分类: society

  • Road safety ‘crisis’ sparks calls for action as election nears

    Road safety ‘crisis’ sparks calls for action as election nears

    Barbados confronts a severe road safety emergency described as ‘dangerous and unacceptable,’ with urgent demands for governmental action emerging just days before national elections. Alarming statistics reveal approximately 50,000 of the island’s 180,000 vehicles operate without valid insurance—representing one in four motorists driving illegally. Former Barbados Road Safety Association president Sharmane Roland-Bowen characterized this not as minor administrative negligence but as a full-scale crisis eroding legal foundations and public safety.

    The insurance sector reports unsustainable strain from approximately 15 daily collisions, with average repair costs reaching $10,000 per incident and doubling when injuries occur. Particularly troubling is the finding that 30% of accidents involve uninsured or unlicensed drivers, creating massive financial burdens for compliant motorists through increased premiums and uncompensated damages. Roland-Bowen detailed how uninsured drivers frequently flee collision scenes, leaving victims responsible for repair costs and insurance excesses despite their own compliance with regulations.

    Enforcement failures extend beyond insurance compliance. Reports indicate commercial vehicles operating without road taxation, while systemic issues include reduced police presence at accident scenes enabling fraudulent insurance documentation presentation. Roland-Bowen criticized misaligned enforcement priorities that focus on secondary issues like window tinting while neglecting core dangers including uninsured driving, impaired motorists, and deteriorating infrastructure.

    Despite substantial revenue collection through road taxes and fuel levies, potholes plague transportation networks, forcing dangerous avoidance maneuvers that increase collision risks. The crisis now demands political accountability, with voters urged to question electoral candidates about concrete solutions. Proposed measures include regulatory reforms requiring dual insurance certificates—with one mandatory copy kept in vehicles—plus stricter penalties, license suspensions, and removal of illegal vehicles from roads.

    Roland-Bowen emphasized that meaningful change requires sustained public pressure, governmental accountability, and rigorous law enforcement, warning that without decisive action, conditions will continue deteriorating, further endangering lives, property, and citizens’ rights.

  • Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budget Survey 2026

    Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budget Survey 2026

    Grenada is set to undertake a comprehensive national assessment of living standards and economic conditions through a joint initiative between the Central Statistical Office (CSO) and the World Bank. The Survey of Living Conditions (SLC) and Household Budget Survey (HBS), scheduled to commence in February 2026, will provide critical data to shape the nation’s development agenda.

    Operating under the legal authority of the Statistics Act (No. 30 of 1960 and No. 21 of 1961), this landmark study aims to achieve three primary objectives: precisely measure poverty levels across Grenadian society, collect detailed household expenditure and income patterns, and generate essential social and economic indicators to guide national planning strategies.

    The CSO has emphasized the strict confidentiality protocols governing the survey process. All field interviewers will be administered a formal Oath of Secrecy before commencing their duties, legally binding them to protect respondent information. The agency has assured citizens that all collected data will only be disseminated in aggregated form, with severe penalties for any violations of confidentiality protocols.

    Government officials highlight the survey’s critical importance in addressing pressing national challenges including poverty, unemployment, and inequality. The resulting indicators will serve as fundamental tools for analyzing Grenada’s economic and social progress, enabling evidence-based policy formulation.

    The Central Statistical Office is actively seeking public cooperation, particularly from households selected for participation. Officials stress that accurate responses to survey questionnaires are essential for the study’s overall success and its ability to generate reliable insights for national development planning.

  • St Rose wins SLNYC presidency, pledges to ‘rebuild trust’

    St Rose wins SLNYC presidency, pledges to ‘rebuild trust’

    In a decisive electoral process during the 18th Biennial General Assembly held in Soufrière, Bernell St Rose has been elected President of the Saint Lucia National Youth Council (NYC). This gathering united delegates from registered youth and sports clubs, district councils, and student councils nationwide, aiming to establish a leadership team capable of addressing the mounting social, economic, and developmental issues confronting the island’s youth.

    St Rose will helm the council’s executive body, which includes First Vice President Dequan Charles and Second Vice President Edisa Eugene. The administrative framework was solidified with the election of Alrica Antoine as General Secretary, supported by Marcus Giraudy as Assistant Secretary. Phoebe Smith assumes the role of Public Relations Officer, while Nazan Hutchinson was appointed Treasurer.

    In post-election remarks to St Lucia Times, President St Rose emphasized that her primary objective is to rehabilitate the council’s credibility. “My key mandate is to rebuild and bring back the trust of the NYC as a uniform and credible institution,” she stated, highlighting intentions to reform the council’s structure, including district youth and sports councils, national student councils, and club affiliates. St Rose aims to restore public confidence and pride in the organization.

    The newly inaugurated leadership team now bears the responsibility of enhancing youth representation and engagement across Saint Lucia. This comes amid rising expectations for the council to assume a more dynamic and influential role in the nation’s developmental trajectory, particularly in crafting solutions for youth-specific challenges.

