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  • 3 denied bail for Eversley murder

    3 denied bail for Eversley murder

    A high-profile murder case of a serving municipal police officer took another dramatic turn on Tuesday, as three men already charged with killing corporal Anuska Eversley appeared in court to face a raft of new offenses tied to one of the largest illegal firearms caches uncovered in recent memory. All three suspects were denied bail and remanded into custody following the hearing, held before Master Delicia Bethelmy.

    The three accused—28-year-old municipal police officer Jivan “Bigs” Cooper, 20-year-old construction worker Kwame Arnold, and 24-year-old scrap iron dealer Nicholas “Nico” Ramdass, all residents of Claxton Bay—had the charges, formally laid by ASP Maharaj, read aloud in court. The allegations stem from the April 19 killing of Eversley, whose body was discovered inside the Municipal Police Station at King’s Wharf, San Fernando. A post-mortem examination confirmed she died after being strangled and beaten, and her funeral service was held on the same day as the court appearance.

    Beyond the murder charge, the trio is also accused of robbing Eversley of her government-issued service weapons and ammunition, and committing acts of violence against the officer during the fatal attack. The new firearms charges reveal a far larger stockpile of illegal weapons than law enforcement had previously disclosed publicly: 114 pistols, one revolver, six shotguns, two MPX submachine guns, and 173 firearm magazines intended for trafficking, along with a total of 4,395 rounds of assorted ammunition—4,355 9mm rounds, 30 12-gauge shells, and ten .38 caliber rounds. Prior to this court hearing, official police updates to the media had only acknowledged the recovery of 60 weapons and 1,532 rounds of ammunition, marking the first time the full scope of the seized cache has been confirmed.

    None of the accused were required to enter pleas at this stage of the proceedings. Cooper is represented by defense attorney Keith Beckles, while duty counsel Krysan Rambert appeared for Arnold and attorney Perusha Lord represented Ramdass. Both Arnold and Ramdass announced following the hearing that they plan to retain private legal counsel going forward.

    Beckles raised a series of critical procedural concerns during the hearing, centered heavily on widespread pre-trial publicity across social media platforms. He told the court that his client’s driver’s permit was widely circulated online before formal charges were even filed, and Cooper had already been named and sensationalized as the primary suspect in the case. Beckles argued that this pervasive, misleading coverage could taint the jury pool and create irreversible bias against his client. He also questioned significant delays in the submission of the full case file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and raised objections to a further detention order issued against Cooper after an initial temporary detention order expired during his pre-trial custody.

    Responding to the defense’s concerns, police prosecutor Reagan Ramanan explained that the July 24 target date for file submission is necessary due to the extraordinary complexity and size of the case. The case file currently includes hundreds of witness statements, physical evidence exhibits, crime scene photographs, video footage, interview transcripts, and a full report from the Cyber Crime Unit, with additional statements still pending. Ramanan also clarified that neither he nor ASP Maharaj had prior knowledge of the additional detention order issued under the Emergency Powers Regulations, as such orders are issued directly by the Minister of Homeland Security.

    Master Bethelmy issued a formal scheduling order outlining next steps for both the prosecution and defense, and ruled that the three accused would reappear for a further hearing on October 15. The court also advised the defendants that they may submit written applications for bail ahead of that date.

    In the wake of Eversley’s killing, Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro submitted a formal recommendation to Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Khadijah Ameen, calling for a new policy requiring all municipal officers’ firearms to be stored for safekeeping at central police stations before being issued for duty. Ameen subsequently issued a directive ordering all chief executive officers of city, borough, and regional corporations to comply with the new protocol.

  • WIN FOR SHAMFA

    WIN FOR SHAMFA

    In a decisive internal election held Sunday, Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis has claimed victory in a head-to-head contest for the leadership of the People’s National Movement (PNM) Tobago Council, defeating rival candidate Kelvon Morris. The former Member of Parliament for Tobago West made history as the fourth woman to hold a top national political leadership position in Trinidad and Tobago, following in the footsteps of President Christine Kangaloo, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles.

    Speaking to reporters Monday outside the PNM Tobago headquarters in Scarborough, Cudjoe-Lewis called for unified action to rebuild the party’s standing in Tobago, noting that internal elections often create rifts that need mending. “My first priority will be reaching out to my challenger and every candidate who stepped forward to serve,” she said. “That work is critical to rebuilding our party, strengthening our connections, and repairing any damage done over the course of the campaign. We are one family, so we need to have those difficult conversations to move forward—we need every hand on deck to rebuild the PNM.”

