分类: society

  • Breaking barriers: Deaf Saint Lucians donate blood for the first time

    Breaking barriers: Deaf Saint Lucians donate blood for the first time

    In a groundbreaking move toward inclusivity, Saint Lucia’s deaf and hearing-impaired community participated in a pioneering blood donation drive on January 24th. The event, held at the Lady Gordon Opportunity Centre in Ciceron—a venue with deep historical significance as the former School for the Deaf—marked the first organized effort specifically designed to accommodate donors with hearing disabilities.

    The initiative emerged from a critical recognition: communication barriers routinely exclude deaf individuals from essential services and civic activities, including blood donation. Standard medical protocols requiring detailed questionnaires and interviews present insurmountable challenges in a society where sign language proficiency remains limited among healthcare professionals.

    Dale St. Juste, Officer in Charge of Special Education at Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Education and leader of the Castries SDA Church’s Deaf Ministries Department, championed this transformative project. The Deaf Ministries program, which provides weekly religious services incorporating both spiritual guidance and practical information often inaccessible to the hearing-impaired community, served as the perfect platform for this outreach.

    St. Juste revealed to St. Lucia Times that most participants had never previously donated blood and were unaware of their blood types. ‘Blood donation constitutes a critical national service vital to our healthcare system,’ he emphasized. ‘With blood stocks frequently reaching dangerously low levels, maximizing participation becomes imperative.’

    Beyond addressing immediate medical needs, the initiative represents a broader movement toward societal inclusion. St. Juste advocates for systemic changes across institutions, urging them to evaluate and adapt their processes to accommodate persons with disabilities. He additionally encourages public engagement with deaf individuals, noting that communication often proves possible even without formal sign language training.

    The successful blood drive demonstrates how targeted efforts can dismantle barriers, offering a model for future inclusive initiatives that empower differently-abled citizens to participate fully in societal activities.

  • Oproep om informatie over overleden Lucia Mildred Harris in Amsterdam

    Oproep om informatie over overleden Lucia Mildred Harris in Amsterdam

    Amsterdam authorities are making a public appeal for information about Lucia Mildred Harris, a Suriname-born woman who will receive a solitary funeral after being discovered deceased in her Amsterdam-Zuid apartment with no known surviving relatives or social connections.

    The 66-year-old woman was found lifeless in her Cornelis Trooststraat residence on January 7th after a concerned neighbor, who hadn’t seen her for approximately a month, alerted police. Forensic investigation confirmed Harris died of natural causes, ruling out any criminal involvement.

    Despite extensive efforts by Amsterdam municipal authorities to locate next of kin, friends, or acquaintances, no personal connections have been identified. This has prompted the Foundation for Solitary Funerals Amsterdam (Stichting De Eenzame Uitvaart Amsterdam) to organize a dignified burial service for Harris, ensuring she receives proper funeral rites despite her apparent isolation.

    The upcoming ceremony will feature poet Antoine de Kom reciting a poem specially composed in Harris’s honor. The foundation will also document the proceedings for archival purposes.

    Limited biographical information exists about Harris’s life. While it remains unclear when she emigrated from Suriname to the Netherlands, records indicate she attended the Charles Montaigne Fashion Academy in Amsterdam in 1980 before studying French at the University of Amsterdam. Her post-graduate professional life and potential career sector remain unknown.

    The foundation expressed particular surprise that an educated and well-groomed woman would apparently lack any visible social network. They are now issuing an explicit appeal to readers in Suriname and the Surinamese community in the Netherlands who might have known Harris or possess information about her family background and life story.

    The funeral is scheduled for this Friday in Amsterdam. Those with relevant information or potential family connections who wish to attend the service are encouraged to contact the Foundation for Solitary Funerals Amsterdam directly.

  • COMMENTARY: Years when our Carnival days fall in two different months

    COMMENTARY: Years when our Carnival days fall in two different months

    The rhythmic pulse of Dominica’s Carnival celebrations follows a complex chronological pattern that few revelers fully comprehend. Historical research reveals that the island’s pre-Lenten festivities, traditionally known as ‘Lendi Mas’ (Carnival Monday) and ‘Madi Mas’ (Carnival Tuesday), adhere to a celestial calendar with fluctuations spanning centuries.

