作者: admin

  • Guyana to introduce website to report bullying schools

    Guyana to introduce website to report bullying schools

    The Ministry of Education in Guyana has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering moral and civic education within the national school curriculum, alongside the introduction of a dedicated website for reporting bullying incidents. Education Minister Sonia Parag announced the plan during a national anti-bullying consultation, emphasizing its role in a broader strategy to eliminate bullying and instill positive values among students. Parag highlighted that moral education is essential for cultivating empathy, kindness, and responsibility in the younger generation. ‘Moral education should serve as the cornerstone for personal growth, helping us become better individuals,’ she stated, underscoring the importance of making acts of kindness and goodwill habitual. As part of this initiative, the Ministry also launched the Management Information System Unit (MISU) platform, a secure digital tool designed to enable students, parents, and teachers to report instances of bullying or harassment effectively.

  • President of Suriname says country will not export bauxite under any circumstances

    President of Suriname says country will not export bauxite under any circumstances

    PARAMARIBO, Suriname (CMC) – Suriname’s President Jennifer Greelings-Simons has moved to dispel rumors suggesting that her government is engaged in formal negotiations with the Chinese multinational Chinalco. Speaking to reporters upon her return from Brazil, President Greelings-Simons clarified that while Vice President Gregory Rusland recently met with a Chinalco delegation, these discussions were not indicative of official government talks. ‘Chinalco requested a meeting with the vice president, and that happened. He listened to their proposals, but this does not constitute formal negotiations,’ she stated. The meeting reportedly focused on the bauxite sector, a key industry for Suriname. Earlier, the Directorate for Public Communications (DVC) had announced that the cabinet would renegotiate with Chinalco to secure a more favorable agreement for the country. President Greelings-Simons emphasized that her administration remains committed to protecting Suriname’s interests in any future dealings with foreign entities.

  • Digicel aids Jamaica with hardware supplies, care packages

    Digicel aids Jamaica with hardware supplies, care packages

    In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Jamaica, the Digicel Group has spearheaded a comprehensive humanitarian campaign to aid recovery efforts across the island’s most devastated regions. The Category 5 storm, which struck on October 28, claimed 32 lives, decimated homes, and crippled critical infrastructure, leaving countless families in dire need.

  • All major Junkanoo groups will participate in upcoming parades

    All major Junkanoo groups will participate in upcoming parades

    In a significant development for Bahamian culture, all major Junkanoo A-groups will participate in the upcoming Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades on Bay Street, dispelling weeks of uncertainty. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday by the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC). The Shell Saxon Superstars, Valley Boys, Roots, One Family, Genesis, and Music Makers have all confirmed their involvement, marking a resolution to the recent tensions between the government and the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP).

    The dispute arose when the government transferred oversight of the parades to the NJC and initiated an audit of the JCNP, raising concerns about transparency, consultation, and funding. This led to fears that the A-groups might boycott the events. However, the NJC’s intervention has restored unity within the Junkanoo community. NJC Chairman Andrew Pinder described the resolution as “a defining moment,” emphasizing the importance of fairness and collaboration in preserving this cherished tradition.

    Youth, Sports, and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg reiterated that the audit aimed to enhance accountability and public trust, ensuring the parades remain a national priority. NJC Co-Chair Kishlaine Smith highlighted plans to expand Junkanoo’s reach, including bolstering Family Island parades and supporting Junior Junkanoo initiatives. Meanwhile, Bahamas Junkanoo Festival Co-Chair Anthony Bostwick announced a 15-day national celebration, transforming Junkanoo into a broader cultural experience featuring Bahamian music, art, fashion, and cuisine.

    Leaders of the six major A-groups expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming parades, pledging to deliver unforgettable performances. Parade Management Team leader Douglas Hanna assured that preparations are nearly complete, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and adherence to existing rules. The resolution ensures that Junkanoo, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, will continue to thrive as a cornerstone of Bahamian identity.

  • Taxi cab drivers clash with police

    Taxi cab drivers clash with police

    A heated protest by members of the Bahamas Taxi Cab Union (BTCU) brought Nassau Cruise Port to a standstill yesterday morning, as dozens of taxi drivers blocked the entrance with their vehicles, demanding action on long-standing grievances. The demonstration, which escalated into clashes with police and tow truck operators, resulted in the arrest of three drivers who refused to clear the road. The protest highlighted years of frustration over what drivers describe as unfair treatment, worsening working conditions, and a lack of basic amenities. Taxi operators claim they are being marginalized in favor of private tour and livery drivers, receiving less than 40% of ground transportation business from cruise passengers. Union president Tyrone Butler defended the drivers’ actions, calling them a desperate response to years of neglect and broken promises. Despite ongoing meetings with port executives, little progress has been made to address the drivers’ concerns. The protest underscores broader tensions within the taxi industry, which has faced challenges from unlicensed operators and government inaction. Authorities and port officials have yet to comment on the situation.

