标签： Antigua and Barbuda

Mrs. Zona Iotha Isilma Bartley has been bestowed with the prestigious Grand Cross of the Most Illustrious Order of Merit (GCM) in recognition of her exceptional contributions to community service and youth development in Antigua and Barbuda. This distinguished accolade was conferred during the National Awards Ceremony held at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, marking the nation’s 44th Independence celebrations.

Young nature enthusiasts in Antigua and Barbuda have just 12 days remaining to submit their entries for the IHO Nature Rangers Biodiversity and Conservation Photography Contest. Open to individuals aged 13 to 24, the competition encourages participants to showcase the stunning biodiversity of Antigua and Barbuda, from its mangroves and coral reefs to its wildlife and coastal landscapes. The contest is a key component of the broader initiative, ‘Strengthening Conservation Actions in the North East Marine Management Area (NEMMA) in Antigua and Barbuda,’ which seeks to foster environmental stewardship and youth engagement through hands-on conservation activities, skill development, and community involvement. The submission deadline is November 15, 2025, with winners announced on December 1, 2025. Prizes include XCD $300 for first place, XCD $200 for second place, and XCD $100 for third place. Participants are urged to explore and photograph the nation’s diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, coral reefs, and native species, while adhering to the theme of biodiversity and conservation. Parental guidance is recommended for younger entrants. This contest is part of a series of youth-focused activities under the NEMMA conservation project, which also includes litter prevention initiatives, illegal dumping monitoring, community cleanups, mangrove restoration training, gender sensitization workshops, biodiversity education, and recreational exploration. These efforts aim to cultivate environmental leadership and build a community committed to protecting Antigua and Barbuda’s ecosystems. The IHO Nature Rangers, a registered organization dedicated to biodiversity conservation and youth empowerment, encourages eligible participants to seize this opportunity to creatively express their love for nature and contribute to a growing movement of environmental awareness. Through activities like mangrove tours, cleanups, media engagement, and skill development, the Nature Rangers empower young people to turn their passion for nature into meaningful action. The NEMMA project is funded by the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund (CEPF) and the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute – Regional Implementation Team (CANARI-RIT), and implemented by the IHO Nature Rangers with support from Integrated Health Outreach (IHO).

Renowned architect Fausto Fattarelli has been honored with the prestigious title of Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of the Nation (CN) for his exceptional contributions to economic and urban development in Antigua and Barbuda. The accolade was presented during the National Awards Ceremony at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, as part of the nation’s 44th Independence celebrations. Fattarelli, an Italian-born architect who became a naturalized citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, has been recognized for his nearly four decades of architectural innovation and dedication to nation-building. The official citation lauded his “remarkable contribution to national development through the art and science of architecture,” highlighting his role as a “visionary designer and builder” whose work has significantly enhanced the nation’s built environment. Among his most celebrated projects is Heritage Quay, a national landmark praised for its resilience against hurricanes, earthquakes, and the test of time. Fattarelli’s architectural influence spans across the twin-island state, including Jolly Harbour, Long Island, and Galley Bay Heights. His designs are noted for their harmonious blend of elegance and environmental consciousness, utilizing indigenous materials and sustainable practices long before they became global priorities. The citation also emphasized how his work has contributed to Antigua and Barbuda’s economic progress, tourism development, and urban resilience. In bestowing this honor, the government acknowledged Fattarelli’s “visionary design, environmental foresight, and decades of service to national progress,” cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in the nation’s architectural and developmental history.

A comprehensive irrigation system demonstration and installation event recently took place at the ABDF Farm, located in the Crabbs Training Area on the northeastern side of the island. This practical exercise complemented theoretical coursework on irrigation hydraulics and land management, providing participants with a valuable opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world agricultural setting. The event was organized by Lance Corporal Michael Gunthrope, Manager of the ABDF Farm, in collaboration with Senior Research Officer Mrs. Madvere Bradford from the Ministry of Agriculture. Approximately 90 participants, including representatives from the Chinese Agricultural Mission, attended the event. Acting Ambassador and Honorary Consular Madam Yun Chang and her Secretary were also present to observe the activities on October 31, 2025. The agricultural plot at Crabbs features a gently undulating terrain that influences surface and subsurface water flow. The site includes a crop production zone equipped with a drip irrigation system designed to meet the precise water needs of the crops. The irrigation system operates on a gravity-fed or low-pressure design, with water distributed from an elevated reservoir through a network of mainlines, submains, and lateral lines. The system uses drizzle tape (drip tape) fitted with pressure-compensating emitters to ensure consistent water flow across the field. However, the field exercise revealed several hydraulic challenges, including preferential flow paths, emitter discharge variability, and pressure differentials within laterals, which aligned with theoretical predictions about the effects of topography on irrigation systems. The results underscored the importance of land leveling, contour mapping, and slope correction before irrigation system installation. The event successfully bridged theory and practice, reinforcing Professor Yang Feng’s lessons on irrigation hydraulics through hands-on experience.

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has taken a proactive stance in addressing urban blight by launching a comprehensive initiative to remove derelict vehicles across the nation. This effort is part of a broader clean-up campaign aimed at enhancing public health, improving environmental conditions, and restoring aesthetic appeal to urban and suburban areas. Derelict vehicles, often abandoned in public spaces, have long been a source of concern due to their potential to harbor pests, leak hazardous fluids, and detract from community well-being. The NSWMA’s initiative involves collaboration with local governments, law enforcement, and environmental agencies to identify, tag, and remove these vehicles efficiently. Authorities have emphasized the importance of community involvement, urging residents to report abandoned vehicles and participate in neighborhood clean-up efforts. This campaign underscores the NSWMA’s commitment to sustainable waste management and its role in fostering cleaner, safer, and more livable communities. The initiative is expected to have a significant impact on reducing urban pollution and promoting environmental stewardship.