A devastating act of domestic violence has resulted in the deaths of a mother and her six-year-old son in San Felipe Village, Orange Walk. The incident occurred early this morning when their home was deliberately set ablaze. The alleged perpetrator, 34-year-old Francisco Godoy, is the ex-common-law husband of 35-year-old Angelita Magaña. Witnesses reported seeing the house engulfed in flames around 3:00 a.m. Inside the home were Angelita, her son Tishan Godoy, her daughter, and her current partner, Miguel Novelo. Novelo recounted waking to a loud noise and seeing Godoy fleeing from a room on fire. Angelita and her daughter managed to escape, but Tishan tragically perished in the inferno. Firefighters later discovered the charred remains of Angelita and her son. Godoy, who also sustained burns, is currently under police guard at the hospital. The St. Michael RC School expressed profound sadness over the loss of Tishan, a student, and Angelita, a dedicated school helper. The community is rallying around the surviving family members, especially Angelita’s older daughter, who is fighting for her life.
分类： society
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Third Break-in Reported at Pigotts Primary School
Pigotts Primary School has been targeted by yet another break-in, marking the third such incident since the start of the current school term. Senator Michael Freeland addressed the issue in a public statement, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He described the repeated intrusions as a significant threat to the safety of students and staff, as well as a disruption to the educational environment. Freeland condemned the acts as “an attack on our children’s future and the work of our dedicated educators,” calling for enhanced community vigilance to prevent further occurrences. He expressed confidence in the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, urging them to investigate the matter thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice. Additionally, Freeland encouraged the public to assist by providing any relevant information, directing them to contact the police or the CrimeStoppers Tips Hotline at 800-TIPS (8477). The repeated break-ins have raised serious concerns about the security measures in place at the school, prompting calls for immediate action to safeguard the institution and its community.
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Stepfather Sets Family on Fire
A devastating incident of domestic violence unfolded in San Felipe Village early this morning, resulting in the tragic deaths of a mother and her young son. The victims, 35-year-old Angelita Majana and her 6-year-old son, Tishan Godoy, were fatally burned while they slept in their home. Angelita’s daughter, Shadia Majana, and her common-law husband, Miguel Novelo, survived the attack but sustained severe burns and are currently hospitalized. According to police reports, Shadia informed investigators that her former stepfather, Francisco Godoy, entered the home during the night, poured gasoline on the family, and set them ablaze before escaping the scene. Godoy, who also suffered burn injuries, was later apprehended and is now under police guard at a hospital. Authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation into this heinous crime, which has shocked the local community.
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Ministry: Minimal impact from tropical wave
The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government reported that a tropical wave passing through Trinidad and Tobago on October 19 caused only short-term street flooding in some communities, with no significant widespread impact. By October 21, the weather system had moved away, and conditions across most areas had improved. The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) discontinued its adverse weather alert, but disaster management units (DMUs) across all 14 municipal corporations remain on high alert, particularly in flood- and landslide-prone areas. Minister Khadijah Ameen praised the swift coordination of first responders, DMU personnel, and community volunteers, crediting their efforts and mitigation work by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure (MOWI) for minimizing potential damage. She expressed gratitude for the absence of major losses and emphasized the ongoing commitment to citizen safety. The ministry urged residents to remain vigilant during the rainy season, secure their properties, and stay informed through official TTMS updates and DMU hotlines for assistance.
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NCIC: Divali Nagar successful, incident-free
The final night of the Divali Nagar in Chaguanas on October 19 was a resounding success, despite adverse weather conditions that caused temporary flooding. Surujdeo Mangaroo, president of the National Council for Indian Culture (NCIC), expressed his delight at the large turnout, particularly among young people and families. He emphasized the event’s incident-free nature and the organization’s commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all attendees. Mangaroo noted that while the flooding was a minor setback, it was quickly managed, and the event proceeded smoothly. He also mentioned the absence of the Prime Minister, who has traditionally attended the closing night, but acknowledged her continued support for cultural events. Mangaroo extended his gratitude to all participants, including vendors, service providers, and the media, for their contributions to the successful celebration of Divali.
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CAL provides 3,200 more seats for Tobago carnival
In response to the soaring demand for the Tobago Carnival, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has announced a significant increase in flight capacity to facilitate smoother travel for both locals and tourists. From October 22 to 29, Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) will add 3,200 extra seats to its existing inventory, supplementing the already available 18,792 seats. To support this expansion, an additional Boeing 737 aircraft will be deployed to enhance the airbridge between Trinidad and Tobago, alleviating travel congestion and ensuring more people can partake in the festivities.
