In a heartwarming display of community spirit, students and faculty at St. John Vianney RC School rallied together this October to support breast cancer awareness. Their efforts culminated in a $125 donation to the Belize Cancer Society (BCS), raised through the school’s “Pinktober Casual Day” event. The initiative was spearheaded by Zoila Audinett, a breast cancer survivor and advocate, with the unwavering support of the school’s principal, parents, and staff. Audinett, recognized as one of BCS’s Breast Cancer Awareness Champions in 2016, personally presented the donation to BCS President Kim Simplis Barrow. Barrow expressed profound gratitude, highlighting Audinett’s inspiring journey and leadership. “Zoila’s resilience and dedication in motivating her students and colleagues are a powerful testament to hope and strength,” Barrow remarked. The Belize Cancer Society also commended the school for its role in promoting early detection and providing support to those affected by the disease.
分类： society
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Siblings and Child Injured in Highway Crash
A devastating accident occurred on the Phillip Goldson Highway on Saturday, October 20, 2025, resulting in injuries to four individuals, including two siblings and a young child. The incident took place at mile 16 around 3:00 PM when a maroon GMC Terrain, driven by 25-year-old Tamron Brooks, veered off the road and collided with a tree. Authorities reported that Brooks lost control of the vehicle while navigating a curve, leading to the crash. Emergency responders arrived to find the vehicle severely damaged and its occupants in need of immediate medical attention. Tamron Brooks sustained knee injuries, while his sister, 20-year-old Tamia Brooks, suffered a deep facial laceration and leg pain. Their relative, 44-year-old Riva Ellis, reported back pain, and her three-year-old granddaughter, Keanie Betancourt, sustained a forehead laceration and a suspected broken arm. All victims were promptly transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) for treatment. The crash has raised concerns about road safety on the Phillip Goldson Highway, prompting calls for increased vigilance and preventive measures.
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Ex-Partner Sets House on Fire; Mother and Child Die
A devastating act of domestic violence has resulted in the deaths of a mother and her six-year-old son in San Felipe Village, Orange Walk. The incident occurred early this morning when their home was deliberately set ablaze. The alleged perpetrator, 34-year-old Francisco Godoy, is the ex-common-law husband of 35-year-old Angelita Magaña. Witnesses reported seeing the house engulfed in flames around 3:00 a.m. Inside the home were Angelita, her son Tishan Godoy, her daughter, and her current partner, Miguel Novelo. Novelo recounted waking to a loud noise and seeing Godoy fleeing from a room on fire. Angelita and her daughter managed to escape, but Tishan tragically perished in the inferno. Firefighters later discovered the charred remains of Angelita and her son. Godoy, who also sustained burns, is currently under police guard at the hospital. The St. Michael RC School expressed profound sadness over the loss of Tishan, a student, and Angelita, a dedicated school helper. The community is rallying around the surviving family members, especially Angelita’s older daughter, who is fighting for her life.
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Third Break-in Reported at Pigotts Primary School
Pigotts Primary School has been targeted by yet another break-in, marking the third such incident since the start of the current school term. Senator Michael Freeland addressed the issue in a public statement, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He described the repeated intrusions as a significant threat to the safety of students and staff, as well as a disruption to the educational environment. Freeland condemned the acts as “an attack on our children’s future and the work of our dedicated educators,” calling for enhanced community vigilance to prevent further occurrences. He expressed confidence in the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, urging them to investigate the matter thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice. Additionally, Freeland encouraged the public to assist by providing any relevant information, directing them to contact the police or the CrimeStoppers Tips Hotline at 800-TIPS (8477). The repeated break-ins have raised serious concerns about the security measures in place at the school, prompting calls for immediate action to safeguard the institution and its community.
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Stepfather Sets Family on Fire
A devastating incident of domestic violence unfolded in San Felipe Village early this morning, resulting in the tragic deaths of a mother and her young son. The victims, 35-year-old Angelita Majana and her 6-year-old son, Tishan Godoy, were fatally burned while they slept in their home. Angelita’s daughter, Shadia Majana, and her common-law husband, Miguel Novelo, survived the attack but sustained severe burns and are currently hospitalized. According to police reports, Shadia informed investigators that her former stepfather, Francisco Godoy, entered the home during the night, poured gasoline on the family, and set them ablaze before escaping the scene. Godoy, who also suffered burn injuries, was later apprehended and is now under police guard at a hospital. Authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation into this heinous crime, which has shocked the local community.
