分类: society

  • Man Nearly Threw Away $5K Scratch and Win Ticket

    Man Nearly Threw Away $5K Scratch and Win Ticket

    In a remarkable turn of fortune, an Orange Walk resident experienced an extraordinary financial windfall after nearly discarding what he believed to be a minimal-value lottery ticket. The man, who has chosen to remain anonymous, secured a five-thousand-dollar prize from a Scratch and Win game purchased on impulse at Sky City Supermarket in Ladyville.

    The winner recounted his initial misconception during an interview, explaining: “I actually was going to toss the ticket because I thought it was just a dollar. But when I looked more carefully, I noticed a five followed by two zeros. I continued scratching, initially believing I had won fifty dollars. The revelation of three additional zeros brought overwhelming excitement and gratitude.”

    When questioned about his plans for the unexpected funds, the fortunate player demonstrated familial devotion, stating his intention to primarily assist his siblings. “It’s not an enormous amount, but I’ll share portions with them,” he commented, adding that remaining funds would be allocated for his child’s future needs.

    Despite his recent success, the winner maintained a balanced perspective on lottery participation. When asked whether he would encourage others to play, he responded: “Of course they should try. You can win if you attempt. I’ve been trying for a while and ultimately succeeded, so others can too.”

    The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of instant lottery games and serves as a cautionary tale about carefully verifying tickets before disposal. This win follows recent reports of nine jackpot winners in Belize’s Million Dollar Lottery, indicating a period of notable lottery success throughout the region.

  • 18-year-old Kaleb Ottley missing

    18-year-old Kaleb Ottley missing

    Authorities in Barbados have launched a public appeal for information regarding the disappearance of 18-year-old Kaleb Ottley from the Ellerton parish of St. George. The teenager was last observed on the morning of Monday, January 19, at approximately 6:50 a.m. near his residence at Waverley Cot.

    Ottley is described as having a slim physique, standing at five feet seven inches tall, with a dark complexion. His distinguishing facial features include small eyes, a bulbous nose, and thin lips. A small scar is visible on the left side of his neck. At the time of his disappearance, he was attired in casual beach shorts colored blue and a grey T-shirt.

    The Barbados Police Service has disclosed that the missing individual has been diagnosed with a psychological disorder and possesses a documented tendency to wander from his home without notice. His physical demeanor is characterized by an unusually erect posture, and his speech patterns are marked by a distinct Vincentian accent.

    Law enforcement officials emphasize the urgency of this case due to the young man’s medical condition and potential vulnerability. Investigators are urging anyone with relevant information to immediately contact the District ‘B’ Police Station at 437-4311 or 430-7625. Alternative points of contact include the Police Emergency hotline at 211, the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-TIPS (8477), or any local police station. All information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.

  • Truck driver dies after falling into Ozama River at Port of Santo Domingo

    Truck driver dies after falling into Ozama River at Port of Santo Domingo

    A devastating incident unfolded at the Port of Santo Domingo where a contracted truck driver tragically fell into the Ozama River during standard logistics operations, resulting in his death. The fatal accident occurred late at night within the port’s operational perimeter during routine transportation activities.

    Horizon Auto Logistics (HAL) management confirmed that immediate emergency protocols were activated following the incident. General Manager Daryelin Cabrera stated that port authorities and company officials promptly notified all relevant agencies to coordinate response efforts. The National District Fire Department, with assistance from Civil Defense units, successfully recovered the victim’s body from the waters. The remains were subsequently transferred to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) for official procedures.

    In an official statement, Cabrera conveyed the company’s profound condolences to the bereaved family and emphasized that HAL maintains continuous communication to provide comprehensive support throughout this difficult period. The logistics firm has reaffirmed its dedication to full cooperation with investigative authorities to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the tragic event. HAL further emphasized its unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of operational safety, regulatory compliance, and transparency throughout all aspects of its port operations.

  • Illegaal vliegtuig ontdekt op verborgen landingsbaan diep in het binnenland

    Illegaal vliegtuig ontdekt op verborgen landingsbaan diep in het binnenland

    Suriname’s Judicial Intervention Team (JIT) has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against organized crime after discovering a fully operational twin-engine aircraft at a meticulously maintained illegal airstrip deep within the remote Goliath territory. The sophisticated discovery occurred on Saturday, January 17th, during routine aerial reconnaissance missions designed to monitor previously identified clandestine landing strips.

    The aircraft, found in remarkably good technical condition, had been expertly camouflaged with natural foliage including leaves and branches, rendering it virtually undetectable from both aerial surveillance and ground observation. Authorities noted the exceptional concealment efforts demonstrated the advanced operational capabilities of those involved.

    Further investigation of the immediate vicinity revealed substantial quantities of aviation fuel stored in numerous jerrycans, indicating prepared capacity for extended flight operations. The airstrip itself showed signs of recent use and careful maintenance, suggesting regular illicit air traffic in the region.

