Imagine being an 11-year-old, terrified of having contracted a sexual disease and too afraid to confide in a parent or guardian. Where would you turn? While pastors and religious leaders are often more familiar figures than social workers, a recent poll of older teens in Grenada revealed a troubling reality: not a single respondent identified religious leaders or churches as a source of information on sexual reproductive health (SRH).
分类： society
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Arbeider overlijdt na instorting metalen wand in Avanavero
A tragic incident occurred in the Avanavero area on Saturday, resulting in the death of a 34-year-old construction worker, C.W. The fatal accident took place during welding and construction activities when a heavy metal wall, measuring approximately four by seven meters, unexpectedly detached and toppled onto him. C.W. was working alongside two colleagues on the project at the time of the incident. Despite immediate efforts to rescue him using a loader, he was found in critical condition and rushed to the RGD clinic. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Due to a language barrier, medical staff were unable to gather sufficient information, prompting the Apoera police to take over the investigation. C.W.’s identity was confirmed through his Chinese passport. As no doctor was available in Apoera, the body was transferred to the Mungra Medical Center in Nickerie after consultation with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, where the death was officially confirmed. Authorities have stated there is no evidence of foul play, and the body has been released to the victim’s family.
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UDC announces the reopening of Turtle River Park
ST ANN, Jamaica — The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has officially reopened Turtle River Park in Ocho Rios, St Ann, following extensive cleanup and restoration efforts. In a media statement released on Tuesday, the UDC confirmed that the park is now fully prepared to welcome families, residents, and tourists alike. The corporation emphasized that Turtle River Park remains a cherished public space, offering a serene and accessible environment for relaxation, reflection, and quality family time. Visitors are encouraged to explore the park’s natural beauty, including its expansive lawns, scenic walking paths, and tranquil ambiance in the heart of Ocho Rios. The UDC expressed its enthusiasm for welcoming guests back to this beloved destination, which continues to be a cornerstone of community life and tourism in the region.
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Judge rules construction at East Park Villas unlawful
In a landmark ruling, Justice Westmin James of the High Court has delivered a verdict against a couple involved in unauthorized construction works at East Park Villas, a townhouse development located on Maruana Road in Valsayn. The judgment, issued on November 17, prohibits the defendants from further construction or interference with the property or its common areas. Additionally, the court has mandated the removal of any unauthorized structures, restoration of the affected land, and clearance of all rubble and materials at the defendants’ expense.
The case was brought forward by East Park Villas Ltd and Charlievillage Service Station Company Ltd, who accused the defendants of breaching restrictive covenants outlined in the head lease. The claimants argued that the defendants had commenced construction without obtaining the necessary permissions from the lessor, the management company, or the Town and Country Planning Division. The unauthorized works, which began in September 2024, included the demolition of an existing annex and the initiation of new construction that extended beyond the original footprint, impacting adjacent properties.
Despite the defendants’ claims that the construction was remedial and aimed at addressing safety concerns, the court found their actions to be in violation of the lease and disruptive to the community. The defendants were also ordered to restore common areas and pathways within three months, with the claimants authorized to undertake the work and recover costs if the defendants fail to comply. Furthermore, the couple was ordered to pay nominal damages of $10,000 to East Park Villas Ltd and cover the claimants’ legal costs, assessed at $14,000 each.
The defendants, represented by attorneys Kent Samlal, Shirvan Ramdhanie, and Nadia Hassan-Mohammed, had argued that the works fell under an exception in the Town and Country Planning Act, being interior or non-material alterations. However, the court dismissed their counterclaim, emphasizing the importance of adhering to lease agreements and community standards.
