In a significant step to combat gender-based violence, Spain’s leftist government has approved a groundbreaking bill to classify vicarious violence as a distinct criminal offense. Vicarious violence, defined as harm inflicted on women through their loved ones—often children or close relatives—by a partner or ex-partner, has been a growing concern in the country. Equality Minister Ana Redondo emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, ‘This form of violence is not currently recognized in our legal system. Given the reality, it is crucial to define and incorporate it.’ Since 2013, 65 children in Spain have been murdered in acts of vicarious violence, highlighting the severity of the problem. Beyond extreme cases, such violence can manifest in subtler forms, such as withholding prescribed medication, preventing children from participating in activities they enjoy, or returning them to their mothers in unsanitary conditions. The proposed amendment to the criminal code would classify vicarious violence as a gender-based aggravating circumstance, with penalties ranging from six months to three years in prison. Additionally, abusers would be prohibited from publishing materials that could further traumatize victims. The bill, championed by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s government, which has prioritized feminism and gender equality, now faces the challenge of gaining parliamentary approval despite lacking a majority. Spain has long been a leader in addressing gender-based violence, with its 2005 law introducing specialized courts, free legal aid, emergency housing, and prosecution without requiring a formal complaint from the victim.
分类: society
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Andrew ‘French’, two others found guilty in $222-m InSports fraud case
In a landmark ruling on Tuesday, Andrew Wright, O’Neil Hope, and Rudolph Barnes were found guilty of multiple charges related to a massive fraud scheme targeting the Institute of Sport (InSports). The case, which dates back to 2017, involved the embezzlement of $222 million from the governmental agency. Supreme Court Justice Ann-Marie Lawrence-Grainger delivered the verdict, convicting Wright, a former financial controller at InSports and a well-known promoter of the French Connection and Chug It party series, on 13 counts of fraud. Barnes was found guilty of 11 counts, while Hope faced conviction on eight counts. Among the three women implicated in the case, Sherene Farquharson and Andrea Picton were acquitted, but Karita Davis, accused of facilitating the cashing of fraudulent cheques for Wright, remains at large. The three convicted men have been remanded in custody and are scheduled for sentencing on November 21. Further details on this high-profile case will be published in the Jamaica Observer on Wednesday.
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Groundbreaking consultation to explore elevating the Creole language beyond informal use
The Creole Language National Consultation 2025, themed ‘Legitimizing Creole: From Vernacular to Vehicle of Identity, Education, and Development,’ is set to take place on October 16, 2025, at the UWI Open Campus in Roseau, Dominica. Organized by Creole Heartbeat in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, KEK, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus, and Alliance Française, the event will run from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This groundbreaking consultation aims to unite key stakeholders from Creole-speaking regions such as Haiti, Martinique, Trinidad, Dominica, Guadeloupe, and St. Lucia to discuss the future of Creole languages. The event will focus on transforming Creole from a vernacular language into a recognized and respected medium integral to regional identity, cultural pride, and socio-economic advancement. Attendees, including linguists, educators, policymakers, cultural figures, and community representatives, will explore strategies to integrate Creole into educational systems, government policies, and broader societal development. Creole Heartbeat emphasizes that while Creole has historically been the language of families and local communities, it is now time to position it as a language of progress—essential in classrooms, boardrooms, and national development strategies. This consultation is part of a broader initiative by Creole Heartbeat to preserve and promote Creole as a cornerstone of Caribbean heritage, advocating for its vital role in shaping progress and empowering Caribbean nations. Supporting partners include the Ministry of Education, KEK, UWI Open Campus, and Alliance Française, with media coverage provided by Q95, Multisolutions, and Dominica News Online to highlight the event’s significance.
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Groundbreaking event will explore Creole’s elevation beyond informal use
The Creole Language National Consultation 2025, themed “Legitimizing Creole: From Vernacular to Vehicle of Identity, Education, and Development,” is set to take place on October 16, 2025, at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus in Roseau, Dominica. Organized by Creole Heartbeat in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, KEK, UWI Open Campus, and Alliance Française, the event will convene from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This groundbreaking forum will bring together key stakeholders from Creole-speaking regions such as Haiti, Martinique, Trinidad, Dominica, Guadeloupe, and St. Lucia to discuss the future of Creole languages. The consultation aims to shift the perception of Creole from a vernacular dialect to a respected language that plays a central role in regional identity, cultural pride, and socio-economic advancement. Attendees will include linguists, educators, policymakers, cultural leaders, and community representatives, who will explore strategies for integrating Creole into educational systems, government policies, and broader societal frameworks. Creole Heartbeat emphasizes that while Creole has long been the language of families, storytelling, and local communities, it is now time to position it as a language of progress—one that belongs in classrooms, boardrooms, and national development strategies. This event is part of a broader initiative by Creole Heartbeat to preserve and promote Creole as a cornerstone of Caribbean heritage. Supporting partners include the Ministry of Education, KEK, UWI Open Campus, and Alliance Française, with media coverage provided by Q95, Multisolutions, and Dominica News Online to amplify the consultation’s significance.
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Guyana-born U.S. public schools superintendent license revoked, remains in ICE custody
In a significant development, Dr. Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, has had his professional license revoked by the Iowa Department of Education. This decision follows his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on allegations of being in the country illegally. The Bureau of Educational Examiners confirmed the revocation on Monday, effectively ending his tenure as superintendent. Dr. Roberts, who was born in Guyana and raised in Brooklyn, New York, had been placed on administrative leave by the Des Moines Public School board just one day prior. ICE officials claim that Roberts entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999 but was subject to a final removal order issued in 2024. The case has sparked widespread attention, raising questions about immigration policies and their impact on public sector professionals.
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Police seize firearm and ammunition during search in Christ Church
In a significant breakthrough in the fight against illegal firearms, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) has successfully apprehended Joel Browne of Christ Church. The arrest followed a meticulously coordinated joint operation on September 25, 2025, involving the Special Services Unit (SSU) and the Joint Security Operations Tactical Team (JSOTT). During the search of Browne’s premises, law enforcement officers uncovered a cache of illegal items, including controlled drugs, firearms, and ammunition. The seized items comprised one Beretta firearm, 19 rounds of 9mm ammunition, two 12-gauge cartridges, one spent 9mm shell, and a bulletproof vest. Browne was formally charged the following day with three counts of possession of ammunition and one count of possession of a firearm. This operation underscores the RSCNPF’s unwavering commitment to reducing gun-related crimes and enhancing public safety in the region.




