In a shocking turn of events, Lawrence Sergeant, the father of 13-year-old Shantina Sergeant, has been formally charged with her murder. The grim discovery of Shantina’s charred remains behind their family home in Baillieston, Clarendon, on October 6, has now led to a harrowing legal case. Forensic evidence, including DNA analysis, conclusively identified the remains as those of the young girl, prompting detectives to charge Sergeant on Wednesday. Police investigators believe Shantina was struck with a blunt object before her body was discarded behind the residence. A post-mortem examination confirmed that her death resulted from blunt force trauma. Sergeant, who was questioned weeks ago in the presence of his attorney, was arrested in Old Harbour, St. Catherine, just four days after the discovery. Adding to the gravity of the situation, Sergeant is also facing a separate charge of grievous sexual assault, stemming from allegations that he molested a six-year-old child several years ago. The case has sent shockwaves through the community, raising questions about safety and justice.
作者： admin
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Journey to destination chocolate
Ashley Parasram, the visionary director of the Trinidad and Tobago Fine Cocoa Company, has dedicated the past decade to revitalizing the islands’ cocoa industry. His journey began in 2012 when he returned to his birthplace, Trinidad and Tobago, after years abroad. With a background in sustainable development and forestry management, Parasram was drawn to the potential of cocoa as a catalyst for economic and cultural revival.
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Road Traffic Dept set to recall almost 800 inactive taxi and livery plates
The Bahamas Ministry of Energy and Transport has announced a significant initiative to recall nearly 800 inactive taxi and livery plates, aiming to address revenue discrepancies and streamline the transportation sector. Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis revealed that the ongoing audit at the Road Traffic Department has identified 783 inactive plates in New Providence and Grand Bahama. These plates, unused for six months or more due to delinquency or the death of franchise holders, will be recalled effective November 30, under Section 69 (1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act. The minister emphasized that the presence of inactive plates has skewed revenue calculations, as the government’s intake is based on all issued plates, regardless of their activity. She clarified that the issue is not a failure in revenue collection but rather the underutilization of many plates. The recall is also intended to address the high demand for new plates, as the ministry seeks to balance the market. Bahamas Taxicab Union president Tyrone Butler criticized the government for issuing hundreds of new plates “recklessly” in 2022, which oversaturated the industry and led to many operators leasing their plates. While he supports recalling plates of retired or deceased holders, he believes operators should still have the opportunity to update their plates. Bahamas Livery Drivers Union president Tory Austin praised the initiative, calling it overdue and necessary to identify active operators in the increasingly saturated market.
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White: I have no reason to apologize for being Bahamian
Adrian White, Member of Parliament for St Anne’s, has found himself at the center of controversy following a video that captured him stepping on Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) campaign materials. Despite facing significant backlash, White remains unapologetic, asserting that he would repeat his actions if given the chance. The incident has sparked heated debates, with White claiming he was subjected to racial attacks from PLP supporters, including prominent figures such as Cindy Patrice Daxon and Dave Major. White dismissed accusations that his behavior was unbecoming of a sitting MP, stating, “I have no reason to apologise for being Bahamian.” He further criticized the PLP, accusing them of having “wiped their feet on this country.” The video, which shows White stepping on a PLP poster and brushing off his feet, drew sharp criticism from PLP aspirant Keno Wong, who labeled the act as “childish” and urged voters to reject White in the upcoming elections. This is not the first time White has faced public scrutiny. Previously, he was criticized for suggesting that only Free National Movement (FNM) voters are “sensible,” a remark he later clarified, stating he never intended to insult anyone.
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Repair Campaign founder urges UK to increase support for Jamaica in wake of Hurricane Melissa
Denis O’Brien, the founder of The Repair Campaign, a movement advocating for reparatory justice in the Caribbean, has urged the UK Government to significantly increase its support for Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. In a media release on Thursday, O’Brien highlighted the historical exploitation of Jamaica by the UK, emphasizing the lasting impact of colonialism on the island’s vulnerability to extreme weather events. He stated, ‘The UK extracted billions of pounds’ worth of wealth from Jamaica over centuries, exploiting enslaved people and the country’s natural resources. Colonialism has left Jamaica’s environment severely compromised, making it more susceptible to disasters like Hurricane Melissa.’ O’Brien pointed out that the Jamaican government estimates the cost of recovery at approximately £5 billion, while the UK has pledged only £7.5 million so far. He described this amount as ‘simply not good enough’ and called for urgent action to address both the immediate humanitarian crisis and long-term rebuilding efforts. While acknowledging the efforts of British High Commissioner Alicia Herbert and her team in mobilizing support, O’Brien stressed that the UK must commit to reparatory justice to enhance the Caribbean’s climate resilience. ‘Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, and the countries least responsible for the climate crisis are bearing the brunt of its effects. Reparatory justice is essential for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean to build resilience for future generations. The UK must act now,’ he declared.
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S Hotel Montego Bay cops award for excellence from Condé Nast Johansens
In a heartening development for Jamaica’s tourism sector, S Hotel Montego Bay has been honored as the Best Hotel for Romance in North, Central, and South America at the 2026 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence. The announcement, made this week in London, holds special significance as Jamaica continues to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The hotel’s resilience during the storm and its unwavering commitment to guest safety and care have been widely praised. Despite the challenges faced by the nation, S Hotel Montego Bay emerged virtually unscathed, earning admiration from its guests. Anne-Marie Goffe-Pryce, the hotel’s general manager, expressed both pride and humility in accepting the award, dedicating the recognition to the people of Jamaica for their strength and spirit. The Condé Nast Johansens Awards, an annual celebration of excellence in hospitality, highlight establishments that consistently deliver exceptional quality and service. Goffe-Pryce emphasized that this accolade reaffirms Jamaica’s reputation as a premier destination for romance, wellness, and hospitality. As the country rebuilds and prepares for the winter tourist season, S Hotel Montego Bay stands as a testament to Jamaica’s resilience, warmth, and enduring beauty.
