In a groundbreaking move for Antigua and Barbuda, Stefanie Meyer is set to open the nation’s first crematorium on November 4, 2024, through her venture, Meyer’s Funeral Home. This initiative aims to provide families with more options for laying their loved ones to rest, addressing long-standing challenges such as limited burial space and the high costs of transporting remains to neighboring islands for cremation.
分类： society
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Over 700 tonnes of waste removed in nationwide cleanup
A sweeping national cleanup campaign in Barbados, inspired by a young student’s heartfelt appeal, has successfully removed more than 700 tonnes of bulk waste from communities across the island. The initiative, titled ‘One Nation, One Mission, One Clean Up,’ was launched following a plea from nine-year-old Naomi Dummett, who envisioned a ‘beautiful Barbados.’ Environment and National Beautification Minister Adrian Forde praised Naomi as a young ‘Earth Champion’ and highlighted the program’s significant progress. The cleanup effort began two weeks before the school island cleanup, targeting schools reopening in early September, and has since expanded nationwide. Forde emphasized the removal of bulky items such as fridges, stoves, washing machines, and microwaves, underscoring the importance of collective action. ‘We are seeing success, but it is a costly exercise for the government. We urge Barbadians to do their part and honor their country,’ he stated. The initiative also includes the ‘Gullies are Life’ project, which has cleared 13 tonnes of solid waste from gullies, protecting the island from climate change impacts. Forde highlighted the rediscovery of the Barbados thread snake, the world’s smallest snake, after 136 years, as a testament to the project’s ecological benefits. Additionally, the ministry is launching a community beautification competition, tree-planting initiatives, and enhancing green spaces like the Botanical Gardens. ‘Barbadians must have green spaces to connect with nature,’ Forde emphasized, reaffirming the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and beautification.
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Some domestic abuse victims ‘forced to stay as cost of living soars’
A leading advocate against domestic violence has highlighted the alarming trend of victims remaining in abusive relationships due to mounting financial pressures and a lack of affordable housing. Barbara Daniel-Goddard, Chair of Advocates Against Domestic Abuse (AIDA), emphasized that for low-income earners, the high cost of living and limited housing options make it nearly impossible to escape abusive partners. Speaking to Barbados TODAY, she revealed that many victims earn as little as $24,000 annually, while average monthly rents hover around $1,000. After accounting for utilities, transportation, and childcare, these individuals are left with no financial leeway to seek independence.
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Silver Hill folk lose faith after latest gun violence
A shooting incident in Silver Hill, Christ Church, on Thursday evening has left a man seriously injured, exacerbating the growing concerns among residents about unchecked violence in their community. The victim was seated on the front steps of a residence when two assailants emerged from a vehicle and opened fire, striking him multiple times. He was rushed to a medical facility in a private car for urgent treatment. This latest episode of violence has deepened the sense of fear and despair among Silver Hill residents, who describe gunshots and gang activity as a regular occurrence. Many expressed skepticism about the possibility of improved public safety, given the escalating crime rates. A local shop owner lamented the emotional numbness that has set in after years of persistent violence, recounting a recent shooting outside his establishment. Another resident, who was caring for her mother during the incident, described hearing around ten gunshots, expressing her fear for the future of Barbados. On Friday morning, a group of middle-aged men gathered near a shop, discussing the surge in gang-related activity with visible frustration. One man remarked, ‘Every action has a reaction,’ while another highlighted the ease with which firearms are obtained, even by those recently released from prison. The community’s distrust of official crime statistics was also evident, with residents suggesting that the actual number of shooting deaths far exceeds the reported figure of 39 murders this year. This incident follows the tragic killing of a 12-year-old boy in March, who was caught in the crossfire during a basketball game. The recurring violence has left Silver Hill residents feeling increasingly desensitized and hopeless about the future.
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A tropical wave and trough will cause moderate to heavy downpours
A tropical wave, coupled with a trough, is set to bring moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds across several provinces in the Dominican Republic today. Affected regions include María Trinidad Sánchez, Samaná, Hato Mayor, La Altagracia, La Romana, El Seibo, San Pedro de Macorís, Monte Plata, Sánchez Ramírez, and Santo Domingo. The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) has also indicated that the precipitation will extend to San Cristóbal, San José de Ocoa, Santiago, La Vega, Duarte, Monseñor Nouel, Azua, Elías Piña, Dajabón, Independencia, and Bahoruco, primarily during the morning and afternoon hours. In the National District, increased cloudiness and isolated showers are expected. Temperatures are forecasted to remain hot, ranging from a minimum of 21°C to 23°C and a maximum of 31°C to 33°C. Indomet has advised operators of fragile, small, and medium-sized vessels to exercise caution near coastal areas due to abnormal winds and waves, avoiding venturing out to sea. The weather conditions are expected to persist into tomorrow, with downpours and thunderstorms likely in towns along the southern coast. The Emergency Operations Center (COE) has issued alerts for 19 provinces, warning of potential urban and rural flooding, overflowing rivers, streams, and ravines, as well as landslides, particularly in vulnerable areas. San José de Ocoa remains on red alert, Pedravia and Monte Plata are on yellow alert, while Independencia, Pedernales, Bahoruco, Barahona, San Juan, Azua, San Cristóbal, Puerto Plata, Santiago, Monseñor Nouel, Duarte, San Pedro de Macorís, La Romana, La Altagracia, Santo Domingo, and the National District are on green alert.
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Luis Abinader assesses the damage from Hurricane Melissa: What will the Government do?
