Recent tragic drowning incidents in Trinidad and Tobago have underscored the critical need for enhanced water safety education. On October 2, 57-year-old Collin Trabulay drowned at Flower Pot Beach, Pointe-a-Pierre, following similar fatalities involving 22-year-old Andrew Curtis Clarke at Penzance Beach and 33-year-old Nigel Dudoon at Columbus Bay in August. These events have reignited calls for greater awareness and preparedness around water bodies. Neil A. Daniel, a seasoned swimming coach with over 34 years of experience and founder of Neil’s Swim School and Tsunami Swim Club, has dedicated his life to addressing this issue. Daniel emphasizes that water safety is not just about swimming skills but also about cultivating awareness and vigilance. He warns against complacency, urging individuals to observe their surroundings, avoid risky behaviors like diving into shallow water, and always swim in groups under supervision. Daniel also highlights the importance of securing open water sources at home, such as pools and tanks, to prevent accidents. He identifies four key signs of drowning distress: the wave, the climb, the stare, and the shout. Daniel advocates for formal swim instruction at any age, stressing that learning to swim is a process requiring time and practice. For those hesitant to start, he encourages taking the first step, regardless of age or fear. In emergencies, he recommends non-contact rescues using tools like sticks or ropes, cautioning against high-risk contact rescues. Daniel’s overarching message is clear: water safety is about respect, vigilance, and preparation to prevent tragedies.
分类： society
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Children, 9 and 10, charged with attempted murder and rape in brutal attack on 5-y-o in US
In a deeply disturbing incident in Cleveland, Ohio, a nine-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl have been charged with attempted murder, rape, felonious assault, kidnapping, and strangulation following an attack on a five-year-old girl. The incident, which occurred on September 13, has sent shockwaves through the community. According to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, the suspects were charged in juvenile court, and no further details will be released due to the case’s sensitive nature. The victim’s mother described the harrowing scene, stating her daughter was brutally beaten, assaulted, and ‘scalped,’ leaving her ‘unrecognizable.’ The child had been dropped off at a relative’s home before wandering out and being attacked in a nearby field. The mother recounted the traumatic aftermath, saying her daughter’s injuries were ‘unbelievable,’ with severe bruising, blood covering her body, and her hair forcibly removed. Cleveland police are actively investigating the case, emphasizing the need to protect the privacy and constitutional rights of those involved.
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Catholics mourn passing of ex-American archbishop Gilbert
Archbishop Emeritus Edward Gilbert, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church and former Archbishop of Port of Spain, passed away on October 16 at the age of 88. His death was confirmed by the Archdiocese of Port of Spain in an official statement, which expressed deep sorrow over his loss. Gilbert, an American-born cleric, died in a Redemptorist retirement home in Florida, marking the end of a distinguished ecclesiastical career spanning over five decades. Ordained in 1964, Gilbert’s journey in the church was marked by significant milestones. In 1994, Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Roseau in Dominica, where he spearheaded pastoral and structural reforms. Later, in 2001, he was installed as Archbishop of Port of Spain, a position he held until his resignation in 2011, which was accepted by Pope Benedict XVI. During his tenure, Gilbert strengthened diocesan structures, promoted vocations, and fostered collaboration among clergy, religious orders, and laity. His appointment in Trinidad and Tobago, however, was not without controversy. Following the death of Trinidadian Archbishop Clive Pantin, who had served for 32 years, Gilbert’s appointment as an American cleric sparked dissent within the local priesthood. Rev Clyde Harvey, now Bishop of Grenada, resigned in protest, calling the move a “slap in the face” and a form of “re-colonisation American-style.” Despite the initial backlash, Gilbert’s integrity and contributions to the church were widely acknowledged. The Archdiocese extended prayers for his soul and condolences to his family, the Redemptorist community, and all those he served. May he rest in peace.
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‘NO BRUTE FORCE’
In a decisive move to address the growing concerns surrounding the homeless population at Justice Square in downtown Kingston, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, alongside Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby, announced on Wednesday that individuals loitering in the area will no longer be permitted to remain. The announcement came after a night and early morning visit to the square, which houses the Supreme and Appeal courts, where McKenzie and Swaby engaged with dozens of homeless individuals.
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Teach about Divali Monday
The Presbyterian Board has sparked a debate by limiting religious observances in its schools to Christian celebrations. While the board’s policy aims to protect its religious identity by restricting non-Christian observances to educational purposes, critics argue that this approach should not encroach on regular school hours. The board’s stance, which emphasizes preventing the erosion of its religious beliefs and practices, has been met with mixed reactions. Iqubal Hydal, a concerned citizen, suggests that Presbyterian schools should remain open on non-Christian religious holidays, such as Divali, to educate students about diverse faiths. This, Hydal argues, would place the board on higher moral ground by fostering inclusivity and understanding. The discussion highlights the delicate balance between preserving institutional religious identity and promoting interfaith education in a multicultural society.
