In a landmark verdict on October 21, Marcus Pollard was acquitted of all charges related to a 2019 shooting incident involving his cousin, Raquel Charles. The jury delivered a unanimous not-guilty verdict after nearly two hours of deliberation in the Hall of Justice, Port of Spain, presided over by Justice Sherene Murray-Bailey. Pollard had faced charges of shooting with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition. The prosecution alleged that Pollard fired a single shot at Charles near her head on Blanchisseuse Road, Arima, on March 19, 2019, following a verbal altercation. A spent 9mm casing recovered at the scene was confirmed by the Forensic Science Centre, but no firearm or ammunition was found on Pollard, his vehicle, or his home. Pollard maintained his innocence, claiming that Charles fabricated the story due to family tensions and jealousy. He admitted to being in the area but denied firing a weapon. The defense highlighted the lack of forensic evidence, including gunshot residue or fingerprint analysis, and inconsistencies in Charles’ account compared to first responders’ statements. Prosecutors relied on Pollard’s 2019 police interview, where he acknowledged being in the area but denied the allegations. The defense team, led by attorneys Suneesh Singh, Mikkell Samaroo, and Kimberly Mackhan, successfully argued that the state’s case was implausible due to the absence of physical evidence and inconsistencies. The jury ultimately returned not-guilty verdicts on all counts, clearing Pollard of all charges.
分类： society
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Syrian Lebanese Women’s Association celebrates 75 years of service
The Syrian Lebanese Women’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago (SLWA) marked its 75th anniversary with a grand Diamond Jubilee Gala on October 11 at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad in Port of Spain. The event, attended by President Christine Kangaloo, her husband Kerwyn Garcia, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, and other dignitaries, celebrated the association’s legacy of service, sisterhood, and faith. SLWA President Genevierve Hadeed delivered a heartfelt speech, emphasizing the organization’s humble beginnings in 1950 and its evolution into a powerhouse of charitable work. The gala, coinciding with the Divali season, symbolized the association’s mission to dispel darkness with light. Over the decades, the SLWA has supported education, feeding programs, housing relief, and medical assistance, leaving an indelible mark on the community. The event also highlighted the intergenerational commitment of its members, with younger women bringing fresh energy and ideas. The celebration concluded with a call to continue serving with faith and unity, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Pagee residents upset over distance of shelters as hurricane approaches
As Hurricane Melissa looms over Jamaica, the residents of Pagee, a small fishing village in St Mary, are grappling with the challenges of relocating to emergency shelters. The nearest designated shelter is situated several kilometres away in Trinity, a distance that has sparked frustration and concern among the community. Barrington, a local resident, voiced his discontent, stating, ‘We used to have Kirk Church nearby, but now we’re told to go to Trinity Primary School, which is far from here.’ While Barrington has opted to stay with a friend rather than seek refuge in a shelter, he expressed deep worry for vulnerable members of the community, particularly the elderly and those with health issues, who may find the journey arduous or unaffordable. ‘They’ll either have to spend money they don’t have on transportation or risk staying home and facing flooding,’ he remarked, as he hurried to a part of the village with electricity to charge his phone.
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We want peace now
On October 20, just before 4 pm, Elspeth Duncan heard what she initially thought was a vehicle backfiring near her home. Assuming it was the typical noise from drag-racing cars, she dismissed it, expecting it to cease soon. However, the persistent explosions revealed a different source: individuals bussing bamboo in preparation for Divali. The noise, though less intense than fireworks, continued for hours, distressing her dogs and prompting her to administer calming tablets before leaving the house. Upon encountering the young men responsible, she learned that the tradition, fueled by the unavailability of fireworks, would persist until 7 pm. This exchange highlighted a broader issue: the disruption caused by such activities during festive seasons. That night, the community was further disturbed by extended firework displays, leaving dogs and residents alike in distress. Efforts to contact the police proved futile, underscoring the lack of enforcement. Duncan’s reflections extended to Tobago’s aspiration to become the ‘Best Little Island on the Planet,’ suggesting that banning fireworks could be a significant step toward this goal. She also emphasized the need for a unified approach across Trinidad and Tobago, advocating for the prohibition of both the sale and use of fireworks. As the festive season approaches, with Christmas and New Year’s on the horizon, the potential for increased noise pollution looms large. Duncan called for government action, referencing the Prime Minister’s promise to address excessive noise through legislation. She concluded with a plea to hold leaders accountable, emphasizing the need for peace and quiet in a time of growing unrest.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Braeton residents concerned over uncollected garbage ahead of potential flooding
Residents of Braeton, a community in Portmore, St Catherine, Jamaica, are raising alarms over the prolonged absence of garbage collection services as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches the island. Reports indicate that waste has been left uncollected for over a week, leaving the neighborhood littered with accumulating trash. The situation has sparked fears among locals that the uncollected garbage could obstruct drainage systems, exacerbating the risk of severe flooding.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Farmers told to reap early where possible to minimise losses – Green
In anticipation of Hurricane Melissa’s impact on Jamaica, Agriculture Minister Floyd Green has called on farmers to take immediate action to safeguard their crops and livestock. Speaking at a special media briefing at Jamaica House on Saturday, Green emphasized the importance of harvesting available crops to minimize potential losses. ‘We’ve been urging all types of farmers to take necessary precautions, starting with harvesting whatever they can,’ he stated. The minister highlighted ongoing efforts to collaborate with fruit and pepper farmers, as well as agro-processors, to ensure that produce is harvested and processed promptly. Green also advised livestock farmers to secure sufficient feed and clean water for their animals and to relocate them to higher ground if they are in flood-prone areas. The Ministry of Agriculture has issued advisories, and teams from the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) are actively visiting farmers to provide support. Farmers have been instructed to clear drains, remove overhanging trees, and prop up banana and plantain plants to mitigate damage. Green strongly cautioned against venturing out during the hurricane, noting that such actions often result in loss of life. Reflecting on the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which destroyed hundreds of greenhouse structures, Green urged greenhouse farmers to follow established protocols, including stripping plastic covers to allow wind to pass through. Additionally, AgroInvest Corporation and the Sugar Company of Jamaica are working to clean critical drains in agro parks to reduce flooding risks. -Lynford Simpson