    Cudjoe-Lewis expressed that she feels both grateful and humbled by the outpouring of support from party members, saying she is fully prepared to take on the challenges of the new role. “I’m pleased, and I’m humbled that so many people placed their confidence and trust in me for this enormous task,” she shared. “I know this will not be easy. It will take serious commitment and discipline, but I am ready to get to work.”

    With unofficial results showing she secured 63% of the vote—1,228 votes compared to Morris’ 730, ahead of the official release of full results—Cudjoe-Lewis emphasized that her victory is a win for the party’s grassroots base. She ran a people-focused, grassroots campaign centered on listening to rank-and-file members about their priorities for the PNM, a strategy rooted in her past experience as a youth leader and sitting legislator. “This campaign was about knocking on doors, calling members, and having the intimate conversations I’ve always had with our supporters,” she explained. “We connected, we listened, we engaged, and we showed up for the people of Tobago.”

    Looking ahead to her first term as leader, Cudjoe-Lewis outlined an early policy priority: cleaning up and verifying the PNM Tobago Council’s membership roll to ensure more smooth internal elections in future cycles.

    For his part, defeated candidate Kelvon Morris—who had earned the backing of high-profile PNM figures including former Chief Secretary Kelvin Charles and former political leader Tracy Davidson-Celestine—has extended a hand of cooperation to the new leader, saying he will fully support Cudjoe-Lewis moving forward. Morris framed unity as the top priority for the party after the election, noting that the democratic process had spoken clearly. “First and foremost, I want to extend my sincere congratulations to Mrs. Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis,” Morris said. “This is what democracy is all about: the membership has made their choice, and she has my full support, now and going forward.”

    Morris pushed back against any suggestion that his association with senior party figures hurt his electoral performance, noting both candidates ran on a platform of party unity. “Mr. Charles and Mrs. Davidson-Celestine are valuable assets to the PNM, and I don’t believe my connection to them had any bearing on this result,” he said. “Nothing went wrong in this campaign. This was simply a case of members having two good options, and on this occasion they chose Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis as their preferred leader. People make their choices based on their own priorities, and I am proud of the campaign we ran.”

    Morris closed by reaffirming his unwavering commitment to both the PNM and the people of Tobago. “As we move ahead, my commitment to the party remains unchanged, and Tobago will always be my top priority,” he said. “I will play my part in holding the current leadership accountable, while continuing to contribute meaningfully to the development of both our party and our island. My commitment to the people of Tobago does not end today—it continues with purpose, responsibility, and resolve.”

  • Bloody Sunday

    Bloody Sunday

    Three brutal killings unfolded across three different Trinidad and Tobago communities within a six-hour window on Sunday, sending shockwaves through local neighborhoods and pushing the country’s overall murder toll to 117 for the current year.

  • President en luchtverkeersleiders maken afspraken om rust te herstellen

    President en luchtverkeersleiders maken afspraken om rust te herstellen

    On Monday, Suriname President Jennifer Simons convened a high-stakes meeting at her cabinet with leadership of the Suriname Air Traffic Controllers Association (SATCA) to address escalating recent disruptions and long-running frictions in the country’s aviation sector. The dialogue produced preliminary agreements covering two of the most contentious issues: air traffic controllers’ pay framework and the uninterrupted delivery of critical air navigation services.

    According to official statements from the Communication Service of Suriname, Raymond Landveld, Minister of Transport, Communication and Tourism, described the closed-door talks as candid, solution-focused, and aimed at restoring stability to the country’s civil aviation authority after days of operational disruption.

    During the meeting, President Simons made clear her dissatisfaction with the industrial action taken by air traffic controllers to press their demands. She emphasized that the group should have flagged the persistent challenges to the national government much earlier, which would have allowed policymakers enough time to develop targeted, collaborative solutions before service was interrupted. In a turn that de-escalated tensions, SATCA representatives acknowledged that the action strategy they chose was not the appropriate way to resolve their grievances.

    The core sticking point in the dispute remains the existing pay structure for air traffic controllers. SATCA has argued that there is an unfair pay gap between its members and other technical staff at the civil aviation authority, who earn higher compensation for comparable roles. To move negotiations forward, both sides have agreed to reconvene within two to three weeks to refine and finalize a mutually acceptable proposal that addresses the union’s concerns.

    Minister Landveld additionally confirmed that the ongoing training program for new air traffic controllers will continue as scheduled, and will be accelerated wherever possible to address the chronic staff shortages that have exacerbated the current crisis.

