A tragic incident unfolded in Garrand, Babonneau, Saint Lucia, on the evening of October 28, when 26-year-old British national Kenrelle O’Flaherty was fatally shot. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) reported that officers from the Babonneau Police Station were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of a lifeless body along the roadway at approximately 10:50 p.m. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered O’Flaherty with visible gunshot wounds. A medical practitioner later pronounced him dead at the scene. O’Flaherty, a resident of Anguilla, was reportedly visiting Saint Lucia at the time of the incident. The RSLPF has initiated a homicide investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding his death. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 456-3754 or 456-3756, or to submit an anonymous tip via the Crime Hotline (555) or the RSLPF Crime Hotline App. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement seeks to bring clarity and justice to this devastating event.
分类： society
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Student Cleared in Princess Margaret School Assault Allegation
A male student at Princess Margaret School has been exonerated after being falsely accused of assaulting his form teacher during a classroom incident last week. Initially, the student was alleged to have inappropriately touched the teacher, which reportedly led to the teacher slapping him. The boy returned home with visible swelling, prompting his parents to intervene. They firmly maintained their son’s innocence and demanded a thorough investigation. A meeting on Tuesday involving school officials, the teacher, and the parents concluded that the student was not responsible for the alleged act. Instead, a female student later admitted to being the one who touched the teacher. Despite the exoneration, the boy’s mother revealed that the teacher has not apologized, and her son was humiliated in front of his classmates. The family is now considering legal action and expects the Ministry of Education to address the issue. The ministry has confirmed that it is currently reviewing the case.
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Opposition Demands Answers on Silver Palm Approval
The approval of the Silver Palm development, a major real estate project on Ambergris Caye, Belize, has sparked significant controversy and opposition. The project, approved in December 2024 under a Limited Level Environmental Study, bypassed public consultation, raising questions about transparency and environmental safeguards. Critics, including the Opposition, are demanding answers from the Department of the Environment (DOE) and Chief Environmental Officer Anthony Mai. They question why a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was not conducted, why key NGOs were excluded, and why objections from the Fisheries Department and the Ministry of the Blue Economy were reportedly disregarded. In an interview, Mai defended the decision, stating that the project’s size—270 acres—fell just below the 300-acre threshold requiring an EIA. He emphasized that the project underwent review by a smaller group within the National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC) and was granted clearance with strict conditions. Despite claims that the development is primarily a subdivision project, promotional materials depict it as a luxury, ready-to-build community with modern infrastructure. The Opposition insists on full transparency, the release of all project documents, and a halt to work until a comprehensive EIA is completed and made public.
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Road Rehabilitation Underway on long stretch of road in Bathlodge
The Ministry of Works in Antigua and Barbuda is currently spearheading a significant road rehabilitation project in Bathlodge, a community that has long grappled with deteriorating infrastructure. This initiative, which focuses on a crucial access road serving numerous residents, is set to transform the area’s transportation network. The project was necessitated by years of wear and tear, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, which had rendered the road unsafe and challenging to navigate. Local resident Maria Vanessa Browne expressed relief, describing the road’s previous condition as ‘horrid’ and highlighting the anticipated benefits of the upgrades. Minister of Health, Wellness, and the Environment, Sir Molwyn Joseph, alongside other officials, recently inspected the ongoing work, underscoring the government’s commitment to infrastructure development. This project is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Works to enhance road networks across Antigua and Barbuda, ensuring safer and more accessible travel for motorists and pedestrians alike.
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Ministry highlights recently renovated Barbuda Community Centre
The Barbuda Community Centre, recently renovated and reopened earlier this year, stands as a testament to the island’s resilience and recovery efforts following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Irma in 2017. The upgraded facility, which also functions as a hurricane shelter, has been meticulously restored and modernized to better serve the community during emergencies. Beyond its critical role as a refuge, the centre will now host a variety of community gatherings, cultural events, and celebrations, fostering stronger social bonds among Barbudans. Officials highlight that the renovation is a key milestone in the island’s broader infrastructure rebuilding initiative, which began after Irma devastated 95 percent of Barbuda eight years ago. The project was financed through a USD $31 million loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), with additional support from the government and the Project Implementation Management Unit (PIMU) within the Ministry of Works. In a statement, the ministry expressed gratitude for the continued assistance from organizations such as the UNDP, CDB, and the European Union, emphasizing that the upgrades embody “resilience in the face of adversity.” The refurbished Community Centre is part of a series of significant civil works completed on the island, including the renovated Barbuda Council Administrative Building and the newly constructed National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) Operations Centre. Ongoing projects, such as the Community Multipurpose Centre and resilient concrete roads, aim to enhance transportation and bolster Barbuda’s economic growth.
