A 49-year-old man from St Philip, Barbados, has been formally charged with three counts of murder and two counts of conspiracy to commit murder. Nigel Pinder, a resident of Cox Hill, was apprehended by the Barbados Police Service in connection with the deaths of Randy Brathwaite, Junior Taitt, and Shane Renaldo Parris. Additionally, Pinder is accused of orchestrating plots to murder both Taitt and Parris. The charges stem from a series of alleged crimes spanning from June 2023 to January 2024. According to authorities, Brathwaite and Taitt were killed between June 27, 2023, and December 5, 2023, while Parris was murdered on January 13, 2024. The conspiracies to murder Taitt and Parris are believed to have occurred in June 2023 and January 2024, respectively. Pinder is set to appear before the District ‘C’ Magistrates’ Court, located at the Oistins Magistrates’ Court, on Monday to face these charges. The case has drawn significant attention due to the severity of the allegations and the timeline of the incidents.
分类： society
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Flor para Todos Foundation calls for reopening of Chinese businesses in Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo – Rosa Ng, president of the Flor para Todos Foundation, has called on Dominican President Luis Abinader to intervene in the reopening of Chinese-owned businesses recently closed by the Ministry of Housing (MIVED). The establishments were shut down due to structural deficiencies, but Ng underscored their critical role in supporting thousands of employees and their families who rely on these businesses for their livelihoods. The appeal was made during the dual celebration of the 76th anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China and the Mid-Autumn Festival in Santo Domingo’s Chinatown. Ng emphasized the severe economic repercussions of the closures on both Chinese entrepreneurs and Dominican workers, urging authorities to devise a “viable solution” to restore operations. She also expressed appreciation for her team, the Fujianese community, and supporting companies like Dulce Hogar and Suplax for their contributions to the event. As a prominent advocate for Dominican-Chinese relations, Ng stressed that reopening these businesses would significantly benefit the most vulnerable segments of society.
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Santo Domingo to host First World Congress of Veterans
Santo Domingo is set to host the inaugural World Congress of Veterans from September 28 to 30, organized by the Brotherhood of Retired Veterans of the Armed Forces and the National Police. The event, themed ‘The Transition to Retirement,’ will convene delegates from more than 15 countries to explore the multifaceted challenges and opportunities faced by retired service members. Discussions will center on public policies, international collaboration, and the overall well-being of veterans. The congress will feature a robust agenda, including panel discussions and lectures on topics such as national identity, pension systems, physical and mental health, the role of women in retirement, the influence of technology, and global retirement experiences. A highlight of the event will be the screening of the audiovisual series ‘Voices of Experience,’ which will present compelling testimonies from retired military and police personnel. In conjunction with the congress, the Dominican Defense and Identity Museum will be inaugurated, offering visitors a glimpse into the nation’s history through murals, historical artifacts, works by Dominican masters, and interactive exhibits. Major General (Ret.) Valerio García Reyes, president of the Brotherhood, emphasized the significance of the congress as a milestone in honoring veterans and safeguarding national identity.
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Abinader transfers RD$658 million to Santiago City Council for development projects
In a significant move to revitalize Santiago, President Luis Abinader unveiled three transformative projects on Sunday, marking a new chapter in the city’s development. The initiatives include the restoration of the historic Yaque Lodging Center, the creation of the Mirador del Yaque park in the “Nueva York Chiquito” district, and a series of sanitation programs aimed at improving public health and urban aesthetics. These projects are designed to modernize infrastructure, reclaim public spaces, and elevate the quality of life for Santiago’s residents. The Yaque Lodging Center, Santiago’s primary public market, will undergo a comprehensive renovation to serve as a central hub for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local farmers. President Abinader emphasized that this project addresses long-standing community demands and will be developed through inclusive consultations, ensuring representation from all business sectors. The government has committed RD$658 million from the recently approved supplementary budget to fund these endeavors, with approximately 70% allocated to the Yaque Lodging Center and the remainder dedicated to sanitation efforts, including the cleanup of the Gurabo ravine. If the bidding process proceeds as planned, the president anticipates the market’s transformation will be finalized by early 2027, heralding a new era of prosperity and sustainability for Santiago.
