The Barbados Landship Association commemorated its 162nd anniversary with a vibrant church service at St Mary’s Church, blending reverence for its rich history with a forward-looking emphasis on youth involvement. Under the theme ‘Moving Upstream Still,’ the event highlighted the crucial role of young people in preserving and rejuvenating this quintessentially Barbadian cultural institution. Wayne Worrrell, coordinator of the Barbados Landship Programme, paid tribute to stalwarts like Admiral Vernon Watson and Commander Leon Marshall, whose unwavering commitment has sustained the organization. He underscored the significance of generational continuity, stating, ‘Over the past few years, we’ve worked tirelessly to ensure the Landship remains accessible to a new generation of youth. Without these dedicated individuals, we would have had nothing to build upon.’ The celebrations saw members of the Barbados Landship Association parade to Jubilee Gardens, joined by a robust contingent from the Barbados Youth Advance Corps (BYAC). Worrrell expressed gratitude to the BYAC, saying, ‘Thank you for always showing up and representing.’ Canon Sonia Hinds, officiating minister and chaplain of the Barbados Landship Association, lauded the youth’s participation, remarking, ‘These are the young people we believe, through God, will carry the Barbados Landship Association forward for the next 15 years and beyond.’ The event culminated in a display of the Landship’s signature maneuvers at Jubilee Gardens, symbolizing both tradition and renewal. Canon Hinds added, ‘We are thrilled that instead of staying home with tablets and cellphones, you are here worshipping and giving thanks for 162 years of the Barbados Landship.’
分类： society
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OPINION: Independence Minus Justice?
The Caribbean’s justice system remains deeply entrenched in colonial practices, raising concerns about its fairness and relevance in modern society. Despite a single reform decades ago, the region continues to operate under outdated laws originally imposed by British colonizers—laws that even the United Kingdom has long abandoned. A critical issue is the lack of judicial discretion, which undermines the fairness of verdicts. Additionally, the elitism embedded in the legal profession perpetuates inequality, with courts often displaying contempt rather than empathy for the poor and marginalized. The formal attire and intimidating courtroom settings further alienate ordinary citizens, reinforcing a system that appears more concerned with maintaining authority than delivering justice. While some superficial changes, such as the removal of traditional wigs, have been made, the overall structure remains imperious and disconnected from the people it serves. Unlike other former colonies, such as African nations and India, which have integrated traditional justice systems, the Caribbean remains tethered to foreign legal frameworks. This dependence on colonial-era laws raises questions about the region’s true independence, particularly when key governmental institutions still swear allegiance to foreign powers. Resistance to adopting the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as the apex court highlights the persistence of outdated political dynamics that favor the elite at the expense of the poor. The executive branch’s control over court registries and administrative systems further erodes trust in the judiciary, turning justice into a tool for those in power. The absence of a justice system that reflects the region’s cultural identity and addresses poverty and colonialism underscores the urgent need for a revolutionary overhaul. Lawyers and judges must strive to create an independent judiciary that resonates with the Caribbean’s people, using accessible language and attire that fosters inclusivity rather than intimidation. The pompous remnants of colonial rule must be dismantled to build a justice system that truly serves the people.
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Saint Lucian selected for prestigious UN human rights fellowship
The National Community Foundation (NCF) has proudly announced that its Executive Director, Vanya Reid-Hinkson, has been chosen to participate in the United Nations Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent. Hosted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, this prestigious program aims to empower emerging leaders of African descent by fostering human rights, equality, and sustainable development. Reid-Hinkson is one of only nine global fellows selected for the 2025 cohort and one of two representatives from the Caribbean, alongside a colleague from Jamaica, a nation currently recovering from a catastrophic hurricane. Their selection underscores the Caribbean’s resilience and dedication to advancing equitable development, inclusion, and social justice. The three-week intensive program in Geneva will enable fellows to engage with international experts, organizations, and missions while developing projects tailored to their countries’ needs. Reid-Hinkson’s focus will be on enhancing human rights education, community empowerment, and policy accountability, aligning with Saint Lucia’s development goals. Her leadership at the NCF has already driven initiatives improving access to healthcare, education, housing, and social assistance, empowering vulnerable groups. This fellowship highlights Saint Lucia’s growing role in global human rights and development frameworks, as well as the critical contributions of civil society. Reid-Hinkson expressed her gratitude, stating, ‘This fellowship is both an honour and a responsibility. It allows me to represent Saint Lucia and the Caribbean in global discussions on equality and human development. The insights gained will strengthen our efforts to address community needs with fairness and accountability.’ The NCF sees this as a pivotal opportunity to bolster partnerships with government, civil society, and the private sector, reinforcing its commitment to dignity, equity, and inclusion as cornerstones of sustainable development.
