The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) Women’s Council recently organized a thought-provoking mini-seminar centered on self-care and mental health. Held on Wednesday, the event attracted a diverse group of women from the Union’s membership, all seeking to enhance their quality of life through actionable insights and shared experiences. The seminar featured a compelling presentation by Clinical Psychologist Feona Charles-Richards, who addressed critical topics such as fostering strong sisterhoods, overcoming past traumas, nurturing self-awareness, and embracing mindfulness. Her session was complemented by an interactive discussion where participants exchanged personal stories and strategies to strengthen connections and empower one another. Hazel Luke, the ABWU Women’s Coordinator, further enriched the event with a practical workshop on self-care. Through hands-on exercises, Luke emphasized the importance of focusing on controllable aspects of life to achieve peace and balance. Attendees lauded the seminar as a transformative experience, with one participant describing it as a powerful reminder of self-worth and the value of self-love. This event marked the first initiative since the ABWU Women’s Council’s reconstitution in August, signaling a renewed commitment to advancing women’s development and encouraging their active participation in the workforce. The Council plans to host a series of impactful activities in the coming year, continuing its mission to empower women across all levels of society.
分类： society
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Prensa Latina mourns the passing of one of its leading figures
The passing of Luna, a revered Cuban journalist, has sparked an outpouring of grief and admiration from colleagues and institutions across Latin America. Jorge Leganoa, president of Prensa Latina, emphasized Luna’s profound impact on the news agency and the nation, announcing plans for a posthumous tribute following a private family ceremony. Ricardo Ronquillo, head of the Union of Journalists of Cuba, hailed Luna as a towering figure in Cuban journalism, particularly during the Revolution. Frank Gonzalez, a lifelong friend and colleague, fondly recalled their six-decade bond, which began at the University of Havana’s School of Journalism. From Buenos Aires, the Latin American Federation of Journalists (FELAP) extended heartfelt condolences, honoring Luna’s legacy. Born in Peru, Luna was a pivotal witness to key hemispheric events, including his assignment in Chile during Salvador Allende’s presidency and the subsequent coup. Throughout his career, Luna held numerous roles at Prensa Latina, including serving as an advisor to the president in his later years. His meticulous work in translating, editing, and publishing articles in English exemplified his unwavering professionalism and dedication.
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Fake PM Profile Targets Belizeans With Grant Scam
A fraudulent Facebook account impersonating Belize’s Prime Minister John Briceño has been targeting citizens with a deceptive grant scam. The scammer, using the Prime Minister’s name, photo, and profile, has been messaging individuals with promises of financial assistance through a purported “cashgrant program” funded by the United States and the United Nations. The messages begin with friendly greetings before introducing the fake initiative, claiming it aims to support vulnerable groups such as the disabled, widows, widowers, and the elderly. The impersonator falsely asserts that they have been allocated $50,000 to distribute to selected citizens, further attempting to legitimize the scam by mentioning prior disbursements to friends and other individuals. This scheme follows a well-known pattern of online fraud: building trust, offering financial incentives, and coercing victims into sharing personal information or sending money. The messages are riddled with spelling errors, incorrect phrasing, and inaccurate descriptions of international agencies, all hallmarks of fraudulent communications. This incident is not isolated. In October, the Belizean government warned the public about a fake AI-generated video circulating on social media that encouraged viewers to invest money for quick returns. The video, which featured manipulated images of prominent Belizeans, including Prime Minister Briceño, was entirely fabricated. Authorities have highlighted the increasing prevalence of AI “deepfake” scams, which can convincingly alter voices and faces, and have urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid sharing personal information or sending money in response to such schemes.
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All schools to close at 1 p.m.
In response to an urgent flood warning issued by the Barbados Meteorological Services, the Ministry of Educational Transformation has announced the early closure of all schools at 1 p.m. today. Parents and guardians are advised to arrange for the prompt collection of their children to ensure their safety amidst the deteriorating weather conditions. The ministry has emphasized its commitment to following updates from the meteorological authorities to determine the appropriate time for schools to reopen. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed through the Ministry’s social media channels, the Government Information Service, and other media partners for real-time updates. The ministry also urges the public to exercise caution and prioritize safety during this period of severe weather.
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Coast Guard Officer Under Investigation for Pistol-Whipping Man
A Belize Coast Guard officer, Eusebio Espinoza Jr, is currently under investigation following the emergence of a video depicting him allegedly striking a man with a pistol during an early morning altercation in Orange Walk Town. The incident, which occurred around 3:00 a.m. on Progress Street, began when a 43-year-old laborer noticed a damaged traffic sign and a woman lying on the ground. As he approached to assist, he reportedly heard someone shout that the driver involved was “about to be shot.” According to reports, Espinoza, 29, then pointed what appeared to be a black pistol at the driver and struck the witness twice in the face, resulting in injuries certified by a doctor as “wounding.” Espinoza fled the scene but was later detained, and a Glock 19 pistol was recovered from his residence. This incident comes just three weeks after Espinoza publicly accused the Northern Regional Hospital of failing to provide timely emergency care following the death of his 92-year-old father. Friends have since taken to social media to defend Espinoza, describing him as a “calm, humble & energetic type of guy” and asserting that he would not act violently without reason.
