分类: society

  • Trelawny higgler dies after motorcycle crash

    Trelawny higgler dies after motorcycle crash

    A devastating road accident in Trelawny, Jamaica, has claimed the life of a local higgler, marking the 20th road fatality in the parish this year. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon along the North Coast Highway. David Junior Myers, a 45-year-old resident of Zion district, tragically lost his life after his Champion motorcycle collided with a stationary Ford Ranger truck. Reports indicate that Myers lost control of his bike around 5:30 pm while traveling along the Hague roadway, resulting in a severe crash. He sustained multiple critical injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The Trelawny police have initiated a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of road safety in the region, prompting concerns about the need for stricter traffic regulations and public awareness campaigns.

  • Bear attack on Canada school children injures 11

    Bear attack on Canada school children injures 11

    A devastating grizzly bear attack in the remote Bella Coola area of British Columbia, Canada, left 11 people injured, including children as young as nine, authorities reported on Friday. Among the victims, two are in critical condition, while two others sustained serious injuries. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon along the Old Trail, according to Corporal Madonna Saunderson, a spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

    The Nuxalk First Nation, a local Indigenous community, confirmed the attack on their Facebook page, warning residents of an ‘aggressive bear in the area.’ Acwsalcta School, operated by the Nuxalk Nation, announced its closure on Friday due to the incident. Veronica Schooner, a parent, shared with the Canadian Press that her son narrowly escaped injury as the bear targeted others in the group.

    The British Columbia Emergency Health Services reported that seven of the injured did not require hospitalization. As of late Thursday, the bear remained at large, prompting the Nuxalk Nation to advise residents to stay indoors. The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service has assumed control of the investigation, though it remains unclear whether the bear has been located. The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event.

  • BPW Dominica honors 19 standouts for International Men’s Day

    BPW Dominica honors 19 standouts for International Men’s Day

    In a poignant celebration of International Men’s Day, BPW (Business and Professional Women) Dominica hosted a significant ceremony on November 19 at the Public Service Union (PSU) headquarters. The event, titled ‘Homage to Men,’ was a heartfelt tribute to the indispensable roles men play in the Commonwealth of Dominica. Nineteen exemplary men from the local community were honored for their exceptional leadership and service. The ceremony highlighted the multifaceted responsibilities men undertake, both within their households and across various sectors of national life. Traditionally seen as the primary providers of guidance, stability, and resilience, men were celebrated for their contributions to families and society at large. This inaugural event marks the beginning of a new tradition for BPW Dominica, which plans to make it an annual occurrence. The organization emphasized the importance of recognizing men’s positive impact to foster a community grounded in respect and appreciation. By honoring these often-overlooked heroes, BPW Dominica aims to inspire the younger generation and acknowledge the leaders, mentors, and pillars of strength who uphold families, communities, and the nation.

  • Housing Push Passes 1,000 Units, With More Condos Coming in 2026

    Housing Push Passes 1,000 Units, With More Condos Coming in 2026

    In a significant move to address housing needs, Antigua and Barbuda will expand its national housing programme by 2026, with hundreds of new homes planned across various communities, including the highly anticipated Booby Alley redevelopment. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams unveiled the initiative during the Throne Speech on Thursday, highlighting the government’s commitment to meeting growing housing demands. Since 2014, over 1,000 housing units have been constructed through collaboration between the government and private contractors, yet the need for additional homes continues to rise. The Booby Alley Project, a flagship initiative, will deliver 200 condominium-style units for former residents and others upon completion. Outside the capital, 100 additional condos will be built—50 in Barbuda and 50 in Bolans—to accommodate larger populations, with support from the People’s Republic of China. Affordability and resilience remain central to the housing strategy, with the National Housing and Urban Renewal Corporation offering subsidized housing and the Central Housing and Planning Authority focusing on hurricane-resilient designs. The programme also prioritizes vulnerable groups, including the poor and elderly, through initiatives like food vouchers, electricity support, minimum Social Security payments, and the HAPI programme, which rebuilds homes for those affected by fires or unsafe living conditions. Sir Rodney commended the housing minister for his dedication and compassionate leadership.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Producing 11 Million Gallons of Water Daily — A Record Output

    Antigua and Barbuda Producing 11 Million Gallons of Water Daily — A Record Output

    Antigua and Barbuda has reached a historic milestone in its water production, now generating over 11 million gallons of desalinated water daily—the highest output in the nation’s history. This achievement was announced during the Throne Speech on Thursday by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, who highlighted the country’s significant progress in addressing long-standing water shortages.

  • STATEMENT: UN Secretary-General Message on World Children’s Day  (with video)

    STATEMENT: UN Secretary-General Message on World Children’s Day (with video)

    On the occasion of World Children’s Day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the urgent need to safeguard children’s rights, emphasizing that the future of humanity hinges on the well-being of its youngest members. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, the most universally ratified treaty in history, was signed 36 years ago, affirming the fundamental principle that protecting children is essential for building a better world. However, Guterres warned that children’s rights are increasingly under threat. Poverty, emergencies, and climate change are disrupting education and jeopardizing futures, while the digital world introduces new risks. Many children are forced into labor or caregiving roles, bearing responsibilities far beyond their years. Tragically, famine and conflict have stripped thousands of children of their most basic right: the right to life. Guterres stressed that while every child’s circumstances are unique, their rights are universal, regardless of identity or location. This World Children’s Day, he urged the global community to listen to children, amplify their voices, and unite in creating a safe and equitable world for every child. The future, he concluded, will be defined by how we care for the next generation.