    In recent days, the existing personnel shortfalls and industrial action have created widespread disruptions for Surinamese communities and travelers. Passengers have missed connecting and outbound flights, and a medical air ambulance service was even forced to divert to neighboring Guyana to land during the peak of the disruption. Suriname’s national government is now pinning its hopes on the agreed resumption of normal work to head off further chaos and restore reliable aviation services across the country.

  • Spain launches regularization process to recognize rights of Dominicans

    Spain launches regularization process to recognize rights of Dominicans

    In a high-profile diplomatic meeting held in Santo Domingo, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has announced a landmark new regularization scheme that will grant formal legal status to Dominican residents living in Spain, marking a significant step forward in recognizing the rights of one of the country’s largest migrant communities from the Caribbean.

    Following extensive talks with his Dominican counterpart, Roberto Álvarez, Albares publicly acknowledged the far-reaching contributions the Dominican diaspora has made to Spain’s economic dynamism and social diversity over decades. The minister confirmed that the program will expand in the coming weeks, allowing a growing number of undocumented Dominican residents to formalize their status and access full legal protections.

    Beyond migration policy, the two top diplomats used the meeting to align on a range of shared regional priorities, most notably coordinated action to promote long-term stabilization in neighboring Haiti, which has grappled with years of political collapse and humanitarian crisis. Albares underlined Spain’s long-standing commitment to nurturing close strategic collaboration with the Dominican Republic, emphasizing that both nations view their bilateral partnership as a cornerstone of their foreign policy in the Latin American and Caribbean region.

    Albares also reaffirmed Spain’s consistent support for inclusive development initiatives across the Dominican Republic, highlighting the shared Spanish language as a foundational cultural and political bridge that fosters constructive dialogue and peaceful cooperation amid an increasingly fragmented global order. Looking ahead, the Spanish foreign chief drew particular attention to the upcoming Ibero-American Summit, set to take place in Madrid on November 4 and 5, framing the gathering as a critical multilateral platform for advancing regional integration and addressing pressing geopolitical challenges facing Spanish-speaking nations worldwide.

  • SVG ready to welcome global streaming sensation IShowSpeed

    SVG ready to welcome global streaming sensation IShowSpeed

    One of the world’s most high-profile digital content creators, Darren Watkins Jr., known professionally as IShowSpeed, is set to arrive in the Caribbean island nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines this Tuesday for a landmark promotional visit, government officials have confirmed.

    In an official press statement issued by the country’s Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development, the visit is framed as a transformative strategic opening that will allow St. Vincent and the Grenadines to carve out a leading position in the fast-growing global digital tourism and livestream economy. Unlike traditional print or broadcast advertising campaigns, this collaboration leverages IShowSpeed’s massive existing audience, which counts tens of millions of engaged followers across global social and streaming platforms. Through his signature unscripted, real-time broadcasts, the creator will bring the Caribbean nation’s vivid local culture, stunning unspoiled natural landscapes, and energetic community to an audience that would have been unreachable through conventional marketing efforts.

    This initiative forms a core part of the Vincentian government’s broader push to modernize its tourism promotion framework. Moving away from outdated, one-directional advertising models, the country is embracing immersive, live digital storytelling that shares authentic, unfiltered experiences of life on the islands with international audiences. Officials note that this approach allows global viewers to connect directly with the one-of-a-kind energy, creativity and cultural identity that sets St. Vincent and the Grenadines apart from other Caribbean travel destinations.

    Following public input to shape the national showcase, the livestream content will center on key pillars of Vincentian identity: dynamic local cultural expression, emerging youth talent, growing local entrepreneurship, and the dramatic, untouched landscapes that make the country one of the Caribbean’s most underrated and compelling travel destinations. For local residents, particularly young creatives and industry professionals, the visit offers a rare chance to participate in a global-scale media production, building skills and connections that extend beyond the event itself.

    Kishore Shallow, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development, shared that extensive cross-ministerial preparations have already been completed in close partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Creative Industries to support the visit. “We are eager to showcase Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to his millions of viewers worldwide,” Shallow said, adding that the collaboration is designed to demonstrate the country’s ability to deliver innovative, high-profile international projects and foster meaningful global partnerships.

    Kaschaka Cupid, Minister of Youth, Sports, Culture and Creative Industries, added that the Carnival Development Corporation has worked hand-in-hand with a coalition of public and private sector stakeholders to ensure the visit runs smoothly, and that all content shared reflects authentic local culture and experiences. Cupid has also called on all Vincentian citizens to extend their signature warm hospitality to IShowSpeed and the visiting production team, and to lend their support to the initiative as it progresses.

    In closing, the Ministry of Tourism expressed confidence that this groundbreaking collaboration will generate durable, long-term advantages for St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ tourism sector and broader national economy, while cementing the country’s reputation as a forward-thinking travel destination on the global map.

