In a tragic incident on the Puruni River, the bodies of two security guards, along with their assigned firearms, were recovered following a boat mishap. The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, as the aluminum boat capsized while en route from a backdam to Puruni Landing. The deceased have been identified as Patrice Grimmond and Kevis Robin, though their ages and addresses remain undisclosed. According to the Guyana Police Force, the boat capsized around 4 PM, with two other individuals, including the captain, managing to swim to safety. Grimmond’s body was discovered on Tuesday, November 5, while Robin’s was found the following day. Authorities also recovered a shotgun, an AR rifle, and their respective ammunition, all belonging to the security firm. Preliminary examinations revealed no signs of violence on the bodies, which were subsequently transported to the Bartica Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem examinations. The recovered weapons and ammunition have been securely lodged.
分类： society
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Cultural Group Demands Outstanding Carnival Payments
The RT Performers, a prominent local cultural group, are calling on Carnival organizers to settle outstanding fees for performances delivered at national events more than six months ago. Group leader Renee Thomas expressed deep frustration, stating that repeated attempts to contact officials have been ignored. ‘We’ve been waiting over five to six months for payment from the Treasury Department for events we proudly performed at,’ she said. ‘This is disrespectful to the artists, the effort, and the children who are the future of our culture.’
Renowned for their vibrant portrayals of traditional Antiguan and Caribbean characters, RT Performers highlighted that the delayed payments, amounting to over EC$5,000, have left their members, many of whom are young artists, feeling disheartened and undervalued. ‘This isn’t just about money; it’s about respect for the creative sector,’ Thomas emphasized in her statement to Antigua.News.
Efforts to reach Minister of Festivals Daryll Matthew for comment were unsuccessful. The group’s plea underscores broader concerns about the treatment of cultural performers and the need for timely recognition and compensation for their contributions to national events.
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LETTER: How Do Men Feel Walking Hand in Hand With Half-Naked Women?
In a thought-provoking letter to the editor, Cheryl Baptiste raises pressing questions about the decline of modesty in contemporary society. She reflects on the increasing trend of women wearing revealing clothing in public spaces, accompanied by men who seem indifferent to the attention it garners. Baptiste contrasts this with the dignified manner in which previous generations carried themselves, emphasizing pride and class in their attire. She challenges both men and women to reconsider their choices: men, to reflect on the kind of attention they desire when their partners are the center of stares, and women, to question whether self-worth truly depends on the amount of skin shown. Baptiste calls for a revival of self-respect and pride in public presentation, arguing that streets, malls, and airports are not runways or beaches. Her message is a plea for a return to modesty and dignity in how we present ourselves in shared spaces.
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Fathers’ absence, custody disputes fuelling youth crime – study
A groundbreaking study has highlighted the alarming connection between the surge in violent behavior among young men and the absence of fathers, coupled with the weaponization of child visitation disputes. The research underscores how fractured family structures and the lack of positive male guidance are leaving boys susceptible to negative street influences. Conducted by the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit, the study analyzed the social histories of 47 individuals under 25 who are currently on remand in prison. Senior research analyst Kirt Goodridge revealed that 66% of these young men were raised in female-headed households, with 57% reporting family incarceration, often for serious crimes. The majority of these households were located in St Michael (51%) and Christ Church (26%). While 44% of respondents described their communities as peaceful, a staggering 63% had witnessed violent incidents, including shootings, fights, and murders. Goodridge emphasized the pivotal role of fathers in shaping young men’s development, noting that the absence of male role models often leads boys to seek guidance from peers who glorify violence and machismo. He called for family-strengthening programs, judicial reforms to prevent the weaponization of child visitation, and educational reforms to ensure young men remain in school until the age of 18. Research officer Melanie Banfield echoed the need for family-based interventions, advocating for mentorship programs and sustained engagement to curb youth offending.
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Man Ambushed and Shot at in Unitedville
A violent ambush in Unitedville, Cayo, left a 38-year-old construction worker critically injured on Thursday night. Kevin Trapp, the victim, was returning home around 8:40 p.m. when two unidentified assailants approached his vehicle. One of the attackers fired multiple shots, striking Trapp several times. A family member rushed him to San Ignacio Community Hospital, where he is currently in stable condition. Trapp has a history with law enforcement; in 2021, he was charged with possession of cannabis with intent to supply after police discovered 70 packets of cannabis, a digital scale, and $288.50 BZD during a home search. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack, which has raised concerns about safety in the area.
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Call for facilitators: HOPE Substance Use Disorder group treatment programme
The Legal Aid and Counselling Clinic (LACC) has announced an open call for professionals to join a transformative initiative aimed at combating substance use disorder (SUD). The organisation is seeking qualified individuals to undergo training as facilitators for the HOPE Programme, a pioneering psycho-educational intervention designed to support recovery and behavioural change. The three-day training session, set to take place from 19 to 21 November 2025, marks the first phase in building a national network of certified facilitators who will spearhead the programme’s implementation. The HOPE Programme integrates evidence-based methodologies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and trauma-informed practices. These approaches collectively emphasise healing, personal accountability, and values-driven transformation. Ideal candidates include counsellors, social workers, psychologists, and other allied professionals with experience in mental health, group facilitation, or substance use recovery. Applicants should demonstrate empathy, structured thinking, and a commitment to evidence-based practices. By becoming a HOPE facilitator, professionals will play a pivotal role in empowering individuals to rebuild their lives. Interested candidates are invited to submit their résumés to [email protected], addressed to Tyrone Buckmire, Director of LACC, by the close of business on 14 November 2025. This initiative underscores LACC’s dedication to fostering hope and resilience in communities affected by substance use disorders.
