A significant increase in homelessness, particularly in St Michael and the capital city, has sparked urgent appeals from Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw for a unified government and community response. Speaking at the Ideas Forum held at Golden Square Freedom Park on Tuesday, Bradshaw, who represents St Michael South East, emphasized the need for a “whole of government” and “whole of society” approach to tackle this escalating crisis. She highlighted the visible presence of homeless individuals near Parliament and Independence Square, stressing that while financial allocations are essential, a more direct and comprehensive strategy is required. Bradshaw pointed out that many homeless individuals also grapple with mental health issues, underscoring the importance of empathy and structured support rather than judgment or neglect. She urged for early interventions to prevent vulnerable individuals from ending up on the streets and initiatives to help those already homeless reintegrate into society. Bradshaw noted that the issue appears particularly severe in St Michael constituencies and the capital, calling for targeted programs to address the root causes and provide necessary support for reintegration.
分类： society
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For children, every day
In a world where the rights and well-being of children are often compromised, Cuba has taken significant strides to prioritize its youngest citizens. The recent enactment of the Code for Children, Adolescents, and Youth underscores the nation’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding childhood. This legislative milestone, coupled with the 2022 Family Code, reflects Cuba’s proactive approach to addressing contemporary family challenges and ensuring the protection of children’s rights.
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Two technical failures disrupt Santo Domingo Metro service
The Santo Domingo Metro experienced two significant technical disruptions on Wednesday, causing partial service halts on Lines 1 and 2. The first incident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. at the María Montez station on Line 2, leading to a suspension of operations for over two hours. According to the Office for the Reorganization of Transport (OPRET), service was restored by 9:37 a.m. The disruption was attributed to a malfunctioning track switch, which impacted train arrivals and departures at the station. Later in the day, a second failure occurred shortly after 6:00 p.m. on Line 1, affecting the Mamá Tingó–Hermanas Mirabal section in Villa Mella. Operations were halted for more than an hour, with service resuming at 7:20 p.m. OPRET did not disclose the cause of this incident. Despite delays and overcrowding, authorities assured the public that neither event posed any safety risks to passengers. In response to the disruptions, OPRET Director Jhael Isa Tavárez announced the implementation of a comprehensive maintenance strategy, combining preventive, corrective, and predictive measures. This initiative is part of the ongoing construction of Line 2C. Tavárez clarified that the morning breakdown was not electrical but resulted from a loose connection caused by vibrations from nearby construction activities at María Montez.
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Canada : Donation of 13 fire trucks and 10 ambulances
In a significant move to enhance Haiti’s emergency response capabilities, the Canadian Peace and Security Officer Training Association (CPSOTA), in collaboration with the Haitian government, concluded a 15-day training seminar on first aid and emergency response. The event, held on November 20, 2025, saw the participation of key Haitian officials, including Pierre Canisius Guignard, Director General of the Ministry of the Interior and Territorial Communities, Alfred Metellus, Minister of Economy and Finance, and Renand Aristide, Director General of the National Ambulance Center (CAN). Also present were the Mayors of Pétion-Ville and Delmas, along with numerous senior public administration officials.
The training aimed to improve the skills of personnel from the National Ambulance Center (CAN), the Haitian National Police (PNH), the Civil Protection Directorate (DGPC), and the fire department in paramedics, first aid, and various firefighting techniques. Participants were introduced to new methods to enhance their effectiveness in handling emergencies and disasters.
Pierre Canisius Guignard highlighted the importance of the training, stating that it would significantly strengthen the capabilities of emergency response organizations across the country, particularly in municipalities like Pétion-Ville, Delmas, Port-au-Prince, Tabarre, and Carrefour.
To mark the conclusion of the seminar, CPSOTA donated specialized equipment worth $3,125,000 USD, including 13 fully equipped fire trucks, 10 ambulances, and a container of miscellaneous equipment. This donation is expected to bolster Haiti’s emergency services and improve public safety.
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‘November vax mandate will not be forgotten,’ dismissed teachers vow
Shefflorn and Ann-Marie Ballantyne, two educators dismissed under St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ 2021 COVID-19 vaccine mandate, have co-authored a book titled ‘I Do Not Consent’. The book delves into the Vincentian chapter of the pandemic, focusing on the government’s controversial mandate and its profound effects on workers. The couple aims to ensure that the actions of the Ralph Gonsalves-led Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration are remembered as a dark period in the nation’s history. The book, launched online to mark the fourth anniversary of the mandate, features personal stories of vaccine-injured individuals, testimonies from dismissed workers, and the role of trade unions and lawyers in challenging the mandate. In March 2023, a High Court judge ruled the mandate unlawful, but the government successfully appealed the decision in February 2025. The workers have now sought leave to take the case to the Privy Council. The Kindle version of the book is available for free download on Amazon, with a local launch planned for the upcoming year.
