The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mr. Winston Gomes, a former Commissioner who served the organization with unwavering dedication and integrity from 2002 to 2009. Mr. Gomes was one of the first five members appointed to the Commission during a transformative era in the nation’s electoral history. His tenure was characterized by professionalism, astute judgment, and a profound commitment to public service. Mr. Gomes played a pivotal role in upholding the credibility and impartiality of the electoral process, earning widespread respect and admiration from colleagues, stakeholders, and the broader community. Chairman Ambassador Arthur G.B. Thomas, on behalf of the Commission, the Supervisor of Elections, and the entire staff, extended heartfelt condolences to Mr. Gomes’ family and loved ones. His legacy of service and dedication to democratic principles will continue to inspire future generations.
分类： society
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LETTER: Learning Shouldn’t Feel Like a Struggle in the Heat
A growing concern has been voiced by students in Antigua and Barbuda regarding the absence of air conditioning in schools, which has made classrooms increasingly unbearable during the recent spell of extreme heat. The uncomfortable conditions have significantly impacted the ability of both students and teachers to focus and maintain productivity in their educational environment. A student from All Saints Secondary School has formally addressed this issue in a letter to the Antigua Newsroom, urging for immediate attention and action. The letter emphasizes the necessity of equipping schools with proper air conditioning systems to foster a more conducive and effective learning atmosphere. This plea highlights a critical infrastructure gap that could have long-term implications on the quality of education in the region. The student’s appeal has sparked a broader conversation about the need for improved educational facilities to ensure the well-being and academic success of future generations. Meanwhile, the Antigua Newsroom continues to offer customizable digital marketing packages, inviting businesses to advertise on their platform to reach a wide audience.
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FEATURED PHOTO: Vista from Penville
Penville, a small yet profoundly significant locale in Dominica, holds a complex tapestry of emotions for its inhabitants and visitors alike. For many Dominicans, it is a place steeped in memories, some of which are tinged with sorrow and loss. Yet, despite its association with tragedy, Penville remains a testament to the resilience and enduring beauty of the region. Nestled amidst lush landscapes and serene vistas, Penville offers a poignant reminder of the past while continuing to captivate with its natural charm. Its dual identity as a site of remembrance and a beacon of beauty makes it a unique and cherished part of Dominica’s cultural and geographical heritage.
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Scores of people seeking ‘vouchers’ shake Financial Complex
An unexpected evacuation occurred at the Financial Complex in Kingstown on Monday, triggered by what employees described as ‘tremors.’ However, investigations suggest that the unusual vibrations might have been caused by an unusually large crowd gathering inside the building. Witnesses reported that a significant number of people were on the upper floors seeking vouchers for household appliances such as fridges and stoves, part of an ongoing giveaway event. ‘The traffic up there was extremely heavy,’ a public servant told iWitness News. ‘The area was packed with people collecting vouchers for appliances.’ The five-storey building, which houses the Office of the Prime Minister on the top floor and the ministries of finance and foreign affairs on other levels, was evacuated around noon after employees reported feeling tremors. Despite the incident, no seismic activity was recorded in or near St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Monday. The government has yet to issue an official statement, and normal operations resumed by Tuesday morning. The Financial Complex, commissioned in the early 1990s, stands on land reclaimed over 50 years ago.
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Teen Charged Over Cashew Hill Assault
A 16-year-old boy has been apprehended and charged in connection with a violent incident that occurred on Cashew Hill Public Road in April. The teenager is accused of assaulting a 15-year-old and allegedly carrying a metal pipe during the altercation on April 11. Additionally, he faces a charge of disorderly conduct by fighting. The arrest was made in the presence of a guardian, and the case has been referred to the relevant authorities for further investigation. The incident has raised concerns about youth violence in the area, prompting calls for increased community vigilance and preventive measures. Authorities are continuing their investigations to ensure justice is served and to address the underlying issues contributing to such incidents.
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AL95 now Tropical Storm Jerry; NODS urges preparedness
As Tropical Storm Jerry continues to develop, the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) has issued urgent warnings to residents of Antigua and Barbuda to prepare for potential severe weather conditions. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the storm, which poses significant risks to the region. According to the latest updates from the Met Office, there is a 47% chance of storm-force winds impacting Barbuda and a 10% chance of hurricane-force winds. For Antigua, the probabilities stand at 22% and 1%, respectively. Residents are advised to stay informed as the situation evolves. NODS emphasizes the importance of having a well-stocked emergency kit, including non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, a battery-operated radio, flashlight, medications, and personal hygiene items. Special attention should be given to vulnerable family members, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with special needs. Additionally, homeowners are urged to secure their properties against potential wind and rain damage and to identify the nearest shelter locations. The Met Office assures that updates will be provided as the storm progresses, urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared.
