标签： Europe

This is not a very popular story, but voices continue to be raised across the land about the perceived increase in vulgarity, profanity and indecency in our carnival.

Long time ago, carnival was solely about creative expression displayed in the calypso, mas, costumes and outfit and the steel bands.

If you go back to the origins of carnival, it was about the gaining of freedom by the slaves and the desire to make a statement about it.

Today, mas seems to be a revelation of “wonderfully endowed women” who are sparsely dressed and doing all the “wine” that you can ever imagine on the roads.

The presence of live television and the hundreds of social media enthusiasts with phones and cameras ensures that live coverage of the events are given and this has provided a platform for the woman in the mas to display their “goods” even on Prime Time Television.

Over the years the churches have screamed against the exposure and the conduct of the revelers, but to no avail.

There are those who blamed the TV station for continously pointing their cameras on the women.

Bandleaders have said that the revelers have demanded skimpy outfits in order to heighten their enjoyment and they have no choice but to satisfy their demands.

One thing is certain about carnival today. The less clothing worn seem to have become the norm which has made the festival less of a safe family outing and a protected and healthy place for children due to the bareness and nudism that is on full display.

It is a far cry from the carnival of old. Then again, I must be from the ancient era where there was an acceptable standards of dress even in carnival costumes and those that are participating.

The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of 50-year-old Steve Chambers of Brownes Avenue.

It was reported that around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, 27 July, Chambers was involved in an altercation with an 18-year-old male, also of Brownes Avenue.

The incident reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation, during which both individuals armed themselves with sharp and blunt objects.

Chambers sustained multiple stab wounds to his body and was transported to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre for medical treatment. However, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at approximately 8:18 a.m. on Monday, July 28.

The 18-year-old male was also treated at the hospital for injuries he sustained during the incident. He is currently in police custody assisting with ongoing investigations.

The Police Administration extends heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time.

Investigations into the matter are continuing. Anyone with information that may assist the police is urged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or call Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS (8477).

A key regional cargo vessel, the MV Addie K, has run aground on a sandbank off the west coast of St Kitts and Nevis.

The vessel, which serves routes between Dominica, Antigua, St Maarten and St Kitts, is reportedly taking on water.

Its grounding is expected to disrupt the movement of fresh produce from Dominica and commercial goods from St Maarten, affecting markets in Antigua and St Kitts.

Maritime authorities and the St Kitts Coast Guard are assessing the situation. Affected businesses are advised to contact local agents such as Francis Trading in Antigua and Beverley Shipping in Dominica for updates.

BARNES FUNERAL HOME WILL BE RELOCATING!!!!

The Management of Barnes Funeral Home Ltd. is pleased to advise you that effective Wednesday 6th August 2025, we will be operating from our new location on Irwing Barnes Close, American Road.

If you are coming from Sir Sidney Walling Highway (formerly Factory Road) the new facility is on the right before the Police Headquarters turn-off. If you are coming from the direction of the All-Saints Road (Townhouse Area), the new facility is on the left after the Police Headquarters turn-off. The access road to the new facility is directly opposite Harney Motors Service Centre.

Our opening hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays. You may reach us at (268) 462-1037 or (268) 725-1053.

We look forward to serving you at our new location.Barnes Funeral Home Ltd., “Thoughtfully dedicated to those who mourn”.

At its core, compassion is the deep awareness of the suffering of another, coupled with the desire to alleviate it. It is more than pity. It is more than sympathy. Compassion is love in action. It is the stirring of the heart that refuses to look away when others are in pain. It is the quiet voice that says, “I may not have much, but I can still help.”

In a world where hunger, homelessness, and hardship are all too common, compassion is not a luxury—it is a necessity.

Across the globe, and even in the wealthiest nations, people are struggling. In the United States—often seen as a land of opportunity—thousands are forced to sleep in cars, under bridges, or on sidewalks. In cities like California, New York, and Florida, the cost of living has outpaced wages, leaving many without shelter. Some are working two jobs and still cannot afford rent. Others are elderly, disabled, or mentally ill, left behind by systems that were supposed to protect them.

