分类: society

  • UWI Five Islands to Graduate Record 200 Students on October 11

    UWI Five Islands to Graduate Record 200 Students on October 11

    The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus is set to mark a historic milestone with its 2025 graduation ceremony on October 11. This year, the campus will celebrate a record-breaking 200 graduates, more than double the number from the previous year. The event, themed “Pelicans in an AI-Driven Future: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” will be broadcast live on Flow Evo and UWI TV Global, symbolizing a blend of perseverance, excellence, and innovation.

    Campus Principal Professor Justin Robinson highlighted the institution’s remarkable growth since its inception in 2019. With current enrolment surpassing 1,300 students, the campus anticipates exceeding 1,500 students with its January intake. This year, 443 students were admitted from a record 750 applicants, leaving 40 percent of hopefuls without places, underscoring the campus’s growing competitiveness and its pivotal role in expanding access to higher education across the Eastern Caribbean.

    The graduation ceremony, scheduled for 4 p.m. in Antigua and Barbuda, will be broadcast simultaneously across the Caribbean. It will honor students from various faculties, celebrating their personal achievements and contributing to the region’s human capital development. This event not only marks a significant moment for the graduates but also reflects the campus’s commitment to academic excellence and regional progress.

  • Large and dangerous swells continue to head our way, warnings and Advisories issued

    Large and dangerous swells continue to head our way, warnings and Advisories issued

    The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services have issued urgent high surf warnings and advisories for several Caribbean islands, including the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, and Nevis. The warnings, effective until Monday, and advisories until Tuesday, highlight the arrival of moderate long-period swells, creating life-threatening conditions along northern and north-facing coastlines. Significant wave heights are expected to reach 2.1 to 3.1 meters (7 to 10 feet), with occasional peaks near 3.7 meters (12 feet). These conditions are likely to cause dangerous battering surfs, rip currents, coastal flooding, and beach erosion. The swells, originating from the north, are predicted to produce breaking waves over 2.7 meters (9 feet), posing severe risks to life, property, and infrastructure. Coastal flooding is anticipated due to high tides combined with onshore winds and swell actions. The potential impacts include loss of life, injuries, beach closures, disruptions to marine activities, and damage to coral reefs. Authorities urge the public to avoid affected waters and coastal structures, bathe only in lifeguard-monitored areas, and exercise extreme caution. Rip currents, a significant hazard, can carry even strong swimmers out to sea. If caught in a rip current, individuals are advised to remain calm, float, and swim parallel to the shoreline. The Meteorological Office continues to monitor the situation and advises the public to stay updated through official channels.

  • LETTER: No Idol Is Innocent: A Call for Consistency in Faith and History

    LETTER: No Idol Is Innocent: A Call for Consistency in Faith and History

    Society has long embraced idols of Roman, Babylonian, and Greek origin, displayed prominently in public squares, churches, universities, and government buildings without question. Yet, when a new or unfamiliar structure, such as the one on All Saints Road in Antigua, is erected, it sparks widespread outrage. This selective acceptance raises a critical question: If we are to condemn one, consistency demands we examine and renounce them all, as their roots trace back to the same ancient pagan systems. Historically, the Roman Empire absorbed deities from Babylon, Greece, and other conquered nations, giving them Latin names while retaining their pagan functions. For instance, Zeus became Jupiter, Aphrodite became Venus, and Tammuz, the Babylonian god, was integrated into Roman mystery religions. These idols persist in Western art, religion, and architecture through statues, holidays, and place names, with many ‘Christian’ symbols actually being Romanized pagan symbols rebranded over centuries. The Bible is unequivocal on idolatry, with passages like Exodus 20:3–5, Deuteronomy 12:2–3, Isaiah 42:8, and Acts 17:29 clearly forbidding the worship of graven images, regardless of their cultural origin or familiarity. Today’s selective moral outrage—accepting familiar pagan symbols as ‘culture’ or ‘history’ while condemning unfamiliar ones as spiritual threats—is hypocritical. Biblically and historically, there is no difference; both are pagan and contrary to divine commandments. If one idol is to be rejected, all must be examined under the same standard. The Most High does not play favorites between idols.

  • 19-year-old on child pornography charges

    19-year-old on child pornography charges

    A 19-year-old man, Jeremiah James from ‘D’ Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, has been remanded to prison on multiple charges related to child pornography under the Cyber Crime Act. The charges include possessing child pornography in a computer system, procuring child pornography for himself and another person, using a computer system to commit child luring, and causing a child under 16 years old to watch a sexual act. Additionally, he faces charges of using a computer system to harass, embarrass, coerce, humiliate, and intimidate another person. The penalties for these offenses are severe, ranging from fines of GY$3 million to GY$15 million and imprisonment terms of three to ten years, depending on the conviction type. James pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography and causing a child under 16 to watch a sexual act but denied charges of child luring and procuring child pornography. Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court has remanded him to prison until October 16, 2025. The Guyana Police Force arrested James on September 28, though the exact dates of the alleged offenses remain unspecified.

