San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris has issued a strong appeal to citizens and charitable organizations to cease feeding the homeless on Harris Promenade, citing the situation as ‘out of control.’ The promenade, once a proud landmark, has become a gathering spot for an estimated 200 socially-displaced individuals, many of whom are reportedly fed up to eight times daily. Parris emphasized that while charity is commendable, the public feeding practice has led to significant sanitation and management issues, including litter, human waste, and other health hazards. He highlighted the impact on nearby schools, churches, courts, and the police station, urging well-meaning individuals to redirect their efforts to established centers for the homeless, such as King’s Wharf or Court Shamrock, where meals can be distributed more effectively. Parris also suggested supporting children’s homes, hospitals, and elderly care facilities as alternative charitable acts. The mayor’s plea follows a recent incident where a man was seen feeding the homeless but fled upon spotting municipal authorities, underscoring the violation of local bylaws prohibiting public feeding in the area. Parris lamented that these laws have been ignored, exacerbating the problem.
分类： society
-
MAS scherpt districtscommissarissen aan voor betere handhaving scheepvaartwetgeving
The Maritime Authority Suriname (MAS) convened a pivotal working session on November 11, 2025, with all district commissioners (dc’s) to enhance the enforcement of maritime legislation. Held at the MAS headquarters, the meeting was part of the ongoing coordination between the maritime authority and district administrations to oversee inland waterways. MAS Director Michel Amafo highlighted key safety measures discussed during the session, including the mandatory use of life jackets and inspection certificates for all vessels, valid skipper licenses, and accurate passenger lists for emergency situations. Agreements were also made on the role of administrative officials in waterway inspections. Amafo announced follow-up meetings with district commissioners and plans for training programs for boatmen and skippers across various districts, with initial sessions already underway in Kabalebo and Nickerie. Regular inspections are being conducted in collaboration with the police and the National Army. Amafo emphasized the ultimate goal of improving waterway safety, stating, ‘Ensuring safety involves many aspects, such as obtaining authorization for building large piers and organizing water-based events.’ He stressed the importance of timely community communication about planned activities on waterways. Patrick Kensenhuis, District Commissioner of Para, deemed the meeting essential, noting that district commissioners are now better informed about MAS’s responsibilities and their roles in ensuring safety. ‘Safety can only be guaranteed through effective coordination among all stakeholders,’ Kensenhuis emphasized. He highlighted the significance of compliance in Para, where recreational activities near water are prevalent. Each district will appoint a focal point to maintain direct contact with MAS, and administrative officials will receive training in water activity supervision and enforcement, set to begin in the first quarter of 2026.
-
Man dead following altercation at Halls Road home
A tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday night at a residence in Marl Hole Gap, Halls Road, St Michael, resulting in the death of one man and the detention of another. According to police reports, authorities were alerted to a disturbance at approximately 10:16 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered 63-year-old David Leacock, a resident of the same address, suffering from injuries sustained during the altercation. Leacock was promptly transported to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital via ambulance but later succumbed to his injuries. The suspect, reportedly a relative of the deceased, is currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations. Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to contact the Central Police Station at 430-7676 or 430-7176, the Police Emergency line at 211, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477. The incident has left the local community in shock, with many calling for a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the fatal confrontation.
-
Lehana Simon Elected to Regional Education Quality Board
Lehana Simon, a distinguished accreditation officer from Antigua and Barbuda, has been elected to the board of the Caribbean Area Network for Quality Assurance in Tertiary Education (CANQATE). Simon, who currently serves with the Antigua and Barbuda National Accreditation Board (ABNAB), will play a pivotal role in advancing higher education standards across the Caribbean region. Her appointment underscores her unwavering dedication to quality assurance and brings a wealth of expertise to the organization. CANQATE, established in 2004 and headquartered in Jamaica, serves as a collaborative platform for accreditation agencies, government entities, and tertiary institutions. Its mission is to foster mutual recognition of qualifications, promote international best practices, and enhance educational quality across the Caribbean. ABNAB has publicly commended Simon, emphasizing that her selection reflects her significant contributions to the field and her ability to drive meaningful progress in regional education.
