The investigation into the seizure of nearly 70 kilograms of cocaine at Guyana’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has expanded internationally, with authorities collaborating with KLM Dutch Airlines and questioning multiple individuals. CANU Director James Singh disclosed on Thursday that the probe now involves overseas partners to trace the origins and intended recipients of the illicit substance. The cocaine, discovered on September 20, 2025, was found unattended, prompting a joint effort with the Guyana Police Force, CJIA authorities, and other stakeholders to uncover the method of concealment. Singh confirmed that eight individuals, including a baggage handler employed at the airport, have been interrogated, though no charges have been filed yet. While surveillance footage has provided some leads, Singh refrained from divulging specifics due to security concerns. The focus remains on gathering admissible evidence for potential legal proceedings both locally and abroad.
分类： society
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Stewartville man charged with murder of stepson
A 49-year-old Stewartville resident, Balram ‘Navin’ Bessessar, has been formally charged with the murder of his 15-year-old stepson, Sudesh ‘Joel’ Singh. The incident, which occurred on October 3, 2025, at Lot 71 Last Street, Stewartville, has sent shockwaves through the community. According to the Guyana Police Force, the tragic event unfolded following a heated argument over a bicycle chain slipping while the boy was riding. Bessessar allegedly retrieved a cutlass from his kitchen and attacked Singh, inflicting fatal injuries to his neck. The suspect subsequently reported the incident to the Leonora Police Station, where he was promptly arrested. Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh presided over the arraignment, and Bessessar was remanded to prison without the opportunity to plead. The victim resided with his 35-year-old unemployed mother, Roshanini Surujballi, and the accused in a modest two-storey structure. The case continues to unfold as authorities delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident.
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3 Brazilianen veroordeeld voor beroving op goudconcessie; 2 vrijgesproken
In a significant legal ruling, three suspects—Del Aviz Costa, Antonio Carlos, and Ricardo de Lima Felippe—were acquitted by Judge Duncan Nanhoe on October 9, 2025, due to insufficient and unconvincing evidence. Represented by attorneys Arti Radja and Arjan Ramlakhan, the trio was cleared of all charges related to a high-profile gold heist in October 2024. Meanwhile, four other defendants—Dos Santos Alves, José, Dos Santos Pinto, and Santana Anapao—were each sentenced to five years in prison, assisted by lawyers Benito Pick, Pamela Karg, and Chandra Algoe/Guno Castelen. The robbery occurred at a gold concession in Jo Passie, Brokopondo district, where masked assailants armed with heavy firearms looted hundreds of grams of gold from slush boxes before escaping by boat. The suspects were apprehended days later. Defense attorney Arjan Ramlakhan argued that his client, De Lima Felippe, acted under duress, fearing for his life if he refused to assist the perpetrators. The prosecution, however, sought a five-year sentence for complicity, but the judge ruled in favor of acquittal due to lack of evidence. For the other defendants, the prosecution demanded eight-year sentences, but the court ultimately imposed five-year terms.
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Schools in Barbuda to Close Friday Due to Tropical Storm Jerry
In response to an impending tropical storm, the Ministry of Education has mandated the closure of all public schools in Barbuda on Friday, October 10. The decision comes as Tropical Storm Jerry approaches the northern Leeward Islands, with forecasts predicting tropical-storm-force winds that could significantly impact the island. While Barbuda braces for the storm, public schools on mainland Antigua will remain operational, as the region is currently under a Tropical Storm Watch rather than a full warning. Authorities are urging Barbuda residents to finalize their storm preparations and stay updated through official channels. This precautionary measure underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety during severe weather events. Meanwhile, the Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely, ready to issue further advisories as needed.
