St. Paul Member of Parliament E.P. Chet Greene has expressed profound sorrow and condolences to the family of Jerome Marsh, a prominent figure in the drag racing community, who tragically lost his life in a fatal collision in Parham on Friday night. In a heartfelt public message, Greene conveyed the collective grief of the English Harbour and St. Paul’s communities, emphasizing their solidarity with the Marsh family during this devastating time. Greene specifically extended his sympathies to Jerome’s father, Broyce Marsh, and the wider family circle, assuring them of the community’s unwavering support and prayers. Drawing from spiritual solace, Greene referenced Psalm 34:18, stating, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” He added, “You are not alone in your sorrow. We are holding you close in our hearts.” The tragic accident, which involved two vehicles, also left Jerome’s son and several others injured. Authorities are currently investigating the incident to determine the cause of the crash.
分类： society
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Officials Attend Church Service To Mark Start of World AIDS Day Activities
The 2025 World AIDS Day Church Service, a significant event in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, was held at the St. John’s Seventh-day Adventist Church on Nevis Street. The ceremony brought together prominent figures and organizations dedicated to combating the epidemic. His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, the Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, and his wife, Her Excellency Lady Williams, graced the occasion with their presence. The Minister of Health, Sir Molwyn Joseph, also attended, alongside representatives from key institutions such as the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross, Voices, the Ministry of Health, HOPE, the HIV Network, Women Against Rape, and MESH. Dr. Maria Perriera, the HIV/AIDS Clinical Care Coordinator, was among the distinguished attendees, offering her expertise and support. The event underscored the collective efforts of government bodies, NGOs, and community partners in addressing the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS, while also honoring those affected by the disease. The service served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing need for awareness, prevention, and compassionate care in the fight against this global health crisis.
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Herboren Waterkant moet aanjager worden van een vernieuwd historisch Paramaribo
The second phase of the renovated Waterkant in Paramaribo was officially unveiled on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in the large-scale revitalization of Suriname’s historic capital. President Jennifer Simons announced that the city center is set to become a Caribbean tourism hotspot within the next five to ten years. The Waterkant project is seen as the cornerstone of a broader transformation aimed at preserving and enhancing the city’s cultural heritage.
During the inauguration, President Simons emphasized the importance of creating a space that both locals and tourists would cherish. ‘What we are building here must endure for future generations. This is a step toward a future where Paramaribo stands as a magnificent city,’ she stated. The president also revealed plans for a specialized management institute to oversee the continued development of the historic district, offering support to owners of heritage buildings struggling with maintenance.
Collaboration with the private sector and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) was highlighted as crucial to elevating the city’s appeal. ‘We call on urban planners to contribute, as this is particularly vital for tourism,’ Simons added. Vice President Gregory Rusland described the Waterkant as ‘one of Suriname’s most significant heritage sites,’ emphasizing that the project goes beyond construction to safeguard national identity and boost tourism.
Minister Dirk Currie praised the initiative as a symbol of unity and connection, while Natasja Deul, program manager of the Paramaribo Urban Rehabilitation Project (PURP), expressed satisfaction with the results. ‘The outcome exceeded expectations. Despite challenges, we’ve gained valuable insights for PURP 2,’ she said.
Ravindra Patandin, director of Ilaco Suriname N.V., the supervising company, described the project as a ‘mega job,’ noting that it was entirely designed and executed by Surinamese professionals using sustainable materials. ‘This is lasting heritage,’ he remarked, urging government ministries to ensure long-term maintenance.
Minister Raymond Landveld of Transport, Communication, and Tourism announced funding for a public awareness campaign to keep the Waterkant clean and intact. Additionally, efforts are underway to expand the management board to include departments like Public Green Spaces and Waste Management, as well as the Ministry of Justice and Police, to ensure round-the-clock security.
The Waterkant renovation is part of the IDB-funded Paramaribo Urban Rehabilitation Project, which also includes the restoration of historic buildings. IDB representative Adriana La Valley called on the community to take pride in the achievements. ‘Paramaribo is a special place that reflects Suriname’s historical and cultural heritage. This heritage is a source of strength that can drive sustainable development and improve living standards,’ she said.
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Guyanese man killed in Antigua during vehicular collision with horse
A tragic vehicular accident in Antigua has resulted in the death of a Guyanese man, Brenton Anthony Bristol, following a collision with a horse. The incident occurred late Thursday night near the Sir Wright F. George Police Training Academy in Antigua and Barbuda. According to police reports, the accident involved a silver Audi motor car and a brown horse, both of which sustained fatal injuries. The vehicle was reportedly traveling at a high speed along Friars Hill Road when it struck the horse, causing the driver to lose control momentarily. Both the driver and his passenger, Bristol, were injured in the crash. Bristol, a 40-year-old resident of Hodges Bay who had been living in Antigua since 2006, succumbed to his injuries shortly after the accident. The driver was transported to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he was treated for head injuries and remains in stable condition. The Antigua and Barbuda Police Force is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.
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Alert Have you seen Josefina? Family members are searching for the missing woman.