  • Decomposed Body Found in Vehicle Remains Unidentified

    Decomposed Body Found in Vehicle Remains Unidentified

    Authorities in Antigua are actively seeking community assistance as their investigation progresses into the unsettling discovery of a deceased male found within a vehicle at the decommissioned Ottos School compound. The site, located near All Saints Road and currently repurposed as a panyard, was cordoned off by law enforcement following an emergency call to the 911 hotline at approximately noon on Monday, February 2nd.

    A multi-unit response team comprising specialists from the Criminal Investigations Department, the Serious Crimes Unit, and the Forensic Evidence Recovery Unit was dispatched to secure the area and initiate a thorough examination. The body, which was reported to be in a state of partial decomposition, was formally pronounced dead at the scene by a district medical official.

    Assistant Superintendent of Police Frankie Thomas provided an official statement, confirming the incident and emphasizing that the immediate priority for investigators is establishing the identity of the deceased individual. ASP Thomas issued a public appeal, urging residents, particularly those with a missing family member, to contact the authorities with any relevant information that could aid the process.

    The police have formally requested that anyone possessing knowledge pertaining to this case reach out directly to the Criminal Investigations Department or their nearest police station to assist in bringing clarity to this ongoing investigation.

  • Students Donate Essential Items to Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Paediatric Ward

    Students Donate Essential Items to Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Paediatric Ward

    In a demonstration of youth-led community service, students from St Joseph’s Academy and Christ the King High School have significantly contributed to pediatric healthcare through a substantial donation to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. The Interact Clubs from both educational institutions coordinated the provision of vital supplies specifically designed to improve comfort and care for young patients undergoing treatment.

    The donation package included practical items often overlooked in healthcare settings: wall clocks to maintain temporal orientation, electric kettles for convenient beverage preparation, and specialized crib sheets designed for medical equipment. These contributions address both practical needs and psychological comfort for children and their families during hospital stays.

    The formal presentation ceremony featured Rotarian Evangeline Allen accompanying the student delegates as they handed the supplies to Senior Nursing Staff including Unit Manager Zena Knight Barnes and Registered Nurse Karen Jacobs. Medical professionals expressed genuine appreciation for the thoughtfully selected items, emphasizing their immediate applicability in daily patient care routines.

    Hospital administration highlighted how these donations would directly enhance the therapeutic environment within the pediatric unit, creating a more welcoming atmosphere that supports both clinical outcomes and patient morale. The contribution represents a meaningful intersection of community engagement and healthcare improvement, demonstrating how targeted philanthropy can address specific needs within medical facilities.

    This initiative reflects the broader mission of Interact Clubs, international youth organizations sponsored by Rotary International that cultivate young leadership through community service projects. The pediatric ward donation continues their tradition of developing socially conscious youth while addressing genuine community needs through organized, practical philanthropy.

  • Glanvilles FC Leads Community Clean-Up at Village Football Field

    Glanvilles FC Leads Community Clean-Up at Village Football Field

    In a remarkable display of communal solidarity, Glanvilles Football Club orchestrated a transformative cleanup initiative at the Glanvilles Football Field on February 1st, 2026. The event, meticulously organized by the club’s executive members, successfully united residents from both Glanvilles and Seatons villages in a collective beautification endeavor.

    Volunteers commenced their efforts at dawn, with dedicated participants arriving as early as 6:00 AM. The undertaking gained substantial momentum through the involvement of professional Road Side Cleanup Crew members from the broader SeaGlans community. The morning air resonated with the distinctive sounds of chainsaws, weed whackers, and cutlasses as the cleanup progressed.

    The community’s support manifested not only through physical labor but also through generous provisions of sustenance. An impressive array of nourishment appeared throughout the event, including sandwiches, meatballs, chicken, patties, pumpkin soup, and various beverages. The culinary spread expanded further with the arrival of traditional bush tea, lentil soup, local bread, and a substantial serving of salt fish with chop up—a beloved regional breakfast specialty.

    The cleanup operation continued until midday, with additional mechanical support arriving later in the morning through trucks and brush cutters. The event fostered such an exceptional sense of community spirit that volunteers unanimously requested a continuation of the effort on February 8th, 2026.

    Notably, the initiative provided valuable educational opportunities for young footballers, who received instruction on the proper operation of weed whackers and chainsaws. Another memorable moment featured a village youth skillfully maneuvering a large branch collection truck under his uncle’s expert guidance.

    The Executive Committee Members extended profound gratitude to all volunteers and supporters, acknowledging their instrumental role in the event’s resounding success. They further reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing beautification efforts throughout the SeaGlans community.

  • Road construction remained steady in January, Ministry of Works says

    Road construction remained steady in January, Ministry of Works says

    Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Works has reported significant advancements in its national infrastructure program, attributing the success to strategic operational enhancements and multi-sector collaboration. According to a recently released monthly progress report, the consistent pace of development has been fueled by the concrete batching plant operating on an extended schedule, uninterrupted full-capacity production at government quarries, and the synchronized efforts of engineering teams, logistics personnel, and road construction crews.

