作者: admin

  • Dominican man in Antigua pleads for help amid life-threatening cancer battle

    Dominican man in Antigua pleads for help amid life-threatening cancer battle

    A 61-year-old Dominican native who has resided in Antigua and Barbuda for over two decades now confronts a severe health crisis in isolation. Zophar ‘Tupac’ Andrew, who originally migrated seeking improved economic prospects, received a prostate cancer diagnosis approximately twelve years ago and currently requires urgent surgical intervention estimated at EC$6,000—a sum he cannot possibly afford.

    Andrew’s situation is compounded by his complete lack of official documentation in Antigua. Without a passport, Social Security identification, or medical benefits coverage, he finds himself systematically excluded from formal assistance programs. His health deterioration has progressively diminished his capacity for self-sufficiency and employment.

    In a candid reflection, Andrew acknowledged his past lifestyle choices: ‘I initially achieved financial success but squandered resources on reckless pursuits. I once perceived myself as invincible, but my circumstances have dramatically reversed.’

    Despite approaching multiple religious institutions for support, he received only spiritual consolation rather than tangible aid. His familial connections remain in Dominica, but relatives lack the financial means to assist, while in Antigua, he faces complete isolation.

    Currently occupying a small unauthorized wooden shelter on agricultural property in Jennings, Andrew sustains himself through minimal subsistence farming. However, even this basic survival mechanism becomes increasingly challenging as his physical capabilities decline.

    Remarkably, Andrew maintains resilient determination, explicitly stating he seeks not sympathy but merely an opportunity to survive. Having contributed to Antiguan society through decades of labor, he now appeals to the community for support during his most critical struggle.

    Potential supporters may contact him directly at 1-268-723-3379. While he has received minor provisions of food and essentials, the substantial financial requirement for life-saving surgery remains unmet.

  • Family of Ten Left Homeless After Early Morning Fire

    Family of Ten Left Homeless After Early Morning Fire

    A devastating early morning fire has left a ten-member family homeless in Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk, destroying their residence and all personal possessions. The blaze erupted approximately at 6:00 AM on December 30, 2025, when resident Jose Mejia, 25, awoke to the smell of smoke and discovered flames emerging from an unoccupied bedroom.

    Mejia recounted the rapid escalation of the emergency in a telephone interview, describing his frantic efforts to evacuate nine other family members including multiple young children and a 45-year-old father-in-law. Despite the swift spread of the fire, all occupants managed to escape with only minor injuries reported, including a slight burn to Mejia’s foot sustained during the rescue operation.

    The family attributes the fire’s origin to an electrical malfunction involving an outlet on a structural post. Fire department personnel arrived after the structure had sustained extensive damage, preventing salvage of any belongings. Mejia described attempts to rescue clothing and other items that were ultimately consumed by the advancing flames.

    The household, comprising children ranging from four to fifteen years old alongside young adults, now faces complete destitution. With no possessions remaining, the family has issued a public appeal for assistance as they confront the overwhelming task of rebuilding their lives. Community members wishing to provide support may contact the family at +501 656-2143 or +501 606-0666.

  • Goddard Enterprises records profits following cocoa business turnaround

    Goddard Enterprises records profits following cocoa business turnaround

    Barbados-based conglomerate Goddard Enterprises Limited (GEL) has announced a substantial financial upswing for its fiscal year ending September 30, with net profits climbing to $76.8 million—marking a $24.3 million increase compared to the previous year. This impressive performance was largely driven by a dramatic reversal in its cocoa processing operations in Ecuador.

    The company’s earnings per share rose to 27.9 cents, and shareholders are set to receive a final dividend of three cents per share in late February. Chairman Charles Herbert and Managing Director Anthony Ali attributed the strong results primarily to improved manufacturing performance, particularly highlighting the remarkable recovery of their Ecuadorian subsidiary, Ecuakao.

    Ecuakao, which had suffered significant losses of $21.2 million the previous year, generated a robust profit of $16.7 million this fiscal period. Company leadership cited increased cocoa production volumes, expanded sales, and favorable pricing for raw cocoa beans as key factors behind this turnaround. The manufacturing division’s return to profitability was largely contingent on Ecuakao’s recovery.

    Despite these gains, the company incurred substantial costs associated with its financial strategy. GEL allocated $8.5 million for protective measures related to cocoa futures trading and provisioned $4.1 million for potentially irrecoverable customer debts.

