标签： Antigua and Barbuda

In a bid to foster financial literacy among young minds, Caribbean Union Bank (CUB) recently hosted students from Cedar Grove Primary School as part of its second round of educational bank tours. This initiative, aligned with Financial Information Month, seeks to demystify banking operations and instill sound financial habits from an early age. The students were treated to an immersive experience, including a guided tour of the bank’s facilities and interactive sessions on saving and money management. A highlight of the visit was a meeting with the author of *Aunty Honey’s Money*, a children’s book that uses storytelling to teach financial concepts. A CUB spokesperson emphasized the program’s goal of equipping the next generation with the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions. Financial Information Month, observed annually in October across the Eastern Caribbean, underscores the importance of financial empowerment through education and awareness. This initiative reflects CUB’s commitment to nurturing financially savvy individuals who can navigate the complexities of modern finance with ease.

Kelvin ‘Shugy’ Simon, the Member of Parliament for St Mary’s South, has lauded the resilience of his constituents in the wake of severe flooding triggered by a recent tropical storm. In a heartfelt social media post, Simon detailed his visit to various affected areas alongside community leader Leibert ‘Chairman’ Francis. The duo focused on checking on the elderly and most vulnerable residents, ensuring their safety and well-being. Simon described the experience as ‘inspiring,’ highlighting the ‘gratitude, strength, and resilience’ demonstrated by the people of St Mary’s South. He emphasized the importance of unity within the community and called for renewed efforts to enhance local infrastructure and public services to better withstand future natural disasters. The MP’s message underscored the need for collective action and support to rebuild and strengthen the community in the aftermath of the storm.

In a shocking incident over the weekend, Cedar Grove Primary School fell victim to a brazen act of vandalism. Intruders broke into the school premises, making off with several security cameras and an air-conditioning unit. The perpetrators did not stop there; they ransacked multiple classrooms, specifically targeting Grade Two, Four, and Five, leaving behind a trail of extensive damage. The break-in was discovered by staff and students as they arrived to prepare for the new school week, leaving the school community in dismay. Local authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the incident, aiming to bring the culprits to justice. The school administration is now assessing the damage and working to restore normalcy for the students and staff. This incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of educational institutions in the area, prompting calls for enhanced protective measures.

Senator Lamin Newton has delivered a powerful message of self-improvement and positivity following his recent graduation from the University of the West Indies (UWI). In a heartfelt reflection shared online, Newton emphasized the importance of personal growth, urging individuals to focus on becoming better versions of themselves rather than succumbing to negativity.

Newton, who described his university journey as a period of learning and resilience, recounted facing criticism and doubt but remaining steadfast in his goals. ‘I was laughed at, belittled, and criticized. However, I never allowed that to break my focus and resolve,’ he wrote. His message highlighted the value of perseverance and using one’s experiences to inspire others rather than tear them down.

The senator also addressed broader societal issues, calling on people to abandon hate and jealousy. ‘The time has come for ‘you’ to let go of the hate and jealousy — it does you no good,’ he stated. Newton expressed his desire to be a source of encouragement, reminding his audience that ‘nothing is beyond your reach.’ His words have resonated widely, with many supporters applauding his academic achievement and his advocacy for self-reflection and positivity.

Newton’s graduation marks another milestone in his ongoing commitment to public service and personal development. His message serves as a timely reminder of the transformative power of education and the importance of fostering a culture of mutual support and growth.

The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society (ABRCS) has successfully relaunched its mobile clinic, months after it was severely vandalized and robbed in mid-May. The incident, which involved the theft of critical medical equipment and the destruction of essential supplies, marked another in a series of targeted break-ins against the organization. Despite the setbacks, the Red Cross has restored the mobile unit with enhanced security measures, including reinforced doors, security windows, CCTV cameras, and a new air-conditioning unit. ABRCS President Dr. Jose Humphreys described the ordeal as ‘heartbreaking but not defeating,’ expressing gratitude to the Mill Reef Fund, Fleet and Logistics Manager Jameel Ambrose, and M. Etwaru Construction Service for their support in bringing the clinic back to operation. The mobile clinic provides vital services such as health screenings, vaccinations, maternal care, and disaster health support to underserved communities. Its revival symbolizes the organization’s resilience and unwavering commitment to humanitarian aid. To safeguard against future incidents, the Red Cross has implemented additional security protocols, ensuring the clinic’s continued service to those in need.

In a recent development, law enforcement authorities have announced a notable rise in robbery arrests and convictions over the past few weeks. Despite this progress, police are urging the public to remain vigilant and actively participate in crime prevention efforts. During Thursday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, highlighted that while robberies remain a pressing concern, the police have made significant strides in apprehending offenders. ‘With the increase in robberies, the police are also reporting an increase in convictions and the apprehension of perpetrators,’ Merchant stated. He emphasized the need for a shift in focus towards deterrence and community involvement, stating, ‘They now need to focus on prevention, not simply acting after the fact. Prevention takes the buy-in of all of us… see something, say something.’ Merchant advised residents to stay alert, particularly when conducting business or parking in isolated or poorly lit areas, as public awareness can significantly reduce opportunities for criminal activity. Authorities have also pledged to enhance collaboration with communities to bolster neighborhood watch programs and improve response times.

Minister of State for Disaster Response, Rawdon Turner, has lauded the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) for its efficient and well-coordinated efforts before, during, and after Tropical Storm Jerry struck last week. Turner emphasized that disaster teams were fully prepared for any scenario, with shelters operational across all districts and robust inter-agency communication maintained throughout the crisis. He expressed relief that no fatalities or severe injuries were reported, highlighting the success of the response efforts. Deputy NODS Coordinator, Craig Cole, described the operation as ‘effective and timely,’ citing two successful rescues on Airport Road where floodwaters had trapped a bus and another vehicle. Additionally, the Pigotts main road was closed due to hazardous flooding caused by runoff from nearby backfilled ponds. In preparation for the storm, NODS teams cleared waterways and trimmed trees to mitigate flooding risks. However, some areas, such as Hodges Bay, still experienced flooding after a plastic barrel obstructed the main drain. The following day, six assessment teams were deployed to evaluate conditions and facilitate the swift resumption of economic activities. The National Emergency Operations Centre was activated on Thursday evening following consultations with Prime Minister Gaston Browne. Tropical Storm Jerry brought over nine inches of rain to northern Antigua and more than four inches to other regions. Rainfall data for Barbuda remains unavailable. The commendable response to the storm underscores the importance of preparedness and coordination in disaster management.

Authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of a stolen vehicle or the arrest of the perpetrators involved in the crime. The vehicle in question is a white 2011 Honda Fit RS, bearing the license plate A71654, which was stolen at gunpoint on October 12 in the Pita Pocket, Popes Head Street area. At the time of the theft, the car contained the owner’s personal identification, cash, and bank cards, adding urgency to the investigation. Law enforcement is urging anyone with relevant information to contact the nearest police station immediately, assuring that all tips will be handled with the strictest confidentiality. The public is encouraged to share this notice widely to aid in the recovery of the vehicle and the apprehension of those responsible. Additionally, the notice includes a promotional message for advertising opportunities with the most visited news site in Antigua, offering customizable digital marketing packages. For inquiries, interested parties can reach out via email at [email protected].