分类: society

  • Man dies in Manchester crash, two others injured

    Man dies in Manchester crash, two others injured

    A tragic vehicular accident on the Pen Hill main road in Manchester resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries on Thursday afternoon, according to local authorities. The collision involved two passenger vehicles that sustained catastrophic damage upon impact, requiring emergency extraction of trapped occupants.

    Preliminary investigative reports indicate the incident occurred approximately at 1:30 PM when a Toyota Wish traveling uphill collided directly with a Suzuki Swift moving in the opposite direction. The force of the head-on impact severely deformed both vehicles, necessitating rescue efforts from both official responders and civilian motorists present at the scene.

    Emergency services personnel, including firefighters from the Manchester Parish, worked diligently to extricate three injured individuals from the wreckage. All victims were subsequently transported to a medical facility for urgent treatment. Despite resuscitation attempts, one male victim was declared deceased upon arrival at the hospital.

    While Jamaican police have withheld formal identification pending family notifications, colleagues from the National Water Commission have confirmed the deceased was a current employee of the state-owned utility provider. Grief counseling has been offered to affected staff members as the organization mourns the sudden loss.

    The Manchester Police Traffic Division has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Forensic teams are examining vehicle mechanical conditions, road surface integrity, and potential contributing factors including visibility conditions and driver actions preceding the accident.

    This incident marks another addition to Jamaica’s troubling road fatality statistics, prompting renewed calls from road safety advocates for enhanced traffic enforcement and driver education programs throughout the island nation.

  • 15-y-o suspected of drowning in Alligator Pond

    15-y-o suspected of drowning in Alligator Pond

    Tragedy struck the community of Alligator Pond in south Manchester, Jamaica, on Wednesday afternoon as a teenage boy lost his life in a suspected drowning incident. The victim has been identified by local authorities as 15-year-old Kemar Dixon, a resident of the nearby Myersville district in St. Elizabeth.

    According to police reports, the incident occurred approximately at 3:50 PM when Dixon was swimming with a group of friends in the local river. Witnesses indicated that the teenager experienced difficulties while in the water and subsequently disappeared beneath the surface. Emergency services were alerted and responded to the scene, where Dixon’s body was recovered from the river. He was transported to a medical facility but was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

    This tragic event has brought renewed attention to the dangerous reputation of the area locally known as ‘River,’ which has been the site of multiple fatal drowning incidents over many years. Historical data indicates these incidents frequently occur during holiday periods when water activities increase.

    The location’s tragic history includes a particularly devastating period in August 2023 when two individuals drowned at the same site. In a cruel twist of fate, a local hero who had previously rescued multiple people from drowning at Alligator Pond lost his own life in the waters just one week after his courageous actions. This pattern of incidents has prompted previous safety warnings from community leaders about the hidden dangers of the popular swimming location.

  • UK mother jailed for keeping woman as ‘house slave’ for 25 years

    UK mother jailed for keeping woman as ‘house slave’ for 25 years

    A Gloucestershire court has delivered a landmark 13-year prison sentence to Amanda Wixon, a 56-year-old mother of ten, for subjecting a vulnerable woman to what prosecutors described as modern-day slavery spanning more than two decades. The harrowing case, heard at Gloucester Crown Court, revealed systematic abuse that began when the victim was a teenager in 1995 and continued until her escape in 2021.

    Judge Ian Lawrie characterized the offenses as exceptionally grave, emphasizing the ‘significant period of custody’ reflected the severity of crimes that included false imprisonment, forced labor, and repeated physical assaults. Evidence presented during the 13-day trial detailed how Wixon, referred to by her victim as ‘The Witch,’ enforced a regime of terror at her squalid residence in western England.

    The court heard disturbing accounts of violence including beatings with broom handles that knocked out teeth, forced ingestion of washing-up liquid, facial exposure to bleach, and involuntary head shaving. The victim, who has learning disabilities, was subjected to manual labor while being systematically deprived of adequate nutrition and medical care.

    Despite social services involvement in the late 1990s, the abuse continued undetected for years. The victim now resides with a foster family and attends college, though her foster mother reports she remains terrified of her former captor and requires ongoing psychological therapy to process the trauma. The foster mother noted the victim has limited comprehension of the abuse she endured but experiences extreme distress when encountering reminders of her past ordeal.

  • Academic and medical communities mourn passing of Dr Tomlin Paul

    Academic and medical communities mourn passing of Dr Tomlin Paul

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The international academic world is grieving the loss of Dr. Tomlin Paul, an esteemed physician and educational pioneer whose transformative career dedicated over thirty years to advancing medical education, public health, and institutional development across the Caribbean and beyond.

