A property owner has issued a public appeal for assistance in identifying two individuals captured on surveillance footage following a reported theft incident. The circulated video evidence, characterized by its limited clarity, fails to provide distinct facial details of the persons involved. Despite this visual constraint, the proprietor suggests the suspects might still be recognizable through distinguishing physical characteristics, including their unique gait and general body morphology. Authorities have been approached, yet it remains officially unconfirmed whether a formal police investigation has been initiated. The property owner is encouraging anyone with potentially relevant information to step forward and assist in the identification process. Further specifics regarding the stolen items or the exact location and time of the incident have not been disclosed to the public at this time.
分类： society
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Simon House leads the charge at BCGRCP sports meet
In a vibrant display of youthful athleticism and school spirit, Simon (Red House) claimed victory at the Bishop Charles Gachet RC Primary School’s annual track and field meet. The event, hosted at Mindoo Philip Park this past Wednesday, saw Red House secure a commanding win with 401 total points. They were followed by Quinlan (Green House) in second place with 344 points, and George (Blue House) in third with 238 points.
Principal Alison Lewis, in a discussion with St Lucia Times, emphasized that the competition’s purpose extends far beyond determining a winner on the track. She framed the event as a critical component of the school’s holistic education strategy, designed to foster essential life skills and personal development outside the traditional classroom setting.
“Participation in sports is fundamental for character development,” Lewis stated. “It instills the value of teamwork while simultaneously encouraging children to strive for their personal best. For some students who may face academic challenges, the track becomes a venue where they can excel and build immense self-confidence. This newfound belief in their abilities invariably transfers to their academic pursuits, creating a positive feedback loop of achievement.”
The event was notably bolstered by strong community involvement, with parents enthusiastically filling the stands to cheer on the young athletes. Principal Lewis highlighted their indispensable dual role, noting that their support went beyond mere spectatorship. With a limited teaching staff stretched thin across various organizational duties—from managing the public address system to directing the meet and managing concessions—parental assistance with supervision was crucial for the event’s seamless execution.
School facilitators expressed strong confidence that the values promoted through such activities—including discipline, cooperation, and resilience—are instrumental in nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared for success both on and off the field.
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Roadworks around power poles spark safety concerns
A critical infrastructure project in Saint Lucia has reached an impasse due to a financial disagreement between the contracted construction firm and the national electricity provider, raising significant safety concerns for northern commuters.
The Norbert Road rehabilitation project, designed to alleviate traffic congestion on the Sir Julian R Hunte Highway, has advanced to its final phase with construction occurring around existing electricity poles. Rayneau Gajadhar, owner of Rayneau Construction & Industrial Products Ltd., revealed his team proceeded with work after four formal requests for a detailed cost breakdown from Saint Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) were denied. The utility company had provided an estimated quote of $554,878.86 for relocating electrical infrastructure.
“It’s impossible for us to be paying all those monies out and not know what you’re going to do and what we’re paying for,” Gajadhar stated in a social media video addressing the situation. His company has since installed reflective markers on the poles to enhance nighttime visibility as an interim safety measure.
LUCELEC Managing Director Gilroy Pultie confirmed in an official statement that the company received the contractor’s request and has been engaged in discussions with both the contractor and overseeing government ministry over the past fortnight. “We have subsequently provided further breakdown of the cost. It is under discussion,” Pultie stated, expressing expectation that the ministry would provide feedback within days.
The electricity provider defended its pricing methodology, explaining that it employs standard unit rates for materials and labor. Pultie emphasized the company’s responsibility to manage costs prudently to avoid passing unnecessary expenses to consumers through tariff adjustments. “Costs like the relocation of lines associated with roadworks should be treated and passed on to the government, or the agency or the contractor as part of the project,” he asserted.
The managing director called for more responsible planning of future infrastructure projects, stressing the need for improved coordination among all stakeholders to prevent similar situations where utility infrastructure becomes public hazards.
Meanwhile, northern residents and daily commuters who regularly use Norbert Road to avoid highway gridlock have expressed growing concerns about safety prioritization. One Bonneterre Gardens resident told local media that the apparent disregard for pedestrian and motorist safety represents “really bad optics for both companies” amidst their financial dispute.
With approximately 21-25 electrical poles and sections of the distribution network requiring relocation, further delays now appear inevitable for the government’s congestion-reduction initiative.
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Great Barbadian journalist’s last surviving child, is 100
Barbados witnessed a remarkable celebration of longevity as Barbara Joan Wickham-Mitchell, affectionately known as “Mimo”, reached her centennial milestone surrounded by family and dignitaries at her Christ Church residence. The Thursday gathering transformed into a national tribute when President Jeffrey Bostic personally delivered champagne, flowers, and an official birthday card to the celebrated centenarian.
Demonstrating the sharp cognitive abilities that have defined her later years, Wickham-Mitchell read the presidential message aloud before captivating guests with vivid storytelling and humor. When queried about her century-long journey, she responded with characteristic simplicity: “Great.” The independent centenarian continues to manage her own daily routines, preferring home-based relaxation while maintaining her culinary passion for coconut bread.
