Yesterday afternoon, the Santoboma police station received a distress call reporting that a man had been attacked by a swarm of Brazilian bees on Welgedacht A-road. Upon immediate investigation, officers discovered that not one, but two individuals—a 53-year-old man and his 52-year-old wife—had been targeted by the aggressive insects while tending to their farm. The victims were transported via private vehicle to the Emergency Department of the Academic Hospital Paramaribo, where they received urgent medical attention. Although their condition is now stable, they remain under observation. The fire department was also called in to locate the bees’ nest and mitigate further risks in the surrounding area.
分类： society
-
Scholarship reform is giving more students a shot
For countless Saint Lucians, higher education represents a transformative opportunity to uplift not only individuals but entire families. However, the steep costs associated with university education have long rendered this dream unattainable for many. In a groundbreaking move, the Government of Saint Lucia, in collaboration with Monroe University Campus, introduced the First Generation Scholarship Programme. This initiative is a cornerstone of the broader “One University Graduate per Household” policy, specifically targeting families where no member has previously attended university.
-
Who owns ‘the moon’? Gate closure rekindles debate over public access in Cap Estate
The iconic lookout spot known as ‘The Moon,’ perched atop Mount Hardy in Cap Estate, Saint Lucia, has become the center of controversy after access was restricted by a locked gate at the entrance of the upscale Sea Breeze Heights community. The closure has sparked widespread speculation among locals and visitors alike, raising questions about the reasons behind the decision, its duration, and whether a compromise can be reached to restore public access.
-
JCI Dominica Makes History, Wins Best Local Global Goals Project at 2025 JCI World Congress in Tunis, Tunisia
JCI Dominica has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Best Local Global Goals Project Award at the 2025 JCI World Congress in Tunis, Tunisia. The accolade was awarded for their transformative initiative, ‘Read With Me,’ which has been instrumental in promoting early literacy, fostering family engagement, and ensuring equitable access to educational resources for children across Dominica. Rooted in Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, the project integrates awareness, action, and sustainability through various activities, including reading sessions, book drives, capacity-building workshops for parents and caregivers, and the distribution of literacy tools. Mr. Phael Lander, the Local President of JCI Dominica, expressed immense pride in the achievement, stating that the initiative, which began in 2020, was driven by a vision to cultivate a love for reading, enhance family involvement, and make learning accessible to every child. He emphasized that the award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the organization’s members, partners, and volunteers. JCI Dominica also extended gratitude to schools, families, and stakeholders who supported the project, reaffirming their commitment to empowering young citizens and driving impactful community transformation.
-
Belmopan City Council Reminds Residents: No Livestock Within City Limits
The Belmopan City Council has issued a stern reminder to residents regarding the prohibition of livestock within city limits, following a surge in complaints about animals being kept or allowed to graze in urban areas. The Council emphasized that under the Belmopan City Council Act, Chapter 86, it is illegal to drive, lead, or permit cattle to roam through public streets, parks, or playgrounds without written authorization. Violators face penalties of up to $200 in fines or one month of imprisonment.
-
Late-Night Motorcycle RTA Claims Life of 28-Year-Old Keith Guzman
A devastating late-night motorcycle accident in Central Farm on Friday resulted in the death of 28-year-old Keith Guzman and left three others seriously injured. The collision involved two motorcycles, one carrying Peter Vasquez and Sucely Bogaert, and the other occupied by Antonio Castillo and the deceased, Guzman. Emergency responders pronounced Guzman dead at the scene, while Castillo and Vasquez were rushed to San Ignacio Hospital for treatment. Bogaert, in critical condition, was transported to the Western Regional Hospital. Disturbing footage from the accident site depicted the victims lying motionless with severe injuries and heavy bleeding. The tragic incident has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, with friends and family mourning the loss of Guzman, who was known for his passion for motorcycles. One heartfelt tribute read, “One thing we all knew is how much you loved cycles mein.” Another mourner lamented, “So many lives taken by cycle. Place your arms around Belize, Lord.” The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.
