作者: admin

  • Man charged with murder, two counts of serious bodily harm

    Man charged with murder, two counts of serious bodily harm

    Barbados law enforcement authorities have formally pressed criminal charges against a 24-year-old resident of St Michael in connection with a violent incident that occurred on March 1. The accused, identified as Jahmali Jahwaun Irell Greenidge from Lower Bridge Gap, Cave Hill, faces one count of murder alongside two additional charges of inflicting serious bodily harm.

    The Barbados Police Service confirmed the charges relate to the fatal killing of Nigel Gibbs, while the assault charges involve two victims named Morgan Nelson and Raymond Lane. The judicial proceedings will commence at the District ‘A’ Criminal Court where Greenidge is expected to make his initial appearance before the judiciary.

    This development marks a significant progression in the criminal investigation that began following the early March incident. The legal system now moves toward the adjudication phase where evidence will be presented and examined through proper judicial channels. The community awaits further developments in this case as it progresses through Barbados’ criminal justice system.

  • STATEMENT: Electoral Office re voter registration update

    STATEMENT: Electoral Office re voter registration update

    The Commonwealth of Dominica has officially recommenced its voter registration process after a temporary pause due to updated legislative requirements. The Electoral Office, operating under the authority of the Electoral Commission, announced the resumption of voter confirmation activities effective Monday, March 9, 2026.

    This critical democratic process enables eligible citizens and qualifying Commonwealth citizens aged 18 years and above to apply for inclusion in the national Register of Electors. The registry serves as the definitive document determining voting eligibility during general elections throughout the Caribbean nation.

    The registration framework is governed by the Registration of Electors Act, which recently underwent revisions prompting the temporary suspension of voter confirmation services. These legislative enhancements aim to strengthen the integrity and transparency of the electoral system while ensuring compliance with contemporary democratic standards.

    Electoral officials have initiated public outreach efforts to inform citizens about the updated registration requirements and procedures. The Electoral Office continues to provide regular updates regarding the progression of the registration drive, emphasizing the importance of voter participation in the democratic process.

    The resumption of voter registration represents a significant step in preparing for future electoral events, ensuring that all eligible Dominicans can exercise their fundamental right to participate in the nation’s governance through free and fair elections.

  • Alex Browne Unveils “Blueprint for a Stronger St. Philip’s North” Ahead of By-Election

    Alex Browne Unveils “Blueprint for a Stronger St. Philip’s North” Ahead of By-Election

    With the March 16 by-election approaching, United Progressive Party contender Alex Browne has introduced a comprehensive policy framework targeting transformative development in St. Philip’s North. The detailed blueprint, formally named “Blueprint for a Stronger St. Philip’s North,” establishes a community-centric agenda prioritizing healthcare modernization, infrastructure reinforcement, youth empowerment, and land ownership reforms.

    Browne emphasized the constituency’s historical resilience, stating, “St. Philip’s North has always been built by strong hands and even stronger hearts. We honor that legacy with a Blueprint that lifts our people, strengthens our villages, and builds real pathways to a better future.” The policy document structures its initiatives as “ladders of upliftment,” systematically addressing critical sectors including medical services, education, agricultural development, and housing solutions.

    Key healthcare proposals include enhancing community-based clinical services and establishing a dedicated emergency medical services base to improve crisis response capabilities. Infrastructure enhancements focus on collaborative water management projects with the Antigua Public Utilities Authority, specifically targeting reservoir upgrades at Potworks Dam and Collins to bolster water storage capacity.

    The blueprint dedicates significant attention to youth development through curriculum expansion in secondary education, vocational training programs, and the creation of a modern library complemented by a digital learning center. Community revitalization measures include revitalizing village sports leagues and redeveloping the Henderson Baltimore Sports Complex.

    Environmental initiatives promote sustainable agriculture through backyard gardening programs and expansion of recreational green spaces. Browne’s strategy adopts a two-phase implementation model: initial focus on resident empowerment through healthcare and education, followed by community-wide infrastructure and housing projects. The document asserts these initiatives can commence immediately through “advocacy, partnership, and strong community leadership.” This policy release intensifies the competitive landscape as major parties present contrasting visions for the constituency’s future.

  • Baltimore Releases Manifesto Outlining Development Plan for St. Philip’s North

    Baltimore Releases Manifesto Outlining Development Plan for St. Philip’s North

    Ahead of the crucial March 16 by-election, ABLP candidate Randy Baltimore has presented a detailed political manifesto outlining his developmental vision for St. Philip’s North constituency. The comprehensive document, formally titled “Randy Baltimore Manifesto 2026,” establishes a strategic framework targeting both immediate concerns and long-term constituency development.

