作者: admin

  • Widow mourns drowing victim – ‘I keep expecting him to walk through the door’

    Widow mourns drowing victim – ‘I keep expecting him to walk through the door’

    A Waterford family has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of Derek Rahming, who police believe drowned while gathering seawater near his Eleuthera home. The incident has left his wife, Lynn Rahming, grappling with the sudden void in their lives just weeks after they celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary.

    According to Mrs. Rahming, the sequence of events began on the morning of December 4th when her husband accompanied her to the porch before she departed for her security shift—a familiar domestic ritual. Upon returning from work, she grew concerned when he failed to make his customary check-in calls. Her anxiety escalated when a neighbor discovered Mr. Rahming’s vehicle abandoned near a local marina with its lights illuminated, trunk open, and keys still in the ignition.

    The scene suggested an abrupt interruption: a water jug intended for saltwater collection remained inside the vehicle, located merely two minutes from their residence. After repeatedly calling his name with no response, Mrs. Rahming notified authorities of his disappearance.

    Police reports indicate that officers responded to a creek around 7 p.m. following leads, where they discovered an unresponsive man submerged in shallow water. A diving team retrieved the body, which was subsequently identified as Mr. Rahming and pronounced dead by medical personnel. Investigators preliminarily classified the incident as an accidental drowning, likely resulting from a loss of footing on slippery terrain.

    Mrs. Rahming expressed appreciation for the prompt police response but described the emotional devastation of learning her husband had been found face-down in ankle-deep water mere steps from his collection bottle. She chose to remain in the vehicle during the recovery, unable to witness the traumatic scene.

    Remembered as the ‘life of the party,’ Mr. Rahming was a devoted husband and stepfather who nurtured a blended family. His widow now confronts the haunting silence of a home that once echoed with his presence, reflecting that the reality of his absence only truly settled days after the tragedy.

  • Ex-chief supt faces NY court in shackles

    Ex-chief supt faces NY court in shackles

    In a dramatic courtroom appearance that has reverberated across the Caribbean, former Royal Bahamas Police Force Chief Superintendent Elvis Nathaniel Curtis stood shackled before a New York judge on Friday, facing serious charges in an international drug trafficking operation that implicates high-level Bahamian officials.

    The 51-year-old ex-law enforcement commander, who once oversaw security at Lynden Pindling International Airport and other critical Bahamian transit hubs, appeared calm and attentive during the proceedings despite wearing faded brown prison attire and restraints. Curtis and four co-defendants—William Simeon (52), Luis Fernando Orozco-Toro (58), Ulrique Jean Baptiste (53), and Lorielmo Steele-Pomare (59)—face multiple charges including cocaine importation conspiracy and firearms offenses.

    According to federal prosecutors, the sophisticated trafficking scheme operated from May 2021 through late 2024, allegedly leveraging corrupt officials to facilitate cocaine shipments from The Bahamas to the United States. The most explosive allegation claims Curtis solicited a $2 million bribe on behalf of an unnamed ‘high-ranking Bahamian politician’ who promised to ensure law enforcement cooperation.

    The hearing revealed evidentiary challenges, with defense attorneys noting the ‘voluminous’ nature of discovery materials, including untranslated Spanish conversations. Prosecutor Jonathan Bodansky acknowledged that additional evidence had emerged since the August hearing, prompting the adjournment.

    Donna Newman, representing recently extradited Colombian national Steele-Pomare, requested additional preparation time, stating she would be ‘under pressure’ to review the extensive materials by the new February 25 conference date. Other defense attorneys did not object to the timeline.

    The case expands beyond the five defendants, with at least eight additional alleged conspirators remaining at large, including former RBPF Sergeant Prince Albert Symonette. Court documents allege Curtis and Symonette accepted a $10,000 down payment in 2023 to facilitate a future 600kg cocaine shipment through Nassau airport.

    The proceedings follow the guilty plea of Darrin Alexander Roker, a former Royal Bahamas Defence Force chief petty officer who faces up to 20 years imprisonment after admitting to cocaine importation conspiracy. His sentencing is scheduled for January 21.

  • Family launches GoFundMe for funeral of hit-and-run victim

    Family launches GoFundMe for funeral of hit-and-run victim

    A Bahamian family faces compounded tragedy as they seek both answers and financial assistance following the fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of 29-year-old Devon Butler. The recent graduate, who had just celebrated his birthday weeks earlier, was struck by two vehicles in the early hours of the morning on Robinson Road, according to police reports.

    The devastating incident occurred around 2am when Butler was first hit by a dark-colored Acura whose driver reportedly stopped at the scene, only to be followed by a second vehicle that struck him again and fled. The young father, remembered by family as a persistent and joyful person, leaves behind a son he worked tirelessly to support.