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Picasso painting vanishes en route to Spanish exhibition
Spanish authorities have initiated an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of a Pablo Picasso masterpiece, ‘Still Life with Guitar,’ while it was being transported from Madrid to Granada for a scheduled exhibition. The oil-on-canvas artwork, valued at 600,000 euros ($700,000), was part of a showcase organized by the CajaGranada foundation, featuring pieces from private collections. National police sources confirmed the ongoing inquiry but refrained from disclosing further details due to confidentiality protocols. This incident adds to a history of thefts targeting Picasso’s works, which are highly sought after for their immense value. Notably, two of his paintings fetched over $140 million at recent auctions. One of the most infamous thefts occurred in 1976, when more than 100 of Picasso’s works were stolen from the Palais des Papes museum in Avignon, France, though all were eventually recovered. Picasso, born in 1881 in Malaga, Spain, and passing in 1973, remains one of the most influential artists in history, renowned for his groundbreaking experimentation with diverse styles and themes.
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Policewoman found dead at home in St James
In a somber turn of events, 59-year-old police corporal Bibzie Foster was discovered unresponsive at her residence in Brooks Close, Granville, St James, Jamaica, on Wednesday morning. Foster, who was on the verge of retirement, was rushed to a nearby medical facility, where she was pronounced dead. Preliminary reports have not yet disclosed the cause of her sudden passing. Foster was set to retire in November, marking the end of her dedicated service with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The JCF’s Corporate Communications Network (CCN) has officially confirmed her untimely demise. The incident has left the local community and her colleagues in mourning, as they reflect on her contributions to law enforcement and her impending retirement that will now remain unfulfilled.
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‘They don’t want us inside’
In downtown Kingston, Jamaica, a meeting between homeless individuals and local government officials on Wednesday revealed deep-seated resistance to plans aimed at relocating them from Justice Square to shelters. The gathering, held at Marie Atkins Night Shelter on Hanover Street, saw only two individuals express willingness to move permanently, while the majority remained silent or voiced grievances about the shelter’s conditions. Complaints ranged from inadequate food and restrictive policies to alleged verbal abuse by staff. One man recounted, ‘When yuh get di food dem tell wi seh wi haffi leave out,’ while a woman claimed shelter staff often turned them away during rainstorms. Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie acknowledged the issues, promising to address specific complaints, including the removal of a problematic staff member. However, he also urged the homeless to cooperate, emphasizing the dangers of living on the streets, such as past incidents of violence. McKenzie stressed the need for mutual effort to resolve the situation, warning that indiscipline would not be tolerated. Meanwhile, some shelter residents expressed concerns about newcomers disrupting the facility’s cleanliness and order. The relocation initiative follows repeated calls from citizens and the judiciary, particularly after a recent fire at the court building allegedly caused by a homeless individual. Justice Paulette Williams highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue to prevent further incidents. Despite the challenges, McKenzie and Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby remain committed to finding solutions, though the homeless population’s reluctance underscores the complexity of the problem.
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Allow children to be children
In a compelling letter to the editor, Kelli Coombs highlights the pervasive influence of gang leaders on youth and the urgent need for government intervention to address this societal crisis. Coombs reflects on her 2016 article, ‘Gold, girls and guns,’ where a 13-year-old boy aspired to become a gang leader, citing the allure of wealth, power, and societal validation. This aspiration, she argues, is fueled by the legitimization of gang leaders through government contracts, which sends a dangerous message to impressionable children.
Coombs recounts numerous interactions with young individuals who committed crimes under duress from gang leaders, often referred to as ‘the boss.’ These leaders, she notes, wield immense power in their communities, acting as law enforcers, judges, and executioners. One harrowing account involves a young man forced to kill his best friend after a gang leader threatened his mother’s life.
The author criticizes the government’s historical practice of awarding contracts to gang leaders, which perpetuates a cycle of violence and criminality. She calls for immediate action, including audits of HDC apartments to remove unauthorized residents, frequent roadblocks in gang-prone areas, and bolder measures from the Homeland Security Ministry. Coombs emphasizes the importance of protecting children and ensuring they can grow up free from the influence of gang culture.
Her letter concludes with a plea for the government to leverage its authority to dismantle gang networks and create safer communities for future generations.
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ITA temporarily suspends driver’s licence tests at Swallowfield hub
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Island Traffic Authority (ITA) has declared a temporary suspension of driver’s licence and learner’s permit tests at its Swallowfield Service Hub in St Andrew, effective next Tuesday. The suspension is due to scheduled repairs at the facility, which are set to commence on October 21 and are projected to last four to five weeks. During this period, written, yard, and road tests will not be conducted at the Swallowfield location.
To accommodate affected customers, the ITA has advised individuals to utilize alternative service hubs, including the Spanish Town Road Service Hub, the Harbour View Service Hub, and the Spanish Town Service Hub. Those with pre-scheduled appointments for learner’s permits or driver’s licences at Swallowfield will be redirected to the Spanish Town Road Service Hub.
Despite the suspension of testing services, motor vehicle inspections will continue as usual at the Swallowfield facility. Additionally, certificates of fitness will be issued digitally to ensure minimal disruption to customers. The ITA emphasized its commitment to maintaining service efficiency and urged the public to plan accordingly during the repair period.