In his concluding address to the Good News Catholic Communications (GNCC) panel on the Age of Civil Responsibility (ACR) Bill, Bishop Clyde Harvey delivered a series of thought-provoking insights. He emphasized that the bill does not strip parents of their rights but ensures that children in need receive necessary support. Harvey highlighted that the core issue lies not in legislation but in education, pointing out the church’s diminished role in educating teenagers and parents. He debunked the Caribbean myth that parents universally discourage sexual activity, noting that some even encourage it. Harvey underscored the church’s duty to protect the vulnerable, particularly children, and concluded with a powerful appeal: ‘The bill must be withdrawn in its present form and reintroduced in the new parliamentary session, preceded by a thorough review to align it with our deeper goals, including proper family education.’ This call for responsible leadership stands in stark contrast to the pervasive silence of many religious leaders on the sexual crisis. The article questions the church’s failure to address intimate partner violence, incest, rape, and adolescent pregnancy, largely driven by adult men. It critiques the church’s deviation from its mission of love, inclusion, fairness, and justice, attributing its timidity to cultural stigmatization of sexuality. The piece invokes the legacies of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, who championed justice and condemned silence. It concludes with a poignant inquiry into the absence of courageous voices among faith leaders, labeling their silence as scandalous. The article is co-signed by Tonia Frame, PhD, President of the Grenada Planned Parenthood Association (GPPA), and Fred Nunes, PhD, Consultant for Advocates for Safe Parenthood: Improving Reproductive Equity (ASPIRE).
分类： society
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Unchecked coastal projects threaten Barbados’ identity, says UN youth advisor
A United Nations climate advisor has raised alarms over the unchecked expansion of hotels and high-rise condominiums along Barbados’ coastline, warning that such development is eroding the island’s natural beauty and ecological integrity. Speaking at the Barbados Youth Climate Action Summit and Expo, Ashley Lashley, a prominent environmental advocate, criticized the prioritization of profit over sustainability, calling for a fundamental shift in how progress is measured.
Lashley, who also heads the Ashley Lashley Foundation, highlighted the visible consequences of coastal development. “When you drive around Barbados, you see hotels and condos growing taller by the week, restaurants creeping closer to the beach, and this is labeled as progress. But progress for whom?” she questioned. She expressed deep concern over the loss of natural spaces, particularly beaches, which are vital to the island’s identity and future generations.
Lashley argued that Barbados’ economic model rewards resource extraction rather than environmental protection. “We celebrate every new building, every ribbon cutting, but where’s the recognition for the reef that died last year or the mangrove that protects us from floods?” she asked. She likened current development practices to “capitalism dressed up as progress,” emphasizing that the true cost of this approach is already evident in the form of droughts, heatwaves, and increasingly severe hurricanes.
Joining Lashley at the summit, Selwin Hart, Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General on Climate Action, echoed her concerns, noting that the Caribbean is disproportionately affected by climate change despite contributing minimally to its causes. “The region is paying the highest price for a crisis it did not create,” he said. However, Hart praised the Caribbean’s resilience and innovation, citing initiatives such as solar microgrids, mangrove restoration, and climate-smart farming as examples of regional leadership.
Both speakers called for urgent action and unity, urging young people to continue advocating for sustainable solutions and amplifying the Caribbean’s voice on the global stage. “The world is watching the Caribbean,” Hart said. “Let us transform vulnerability into leadership and injustice into momentum for change.”
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Police Seize Suspected Stolen Items in Multiple Operations
In a significant move to combat criminal activities, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has successfully seized a substantial amount of suspected stolen items. Over the past 72 hours, the police executed a series of coordinated search warrants across multiple communities on the island. The operations led to the confiscation of various goods, including garden tools, electrical appliances, light fixtures, and household items. Several individuals are currently under interrogation as part of the ongoing investigations. The police have urged victims of break-ins and larceny to contact the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at 462-3913 to assist in identifying and reclaiming their property. Additionally, the Police Administration has emphasized the importance of securing homes and businesses and promptly reporting any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or by calling 911. This crackdown highlights the police’s commitment to maintaining public safety and reducing crime in the region.
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VWPU schort beraad op – onderwijs aan universiteit hervat
The ongoing deliberations of the Scientific Personnel Union (VWPU) at the Anton de Kom University of Suriname (AdeKUS), which began on October 7, have been temporarily paused following a request from Minister of Education, Science, and Culture, Dirk Currie. This decision was made during an emergency meeting of the union’s general assembly. Meanwhile, educational and examination activities at AdeKUS have resumed. The VWPU had received an invitation from the ministry on October 9 for discussions, which took place on October 13. The meeting, attended by ministerial staff and university management representatives, concluded with an agreement to collaboratively work on long-term solutions for the scientific staff’s conditions. A negotiation team comprising experts from the ministry and the university has been formed to address these issues. Minister Currie requested the pause in union deliberations while talks are ongoing, a request the VWPU has honored. The union emphasized that discussions have been constructive and remain focused on sustainable improvements within the university.
