Following a significant accident in the San Jose neighborhood of Tibas, Costa Rican Railway Institute (Incofer) technicians and workers have successfully repaired the extensive damage to the locomotive and train cars. The incident, which occurred last Friday, led to the temporary suspension of some train operations. Incofer has assured the public that services connecting the capital with the northern provinces of Heredia and Alajuela will resume this Monday after a comprehensive inspection by railway specialists. The accident resulted in injuries to 12 passengers and crew members, all of whom are now in stable condition and recovering, though they continue to experience psychological effects from the incident, according to the local Red Cross. Incofer confirmed in a press release that all train services are now operating normally, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for passengers. The company’s personnel efficiently evacuated all 100 passengers from the train cars immediately after the accident.
分类： society
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Uruguay condemns attack on prison
In a brazen act of intimidation, two unidentified individuals on a motorcycle launched an attack on a government building yesterday, firing shots and hurling a rock accompanied by a threatening message aimed at Ana Juanche, the director of the institute. The incident is believed to be linked to recent transfers of criminal gang members within the former Comcar prison. This alarming event is not isolated; it echoes a similar attack in 2004 when gunfire and a threatening letter targeted then-director Luis Mendoza. The situation underscores a worrying trend of organized crime targeting public officials. In September, Attorney General Monica Ferrero narrowly escaped an attack involving gunfire and a grenade at her residence, leading to charges against seven individuals allegedly connected to drug trafficking networks. Vice President Carolina Cosse condemned the latest attack on social media, labeling it as a ‘cowardly threat’ designed to intimidate Juanche. Meanwhile, Minister of Education and Culture Jose Carlos Mahia emphasized the urgent need for unity in the ongoing battle against organized crime, stating that the fight ‘allows for nothing less than closing ranks to combat it, without any minor speculation of any kind.’ These incidents highlight the escalating challenges faced by authorities in curbing the influence of criminal organizations and ensuring the safety of public servants.
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Work Continues on Road to Cooks Landfill
Construction crews remain actively engaged in the extensive project along the mile-long stretch leading into Cooks Landfill. The initiative, which has been underway for several weeks, aims to enhance infrastructure and ensure safer access to the site. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of this development, citing its potential to improve waste management efficiency and reduce environmental risks. Residents in the vicinity have been advised to expect temporary disruptions but are assured that the long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term inconveniences. The project is part of a broader strategy to modernize landfill operations and align with stricter environmental regulations. Updates on the progress will be provided regularly to keep the community informed.
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Fernandes verrast klanten met vroege kerst en prijzenregen
The holiday season kicked off early this weekend for customers of Fernandes Bakkerij, as the bakery’s Christmas Bread Roadshow brought festive joy and exciting giveaways to Rock Oil Zuid. Visitors had the chance to win a variety of prizes, including air fryers, toasters, hand mixers, and even an electric scooter, alongside extra Christmas bread. Shermane Westerborg, the roadshow coordinator, explained that this year’s approach is different. “Instead of cutting meter-long Christmas breads, we’re focusing on giving away as many gifts as possible,” she said. The roadshow, which began in October, will continue until December 12, touring regions such as Paramaribo, Wanica, Commewijne, Para, and Marowijne. Each location features an electric scooter as the grand prize, with three already claimed. The tour will resume in Brokopondo on Tuesday, followed by visits to Wanica, Nickerie, and Paramaribo North, culminating at the Fernandes Bakkerij on Kernkampweg. Westerborg emphasized that the traditional Christmas bread tasting remains a key feature. “We’re still cutting Christmas breads at various locations for people to sample, just not the meter-long ones, so we can focus more on our customers and the prizes,” she noted. Participants can enter the prize draw by submitting a voucher for two Christmas breads. At the ‘grabbelton’—a sealed space where swirling winds float cards—each participant can grab one card to determine their prize. The electric scooter remained unclaimed on Saturday, with all unclaimed prizes rolling over to the roadshow’s final day.
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PMS Alumni Association Hosts “PMS Through the Ages”
Attention all alumni of Princess Margaret School (PMS)! We are delighted to extend a warm invitation to “PMS Through the Ages,” a unique event designed to honor the rich history and cherished legacy of our beloved alma mater. Mark your calendars for an evening brimming with joy, camaraderie, and nostalgia as we journey back in time to relive the golden days of our school years. The event promises an array of engaging activities, including Dominoes and Warri tournaments, where you can showcase your skills and compete with old friends. Classic games will evoke fond memories and keep the laughter flowing throughout the night. A special walk down memory lane will feature photographs and memorabilia from PMS’s storied past, offering a heartfelt trip through the decades. Complementing the festivities will be delectable food, refreshing drinks, and the company of fellow alumni, making for an unforgettable experience. Event Details: Date: December 6th | Time: 5:00 PM | Location: Princess Margaret School | Admission: $10.00 (an incredible value for an evening of fun and reminiscence). Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect with friends and classmates in an atmosphere of good vibes and great memories. Gather your crew and join us for a night that will leave you with cherished moments to treasure for years to come. We eagerly await your presence! For updates and additional information, stay tuned to the school’s official channels.
