标签： Antigua and Barbuda

Qasim Henry, the visionary behind Antigua Inside Out, has been honored with the prestigious Transportation and Tours Award at the 2025 WOW Factor Awards. This accolade recognizes his exceptional contributions to enhancing visitor experiences through his innovative and culturally immersive tour services. Antigua Inside Out has become synonymous with authentic excursions that highlight the island’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes, making it a favorite among tourists seeking a deeper connection with Antigua and Barbuda. The WOW Factor Awards, known for celebrating excellence and innovation in the tourism sector, spotlight individuals and businesses that elevate the industry by creating unforgettable experiences for visitors. Henry’s win underscores his dedication to showcasing the island’s unique charm and his commitment to delivering unparalleled service. The award not only highlights his personal achievements but also shines a light on the vibrant tourism industry of Antigua and Barbuda, which continues to thrive through the efforts of passionate professionals like Henry. For those looking to explore the island’s culture and natural beauty, Antigua Inside Out remains a top choice, offering tours that are as informative as they are inspiring.

The 2025 WOW Factor Awards, hosted by iRise Management, illuminated the John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Centre on Saturday evening, spotlighting the spirit of excellence and exceptional customer service across Antigua and Barbuda. This annual gala recognized outstanding professionals from diverse industries for their innovation, dedication, and exemplary service. Among the distinguished honorees were Stosh Browne of Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB), who clinched the Financial Services award, and Brian Branker of Caribbean LNG Inc., celebrated in the Manufacturing, Energy, and Telecoms category. Priscilla Joseph of St. John’s Catholic Primary was lauded in Sports and Education, while Vito Walter, a private chef, triumphed in the Food and Beverage sector. Other notable winners included Qasim Henry of Antigua Inside Out for Transportation and Tours, Jeannette Bowen of Hadeed Motors Ltd. for Sales and Marketing, and Shallamar-Ann Williams of Shally’s Balloons Plus for Entrepreneurship. In the creative and entertainment sphere, Lennard “Young Lyrics” Henry was honored in I.T., Media, and Entertainment, while Karen Grenado-Wong of Sandals Grande Antigua took home the Hospitality and Tourism award. Anderson Tuitt of the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) was recognized in Law Enforcement and Safety, Charisse Pigott-Benta of the Social Security Board in Public Sector and Statutory Corporations, and Shenelle Benjamin, an emergency room nurse at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, in Health and Wellness. The event, bolstered by sponsors such as GIC Insurance, Paperclips, Harney Motors, and Falmouth Harbour Marina, underscored the nation’s commitment to raising standards and inspiring excellence across all sectors.

In a distressing incident that unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, a resident was robbed at gunpoint on Pope Head Street, near Pita Pocket. The assailant made off with a white 2011 Honda Fit RS, bearing license plate A71654, along with the victim’s personal belongings, including identification cards, bank cards, and cash. The victim, who remains unnamed, has since appealed to the public for assistance in recovering the stolen vehicle and identifying the perpetrator. Several bystanders were present during the robbery, including two women and a male who had parked across the street. Shockingly, the male was reportedly seen making remarks and laughing with friends, raising concerns about the community’s response to such incidents. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation. This alarming event has sparked discussions about public safety and the need for community vigilance in the area.

Corporal Brendan Sutherland of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has highlighted a growing safety concern regarding frequent spills of cement and concrete on public roads. These incidents, often occurring when trucks navigate uphill or sharp bends, force drivers to swerve into oncoming traffic, creating significant hazards. Residents have voiced fears that a serious accident is imminent if the issue remains unaddressed. Currently, there are no formal regulations mandating truck operators to stop and clear spills, leaving the problem largely unchecked. Authorities are now urging drivers of concrete, sand, stone, and gravel trucks to secure their loads and promptly clean up any spills to ensure the safety of all road users. The most affected areas include Scottsdale, Valley Road, and All Saints Road. This call to action underscores the need for stricter enforcement and public awareness to mitigate risks and prevent potential tragedies.

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus achieved a significant milestone on Saturday, hosting its largest graduation ceremony to date. The event, held at the SJPC House of Restoration Ministries, celebrated 195 graduates, marking the campus’s biggest cohort since its inception. Among the graduates were the first-ever recipients of degrees in cutting-edge programs such as the Bachelor of Science in Data Science, Innovation Management, and Computer Science, as well as the Master of Arts in Teaching Exceptional Children. This historic occasion also saw the conferral of an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Dr. Padgett Henry, a distinguished Caribbean scholar and Professor Emeritus at Brown University. Dr. Henry, who joined the ceremony virtually, expressed his profound 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.’ The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Deputy Governor General Sir Clare Roberts, and UWI Vice-Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles. Graduates from across the Caribbean, including students from Montserrat and St. Kitts and Nevis, were recognized, highlighting the campus’s expanding regional influence. In his keynote address, UWI Chancellor Dr. Dodridge Miller praised the institution’s growth, describing Five Islands as ‘a symbol of educational resilience and regional opportunity.’ Valedictorian Kadeem Charles, who earned first-class honors in Data Science, Innovation Management, and Computer Science, delivered an inspiring speech, urging his peers to embrace technological innovation while upholding the values of community and perseverance. The ceremony also showcased the campus’s commitment to academic excellence and regional development, with faculty leaders commending graduates for their balance of academic rigor and community service. As the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra filled the hall with music, graduates received thunderous applause from friends and family, many waving flags from across the Caribbean. Chancellor Miller concluded, ‘The Class of 2025 stands as a testament to what our small island states can achieve. You are the architects of the Caribbean’s future — bold, brilliant, and unstoppable.’