Barbados is grappling with a deepening crisis as an increasing number of young men, many of them homeless, are turning to crime out of sheer necessity, according to Fabian Sargeant, the executive director of the Men Empowerment Network Support (MENS). Speaking on Tuesday, Sargeant highlighted the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the root causes of this troubling trend.
分类： society
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Sanction parents, too, says acting DPP
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Alliston Seale SC has proposed that parents proven negligent in managing their children’s behavior should face sanctions if their children commit serious crimes. Speaking passionately, Seale emphasized that no 13-year-old should be allowed to engage in harmful activities like drug use and carrying knives without intervention. He argued that parents must take greater responsibility, not just voluntarily but with legal consequences if they fail. Seale cited international examples, including a U.S. case where a mother was jailed for six years after her six-year-old shot a teacher at school. He stressed that parental involvement extends beyond material provision to active engagement in a child’s development, including monitoring technology use and ensuring adequate rest. Seale also highlighted the importance of teaching children conflict resolution skills and preparing them for real-world challenges. His remarks came during sentencing submissions for Tyreke Benskin, who pleaded guilty to the 2020 murder of 22-year-old Shakeem Holder. Seale noted troubling signs in Benskin’s past, such as his fascination with knives, and lamented the lack of early intervention. While acknowledging Benskin’s remorse and potential for rehabilitation, Seale underscored the collective responsibility of society in addressing juvenile delinquency. Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell is set to deliver the sentence on February 27.
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Antigua’s Government House Project Presented at Landmark Conference in Dubai
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) is set to make history with its 2025 General Conference, marking the first time the event will be held in the Middle East, Africa, or South Asia since its inception in 1946. Dubai, chosen as the host city, will serve as a global platform for cultural dialogue and innovation, reinforcing its position as a leading hub for international collaboration. The conference, themed ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,’ will delve into critical issues facing the museum sector, including the preservation of intangible heritage, youth empowerment, and the integration of emerging technologies. These sub-themes aim to foster discussions on how museums can adapt and thrive in an era of rapid societal transformation. Meanwhile, at this year’s conference, Dr. Gabriella Howell, Director of The Heritage Trust (Antigua & Barbuda) Inc., presented the groundbreaking Government House Museum project. Scheduled to open in 2026, the museum will uniquely serve dual purposes: functioning as the Official Offices of the Governor-General while also welcoming the public as a museum. This innovative hybrid model challenges traditional museological boundaries by blending historical curation with contemporary governance, offering visitors a dynamic exploration of colonial legacies and modern narratives. Dr. Howell emphasized the project’s significance, stating, ‘By reimagining Government House as both a functional political space and a public-facing museum, we are crafting a new paradigm where the house museum actively shapes national identity, bridging historical continuity with contemporary relevance.’ The Government House Museum promises to be a living heritage site, inviting visitors to engage with the past and present in a transformative way.
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ABLP Hopeful Adrian Richardson sponsors Bethesda FC
Adrian Richardson, a prominent figure in the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), has extended his support to the local community by sponsoring Bethesda Football Club (FC). This initiative underscores Richardson’s commitment to fostering grassroots sports development and community engagement. Bethesda FC, a well-established football club in the region, has long been a platform for nurturing young talent and promoting physical fitness among youth. Richardson’s sponsorship is expected to provide the club with essential resources to enhance their training programs, upgrade facilities, and participate in competitive tournaments. This move not only strengthens the club’s operational capacity but also highlights the importance of public figures investing in local sports initiatives. The sponsorship aligns with broader efforts to encourage healthy lifestyles and community cohesion through sports. Richardson’s involvement is seen as a positive step toward empowering young athletes and reinforcing the role of sports in societal development.
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Rotary District Governor Meets Prime Minister Browne to Discuss Continued Partnership
Soraya Warner-Gustave, the Governor of Rotary District 7030, recently embarked on an official visit to Antigua, where she engaged in a productive dialogue with Prime Minister Gaston Browne. The meeting focused on Rotary’s enduring role in fostering national development and its alignment with the country’s strategic priorities. Prime Minister Browne lauded Rotary for its unwavering commitment to service and expressed enthusiasm for potential collaborations that could further bolster Antigua’s progress. Governor Warner-Gustave, accompanied by a delegation of Rotary leaders, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and provided insights into Antigua’s preparations for hosting the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) in 2025. This event underscores Rotary’s dedication to empowering young leaders and fostering community engagement.
