A tragic explosion at a Mobil gas station on Regent and King Streets in Georgetown on Sunday night has left one child dead and two others seriously injured. Authorities have confirmed that a cooking gas cylinder, commonly referred to as a ‘gas bottle,’ was not the cause of the incident. The explosion, which occurred at approximately 7:24 PM, destroyed a car and caused significant damage to the Mobil convenience store, Acme’s building, and an adjacent cambio. Shattered glass windows were reported in a building on the north-western corner of the intersection. The Fire Service received an emergency call at 7:30 PM and arrived at the scene by 7:34 PM. Initial investigations revealed no evidence of a gas bottle being involved. Witnesses reported seeing white and then black smoke moments before the loud explosion, which was heard and felt across distant sections of Georgetown. Police are now investigating whether the explosion was caused by an explosive device or a malfunction in the car. A woman, who had parked the car and entered a nearby KFC to make a purchase, was unharmed. The incident has raised concerns about safety measures at gas stations and the potential risks associated with vehicle malfunctions.
分类： society
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Agriculture : Positive impacts of the World Bank on Haitian agriculture
Haiti, once the poorest country in Latin America and the Caribbean, faced severe challenges in its agricultural sector, with 27% of rural farmers living in extreme poverty and grappling with acute food insecurity. In response, the World Bank launched the Emergency Project for Resilient Agriculture for Food Security (PARSA), adopting an integrated approach to address these issues. The initiative combined sustainable land management, climate-resilient agricultural practices, and disaster risk reduction to improve natural resources, combat soil erosion, and enhance water retention capacity. This strategy was tailored to Haiti’s unique agroecological context, aiming to generate sustainable income for rural communities. The project emphasized community participation, developing participatory and investment plans for sub-watersheds and providing subsidies for improved technical input packages. Through farmer field schools, farmers were introduced to advanced agricultural technologies and landscape management practices, selected via community involvement. The initiative achieved significant positive impacts, including poverty reduction, climate action, and enhanced resilience against flooding and landslides. Over 4,267 farmers adopted improved technologies, with 38% being women, and more than 80% gained better market access. Additionally, 2,050 hectares were managed sustainably, and 112 farmer field schools were established, benefiting 2,800 farmers. The project also created 6,667 temporary jobs and supported 20 sub-projects through matching grants, improving market linkages and production quality. Following the devastating 2021 earthquake, the emergency response component provided critical support to 137,611 farmers, including climate-resilient crop varieties and seeds. Despite ongoing challenges, the Haitian government, with the World Bank’s support, continues to implement projects like PARSA and RPT II to strengthen productivity, livelihoods, and food security for rural households.
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One dead, two injured in massive explosion at Mobil gas station
A devastating explosion at a Mobil gas station in Georgetown, Guyana, has resulted in one fatality and two injuries, sending shockwaves through the community. The incident occurred at approximately 7:24 p.m. on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the intersection of Regent and King streets. Witnesses reported a mangled car at the scene, while the convenience store at the gas station and the nearby Acme Building sustained significant damage. The explosion, which originated near the cooking gas depot, remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the exact cause. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, providing immediate assistance to the injured and securing the area to prevent further harm. The explosion has raised concerns about safety protocols at gas stations and similar facilities in the region. Local officials have promised a thorough investigation to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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Two St Michael men to face court on separate murder charges
Two men from St Michael, Barbados, are set to appear in court on Monday, each facing distinct murder charges. Hassan Alessandro Hazell-Grant, a 22-year-old resident of Jessamine Avenue, Bayville, is accused of the fatal shooting of Akil Hinds on October 6, along with the unlawful use of a firearm on the same day. In a separate case, Akeeme Livingston McDonald, aged 21 and residing in Lewis Gap, Green Hill, has been charged with the murder of Kenardo Woolery, which occurred on October 19. Hazell-Grant is scheduled to present his case in the District ‘A’ Criminal Court, while McDonald will appear before the Oistins Magistrates’ Court. These proceedings highlight the ongoing legal efforts to address violent crimes in the region.
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Dominican Republic returns to normal as Abinader lifts Hurricane Melissa restrictions
Santo Domingo – President Luis Abinader has announced the lifting of preventive measures across most of the Dominican Republic following the departure of Hurricane Melissa, signaling a gradual return to normalcy. However, four provinces—Barahona, Pedernales, Bahoruco, and Independencia—remain under red alert due to lingering risks from the hurricane’s indirect effects.