    The conglomerate’s consumer products joint venture with Trinidad and Tobago’s Agostini Limited, Acado Limited, delivered another strong performance, with most markets showing positive results despite operational challenges in St. Lucia.

    Goddard Catering Group reported solid revenue growth but faced profitability pressures due to losses at associate companies in Costa Rica. The group recorded $10.8 million in expected credit loss provisions from two associates and wrote down $5.4 million in goodwill from its Panama catering business, which has been struggling with intensified competition at the country’s main international airport.

    The building supplies division achieved an 8.5% revenue increase while maintaining operating profits consistent with the previous year, though higher interest and tax expenses reduced net profits from this segment.

    Conversely, the automotive division experienced a challenging period with weak vehicle sales in Barbados and Jamaica, inventory reduction efforts, increased financing costs related to the GAC brand launch, and a $1.3 million property revaluation loss in Barbados.

    The smaller shipping and services division performed in line with management expectations, according to company officials.

  • Some Questelles school students to take classes in Campden Park

    Some Questelles school students to take classes in Campden Park

    In response to a destructive fire that severely damaged a section of the Questelles Government School on Monday, educational authorities in St. Vincent have implemented a comprehensive relocation plan for affected students. The blaze, which destroyed the roof of a school block housing Grades 3 and 4 classrooms along with the school’s kitchen facility, has prompted immediate action from the Ministry of Education.

    Education Minister Phillip Jackson, following an extensive site assessment conducted alongside technical experts from BRAGSA (Building, Roads, and General Services Authority), announced that Grades 5 and 6 students will be temporarily relocated to the Campden Park Community Centre for the upcoming term. This strategic decision affects 98 students and six teachers who will commence classes at the alternative facility on January 12th, one week later than the scheduled return of other grades.

    Minister Jackson explained the rationale behind selecting older students for relocation, noting that their transition to temporary facilities would be administratively smoother and require less intensive supervision. The technical evaluation conducted by BRAGSA revealed that despite the fire damage, the affected structure maintains a solid foundation with stone wall façades in ‘excellent condition,’ providing a basis for reconstruction efforts.

    The Ministry has developed an advanced operational plan to ensure educational continuity, including provisions for additional resources and transportation assistance. The reconstruction project, which will involve designing around the existing stable structure, is anticipated to require approximately three months for completion. Consequently, relocated students are expected to remain at the Campden Park facility throughout the entire second term while rebuilding occurs at their original school campus.

  • Calcutta Village Condemns Vandalism of Christmas Tree

    Calcutta Village Condemns Vandalism of Christmas Tree

    The Calcutta Village Council has issued a strong condemnation following the deliberate destruction of the community’s Christmas tree in a pre-dawn act of vandalism on December 30, 2025. Council Chairperson Alex Tzub confirmed the incident occurred between 3:00 AM and 3:45 AM, during which the publicly decorated tree was forcibly torn down and extensively damaged.

    Eyewitness accounts indicate the tree remained fully intact at 3:00 AM but was discovered shattered on the ground shortly before 4:00 AM. The vandalism resulted in broken branches, shattered ornaments, and decorations violently removed from the tree. Many of these decorations had been donated by local residents as part of community holiday celebrations.

    Chairperson Tzub characterized the perpetrators as ‘bad minded people’ and confirmed ongoing efforts to restore the tree using salvageable decorations. ‘We are trying to put back everything together if possible,’ Tzub stated during a telephone interview. ‘But if not, we’ll still put it up again.’

    The Christmas tree incident appears connected to a broader pattern of vandalism affecting the village in recent weeks. Tzub reported multiple incidents occurring near the community center, including vehicle windshields and glass doors being damaged by projectiles. ‘This vandalism has been happening a while, and we cannot catch them red-handed,’ Tzub acknowledged, highlighting the challenge facing village authorities.

    The council chairperson has issued a public appeal for residents to assist in monitoring and reporting suspicious activities to help prevent future incidents of property destruction.

  • Family Seeks Justice After Dangriga Machete Killing

    Family Seeks Justice After Dangriga Machete Killing

    A Stann Creek family is confronting profound grief and mounting frustration as they seek resolution in the brutal machete killing of 41-year-old Linden Kelly, whose death has exposed deepening concerns about community safety and judicial delays in Dangriga Town.

