In the past month, the Federico Basilis Highway, a critical route connecting La Vega and Jarabacoa, has experienced at least three significant landslides and rock falls. This section of the highway is currently undergoing a three-year reconstruction project, but the recurring incidents have disrupted traffic and raised safety concerns among residents and officials. The most recent landslide occurred last Thursday, temporarily halting traffic. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as confirmed by the Buena Vista Fire Department, which responded to the scene. By Friday morning, heavy machinery was deployed to clear debris and restore normalcy. This marks the third such incident in just over a month. On September 13, a massive rockfall crushed the front of a passing vehicle, though the passengers escaped unharmed. The construction company promptly compensated the affected individuals. Another landslide on September 30 caused no human or material losses. Local authorities, including the Federation of Neighborhood Associations, the mayors of Buena Vista and Jarabacoa, and the Fire Department, are advocating for enhanced safety measures, particularly improved signage. Joselito Abreu, Mayor of Jarabacoa, emphasized the construction company’s responsibility to ensure pedestrian safety and invest in proper signage. Leomaris Puntiel, President of the Federation of Neighborhood Associations, highlighted the distress among residents who rely on this sole route for commuting and accessing La Vega. Additionally, the landslides have negatively impacted tourism in Jarabacoa, as travelers avoid the area due to safety risks.
分类： society
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VIDEO: PM says the state will fund plastic surgery abroad for woman mauled by Pit Bull
In a heartening display of solidarity, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that the government will cover all medical and surgical expenses for 27-year-old Shabo Nedwell, who suffered severe injuries in a pit bull attack last week. The incident occurred in Skerrit’s Pasture, where Nedwell was mauled by two dogs owned by her aunt, Stacy Simon. Despite her injuries, Nedwell demonstrated remarkable resilience by attending her University of the West Indies Five Islands graduation ceremony in a wheelchair just days after the attack. Prime Minister Browne praised her courage and assured that the state would also fund any necessary overseas treatment. This tragic event has reignited public debate on the need for stricter regulations on dangerous dog ownership and improved animal-control measures. The government’s swift response underscores its commitment to supporting citizens in times of crisis, while the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks posed by inadequately managed pets.
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GHFS viert 20-jarig bestaan met duurzame workshops
The Green Heritage Fund Suriname (GHFS) is set to commemorate its 20th anniversary from October 22 to 24, 2025, with a series of workshops focused on sustainability, nature conservation, and collaboration. Founded in 2005 by Monique Pool, GHFS has evolved from a volunteer-driven initiative into a robust environmental organization with paid staff and an extensive network of partners. Over the years, the organization has spearheaded projects in wildlife rehabilitation, marine biodiversity, education, climate awareness, and community development, fostering connections between animals, science, government, and citizens.
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Man dood aangetroffen in woning Boxel: politie onderzoekt misdrijf
A grim discovery was made today in a residence on Manjadam Street in Boxel, where the body of a 50-year-old man, identified as Vincent K., was found in an advanced state of decomposition. Authorities have confirmed that the victim exhibited clear signs of violence, with his face wrapped in clothing and bloodstains discovered on both the walls and curtains of the room. The police have classified the incident as a criminal act. Following the discovery, relevant authorities were immediately notified, and the victim’s body has been seized for further forensic examination. The case is now under the jurisdiction of the Forensic Investigation Unit and the Criminal Investigation Department, who are working diligently to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
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FRS Express Des iles ferry services expected to resume tomorrow
FRS Express Des Iles has officially canceled its ferry services originally scheduled for Friday, October 17th, and Saturday, October 18th, 2025, in and out of Dominica. The decision was made in response to adverse sea conditions, which posed significant challenges for safe docking. The company highlighted Dominica’s unique topographical structure and coastline as contributing factors to the hazardous maritime environment. In a public statement, FRS Express Des Iles emphasized that passenger and crew safety remains their utmost priority. Services are anticipated to resume on Sunday, October 19th, 2025, provided that sea conditions improve. The company extended its sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused by the cancellations.
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ECD haalt kipproducten zonder etiket uit de schappen supermarkt
In a recent inspection conducted by the Economic Control Service (ECD), a supermarket located on Anamoestraat was found to be selling unlabeled chicken products and refrigerated beverages without price tags. The action was initiated following a complaint about the sale of unpackaged chicken meat lacking proper labeling and chilled drinks missing price indications. After consulting with the Bureau for Public Health (BOG), the ECD involved the Veterinary Inspection of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries (LVV). Based on their recommendation, 17 packages of chicken wings and an equal number of chicken legs were immediately removed from the refrigerated section, as raw meat must, by law, be accompanied by clear and valid labels. During the inspection, it was also discovered that several chilled beverages lacked price tags. The store owner claimed that prices were visible on regular shelves but was informed that price labeling is mandatory directly on refrigerated products as well. The owner pledged to rectify the issue. The ECD announced a follow-up inspection and warned that repeated violations would result in sanctions. The ministry emphasized its commitment to monitoring a fair and transparent market and urged consumers to report malpractices such as price gouging or inadequate labeling via WhatsApp (+597) 8530915 or phone 483949.
