In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Adli Lewis, the principal of Seaside Primary School in Portland, Jamaica, has garnered widespread acclaim for his innovative efforts to support the community. Recognizing the struggles faced by families left without power, Lewis transformed the school into a vital resource center, offering ironing facilities for parents and students alike.
分类： society
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Over 19,000 Women Killed in Five Years Across the Region
A recent United Nations report has unveiled a harrowing reality of gender-based violence in Latin America and the Caribbean, with over 19,000 women killed in the past five years. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) disclosed that 3,828 women lost their lives in 2024 alone, averaging approximately 11 deaths per day. The majority of these murders were perpetrated by current or former intimate partners, highlighting the pervasive issue of domestic violence in the region. Honduras, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic recorded the highest femicide rates, while Chile reported the lowest. In Belize, the Crime Observatory documented nine femicides in 2024, including a recent incident where a Coast Guard officer allegedly stabbed a woman multiple times, leaving her hospitalized. This incident occurred on the eve of the global ’16 Days of Activism’ campaign against gender-based violence. ECLAC’s Executive Secretary, José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, condemned the statistics as ‘unacceptable levels of gender-based violence’ and called for urgent governmental action. He emphasized that femicide is not merely a criminal issue but a profound human rights crisis that hinders societal progress and equality. Although most countries in the region have enacted laws to combat gender-based violence, the UN has cautioned that enforcement remains inconsistent and inadequate.
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PAHO: Violence against women remains a serious problem in the America
Violence against women and adolescent girls remains a deeply entrenched issue in the Americas, according to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO). The findings, released in conjunction with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, highlight the alarming lack of progress in addressing this pervasive problem. Data spanning from 2000 to 2023 reveals that despite heightened awareness and the implementation of multisectoral policies and health service interventions, the reduction in violence has been minimal. Intimate partner violence continues to be the most prevalent form of abuse, with rates showing little change over the past two decades. Britta Baer, an advisor at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), emphasized that the stigma and shame surrounding sexual violence often deter victims from reporting incidents, suggesting that the actual figures are likely far higher than those documented. This underscores the urgent need for more effective strategies and societal shifts to combat this enduring crisis.
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‘Street kid’ charged with murder (+Video)
Romano Warren, an 18-year-old from Ottley Hall, appeared before the Serious Offences Court in Kingstown on Monday, facing charges for the murder of Gary Bute, a teenager of the same age. The incident occurred on November 11, when Bute was fatally stabbed on Melville Street around 10:45 a.m. and later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. During the court proceedings, Warren initially claimed to be 15 years old, but a detective presented his birth certificate, confirming his true age. Chief Magistrate Colin John informed Warren that he could not enter a plea at this stage and denied bail, scheduling a preliminary inquiry for January 6, 2026. Notably, Warren was unrepresented by legal counsel during the hearing. However, attorney Grant Connell, present in court but not directly involved in the case, suggested that the Bar Association could assign a lawyer to assist Warren. Connell proposed advancing the next hearing to Monday to facilitate this process. The case was adjourned accordingly, with Connell committing to discuss the matter with Bar Association President Shirlan ‘Zita’ Barnwell.
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Government Launches Training Workshop to Strengthen Local Contractors
In a collaborative effort to enhance the capabilities of local contractors, the government has joined forces with the Caribbean Development Bank to inaugurate a two-day capacity-building workshop. This initiative is designed to equip contractors with advanced skills, enabling them to compete more effectively for significant projects. Works Minister Maria Browne emphasized the strategic importance of this investment, highlighting the government’s vision for a robust construction sector. She noted that the enhanced competitiveness of local contractors is crucial for national development and for expanding their reach into regional markets. The workshop underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for local businesses to thrive on a larger scale.
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Ministry of Tourism Refutes Claims Over Litter at Rising Sun Grounds
The National Solid Waste Management Authority, under the Ministry’s directive, has confirmed that all trash and waste receptacles were thoroughly removed from the venue before the departure of cleanup teams on Saturday. Officials emphasized that the site underwent a comprehensive cleaning process, adhering to standard post-event protocols. The Ministry further clarified that a separate event held on November 23 at the same location is believed to be the probable source of the litter depicted in a widely circulated online video. Tourism authorities reiterated their dedication to preserving clean and secure public spaces and expressed gratitude to the public for their patience as the situation is being investigated and resolved.
