标签： Antigua and Barbuda

In a significant demonstration of cross-sector collaboration, Antigua and Barbuda’s Directorate of Gender Affairs and Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation partnered with Ebenezer Methodist Church for a special worship service commemorating the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

The event featured prominent government officials emphasizing the crucial role of religious institutions in national efforts to eliminate gender-based violence. Senator the Honorable Lamin Newton, representing Minister of Social and Urban Transformation the Honorable Rawdon Turner, joined Directorate of Gender Affairs Executive Director Mr. Jamie Saunders in highlighting how faith-based organizations contribute to shaping moral, spiritual, and ethical values in citizens—particularly youth—that can reduce violent and deviant behaviors.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, Ms. Sarah Stuart, contributed a scripture reading during the service, reinforcing the spiritual dimension of the anti-violence initiative. The sermon, delivered by Brother Chris Matthews, focused on themes of hope and perseverance during challenging times, providing inspirational messaging aligned with the campaign’s objectives.

The collaboration represents a strategic approach to addressing gender-based violence through multiple societal pillars, combining government resources with religious moral authority. The Directorate of Gender Affairs continues to advance its 16 Days of Activism calendar with additional activities planned throughout the coming week, encouraging public engagement and awareness.

A comprehensive community enhancement project has been initiated in the St John’s Rural South constituency, spearheaded by local representative Daryll Matthew. The multifaceted program, which officially commenced operations this week, focuses primarily on the systematic removal of abandoned and dilapidated structures throughout the neighborhood.

In his official communiqué released Sunday, Matthew detailed the project’s core objectives, emphasizing that eliminating derelict properties represents just one component of a broader strategy to foster safer, more aesthetically pleasing residential environments. The parliamentarian explicitly called upon community members to actively participate in maintaining their neighborhoods, advocating for collective responsibility in creating family-oriented living spaces.

Characterizing the initiative as embodying positive ‘Sunday morning vibes,’ Matthew promoted a philosophy of civic pride with his exhortation for residents to ‘love where you live.’ He further elaborated on the psychological and social benefits of clean, well-maintained public spaces, noting their significant contribution to overall community wellbeing and quality of life.

This targeted cleanup effort forms an integral part of a larger, constituency-wide campaign aimed at elevating both the visual appeal and environmental health standards across the Ottos region and broader Rural South district. The program represents a coordinated approach to urban revitalization that addresses both immediate safety concerns through structural removal and long-term community development through sustained citizen engagement.

The National Authors’ Week, a cornerstone initiative of the Ah Head Mek Book program in partnership with the National Public Library, culminates this evening with a festive closing ceremony at Sun City Bar & Restaurant. The concluding event, dubbed “CHILLAX,” offers a themed karaoke social designed to foster community among authors, creatives, and the general public following a dynamic week dedicated to literary pursuits.

Peetron Thomas, the lead organizer and facilitator, declared the week a resounding success, noting participation from over 30 individuals. The event attracted a diverse cohort, including published authors, pastors, aspiring writers from various professions, adults, and a significant contingent of students from secondary schools nationwide, all of whom demonstrated deep engagement with the workshops.

Thomas articulated the initiative’s ambitious vision, stating, “We aspire to cultivate a nation of storytellers. Our goal is to nurture over 100 authors by 2026.” He emphasized that authorship is not confined to scholarly elites but is a universal gift of expression. He encouraged individuals to articulate their narratives, emotions, and dreams, affirming his team’s commitment to guiding them toward becoming established authors, a philosophy encapsulated by the initiative’s colloquial name.

A major achievement highlighted from the week’s activities is the launch of the Collaborative Youth Publishing Project. This endeavor will feature contributions from students representing Antigua Grammar School, Antigua Girls’ High School, Princess Margaret School, and the Seventh-Day Adventist Secondary School, with additional support from a University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus student handling proofreading duties. Thomas expressed considerable excitement for this project, promising further details soon.

The “CHILLAX” event tonight will feature entertainment by Peetron Thomas and DJ Ni, with complimentary admission. Attendees can avail themselves of special offers, including $10 beers, $5 shots, affordable menu items, and giveaways courtesy of the venue. The event also encourages audience participation, with prizes earmarked for standout karaoke performances. Sun City Bar & Restaurant intends to institutionalize this end-of-month celebration, planning to host “CHILLAX” on the last Saturday of every month, complete with karaoke, hookah services, games, and a vibrant social atmosphere. Further updates on the youth publication and other initiatives are anticipated.

In a significant professional milestone, legal practitioner Kelton Mich Dalso has been formally admitted to the Bar of England and Wales following his successful completion of the Michaelmas Call ceremony at The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn. The ceremonial event, held on November 20, 2025, represents the culmination of extensive academic preparation and professional development in the legal field.

Dalso’s journey to the Bar was marked by exceptional academic performance during his Bar Training Course (BTC) at the University of the West of England, where he graduated with merit—a distinction recognizing both superior scholarly achievement and advanced practical competency. His legal education foundation was established earlier with an honors degree in Law (LLB) from the University of London in August 2020.

Concurrently pursuing alternative dispute resolution credentials, Dalso demonstrated remarkable initiative by completing certification programs through ADR/ODR International. He achieved professional recognition in three specialized disciplines: Mediation, Arbitration, and advanced Negotiation techniques, positioning him as a comprehensively equipped legal professional with both traditional litigation and modern conflict resolution capabilities.

National recognition followed when The UK Times Newspaper featured Dalso among its published listing of newly appointed barristers on November 28, 2025—an acknowledgment of his professional standing within the legal community.

Reflecting on his accomplishments, Dalso acknowledged the substantial effort behind his success: ‘While this achievement brings tremendous satisfaction, I remain humbled by the journey. These milestones represent not overnight success but sustained dedication, hard work, and personal sacrifice.’

The formal graduation ceremony at Bristol’s historic Beacon venue on November 26, 2025 provided institutional recognition of Dalso’s expanded legal expertise and professional readiness. His family—including his wife and three sons—attended both the London call ceremony and Bristol graduation events, witnessing these transformative moments in his legal career.