In response to escalating youth violence and broader societal issues in Barbados, the non-profit organization Supreme Counselling for Personal Development has introduced a transformative initiative titled *Building Hope, Changing Lives*. The program was officially unveiled during a welcoming ceremony at The St Michael School auditorium on Saturday evening, signaling the start of a five-year commitment to mentorship, counseling, life-skills training, and community engagement for participants and their families. Shawn Clarke, the organization’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the program’s mission to provide stability, belonging, and personal growth for young people. Addressing parents and guardians, Clarke assured them of unwavering support throughout the journey. He described the initiative as a deeply rooted effort, born from sacrifice and dedication, aimed at empowering youth to lead lives of purpose, dignity, and peace. Clarke acknowledged the challenges ahead but urged families to remain steadfast, promising to stand by them during difficult times and celebrate their successes. He also dismissed critics, highlighting Supreme Counselling’s focus on building and redeeming lives. The program represents the organization’s latest effort to address behavioral challenges among youth and advocate for vulnerable families, reinforcing its commitment to fostering positive change in the community.
分类： society
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PM Browne Wants Health Authorities To Probe Pollution From Local Distillery
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has urged health authorities to investigate allegations of environmental pollution caused by a local distillery. Residents have reported a persistent and overpowering odor emanating from the facility, prompting immediate concern. Speaking on the ‘Browne and Browne Show’ on Pointe FM, the Prime Minister emphasized that he has directed the Ministry of Health and the Central Board of Health (CBH) to assess the situation and ensure the distillery adheres to environmental and public health regulations. ‘That distillery is polluting the environment — you can smell it from a distance, and that is not acceptable,’ Browne stated. While reaffirming the government’s support for private enterprise, Browne warned that businesses must not compromise public health. ‘We support business, yes. But no business should be allowed to pollute and make people sick. They have to meet certain minimum standards,’ he added. The Prime Minister also connected this issue to his administration’s ongoing national cleanup and beautification campaign, which seeks to enhance sanitation, eliminate derelict properties, and foster a healthier living environment across the country. He called for swift action from the CBH and the Ministry of Health to address the matter and prevent further harm to residents.
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Sargassum clears, but fishermen recall harsh impacts
For decades, the seasonal arrival of sargassum seaweed has been a familiar yet unwelcome sight for residents along the east and south coasts of Saint Lucia. Known for blanketing beaches, harming marine ecosystems, and emitting a foul odour, the seaweed has long been a nuisance. However, 2025 marked a troubling shift in this pattern. For the first time, large quantities of sargassum invaded the north and west coasts, affecting regions such as Castries, Dennery, Choiseul, and Soufrière. This unprecedented spread has raised alarms among locals and experts alike.
Saphira Hunt, Caribbean programme officer at Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, attributed this phenomenon to climate change. Warmer ocean temperatures and altered wind patterns have pushed the seaweed further than ever before, exposing previously unaffected coastlines. While the brown tide has since receded, its impact lingers, particularly among fishermen. Hurby Gilbert, a local fisherman, described the challenges of navigating through towering piles of seaweed, which not only hindered daily operations but also left boats stained and foul-smelling.
The decay of sargassum poses additional problems. Veteran fisherman Kurby Fontenelle noted that the seaweed quickly rots upon reaching shore, releasing noxious gases that pollute the air and disrupt daily life. Equipment damage is another significant concern. Sadam Gedeon, a fisherman with 15 years of experience, explained how seaweed clogs boat impellers, leading to costly repairs. Residents also voiced frustration over the lack of government support, with many calling for better facilities and assistance for fishermen.
The crisis extends beyond Saint Lucia. In May 2025, over 38 million metric tons of sargassum drifted across the Caribbean, the largest recorded mass to date. While sargassum serves as a habitat for marine life in open waters, its accumulation onshore threatens coral reefs, seagrass beds, and human health. Governments and scientists are exploring solutions, including satellite monitoring systems like the Sargassum Watch System and Mexico’s LANOT platform. Onshore, initiatives to repurpose seaweed into fertiliser, building materials, or biofuel are underway, though challenges such as high salt and heavy metal content persist.
Regional cooperation is seen as crucial to addressing the crisis. Countries like Mexico and the Dominican Republic are advocating for joint action. For now, Saint Lucia’s beaches are clear, but fishermen warn that the sargassum will return. They urge stronger support to safeguard their livelihoods, emphasizing that the crisis is far from over.
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Canadian arrested for suspected ganja at Kingston airport
A 20-year-old Canadian resident from Brampton, Ontario, was detained at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica, on Sunday evening. Authorities reportedly discovered approximately two pounds of a plant-based substance resembling ganja (marijuana) in his luggage during a routine inspection. The incident has prompted an ongoing investigation by local law enforcement. This arrest comes just months after a high-profile narcotics bust at the same airport in March, where a British couple was apprehended for allegedly smuggling cocaine valued at $92.7 million. The recent case underscores the continued vigilance of Jamaican authorities in combating drug trafficking and illegal substance transportation through its airports.
