分类: society

  • The Uruguayan brigade “Fidel Castro” traveled to Cuba with aid

    The Uruguayan brigade “Fidel Castro” traveled to Cuba with aid

    A contingent of Uruguayan citizens representing diverse segments of society has embarked on a humanitarian mission to Cuba, carrying both medical resources and a profound message of international solidarity. The group, formally designated as the ‘Fidel Castro’ brigade, departed from Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo with a cargo of essential medical supplies and pharmaceuticals meticulously packed in their luggage.

    Complementing the tangible aid, the delegation transported a financial contribution of approximately $17,000. This sum was accumulated through a nationwide fundraising campaign orchestrated by the Coordinating Committee in Support of the Cuban Revolution, which saw active participation from ordinary citizens, political groups, and various social organizations. These funds are expressly destined to bolster the Caribbean nation’s public health infrastructure.

    The brigade comprises a cross-section of Uruguayan society, including students, active workers, and retirees, all united by a common purpose. For many, like Lucia Moderneli, a sociology student at the University of the Republic, the journey represents the fulfillment of a deeply personal and political ambition. “I am fulfilling a political dream of expressing my support for the Cuban people, and a family dream, since my father always wanted to make this journey but couldn’t,” Moderneli explained in an interview with Prensa Latina.

    The mission is widely perceived by its participants as a reciprocal act of gratitude. For nearly two decades, Cuba’s Operation Miracle program has provided free ophthalmologic surgeries across South America, notably in Uruguay. Moderneli highlighted this legacy, expressing profound thanks on behalf of the estimated 130,000 Uruguayans—including her own grandfather—who have regained their eyesight through the skill and generosity of Cuban medical professionals. This initiative, she stated, is a modest effort to ‘return Cuba’s internationalism and cooperation with the world.’

  • Two Horses Stolen from Spring Hill Riding Club

    Two Horses Stolen from Spring Hill Riding Club

    Authorities at Spring Hill Riding Club have launched a public appeal following the overnight theft of two prized horses from their facilities. The incident, which occurred under cover of darkness, has sent shockwaves through the local equestrian community and triggered an extensive search operation.

    The missing horses, identified as Mars and Fizz, possess distinctive physical characteristics that authorities hope will aid in their recovery. Mars presents as a dark brown equine with a uniquely groomed pattern on his hindquarters—a carefully clipped design featuring both a heart and crescent moon. His companion Fizz displays a solid chestnut coloration without additional markings.

    Law enforcement officials have issued guidelines for public assistance, requesting heightened vigilance regarding any unusual equine transportation activities or sightings of unfamiliar horses in the region. The appeal extends particularly to rural property owners, trail riders, and transportation workers who might observe suspicious equine movement.

    Equestrian organizations throughout the region have been formally notified and asked to circulate descriptions of the stolen animals. Veterinary clinics, feed suppliers, and competition venues have additionally been placed on alert to prevent potential resale or concealment attempts.

    The emotional impact on stable staff and riders who developed bonds with these animals has been significant, with club representatives emphasizing the horses’ value extends beyond monetary worth to encompass deep emotional connections. Investigators continue pursuing multiple leads while analyzing forensic evidence recovered from the scene.

  • Macron says France to fast-track social media ban for under-15s

    Macron says France to fast-track social media ban for under-15s

    In a landmark policy announcement, French President Emmanuel Macron has declared his administration’s intention to accelerate the implementation of stringent social media access restrictions targeting children under the age of 15. This decisive move represents one of Europe’s most aggressive regulatory approaches to protecting youth in the digital sphere.

    The proposed framework, which would require parental authorization for social media platform access, stems from growing concerns about the psychological impact of unrestricted digital exposure on developing minds. Macron’s administration cites mounting evidence linking excessive social media usage to increased anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying among adolescents.

    This initiative forms part of a broader European digital sovereignty strategy that seeks to establish comprehensive safeguards for vulnerable populations online. The French government is reportedly collaborating with major technology firms to develop verifiable age-verification mechanisms that would enforce the proposed restrictions without compromising user privacy.

    Educational experts and child development specialists have largely welcomed the announcement, though some digital rights advocates have raised concerns about implementation challenges and potential unintended consequences. The policy is expected to undergo parliamentary review in the coming months, with potential implications for similar legislation across the European Union.

    The accelerated timeline reflects the administration’s commitment to addressing what it characterizes as a public health priority, positioning France at the forefront of global efforts to create safer digital environments for children.