    His sister, Latoya Smith, revealed the family’s multidimensional struggle as they cope with both emotional trauma and financial hardship. The situation represents the third devastating blow to the family this year alone—their mother survived a previous hit-and-run accident months earlier, and their father subsequently passed away from illness, depleting both emotional reserves and financial resources.

    Smith expressed frustration with the investigation’s progress, noting that despite initial police indications that the first driver was in custody and cooperating, the family has received no substantive updates regarding either driver’s status or potential charges. She emphasized the particular injustice of the second driver’s escape from accountability.

    The family has turned to crowdfunding through GoFundMe to cover the $7,000 funeral expenses, a necessity compounded by Butler’s lack of life insurance. Smith articulated her belief that those responsible for the crash should contribute to these costs, describing the current situation as profoundly unfair to a family already pushed beyond its limits.

    As the holiday season approaches, the family prepares for their first Christmas without Butler, whose absence has created a palpable void in their lives. Smith recounted how even the children in the family are struggling, particularly her own child who attended church weekly with Butler’s son.

    Despite a challenging childhood that included time in children’s homes, Butler consistently pursued better opportunities for himself and his family. His sister remembered him as someone who “would keep trying and pushing, regardless of the situation,” noting that he died wearing his work clothes—a testament to his dedication.

    At last report, the fundraising effort had garnered $320 toward its goal, while the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Butler’s death continues.

  • WATCH: Driver injured in three-vehicle collision on Washington Boulevard

    WATCH: Driver injured in three-vehicle collision on Washington Boulevard

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A significant traffic incident disrupted morning commutes along Washington Boulevard in St. Andrew this Monday, resulting in one serious injury and a police investigation. The collision, which involved three vehicles, occurred shortly after 5:00 AM near the intersection with Weymouth Drive.

    According to preliminary reports, the chain of events began when a tractor trailer initiated a right turn from Washington Boulevard onto Weymouth Drive. Simultaneously, two passenger vehicles—a Toyota Mark X and a Nissan Teana—were traveling in a westerly direction on the main thoroughfare. The vehicles subsequently collided with the large truck during its maneuver.

    The impact of the crash inflicted serious injuries upon the driver of the Toyota Mark X. Emergency services responded to the scene, and the individual was promptly transported to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment. The condition of the Nissan Teana’s driver was not immediately specified in initial reports.

    Law enforcement officials confirmed that the driver of the tractor trailer was taken into police custody following the incident. The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under active investigation by local authorities to determine the precise sequence of events and assign liability.

    The early morning accident caused substantial traffic delays during the peak commute period, with emergency crews working to clear the wreckage and manage the scene. This incident highlights ongoing traffic safety concerns on major Jamaican roadways.

  • Alaine working on new album, honing new talent

    Alaine working on new album, honing new talent

    Jamaican recording artist Alaine has officially confirmed the development of her first full-length studio album in ten years, marking a significant return to the music scene after a prolonged creative hiatus. The ‘No Ordinary Love’ vocalist revealed in an exclusive Jamaica Observer interview that she is actively crafting new material with renewed artistic vision.

    “The album is finally coming. I’m dedicating myself to creating meaningful music that truly represents my artistic evolution,” Alaine stated. “This project reflects my authentic self and showcases my musical capabilities in ways fans haven’t experienced before.”

    The artist’s discography includes 2015’s ‘Ten of Hearts,’ preceded by the Japan-exclusive release ‘Luv A Dub’ (2009) and her debut album ‘Sacrifice’ (2008). While fans await the new album, Alaine has released the summer-inspired single ‘Summertime,’ a collaborative effort with Protoje released through Indigg.Nation.Collective in September.

    In a noteworthy patriotic gesture, Alaine disclosed her ongoing recording sessions with production team Daseca to create an anthem for Jamaica’s bobsled team. “Their remarkable ascent couldn’t have come at a better time,” she commented, drawing parallels to Jamaica’s growing presence in international basketball.

    The accomplished singer has maintained an active international performance schedule throughout the year, with recent appearances in Florida and The Bahamas, and upcoming shows scheduled in Antigua and Kenya. “Music transcends borders—songs I recorded two decades ago continue to fuel my international touring career,” Alaine reflected on her enduring global appeal.

    Beyond her performing career, Alaine has transitioned from her role as a judge on Digicel Rising Stars to mentoring emerging artists. “I’m committed to supporting talented young performers by providing them with platforms to showcase their abilities during my performances,” she emphasized regarding her dedication to nurturing new generations of Jamaican musical talent.

  • Man dies in New Grant fire

    Man dies in New Grant fire

    A devastating residential fire in the New Grant community has resulted in the tragic death of a 40-year-old man on December 7th. The victim has been identified as Armanath Ramnarinesingh, who perished in the blaze that engulfed his two-story residence located on Frederick Branch Road.