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Paquee Golf Club donates J$10.5m to Mustard Seed
In a remarkable display of philanthropy, the Miami-based Paquee Golf Club has successfully raised J$10.5 million (approximately $68,000 USD) through its inaugural charity golf tournament. The funds will benefit Mustard Seed Communities, a non-profit organization dedicated to caring for disabled and abandoned children and adults in Jamaica and beyond. This significant contribution underscores the club’s commitment to social causes and its alignment with values of community and compassion.
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4-y-o among five killed by gunmen ‘posing as police’ in Linstead
In a shocking turn of events, the peaceful community of Commodore in Linstead, St. Catherine, was thrust into chaos on Sunday evening when armed assailants, disguised as police officers, launched a brutal attack on a family yard. The incident, which occurred around 8:45 pm, resulted in nine individuals being shot, five of whom tragically lost their lives, including a four-year-old child.
According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Phillips, who oversees Area 5, the attackers, some wearing police-style vests, stormed the premises along Commodore main road and opened fire indiscriminately. Phillips described the scene as ‘very unfortunate and awful,’ highlighting that the community had been experiencing relative calm before the tragedy struck.
Among the deceased is Shannon Gordon, a four-year-old student from Rosemount Primary and Infant School. The other victims have been identified as Mario Sullivan, 42; Jushane Edwards, 19; Iysha Washington, 39; and Famous Amos, 22. The attack left six males and three females injured, with two females and three males succumbing to their injuries.
Phillips noted that the location was not unfamiliar to law enforcement, having been visited multiple times in the past due to ‘long-standing issues and challenges’ involving the family. He suggested that the incident might be a continuation of gang conflict, which is surprising given the area’s recent tranquility. ‘Unfortunately, among the numbers, we have a four-year-old who was brutally killed… the community is in shock,’ Phillips stated.
In response to the tragedy, senior investigators and multiple police units were dispatched to the scene to expedite the investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice. Phillips also mentioned that the Linstead area had recorded only eight murders this year, a significant decrease compared to over 20 during the same period last year. ‘Linstead was doing pretty well, and so this really comes as a shocker to us,’ he added.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, with the community left to grapple with the aftermath of this devastating event.
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WATCH: Two motorcyclists die in St Elizabeth crash
A tragic accident on the Mount Plymouth main road in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, resulted in the deaths of two motorcyclists on Saturday afternoon. The victims, identified as 31-year-old Rushane Smith from the Smoothland district and 17-year-old Omarion Roye of Seven Corners, were traveling in opposite directions when their motorcycles collided around 3 pm. Both individuals were immediately transported to a nearby hospital but were pronounced dead upon arrival. Preliminary reports indicate that neither rider was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, raising concerns about road safety and adherence to protective gear regulations. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the collision and to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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Five killed in Linstead mass shooting
A tragic mass shooting in Linstead, St Catherine, has claimed the lives of five individuals, including a child, late Sunday evening. The incident occurred in the Commodore community shortly after 10 p.m., sending shockwaves through the area. Details surrounding the shooting remain scarce, but the community is reeling from the senseless violence. Authorities have yet to release information about potential suspects or motives. Observer Online has pledged to provide updates as more information emerges. This devastating event underscores the ongoing challenges of gun violence in Jamaica, raising urgent concerns about public safety and the need for effective intervention.
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Greater Portmore High School achieves big improvement in CSEC English
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Greater Portmore High School in St. Catherine has made significant strides in academic performance, achieving an impressive 82% pass rate in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) English examination, a substantial improvement from its previous rate of 56%. Principal Ricardo Ross credits this success to the unwavering dedication of students and the relentless support from the school’s academic and ancillary staff.
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Stink strategy mobilised
For over a decade, residents of Greenwich Town in south-west St Andrew, Jamaica, have endured the relentless stench and health risks emanating from the local sewage facility. The National Water Commission (NWC) has now reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the issue, though progress remains slow and challenges persist. In a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer, NWC’s Acting Corporate Public Relations Manager, Delano Williams, outlined ongoing efforts to mitigate the problem, including reconfiguring truck offloading areas to reduce odour and improve efficiency. Williams explained that a more enclosed receptacle for waste dumping is being designed to prevent odour from escaping into the air, with the project currently in the procurement phase. Additionally, the Central Wastewater Treatment Company (CWTC) will conduct a comprehensive air quality analysis, including testing near schools, to establish benchmarks and measure improvements. Recent upgrades have reportedly reduced sewage overflow risks and persistent malodours, while fence repairs and dust mitigation work are underway. However, unauthorised access to the facility and improper disposal practices by some truck operators continue to exacerbate the issue. Williams called for a coordinated response among stakeholders to address these challenges. The NWC’s assurances come after years of frustration from residents, who have long complained about the facility’s proximity to schools and its impact on daily life. Educators have particularly highlighted the vulnerability of children to the health risks posed by the odour. Williams acknowledged the tension caused by wastewater facilities near residential areas but reiterated the NWC’s commitment to improving conditions. Despite promises made over the years, including a 2015 pledge to enclose the facility and a 2022 commitment to erect boundaries, the odour problem persists. As of 2025, residents remain hopeful but skeptical, waiting for tangible improvements to their quality of life.