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CID receives 45 laptops in push for smarter policing
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has taken a significant step toward modernizing its operations by equipping its Criminal Investigations Department (CID) with 45 state-of-the-art laptops. This initiative, unveiled during a formal handover ceremony, underscores the force’s commitment to enhancing investigative capabilities and operational efficiency in the face of increasingly complex criminal activities. Police Commissioner Verne Garde, who assumed leadership in 2024, emphasized that this move aligns with his broader vision of modernizing the RSLPF. Upon his appointment, Garde presented a comprehensive plan to Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, outlining strategies to bolster the force’s investigative prowess. The newly acquired laptops are designed to empower officers with advanced tools for recording, analyzing, and processing critical information. Garde highlighted that these devices are ‘top-of-the-line’ and will integrate seamlessly with the police’s upgraded management system, enabling real-time data access and improved interdepartmental coordination. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Pierre for supporting the procurement, which is part of a larger effort to enhance public safety through technology-driven policing. Superintendent Dr. Mashama Sealy will oversee the distribution and implementation of the laptops within the CID.
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Motorcyclist Crashes Into SUV Near Robinson Gas Station
A dramatic collision unfolded on Wednesday morning near the Robinson Gas Station when a motorcyclist crashed into the front of a white SUV. The incident, captured on video by bystanders, shows the motorcycle striking the SUV head-on, leaving the bike trapped beneath the vehicle. Witnesses immediately rushed to the scene, with a police officer and several members of the public attempting to provide assistance. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and there has been no official update regarding the motorcyclist’s condition. Those who recorded the incident expressed deep concern, hoping the rider escaped serious injury. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the factors leading to the collision.
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Study shows 1 in 3 women over 15 experienced physical or sexual violence at some point
Violence against women and girls remains a pervasive and alarming issue in the Americas, as highlighted by new estimates released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its UN partners. The data, unveiled ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, reveals that one in three women aged 15 and older in the region has endured physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. Intimate partner violence is the most prevalent form, affecting one in four women aged 15-49, while one in eight has experienced sexual violence from someone other than a partner. Young women are particularly vulnerable, with 21% of those aged 15-19 facing partner violence before turning 20, and older women are not exempt, as 23% of those aged 65 and above report similar abuse. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), emphasized that these figures underscore the preventable nature of violence and the urgent need for high-quality data to drive action. Despite increased awareness and policy efforts, progress has been minimal, with intimate partner violence rates remaining largely unchanged over the past two decades. The report, which analyzes data from 2000 to 2023 across 168 countries, including 29 in the Americas, highlights the severe and long-lasting impacts of violence, including physical injuries, mental health issues, and intergenerational cycles of abuse. PAHO is actively supporting countries through evidence-based strategies like the RESPECT framework, which focuses on prevention, empowerment, and systemic change. As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, PAHO will host a hybrid event on November 24, 2025, to discuss effective interventions and foster regional collaboration. Dr. Barbosa stressed that violence against women is a shared regional priority requiring sustained investment and commitment to eliminate this pervasive issue.
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CH&PA orders halt to construction of Mae’s School after works were finished – owner
In a controversial turn of events, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has issued a ‘cease and desist’ order to Mae’s School owner David Sugrim, demanding an immediate halt to all construction activities on Farnum Ground in Subryanville, Georgetown. However, Sugrim claims he never received the letter and asserts that the construction of the prefabricated structure was completed months before the October 6, 2025, date of the notice. ‘By the time the letter reached, we had already finished our work,’ Sugrim stated in an interview with Demerara Waves Online News. The CH&PA, in a notice signed by Secretary Rajesh Ramgolam, accused Sugrim of engaging in ‘unauthorised, unlawful, and illegal construction activities’ in violation of the Town and Country Planning Act. The Authority emphasized that no planning permission had been granted for the development, nor had any application been submitted. Despite the threat of legal action, Sugrim maintains that he has adhered to an agreement with the Georgetown City Council to vacate the playground once the new school building is constructed. Education Minister Sonia Parag also confirmed that neither her ministry nor the local government had approved the construction on Farnum Ground. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between private educational institutions and regulatory authorities in Guyana.
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Gun violence must be confronted as a community and country, says Blackmoore
The 2025 Police Week in Dominica commenced with a solemn Church Service at La Plaine, marking the start of a week dedicated to honoring law enforcement and addressing pressing security challenges. Minister for National Security, Rayburn Blackmoore, emphasized the urgent need for collective action to combat gun violence, which he described as the most significant threat to the nation’s civility and security. Speaking at the official launch event on Monday, Blackmoore highlighted the government’s commitment to equipping the police with necessary resources, including the establishment of a specialized unit focused on investigating and apprehending suspects. He stressed that tackling gun violence requires a unified effort from all sectors of society, including families, schools, churches, and peer groups, to foster character development and instill core values. Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre also addressed the gathering, acknowledging the challenges faced by police officers and expressing his personal respect and appreciation for their dedication to protecting the community. He urged officers to uphold integrity, fairness, and professionalism while enhancing partnerships with the community, emphasizing that effective policing relies on trust and cooperation.