The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) has launched an investigation into the tragic shooting death of a young man from Silver Lake. The incident reportedly took place in the early hours of Friday morning within the community. The victim, identified as Eddie James Jr., is believed to be in his early 30s. As of now, specific details surrounding the circumstances of the shooting remain unclear. Authorities are actively working to gather more information, and updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. Dominica News Online (DNO) has expressed its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time.
分类： society
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Sir Ira Simmons School hosts ‘Anything but Bag Day’ to ease exam tension
Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School recently introduced a novel initiative to alleviate student stress ahead of exams with its first-ever ‘Anything but a Bag Day.’ The event, organized by the Student Council and supported by school leadership, aimed to disrupt the monotony of traditional classroom activities and encourage creative self-expression. Principal Martina Belizaire revealed that the idea originated from students who sought a fun and relaxing activity before the intense exam period. The event followed a survey indicating a strong desire for engaging and participatory activities among the student body. Students showcased remarkable ingenuity by crafting unique handmade creations to carry their school supplies. Highlights included a functional ATM, a realistic microwave, a vanity set, and even a cereal box with a 3D design. Belizaire praised the students’ unmatched creativity, noting the event significantly boosted their morale. The school plans to continue fostering a positive atmosphere with upcoming activities like Fun Sports and a road race. This term also saw the success of Afro Day, part of Creole Week, which promoted cultural pride and self-expression through natural hair celebrations.
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Caribbean Court of Justice dismisses appeal in wrongful termination case in Barbados
On November 13, 2025, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) upheld a previous ruling by the Court of Appeal, declaring the summary dismissal of Merton Forde by Massy Stores (Barbados) Limited as unlawful. The case, identified as CCJ Appeal No. BBCV2025/001, centered on Forde’s abrupt termination after he admitted to taking ‘condemned rice,’ a company property. Summary dismissal, which involves no prior notice or severance pay, is typically reserved for severe misconduct. However, the CCJ found the dismissal excessive and unjustified. The Magistrate’s Court initially ruled in Forde’s favor, emphasizing a contextual approach that considered his employment history, the minor value of the stolen property, and the seriousness of the misconduct. The Court of Appeal agreed, and the CCJ, in a majority judgment authored by Justice Rajnauth-Lee, supported by Justices Jamadar, Ononaiwu, and Eboe-Osuji, affirmed this decision. The CCJ highlighted the need for Barbadian law to reflect contemporary social values, ensuring fairness, proportionality, and respect for workers’ rights. The Court also noted that the disciplinary procedures outlined in the employee handbook had not been followed, denying Forde a fair hearing. Justice Eboe-Osuji, in a separate opinion, emphasized the evolving nature of common law and the importance of reasonableness and fairness. Justice Barrow dissented, arguing that Forde’s dishonesty justified his dismissal. The full decision is available at www.ccj.org.
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Cloudy Skies, More Rain and Ongoing Flood Threat Across Belize
Belize remains under the grip of relentless wet weather as the National Meteorological Service forecasts another day dominated by cloudy skies, intermittent rain, scattered showers, and a slight possibility of isolated thunderstorms. Northern and central regions, along with offshore areas, are expected to bear the brunt of this weather activity. Despite the ongoing precipitation, there is a silver lining: the North Atlantic Basin is currently tranquil, with no tropical cyclones posing an immediate threat to Belize or its coastal waters. Saturday’s weather outlook predicts generally cloudy conditions with sporadic showers or light rain, primarily concentrated in the north and offshore areas, gradually tapering off by day’s end. This follows a government advisory issued yesterday, urging residents to prepare for potential flooding as heavy rains persist across multiple regions. A Flash Flood Alert remains in effect for inland western, central, and southern areas, as well as the central coast. Specific locations at heightened risk include the Belize River at More Tomorrow and downstream communities, the Sibun River at Freetown Sibun, the Sittee River at Kendal, and the Golden Stream River at Hellgate in Region Eleven. The national forecast map highlights communities in red as facing the highest flash flood risk, while those in orange are at medium to high risk. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of staying informed through official weather updates and exercising caution near rivers and low-lying areas.
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Xtra Foods donates $20k to upgrade Success Laventille computer lab
Students at Success Laventille Secondary School are set to benefit from a significant upgrade to their computer lab, thanks to a generous $20,000 donation from Xtra Foods supermarket. The contribution was announced in a press release on November 14, 2025, and the ceremonial cheque was presented during the school’s graduation ceremony by Xtra Foods CEO Angelo Daniel Austin, an alumnus of the institution. Austin, who served as the event’s keynote speaker, emphasized the importance of investing in education to empower future generations. He shared his personal journey from being a student at the school to becoming a CEO, highlighting the transformative power of faith, perseverance, and belief. Austin also expressed gratitude to Anon Naipaul, executive chairman of Xtra Foods, for his mentorship and support over the years. The donation is part of Xtra Foods’ broader mission to nurture talent, inspire growth, and uplift underserved communities. Austin stated, “When we invest in education, we’re not just upgrading labs, we’re opening doors.” He further emphasized the importance of equipping students with the tools they need to thrive in a digital world, describing them as future innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. The initiative reflects Xtra Foods’ commitment to education, equity, and empowerment, as the company continues to invest in the shared future of the communities it serves.