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Have compassion, please, PM Gonsalves
In a heartfelt letter addressed to the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a disenfranchised citizen has called for compassion and acknowledgment of errors surrounding the government’s vaccine mandate policy. The letter, steeped in religious and moral undertones, references Micah 6:8, a biblical verse often cited by the Prime Minister, urging justice, mercy, and humility. The author expresses deep sorrow over the government’s reinstatement of the vaccine mandate, which they argue has caused significant emotional and financial distress to many citizens. The letter critiques the Prime Minister’s interpretation of a court ruling that upheld the mandate, accusing him of distorting the judge’s words to justify the policy. It also highlights the lack of transparency and fairness in the exemption process, with only a handful of religious exemptions granted and later nullified. The author further disputes the government’s portrayal of the pandemic’s severity, citing data that shows minimal COVID-19-related deaths, primarily among the elderly with pre-existing conditions. The letter concludes with a plea for the Prime Minister to act justly and mercifully, offering a path to reconciliation for those adversely affected by the mandate.
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BWA seeks to recover millions in outstanding debt
The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) is confronting a significant financial challenge, with over $100 million in unpaid bills, primarily owed by residential customers. Acting CEO Christopher Mapp revealed that the authority is intensifying collection efforts to recover at least 40% of the outstanding debt. This follows years of leniency during the COVID-19 pandemic, when disconnections were suspended to ensure access to water as a basic necessity. Mapp noted that the majority of delinquent accounts originated in 2020, when many customers stopped paying their bills, taking the service for granted. Despite resuming disconnections in 2023, many households have not reconnected their water, indicating ongoing financial hardship. Mapp likened the authority’s receivables to a loan portfolio, acknowledging that a portion of the debt may never be recovered. Residential customers account for 60% of both total billing and delinquent accounts, with hotels showing greater responsiveness to payment demands. Acting Finance Director Kent D’Hayle estimated that only $40 million of the debt is realistically collectible, though the BWA will continue pursuing all arrears. The authority is offering flexible repayment plans, often extending up to three years or longer for those in financial distress. Mapp emphasized the social responsibility of providing water while balancing the need for revenue, but acknowledged that disconnections are no longer as effective a deterrent, as many residents turn to alternative water sources instead of settling their bills.
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BWA insists St Lucy and St Peter water safe to drink, despite discolouration
Christopher Mapp, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Water Authority (BWA), has publicly defended the safety of the water supplied to residents in St Lucy and St Peter, despite its brown discoloration. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Mapp emphasized that the water is potable and meets all health and safety standards, even stating he would personally drink it. The discoloration, caused by sediment, has raised public concerns, but Mapp assured that extensive testing confirms the water’s safety. To address customer dissatisfaction, the government has approved a $32 rebate for affected households, with many receiving their water entirely free of cost. Since April, the BWA has rebated over $1 million to customers in the region. The authority is also investing heavily in infrastructure upgrades, including a $20 million mains replacement project expected to be completed by early 2026. Jatobi Greaves, a water quality technologist, highlighted that monthly testing in collaboration with government agencies ensures compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The BWA is also working on a desalination plant at Hope Plantation, set to boost water supply next year. Despite challenges, Mapp remains committed to restoring public trust and improving service reliability across Barbados.
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‘Lace Doctor’ Fined $20,000 for Grievous Harm at Sunrise Fete
A three-year-old assault case linked to a violent altercation at the Sunrise Breakfast Fete in Willikies has reached its conclusion, with Annalee Jeffrey, also known as the “Lace Doctor,” pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm. The verdict was delivered by Justice Stanley John in the High Court on October 16, 2025. Jeffrey, a 29-year-old Jamaican national at the time of the 2022 incident, was ordered to pay her victim $20,000 in four monthly installments of $5,000, starting October 31, 2025, with full payment due by January 31, 2026. Failure to comply will result in a one-year prison sentence. Additionally, Jeffrey was placed under a two-year bond, with a breach potentially adding another year to her incarceration. The assault occurred when Jeffrey attacked a woman she suspected of being involved with her husband. The altercation took place at a food booth where the victim was working alongside Jeffrey’s husband. During the struggle, a pot of boiling goat water spilled, causing burns to both women. The case highlights the severe consequences of violent confrontations and the legal repercussions faced by perpetrators.