标签： Asia

Food insecurity affects 43% of the English-speaking Caribbean population, which translates to approximately 3 million people, according to CARICOM’s 2024 regional survey across 22 territories. While this represents a 17% improvement since May 2023, food insecurity levels remain 78% higher than pre-pandemic baselines.

The data reveals concerning household coping mechanisms: 96% report higher food prices, 70% respondents are depleting savings to purchase food, and 32% experienced job loss or reduced income. Natural hazards impacted 39% of respondents, primarily through heatwaves and drought conditions.

Income inequality drives food access challenges, with 77% of lower-income households facing food insecurity compared to just 6% among higher-income groups. Among countries with substantial survey responses, Eastern Caribbean states show mixed results: Saint Lucia (46%) and St. Vincent & Grenadines (45%) report above-average insecurity, while Trinidad & Tobago (42%) fares better despite persistent challenges.

These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing both agricultural production and distribution systems to ensure food security gains reach all population segments across the region.

Source: Caribbean Food Security & Livelihoods Survey, CARICOM/WFP, April 2024

Police in Antigua and Barbuda are investigating an alleged sexual assault involving a tourist at a local hotel, authorities have said.

The complainant, a 26-year-old woman, told police she was sexually assaulted by a male hotel employee on the evening of 28 July.

The victim and her 24-year-old female companion arrived in Antigua and Barbuda on 27 July and checked into the hotel the same evening.

According to police, the two women were socialising in the hotel’s bar area where they interacted with several hotel employees.

The victim reportedly told one employee she felt unwell. He allegedly offered to take her to her room but instead led her to another room in the hotel, where the assault is said to have taken place.

Authorities said the woman managed to return to the lobby area, where she reunited with her friend who had been searching for her.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident. No arrests have been made, and inquiries continue.

Acting Commissioner of Police, Mr. Everton Jeffers, has issued a stark warning as the country faces a disturbing rise in youth violence. Speaking candidly and with urgency, Commissioner Jeffers declared the situation a national emergency and called for collective action to prevent the loss of an entire generation to crime and violence.

**_“In just one week, we’ve seen two heartbreaking cases involving teenagers. An 18-year-old has been charged with murder, and a 16-year-old is now in custody for the fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old from Liberta. These are not acts of youth mischief they are serious crimes. And the people involved are children. This is not normal.”_** the Commissioner stated.

Commissioner Jeffers pointed to growing incidents involving robbery, gang activity, gun and drug use, and homicide among the nation’s youth. He emphasized that these issues are no longer just police matters, but signs of deeper systemic failures in families, schools, and communities.

**_“We must stop pretending these are isolated events. They’re not. They are happening too often, too close to home.”_**

The Commissioner made a direct appeal to parents, teachers, pastors, coaches, and community leaders to intervene early and consistently in the lives of young people.

**_“We must teach values like respect, empathy, and conflict resolution and that must begin at home and be reinforced everywhere else.”_**

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda is responding with expanded community policing programmes, mentorship initiatives, and stronger engagement with at-risk youth. However, Commissioner Jeffers stressed that law enforcement cannot solve this crisis alone.

**_“Parents, know where your children are and who they’re with. Teachers, spot the warning signs. Community leaders, help us reach these kids before the damage is irreversible…If we don’t fix this, we’re sentencing our youth and our nation to a future of crime, fear, and wasted potential. The time to act is not next month or next year, it’s now!”_** warned Commissioner Jeffers.

A resident of Yorks is appealing to the public and authorities for urgent assistance in identifying a burglar who broke into her home in the early hours of Friday, 18 July, and stole two television sets.

The homeowner told _Antigua.news_ that the burglary took place between 4:15 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. while she was away from the property. The intruder, reportedly wearing Clarks shoes, long black trousers, and a black-and-white sweater, is believed to have been armed with a sharp object.

According to the victim, the individual gained access to the house through the backyard, disabled a security camera, and left the rear door open after fleeing the scene. Although the house was unoccupied for only a brief period, the thief appeared to target only the televisions, leaving other valuables behind.

The resident said this is at least the second break-in at her home and expressed frustration over what she described as police inaction. She claims officers had previously committed to reviewing security footage but have yet to act on that promise.

St. John’s, Antigua – The Rotary Club of Antigua, through its Education Through Technology (ETT) Programme, donated 50 laptops to the National Bureau of Statistics in support of the upcoming 2025 National Census of Antigua and Barbuda on Thursday.

