标签： Antigua and Barbuda

Renowned Caribbean philosopher and sociologist Dr. Padgett Henry was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of the West Indies (UWI) during its 2025 graduation ceremony. The event, held at the House of Restoration Ministries in Antigua, celebrated Henry’s groundbreaking contributions to Africana philosophy and Caribbean political thought. Born in Montserrat and raised by Antiguan parents, Henry accepted the honor virtually, calling it one of the highest accolades of his life. He expressed deep gratitude, stating, “There is no other university that I wanted an honorary doctorate from than the University of the West Indies. This is the real deal. This is the best.”

Dr. Henry, a professor emeritus of sociology and Africana studies at Brown University, has spent decades exploring the Caribbean’s intellectual independence and cultural richness. His seminal work, *Caliban’s Reason*, established Caribbean philosophy as a globally recognized tradition. Additionally, he founded the *Antigua and Barbuda Review of Books* and co-founded the Antigua and Barbuda Studies Association. The university’s public orator praised him as “an intellectual anchor in Africana philosophy,” bridging “history and hope, memory and freedom, culture, theory, and practice.”

In his address, Henry reflected on the evolving global landscape, urging graduates to confront challenges such as climate change, inequality, and the decline of traditional systems. “My generation is now exiting the stage of history to make room for you,” he said. “You must ensure that as the world changes, the Caribbean does not fall through the cracks.” He emphasized the importance of excellence in scholarship and citizenship, calling for intergenerational collaboration to preserve the region’s intellectual and social achievements.

Henry also warned against the rise of authoritarianism, advocating for the Caribbean to remain steadfast in its democratic traditions and critical thought. “The future will test your ideals,” he cautioned. “But do not lose your hope — it is your fire, your fuel, the light that will guide you when the path is unclear.” The ceremony also marked a milestone for UWI’s Five Islands Campus, celebrating its largest graduating class of 195 students. Dr. Henry joins a prestigious list of UWI honorary graduates whose work has profoundly shaped Caribbean identity and scholarship.

Kadeem Charles, a first-class honours graduate in Data Science, Innovation Management, and Computer Science, was named valedictorian of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus Class of 2025. In his valedictory address, Charles shared his journey of resilience and called on his peers to responsibly navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI).

Speaking under the theme “Pelicans in an AI-Driven Future: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” Charles recounted the challenges he faced during his academic journey, including moments when he nearly dropped out. “There were at least three occasions when I almost left university,” he said. “But faith, support from lecturers and colleagues, and the belief in a brighter tomorrow kept me going.”

Charles credited his passion for gaming as the spark that ignited his love for technology, leading him to his current role as a fraud analyst. “This experience showed me how the skills I gained at UWI could address real-world problems in an AI-powered era,” he explained.

Reflecting on his early struggles, Charles revealed that he almost lost his scholarship in his first year. “It was a humbling moment filled with self-doubt,” he admitted. “But I realized the only comparison worth making was to my own progress. I studied smarter, worked harder, and moved forward.”

Beyond academics, Charles emphasized the lessons of resilience, teamwork, and creativity he gained at UWI Five Islands. “The university gave me resilience when I wanted to quit, lifelong friends, and opportunities I couldn’t have created alone,” he said. He fondly recalled late-night hackathons, volleyball matches, and student club activities as formative experiences.

Charles also addressed the transformative potential of AI, highlighting its applications in healthcare, disaster prediction, and beyond. “AI will reshape work, business, and creativity,” he noted. “But it also raises critical issues like privacy, job displacement, and over-reliance on machines. These are not just global concerns—they are Caribbean issues too.”

He urged graduates to lead with ethics and empathy, ensuring technology serves humanity rather than the reverse. “While AI may shape our tools, it is our resilience, community, and creativity that define us,” he asserted.

In closing, Charles expressed gratitude to his family, lecturers, and classmates, particularly mentioning Saskia. “To God, our families, lecturers, and my fellow graduates—thank you. I wouldn’t be here without you,” he said. “Congratulations to the Class of 2025. Let us continue to rise together.”

The 2025 graduation ceremony highlighted UWI Five Islands’ growing role in nurturing the Caribbean’s next generation of innovators and leaders. Charles’s speech, blending gratitude and determination, encapsulated the optimism of a class ready to embrace an AI-driven future.

