10 Essential Facts Rwandans Should Know About Antigua and Barbuda Post-Deal

On July 17, Rwanda and Antigua and Barbuda signed a series of agreements designed to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two nations in areas of mutual interest. The agreements were signed by Rwanda's new ambassador to the United Nations, Amb. Martin Ngoga, and Amb. Walton Webson from Antigua and Barbuda, in New York. Here are 10 key facts about Antigua and Barbuda: 1. A twin-island country in the Caribbean Antigua and Barbuda spans 442 square kilometers and consists of two main islands, Antigua and Barbuda, along with several smaller ones. It is an independent state with its capital, Saint John's, located in the Lesser Antilles of the eastern Caribbean Sea, at the southern end of the Leeward Islands chain. The nation is a constitutional monarchy with a British-style parliamentary system and is represented by an appointed Governor General as the head of state. 2. Home to 365 beaches If you love the beach, Antigua might be your ideal destination. Antigua has over 365 beaches, all pristine with white sand and surrounded by turquoise waters. These beautiful beaches, along with coral reefs and clear waters, make the country a top global tourism spot. Some of the most famous beaches include Dickenson Bay, Half Moon Bay, Pigeon Point Beach, Ffryes Beach, Jolly Beach, and Long Bay Beach, known for their soft, white sand, clear turquoise waters, and various water activities such as snorkeling, swimming, and watersports. 3. English is widely spoken Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Commonwealth since 1981, the same year it gained independence from the United Kingdom. The primary language spoken by the people of Antigua and Barbuda is Antiguan and Barbudan Creole. However, due to the country’s history as a former British colony, English is also widely spoken and serves as the official working language. English is the official language of Antigua. Spanish is also spoken by more than 10,000 inhabitants. 4. Population of 104,000 people With a population of over 104,000 people, it's one of the smallest countries in the world. However, it makes a significant impact in diplomacy, tourism, and sports. The population includes both residents and those temporarily abroad. Life expectancy is approximately 75.6 years for men and 80.1 years for women. The majority of the population is of African descent, and two-thirds are Christian, with the largest proportion being Anglican. 5. Citizenship by investment Antigua and Barbuda offers a Citizenship by Investment Program, which attracts foreign investors. Although not related to the visa waiver, it is a well-known economic strategy in the region. According to the country's Citizenship by Investment website, the top-ranked Caribbean passport program grants lifetime citizenship to international investors who contribute at least $100,000 (donation option from October 2020) or invest $200,000 in real estate. Processing is typically quick, taking three to four months. The passport is valid for five years initially and can be easily renewed later for a modest fee of $350 (approximately Rwf500,000). 6. Tourism is the biggest economy driver According to the National Bureau of Statistics in Antigua and Barbuda, the country's tourism industry plays a significant role in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), contributing more than half of the GDP. Reports indicate that the tranquil island, a favorite retreat for Hollywood stars, is not a destination for budget travelers, as even the cheapest hotels are above average prices compared to other locations. 7. Fungee and Pepperpot is a common dish Antigua and Barbuda cuisine reflects the traditional foods of the twin Caribbean islands. The national dish is fungee (pronounced foon-jee) served with pepperpot. Fungee is mainly made from cornmeal and resembles Italian polenta. Other popular local dishes include ducana, seasoned rice, saltfish, and lobster from Barbuda. Traditional sweets include sugar cake, fudge, raspberry and tamarind stew, and peanut brittle. While many of these dishes are native to Antigua and Barbuda and found in other parts of the Caribbean, the country's cuisine has expanded to include foods from neighboring islands—like Jamaica’s jerk meats and Trinidad’s roti—along with other regional specialties. 8. Education is free and compulsory In Antigua and Barbuda, education is free and mandatory for children aged 5 to 16, with the nation boasting a high adult literacy rate of around 99%. To assist the government in covering education-related expenses such as school supplies, transportation, and maintenance, a levy is applied to all basic wages, ensuring that the costs of schooling are fully supported by the state. 9. Sailing is big in Antigua With its winding coastline and numerous ports and docking facilities, Antigua has become an ideal destination for sailing. Antigua Sailing Week is a premier annual event that attracts professional sailors from around the world to participate in yacht racing. This amazing atmosphere marks the end of the high season in Antigua, offering an opportunity to party and enjoy the island vibes. 10. The national sport is cricket While football is also popular, the main sport in Antigua and Barbuda is cricket. And it's worshipped like a religion. Even with such a small population, some of the world's best cricket players are Antiguans, among whom Sir. Viv Richards is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards, one of Antigua's national heroes, is a retired Antiguan cricketer who represented the West Indies cricket team between 1974 and 1991. Cricket is deeply ingrained in the culture and considered more than just a sport, almost a way of life.