    According to archival records, the earliest possible dates for Dominica’s Carnival occur on February 2 and 3—a phenomenon last witnessed in 1818, during the pre-Emancipation era when Carnival celebrations didn’t officially exist. Astonishingly, this early timing won’t recur until 2285, making it a once-in-millennium occurrence.

    Conversely, the latest possible Carnival dates fall on March 8 and 9, last observed in 1943. The next extended Carnival season will occur in 2038, requiring a 12-year wait for the longest possible celebration period.

    A particularly rare phenomenon occurs when Carnival straddles two months—with Monday in February and Tuesday in March. This occurred most recently in 2022 (had COVID-19 not caused cancellation), following previous instances in 1927, 1938, 1949, and 1960. Analysis reveals an 11-year pattern between these dual-month celebrations, with future occurrences projected for 2033 and 2044—the latter being a Leap Year celebration on February 29 and March 1.

    The timing complexity extends to Easter celebrations, which shift according to lunar cycles. Easter Sunday always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following March 21. The earliest possible Easter date (March 22) last coincided with early Carnival dates in 1818, and won’t realign until 2285.

    Despite these chronological complexities, Dominicans continue celebrating their ‘Mas Domnik’ with equal enthusiasm whether festivities fall in February, March, or across both months—demonstrating that cultural spirit transcends calendar constraints.

  • Historic winter storm kills several, causes mass travel disruption across US

    Historic winter storm kills several, causes mass travel disruption across US

    A catastrophic winter storm of historic proportions has unleashed chaos across the United States, resulting in multiple fatalities and bringing the nation’s transportation networks to a standstill. The ferocious system, characterized by arctic blasts, blinding blizzards, and dangerously icy conditions, has impacted a vast swath of the country from the Great Plains through the Midwest and into the Northeast.

    Authorities have confirmed several storm-related deaths, attributed to traffic accidents, exposure to the extreme cold, and other weather-induced emergencies. The severe conditions have triggered a cascade of travel disruptions, with thousands of flights canceled nationwide and major airlines issuing waivers. Key interstate highways have been rendered treacherous or completely impassable, stranding motorists and prompting officials to implore residents to avoid any non-essential travel.

    Critical infrastructure has also been severely tested. Power outages have left tens of thousands of households in the dark and without heat amidst freezing temperatures, while emergency services are operating at maximum capacity responding to a surge in calls. The storm’s timing during a busy holiday travel period has magnified its impact, leaving countless families separated and holiday plans in disarray. Meteorologists are describing the event as a ‘once-in-a-generation’ weather phenomenon, highlighting its rapid intensification and the record-breaking low temperatures it has delivered.

  • Dancehall artiste Lybran opens Jamaican restaurant in Antigua

    Dancehall artiste Lybran opens Jamaican restaurant in Antigua

    In a testament to entrepreneurial resilience, Jamaican dancehall performer Lybran, celebrated under his stage moniker Rum Boss, has inaugurated an authentic Jamaican dining establishment on the island of Antigua. This venture, christened Reggae Village, materializes five years following his relocation to Antigua and Barbuda and is strategically situated in Willikies along the eastern coastline, en route to the renowned Long Bay Beach and Devil’s Bridge landmark.

    Lybran, born Lamon Morvin Cousins in St. Thomas, Jamaica, revealed to the Jamaica Observer that the conception of Reggae Village was forged amidst the adversities of the COVID-19 pandemic. He characterized this epoch as profoundly challenging yet transformative, catalyzed by the birth of his youngest child which instilled a renewed drive to establish a steadfast livelihood for his family. The enterprise was realized through unwavering determination and significant personal sacrifice.

    While the restaurant’s core mission is to cater to Antigua’s expanding Jamaican diaspora, it has remarkably garnered substantial patronage from the local Antiguan community and international tourists alike. The establishment’s reputation has been elevated by visits from distinguished personalities, including athletes from the West Indies cricket and football squads. This acclaim has facilitated a natural expansion into off-site catering services, broadening the business’s scope.