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Two Antiguan Interactors Represent Antigua and Barbuda at the 25th Model United Nations Assembly
Two exceptional young Interactors from Antigua recently showcased their diplomatic prowess at the prestigious 25th Model United Nations (MUN) Assembly. Representing Antigua and Barbuda, these talented individuals engaged in rigorous debates, simulated UN committee sessions, and addressed global issues with remarkable insight and eloquence. The event, held in a dynamic international setting, provided a platform for youth to hone their negotiation, leadership, and public speaking skills while fostering cross-cultural understanding. Their participation not only highlighted the potential of Antiguan youth but also underscored the nation’s commitment to nurturing future leaders capable of addressing complex global challenges. This milestone event further strengthens Antigua and Barbuda’s presence on the international stage, inspiring the next generation to actively contribute to global dialogue and cooperation.
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Colombia seized more than seven thousand tons of drugs in three years
Law enforcement agencies worldwide have made significant strides in combating the illegal drug trade under the current administration. Recent data reveals that approximately 27 billion doses of illegal substances were intercepted before reaching global markets, with an annual average seizure exceeding 1,800 tons. Between 2022 and 2025, authorities dismantled 17,838 drug production laboratories, 96% of which were dedicated to manufacturing coca paste or cocaine base. Notably, the number of cocaine hydrochloride labs destroyed surged from 74 in 2022 to 203 in 2025, reflecting a more focused approach on advanced processing stages. Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez highlighted that 780 individuals have been extradited over the past three years for drug-related crimes. Additionally, the government is collaborating with chemical engineers to develop a novel molecule that disrupts cocaine production when added to fuel, without compromising vehicle performance. Official reports indicate that over 820 tons of cocaine have been seized this year alone, marking a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Furthermore, the destruction of one laboratory every 40 minutes represents a 24% improvement over 2024 results.
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Latam pilots’ strike begins in Chile for improved working conditions
A strike initiated by the Pilots’ Union at midnight has caused significant disruptions for Latam Airlines, following the collapse of negotiations between the company and the union. The talks, mediated by the Labor Directorate, failed to reach an agreement, prompting the union to take industrial action. Mario Troncoso, president of the Pilots’ Union, expressed frustration, stating that the strike was avoidable given the company’s substantial profits and the union’s moderate demands. Troncoso highlighted that Latam had accumulated profits of $1.5 billion over the past 18 months, while the workers’ demands represented less than 1% of that figure. In response to the strike, Latam Airlines has rescheduled several flights for today and tomorrow and advised passengers to verify their flight status before traveling to the airport. The union, representing 464 pilots, emphasized that the strike was a last resort after repeated attempts to negotiate fair terms with the company.
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Frente Amplio calls for full investigation into nationwide blackout
Santo Domingo – The Frente Amplio has issued a stern call for an immediate and transparent investigation into the widespread blackout that plunged the Dominican Republic into darkness on Monday afternoon. The outage, triggered by a failure at the Electricity Transmission Company (ETED) substation in San Pedro de Macorís, cascaded into a complete shutdown of all generating plants, including Punta Catalina. This incident has once again highlighted the fragility of the nation’s power grid. Party leader María Teresa Cabrera denounced the collapse as ‘unacceptable,’ emphasizing that a single substation failure should not have the capacity to cripple the entire system. She urged authorities to act with ‘absolute transparency’ and ensure accountability for those responsible. The Frente Amplio underscored the severe economic repercussions of such blackouts, which disrupt hospitals, industries, and the daily lives of millions. The organization demanded that the Government, ETED, the Superintendency of Electricity, and the Ministry of Energy and Mines provide a clear public report and develop an emergency plan to fortify the transmission network. They argued that the incident should not be dismissed as a mere technical failure but rather seen as a symptom of deeper structural issues, including poor oversight, inadequate planning, and insufficient public investment in the national energy system.
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Mayor Carolina Mejía inaugurates Taíno Park dedicated to Santo Domingo 2026 Games
Santo Domingo witnessed a significant milestone on Tuesday as Carolina Mejía, Mayor of the National District, officially opened the newly transformed Taíno Park in Los Cacicazgos. This revitalized public space, designed to honor the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games set for 2026, has been reimagined from a basic green area into a multifunctional community hub. The park now boasts an outdoor gym, a children’s playground, a dedicated dog park, walking paths, an amphitheater for cultural events, energy-efficient LED lighting, and a commemorative sculpture celebrating José Martí, Máximo Gómez, and Chief Hatuey—iconic figures symbolizing freedom and unity across the Antilles.