A devastating workplace accident occurred this morning at approximately 10:20 AM on Frederikshoopweg in the Latour district. During construction activities, a concrete wall collapsed onto a worker, resulting in a fatal outcome. Emergency services were dispatched immediately, but upon arrival, it was confirmed that the victim had already succumbed to his injuries. It is believed that the man died on the spot due to the severity of his wounds. Local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident and to ensure such tragedies are prevented in the future. The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols at construction sites, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of regulations.
作者： admin
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Woman Testifies Against Two Police Officers Over 2017 Rape Allegations
A woman has courageously taken the stand in the High Court to recount a harrowing incident in which she alleges two police officers sexually assaulted her in 2017. The trial, presided over by Justice Ann-Marie Smith and a jury of five women and four men, centers on the events of May 12 in Cooks. The complainant detailed how she had spent the evening with a WhatsApp group that included the defendants before getting into a vehicle with them. She testified that the officers drove her to a secluded area, threatened her with a gun, and subjected her to forced intercourse and other sexual acts. The woman further claimed that the officers warned her they would kill her if she reported the attack. After the alleged assault, she left the scene, visited a bar, and reported the incident to the police the following morning. Investigators later recovered a wrapper and condom from the location. The complainant also revealed that one of the officers sent her post-incident messages downplaying the encounter and suggesting it had been ‘planned’ within the group. During cross-examination, defense lawyers questioned the consistency of her testimony, particularly regarding whether the vehicle had stopped and her recollection of events, pointing to discrepancies with her initial police statement. The trial continues as the court seeks to uncover the truth behind these grave allegations.
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Judge Rebukes ABDF Hierarchy for Misleading the Court
The High Court of Antigua and Barbuda witnessed a dramatic turn of events today as Justice Rene Williams delivered a scathing rebuke to the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) for presenting false information in the case involving Captain Willock. The ABDF had erroneously claimed that Sergeant Manyakie Edwards, a key witness in the case, was in China when he was actually in the United States for military training. This misinformation led to an incorrect ruling against Captain Willock, who promptly alerted the court to the inaccuracy. Justice Williams condemned the ABDF’s actions, stating that they had brought the court into disrepute and undermined the integrity of the judicial process. The judge ordered the ABDF to pay $1,500 in costs to Willock within 21 days and an additional $300 to the Court Office within 7 days. In a surprising development, Willock, who had been representing himself, enlisted attorney Wendel Alexander to file an application requesting Justice Williams to recuse himself from the case. Alexander argued that the judge’s conduct could be perceived as biased by a fair-minded observer. The ABDF opposed the application, asserting that Justice Williams had acted impartially. The court has adjourned until February to review official transcripts and determine whether a full hearing on the recusal application is warranted. This case has sparked widespread public debate about accountability within the Defence Force and the delicate balance between military authority and judicial independence.
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Pastor admits defrauding victims of over $300,000
In a shocking breach of trust, Pastor Gavin Otto has admitted to orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that swindled individuals and businesses out of more than $300,000. Otto pleaded guilty to all 19 charges brought against him on Monday, which included six counts of fraudulent conversion and 13 counts of obtaining money by false pretenses. The crimes were committed between February 2021 and October 2022, and he is scheduled to be sentenced on November 7. The fraudulent conversion charges stem from cases where victims paid for steel and 40-foot shipping containers that were never delivered. One victim paid over $15,000 for a container that never arrived, while another paid $16,000 for two containers but received only one after Otto issued a bounced cheque. Other victims were deceived into paying for building materials or steel, receiving either partial deliveries or worthless cheques. Otto also cashed multiple cheques at gas stations and businesses that later bounced due to insufficient funds. In October 2022, police executed a search warrant at Otto’s home, where he was caught attempting to evade officers. During the search, receipts and cheque stubs were recovered, further incriminating him. The pastor now faces sentencing for defrauding victims and businesses of more than $300,000, marking a significant fall from grace for a man once trusted by his community.
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PHOTO: Minor landslide in Fond Cole
A landslide has occurred in the Fond Cole Housing Scheme area, triggered by the severe weather conditions experienced today. The incident was captured in a photograph by a local resident, providing a stark visual of the event. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries so far. The landslide underscores the vulnerability of the area to extreme weather events and raises concerns about the safety and preparedness of local infrastructure. Authorities are likely to assess the damage and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. The community remains on alert as weather conditions continue to pose risks.
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Ministry of Education Launches Reading Month 2025
The Ministry of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries has officially designated October as Reading Month, a nationwide initiative aimed at celebrating the profound impact of reading on personal and societal development. Under the theme ‘Unlock Your Possibilities: Read, Imagine, Grow,’ the campaign seeks to inspire students, educators, parents, and the broader community to embrace the transformative power of books. This year’s observance highlights reading as a gateway to knowledge, creativity, and self-discovery, emphasizing its role in fostering a literate, informed, and innovative nation. Throughout the month, schools and libraries will host an array of engaging activities, including reading challenges, storytelling sessions, book fairs, author visits, and community outreach programs. These events are designed to cultivate a lifelong love for reading and underscore its significance in academic and personal growth. Speaking on the initiative, the Education Officer of School Library Services emphasized that reading is not merely an academic tool but a vital means of empowerment and self-expression. Each book read opens doors to new perspectives, enabling individuals to envision a better future and grow into confident, well-rounded citizens. The public is encouraged to participate by dedicating time to daily reading, supporting local library initiatives, and sharing the joy of literature with others. This celebration of reading serves as a reminder of its enduring value in shaping minds and communities.