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DCA to Undertake Nationwide Assessment of Derelict and Dilapidated Structures
The Development Control Authority (DCA) of Antigua and Barbuda has announced a comprehensive nationwide assessment of derelict and dilapidated structures. This initiative, which begins immediately, aims to identify unsafe, abandoned, or severely damaged buildings across the country. The DCA’s primary goal is to determine whether these structures should be demolished, rehabilitated, or restored, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote safe, orderly, and aesthetically pleasing development. The assessment underscores the government’s commitment to creating a cleaner, safer, and more visually appealing environment for residents and visitors alike. This move is seen as a significant step in addressing urban decay and enhancing the overall quality of life in Antigua and Barbuda. The public is encouraged to support this initiative, which aligns with broader national development objectives.
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Man verdrinkt in goudput bij Langa Tabiki
A tragic incident unfolded today in the Langa Tabiki area, near Pakira at kilometer 32, where a man lost his life in a drowning accident at a gold mining site. The local police in Moengo received the distress call around 3:30 PM, reporting the incident. According to preliminary information, the victim was engaged in work activities when he accidentally fell into a water-filled gold pit. Witnesses immediately raised the alarm and attempted to rescue him, but he was quickly submerged in the deep water. After some time, others managed to retrieve him from the pit, but he showed no signs of life. The police have arrived at the scene to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.
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NaDMA headquarters to close temporarily for staff development session
The National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) has announced the temporary closure of its headquarters located at Morne Jaloux on Friday, 10 October 2025. This closure is aimed at facilitating a staff development session, which is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to enhance its team’s capabilities and improve its service to the nation. NaDMA has expressed its apologies for any inconvenience this may cause and has extended its gratitude to the public for their understanding and cooperation. Normal operations are scheduled to resume on Monday, 13 October 2025. For additional information or inquiries, the public is encouraged to contact Dr. Terence Walters at 405-0110. NaDMA remains committed to its mission of effective disaster management and public safety.
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Cops raid illegal quarry in Manuel Congo – 19 arrested
In a significant crackdown on illegal quarrying activities, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) conducted a high-profile raid in Manuel Congo, Guanapo, resulting in the arrest of 19 individuals. The operation, which took place on the morning of October 9, was the culmination of a year-long investigation into a multi-million-dollar illegal quarrying operation. Among those detained was one of the directors of the illicit business, who was present at the site during the raid. The operation was led by Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Intelligence and Investigations) Natasha George, who were both on-site to oversee the proceedings. According to a statement released by the TTPS corporate communications unit via WhatsApp, the raid also resulted in the seizure of millions of dollars’ worth of equipment. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
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A Liberta Woman Expresses Heartfelt Gratitude to Police Officers Who Came to Her Aid
In a heartwarming incident that highlights the often-overlooked humanity of law enforcement, a Liberta woman has publicly commended three police officers for their exceptional kindness and professionalism. The incident occurred on a poorly lit stretch of road on Wednesday evening when the woman’s vehicle struck a pothole, causing a tire puncture. Amid growing concerns about crime in the area, the situation could have been distressing, but the timely intervention of Constable 285 Jamilla Edwards, Constable 347 Choyan James, and Constable 241 Linton Degallerie turned it into a moment of gratitude and relief. The officers not only changed the damaged tire but also accompanied her to three tire shops in St. John’s to find the correct replacement and returned to reinstall it. Their friendly demeanor and genuine care left a lasting impression on the woman, who shared her story to highlight the positive side of policing. Constable Edwards reflected on the incident, emphasizing that beneath their uniforms, police officers are compassionate individuals dedicated to building stronger communities. The woman expressed her deep appreciation, noting that such acts of service often go unnoticed in the media. She concluded by sharing a verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:18, expressing her gratitude and reminding others that goodness still exists in the world.
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Body of suspected drowning victim found after three-day search
Following an intensive three-day search, authorities have confirmed the recovery of 20-year-old Ajanie Hippolyte’s body. The young man from Marisule was reported missing after a suspected drowning incident on October 7. The search operation, spearheaded by the police marine unit and supported by family and friends, culminated in the discovery of Hippolyte’s remains on Thursday, October 9. While the recovery provides a semblance of closure to the grieving family, it also underscores the tragic loss of a young life that has left the local community in profound sorrow. The incident has sparked conversations about water safety and the importance of vigilance in preventing such tragedies in the future.