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EDITORIAL: Education must be our shared baseline, not a mirror of the past
Across the Caribbean, governments frequently discuss the potential of the orange, green, blue, and purple economies, each promising transformative advancements in areas like sustainable energy and digital innovation. However, these ambitious visions are built on a precarious foundation. Without a robust education system capable of equipping citizens with the skills to navigate a rapidly evolving world, no strategy can achieve lasting success. Education has long been viewed as a reflection of cultural identity, but this nostalgic and prescriptive approach risks trapping curricula in outdated paradigms rather than preparing individuals for future challenges. Instead, education must serve as a shared baseline of orientation, empowering people to interpret, choose, and act in the face of global complexity. The metaphor of driving schools illustrates the dangers of fragmented education: if rules are contradictory, chaos ensues. In a world shaped by globalization, technological disruption, and climate change, citizens need common points of reference to foster collective decision-making. This is not about control but empowerment—a curriculum rooted in abundance and creativity can provide young people with the tools to act with awareness in their communities, economies, and democracies. While informal education through music, family, and community has historically filled gaps left by formal systems, these gaps are now too vast to ignore. A deliberate rethinking of education is urgently needed. This includes integrating indigenous heritage, migration stories, and global forces into history lessons, teaching geography and culture as interconnected, and using language that shapes how children see themselves in the world. UNESCO emphasizes the need to reimagine curricula to value diverse knowledge systems and cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and cooperation. Economically, the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas commits CARICOM states to the free movement of skilled professionals, but this vision falters without comparable qualifications and regional awareness. Without shared grounding, initiatives like the CSME risk stagnation, leaving citizens unprepared to navigate cross-border rights and opportunities. The cost of inaction is high: migration pressures will rise, inequality will deepen, and democratic trust will erode if education fails to prepare young people for local opportunities and contemporary debates. Reform demands political courage, public consultation, and long-term investment, but the rewards are significant. An education system that serves as a baseline rather than a mirror can anchor the Caribbean in global change, empowering citizens to interpret and shape the world together. While culture, music, and family will continue to inspire, the state must no longer rely on informal channels to carry the weight of national orientation. Sovereignty over knowledge is essential, and education must equip citizens with the clarity and context to choose wisely. In a fragmented world, this shared baseline could be the Caribbean’s greatest strength.
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At least 1 dead and 9 others wounded after shooting at Michigan church
A devastating incident unfolded at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, on Sunday, September 28, leaving one person dead and nine others wounded. According to local authorities, a 40-year-old gunman rammed a vehicle through the church’s entrance during a large service, opened fire on attendees, and intentionally set the building ablaze. The fire quickly escalated into a massive blaze, complicating rescue efforts. Police exchanged gunfire with the suspect, ultimately killing him. However, officials fear additional victims may be discovered once it is safe to enter the damaged structure. Grand Blanc, a suburb of Flint, Michigan, is located approximately an hour north of Detroit. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about safety and security in places of worship. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack and to assess the full extent of the damage.
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CJIA police arrested for demanding money from passenger
In a significant development at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Guyana, police officers were arrested on Sunday, September 28, 2025, for allegedly demanding money from a passenger in exchange for releasing her belongings. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) confirmed the incident, citing Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage and other evidence that substantiate the claims. The implicated officers have been placed under close arrest pending a thorough investigation by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).
In response to this incident, the Guyana government has mandated that all law enforcement officers stationed at ports of entry, including airports and border points, must wear body cameras starting Monday, September 29, 2025. This measure aims to bolster accountability and transparency within the force. The GPF reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, emphasizing that any officer found guilty of extortion or bribery will face severe legal consequences.
