In a significant development at the Castries Port, four employees of the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) were apprehended following a high-profile drug bust. The arrests were the result of an intelligence-driven operation executed by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) on Saturday, October 18, as reported by The St Lucia Times. The operation led to the interception of a motor vehicle driven by one of the SLASPA employees. Authorities discovered a barrel that had not yet undergone customs inspection, which upon further search, revealed substantial quantities of controlled substances, including cannabis and MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy. The driver was immediately taken into custody. Subsequently, three additional individuals suspected of involvement in the incident were also arrested. The RSLPF continues to delve deeper into the matter, and the accused are expected to face formal charges this week.
分类： society
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Ministry of Agriculture & Lands Refutes Malicious Claims Regarding Vehicles Used for Land Clearance and Farm Assistance
In a significant move to enhance national development, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the procurement and allocation of specialized vehicles, including trucks and excavation equipment, to the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands. These vehicles are now actively utilized for two primary purposes: clearing lands in subdivisions to prepare for new land sales to citizens and residents, and providing critical support to the nation’s farmers through agricultural land clearing operations. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering agricultural growth and land development, ensuring tangible benefits for all Antiguans and Barbudans. The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries & The Blue Economy has reaffirmed its dedication to transparency and accountability in its operations. It has pledged to address legitimate inquiries promptly while addressing and rectifying any instances of deliberate misinformation.
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Fire Victim Shadia Magaña Dies from Injuries
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, 17-year-old Shadia Magaña, one of the victims of a horrific fire in San Felipe, Belize, has tragically passed away due to severe burn injuries sustained in the incident. The devastating attack, which occurred in the early hours of October 20, 2025, involved Shadia, her mother Angelita Magaña, and her younger brother Tishan being doused in gasoline and set ablaze by Angelita’s estranged partner, 35-year-old Francisco Godoy. Godoy, the alleged perpetrator, also died this morning at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belize City. Shadia, a recent high school graduate, was initially treated at the Northern Regional Hospital before being transferred to KHMH for advanced medical care. Despite the relentless efforts of medical professionals, she succumbed to her injuries on October 22, 2025. This tragic incident has cast a somber shadow over the community, highlighting the devastating consequences of domestic violence.
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BNA calls for stronger legal protection after nurse assault case
The Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) has voiced strong disapproval over a recent court decision that imposed a mere $400 fine on a man who assaulted a nurse while she was on duty. The association described the ruling as a ‘slap in the face’ to nurses and a failure to address the gravity of the offense. The incident involved 22-year-old Josiah Lovell, who physically assaulted 64-year-old nurse Hyacinth Green at the Randall Phillips Polyclinic last month. Lovell pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was ordered to pay the fine as compensation. He had been remanded for 28 days and released on $2,500 bail after paying the fine. BNA President Dr. Fay Parris emphasized that the penalty does not reflect the seriousness of the crime or the trauma experienced by the victim. ‘This decision sends a troubling message that violence against nurses may result in minimal consequences,’ Parris stated. ‘The penalty must act as a deterrent, not just a token response.’ The BNA has called for stronger legal protections for healthcare workers, a review of existing legislation, and the introduction of insurance coverage and support systems for nurses affected by workplace trauma. The association also urged public education to promote a zero-tolerance approach to violence in healthcare settings. ‘Nurses are essential to our healthcare system. Reducing such assaults to nominal fines undervalues their contributions and dignity,’ Parris added. The BNA is rallying policymakers, legal authorities, and the public to support nurses in demanding stronger protections and respect across all sectors.
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Man Accused of Setting Family on Fire Dies from His Injuries
Francisco Godoy, a 35-year-old man accused of a heinous crime in San Felipe Village, has succumbed to his injuries. Godoy was hospitalized at the K.H.M.H. with severe burns covering 90% of his body and passed away at approximately 5:45 a.m. on October 22, 2025. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning when Godoy allegedly broke into the home of his estranged partner, Angelita Magaña, and her two children, six-year-old Tishan and 17-year-old Shadia. After dousing them with gasoline, he set the house ablaze. Magaña and Tishan perished in the fire, while Shadia died later while receiving treatment at the Northern Regional Hospital. Godoy had been under police guard as authorities prepared to charge him. His death marks the end of the criminal case, though investigations into the tragic event continue.
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Hope Road closed for water main installation
Motorists in St Lucy, Barbados, are being alerted to significant traffic adjustments as the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) commences essential water mains installation work along Highway 1C, Hope Road. The road will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic from Wednesday, October 22, to Friday, October 24, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. This closure is necessary to facilitate the safe operation of heavy excavation equipment on the narrow roadway. Southbound travelers from River Bay and the St Lucy District Hospital are advised to proceed along Highway 1C to Northumberland, then detour via Hope Bridge Road to access Spring Hall. Conversely, northbound motorists from Spring Hall should use Hope Bridge Road through Northumberland to reach destinations north of the work zone, including the District Hospital, River Bay, and Animal Flower Cave Road. The BWA has emphasized its commitment to minimizing disruptions and restoring normal traffic flow swiftly. The Authority expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and extended gratitude to the public for their patience and cooperation during this critical infrastructure upgrade. Updates on the project will be shared through the BWA’s official communication channels.
