分类: society

  • Bodies of security guards, guns and ammo recovered after boat mishap

    Bodies of security guards, guns and ammo recovered after boat mishap

    In a tragic incident on the Puruni River, the bodies of two security guards, along with their assigned firearms, were recovered following a boat mishap. The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, as the aluminum boat capsized while en route from a backdam to Puruni Landing. The deceased have been identified as Patrice Grimmond and Kevis Robin, though their ages and addresses remain undisclosed. According to the Guyana Police Force, the boat capsized around 4 PM, with two other individuals, including the captain, managing to swim to safety. Grimmond’s body was discovered on Tuesday, November 5, while Robin’s was found the following day. Authorities also recovered a shotgun, an AR rifle, and their respective ammunition, all belonging to the security firm. Preliminary examinations revealed no signs of violence on the bodies, which were subsequently transported to the Bartica Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem examinations. The recovered weapons and ammunition have been securely lodged.

  • Cultural Group Demands Outstanding Carnival Payments

    Cultural Group Demands Outstanding Carnival Payments

    The RT Performers, a prominent local cultural group, are calling on Carnival organizers to settle outstanding fees for performances delivered at national events more than six months ago. Group leader Renee Thomas expressed deep frustration, stating that repeated attempts to contact officials have been ignored. ‘We’ve been waiting over five to six months for payment from the Treasury Department for events we proudly performed at,’ she said. ‘This is disrespectful to the artists, the effort, and the children who are the future of our culture.’

    Renowned for their vibrant portrayals of traditional Antiguan and Caribbean characters, RT Performers highlighted that the delayed payments, amounting to over EC$5,000, have left their members, many of whom are young artists, feeling disheartened and undervalued. ‘This isn’t just about money; it’s about respect for the creative sector,’ Thomas emphasized in her statement to Antigua.News.

    Efforts to reach Minister of Festivals Daryll Matthew for comment were unsuccessful. The group’s plea underscores broader concerns about the treatment of cultural performers and the need for timely recognition and compensation for their contributions to national events.

  • LETTER: How Do Men Feel Walking Hand in Hand With Half-Naked Women?

    LETTER: How Do Men Feel Walking Hand in Hand With Half-Naked Women?

    In a thought-provoking letter to the editor, Cheryl Baptiste raises pressing questions about the decline of modesty in contemporary society. She reflects on the increasing trend of women wearing revealing clothing in public spaces, accompanied by men who seem indifferent to the attention it garners. Baptiste contrasts this with the dignified manner in which previous generations carried themselves, emphasizing pride and class in their attire. She challenges both men and women to reconsider their choices: men, to reflect on the kind of attention they desire when their partners are the center of stares, and women, to question whether self-worth truly depends on the amount of skin shown. Baptiste calls for a revival of self-respect and pride in public presentation, arguing that streets, malls, and airports are not runways or beaches. Her message is a plea for a return to modesty and dignity in how we present ourselves in shared spaces.

  • Fathers’ absence, custody disputes fuelling youth crime – study

    Fathers’ absence, custody disputes fuelling youth crime – study

    A groundbreaking study has highlighted the alarming connection between the surge in violent behavior among young men and the absence of fathers, coupled with the weaponization of child visitation disputes. The research underscores how fractured family structures and the lack of positive male guidance are leaving boys susceptible to negative street influences. Conducted by the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit, the study analyzed the social histories of 47 individuals under 25 who are currently on remand in prison. Senior research analyst Kirt Goodridge revealed that 66% of these young men were raised in female-headed households, with 57% reporting family incarceration, often for serious crimes. The majority of these households were located in St Michael (51%) and Christ Church (26%). While 44% of respondents described their communities as peaceful, a staggering 63% had witnessed violent incidents, including shootings, fights, and murders. Goodridge emphasized the pivotal role of fathers in shaping young men’s development, noting that the absence of male role models often leads boys to seek guidance from peers who glorify violence and machismo. He called for family-strengthening programs, judicial reforms to prevent the weaponization of child visitation, and educational reforms to ensure young men remain in school until the age of 18. Research officer Melanie Banfield echoed the need for family-based interventions, advocating for mentorship programs and sustained engagement to curb youth offending.

  • Man Ambushed and Shot at in Unitedville

    Man Ambushed and Shot at in Unitedville

    A violent ambush in Unitedville, Cayo, left a 38-year-old construction worker critically injured on Thursday night. Kevin Trapp, the victim, was returning home around 8:40 p.m. when two unidentified assailants approached his vehicle. One of the attackers fired multiple shots, striking Trapp several times. A family member rushed him to San Ignacio Community Hospital, where he is currently in stable condition. Trapp has a history with law enforcement; in 2021, he was charged with possession of cannabis with intent to supply after police discovered 70 packets of cannabis, a digital scale, and $288.50 BZD during a home search. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack, which has raised concerns about safety in the area.

  • Call for facilitators: HOPE Substance Use Disorder group treatment programme

    Call for facilitators: HOPE Substance Use Disorder group treatment programme

    The Legal Aid and Counselling Clinic (LACC) has announced an open call for professionals to join a transformative initiative aimed at combating substance use disorder (SUD). The organisation is seeking qualified individuals to undergo training as facilitators for the HOPE Programme, a pioneering psycho-educational intervention designed to support recovery and behavioural change. The three-day training session, set to take place from 19 to 21 November 2025, marks the first phase in building a national network of certified facilitators who will spearhead the programme’s implementation. The HOPE Programme integrates evidence-based methodologies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and trauma-informed practices. These approaches collectively emphasise healing, personal accountability, and values-driven transformation. Ideal candidates include counsellors, social workers, psychologists, and other allied professionals with experience in mental health, group facilitation, or substance use recovery. Applicants should demonstrate empathy, structured thinking, and a commitment to evidence-based practices. By becoming a HOPE facilitator, professionals will play a pivotal role in empowering individuals to rebuild their lives. Interested candidates are invited to submit their résumés to [email protected], addressed to Tyrone Buckmire, Director of LACC, by the close of business on 14 November 2025. This initiative underscores LACC’s dedication to fostering hope and resilience in communities affected by substance use disorders.