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Blackmoore urges police to strengthen community policing across Dominica
In a compelling address at the recent Police Awards Ceremony, Dominica’s Minister for National Security, Rayburn Blackmoore, emphasized the critical importance of community policing as a fundamental strategy for law enforcement in the Commonwealth of Dominica. Blackmoore underscored the necessity of fostering trust between the police force and the public, asserting that such collaboration is indispensable for effective policing. ‘The only way to cultivate the essential element of trust is through forging partnerships and relations with the public,’ he declared. ‘The existing suspicion between the police and citizens can only be mitigated by ensuring they work together.’ Blackmoore lauded the efforts of the Chief of Police, Mr. Andrew, and the community policing unit, but called for a more comprehensive and serious implementation of the program across the nation. He stressed that community policing should be a standard practice in every district and police station throughout Dominica. ‘This initiative is not optional; it is vital for our future,’ Blackmoore stated. ‘It is the only way we can address policing and community issues effectively.’
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When theory meets enforcement: Inside Barbados’s first practical data protection workshop
In recent months, the Data Protection Commissioner of Barbados has been actively engaging in public forums, emphasizing the urgent need for robust data privacy practices. The message is clear: data privacy can no longer be an afterthought. The looming question is whether the Data Protection Act will be enforced with the consistency and confidence that the nation has been anticipating. Without effective enforcement, compliance remains a distant aspiration for many organizations.
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Senator Launches Series of Town Halls in St John’s Rural West
A groundbreaking initiative to enhance community policing and crime prevention has been unveiled in St John’s Rural West. Spearheaded by Senator Michael Joseph in collaboration with the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, a series of town hall meetings has been announced to foster stronger ties between residents and law enforcement. The first session is set to take place on 27 November at the UWI Five Islands Campus, followed by subsequent gatherings on 3 December at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Golden Grove Extension and 10 December at the Grays Green Multi-Purpose Centre. Senior officers from the St John’s and Grays Farm police stations, alongside representatives from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Public Complaint Department, will be in attendance. These meetings are designed to provide a platform for residents to voice their concerns and offer actionable suggestions to bolster community safety. Organisers emphasize that this initiative is a critical step toward building trust and cooperation between the public and law enforcement agencies.
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Another independence day: fighting addiction at Verdun, Marina House
As Barbados commemorates nearly six decades of independence, Verdun House and Marina House in St. John stand as beacons of hope and healing, embodying the nation’s commitment to freedom—not just in terms of sovereignty, but in empowering individuals to break free from addiction and reclaim their lives. These residential rehabilitation facilities, nestled in the eastern parish of St. John, have become vital spaces for recovery and renewal. Verdun House, established earlier, initially served both men and women but later transitioned to gender-specific care. In 2015, Marina House was introduced as a dedicated facility for women, offering a more intimate and supportive environment for their healing journeys. Funded primarily by the Maria Holder Memorial Trust, Marina House accommodates 17 women, providing comprehensive support for their rehabilitation. Allison Gotip, Director of Clinical Services at both facilities, emphasizes the unique challenges faced by women with substance use disorders, including higher levels of trauma. She highlights the importance of gender-specific treatment, noting that women often process trauma differently than men. While more men opt for residential treatment, societal expectations often hinder women from seeking help. Gotip underscores the need for family support in enabling women to prioritize their recovery. The program has diversified its services to include outpatient care, making treatment more accessible and less intimidating. With a focus on evidence-based interventions tailored to Caribbean culture, the facilities have attracted clients from across the region and beyond. International accreditation and a commitment to confidentiality further enhance their credibility. The charity’s self-sustainability initiatives, including a vegetable farm and egg production, not only support the facilities but also provide therapeutic benefits for clients. The 90-day rehabilitation program boasts high retention rates, with a focus on long-term recovery and improved quality of life. Gotip and her team work tirelessly to ensure clients can rebuild their lives, relationships, and careers, offering them a genuine chance to start anew.