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Doc credits national award to colleagues who fought COVID-19
Dr. Karen Webster Kerr, a prominent figure in public health and epidemiology, was among the distinguished individuals honored with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) on Monday. The ceremony, held at King’s House in St. Andrew, recognized her exceptional contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Webster Kerr, however, humbly attributed the honor to her colleagues who worked tirelessly to safeguard Jamaica’s health.
Reflecting on the pandemic, Dr. Webster Kerr emphasized the critical role of Jamaica’s national epidemiology branch in analyzing data and implementing effective interventions. ‘Our team worked day in, day out to slow the virus’s spread, and their efforts likely saved many lives,’ she stated. As the principal medical officer and national epidemiologist at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, she highlighted the measurable impact of these efforts, noting fewer severe illnesses and deaths compared to other nations.
Also honored was Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness, who received the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) for his leadership in enhancing Jamaica’s health infrastructure. Dr. Tufton described the award as a reminder of the intrinsic rewards of public service. ‘It’s not why we serve, but it feels good to be appreciated,’ he remarked, adding that such recognition motivates continued dedication to the nation’s well-being.
In the education sector, Dr. Janet Dyer, principal of HEART College of Hospitality Services, was vested with the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) for her transformative work in technical and vocational training. From humble beginnings in St. Elizabeth, Dr. Dyer has dedicated her career to empowering young Jamaicans through education. ‘This honor represents the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance,’ she shared, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to shape Jamaica’s tourism and hospitality workforce.
The ceremony also celebrated gospel artiste Kevin Downswell, who received the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) for his contributions to Jamaican music. Downswell, known for uplifting songs like ‘You Make Me Stronger,’ described the award as a divine inspiration to continue serving through his craft. ‘This recognition is not about fame but about faith and purpose,’ he said.
The event underscored the profound impact of dedicated individuals across various sectors, highlighting their unwavering commitment to Jamaica’s progress and resilience.
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Thieves crash Centre for the Deaf’s bus and cause damages
In a shocking act of vandalism, thieves targeted the Centre for the Deaf in the early hours of yesterday morning, causing extensive damage and stealing critical educational resources. The intruders smashed windows, breached the school’s fencing, and made off with the institution’s bus, which was later found crashed and abandoned at Ross Corner. The incident occurred around 12:25 AM, with security personnel discovering the aftermath during their routine checks. Education Director Dominique McCartney-Russell described the scene as grim, noting the theft of children’s learning devices and the severe damage to the school’s infrastructure. Police have confirmed the recovery of the bus, which collided with a wall, and have launched a manhunt for the suspects. While the exact cost of the damages remains unclear, Mrs. McCartney-Russell assured that all stolen items, including tablets, would be replaced. Repairs to the mangled fencing were already underway by the afternoon. Despite the disruption, school operations continued uninterrupted, with students relocated to another building and supported by the school’s guidance counselor. The Centre for the Deaf, established by the Red Cross in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, serves approximately 22 students and employs 11 staff members. In response to the incident, security teams have recommended enhanced mobile patrols and additional officer support to prevent future breaches.
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AG tells law students: Confront anarchy, restore order in society
Attorney General John Jeremie, SC, has issued a compelling call to action to the nation’s aspiring lawyers, urging them to confront the escalating state of lawlessness in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). Speaking at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Faculty of Law’s Evening of Excellence on October 17, Jeremie emphasized the critical role of legal professionals in restoring balance, order, and the rule of law in a country grappling with one of the highest homicide rates globally.
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Four Guyanese nationals feared dead after fishing boat sinks in Suriname
In a tragic maritime incident, rescue teams in Suriname are tirelessly searching for four Guyanese nationals feared dead after their fishing vessel sank in the Saramacca River near Lareco on Saturday evening. The Saramacca River, a vital waterway for the Maroon communities residing along its banks, serves as a lifeline for transportation and trade.
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‘Adapt or be left behind’, Seiveright tells students at college fair
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Delano Seiveright, Member of Parliament for St Andrew North Central, has called on students to prioritize adaptability, lifelong learning, and emotional intelligence as critical skills for thriving in an era marked by rapid technological and global transformation. His remarks were delivered at the Immaculate Conception High School College Fair 2025, an event that attracted over 1,000 students and representatives from more than 50 local and international universities.