Denise Daley, the Opposition spokesperson on gender, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, has issued a pressing call for the reform of Jamaica’s public sector pension system. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Daley highlighted the plight of retired Jamaicans who face prolonged delays in receiving their pension benefits, leaving many in financial distress and reliant on family, neighbors, or charity for survival. Her remarks followed a ministerial statement by Pearnel Charles Jr, Minister of Labour and Social Security, on the outcomes of Senior Citizens’ Month 2025. Daley emphasized the moral obligation of the State to ensure the financial and emotional well-being of the elderly, urging the government to implement timely pension processes and public education initiatives. She also called for a review of policies affecting seniors on fixed incomes, particularly property taxes, which have become a significant burden. While commending the Ministry and the National Council for Senior Citizens for their efforts in promoting active ageing, Daley stressed the need for practical measures beyond celebratory events. In response, Minister Charles Jr acknowledged the challenges and outlined ongoing efforts to modernize the pension system, including reducing processing times and introducing digital solutions like the ‘I’m Alive’ app for life certification. However, he noted that some seniors still prefer traditional methods, highlighting the importance of balancing modernization with the preferences of the elderly. Anthony Hylton, Member of Parliament for St Andrew Western, criticized the frequent life certificate requirement as outdated and burdensome, urging the government to streamline the process. Charles Jr defended the bureaucracy as a means of accountability but assured that alternative options are being introduced to cater to diverse needs.
分类： society
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BAHA Warns Against Sale and Import of Unregistered Veterinary Products
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) has issued a stern warning to the public regarding the illegal importation and sale of unregistered or expired veterinary products and animal feed. The Authority has recently uncovered instances where individuals have sought donations of expired veterinary medications from international sources. Additionally, unregistered online businesses have been found selling unauthorized veterinary drugs, pesticides, biologics (including vaccines), hygiene products, and animal feed.
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Indian nationals caught with fake passports after arriving from Trinidad
Five Indian nationals who arrived in Grenada via a flight from Trinidad’s Piarco International Airport have been detained after being found guilty of using falsified passports. The individuals, consisting of one male and four females, were arrested on Monday, 6 September 2025, by officers from the Immigration and Passport Department of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF). They were charged under Section 36, Subsection 1 (a) of the Immigration Act, which criminalizes the fabrication or use of falsified documents for unlawful entry or stay in Grenada. The accused, identified as Malkesh Patel (35), Arati Patel (27), Nidhiben Patel (31), Ishita Patel (24), and Ashikaben Gajjar (24), pleaded guilty during their first court appearance at the St George’s #1 Magistrate Court on Tuesday, 7 October 2025. Each was fined $6,000, payable immediately, with a default penalty of four months imprisonment. As of 9 October, the fines remained unpaid, and the individuals were transferred to Richmond Hill Prison. Upon completion of their sentence or payment of the fine, they will be deported from Grenada. Authorities have not confirmed whether the group is linked to human trafficking.
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Gov’t working to press out home titles, Bellevue group first to benefit, says Poponne-Skerrit
In a significant move to enhance housing security, the government has expedited the process of issuing home titles to 28 families residing in the Bellevue Housing area. Melissa Poponne-Skerrit, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, revealed this development during her appearance on the ‘Focus on Government and Development’ program aired on DBS Radio. Traditionally, the title issuance process has been lengthy and expensive, but the current administration is committed to ensuring full ownership for beneficiaries at no cost.
Minister Poponne-Skerrit emphasized the importance of homeownership, stating, ‘Owning a home is one thing, but having a title in your hand truly provides peace of mind.’ To streamline the process, the Ministry has appointed Ms. Esprit, a state attorney, whose sole responsibility is to process titles for homes distributed thus far.
The Minister announced that the first batch of 28 titles for Bellevue residents is nearing completion, marking a significant milestone. A dedicated team has been visiting various housing sites across Dominica to gather necessary information, ensuring titles are issued to the rightful owners, whether they are parents, married couples, or common-law partners.
Poponne-Skerrit outlined two key policies to be presented to the cabinet this week. The first focuses on standalone homes built on individual lots, while the second addresses apartment-style or multi-unit homes, known as strata titles. She expressed confidence in the progress being made, stating, ‘We are finally putting the right policies in place so that homeowners can enjoy full ownership and pass it on to their children or use it for financial purposes.’
