分类： society

Teshawn Steve Lynch, a man with a history of prior court appearances, has admitted to possessing nearly 300 grams of crack cocaine, valued at over $10,000. The admission came during a court hearing on Monday, where details of the case were revealed. Lynch was apprehended in a recent police operation, and prosecutors have emphasized the significant quantity of the dangerous drug involved. Sentencing is scheduled for later this week, with the court expected to take Lynch’s previous convictions into account when determining his punishment. This case underscores the persistent issue of drug-related offenses and their detrimental effects on the community. Authorities continue to address the challenges posed by illegal drug activities, aiming to mitigate their impact on public safety and well-being.

A shocking shooting incident unfolded in Hatton on Sunday evening, culminating in a dramatic car crash that left the community in turmoil. According to reports, two men in a black Toyota BB opened fire at a roadside car wash, demanding information about the whereabouts of a man driving a Toyota Corolla. The assailants discharged several rounds, causing widespread panic before attempting to flee the scene. Their escape, however, was thwarted by a vigilant motorist who pursued their vehicle along Sea Road. In a daring move, the motorist rammed the suspects’ car into a fence, causing significant damage. Law enforcement swiftly responded to the scene, arresting one suspect who is now cooperating with the investigation. Authorities are actively searching for the second suspect. The incident has raised concerns about public safety in the area, with residents calling for increased police presence. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released as they become available.

Barbuda has embarked on a transformative journey to enhance literacy among its youth with the launch of ‘The Lit! Project.’ This pioneering initiative, introduced on September 23, 2025, at the Barbuda Community Centre, is designed to cultivate confident and imaginative readers while fostering a community-wide appreciation for literacy. Spearheaded by The Be Foundation (TBF), the project aims to provide students with access to engaging, age-appropriate books, encourage family and community involvement in literacy development, and spark creativity in young learners. The initiative also seeks to establish sustainable systems to ensure reading success across schools. Under the theme ‘Reading Revolution: Igniting Imagination, Building Bright Futures,’ the project has garnered support from parents, educators, and government representatives. Mrs. Tulip Nicholas-Lee, the project lead, emphasized the importance of reading in shaping brighter futures for Barbudan youth. The launch event featured interactive activities and a call to action for community collaboration to promote a culture of reading. The Lit! Project will continue with a weekly Reading Club and a follow-up community meeting in November, reinforcing its commitment to empowering young minds through literacy.

David Mathias, Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board, has provided a comprehensive overview of the scheme’s historical debt and the measures taken to address it. During an interview on Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne show, Mathias traced the origins of the debt back to the PLM administration, highlighting its escalation during the UPP era, and the ongoing restructuring efforts under the current ABLP government. By the end of 2003, before the UPP assumed office, the Social Security scheme was already burdened with approximately $366 million in arrears. This figure surged by an additional $127 million during the UPP’s tenure, culminating in a total debt of nearly $550 million by 2010. To manage this, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was established, involving a bond and asset swap. Mathias emphasized the current administration’s progress in reducing the bond, transferring assets, and implementing reforms aimed at ensuring the scheme’s sustainability. The interview underscored the complexities of managing public social security systems and the importance of strategic financial reforms.

The parents of nine-year-old Chantel Crump are intensifying their efforts to obtain the findings of a second autopsy, expressing frustration over the prolonged wait for answers regarding their daughter’s tragic death. Chantel was abducted earlier this year while walking home from Five Islands Primary School and was later discovered deceased in Weatherhills. A 20-year-old woman, Angela Mejia, has since been charged with her murder. The initial autopsy proved inconclusive, prompting investigators to send tissue samples abroad for further analysis. The second autopsy report, recently completed by an overseas pathologist, has yet to be disclosed to the family. Police have informed the Crumps that the results will only be revealed in court on November 5, a timeline the grieving parents find unacceptable. ‘We have waited for months,’ Chantel’s father stated. ‘We are her parents. We deserve to know what killed our child.’ The family is scheduled to meet with Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers on Monday to formally request the immediate release of the report. The delay in receiving definitive answers has compounded their anguish, with Chantel’s father emphasizing, ‘We have suffered enough. We just want the truth.’ The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting the emotional toll on families awaiting justice in such harrowing circumstances.