The Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC) Antigua and Barbuda Chapter Inc. recently celebrated World Maritime Day with a powerful message centered on ocean conservation and gender equity. Under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Opportunity, Our Obligation,” the organization highlighted the critical role of the ocean in connecting communities, driving economies, and shaping Caribbean identity. WiMAC President Dr. Evette Smith Johnson emphasized the dual responsibility of protecting marine resources and fostering inclusivity in maritime leadership. In her address, Dr. Smith Johnson stated, “Happy World Maritime Day! WiMAC celebrates the sea that sustains, connects, and inspires our Caribbean. Together, we must protect it, embrace opportunities, and ensure women’s equal role in shaping the maritime future.” The association stressed that gender equity in the maritime sector enhances innovation, resilience, and long-term growth. WiMAC called on governments, industry stakeholders, and communities to collaborate in safeguarding the ocean, emphasizing that sustainable stewardship is vital for livelihoods and resilience against global challenges. The event also showcased the leadership of WiMAC’s executive team, including Immediate Past President Mrs. Tamara Lowe-James, President Ms. Shenica Sebastian, and Vice President Mrs. Jemella Bascus-Sharpe, among others.
分类： society
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Man Jailed After Failing to Pay Court-Ordered Fine in Child Sex Case
A 25-year-old man has been sentenced to six months in prison after failing to fulfill court-ordered financial obligations related to his conviction for sexual offenses involving a minor. The man, who pleaded guilty in October 2023 to charges of engaging in sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 14, was ordered to pay $6,000 in fines and compensation. The offenses occurred in 2020 when the victim was just 13 years old and the defendant was 21. The pair initially met at a local beauty salon in March 2020, and their interactions evolved into what the victim perceived as a relationship. This led to three instances of sexual activity during the summer of 2020, resulting in the girl’s pregnancy and subsequent childbirth in 2021. The defendant and his mother approached the victim’s mother, agreeing to take responsibility for the child. However, medical staff reported the case to the police at the time of delivery, triggering an investigation. In January 2024, Justice Ann-Marie Smith mandated the defendant to pay $500 monthly installments as part of his penalty. After making only one payment, the man absconded, leading to a months-long search. He was eventually arrested in August 2024 and ordered to serve the six-month custodial sentence as an alternative to the unpaid fines.
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Parl Rep Roland Royer says Clifton Back Road proves no community is left behind
In a significant stride toward community development, Agriculture Minister and Parliamentary Representative for the Cottage Constituency, Roland Royer, inaugurated the $1.2 million Clifton Back Road project on Wednesday. This initiative underscores the government’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that no community, irrespective of its size, is overlooked. The project, which commenced in late 2024, encompasses the rehabilitation of 400 meters of roadway, featuring new slipper drains, retaining walls, culverts, and the replacement of the main water line. Funded by the Government of Dominica and the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) 10 program, the project is administered by the Caribbean Development Bank. Royer expressed profound pride and gratitude during the commissioning ceremony, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of the BNTF Country Office and the Ministry of Community Development. He emphasized that the project would provide safer access, enhanced connectivity, and an improved quality of life for residents. Additionally, Royer highlighted the contribution of the Dominica Water and Sewerage Company (DOWASCO), which invested $100,000 in new water lines, ensuring the project not only meets transportation needs but also fortifies essential infrastructure. This development marks a tangible step toward inclusive growth and community empowerment in Dominica.
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Melvin Hill Bridge repairs to start this weekend
The much-anticipated repair work on the Melvin Hill Bridge in St Joseph is finally set to move forward, with preparatory activities scheduled to begin this weekend. The bridge, a critical infrastructure link, was closed over a month ago due to safety concerns, leaving residents and commuters reliant on an alternate route. Contractors from the China National Complete Plant Import and Export Corporation (COMPLANT), in collaboration with local sub-contractor C.O. Williams Construction Ltd., will initiate debushing operations to facilitate a comprehensive site assessment by utility companies. Adrian Mayers, Project Manager at C.O. Williams Construction, emphasized that this assessment is crucial for identifying necessary relocations of utility services before full-scale repairs can commence. Since the bridge’s closure, the bypass route from Springfield to Newton Crescent has served as the primary alternative. The Ministry of Transport and Works has recently upgraded this route, addressing issues such as tree trimming, pothole repairs, and culvert replacement. Jenifer King, Chief Technical Officer at the Ministry, announced that paving of the bypass road is expected to begin next week. The Transport Board, which had initially expressed concerns about vehicle safety on the alternate route, has lauded the Ministry’s efforts. Operations Manager Gena Boyce confirmed the Board’s satisfaction with the improvements and anticipates the road will be fully operational for buses and other vehicles within two weeks. The Melvin Hill Bridge was deemed unstable and closed last month, prompting the Ministry to reiterate its warning to the public to avoid the bridge and use the bypass route once it officially opens.