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A Fighter for the Forgotten - Natalia Kanem's UN Legacy

As Natalia Kanem looks back on her eight years leading the UN's reproductive health organization, she doesn't start with worldwide figures, corporate achievements, or even recollections of her trips to refugee settlements.

She keeps coming back, again and again, to one specific picture: a ten-year-old girl—on the threshold of adolescence, her future unclear, and her rights still facing serious uncertainty.

Will she manage to remain in school, graduate, and navigate life successfully?" Dr. Kanem ponders. "Or will she face obstacles such as early marriage, female genital mutilation, or extreme poverty?

That critical issue and that young girl—not a specific child, but a symbol of the millions around the globe whose future is in danger—have emerged as the central focus of Dr. Kanem's nearly eight-year leadership.Executive Directorof the UN's agency focused on sexual and reproductive health, officially named theUN Population Fund (UNFPA).

Starting from her initial work on the frontlines in East Africa, to leading a $1.7 billion organization operating in over 150 countries, Dr. Kanem has guided UNFPA through worldwide changes, political challenges, and ideological resistance.

Above all, she has ignited a powerful transformation in the lives of countless women and girls.

This month, she is resigning from her position earlier than planned. "It's time to hand over the responsibility," the 70-year-old said to her staff—a team of 5,000 employees—in a recorded message earlier this year. "I have committed to doing everything within my power to ensure UNFPA remains capable of achieving remarkable accomplishments."

Roots and ascent

A native of Panama, Dr. Kanem pursued a career as a medical doctor before joining UNFPA in 2014 following a background in philanthropy. Choosing to contribute to "the noble mission of the United Nations," she initially traveled to East Africa and Tanzania, where she was deeply moved by the quiet dedication of local workers. "It's truly at the national level that we demonstrate our value," she mentioned to UN News.

However, the role was not simple. In 2017, when she assumed leadership of the agency, Dr. Kanem took over an organization facing declining visibility, uncertain financial support, and ongoing resistance from conservative perspectives. Despite these challenges, UNFPA expanded—not only in terms of funding but also in influence.

When I arrived, the story was, 'We're a small organization, struggling, and no one comprehends what we do,"' she mentioned. "Now, I believe it's more evident.

That lucidity emerged, in part, from what Dr. Kanem refers to as "thought leadership."

Whether addressing false beliefs about fertility or tackling technology-fueled gender-based violence, she brought UNFPA to the forefront of global conversations. "We operate in a marketplace of ideas," she said. "And we must present the truth in a manner that is persuasive enough to attract the support this movement needs."

With her guidance, the organization educated hundreds of thousands of midwives, provided billions of contraceptive supplies, and broadened aid efforts to support women and girls in the most vulnerable areas — including the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, war-affected Ukraine, and Haiti, which faced a cholera outbreak.

The involvement of UNFPA in areas affected by crises was both practical and meaningful. In regions like Sudan, Syria, and Gaza, a basic tent containing menstrual products, a blanket, and a bar of soap could offer a safe space. "It symbolizes the break that a woman requires during a crisis," she explained. "We refer to our kits as 'dignity kits' for this very reason."