    Seven days following Kelly’s tragic passing from injuries sustained during a December 19th altercation in the Rivas Estate area, his relatives have issued an urgent appeal to law enforcement authorities. Despite the initial detention of two individuals connected to the violent incident, no formal charges have been filed, leaving the family in a state of anguish and uncertainty.

    Austin Williams, brother of the deceased, articulated the family’s distress in an emotional telephone interview. “We are looking at people who just killed a man and they’re walking around like killing in Dangriga is legal,” Williams stated, highlighting the perceived impunity that has compounded their trauma. The situation has been particularly devastating for Kelly’s elderly mother, who simultaneously grieves her son’s death while experiencing genuine fear for her personal safety.

    While acknowledging his brother’s previous encounters with the justice system, Williams emphasized that past transgressions should not negate the pursuit of justice. “Everyone to their family, they’re good. We don’t know what he was doing on the streets, but yes, he did serve his time,” he remarked, drawing a distinction between Kelly’s completed past sentences and the current unresolved homicide.

    The investigation’s progress has stalled according to family accounts, with police reportedly attributing delays to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. This bureaucratic impasse has left the Kelly family caught between mourning their loss and demanding accountability, with Linden Kelly’s funeral scheduled for the approaching Sunday amid these unresolved circumstances.

  • GFA receives equipment from Royal Belgian Football Association

    GFA receives equipment from Royal Belgian Football Association

    In a significant move for Caribbean football development, the Grenada Football Association (GFA) has received a substantial donation of sporting equipment from the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA). This contribution marks a strengthening international partnership between the two football organizations.

    The equipment package, comprising training kits, match balls, and other essential gear, is specifically designated for Grenada’s youth national teams. The donation follows productive discussions between GFA President Marlon Glean and RBFA leadership, highlighting a shared commitment to global football development.

    GFA President Marlon Glean expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support, stating: ‘We extend our deepest gratitude to President Pascale Van Damme and the entire Royal Belgian Football Association for their generous contribution and aligned vision. This equipment will directly enhance our players’ training capabilities and competitive readiness, ultimately elevating Grenada’s performance in regional and international competitions.’

    The Royal Belgian Football Association has established itself as a proactive supporter of global football initiatives, consistently demonstrating commitment to nurturing talent worldwide. This latest donation exemplifies their philosophy of international sports solidarity and development beyond national boundaries.

    This collaborative effort between the European and Caribbean football associations underscores the transformative potential of international sports partnerships. The GFA has reaffirmed its dedication to cultivating Grenada’s football infrastructure and anticipates continued cooperation with the RBFA in future development projects.

  • Dems declare readiness for general election amid snap poll talk

    Dems declare readiness for general election amid snap poll talk

    Amid mounting speculation regarding a potential early general election in Barbados, the opposition Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has asserted its comprehensive preparedness while casting doubt on the governing Barbados Labour Party’s motivations and internal cohesion. Senator Andre Worrell, a prominent DLP executive council member, articulated the party’s position during a Monday address, challenging the rationale behind another snap election.

    Senator Worrell emphasized the DLP’s operational readiness, stating, “When the election is called, the party will be ready. We are not panicking about it. We are ready to face an election, and I believe Barbados is prepared for political transformation.” He further questioned the governing party’s urgency, referencing the previous early election’s consequences: “If a government claims such exemplary performance, why expedite an election? Citizens should consider this perspective—what justifies such haste? Following their last rushed election, they promptly surprised Barbadians with another International Monetary Fund agreement that resulted in widespread job losses and contract-based rehiring in state organizations.”

    The senator dismissed circulating skepticism regarding DLP’s preparedness as deliberate BLP propaganda, asserting, “They’re employing this narrative to bolster government confidence, but the DLP remains thoroughly prepared and unified. We maintain consistent collaboration with our political leader and Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne.” Conversely, Worrell highlighted apparent fractures within the governing party, citing constituency-level rumors about potential candidate replacements in St Michael Central and similar attempts in St Philip North.

    Detailing the DLP’s strategic approach, Worrell emphasized sustained grassroots engagement: “I prioritize listening to constituents and understanding their concerns, which provides crucial insights into constituency needs. This methodology facilitates meaningful connections, underscoring our commitment to foundational groundwork.” General Secretary Pedro Shepherd corroborated this assessment, confirming intensified constituency outreach efforts: “With election season underway, our primary focus remains canvassing across all constituencies. Every branch is being activated in anticipation of the general election. While the timing remains uncertain, our state of preparation is absolute.”