    A cornerstone of the 2026 development strategy involves a dual focus: expanding roadworks in local communities while simultaneously continuing the refurbishment of major arterial highways. This ambitious initiative is being propelled by two critical infrastructural upgrades: the recent commissioning of a new high-capacity crusher at the Public Works Quarry and a substantial increase in cement storage capacity facilitated by the installation of three new silos at the central Concrete Plant.

    The Ministry emphasized that these facility upgrades will deliver benefits beyond transportation, creating a stronger foundation for public works by enhancing support for housing initiatives and community development projects across the nation.

    The progress update formally acknowledged the pivotal contributions of Works Minister Maria Browne, ministry leadership, and the specialized Project Implementation Management Unit. It also credited effective partnerships with key agencies such as the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and the Antigua Barbuda Transport Board (ABTB), alongside private sector contractors, for sustaining the project’s momentum.

    With infrastructure projects continuing throughout the year, officials have indicated that further updates on road works and development milestones will be provided periodically.

  • Fire damages dispatch area at 9-1-1 Headquarters

    Fire damages dispatch area at 9-1-1 Headquarters

    Santo Domingo – A significant fire erupted in the early hours of Tuesday at the primary dispatch center of the Dominican Republic’s National Emergency and Security System 9-1-1. Despite substantial damage to the facility, all emergency services continued without interruption due to the successful activation of established contingency protocols, authorities confirmed.

    The incident commenced at 2:18 a.m., triggering an immediate and full evacuation of on-duty personnel as a precautionary measure. Colonel Randolfo Rijo, the system’s Executive Director, stated that firefighters from the National District were dispatched to the scene. Their efforts contained a blaze that had damaged an estimated 60% of the critical dispatch area.

    Demonstrating systemic resilience, emergency call routing and coordination were seamlessly transferred to the backup 9-1-1 command center located in Santiago de los Caballeros. This transition ensured the continuity of nationwide emergency response operations without any degradation in service.

    Fire Chief José Luis Frómeta Herasme detailed a substantial response to the incident, mobilizing eight fire engines and approximately 90 firefighters. The teams required roughly one hour and twenty minutes to fully subdue the flames. The origin of the fire remains undetermined, and an official investigation has been launched to ascertain the cause.

    In a statement reinforcing the system’s integrity, Defense Minister Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre praised the effective execution of safety procedures, which guaranteed the 9-1-1 network remained fully operational across the country. Current efforts are focused on assessing the structural and equipment damage to plan the subsequent recovery and restoration phases.

  • VIDEO: Mopping up after mandate mess

    VIDEO: Mopping up after mandate mess

    In a remarkable turnaround from adversity, Dennis Williams, an educator whose professional life was upended by COVID-19 vaccination mandates, has successfully navigated a path toward recovery and stability. During an interview on September 25, 2025, Williams recounted the severe personal crisis that followed his November 2021 termination, a period that forced him and his son into makeshift housing in the mountainous terrain of Layou, St. Vincent.

    The narrative of hardship, however, has found a hopeful new chapter. As of early 2025, Williams’s circumstances have dramatically improved. He and his son have now secured proper rented accommodation, marking a significant step up from their previous living conditions. Furthermore, his vehicle, essential for mobility and opportunity, is operational again.

    Professionally, Williams stands on the precipice of a formal return to the public sector. He is currently awaiting official communication from the Public Service Commission, which will determine his new placement within a government office. Expressing profound gratitude, Williams publicly acknowledged iWitness News for amplifying his story and extended his thanks to the thousands of individuals whose overwhelming response provided critical assistance during his most challenging times.

  • Banreservas and Museums Directorate partner to promote cultural heritage

    Banreservas and Museums Directorate partner to promote cultural heritage

    SANTO DOMINGO – A landmark partnership has been established between Banco de Reservas (Banreservas) and the General Directorate of Museums (DGM) to bolster cultural infrastructure in the northern Dominican Republic. The formal cooperation agreement centers on the Banreservas Cultural Center and the Santiago Art Museum, two institutions cohabiting the historically significant former Hotel Mercedes building in Santiago de los Caballeros.

    Senior executives from both entities formalized the accord, framing it as a dual-purpose initiative. It simultaneously advances the financial institution’s corporate social responsibility objectives and supports the national government’s broader strategy for museum modernization and enhanced cultural accessibility. The partnership delineates clear operational roles: Banreservas will assume responsibility for the physical integrity of the building, encompassing structural maintenance, safety protocols, and overall security. Concurrently, the DGM will maintain its curatorial duties, retaining full ownership, custody, and conservation authority over the museum’s invaluable collections and cultural assets.

    The collaborative framework extends to the efficient management of shared common areas, establishing protocols to ensure the seamless execution of cultural programming. This structured cooperation is designed to optimize the dissemination of cultural content and reinforce heritage preservation efforts. This initiative is strategically aligned with the national government’s 2024–2028 development plan, highlighting Banreservas’ sustained commitment to fostering educational opportunities, social inclusion, and cultural development throughout the Dominican Republic.