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Minimum Wage Advisory Committee to Convene First Meeting on November 4
The Antigua and Barbuda Minimum Wage Advisory Committee (MWAC) is set to convene its inaugural meeting on November 4, 2025, marking a significant step in the review of the nation’s minimum wage. The virtual session will be led by Labour Commissioner Eltonia Anthony-David, with Deputy Commissioner Pascal Kentish co-chairing the proceedings. The Hon. Sir Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin, Attorney General and Minister of Labour, will deliver opening remarks to officially commence the meeting. The committee, comprising 18 members with equal representation from employers, employees, and the government, will receive its terms of reference. These mandate the group to assess working conditions and propose a revised minimum wage to the Minister of Labour, who will then consult with the Cabinet for final approval. Notably, each member is allowed to bring an alternate representative to the first meeting. The last minimum wage adjustment occurred in January 2023, when it was raised from EC$8.20 to EC$9.00 per hour. This upcoming review underscores the government’s commitment to addressing labor standards and economic equity.
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Govt’s Road Repair Programme to receive support
The Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW) in Barbados has taken a significant step to enhance its road repair and infrastructure development initiatives by investing in six JCB pothole patching trucks. Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw, who oversees the ministry, announced this during a reception celebrating the 80th anniversary of J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited (JCB). The event was hosted by British High Commissioner Simon Mustard in collaboration with Inchcape Barbados. Bradshaw expressed her enthusiasm for the new equipment, stating that the trucks, along with six JCB Flail Head Cutters for highway debushing, are expected to arrive by the end of the year. Training for MTW teams will commence shortly after, with operational deployment planned for early January, post-hurricane season. Bradshaw highlighted JCB’s global reputation for quality, innovation, and reliability, noting the company’s long-standing partnership with Barbados since 1981. She also praised JCB’s role in post-Hurricane Beryl recovery efforts, emphasizing the durability and performance of its machinery. Minister of Energy and Business, Senator Lisa Cummins, echoed these sentiments, commending JCB’s contributions to Barbados and expressing hope for local companies to achieve similar global success. Erik Montero, Regional Head of JCB Caribbean, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to innovation and improving the lives of Barbadians. High Commissioner Mustard expressed confidence in JCB’s continued role in driving progress.
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Multiple SLASPA employees charged in $705K drug bust
In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, three employees of the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) have been arrested and charged following a major drug bust at Port Castries. The operation, conducted on October 17, 2025, was a joint effort by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) and the Customs and Excise Department, based on intelligence reports.
During the operation, authorities intercepted a grey van driven by Cyril Joseph, a Red Cap assigned to the port. A barrel in the vehicle, which had not been cleared for customs inspection, was found to contain cannabis, cannabis resin (hashish), and MDMA crystals (commonly known as ecstasy), with an estimated street value of $705,686.50.
Further investigations revealed a coordinated effort among several port employees to bypass customs procedures, leading to the arrest of two additional SLASPA workers, Ian Moncherry and Nadia Edward. A subsequent search of Moncherry’s residence uncovered an additional quantity of cannabis resin valued at $4,200.
All three individuals were charged on October 22, 2025, with offences including importation of a controlled drug, possession with intent to supply, aiding and abetting, and fraudulent evasion of customs duties and controls. They appeared before the First District Court on October 24 and were each granted bail in the sum of $45,000, either in cash or with a suitable surety.
The RSLPF emphasized that this operation highlights ongoing efforts to safeguard Saint Lucia’s borders and combat corruption within key institutions. A police statement declared, ‘This operation is a clear message that corruption and criminal collusion will not be tolerated,’ noting that illegal drugs and firearms entering through the island’s ports ‘directly fuel violent crime, gang activity, and homicides within our communities.’
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‘National cry for help’ in crime spike, says youth counsellor
The escalating involvement of young men in serious criminal activities has been labeled a moral and social crisis by Shawn Clarke, CEO of Supreme Counselling Services. Recent police data reveals a troubling spike in violent and major offenses, prompting Clarke to describe the situation as “a national cry for help.” While overall crime in Barbados has decreased by approximately two percent, serious crimes against individuals have doubled compared to last year, with robberies more than doubling and major crimes rising by 13 percent. Clarke emphasized that these figures are not mere statistics but represent lives once filled with potential, mothers’ silent tears, and communities on the brink of collapse. Despite the grim outlook, Clarke remains optimistic, asserting that the situation is not beyond redemption. He called for a shift from blame to collective responsibility, urging government, parents, schools, churches, and community organizations to unite in prevention and outreach efforts. Clarke advocated for meaningful interventions, such as youth mentorship programs and community-based behavioral support, to address the root causes of crime. He stressed that solving this crisis requires more than police action; it demands a collaborative, solution-focused approach. Clarke concluded with a message of hope, stating that Barbados’ young men are not lost causes but lost children in need of guidance and support.