    Due to the challenging remote location and complex logistical considerations, Surinamese authorities executed a carefully coordinated extraction operation with support from the Air Force of the National Army. The aircraft was successfully started on site and safely flown to Paramaribo for comprehensive forensic examination and further investigation into its origins and suspected criminal connections.

    The Public Prosecutor’s Office communication unit confirmed the operation represents a major disruption to suspected criminal networks operating in the country’s interior regions, though specific criminal activities connected to the aircraft remain under investigation.

  • Magistrate Oliver Thomas passes away

    Magistrate Oliver Thomas passes away

    The legal fraternity has been plunged into profound grief following the sudden and unexpected passing of Magistrate Oliver Thomas, who tragically died at the age of 39. The devastating news has sent reverberations throughout the court system and among his professional colleagues, casting a pall over the judiciary.

    Magistrate Thomas’s death occurred on Wednesday, a mere 24 hours after he had actively presided over multiple cases in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court, demonstrating his recent and dedicated commitment to his new role on the Bench. His appointment to the magistracy, which took place earlier this month, marked a significant pinnacle in a legal career characterized by diligent service.

    Prior to his elevation to the Bench, Thomas had established a formidable reputation as a legal professional. Admitted to the Bar in 2014, he dedicated years of service as a Principal State Counsel within the esteemed Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. In this capacity, he played a critical role in the administration of justice, honing the expertise that would later see him appointed to a judicial position. His untimely demise represents a significant loss of a promising legal mind at the very beginning of what was anticipated to be a long and distinguished judicial career, leaving colleagues to mourn not only a respected peer but a cherished friend.

  • Dorsett Recalls Sir Gerald Watt as Fearless Advocate, Demanding Mentor and Builder of Legal Legacy

    Dorsett Recalls Sir Gerald Watt as Fearless Advocate, Demanding Mentor and Builder of Legal Legacy

    In a moving tribute delivered at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, attorney David Dorsett commemorated the extraordinary life and legacy of the late Sir Gerald Owen Anderson Watt, who passed away on December 13, 2025, just six days before his 87th birthday. Drawing from more than two decades of collaborative legal practice, Dorsett painted a portrait of a legal titan whose profound impact extended far beyond the courtroom.

    Dorsett framed his memorial around the philosophical framework of Psalm 90, noting that Sir Gerald’s 31,771 days of life were characterized by purposeful action and institution-building. The senior counsel was celebrated as an architect of enduring legal structures, having established a law firm grounded in principles rather than convenience. His approach to jurisprudence rejected opportunistic financial gain in favor of championing difficult cases that others avoided, viewing the law primarily as an instrument for aiding those in distress.

    The tribute highlighted Sir Gerald’s exacting professional standards, emphasizing his commitment to rigorous preparation, precise legal drafting, and unwavering respect for judicial procedure. Dorsett revealed that his mentor selectively engaged in legal battles guided by strategic principle rather than pragmatism, famously advising that ‘conceding under pressure is an ill-advised course’ unless grounded in fundamental values.

    Beyond his professional accomplishments, Sir Gerald demonstrated remarkable personal investment in his colleagues’ welfare. Dorsett recounted instances during the COVID-19 pandemic when the senior counsel personally ensured his firm’s members received vaccinations and accompanied colleagues to medical appointments. His leadership style blended firm expectations with genuine paternal concern, treating younger attorneys as family members while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.

    Sir Gerald’s distinguished public service portfolio included roles as Attorney General, parliamentarian, Speaker of the House, and chairman of the Electoral Commission. In each position, he brought characteristic diligence, thoroughly studying parliamentary procedure and refusing to accept responsibility for matters beyond his control. Despite health challenges in his later years, he remained actively engaged in legal discourse, maintaining clear visions for his firm’s future and the broader legal profession.

    Dorsett concluded that Sir Gerald’s most enduring quality was his deep commitment to honor, leaving behind a blueprint for professional excellence that would continue to guide generations of legal practitioners in Antigua and Barbuda and beyond.

  • Rotary Club of Dominica hands over refurbished chicken coop to Grand Bay Primary’s 4H Club

    Rotary Club of Dominica hands over refurbished chicken coop to Grand Bay Primary’s 4H Club

    In a landmark initiative blending international cooperation with youth development, the Rotary Club of Dominica has officially transferred a fully renovated poultry housing facility to the 4-H Club at Grand Bay Primary School. The ceremonial handover occurred on January 16, 2026, representing a strategic investment in practical education and food security.

    Funded through a collaborative financial injection of EC $27,000 from the Rotary Club of Gateshead (England) and District 1030 (UK), the project transcends mere infrastructure. The revitalized coop arrives operational, stocked with an initial flock of 50 broilers and 50 layers, ensuring immediate project viability and hands-on learning opportunities.

    Dr. Jermaine Jewel Jean-Pierre, President of the Rotary Club of Dominica, articulated the project’s deeper purpose during the ceremony. He emphasized that the facility serves as a dynamic classroom for cultivating essential life competencies. “This chicken coop is more than a structure; it is an investment in the future of our children,” he stated. The initiative is designed to equip students with tangible skills in animal husbandry, entrepreneurship, teamwork, and livestock management, while simultaneously fostering an appreciation for agriculture’s role in sustainable development.

