分类: society

  • New CCJ judge Guyanese Dr Arif Bulkan lauded for achievements, contributions

    New CCJ judge Guyanese Dr Arif Bulkan lauded for achievements, contributions

    Dr. Arif Bulkan, a distinguished Guyanese legal scholar and human rights advocate, has been sworn in as a judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). The ceremony, presided over by President Irfaan Ali, marked a significant milestone in Dr. Bulkan’s illustrious career, which spans academia, law, and human rights activism. His appointment underscores the CCJ’s commitment to regional integration and decolonization, as the court continues to establish itself as a cornerstone of Caribbean jurisprudence. Dr. Bulkan, the third Guyanese to serve on the CCJ bench, emphasized the court’s symbolic importance in shedding colonial legacies and fostering regional unity. He expressed hope that all Caribbean nations would soon fully embrace the CCJ as their final court of appeal, replacing the British Privy Council. President Ali echoed this sentiment, highlighting the court’s role in advancing Caribbean sovereignty and justice rooted in regional values. Dr. Bulkan’s extensive experience, including his work with the United Nations and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, positions him as a valuable asset to the CCJ. Chancellor of the Judiciary Roxane George-Wiltshire praised his legal acumen and dedication, expressing confidence in his ability to shape the future of Caribbean law. CCJ President Winston Anderson also lauded Dr. Bulkan’s commitment to social justice and equality, emphasizing his potential to contribute significantly to the court’s mission. The swearing-in ceremony was celebrated as a moment of national pride and regional progress, reflecting the CCJ’s growing influence in the Caribbean legal landscape.

  • St. Martin’s Secondary launches agricultural science programme

    St. Martin’s Secondary launches agricultural science programme

    In a significant stride toward enhancing food security and agricultural education, the Zero Hunger Trust Fund (ZHTF), supported by the General Employees Cooperative Credit Union (GECCU), has inaugurated a new agricultural science programme at St. Martin’s Secondary School (SMSS) in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). This initiative aligns with the nation’s broader mission to foster sustainable food production and inspire youth engagement in agriculture.

  • Tafaree Sanchez Faces Triple Attempted Murder Charges

    Tafaree Sanchez Faces Triple Attempted Murder Charges

    In a dramatic turn of events, 25-year-old Tafaree Sanchez from Vernon Street, Belize City, has been formally charged with three counts of attempted murder following a violent highway shooting incident that occurred several weeks ago. According to law enforcement officials, Sanchez was not acting alone; he was allegedly accompanied by a 17-year-old minor during the pursuit of a light blue Chevy Equinox along the Phillip Goldson Highway near mile three. The situation escalated near Reimer’s Feed Mill, where the suspects reportedly exited their vehicle and opened fire on the SUV. The chase persisted, culminating in another round of gunfire in front of Maheia’s United. Two individuals, 36-year-old Glenford Reed and 28-year-old Joshua Augustine, sustained injuries during the attack. The primary target, Jahreem ‘32’ Staine, managed to escape unharmed. The minor was apprehended shortly after the incident, while Sanchez remained at large until his recent arrest, following the issuance of a wanted poster by the police.

  • Faber Family Faces Funeral Delay After Double Tragedy

    Faber Family Faces Funeral Delay After Double Tragedy

    The Faber family of Belize is grappling with an unimaginable series of tragedies and bureaucratic hurdles as they attempt to lay two loved ones to rest. Just ten days after the brutal murder of Shaniele Faber, a mother of four whose dismembered body was discovered in a garbage drum, her 18-year-old son, Shamar Faber, succumbed to complications from a gunshot wound sustained in March. The family, already reeling from emotional devastation, now faces further distress due to delays in funeral arrangements. After receiving Shamar’s death certificate, they were abruptly instructed to return it for an autopsy, a decision that has postponed the funeral and added financial strain. Shamar’s aunt, Shawnette Tillett, expressed frustration over the hospital’s handling of the situation, citing a lack of communication and accountability. The family has already incurred significant funeral expenses and is urging the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital to expedite the process so they can proceed with the funerals. Hospital CEO Chandra Cansino has acknowledged the issue and promised to investigate further.

  • Single Mom Demands Justice After Alleged Workplace Assault

    Single Mom Demands Justice After Alleged Workplace Assault

    A young single mother, Jessica Bencomo, has come forward with harrowing allegations of workplace sexual assault, demanding justice after her claims were reportedly dismissed by both her employer and local authorities. The 29-year-old pharmacy assistant detailed her traumatic experience on social media, recounting how her boss allegedly attempted to kiss her on October 7, 2025, despite her repeated protests. Jessica claims that when she reported the incident to her supervisor, her concerns were ignored, leaving her feeling unsupported and vulnerable. Compounding her distress, she alleges that the Belize Police Department downplayed the severity of her case, classifying it as “common assault” rather than sexual harassment. Now unemployed and struggling to provide for her children, Jessica is urging the Belize Police Department and the Pharmacy Association of Belize to intervene and ensure accountability. In an emotional interview, Jessica emphasized her determination to be heard, stating, “I need to report this because I’m really scared. I am emotionally distraught.” Her case has sparked outrage and calls for systemic change in addressing workplace harassment and assault.