And while many are quick to judge—labeling the homeless as lazy or irresponsible—the truth is often far more complex. Job loss, illness, domestic violence, or a single unexpected expense can push someone over the edge. What they need is not condemnation, but compassion.

Here in Antigua and Barbuda, we are not immune. On our streets, we see men and women—some mentally ill, others simply down on their luck—begging for a piece of bread. We see them at traffic lights, outside supermarkets, or sitting quietly on sidewalks. And too often, we roll up our windows, avert our eyes, and drive away.

But what if we were moved by compassion?

What if, instead of judgment, we offered kindness? Instead of turning away, we offer some support.

We do not need to be rich to care. We do not need to have plenty to share a little. A sandwich, a bottle of water, a kind word, or even a moment of eye contact can restore dignity to someone who feels invisible.

We are reminded of Him who had no house, who said, “Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Yet, when He saw the multitude of 5,000 gathered on a hillside near the Sea of Galilee—hungry, tired, and in need—He was moved with compassion. He fed them. He healed them. He loved them.

If He, with no earthly riches, could be moved by compassion, how much more should we, who have homes, jobs, and the ability to help?

Some of the most effective leaders—whether in business, the church, or government—are those who are moved by compassion. They see beyond statistics and policies. They see people. They understand that leadership is not about power, but about service.

Imagine a society where our decisions are guided not just by profit or popularity, but by compassion. Imagine policies that prioritize the poor, the vulnerable, and the forgotten. Imagine churches that open their doors not just on Sundays, but every day, to feed the hungry and shelter the homeless. Imagine communities where neighbors look out for one another, where no one is left behind.

Let us not harden our hearts. Let us not become so busy, so distracted, or so self-absorbed that we forget the humanity of those in need.

Let us act with compassion.

You don’t have to be wealthy to make a difference. You don’t need a title or a platform. All you need is a heart that is willing to care.

Give what you can—whether it’s food, time, money, or simply kindness. Support local charities. Volunteer. Speak up for those who have no voice. And when you see someone in need, don’t just pass them by.

In these challenging times, compassion is one of our greatest strengths. It is what binds us together as a people. It is what lifts us up when we fall. And it is what will carry us forward as a nation.

So today, let us choose compassion. Let us be moved—not just by feeling, but by action.

Because when we are moved by compassion, we move the world.

And remember this: “He who gives to the poor lends to the Lord, and the Lord will repay.” For God is a good paymaster.

Therefore, let us be kind to one another.

One of the smartest moves, with future insights ability, was that small ports management from Turkey switch to the Caribbean. The market for a peaceful, safe, yachting, and cruise vacation these days, is the Caribbean.

The North is full of stress with their wars with each other, and within the Middle East nations, including Israel. The fallout of the wars in the Mediterranean is not conducive to stress-free leisure of the Wealthy, Famous, and Royals. Too close for full comfort.

Of the wealthiest homestead islands, Sardinia is an example to follow, and the original developers of Emerald Cove proposed a similar concept for Antigua. Small, medium sized and large marinas are spread around the coast Costa Smeralda.

Antigua’s many beaches and coves offer similar attributes, and its unique logistics midway in the chain of islands makes it a natural for marinas.

It offers Sailing North, pitted against the ‘greatest sailing’ (Yachting International),South from Antigua to Grenada,

Rumors abound about two newly planned marinas for the Northsound region, where dredging of a channel and land is being reclaimed. Originally it was a beach being built at Barnacle, which is now said to be for a yacht marina; however the area is far too shallow for mega yachts, and the channel is being built for cement and Natural Gas tankers.

Seems like a strange combination of marine activity.

If all these plans materialize and offer well-organized marine support, Antigua could get a big slice of the Bizjet and yacht traffic by marketing that area specifically to the ‘Rich & Famous’ offering swift, safe, private, border control, from jet to yacht.