In a remarkable display of resilience, 27-year-old Shabo Nedwell attended her graduation ceremony at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus just days after surviving a harrowing pit bull attack. The event, held on Saturday, saw Nedwell receive her Bachelor of Science in Accounting diploma to a heartfelt standing ovation from attendees, including Prime Minister Gaston Browne and his wife, Maria Bird-Browne. Despite her injuries, Nedwell arrived in a wheelchair, her face partially covered, embodying courage and determination. Her presence moved the audience, turning the ceremony into a poignant celebration of perseverance. Nedwell’s family revealed that she was adamant about attending, determined to honor her academic achievement despite the physical and emotional toll of the attack. Last week, she was mauled by four pit bulls while visiting a family home, sustaining severe injuries to her legs, hands, and face. The incident has sparked widespread discussions about dog control and public safety in Antigua and Barbuda. Nedwell’s story has since become a symbol of strength, inspiring many with her unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.

In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Jerry, which brought torrential rain and high winds to Antigua and Barbuda on October 10, 2025, the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) has successfully restored operations at both the V.C. Bird International Airport (VCBIA) and the Barbuda International Airport (BIA). Despite the storm’s intensity, both airports resumed services by midday on the same day. A post-storm assessment revealed that BIA experienced significant flooding on its roadways and runways, with water levels reaching up to 12 inches. However, the floodwaters receded quickly, allowing for a prompt return to normal operations. VCBIA, with its modern infrastructure, emerged unscathed, showcasing the resilience of its design. In contrast, the decommissioned 40-year-old terminal at VCBIA suffered water damage due to clogged drainage systems, a result of decades of accumulated debris and recent roof repairs. ABAA has since pressure-flushed the drains and is implementing additional measures to prevent future issues. While the storm caused some flight disruptions, including the cancellation of one North American flight and several regional flights, passengers reported positive experiences, praising the airport staff for their efforts during the delay. The swift recovery of both airports highlights the effectiveness of the ABAA’s emergency response and infrastructure management.

Ultim8 Promotions, a youth-founded organization, has unveiled a groundbreaking community initiative titled ‘A Day of Giving Back.’ Scheduled for November 22nd at a local soup kitchen, this event marks the launch of a broader youth-driven outreach program focused on service and leadership. The initiative seeks to engage young people in meaningful community work, starting with volunteering to serve meals to the homeless and those in need. Organizers emphasize that the project is designed to support vulnerable members of society while instilling values of responsibility, empathy, and civic engagement in youth.

What distinguishes this initiative is its youth-led approach. Unlike many community programs, ‘A Day of Giving Back’ is entirely planned and coordinated by young individuals, giving them a direct voice in decision-making and event organization. Ultim8 Promotions has a proven track record of successful youth engagement through events like ‘End of Term Jam’ and ‘UnderRated: The Ultim8 Teen Event.’ Now, the group is expanding its efforts beyond entertainment into impactful community service.

As part of the launch, Ultim8 Promotions is calling on more young people to get involved. Teens aged 13–18 are encouraged to volunteer and participate in future outreach activities. Interested individuals can sign up by contacting the group via Instagram (@Ultim8_promotions) or WhatsApp (785-6653). Organizers believe this initiative will not only benefit the community but also nurture the next generation of leaders in Antigua. Community members are also invited to support the initiative by contributing supplies or resources, as donations of any kind are welcomed and will directly aid those in need.

On October 4th, Antigua and Barbuda joined the global community in celebrating World Animal Day, a significant occasion dedicated to elevating the status of animals and enhancing their welfare worldwide. This annual event underscores the deep and multifaceted relationship between humans and animals, which extends beyond companionship to encompass food security, agriculture, livelihoods, and biodiversity conservation.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy in Antigua and Barbuda has been a steadfast advocate for animal welfare. Through its various divisions, the Ministry emphasizes the importance of both domesticated and wild animals in national development and environmental protection. The Veterinary and Livestock Division, in particular, has spearheaded initiatives such as vaccination programs, disease prevention campaigns, and rural outreach efforts to promote responsible animal care and sustainable livestock management. These measures not only safeguard the nation’s food supply but also support the livelihoods of farmers and animal owners.

In addition to terrestrial animals, the Ministry recognizes the critical role of marine life in the Blue Economy. Fish, turtles, and other marine species are integral to ecological balance and economic sustainability. Conservation policies and public awareness campaigns are key components of the nation’s strategy to protect marine biodiversity and ensure that future generations can benefit from the ocean’s resources.

World Animal Day also serves as an opportunity for the Ministry to bolster public education on animal rights and humane treatment. By engaging schools, farmers, and community groups, the Ministry fosters greater awareness of the vital role animals play in the environment and economy. These educational initiatives highlight the importance of compassion towards animals as a hallmark of a progressive society.

As Antigua and Barbuda advances towards sustainable development, the observance of World Animal Day reaffirms the Ministry’s commitment to protecting and valuing all forms of animal life. This alignment with global standards ensures that animals remain a cornerstone of the country’s agricultural, environmental, and cultural identity. On this day, the Ministry celebrates not only animals but also the shared responsibility to treat them with dignity, respect, and care.