The Court of Appeal commenced the hearing for Oscar Selgado, a 56-year-old attorney convicted of abetment to murder in the case of Marilyn Barnes, on October 14, 2025. Selgado, sentenced to 10 years by Justice Nigel Pilgrim in June 2024, is contesting both his conviction and the severity of his sentence. His legal team, comprising Arthur Saldivar and Darrell Bradley, argued that the trial was marred by procedural flaws, including an allegedly incomplete transcript and the disputed admissibility of a key witness’s statement. Giovanni Ramirez, the crown’s primary witness, did not testify in person due to claimed fears for his safety. His statement was admitted under a voidaire, a legal mechanism for fearful witnesses. Saldivar also contended that the 10-year sentence was disproportionate, citing a similar case where the defendant received a six-year term despite Selgado’s lack of prior convictions. He further criticized the crown for not providing adequate protection for Ramirez or exploring virtual testimony options. Cheryl Lynn-Vidal, the Director of Public Prosecutions, defended the crown’s position, asserting that Ramirez’s fear was genuine and corroborated by other witnesses. She emphasized that without Ramirez’s statement, the case against Selgado would have been untenable. Lynn-Vidal also dismissed the feasibility of virtual testimony, stating that Ramirez consistently refused to participate due to credible threats from Selgado. The full story will be covered on News 5 Live at 6 p.m.
作者： admin
-
US military strikes fifth suspected drug boat off Venezuelan coast
In a significant development, former President Donald Trump revealed on Tuesday that U.S. military forces executed a strike on a small vessel suspected of drug trafficking in international waters near Venezuela. The operation, announced via a post on Truth Social, resulted in the deaths of six individuals aboard the boat, with no reported casualties among U.S. personnel. This incident represents the fifth such lethal strike in the Caribbean, part of the Trump administration’s controversial policy of treating alleged drug traffickers as “unlawful combatants” subject to military intervention. Official figures indicate that at least 27 people have been killed across these operations. The escalating use of military force has drawn bipartisan criticism in Congress. While some Republicans are pressing the White House for a clearer legal rationale and operational details, Democrats argue that these strikes violate both U.S. and international laws. The debate intensified last week when the Senate rejected a war powers resolution aimed at restricting the administration from conducting further strikes without explicit congressional approval.
-
34 Saint Lucian swimmers set to make a splash at OECS contest
The Saint Lucia national swimming team, bolstered by a mix of seasoned athletes and rising stars, is set to compete in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Swimming Championships next month. The event, scheduled for November 7-9 at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre in St Vincent & the Grenadines, offers Saint Lucia an opportunity to improve upon their fourth-place finish from last year. This year’s team features Olympic swimmers Mikaili Charlemagne and Jordan Augier, alongside CARIFTA champions Sapphire Parks and Antoine Destang, who returns after a year-long hiatus. The squad also includes promising young talents like Kayla Rose Richards and Kenya Andrew in the Under-9 division, as well as regional veterans such as Noah Dorville and Jayden Xu. Despite the absence of key swimmers like Naima Hazell and Fayth Jeffrey, the team, under the guidance of coach Marlon James, appears well-positioned to make a strong showing. The championships will test the nation’s ability to reclaim its standing in regional swimming, with hopes of surpassing last year’s performance.
-
155 Derelict Vehicles already Marked for removal as National Cleanup Begins
The National Solid Waste Management Authority has initiated a comprehensive nationwide cleanup campaign in Antigua and Barbuda, targeting abandoned vehicles and neglected properties. In the first phase, authorities have identified and marked 155 derelict vehicles for removal. The initial sweep focused on the Villa and Point areas, where 75 vehicles were tagged by police, followed by an additional 80 vehicles in the Yorks area as the program expanded. The campaign, described by Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph as a ‘deep, deep cleanup,’ aims to restore the country’s appearance and enhance public health. The operation involves collaboration between the Defense Force, Solid Waste, the Central Board of Health, and Public Works. Beyond vehicles, the initiative also addresses derelict homes, overgrown lots, and unsightly fences. Property owners who fail to maintain their premises post-cleanup may face charges added to their property value under existing legislation. Cleanup efforts are being conducted systematically using mapped grids, with teams progressing through communities in phases. Sir Molwyn emphasized that the government intends to make this cleanup an ongoing, structured effort tied to health, sanitation, and national pride.
-
Government yet to disclose Grenada’s position for IMO Net Zero Framework
Grenada’s position on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Net Zero Framework (NZF) remains undisclosed as voting approaches during the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meetings in London from 14 to 17 October. The NZF aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships, aligning with the IMO’s GHG Strategy. However, the framework faces significant opposition from the United States, which has threatened sanctions against supporting nations. In a joint statement on 10 October 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that countries endorsing the IMO’s decarbonisation plan could face port bans, visa restrictions on seafarers, punitive vessel fees, and sanctions on government officials. The Trump administration labeled the NZF as a “European-led neocolonial export of global climate regulations” and criticized it as a potential “global carbon tax.” Despite broad support from European nations, Pacific island states, and major liner groups, the US opposition could influence the MEPC vote. Grenada, as a small island state vulnerable to climate change impacts such as sea-level rise and biodiversity loss, faces a complex decision. The EU views the NZF as a critical milestone in maritime environmental protection, while the US stance highlights the geopolitical tensions surrounding global climate policies.