-
Grenada and GGGI enhance partnership
The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Government of Grenada have formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing resilient, green, and affordable housing solutions. This partnership will accelerate Grenada’s Project 500, an initiative designed to deliver 500 climate-resilient and affordable homes to its citizens. The collaboration is part of GGGI’s broader efforts to scale up resilient green housing across the Eastern Caribbean, supported by funding from the Government of Ireland and Agence Française de Développement (AFD). Together, GGGI and Grenada’s Ministry of Housing will enhance access to resilient infrastructure, expedite priority housing projects, and strengthen green growth planning and financing frameworks. The initiative will also focus on developing financial models to ensure affordability for targeted homeowner groups. Finley Jeffrey, Permanent Secretary of Grenada’s Ministry of Housing, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating that it marks a pivotal step in providing homes that are both affordable and resilient to climate change. GGGI’s Caribbean Representative, Daniel Muñoz-Smith, highlighted the importance of green housing in sustainable development, particularly in vulnerable island economies like the Caribbean. The collaboration will integrate green building standards, promote low-carbon construction practices, and leverage international climate finance to ensure long-term affordability and resilience. GGGI’s technical team will assess existing housing models to identify opportunities for incorporating climate-resilient features, such as rooftop solar systems, and develop guidelines for sustainable housing in Grenada.
-
Antiguan Student Resa B. Nelson Named 2026 Caribbean Rhodes Scholar
Resa B. Nelson, a 21-year-old student from Antigua, has been awarded the prestigious title of 2026 Caribbean Rhodes Scholar. The announcement was made in Barbados yesterday, following an intense selection process involving nine regional finalists. Nelson, who will pursue a Master’s in Biology by Research at the University of Oxford, expressed her deep gratitude and commitment to using this opportunity to benefit the Caribbean region. ‘I want to do amazing work that helps the Caribbean and its people,’ she said, emphasizing her focus on addressing critical needs in biosciences. Nelson also highlighted the significance of her achievement for Afro-Caribbean representation, particularly in the field of cell biology. Meanwhile, Lianna Williams, the sole Barbadian finalist, shared her aspirations to leverage economics to develop stronger social policies for Barbados and the wider Caribbean, tackling issues like youth violence, income inequality, and rising living costs.
-
Roadworks Underway in Seatons
In a significant move to enhance local infrastructure, road improvement works are currently underway in Seatons today. This initiative is a key component of a larger, community-wide effort to upgrade and modernize essential public facilities. The ongoing project aims to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and ensure smoother transportation for residents and visitors alike. Local authorities have emphasized that these upgrades are part of a long-term strategy to bolster the region’s infrastructure, making it more resilient and efficient. The works are expected to continue for several weeks, with temporary traffic diversions in place to minimize disruption. Residents have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly and stay updated on progress through official channels.
-
Artist Talk #2 — Rebecca’s Dolls: A Stitched Story of Slavery in Grenada
The exhibition ‘Rebecca’s Dolls: A Stitched Story of Slavery in Grenada,’ which opened in June 2025 at the Grenada National Museum, has been extended until mid-December due to its profound impact and public interest. Originally slated to close on 12 September, the exhibition delves into the life of Rebecca Ahmuty Snagg, an enslaved woman who served a British family in St. George, Grenada. Her story is vividly portrayed through three fragile dolls she sent to her former enslaver, now preserved at Bristol Archives in England and too delicate to travel. The exhibition also features a painting of Rebecca by Jean Renel Pierre Louis, two dolls crafted by Conny Herrmann, a storybook illustrated by Andrea McLeod, and a fabric pattern inspired by plantation crops from Rebecca’s era. A panel of authentic Madras fabric, donated by the Original Madras Trading Company in Chennai, India, further enriches the display. On 15 November, an artist talk titled ‘Heritage in Education’ will be held at the museum, featuring discussions by artist Suelin Low Chew Tung, historian John Angus Martin, and others, alongside student assignments inspired by the exhibition. The project was funded by the Karun Thakar Fund of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and supported locally by the Grenada Office of Creative Affairs.
-
DJ Khris Criminally Charged for Officer’s Death
In a tragic turn of events, Khris Rosado, the 34-year-old Executive Director of Thirsty Thursdays in Belize City, has been criminally charged in connection with the death of Police Constable Arcenio Cus. The fatal incident occurred on July 28, 2025, when Cus, 38, was involved in a head-on collision while riding his motorcycle on the Phillip Goldson Highway. After a thorough investigation, Rosado was formally charged on November 11, 2025, with multiple offenses, including Manslaughter by Negligence, Causing Death by Careless Conduct, and Failing to Stop and Report an Accident. Rosado is scheduled to appear in court today to face these charges. The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting the serious consequences of negligent driving and the importance of road safety.
-
Police Seek Assistance In Locating Missing Woman
Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have issued an urgent plea for public assistance in locating 56-year-old Dawn Anjella Simon, a volunteer soldier with the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF), who has been reported missing. Simon, a resident of Bolans Village, was last seen in the Bolans area on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Despite extensive searches conducted by officers from the Bolans Police Station in surrounding communities, her whereabouts remain unknown. Simon is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall, with a brown complexion and medium build. The police are urging anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at 462-3913, the Bolans Police Station at 462-1080, or call 911 immediately. The community’s cooperation is crucial in ensuring her safe return.