  • Calvin Ayre Foundation Facilitates Urgent Medical Evacuation for Antiguan Construction Worker

    Calvin Ayre Foundation Facilitates Urgent Medical Evacuation for Antiguan Construction Worker

    The Calvin Ayre Foundation has orchestrated an urgent medical evacuation for a 30-year-old Antiguan construction worker requiring specialized thoracic care unavailable locally. Leon Haynes-Dover from All Saints was successfully transported via air ambulance to the University Hospital of Martinique following physician recommendations for immediate specialized evaluation.

    The complex medical transfer required specialized equipment, a trained medical team, and coordinated ground ambulance services between Antigua and Martinique. Dr. Benjamin Bridge, Senior Registrar in Internal Medicine at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, emphasized the critical nature of timely access to specialized care: “This case demonstrates how rapid intervention can make the difference between life and death. Without the Foundation’s support, this patient might not have received the definitive treatment he urgently required.”

    Haynes-Dover, a father and family provider, expressed profound gratitude for the intervention: “This support has given us hope during tremendous uncertainty. As the sole provider for my family, receiving this medical assistance means everything to us.”

    Patrice Jacobs, Media and Production Associate at CAF, highlighted the organization’s ongoing commitment: “We approach each medical case with equal urgency and consideration, recognizing our responsibility to support community members during their most vulnerable moments.”

    This incident underscores the vital role of public-private partnerships in addressing healthcare gaps within small island nations, ensuring citizens receive life-saving medical attention when local facilities cannot provide specialized treatment.

  • Dominica Lions Club’s supports youth education with donated supplies

    Dominica Lions Club’s supports youth education with donated supplies

    In a significant boost for educational support, the Dominica Lions Club has executed a targeted initiative to provide critical academic resources to three primary schools on the island. The recipient institutions—Goodwill, Newtown, and Giraudel Primary Schools—received comprehensive stationery packages comprising notebooks, writing instruments, pencils, and other essential classroom materials. This philanthropic endeavor was realized through the substantial backing of benefactor Tamika Jude, whose consistent community involvement was cited as a cornerstone of the project’s success.

    The donation transcends mere material provision, strategically designed to mitigate financial pressures on both educational institutions and families while ensuring students are fully equipped for academic achievement. Club representatives articulated that this initiative is a direct manifestation of their foundational commitment to the humanitarian principles of Lions Clubs International (LCI), specifically focusing on youth development and community enrichment through practical service.

    Emphasizing collaboration, the Club publicly acknowledged Ms. Jude’s generosity and extended an open invitation to other organizations and individuals aligned with their mission. The Club advocates that such collective efforts are vital in constructing a supportive ecosystem where young learners can effectively pursue their educational aspirations. Interested parties are encouraged to initiate contact for potential partnerships or support through the Club’s official Facebook presence (@DCA Lions) or via email at [email protected].

  • ABCAS Debate Team Travels to St. Kitts and Nevis for Leeward Islands Debating Competition

    ABCAS Debate Team Travels to St. Kitts and Nevis for Leeward Islands Debating Competition

    A 25-member delegation from the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) has embarked on a significant academic mission to participate in the prestigious Leeward Islands Debating Competition hosted in St. Kitts and Nevis. The team, comprising both talented student debaters and distinguished faculty representatives, is under the leadership of Dr. Najele Williams Buffonge, Vice President of ABCAS.

    The delegation features prominent academic figures including Robyn Joseph Nathaniel, Registrar; Jace Gore, Head of the Department of Information Technology; Mark Brown, Head of the Department of Fine Arts and Creative Studies; and Sonia Whittaker, Vice Principal of the Antigua and Barbuda International Institute of Technology.

    This educational endeavor has been made possible through substantial community support, highlighted by a successful fundraising luncheon and generous contributions from numerous sponsors. Key supporters acknowledged include LIAT Air, Brownie Bakery – Point, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, Omaha Bakery, Blue Waters Resort and Spa, and several local businesses and supermarkets. Significant institutional backing has also been provided by the Ministry of Tourism and Investment, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, and the Inland Revenue Department.

    ABCAS has extended special gratitude to staff members at both the Harrison Centre and Muriel O’Mard Campus for their dedicated efforts in preparing the students for this regional academic competition. The institution emphasizes that this participation not only represents academic excellence but also showcases Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to educational development and regional collaboration.

  • VAT, bonus won’t shut up the union, leader tells govt

    VAT, bonus won’t shut up the union, leader tells govt

    Oswald Robinson, the outgoing president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union (SVGTU), has launched scathing criticism against the Ministry of Education for allegedly ignoring repeated requests to address urgent educational concerns. During a recent appearance on BOOM FM’s “Teachers’ Talk” program, Robinson expressed frustration that three education ministers and the chief education officer have failed to respond to written communications seeking dialogue on pressing matters.

