The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) has secured a significant boost to its breast cancer awareness efforts with a $10,000 XCD donation from the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). This contribution supports the 13th annual PINKparty campaign, which has achieved a record-breaking fundraising milestone this year. The funds raised will be directed toward the hospital’s ambitious goal of acquiring a new mammogram system, estimated at $250,000 XCD, to enhance breast cancer care in Antigua and Barbuda. The CIU’s donation underscores its ongoing partnership with SLBMC, which also included sponsorship of the recent Multidisciplinary Cancer Symposium. This event united regional healthcare professionals to explore innovative strategies in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Charmaine Quinland-Donovan, CEO of the CIU, emphasized the Unit’s dedication to fostering tangible community impact through healthcare initiatives. She stated, ‘Supporting SLBMC’s PINKparty campaign allows us to play a meaningful role in advancing cancer awareness and care.’ SLBMC expressed profound gratitude for the CIU’s unwavering support, noting that contributions like these bring the hospital closer to its $100,000 fundraising target. While October concludes Breast Cancer Awareness Month, SLBMC encourages continued engagement through donations and the purchase of commemorative PINKparty T-shirts.
标签: Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
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432 Graduate from UWI Five Islands Life Long Learning Unit
The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus marked a significant milestone on Thursday by awarding certificates to 432 graduates from its Life Long Learning Unit. The ceremony, held at the campus’s Assembly Hall, was graced by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, alongside university officials, families, and friends. Paula Lee, Head of the Life Long Learning Unit, highlighted the increasing number of graduates as a testament to Antigua and Barbuda’s dedication to continuous education and skills enhancement. Nickishia Carr-Ramkellawan, an employee of CARDI, emerged as the top achiever, having completed four courses with the highest average. Dr. Camille Samuel, the Campus Registrar, delivered an inspiring address, encouraging graduates to embrace the values of active listening, responsible action, and the application of their knowledge to benefit others. Notably, the ceremony also celebrated the achievements of 11 inmates from His Majesty’s Prison, who successfully completed the Seeds of Hope Programme through scholarships. With its 2026 programme already announced, the Life Long Learning Unit is urging prospective students to register early to secure their spots.
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Andrew removed from roll of the peerage after losing prince title and Windsor home
In a decisive move, Buckingham Palace has confirmed the removal of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s name from the roll of the peerage, marking a significant step in the formal revocation of his royal titles. The announcement, made late Thursday evening, follows months of mounting pressure surrounding Andrew’s controversial private life. This decision strips him of his “prince” title and necessitates his departure from his royal residence in Windsor. The dramatic statement from the Palace comes in the wake of renewed allegations in a posthumous memoir by Virginia Giuffre, who claims she was coerced into sexual encounters with Andrew as a teenager—allegations he has consistently denied. While Giuffre’s brother, Sky Roberts, has expressed approval of King Charles’s action, he emphasized to the BBC that further investigation is necessary to address the gravity of the accusations. This development underscores the monarchy’s efforts to distance itself from scandal and uphold its public image.
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Cooks Landfill Road Upgrade Strengthens Community Access and Infrastructure
Significant infrastructure improvements are currently in progress along Cooks Landfill Road, marking a pivotal step in the broader initiative to fortify the national road network. These enhancements are primarily focused on elevating safety standards, improving accessibility, and bolstering the overall resilience of the transportation system. The ongoing concrete works are part of a strategic plan to address long-standing concerns and ensure the road network can withstand future challenges. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of these upgrades in fostering safer travel conditions and supporting community connectivity. The project aligns with national objectives to modernize infrastructure and promote sustainable development. Residents and commuters are encouraged to stay informed about progress updates and potential temporary disruptions as the work continues.
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Senator Michael Joseph Donates $15,000 to Football Clubs in St. John’s Rural West
In a significant move to bolster community sports, Senator Michael M. Joseph has committed $15,000 in financial support to three prominent football clubs in the St. John’s Rural West constituency. The donation, which will be evenly distributed among Five Islands FC, Empire FC, and Hoppers FC, aims to aid their preparations for the upcoming 2025–2026 ABFA Football Season. Senator Joseph emphasized the critical role of local sports in fostering youth development, instilling discipline, and nurturing community pride. He stated, ‘Our clubs are instrumental in shaping the character of our youth, promoting discipline, and strengthening community bonds. Supporting them is a direct investment in the sustained growth and unity of our constituency.’ Additionally, the senator extended his heartfelt wishes for a successful and competitive season to all three teams.
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Magnitude 4.0 Earthquake Recorded East of Antigua and Barbuda
A magnitude 4.0 earthquake was detected early Friday morning east of Antigua and Barbuda, as reported by the UWI Seismic Research Centre (SRC). The seismic event occurred at 2:13 a.m. local time (06:13 UTC) and was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometres. The epicentre was located at coordinates 16.54°N, 59.54°W, approximately 264 kilometres east-southeast of St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda; 247 kilometres northeast of Roseau, Dominica; and 224 kilometres east of Point-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe. The SRC indicated that the earthquake’s location was automatically generated and could be subject to revision following further analysis. As of now, there have been no reports of damage or injuries resulting from the tremor.
