Seven individuals, including four Venezuelan nationals and three Guyanese, appeared in court yesterday to face terrorism charges linked to the October 26 bombing at the Mobil Gas Station on Regent Street. The attack resulted in the tragic death of six-year-old Soraya Bourne and left several of her relatives and others injured. The accused arrived at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court in handcuffs under stringent police security. Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty presided over the proceedings. The alleged mastermind, 33-year-old Venezuelan national Daniel Alexander Ramirez Podeomo, was charged with placing an explosive device at the gas station, causing death, instilling terror, and threatening the sovereignty of the State. He was remanded to prison. Three co-accused – 44-year-old Venezuelan Alexander Bettencourt, 27-year-old Venezuelan Johnny Boodram, and 33-year-old Guyanese-Venezuelan national Krystal LaCruz – were charged with aiding and abetting the commission of a terrorist act. They were not required to enter pleas and were also remanded until November 12, when the case will continue. The remnants of the car, which housed a young child at the time of the bombing, were a stark reminder of the devastation caused by the attack.
分类： society
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Two Men Plead Not Guilty to Vehicle Break-In Charges from Soca Sangria Event
Two individuals, Omar Richards, 19, from Carnival Gardens, and St. Claire Simon, 26, from Barnes Hill, have entered not guilty pleas in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins during the Soca Sangria event on November 2. The duo appeared before Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel this week, facing multiple charges such as theft, malicious damage, and providing false information to law enforcement. According to prosecutors, the pair allegedly targeted several vehicles, stealing and damaging personal belongings valued at approximately $977. Among the items reported stolen were a Nissan Xtrail key, Versace perfume, and Apple AirPods. While Richards, who is also facing an additional theft charge, remains in custody, Simon has been granted bail. Both defendants are scheduled to return to court on March 4, 2026, for further proceedings.
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Community uneasy after Weston shooting
The tranquil community of Weston in St. James, Barbados, has been shaken by a violent shooting incident that occurred early Saturday morning near the Millie Ifill Fish Market. The altercation resulted in one fatality and left another individual injured, leaving residents deeply concerned about rising crime in the area. Witnesses reported seeing a bullet hole in a nearby structure, a grim reminder of the violence that unfolded. Local residents expressed frustration over the lack of action to address the issue, with one man lamenting, “Nobody is doing anything about it. Too many young men are idle, smoking herb, and engaging in reckless behavior.” Another resident proposed that increasing the number of licensed firearm holders could serve as a deterrent to such crimes. Meanwhile, management at John Moore’s Bar, a popular local establishment, clarified that the incident did not occur on their premises but rather at the adjacent Millie Ifill Car Park. A spokesperson emphasized, “We are a community-spirited establishment that promotes positivity and good vibes. No crime occurred within our bar.” Police at the Holetown Station confirmed that the shooting took place around 1:30 a.m. when a licensed firearm holder was confronted by three masked assailants. The victim returned fire, resulting in one death and one injury. Authorities are continuing their investigation and urge anyone with information to contact the Holetown Police Station, Police Emergency, or Crime Stoppers.
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Lawyer says prosecution withheld vital evidence in Too Cool case
In a high-profile court case in Kingstown, defence lawyer Grant Connell invoked a speech by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley to the United Nations as he argued for the acquittal of popular DJ Christopher ‘Too Cool Chris’ Jones, who faces a wounding charge for shooting a man three times. The incident occurred on July 4, 2024, in Kingstown, where Jones claimed he acted in self-defence after being threatened and attacked by the complainant, Kevin Patterson. Connell highlighted the prosecution’s failure to disclose crucial evidence, including Patterson’s psychiatric history, and criticized the investigation as ‘atrocious.’ He also questioned the credibility of key witnesses and emphasized the legal principles of self-defence, arguing that Jones acted reasonably under the circumstances. The case has drawn significant attention, with the verdict expected on December 10.
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Venezuelan, Guyanese caught in cocaine bust
In a significant anti-narcotics operation, a Venezuelan national and two Guyanese citizens were apprehended following the confiscation of nearly 24 kilograms of cocaine in Hydronie, Parika, East Bank Essequibo. The arrests were announced on Saturday, November 8, 2025, by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU). The suspects include a Venezuelan man, a Guyanese man, and a Guyanese woman. The operation was conducted on Friday, November 7, after CANU agents received actionable intelligence. A thorough search of a local residence led to the discovery of multiple parcels containing a whitish powdery substance, which was later confirmed to be cocaine. The seized narcotics weighed a total of 23.958 kilograms. This bust underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking in the region.
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Why 2024 public speaking 2nd place winner yet to receive her prize?