  • Couva man executed hours after kidnapping

    Couva man executed hours after kidnapping

    In a tragic turn of events, 63-year-old Couva resident Vishnu Lalla was discovered dead in a bush area on November 9, just over 24 hours after being abducted from his home in Windsor Park, California. The incident unfolded on the evening of November 8 when Lalla’s wife noticed his grey Toyota Hilux speeding away from their property. Approximately 30 minutes later, she received a ransom call demanding $100,000 for his safe return by midnight. Despite the demand, Lalla’s fate was sealed when police found his pickup truck destroyed by fire on George Street in Esperanza, California. Following intelligence leads, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit conducted a search in a forested area near Brechin Castle Road, Couva, where they discovered Lalla’s body with his hands bound and a gunshot wound to his head. A nine-millimetre shell casing was found at the scene, and an autopsy has been ordered at the Forensic Science Centre in St James. The community has expressed shock and sorrow, with one resident describing the Lalla family as among the kindest in the area. Lalla’s wife has declined to comment on the incident.

  • Resilient spirit of pan – Ramsey-Moore says Panorama launch staged without government funds

    Resilient spirit of pan – Ramsey-Moore says Panorama launch staged without government funds

    The launch of Panorama 2026 at Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain on November 9 marked a celebration of Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument, the steelpan, despite the absence of government funding. Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore described the event as a ‘happy day,’ emphasizing the unifying power of pan music. The event, which officially kicks off on November 12, saw a strong turnout, with performances by bands like the Royal Stars Pan Symphony and the Laventille Rhythm Section. Ramsey-Moore highlighted the communal spirit of pan, stating that its essence lies in the build-up within communities rather than just the final performances. She expressed hope for future funding and the eventual establishment of a permanent headquarters for Pan Trinbago. Meanwhile, Marabella West councillor John Alibocas, attending his first town launch, praised the event’s ability to bring people together and boost the local economy. Despite financial challenges, the launch showcased the resilience and passion of the steelpan community, underscoring its role as a cultural and unifying force in Trinidad and Tobago.

  • Immunisation and human rights

    Immunisation and human rights

    World Immunisation Day, observed on November 10, serves as a global reminder of the critical role vaccines play in preventing infectious diseases. While often confused with World Immunisation Week in April, both events share the same mission: to raise awareness about the life-saving benefits of immunisation. However, the conversation around vaccinations extends beyond health benefits, touching on issues of discrimination and individual rights, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Trelawny resident calls on Gov’t to provide building assistance for hurricane-hit communities

    Trelawny resident calls on Gov’t to provide building assistance for hurricane-hit communities

    In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, residents of Wakefield in Trelawny are appealing to the government for urgent assistance in securing building materials to rebuild their devastated homes. Courtney ‘Macky British’ McIntosh, a local resident, highlighted the severe impact of the hurricane, which left numerous properties in ruins across Wakefield and neighboring areas such as Bounty Hall, Friendship, Bunkers Hill, Dromilly, and Deeside. While financial aid has been provided by the diaspora, as well as contributions from Member of Parliament Tova Hamilton and businessman Romeich Major, McIntosh emphasized that more substantial support is needed. He praised the efforts of local leaders, including Councillor Jonathan Bartley and MP Tova Hamilton, who have been actively involved in clearing debris and restoring access to affected areas. However, with homes flattened and continuous rainfall exacerbating the situation, McIntosh urged the government to expedite the provision of essential materials like plywood and zinc to help residents rebuild at least one room to protect their belongings from further damage.

  • US Supreme Court declines to hear case challenging same-sex marriage

    US Supreme Court declines to hear case challenging same-sex marriage

    In a significant decision, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to review a case challenging the nationwide constitutional right to same-sex marriage, reaffirming its landmark 2015 ruling. The court, dominated by a 6-3 conservative majority, offered no explanation for its refusal to hear the appeal, which was brought by Kim Davis, a former Kentucky county clerk who had defied court orders by refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Davis, who cited her Christian beliefs as justification, was ordered to pay substantial damages and legal fees to a gay couple she had denied service. Her case had raised concerns among LGBTQ+ advocates that the court might revisit its decision legalizing same-sex marriage, especially after its 2022 ruling overturning the constitutional right to abortion. The Supreme Court’s unsigned order, which required at least four votes to proceed, saw no dissents. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, including the Human Rights Campaign and Lambda Legal, celebrated the decision but cautioned against complacency, noting that opponents remain determined to undermine progress. With over 820,000 same-sex couples married in the U.S. today—more than double the number in 2015—the ruling underscores the enduring impact of marriage equality while highlighting ongoing challenges to LGBTQ+ rights.