    Concurrently, Lybran continues to nurture his artistic career alongside his culinary pursuits. His recent showcase at the prestigious One Nation Music Festival in Antigua placed him on a lineup with icons such as Capleton, Gramps Morgan, Mr Vegas, and Masicka. A highlight of the event was an impromptu collaborative performance with Gramps Morgan, who extended an invitation for Lybran to join him on stage for a rendition of his track ‘Rum Talk Part 3’. This surprise appearance astonished many attendees who were previously unacquainted with his musical endeavors, resulting in an outpouring of newfound admiration and support from the audience.

  • UWI lecturer calls for history to be compulsory in all schools

    UWI lecturer calls for history to be compulsory in all schools

    A compelling academic movement is gaining momentum across the Caribbean as distinguished scholars advocate for mandatory history education throughout the region’s school systems. The push comes amid concerns that generations are graduating without fundamental knowledge of their historical identity and struggles.

    During the official launch of “St. Vincent and the Grenadines – A General History to the Year 2025, Volume One” at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill campus, historian Henderson Carter delivered a powerful address emphasizing history’s critical role in national development. The newly presented volume, authored by Vincentian scholars Cleve Scott, Garrey Dennie, and Adrian Fraser, provides an indigenous perspective on Caribbean history, covering topics from native civilizations and European conquest to slavery, resistance movements, and reparatory justice.

    Carter articulated that history serves as the foundation for understanding collective identity, direction, and potential. He expressed alarm that students can complete secondary, community college, and even university education without substantive engagement with historical studies, potentially creating leaders unaware of foundational doctrines like the Monroe Doctrine and its impact on regional politics.

    The academic highlighted concerning societal trends, including disengagement from democratic processes and rising crime rates, which he attributes to historical illiteracy. Carter specifically referenced voting patterns, noting that while only 3,500 people voted in 1935, approximately 95,000 participated in the 1951 elections following intense struggles for black voting rights. This historical context, he argued, remains unknown to many contemporary citizens who disregard their hard-won democratic privileges.

    Supporting Carter’s position, Rodney Worrell, Head of the Department of History, Philosophy and Psychology at UWI Cave Hill, emphasized that proper historical understanding would provide crucial context for current geopolitical developments. He pointed to recent resource disputes involving Venezuela as continuations of historical patterns of external intervention in Caribbean affairs.

    Worrell praised the Vincentian authors for addressing the historical neglect of Eastern Caribbean narratives, particularly compared to the more frequently documented histories of Jamaica and Trinidad. The new volume represents a significant contribution to Caribbean historiography by utilizing indigenous perspectives and previously overlooked sources, focusing on native peoples, genocide, and African enslavement from BP 5000 to 1838.

    The consensus among scholars is clear: integrating comprehensive history education across all academic levels is essential for fostering informed citizenship, national pride, and sustainable development throughout the Caribbean region.

  • Local charity continues to transform lives 13 years later

    Local charity continues to transform lives 13 years later

    In a world grappling with escalating inequality, where countless families face impossible choices between dignity and survival, the critical question has shifted from whether assistance is necessary to identifying those willing to take meaningful action. Vulnerability seldom announces its arrival—it emerges abruptly, silently, and without warning.

    For over a decade, a visionary nonprofit established by Cherry-Ann Pompey-Delpeche has consistently bridged this gap, prioritizing compassion over convenience and choosing decisive action over passive indifference. What originated as modest gestures of kindness has matured into a sustained movement dedicated to ensuring no child, family, or community remains overlooked.

    “For the past 13 years, our organization has served as a beacon of hope and tangible support for vulnerable families throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” states Pompey-Delpeche.

    Since its founding, the charity has extended vital assistance to more than 400 families, distributing essential resources including clothing for all ages, neonatal and adult diapers, bedding sets, footwear, nutritional supplies, sports equipment, educational materials, books, children’s scooters, and toys.

    “Our mission is fundamentally rooted in both compassion and advocacy,” Pompey-Delpeche explains. She recounts how a simple concept shared with her sister—sending supplies to individuals in need—blossomed into a robust charitable enterprise.

