标签： Antigua and Barbuda

A scathing critique has emerged regarding the practice of certain churches and religious ministers accepting tithes from elderly, vulnerable individuals, many of whom suffer from dementia or live in poverty. The author, a self-proclaimed ‘God-fearing prostitute on Popeshead Street,’ expresses deep frustration and moral outrage over this exploitation. The letter highlights the case of an elderly woman in her 80s or 90s, surviving on a meager pension and occasional support from family and friends, who is still pressured to donate to the church. The author questions the ethics of religious leaders who fail to inform these elderly individuals that they are not obligated to tithe, especially when their financial situation is dire. The letter also touches on the historical context of brainwashing, where older generations were taught that withholding tithes would result in divine punishment. The author calls for legal measures to prevent religious organizations from accepting tithes from low-income seniors, labeling the practice as ‘shameful’ and ‘plain wickedness.’ The piece concludes with a broader critique of declining church attendance, attributing it to such unethical behaviors.

Harold Lovell, the former finance minister and caretaker for the All Saints West constituency, has voiced grave concerns over the escalating crime rates in the Bellevue Heights and Sinclair Heights areas. Speaking on Observer A.M., Lovell highlighted the growing fear among residents, particularly women, who feel like prisoners in their own homes due to frequent burglaries and robberies. He emphasized that many residents are too afraid to enter their homes alone at night, describing the situation as deeply troubling. To address these issues, Lovell revealed that two retired senior police officers, Nuffield Burnett and David, attended a recent community meeting to provide practical safety strategies. Residents have since initiated neighborhood patrols and information-sharing systems, but Lovell stressed that a more robust police response is urgently needed. He criticized the environmental neglect in the area, noting that overgrown vegetation provides cover for criminals. Lovell plans to write to relevant authorities and involve the police commissioner to tackle the problem. His comments come amid broader public concern about rising crime across Antigua and Barbuda, with police encouraging citizens to form neighborhood watch groups and report suspicious activities.

The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) in Antigua and Barbuda is actively participating in the global observance of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) on October 13. This year’s theme, ‘Fund Resilience, Not Disasters,’ emphasizes the urgent need to invest in disaster preparedness to mitigate future calamities. The United Nations established this annual event to highlight the catastrophic impacts of disasters on individuals, communities, and nations, urging proactive measures to reduce risks. In Antigua and Barbuda, a series of events have been organized to mark the occasion. On Sunday, district disaster teams collaborated with local churches to deliver presentations on disaster preparedness and the critical role of their teams. Monday was designated as media day, featuring interviews with representatives from NODS, the Met Office, the Department of Environment, the Development Control Authority, the Central Board of Health, and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. These interviews were broadcast on various radio and television stations to raise public awareness. Tuesday will host a disaster management expo at the multi-purpose centre, where NODS and other first response agencies will showcase their work and engage with the public. Additional activities include a youth training session on disaster management on Wednesday, a CPR demonstration on Thursday in collaboration with Emergency Medical Services, and a Community Awareness Day on Friday, where district disaster teams will conduct community outreach. These initiatives aim to foster a culture of resilience and preparedness across the nation.

In a bid to foster financial literacy among young minds, Caribbean Union Bank (CUB) recently hosted students from Cedar Grove Primary School as part of its second round of educational bank tours. This initiative, aligned with Financial Information Month, seeks to demystify banking operations and instill sound financial habits from an early age. The students were treated to an immersive experience, including a guided tour of the bank’s facilities and interactive sessions on saving and money management. A highlight of the visit was a meeting with the author of *Aunty Honey’s Money*, a children’s book that uses storytelling to teach financial concepts. A CUB spokesperson emphasized the program’s goal of equipping the next generation with the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions. Financial Information Month, observed annually in October across the Eastern Caribbean, underscores the importance of financial empowerment through education and awareness. This initiative reflects CUB’s commitment to nurturing financially savvy individuals who can navigate the complexities of modern finance with ease.

Kelvin ‘Shugy’ Simon, the Member of Parliament for St Mary’s South, has lauded the resilience of his constituents in the wake of severe flooding triggered by a recent tropical storm. In a heartfelt social media post, Simon detailed his visit to various affected areas alongside community leader Leibert ‘Chairman’ Francis. The duo focused on checking on the elderly and most vulnerable residents, ensuring their safety and well-being. Simon described the experience as ‘inspiring,’ highlighting the ‘gratitude, strength, and resilience’ demonstrated by the people of St Mary’s South. He emphasized the importance of unity within the community and called for renewed efforts to enhance local infrastructure and public services to better withstand future natural disasters. The MP’s message underscored the need for collective action and support to rebuild and strengthen the community in the aftermath of the storm.

In a shocking incident over the weekend, Cedar Grove Primary School fell victim to a brazen act of vandalism. Intruders broke into the school premises, making off with several security cameras and an air-conditioning unit. The perpetrators did not stop there; they ransacked multiple classrooms, specifically targeting Grade Two, Four, and Five, leaving behind a trail of extensive damage. The break-in was discovered by staff and students as they arrived to prepare for the new school week, leaving the school community in dismay. Local authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the incident, aiming to bring the culprits to justice. The school administration is now assessing the damage and working to restore normalcy for the students and staff. This incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of educational institutions in the area, prompting calls for enhanced protective measures.

Senator Lamin Newton has delivered a powerful message of self-improvement and positivity following his recent graduation from the University of the West Indies (UWI). In a heartfelt reflection shared online, Newton emphasized the importance of personal growth, urging individuals to focus on becoming better versions of themselves rather than succumbing to negativity.

Newton, who described his university journey as a period of learning and resilience, recounted facing criticism and doubt but remaining steadfast in his goals. ‘I was laughed at, belittled, and criticized. However, I never allowed that to break my focus and resolve,’ he wrote. His message highlighted the value of perseverance and using one’s experiences to inspire others rather than tear them down.

The senator also addressed broader societal issues, calling on people to abandon hate and jealousy. ‘The time has come for ‘you’ to let go of the hate and jealousy — it does you no good,’ he stated. Newton expressed his desire to be a source of encouragement, reminding his audience that ‘nothing is beyond your reach.’ His words have resonated widely, with many supporters applauding his academic achievement and his advocacy for self-reflection and positivity.

Newton’s graduation marks another milestone in his ongoing commitment to public service and personal development. His message serves as a timely reminder of the transformative power of education and the importance of fostering a culture of mutual support and growth.

The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society (ABRCS) has successfully relaunched its mobile clinic, months after it was severely vandalized and robbed in mid-May. The incident, which involved the theft of critical medical equipment and the destruction of essential supplies, marked another in a series of targeted break-ins against the organization. Despite the setbacks, the Red Cross has restored the mobile unit with enhanced security measures, including reinforced doors, security windows, CCTV cameras, and a new air-conditioning unit. ABRCS President Dr. Jose Humphreys described the ordeal as ‘heartbreaking but not defeating,’ expressing gratitude to the Mill Reef Fund, Fleet and Logistics Manager Jameel Ambrose, and M. Etwaru Construction Service for their support in bringing the clinic back to operation. The mobile clinic provides vital services such as health screenings, vaccinations, maternal care, and disaster health support to underserved communities. Its revival symbolizes the organization’s resilience and unwavering commitment to humanitarian aid. To safeguard against future incidents, the Red Cross has implemented additional security protocols, ensuring the clinic’s continued service to those in need.