The nation of Antigua and Barbuda came together on Tuesday to honor the life and legacy of Kenneth Nathaniel Francis, affectionately known as “Nat Moses,” during an official funeral service at St. George’s Anglican Church. Francis, a revered broadcaster, master of ceremonies, and former Member of Parliament, passed away on October 8, leaving behind a legacy of cultural and political contributions that spanned decades. His unmistakable baritone voice and unwavering commitment to public service made him a household name and a beloved figure across the islands. The church was filled with mourners from all walks of life, including Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, and Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle, reflecting the profound impact Francis had on his community. Senator Michael Freeland delivered a heartfelt eulogy, describing Francis as the voice that carried the nation through carnival, late-night radio, and countless cultural events. His broadcasting career, which lasted over four decades, was marked by his dedication to the performing arts and civic engagement. Sir Stedroy Benjamin, a childhood friend, paid tribute by reciting lines from Rudyard Kipling’s “If—,” a poem that encapsulated Francis’s resilience and integrity. Family members shared emotional tributes, recalling his humility, humor, and kindness. Francis’s brother expressed pride in his sibling’s accomplishments but lamented that he was never given a well-paying job in broadcasting, a sentiment that resonated with many in attendance. The service featured scripture readings, hymns, and a homily that celebrated Francis’s life of service and faith. His casket, draped in the national flag, was carried by the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda to the Anglican Cemetery at Fishers Creek, where he was laid to rest. The flag was presented to his widow, Yvette Southwell-Francis, as a symbol of national gratitude. The ceremony concluded with Francis’s son delivering his father’s iconic radio sign-off, “Good morning, world,” bringing tears and applause from the crowd—a fitting farewell to a man whose voice will forever echo in the hearts of Antiguans and Barbudans.
分类： society
-
UWI Five Islands to Host Public Webinar on Earthquake Preparedness Amid Surge in Seismic Activity
In response to over 20 earthquakes recorded in Antigua within a single week, The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus is organizing a crucial public webinar on seismic preparedness. Scheduled for Thursday, November 6th, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. AST, this free virtual event aims to equip residents with essential knowledge on earthquake safety. The webinar will feature insights from leading experts, including representatives from the UWI Seismic Research Centre, the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), and UWI’s STA & FIC Teams. Topics will cover recent seismic activity, national safety protocols, and community readiness strategies. This initiative underscores the urgent need for public awareness and preparedness in the face of increasing seismic threats across the Caribbean. The event is a collaborative effort involving the UWI Seismic Research Centre, NODS, The Guild of Students, and Students of MGMT3089. Attendees can join via Zoom using the provided link: https://bit.ly/FICEarthquakeWebinar. Media inquiries and RSVPs should be directed to the event organizers.
-
Consultation Confirms Gaps in Inclusion as Saint Lucia Advances Disability Policy
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Point Fortin man freed of stepfather’s 2007 murder
After nearly two decades in legal limbo, Trevor Huggins, a resident of Point Fortin, has been acquitted of the 2007 murder of his stepfather, Brian O’Shaughnessy. The verdict was delivered by a jury at the High Court in Port of Spain on November 3, marking the end of a prolonged and emotionally charged case. Huggins had been accused of fatally stabbing O’Shaughnessy at their family home in January 2007. During the trial, which commenced on October 1 before Justice Maria Busby Earle-Caddle, jurors heard compelling testimony from Huggins’ sister, who recounted discovering her stepfather bleeding from the neck after hearing his cries from the kitchen. She described her brother as mentally unstable and recalled witnessing him flee the scene. When apprehended by authorities, Huggins reportedly claimed, ‘God told me to do it.’ A knife was later found near the victim’s body. A post-mortem examination confirmed that O’Shaughnessy died from stab wounds to the neck and chest. Further complicating the case, a psychiatrist testified that Huggins had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was experiencing a relapse at the time of the incident. Justice Busby Earle-Caddle instructed the jury to consider a manslaughter verdict if they believed Huggins acted under the influence of his mental disorder. However, the jury ultimately found him not guilty of both murder and manslaughter. Huggins was represented by attorneys Michelle Ali and Shuzvon Ramdass from the Public Defenders’ Department, while the prosecution was led by Veonna Neale-Monroe and Shanelle Kissoon from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
-
One Family declares support for govt led parade as rejecting JCNP’s independently planned rival event
A deepening divide in the governance of Junkanoo, a vibrant cultural festival in The Bahamas, has taken center stage as One Family, a prominent Junkanoo group, publicly declared its support for the government’s National Junkanoo Committee (NJC). This move comes in direct opposition to the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence’s (JCNP) proposal to host independent parades this holiday season. The JCNP had announced plans to organize two separate community Junkanoo events on Bay Street in December and January, timed to avoid clashing with the official government-sponsored parades. One Family, initially listed as a participant in the JCNP’s events, has now distanced itself from the plan. Vernon Rolle, chairman of One Family, emphasized that the group’s decision was unanimous during a recent meeting. He stated, ‘We are mandated to participate in the parade that the government is a part of,’ citing the government’s financial support as a key factor. Rolle also criticized the JCNP’s approach, suggesting that the rivalry between the two entities is detrimental to Junkanoo and the Bahamian people. Meanwhile, the NJC has dismissed claims of major groups withdrawing from its parades, asserting that preparations are progressing smoothly. The JCNP, however, remains hopeful for a resolution, with plans to meet with the Prime Minister. John Williams, the JCNP’s public relations officer, expressed optimism, stating, ‘We just want to make sure that everybody is satisfied and we have participation for Christmas and the New Year.’
-
South Florida launches campaign to provide hurricane relief for Jamaicans
South Florida, home to one of the largest Jamaican Diaspora communities, has initiated a significant relief campaign to aid thousands affected by Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28. The effort is spearheaded by Oliver Mair, Jamaica’s Consul General to Miami, with support from regional civic leaders and organizations. Key contributors include the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), Food For The Poor, American Friends of Jamaica, Miami Foundation, World Central Kitchens, and Samaritan Purse. Mair highlighted the enthusiastic response from the South Florida community, with hundreds of volunteers assisting in packing relief supplies even before the hurricane made landfall. The first shipment arrived in Kingston on October 30. The Consul General’s office collaborated with South Florida Caribbean Strong, an organization active in disaster relief since Hurricane Maria in 2017. Marlon Hill, a senior member of the group, emphasized the swift collection of essential items like water, hygiene products, and non-perishable foods, supported by donations from individuals, corporations, and non-profits, including a $1 million contribution from the Miami Heat and Carnival Cruise Line. In Miramar, City Commissioner Eddy Edwards designated fire stations as drop-off points for donations, while the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival partnered with SSMC Xpress and Connex to collect non-perishable food. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with winds reaching 185 mph, caused 32 fatalities and extensive damage across multiple parishes, including St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and St James, as well as commercial hubs like Santa Cruz, Black River, Savanna-la-Mar, and Montego Bay.