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STATEMENT: Miss WÒB 2025 — A heartfelt thank you and a note on Independence day
In a heartfelt message, ZebadiJah Maxwell, crowned as the 2025 Miss WÒB, expressed her gratitude and shared the significance of her recent achievements. Addressing her community, she acknowledged the unwavering support of her family, friends, and the broader public, which she described as her greatest strength. Maxwell emphasized that her title is not just a personal honor but a shared triumph for everyone who believed in her.
As Dominica celebrated its Independence Day, Maxwell extended her sincere apologies for her absence from the national festivities, including the Military Parade. She highlighted the importance of these events in the nation’s history and expressed regret for not being physically present. However, her absence was driven by a purposeful commitment: representing Dominica at the One Young World Summit, a prestigious global gathering of young leaders dedicated to fostering positive change.
At the summit, Maxwell is actively engaging in critical discussions, advocating for causes she is passionate about, and amplifying the voices of Dominica’s youth on the international stage. She pledged to return home with renewed energy, innovative ideas, and a stronger resolve to serve her community not just in title but through meaningful action.
Concluding her message, Maxwell reiterated her gratitude, emphasizing that her crown symbolizes collective achievement and unity. She signed off with a message of love and unity, reinforcing her commitment to her role as a leader and advocate.
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Relative: Rio Claro man killed over obeah debt
The murder of Sylvan ‘Lawah’ Boodan, a 58-year-old businessman from Jeffers Crossing, Tabaquite Road, has left the community of Rio Claro in shock. Boodan was fatally shot on the morning of November 3 at R. Baldeosingh Services Ltd (RBSL), a construction company along San Pedro Road, Poole Village. While police investigators have yet to determine a motive, relatives suspect the killing may be linked to an unresolved obeah debt.
Boodan, who owned Gloria Bar on the ground floor of his residence, also worked as a straightener and painter at RBSL. Reports indicate that on the day of the incident, he was called out by name by a man near his car. After a brief exchange, a single gunshot was heard, and the gunman fled the scene. Boodan collapsed and died in front of his car.
A relative revealed that the family believes the murder could be connected to a dispute involving unpaid services to an ‘obeah man’ earlier this year. The dispute reportedly began in July when the alleged spiritual advisor claimed Boodan owed money for services performed against a woman. The woman allegedly reported an ‘obeah death threat’ to the police in August but did not receive a receipt for her complaint.
Boodan lived on the same compound with his ex-wife, Gloria, and other relatives. The couple, who were divorced, had no children together. Their divorce settlement was finalized in court on September 26. Relatives described Boodan as a hardworking and respected man with no known enemies in the area.
A villager who witnessed the aftermath of the shooting reported seeing a masked man running along San Pedro Road with what appeared to be a gun. The villager expressed disappointment that police did not immediately pursue the suspect. Officers later conducted a search but failed to locate the killer.
Residents of San Pedro expressed disbelief over the incident, stating that such violence is uncommon in their community. Investigations by the Rio Claro police station, Eastern Division units, and the Homicide Bureau of Investigations (Region II) are ongoing.