  • Serious Crime Falls 10% as Government Plans New Forensic Services Bill in 2026

    Serious Crime Falls 10% as Government Plans New Forensic Services Bill in 2026

    Antigua and Barbuda has witnessed a significant 10% reduction in serious crime this year, as announced by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams during the Throne Speech at the opening of Parliament. The decline, attributed to effective leadership within the Royal Police Force and enhanced community policing initiatives, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s public safety efforts. Sir Rodney outlined a series of ambitious reforms set to modernize law enforcement and criminal justice by 2026, including the establishment of the Antigua and Barbuda Forensic Services. This new agency will focus on drug analysis and the development of specialized biology and chemistry divisions, equipping investigators with advanced scientific tools currently unavailable locally. Additionally, plans to expand the Industrial Court with more judges aim to expedite labor-related case resolutions, while the government reaffirms its commitment to transparency and the rule of law. Antigua and Barbuda’s ranking as second in the Caribbean and 38th globally on the 2025 Rule of Law Index underscores these efforts. Rehabilitation within His Majesty’s Prison also received renewed attention, with a focus on reducing recidivism through skills-training programs and the recruitment of qualified correctional officers. The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force was commended for its joint security initiatives with the police, particularly during high-profile events. Sir Rodney emphasized that this comprehensive strategy—combining modern policing, forensic advancements, and structured rehabilitation—is essential to sustaining the nation’s improving public safety landscape.

  • STATEMENT: Address by  Hon. Dr Cassandra Williams on Universal Children’s Day (with audio)

    STATEMENT: Address by Hon. Dr Cassandra Williams on Universal Children’s Day (with audio)

    In a heartfelt address on November 20, Hon. Dr. Cassandra Williams of Dominica marked Universal Children’s Day with a poignant message centered on the theme, ‘My Day, My Rights.’ Speaking to her fellow citizens, Dr. Williams emphasized the importance of recognizing children as more than just passive recipients of care but as active holders of fundamental rights. She highlighted the global significance of the day, which serves as a reminder to uphold and protect the rights of children everywhere. Dr. Williams called for collective action to ensure that every child has access to education, healthcare, and a safe environment. Her speech underscored the need for societal commitment to nurturing the potential of young minds and fostering a future where children’s rights are universally respected and implemented.

  • Ms. Deravairere of L’Etoile Du Matin Prescolaire shares importance of Community Outreach Day

    Ms. Deravairere of L’Etoile Du Matin Prescolaire shares importance of Community Outreach Day

    Ms. Georgette Deravairere, the principal of L’Etoile Du Matin Préscolaire (The Morning Star Preschool), recently emphasized the significance of Community Outreach Day, celebrated earlier this week. Known affectionately as Miss D within the community, she has been actively recognizing local businesses as part of Early Childhood Development Month, an initiative by the Ministry of Education/Early Childhood Education. Ms. Deravairere believes that fostering connections between schools, families, and the broader community is essential for the holistic development of children. She asserts that such partnerships support children’s safety, well-being, and social skills, while also strengthening ties between families, schools, and organizations. To this end, Ms. Deravairere and her team distributed tokens of appreciation to various community stakeholders, including Emerald Healthcare Ltd, Lindo Mart Supermarket, Waitucare Daycare Center, Nagico Insurance, Bullseye Pharmacy, Central Co-operative Credit Union Ltd, Deliverance Baptist Church, and D&D Plumbing & Electrical Inc. She envisions a lifelong commitment to building these connections, ensuring that children receive the nurturing environment they need to thrive. Ms. Deravairere’s efforts underscore the importance of community involvement in early childhood education, creating a supportive network that benefits both children and their families.

  • All Saints Road Upgrade Moves Into Active Construction Phase

    All Saints Road Upgrade Moves Into Active Construction Phase

    Survey teams have commenced operations for a comprehensive upgrade of All Saints Road, heralding the launch of what government officials are calling one of the nation’s most pivotal infrastructure initiatives in recent history. The Ministry of Works has officially announced that the reconstruction project is being spearheaded by Amdex, a collaborative venture between Canada’s Dexter Company and local engineering experts. This partnership is expected to bring advanced technical expertise to the endeavor, which aims to transform a crucial transportation artery. The project will cover over 10 miles, stretching from the V.C. Bird bust in St John’s to English Harbour. Preparatory activities are already underway, with survey teams and materials-testing crews actively working on-site. In a coordinated effort, the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) will replace outdated water pipes along the route, ensuring that the road does not require future excavation. To mitigate inconvenience for commuters, the Ministry of Works is devising detailed traffic-management strategies, including temporary diversions and phased road closures as construction progresses. The government has pledged to provide regular updates as the project advances.