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Regrello, GI to receive keys to San Fernando
San Fernando is set to commemorate its 37th anniversary as a city on November 18 with a series of events highlighting its rich cultural heritage and civic achievements. The celebrations, under the patronage of Mayor Robert Parris, will include an interfaith service, the unveiling of public art, and a formal civic reception. Four distinguished individuals and an institution will be honored with the keys to the city for their contributions to culture, business, public service, and community legacy. The day will begin with an interfaith service at the Krishna Mandir, marking the first time in 37 years the service is held at a non-Christian place of worship. Mayor Parris emphasized the city’s multicultural identity, stating, ‘San Fernando is a multicultural society, and hosting the service at the mandir reflects the unique diversity that defines us.’ The unveiling of The First People’s Statue and a collection of promenade art by renowned artist Russell Banfield will follow, depicting the Harris Promenade across various eras. The celebrations will culminate with a civic reception at City Hall, where keys to the city will be presented to Joshua Regrello, Guinness World Record holder for the Longest Marathon Playing Steelpan; Imran ‘GI’ Beharry, a dominant force in Chutney Soca and Caribbean entertainment; Diane Seukeran, former San Fernando West MP and the first woman to lead the Energy Chamber; and JE Guide Funeral Home & Crematorium Ltd, an 80-year-old institution. Mayor Parris also highlighted the revitalization of Harris Promenade, achieved through volunteerism and business sponsorship, without any city funds. He addressed recent public debates over charitable groups feeding the homeless on the Promenade, clarifying that food distribution must follow an ordered structure to ensure public health and safety. Despite reduced budget allocations, Parris noted San Fernando’s progress in cultural, infrastructural, tourism, and educational development. Plans include operationalizing the transfer of San Fernando Hill to the City Corporation and attracting cruise ship passengers via the Water Taxi from Port of Spain. Parris also welcomed the restoration of the long-abandoned Supreme Court building on the Promenade and appealed for urgent assistance to restore the burnt-out San Fernando Police Station and the Carnegie Free Library. Reflecting on the city’s history and culture, Parris expressed pride in leading San Fernando at this moment of renewed volunteerism and civic pride, wishing all residents a happy City Day and City Month.
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Society of St Vincent de Paul joins Hurricane Melissa relief efforts
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) Jamaica has amplified its outreach initiatives to aid affected communities. This effort aligns with the organization’s enduring mission to assist the island’s most vulnerable populations. Founded in Paris, France, in 1833, the SVP is a global Catholic Christian non-profit operating in 153 countries. Its presence in Jamaica dates back to 1904, starting with the Trinity Conference at the Holy Trinity Cathedral under Bishop Charles Gordon. Today, the society boasts 33 active conferences across the island, each linked to a Catholic church. Members offer both spiritual and material support, including prayer, clothing, food, educational assistance, medication, transportation, and even burial services for those in need. In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the SVP reaffirmed its dedication to providing physical and spiritual comfort to those suffering, particularly as many were left without food, shelter, or hope. Patrice Mitchell, President of the SVP Jamaica, highlighted the organization’s swift response, with members collaborating with parishes to assess needs and distribute aid. Relief efforts have already commenced in severely impacted areas, including Montego Bay and Falmouth. The society delivered 152 care packages to Montego Bay and supported relief initiatives at St Joseph’s Church in Falmouth. Additionally, 100 care packages were distributed between All Saints in Refuge and African Martyrs of Uganda in Falmouth, while 50 packages containing food and essentials were provided through Sacred Heart in Montego Bay. Clothing items for both children and adults were also distributed. The SVP prepared special care boxes for priests to share with affected individuals, containing toiletries, soap, shampoo, and other hygiene essentials. Members from the St Paul de Cross Conference were deployed to assess damage in Magoty and Black River, where significant destruction was reported. The society pledges to continue its support as assessments progress and needs evolve.
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CoP to illegal quarry operators: Beware the vengeance of Moko
Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro has issued a stark warning to illegal quarry operators, emphasizing that those engaging in unlicensed aggregate processing and quarrying will face severe legal consequences. Speaking at the Police Training Academy in St James on November 17 during the passing-out parade of 126 new police officers, Guevarro drew a parallel between illegal quarrying and unlicensed firearm possession, stating, ‘If you do not have an FUL (firearms users’ licence), would you walk around with a firearm? No, because you will be charged with possession. Similarly, if you lack a licence for quarrying, you open yourselves to prosecution.’ He concluded with a stern admonition: ‘Do not break the law. Or the vengeance of Moko will fall on you.’
The commissioner’s remarks came in response to recent statements by the TT Aggregate Producers Alliance (TTALPA), whose members claimed they were ‘comfortable’ operating without formal licences following discussions with the Ministry of Energy. However, Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander denied knowledge of any such talks, asserting, ‘If a conversation was held, it would trickle down from one ministry to another. I have not heard anything, so I stand with the commissioner on this.’