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French priest accused of sexually abusing minor refugees in Morocco
RABAT, Morocco – The Catholic Archbishop of Rabat, Cristobal Lopez Romero, has affirmed his full cooperation with both Moroccan and international authorities following allegations of sexual abuse involving a French priest in Casablanca. The accusations, first reported by Moroccan news outlet Enass, claim that Father Antoine Exelmans orchestrated a “system of sexual exploitation” targeting underage migrants and refugees over a span of at least four years.
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Attorney David Cash sues police, AG over Freeport arrest
Attorney David P Cash has initiated a Supreme Court claim against the Commissioner of Police and the Attorney General, alleging unlawful arrest, assault, and constitutional rights violations during an incident in Freeport last year. The claim, filed last week, details accusations against officers at the Central Police Station in Grand Bahama, where Mr Cash was reportedly detained for 12 hours, assaulted, and charged with disorderly behavior and obscene language. These charges were dismissed in July 2023 by Magistrate Laquay Laing, who ruled that Mr Cash’s actions were merely those of an attorney passionately defending his client’s rights.
According to court documents, Mr Cash asserts that he was denied access to his client, Mermaid ‘Mervie’ Knowles, who was in custody at the time. He claims he was grabbed by the collar by a sergeant, dragged to the front desk, and placed in an unsanitary, overheated cell with limited access to restroom facilities and legal counsel. Mr Cash described the experience as humiliating and traumatic, causing post-traumatic stress and damage to his professional reputation, exacerbated by national media coverage of his arrest and prosecution.
In his filing, Mr Cash is seeking $11,390 in special damages to cover expenses such as airfare, car rental, accommodation, and legal representation related to the incident. Additionally, he is pursuing general, aggravated, exemplary, and vindicatory damages for alleged breaches of his constitutional rights under Articles 17, 19, 20, and 25 of the Constitution. The defendants, the Commissioner of Police and the Attorney General, are being sued in their official capacities under the Crown Proceedings Act.
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ODPEM reassigned to OPM
In a strategic move to bolster disaster management efforts following Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has been reassigned to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). The decision, announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness during a ministerial statement in the House of Representatives, is effective immediately. This realignment aims to enhance logistical coordination between ODPEM and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), ensuring a more efficient and unified response to the crisis.
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A messy situation
Last Friday, the nation was thrown into a state of widespread panic as unverified rumors of a potential attack or war spread rapidly across social media and traditional news outlets. This led to the premature closure of schools, businesses, shops, and offices, causing massive traffic congestion on roads and highways. Grocery stores saw a surge in panic buying, with items like toilet paper becoming highly sought-after. Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin revealed that the police executive, relying on information from these platforms, decided to cancel the leave of all officers. This reaction to unverified information highlights a concerning dependence on media sources for critical decision-making. The incident raises questions about the role of social media in spreading misinformation and the adequacy of the police’s response mechanisms in such scenarios.
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Family offers $20K reward for information on death of father gunned down in front of four-year-old daughter
The family of Quintero Arnett, a 25-year-old man tragically murdered in front of his girlfriend and four-year-old daughter earlier this year, has taken a bold step in their quest for justice. They are offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for his death. This reward, privately coordinated by family and friends, aims to encourage individuals with concrete evidence to come forward, bypassing traditional channels like the police or Crime Stoppers. The family’s decision underscores their frustration with the lack of progress in the investigation, which has seen no significant updates in seven months. Quinton Arnett, Quintero’s father, emphasized the family’s determination to keep the case alive, fearing it could otherwise become a cold case. He urged anyone with information to step forward, promising anonymity and confidentiality. The family marked what would have been Quintero’s 25th birthday with a visit to his grave, a prayer service, and the release of balloons, followed by a gathering at home. Quintero, a boat captain and mechanic, was remembered as a devoted father and hardworking young man with dreams of owning his own boat. The shocking CCTV footage of the February shooting, which showed masked gunmen opening fire as Quintero’s daughter fled, sparked national outrage. Despite the pain, Quinton Arnett has chosen forgiveness, stating, ‘I forgive them, but we definitely want justice for him.’ The family’s ultimate wish is for closure and justice as the investigation continues.