-
McKenzie orders immediate clean-up of hurricane debris in Falmouth
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the historic town of Falmouth in Trelawny, Jamaica, is grappling with extensive debris and blocked drains, prompting urgent intervention from the government. Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has mandated an immediate cleanup operation to restore normalcy to the storm-ravaged area.
-
‘Melissa, why you break Melissa leg?’
When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica two weeks ago, Melissa Hutchinson Malcolm found herself in an ironic and perilous situation. While attempting to secure her mother’s house in Jericho, Hanover, Hutchinson Malcolm broke her right leg as the storm ravaged the area. The house, which included an attached shop, collapsed, trapping her, her two sons, her mother, and three others. As they tried to escape, the hurricane lifted part of the shop, striking her foot and causing the injury. Despite the trauma, Hutchinson Malcolm found humor in the irony of being injured by a hurricane bearing her name. She expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal, acknowledging that many others were not as fortunate. The 41-year-old chef, now temporarily unemployed due to the storm’s impact on the tourism industry, faces challenges in her recovery. She relies on crutches and a chair to move around her home, which is on an incline. Hutchinson Malcolm has appealed for assistance to cover transportation, food, and medical expenses. Her mother, Janet Gray, also shared her harrowing experience of losing her home and shop but remains hopeful about rebuilding. Gray emphasized the importance of resilience, stating, ‘While there is life, there is hope.’ Both women are thankful to be alive, despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
-
‘I am here to help’
TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Global sprint icon Usain Bolt extended a heartfelt message of solidarity and support to his fellow Jamaicans on Sunday, following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which wreaked havoc across western Jamaica. In a poignant video shared on X, Bolt expressed his deep sorrow and commitment to aiding recovery efforts. The legendary athlete, who recently returned to the island, witnessed firsthand the extensive damage caused by the Category 5 hurricane. Originating from Trelawny, one of the hardest-hit parishes, Bolt spent the day distributing essential care packages at his alma mater, William Knibb High School, which also suffered significant damage. Reflecting on the scenes of devastation, Bolt shared, “On the way up…at the riverside, you see a lot of people washing. It’s hard to put into words how I feel about what I am seeing, but Jamaica, I am here to help in any way possible.” In a powerful caption accompanying his video, Bolt reaffirmed his dedication to his homeland, stating, “J A M A I C A, You all gave me the chance to represent you on the world stage — to wear our colours with pride, show the world the strength, resilience, and the heart of our people. Everything I’ve achieved started right here at home. Now, as so many of our children, brothers and sisters face the hardships caused by Hurricane Melissa, please know — We are right here with YOU. We are STANDING together, REBUILDING together, and reminding the world that JAMAICANS never leave each other behind.”
-
Raging water, broken rigs
Truck operators in southern St James are urgently appealing for government assistance to recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck on October 28. The relentless floodwaters not only damaged their vehicles but also exposed underlying issues exacerbated by poor drainage from a nearby highway construction project. Clyde Maxwell, owner of Maxwell Trucking in Irwin, St James, emphasized that the disaster was not purely natural. ‘It’s since the highway started being built. It’s not the hurricane that did this, it’s the water,’ he stated. Maxwell reported that at least 11 trucks in his garage, along with several others nearby, were ‘totally damaged,’ with approximately 21 motorcars also affected. The truckers, numbering about 20, primarily haul construction materials and containers for their livelihoods. While a full assessment is pending, Maxwell estimated losses in the millions of dollars, with his own repair costs alone reaching $2 million. Small operators, who rely solely on their trucks for income, are particularly vulnerable. Maxwell stressed that they are not seeking charity but rather loans to repair their vehicles and resume operations. ‘We wouldn’t mind if we could get somebody to talk to us. We are not looking for a handout, but if we could get support, if you can give each man a loan, I know every man would repay it,’ he said. Franklin Garrison, another trucker, called on the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Industry, Investment, and Commerce to consider duty-free concessions or shell licences to facilitate the import of replacement vehicle parts. ‘We need some type of waiver,’ he urged. The truckers are now left in a state of uncertainty, unsure how to rebuild their businesses and livelihoods in the aftermath of the disaster.