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Caribbean Court of Justice holds special sitting for fourth president
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) held a landmark ceremony on October 6, 2025, at its headquarters in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to formally inaugurate Honourable Mr Justice Winston Anderson as its fourth President. The event brought together judiciary leaders from Barbados, Belize, Guyana, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, and Trinidad and Tobago, alongside distinguished guests and regional judicial officials. Justice Anderson, who was officially sworn in on July 6, 2025, during the 49th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government in Montego Bay, Jamaica, has a distinguished career spanning academia and legal practice. Prior to his CCJ appointment in 2010, he served as a professor and Deputy Dean at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Faculty of Law, where he also held roles as Head of Teaching and General Counsel to CARICOM. He was instrumental in founding the CCJ Academy for Law in 2010. During the ceremony, President Anderson emphasized the CCJ’s transformative role in enhancing access to final appellate justice across the Caribbean. He highlighted a significant increase in appeals from Barbados to the CCJ, which surged from 19 to 105 cases over a 20-year period—a 450% rise. However, he noted that the Court’s full potential remains untapped due to incomplete compliance with the CCJ Agreement by member states, which limits access to justice and the development of a unified Caribbean jurisprudence. The event’s theme of expanding justice accessibility was echoed by Chief Justice Ivor Archie of Trinidad and Tobago, who pledged collaboration with President Anderson to advance regional judicial integration. Senator John Jeremie, Trinidad and Tobago’s Attorney General, praised Anderson’s integrity and commitment to the rule of law. Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, Principal of UWI St. Augustine, lauded Anderson’s appointment as a victory for both the CCJ and the university. Former CCJ President Sir Dennis Byron expressed confidence in Anderson’s leadership, citing his contributions to landmark cases and the Needham’s Point Declaration. CCJ Judge Maureen Rajnauth-Lee commended Anderson’s collaborative approach, while CARICOM General Counsel Lisa Shoman underscored the CCJ’s critical role in fostering regional integration and upholding the rule of law. The ceremony marked a pivotal moment in the CCJ’s mission to shape a Caribbean jurisprudence that reflects the region’s unique needs and aspirations.
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World’s oldest leader tipped for 8th term in Cameroon vote
Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state at 92, is widely expected to secure an eighth term in Sunday’s presidential election. Despite facing a fragmented opposition of 11 candidates, Biya’s long-standing grip on power since 1982 remains unchallenged. The election’s credibility has been questioned by human rights groups, with concerns over fairness and transparency. Biya’s health, a topic of increasing speculation as he enters his tenth decade, adds another layer of uncertainty to the race. Should he win, he would be nearly 100 by the end of his term. The opposition, led by figures like Maurice Kamto, who was barred from running, has struggled to unite voters under promises of change and economic relief. Kamto’s exclusion has fueled accusations of electoral manipulation, with some citizens labeling the vote a “scam.” Despite this, Biya retains support among those who value his decades of experience in a country where half the population is under 20. His rare campaign appearance in Maroua, where he emphasized his commitment to serving the nation, drew mixed reactions. Critics argue that Biya’s rule has been marked by repression and regional alliances to maintain power, while supporters praise his leadership and stability. The election unfolds against a backdrop of economic challenges, including high living costs and limited access to basic services, as well as ongoing separatist conflicts in English-speaking regions. Observers have been deployed to monitor polling stations, though the government has dismissed these efforts as attempts to skew results. With low turnout expected in conflict-affected areas, the election is unlikely to bring significant change to Cameroon’s political landscape.
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WATCH: One person feared dead in Gallery Apartments fire in New Kingston
A devastating fire erupted at the Gallery Apartments on Oxford Road in New Kingston, Jamaica, in the early hours of Thursday morning, October 9, 2025. The blaze, which occurred after 3 a.m., has reportedly claimed the life of one individual, believed to be a male resident. The cause of the fire remains unknown as investigations continue. Emergency responders, including firefighters and police, swiftly arrived at the scene to manage the situation and assess the damage. The apartment complex, situated opposite Emancipation Park, was engulfed in flames, drawing a crowd of concerned onlookers. A vehicle from Tranquility Funeral Home was also spotted at the location, indicating the gravity of the incident. Observer Online has pledged to provide updates as more information emerges. The community is left in shock as authorities work to determine the cause and prevent future tragedies.
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Mbappe ‘relaxed’ and ready to play in France’s World Cup qualifiers
PARIS, France (AFP) – French football star Kylian Mbappe expressed his confidence and relaxation as he prepares for France’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the Real Madrid forward addressed his recent minor ankle injury and his seamless adaptation to life in Madrid. Mbappe, who sustained a “small niggle” in his right ankle during a match last weekend, assured fans that the injury would not hinder his performance. “The coach (Didier Deschamps) wants me to play. I don’t think there will be a major problem,” he stated. Deschamps echoed this sentiment, noting that the decision to play would depend on Mbappe’s comfort level with his ankle. The 24-year-old also reflected on his transition to Madrid after leaving Paris Saint-Germain last season, describing it as a positive change. “I’ve adapted well to Madrid. The lifestyle is different—less hectic than in Paris. I’m more relaxed there,” he shared. Despite his contentment, Mbappe remains focused on improving his game, emphasizing his current good form and goal-scoring ability. Meanwhile, Deschamps warned his team against underestimating Azerbaijan, highlighting their recent draw against Ukraine and the presence of seven Qarabag players in their squad. France, currently leading their qualifying group with two wins, will face Azerbaijan at Paris Saint-Germain’s Parc des Princes stadium on Friday before traveling to Iceland three days later.