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Mother Calls for Investigation After Teen Allegedly Assaulted by Teacher at Princess Margaret School
A mother is urging authorities to launch a comprehensive investigation following allegations that her teenage son was physically assaulted by a teacher at Princess Margaret School, resulting in facial injuries that required medical attention. The incident reportedly unfolded last Thursday when the student approached his form teacher to discuss a prior suspension. According to accounts, the teacher accused the student of inappropriate conduct and allegedly struck him across the face in response. After the altercation, the student returned to his classroom, but his mother later noticed significant facial swelling and immediately contacted the school’s administration. During a meeting with the principal and assistant principal the following day, it was revealed that they were unaware of the incident. Subsequently, the student was asked to prepare a written report detailing the events. The mother, deeply concerned about the teacher’s actions, emphasized that physical retaliation should never occur without verifying the facts. She has called on the Ministry of Education to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, asserting that no educator has the right to physically harm a student, particularly over unsubstantiated allegations.
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Churches Urged to Pray for Jamaica as Antiguan Students Sheltered During Hurricane Melissa
In a heartfelt appeal during the National Independence Service at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Creekside, Prime Minister Gaston Browne urged congregations across Antigua and Barbuda to pray for Jamaica and the 45 Antiguan and Barbudan students currently in Kingston as Hurricane Melissa wreaks havoc on the island. The students, relocated to the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel under government arrangements, are receiving full support, including accommodation and meals, until the storm subsides. Speaking from Dominica, Browne expressed gratitude to those involved in the relocation efforts and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the students. He emphasized that all necessary resources would be mobilized to protect the young nationals. The Prime Minister, who is closely monitoring the situation, is scheduled to return to Antigua on Monday.
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PM Browne Pays Tribute to Rastafarian Elder King Saggi-Fu
The nation of Antigua and Barbuda is in mourning following the passing of revered Rastafarian elder and cultural figure, King Saggi-Fu, also known as Osagifu. Prime Minister Gaston Browne led the tributes, expressing profound sorrow over the loss of a man he described as “one of the senior figures in the Rastafarian community.” Browne shared heartfelt memories of their shared origins in Gray’s Farm and recounted his recent visit to Saggi-Fu at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he had been airlifted for treatment. Despite hopes for his recovery, Saggi-Fu’s passing has left a void in the community. During his visit, Browne played his latest musical compositions, including “Gassy Dread” and “Love Is the Way,” which brought joy to the elder in his final days. Browne emphasized Saggi-Fu’s unwavering conviction and cultural impact, urging the nation to find solace in the fact that he lived a meaningful and influential life. Education Minister Daryll Matthew also paid homage, sharing personal anecdotes of Saggi-Fu’s fearless and loyal nature. Matthew’s tribute concluded with a heartfelt farewell: “Rest well. It is well deserved. JAHHHHH RASTAFARI!” The loss of King Saggi-Fu marks the end of an era for the Rastafarian community and Antigua’s cultural landscape.
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Rastafarian Elder ‘King Saggi-Fu’ Dies
The nation of Antigua and Barbuda is in mourning following the passing of Glasford ‘King Saggi-Fu’ Mack, a revered Rastafarian elder whose influence resonated deeply within the community. Known affectionately as ‘Brother Mack’ or ‘Osagifu,’ his legacy is being celebrated by many, including Education Minister Daryll S. Matthew, who shared a heartfelt tribute to his lifelong friend.
Minister Matthew reflected on their decades-long bond, recalling cherished memories from his childhood to adulthood. ‘I struggle to find the words to express the depth of our friendship and the sorrow I feel,’ Matthew wrote. He reminisced about playing with Mack’s children, exploring his farm, and sharing meals together, describing Mack as a man of unwavering drive, fearlessness, and loyalty.
Matthew also highlighted Mack’s intellectual and spiritual contributions, noting his ability to engage in insightful, often provocative discussions. ‘You always had something meaningful to share, even if it challenged the status quo. I will miss you deeply, King Saggi-Fu. Rest well. Your legacy is well-deserved. JAH RASTAFARI!’
King Saggi-Fu was widely respected within the Rastafarian community for his steadfast principles, wisdom, and dedication to the movement’s spiritual and cultural foundations. Tributes continue to pour in from individuals who knew him as a mentor, friend, and guiding force whose impact transcended generations.
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PM Browne seeks God’s Guidance and Protection of the Students in Jamaica
Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has extended his heartfelt gratitude to all parties involved in ensuring the safety of 45 Antiguan and Barbudan students during the recent onslaught of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. The students were relocated to the Hotel Pegasus in New Kingston, a move facilitated by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, where they will remain until October 27, 2025, or until the storm subsides. Prime Minister Browne has called upon churches and congregations across Antigua and Barbuda to seek divine blessings for Jamaica and to pray for the protection of their citizens and other international students in the region. Reports confirm that the students are safely accommodated in the multi-storied hotel and are deeply appreciative of the swift actions taken by the Gaston Browne administration. The Prime Minister has also pledged additional support if the students face displacement post-storm. Despite his unavoidable absence from the state, Prime Minister Browne remains actively informed about the situation in Jamaica and is set to return to Antigua on Monday.