A concerning disappearance has prompted a widespread search for Mrs. Josefina Espinal, who vanished after departing from La Vega on the morning of Friday, November 21. Mrs. Espinal was en route to Santo Domingo, specifically the Duarte commercial district, to purchase goods. Her sudden absence has left family members and authorities deeply worried. The family is appealing to the public for assistance in locating her. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is urged to contact the following numbers immediately: 849-280-8884 or 809-903-1731. The community’s cooperation is crucial in ensuring her safe return.
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Telecom : Television in Haiti and the 2026 World Cup
On World Television Day, the National Telecommunications Council (CONATEL) of Haiti highlighted the transformative role of television in the nation’s social, cultural, and educational fabric. This annual observance serves as a reminder of television’s power as a medium for reliable information, public dialogue, and national unity. CONATEL also took the opportunity to commend the dedication of Haitian broadcasters, who are striving to modernize infrastructure and enhance programming despite significant challenges. This year’s celebration holds added significance as Haiti marks a historic milestone: the Grenadiers’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on November 18, 2025. This achievement underscores television’s pivotal role in fostering national pride and unity. Haitian broadcasters now face the critical task of ensuring widespread media coverage of the World Cup, bringing the nation together to support their team. CONATEL acknowledges the technical and economic hurdles ahead but pledges its support to ensure every Haitian can partake in this global sporting event. The council also lauded the Grenadiers for their unprecedented success and celebrated the tireless efforts of audiovisual professionals in shaping Haiti’s media landscape.
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EDITORIAL: St. Jude Demands an Inquiry, Not Excuses
After a prolonged 16-year wait, the residents of Saint Lucia are finally nearing the reopening of St. Jude Hospital in the southern region. The original hospital was devastated by a fire in 2009, and since then, the project has been marred by delays, political disputes, and multiple administrations. Last Sunday, a significant milestone was reached as the St. Jude complex was officially handed over from the contractor to the Ministry of Health and the hospital’s board. However, the ceremony has sparked debates about whether the facility is fully operational or merely a structural completion. The reconstruction process has been fraught with inefficiency and political maneuvering, with successive governments failing to prioritize the project. The prolonged absence of adequate healthcare in the south has forced residents to rely on a makeshift hospital at the George Odlum Stadium, which also deprived athletes of a proper sports facility. The project has cost approximately $400 million, yet questions remain about the delays and expenditures. Critics argue that the handing-over ceremony should not be seen as a resolution but as a reminder of the systemic failures in governance. Calls for an independent inquiry have grown louder, demanding transparency and accountability. The situation underscores the need for political leaders to set aside partisan interests and prioritize public welfare. The St. Jude saga serves as a cautionary tale against the start-stop mentality of successive administrations, which has hindered progress on critical infrastructure projects. Moving forward, political parties must commit to completing ongoing projects regardless of changes in leadership. The hospital, named after St. Jude, the biblical figure symbolizing hope and faith, should inspire leaders to embody qualities of compassion and courage. It is time to end the nonsensical practice of stalling projects that benefit the people and focus on forward-thinking governance.
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The import of electric cars shows a sustained decline in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic’s ambitious plan to decarbonize its vehicle fleet remains far from realization, with electric vehicle (EV) adoption rates painting a bleak picture. Despite legislative incentives and the global push toward sustainable transportation, the country has seen a significant decline in EV imports in recent years. Data from the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII) reveals that only 11,169 electric vehicles were imported between 2017 and 2025. While the initial years showed promising growth—from just four EVs in 2017 to 2,732 in 2022—the trend reversed sharply in 2023, with imports dropping to 1,793. This downward trajectory continued in 2024, with 1,651 units imported, and has further worsened in 2025, with only 647 vehicles entering the country so far. The government has attempted to stimulate EV adoption through initiatives like Law 103-03, which offers a 50% tax exemption on EV imports. However, these measures have failed to sustain momentum, highlighting the challenges of transitioning to a greener transportation system in the Dominican Republic.
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Cruise passenger detained after security breach at Bridgetown Port
A cruise passenger was apprehended by authorities on Friday night following a security breach at the Port of Bridgetown in Barbados. The individual attempted to re-enter a ship without proper clearance, leading to a confrontation with port security. During the incident, a Port Security Officer sustained injuries and was promptly provided with medical attention.
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Still waters run deep
The implementation of a stringent vaccine mandate in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has ignited widespread controversy, legal battles, and ethical dilemmas. Initially, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves dismissed calls for draconian measures, contrasting his approach with what he termed ‘Chinese methods’ of pandemic control. However, the eventual mandate, introduced in October 2021, imposed severe consequences on unvaccinated public officers, including job termination without compensation or reinstatement options. This policy, deemed ‘absurd’ by critics, has drawn sharp criticism for its lack of flexibility and disregard for individual circumstances, such as medical exemptions or religious beliefs. The mandate’s impact was particularly felt in the education sector, where dedicated principals and teachers, who had tirelessly served during the La Soufriere volcanic crisis, were abruptly dismissed. Legal challenges have since escalated, with the case now referred to the Privy Council for final adjudication. Critics argue that the mandate was neither necessary nor proportionate, given the country’s relatively low COVID-19 infection and mortality rates compared to regional counterparts. The government’s insistence on maintaining the policy, coupled with its refusal to compensate affected workers, has further deepened public discontent. As the debate continues, questions linger about the fairness of reinstatement offers and the broader implications for workers’ dignity and rights.