Shifting the conversation

In addition to providing services, Dr. Kanem enhanced UNFPA's position as a leading voice in a divided world. She guided the organization into challenging public discussions—on teenage pregnancy, climate stress, birth rates, and cyberbullying—with a firm commitment to rights.

The 10-year-old girl is present," she said. "What her parents, religious leaders, and community believe is crucial for her to be adequately prepared, for her to understand how to respond when faced with coercive practices.

This leadership reached into data. Under Dr. Kanem, UNFPA made significant investments in supporting national efforts.censuses and building dashboardsto assist legislators in developing reproductive health policy through immediate data.

This year's State of World Populationthe report, the agency's yearly analysis of demographic patterns, challenged typical stories about "population decline" - highlighting that many women and men postpone having children not due to beliefs, but because they cannot afford to support them.

Dr. Kanem commended the selflessness of young individuals who claim they are deciding against having children due to concerns about exacerbating the climate crisis. However, this is not supported by the data.

The global replacement fertility rate is not threatening the environment," she stated. "The data clearly shows: you can have as many children as your financial situation allows.

A principle-driven guide during challenging periods

Dr. Kanem's time in office overlapped with increasing challenges to reproductive rights, rising nationalistic sentiments, and a growing distrust of global institutions. She encountered prolonged reductions in U.S. financial support—under the present administration as well—even as the need for UNFPA's assistance increased.

UNFPA has more funds than we've ever had," she remarked. "But it's never going to be sufficient to halt the rising demand.

Merely having resources will not guarantee the agency's future - credibility and perseverance are equally important. "The multilateral system has been called into question at a moment when it is more essential than ever," she cautioned. "We must constantly demonstrate our value. And when we make errors, we need to rise again, correct them, and seek out allies who will stand with us."

One such collaboration has involved the private sector. In 2023, UNFPA partnered with technology companies tolaunchA results-based financing initiative in Kenya, providing mobile-focused sexual health services to reduce teenage pregnancy and new HIV infections among young females.

Changing mindsets

The UNFPA has been actively working to put an end to harmful traditions like female genital mutilation (FGM) and early marriages. With Dr. Kanem's leadership, this effort has focused not only on altering legal frameworks but also on transforming societal attitudes.

Yes, definitely," she replied when questioned about the authenticity of progress. "It has been crucial to witness religious and traditional leaders opposing specific practices... and to collaborate with educational institutions so that the girls can recognize the dangers and make more informed choices regarding their future.

The _HREF=https://www.un.org/coronavirus">COVID-19 outbreak, she acknowledged, posed a challenge. As schools were shut down, certain communities saw a rise in the number of weddings and FGM rituals. However, in numerous nations—such as Indonesia, which has a large population—UNFPA has observed a decrease in the practice, partly due to young advocates raising their voices within their own communities.

New generation, next chapter

Looking forward, Dr. Kanem did not focus on uncertainty. Instead, she emphasized potential. "We have redefined ourselves, updated ourselves," she stated. "There is truly limitless potential for UNFPA."

Her future holds what she refers to as a "short break" - additional time dedicated to music, her family, and, ultimately, her own well-being. However, she won't remain quiet for long. "I am aware that my dedication to matters concerning women and girls will not fade," she stated. "It has been a labor of love."

Her last reflection? A final return to the girl at the heart of everything.

When that 10-year-old girl achieves success, everyone shares in it," she remarked. "It creates a better world.

Copyright 2025 United Nations News Service. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (Daily News).

