Roseau, Dominica — The St. Mary’s Academy (SMA) Class of 1974/75 Reunion Organizing Committee has expressed heartfelt gratitude to alumni, sponsors, and partners for their unwavering support, which made the SMA 50th Anniversary Reunion Celebration a resounding success. Held from October 11 to 19, 2025, the event brought together generations of SMA alumni from Dominica and the diaspora for a week of reflection, reconnection, and shared purpose. The celebration featured a series of meticulously planned events, including the Night of Reflection, an Educational Forum, and the unforgettable SMA Old Boys’ Concert, all of which were met with widespread enthusiasm and pride. The Committee extended special thanks to alumni, corporate sponsors, performers, volunteers, and media partners for their contributions. Proceeds from the reunion will fund the restoration of the Egbert Germain Wing at SMA, ensuring future students benefit from the institution’s legacy of excellence. The Committee also pledged to continue fostering initiatives that strengthen both SMA and the broader Dominican community.
分类： society
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Taptoe valt in de smaak: spektakel en discipline bij 50 jaar Srefidensi
The Taptoe event held on Saturday evening at the André Kamperveenstadion was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from the audience. The demonstrations by special military units were particularly impressive, showcasing tactics for clearing hostile territories and neutralizing the fictional terrorist Pata-Alata, who was portrayed as invincible due to ‘special protection.’ The event also emphasized discipline within the ranks, with a scene depicting the arrest of a soldier who had violently robbed his ex-girlfriend of a necklace he had previously gifted her. The Taptoe is part of the celebrations marking 50 years of Srefidensi on November 25. The stadium was filled to capacity, with attendees arriving hours before the start. A military armored vehicle was stationed at the main entrance, and non-operational heavy weapons were displayed along the walkways, attracting eager photographers. The military band provided a musical backdrop, blending traditional marches with popular tunes, much to the audience’s delight. First Lieutenant Giovanni van Kust, the event’s spokesperson, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and positive reception. The event was opened and closed by Defense Minister Uraiqit Ramsaran, who energized the crowd with chants of ‘Morale, high! Sranan na loktu fu alla!’
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Shots fired in Corozal
A shooting incident occurred earlier today near Xin Hui’s store on the main highway in Santa Rita, Corozal. According to police reports, shots were fired at a red pickup truck, leaving visible bullet holes in the passenger-side window. Authorities confirmed that at least three rounds were discharged during the altercation. Scenes of Crime officers swiftly arrived at the location, cordoning off the area to meticulously process evidence and gather details. Fortunately, initial reports indicate that no injuries were sustained in the incident. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the event. Local residents have expressed concern over the incident, urging law enforcement to enhance security measures in the area.
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Lost in the system – Arima teen out of school for two years
In Trinidad and Tobago, where free government-funded education is a norm, 14-year-old Annalisa (name changed) has been left behind due to systemic failures and relentless bullying. Despite passing her SEA examinations in 2023 and being assigned to a secondary school, her educational journey turned into a nightmare. Annalisa faced severe bullying, including physical threats and online harassment via a WhatsApp group, which escalated to the point where she was forced to hide in school and eventually withdraw entirely. Her parents, Cynthia and her husband, sought help from school authorities and the Ministry of Education (MoE) but encountered resistance and bureaucratic hurdles. Despite filing a police report and reaching out to multiple officials, including the Minister of Education, Dr. Michael Dowlath, the family received no substantial support. Annalisa briefly attended a private school but had to stop due to financial constraints. Now, she remains at home, her dream of becoming an attorney fading with each passing day. Minister Dowlath acknowledged the case but cited the ministry’s bureaucracy as a significant barrier to resolving such issues. This case highlights the persistent problem of school violence and the inefficiencies within the education system, leaving many children like Annalisa without access to education.
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UTT’s new honorary doctorates
The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) has announced that it will award honorary doctoral degrees to three distinguished citizens at its 2025 graduation ceremony on November 19. The honorees include Peter Elias, who will receive an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts; Israel Khan, who will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws; and Jamwant Maharaj, who will be honored with an honorary Doctor of Science. Additionally, Gilman Figaro, founder and chairman of the Sunshine Awards and a prominent supporter of Caribbean music, will be named an honorary distinguished fellow.
Peter Elias, a renowned figure in the fashion industry, has made significant contributions to couture and Carnival costume design, particularly through his work with The Lost Tribe. His selection marks only the ninth honorary doctorate in fine arts at UTT, with Meiling Esau (2017) being the only other active fashion designer previously honored.
Israel Khan, president of the Criminal Bar Association and founder of Justitia Omnibus Law Chambers, has been a leading figure in the legal field since 1979. In 2023, he was recognized as one of the six most distinguished graduates of the Hugh Wooding Law School on its 50th anniversary. Khan has also served as a tutor at the institution for over three decades.