-
Parliament should discuss US radar request to install radar at MBIA
The Government of Grenada is currently evaluating a request from the United States to install radar equipment at Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA). The proposal, submitted by the Trump administration, has sparked a national debate, with former Upper House President Chester Humphrey urging parliamentary involvement in the decision-making process. Humphrey, a seasoned political figure with over two decades of service in the Labour Movement, emphasized the importance of legislative oversight, stating, ‘Parliament needs to meet on this matter before any commitments are made to the Americans.’ The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the request, noting that technical consultations with the Grenada Airports Authority (GAA) and other agencies are underway. The government assured citizens that public safety and the protection of the tourism industry would guide any decisions. Humphrey also cautioned against politicizing the issue, urging bipartisan support for the government. The outcome of this deliberation could have significant implications for Grenada’s international relations and domestic security.
-
Housing minister: Over half of homes promised have been delivered to Dominicans
In a significant stride toward climate resilience, the Government of Dominica has surpassed the halfway mark in its ambitious initiative to deliver 5,000 hurricane-resilient homes to its citizens. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Melissa Poponne-Skerrit, announced this milestone during her recent appearance on DBS Radio’s ‘Focus on Government and Development.’ She emphasized that this housing initiative is a pivotal intervention in lifting citizens out of poverty, restoring pride, and providing hope and security in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria’s devastation. Currently, over 28,000 Dominicans are residing in these safer, more durable homes, marking a tangible step toward the nation’s goal of becoming the world’s first climate-resilient country. The government’s efforts are particularly concentrated in the Grand Bay area, where a modern, resilient village is under construction. This project includes 91 homes, 26 commercial spaces, a community center, a church, new roads, and infrastructure. Additionally, residential lots and facilities for the magistrate’s court and fire station are being developed. Beyond Grand Bay, similar projects are nearing completion in areas like Vieille Case, Penville, and Pointe Michel, with all expected to be finalized by year-end. The Housing Recovery Program has also made significant strides in the Kalinago Territory, where over a quarter of the total homes were constructed. Notably, the government intervened to resolve land ownership issues for over 170 applicants, ensuring their eligibility for the program. While the Housing Recovery Program officially concluded this year, the Ministry of Housing continues to hand over homes, bringing comfort and security to more Dominican families.
-
Minister Fernandez Congratulates ABAA’s Operations Manager on International Achievement
In a landmark achievement for Antigua and Barbuda, Rex Daly, Operations Manager at the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA), has become the first Antiguan to complete the Airport Management Professional Accreditation Programme (AMPAP), earning the esteemed International Airport Professional (IAP) designation. Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, the Hon. H. Charles Fernandez, personally congratulated Mr. Daly during a special meeting on October 13, 2025. Notably, Mr. Daly accomplished this feat in just nine months, a remarkable deviation from the typical three-year duration of the programme. Minister Fernandez highlighted that Mr. Daly’s success exemplifies dedication, discipline, and a passion for aviation, underscoring the importance of human resource development in national progress. Mr. Daly expressed his gratitude to the ABAA for their support and to the Global ACI-ICAO AMPAP for providing a transformative learning experience. He also revealed his plans to pursue the Airport Safety Professional (ASP) certification by 2026, aiming to become the first Antiguan to achieve this globally recognized distinction. Permanent Secretary Sean Cenac joined in celebrating Mr. Daly’s achievement, calling it a proud moment for the nation’s aviation sector.
-
VS: Surinaams investeringsklimaat verbetert; hervormingen en olieproject stuwen vertrouwen
Suriname has witnessed a significant enhancement in its investment climate over the past year, driven by economic reforms, rising investor confidence, and growing foreign interest, particularly in the energy sector. This is highlighted in the 2025 Investment Climate Statements: Suriname, published by the U.S. Department of State. The report underscores a breakthrough in offshore oil development, with TotalEnergies and APA Corporation spearheading a USD 10.5 billion project set to commence production by 2028. Other major oil companies, including Chevron, Petronas, Shell, and PetroChina, are also active in Suriname’s concessions. In the gold mining sector, Newmont and Zijin dominate as the largest legal operators, with taxes from the regulated gold industry contributing approximately 80% of state revenues. The successful completion of the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program in March 2025 has stabilized the macroeconomy, with economic growth hovering around 3% and inflation dropping below 10% from a peak of 60% in 2021. The government has also restructured external debt through agreements with the Paris Club and China. Key reforms include the independence of the central bank, modernization of the currency framework, and the introduction of VAT in 2023. Additionally, a new procurement law, accounting act, and sovereign wealth fund act were enacted to enhance transparency. However, challenges persist, including opaque approval processes for foreign direct investment, corruption risks, stringent labor protections, and a high corporate tax rate of 36%. The report emphasizes that sustained institutional reforms, macroeconomic stability, and infrastructure investments are crucial to maintaining investor interest.
-
Mathias: Jolly Beach Investment to Strengthen Social Security’s Cash Flow
The Antigua and Barbuda government has announced a strategic investment in the Jolly Beach Resort, aimed at bolstering the nation’s Social Security pension fund. David Mathias, Executive Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board, revealed that the initiative is designed to generate reliable returns without tapping into contributors’ funds. Speaking on the program ‘Government in Motion,’ Mathias emphasized that the arrangement focuses on enhancing cash flow through ownership and dividends rather than direct spending. He clarified that the government will finance and redevelop the property, subsequently transferring equity to the Social Security Board, thereby making it a major stakeholder in the venture. The fund is expected to earn income from hotel operations and potential future dividends. This partnership marks a shift toward sustainable, income-producing assets to address growing pension liabilities, driven by longer retiree lifespans and increasing average payments. Mathias highlighted that the investment is part of a broader strategy to stabilize the scheme’s reserves and ensure timely benefit payments for retirees.