Despite current economic challenges some are still giving. This week the JCI Antigua received a $5,000 contribution from Helix Gaming represented by Managing Director Mr. Stuart Gordon, to go towards training and development within the organization. This contribution made by Helix Gaming in a time when most businesses have become reluctant to make charitable contributions can inspire others to rise to the challenge.

March 2, 2010… Mutual discussions re the advancement of the agricultural sector in the areas of water conservation and organic farming were held between the Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment Hilson Baptiste and Sar Yadiel Ben Israel, minister of Divine Agriculture of African Hebrew Israelites Community of Jerusalem.

February 28, 2010….March is National Social Work month, and social workers across the country are being honored for the impact they have made on the individuals and families whose lives they have touched and strengthened.

In celebration of the month, the Citizens Welfare Division, within the Ministry of Social Transformation will celebrate the profession, reflect on its history and acknowledge the important work being done.

February 26, 2010 … Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment, Hilson Baptiste, during his opening remarks, at the Sustainable Island Resource Management Zoning Plan (SIRMZP), workshop for Antigua & Barbuda, including Redonda, demanded the final version of land –use policy by June.

“Come hell or high waters, I want the land –use policy, no later than June,” Baptiste said, adding that land use policy has been in the works, for several years, however, “the final version must be done during my tenure.”

FEBRUARY 15, 2010 ….Five spanking new tractors were on Monday, added to the list of implements, already on the fields with an aim to boost production at the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment.

Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment Hilson Baptiste, received from Managing Director, Ideal Autos Peter Rippon the keys to the five, Massey Ferguson, during a brief, ceremony at the ministry’s courtyard.

February 11, 2010….The Ministry Of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment, yesterday, in conjunction with the St. Johns Fire Department held a drill aimed at sensitizing employees at the procedure, protocol, and measures to ensure safety during evacuations.

More than 50 –employees at the Ministry’s headquarters on Independence Drive, rushed to safety, when the fire alarm sounded, shortly after 11 a.m.

A fire –engine was parked on the outside and the employees were directed into a holding area, in the court yard.