The Ministry of Home Affairs in Guyana has announced that the Guyana Police Force has identified a suspect linked to a deadly car explosion that occurred on Sunday evening at the Mobil Service Station on Regent and King Streets in Georgetown. The tragic incident resulted in the death of six-year-old Soraya Bourne and left four others injured, including Sedyia McIntosh and Rishad Lorde, who sustained serious injuries, and Jennifer Cooper and Yvonne Jones, who suffered minor wounds. President Irfaan Ali, currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, has been briefed on the matter and has directed that images of the suspect be widely circulated to aid the public in assisting the investigation. He emphasized the need for a full-scale investigation, utilizing all available resources to determine the exact cause and circumstances of the explosion. In response, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond convened a high-level meeting early Monday morning with key security officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, and the Head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Mr. Sheldon Howell. The Ministry is collaborating closely with relevant security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and to bring justice to the victims. This incident follows a similar occurrence in May 2025, when explosions simultaneously rocked the Ruimveldt Police Outpost and a nearby Guyana Power and Light substation, with two Spanish-speaking individuals identified as suspects at that time.
分类： society
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Teen Remanded to Rehabilitation Centre on Multiple Traffic Charges
A 17-year-old male has been ordered to the Denis Bowers Rehabilitation Centre following his appearance before the Child Justice Board earlier this week. The teenager faces multiple traffic-related charges, including driving without a valid licence, operating a vehicle without insurance, and the fraudulent use of a registration plate. He will remain in custody until November 17, when his case is scheduled to be heard. The offences occurred on October 13, when a white 2011 Honda Fit was intercepted during a crime prevention operation in St. John’s. After a thorough investigation, the teen was arrested and charged over the weekend. The Police Administration has issued a stern reminder to all motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly licensed and insured, stressing that adherence to traffic laws is essential for road safety and accident prevention.
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Joerawan blij met vonnis SBB-zaak; Ravenberg kondigt hoger beroep aan
The ongoing legal dispute within the Foundation for Forest Management and Supervision (SBB) has taken a new turn following a recent court ruling. The cantonal judge ordered Ruben Ravenberg, the general director of SBB, to publicly apologize to board member Krishnadath (Kees) Joerawan for defamatory remarks. Judge Deborah Haakmat-Sniphout granted Ravenberg two days to remove the offending statements and issue a public apology. Despite the court’s decision, Ravenberg, in consultation with his attorneys Maureen Nibte and Murwin Dubois, has announced plans to appeal the ruling. The court’s judgment remains enforceable pending the appeal. Joerawan expressed satisfaction with the verdict, stating that ‘the wheels of justice grind slowly but surely.’ He emphasized that the accusations against him were unfounded and expressed hope that Ravenberg would respect the court’s decision rather than prolong the legal battle. Ravenberg, however, remains steadfast in his claims, asserting that he possesses evidence of Joerawan’s prior illegal activities and evasion of prosecution. He stated, ‘SBB has all the documents sent by the Attorney General,’ and vowed to continue the fight. The appeal does not automatically suspend the apology order, and Ravenberg has committed to following legal procedures while maintaining the case’s principled nature. He cautioned Joerawan against premature celebration, signaling that the legal battle is far from over.
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Call for PM’s Action to Aid Youth Juggling Work and School
The Antigua Newsroom has been alerted to a pressing issue affecting numerous young adults in the country who are striving to enhance their lives through education while simultaneously seeking meaningful employment. Despite holding an associate’s degree and currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree, one individual has shared their struggle to secure a job due to employers’ stringent requirements for completed degrees or prior experience. This dilemma forces young adults to choose between pausing their education to work or sacrificing financial stability to continue their studies. The financial and mental strain of managing expenses independently has significantly impacted their well-being. The individual has called on the Prime Minister’s office to implement policies or programs that support young adults in this predicament, such as internships, apprenticeships, flexible work-study arrangements, or incentives for employers to hire young learners. These initiatives could provide crucial support and opportunities for young adults eager to contribute to the workforce while completing their education.