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Operation Festive Shield launched for Xmas, Carnival
In a proactive move to combat crime during the festive season, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has unveiled its Christmas and Carnival crime prevention initiative, dubbed ‘Festive Shield.’ The program was officially launched through community walkabouts led by senior TTPS officials and local government representatives in Arima, Tunapuna, and San Juan. During the Arima event, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Rishi Singh, alongside Superintendents Maynard-Wilson and McKenzie, joined Arima Mayor Balliram Maharaj in engaging with residents to address their crime-related concerns.
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Delicate balance
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon is walking a fine line between compassion and legal constraints as he seeks to assist Raquel, a single mother struggling to recover from the storm’s devastation. Raquel, who relocated to a concrete house in Catherine Hall, St James, before the hurricane hit, has been unable to afford the $40,000 needed to remove debris and stagnant mud from her property. The foul-smelling waste has rendered her home uninhabitable, forcing her and her six-year-old child to flee. Raquel’s catering business has also been severely impacted, leaving her financially strained. Despite the challenges, Mayor Vernon has pledged to find a solution, emphasizing the importance of adhering to legal boundaries. State resources, he explained, are allocated for public infrastructure, not private property. However, he has enlisted local representative Dwight ‘Debo’ Crawford to mobilize community support for Raquel. Vernon stressed the need to avoid misappropriation of public funds while ensuring that those in need receive assistance. Raquel’s plight highlights the broader struggles faced by Catherine Hall residents, many of whom are grappling with flood damage, debris, and disrupted livelihoods. During a recent town hall meeting, Vernon addressed these issues, discussing flood relief, water supply, and aid distribution. Raquel’s story underscores the urgent need for community-driven solutions in the face of natural disasters.
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Trelawny community shops keeping prices steady, residents connected amid disaster
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, residents of Bounty Hall, Trelawny, have found solace in their local corner shops, which have become essential hubs for sustenance and community support. Amid reports of price gouging in other areas, establishments like Spence’s Grocery and D William’s Shop have maintained fair pricing and provided critical services to their neighbors.
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Disbelief
In a stark departure from its usual lively atmosphere, 83 Lane on Waltham Park Road in St Andrew was eerily quiet on Friday afternoon. The subdued environment followed the tragic shooting deaths of two off-duty police constables, Charles Stewart and Jemarey Gordon, the previous evening. Residents, still reeling from the incident, chose to remain indoors, leaving the area deserted.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) reported that the officers were attempting to mediate an altercation at a local business establishment when they were fatally shot. Witnesses recounted hearing a barrage of gunfire, prompting panic among those gathered outdoors. One resident described the harrowing scene, stating, ‘I saw someone lying in the road. It was Carlos [Charles Stewart]. He died in his uniform because he was coming from work.’
Constable Stewart, 30, was assigned to the Spanish Town Police Station, while Constable Gordon, 32, served in the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch. Both officers were also involved in operating a car mart and motor vehicle parts business at 83 Lane. The JCF has since identified three individuals—Junior Brown, Macarius Munroe, and a man known only as Squidly—as persons of interest in the case.
The community has been left in shock, with many expressing grief and outrage over the senseless violence. A close associate of Stewart shared, ‘Charles was family. He had two kids and was just trying to make a better life.’ Another resident questioned the safety of civilians, asking, ‘If they shoot a man in his police uniform, what would they do to us?’
Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake condemned the murders, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. ‘We will spare no effort, no resource, and no measure to ensure those responsible face swift justice,’ he declared. The JCF’s Chaplaincy Branch and Welfare Division are providing support to the families and colleagues of the slain officers.
The incident has cast a pall over the community, raising concerns about safety and the escalating violence in the area. As investigations continue, residents mourn the loss of two dedicated officers who were not only committed to their duty but also deeply embedded in their community.
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Jamaican extradited to US facing charges for lottery scam involvement
A Jamaican national, Roshard Andrew Carty, has been ordered to remain in custody pending trial in the United States, accused of masterminding a sophisticated lottery scam that defrauded an elderly American woman of over $800,000. The 34-year-old was extradited to the Western District of Washington on October 23, following his arrest in Jamaica on August 21. Magistrate Judge David W. Christal ruled earlier this week that Carty will be detained until his trial, scheduled for December 22.