Senator Dwayne George has announced a comprehensive series of community development projects aimed at enhancing public facilities and improving the quality of life in St. Mary’s South. The initiatives, set to commence in the coming weeks, include the construction of a new bus stop in Cades Bay to ensure safer and more convenient commutes, and the establishment of a public bathroom facility at Darkwood Beach to enhance comfort for both residents and visitors. Additionally, the Urlings Basketball Court will undergo a much-needed renovation, fostering youth engagement, recreation, and community unity. Senator George also reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing infrastructure improvements, such as road and sidewalk upgrades, the construction of the Bolans Playfield Spectator Stand, and the completion of the Bolans Fire Station. Sanitation efforts, including waterway and gutter cleaning, will also be prioritized. Furthermore, the expansion of Antigua Black Pineapple production in Cades Bay is expected to boost local agriculture. These projects reflect the senator’s dedication to effective advocacy, strong community cooperation, and unwavering service. Senator George concluded with a call for continued collaboration to advance St. Mary’s South, emphasizing the hashtags #StMarysSouthStrong, #StrongerTogether, and #CommunityFirst.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
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Novella Payne Honoured for Transforming Antigua’s Agriculture and Culinary Heritage
Novella Payne, a visionary agro-processor and rural advocate from Antigua and Barbuda, has been honored as a Leader of Rurality of the Americas by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). Recognized for her transformative contributions to agriculture, rural communities, and local gastronomy, Payne’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and cultural pride. Born in Antigua but raised in England, Payne returned to her homeland in 1987, where she transitioned from managing a beauty salon to founding Granma Aki, a company that transforms local agricultural produce into value-added products such as teas, sauces, and jams. Her dedication to sustainable practices and traditional cuisine has earned her the prestigious Soul of Rurality award. Payne’s leadership extends beyond her business; she chaired the Antigua and Barbuda Rural Women Producers Association for six years, earning the nickname “bulldozer woman” for her relentless advocacy. Her work has not only strengthened the domestic market but also inspired rural women to pursue agricultural entrepreneurship. Payne’s philosophy centers on natural ingredients and love, which she considers her true preservative. She also champions agritourism, promoting Antigua’s natural wealth and culinary traditions. With her grandchildren now involved in the business, Payne continues to pass on her passion for rural life, proving that innovation and cultural pride can thrive in rural communities.
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Food Prices Continue to see Slight Decreases In Antigua and Barbuda, June CPI Reveals
The Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance’s Statistics Division has released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for June 2025, revealing a complex economic landscape marked by contrasting trends in food, energy, and core inflation sectors. Year-on-year analysis shows a modest 0.2% rise in the CPI for the twelve months ending June 2025, a notable recovery from the 0.6% decline recorded in May. However, the All Items Less Food and Energy index remained unchanged, reflecting a balancing act within core inflation metrics. The Food index experienced a 0.8% decline over the same period, driven by significant drops in vegetable prices, including lettuce (-60.6%), frozen vegetable blends (-23.0%), and onions (-13.8%). Other food subcategories, such as fish and seafood (-3.2%), oils and fats (-6.3%), and dairy products (-2.2%), also contributed to the downturn. Conversely, the Energy index surged by 5.4%, underscoring ongoing volatility in global energy markets. Monthly data highlights a 1.0% increase in the CPI for June, with the Food index rising 0.9% after a 0.4% drop in May. Notable monthly gains were observed in fruits (3.5%) and vegetables (2.8%), while transport services (8.4%) and health-related expenses (9.6%) saw significant hikes. These increases were partially offset by declines in recreation and culture (-5.1%) and household maintenance (-4.1%). The report underscores the intricate interplay of inflationary pressures across sectors, with implications for consumer spending and economic policy.
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Jamaican Poultry Experts Visit Antigua to Train Local Egg Farmers
A delegation from Hi Pro Feeds, led by Mr. Dayne Patterson, Brand Performance and Analytics Manager, and Dr. Mordecai Tulloch, Manager of Jamaica Egg Services and Senior Layer Specialist, visited Antigua this week to engage with local poultry farmers. The team, accompanied by Mr. Allan Osborne, a local farmer and Hi Pro Feeds distributor, conducted farm visits on October 2nd and hosted a pivotal meeting at the Multipurpose Centre. This marked a historic moment as Dr. Tulloch, who oversees over 500,000 layer birds for Hi Pro Feeds, provided in-person technical support for the first time in Antigua, a significant upgrade from previous telephone consultations. Mr. Osborne emphasized the value of having Dr. Tulloch’s expertise on-site, stating, ‘We are extremely fortunate to have his knowledge and experience available to us in person.’ Mr. Patterson also delivered an overview of Hi Pro Feeds and its subsidiaries, highlighting the company’s historical achievements and current capabilities. Dr. Tulloch’s presentation focused on layer production, covering essential topics such as coop construction, sanitation, feeding, watering, lighting, and farm management, supported by instructional mini-videos. The meeting was well-attended, interactive, and highly appreciated by attendees. The Ministry of Agriculture expressed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable agricultural practices, climate resilience, and food security. This collaboration underscores Hi Pro Feeds’ dedication to providing technical support and fostering agricultural development in Antigua.
