分类: society

  • Police investigate shooting incident

    Police investigate shooting incident

    NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Authorities are actively investigating a shooting that took place in the early hours of Sunday, September 28, 2025, near Soldier Road. The incident resulted in a 19-year-old male being hospitalized with gunshot wounds. Police were alerted to the scene on Red Sea Road shortly after 1:00 a.m., where they discovered the injured victim. He was promptly transported to a medical facility, though his current condition remains undisclosed.

    Initial findings suggest that the victim was accompanied by two acquaintances from Nassau Village, who were riding motorcycles. As the group approached a local church, one of the individuals reportedly drew a firearm and fired at the victim, who managed to escape but sustained injuries to his upper body. Following the incident, law enforcement officers apprehended a juvenile male motorcyclist believed to be connected to the shooting.

    The investigation is ongoing as police work to uncover further details surrounding this violent encounter.

  • Probe continues into fatal accident in Frigate Bay

    Probe continues into fatal accident in Frigate Bay

    Authorities in St. Kitts are intensifying their investigation into a tragic traffic incident that unfolded on the evening of September 25, 2025, at Manor by the Sea in Frigate Bay. The accident, which occurred between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m., involved a vehicle driven by Michael Prendergast, a 50-year-old resident of Cedar Grove, St. Peter’s. Initial reports suggest that Prendergast lost control of his car while descending a slope within the Manor by the Sea Villas compound, leading to a collision with a retaining wall. The impact resulted in severe injuries, and Prendergast was pronounced dead at the scene by the District Medical Officer. To ascertain the precise cause of death, an autopsy is scheduled to be conducted. The police are meticulously examining the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine the factors that contributed to this unfortunate event.

  • The Santo Domingo Metro resumes operations at the Pedro Francisco Bonó station after an incident.

    The Santo Domingo Metro resumes operations at the Pedro Francisco Bonó station after an incident.

    Santo Domingo — The Office for Transportation Reorganization (OPRET) announced the resumption of commercial services at the Pedro Francisco Bonó station on Line 2 of the Santo Domingo Metro by 8:25 p.m. this Saturday. This follows an accident that occurred Friday night, which led to the temporary suspension of operations. OPRET confirmed that the damaged access point was swiftly demolished within 24 hours, ensuring user safety and enabling normal train operations. Restoration work on the station’s facade will be conducted during nighttime hours to avoid service disruptions, with a commitment to restoring it to its original condition promptly. OPRET expressed gratitude to commuters for their patience and reaffirmed its dedication to efficiency and safety, prioritizing the well-being of citizens. Meanwhile, Caribe Tours released an official statement detailing the incident. According to the report, a speeding jeep ran a red light and collided with a Caribe Tours vehicle, causing the driver to lose control and crash into the station’s access structure. An OPRET employee sustained injuries in the accident and was transported to a medical center, where she is reported to be in stable condition.

  • Investigations into the deaths of five people in Santiago are progressing slowly.

    Investigations into the deaths of five people in Santiago are progressing slowly.

    In Santiago, Dominican Republic, a tragic incident on September 10 has left five individuals dead following an alleged confrontation with a police patrol. Over two weeks later, the investigation remains sluggish, fueling anxiety and frustration among the victims’ families. The National Police and the Santiago Prosecutor’s Office have yet to release an official report, leaving the public in the dark about the circumstances that led to the fatal exchange of gunfire. Relatives of the deceased have voiced their exasperation over the lack of transparency, urging authorities to provide clarity. ‘We need a clear explanation, not just rumors,’ said one family member, who chose to remain anonymous. Civil society groups and human rights advocates have echoed these demands, calling for a transparent and independent investigation to ensure accountability and prevent impunity. The victims, identified as Edward Bernardo Peña Rodríguez, Carlos Enrique Guzmán Navarro (alias Charly Chasc), José Vladimir Valerio Estévez, Elvis Antonio Martínez Rodríguez, and Julio Alberto Gómez, all succumbed to their injuries at the José María Cabral y Báez Hospital. Vladimir Valerio, a barber, was reportedly serving a client and preparing to go out for a meal when the shooting occurred. His partner, Gabriela, defended his character, stating, ‘He wasn’t a criminal. If they have evidence, let them present it. He was just working hard for his dreams.’ The family is determined to clear Vladimir’s name and seek justice for what they perceive as excessive use of force by the police. Gabriela Mercedes Espinal Estévez, Vladimir’s sister, along with other relatives, has been visiting the site of the shooting daily, holding banners that demand justice and honor their loved ones. Despite the ongoing investigation, both the Santiago Police and the prosecutor’s office have maintained a tight-lipped stance, only confirming that the preliminary phase of the investigation has concluded. An alleged police officer was also injured during the incident, which took place in front of a barbershop on Olímpica Avenue in the La Barranquita sector of Santiago province.

