分类： society

In a harrowing case that has drawn widespread attention, a man in his late 40s was convicted on Wednesday of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. The trial, presided over by Justice Ann Marie Smith, commenced in July and concluded with the jury delivering a guilty verdict after careful deliberation. The assaults took place in December 2021 when the defendant, then 45, was romantically involved with a family friend who was hosting the child for the weekend. Prosecutors revealed that the man entered the girl’s bedroom while she was asleep and touched her, causing her significant distress. He later returned to escalate the assault, and in a separate incident, forcibly removed her from a shower and assaulted her again despite her resistance. The defendant’s request for bail was denied by Justice Smith, and sentencing is scheduled for October 24. This case has underscored the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children and ensuring justice for victims of such heinous crimes.

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda is intensifying its efforts to combat crime by seeking greater collaboration with telecommunications providers. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communication in the Prime Minister’s Office, emphasized that telecom companies could significantly bolster police investigations by providing crucial data. Merchant revealed that discussions have been held with the Attorney General and his legal team to explore ways to persuade telecom providers to share necessary information with law enforcement. However, he acknowledged the delicate balance between aiding investigations and protecting customer privacy, stating, ‘It is an area that all parties tread lightly, because the issue of privacy comes into play.’ The police have also encouraged the public to volunteer information to assist in solving crimes. This initiative comes amid heightened public scrutiny over recent violent incidents and a surge in robberies. While community tips remain vital, Merchant suggested that alternative measures may be necessary when voluntary cooperation is insufficient. The push for enhanced telecom collaboration underscores the police’s commitment to addressing crime more effectively.

In what has become a recurring phenomenon, another highly publicized prophecy of the rapture has failed to materialize. This latest prediction, made by South African pastor Joshua Mhlakela, claimed that Jesus had appeared to him in 2018 and revealed that the rapture would occur on September 23–24, 2025, coinciding with the Feast of Trumpets. The prophecy gained significant traction on social media platforms like TikTok, where users shared farewell messages and even prepared for the event by selling possessions and transferring property deeds. However, as the final hours of September 24 passed without incident, the world remained unchanged, leaving believers and skeptics alike to reflect on the enduring allure of apocalyptic predictions. This event echoes previous failed prophecies, such as the 2012 Mayan calendar end-of-world speculation and the tragic mass suicide of the Heaven’s Gate cult in 1997. While some content creators have fallen silent, others continue to hold out hope for a delayed fulfillment. For now, life goes on as usual, and the world remains intact.

The Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC) Antigua and Barbuda Chapter Inc. recently celebrated World Maritime Day with a powerful message centered on ocean conservation and gender equity. Under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Opportunity, Our Obligation,” the organization highlighted the critical role of the ocean in connecting communities, driving economies, and shaping Caribbean identity. WiMAC President Dr. Evette Smith Johnson emphasized the dual responsibility of protecting marine resources and fostering inclusivity in maritime leadership. In her address, Dr. Smith Johnson stated, “Happy World Maritime Day! WiMAC celebrates the sea that sustains, connects, and inspires our Caribbean. Together, we must protect it, embrace opportunities, and ensure women’s equal role in shaping the maritime future.” The association stressed that gender equity in the maritime sector enhances innovation, resilience, and long-term growth. WiMAC called on governments, industry stakeholders, and communities to collaborate in safeguarding the ocean, emphasizing that sustainable stewardship is vital for livelihoods and resilience against global challenges. The event also showcased the leadership of WiMAC’s executive team, including Immediate Past President Mrs. Tamara Lowe-James, President Ms. Shenica Sebastian, and Vice President Mrs. Jemella Bascus-Sharpe, among others.

A 25-year-old man has been sentenced to six months in prison after failing to fulfill court-ordered financial obligations related to his conviction for sexual offenses involving a minor. The man, who pleaded guilty in October 2023 to charges of engaging in sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 14, was ordered to pay $6,000 in fines and compensation. The offenses occurred in 2020 when the victim was just 13 years old and the defendant was 21. The pair initially met at a local beauty salon in March 2020, and their interactions evolved into what the victim perceived as a relationship. This led to three instances of sexual activity during the summer of 2020, resulting in the girl’s pregnancy and subsequent childbirth in 2021. The defendant and his mother approached the victim’s mother, agreeing to take responsibility for the child. However, medical staff reported the case to the police at the time of delivery, triggering an investigation. In January 2024, Justice Ann-Marie Smith mandated the defendant to pay $500 monthly installments as part of his penalty. After making only one payment, the man absconded, leading to a months-long search. He was eventually arrested in August 2024 and ordered to serve the six-month custodial sentence as an alternative to the unpaid fines.

The Magistrates’ Court has postponed a high-profile case involving citizens charged with trespassing for accessing a beach, leaving the legal dispute unresolved until later this year. Defense attorney Sherfiel Bowen, representing the defendants, has filed an application to dismiss the charges, citing 16 legal grounds for the case’s alleged defects. Oral arguments on the dismissal motion are scheduled for November 6, with the prosecution required to submit their response by October 23. Bowen expressed confidence in the application’s success, stating, ‘If my application prevails, and I’m very confident that it will, it will be the end of the matter.’ Should the motion fail, the trial is set to commence on December 15. Bowen also emphasized the broader implications of the case, noting that it could spark a vital public discussion about beach access as a fundamental right in Antigua. ‘Access to a beach is one of the fundamental rights of Antigua,’ he asserted, suggesting that a trial might help clarify and reinforce this right. Opposition members were present at the courthouse, showing solidarity with the defendants and reaffirming their commitment to protecting public beach access. ‘We have to continue to fight for access to our beaches,’ one member declared, vowing to ensure that public entry remains protected and visible. The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the tension between public rights and private interests in the region.