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Port workers in Antigua and Barbuda marked a historic milestone on Monday as both bargaining units convened jointly under the sole representation of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) for the first time.

The gathering at Freedom Hall brought together administrative staff, equipment operators, mechanics, security personnel, and longshoremen, all rallying behind a unified cause.

Addressing the packed hall, ABWU Deputy General Secretary Chester Hughes declared: “One port, one mission, one union!”

A key focus of the meeting was the union’s stance on the ongoing use of contract workers for positions traditionally held by permanent staff. The ABWU’s negotiating team, also present at the meeting, pledged to prioritise this issue in upcoming talks.

The union said it intends to challenge the practice and push for stronger employment standards across the port.

The Rotary Club of Antigua on Saturday completed another transition phase in the leadership of the Club.

In a symbolic Handover ceremony, which took place at the Tradewinds Hotel on Saturday 28th July 2025, the body celebrated the achievements of the Rotary Year 2024-2025 with the handover of leadership from outgoing President Sherrie-Ann Brazier to incoming President Elisa Graham.

Ahead of the official pinning and awards, Guest Speaker, Senator Kiz Johnson, made a thought-provoking presentation on the fitting topic “The Power of Service”, where she emphasized that “serving others sometimes builds the very bridges that you or your loved ones may need to cross one day”, thus explaining the significance of selfless service in keep with the Club’s motto “Service Above Self”.

In her parting words to the outgoing leadership team and her motivational welcome to the incoming board, Senator Johnson expressed, “Service to humanity is the best work of life.

To the outgoing leadership, thank you for your incredible service. To the incoming team, best wishes as you take up the mantle and continue the journey”.

In her farewell address as the Club’s outgoing President, Sherrie-Ann Brazier, reflected on the feats in Rotary’s areas of focus during the 2024-2025 Rotary year and thanked the outgoing Board of Directors and Rotarians for their support.

She also extended well wishes to incoming President Elisa and board for the new Rotary Year.

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to every member who brought their magic. Your service, enthusiasm, and dedication have demonstrated that Rotary’s true magic lies in our collective effort to serve humanity.

As we turn the page to a new chapter, I am energized by our theme for 2025/26—”Unite for Good.” When we come together with purpose and passion, we create a magic that transforms lives and communities.

I leave you with this thought: the true magic of Rotary lies not just in what we do, but in who we are – people committed to making a difference, united in purpose, and inspired by service”, she posited.

Another highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of Rotarians who went above and beyond and exemplified hard work and dedication throughout the Rotary Year.

The award for Director of the Year went to Previous Assistant Governor, Previous President and Service Projects Director- Paul Ryan, who also received the inaugural “The Seat Never Empty Award” in memory of late Rotarian Wilden Gardener.

Rotarian of the Year Award was awarded to outgoing Secretary, Jo-Anne Scotland -Gilkes.

With a new leadership team in place, the Rotary Club of Antigua is set to build on its successes and overall impact in the community through this year’s guiding principle: Unite for Good as coined by Rotary International.

In her first official address, incoming President Elisa expressed thanks to family, friends and the Club for the opportunity to lead the organization for the next year.

She outlined that the message “Unite for Good” captures the heart of the Club’s mission—to bring together individuals from all walks of life to make a positive and lasting difference.

“We are embarking on an exciting journey as we continue to build upon the strong foundation of the previous leadership of the Rotary Club of Antigua.

As President, it is my hope to strengthen our current projects, lead impactful initiatives, expand our reach, and increase the visibility of our Club.

In a world filled with challenges, Rotary remains a beacon of hope. “Unite for Good” is not just a slogan—it is a movement.

Whether we are eradicating disease, supporting education, addressing hunger, or helping communities in need, our collective impact is powerful and far-reaching”.

She noted that this year, there will be increased focused on growing the Club while keeping members engaged, continue efforts to support the global eradication of Polio through the Rotary Foundation, launch targeted projects focused on mentorship, literacy, education, and life skills—especially for vulnerable youth-with intent to renovate the National Youth Intervention Centre, , enhance and develop new partnerships for scholarship opportunities through the Club’s relationship with the University of the West indies, Five Islands Campus (UWIFIC) and the Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education (ABICE).

The Club will also continue its legacy projects to include: Education Through Technology, its Sewing Project (active in 12 sewing centres across the island) and its Meals on Wheels initiative.

President Elisa emphasized the importance of the public’s support of the Club’s annual fundraiser- this year Colours of the Wild Wild West, which plays a significant role in financing impactful projects and donations to the community annually.

This year the event will take place at the Coolidge Cricket Grounds on Saturday 19th July 2025 from 8pm -2am.

President Elisa then administered the oath of office to her new board of directors, namely: Immediate Past President Sherrie-Ann Brazier; President Elect Anastasia Wilson; Vice President Vanetta Rodgers; Secretary Nikki Laville Benjamin; Treasurer Kadesh Bailey; Rotary Foundation Director Evangeline Allen; Membership Chair Samoya Kirby; Club Administrator Linda Watkins; Service Projects Director Paul Ryan; Youth Services Director Rosanne Emmanuel; Public Image Chair Sherwyn Greenidge; and Training Officer Denise Armstrong.

Rotary International’s motto of “Service Above Self” will remain at the heart of every initiative, and the newly appointed Board is determined to create lasting change for future generations.

The Ministry of Agriculture officially launched its 2025 Internship Programme on Monday 30th June, welcoming a young cohort of interns during an opening ceremony held at the Point Wharf Fisheries Complex Conference Room.

The programme, which runs for one month, offer participants hands-on exposure across key departments within the Ministry and in other related areas, including Extension, Fisheries, Veterinary & Livestock, Communications, Agro-processing, Beekeeping and Aquaponics/Hydroponics.

The ceremony opened with a prayer led by Mrs. Carol-Faye Bynoe-George/Head of the Communications Unit and the MOA Internship Coordinator. Additionally, messages were delivered from Honourable Minister Anthony Smith jr., and Mr. Gregory Bailey/ Director of Agriculture because they both were unable to attend due to other duties overseas. Later, she delivered the vote of thanks, encouraging interns to view the experience not just as a placement, but as an opportunity to shape their professional journey.

Mrs. Nicolette Francis, Education Officer for Agricultural Science at the Ministry of Education, delivered brief remarks. She urged interns to remain curious, professional, and proactive. “Agriculture is evolving,” she said, “and you are stepping into a space where your contribution can matter.”

This internship is designed to give serious Agricultural Science students meaningful field experience, deepen their understanding of the agricultural sector, and introduce them to the real-world demands of public service.

Present were fifteen interns which consisted of nine females and six males ages ranging from 15 – 20years old. The combination included young persons from Antigua Girls High School, Antigua Grammar School, Clare Hall Secondary School, Irene B Williams Secondary School. Jennings Secondary School, Princess Margaret Secondary School, Sir McChesney George Secondary School, Sir Novelle Richards Academy and a former student of the Christ the King High School who is currently pursuing a degree in Agricultural Economics.

Fresh energy meets fertile ground — and the season of learning has begun.

Workers repave a section of the main road in Jennings as part of ongoing infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving road safety and pedestrian access.