President Luis Abinader conducted an extensive tour of the provinces of San José de Ocoa and Barahona on Friday to evaluate the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. During his visit, he emphasized the government’s commitment to providing immediate relief and long-term solutions for affected families, agricultural producers, and local economies. Abinader assured that no individual or sector would be overlooked, with efforts focused on both recovery and mitigating future vulnerabilities.
In Barahona, the president convened a working group meeting with local authorities, relief agencies, community leaders, and media representatives. He highlighted the severe impact of prolonged rains on agriculture, rural infrastructure, and commerce in the Enriquillo region. A comprehensive support plan was outlined, involving direct aid to municipalities and producers, with collaboration from the Church and civil society to ensure transparency and efficiency.
Abinader announced specific measures, including non-refundable contributions and loans from the Agricultural Bank for coffee producers in Polo, the hardest-hit area. Housing assistance will be provided through the Presidential Directorate of Social Assistance for minor damages, while the Ministry of Housing and Construction will address more severe cases. The president stressed that homes in vulnerable zones would not be rebuilt to prevent future risks.
Infrastructure repairs are already underway, with the Ministry of Agriculture focusing on agricultural roads and the Ministry of Public Works handling major transit routes. Abinader pledged to extend recovery efforts to all provinces under red alert, ensuring comprehensive support across affected regions.
In San José de Ocoa, the president met with local authorities to assess agricultural and infrastructure damage. He ordered detailed surveys to facilitate targeted aid and soft loans, emphasizing transparency in resource allocation. Weekly meetings will monitor progress, with a focus on both immediate recovery and preventive measures.
Local officials, including Barahona Governor Oneida Catalina Féliz Medina, praised the president’s hands-on approach and commitment to addressing community needs. Mayors of affected municipalities requested additional support for infrastructure projects, including ravine conditioning, bridge reconstruction, and road repairs.
President Abinader was accompanied by key officials, including Minister Without Portfolio Deligne Ascención and Director of Social Assistance Edgar Féliz, underscoring the government’s coordinated response to the crisis.
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Missing man found safe
Amaro Delano Wilson, a 29-year-old resident of B101 Pondside, Bay Street, St. Michael, Barbados, who was reported missing on October 30th, 2025, has been successfully located and is confirmed to be safe. The Barbados Police Service expressed their gratitude to the public and media for their crucial assistance in resolving this case. Authorities emphasized the importance of continued community cooperation in addressing such matters in the future. The incident highlights the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between law enforcement and the public in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals.
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Mayor Defends Barricade Move Amid Hangar Access Debate
In a recent development in Belize City, Mayor Bernard Wagner has acknowledged the City Council’s procedural misstep in erecting barricades at the Hangar area two months ago. The barriers, which were removed following a legal challenge by resident Rommel Berges, sparked widespread debate over public access and security concerns. Berges, who signed a neighborhood petition, claims he was misled into believing the petition aimed to enhance security rather than restrict access. Mayor Wagner emphasized the importance of adhering to legal procedures, citing Section 24, 3 of the Belize City Council Act, which mandates public notification and consideration of residents’ written representations before any street closures. The initial decision to install the barricades was based on a petition from Home Park residents citing security and erosion concerns. However, recent police briefings and a review of local news archives reveal no significant crime incidents in the area for the past two decades. The controversy has drawn comparisons to the Belizean Beach saga, where former politician Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez faced public backlash for blocking access to a public beach. Martinez has questioned the disparity in public pressure between the two cases, suggesting underlying issues of class and privilege. Meanwhile, Belize City residents Moses Sulph and Alex Sanker have voiced their concerns, with Sulph advocating for full public access and Sanker lamenting the influence of money and power in shaping public policy. Mayor Wagner has indicated that the barricades may be reinstated following procedural corrections, ensuring the council’s actions align with legal requirements. News Five continues to monitor the situation as it unfolds.
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Who Pushed for Hangar Barricades? Mayor Says He Can’t Recall
In a recent interview, Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner was questioned about the origins of the proposal to install barricades at the Hangar, a decision approved by the City Council. When pressed to identify the individual who brought the petition to the council, Mayor Wagner stated he could not recall, attributing the decision to a collective effort by the council. He emphasized that the area remains accessible to the public by foot, dismissing concerns about it being entirely closed off. The mayor explained that the issue has been under deliberation since 2022, driven by residents’ concerns and the impact of climate change on the area. He acknowledged the financial constraints preventing the city from constructing a protective wall, suggesting that residents might need to collaborate on a solution. While the mayor reaffirmed the government’s responsibility, he stressed the importance of finding common ground with residents to ensure quality of life. When asked about alternative solutions to security concerns, Mayor Wagner noted that previous attempts, including barricades and private landownership, had proven ineffective.
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‘Mulan’ wanted for questioning in connection with criminal matters
The Barbados Police Service has issued a public appeal for assistance in locating Marlon Orion King, alias ‘Mulan’, who is sought for questioning regarding serious criminal activities. King, whose last known residence is in Airy Hill, St George, is described as having a brown complexion, a medium build, and standing approximately five feet ten inches tall. Authorities have urged King to voluntarily present himself at the Criminal Investigation Department, District ‘B’, Boarded Hall, St George, with legal representation if he chooses. The police have provided multiple contact options for the public to report any information on King’s whereabouts, including the District ‘B’ Police Station at 437-4311 or 437-4775, the Police Emergency line at 211, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, or the nearest police station. Additionally, the police have emphasized that harboring or aiding wanted individuals is a serious offense, and those found guilty may face legal consequences.