标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The 2025 Ocean Fest celebration was significantly enhanced by the active participation of students from Sir McChesney George Secondary School’s Culinary Arts Program and the Media Apprenticeship Programme, both initiatives supported by the CGLF (Civil Society and Local Governance Framework). Funded by the European Union, CGLF focuses on fostering stronger ties between civil society and local governance through community engagement and advanced technical vocational training. Their involvement in Ocean Fest vividly demonstrated the initiative’s real-world impact. In the culinary domain, students collaborated with renowned executive chefs to prepare and present four signature dishes, highlighting sustainable seafood, local flavors, and innovative ocean-inspired cuisine. Their responsibilities spanned prep work, cooking, garnishing, and serving samples, offering them invaluable professional exposure and hands-on experience. Executive chefs praised their professionalism and eagerness to learn, underscoring the quality of CGLF’s culinary training. Meanwhile, the Media Apprenticeship Programme participants provided comprehensive coverage of the festival, capturing its essence through interviews, photography, and video documentation. Their work highlighted the event’s themes of ocean conservation, sustainable seafood, cultural pride, and community unity. Ocean Fest 2025 served as a powerful platform for youth empowerment, showcasing how practical skills and mentorship can strengthen community-driven initiatives. The contributions of these young participants not only enriched the festival but also set a precedent for future community engagement across the island.

The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) marked International Men’s Day with a transformative conference on Wednesday, gathering nearly 100 men from diverse workplaces at the Union’s Freedom Hall Headquarters. Centered on the theme “Healthy Men, Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Communities,” the event aimed to enhance men’s holistic well-being, addressing physical, mental, and emotional health. ABWU General Secretary Sen. David Massiah opened the conference with a powerful call to action, urging men to play an active role in fortifying families and societal institutions. He emphasized the Union’s unwavering support for its male members, stating, “The union that represents you, that negotiates for you, is here to stand with you,” and highlighting the pivotal role of empowered men in fostering stronger communities. The first session, led by Clinical Psychologist Feona Charles Richards, focused on mental wellness as a cornerstone for stable families and thriving societies. Richards encouraged men to prioritize self-awareness and self-care, asserting, “In order for you to really love anyone else, you have to love yourself.” Urologist Dr. Dwayne Thwaites followed with an interactive discussion on prevalent health risks among men of African descent, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and prostate cancer. He underscored the importance of early detection and understanding family medical history, noting, “These diseases are treatable once we pick them up early.” The final session, facilitated by esthetician Octavia Nicholas, explored the role of personal grooming and self-care in boosting confidence and overall well-being. Nicholas challenged societal stigmas around personal care treatments, encouraging men to embrace self-care practices. The conference was widely praised by attendees, with one participant likening the atmosphere to “a day on the block,” highlighting the camaraderie and shared learning. Another expressed gratitude, stating, “I really want to thank the Union for putting on this conference just for us, because sometimes men are overlooked.” In closing, the ABWU reaffirmed its commitment to developing programs that empower men to contribute meaningfully to society at all levels.

In a remarkable display of civic responsibility and quick thinking, local residents played a pivotal role in rescuing victims of a recent accident. The incident, which occurred in a bustling neighborhood, saw bystanders immediately spring into action upon witnessing the collision. Eyewitnesses reported that several individuals rushed to the scene, providing first aid and ensuring the safety of those involved until emergency services arrived. Their prompt intervention not only stabilized the victims but also prevented further complications. Emergency responders later praised the community’s swift and coordinated efforts, highlighting how such immediate actions can significantly impact the outcome of critical situations. This event underscores the importance of public awareness and preparedness in handling emergencies, serving as a powerful reminder of the collective strength inherent in local communities.

A tragic two-vehicle accident occurred in Parham on Friday, resulting in one fatality and two individuals being hospitalized, according to local authorities. The deceased has been identified as Jerome Marsh from English Harbour. Marsh was operating a yellow Vitz when it collided with a Toyota Noah van. The severity of the crash left Marsh trapped inside his vehicle, necessitating the use of specialized rescue equipment by firefighters to extricate him. Marsh’s son, who was also in the car, sustained injuries and was rushed to the hospital. The driver of the Noah van is reported to be in critical condition. Both vehicles suffered extensive damage. Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a stern warning to the public regarding a surge in cybercrime incidents, urging heightened vigilance during online transactions. Reports have emerged of individuals being defrauded and having their personal information compromised, prompting an ongoing investigation into these fraudulent activities. Scammers are reportedly posing as government officials, soliciting credit top-ups or requesting sensitive personal and financial details from unsuspecting victims. The Police Administration has emphasized the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any individual or agency before sharing information or making payments. To combat these threats, the police have outlined several safety measures: avoiding the disclosure of personal information to unknown contacts, refraining from sending money to unverified individuals, regularly updating passwords, and monitoring financial accounts for suspicious activity. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious behavior to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) or their nearest police station. The Royal Police Force remains committed to protecting citizens and mitigating the risks posed by cybercriminals.

Jahmalier Grant, a resident of Cooks Hill, has been mandated by the High Court to repay over $4,000 or serve a six-month prison sentence following her admission to a 2022 check fraud scheme. The court delivered its verdict on Thursday, convicting Grant on three counts of obtaining money through forged instruments. She is required to pay $2,300 in restitution by mid-December and an additional $2,000 fine by the end of January. According to prosecutors, Grant cashed three fraudulent checks totaling $2,300 at a wholesale business in September 2022. The checks originated from a stolen checkbook taken during a residential burglary. Initially, Grant claimed that a young man had provided her with the checks, but she later confessed to forging them herself. The fraudulent checks were cashed on September 7 and September 9 on Lower Market Street, all bearing the same forged signature. Grant, a mother of three, had initially pleaded not guilty to six related forgery charges, which prosecutors subsequently withdrew. She ultimately pleaded guilty to the charges of obtaining money by forged instruments last month.