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Gunmen Tie Up Bullet Tree Man, Steal His Truck
A harrowing home invasion unfolded in Bullet Tree Village early Friday morning, leaving a local welder bound and robbed of his possessions. The incident occurred around 2:15 a.m. on November 7, 2025, when 38-year-old Roger Reimer, a Belizean welder, was ambushed by two armed men upon entering his residence on Guana Belly Road. According to police reports, one of the assailants brandished a pistol, forcing Reimer inside. The attackers proceeded to bind his hands and feet with tape before demanding money. They reportedly made off with $300 in cash, several personal belongings, and Reimer’s 2013 dark grey Dodge Ram 1500, valued at $45,000. The stolen vehicle, bearing license plate C-15217, remains at large as authorities intensify their search. The incident has left the small community on edge, with residents calling for increased security measures. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.
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Ministry of Tourism celebrates Tourism Awareness Month
The Ministry of Tourism, the Creative Economy and Culture, in partnership with the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA), has officially declared November 2025 as Tourism Awareness Month. This year’s theme, ‘Sustainable Tourism: People, Planet and Pure Grenada,’ highlights a holistic approach to tourism that balances environmental preservation, community empowerment, and economic growth. The initiative aims to position Grenada as a sustainable and globally competitive destination while celebrating its rich cultural heritage and diverse tourism offerings. Senator Adrian Thomas, Minister for Tourism, the Creative Economy and Culture, emphasized the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in shaping a sustainable tourism future for Grenada. He urged government, industry partners, and local communities to reflect on their roles in protecting the environment, celebrating culture, and ensuring tourism benefits everyone. Key activities for the month include school tours, staff edutainment programs, a social media campaign, and a tourism pop-up event on November 27 at the Grenville Car park. The Ministry and GTA invite residents and visitors to participate in these activities and contribute to a greener, more sustainable, and culturally vibrant Grenada.
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West Green residents decry slow water restoration after Hurricane Melissa
Residents of West Green, St James, are voicing their frustration over the prolonged delay in restoring water services more than a week after Hurricane Melissa devastated the area. The lack of access to clean water has raised significant health concerns, with locals fearing the spread of waterborne diseases and skin infections. During a visit by Observer Online on Thursday, the community was seen sifting through mud-soaked belongings, struggling to recover from the floodwaters that inundated their homes. Shelly, a resident, highlighted the dire situation, stating, ‘It’s rough, especially without electricity and water to clean up. We have to fetch water from the river, which is exhausting and unsafe.’ She also expressed worries about potential health risks, including skin bacteria and water contamination. A water quality specialist from the Ministry of Health and Wellness arrived to distribute flyers advising residents on water treatment methods, such as filtering and boiling, to ensure safety. The specialist also warned about the risk of contamination from rats and insects, a concern that was underscored when a rat scurried past during the visit. Lloyd Bailey, a soil scientist and community member, criticized the slow response to the crisis, stressing the need for immediate access to basic necessities like water and food. He also pointed out long-standing issues with Jamaica’s drainage infrastructure, describing it as fundamentally flawed and incapable of handling heavy rainfall. Bailey emphasized that Hurricane Melissa should serve as a wake-up call for the country to address these systemic problems.
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Prisons commissioner likes new prison plan
In a significant move to modernize its correctional system, Trinidad and Tobago has announced a comprehensive prison overhaul as part of the government’s TT Revitalisation Blueprint. Prisons Commissioner Hayden Forde expressed optimism about the initiative, which includes the construction of a state-of-the-art justice centre in Tamana. This new facility will consolidate inmates from the Port of Spain prison, Golden Grove prison in Arouca, and Carrera Island prison, with a capacity to house up to 6,000 inmates—nearly double the current national prison population of 3,300. The project aims to address long-standing issues of overcrowding, outdated infrastructure, and security vulnerabilities. Forde highlighted the challenges faced by prison officers due to inadequate facilities and emphasized that the new complex will be equipped with advanced security measures to combat contraband trafficking, drone intrusions, and other persistent problems. He also underscored the importance of separating inmates based on the severity of their offenses, with a dedicated section for minor offenders such as those convicted of failing to pay child maintenance. While acknowledging logistical challenges in relocating inmates and staff, Forde downplayed concerns, noting that inmate transfers are a routine part of prison operations. He also pointed out that the new facility’s location will reduce commuting time for officers, improving their work-life balance. The project, which involved consultations with key stakeholders, is expected to address staffing shortages through targeted recruitment and training programs. Forde remains hopeful that the prison service will be fully staffed by the time the facility is completed, marking a transformative step in the nation’s correctional system.