标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) has unveiled an exciting lineup for the 44th National Schools’ Panorama, a cornerstone of the nation’s Independence celebrations. Sixteen schools are set to participate in this year’s event, showcasing their musical prowess and cultural heritage. The ABFC has expressed deep gratitude to its sponsors, including the Citizenship by Investment Unit, ACB Caribbean, and ICool, for their unwavering support in fostering youth development and cultural preservation. Hon. Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries, emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating, ‘Investing in our youth and culture ensures the continuity of our traditions and prepares our young people for a brighter future.’ He also highlighted the significance of safe spaces like Pan Yards, where young individuals can flourish. Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairperson of the ABFC, shared her enthusiasm for the growing participation, noting that the event has outgrown its previous venue and will now be held at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium. She welcomed new participants, including Bendals Primary, Irene B. Williams Secondary, and Sir Novelle Richards Academy, while last year’s champions, Greenbay Primary School and Antigua Grammar School, will return to defend their titles. The competition, scheduled for October 25, 2025, promises to be a vibrant celebration of creativity and musical talent, with tickets available at the gate for $25 (adults) and $10 (children 12 and up). The event invites families to support their schools and witness the spirit of ‘Solid – Stable – Soaring’ come alive through the steel pan.

The Board of Education unveiled the Eustace Hill STEM Scholarship during a heartfelt ceremony at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa, marking a pivotal step in fostering educational opportunities for Antiguan and Barbudan students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The scholarship, named in honor of the late Mr. Eustace Hill, a stalwart in the nation’s education system, aims to inspire and support the next generation of innovators and leaders. The inaugural recipient, Ms. Lakeea Allen, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Derby in the UK, expressed her gratitude via a pre-recorded video message. Her father, Mr. Alfredo Allen, accepted the award on her behalf, receiving a warm ovation from the audience. Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ms. Denise Gardiner, emphasized the scholarship’s broader significance, stating, ‘This initiative embodies vision, opportunity, and legacy, continuing Mr. Hill’s lifelong dedication to education.’ The event was attended by prominent figures, including the Honourable Daryll Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries, who reflected on Mr. Hill’s enduring influence and the scholarship’s role in shaping the nation’s future. The Hill family, present in full force, shared poignant memories of Mr. Hill, with his daughter Arica Hill describing him as a guiding compass. The launch underscores the Board of Education’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation, positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a hub of knowledge and technological advancement.

The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society (ABRCS) is commemorating its 84th anniversary, celebrating over eight decades of unwavering service, compassion, and resilience to the nation. Founded in 1940, the organization has become a cornerstone of humanitarian efforts, addressing crises ranging from natural disasters to pandemics and personal emergencies. In a heartfelt message marking this milestone, President Dr. J. Humphreys praised the volunteers as the backbone of the organization, describing them as ‘the first on the scene and the last to leave’ during times of crisis. He highlighted their dedication, sacrifice, and courage, which have profoundly impacted countless lives. Beyond emergency response, the ABRCS has expanded its initiatives to include youth training, health education, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience programs. These efforts, coupled with community outreach and mobile health services, have strengthened local capacity and ensured inclusivity. Dr. Humphreys emphasized the volunteers’ embodiment of Red Cross principles—kindness in action, courage in adversity, and selfless dedication. As the organization looks to the future, he expressed confidence in its ability to tackle growing humanitarian challenges with resilience, innovation, and humanity. The president also expressed gratitude for the members’ service and reaffirmed the ABRCS’s commitment to providing hope, comfort, and life-saving support to communities nationwide. ‘Let us move forward together, inspired by the difference we make and motivated by the lives we touch,’ he concluded. The ABRCS remains steadfast in its mission to alleviate suffering and promote health, safety, and dignity for all.

Preparations are in full swing for the 2023 National Food Fair, scheduled to take place on November 3 at the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better, with organizers accommodating 245 vendors—a significant increase from the 205 participants in 2022. Gilbert Laudat, co-chair of the organizing committee, highlighted the logistical challenges posed by the expanded vendor list, particularly as some vendors requested larger stalls. Adjustments were made to ensure fairness and optimal placement for all participants. ‘Our goal is to ensure every vendor is comfortably situated,’ Laudat emphasized. ‘We’ve capped the number at 245 to align with anticipated visitor turnout.’ The event layout will follow last year’s design, with odd-numbered stalls positioned on the east side and even-numbered ones on the west. Vendor assignments will be finalized at a meeting next Tuesday at People’s Place. Beyond the culinary offerings, the fair will feature a dedicated children’s zone and a seniors’ section for dining and entertainment. A mobile-friendly system, complemented by helpers in distinctive T-shirts, will assist visitors in navigating the venue. Adding to the festive atmosphere, a parade at 3:30pm will showcase the Skelly Hoppers, Moko Jambi, and other vibrant characters, tying the event to the nation’s Independence celebrations. The National Food Fair continues to be a cornerstone of the country’s Independence festivities, celebrating culture, community, and cuisine.

In a landmark event marking the first prison training graduation ceremony since 2016, 42 recruits have officially joined His Majesty’s Prison. The ceremony, held at the Multipurpose Cultural Centre on Monday, celebrated the completion of a rigorous nine-week training program. The curriculum encompassed essential areas such as law enforcement, weapon handling, and conflict management, equipping the new officers with the skills necessary to enhance prison security and public safety. Public Safety Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin lauded the graduates, expressing confidence in their ability to contribute significantly to national safety. He also revealed plans to amend the Prison Act by the end of the year, signaling a commitment to modernizing prison operations. Officials emphasized that the influx of new staff would strengthen rehabilitation initiatives at the Coronation Road facility, ultimately aiding in the reduction of reoffending rates.

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a High Surf Advisory for Antigua and several other islands in the northern Leewards, warning of hazardous sea conditions caused by strong swells from the north. The advisory, initially announced at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, will remain in effect until Thursday afternoon for Antigua, with neighboring islands such as Barbuda, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands under alert until Thursday evening. The Met Service reported that long-period swells of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) are combining with surf heights reaching 10 feet (3 meters), resulting in dangerous rip currents and pounding surf along northern and north-facing coastlines. Authorities have cautioned beachgoers and mariners to exercise extreme vigilance, as the rough conditions could lead to coastal flooding and beach erosion in vulnerable areas. Residents are advised to avoid exposed beaches, refrain from venturing onto rocks and jetties, and only swim in areas monitored by lifeguards. The swells, with periods ranging between 10 and 11 seconds, are attributed to distant storm activity in the North Atlantic, which transmits wave energy over long distances. The advisory extends to St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands, with impacts varying based on coastline exposure. Marine operators and small craft users are urged to stay updated on conditions, as sea states may worsen before improving later in the week.