  • 23% of vehicles in the country are registered in the name of women.

    23% of vehicles in the country are registered in the name of women.

    In the Dominican Republic, a significant shift in vehicle ownership is emerging, with women increasingly taking the wheel on smaller roads, while men continue to dominate the main thoroughfares. According to recent data from the General Directorate of Internal Revenue (DGII) and the National Statistics Office (ONE), women now account for 23% of registered vehicles, a notable increase in a traditionally male-dominated sector. The data, updated to 2024, reveals that women own 432,256 motorcycles, 313,113 automobiles, 244,943 Jeeps, 19,410 buses, and 46,648 vehicles in other categories. The eastern provinces of Hato Mayor (28.7%), La Altagracia (28.1%), and El Seibo (27.3%), along with Peravia (27.7%) and Samaná (27.2%), show the highest percentages of female vehicle owners. In contrast, men still hold the majority, with 77% of vehicles registered in their names, including 1,894,849 motorcycles, 712,256 cars, 416,429 Jeeps, 79,229 buses, and 339,853 other vehicles. The 2024 vehicle fleet totaled 6,194,052 units, marking a 384,916 increase from 2023. Motorcycles dominate the fleet at 57.0%, followed by automobiles (18.7%), Jeeps (11.9%), and cargo vehicles, buses, and other categories (12.4%). Color preferences for cars lean towards white (23.7%), gray (22.9%), and blue (12.6%), while Jeeps favor white (28.6%), gray (20.8%), and black (17.4%). The year 2024 also saw a 40% rise in electric vehicle imports, with 6,640 units, and a 33% increase in hybrid vehicle imports, totaling 3,442 units. This data underscores a growing trend of women’s empowerment in transportation and a shift towards more sustainable vehicle choices in the Dominican Republic.

  • High Surf Advisory Issued for Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Kitts and BVI

    High Surf Advisory Issued for Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Kitts and BVI

    The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a high surf advisory for several northeastern Caribbean islands, including Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Kitts, and the British Virgin Islands. The advisory, issued on Saturday morning, warns of hazardous swells moving into the region, with waves expected to reach heights of 6 to 10 feet. These conditions pose significant risks, including rip currents, beach erosion, and localized coastal flooding. The threat level has been classified as moderate, with the potential for substantial impacts on affected areas. The timing of the swells varies across the islands. Barbuda is expected to experience the worst conditions from Saturday afternoon until midnight, while Anguilla will be impacted through the early hours of Sunday. St. Kitts faces high surf from Saturday night into midnight, and the British Virgin Islands will be affected from Saturday evening through late Sunday. Authorities have urged residents and visitors to exercise caution, advising against swimming on exposed beaches and recommending the use of lifeguarded or sheltered southern beaches. They also warned against venturing onto rocks or jetties, as strong currents could sweep people away. The advisory provided safety tips for those caught in rip currents, emphasizing the importance of staying calm, floating, and swimming parallel to the shore until free. The meteorological service encouraged the public to monitor further updates on its official website and social media channels.