    According to preliminary reports obtained by Newsday, the catastrophic fire ignited approximately at 7:00 PM, rapidly consuming the structure where Ramnarinesingh resided. Emergency responders, including fire service personnel, rushed to the scene upon notification, battling the flames in efforts to control the inferno and prevent further destruction.

    The exact cause of the conflagration remains undetermined at this time, with authorities launching a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Fire officials and forensic experts are meticulously examining the premises to establish the origin and circumstances that led to the deadly outbreak.

    While the confirmed casualty remains singular, officials have not yet issued definitive statements regarding potential additional victims. The investigation continues as community members mourn the loss of life in this tragic incident, which highlights ongoing concerns about residential fire safety protocols and emergency response effectiveness in the region.

  • Legislation being drafted against price-gouging

    Legislation being drafted against price-gouging

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Consumer Affairs Division currently lacks legal authority to penalize businesses engaging in price-gouging practices, though comprehensive consumer protection legislation is now in development. This critical gap in enforcement capabilities emerged during a December 5 Joint Select Committee on Finance and Legal Affairs meeting, where officials addressed the nation’s escalating food security challenges and mounting import expenses.

    Committee Chair Dr. Marlene Attzs, alongside members Brian Manning and Vishnu Dhanpaul, confronted trade ministry representatives about persistently high grocery prices that continue to burden consumers. When questioned whether tax and duty removals on imported food actually resulted in retail price reductions, Trade Facilitation Director Neville Alexander acknowledged the ministry’s monitoring efforts but confirmed they could only provide guidance rather than enforcement.

    “We monitor prices before and after implementation of measures,” Alexander explained. “We inform the public about expected savings from government actions, but ultimately advise consumers to avoid retailers who fail to pass on these benefits—this represents our current approach.”

    The absence of legal penalties leaves consumers vulnerable, a concern underscored by Attzs during the proceedings. Candice Hicks, Director of the Legal Unit, revealed that consumer protection legislation featuring a penalty framework is now prioritized at the bill stage. “We’ve placed it at the top of our legislative agenda,” Hicks stated, while noting the ministry cannot control parliamentary timing. The target for completing ministerial preparations is the first quarter of 2026.

    Permanent Secretary Abigail Bynoe indicated that implementing enforcement capabilities would necessitate additional staffing and potential restructuring of the division to handle investigations. Meanwhile, agriculture officials provided context for why tax removals don’t always translate to consumer savings. Acting Chief Technical Officer Dr. Ian Mohammed noted importers frequently cite external cost pressures to justify maintaining high prices.

    Bynoe presented significant economic data, revealing Trinidad and Tobago’s food import bill stands at US$1.08 billion against exports of approximately US$500 million. She emphasized that many imports constitute essential raw materials for local production, supporting higher value-added manufacturing and foreign exchange earnings through exports. The poultry industry exemplifies this dynamic, where imports of hatching eggs and feed enable both domestic market satisfaction and substantial export value.

    The government has established ambitious targets: reducing the food import bill by US$2 billion while increasing exports by US$1 billion. Achieving these goals will require modernizing farming practices, investing in critical infrastructure, improving water management, addressing agricultural crime, and revitalizing strategic agricultural industries through expanded value-added production.

  • Reconstructing masculinity

    Reconstructing masculinity

    As the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women concludes, the grim reality of ongoing gender-based violence persists unabated. Hazel Thompson-Ahye, a seasoned legal professional, reflects on the tragic pattern of domestic fatalities that continue to plague society, questioning how many more women must perish before substantive change occurs.

    The recent murder of Councillor Romona Teeneal Victor represents the latest chapter in a devastating narrative that Thompson-Ahye first witnessed four decades ago with the death of client June Edwards. Despite court-issued injunctions and legal interventions, the system failed to prevent Edwards’ husband from stabbing her before ending his own life. The haunting memory of Edwards’ young children at their mother’s funeral remains etched in Thompson-Ahye’s consciousness, symbolizing the profound collateral damage of domestic violence.

    Through her extensive career, Thompson-Ahye has adopted a survival-first approach, advising clients to immediately flee dangerous situations regardless of material sacrifices. However, she acknowledges the complex barriers that prevent many from leaving, including homelessness and paralyzing fear. Her practice has evolved to include counseling male clients, encouraging emotional maturity and acceptance when relationships end. One transformative success story involved a formerly troublesome client who reformed his behavior and maintained positive communication years later.

    The legal profession bears significant responsibility in preventing violence, Thompson-Ahye emphasizes. She recalls a catastrophic instance where a lawyer’s negligence resulted in a client fracturing his wife’s skull with a hammer. This incident underscores the critical need for legal professionals to exercise diligent protection measures.

    Educational reform represents another crucial frontier. Thompson-Ahye advocates for comprehensive training from preschool onward to help both girls and boys recognize abusive patterns and understand gender equality. The University of the West Indies Laboratory Pre-School’s model of teaching equality through difference provides a replicable framework for nationwide implementation.

