标签： Antigua and Barbuda

During Antigua and Barbuda’s 44th Independence Thanksgiving Service, Pastor Fitzgerald Semper delivered a powerful sermon urging national unity, highlighting the pervasive impact of political and social divisions on the country. Speaking to a packed congregation at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Creekside, Semper emphasized that the nation’s Independence theme, “Solid, Stable, Soaring,” could only be realized by addressing the deep-seated fractures caused by partisan politics and mistrust. He lamented that even the church has not been immune to these divisions, stating, “The political divide has even reached inside of the church. We must break down those walls if we are to be solid as a people.” Semper warned that progress is impossible when citizens “pull in different directions,” questioning, “Half the people doing one thing and half pulling the other way — how can we be solid?” His message resonated deeply with the audience, which included the governor general, acting prime minister, opposition leader, and members of Parliament. Many attendees applauded his call to transcend political allegiances, with one church elder describing it as “refreshing” and another noting that the sermon “hit home.” Semper urged leaders to model transparency, humility, and dialogue, emphasizing that governance requires accountability and openness to counsel. Grounded in scripture and civic reflection, his sermon framed unity as a moral imperative for the nation’s advancement. As the congregation prayed for national harmony, Semper’s words served as both a caution and a vision for Antigua and Barbuda to overcome division and rediscover its shared purpose.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Creekside resonated with voices of gratitude and introspection on Sunday as Antigua and Barbuda marked the commencement of its 44th Independence celebrations with a Thanksgiving Service. Under the theme “Solid, Stable, Soaring,” the event brought together government officials, religious leaders, and citizens to reflect on the nation’s journey and aspirations. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, in his address, emphasized the theme as a call for collective reflection and renewal. He highlighted the importance of standing firm on principles such as love for God, mutual respect, and national pride, while remaining focused on the nation’s mission and building on its achievements. The service, attended by Acting Prime Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin, Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle, and members of Parliament, featured scripture readings from Isaiah 26 and Matthew 7, which underscored themes of peace, trust in God, and the necessity of a strong spiritual foundation. Pastor Fitzgerald Semper, delivering the sermon, urged citizens to anchor national progress in faith and moral integrity. Using metaphors of ice, cheese, and rock, he illustrated the varying degrees of solidity, asserting that true strength stems from being rooted in God’s unchanging nature. He called on the church to lead by example, the government to foster transparency and unity, and citizens to uphold righteousness in their daily lives. Semper also addressed the political divisions within the church, urging the community to dismantle such barriers to achieve solidarity. He praised initiatives like national prayer days and school devotion services as “solid” efforts, while condemning gambling, drug use, and social division as detrimental to the nation’s stability. The service concluded with prayers for the nation, its leaders, and uniformed officers, as Antigua and Barbuda prepares to celebrate its 44th Independence anniversary on November 1.

On October 27, 2025, Daven Joseph publicly apologized for a controversial publication that sparked widespread debate and criticism. The apology, released through official channels, addressed the concerns raised by various stakeholders, including the public, media, and advocacy groups. Joseph acknowledged the oversight and expressed regret for any harm caused by the content. He emphasized his commitment to rectifying the situation and ensuring that such incidents do not recur in the future. The statement also outlined steps being taken to review and improve internal processes to uphold ethical standards in publishing. This incident has prompted a broader discussion on accountability and responsibility in media and public communications.

A 17-year-old male has been ordered to the Denis Bowers Rehabilitation Centre following his appearance before the Child Justice Board earlier this week. The teenager faces multiple traffic-related charges, including driving without a valid licence, operating a vehicle without insurance, and the fraudulent use of a registration plate. He will remain in custody until November 17, when his case is scheduled to be heard. The offences occurred on October 13, when a white 2011 Honda Fit was intercepted during a crime prevention operation in St. John’s. After a thorough investigation, the teen was arrested and charged over the weekend. The Police Administration has issued a stern reminder to all motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly licensed and insured, stressing that adherence to traffic laws is essential for road safety and accident prevention.

The Antigua Newsroom has been alerted to a pressing issue affecting numerous young adults in the country who are striving to enhance their lives through education while simultaneously seeking meaningful employment. Despite holding an associate’s degree and currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree, one individual has shared their struggle to secure a job due to employers’ stringent requirements for completed degrees or prior experience. This dilemma forces young adults to choose between pausing their education to work or sacrificing financial stability to continue their studies. The financial and mental strain of managing expenses independently has significantly impacted their well-being. The individual has called on the Prime Minister’s office to implement policies or programs that support young adults in this predicament, such as internships, apprenticeships, flexible work-study arrangements, or incentives for employers to hire young learners. These initiatives could provide crucial support and opportunities for young adults eager to contribute to the workforce while completing their education.

A mother is urging authorities to launch a comprehensive investigation following allegations that her teenage son was physically assaulted by a teacher at Princess Margaret School, resulting in facial injuries that required medical attention. The incident reportedly unfolded last Thursday when the student approached his form teacher to discuss a prior suspension. According to accounts, the teacher accused the student of inappropriate conduct and allegedly struck him across the face in response. After the altercation, the student returned to his classroom, but his mother later noticed significant facial swelling and immediately contacted the school’s administration. During a meeting with the principal and assistant principal the following day, it was revealed that they were unaware of the incident. Subsequently, the student was asked to prepare a written report detailing the events. The mother, deeply concerned about the teacher’s actions, emphasized that physical retaliation should never occur without verifying the facts. She has called on the Ministry of Education to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, asserting that no educator has the right to physically harm a student, particularly over unsubstantiated allegations.