分类： Society

CABINET NOTES – The Cabinet received an update from the Honourable Minister for Agriculture on his Ministry’s ongoing efforts to construct a series of new dams and water catchment ponds across Antigua. This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to bolster national food security and reduce dependence on desalinated water for agricultural use.

In support of this critical project, Cabinet has immediately approved funding for the purchase of a dedicated excavator, which will be used to accelerate the construction of these water storage facilities. This equipment investment signals the government’s commitment to providing the necessary tools and resources to implement water infrastructure solutions that will directly benefit local farmers and enhance irrigation capacity.

This latest development follows Cabinet’s decision, made several months ago, to prioritize the development of water catchment systems as a key pillar of its national food production agenda. Recognizing that reliable and affordable water access is essential to sustainable farming, the government is taking a proactive approach to ensure the agricultural sector is better equipped to withstand drought conditions and climate variability.

The Minister further informed Cabinet that the Ministry of Agriculture is collaborating closely with the Geology Department of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) to identify the most viable and strategic locations for the construction of dams and ponds. This partnership ensures that scientific and environmental assessments guide the site selection process, optimizing the long-term functionality and impact of the new infrastructure.

The government views these developments as essential steps toward building climate resilience, empowering farmers, and securing the nation’s agro-economic future.

Rastas are set apart from other people because they refuse to do certain things:

1. Rastas do not serve Babylon’s System – Rastas do not bow to Babylon, the mindset that demands blind obedience. They do not put trust in the promises of Babylon. Rastas do not get caught up in political games. They value wisdom, it may seem like non-conformity but its liberation. Rastas do not let the Babylon system define them. They know that is a system built on the backs of the poor. They live outside of the Babylon system with strength, vision and trust in the Most High.

2. Rastas do not worship man or money – Rasta work to live not live to work. They do not worship others; their allegiance is to Jah alone. They revere Haile Selassie but do not worship him. Rastas understand that money is a tool to purchase and pay bills but it can cause greed and anxiety. Wealth is measured in freedom, health and wisdom. The treasures of a Rasta are stored within the living spirit.

3. Rastas do not eat the food of Babylon – Rastas do not eat genetically modified chemically treated processed foods. Foods filled with additives, preservatives and hormones- the food of greed. Instead, they eat from the land: fresh fruits, ground provisions, herbs and roots. They eat Ital because they live clean in mind, body and spirit. Rastas cook consciously and bless their food staying close to Jah.

4. Rastas do not cut their locks – The dreadlocks of a Rasta are not a fashion statement. Dreadlocks are a living symbol of spiritual power, resistance to the system and ancestral pride. They let their hair grow freely. Their locks are roots connecting them to their ancestors, to Africa and the Lion of Judah. Rastas cutting their hair would mean cutting off a part of their identity and their energy and most of all their commitment to Jah.

5. Rastas do not use ganga recreationally – Ganga is holy. True Rastas do not abuse ganga. They know that it is a healing plant used during prayer and reasoning used to uplift and to align. Ganga is used with discipline, righteousness and purpose. It is a healing plant used with reverence, purpose and intention.

6. Rastas do not speak negatively words – Rastas know that words have power. True Rastas are very careful with how they speak. Rastas speak life, light and truth because what you chant you become. True Rastas do not engage in gossip, use insults and hateful words. They speak positively because Rastas know that the word is sacred.

7. Rastas do not fear death – Rastas see death as a transition: a doorway from one phase of existence to another. Rastas know that the body is temporary and that life is more than the flesh. Rastas live fully but consciously. Their home is Zion a spiritual place of peace, righteousness and oneness with the Most High.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has hailed the newly completed golf course at the Peace, Love and Happiness (PLH) development in Barbuda as one of the best in the Caribbean, describing it as a symbol of transformation and a key contributor to the island’s economic future.

Speaking on his Browne and Browne radio show over the weekend, the Prime Minister said all 18 holes of the international-standard course have now been constructed. While some irrigation and landscaping work is ongoing, he said the facility already rivals top regional courses and is likely to be surpassed only by one in the Dominican Republic.

“It’s actually a better course than practically all but maybe one or two in the region,” Browne said. “It’s absolutely beautiful.”

He said visiting regional leaders were equally impressed when Barbuda recently hosted a Monetary Council meeting—the first time such a gathering has been held on the island.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the broader economic impact of the PLH project. According to Browne, PLH currently contributes over US$2 million annually to the Barbuda Council in ABSD (Administration of Barbuda Special Development) fees, a figure projected to rise to US$10 million within two years as development continues.

“They don’t want the project, but every year they go and collect the cheque,” Browne said of local critics. “They’ve never once given credit for that.”

The development, which will soon boast around 350 rooms including luxury villas, has also restored sections of the island’s coastline, Browne said. He credited the developers with rebuilding sand dunes up to 14 feet high using geomatting, helping to protect against storm surges and erosion.

“They’ve preserved native vegetation and improved the area’s resilience,” he added, describing the surroundings as a haven for birdlife and natural beauty.

Browne also addressed previous legal action taken against him and the project by environmental advocates and Barbudan residents. He said the government and PLH were wrongly accused of corruption and environmental destruction—claims that were dismissed in court.

“They lost the case,” he said. “PLH had to spend over a million dollars defending it.”

Vowing to push back against future attacks on his integrity, Browne said he is considering legal action of his own. “It’s not that I’m thin-skinned,” he said, “but these people are routinely trying to destroy my reputation. At some point, I have to go on the offensive.”