    The union leader highlighted multiple critical issues requiring immediate attention, including severe shortages of basic school supplies, deteriorating infrastructure at several educational institutions, and systemic challenges in public education financing. Robinson specifically referenced the “Go Public! Fund Education” global campaign initiated by Education International, emphasizing the need for adequately funded public education systems despite the government’s significant fiscal constraints.

    Robinson revealed that the newly elected administration under Prime Minister Godwin Friday has inherited a substantial EC$3.5 billion public debt, with a debt-to-GDP ratio exceeding 103%. This financial burden requires approximately 40 cents of every dollar to be allocated toward debt servicing, creating complex challenges for education funding. The Eastern Caribbean Currency Union has established targets to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to 60% by 2035.

    The outgoing union president provided specific examples of institutional neglect, including bat infestations at New Adelphi Secondary School, missing leadership positions at Bethel High School, and severely compromised infrastructure with leaking roofs and missing louvres. Robinson also reported that some schools lack even basic supplies like chalk and toilet paper, while others have experienced interruptions to their feeding programs.

    Robinson warned that the current administration’s avoidance of dialogue with educators establishes a poor foundation for collaborative progress. He emphasized that social dialogue remains essential for addressing these systemic challenges and urged education officials to engage with the union’s perspectives before conditions deteriorate further.

  • MPs question ads for foreign workers

    MPs question ads for foreign workers

    Barbadian legislators are confronting a growing trend of businesses advertising overseas for positions traditionally filled by local workers, prompting significant parliamentary debate during the Ministry of Labour’s appropriations review. Christ Church West Central MP Adrian Forde highlighted constituent frustrations with frequent newspaper advertisements claiming insufficient qualified Barbadians for roles ranging from bartenders and chefs to teaching positions. These notices routinely assert that no suitable local candidates exist, thereby justifying recruitment beyond national borders.

    Labour Minister Colin Jordan clarified the jurisdictional framework, noting that while work permit authorization resides with the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Immigration Department, his ministry ensures labor market equity through employer-worker connections. The critical innovation addressing these concerns is the Barbados Job Register—a digital platform launched in August 2025 designed to transform workforce matching. This system requires immigration officials to consult its database before approving any foreign work permits, ensuring Barbadian candidates receive priority consideration.

    According to Acting Director Moreen Bowen of the Barbados Employment Career and Counselling Service, the platform has attracted significant engagement since its inception, with approximately 2,800 jobseekers and 140 employers registered by February’s end. Jobseekers represent diverse sectors including construction, financial services, technology, retail, and hospitality, with skills spanning customer service, computer proficiency, and data entry. The platform’s functionality allows candidates to upload detailed résumés showcasing qualifications and experience, while employers can search for suitable matches.

    The government is currently developing an enhanced second phase featuring direct vacancy postings and AI-powered job matching algorithms. Outreach collaborations with educational institutions like the Barbados Vocational Training Board, Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology, and Barbados Community College have bolstered registrations. While employer feedback remains limited, approximately 43 positions have been filled through the system to date. Minister Jordan emphasized ongoing coordination with immigration authorities to prioritize local hiring, simultaneously urging businesses to acknowledge their social responsibility in providing decent employment for Barbadian citizens.

  • Minister Misiekaba: bestuur SZF heeft volledig mandaat om orde te herstellen

    Minister Misiekaba: bestuur SZF heeft volledig mandaat om orde te herstellen

    Health Minister André Misiekaba has publicly endorsed the governing board of Suriname’s State Health Insurance Fund (SZF), granting them full authority to address organizational irregularities following the leak of an internal staff memorandum. In an exclusive interview with Starnieuws, Minister Misiekaba characterized the disclosure of internal matters as deeply regrettable, employing a local proverb to emphasize his point: “Whoever damages their nose, damages their face” – suggesting staff members ultimately harm their own institution through such actions.

    The minister revealed that an ongoing investigation into previous operational developments within SZF has prompted the continued suspension of director Rudrakanth Oemraw. According to ministerial statements, dozens of employees were recently hired outside established staffing frameworks and salary scales, violating statutory procedures that explicitly reserve these decisions for the board’s authority.

    Minister Misiekaba clarified that according to SZF’s statutes, the board holds ultimate managerial responsibility, possessing the legal mandate to review and potentially override directives from management. The board has received concerning reports regarding terminated employment contracts of individuals potentially crucial to the ongoing investigation, raising additional questions about procedural compliance.

    “The board consequently possesses full mandate to restore operational stability,” Misiekaba stated, emphasizing that both management and staff must adhere to the board’s statutory responsibilities. The minister stressed the critical importance of allowing the internal investigation to proceed without interference to ensure its thorough completion.