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Dowlath: Verbal bullying can leave lasting wounds
In a powerful address at the Secondary Schools Anti-Bullying Conference held on October 15 at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) in San Fernando, Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath emphasized the importance of creating safe, inclusive, and emotionally supportive learning environments in schools across Trinidad and Tobago. Dowlath urged students to use their voices constructively, to heal rather than harm, and to stand against bullying in all its forms. He highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering holistic growth in students, not just academic excellence. Dowlath referenced the ministry’s anti-bullying code of conduct, which imposes clear penalties for offenders but also focuses on repairing relationships and restoring harmony among students. He stressed that eliminating bullying requires a collective effort from principals, teachers, school safety officers, parents, and students alike. The minister underscored the role of adults in ensuring that every classroom, corridor, and play area is a safe space. The conference, themed ‘Getting to the Root of It: Bullying Identification and Prevention,’ marked its 11th year and featured dramatic skits by students addressing the issue. Dowlath encouraged students to speak up when they witness bullying and to support one another, reminding them that bullying encompasses emotional and verbal abuse as well as physical aggression. He reiterated the ministry’s prioritization of social and emotional learning through its School Support Services (SSS), which include guidance counselors, social workers, and psychologists. Feature speaker Jenna Julien echoed Dowlath’s sentiments, warning students about the profound impact of hurtful words. The event concluded with Dowlath calling for the conference to inspire a nationwide movement of kindness and real change in schools.
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Student found dead at UWI in suspected suicide
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A tragic incident unfolded at the University of the West Indies (UWI) on Thursday when a student was discovered deceased in her dormitory. The young woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, was a resident of George Alleyne Hall and a member of the Faculty of Social Sciences. Her roommate made the grim discovery, prompting immediate concern and speculation of suicide as the cause of death. In response to the heartbreaking event, UWI has swiftly activated its support mechanisms to assist students grappling with the emotional aftermath. Local law enforcement has launched an investigation to determine the precise circumstances surrounding her untimely demise. The university community is mourning the loss while awaiting further details from authorities.
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Firearm, ammo seized in Kingston 13
In a decisive operation on Wednesday, October 15, law enforcement officers in Kingston, Jamaica, successfully confiscated a Glock pistol along with a magazine loaded with seven 9mm rounds. The incident unfolded around 6:00 pm on Lane Gem Road in Kingston 13, where a police team, acting on actionable intelligence, descended upon a specific location. Upon arrival, officers encountered three individuals who immediately attempted to flee upon spotting the authorities. In a swift response, the officers pursued the suspects, managing to apprehend one of them. A subsequent search of the vicinity led to the discovery and seizure of the firearm and ammunition. The detained individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, was promptly taken into custody. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to curb illegal firearm possession and enhance public safety in the area.
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Indian High Commissioner urges citizens to remember the importance of unity
Dr. Pradeep Rajpurohit, the Indian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, expressed his profound appreciation for the enduring preservation of Indian traditions and culture during the Divali Nagar celebrations in Chaguanas. Speaking at the Diplomats’ Night on October 14, Rajpurohit highlighted the significance of the event, which marks 180 years since the arrival of Indentured Indians to the Caribbean nation. He credited the ancestors for their resilience in maintaining Indian philosophy and values, known as Sanskars, despite the challenges of their journey. Rajpurohit shared his personal connection to the festival, recalling his departure from India during Divali two years ago and his joy in being able to celebrate it in Trinidad and Tobago, home to one of the largest Divali celebrations outside of India. He praised the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) for its 38 years of dedication to showcasing Indian traditions, arts, and cuisine. Rajpurohit also extended condolences for the passing of former NCIC presidents and emphasized the festival’s theme of Loka Sangraha, which promotes global welfare and unity. Additionally, he encouraged the diaspora to apply for the Overseas Citizenship of India card and highlighted the strengthening of bilateral ties through initiatives like the provision of prosthetic limbs to Trinidad and Tobago nationals. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced plans to establish an artificial foot center in the country, benefiting both locals and the wider Caricom region.
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Tobago love
In the heart of Tobago’s lush landscapes lies Adventure Eco-Villas, a sanctuary for birds and wildlife, where Agnes and Anthan Solomon have woven a life of love, dedication, and harmony with nature. Their story is one of resilience, cultural fusion, and a shared passion for preserving the environment. Agnes, born in Mabaruma, Guyana, and raised in Georgetown, found her calling in Tobago after a serendipitous meeting with Anthan, a Tobagonian with a deep-rooted connection to the land. Together, they have transformed Adventure Eco-Villas into a haven for both wildlife and visitors, blending their unique backgrounds into a life of service and stewardship. Agnes’ journey from Guyana to Tobago, her reunion with her indigenous roots, and her eventual marriage to Anthan are testaments to the power of love and perseverance. Anthan, a jack-of-all-trades with a background in construction, landscaping, and hospitality, has dedicated his life to maintaining the beauty and functionality of the eco-retreat. Their shared commitment to the environment and each other has created a legacy that continues to inspire. As they guide visitors through the trails, Agnes and Anthan not only share the wonders of nature but also their remarkable story, a testament to the enduring power of love and the importance of caring for the land.
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Investigation launched into cash stolen from Beryllium truck
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Beryllium, a prominent local security firm, has initiated an internal investigation and is collaborating closely with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) following a significant cash theft from one of its armored vehicles last Saturday. The incident has prompted heightened scrutiny and swift action from the company. In a statement released on Thursday, Beryllium expressed confidence in the ongoing advanced investigative efforts, anticipating positive outcomes that will lead to the recovery of the stolen assets and the apprehension of the perpetrators. The company reassured its clients that the safety and integrity of its operations remain its utmost priority. Beryllium emphasized that every possible measure is being taken to resolve the matter quickly and effectively, ensuring minimal disruption to its services and maintaining trust with its customers.