The decision to bolster air travel was the result of persistent advocacy by key figures, including Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, Tobago West MP Joel Sampson, Tobago East MP David Thomas, and Secretary for Culture and Antiquities Zorisha Hackett. In a media release on October 21, the THA also acknowledged the contributions of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, line minister Davendranath Tancoo, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Eli Zakour, and the CAL board. Their collaborative efforts have led to a tangible improvement in airlift services during one of Tobago’s most cherished cultural events, ensuring a seamless experience for all attendees.
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ODPEM on full alert as Tropical Storm Melissa tracks toward Jamaica — Samuda
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has been placed on full alert as Tropical Storm Melissa advances toward the island. This announcement was made by Matthew Samuda, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, during a ministerial statement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon. Samuda emphasized the government’s proactive measures, stating, ‘Your Government is working tirelessly to ensure that the systems we have developed to protect you are already activated. The Meteorological Service of Jamaica is closely monitoring the storm’s movement and will provide continuous updates as new data becomes available.’ He highlighted that Melissa’s formation serves as a stark reminder that the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season remains active. Current projections indicate that Melissa could intensify into a Category 1 hurricane by Saturday, fueled by unusually warm Caribbean waters, which Samuda attributed to the broader impacts of global climate change. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Jamaica, with meteorological models predicting heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and potential flash flooding as the storm moves northward later this week. Samuda expressed particular concern about the risk of landslides in mountainous parishes, especially in areas with already saturated soil. While the storm’s projected path currently points toward Hispaniola, its proximity to Jamaica demands heightened vigilance. Samuda cautioned that tropical systems like Melissa can shift course unexpectedly, and even indirect impacts can cause significant disruption. The government has assured the public that it is prepared to respond to any eventuality, urging citizens to remain vigilant. ‘While we hope that Tropical Storm Melissa will spare our island significant impact, we must prepare for the worst even as we pray for the best,’ Samuda concluded.
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GraceKennedy Foundation awards over $31 million in tertiary scholarships
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The GraceKennedy Foundation (GKF) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to education by awarding over $31 million in scholarships to 91 exceptional university students. The recipients, hailing from prestigious institutions such as the University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI), the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech), the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMC), and the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), were honored during a special ceremony held on October 9, 2025, at UTech. The event brought together students, parents, educators, and GraceKennedy executives to celebrate the scholars’ remarkable achievements.
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WATCH: Manchester farmer killed by gunmen posing as police
In a shocking act of violence, a 30-year-old Manchester farmer, Ojay Gooden, was fatally shot during a home invasion in the Canewood district of Comfort Hall, Manchester, in the early hours of Tuesday. According to police reports, the assailants, posing as law enforcement officers, forcibly entered Gooden’s residence around 1:05 am and unleashed a barrage of gunfire, leaving him with multiple gunshot wounds. Following the attack, the perpetrators set ablaze Gooden’s grey 2003 Toyota Corolla, further intensifying the tragedy. Authorities are currently investigating whether this incident is connected to a previous murder that occurred in the same area on October 12. Local Councillor Rohan Kennedy, representing the People’s National Party in the Mile Gully Division, expressed deep concern over the incident, noting that Canewood is typically a peaceful community. This brutal killing has sent shockwaves through the region, raising questions about safety and security in rural areas.
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Youth leader seeks support to attend WHO conference in Switzerland
Nowell Lewin Jr., a passionate mental health advocate and law student from Jamaica, is calling for public assistance to attend a prestigious World Health Organization (WHO) youth conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Scheduled from October 28 to 31, the event is a collaborative effort between the WHO and the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), uniting youth leaders, diplomats, and policymakers to address critical global health issues. Lewin, the founder of the mental health organization Global Integration Society, has been selected to join a committee focusing on social connection and mental health—a subject he holds dear. He aims to represent Jamaica and the Caribbean, emphasizing the need for regional voices in international discussions. Participants are tasked with researching their assigned countries’ stances on global health topics, culminating in a resolution paper proposing actionable solutions. Lewin plans to share these recommendations with Jamaica’s Ministries of Health, Education, and Foreign Affairs upon his return. While his conference fee is covered, Lewin requires approximately US$4,060 to cover travel, accommodation, and living expenses. He highlights the broader issue of limited financial support for Jamaican youth attending international events, urging the government and private sector to step up. Lewin also stresses the importance of addressing mental health in Jamaica, noting its intersection with crime, education, and family life. He encourages Jamaicans to support his mission, as it could catalyze greater national awareness and change. Donations can be made to his National Commercial Bank account (May Pen Branch, account number 564741183).