It has been three harrowing years since Rochellda “Dadah” Woodside vanished without a trace while walking home in August 2022. Her family, enduring an unbearable void, continues to seek answers, praying for her safe return or at least the chance to lay her to rest with dignity. Victoria Ferguson, Rochellda’s 35-year-old sister, describes the ordeal as an unhealed wound that has left their family shattered. “We hope she’s alive, but if not, we just want to give her a proper burial,” Ferguson shared with The Tribune. Rochellda was last seen on August 11, 2022, walking along Lincoln Boulevard toward Washington Street, where she resided. Witnesses reported seeing her enter a car with an individual who offered her a ride—a person Ferguson believes was not a stranger and may hold the key to her disappearance. The family’s frustration has grown over what they perceive as a lack of urgency from the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Despite multiple searches and tips, including combing empty lots and abandoned buildings, no trace of Rochellda has been found. Ferguson recalls her sister as educated, kind, and street-smart, someone who would not have accepted a ride from an untrusted individual. The family suspects jealousy or a personal dispute involving a friend or ex-boyfriend as possible motives. This tragedy is not the family’s first; in 2017, Rochellda’s brother was killed, leaving behind two children who still ask about their missing aunt. Ferguson, who returned to New Providence from the United States after her sister’s disappearance, remembers Rochellda’s aspirations—opening a clothing store, a car rental company, and returning to school. Each year, on the anniversary of her disappearance, Ferguson revisits her sister’s belongings and memories, keeping her spirit alive. Despite the silence and lack of progress, the family vows to continue their search, holding onto faith and the hope for eventual closure.
分类： society
-
SHOP WITH PURPOSE…
NaturalAnnie Essentials, a Connecticut-based lifestyle brand founded by Jamaican-born entrepreneur Annya “Annie” White-Brown, has relaunched its popular Jamaican Yardie Candle Collection to aid families in Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa. A portion of all sales will be donated to support relief efforts. The collection, initially launched in 2023, features 14 hand-poured, scented soy candles, each representing a Jamaican parish. These candles, housed in reusable amber glass containers, have resonated deeply with the Jamaican Diaspora and enthusiasts of Jamaican culture, evoking nostalgic memories of home. Available online and at the NaturalAnnie Essentials Candle Bar in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the candles are crafted with unique fragrance profiles, such as passionfruit, pineapple, and vanilla for the Trelawny candle, and lime, cotton, and sage for the St Elizabeth candle. In addition to the candle sales, the company has partnered with the Jamaican American Connections of Connecticut to establish its Candle Bar as a donation drop-off site for essential items. On December 7, a reggae-themed candle-making event will be held at the Candle Bar, with a portion of ticket sales also contributing to the relief efforts. White-Brown emphasizes her commitment to making a meaningful impact on her homeland, even as a small business. Customers can shop online at naturalannieessentials.com or visit the Candle Bar at 1313 Connecticut Ave, Bridgeport, CT.
-
Water sports and tour operators accuse Port Department of arbitrary treatment
Water sports and tour operators in New Providence are raising serious allegations against the Port Department, accusing it of harassment, intimidation, and selective enforcement. Business owners claim that officials have targeted outspoken individuals while ignoring unlicensed competitors. Acting Port Controller Berne Wright is at the center of these accusations, with operators alleging that enforcement efforts are being used as a tool of punishment rather than regulation.
-
Kiprich freed as prosecutors drop case over alleged One Order endorsement
Dancehall artist Kiprich, whose real name is Marlon Plunkett, has been exonerated after the prosecution withdrew criminal charges against him in the St. Catherine Parish Court on Tuesday. The case, which had drawn significant attention, was dismissed following concerns raised by the defense regarding the nature of the charges and constitutional issues. Defense attorney Patrick Peterkin expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the prosecution failed to meet the evidentiary threshold required to proceed. Kiprich had been charged under section 18A of the Offences Against the Person Act, which pertains to the use of audio, visual, or audiovisual communication to promote criminal activity. Throughout the legal proceedings, Plunkett steadfastly maintained his innocence, denying any involvement in gang-related activities or incitement of violence. Peterkin highlighted the broader implications of the case, warning that such laws could unjustly burden artists who are merely performing their craft. The charges stemmed from a custom-order dubplate created for a foreign-based selector following the death of Othniel ‘Thickman’ Lobban, a notorious gang leader. Kiprich’s management team claimed the audio was manipulated to appear more inflammatory than intended. Lobban, a key figure in Jamaica’s criminal underworld, was allegedly involved in shootings, extortion, and gang dominance in various areas before being killed in a shootout with police earlier this year.
