标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The Frigate Post, a dynamic publication at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWI FIC), has become a cornerstone of campus life, celebrating student creativity, achievements, and community spirit. Conceived as a platform to foster connection and storytelling, the publication aims to reflect the diverse talents and experiences of its student body.

‘Our mission was straightforward: to unite the campus through compelling narratives while showcasing the ingenuity and accomplishments of our students,’ explained the editorial committee. ‘We envisioned a space that was both entertaining and enlightening, where every student could find a piece of their own journey.’

Each edition of The Frigate Post is meticulously crafted by a dedicated team of student volunteers who invest countless hours to ensure the content is accurate, high-quality, and innovative. Beyond its serious features, the publication also includes lighthearted elements such as the ‘Joke of the Day,’ capturing the lively and spirited atmosphere of UWI FIC.

‘We take immense pride in the progress we’ve made and are eager to continue evolving,’ the committee shared. ‘Every issue is a snapshot of our campus’s unique story, and we’re thrilled to see where the future takes us.’

The Frigate Post is now accessible online and actively encourages submissions from all UWI FIC students, inviting them to contribute their voices and perspectives to this growing campus legacy.

Senator Lamin Newton has stepped forward to support students from the Irene B. Williams Secondary School by funding their uniforms for the upcoming Schools Panorama competition. In a heartfelt statement, Newton emphasized his unwavering dedication to youth development, stating that he was “called upon to assist” and acted “without hesitation.” He highlighted the importance of nurturing young minds, saying, “We must always be willing to assist our youth, inspire them, and provide the necessary guidance required to make them model citizens.” Newton also extended his best wishes to the students, invoking “God’s continued guidance” for their success in the competition. The annual Panorama event, a celebrated platform for young steelpan musicians across Antigua and Barbuda, is set to bring together talent from various schools, fostering cultural expression and community spirit.

The Copper and Lumber Event Centre in Nelson’s Dockyard buzzed with activity on October 16th as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Antigua and Barbuda Intellectual Property & Commerce Office (ABIPCO), and the Antigua and Barbuda Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. (ABBC) inaugurated a two-day workshop titled ‘Buzz to Brand: Celebrating Identity and Empowering the Beekeeping Community.’ This event marked a pivotal moment for the local beekeeping industry, showcasing how intellectual property (IP) can bolster community-based enterprises and transform national products into enduring legacies.

In her opening address, Ms. Ricki Camacho, Registrar of ABIPCO, hailed the initiative as a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and transformation. She lauded the dedication of all partners and expressed gratitude to WIPO for their technical expertise and to her ABIPCO colleagues for their steadfast support. Ms. Jess Honculada, Senior Counsellor at WIPO, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to fostering inclusive development through IP. She highlighted the workshop’s alignment with WIPO’s mission to empower local industries by leveraging IP tools to promote identity, innovation, and sustainability.

Mr. Gregory Bailey, Director of Agriculture, representing the Ministry of Agriculture, underscored the indispensable role of bees in sustainable agriculture and food security. He described beekeeping as more than an economic activity—it is a philosophy of environmental stewardship. ‘Sustainability,’ he remarked, ‘entails producing in ways that safeguard our environment, nurture our communities, and secure our future.’ He also noted that pollination is critical to over 75% of flowering plants and nearly 35% of global food production, underscoring the vital contributions of beekeepers to agriculture and biodiversity.

The workshop also featured an Entrepreneurial Exhibition, curated by Mr. John Mussington, Chairman of the Barbuda Council and a Barbudan beekeeper, and Ms. Taril Walker Bowen, Vice President of the ABBC. The exhibition showcased a variety of locally crafted products, including honey-based goods, handmade candles, and artisan creations, highlighting the ingenuity of local entrepreneurs and the versatility of beekeeping by-products. The day concluded with a honey tasting session, allowing attendees to savor the distinct flavors of Antigua and Barbuda’s locally produced honey.

Due to adverse weather conditions, the first day of the workshop ended at 12:30 p.m. and was set to resume on October 17th, continuing the dialogue on empowering the beekeeping sector through innovation, collaboration, and identity.

In Antigua and Barbuda, the sanctity of private property rights is under threat, raising concerns among citizens about governmental overreach and economic inequality. Yves Ephraim, a concerned citizen, highlights the alarming trend of property acquisitions by the government, which disproportionately affects the poor and middle class. Historically, such acquisitions targeted the wealthy, but recent amendments to the Tax Administration Act have lowered the threshold for government seizures, making it easier to acquire private property with minimal recourse for owners. This shift has sparked fears of widespread displacement and economic instability.