The GPF also reminded the public that no payments are required to clear lawful items through CJIA or any other port. They urged individuals who encounter such demands to report the incident immediately to the nearest police authority. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of corruption within law enforcement and highlights the government’s commitment to addressing such issues through stringent measures.
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Antigua & Barbuda’s Harold Lovell honoured at 70th birthday celebrations in Canada and at home
Harold Lovell, the United Progressive Party (UPP) caretaker and former finance minister of Antigua and Barbuda, was celebrated with grandeur as he marked his 70th birthday. The festivities spanned both his homeland and the Canadian diaspora, uniting family, friends, and supporters in a testament to his enduring legacy. The Antigua & Barbuda Association of Canada hosted a commemorative event, blending virtual and in-person participation, while celebrations also took place at the iconic Snakepit venue in Antigua. Organizers emphasized the unity of the occasion, stating, “Distance couldn’t dim the joy — it only multiplied it.” Lovell, a pivotal figure in the nation’s politics for decades, was lauded for his vision and contributions that transcend borders. The milestone was not just a personal celebration but also a moment of communal reflection, symbolizing resilience, purpose, and the unbreakable ties between Antigua and Barbuda and its diaspora. Lovell expressed gratitude to both local and overseas communities for their heartfelt recognition, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
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New lord bishop calls for unity
In a momentous ceremony at the Cathedral of St Jago de la Vega in Spanish Town, St Catherine, the Anglican Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands welcomed its 15th Lord Bishop, Right Reverend Leon Paul Golding, on Sunday. The liturgy of induction, investiture, and enthronement began with three symbolic knocks on the cathedral door by Golding, a former suffragan bishop of Montego Bay. Upon entering, he was greeted by a congregation of clergy and laypeople who had elected him during a special synod in March 2025. Adorned in a golden cape and mitre bearing the diocesan emblem, Golding sought permission to enter the church, a tradition followed by his predecessors. The ceremony included prayers for the church, the nation, and Christian causes, culminating in his installation as the spiritual leader of the diocese. Chancellor Zaila McCalla and Registrar Rev Peter DePass officiated the reading of letters conferring episcopal rights and duties. Outgoing Lord Bishop Howard Gregory passed the pastoral staff, a symbol of Christian leadership, to Golding. The service featured hymns such as Noel Dexter’s Psalm 23 and Te Deum Laudamus, accompanied by a fanfare of drums and applause. In his inaugural sermon, Golding emphasized unity within the diverse Christian denominations, quoting 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 and the hymn Summoned by the God who made us. He urged church workers to collaborate with governmental and non-governmental organizations in serving communities. The service included scripture readings by Golding’s daughter LeeAnne and Vincent Lawrence, with Deacon Anna-Lise Wisdom proclaiming the gospel. Representatives from the Roman Catholic and Methodist churches, including Archbishop Kenneth Richards and Rev Wayneford McFarlane, also participated. Music was led by the Diocesan Festival Choir, St Hilda’s Diocesan High School Choir, St Jago High School Choir, and Philippians Steel Band, showcasing Jamaican composers and traditional hymns. Golding, ordained a deacon in 1984 and a priest in 1985, has served in various churches across Kingston, St Andrew, and St James. He was consecrated as a suffragan bishop in 2012 and assumed the role of canonical administrator on January 1, 2025, following Gregory’s retirement. Married to Lauren, Golding has three children actively involved in the church. The diocese will convene an elective assembly in November to determine his successor as bishop of Montego Bay.
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Calabar principal stands firm on dress code
As Jamaica grapples with a renewed debate over school dress codes, Calabar High School Principal Sian Mahay Wilson has staunchly defended the policy, emphasizing its role in fostering psychological well-being, equity, and institutional identity. Speaking during the commissioning of an $8-million infrastructure project funded by Carib Cement Company, Mahay Wilson argued that dress codes standardize students’ appearance and mindset, creating a sense of unity regardless of their backgrounds. She highlighted the policy’s contribution to students’ self-esteem, confidence, and character development, asserting that it prepares them for life beyond school.