vibrant celebration of World Tourism Day, the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) successfully hosted its annual Hospitality Job Fair, attracting over 1,000 eager job seekers. The event, held on September 27, 2025, showcased the growing allure of the tourism and hospitality sector, offering a dynamic platform for employers and candidates to connect. The fair featured opportunities across hotels, resorts, restaurants, and service providers, emphasizing the industry’s pivotal role in the nation’s economic growth. Craig Marshall, Chairman of the ABHTA, expressed optimism about the high turnout, stating, ‘The level of interest today underscores the importance of tourism to our economy and the potential for individuals to build meaningful careers in this sector.’ Employers were equally impressed by the caliber of candidates, with Kris Krisendat, Senior Duty Manager at Cocos Hotel, noting the professionalism and readiness of many school leavers. Kerissa Henry, Rooms Division Coordinator at Trade Winds Hotel, praised the event’s organization and the enthusiasm of young applicants, particularly highlighting the strong impression made by male candidates. The ABHTA also acknowledged the support of partners like the Community First Cooperative Credit Union, whose contributions ensured the fair’s success. This event reflects the ABHTA’s ongoing commitment to workforce development and strengthening the human capital essential for the tourism and hospitality industry’s future.

A towering statue has unexpectedly appeared along All Saints Road in Antigua, leaving residents both intrigued and puzzled. The imposing figure, which rises above the treetops, features a helmet-like headpiece, a skirted lower half, and folded arms, exuding an air of authority. Positioned on a high platform with scaffolding still visible, the structure has become a dominant feature of the local landscape, visible from afar.

Inquiries have revealed that the installation is the work of Elder Claude Weaver of the nearby Glorious Hope Church. While Weaver has yet to disclose the purpose of the monument, he has promised to share more details soon. The statue’s sudden appearance has sparked a wave of reactions. Some residents draw parallels to biblical visions, while others remain skeptical about its significance.

Bishop Charles Browne has expressed concern, questioning the timing of the monument’s unveiling amidst global and national challenges. “With all that’s going on in the country and the world, I don’t know why it is necessary,” Browne remarked, referencing the biblical story of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream.

Until Elder Weaver provides an explanation, the statue remains a subject of intense speculation. Some view it as a profound work of devotion or art, while others dismiss it as an ill-timed or misplaced symbol. The mystery surrounding the statue continues to captivate the community, making it a focal point of local conversation.

A London nursery worker has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a series of brutal and sadistic attacks on babies under her care. Roksana Lecka, 22, admitted to seven counts of cruelty to children under 16 and was convicted of an additional 14 counts following a trial. The shocking details of her crimes, described as “gratuitous” and “sadistic” by Judge Sarah Plaschkes, included pinching, slapping, punching, and even kicking infants. In one particularly egregious incident, Lecka repeatedly kicked a young boy in the face. The judge noted that Lecka often targeted children who were quietly minding their own business, inflicting pain deliberately and without provocation. Her actions were captured on nursery CCTV, leading to her arrest in June 2024. During the sentencing at Kingston Crown Court, victim impact statements from parents revealed the profound emotional toll of her actions. One mother described the children as “innocent and vulnerable,” emphasizing their inability to defend themselves or communicate the abuse. Lecka, who blamed her behavior on cannabis addiction, apologized in a letter to the court, claiming the drug had altered her personality. However, she was found not guilty of three additional counts of child cruelty. The case has sparked outrage and raised questions about safeguarding measures in childcare facilities.

The Rotary Club of Antigua has unveiled a Peace Pole at Clare Hall Secondary School, marking a significant step in promoting peace and unity within the community. The installation, which took place recently, serves as a powerful symbol of hope, compassion, and the collective aspiration for a harmonious society. The Peace Pole carries a profound message: ‘Peace begins within—through thought, word, and action.’ It is designed to inspire students to embody peace in their daily lives, whether at home, in the classroom, or in their broader interactions. Rotary officials emphasized that the project aligns with the organization’s core principle of ‘Service Above Self,’ reflecting their commitment to fostering positive change. In a statement, the club expressed their vision for the monument: ‘Our mission shines brightest when rooted in hope. May this Peace Pole inspire a generation to lead with kindness and create a future filled with peace.’ The Rotary Club of Antigua has a long-standing history of contributing to education, health, and community development initiatives across the island, and this latest project underscores their dedication to nurturing a culture of peace among the youth.

The government of Antigua and Barbuda is ramping up its efforts to tackle the long-standing issue of abandoned vehicles littering roadsides and communities. Despite the initiative’s slow and complex progress, officials remain committed to the cause. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, revealed during a recent Cabinet press briefing that a dedicated team has been formed to systematically map the country by zones, identifying and marking derelict vehicles. Owners are given a 14-day notice to remove their vehicles; failure to comply results in the state taking control and disposing of them at designated dumpsites. Merchant emphasized the growing impatience of Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Cabinet members, who have repeatedly expressed frustration over the sluggish pace of the cleanup. The prime minister has consistently linked the initiative to broader beautification and greening projects, urging for accelerated action. Legal complexities, particularly regarding vehicles located on property boundaries, have further hindered progress. Officials are treading carefully to avoid disputes with property owners. The derelict vehicle cleanup is part of a larger national beautification campaign, which includes tree-planting along highways and a nationwide cleanup drive led by the Defence Force next month. These initiatives aim to enhance the country’s aesthetics, boost its tourism appeal, and foster community pride. Despite the challenges, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming Antigua and Barbuda’s landscape.