  • Browne urges citizens to help keep Antigua and Barbuda clean amid tourism growth

    Browne urges citizens to help keep Antigua and Barbuda clean amid tourism growth

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has issued a compelling appeal for heightened civic responsibility regarding environmental maintenance in Antigua and Barbuda, emphasizing that littering and dilapidated structures jeopardize the nation’s tourism attractiveness. During his address at Thursday’s inauguration of a new cruise terminal, Browne underscored that environmental preservation is equally crucial as governmental infrastructure investments. He expressed concern over pervasive indiscriminate waste disposal and abandoned properties, while highlighting ongoing governmental efforts to demolish derelict residences and enhance public spaces through beautification initiatives. Browne clarified that public tourism investments aim to elevate living standards, but citizens must correspondingly contribute by sustaining clean surroundings and delivering superior service quality. “We’re investing heavily in our people, but our people now have to reciprocate,” he asserted. This call to action coincides with Antigua and Barbuda’s strategic positioning as a premier Caribbean cruise destination, with the new terminal anticipated to significantly boost visitor arrivals. Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez noted remarkable transformations in the port area since the administration assumed office eleven years ago, eliminating what he characterized as an embarrassing waterfront formerly marred by sunken vessels. Additional cruise-oriented developments are scheduled for Barbuda, Barnacle Point, and other locations within the next three to five years, with officials cautioning that environmental standards must advance synchronously with facility upgrades.

  • Missing: Kyle Antonio Callender

    Missing: Kyle Antonio Callender

    Authorities in Barbados have launched a public search operation for 24-year-old Kyle Antonio Callender, who has been missing since January 15, 2026. The young man, who also goes by the alias ‘Dadas’, is a resident of Robinson Land in the parish of St. Philip.

    According to the official police description, Callender stands approximately six feet tall with a slender build and dark complexion. His distinguishing physical characteristics include an oval-shaped head with closely cropped hair, a pointed chin, and small pierced ears. Additional identifying features comprise a small nose, thick lips, and a distinctive tattoo on his left forearm bearing the name ‘Maureen’.

    When last seen, Callender was dressed in a white t-shirt paired with black shorts and black sneakers. Police investigators note that the missing individual has historical patterns of extended absences from home and is known to frequent the Nelson Street area in Bridgetown, St. Michael.

    The Royal Barbados Police Force has urged anyone with information regarding Callender’s whereabouts to immediately contact District ‘C’ Police Station at 416-8200 or 416-8204. Alternative reporting channels include the Police Emergency hotline at 211, the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-TIPS (8477), or any local police station.

  • Sophia’s Lust herdenkt slachtoffers busongeluk met stille loop en gebed

    Sophia’s Lust herdenkt slachtoffers busongeluk met stille loop en gebed

    The Sophia’s Lust neighborhood in Suriname witnessed a poignant silent procession on Saturday as residents gathered to memorialize victims of last week’s devastating bus accident that claimed five lives and left 21 injured. Organized collaboratively by community activists and grieving families, the solemn march drew dozens of participants who carried candles through the residential area in a powerful display of collective mourning.

    The procession route intentionally passed by the homes of deceased community members, with participants pausing at each residence to offer condolences and emotional support to affected families. Winston Lamé, who lost his eldest sister in the tragedy, articulated the dual purpose behind the memorial event. “This march serves both as a call for improved road safety measures across Suriname and as moral support for bereaved families during this grieving process,” Lamé explained. “Essentially, all of Sophia’s Lust shares in this loss—approximately 80% of those involved in the accident hail from our community.”

    In response to the tragedy, authorities have implemented immediate safety measures, constructing speed bumps along Veldhuizenlaan within 24 hours of the incident. The collision occurred when an unlicensed driver failed to yield right of way, striking the bus at the intersection of Veldhuizenlaan and Johannes Mungrastraat. The suspect driver has been taken into custody pending further investigation.

    The community will continue its memorial observances with a collective prayer session scheduled for Sunday morning at 9:00 AM at the accident site, further demonstrating the neighborhood’s unified approach to healing and advocacy for improved traffic safety protocols.

  • Man fined $2,000 after pleading guilty to drug charges

    Man fined $2,000 after pleading guilty to drug charges

    A St. James resident has been convicted on multiple narcotics charges following a court appearance at the District ‘A’ Traffic Court this past Saturday. Chad Roosevelt Elija Chase, 30, of West Terrace, St. James, entered a guilty plea before Magistrate Alison Burke for six distinct drug offenses.

    The charges encompassed possession, trafficking, and intent to supply both cannabis and cocaine. The court imposed a financial penalty of $2,000, mandating payment within a sixty-day period. Failure to comply will result in a three-month custodial sentence at the Barbados Prison Service facility in Dodds.

    According to official reports, the Barbados Police Service Narcotics Unit apprehended and formally charged Chase in relation to illicit activities dated January 23. Law enforcement authorities confirmed the seizure of suspected cannabis with an approximate weight of 21 grammes, carrying an estimated street value of $105. Additionally, officers confiscated roughly 1.7 grammes of suspected cocaine valued at approximately $85.

    The judicial outcome highlights ongoing efforts by Barbadian authorities to combat drug-related crimes through both legal prosecution and financial penalties.

  • Monorath: Situatie bij Zijin levensgevaarlijk, brandstichting onacceptabel

    Monorath: Situatie bij Zijin levensgevaarlijk, brandstichting onacceptabel

    Suriname’s Justice and Police Minister Harish Monorath has expressed profound regret over a fatal incident at the Zijin Rosebel Gold Mines in Brokopondo that resulted in the death of a 26-year-old illegal miner. The minister characterized the mining area as persistently hazardous due to repeated intrusions by unauthorized gold seekers.