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Police Search for Suspects in Alleged Abduction and Robbery
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has launched an intensive investigation into a harrowing incident of alleged abduction and robbery that unfolded on the evening of October 7, 2025. According to reports, a resident of Villa was forcibly taken by three unidentified males in the Dockyard area. The victim recounted being assaulted and robbed before being transported to a secluded location near the APUA Water Plant in Parham. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, the victim managed to escape and seek assistance. Suffering from injuries sustained during the ordeal, the individual was promptly taken to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre for treatment. Authorities are urging anyone with pertinent information to come forward and contact the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at 462-3913 or dial 911. All tips will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. The police have assured the public that they are diligently pursuing all leads to apprehend the suspects and bring them to justice.
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Festivals Commission makes adjustments in light of recent Cabinet decision
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) has announced a significant adjustment to the 2025 Independence Day celebrations. Originally scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2025, the official observance will now take place on Monday, November 3, 2025. This change aligns with the national policy that shifts public holidays to the following Monday when they fall on a weekend, ensuring compliance with the Public Holidays Act of 2019. The ABFC had initially planned festivities for November 1, in line with the traditional Independence Day date. However, following a Cabinet directive clarifying the interpretation of the Act, the Commission has updated its plans accordingly. Key events such as the Ceremonial Parade, National Awards Ceremony, National Food Fair, and Independence Flag Ceremony for Barbuda will now be held on November 3. The ABFC expressed gratitude to the public for their understanding and continued enthusiasm as the nation prepares to celebrate 44 years of Independence under the theme “Solid. Stable. Soaring.” Further details about the celebrations will be communicated in due course.
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18-year-old’s death rocks family
A devastating road accident in Mount Standfast, St James, has left a family in mourning after 18-year-old Josiah Carmichael lost his life in a fatal collision on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 1:40 p.m. along Garden Road, involving two vehicles traveling from Speightstown towards Holetown. Josiah, a passenger in one of the vehicles, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Acting Inspector Ryan Brathwaite of the Holetown Police Station confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with forensic teams working to determine the cause of the crash. Josiah’s mother, Natalie Carmichael, described her son as a kind, helpful, and promising young man who was the backbone of their family. She recounted their final moments together, expressing her grief over the sudden loss. Inspector Brathwaite urged motorists to practice defensive driving and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies. Witnesses to the crash are encouraged to contact the Holetown Police Station as investigations continue.
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Two Students Stabbed During Fight at ABICE — Police Launch Investigation
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has initiated a thorough investigation into a violent altercation that erupted among students at the Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education (ABICE) on Wednesday morning. The incident, which occurred around 11:30 a.m., involved multiple fights, prompting officers on mobile patrol to intervene. During the chaos, two students sustained stab wounds and were rushed to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre for urgent medical attention. Emergency personnel ensured their swift transportation and treatment. Additionally, several individuals were detained in connection with the disturbance. The Police Administration has issued a public appeal, urging students to exercise restraint and adopt non-violent methods for conflict resolution. Emphasizing their commitment to safety, the Royal Police Force reiterated its dedication to safeguarding educational institutions across the nation. The incident has raised concerns about youth violence and the need for proactive measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
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Man overlijdt na schietincident in Nassaugebied
A tragic shooting incident occurred yesterday afternoon in the interior of Suriname, resulting in the death of a man at a gold concession in the Nassau region. According to police reports, the incident was reported at approximately 4:56 PM, with the victim sustaining a gunshot wound to the lower abdomen. Despite being rushed to the Emergency Department at Post Redi Doti, the victim succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. Authorities were informed of the fatality around 8:30 PM, prompting the involvement of relevant agencies for further investigation. The victim’s identity has been confirmed by the police, and preliminary findings suggest that the motive behind the shooting was likely a dispute over a mobile phone. The police are actively continuing their investigation and are working to locate the suspect involved in the incident.
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Elohim Bloodman Charged for Attempted Armed Robbery
In a recent development in Antigua and Barbuda, 19-year-old Elohim Bloodman from Perry Bay has been formally charged by the Royal Police Force in connection with an attempted armed robbery. The incident, which occurred on October 6, 2025, involved Bloodman allegedly arming himself with a firearm and assaulting a woman with the intent to rob her at a local convenience store. Following the issuance of a wanted bulletin, Bloodman surrendered himself to the authorities. He now faces charges of Assault with Intent to Rob and Attempting to Use a Firearm in Furtherance of an Offence. The Police Administration has praised the swift response of the officers involved and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards the unlawful possession or use of firearms. Bloodman is expected to appear in court to answer to the charges. The case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat violent crime and ensure public safety in the region.