    Baltimore’s introductory message emphasizes his community-connected approach, stating: “I write to you with respect, gratitude, and a deep sense of responsibility. Over the years I have had the privilege of working alongside many of you; listening, learning, and doing my part to support the growth and well-being of our community.” The candidate noted that resident consultations directly shaped the manifesto’s priorities, describing St. Philip’s North as a constituency “filled with hardworking men and women, strong families, determined young people, and elders whose wisdom has shaped the foundation we stand on today.”

    The manifesto organizes its proposals around three foundational pillars. Environmental stewardship initiatives include quarterly constituency clean-up campaigns, establishing community-led environmental committees, and forging partnerships with educational institutions to promote environmental awareness. The plan additionally emphasizes climate resilience and disaster preparedness measures.

    The second pillar concentrates on human development through youth programs, vocational training, and entrepreneurship support. Specific proposals include creating a constituency scholarship fund supporting at least five students annually, establishing structured homework centers, expanding sports and mentorship programs, hosting small business workshops, and organizing an annual market and trade fair to promote local enterprises.

    Infrastructure enhancement and public safety constitute the third major component. Baltimore commits to identifying the constituency’s top ten road and drainage concerns within his first three months in office, advocating for phased resurfacing and drainage improvements. The document further promises a comprehensive streetlight audit within 90 days, followed by repairs and installations in poorly lit areas, alongside establishing quarterly police-community forums to address crime concerns.

    Beyond these developmental pillars, the manifesto institutes an accountability framework featuring annual constituency report cards, quarterly town hall meetings, and regular public progress updates. “The manifesto will not sit on a shelf,” the document explicitly states, emphasizing transparent communication and ongoing accountability to residents.

    Baltimore also highlighted the planned reactivation of the St. Philip’s North Unity Centre as an educational, skills development, and community programming hub. The manifesto concludes with Baltimore formally requesting constituent support in the upcoming election: “It is with this vision and these commitments in mind that I ask for your support and your vote on election day, March 16th, 2026.”

  • Police Seek Public’s Help to Locate Stolen Honda Fit

    Police Seek Public’s Help to Locate Stolen Honda Fit

    Law enforcement authorities in the Greenbay area have issued a public appeal for assistance in locating a stolen vehicle following a reported theft on Thursday morning. The missing automobile is identified as a 2010 silver Honda Fit with distinctive Antigua and Barbuda license plate number A63266 prominently displayed on both front and rear sections.

    Community members and residents across the region are being urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the compact silver vehicle to local police departments immediately. Officials recommend that individuals who potentially spot the automobile should attempt to capture photographic evidence if circumstances safely permit, providing valuable investigative leads to law enforcement personnel.

    The circulating photograph distributed through official channels shows the distinct rear profile of the vehicle with its identifiable license plate clearly visible. While the basic details of the vehicle theft have been confirmed, police representatives have maintained operational confidentiality regarding specific circumstances surrounding the incident, potential investigative leads, or suspected individuals possibly connected to the case.

    This community-based approach to crime resolution emphasizes the growing importance of public-police collaboration in addressing local criminal activities. The strategy leverages widespread community engagement to enhance traditional law enforcement methodologies, potentially accelerating recovery efforts through collective public vigilance.

  • Extended Operational Hours Announced for Four Health Centers

    Extended Operational Hours Announced for Four Health Centers

    In a transformative move for Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare landscape, Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to extend operating hours at four key community health centers. Starting April 1, 2026, the Brownes Avenue Health Centre, Grays Farm Health Centre, Clare Hall Health Centre, and Villa Polyclinic will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily—dramatically expanding access to primary healthcare services for local communities.

    The announcement came during this week’s inauguration ceremony of the Medical Benefits Pharmacy at Glanvilles Polyclinic, where Minister Joseph characterized the initiative as pivotal to strengthening the nation’s primary healthcare infrastructure. The extended hours specifically target evening periods when residents previously had limited options beyond hospital emergency departments.

    These community clinics will deliver comprehensive medical services including general consultations, acute wound management, maternal and child healthcare, immunization programs, and minor emergency treatment. They will also address urgent medical conditions such as lacerations, asthma exacerbations, dehydration, gastroenteritis, and uncontrolled chronic diseases including hypertension and diabetes.

    This strategic decentralization of healthcare delivery is projected to substantially alleviate congestion at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre’s Accident and Emergency Department by managing appropriate cases within community settings. Patients requiring advanced care will be systematically referred to the main hospital with ambulance transport arranged when necessary.

    Minister Joseph emphasized that this initiative forms part of a broader governmental strategy to modernize healthcare delivery, ensuring citizens receive quality, efficient, and responsive medical services. The Ministry of Health is currently finalizing operational protocols to ensure seamless implementation, marking a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to enhanced healthcare accessibility and improved patient outcomes across Antigua and Barbuda.

