标签： Antigua and Barbuda

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on Tuesday, all 53 students from Antigua and Barbuda studying in the country have been confirmed safe. Maurice Merchant, the Director of Communications and Coordinator of the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Programme, provided reassurance that the students, who were sheltered at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, remained unharmed. They will continue to stay at the hotel until classes at the University of the West Indies resume on Monday. Merchant also reported that while some students in Montego Bay experienced structural damage to their accommodations, none sustained injuries. Prime Minister Gaston Browne closely monitored the situation during the storm and expressed gratitude, stating, ‘We thank God for sparing their lives and for keeping them safe.’ The swift response and effective coordination ensured the safety of all students, highlighting the importance of preparedness during natural disasters.

The essence of education lies not in imposing control but in igniting curiosity and growth. However, in many schools, outdated disciplinary methods, such as corporal punishment, continue to overshadow this ideal. For instance, students are often subjected to physical punishment for minor infractions like tardiness—a practice that seems more regressive than constructive.

Such methods raise critical questions about the alignment of school discipline with real-world expectations. In professional environments, tardiness might result in a written warning, a pay deduction, or a discussion, but never physical harm. Why, then, should educational institutions, which are meant to foster development and learning, resort to such measures? We live in an era that has moved beyond the oppressive systems of the past, having fought for independence not just politically but also mentally, rejecting the notion that violence equates to discipline.

Physical punishment may instill fear, but fear does not cultivate responsibility. Instead, it stifles voices, breeds resentment, and teaches young minds that pain is the cost of correction. There are more effective alternatives. Schools can encourage reflection by engaging late students in meaningful conversations about the value of time or assigning them tasks that build character rather than shame.

True discipline should shape individuals, not leave lasting scars. If schools aim to prepare students for life, their lessons must stem from respect, not fear. As the saying goes, ‘Violence may control a body, but respect reaches the soul.’ It is high time that educational institutions prioritize reaching souls over enforcing compliance.

A male student at Princess Margaret School has been exonerated after being falsely accused of assaulting his form teacher during a classroom incident last week. Initially, the student was alleged to have inappropriately touched the teacher, which reportedly led to the teacher slapping him. The boy returned home with visible swelling, prompting his parents to intervene. They firmly maintained their son’s innocence and demanded a thorough investigation. A meeting on Tuesday involving school officials, the teacher, and the parents concluded that the student was not responsible for the alleged act. Instead, a female student later admitted to being the one who touched the teacher. Despite the exoneration, the boy’s mother revealed that the teacher has not apologized, and her son was humiliated in front of his classmates. The family is now considering legal action and expects the Ministry of Education to address the issue. The ministry has confirmed that it is currently reviewing the case.

The Ministry of Works in Antigua and Barbuda is currently spearheading a significant road rehabilitation project in Bathlodge, a community that has long grappled with deteriorating infrastructure. This initiative, which focuses on a crucial access road serving numerous residents, is set to transform the area’s transportation network. The project was necessitated by years of wear and tear, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, which had rendered the road unsafe and challenging to navigate. Local resident Maria Vanessa Browne expressed relief, describing the road’s previous condition as ‘horrid’ and highlighting the anticipated benefits of the upgrades. Minister of Health, Wellness, and the Environment, Sir Molwyn Joseph, alongside other officials, recently inspected the ongoing work, underscoring the government’s commitment to infrastructure development. This project is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Works to enhance road networks across Antigua and Barbuda, ensuring safer and more accessible travel for motorists and pedestrians alike.

The Barbuda Community Centre, recently renovated and reopened earlier this year, stands as a testament to the island’s resilience and recovery efforts following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Irma in 2017. The upgraded facility, which also functions as a hurricane shelter, has been meticulously restored and modernized to better serve the community during emergencies. Beyond its critical role as a refuge, the centre will now host a variety of community gatherings, cultural events, and celebrations, fostering stronger social bonds among Barbudans. Officials highlight that the renovation is a key milestone in the island’s broader infrastructure rebuilding initiative, which began after Irma devastated 95 percent of Barbuda eight years ago. The project was financed through a USD $31 million loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), with additional support from the government and the Project Implementation Management Unit (PIMU) within the Ministry of Works. In a statement, the ministry expressed gratitude for the continued assistance from organizations such as the UNDP, CDB, and the European Union, emphasizing that the upgrades embody “resilience in the face of adversity.” The refurbished Community Centre is part of a series of significant civil works completed on the island, including the renovated Barbuda Council Administrative Building and the newly constructed National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) Operations Centre. Ongoing projects, such as the Community Multipurpose Centre and resilient concrete roads, aim to enhance transportation and bolster Barbuda’s economic growth.