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Financial Information Month Festival 2025 Launched
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) officially inaugurated the Financial Information Month (FIM) Festival 2025 on September 30 with a regional media event. The gathering united banking partners, students, educators, government representatives, and media practitioners from across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). The event signaled the commencement of a month-long series of activities throughout October, aimed at fortifying communities and empowering citizens to transition from being savers to investors—the central theme of this year’s FIM Festival. Deputy Governor Dr. Valda F. Henry delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the ECCB’s mission to maintain monetary and financial stability while fostering growth and development. She highlighted key initiatives such as the First Step Savings Account, designed to integrate more citizens into the formal banking system, and the Regional Government Securities Market (RGSM) Retail Bond Initiative, which aims to facilitate the shift from saving to investing. The launch, chaired by Shermalon Kirby, Director of the Corporate Relations Department, featured presentations from regional and sectoral partners. These included discussions on wealth creation by Dwight Sampson of Grenada’s Ministry of Finance, a monologue titled “Me Want to Grow My Wealth” by Shana Derrick, and insights into the ECCU Retail Bond Initiative by Juletta Edinborough. Additionally, Youlouca Armony-Browne of the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange highlighted the 3rd Annual Regional Schools Investment Competition, with reflections from the 2024 champions, Adelphi Secondary School. Representatives from FIM Partnering institutions also presented their 2025 Calendar of Activities.
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Barbuda Council Denies Responsibility for Codrington Landfill Fire, Urges Public to Report Perpetrators
The Barbuda Council has issued a public statement regarding a recent fire at the Codrington Landfill, clarifying that neither the Council’s Health Department nor landfill workers were responsible for igniting the blaze. The Council strongly condemns the unauthorized burning of solid waste at the site, emphasizing the environmental and health hazards it poses. Authorities are actively investigating the incident and urge anyone with information about the perpetrator(s) to come forward and report to the Health Administrative Office or the Police. The fire has significantly compromised air quality in the community, prompting the Council to advise residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions, to take extra precautions to protect their health. In response to the emergency, the Barbuda Council is collaborating with the Barbuda Fire Department to deploy all available resources to contain and extinguish the fire. The Council remains committed to addressing the situation swiftly and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
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Wave near Africa could gradually strengthen, possibly a depression by mid-late next week
A tropical wave currently situated between the west coast of Africa and the Cabo Verde Islands is generating a wide area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Meteorologists predict gradual development of this system over the coming days, with a possibility of it strengthening into a tropical depression by the middle to latter part of next week. As it progresses across the central tropical Atlantic, it is expected to approach the Leeward Islands. The likelihood of cyclone formation within the next 48 hours remains low, near 0 percent, but increases to a medium 50 percent chance over the next seven days. Residents in the affected regions are advised to monitor updates closely as the situation evolves.
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OP-ED: Big Tobacco Calls It Harm Reduction, Caribbean Youth Calls It Profiting From Addiction
The Caribbean has become a focal point for lobbying efforts by groups such as the World Vapers’ Alliance, Smoke Free Sweden, and We Are Innovation. These organizations are pushing narratives aimed at weakening robust tobacco control measures in the region, particularly ahead of the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). Recent articles and social media campaigns targeting Barbados and Trinidad have promoted the tobacco industry’s agenda, falsely portraying electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco products as harm reduction tools. However, these claims are not supported by independent public health research. Instead, these products are aggressively marketed to youth, are highly addictive, and pose significant long-term health risks. Nicotine, a key component of these products, is linked to cardiovascular disease, cancers, and impaired brain development in adolescents. The World Health Organization has warned that the tobacco industry is using these newer products to undermine public health policies while continuing to profit from traditional cigarettes. Dr. Arthur Phillips, Deputy Chief Medical Officer in Barbados, highlighted the vulnerability of Small Island Developing States to the long-term costs of nicotine addiction. The Barbados National NCD Commission has also raised concerns about the rise of vaping, emphasizing its health risks and aggressive marketing to youth. Caribbean governments, as parties to the WHO FCTC, must remain vigilant against industry interference and advocate for evidence-based tobacco control policies at COP11. Measures such as higher tobacco taxes, advertising bans, and accessible cessation services are essential to protect public health.
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DCA Halts Construction of Controversial Church Statue on All Saints Road
The Development Control Authority (DCA) has issued an immediate halt to the construction of a towering statue at Glorious Hope Ministries, escalating the ongoing debate surrounding the monument. The DCA has demanded that the church provide evidence of proper authorization for the project. While sources indicate that approval was granted, it reportedly did not cover the specific location where the statue is being erected. Elder Claude Weaver, the church’s leader, has asserted that all necessary documentation is in order and that he has complied with the DCA’s requests. The statue, which stands prominently on All Saints Road, was intended to symbolize biblical prophecies from the book of Daniel. Its imposing design—featuring a helmeted head, crossed arms, and muscular frame—has sparked a range of reactions. Supporters view it as a bold declaration of faith, while critics have questioned its size and placement. With the DCA’s intervention, the future of the statue remains uncertain, leaving both the church and the community in anticipation of further developments.
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VC Bird Airport Advises Travelers of Water Main Repairs Affecting Terminal Area
The Antigua and Barbuda Airports Authority (ABAA) has issued a public advisory regarding ongoing water line repairs at VC Bird International Airport. The Maintenance Department is currently conducting essential repairs to the water main located west of the Arrivals Hall exit, near the terminal curbside. These repairs are expected to temporarily disrupt pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the affected area. Travelers and airport users are strongly advised to exercise caution, adhere to posted signage, and follow instructions from airport personnel to ensure safety during this period. The ABAA has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and extended gratitude to the public for their patience as the repairs are carried out efficiently. While the duration of the repairs remains unspecified, the authority emphasized its commitment to minimizing disruptions and maintaining safety standards. The announcement underscores the airport’s proactive approach to infrastructure maintenance and its dedication to ensuring a seamless travel experience for all users.