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From vulnerability to agency
Imagine being an 11-year-old, terrified of having contracted a sexual disease and too afraid to confide in a parent or guardian. Where would you turn? While pastors and religious leaders are often more familiar figures than social workers, a recent poll of older teens in Grenada revealed a troubling reality: not a single respondent identified religious leaders or churches as a source of information on sexual reproductive health (SRH).
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Arbeider overlijdt na instorting metalen wand in Avanavero
A tragic incident occurred in the Avanavero area on Saturday, resulting in the death of a 34-year-old construction worker, C.W. The fatal accident took place during welding and construction activities when a heavy metal wall, measuring approximately four by seven meters, unexpectedly detached and toppled onto him. C.W. was working alongside two colleagues on the project at the time of the incident. Despite immediate efforts to rescue him using a loader, he was found in critical condition and rushed to the RGD clinic. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Due to a language barrier, medical staff were unable to gather sufficient information, prompting the Apoera police to take over the investigation. C.W.’s identity was confirmed through his Chinese passport. As no doctor was available in Apoera, the body was transferred to the Mungra Medical Center in Nickerie after consultation with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, where the death was officially confirmed. Authorities have stated there is no evidence of foul play, and the body has been released to the victim’s family.
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Police urge holiday caution after chase ends in deadly shootout
In a dramatic turn of events this morning, a high-speed police chase through the Kemp Road area culminated in a fatal shootout, prompting authorities to issue urgent safety warnings as the holiday season approaches. Senior Assistant Commissioner Roberto Goodman detailed the incident, which began when officers responded to reports of gunshots in the St James Road area shortly after 9am. While patrolling the vicinity, police identified a silver-colored vehicle that had been flagged by local residents. The pursuit escalated as the vehicle sped towards Cooper’s Terrace, where its occupants allegedly opened fire on the pursuing officers. In what Goodman described as an act of self-defense and public safety, the officers returned fire. The chaotic scene resulted in three individuals fleeing the vehicle, while the driver was found fatally shot inside. Emergency Medical Services confirmed the man’s death, and Her Majesty’s Coroner was summoned to the scene. A firearm was reportedly recovered from the vehicle, adding to the gravity of the situation. Goodman seized the opportunity to emphasize the importance of heightened vigilance during the holiday period, particularly for those engaging in late-night activities such as parking near residences or visiting beaches. He urged the public to take necessary precautions to safeguard their lives and property. Authorities are appealing to anyone with information to contact the Central Detective Unit at 502-9911, 502-9975, or 502-9976.
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Penal dad, mom slain, gunman warns victims’ daughter
A devastating home invasion in Penal has left a 19-year-old girl without her parents after Raffeak Vialva, 51, and Babita Vialva, 40, were fatally shot in their home on November 17. The incident occurred around 3 am when an unidentified assailant, armed with a sledgehammer, forcibly entered their residence on Penal Rock Road. The couple’s daughter awoke to the sound of gunfire and discovered her father bleeding on the ground and the gunman standing over her mother, demanding money. Despite being ordered to return to her room, she heard additional gunshots, resulting in her mother’s death and her father succumbing to his injuries en route to the hospital. Relatives and neighbors expressed shock and confusion, describing the Vialvas as a peaceful, hardworking family with no known enemies. Investigators are treating the case as a botched robbery, though no valuables were taken. The community has been left traumatized by the brutal attack, which follows a series of similar incidents in the area. Authorities have launched Operation Festive Shield to enhance safety during the holiday season, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
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Arrive Alive hosts 5K run, walk and ride
On November 16, hundreds of participants, including runners, walkers, and cyclists, gathered at Queen’s Park Savannah in Trinidad for the annual World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Organized by the NGO Arrive Alive, the event featured a 5K run/walk, a memorial walk, and solidarity rides across various locations in Trinidad. The event aimed to honor those who lost their lives or were affected by road traffic accidents while advocating for safer roads. The United Nations formally endorsed this global observance in 2005, emphasizing the importance of remembering victims and supporting their families. The event’s slogan, “Remember. Support. Act.,” called for collective action to prevent future tragedies. Sharon Inglefield, President of Arrive Alive, stressed the need for national commitment to road safety, urging stakeholders to work together to save lives. Stéphane Barc, Country Manager of Perenco Trinidad and Tobago Ltd, highlighted the company’s dedication to safety, both in the workplace and on the roads. Eli Zakour, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, emphasized the government’s data-driven approach to road safety, focusing on education, enforcement, and engineering. The event also recognized the contributions of sponsors, including Perenco as the Platinum Sponsor, Mobil, Starbucks, and Capital Signal Company Limited. Participants engaged with informational booths hosted by the police, fire service, and Global Medical Response Ambulance Services, reinforcing the importance of road awareness and emergency preparedness. The day concluded with a competitive 5K run, with winners in both male and female categories announced. Arrive Alive expressed gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and volunteers for their continued support in reducing road traffic fatalities and injuries.