  • QEH spotlight on patient safety in interactive open day

    QEH spotlight on patient safety in interactive open day

    The Queen Elizabeth Hospital reimagined patient safety education this Wednesday by converting its annual awareness event into an immersive, hospital-wide exhibition. During Patient Safety Awareness Week, the institution opened its doors to demonstrate the intricate coordination between diverse departments that collectively safeguard patient welfare.

    Sandra Beckles Hackett, Clinical Risk Manager at the hospital, emphasized the global significance of the initiative. ‘This international observance serves to educate our staff, patients, and the broader community about the critical importance of safety protocols within healthcare settings,’ Beckles Hackett explained. ‘Our objective was to visually demonstrate how every component—from clinical nursing and infection control to technical engineering and laundry services—interconnects to deliver optimal patient care.’

    To enhance participation, the hospital organized a competitive booth challenge that prompted departments to develop engaging, interactive displays showcasing their specific safety measures. A judging panel assessed teams based on both their innovative approaches and their effectiveness in communicating how daily operations directly impact patient health outcomes. The competition results will be revealed on Friday.

    Notable exhibits included the ambulance service’s emergency readiness presentation and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit’s live demonstration of ‘kangaroo care’—a technique involving skin-to-skin contact for newborn infants. The event functioned as a cornerstone of the hospital’s transparency initiative, seeking to clarify the sophisticated systems that operate synergistically to protect patients while promoting a pervasive culture of safety throughout the organization.

  • Repairs Underway at West Bus Station Police Post

    Repairs Underway at West Bus Station Police Post

    Authorities have initiated comprehensive restoration efforts at the West Bus Station police facility following substantial structural damage to the building. Law enforcement personnel previously stationed at the post have been temporarily reassigned to operate from St. John’s Police Station during the rehabilitation period.

    According to police administration officials, repair crews have been working diligently to address the damage, with significant progress reported as recently as the day prior to official statements. “I can confirm that restoration work has been conducted as late as yesterday,” a high-ranking police official disclosed during a press conference.

    The damaged police outpost serves a critical function in maintaining security and order at one of the city’s busiest transportation centers, processing thousands of commuters daily. While the exact nature and cause of the structural damage remain unspecified, authorities have prioritized returning operations to normalcy.

    Police leadership expressed optimism regarding the timeline for completion, indicating that personnel could potentially return to the West Bus Station facility within approximately ten days. “We anticipate officers resuming operations at their regular post in short order—possibly within a week and a half at most,” the senior officer added during the briefing.

  • Police Appeal for Public Help to Identify Driver in Illegal Dumping Incident

    Police Appeal for Public Help to Identify Driver in Illegal Dumping Incident

    Law enforcement authorities have launched a public appeal to identify a motorist connected to an unlawful waste disposal incident, emphasizing that the case will be prosecuted through the judicial system once the suspect is located. Investigators are actively working to determine responsibility for the unauthorized dumping of refuse and are encouraging community members with relevant information to come forward.

    Police officials highlighted the essential role of public cooperation in resolving environmental violations and ensuring accountability for offenders. “While our officers are dedicated to maintaining community standards, we cannot be present at every location simultaneously,” stated a police representative, making a direct appeal to potential witnesses.

    Authorities emphasized that community tips frequently prove instrumental in addressing illegal dumping cases and other environmental offenses, particularly when these acts occur without official observation. The collaborative effort between residents and law enforcement is considered fundamental to effective environmental protection.

    Individuals possessing any information that might advance the investigation are urged to contact local police authorities immediately. Once identified, the suspect will face formal legal proceedings in accordance with environmental protection statutes.

  • Hairdressing and Personal Care Prices Drop Sharply in Latest CPI Report

    Hairdressing and Personal Care Prices Drop Sharply in Latest CPI Report

    The National Bureau of Statistics of Antigua and Barbuda has published its January 2026 Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, revealing a substantial deflationary trend within the personal care sector. A standout finding indicates that prices for services at hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishments plummeted by a striking 25.5% over the preceding twelve-month period.

    This sharp decrease in grooming service costs was a primary driver behind a significant 4.8% year-on-year contraction in the broader ‘miscellaneous goods and services’ index. This category encompasses a wide array of products and services dedicated to personal upkeep and daily maintenance.

    The report positions this sector’s decline as a component of a wider national trend of easing consumer prices observed at the start of 2026. Concurrent reductions were documented in other essential spending categories, including transport, food, and various household goods, suggesting a broad-based moderation of inflationary pressures across the economy.

    The CPI itself is a critical economic barometer, meticulously tracking the average price fluctuations for a basket of goods and services typically consumed by households. It is universally recognized as the foremost indicator for measuring inflation and evaluating cost-of-living dynamics within the twin-island nation.