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Court Adjourns Tresspassing Case Against UPP Members and Supporters
The Magistrates’ Court has postponed a high-profile case involving citizens charged with trespassing for accessing a beach, leaving the legal dispute unresolved until later this year. Defense attorney Sherfiel Bowen, representing the defendants, has filed an application to dismiss the charges, citing 16 legal grounds for the case’s alleged defects. Oral arguments on the dismissal motion are scheduled for November 6, with the prosecution required to submit their response by October 23. Bowen expressed confidence in the application’s success, stating, ‘If my application prevails, and I’m very confident that it will, it will be the end of the matter.’ Should the motion fail, the trial is set to commence on December 15. Bowen also emphasized the broader implications of the case, noting that it could spark a vital public discussion about beach access as a fundamental right in Antigua. ‘Access to a beach is one of the fundamental rights of Antigua,’ he asserted, suggesting that a trial might help clarify and reinforce this right. Opposition members were present at the courthouse, showing solidarity with the defendants and reaffirming their commitment to protecting public beach access. ‘We have to continue to fight for access to our beaches,’ one member declared, vowing to ensure that public entry remains protected and visible. The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the tension between public rights and private interests in the region.
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Creatives and artistes called to register for national insurance
In a significant move to bolster support for self-employed individuals, Barbados has introduced a new Self-Employed Unit under the Ministry of Labour, Social Security, and The Third Sector. Minister Colin Jordan emphasized that creative professionals and artists are now eligible for the same National Insurance protections as traditional employees, marking a pivotal step in recognizing their contributions to the island’s culture and economy. Speaking at the unit’s launch, Jordan highlighted the vital role of creatives as ‘custodians’ and ‘storytellers’ who preserve Barbados’ rich history and heritage. He urged them to register for National Insurance, a benefit many in the arts sector have overlooked. Jordan acknowledged the challenges faced by self-employed creatives, whose work is often undervalued and perceived as a hobby rather than legitimate employment. To address this, the initiative offers flexible payment options tailored to their seasonal income, ensuring they can contribute during peak periods like Carnival or Crop Over without financial strain. While the unit is open to all self-employed individuals, Jordan singled out creatives as a ‘special group of people’ essential to maintaining Barbados’ cultural identity. This initiative aims to provide long-overdue security and recognition to those who enrich the nation’s cultural landscape.
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Court of Appeal records 560 per cent judgment delivery rate in 2024
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican Court of Appeal has achieved an unprecedented judgment delivery rate of 560% in 2024, far surpassing international standards. This remarkable milestone was announced by Justice of Appeal Paulette Williams during the opening of the Michaelmas Term on September 22 in Kingston. Williams explained that for every 10 newly reserved judgments, approximately 56 were delivered, significantly exceeding the global benchmark of 100%.
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UK nursery worker jailed for abusing 21 babies
A London-based nursery worker, Roksana Lecka, 22, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a series of ‘gratuitous’ and ‘sadistic’ assaults on infants under her care. The shocking case, which came to light in June 2024, involved multiple acts of violence against 21 babies at two nurseries where Lecka was employed. Among the incidents, she was found to have repeatedly kicked a young boy in the face, pinched, slapped, and even toppled children headfirst into their cots. Judge Sarah Plaschkes described Lecka’s actions as deliberate and cruel, often targeting children who were peacefully occupied. Lecka admitted to seven counts of cruelty to a person under 16 and was convicted of an additional 14 counts following a trial. She was acquitted of three further charges. The abuse was uncovered after nursery CCTV footage captured her mistreating the children, prompting police involvement. Victim impact statements from parents revealed the profound emotional toll the attacks had taken, with one mother describing the infants as ‘innocent, vulnerable, and helpless.’ Lecka, who blamed her actions on cannabis addiction, apologized in a letter to the court, claiming the drug had altered her personality. However, her remorse did little to mitigate the severity of her crimes, as the judge emphasized the ‘sadistic’ nature of her conduct.
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33 young people benefit from AHF summer programme
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Jamaica has successfully concluded its sixth annual summer employment and training initiative, benefiting 33 young participants with scholarships totaling $5.9 million. The four-week program, conducted in collaboration with the Institute of Law and Economics (ILE), provided comprehensive training and internship opportunities aimed at fostering workplace readiness, financial literacy, leadership, entrepreneurship, and sexual and reproductive health awareness.
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Senior citizens feted on National Grandparents Days
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Senior citizens from across Jamaica gathered for a festive celebration of National Grandparents Day, marked by camaraderie, entertainment, and heartfelt appreciation. The event, now in its third year, took place on Sunday, September 21, at the Verandah at Juici Patties Empowerment Park in Clarendon. Organized by Juici Patties in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), the occasion highlighted the importance of honoring the elderly in society. Attendees enjoyed cocktails, a delectable meal, and lively music from the 1960s to the 1980s, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Activities included joke-telling, riddle-solving, and friendly competitions, with prizes awarded for the most grandchildren and special recognition for the oldest male and female grandparents. Audrey Deer-Williams, Chief Technical Director at the Ministry, emphasized the event’s goal of promoting active and healthy aging. She praised seniors as custodians of history and culture, underscoring their continued contributions to society. Deer-Williams also highlighted government initiatives to ensure seniors are treated with dignity and respect. Edith Chin, Custos Rotolorum for Clarendon and Director of Juici Patties, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the event and foster intergenerational learning. She lauded the seniors for their legacy and service to the nation, reaffirming the community’s commitment to their well-being.