A year after securing second place in the 2024 School’s Public Speaking Competition organized by the Lions Club, Samarah Lynch, a student from Mountain View Adventist Academy (MVAA), is still awaiting her promised EC$3,000 prize. The delay has ignited widespread concerns about fairness, transparency, and integrity in the handling of competition awards. Lynch, who dedicated weeks of preparation to achieve her runner-up position, was informed in 2025 by a representative of Flow, one of the sponsors, that she could not receive the cash prize because she was not enrolled in a local college in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Instead, she had been accepted to the University of the Southern Caribbean. This condition, which was never disclosed during the competition, came as a shock to Lynch and her family. Adding to the controversy, all other participants reportedly received their prizes without issue, further fueling frustration and disappointment. Lynch’s parents have made multiple attempts to resolve the matter with both Flow and the Lions Club, but to no avail. Reports suggest that Flow and the Lions Club reached an agreement to award Lynch her prize after the family threatened to publicize the issue on social media. However, as of now, the prize remains unpaid, with the family being repeatedly told to ‘call back.’ The incident has sparked broader discussions about accountability and consistency in managing competition prizes. Some community members speculate that the promise to pay Lynch was a strategic move to avoid negative publicity ahead of the 2025 Public Speaking Competition, which took place recently. Beyond the monetary aspect, the situation raises critical questions about principles and integrity, particularly how young people can be taught honesty and fairness when authority figures seemingly change rules at will. While the Lions Club has been praised for its commitment to youth development through initiatives like this competition, critics emphasize the importance of clear rules and honoring commitments. The hope remains that Lynch will eventually receive the prize she rightfully earned, and that this incident will serve as a lesson in upholding fairness and transparency in future competitions.
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Annual kettle appeal to ‘lend helping hand’ to hurricane-hit Jamaica
The Salvation Army has officially launched its annual Christmas Kettle Appeal in Barbados, with a special emphasis on supporting Jamaica’s recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The campaign, which kicked off at Golden Square Freedom Park on Friday, marks the beginning of the island’s giving season. This year’s initiative includes a dedicated Jamaica Relief Day on Saturday, where all funds raised across Barbados and Saint Lucia will be directed toward aiding Jamaica’s recovery efforts. The fundraising target for this year’s appeal is set at $850,000. Major Robert Pyle, Divisional Commander for Barbados and Saint Lucia, emphasized the importance of collective action, stating, ‘To lift a family, a man, a woman, a boy, a girl requires many hands working together. The need is great, the work is demanding, but it is necessary.’ The campaign’s theme, ‘Lend a Helping Hand,’ resonates deeply with the regional appeal for support. Paul Bernstein, chairman of the Salvation Army advisory board, highlighted the significance of the campaign, noting that it accounts for 80% of the organization’s annual income. From January to September, the Salvation Army provided food hampers to over 1,000 families, clothing and furniture to more than 12,000 people, and served over 36,000 meals. President Sandra Mason praised the organization’s transparency and compassion, while Scotiabank, the title sponsor for seven decades, reaffirmed its commitment to the cause. Major Paula Pyle also expressed gratitude to various organizations for their continued support.
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Hearing for Chantel Crump Murder Case Delayed Until 2026
The legal proceedings for Angela Mejia, the woman accused of the murder of nine-year-old Chantel Crump, have been delayed until early 2026. Mejia, currently held in custody at His Majesty’s Prison, appeared in court this week, but her committal hearing was postponed due to the absence of her attorney, Wendel Alexander. The case has now been rescheduled for February 11, 2026, leaving the accused and the public awaiting further developments. The tragic incident dates back to March 15, 2025, when Chantel’s body was discovered in bushes near her Weatherills home, shortly after she was reported missing. The case has since garnered national attention, evoking widespread sorrow and demands for justice.
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ABWU to Host Men’s Conference Focused on Health and Well-Being
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) is set to commemorate International Men’s Day 2025 with an impactful one-day conference themed “Healthy Men, Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Society.” Scheduled for Wednesday, 19 November 2025, the event will convene men from diverse professional backgrounds across the island to address critical aspects of mental, physical, and personal well-being. This initiative underscores the ABWU’s dedication to fostering holistic development and promoting health and balance among working men. The conference will feature a distinguished panel of experts, including Clinical Psychologist Feona Charles-Richards, Medical Practitioner Dr. Dwayne Thwaites, and Personal Care Professional Octavia Nicholas. Through interactive sessions, participants will delve into topics such as emotional resilience, preventive healthcare, self-care, and personal grooming, all designed to empower men to lead healthier and more confident lives. ABWU General Secretary, Sen. David Massiah, emphasized the event’s dual purpose: celebrating men’s contributions while fostering candid discussions about health, identity, and balance. “Taking care of oneself, both physically and mentally, is an act of strength that benefits individuals, their families, workplaces, and communities,” he stated. The ABWU sees the conference as a pivotal platform to honor men’s roles in the workforce and encourage open dialogue on issues impacting their well-being. By promoting awareness and empowerment, the Union aims to cultivate a culture of balance, respect, and care within workplaces and the broader community.
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Geen strafvermindering verdachte seksueel misbruik
In a recent appellate court decision, 39-year-old R.W. was sentenced to three years in prison for sexual abuse, reaffirming the initial verdict handed down by the district court earlier this year. The Court of Justice dismissed the appeal filed by defense attorney Valerian Bendanon, who argued that the district court had imposed an excessively harsh penalty without proper justification. Bendanon highlighted that the court had failed to explain why the sentence exceeded the two-year term initially requested by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. R.W. was convicted of repeatedly sexually abusing his partner’s 14-year-old sister, resulting in her pregnancy. The victim has since given birth. During the hearing, R.W. expressed remorse, stating, “I have recognized my mistakes and realized I could not continue such behavior. I have become very weak but have learned a lot during my detention,” he said with his head bowed. R.W. expressed relief that the victim could return to school and pledged to take responsibility for the child’s care. Despite R.W. being a first-time offender, the Public Prosecutor urged the court to uphold the three-year sentence. Judge Anand Charan concluded, “We agree with the three-year sentence, and it will stand.”