The Community Development and Citizens Engagement Division (CD&CED) within the Ministry of Social Transformation has held its 14th Community Home and Garden Festival awards ceremony, recognising outstanding community and residential gardens across Antigua and Barbuda.
The event took place on Wednesday night at the American University of Antigua (AUA).
Organisers said more than 80 people initially registered for the 2025 competition, but that number fell to around 60 participants due to poor weather conditions.
Entrants competed across six categories, including community, residential and business gardens.
Fitches Creek in the East Zone was named Best Kept Community, with Five Islands in the West Zone finishing second.
In the residential Herbs and Spices category, Irene Edwards of the East Zone took first place, followed by Henry Harris from the North Zone and Joy Meade from the West Zone.
The Overall Fruits and Vegetables (Residential) award went to Rhyves and Nia Knowles of the East Zone. Birchfield Osbourne of the North Zone placed second, while Annette Richards of the West Zone finished third.
In the Business Category Flower Garden, Indies Green of the West Zone secured first place, with Silva Buttons of the North Zone coming second. Indies Green also won first place in the Business Category Water Garden.
The Lions Club Community Garden won the Herb and Spice award in the business category.
In the Stone and Ornamental (Residential) category, Carol Lewis of the South Zone placed first. Irene Edwards of the East Zone finished second, and Birchfield Osbourne of the North Zone took third.
Foundation Faith Tutorial of the North Zone placed second in the Business Category Overall Fruits and Vegetables and received a cash prize of $500.
In the residential Flower Garden category, Rhyves and Nia Knowles of the East Zone won first place and a $700 prize. Ivor and Ileen Lawrence of the South Zone finished second, while Anthony Mapp of Barbuda placed third.
Rhyves and Nia Knowles also secured first place in the Overall Water Garden (Residential) category, earning a further $700. Henry Harris of the North Zone finished second.
The CD&CED extended thanks to participants, sponsors, supporting ministries and other stakeholders for their continued cooperation and support.