Tagged: International Organizations and Africa, Refugees and Displacement, Africa, Women and Gender, External Relations, Conflict, Peace and Security

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Path to a Brighter Future

Today, I will concentrate on the necessity of increased financial transfers from the wealthy North to the South - especially during a period when President Trump and the United States, along with numerous other Western nations, are cutting back on aid. I will contend that these transfers need to increase and take various forms, with multinational corporations and the broader private sector actively involved - for social, health, climate change, and other reasons, as well as to support overall growth and a more equitable distribution of wealth in developing countries. There is still much to be done, albeit late, since the end of the Colonial era, and since the United Nations' and the West's efforts to establish a New International Economic Order (NIEO) in the 1970s. The initiative was managed by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), founded in 1964, but despite good intentions, the effort did not succeed; the Geneva-based organization remains, albeit quietly; its significant goals and work should be reinvigorated. Last week, however, it hosted the '4th International Conference on Financing for Development' (FFD4) in Seville, Spain, where a comprehensive plan for a better world was adopted.

The Norwegian Minister for Development Cooperation, Åsmund Aukrust, was a prominent speaker at the conference held in Sevilla. He stated, "The world has never been wealthier - so why does poverty still exist?" In an article co-authored with Lisetta Trebbi, the Acting Director General of NORAD, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, published in 'Panorama Nyheter' in Oslo on 03.07.25, additional details and topics were discussed. The article highlights that in a world marked by conflict, climate change, and rising costs, it's easy to believe we can't afford more spending. However, the authors argue the opposite, citing data from the 'Global Wealth Report,' which indicates that global savings now exceed USD 500,000 billion—enough to eliminate extreme poverty multiple times over. "There are resources available, but they are being diverted away from developing nations," Aukrust and Trebbi write.

The difference between what is required to achieve the UN's sustainable development goals and the actual funding being provided is greater than ever. Each year, there is a shortfall of USD 4-5 trillion—equal to one percent of global private savings. Meanwhile, wealthy nations are reducing their development aid budgets. What explains this situation? The key contradiction lies in the use of tax havens, secret fund transfers, and the growing accumulation of wealth, according to Aukrust and Trebbi.

In the concluding declaration of the meeting, titled 'Compromiso de Sevilla', four key actions were outlined as part of a plan aimed at creating a fairer world for the poorest nations. First, there is a need to boost development assistance. Second, efforts should be made to enhance tax collection capabilities and systems in developing countries, with support from donor nations. Third, the private sector should contribute more positively to the development of these countries, rather than acting against their interests. At times, private enterprises require more stability for future activities, which might necessitate assurances from donor countries. Fourth, new mechanisms must be established to manage the substantial debts of developing countries, including debt cancellation. Several nations allocate more funds to debt repayment than they do to their own education and healthcare budgets.

Aukrust and Trebbi mention in their article that the Sevilla summit offers renewed optimism regarding development funding. 192 UN member nations continue to back these initiatives, despite the USA withdrawing from the process a few weeks ago. 'The Sevilla declaration sends a strong message: A different world is still achievable. Now, it's time for words to translate into action, and Norway will remain at the forefront,' the two Norwegian officials in charge of development aid state. Norway played a crucial role during the twelve-month preparatory phase for the conference, alongside Mexico, Nepal, and Zambia, with input from the remaining UN member states, NGOs, and the private sector.

I hold a more skeptical view regarding the implementation compared to Aukrust and Trebbi, and there isn't much novel in the pledges either—similar to UNCTAD's proposals for a New International Economic Order in the 1970s. Well, perhaps the increased involvement of the private sector is somewhat new. However, there is minimal specific information from Sevilla regarding what donor nations will actually do and how they plan to deliver aid, including the scale and methods of improving collaboration with developing countries. I am convinced that significant changes are necessary; otherwise, only limited progress will be observed—and just as in my younger days, when we had high hopes for UNCTAD and the NIEO, this will end up being merely a 'Sevilla dream.'

There is a need for a historical analysis alongside a future projection, highlighting the errors made by wealthy nations but also explaining how they, too, will gain from establishing a more equitable global order, among other things, regarding migration and the development of vibrant and optimistic local environments for everyone. This certainly implies improved, less corrupt, and genuinely democratic governance within developing countries. In many instances, new institutions must be established in these countries to manage the increased international transfers, involving governments, NGOs, and both local and international private sectors, including major multinational corporations. A new structure with shared local and international leadership is essential to build trust among people in both the North and the South in the new system and its implementation.

