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标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • UK to Support Antigua and Barbuda’s Preparations for CHOGM 2026

    UK to Support Antigua and Barbuda’s Preparations for CHOGM 2026

    In a significant diplomatic development, the United Kingdom has formally committed to providing specialized technical assistance to Antigua and Barbuda as the Caribbean nation accelerates preparations for hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The cooperation framework was solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on Thursday between Dr. Clarence Pilgrim, Permanent Secretary in Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and British High Commissioner John Hamilton.

    This agreement marks a pivotal advancement in Antigua and Barbuda’s strategic planning for what officials describe as a monumental national endeavor. Dr. Pilgrim emphasized the practical implications of the partnership, noting that a dedicated technical expert from the UK will be seconded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs starting April 2025. This on-the-ground specialist will work to establish essential systems and operational frameworks necessary for executing a successful and historically significant international gathering.

    High Commissioner Hamilton highlighted the continuity of bilateral cooperation, referencing previous successful collaborations during the preparations for the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in 2024. The UK’s decision to replicate this proven support model for CHOGM 2026 demonstrates confidence in the established partnership framework. Hamilton confirmed this technical assistance represents merely one component of broader UK support initiatives planned as Antigua and Barbuda progresses toward hosting the prestigious Commonwealth meeting.

    The agreement underscores the UK’s ongoing commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties within the Commonwealth network while supporting the institutional capacity building of member states. For Antigua and Barbuda, this partnership provides critical technical expertise that will enhance logistical planning, operational efficiency, and international protocol management capabilities ahead of the high-profile summit.

  • The UWI’s Centre for Reparation Research Announces Second International Reparation Debate Competition

    The UWI’s Centre for Reparation Research Announces Second International Reparation Debate Competition

    KINGSTON, JAMAICA – The Centre for Reparation Research (CRR) at The University of the West Indies has unveiled plans for the second International Reparation Debate Competition, scheduled to launch in January 2026. This groundbreaking initiative will leverage digital platforms for virtual preliminary rounds before culminating in a live championship event in Kingston, Jamaica by March 2026.

    Building upon the remarkable success of its inaugural 2025 edition, the competition serves as a dynamic platform for youth across the Caribbean and diaspora communities to engage in intellectually rigorous discourse on reparatory justice. The previous tournament featured student delegations from five Caribbean nations and the United Kingdom, with some countries fielding up to five school teams.

    The competition framework centers on the CARICOM 10-Point Plan for Reparatory Justice, addressing critical topics ranging from the moral and economic foundations of reparations to the contemporary responsibilities of former colonial powers in addressing persistent systemic inequalities. Each participating team consists of five students supported by two faculty mentors, creating a unique synergy between youthful energy and academic guidance.

    The 2025 championship concluded with St. Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain from Trinidad and Tobago claiming victory in a finale praised by judges and dignitaries for its intellectual depth and transformative potential. Participants demonstrated exceptional ability to connect scholarly research with activist perspectives while articulating visions for a more equitable future.

    Professor Sonjah Stanley Niaah, Director of the CRR, emphasized the program’s evolving scope: “By integrating academic rigor with digital engagement strategies, we’re ensuring the reparation dialogue remains both accessible and impactful. The 2026 competition will feature influencer-led campaigns, livestreamed debates, and strengthened partnerships to broaden global participation.”

    The expanded 2026 edition aims to reach audiences across the Caribbean, Americas, Africa, and Europe through innovative digital formats. Educational institutions throughout the Caribbean and United Kingdom are invited to register participation via the official portal at www.uwi.edu/crr.

  • UWI Celebrates Professorial Appointments in Science, Economics, and Innovation

    UWI Celebrates Professorial Appointments in Science, Economics, and Innovation

    The University of the West Indies (UWI) has marked a significant milestone in its academic calendar with the formal installation of 37 distinguished scholars to professorial positions. This celebratory event, held on November 17, 2023, at the regional university’s St. Augustine campus in Trinidad and Tobago, honored excellence across a diverse spectrum of disciplines, with a pronounced emphasis on Science, Technology, Economics, and Innovation.