    Leveraging her professional background in social work and current practice as a counselor, advocacy for vulnerable populations became an organic and crucial dimension of their efforts. Strategic long-term partnerships, particularly with AGAPE UK–SVG, have significantly amplified the organization’s reach and effectiveness.

    Her counseling practice has exposed the profound and frequently unaddressed needs within local communities, reinforcing the necessity of addressing both psychological well-being and practical burdens through concrete support. The charity consequently provides holistic assistance that targets immediate requirements while fostering long-term stability.

    Key initiatives include the “Pack-a-Bag per Child” program, which delivers school bags stocked with essential educational supplies to students. This effort, supported by associates both locally and internationally, has benefited approximately 150 children. Additional contributions have included customized t-shirts for boys’ development programs across multiple schools.

    During catastrophic events such as the volcanic eruption and Hurricane Beryl, the organization secured and distributed critical aid from Canadian sources, AGAPE UK–SVG, and personal contacts in England. This support provided essential relief to families and shelters during their most challenging periods, with many recipients continuing to express profound gratitude.

    Beyond emergency response, the charity maintains its commitment to community elevation through ongoing projects. Recent distributions include specialized sports gear—football boots, goalkeeper gloves, and shin guards—to the Glenside Ball Blazers FC in Marriaqua and the Richland Park Government Schools Football Team. Educational books were donated to Evesham Methodist School, alongside toys for behavioral modification reward programs encouraging positive student development.

    The organization also identified economically disadvantaged parents, providing crucial newborn supplies such as diapers and infant clothing. The distribution of scooters to children generated particularly memorable moments of pure joy, described by Pompey-Delpeche as “truly indescribable and deeply heart-warming.”

    This spirit of giving was especially evident during the 2025 Christmas season and into January 2026, as children received gifts and supplies. Their emotional responses—beaming smiles, heartfelt hugs, and sincere appreciation—served as powerful affirmations of the initiative’s importance.

    As the organization marks its 13th anniversary, Pompey-Delpeche expresses profound gratitude to partners, supporters, and the families who continually inspire their work. “This charity was born from genuine community love,” she reflects, “and it endures through collaboration, compassion, and our collective belief that together we can drive meaningful change.”

    She concludes with a powerful conviction: “Supporting vulnerable populations transcends mere charity—it represents an act of justice, humanity, and moral responsibility. When we give, we provide more than material aid; we restore hope, dignity, and faith in achievable futures. Every distributed bag, every clothed child, every supported family reaffirms that transformative change begins when ordinary people choose to care. Our work isn’t about recognition—it’s about transformation. And as long as need exists, our mission remains unequivocal: to serve, to uplift, and to remind the world that compassion retains the power to change everything.”

  • Column: Echt leiderschap: de kracht van verantwoordelijkheid boven macht

    Column: Echt leiderschap: de kracht van verantwoordelijkheid boven macht

    Amidst contemporary political parties, organizations, and governments, a concerning pattern emerges where the concept of leadership frequently serves as camouflage for personal ambition and self-interest protection. This pervasive struggle for power masks the authentic essence of what constitutes genuine leadership and when it truly manifests in practice.

    True leadership originates at the micro-level, within workplace environments where public trust begins to erode and fragment. When supervisors neglect their responsibilities and merely muddle through, they initiate a detrimental pattern that gradually permeates throughout organizations. This not only entraps departments in vicious cycles of uncoordinated efforts and stagnant progress but ultimately undermines the very foundation of our societal structure where we live and work collectively. We owe it to ourselves and each other to break this destructive cycle.

    Historical exemplars demonstrate transformative leadership during challenging eras: Nelson Mandela, who embraced reconciliation and national unity after decades of imprisonment; and Jacinda Ardern, who guided New Zealand through crisis years with empathy and decisive action. These leaders exemplify how authentic leadership centers on service and vision rather than power accumulation.

