Saint Lucia has concluded a comprehensive nationwide consultation aimed at shaping its forthcoming National Policy for Persons with Disabilities. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment, took place from October 13 to 23, 2025, and involved over 200 participants across 14 sessions. Facilitated by Dr. Clementia Eugene, the consultations brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including individuals with disabilities, caregivers, service providers, and advocates. The process highlighted Saint Lucia’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Marrakesh Treaty. However, participants identified persistent challenges in accessibility, employment, healthcare, and social protection, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and sustained investment. The draft policy, rooted in principles of equity, autonomy, and respect for diversity, envisions a future where persons with disabilities and their families enjoy equal rights and opportunities to participate fully in national life. Key recommendations included enhanced support for independent living through training, respite care, and financial assistance, as well as inclusive access to cultural, recreational, and sporting events. Dr. Eugene will now integrate the feedback into a revised draft, accompanied by an implementation plan and monitoring framework. Once finalized, the policy is expected to serve as a blueprint for fostering a more inclusive and equitable society in Saint Lucia, ensuring dignity, accessibility, and opportunity for all.
分类： society
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Policewoman charged with fatal accident involving student
A 35-year-old policewoman, Yonelle Cumberbatch, has been formally charged in connection with a fatal traffic accident that claimed the life of a 15-year-old student. The incident occurred on October 30, 2025, on Success Public Road, East Coast Demerara, Guyana. Corporal Cumberbatch, who was driving Motor Car # PAB 214, collided with Navindra Mahes, a pedestrian, who later succumbed to his injuries. On November 4, 2025, Cumberbatch appeared before Senior Magistrate Abigail Gibbs at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, where she was charged with causing death by dangerous driving. She was granted bail set at GY$500,000 and is required to surrender her passport and report to the police monthly as part of her bail conditions. The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting concerns over road safety and accountability.
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BEL Explains San Pedro Power Outage
San Pedro Town experienced a significant power outage on the evening of Sunday, November 4, 2025, following a transformer malfunction near Ramon’s Village Resort. The incident, which occurred shortly after 6:00 p.m., left the town in complete darkness. Residents reported hearing what they described as an explosion-like sound, raising concerns about the severity of the issue.
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), the national electricity provider, issued an official statement explaining the cause of the outage. The disruption was attributed to a hardware fault on the overhead section of the 34.5 kV sub-transmission line, a critical infrastructure component that supplies power to the island. This line connects San Pedro to the national grid through a combination of submarine, underground, and overhead systems.
Compounding the problem, BEL’s San Pedro Gas Turbine, which typically serves as a backup power source, could not be activated. The turbine relies on the same damaged transmission line, rendering it ineffective during the outage. Additionally, adverse weather conditions further delayed restoration efforts, prolonging the inconvenience for residents.
Despite these challenges, BEL managed to restore power to the area, bringing relief to the affected community. The incident underscores the vulnerabilities in the island’s power infrastructure and highlights the need for robust backup systems to mitigate future disruptions.
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Regional Security System concludes training to bolster region’s criminal investigative skills
The Regional Security System Training Institute (RSS TI) has successfully concluded its Criminal Investigation Course, a comprehensive program designed to enhance the region’s capacity to tackle complex and serious criminal activities. The intensive training brought together law enforcement officials from various Member States, focusing on modern investigative techniques and effective case management. Key topics included evidence collection, crime scene protocols, interview strategies, analytical reasoning, and leadership development. The course also emphasized inter-agency collaboration and strategic decision-making, essential for achieving consistent and high-quality investigative outcomes across the region. The program was led by Assistant Superintendent Cecil Watson and facilitated by retired Canadian detectives Alan Cooke and Zaia Lazar, whose international expertise significantly enriched the training. At the closing ceremony, Deputy Executive Director of RSS, Mr. Atlee Rodney, commended the participants for their dedication and encouraged them to apply their new skills to improve investigative standards within their organizations. EU Attaché Mr. Tedesco reaffirmed the European Union’s support for regional security, noting that the initiative was funded by the 11th European Development Fund. Assistant Commissioner Jefferson Clarke of the Barbados Police Service delivered the keynote address, urging participants to uphold the highest levels of professionalism in their work.
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Single-Lane Traffic Continues on Sir Sydney Walling Highway, Valley Road North, and Anchorage Road
The Ministry of Works’ Project Implementation Management Unit (PIMU) has announced the continuation of single-lane traffic on several major roads in Antigua and Barbuda to facilitate critical infrastructure repairs. The affected routes include Sir Sydney Walling Highway (SSWH), Valley Road North (VRN), and Anchorage Road (AR).
On Sir Sydney Walling Highway, extensive work such as asphalt repairs, junction enhancements, concrete installations, and guardrail setups will proceed westward from Willikies, commencing daily at 8:00 a.m. Similarly, Valley Road North will undergo asphalt repairs in Bolans, starting at the same time each day. Anchorage Road will see sidewalk rehabilitation and drainage improvements near Brydens, also beginning at 8:00 a.m.
To ensure safety, flag persons will be stationed at the sites, and motorists are urged to adhere to their instructions, especially with heavy-duty equipment operating nearby. Despite the disruptions, all businesses in the affected areas remain open.
The roadworks are part of the Second Road Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project, a government initiative aimed at enhancing the nation’s transportation network. C.O. Williams Ltd., the contractor overseeing the project, has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and encourages stakeholders to adjust their travel plans to accommodate potential delays. For further inquiries, the public can contact the C.O. Williams Project office at 562-9573.