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Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Launches Independence “Cape Video”
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) has unveiled its inaugural Independence video, titled ‘Cape,’ performed by Empress, to commemorate the nation’s 44th Independence Anniversary. This groundbreaking initiative aims to capture the essence of patriotism, unity, and national pride through the uplifting anthem ‘Cape,’ which serves as the centerpiece of this year’s Independence celebrations. The song aligns seamlessly with the national theme, ‘Solid, Stable, Soaring,’ symbolizing the nation’s progress and resilience.
The Honourable Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries, lauded the campaign, emphasizing its significance in fostering national identity. ‘This initiative perfectly encapsulates who we are as a people: Solid, Stable, and Soaring. It’s inspiring to see our children connect with this song, and I hope it instills in them a sense of pride and ambition to carry our flag forward,’ he remarked.
Empress, the artist behind the anthem, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s celebrations. ‘I am deeply honored that the ABFC chose ‘Cape’ for this year’s Independence campaign. The flag of Antigua and Barbuda holds profound meaning for me, and I’m thrilled to see it resonate with so many,’ she shared.
The ABFC has called on citizens and friends of Antigua and Barbuda to watch the official ‘Cape’ video and join in celebrating the nation’s pride, strength, and resilience. Whether at home or abroad, the video serves as a powerful reminder of the nation’s enduring spirit and its achievements on the global stage.
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AIDS Secretariat Launches New Campaign with National Symposium and Teen Forum Ahead of World AIDS Day
The AIDS Secretariat is gearing up for a robust anti-STI campaign in anticipation of the 2025 World AIDS Day Week of Activities, with two significant events already in the pipeline. The first annual HIV/AIDS Symposium is scheduled for Wednesday, November 26th, starting at 5:30 PM, followed by the National Teens Talk Day on November 28th, which will run from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Both events will take place at the Multi-Purpose Cultural and Exhibition Center. Key topics to be addressed include the facts about HIV/AIDS and STIs, the personal impacts of choices and consequences, navigating social pressures, the intersection of violence, crime, and HIV risks, as well as media literacy and self-esteem. The National Teens Day event will see participation from ten schools, with invitations extended to eight government schools and two private institutions. World AIDS Day itself will be observed on December 1st, 2025.
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Condos at The Beach Club, Barbuda Start at $7 Million as Luxury Sales Launch
The Beach Club, Barbuda, has unveiled its exclusive collection of ultra-luxury beachfront residences, with prices ranging from US$7 million for The Beach Club Villas to US$15 million for The Beach Club Estates. The Nobu Beach Inn Residences, fully serviced by the Nobu Beach Inn, start at US$12 million. Spanning 400 acres of pristine coastline, this ambitious project is the brainchild of founders Robert De Niro, Daniel Shamoon, and James Packer. Central to the development is the Nobu Beach Inn resort, expected to be completed by late 2026, which will offer private homes, villas, and estates designed to blend world-class hospitality with a nature-first, low-impact approach. Managing Partner Daniel Shamoon described the resort as ‘a discreet, low-key destination where world-class hospitality subtly meets the ease of Caribbean living,’ promising buyers and guests a ‘true toes-in-the-sand, barefoot luxury experience.’ The development features three residential options: the Nobu Beach Inn Residences, comprising 25 serviced beachfront homes ranging from 5,000 to 6,000 sq. ft.; The Beach Club Villas, offering 23 one-acre beachfront lots with flexible layouts; and The Beach Club Estates, consisting of seven six-acre plots with up to 480 ft. of shoreline. Amenities include the Nobu Barbuda restaurant, an omakase sushi bar, an oceanfront pool, a spa, and tennis courts. Sustainability is a key focus, with the resort utilizing renewable energy, an on-site farm, and employing local Barbudans. Located on Barbuda’s southwest coast, The Beach Club is conveniently accessible via the new Burton Nibbs International Airport, with private jet and inter-island connections from Antigua just 10 minutes away.
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Antigua and Barbuda Engages in Landmark Biodiversity Talks in Panama
Antigua and Barbuda is stepping into a pivotal role in global biodiversity governance as the inaugural meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j) of the Convention on Biological Diversity commences in Panama City. Nneka Nicholas, Head of Delegation and President of the Nagoya Protocol COP/MOP-5, underscored the significance of this gathering for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) throughout the region. She articulated that the newly established body, a product of COP16, is designed to bolster the knowledge, innovations, and practices of IPLCs that are crucial for biodiversity conservation. This Subsidiary Body, which replaces the former Ad Hoc Working Group, is fully aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This alignment signifies a revitalized dedication to incorporating Indigenous knowledge into international biodiversity strategies, marking a significant step forward in global environmental governance.