    When leaders hesitate to take decisive action, prioritizing preservation over progress, they foster environments of distrust and stagnation. This contagious atmosphere demotivates employees, paralyzes decision-making processes, and erodes systemic confidence. The consequences prove devastating not merely for organizations but for society at large.

    Genuine leaders make substantial differences when it matters most. They assume responsibility despite potential unpopularity or risks, prioritize collective welfare over personal gain, and inspire others to emulate this approach. True leaders serve the whole community, building trust, stability, and advancement while creating cultures where people feel heard and collaboration prevails.

    During crises, authentic leadership emerges not through bluff or rhetoric but through vision, courage, and decisive action. These critical moments determine whether societies derail or emerge strengthened from adversity.

    The time has arrived to redefine leadership conceptually—not as a struggle for power or status but as a duty toward care, integrity, and connection. Leadership represents a responsibility affecting everyone, beginning with the realization that together we constitute more than the sum of our parts.

    By recognizing and embracing this paradigm shift, we can disrupt patterns of division and stagnation. Thus, we build toward a future where leadership serves as an inspiration source and foundation for sustainable growth and cohesion. Only through this transformation can our society truly flourish and confront tomorrow’s challenges effectively.

  • Dominican Republic commemorates Juan Pablo Duarte Day

    Dominican Republic commemorates Juan Pablo Duarte Day

    The Dominican Republic commemorates the 212th anniversary of Juan Pablo Duarte’s birth on January 26th, paying tribute to the revolutionary architect of the nation’s independence. Born in 1813, Duarte emerged as the ideological cornerstone of Dominican sovereignty, channeling his profound dedication to freedom into tangible political action.

    Duarte’s most significant contribution materialized through the establishment of La Trinitaria, a clandestine organization that masterminded the resistance movement against Haitian domination. This revolutionary cell became the catalytic force that mobilized popular support and strategically orchestrated the struggle for national liberation, demonstrating Duarte’s exceptional leadership and strategic acumen.

    The legacy of this foundational figure endures as a powerful national symbol of selfless patriotism and civic virtue. Duarte’s unwavering commitment to placing national interests above personal gain established an enduring paradigm of leadership ethics. Contemporary Dominican society continues to draw inspiration from his philosophical principles, which emphasized justice, sovereignty, and democratic values as essential pillars of nationhood.

    Educational institutions, government entities, and cultural organizations across the country are conducting special ceremonies and educational programs to honor Duarte’s contributions. These commemorative activities reinforce his continuing relevance as a moral compass for current and future generations, ensuring his revolutionary vision remains embedded in the national consciousness.

  • Families of Jet Set tragedy victims march to demand justice

    Families of Jet Set tragedy victims march to demand justice

    SANTO DOMINGO – Grieving families and supporters gathered in the Dominican capital Sunday for a solemn march and vigil commemorating the upcoming first anniversary of the catastrophic Jet Set Nightclub collapse. The emotional demonstration served dual purposes: honoring the 236 lives lost and demanding accountability for what participants characterize as a flawed judicial process.

    Organized by the Jet Set Justice Movement with support from the Movement of the Ancient Dominican Order, the gathering convened at the Juan Bosch Metro station. Protesters carried banners expressing frustration with the official investigation, particularly alleging that the nightclub’s ownership company has been improperly excluded from legal responsibility. Many described this omission as a profound insult to the victims’ memory.

    The tragedy unfolded on April 8, 2025, during a performance by celebrated merengue artist Rubby Pérez. The structural failure occurred near midnight, collapsing the roof onto hundreds of attendees. The disaster claimed Pérez’s life along with other prominent figures, including former MLB player Vladimir Dotel, while injuring over 100 others.

    The vigil featured emotional testimonials from families who relived their trauma alongside spiritual and political supporters. Father Rogelio Cruz and Deputy Lidia Pérez, sister of the deceased musician, joined the call for comprehensive justice. Participants universally condemned alleged maintenance negligence at the venue and rejected owner Antonio Espaillat’s claims that financial settlements had adequately addressed the disaster’s consequences. Father Cruz emphasized that monetary compensation cannot substitute for true judicial accountability, capturing the movement’s central demand for structural justice beyond economic reparations.