The team of Rhyves and Nia Knowles, who built what they described as ‘a pondless waterfall’ in their backyard, walked away with the top prize at the annual Community Gardens and Beautification Festival, 2025.
At the prize-giving ceremony held Saturday night at the American University of Antigua conference room, Rhyves and Nia Knowles who top prize in their zone – East Zone- after wooing the judges with their waterfall at their Luna Park home.
“This particular display is something that we have never done before but one in which will put much effort and thought to execute. Overall, we invested approximately $4,000.00 to acquire equipment such as a water pump that is used to recycle the water over our waterfall that my wife and I created,” Rhyves stated.
While he had entered the competition twice before on his own, this year was the first time that he and his wife decided to make it a joint effort. “My wife and I are very happy that we emerged winners and we find it quite rewarding that after our hard work and efforts, the judges selected us as overall winner. It’s a feeling of accomplishment!’ he declared.
Rhyves clearly intends to hold unto the top prize trophy for some time to come as he has hinted of much improvements to the waterfall for next year’s competition.
There were 62 persons and institutions that participated in the festival and they were divided into five zones, East Zone, West Zone, North Zone, South Zone and Barbuda.
Director of the Community Development and Social Engagement Division, Dale O’Brien, said the festival is celebrating its 14th year and it continues to embody a noble purpose. “It is rooted in the belief that beautification is not a superficial endeavour, but rather, a meaningful contribution to the health, wealth, and social well-being of Antigua and Barbuda,” she remarked.
Festival Coordinator, Tanya Williams, provided details of what the judges looked for during the judging process. “The categories of this competition are Herb and Spice Garden, Fruits and+/or Vegetable Garden, Flower Garden, Water Garden which includes (Pools, Ponds, Aquaponics and Hydronics) and the Best Kept Community. The Best Kept Community aspect allows for residents to come together and beautify their community’s encouraging camaraderie and civic pride,” she explained.
Minister of Social and Urban Transformation, Rawdon Turner, was among the officials who assisted in distributing the prizes at the ceremony.
