分类： society

In recent times, the name Sir Robin Yearwood may not dominate headlines, but the enduring impact of his leadership remains palpable. The workers of APUA and other ministries under his guidance continue to embody the values he instilled, particularly through their courteous and professional service delivery. This is a testament to the success of the training programs and annual internships he championed during his tenure.

Over a month after receiving government approval, the installation of a drainage system at Tranquility Park Cemetery remains stalled, as revealed during a recent Cabinet briefing. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, confirmed that while burials are ongoing at the site, officials are still in the process of conducting evaluations and mobilizing resources. ‘Burials are taking place there, and there’s still some evaluations being done. Resources are being assembled to facilitate the much-needed installation of a drainage system,’ Merchant stated during the Thursday post-Cabinet press briefing. The decision to install the drainage system was made last month following severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall, which resulted in significant water-logging at the cemetery. Despite the urgency, Merchant did not provide a specific timeline for when the work will commence. The delay has raised concerns, particularly as the cemetery remains operational, and efforts to expedite the process are under close scrutiny.

Two individuals have been formally charged in relation to a series of criminal activities that occurred during the Soca Sangria event on November 2. Omar Richards, a 19-year-old resident of Carnival Gardens, and St. Claire Simon, a 26-year-old from Barnes Hill, appeared before Senior Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel on Tuesday. The charges against them include providing false information to law enforcement, malicious damage, and theft. According to police reports, the duo, along with other known accomplices, allegedly broke into multiple vehicles at the event. Among the items reported stolen or damaged were a Nissan Xtrail key, Versace perfume, Apple AirPods, and various personal belongings, collectively valued at $977. Richards, who was already on bond for a prior larceny charge, and Simon were both remanded into custody. Their next court appearance is scheduled for Friday.

In a significant move to bolster education infrastructure and community development, Education Minister Daryll Matthew has officially announced the commencement of construction for the new Five Islands Primary School. The project, unveiled in a social media post on Thursday, underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing educational facilities across the region. Matthew emphasized that this initiative represents a continued investment in quality education and community growth. The new school, designed to be climate-resilient and modern, will replace the existing facility and feature expanded classroom spaces, early-childhood units, state-of-the-art laboratories, and recreational areas. It forms a key component of the broader Five Islands education complex, which also houses the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus. Prime Minister Gaston Browne had previously highlighted the project earlier this year, confirming that construction would begin before the end of 2025 under a local contractor, with an anticipated completion timeline of two years. This development aligns with the government’s broader strategy to create sustainable, future-ready educational environments.

The Cabinet is currently evaluating a proposal to host the Senior Panorama Competition at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, drawing inspiration from the triumphant execution of this year’s Junior Panorama. The initiative aims to rejuvenate the national steelband showcase by replicating the successful two-stage format that captivated audiences during the 44th Independence Anniversary celebrations. Maurice Merchant, the Director General of Communications, highlighted that Cabinet members were particularly impressed by the Junior Panorama’s vibrant performances, robust youth engagement, and exceptional crowd turnout. These factors have spurred discussions about adopting a similar structure for the Senior Panorama during Carnival, with the goal of enhancing production quality, enriching audience experiences, and bolstering the event’s cultural significance. Merchant emphasized that further consultations with key stakeholders in the cultural sector will be conducted before finalizing the decision. Additionally, Cabinet extended commendations to the Ministry of Festivals and its team, led by Minister Daryll Matthew, for their outstanding contributions to the success of the Independence celebrations.