分类： society

Hezekiah Parker Jr. has been sentenced to pay a $10,000 fine after pleading guilty to cannabis possession. The verdict was delivered on Monday, with Parker given a one-year deadline to settle the fine. Failure to comply will result in a one-year prison term. The case originated from a police operation on June 1, where officers executed a search warrant at Parker’s residence. During the search, authorities reportedly uncovered 127 grams of cannabis, valued at $1,270, alongside a sum of cash that was seized. Parker was subsequently arrested and charged. He had been on bail since his arrest and entered a guilty plea last month before Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel. This case highlights the ongoing legal repercussions of cannabis possession in the region, despite shifting attitudes toward the substance globally.

Aviation specialist Eugene Silcott has issued a renewed warning about the safety hazards posed by large-scale events held at the Sticky Wicket, a popular venue located dangerously close to a major airport. Silcott emphasized that such gatherings could jeopardize both airport operations and public safety, despite criticism from those who view the events as harmless entertainment. His concerns are rooted in aviation safety rather than opposition to social activities. Silcott outlined several critical risks, including potential delays for emergency vehicles due to traffic congestion caused by event attendees. He explained that in the event of a fire at the airport terminal, fire trucks might struggle to reach the site, and using the ramp could be hazardous due to underground fuel lines. Additionally, medical responders could face delays, potentially endangering lives. Silcott also highlighted the issue of noise pollution, noting that loud music from the events could interfere with air traffic controllers’ communications with pilots, particularly those who are non-native English speakers. This could lead to misunderstandings and even mid-air collisions, despite the presence of Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS). Furthermore, congestion could prevent air traffic controllers from reaching the control tower on time, potentially forcing the airport to close temporarily. Silcott urged event organizers to implement shuttle systems to transport patrons, reducing traffic and ensuring the safety of airport operations. He concluded by stressing the importance of addressing these issues to maintain the airport’s safety and efficiency.

In a dramatic turn of events, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda successfully recovered a stolen vehicle and apprehended a suspect following a high-speed chase through the streets of St. John’s on Monday, October 13, 2025. The incident began at approximately 4:40 p.m. when officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the Gang and Guns Suppression Unit (G.A.G.S.U.), and the Traffic Department spotted a white Honda Fit, which had been reported stolen on October 12, during a routine patrol near the Ministry of Works. Upon attempting to intercept the vehicle, the driver accelerated dangerously, leading to a high-speed pursuit. During the chase, the suspect vehicle collided with several parked cars before crashing into a culvert at the intersection of St. John’s Street and Wapping Lane. Two male occupants fled the scene on foot, but an extensive search by the police led to the arrest of a 19-year-old Villa resident on suspicion of robbery. The suspect was taken into custody at the St. John’s Police Station for questioning, while the vehicle was transported to Police Headquarters for further investigation. Authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline at 800-Tips (8477). Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

In a dramatic turn of events, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda successfully recovered a stolen vehicle following a high-speed chase through the streets of St. John’s on Monday, October 13, 2025. The incident began when officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the Gang and Guns Suppression Unit (G.A.G.S.U.), and the Traffic Department spotted a white Honda Fit, which had been reported stolen on October 12, during a routine patrol near the Ministry of Works. Upon attempting to intercept the vehicle, the driver accelerated dangerously, leading to a high-speed pursuit. The suspect vehicle collided with several parked cars before finally crashing into a culvert at the intersection of St. John’s Street and Wapping Lane. Two male occupants fled the scene on foot, but a 19-year-old resident of Villa was later apprehended following an extensive search. He was taken into custody for questioning, and the vehicle was transported to Police Headquarters for further investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigations Department or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline. The investigation remains ongoing.

On October 8, Aziz Hadeed was honored with a knighthood by Prince William at Windsor Castle, receiving the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George. His wife, Mahasen, was also bestowed with the title of Lady Hadeed. The ceremony, attended by close family and friends, celebrated Sir Aziz’s decades-long dedication to community and national welfare in Antigua and Barbuda.

On October 8, Aziz Hadeed was honored with a knighthood by Prince William at Windsor Castle, receiving the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George. His wife, Mahasen Hadeed, was also bestowed with the title of Lady Hadeed. The ceremony was attended by close family and friends, marking a momentous occasion in recognition of Sir Aziz’s lifelong dedication to community and national welfare.

A paraplegic man has accused one of his caretakers of stealing and cashing a $1,500 cheque, a claim supported by an audio recording in which the woman admits to the act. The victim reported the incident to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) after discovering the cheque had been cashed at a local supermarket. Two officers, Constables Senior and Silton, were assigned to the case, but the victim alleges the investigation has been compromised due to potential personal ties between the officers and the suspect. In a written appeal, the victim expressed his frustration, stating, ‘I’m a paraplegic seeking justice. CID was called, but from the beginning, I feel like they’ve been trying to sabotage the case.’ Evidence, including a copy of the cheque and a video of the alleged theft, was reviewed by Antigua News Room. In the recording, the woman admits to taking the cheque, citing financial struggles to help her sick father and expressing remorse. Despite the evidence, the case has not progressed, and police have yet to issue an official statement. The victim continues to demand a thorough investigation and accountability.

In a landmark event for Antigua and Barbuda’s maritime sector, His Excellency Sir Clare Roberts inaugurated the 4th Annual Discover Yachting & Marine Career Fair and Expo at the Antigua Yacht Club. Representing Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, Sir Clare emphasized the transformative potential of the yachting industry for the nation’s youth, calling it a critical bridge between aspiration and opportunity. The event, organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Yachting and Marine Association (ABYMA), featured 20 exhibitors and introduced a new career advice booth, offering résumé reviews, skills assessments, and personalized career guidance. Sir Clare underscored the sector’s diverse opportunities, ranging from technical roles like electricians and marine technicians to creative positions such as event coordinators and chefs. He also highlighted the importance of inclusivity, urging young women and men from all communities to envision themselves in the maritime industry. Addressing environmental concerns, Sir Clare stressed that sustainable practices are not only ethical but also economically vital for the country’s success as a premier yachting destination. While acknowledging challenges such as limited dockage space and seasonal fluctuations, he expressed optimism about overcoming these hurdles through collaboration among government, private sector stakeholders, and training institutions. Sir Clare concluded by encouraging attendees to seize the opportunities presented by the Expo, declaring, ‘Opportunity does not lie only on land; it sails on our seas.’ The event marked a significant step in advancing Antigua and Barbuda’s maritime sector and inspiring national development.