-
Police Search for Suspects in Church Break-In
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has launched an investigation into a recent break-in at the Church of God of Prophecy in Cooks Hill. The incident occurred between 3:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, and 9:20 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025. According to reports, the perpetrators unlawfully entered the premises and made off with a 50-inch Samsung flat-screen television and multiple air conditioning units. Authorities are actively seeking the suspects and have urged the public to come forward with any information that could aid in the investigation. Individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at 462-3913, the Grays Farm Police Station at 462-0481, or Crimestoppers at 800-TIPS (8477). The police have emphasized the importance of community cooperation in resolving this case and ensuring the safety of local institutions.
-
French Union to send aid to eastern Cuba hit by hurricane
Laurent Brun, a prominent leader of the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) and member of its Confederal Bureau, recently held a meeting with Otto Vaillant, the Cuban Ambassador to Paris. The discussions centered on the initial outcomes of a solidarity campaign initiated by the union to aid victims of a devastating storm that ravaged eastern Cuba in late October. The storm, characterized by winds surpassing 200 kilometers per hour and relentless torrential rains, left widespread destruction in its wake.
-
Caribbean governments continue tradition of supporting creatives at CARIFESTA
Two months after their triumphant return from CARIFESTA in Barbados, Saint Lucian designers and entrepreneurs remain filled with pride and gratitude. The event, a celebration of Caribbean culture and creativity, provided a platform for these artisans to showcase their talents and represent their nation on a regional stage. Their success was made possible through significant support from the Ministry of Culture and the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF), which provided stipends, travel assistance, and other resources to ensure their participation. This backing not only enabled their attendance but also helped them stand out among their peers, sharing Saint Lucia’s unique spirit with the Caribbean community. Veteran designer Queen Esther of Kuumba Designs expressed her appreciation for the support, noting that the festival was a place to connect with fellow artists and present her timeless creations. Similarly, Christine Samuel of Christy Creations and Lisa Barton-Volney of De Kloze Line highlighted the festival’s role in fostering collaboration and expanding their professional networks. The event also benefited from broader funding initiatives, including the Mobility Assistance Grant (MAG) and contributions from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF). These efforts underscore the importance of cultural tourism and the creative economy in the region, providing invaluable exposure for Caribbean creatives and helping them reach new markets.
-
Man arrested for stealing Huggies Diapers and Cooking Oil
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has successfully apprehended a male suspect linked to a recent larceny incident at the First Best Supermarket on Bendals Road. The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 8, when two individuals allegedly entered the establishment and stole a bottle of Hyundai engine oil, a bottle of cooking oil, and a pack of Huggies diapers. Following a swift investigation, authorities located and detained one suspect in the Gray’s Farm area, who is now in custody at the St. John’s Police Station. Efforts are currently underway to identify and apprehend the second suspect involved in the theft. The police have assured the public that further details will be released as the investigation progresses.
-
Gray’s Green Club Marks Antigua’s 44th Independence with Star-Studded Gala in New York
The Gray’s Green Community Club of America commemorated Antigua’s 44th year of independence with its 16th annual gala on Saturday, November 8. Held at the newly inaugurated Westchester Majesty Event Hall in Mt. Vernon, NY, the event brought together members of the Antiguan and Barbudan diaspora to celebrate their shared heritage and achievements. Under the leadership of President Keanna Appleton, the gala honored four distinguished individuals—Ms. Deborah Moore, Mr. Gregg Batchelor, Mr. Calvin Prophet, and Dr. Dave A.B. Ray—for their exceptional contributions to nation-building, patriotism, community service, and cultural preservation. A special presidential award was also bestowed upon Ms. Valda DeSilva in recognition of her unwavering dedication to providing school supplies for the children of Green Bay. The evening commenced with an invocation by Rev. Belgrave Pelle, followed by a keynote address from Ms. Temika Christian, principal of Green Bay Primary School, who emphasized the club’s unifying motto, “One Aim, One Community, One Destiny.” Musical performances by Nicole Rivera, who sang the American anthem, and Renee Airall, who performed the Antiguan national anthem, added a patriotic touch to the festivities. Mrs. Daphne Henry-Palma served as the Mistress of Ceremony, while Ke-Naudra Aska delivered the vote of thanks. The celebration continued with lively music by DJ Chalice and the Klymaxx Band, featuring local hits by Claudete “CP” Peters and the Burning Flames, creating an atmosphere of cultural pride and unity.
-
Cassada Gardens Man arrested and charged for marrying two women
In a significant legal development, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has arrested and charged a 35-year-old man from Cassada Gardens for the offense of bigamy. The individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, is accused of entering into a second marriage on April 9, 2025, at Fort James, while still legally wedded to his first spouse. This act, which violates the nation’s matrimonial laws, was uncovered during a detailed investigation by local authorities. Following the inquiry, the accused was formally charged and is now awaiting his court appearance to address the allegations. Bigamy, the act of marrying someone while already married to another person, is a criminal offense in Antigua and Barbuda, punishable under the law. This case highlights the legal consequences of such actions and serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to marital laws. The accused’s court date has yet to be announced, but the case has already drawn public attention to the enforcement of legal standards in matrimonial matters.