Her life story reflects Barbados’ modern history: raised in Government Hill, she briefly resided in the United States before returning to her homeland during the 1960s. She established the notable Pelican Restaurant on Pelican Island while simultaneously maintaining active roles in both community affairs and the Religious Science Church in Cave Hill, St Michael.
The Wickham family legacy carries significant historical weight. Her father, Clennell Wickham, served as editor of The Herald newspaper and emerged as a pivotal figure in Barbados’ interwar democratic movement. His political activism forced exile to Grenada following a libel lawsuit concerning his refusal to endorse Walter Bayley’s merchant candidacy. He subsequently edited The West Indian newspaper until his premature death at age 43 in 1938.
Family tributes highlighted Wickham-Mitchell’s extraordinary resilience and philosophical depth. Nephew Peter Wickham, a prominent political scientist, emphasized her pragmatic spirituality: “She would never debate whether Jesus walked on water but can speak extensively on the virtues God would want to impress upon us.” He recalled her distinctive approach to faith: “One should spend less time praying for a miracle and more time giving thanks that God has provided you with the knowledge to study, learn and work hard to make this miracle happen.”
Her strength manifested through simultaneous caregiving for multiple family members while operating her business enterprise. Despite advanced age, she maintains impressive independence, navigating stairs with determination that surpasses most contemporaries. Her organizational methodology includes meticulous documentation of everything from meal preparation to social scheduling, consistently advocating that “you should write it down.”
The centenarian values authentic human connection, preferring face-to-face interactions for their nuanced communication potential. Her family tree includes six grandchildren and one great-grandchild, extending the Wickham legacy that previously saw her aunt Barbara achieve 109 years. Having outlived her husband Anthony Mitchell, she leaves one biological child alongside stepchildren who joined in celebrating a life embodying Barbados’ cultural and historical tapestry.
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Dodelijk verkeersongeval aan Kwattaweg eist leven van bromfietser
A tragic single-vehicle accident has resulted in the death of a scooter rider during the early morning hours along Kwattaweg. The victim, identified as 25-year-old M.R., succumbed to his injuries at the scene despite emergency response efforts.
Preliminary police investigation indicates that the young man was traveling from Derderijweg toward Henry Fernandesweg when the incident occurred. Near the Kwattamarkt area, authorities suspect excessive speed caused the rider to lose control of his handlebars. The scooter veered off the roadway and collided with tremendous force against an EBS utility pole located in the left shoulder.
The impact proved immediately fatal for the scooter operator. Paramedics and an emergency physician dispatched to the location determined the injuries were incompatible with life. Medical personnel confirmed death at the scene, unable to provide any life-saving measures due to the severity of the trauma sustained.
This early morning tragedy marks another sobering reminder of road safety concerns, particularly regarding two-wheeled vehicles and speed management on urban thoroughfares. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the exact contributing factors behind this fatal loss of control incident.
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Calls grow for ban on Ski and other full-face masks following recent crimes
A prominent Bolans entrepreneur is advocating for a nationwide prohibition on full-face coverings after surviving a violent armed assault by masked assailants. The business owner, who has chosen to remain anonymous for security reasons, recounted the harrowing incident which occurred last Friday at approximately 11:30 a.m. along the Sir Andy Roberts Highway near Fry’s.
While refueling his commercial vehicle, the businessman was suddenly confronted by two masked individuals emerging from adjacent vegetation. One assailant brandished a firearm while both wore full-face masks that completely obscured their facial features. In a courageous act of self-defense, the victim hurled stones to create distance between himself and the attackers, prompting the armed assailant to discharge three rounds before both fled back into the surrounding brush.
The traumatized entrepreneur emphasized that the comprehensive facial concealment provided by the masks rendered identification absolutely impossible, creating what he described as ‘perfect conditions for criminal activity.’ He contends that such face coverings increasingly serve as enablers for violent offenses by providing perpetrators with anonymity and reducing the risk of subsequent identification.
According to the victim’s account, the suspects appeared to be young, slender-built males. He further noted that similar masked robberies targeting small business operators are becoming increasingly prevalent throughout the region. The businessman issued an urgent plea for collaborative action between government authorities and law enforcement agencies to implement strengthened crime prevention protocols, cautioning that future victims might include elderly citizens or other vulnerable demographics who could suffer more severe consequences.
Local police authorities have confirmed they are actively investigating the incident while examining broader patterns of masked criminal activity throughout the jurisdiction.
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17 Primary Schools to Compete in 42nd National Spellbound Championship
The 42nd annual National Spellbound Championship has officially commenced, marking the start of an intensive academic competition that will see 17 primary schools competing for the coveted 2026 national title. Sponsored by State Insurance Company Ltd, the prestigious literacy program launched on Monday as part of its enduring mission to foster academic excellence and language proficiency among young learners.