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OPINION: Caribbean Prostitution – Legalize It
The Caribbean presents a paradoxical legal landscape where many countries have legalized marijuana and same-sex relations among consenting adults, yet prostitution remains largely criminalized. Nations like Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Vincent, and Trinidad and Tobago have decriminalized cannabis but maintain bans on same-sex acts, with Grenada moving toward cannabis legalization. This selective approach highlights a cultural and legal inconsistency, where societal acceptance of certain behaviors lags behind legislative changes. Meanwhile, prostitution, often referred to as the ‘oldest profession,’ remains illegal across most of the Caribbean, except in the Dutch Caribbean, though enforcement is rare. This contradiction underscores the region’s struggle to reconcile traditional values with modern liberalization. The United Kingdom, which has historically influenced Caribbean legal systems, has legalized prostitution with restrictions, raising questions about why its former colonies have not followed suit. Legalizing prostitution could provide legitimacy and safety for sex workers, aligning with broader societal shifts toward personal freedoms. However, such a move would require overcoming deep-seated cultural and moral resistance, particularly in societies where colonial legacies continue to shape legal and social norms.
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Ministry Highlights New National Office Of Disaster Services Building In Barbuda (+PHOTOS)
In the wake of Hurricane Irma’s catastrophic impact in 2017, Barbuda has made significant strides in bolstering its hurricane preparedness and resilience. A cornerstone of these efforts is the newly constructed National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) building, which was completed earlier this year. This state-of-the-art facility equips NODS to execute its vital functions more effectively, a necessity underscored by the escalating urgency of climate change-driven extreme weather events. The Ministry of Works has lauded the Project Implementation Management Unit for their unwavering commitment and exceptional performance in spearheading numerous infrastructure projects. These initiatives include the development of durable concrete roads spanning miles on Barbuda, alongside the renovation of key public buildings. The revitalized NODS Building is part of a broader suite of civil works financed by a USD 31 million loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and supplementary government funding. Other completed projects encompass the refurbished Barbuda Council Administrative Building, the upgraded Community Centre now retrofitted for emergency shelter purposes, and the newly constructed Community Multipurpose Centre, which also serves as an emergency shelter.
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The department of creative industries reminds everyone that the christmas home and business lighting competition 2025 registration is still ongoing.
The Department of Creative Industries in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, has announced that registration for the highly anticipated Christmas Home and Business Lighting Competition 2025 remains open. This festive event, designed to celebrate the holiday spirit through creative and dazzling lighting displays, invites both homeowners and business owners to participate. The deadline for registration is Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Registration forms can be obtained from Monday to Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., at the Department of Creative Industries Headquarters on Old Parham Road, the INET office upstairs, or the National Festivals Office on Redcliffe Street and Corn Alley. Pre-judging for the competition will take place on December 20th and 21st, 2025, with the final judging scheduled for December 28, 2025. Winners will be announced on Good Morning Antigua, Barbuda on Friday, January 5th, 2026. Home entries will be judged across four zones—East, West, North, and South—with participants receiving a 100% waiver on electricity services from December 15th, 2025, to January 15th, 2026, duty-free concessions on Christmas lights and decorations, and cash prizes for the top three winners in each zone. Business participants will receive a 50% waiver on electricity services for December 2025, duty-free concessions, and cash prizes. The competition promises to bring joy and splendor to the holiday season, and the Department encourages everyone to register and be part of this festive tradition.
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Intrant issues new national standard for approved motorcycle helmets
The Dominican Republic has taken a significant step toward enhancing road safety with the introduction of a new Technical Regulation by the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (Intrant). This regulation establishes standardized requirements for helmets used by motorcycle drivers and passengers across the nation. Rooted in Law 63-17 and Decree 256-20, the measure has been internationally validated by the World Trade Organization (WTO), underscoring the country’s dedication to transparency and technical collaboration. The regulation was developed with support from the FIA Foundation and involved extensive consultations with importers, sellers, motorcyclist associations, and other stakeholders. The new rule mandates the use of helmets certified under globally recognized standards, such as UN/ECE 22-06, DOT, and SNELL, while banning half helmets due to inadequate protection. Approved helmets must feature a rigid shell, shock absorption capabilities, and a secure retention system. Both drivers and passengers are required to wear certified helmets correctly, avoiding damaged or expired equipment, with penalties for noncompliance outlined in Law 63-17. The regulation was unveiled during the 2025 Regional Dialogue on Public Policies for Transport, co-organized by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the International Transport Forum (ITF-OECD). Milton Morrison, Intrant’s executive director, highlighted that each certified helmet represents a life saved. Intrant and Digesett will support the initiative with educational campaigns and increased inspections to ensure compliance.
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Column: Stay true to yourself and your professionalism
In a world that is constantly evolving, where expectations and trends shift at a rapid pace, it is easier than ever to lose sight of oneself. The pressure to conform and align with what is ‘in’ can be overwhelming. However, one guiding principle remains steadfast: stay true to yourself and your professionalism. This means adhering to your values, beliefs, and professional standards, even when the path is challenging. Clarisa, who reached out to me through a mutual friend, reminded me of this when she said, ‘Stay true to yourself and your professionalism.’ This simple yet profound statement underscores the importance of authenticity and integrity in both personal and professional life. Remaining true to oneself involves listening to your inner voice and choosing what aligns with your core values. Similarly, professionalism is about maintaining integrity, passion, and quality in your work. When these two principles converge, they create something extraordinary—work that is not just a means to an end but an extension of who you are. Losing oneself often leads to a loss of professional essence. Authenticity and professionalism reinforce each other, as seen in the individuals we admire in their fields. They stand out not just for their skills but for their commitment to ethics and consistent professional conduct. Clarisa’s words, ‘I am here for my country,’ also highlighted the importance of hope and collective progress, especially as we approach the celebration of 50 years of independence. Staying true to oneself and professionalism can sometimes mean going against the tide, but it is precisely this courage that sets individuals apart and drives meaningful change. By weaving these principles into the fabric of our multicultural society, we can build a chain of strength and unity that propels our nation forward. Integrity and authenticity should be the norm, not just for individuals but as the foundation for our collective growth.