This contribution is expected to significantly enhance the training and digital data collection processes required for the successful implementation of the census.

The handover ceremony which took place on July 31st, was attended by key representatives from both organizations.

Accepting the donation on behalf of the National Bureau of Statistics were Deputy Census Officer Mr. Rohan Anthony and Chief Statistician Mr. Statchel Edwards. Rotary Club President Elisa Graham and Service Projects Director – Past President Paul Ryan presented the equipment to the organization on the Club’s behalf.

The Rotary Club emphasized that this initiative aligns with its mission of community service and technological empowerment. According to Rotary leadership, the donation is part of a broader effort to support national development goals while enhancing the Club’s ability to identify and assist vulnerable populations, particularly those most in need of support and social interventions.

President Elisa Graham noted that the Club was honoured to play a role in supporting this critical national exercise, highlighting that the data collected will help shape more effective community programmes and inform future planning across Antigua and Barbuda.

Past President Paul Ryan further explained that Rotary was proud to partner with the Census Division on such a vital initiative. He emphasized that the donation, made possible with support from overseas Rotary Clubs, demonstrates a tangible commitment to improving data-driven decision-making that can uplift communities.

Representatives from the National Bureau of Statistics expressed their deep appreciation for the timely support. Deputy Census Officer Mr. Rohan Anthony noted that the upcoming census will rely heavily on information technology, and the laptops will directly contribute to ensuring that the process is both efficient and on schedule.

Chief Statistician Mr. Statchel Edwards reinforced the importance of the census as a national tool, explaining that the data collected serves as a critical resource not just for government planning but also for businesses, NGOs, and development partners. He added that the Rotary Club’s contribution will enhance the quality and timeliness of data collection and strengthen national development efforts.

The Rotary Club of Antigua continues to lead with purpose through impactful initiatives and strong partnerships. This latest act of service reflects the Club’s enduring commitment to its motto: “Service Above Self.”

Peetron Thomas is proving that passion and creativity, when combined with purpose, can create a powerful impact in a community. What began as the Work Fu Um! initiative has grown from an inspiring book, into a vibrant motivational groovy soca song, and now, to a fully-fledged cultural summer camp that is empowering the youth of Antigua and Barbuda.

This year, Peetron, already celebrated for making it to the semifinals of the Soca Monarch competition, continues to expand his influence beyond the music stage. Driven by his deep passion for humanitarian efforts, culture, and youth development, he is leading the Work Fu Um! Summer Camp, a cultural program designed to nurture creativity, build confidence, and develop skills in young people.

The motto of the camp echoes a powerful message from the preface of the Work Fu Um! book and the opening verse of the initiative’s motivational groovy soca track:

“Once you believe in yourself, you can achieve it. Just keep on trying, trying, don’t stop believing. Work hard every day and you will see your dreams become reality.”

“This is more than just a camp,” says Peetron Thomas. “It is a movement, a space where culture, education, motivation, history, and preparedness come together to give our youth the tools they need to succeed and shine.”

The Work Fu Um! Summer Camp, now in its second successful year, runs from August 6th to 29th at Sun City at Anchorage Inn. The camp offers a rich program blending arts, culture, technology, and wellness. Participants receive music lessons, vocal training, poetry workshops, film and media exposure, cultural education, career guidance, back-to-school preparation, and fun activities like pool parties and field trips.

This year, Peetron also served as Deputy Chair of the Junior Calypso Monarch Subcommittee, a role through which he mentored and vocally arranged songs for three emerging young artists. This position has sparked a stronger passion in him to push cultural development even further. Reflecting that spirit, the camp will include a talent competition where youngsters will have the opportunity to perform and win prizes, encouraging growth and celebrating young talent.

“Work Fu Um! is about giving young people a voice, a purpose, and a sense of pride in who they are,” Peetron explains. “It is about creating opportunities for growth through culture and creativity.”

Parents can register their children for the full month-long program at a cost of $350, which includes daily lunch. A school bus will be provided daily for camper pickup at the School Bus Terminal at East Bus Station, ensuring easy and safe transportation.

As the Work Fu Um! movement continues to grow, Peetron Thomas shows how dedication to culture, youth development, and motivation can transform lives and shape a brighter future for the nation’s youth.

For registration or more information, parents are encouraged to Call or WhatsApp 775-1595 and ask for Mr. Peetron Thomas.