Jamwant Maharaj, a former chemistry teacher at Naparima College, has authored and published educational books for CSEC and CAPE students. He continues to mentor students through the online platform WEXL, leaving a lasting impact on the field of education.
An honorary doctorate, or honoris causa, is a prestigious recognition of an individual’s lifetime achievements and contributions to society. Unlike traditional academic degrees, it does not require formal scholarship but acknowledges the profound impact of the recipient’s work. This award inverts the conventional educational paradigm by celebrating a body of work that may itself become a subject of academic study.
UTT has a history of honoring influential figures, including Nelson Mandela, who received over 50 honorary degrees for his anti-racism and peace advocacy. Since 2005, UTT has recognized a diverse group of luminaries, such as Geoffrey Holder, Mungal Patasar, and Le Roy Clarke. Notably, only five of these honors have been awarded posthumously, highlighting the importance of celebrating living contributors to society.
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25 TTEC workers to bring ‘light, hope’ to Jamaica
A team of 25 professionals from the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (TTEC) has been dispatched to Jamaica to assist in restoring power following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The mission, costing approximately $2.24 million, was announced by Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath during a media briefing at Piarco Airport on November 10. The hurricane, a Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica on October 28, resulting in over 30 fatalities and widespread damage to infrastructure. Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the island a disaster zone. Padarath emphasized the importance of the mission, stating that it reflects compassion and humanity rather than financial considerations. The TTEC team will remain in Jamaica for 30 days, focusing on restoring electricity in severely affected areas, particularly Montego Bay. Preliminary assessments revealed that 55% of the island remains without power two weeks post-hurricane. The government mitigated costs by chartering a flight with Caribbean Airlines. Acting General Manager of TTEC, Vijay Ramnanansingh, praised the team for their commitment and urged them to prioritize safety while restoring hope and infrastructure in Jamaica.
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Dunn’s River Falls and Harmony Beach Park to reopen on Tuesday — UDC
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move toward restoring normalcy, the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has announced the reopening of two major public spaces: Dunn’s River Falls and Park in Ocho Rios, St Ann, and Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, St James. Both locations will welcome the public starting Tuesday, November 11.
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Man freed of gun charges after five-day trial
In a landmark ruling at Jamaica’s Supreme Court, Gun Court Division, Oshane Hayles was acquitted of gun-related charges after a five-day trial presided over by Justice Tara Carr. Hayles had faced accusations of illegal firearm possession, illegal ammunition possession, and two counts of common law assault stemming from an alleged altercation with members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The verdict underscored the principle of presumed innocence and the necessity for the prosecution to meet its burden of proof. Hayles’ attorney, Rodain Richardson, emphasized the importance of adhering to the law and urged Jamaicans to avoid criminal activities, stating, ‘Freedom is a gift, and we must use it to build, not destroy.’ The prosecution’s case hinged on claims that police officers witnessed a man matching Hayles’ description running through a volatile community with a firearm, allegedly pointing it at them before being shot and disarmed. However, the defense dismantled this narrative during cross-examination, revealing significant inconsistencies in the officers’ testimonies. Forensic evidence further weakened the prosecution’s case, as DNA swabs from the firearm excluded Hayles, and no fingerprints or biological traces linked him to the weapon. Justice Carr highlighted the lack of forensic evidence and the officers’ unreliable accounts, ultimately ruling that the Crown failed to prove Hayles’ guilt on all charges. The acquittal has sparked discussions about legal integrity, forensic scrutiny, and the challenges of ensuring justice in high-stakes cases.
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WATCH: Taxi operators patch potholes on Red Hills Road
In a proactive move to address a pressing safety concern, a group of taxi operators in Kingston, Jamaica, took matters into their own hands on Sunday by repairing hazardous potholes near Calabar High School and Lees Food Fair. The operators emphasized that the deteriorating road conditions posed significant risks to both lives and property, particularly during peak traffic hours.
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Couva man executed hours after kidnapping
In a tragic turn of events, 63-year-old Couva resident Vishnu Lalla was discovered dead in a bush area on November 9, just over 24 hours after being abducted from his home in Windsor Park, California. The incident unfolded on the evening of November 8 when Lalla’s wife noticed his grey Toyota Hilux speeding away from their property. Approximately 30 minutes later, she received a ransom call demanding $100,000 for his safe return by midnight. Despite the demand, Lalla’s fate was sealed when police found his pickup truck destroyed by fire on George Street in Esperanza, California. Following intelligence leads, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit conducted a search in a forested area near Brechin Castle Road, Couva, where they discovered Lalla’s body with his hands bound and a gunshot wound to his head. A nine-millimetre shell casing was found at the scene, and an autopsy has been ordered at the Forensic Science Centre in St James. The community has expressed shock and sorrow, with one resident describing the Lalla family as among the kindest in the area. Lalla’s wife has declined to comment on the incident.