This long-standing educational initiative, now entering its fifth decade of operation, brings together primary-level students from across the nation to demonstrate their spelling prowess and linguistic capabilities within a rigorous competitive framework. Education authorities emphasize that the championship serves as a critical platform for developing confidence, instilling discipline, and cultivating a genuine passion for learning among participants.
Sponsors have reiterated their commitment to supporting educational programs that contribute to national development, noting that investments in literacy initiatives represent investments in the country’s future leadership and intellectual capital. The competition structure will unfold over several weeks of intense academic challenges, culminating in the identification and recognition of this year’s National Spellbound Champion.
The Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries continues to endorse the championship as a cornerstone of its educational development strategy, highlighting the program’s consistent ability to identify and nurture linguistic talent while promoting comprehensive literacy skills among the nation’s youth.
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Dry Conditions Could Increase Wildfire Risk, Forecasters Warn
Meteorological authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have issued a significant wildfire alert, projecting heightened fire vulnerability throughout the first half of 2026 due to anticipated precipitation deficits. The national meteorological service indicates that substantially below-average rainfall patterns from February through early spring will likely create tinderbox conditions across the islands’ vegetation. This warning follows concerning December metrics where Antigua documented substantially reduced rainfall and Barbuda endured a severe 21-day arid period without measurable precipitation. The cumulative effect has left grassy and brush-covered landscapes increasingly combustible as the traditional dry season progresses. While daytime temperatures are projected to remain within seasonal norms, meteorologists highlight another concerning factor: above-average nighttime temperatures that inhibit moisture recovery through accelerated evaporation rates. The service further warns that short-term drought conditions will likely materialize by February’s conclusion, potentially escalating to moderate or severe drought classification by April if current rainfall patterns persist. Particularly concerning is the forecast that arid conditions may extend into the early wet season, dramatically amplifying fire risks in bush and grassland regions. Experts clarify that while these conditions don’t guarantee fire incidents, they create a high-risk environment especially during episodes of intensified winds, reduced humidity, or human activities including agricultural burning and land clearance operations. Government officials are urging sustained public vigilance and extreme caution with open flames, debris burning, and all potential ignition sources throughout the prolonged dry period.
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$32m budgeted for AIA’s recurring runway problem
The Vincentian government has announced an emergency allocation of EC$32 million to address severe and persistent structural deficiencies plaguing the runway at Argyle International Airport (AIA). Prime Minister Godwin Friday disclosed the critical funding requirement during parliamentary debates on the 2026 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, characterizing the tarmac’s condition as “very poor” and acknowledging the substantial financial burden it represents.
The airport, which stands as the nation’s most ambitious capital project with initial development costs of EC$700 million financed through loans, grants, and in-kind contributions, has experienced recurring pavement failures since its 2017 inauguration. Prime Minister Friday emphasized the particular vulnerability of one runway section that requires near-constant maintenance whenever aircraft land, noting this problem has persisted for years regardless of which administration held power.
The urgency of repairs has intensified during peak tourist season, as authorities cannot suspend flight operations for comprehensive rehabilitation. The government has immediately committed EC$12 million in the current budget cycle toward initial repairs, with total projected costs reaching the EC$32 million figure.
This infrastructure crisis recently forced temporary operational downgrades by aviation authorities after surface defects caused significant flight disruptions. Approximately two months ago, the appearance of holes on the runway prompted the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to issue a Notice to Airmen restricting operations to aircraft with maximum take-off weights below 225,000 pounds. These restrictions resulted in canceled flights, including an American Airlines Boeing 737-823 that aborted takeoff after crew identified runway damage, and a Virgin Atlantic service between London and St. Vincent via Barbados.
Local media documentation has captured maintenance crews performing emergency patchwork on the runway surface, with potholes reportedly reappearing as quickly as they are repaired. The situation has created operational challenges for multiple carriers serving the Eastern Caribbean destination, highlighting the critical need for permanent structural solutions.
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Flow Supports Princess Margaret School Awards Ceremony
In a significant corporate social responsibility initiative, telecommunications provider Flow Antigua and Barbuda has contributed technological resources to support educational excellence. Country Manager Wayne Hull formally presented two state-of-the-art laptops and a smart television to Princess Margaret School during the institution’s annual awards ceremony.
The donation ceremony formed a highlight of the school’s event recognizing both past and present educators who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to teaching. Ms. Dana James, representing Princess Margaret School, accepted the equipment on behalf of the educational institution.
This contribution aims to enhance the school’s technological infrastructure, providing both students and faculty with improved digital tools for learning and instruction. The donation reflects Flow’s ongoing commitment to supporting educational development within Antigua and Barbuda through tangible technological investments.
The annual awards ceremony serves as a platform to honor teaching excellence and dedication within the education sector, making the technology donation particularly timely and meaningful. Such public-private partnerships demonstrate how corporate entities can play a vital role in strengthening educational resources within local communities.