标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The inaugural Miss Rural West Pageant is calling for applications from young women aged 18 to 27, with the goal of fostering empowerment and instilling a sense of community pride. Organized by Desrie Markham, the event aims to inspire the next generation of women through the tradition of pageantry, a cherished cultural practice in Antigua and Barbuda. Markham emphasized that the pageant is designed to celebrate the beauty and talent within the Rural West region, providing a platform for young women to emerge as role models and convey positive messages. This initiative marks the resurgence of community-based pageants in the area, which had been dormant since the discontinuation of the Miss Grays Green Pageant. Organizers have made it clear that there are no restrictions on body type, encouraging all interested women to participate. “You don’t have to fit a mould,” one organizer stated. “As long as you’re ambitious, dedicated, and intelligent, we’ll help you develop confidence and poise.” Applications for the pageant will close on 16 November. Those interested can apply online or contact Aaliyah Taylor (780-5260), Eddenya Aska (723-6093), or Janelle Haynes (776-6916) for further details.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has initiated high-level discussions with the Saudi Fund for Development to advance the expansion and development of The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus. These talks, led by MP Daryll Matthew, aim to outline the next phases of the campus’s transformation, which is central to the government’s vision of establishing it as a premier educational institution in the Eastern Caribbean. During the meeting, MP Matthew revealed the first architectural renderings of the proposed campus, describing it as a future landmark that will stand out as the most aesthetically impressive university in the region. The collaboration with the Saudi Fund underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and fostering academic excellence. This initiative is expected to significantly boost the local economy and provide enhanced opportunities for students across the Caribbean.

A dedicated couple has marked a significant milestone by celebrating their 25th visit to the picturesque twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda, which they affectionately refer to as their ‘second home.’ Their latest journey was commemorated with a special gesture from the staff at Buccaneer Beach Club, where they stayed during this memorable trip. Tourism authorities have lauded the couple’s unwavering loyalty, emphasizing how their repeated visits underscore the enduring allure of the destination and the exceptional warmth of its local hospitality. Renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine golden beaches, and inviting ambiance, Antigua and Barbuda continues to captivate travelers who return year after year. The couple shared that each visit feels ‘just as magical as the first,’ and they are already eagerly planning their 26th trip to the islands.

Health officials have issued an urgent appeal to families of several deceased individuals to claim their loved ones’ remains by Friday, 21 November 2025, or risk having them buried in a public cemetery. The Office of the Chief Health Inspector announced that the unclaimed bodies are currently stored at Barnes Funeral Home and Straffie’s Funeral Home. Families are encouraged to contact the funeral homes promptly to organize private burials. Authorities emphasized that once public interments occur, no further legal claims will be permitted. At Barnes Funeral Home, the remains of Isaac Roacher remain unclaimed, and relatives are urged to contact Jessica Barnes at 462-1037. Straffie’s Funeral Home is holding the bodies of Purcell Hamilton (passed away on 2 February 2025), Sylvester Hunte (29 April 2025), and Richard Farara (29 August 2025). Families should reach out to Leigh Ferrance at 462-0575 or 462-2954. Officials underscored that the deadline will be strictly enforced to ensure the dignified treatment of the deceased.

In a deeply personal account, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse shares her harrowing journey, shedding light on the long-lasting impact of such trauma. After losing her mother at the age of 10 and with her father incarcerated, she was sent to live with her maternal aunt. Initially, she admired her aunt and sought her companionship. However, her life took a dark turn when her aunt’s husband returned from prison. What began as subtle grooming—through gifts, money, and undermining her aunt’s authority—escalated into years of sexual abuse, starting when she was just 13. Despite her attempts to seek help by confiding in her aunt and later her cousin, the abuse continued unabated until she turned 17. Her aunt dismissed her pleas, prioritizing her marriage over the safety of her niece. At 18, she was forced to leave the household after a trivial argument, finding refuge with her grandmother. It wasn’t until she became a mother herself that she fully grasped the extent of the trauma she had endured. Her attempts to confront her aunt as an adult were met with denial and betrayal, as her aunt labeled her a liar and turned the family against her. Despite the pain, she remains determined to protect her own children and break the cycle of abuse. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out and seeking justice for survivors of sexual violence.