    The ceremony, a cornerstone of academic recognition, saw the elevation of faculty members to the ranks of Professor, Clinical Professor, and Professor Emeritus. Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles presided over the event, lauding the appointees for their profound contributions to knowledge creation and their pivotal role in addressing complex regional and global challenges. He emphasized that these appointments are not merely personal achievements but are vital to strengthening the university’s research infrastructure and its capacity for innovation.

    The newly appointed professors represent a wide array of fields, including Medical Sciences, Economics, Engineering, Agriculture, and the Humanities. Their collective research portfolio addresses critical areas such as sustainable development, public health, digital transformation, and economic policy for small island developing states. This strategic investment in top-tier academic leadership is viewed as a direct reinforcement of UWI’s mandate to drive developmental solutions for the Caribbean community and enhance its standing as a premier global institution.

  • AIDS Secretariat’s “Teen Talk Seminar: My Life, My Choices” hailed a resounding success

    AIDS Secretariat’s “Teen Talk Seminar: My Life, My Choices” hailed a resounding success

    In a significant initiative to safeguard adolescent health, the AIDS Secretariat alongside the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs has executed the “Teen Talk Seminar: My Life, My Choices.” This pivotal event brought together students from a diverse range of ten secondary schools throughout Antigua and Barbuda, focusing on empowering the nation’s youth with critical life skills and health knowledge.

    The Honourable Minister of Health, Sir Molwyn M. Joseph, provided a compelling keynote, passionately advocating for the exercise of personal willpower to avoid high-risk activities. He emphasized the paramount importance of self-protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and underscored the value of seeking counsel from reliable and informed sources. Minister Joseph issued a formal commendation to the AIDS Secretariat, urging the continuation of these impactful, youth-oriented educational forums.

    A distinguished panel of experts enriched the seminar with motivational insights. Presentations were delivered by Dr. Margarethe Belle, Lorella Benjamin, Joy-Ann Harrigan, and Nikisha Smith. The event also featured formal remarks from Ms. Janet Simon, who holds the dual roles of CARICOM Youth Ambassador and Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassador, adding a significant regional perspective to the dialogue.

    The curriculum was meticulously designed to address core challenges facing teenagers today. Interactive sessions delved into essential modules including: a comprehensive overview of STIs, the realities of sex and teenage life, the biological impact of HIV on the human body, building self-esteem, developing critical media literacy skills, and formulating strategies to navigate complex social pressures.

    This seminar is a cornerstone of the AIDS Secretariat’s expanded schedule of events leading up to World AIDS Day 2025. The international observance of World AIDS Day is set for Monday, December 1st. The week-long series of awareness activities will culminate on Sunday with a Grand Red Ribbon Day and a vibrant Street Parade through the capital city of St. John’s, symbolizing community solidarity and the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.

  • Ten Caribbean Journalists Awarded First CETRI Reporting Grants

    Ten Caribbean Journalists Awarded First CETRI Reporting Grants

    In a significant advancement for regional journalism, ten Caribbean journalists have been chosen as the inaugural recipients of reporting grants from the Caribbean Energy Transition Reporting Initiative (CETRI). This strategic program aims to enhance media coverage of clean energy developments and climate resilience efforts throughout the region.

    The selected cohort represents a diverse mix of seasoned reporters and promising emerging journalists who will develop human-centered narratives documenting the transition toward low-carbon economic development. These grants build upon CETRI’s expanded 2025 training curriculum, which recently featured both virtual learning sessions and the initiative’s first physical workshop held in Dominica under the thematic banner ‘Science Meets Storytelling.’

    Established specifically to strengthen regional capabilities in energy journalism, CETRI maintains a core mission of providing Caribbean communities with trustworthy, research-driven information concerning renewable energy alternatives, climate adaptation strategies, and technological innovation. The initiative functions as a critical bridge between scientific expertise and public understanding.