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Conductor, 21, steals cell phone from ULP office
Adonis Williams, a 21-year-old minibus conductor from Sion Hill, has admitted to stealing a cell phone belonging to the Unity Labour Party’s East Kingstown office. The incident occurred on May 16, 2025, when Williams took a blue Samsung Galaxy A15 valued at EC$799. Williams entered his guilty plea before Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. The case has been adjourned until November 17 for the presentation of facts and sentencing. In the interim, Williams has been granted bail set at EC$2,950 with one surety. He is required to report to the Central Police Station every Monday and Thursday and is prohibited from leaving the country without the court’s authorization.
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Government renews Christmas Barrel Concession Programme
The government of Saint Lucia has reintroduced its annual Christmas Barrel Trade Concession, providing significant financial relief to households during the holiday season. The initiative, administered by the Ministry of Finance through the Customs and Excise Department, will be in effect from October 15, 2025, to February 28, 2026, as per Cabinet Conclusion No. 910 of 2025. This program offers a 100% waiver on import duties for essential goods such as personal items, food, clothing, toys, and household consumables, though electronic items remain excluded. Each household is permitted up to two barrels, with a maximum declared value of $3,000 per barrel, strictly for personal use and not for resale or commercial purposes. Violations will incur standard penalties and fines. Additionally, the Cabinet has approved exemptions from the Health and Citizen Security Levy (HSL) and the Value Added Tax (VAT), pending parliamentary approval. However, a 6% Customs Service Charge will still apply to eligible barrels.
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Update: Fourth body found in St Elizabeth, Jamaica
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, authorities in St Elizabeth have confirmed the discovery of a fourth body, bringing the total death toll linked to the storm to four. Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St Elizabeth Police, provided the latest update to the media. According to SP Minto, the victims include three males and one female. Two of the deceased men have been identified as 35-year-old Davion Johnson and 57-year-old Glenroy Johnson. Preliminary investigations suggest that Davion Johnson drowned, while Glenroy Johnson may have succumbed to a heart attack. Additionally, two bodies were recovered from Gallon Beach, one of whom has been identified as 57-year-old Darlene Bambridge. Prior to the hurricane’s landfall, three individuals had already lost their lives in storm-related incidents—two were crushed by falling trees, and one was electrocuted. The police continue their investigations as the community grapples with the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.
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ABWU and Airport Services Antigua Sign New Collective Bargaining Agreement
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) has successfully negotiated a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with Airport Services Antigua (ASA), effective from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2028. This landmark agreement promises significant benefits for workers, including a 9% wage increase over the three-year period, ensuring fairer compensation as ASA strengthens its market position. Additionally, the CBA introduces increased allowances for Call-Out, Laundry, and Honey Bucket services, addressing employees’ daily needs more comprehensively. Looking forward, the ABWU has prioritized the establishment of a comprehensive health insurance policy for staff in the next round of negotiations, reflecting its commitment to the long-term well-being of its members. Fernando Samuel, Senior Industrial Relations Officer, expressed optimism about future negotiations, highlighting the company’s growth and the anticipated benefits for staff. The ABWU continues to advocate for fair wages, improved working conditions, and greater security for workers across all sectors.
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Asphalt Works Advance in Tyrells and Bathlodge as Road Upgrades Continue
In a significant move to enhance local infrastructure, road improvement crews have commenced extensive resurfacing operations on key routes in Tyrells and Bathlodge. This initiative is a crucial component of the government’s broader islandwide infrastructure upgrade program, aimed at addressing long-standing transportation challenges. Local residents have expressed optimism about the project, highlighting its potential to alleviate persistent issues such as potholes and flooding, which have plagued the areas for years, particularly during heavy rainfall. The ongoing efforts are expected to improve road safety, reduce vehicle damage, and enhance overall connectivity, marking a pivotal step toward sustainable urban development in the region.