EXCERT FROM SOCIAL SECURITY BOARD’S WEBSITE: In 1965, the ruling Antigua Labour Party (ALP) Government realized the need for more adequate provision for the Nation’s poor and indigent and articulated, in its five-year (1966 – 1970) Development Plan, its intention to replace the existing Poor Relief System – a National Provident Fund.

In September 1970, the Government passed a National Provident Fund Act.

At that time, a request was made to the International Labour Office (ILO) for expert assistance in the designing and structuring of the Fund and in framing the necessary legislation.

The ILO responded by making available the services of Mr. James Grives, an Expert from the United Kingdom, to facilitate the process. However, the establishment of the National Provident Fund was never realized.

The general elections in 1971 resulted in a change of government and in the following year, 1972, the Progressive Labour Movement (PLM) administration commissioned a thorough study of the implications and recommendations contained in the Grives Report.

On 11th July 1972, the Social Security Act was passed and Antigua and Barbuda became the first country in the O.E.C.S to have introduced a full-fledged Social Security System.

With the enactment of the Social Security Act (CAP .408), the Social Security Fund was established to provide the active insured population of Antigua and Barbuda and their dependents with some degree of income security in the event of sickness, maternity, invalidity, retirement and death. Provisions were also made for the introduction of Employment Injury Benefit.

Additional assistance was requested by Government under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) which included the following:-

1. The provision of an expert in social insurance administration to provide advice and guidance to the Director throughout the period of planning and initial implementation; and

2. The assistance of an Actuarial Adviser to work with the administration expert during the early stages of the Social Security Fund.

On 13th September 1972, the ILO appointed Mr. S. C. Laundy of the United Kingdom, an expert in Social Security Legislation and Administration, to an initial 12-month assignment, which was subsequently extended to 30 months. Mr. F. G. Smith, an Actuarial Adviser, was assigned on 22nd October of that same year for a period of 12 months. Mr. George Goodwin Snr. was appointed Director (Ag.) initially; after which, Mr. David Kelsick was appointed Director.

The Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board (ABSSB) began operations on 2nd April 1973.

The ABSSB is responsible for the funds collected and the payment of cash benefits to contributors. In addition, the Organization has a mandate to inform its stakeholders about the programmes, benefits and services provided as well as any pending parametric and policy changes.

The ABSSB currently falls under the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance. The Organization’s Directorate – comprising of the Director, the Deputy Director and the Executive Assistant – has administrative responsibilities for all functional areas, namely Finance & Investment, Research & Communications, Compliance, Benefits, Information Technology, Human Resources, Legal, Internal Audit, Customer Relations, and Facilities Maintenance.

Along with its day-to-day functions, the Organization is expected to provide the necessary balance as it responds to the constant pressures from a rapidly changing environment, the evolving organizational design and the varied demands of staff. The ABSSB has several attractive features, namely:

* The universal coverage offered by the system assures workers that their protection will follow them when they change jobs.

* The vesting and complete portability of credits earned. In other words, employees can have their earnings automatically combined from all places of employment; and, full credit given towards determining their pension.

* Social Security’s ability to finance the benefits rest on the entire economy and not just on one company or sector/industry.

* Benefits under social security also adjust readily to changing wage conditions through benefit and ceiling increases.

* Social Security has many social elements, i.e. survivors’ protection for widowhood and children; invalidity protection before retirement for workers and their families; and, in some cases, an Old-Age Assistance Benefit Programme.

**Crash on Valley Road Causes Traffic Delays** An afternoon collision on Valley Road near Golden Grove Playing Field caused temporary traffic disruption on Thursday.

The incident involved a Toyota Hiace taxi and a rented Honda Fit RS. Video footage showed damage to both vehicles, but no injuries were reported.

Police are investigating the cause of the crash.

The interns from the ministry of agriculture were introduced to Bee keepers – Mr. Brent Georges/Project Coordinator of the Ministry of Agriculture and Mr. Jahmal Colbourne/Plant Protection Officer, at The old BBC relay station . They went on to educate the interns about bee keeping.

In Antigua we have Caucasian, Italian as well as European bees and on the eastern side we have darker and more aggressive bees but Antigua doesn’t have killer bees. In a colony there are 3 types of bees: drone,workers and queen bees who has the ability to produce 2000 bees per day. Brood boxes play the role of a nursery for the eggs, larvae and baby bees, the super box is where the honey is stored. The also interns got a the opportunity of putting wax films into the trays. The largest hives Mr.Georges has seen was in free town,half moon bay and five islands and for Mr.Colbourne it would be around 7 pounds or the equivalent of 60,000 bees

Minister of Agriculture Hon. Anthony Smith Jr came and gave a few inspiring and motivating words to the interns “Anything we can do to support young people and their interest in agriculture the government through Ministry of Agriculture is always there to assist ”. He entered the hive with the interns and held the colony trays.The interns got an opportunity to capture queen bees and got a taste of honey. Safe to say they enjoyed the experience.

Bee Kind. Bee Natural. Bee A Keeper!

Let It Bee ,Pure Honey, Pure Love

Myst Carnival band leader, Marlon Rawlins presents Mas package to Flow Antigua and Barbuda’s Country Manager Wayne Hull, celebrating 18 years of vibrant partnership. As a proud sponsor since day one, Flow continues to support the culture, energy, and unity of Carnival. Let’s keep your riddim flowing!