This issue has gained traction following the October arrest of quarry operator Danny Guerra and several others for unlawful aggregate processing. Guerra was later released on $50,000 bail. Earlier this month, quarry operators in Turure, Sangre Grande, staged protests, alleging unfair targeting by law enforcement while other prominent operators continue to function without licences. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between regulatory enforcement and the quarrying industry.
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These looters ‘have no shame’
In the aftermath of a devastating fire that engulfed six stalls at Arawak Cay, one of the Bahamas’ most bustling tourist hubs, looters seized the opportunity to plunder what little remained of the victims’ livelihoods. The blaze, which occurred on Sunday, left vendors in ruins, only to be further victimized by thieves who ransacked the damaged stalls early Monday morning. Rodney Russell, president of the Arawak Cay Conch, Fish, Vegetable and Food Vendors Association and owner of Red Snapper, recounted the distressing scene. After salvaging what he could, he secured his belongings in a designated area, only to find them stolen the next day. Among the stolen items were a microwave, alcohol, air fryers, a water heater, and various utensils. Despite his calls for police assistance, no officers arrived to investigate. Kenya Mitchell, manager of Goldie’s Conch House, also witnessed the looting, describing it as a heartless act of exploitation. She initially mistook the looters for cleanup crew members but soon realized their true intentions and alerted an Arawak Cay association official to remove them. The incident has highlighted the vulnerability of vendors who lack insurance due to non-compliance with building codes. Trudy Johnson, owner of Trudy’s Bar and Grill, acknowledged the challenges of obtaining insurance but emphasized the need for collective action to address safety standards. Meanwhile, Dario Williams, owner of Joey’s Restaurant and Lounge, expressed his devastation at the fire’s destruction and called for intervention to provide vendors with some form of financial protection. Despite the setbacks, progress has been made in clearing the site and preparing for reconstruction, with BPL crews working to restore power. The tragedy has underscored the urgent need for improved infrastructure and insurance solutions to safeguard the livelihoods of Arawak Cay’s vendors.
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Breakaway causes traffic detour in north east Manchester
Authorities in Manchester, Jamaica, have issued a stern warning to the public regarding the Sedburgh main road near Christiana, following a hazardous breakaway that has compromised the safety of the area. The Manchester Police are urging motorists to exercise extreme vigilance when using this route and, where feasible, to opt for the Spring Ground main road as an alternative when traveling toward Spalding. The advisory comes in the wake of a harrowing incident on Tuesday, where a driver narrowly avoided severe injuries after his Suzuki vehicle overturned off the road due to the breakaway. The police emphasize the importance of adhering to safety measures and choosing safer routes until the issue is resolved.
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Murder victim’s family urges women to be ‘discerning’
The tragic death of 38-year-old Avanelle Abraham has left her family in shock and prompted them to issue a stark warning to women about the importance of vigilance and discernment in their daily lives. Abraham’s body was discovered on November 16 by residents of Maraj Street in Chaguanas, who heard a single gunshot and found her lying motionless with a gunshot wound to the left side of her head. A grey cushion was placed beneath her legs, and her cellphone and silver Kia Cerato were missing. Police reported that a silver car was seen speeding away from the scene shortly after the shooting occurred around 5:15 pm.
Abraham, described by her family as a cheerful and ambitious mother, was an interior decorator and had recently opened her own hair salon in Chaguanas. Despite being on extended leave from her job at Massy Motors due to a medical issue, she worked as a rideshare driver to support herself and her 16-year-old son. Her son, described as academically strong and reserved, was planning to surprise her with a visit the weekend she was killed. Relatives said the two shared an exceptionally close bond, often described as ‘best friends.’
Abraham’s family expressed disbelief at the circumstances of her death, noting her fearless personality and past actions, such as chasing an armed robber to retrieve her bag during a previous incident. They believe her murder was not a robbery but something more sinister, given her proximity to home and the way she was dressed. In their grief, they urged women to remain cautious and prayerful, emphasizing the need for awareness in today’s world.
Despite their sorrow, Abraham’s family remains hopeful for justice, trusting both the police and divine intervention. They have called on anyone with information about the silver car seen fleeing the scene to contact the Homicide Bureau or call 800-TIPS.