  • Youth leader urges unity, consistent support at parade

    Youth leader urges unity, consistent support at parade

    The Kensington Oval in Barbados was alive with energy and vibrancy on Friday evening as the National Youth Parade showcased the talents and spirit of the nation’s youth. Featuring dynamic performances from the Barbados Fire Cadets, Barbados YouthAdvance Corps, Girl Guides, and other organizations, the event celebrated the resilience and determination of young Barbadians. Amid the festivities, Caleb Brathwaite, President of the Barbados Youth Development Council (BYDC), delivered a poignant address, urging leaders and stakeholders to deepen their commitment to supporting the younger generation.

  • Kiwanis Club pushes for more male youth leaders

    Kiwanis Club pushes for more male youth leaders

    The Kiwanis Club of Barbados is amplifying its initiatives to encourage more young men to participate in its service and leadership programs. This move comes in response to growing concerns about the declining interest among boys in assuming leadership roles. Karen Bascombe, the outgoing president of the Kiwanis Club of Barbados Benevolence, highlighted this strategic focus during the installation ceremony of 29 new members of the revitalized Key Club at St George Secondary School last Friday. Bascombe emphasized the organization’s deliberate efforts to inspire boys to take on leadership positions, citing the influence of young leaders like Jaheim Carter, the current governor of the Key Club Caribbean Atlantic District. Carter, a 17-year-old sixth-form student at Combermere School, has become a role model for his peers, demonstrating the impact of effective leadership and mentorship. Bascombe noted that Carter’s involvement has already led to an increase in male participation in Kiwanis programs, marking a significant step forward. Carter himself shared insights into the challenges young male leaders face today, pointing out the scarcity of male role models in leadership positions across Barbados. He stressed the importance of self-reliance and personal growth in leadership, urging young men to strive to be the best versions of themselves. Carter’s recent participation in the Key Club International Convention in Orlando, Florida, further fueled his commitment to recruiting more young men into the organization. He expressed his vision for a future where Barbados sees a more balanced representation of male and female leaders, starting with the youth. Carter’s efforts underscore the Kiwanis Club’s broader mission to foster leadership and community service among young people, with a particular focus on addressing the gender gap in leadership roles.

  • Dog on runway delays British Airways landing in Antigua

    Dog on runway delays British Airways landing in Antigua

    A routine British Airways flight from London to Antigua experienced an unexpected delay when a dog wandered onto the runway at V.C. Bird International Airport. Flight 2157, carrying passengers from the UK, was forced to abort its initial landing approach after the animal was spotted on the tarmac. The aircraft circled the airport while ground staff swiftly cleared the area to ensure safety. The plane successfully landed on its second attempt, with no injuries or damage reported. Passengers on board took the incident in stride, with one traveler humorously remarking, ‘You expect turbulence over the Atlantic, not a dog delaying your landing.’ The incident highlights the importance of rigorous airport safety protocols and the unpredictable nature of air travel. Authorities are investigating how the dog gained access to the runway to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

  • On World Tourism Day, BHTA chairman urges vision, sustainability, and equity

    On World Tourism Day, BHTA chairman urges vision, sustainability, and equity

    On September 27, 2025, Barbados enthusiastically marked World Tourism Day 2025, embracing the theme ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.’ This year’s focus underscores tourism’s role not merely as an economic engine but as a catalyst for societal progress, community empowerment, and environmental sustainability. For Barbados, tourism is the lifeblood of its economy, generating foreign exchange, creating jobs, fostering entrepreneurship, and offering opportunities across generations. It also serves as a cultural ambassador, showcasing the island’s heritage, creativity, and hospitality to the world. However, realizing tourism’s transformative potential demands more than growth—it requires vision, discipline, and sustainability. Key priorities include strategic governance, environmental conservation, human capital development, resilience against climate change, and equitable distribution of benefits. Javon Griffith, Chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to these principles, emphasizing collaboration among government, private sector, and communities. Despite challenges like rising global costs and climate pressures, Barbados aims to remain a premier, resilient destination. On this World Tourism Day, the nation recommits to leveraging tourism as a force for national transformation, community upliftment, and environmental protection, ensuring prosperity for future generations.