  • Gunmen Tie Up Bullet Tree Man, Steal His Truck

    Gunmen Tie Up Bullet Tree Man, Steal His Truck

    A harrowing home invasion unfolded in Bullet Tree Village early Friday morning, leaving a local welder bound and robbed of his possessions. The incident occurred around 2:15 a.m. on November 7, 2025, when 38-year-old Roger Reimer, a Belizean welder, was ambushed by two armed men upon entering his residence on Guana Belly Road. According to police reports, one of the assailants brandished a pistol, forcing Reimer inside. The attackers proceeded to bind his hands and feet with tape before demanding money. They reportedly made off with $300 in cash, several personal belongings, and Reimer’s 2013 dark grey Dodge Ram 1500, valued at $45,000. The stolen vehicle, bearing license plate C-15217, remains at large as authorities intensify their search. The incident has left the small community on edge, with residents calling for increased security measures. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.

  • Ministry of Tourism celebrates Tourism Awareness Month

    Ministry of Tourism celebrates Tourism Awareness Month

    The Ministry of Tourism, the Creative Economy and Culture, in partnership with the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA), has officially declared November 2025 as Tourism Awareness Month. This year’s theme, ‘Sustainable Tourism: People, Planet and Pure Grenada,’ highlights a holistic approach to tourism that balances environmental preservation, community empowerment, and economic growth. The initiative aims to position Grenada as a sustainable and globally competitive destination while celebrating its rich cultural heritage and diverse tourism offerings. Senator Adrian Thomas, Minister for Tourism, the Creative Economy and Culture, emphasized the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in shaping a sustainable tourism future for Grenada. He urged government, industry partners, and local communities to reflect on their roles in protecting the environment, celebrating culture, and ensuring tourism benefits everyone. Key activities for the month include school tours, staff edutainment programs, a social media campaign, and a tourism pop-up event on November 27 at the Grenville Car park. The Ministry and GTA invite residents and visitors to participate in these activities and contribute to a greener, more sustainable, and culturally vibrant Grenada.

  • Hyundai Jamaica drives hurricane relief efforts in Trelawny

    Hyundai Jamaica drives hurricane relief efforts in Trelawny

    In a significant humanitarian initiative, Hyundai Jamaica has stepped up to assist the residents of Trelawny, who are grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. On Wednesday, the company, in collaboration with the Christopher Martin Foundation, Bright Beginnings Charity Group, and FYI Consultancy Group, delivered essential aid to multiple communities including Zion, Granville, Falmouth, Reserve, Sherwood, Perth Town, Salt Marsh, New Town, and Johnson Hill. The relief operations were coordinated from William Knibb High School in Martha Brae, where Hyundai and its partners worked tirelessly to provide critical support to storm-affected families and children. Magna Motors Dealership Limited, the exclusive distributor of Hyundai vehicles in Jamaica, played a pivotal role by deploying a fleet of Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles to access remote areas hindered by debris and flooding. Notably, one vehicle was equipped with Starlink satellite internet, enabling residents to communicate with loved ones and emergency services. Additionally, Hyundai distributed purified water and medical kits to promote health and well-being during the recovery phase. The initiative was bolstered by partnerships with the JN Foundation, St John’s Ambulance, Digicel Foundation, Purity Bakery, and Roklan Generators, who contributed relief packages, volunteer assistance, and power solutions, allowing residents at William Knibb High School to charge devices and maintain connectivity. Erick Gutierrez, Acting General Manager of Magna Motors Jamaica, emphasized Hyundai’s commitment to community empowerment, stating, ‘Hyundai’s mission extends beyond mobility; it’s about standing with communities in times of crisis. Witnessing the devastation in Trelawny, our priority was to bring hope and tangible support where it was most needed. Jamaica is our home, and we are dedicated to rebuilding alongside the people, not just for them.’

  • Aid for the elderly

    Aid for the elderly

    The Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of senior citizens, has successfully raised $800,000 through a collaborative fundraising initiative. The funds are being utilized to provide essential relief aid to elderly victims of Hurricane Melissa in the severely affected parishes of Westmoreland and St Elizabeth. Jean Lowrie-Chin, the founder and executive chair of CCRP, announced this milestone during the organization’s annual Living Legacy Awards ceremony held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston. The fundraising effort was conducted in partnership with Jamaica’s renowned National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), which dedicated one of its dance season evenings to the cause. Proceeds from ticket sales were allocated to CCRP’s relief efforts. The funds have enabled the preparation of 150 food packages, 150 hygiene kits, and 75 cases of water, which are being distributed to elderly residents in the hardest-hit areas. The Breads Foundation and the Women’s Centre are facilitating the distribution in St Elizabeth, while church volunteers are handling deliveries in Westmoreland. Lowrie-Chin emphasized the vulnerability of elderly individuals in disaster-stricken regions, noting their heightened physical and emotional challenges. The relief packages include specialized items such as adult diapers and protein drinks to address their unique needs. Additionally, the National Council for Senior Citizens has deployed motorbikes to reach isolated communities. The CCRP also highlighted the plight of two of its members who suffered significant losses during the hurricane, including the loss of their homes. The organization remains committed to expanding its relief efforts, with proceeds from the recent awards ceremony further supporting these initiatives. Established in 2010, CCRP continues to empower seniors to contribute meaningfully to community and national development. The ceremony also honored 16 members for their outstanding contributions to nation-building.