    The project’s design incorporates a self-sustaining economic model. Principal Evans James expressed profound gratitude to the international Rotary partners, highlighting the project’s dual impact on education and community nourishment. Revenue generated from selling eggs to local residents will be channeled directly back into funding the school’s feeding program and covering ongoing operational costs for the coop, such as feed and supplies.

    The event, attended by students, educators, and Rotary representatives, stood as a testament to the power of global partnerships in driving local community advancement. This poultry project is a component of the Rotary Club of Dominica’s broader commitment to executing impactful, sustainable projects across the island in collaboration with both local and international allies.

  • Police probe fatal shooting in Christ Church

    Police probe fatal shooting in Christ Church

    A brazen daylight shooting in Christ Church has culminated in a homicide investigation after a man was fatally gunned down on Wednesday afternoon. The Barbados police force has launched a full-scale operation following the violent incident along Pegwell Boggs, which occurred at approximately 1:35 p.m.

    Preliminary reports from the Oistins Station indicate the attack was premeditated and targeted. According to official accounts, a group of individuals had congregated in the area when a vehicle abruptly approached the location. An armed assailant emerged from the automobile and unleashed a volley of gunshots toward the assembled group before making a swift escape in the waiting vehicle.

    The victim, struck by multiple rounds, managed to flee a short distance before collapsing outside a private residence. Emergency medical services were promptly dispatched to the scene; however, a attending physician confirmed the man succumbed to his injuries shortly after the assault. The scene has been cordoned off for forensic analysis as detectives work to reconstruct the sequence of events.

    Law enforcement authorities have issued a public appeal for information, urging potential witnesses to come forward with any details that might aid the investigation. The police have emphasized the absolute confidentiality of all tip submissions, directing information to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, the Police Emergency hotline at 211, or the Oistins Police Station at 418-2612/2608. This shooting marks another episode in the region’s ongoing struggle with gun violence, raising concerns about public safety in residential communities.

  • GOB Takes Early Action Ahead of Sargassum Season

    GOB Takes Early Action Ahead of Sargassum Season

    The Government of Belize has initiated proactive measures to address the escalating sargassum threat across the Caribbean region through its specialized National Sargassum Task Force (STF). This coordinated national response comes as satellite monitoring indicates increased sargassum activity heading toward Belizean coastal waters for the 2026 season.

    Co-led by the Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Relations and the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, the STF has identified five priority zones for intervention: San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Seine Bight, Hopkins, and Placencia. The comprehensive preparedness strategy involves both technological and infrastructural enhancements to mitigate the environmental and economic impact of the seaweed influx.

    Strategic acquisitions include specialized shoreline maintenance equipment such as a Barber Beach Rake and replacement components for existing machinery in Placencia. Concurrently, infrastructure assessments are progressing in San Pedro and Caye Caulker to evaluate disposal site suitability and logistical requirements.

    The task force is employing the sophisticated Sargassum Monitoring (SAMTool) platform, which utilizes satellite detection and drift prediction technology to forecast landfall patterns. This advanced monitoring system enables authorities to anticipate accumulation hotspots and optimize cleanup coordination.

    Additional resources deployed include a purpose-built workboat designed for sargassum removal in shallow marine environments and a continuous collection floating unit for near-shore operations. Current operations remain in limited pilot phases, with full-scale deployment across all five locations scheduled progressively as equipment and support systems become operational.

  • Police Chief summarizes recent crime reduction statistics

    Police Chief summarizes recent crime reduction statistics

    Dominica’s law enforcement authorities have announced a substantial decline in criminal activity across the nation for the year 2025. Police Chief Lincoln Corbette presented the annual crime statistics during a press conference, revealing an impressive 11 percent overall reduction in reported crimes compared to the previous year.

    Chief Corbette provided a detailed breakdown of the crime categories showing the most notable improvements. The data indicated a dramatic 27 percent decrease in indecent assault cases, while burglaries fell by 5 percent. Theft incidents plummeted by 45 percent, and cases of taking conveyance without owner’s consent dropped by 26 percent. Violent crime also saw significant reduction with grievous bodily harm decreasing by 25 percent. Sexual offenses showed substantial improvement with unlawful sexual intercourse down 22 percent and incest reports eliminated entirely with no cases recorded in 2025.

    The Police Chief emphasized the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force’s commitment to maintaining this positive trajectory through continued operational reviews and strategic implementations. Corbette highlighted the integration of advanced technologies to enhance officer capabilities and announced recruitment plans to bolster police ranks. The force is actively seeking applicants aged 18-30 to fill existing vacancies.

    To further support crime prevention efforts, authorities encouraged public participation through the Crime Stoppers Hotline (1-800-TIPS or 1-800-8477). Chief Corbette assured complete anonymity for tipsters, explaining that the service is managed externally from Canada, ensuring caller privacy with no identifying information shared with Dominican authorities.