  • Dominican beekeepers lead the region with ten awards at 2025 OECS Honey Show

    Dominican beekeepers lead the region with ten awards at 2025 OECS Honey Show

    Dominican beekeepers have once again proven their regional supremacy by clinching an impressive ten awards at the 2025 OECS Honey Show, held in St. Kitts on October 2 as part of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA). This remarkable achievement not only marks the highest number of awards won by any participating country but also solidifies Dominica’s standing as a leader in Caribbean apiculture. All awardees are members of the National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd., whose collective success builds on their sweeping victory in last year’s competition. The group’s continued excellence across diverse categories underscores the strength and innovation of Dominica’s beekeeping sector. The awards were distributed as follows: Nathaniel Lovell secured first place in Light Amber Honey and Chunk Honey, while Terri Henry-Lovell won first place in Beeswax Block and Commercial Product. Lovell also took second place in Medium Amber Honey, with Keeyah Casimir and Erica Burnette-Biscombe winning in Photography and Honey Cake, respectively. Henry-Lovell added third-place wins in Beeswax Candles and Commercial Product Honey, and Lovell claimed third place in Mead. The National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. emphasized in a statement that these awards reflect not only individual talent but also the collective growth of Dominica’s beekeeping community. Through training, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence, the island’s beekeepers continue to set regional standards in honey production and value-added products. The Vice President of the Cooperative Society, a veteran awardee, remarked, ‘Winning again at the OECS Honey Show proves that Dominican honey and products maintain a consistent high standard across the region, and I’m proud to represent Dominica and showcase our potential.’ The Cooperative Society has congratulated all winners and reaffirmed its dedication to advancing the apiculture industry, promoting sustainability, and maintaining Dominica’s position as a top producer of honey and bee-derived products in the Caribbean and beyond.

  • Photographer accused of assaulting woman in studio bathroom

    Photographer accused of assaulting woman in studio bathroom

    In a disturbing incident in St James, Jamaica, a local photographer has been formally charged with attempted rape and grievous sexual assault. The accused, 55-year-old Wellesley Morrison from Main Street, Mount Salem, allegedly attacked a woman at his photo studio on the morning of Wednesday, October 1. The victim, who had visited the studio, was reportedly confronted by Morrison after using the bathroom. He is accused of preventing her from leaving and subsequently sexually assaulting her. The incident was reported to the authorities, leading to Morrison’s arrest on Thursday. Charges were filed the following day, and his court appearance is currently being scheduled. This case has sparked outrage and raised concerns about safety in public spaces.

  • UK police probe fire at mosque as ‘hate crime’

    UK police probe fire at mosque as ‘hate crime’

    Authorities in the United Kingdom are probing a suspected arson attack at a mosque in Peacehaven, southern England, as a hate crime. The incident occurred late Saturday, causing damage to the mosque’s front entrance and a nearby vehicle, though no injuries were reported. Sussex Police have released images of two masked individuals dressed in dark clothing, urging the public to assist in identifying them. Detective Inspector Gavin Patch described the act as an “appalling and reckless attack,” emphasizing its potential to endanger lives and undermine community safety. The investigation is ongoing, with multiple lines of inquiry being pursued. This incident follows a deadly attack on a synagogue in Manchester last Thursday, which left two dead and three seriously injured, with authorities exploring potential links to Islamist extremism. A spokesperson for the Peacehaven mosque expressed gratitude that no one was harmed and called for unity and compassion in response to hate. Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood labeled the attack “deeply concerning,” stating that assaults on British Muslims are attacks on the nation itself. Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, condemned the arson and appealed for solidarity, emphasizing the right of all faith communities to worship without fear. He urged the nation to unite against hate, rejecting the notion of a divided kingdom.

  • Businessman accused of pulling gun in heated argument

    Businessman accused of pulling gun in heated argument

    In Clarendon, Jamaica, a 44-year-old businessman, David Morris, has been charged with multiple offenses following a violent altercation. Morris, a resident of Central Avenue, Bushy Park, is accused of assault at common law, using a firearm to commit a felony, assault occasioning bodily harm, and malicious destruction of property. The incident reportedly occurred around 1:30 pm when Morris and another man engaged in a heated dispute. During the confrontation, Morris allegedly physically assaulted the man, tore his shirt, and brandished his licensed firearm, issuing threats. The victim reported the incident to the police, prompting an investigation. Morris was subsequently arrested and charged. His court date remains pending as authorities continue to process the case.

  • Two Caribbean nationals among convicted child sex predators nabbed by ICE

    Two Caribbean nationals among convicted child sex predators nabbed by ICE

    In a significant enforcement operation, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has apprehended four undocumented immigrants, including two Caribbean nationals, in San Diego, California. The individuals, hailing from The Bahamas, Cuba, Mexico, and Vietnam, were arrested following convictions for severe crimes against children, such as sexual assault, molestation, and rape. Among those detained was Devin Richardson, a Bahamian national, who was convicted of sexually assaulting minors and failing to register as a sex offender in California. Another individual, Walter Ramirez from Cuba, was found guilty of rape, drug-induced sexual assault of a minor, and domestic violence. All four are currently in ICE custody, awaiting deportation proceedings to their respective countries. Patrick Divver, the field office director for ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in San Diego, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘These predators targeted the most vulnerable members of our community — children.’ He further highlighted the proximity of one offender to an in-home daycare and an elementary school, underscoring the immediate threat to public safety. Divver concluded, ‘By taking them into custody, ICE has removed a clear danger and sent a strong message that child predators who are illegal aliens have no place in our country.’

  • Missing 29-year-old woman found dead in suitcase in Savanna-la-Mar

    Missing 29-year-old woman found dead in suitcase in Savanna-la-Mar

    In a grim discovery on Saturday, the body of a 29-year-old woman was found stuffed inside a suitcase in the Gully Banks community of Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, Jamaica. The victim, identified as Kerrian Malcolm from Barracks Road, had been reported missing just two days prior. According to police reports, Malcolm was last seen at her residence around 11:00 pm on Wednesday evening, dressed in a brown sleeveless blouse and blue and white shorts. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance and subsequent death remain under investigation, as authorities work to uncover the details of this tragic incident. The discovery has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising concerns about safety and justice.