  • Camper & Nicholsons Marinas vacancy: Accounting Officer

    Camper & Nicholsons Marinas vacancy: Accounting Officer

    Port Louis Marina, operated by Camper & Nicholsons Marinas, has announced an opening for an Accounting Officer position to strengthen its financial operations team. The role represents a strategic career opportunity within Grenada’s marine services sector.

    The primary objective of this position involves providing comprehensive support for daily accounting functions, encompassing accounts payable and receivable management, bank reconciliation procedures, and facilitation of tax audit processes. The successful candidate will assume responsibility for reviewing and reconciling daily financial transactions while maintaining accurate accounting records.

    Key responsibilities include conducting thorough bank reconciliations, overseeing the allocation and approval processes for sales and purchase transactions, and performing detailed marina revenue analysis and processing. The Accounting Officer will also play a critical role in supporting annual external audit activities and managing all accrual entries.

    The position requires active management of customer debt collection and assistance in preparing both interim and annual budget forecasts. Additional duties involve organizing complex financial data into actionable information, preparing electronic payments, monitoring online receipts, and maintaining the company’s asset register with associated depreciation records.

    The Accounting Officer will be tasked with maintaining accounting policies and procedures aligned with organizational targets while ensuring full compliance with Grenada’s financial regulations. The role may encompass additional operational duties as assigned by the General Manager.

    Applicants must possess a minimum of five years’ professional experience in accounting, with at least two years’ proficiency in Sage or comparable accounting software. Essential qualifications include advanced computer skills, particularly advanced Excel capabilities for spreadsheet management, chart creation, and complex formula implementation.

    The ideal candidate will demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of bookkeeping principles, accounting regulations, and exceptional analytical skills for managing substantial datasets. Critical attributes include meticulous attention to detail, effective prioritization abilities, strict timekeeping discipline, and maintained confidentiality in all professional dealings.

    Educational requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance, with professional accounting certifications (such as Chartered Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, or Certified Public Accountant) considered advantageous.

    Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Interested candidates should submit applications to the Human Resource Manager at Camper & Nicholsons Grenada Services Ltd., Port Louis Marina, MB9012, Kirani James Boulevard, St George’s, or via email to hr.gd@cnmarinas.com. The application deadline is January 15, 2026.

    The selection process will involve rigorous screening, with only shortlisted candidates receiving communication for interview arrangements. This recruitment initiative underscores the marina’s commitment to maintaining financial excellence and regulatory compliance within Grenada’s growing marine tourism industry.

  • Nieuwe Raad van Commissarissen SWM aangetreden onder leiding van Ronald Rozenblad

    Nieuwe Raad van Commissarissen SWM aangetreden onder leiding van Ronald Rozenblad

    In a significant governmental reshuffle, Ronald Rozenblad has been appointed as the President-Commissioner of NV Surinaamsche Waterleiding Maatschappij (SWM), Suriname’s national water utility company. The appointment occurred during an extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders convened on December 29 at the Ministry of Natural Resources.

    Minister David Abiamofo, representing the State of Suriname as sole shareholder, presided over the meeting alongside Water Director Gonda Asadang and SWM Deputy Financial Director Freddy Crisis. The newly constituted Board of Commissioners comprises seven members: Sacha Mertowirijo, Sharmaine Artist, Alice Amafo, Nigel Sloot, Keshian Joekoe, and Rudiwal Baarh alongside Chairman Rozenblad.

    This leadership transition follows a December 10 cabinet decision that terminated the previous board led by acting President-Commissioner Preshand Baldew. The new board received a five-year mandate beginning immediately.

    During the transfer ceremony, Minister Abiamofo emphasized the board’s dual responsibility: not only providing oversight but also serving as a crucial liaison between shareholders, management, and employees. Core responsibilities include safeguarding policy direction, maintaining operational quality, and ensuring corporate governance standards.

    The board’s immediate priority involves conducting a comprehensive operational assessment of SWM, with findings to be reported directly to the government. Additionally, the ministry plans to establish structured policy dialogue mechanisms between the shareholder and commissioners.

    Minister Abiamofo acknowledged the outgoing board’s contributions while noting the incoming team faces particular challenges in ensuring continuous delivery of clean drinking water amid complex operational conditions.