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In the face of a hurricane threat, protecting the population is paramount
In response to the imminent threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has issued urgent directives to safeguard the population and minimize potential damage. During an extended meeting of the National Defense Council (CDN), Díaz-Canel emphasized the critical need for timely evacuations, particularly for residents in flood-prone areas, downstream from dams, and other high-risk zones. The meeting, conducted via videoconference, included officials from provinces on alert, such as Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguín, Las Tunas, Camagüey, Ciego de Ávila, and Sancti Spíritus.
Díaz-Canel highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable groups, including elderly individuals living alone, and ensuring the safety of personal property and pets. He also stressed the necessity of maintaining a steady flow of information to the public to prevent reckless behavior. The president called for comprehensive measures to secure material resources, livestock, agricultural products, and boats, while prioritizing food processing and evacuation centers. Additionally, he instructed authorities to prepare for the recovery phase, focusing on restoring essential services such as electricity, water supply, and sanitation.
Dr. Celso Pazos Alberdi, Director General of the Institute of Meteorology, provided an update on Hurricane Melissa, predicting its landfall in eastern Cuba as a high-intensity hurricane. The storm is expected to bring significant rainfall, with accumulations of 200 to 400 millimeters in 34 to 48 hours, and coastal flooding due to sea surges. Major General Ramón Pardo Guerra, head of the National Civil Defense Staff, reported on ongoing evacuations, including tourists in Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, and Holguín, due to flood risks.
Provincial leaders detailed their preparedness efforts. In Granma, 110,000 people, including 470 pregnant women, are being protected in evacuation centers or with family and friends. Santiago de Cuba has plans to safeguard 258,573 residents, with dams ready to release water and attention given to the coffee harvest. Holguín has 151 evacuation centers ready for 305,530 people, while Guantánamo is preparing to evacuate 140,000 residents. Similar measures are underway in Las Tunas, where 113 protection centers are available.
In his concluding remarks, Díaz-Canel commended the provinces for their responsible and knowledgeable approach to the crisis. He expressed confidence in the resilience of the Cuban people, assuring that with collective effort, the nation will overcome the challenges posed by Hurricane Melissa.
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Column: Harmonie en verbondenheid in een wereld vol tegenspoed
In the heart of Beijing, Indra Toelsie experiences a whirlwind of emotions as she encounters people from all corners of the globe. Their stories offer profound insights into their lives, struggles, and aspirations. Among them, Sumudu from Sri Lanka stands out, forging a bond so strong it feels transcendent, as if their connection spans lifetimes. Now back in his homeland, Sumudu’s uncertain future in a country plagued by terrorism and instability evokes deep emotions in Indra. His poignant words, ‘Where there is a meeting, there is a separation,’ resonate painfully, yet they have vowed to reunite, whether in their homelands or through programs like the China International Press Communication Center 2025 Program. Amidst this heaviness, Indra finds hope in the children of diplomats playing together, oblivious to borders and conflicts. Their innocence symbolizes the possibility of unity beyond differences. Indra reflects on her homeland, Suriname, urging its multicultural society to embrace harmony and collective progress. Her experiences in Beijing reaffirm her belief in the power of human connection and compassion, reminding her that harmony is not a utopia but a choice rooted in shared humanity.
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Ozama River floating bridge reopens after cleanup following Hurricane Melissa
The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) in Santo Domingo has officially reopened the floating bridge over the Ozama River to vehicular traffic. The reopening follows extensive cleanup operations that removed lilacs and other debris deposited on the bridge by recent heavy rains. MOPC crews worked tirelessly to ensure the bridge was safe for public use, restoring smooth passage between Santo Domingo Este and the National District. The bridge had been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure during Hurricane Melissa. In a statement, the ministry expressed gratitude to citizens for their patience and reiterated its dedication to maintaining and safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure.