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‘Don’t let it cripple you’: Montego Bay Chamber President calls for business revival post-Melissa
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jason Russell, president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and operator of Pier 1, has called for a collective shift in focus from destruction to recovery and resilience. Speaking from beneath one of the few surviving palm trees at Pier 1, Russell emphasized the need for unity and action in the face of devastation. ‘We see the destruction… but I can’t dwell on all that has happened. We have to dwell on the recovery,’ he stated. Russell urged business owners to reopen where possible, restart operations, and assist their staff in returning to work. ‘Don’t let it cripple you. We’ve lost roofs, pets, cars, material things… but there’s a lot of hope. Recovery starts with us,’ he added. Pier 1 has already reopened with curbside service, providing meals and support as Montego Bay embarks on its rebuilding journey. ‘Let’s go, Mobay. Let’s lift and rise,’ Russell encouraged. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with winds reaching 185 mph, made landfall in southwestern Jamaica last Tuesday, resulting in over 30 fatalities and leaving nearly 80% of Jamaica Public Service (JPS) customers without power. Preliminary damage estimates range between US$6 billion and US$7 billion. Prime Minister Andrew Holness noted that the storm severely impacted Jamaica’s productive belt, particularly the breadbasket parish of St Elizabeth, and disrupted the tourism corridor spanning from Westmoreland through St James, Trelawny, and St Ann. The hurricane caused extensive damage to housing, community infrastructure, commercial operations, and public utilities across multiple parishes.
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Camels replace cows as Kenya battles drought
In the arid landscapes of northern Kenya, where rain has been absent since April, the Samburu community is turning to an unlikely savior: camels. Chapan Lolpusike, a herder from the semi-nomadic Samburu tribe, recalls the devastating impact of the worst drought in four decades, which wiped out his cattle. ‘We no longer have cattle at home. We only raise camels,’ he said, highlighting a significant shift in livelihood strategies. Camels, known for their resilience, can graze on dry grasses, endure weeks without water, and produce up to six times more milk than cattle, making them indispensable in this climate-vulnerable region.
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The alarming upsurge in noise pollution offences
In recent months, Trinidad and Tobago (TT) has witnessed a troubling surge in noise pollution, with residents enduring sleepless nights, distressed pets, and deteriorating mental and physical health. Despite existing regulations under the Environmental Management Act and the Noise Pollution Control Rules of 2001, enforcement remains alarmingly inadequate. Offenders, ranging from bars and vehicles to roadside events, continue to operate with impunity, often violating permissible decibel limits without facing consequences. The situation has escalated to tragic levels, as evidenced by the recent death of three-year-old Kemani Gordon, whose parents claim incessant fireworks explosions caused the infant’s distress. Despite repeated calls to law enforcement, no action was taken. This incident echoes the 2015 case of Sudama Saroop, who was jailed for five years after confronting a neighbor over loud music that disturbed his baby. Citizens Against Noise Pollution in TT (CANPTT) reports widespread complaints, with residents citing elevated blood pressure and other health issues due to relentless noise. Despite clear legal provisions under the Summary Offences Act, both the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and the police have failed to address the issue effectively, often passing responsibility between agencies. CANPTT is advocating for legislative reform, including stiffer penalties for repeat offenders, mandatory closure of non-compliant establishments, and the provision of sound-level meters to police divisions. Additionally, public education campaigns are urgently needed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of noise pollution and the legal responsibilities of citizens and business owners.
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The business of dignity
As individuals age or face mobility challenges due to illness or injury, the ability to perform basic tasks like getting out of bed or moving to a wheelchair becomes increasingly difficult. Recognizing this universal need for dignity and independence, Neala Persad, Director of Sales and Administration at Access Mobility MedCare, has dedicated her career to providing innovative home accessibility solutions. One such groundbreaking product is the UpLyft, a self-transfer system designed to enhance the quality of life for those with limited mobility. Launched in Trinidad and Tobago on October 8 at the Kapok Hotel, the UpLyft represents more than just a business venture—it’s a mission to restore dignity and independence to individuals facing physical challenges. The UpLyft, constructed with high-carbon steel and an electromechanical screw drive system, can safely transfer individuals weighing up to 330 pounds (136 kg) from a supine position to a wheelchair without the need for nursing assistance. Its user-friendly design allows individuals to operate the system independently, further promoting autonomy. While initially designed for medical facilities, the UpLyft is also available for home use, with leasing options starting at $750 per month. Access Mobility MedCare, headquartered in Canada, has expanded its operations to Trinidad and Tobago, driven by Persad’s passion and strong alliances within the medical community. The company’s broader portfolio includes bathroom modifications, ramps, stair lifts, and porch lifts, positioning it as a leader in mobility solutions. Persad emphasizes the importance of planning for ageing and mobility challenges, advocating for mental health support and strong community networks to complement physical accessibility solutions. The UpLyft is not just a product; it’s a testament to the belief that everyone deserves to live with dignity and independence, regardless of their physical limitations.