  • LETTER: U.S. Family Traumatized by Buckleys Road Conditions

    LETTER: U.S. Family Traumatized by Buckleys Road Conditions

    A recent letter to the editor from Julia Moltovia, a tourist from the United States, has shed light on the dire state of road infrastructure in Buckleys Village, Antigua. Moltovia, who was visiting the Caribbean island with her family, described her experience as one of the worst of her life, prompting her to consider cutting her two-week vacation short to just three days. The family’s ordeal began while driving from Buckleys to All Saints, where they encountered a road that appeared to have been intentionally dug up. Their front-wheel-drive rental car began sliding in the dirt, nearly colliding with a lamppost. The incident left her children screaming and crying, and the family traumatized. A passerby in a pickup truck eventually helped them onto a paved road, but their troubles were far from over. Shortly after, their car got stuck in a deep trench near a white apartment on an incline. They had to wait an hour for a tow truck to arrive due to heavy rain. The family faced further challenges when they encountered flooded roads on Buckleys Main Road, making it impossible to continue safely. Moltovia criticized the authorities responsible for the road network, stating that the poor conditions are a terrible look for tourism. Despite the ordeal, she expressed gratitude to the rental car company for their professionalism and to the locals who assisted them. Her letter serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for infrastructure improvements in Buckleys Village.

  • Police Arrest Tafaree Sanchez for Daylight Shooting

    Police Arrest Tafaree Sanchez for Daylight Shooting

    In a significant breakthrough, Belize District police have apprehended 25-year-old Tafaree Sanchez of Vernon Street in connection with a violent daylight shooting that occurred in September. Sanchez now faces three counts of attempted murder following the high-speed chase and gunfire exchange along the Phillip Goldson Highway. The incident unfolded near mile three of the highway, where Sanchez and a 17-year-old minor allegedly pursued a light blue Chevy Equinox. The pursuit intensified near Reimer’s Feed Mill, where gunmen reportedly exited their vehicle and opened fire on the SUV. The chase continued, culminating in another round of gunfire in front of Maheia’s United, which left 36-year-old Glenford Reed and 28-year-old Joshua Augustine injured. Jahreem “32” Staine, the suspected target, managed to escape unharmed. The minor was arrested shortly after the incident, while Sanchez remained at large until his recent capture. Authorities are actively investigating the motive behind the attack and whether additional individuals were involved. The entire incident was captured on camera, providing crucial evidence for the ongoing investigation. Sanchez is expected to be arraigned today in the lower court.

  • Land Dispute Deepens as Ministry Documents Reveal Same-Day Approval

    Land Dispute Deepens as Ministry Documents Reveal Same-Day Approval

    A contentious land dispute in Independence Village has escalated dramatically following the revelation of Ministry of Natural Resources documents that expose irregularities in the approval process. Sherene Garbutt, a local resident, claims she was blindsided after discovering that a 22-acre parcel of land she had applied for was granted to another applicant, Charles Anthony Price, on the same day his application was submitted. Garbutt, who had spent three years navigating the ministry’s procedures, had already received permission to survey the land, completed the surveys, and submitted her lease application. However, she was informed earlier this year that the land was no longer available. The documents indicate that Price’s application was approved on April 29, 2025, and a lease was issued last year, valid until a title is granted. The land was reportedly sold for a mere $10,000, raising questions about transparency and fairness in the process. Garbutt, who had applied for 20 acres, is now preparing to take legal action against the Ministry of Natural Resources, arguing that her application was still pending when the land was transferred. The case has sparked widespread concern over the integrity of land allocation procedures in the region.

  • Monchy Traditional Games Day brings community together

    Monchy Traditional Games Day brings community together

    As St. Lucia continues to celebrate Kwéyòl Heritage Month throughout October, the Folk Research Centre (FRC) emphasizes that festivities extend beyond the primary host communities of Belle Vue and Babonneau. One standout event, Festen Jwé, a traditional games festival organized by the Monchy Kwéyòl Committee, took place on October 12 at the Monchy Playing Field. Now in its second year, the festival showcased a variety of traditional games such as wawi, tiki tok, marbles, skipping rope, rounders, and top spinning. Attendees of all ages enjoyed interactive activities like pushing “Kabouwe,” rolling “sek,” and participating in ring games. The event also featured workshops, including one on the ancient African strategy game wawi, led by committee co-chair Lillian Alexander, a passionate advocate for the Kweyòl language and traditional games. Christa St. Ange, the committee’s public relations officer, expressed delight at the strong turnout and community engagement, noting how the event brought together residents from various sub-sections of Monchy, including La Borne, Riviere Mitan, and Desrameaux. The festival not only rekindled nostalgic memories for older participants but also introduced younger generations to the cultural heritage of traditional games. Organizers aim to make Festen Jwé an annual event, potentially expanding it to include workshops and “listwa” days to document and preserve St. Lucian history and traditions. Kwéyòl Heritage Month continues with La Wen Kwéyòl, a major event hosted by the FRC at the National Cultural Centre on October 18.

  • Flash Flood Watch in Until Friday

    Flash Flood Watch in Until Friday

    The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has activated a Flash Flood Watch for several islands in the region, including Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands. The alert, announced at 4 p.m. on Thursday, is set to remain in effect until 6 a.m. on Friday, with the possibility of an extension if adverse weather conditions continue. A frontal trough has been identified as the primary cause, bringing intense rainfall and thunderstorms to the Leeward Islands. Over the past 24 hours, more than three inches of rain have been recorded, with an additional two to four inches expected by Friday morning. Meteorologists Letitia Humphreys and Charissa Humphreys have warned of moderate to major flooding risks, emphasizing that flash floods can escalate rapidly, posing life-threatening dangers. Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas are advised to prepare for potential evacuation to higher ground, avoid driving through flooded zones, and stay updated via local media. The Met Service has also issued a critical reminder: ‘Turn Around, Don’t Drown.’ Additionally, the public is encouraged to submit photos or videos of flooding to [email protected] for monitoring purposes. Meanwhile, the news platform has extended an invitation for businesses to advertise through its customizable digital marketing packages, reachable at [email protected].