In relation to a Conference of the Parties (COP) summit several years back, a new framework for significant financial transfers aimed at addressing climate change and environmental crises was introduced, which also included compensation for past exploitation of developing nations by developed ones. A key element was that wealthy nations should take responsibility for rectifying past and ongoing errors. This is commendable, yet it appears that very little has been accomplished in terms of achieving these objectives, including the establishment of a substantial fund. At the most recent conference, COP29, held in Azerbaijan in November last year, both participation and media attention were reduced compared to previous gatherings. Despite the promising Sevilla concepts, their outcome might mirror that of the COP initiatives, similar to how the UNCTAD and NIEO ideas of the 1970s ultimately failed. I could be mistaken about the future of COP or the Sevilla roadmap. Nevertheless, specific actions are necessary to ensure success.

Who will make the necessary efforts to bring the Sevilla ideas to life? The first thought is the group that was involved in organizing the conference, particularly Norway, which was the sole donor country in the group, along with the UNCTAD offices in Geneva. It's time to stop making grand promises and raising unrealistic expectations. This approach is counterproductive to building trust in development assistance, which currently has a poor reputation due to high costs and limited outcomes. We need a new and significantly increased level of development aid, as well as entirely new methods of implementation. Recipient countries should take the lead, with donors playing a supporting role. People in developing nations experience the need for improvements in social and economic conditions daily. Rich countries also require a moral revival, not only for their own citizens but also because they cannot continue to expand their military budgets at the current rate. We all need to consider and carry out positive actions on the path toward creating the better world we all desire.

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Modi's Grand Welcome in Trinidad & Tobago: Connects with Indian Diaspora

Port of Spain [ Trinidad and Tobago ], July 4 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival in Port of Spain , as he began his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago .The people of Trinidad and Tobago greeted PM Modi with enthusiasm, dancing to the beat of drums and showcasing traditional music and performances that reflected a blend of local and India n culture.Modi also interacted with members of the India n diaspora who had gathered at Piarco International Airport to welcome him. Many had been eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of the India n Prime Minister.This is Modi's first visit to Trinidad and Tobago as Prime Minister. He was received at the airport by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar , along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament. The visit is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar.During his two-day stay from July 3 to 4, PM Modi is scheduled to hold talks with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.The High Commission in Port of Spain welcomed him with a post on X: "Welcome to Trinidad & Tobago, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji!!"Earlier, Former Permanent Secretary at Trinidad and Tobago 's Ministry of Agriculture, Dev Duggal expressed enthusiasm on PM Modi 's visit, saying he's "proud" that the India n PM is visiting Trinidad and Tobago ."We are very proud that PM Modi is visiting Trinidad and Tobago . This visit has been anticipated for a long time... I was in the Ministry of Agriculture in the Government of Trinidad and Tobago , and then I served as the advisor to the minister... PM Modi 's previous visit was 22 years ago when he came to attend the World Hindu Conference, not as the PM of India . This visit carries a different stature," Dev Duggal told ANI.Duggal also expressed happiness over the Trinidad and Tobago government's decision to honour PM Modi withthe Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT), their highest honour. "I am very happy that Trinidad and Tobago has decided to award PM Modi with the highest award. It is done after a lot of consideration... This award will bring both countries together. Both countries respect each other. 50% of the population of Trinidad and Tobago is of India n origin... This visit is beneficial for both countries," he said. PM Modi 's visit to Trinidad and Tobago is part of a broader five-nation tour taking place from July 2 to July 9. His stop in Trinidad and Tobago is expected to boost bilateral relations, with a focus on areas such as digital finance, renewable energy, health, and IT. (ANI)

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