    Project Coordinator Alison Kentish characterized the grant awards as representing ‘a milestone for regional journalism,’ noting that they directly respond to increasing demands for more profound and community-focused energy reporting. With Caribbean interest in climate resilience intensifying, CETRI has outlined ambitious plans to further extend its training programs, expert networks, and reporting support mechanisms through 2026.

    This sustained effort seeks to guarantee that the Caribbean’s ongoing energy transition is chronicled with journalistic precision, substantive depth, and consistent attention to human consequences, ensuring local narratives remain at the forefront of the global climate dialogue.

  • Minister of Agriculture, Land, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., Moves Swiftly to Address Agriculture Workers’ Concerns

    Minister of Agriculture, Land, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., Moves Swiftly to Address Agriculture Workers’ Concerns

    ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA – In a decisive response to recent agricultural worker demonstrations, Minister of Agriculture, Land, Fisheries and the Blue Economy Anthony Smith Jr. has initiated urgent measures to address longstanding grievances within the sector. The Ministry’s rapid reaction follows Thursday’s organized labor actions that brought attention to systemic challenges facing agricultural workers.

    Contrary to circulating reports, Minister Smith did not disregard protesting staff members but instead immediately engaged with union representatives and senior officials upon learning of the situation. The Minister convened emergency meetings to accelerate resolution of ongoing concerns that had prompted the workforce action.

    Earlier on November 27, Minister Smith conducted comprehensive inspections at multiple agricultural facilities including the national abattoir, tractor division, and Greencastle operations. These first-hand assessments revealed that while compensation matters require extended budgetary consideration, numerous health, safety, and operational deficiencies could be remedied promptly.

    The Ministry has developed concrete plans featuring enhanced transportation systems and infrastructure modernization across all agricultural stations. Minister Smith characterized these improvements as both critically urgent and fundamentally necessary for workforce welfare.

    ‘Our dedicated staff rightfully expect safe, functional, and respectful working conditions, and our government is unequivocally committed to delivering these essentials,’ Minister Smith declared. ‘I treat every worker’s concerns with utmost seriousness, particularly those involving health and safety protocols. Our immediate response demonstrates our dedication to rapid action, transparent dialogue, and prioritizing staff welfare.’

    The Ministry has committed to maintaining open channels with both employees and union representatives to ensure collaborative problem-solving and timely implementation of solutions. A follow-up meeting will shortly be scheduled to provide workers with detailed timelines for improvement initiatives.

    The Ministry expressed gratitude for employees’ continued service and assured that substantive measures are already in motion to resolve persistent institutional concerns.

  • The UWI Global Campus Antigua and Barbuda Celebrates Largest-Ever Cohort of Honour Roll Awardees

    The UWI Global Campus Antigua and Barbuda Celebrates Largest-Ever Cohort of Honour Roll Awardees

    ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus marked a significant academic milestone during its third annual Honour Roll Ceremony on November 6, 2025. The event, attended by prominent figures including Senator Michael Joseph, celebrated unprecedented scholarly achievement across both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

    This year’s ceremony established new institutional benchmarks with 83 students securing places on the prestigious Honour Roll – the largest cohort recognized since the ceremony’s inception. Demonstrating remarkable academic consistency, 35 exceptional students achieved this distinction in both Semester I and Semester II of the 2024-2025 academic year, representing 42% of all honourees.

    In a historic expansion of recognition criteria, postgraduate students received formal acknowledgement for the first time, highlighting their capacity to maintain academic excellence while navigating professional responsibilities and personal commitments. Campus leadership specifically praised these students for their multidimensional excellence.

    University officials commended all honourees for exemplifying resilience, intellectual discipline, and an unwavering commitment to educational excellence that defines the ideal UWI student. The ceremony also paid tribute to the families and support networks whose encouragement proved instrumental to student success.

    The proceedings concluded with a forward-looking perspective, emphasizing that academic achievement represents an ongoing journey rather than a final destination. Campus leadership extended congratulations to all recipients and expressed strong confidence in their future contributions to society and continued pursuit of excellence.