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Overheid zet meer zwaar materieel in vuilnisbrand Charlesburg
A massive fire at the Charlesburg landfill has been burning uncontrollably for over a week, despite relentless efforts to extinguish it. Authorities have deployed heavy machinery, including military equipment, to combat the blaze, which has caused significant distress among local residents. The fire has produced thick smoke and a pungent odor, leading to complaints of respiratory irritation and other health concerns.
Anwar Moenne, Acting Director of Public Green Spaces & Waste Management, confirmed that round-the-clock efforts are underway to bring the situation under control. “We are working tirelessly with all available resources, including military support and specialized machinery, to contain the fire,” Moenne stated. “Several hotspots remain, and we are focusing on sealing these areas to prevent further spread.”
In addition to firefighting teams, the Ministry of Public Works, Spatial Planning, and Environment (OWRO) has provided additional equipment, such as bulldozers and pickup trucks, to aid in containment efforts. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has issued warnings to residents in surrounding neighborhoods, advising them to keep windows and doors closed to minimize exposure to harmful smoke.
Moenne emphasized the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies, including Defense, Justice & Police, and OWRO, to resolve the crisis swiftly. “The situation is improving, but we are committed to making this a thing of the past as soon as possible,” he added. Despite the ongoing challenges, officials remain hopeful that the fire will be fully extinguished in the coming days.
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Gas bottle ruled out in deadly explosion at Mobil gas station
A tragic explosion at a Mobil gas station on Regent and King Streets in Georgetown on Sunday night has left one child dead and two others seriously injured. Authorities have confirmed that a cooking gas cylinder, commonly referred to as a ‘gas bottle,’ was not the cause of the incident. The explosion, which occurred at approximately 7:24 PM, destroyed a car and caused significant damage to the Mobil convenience store, Acme’s building, and an adjacent cambio. Shattered glass windows were reported in a building on the north-western corner of the intersection. The Fire Service received an emergency call at 7:30 PM and arrived at the scene by 7:34 PM. Initial investigations revealed no evidence of a gas bottle being involved. Witnesses reported seeing white and then black smoke moments before the loud explosion, which was heard and felt across distant sections of Georgetown. Police are now investigating whether the explosion was caused by an explosive device or a malfunction in the car. A woman, who had parked the car and entered a nearby KFC to make a purchase, was unharmed. The incident has raised concerns about safety measures at gas stations and the potential risks associated with vehicle malfunctions.
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Agriculture : Positive impacts of the World Bank on Haitian agriculture
Haiti, once the poorest country in Latin America and the Caribbean, faced severe challenges in its agricultural sector, with 27% of rural farmers living in extreme poverty and grappling with acute food insecurity. In response, the World Bank launched the Emergency Project for Resilient Agriculture for Food Security (PARSA), adopting an integrated approach to address these issues. The initiative combined sustainable land management, climate-resilient agricultural practices, and disaster risk reduction to improve natural resources, combat soil erosion, and enhance water retention capacity. This strategy was tailored to Haiti’s unique agroecological context, aiming to generate sustainable income for rural communities. The project emphasized community participation, developing participatory and investment plans for sub-watersheds and providing subsidies for improved technical input packages. Through farmer field schools, farmers were introduced to advanced agricultural technologies and landscape management practices, selected via community involvement. The initiative achieved significant positive impacts, including poverty reduction, climate action, and enhanced resilience against flooding and landslides. Over 4,267 farmers adopted improved technologies, with 38% being women, and more than 80% gained better market access. Additionally, 2,050 hectares were managed sustainably, and 112 farmer field schools were established, benefiting 2,800 farmers. The project also created 6,667 temporary jobs and supported 20 sub-projects through matching grants, improving market linkages and production quality. Following the devastating 2021 earthquake, the emergency response component provided critical support to 137,611 farmers, including climate-resilient crop varieties and seeds. Despite ongoing challenges, the Haitian government, with the World Bank’s support, continues to implement projects like PARSA and RPT II to strengthen productivity, livelihoods, and food security for rural households.