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Belize City Man Shot Dead
In a tragic late-night incident, a 37-year-old man was fatally shot in Belize City on Tuesday, October 22, 2025. Police were alerted to gunfire reports around 10:45 p.m. on Nurse Findley Crescent. Upon arrival, officers discovered Ricardo Arturo Escobar with multiple gunshot wounds. He was immediately transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (K.H.M.H.), where he succumbed to his injuries. Preliminary investigations reveal that Escobar was standing on the street when an unidentified assailant approached and opened fire, striking him multiple times before fleeing the scene. Authorities are actively investigating the incident, and further details are expected as the case develops.
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Govt pledges major reforms to boost creatives
The Government of Barbados has announced a comprehensive suite of legislative and policy reforms aimed at bolstering the island’s creative industries. Spearheaded by Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, the initiative includes the modernization of the Cultural Industries Development Act, the introduction of new film incentive legislation, and the development of a National Cultural Policy. These measures are designed to unlock the economic potential of the creative sector and provide robust support for filmmakers and cultural practitioners. Senator Munro-Knight revealed these plans during the launch of The Space, a new creative production hub by On Brand Global, in Christ Church. She emphasized that the reforms aim to modernize the legislative framework and align it with the current needs of the industry. The minister highlighted that consultations are ongoing to finalize the film incentive legislation, which will include provisions for local and regional productions, as well as the establishment of a special endowment fund. Additionally, the National Cultural Policy, developed after months of consultations, underscores the creative industry’s inclusivity, particularly in employing women and young people. Senator Munro-Knight also noted the sector’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a 14% growth. She stressed the need to fully recognize and harness the untapped potential of the creative sector, stating, ‘We need to do better to recognize the power that lies within.’ The launch of The Space coincides with the implementation of full freedom of movement provisions under the CARICOM Single Market, further enhancing regional collaboration in the creative industries.
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New production hub aims to elevate creative industry
Barbados’ creative industry has taken a significant leap forward with the inauguration of The Space, a state-of-the-art production hub designed to empower local talent. Located in Landsdown, Christ Church, and developed by On Brand Global, this innovative facility offers production studios, podcast rooms, and collaborative workspaces tailored to the needs of content creators, filmmakers, and artists. Co-founder and Managing Director Dana Best emphasized that The Space aims to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity by providing access to professional resources that are often financially out of reach for many creatives. ‘Talent is everywhere, but opportunity needs infrastructure,’ Best remarked. ‘The Space exists to be that infrastructure—practical, professional, and proudly Barbadian.’ Beyond its physical offerings, the hub will focus on fostering community partnerships, delivering skills training, and providing mentorship opportunities for emerging creatives. Best envisions The Space becoming a thriving ecosystem where ideas are transformed into professional outputs. ‘We want to help people move from concept to completion,’ she explained. Over the next year, The Space plans to host workshops on digital storytelling, sound engineering, and brand strategy, alongside networking events to connect local talent with regional and international partners. Additionally, a digital platform will be launched to showcase the work produced at The Space, amplifying its global reach. Senator Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for culture, praised the initiative as a ‘timely and transformational’ investment in Barbados’ creative economy. ‘This is not just a building; it is a platform for possibility,’ she said. ‘It validates the contributions of creatives to national development.’ The Space represents a new chapter for Barbados’ creative sector, with Best hoping it will inspire a wave of collaboration and excellence. ‘We have the talent, the ideas, and the drive,’ she concluded. ‘Now, we finally have a home to bring it all together.’
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Level Up Concert
The second edition of the Level Up Concert, organized by the Pleion Foundation in partnership with the National Peace Programme, took place last weekend at Freedom Square in The City. This event provided a vibrant platform for talented youth to showcase their skills while promoting a message of peace and positivity. The concert, themed ‘Be You,’ encouraged young attendees to embrace their individuality, self-worth, and positive values through various creative expressions, including instrumental performances, dance, and vocal acts spanning multiple genres. Participants, aged 11 to 19, took center stage, demonstrating the transformative impact of the Foundation’s initiatives. Sheldon Jones, Director of the Pleion Foundation, emphasized the event’s mission to create a positive space for youth development. ‘We aim to inspire young people to live lives of love, positivity, and devotion to higher principles,’ Jones stated. The Foundation, headquartered on Roebuck Street, offers a range of free programmes such as Boys to Men, Girls to Women, Youth Excel, and Children of Destiny, catering to participants as young as five years old. These initiatives focus on mentorship, leadership, and life skills, helping youth navigate life’s challenges. During a live interview segment, participants shared how the programmes have positively influenced their lives. Jones also encouraged parents to enrol their children, highlighting the accessibility and benefits of the programmes. ‘It’s absolutely free, and participants leave with a full mind and a full stomach,’ he added. The Level Up Concert continues to serve as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the younger generation.