  • Salvation Army opens registration for annual food package programme

    Salvation Army opens registration for annual food package programme

    The Salvation Army has announced the commencement of registration for its yearly holiday food package initiative, extending crucial support to families experiencing financial hardship. The enrollment process is scheduled for December 2nd at the organization’s Citadel on Long Street, operating between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

    Prospective beneficiaries are required to furnish a valid government-issued photographic identification document during registration. Individuals seeking to register on behalf of others may present the identification of the person they are representing.

    Successful registrants will be issued an authorization card specifying their designated collection date, with distributions planned for December 17th and 18th. Simultaneously, the charitable organization is actively soliciting public donations to sustain this vital community program.

    Contributions can be delivered directly to the Salvation Army’s headquarters at 36 Long Street. Alternatively, potential donors may contact the organization at 785-5019 to coordinate a convenient pickup arrangement for their charitable gifts.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Unveils UN80 Sustainable Development Goals Art Mural

    Antigua and Barbuda Unveils UN80 Sustainable Development Goals Art Mural

    In a vibrant celebration of global cooperation and community engagement, Antigua and Barbuda unveiled a significant public artwork on Friday, November 28th, 2025. The UN80 SDG Art Mural, revealed at 9:30 a.m. along Independence Avenue near the Antigua Recreation Grounds, marks both the United Nations’ 80th anniversary and the nation’s dedication to inclusive sustainable development.

    The creation of this monumental artwork represents an extraordinary collaborative effort orchestrated by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in partnership with the United Nations Barbados and Eastern Caribbean office. The project brought together diverse segments of society including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, youth representatives, persons with disabilities, and numerous civil society organizations.

    Under the inspiring theme ‘Building Our Future Together – Everyone Counts,’ the mural visually interprets the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through vibrant imagery and symbolic representations. This community-driven artistic endeavor embodies the principles of inclusivity, unity, and shared responsibility that underpin the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    The unveiling ceremony attracted distinguished guests from government, United Nations representatives, community stakeholders, and enthusiastic members of the public. The gathering served not only as an artistic celebration but also as a platform for reflecting on national achievements and recommitting to ongoing efforts toward creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

    Government officials expressed profound appreciation for all contributors, emphasizing that the mural will endure as a permanent testament to the nation’s belief that every citizen plays a vital role in the journey toward progress and development. The artwork stands as both a visual masterpiece and a powerful reminder that marginalised groups, particularly youth and persons with disabilities, must have their voices included in national development conversations.

  • ACB Caribbean rolls out new Smart ATMs after months of service issues

    ACB Caribbean rolls out new Smart ATMs after months of service issues

    ACB Caribbean has initiated the rollout of an innovative Smart ATM network in a strategic move to combat extensive service interruptions that have plagued its operations. Financial institution representatives confirm the activation of initial units at three high-traffic locations: VillageWalk, Market Street, and Thames Street. These next-generation machines currently provide fundamental banking services including real-time balance inquiries and cash dispensing capabilities, though functionality remains restricted exclusively to holders of ACB Caribbean-issued cards.

    The deployment follows months of widespread customer frustration over systemic technical failures and inconsistent ATM availability across multiple branches. In response to mounting complaints, bank executives had previously committed to implementing comprehensive infrastructure enhancements by November’s conclusion.

    Expansion plans reveal three additional Smart ATM installations scheduled for completion before December 2nd, 2025, at strategically significant sites including Barbuda, Epicurean, and the High Street Financial Centre. Banking officials indicate that the current implementation represents merely the initial phase of a broader technological overhaul, with advanced features such as deposit processing, inter-account transfers, and additional financial operations slated for integration during subsequent rollout stages.

    ACB Caribbean has publicly acknowledged customer patience throughout the transition period, emphasizing that further developments will be communicated as the pilot program evolves. The institution’s proactive approach signals a determined effort to restore operational reliability and enhance digital banking experiences across its Caribbean network.