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Man arrested over deadly January fire in Los Angeles — authorities
LOS ANGELES, United States — A significant breakthrough has been made in the investigation of the devastating Palisades Fire that ravaged an upscale Los Angeles suburb earlier this year. Authorities announced on Wednesday the arrest of a 29-year-old man, Jonathan Rinderknecht, who is suspected of igniting the blaze. Rinderknecht was apprehended in Florida and faces charges of destruction of property by means of fire. Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘The complaint alleges that a single individual’s reckless actions led to one of the most catastrophic fires in Los Angeles history, causing loss of life and extensive damage in Pacific Palisades.’ The fire, which erupted in January, left a trail of destruction in its wake, highlighting the severe consequences of such incidents. The arrest marks a critical step in holding those responsible accountable and providing some measure of justice to the affected community.
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Munroe: Authorities need to ‘build better mousetrap’ after recent escape
In the wake of a startling escape by a murder suspect from the Magistrates’ Court in Nassau, Bahamas, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe has called for a comprehensive review of court security protocols. The incident, which occurred last Thursday, saw 34-year-old D’Angelo Culmer evade custody, sparking widespread concern and prompting urgent measures to prevent future breaches. Culmer, who has been on the run for nearly a week, was remanded in February for the alleged murder of 39-year-old Rudiska Bethel in a drive-by shooting on Ragged Island Street. At the time of the incident, Culmer was already on bail for attempted murder. Munroe emphasized the need to scrutinize closed-circuit camera footage from the court’s holding area to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the escape. He likened the process to ‘building a better mousetrap,’ referencing past incidents where suspects managed to flee custody. The minister stressed that authorities must ascertain whether the escape resulted from negligence or collusion, and hold accountable any individuals found complicit. Culmer’s escape, which occurred around 3:30 pm on October 3, has raised alarms about the vulnerabilities in the court’s security system. He was last seen wearing a blue T-shirt and light blue jeans, with distinctive tattoos of lips on his neck and the name ‘Tiffany’ on his right chest. Munroe urged the public not to assist or shield Culmer, warning that aiding a fugitive carries severe legal consequences. He also highlighted the potential dangers Culmer might face if his case is gang-related, suggesting that rival factions could pose a threat to his safety. Police have yet to release new information on Culmer’s whereabouts, and investigations into the escape remain ongoing. This incident marks one of the longest periods between an inmate’s flight from custody and recapture in recent years, underscoring the urgency of bolstering security measures.
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Number of children displaced in Haiti nearly doubles to 680,000—UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) revealed on Wednesday that approximately 680,000 children in Haiti have been displaced due to escalating gang violence, marking a near doubling of the figure from the previous year. The agency emphasized the urgent need for international intervention to address the humanitarian crisis engulfing the Caribbean nation. In a stark report, UNICEF highlighted that over 3.3 million children are in dire need of humanitarian aid, describing their plight as a ‘daily struggle for survival.’ Roberto Benes, UNICEF’s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, underscored the severity of the situation, stating, ‘Haiti is at a breaking point. This generation cannot keep waiting for help to come.’ The UN has documented over 2,269 grave violations against 1,373 children in 2024 alone, including killings, injuries, sexual violence, and forced recruitment by gangs. Alarmingly, UNICEF estimates that 2.7 million people, including 1.6 million women and children, reside in gang-controlled territories, constituting nearly a quarter of Haiti’s population. The report warned that without immediate restoration of protection services, an entire generation risks growing up in a perpetual state of fear, violence, and exploitation.
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Connecticut man charged for murdering parents
A tragic domestic violence incident in Waterbury, Connecticut, has resulted in the arrest of a 25-year-old man for the alleged murder of his parents. The victims, identified as 51-year-old Carlene Williams and 55-year-old Marc Adams, were found with fatal gunshot wounds at their Beverly Avenue residence on Monday evening. Authorities were alerted to the scene, where the couple was pronounced dead. The suspect, Javan Adams, has been charged with multiple offenses, including murder with special circumstances, murder during the commission of a felony, larceny of a vehicle, and criminal use of a weapon. Javan is currently held on a $5 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. Reports indicate that the suspect has a lengthy criminal history, with over seven prior domestic violence offenses, underscoring the severity of the case. The incident has reignited concerns about domestic violence and its devastating consequences.