标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The Ministry of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries has officially designated October as Reading Month, a nationwide initiative aimed at celebrating the profound impact of reading on personal and societal development. Under the theme ‘Unlock Your Possibilities: Read, Imagine, Grow,’ the campaign seeks to inspire students, educators, parents, and the broader community to embrace the transformative power of books. This year’s observance highlights reading as a gateway to knowledge, creativity, and self-discovery, emphasizing its role in fostering a literate, informed, and innovative nation. Throughout the month, schools and libraries will host an array of engaging activities, including reading challenges, storytelling sessions, book fairs, author visits, and community outreach programs. These events are designed to cultivate a lifelong love for reading and underscore its significance in academic and personal growth. Speaking on the initiative, the Education Officer of School Library Services emphasized that reading is not merely an academic tool but a vital means of empowerment and self-expression. Each book read opens doors to new perspectives, enabling individuals to envision a better future and grow into confident, well-rounded citizens. The public is encouraged to participate by dedicating time to daily reading, supporting local library initiatives, and sharing the joy of literature with others. This celebration of reading serves as a reminder of its enduring value in shaping minds and communities.

The community of St. Paul’s and the entire nation are in mourning following the passing of Nathaniel ‘Nat Moses’ Francis, a beloved broadcaster, politician, and community leader. Known for his rich, resonant voice that graced the airwaves for decades, Nat was more than just a radio personality; he was a cornerstone of the community, a man whose life exemplified service, passion, and integrity.

Nat’s career as a broadcaster began in the golden age of radio, where he quickly became a household name. His nightly shows were more than just a collection of songs; they were carefully curated soundtracks that accompanied listeners through life’s most intimate moments. Whether it was the joy of first love, the pain of heartbreak, or the quiet reflection of bedtime, Nat’s voice was a constant presence, offering comfort and companionship.

Beyond the radio booth, Nat was a dedicated public servant. Elected to represent the people of St. George, he brought the same care and attention to legislation that he did to his musical playlists. His approach to politics was rooted in genuine concern for his constituents, earning him respect and admiration across the political spectrum.

Nat’s contributions to the community extended far beyond his professional roles. He was a fixture at local events, always ready to lend a hand or offer wise counsel. His leadership was not about grand gestures but about consistent, dedicated investment in the lives of others. He was a driving force behind numerous initiatives that uplifted the community, proving that true leadership is about connection, not elevation.

To call Nathaniel Francis a ‘model citizen’ is to capture only a fraction of his essence. He was a man who wore his accomplishments with humility and his responsibilities with grace. He was a successful media pioneer, a dedicated politician, a devoted family man, and a selfless community servant, all at once and with unwavering authenticity.

As the community comes to terms with this profound loss, heartfelt condolences are extended to his wife, children, and entire family. The nation is grateful for the immense sacrifice of sharing him with us. Nat’s legacy will live on in the melodies he shared, the lives he touched, and the standard of service he set. Rest in peace, dear Nat. Your voice may have signed off, but your song will forever play on in our hearts.

The Caribbean media community is in mourning following the passing of Nathaniel ‘Nat Moses’ Francis, a revered broadcaster whose distinctive baritone voice and impactful career left an indelible mark on the region. Moses, who passed away last night, was celebrated for his versatility, whether he was covering significant national events or hosting his beloved late-night radio shows, where his selection of love ballads became a cherished tradition for listeners. His career spanned several prominent radio stations, including Gem Radio, Radio Antilles in Montserrat, and Radio ZDK in Antigua. Additionally, he occasionally contributed to ABS Radio and Television for major national coverage. Beyond his broadcasting achievements, Moses ventured into politics, securing a seat for the opposition UPP in the 1994 general elections. Tributes have poured in, highlighting his dedication and pioneering contributions to Caribbean radio. ABS has announced plans to continue honoring his legacy by sharing more about his life and work. The loss of Nat Moses is deeply felt across the Caribbean, as his voice and influence have left a lasting impact on the media landscape.

In a landmark initiative to bolster agricultural resilience, the Ministry of Agriculture, alongside the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and the Alliance of Biodiversity International and CIAT, convened a one-day workshop focused on sustainable seed management and conservation. The event, held as part of a broader regional effort, aimed to equip Caribbean nations with the tools and knowledge necessary to recover swiftly from climate-induced disasters such as hurricanes and droughts.

The workshop brought together technical officers, extension staff, and agricultural stakeholders, including a female farmer from Montserrat, to delve into the core principles of seed production, conservation, and integrated pest management. Facilitated by Mr. Junior Greene, CARDI’s Representative for Antigua, Barbuda, and Montserrat, the session featured Ms. Omaira Avila Rostant, a Biotechnologist at CARDI Belize, who led hands-on technical modules. These included seed drying, post-harvest handling, viability testing, and methods to protect varietal integrity, emphasizing low-cost, rapid-deployment techniques suitable for post-disaster scenarios.

Adding a global perspective, Mr. Luis Guillermo Santos, Curator for bean production and seed conservation at the CIAT genebank, delivered an online presentation on ex-situ conservation workflows. He highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts between local community seed banks and international genebanks to preserve genetic diversity and accelerate recovery. Participants engaged in a lively Q&A session, addressing practical challenges and solutions.

Mr. Gregory Bailey, Director of Agriculture, emphasized the critical role of high-quality genetic material in agricultural productivity, stating, ‘Without access to viable seeds, all other inputs—fertilizer, irrigation, and land preparation—are rendered ineffective.’ Mr. Craig Thomas, IICA National Specialist, outlined innovative plans to enhance seed storage and propagation facilities, including the use of heavy-lifting drones for rapid response during hurricane season.

This collaborative effort underscores the Caribbean’s commitment to building a resilient agricultural sector capable of withstanding climate shocks while ensuring food security for future generations.

In a recent development in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, a 40-year-old homeless man, Gishaun Grigg, has been arrested and charged in connection with a break-in and theft at Fashion Alert Store on Corn Alley. The incident, which occurred on September 5, 2025, involved the alleged theft of several items, including Samsung and Alcatel cellphones, kids’ tablets, vapes, tobacco products, hookahs, and an undisclosed amount of cash. Following a thorough investigation, Grigg was apprehended and is now awaiting his court appearance to face the charges. The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has reiterated its call for business owners to bolster their security measures and promptly report any suspicious activities in their vicinity. This case highlights ongoing concerns about crime and homelessness in the region, prompting discussions about the need for comprehensive social and security reforms.

A resident of Cashew Hill in Antigua and Barbuda is currently under police interrogation following a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday evening. The incident, which took place around 8:00 p.m., prompted immediate action from the Criminal Investigations Department and the Task Force (CIDTF) after local residents reported hearing what sounded like gunshots. Authorities swiftly responded to the scene, leading to the arrest of a male suspect believed to be involved in the incident. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The investigation remains ongoing, with law enforcement urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. Confidential tips can be directed to the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or through the emergency hotline at 911. The police have assured the public that all information will be handled with the utmost discretion. Meanwhile, the community remains on alert as authorities work to uncover the full details of the case.