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Trinity College, Moka instals motivational message at school
Trinity College, Moka, has unveiled a powerful motivational sign featuring the words of its esteemed alumnus, Don La Foucade, a renowned motivational speaker and author. Installed in the college hall on October 13, the sign boldly proclaims, ‘There really is nothing impossible to you who believe!’ This installation, adorned with vibrant artwork by parent and graphic artist Jerome Harrylal, showcases the iconic Trinity College building against the Maraval hillside, symbolizing the school’s core values of Courage and Courtesy. Acting Principal Ann Niles highlighted the sign’s role as a visual reminder of the school’s mission to inspire students to embrace their potential and strive for success. The idea for the sign originated from a motivational session La Foucade led during the Form One August vacation camp, which left a lasting impact on students and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). The PTA embraced the concept, seeing it as a permanent tribute to La Foucade’s message of resilience and optimism. La Foucade, deeply moved by the installation, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to his alma mater’s legacy. He emphasized the intentional fusion of inspiration and school pride in the chosen phrase, hoping it will motivate future generations of Trinity students. Niles underscored the importance of belief in personal growth, national unity, and collective progress, urging students to never stop dreaming and to turn their aspirations into reality.
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WATCH: Lime Tree Ground residents stage fiery protest over power outage
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, residents of Lime Tree Ground in St Catherine, Jamaica, took to the streets in a fiery protest over the prolonged lack of electricity. Over a week since the Category 5 storm ravaged the island, the community remains in darkness, while neighboring areas have seen their power restored. Frustrated locals blocked a roadway with debris and set it ablaze, voicing their anger and desperation. One resident expressed their frustration, stating, ‘They came yesterday promising to fix the light post, but nothing happened. Now they’re saying it could take three months before we get power.’ Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica last Tuesday with winds of 185 mph and torrential rains, claimed over 30 lives and left nearly 80% of Jamaica Public Service (JPS) customers without electricity. The JPS reported significant damage to its transmission and distribution networks. Despite progress in restoring power to areas like Kingston, St Andrew, St Thomas, Portmore, and parts of St Catherine, JPS CEO Hugh Grant acknowledged that several areas, including Spanish Town, Guys Hill, Bog Walk, and Central Village, remain without power. The company is working around the clock to restore electricity within the next two weeks.
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A Ray of Hope: Venezuelan children find refuge, education in Penal
Nestled within the compound of St Dominic’s RC Church in Penal, a unique initiative named *A Ray of Hope* is making a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable and migrant children. Housed in two repurposed shipping containers, this child-friendly space provides education and a sense of belonging to over 70 children aged four to 13, many of whom are Venezuelan migrants. The project, which began in 2018 under the guidance of then parish priest Fr Robert Christo, has grown into a beacon of hope for displaced families. Today, Venezuelan priest Fr Jorge Amundarain leads the initiative, emphasizing education as a tool for empowerment. He stated, “Education helps children become individuals who can reason, think creatively, and develop their own ideas.” The program, which mirrors Trinidad and Tobago’s national curriculum, also includes subjects like Spanish, Venezuelan history, and geography to prepare children for their eventual return home. Despite its success, the initiative faces financial challenges, relying heavily on community donations and goodwill. Cristina John, the program coordinator, highlighted the struggle for consistent funding, especially after UNICEF’s budget cuts. The project continues to thrive thanks to local supporters, including The Children’s Ark, which donated one of the containers. With a teaching staff of four locals and two Venezuelans, including sports instructor Moises McNish, the program also bridges cultural gaps, introducing students to Trinidadian traditions like Divali. Fr Amundarain remains hopeful, stating, “May this project continue as long as God allows.” The team dreams of expanding to include teenagers but is constrained by limited space and resources. For those willing to help, contact details are available to support this vital cause.
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Excelerate Energy mobilises over US$1 million to support Jamaica’s hurricane relief effort
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Excelerate Energy, in collaboration with Food For The Poor Jamaica, Project C.U.R.E., World Central Kitchen, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW), has mobilized over US$1 million in critical aid to support recovery efforts in Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. This coordinated initiative aims to restore essential services, rebuild infrastructure, and provide immediate assistance to the most affected communities.
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Revealing column by Healy
In a recent letter to the editor published in Newsday, Kevin Baldeosingh critiques arts activist Dara E Healy’s column, ‘Time to meddle in fowl party,’ which praised writers and activists who supported Maurice Bishop’s New Jewel Movement (NJM) in Grenada. Healy highlighted figures like Merle Hodge, George Lamming, Nancy Morejon, Earl Lovelace, and Eintou Springer for their advocacy of Bishop’s vision of a people-centred ideology. However, Baldeosingh counters this narrative by pointing out the NJM’s authoritarian practices post the 1979 coup, including the suspension of Grenada’s constitution, suppression of media, and imprisonment without trial—actions he argues were never condemned by the intellectuals Healy lauded. Baldeosingh also scrutinizes Healy’s reference to calypsonian Atilla’s protest song ‘No Nationality,’ which criticized land leasing agreements between the British and Americans during World War Two. Notably, Healy omitted Atilla’s full sobriquet, ‘Atilla the Hun,’ a historical figure known for his invasions and destabilization of Roman frontiers. Baldeosingh’s critique underscores the need for a more critical evaluation of intellectual arguments regarding US influence in the Caribbean, questioning the validity of their historical and political perspectives.