标签： Antigua and Barbuda

In a passionate address during Thursday’s parliamentary debate on the Tax Administration and Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2025, St. John’s Rural South MP Daryll Matthew highlighted the urgent need to tackle abandoned and decaying buildings across the island. Describing these structures as ‘havens for criminals and rodents,’ Matthew emphasized their detrimental impact on public health and community safety. He revealed that a recent survey in the Lower Ottos area of his constituency identified 151 abandoned properties, many of which are overrun with vegetation, vermin, and criminal activity. ‘These properties have become havens for criminals and hotels for rodents,’ Matthew stated. ‘We have an opportunity to turn what is now decay into development — to turn a nuisance into something nice.’ The MP argued that the new legislation provides the government with the necessary tools to address derelict properties, which have long been eyesores and public health hazards. He proposed that properties acquired through the process could be converted into green spaces, playgrounds, or housing lots, particularly for residents living near the abandoned sites. Matthew also suggested the introduction of an escrow system to protect the proceeds of property sales in cases where an owner or heir later reappears, and recommended waiving stamp duty for buyers who purchase derelict lots through public auction to encourage redevelopment. ‘This is a chance to improve the quality of life for everyone,’ Matthew concluded. ‘We have been elected to solve problems, not allow them to rot in our neighborhoods.’ The Tax Administration and Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2025 passed later that day with the government’s majority support, marking a significant step toward community revitalization and public safety.

For centuries, the act of proposing marriage has been a male-dominated ritual, deeply rooted in patriarchal norms. Men have been conditioned to view it as both a duty and a declaration of love, a performative gesture that reinforces traditional masculinity. However, this practice is not as romantic as it seems; it is a relic of a bygone era when marriage was more about ownership and transaction than affection. Historically, proposals were contracts between families, with the man seeking the father’s approval rather than the woman’s consent. The ring symbolized not commitment but a transaction—a compensation for the transfer of guardianship. Love entered the equation only after commerce. By the 20th century, capitalism and De Beers’ diamond campaigns transformed this obligation into a cultural expectation, leaving men to shoulder the economic and emotional burden of proving their devotion while women remained gatekeepers. In a century obsessed with equality, this tradition persists, repackaged in hashtags and engagement reels. The imbalance remains: men kneel, women judge; men plan, women approve. But a woman who proposes doesn’t invert power—she equalizes it. She signals trust and mutual agency, choosing to lead beside her partner rather than waiting to be chosen. True equality isn’t about trading dominance; it’s about erasing outdated scripts that assign one partner perpetual initiative and the other eternal response. Men must question why they continue to bear the symbolic burden of pursuit in a world where leadership should be shared. Vulnerability should not be romanticized only when it’s male. If partnership is truly modern, the proposal must evolve. Imagine a world where women initiate commitment—it would be a cultural shock, but one that fosters empathy and balance. Men would learn the dignity of being chosen, and women would confront the courage required to risk rejection. The act of proposing is not trivial; it’s the thesis statement of a relationship, defining who holds initiative and who controls the tempo of commitment. To modernize love, we must modernize its symbolism. Men, retire the kneeling posture. The floor is not your place. If she believes in partnership, she’ll join you—not because she’s beneath you, but because she finally understands what it means to stand with you. The man who waits to be chosen isn’t weak; he’s wise enough to know that love, when equal, is not chased—it walks toward him.

Kelvin Simon, Member of Parliament for St. Mary’s South, has intensified his call for justice following the tragic police shooting of Kahleel Simon. Describing the incident as a profound loss, Simon emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in the ongoing investigation. Speaking at a community protest, he rallied residents and supporters, urging law enforcement to uphold their duty to serve and protect. “Kahleel’s life was taken far too soon,” Simon stated, adding that his family and community deserve answers and justice. The protest highlighted the community’s determination to ensure the matter is not forgotten. Simon stressed that the case is not just about one individual but about the broader principles of safety, trust, and the value of every life. He vowed to continue demanding answers, asserting that unity strengthens their call for justice. The incident has reignited discussions about public trust in law enforcement and the importance of transparency to prevent fear and injustice from shaping the community’s future. The investigation into the fatal shooting remains active, with no further details disclosed at this time.

The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has launched an investigation into allegations that several major commercial enterprises, including supermarkets, have been paying significantly lower electricity bills compared to ordinary households. This revelation was confirmed by a government spokesperson on Friday, sparking concerns over potential irregularities in the billing system. Maurice Merchant, the Director-General of Communications, disclosed that the Cabinet was informed of the discrepancies, describing the situation as a clear indication of underlying issues. “Some large businesses are paying electricity bills that some households are paying,” Merchant stated during a post-Cabinet media briefing. In response, APUA has initiated the installation of tamper-proof metering systems designed to prevent manipulation of utility equipment and ensure accurate billing. The move comes after earlier findings by the Ministry of Utilities revealed that certain companies had been under-reporting their electricity usage, leading to significant revenue losses for the authority. Merchant emphasized that the upgrade of meters is part of a broader strategy to curb irregularities and recover lost income. While specific names and figures were not disclosed, officials acknowledged that the situation has prompted the Cabinet to call for stricter oversight of commercial energy consumption. The new metering systems are expected to play a pivotal role in modernizing APUA’s billing and monitoring infrastructure, aligning with the government’s efforts to enhance transparency and reduce revenue leakages across state agencies.