    While legislative improvements have been made to the Domestic Violence Act, Thompson-Ahye criticizes law enforcement’s continued failure to treat domestic violence with the same seriousness as other crimes. She argues that police must investigate regardless of victim cooperation, breaking the cycle of impunity.

    In tribute to victims, Thompson-Ahye shares her calypso composition “Ah Reconstructing Masculinity,” originally written to honor Professor Eudine Barriteau of UWI Cave Hill. The poem employs powerful symbolism—hard hats, steel-tipped boots, and toolkits—to represent the rebuilding of masculinity with gender sensitivity, emotional intelligence, and respect. Updated verses for 2025 celebrate Trinidad and Tobago’s female leadership while advocating for women’s expanded roles in governance, particularly in financial management where Thompson-Ahye believes women demonstrate superior competency.

  • WHO says 114 killed in strikes on Sudan kindergarten, hospital

    WHO says 114 killed in strikes on Sudan kindergarten, hospital

    GENEVA, Switzerland — The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stern condemnation of devastating aerial strikes that targeted a kindergarten and hospital in Sudan’s South Kordofan state, resulting in massive civilian casualties. According to verified reports, the attacks last Thursday claimed 114 lives, including 63 children, with an additional 35 individuals sustaining injuries.

    The assault occurred in the army-controlled town of Kalogi, where paramilitary forces conducted multiple drone strikes. Local administrator Essam al-Din al-Sayed described the horrific sequence of events to AFP: initial explosions hit a kindergarten, followed by strikes on Kalogi Rural Hospital, and finally a third attack as rescue efforts were underway to save trapped children.

    WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, citing the UN agency’s Attacks on Health Care monitoring system, revealed disturbing details of the incident. Emergency responders faced additional violence while attempting to transport injured children to medical facilities. Survivors have been relocated to Abu Jebaiha Hospital for treatment, with urgent appeals circulating for blood donations and medical supplies.

    This tragedy unfolds against the backdrop of Sudan’s devastating conflict, which has raged since April 2023 between the national army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The violence has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced nearly 12 million people. The RSF’s recent eastward push into the oil-rich Kordofan region following their October capture of El-Fasher has intensified hostilities.

    The WHO documented that the attacks occurred between 6:00 am and noon, involving heavy weapons that damaged healthcare infrastructure and deliberately obstructed medical assistance. The organization’s incident report specifically notes psychological violence and intimidation tactics against healthcare workers.

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed profound dismay through spokesman Stephane Dujarric, urging influential nations to leverage their positions to halt combat operations and stem weapons flows fueling the conflict. The WHO has recorded 63 separate attacks on healthcare facilities in Sudan this year alone, resulting in 1,611 fatalities and 259 injuries across 52 personnel incidents, 45 facility impacts, and 32 patient-directed assaults.

    While the WHO verifies and documents attacks on medical infrastructure, the organization emphasizes it does not assign blame as it lacks investigative authority. The international health agency continues to demand immediate ceasefire implementation and expanded humanitarian access to address what it describes as entirely preventable suffering among the Sudanese population.

  • Danielle Archer resigns as NIA principal director

    Danielle Archer resigns as NIA principal director

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s foremost anti-corruption organization, National Integrity Action (NIA), has announced the forthcoming departure of its principal director, attorney Danielle Archer, who will conclude her tenure on December 31, 2025.

    The organization confirmed Archer’s resignation in an official statement released Monday, highlighting her significant contributions to Jamaica’s governance reform efforts. NIA Chairperson Dr. Lynden Rose praised Archer’s transformative leadership, noting that her dedication to values-driven governance has left a lasting impact on institutional frameworks throughout Jamaica.

    “Miss Archer’s visionary leadership has been fundamental in shaping NIA’s reform agenda,” stated Dr. Rose. “Her exceptional ability to inspire meaningful change and her steadfast commitment to ethical governance will continue to influence the institutions she has engaged with.”

    In response to the announcement, Archer expressed gratitude for her service opportunity: “It has been an immense privilege to lead NIA in its crucial mission to cultivate cultures of integrity. I maintain my dedication to supporting Jamaica’s ongoing reform initiatives and advancing the principles of accountable governance throughout my future endeavors.”

    During her distinguished service, Archer provided strategic direction that strengthened accountability mechanisms, championed democratic safeguards, and established NIA as a trusted partner in national governance transformation. The organization acknowledged that her departure signifies the conclusion of a challenging period in its history.

    The NIA Board of Directors has initiated the process to identify a successor to ensure operational continuity and the advancement of the organization’s strategic priorities. Board members extended their profound appreciation for Archer’s service, recognizing that her contributions have permanently shaped Jamaica’s integrity landscape.