标签： Antigua and Barbuda

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.

Students at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, are organizing a peaceful sit-out on Monday to protest the institution’s decision to resume in-person classes in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation. In an open letter issued on Sunday, a coalition of students demanded a one-week pause in academic activities and the adoption of a hybrid learning model to support those still recovering from the storm’s impact. The letter condemned the university’s decision as “irresponsible” and “tone-deaf,” highlighting that many students remain displaced, lack access to essential utilities, and are emotionally unprepared to return to studies. The protest is framed as an act of solidarity with peers in western Jamaica, a region severely affected by the hurricane, where thousands are still in shelters and critical hospitals remain non-functional. Official reports cited in the letter reveal that 25,000 people are displaced, and at least 28 Jamaicans have lost their lives due to the disaster. The students expressed concern that the university has yet to assess the full extent of the impact on its student body, including those who may be homeless, injured, or deceased. They criticized the administration for reopening the campus “prematurely,” arguing that it disregards the physical and emotional toll of the crisis. Comparisons were drawn with other institutions, such as the University of Technology (UTech), which has indefinitely suspended in-person classes, and UWI’s Western Jamaica Campus, which delayed reopening by a week. The letter also condemned the Mona campus for demanding rent payments for accommodations students were forced to evacuate, labeling it a “class issue” and a “profound abdication of empathy.” The mental strain on students was emphasized, with the letter describing a “frozen mental and emotional state” caused by trauma and uncertainty. The group urged students to exercise their “agency to resist” by abstaining from classes on Monday, concluding with a call to “resist the insensitivity and impracticality of this decision.” The letter was signed by multiple students.