    Minister Monorath clarified that the Chinese multinational mining company operates within established regulations, provides employment opportunities, and contributes tax revenue to the state. However, he acknowledged the economic desperation driving individuals to infiltrate the mining site for subsistence. “These activities occur in an extremely life-threatening manner,” Monorath stated, noting that illegal miners frequently position themselves near heavy machinery and crushing operations during rock processing activities.

    The tragedy unfolded when security personnel attempted to evacuate individuals from the active work zone. During this operation, one man fell into a mining pit and succumbed to his injuries. The situation escalated dramatically as remaining illegal miners refused to disperse from the facility.

    Following the fatality, enraged protesters set multiple company assets and vehicles ablaze. The mining enterprise, in coordination with security forces, withdrew personnel and equipment to secure locations. Police reinforcements dispatched to contain the violence faced projectile attacks from aggrieved individuals.

    In response to the deteriorating security situation, authorities deployed additional police units and military personnel to restore order. Minister Monorath emphasized the unacceptable nature of the destruction against multinational property and assaults on law enforcement officers. He highlighted existing government-level agreements and noted that mining revenues fund essential public services nationwide.

    The minister prioritized immediate stability and civilian safety while indicating future dialogues to seek middle-ground solutions. Monorath unequivocally condemned violent responses and property destruction as illegitimate means of conflict resolution.

  • Power outages affect DGII platforms and paralyze the sale of vehicle registration stickers and online services

    Power outages affect DGII platforms and paralyze the sale of vehicle registration stickers and online services

    The Dominican Republic’s General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII) announced a significant service disruption on Saturday due to electrical infrastructure failures that crippled its technological platforms. The outage has severely impacted the agency’s Virtual Office (OFV), preventing citizens from accessing critical digital services including tax payments and vehicle registration sticker purchases.

    According to an official statement released by the tax authority, the electrical issues have rendered key digital services inaccessible. The DGII’s technical teams are actively working to resolve the system failures and restore full functionality, though no specific timeline for complete recovery has been provided.

    The technological breakdown has created tangible problems for Dominican citizens. Multiple authorized banking institutions reported being unable to process vehicle registration sticker sales throughout Saturday due to the system-wide outage. Customers visiting various bank branches received uniform notifications about the DGII’s system failure, leaving them unable to complete mandatory vehicle registration procedures.

    Beyond sticker sales, taxpayers encountered substantial difficulties attempting to fulfill their fiscal obligations digitally. Users attempting to access the DGII’s virtual platform received various error messages, including notifications indicating that requested web pages were non-existent or temporarily unavailable.

    The tax authority has issued a formal apology to taxpayers for the inconveniences caused by the service disruption. The DGII has committed to providing ongoing updates regarding system restoration progress and will announce when services return to normal operational capacity.

  • Berquin : Laying of the foundation stone for the Departmental Directorate of the Police

    Berquin : Laying of the foundation stone for the Departmental Directorate of the Police

    A landmark ceremony in Berquin, Nippes Department, on January 22, 2026, marked the formal commencement of construction for the new Departmental Directorate of the Haitian National Police (PNH). The event, while symbolic, follows four months of significant construction progress on the modern facility, which aims to substantially enhance the PNH’s institutional footprint in the region.

    The project is strategically designed to address critical public safety expectations and bolster security governance. The presence of a diverse delegation underscored its national importance and international backing. Attendees included Mayor Anne Myriam Loiseau Luima of Miragoâne, judicial dignitaries, religious leaders, and key international figures such as Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Nishiuchi and Xavier Michon, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Haiti.

    High-ranking PNH officials, including Inspector General Mario Aubergiste, Chief of Staff to the Commander-in-Chief, were also present, highlighting the project’s alignment with the force’s strategic modernization goals.

    Xavier Michon of UNDP reiterated the organization’s steadfast commitment to aiding the Haitian government in fortifying its public security institutions. He articulated that the new infrastructure would be pivotal in improving officer working conditions and nurturing a more collaborative relationship between the police force and the local community.

    Local leadership welcomed the initiative. The Mayor of Miragoâne hailed the project as a beacon of hope for the people of Nippes, essential for ensuring social peace and fostering local development through a better-equipped police force.

    Ambassador Nishiuchi reaffirmed Japan’s ongoing support for Haiti’s stabilization and institutional strengthening, positioning Japanese cooperation as a vital catalyst for enhancing security and promoting sustainable development.

    Inspector General Aubergiste emphasized that the construction is a core component of the High Command’s vision to decentralize and modernize the PNH’s operational capabilities. He extended profound gratitude to the national and international partners supporting these efforts.

    Post-ceremony, the delegation conducted an assessment of the nearby Miragoâne Police Station, which has been operating from temporary prefabricated structures since being severely damaged in the devastating January 2010 earthquake. This visit highlighted the urgent need for permanent infrastructure, as the current conditions have long impacted both police personnel efficacy and public service quality.