  • Dominican Army strengthens border oversight through regional tour

    Dominican Army strengthens border oversight through regional tour

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a proactive move to shore up national border defenses, Dominican Army Commander Jorge Iván Camino Pérez has completed a multi-day inspection tour of high-priority border zones across three northern provinces: Independencia, Elías Piña, and Dajabón. The operational review was designed to strengthen on-ground oversight of border activities and reinforce the country’s territorial security protocols.

    The inspection kicked off in Jimaní, where the commander first stopped at El Rodeo Fortress, the central command base for the 14th Infantry Battalion. During his stop, he held briefings with battalion leadership to review current operational protocols and address any emerging challenges facing on-duty troops. Following the fortress visit, Camino Pérez traveled to several frontline military posts and official border checkpoints to assess day-to-day operations firsthand, speaking with deployed soldiers to understand working conditions and security gaps.

    From Jimaní, the commander moved to Pedro Santana, a municipality in Elías Piña province, to inspect security arrangements at the Artibonito River bridge. This crossing is a critical infrastructure link on the main international highway connecting the Dominican Republic and neighboring Haiti, making it a high-priority site for border monitoring and security management.

    The tour then proceeded to military facilities across the municipalities of Restauración and Dajabón, with stops at the Libón River bridge, the Villa Anacaona military detachment, and dozens of remote border outposts positioned along the dividing line. Many of these outposts are located in isolated terrain, making regular oversight critical to ensuring consistent security enforcement.

    Camino Pérez wrapped up his inspection at Beller Fortress, the main military installation in Dajabón, where he addressed assembled troops. In his remarks, he emphasized the strategic importance of the Dominican border and urged all service members to maintain constant, heightened vigilance to counter unauthorized activity and uphold the country’s territorial integrity.

    Army spokesperson later clarified that the series of inspections is not an ad-hoc measure, but part of a sustained, ongoing monitoring program rolled out by the Dominican armed forces. The program has two core objectives: first, to safeguard the country’s national territory from incursions and cross-border illicit activity, and second, to improve security conditions that support and protect communities living along the border line.

  • Japan embassy announces 2027 MEXT Scholarships

    Japan embassy announces 2027 MEXT Scholarships

    The Embassy of Japan has formally launched the application window for its highly anticipated 2027 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Scholarship Program, a fully-funded initiative backed by the Japanese government that opens doors to world-class higher education for outstanding international students. More than just a financial aid package, this scholarship serves as a cornerstone of Japan’s global academic exchange strategy, designed to cultivate cross-border understanding and nurture the next generation of globally minded leaders. Eligibility for the 2027 intake is restricted to candidates aiming to complete a master’s degree or doctoral-level research in Japan, targeting ambitious scholars seeking advanced academic training in one of Asia’s leading higher education systems. The comprehensive funding package eliminates major financial barriers for awardees: it covers all academic-related costs including entrance examination fees, university admission charges, and full tuition, alongside a steady monthly stipend to cover living expenses during the program. To support travel, the scholarship also includes a complimentary round-trip air ticket between recipients’ home countries and Japan, removing additional financial burdens for international participants. A critical note for prospective applicants is the firm application deadline set for June 1, 2026, with embassy officials confirming that no extensions will be granted under any circumstances, so early preparation is strongly encouraged. To help candidates navigate the process, the embassy has published full details on eligibility criteria and step-by-step application guidelines on its official website. Interested individuals can also access this information by scanning the QR code included on the program’s official promotional flyer. Widely regarded as one of the most generous academic scholarship opportunities for international students in Japan, the MEXT Scholarship stands out as a life-changing pathway for motivated scholars ready to advance their academic careers while contributing to stronger people-to-people connections between Japan and countries across the globe. For anyone ready to begin their academic journey in Japan, the application window is open now, and officials urge eligible candidates to submit their materials ahead of the deadline to secure consideration.

  • Sandals showcases Vincy culture during ‘Welcome Home Week 2026’

    Sandals showcases Vincy culture during ‘Welcome Home Week 2026’

    Sandals Resorts’ property in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has successfully closed out its highly anticipated 2026 Welcome Home Week, an annual signature event held this year under the vibrant theme “Caribbean Roots and Rhythm”. The week-long gathering delivered a deeply immersive celebration that centered local Vincentian heritage and fostered genuine connection between returning guests and the island community.

    Welcome Home Week is a resort group-wide tradition hosted every April across all Sandals and Beaches Resorts properties across the Caribbean. The event draws thousands of loyal repeat guests, many of whom have built such deep bonds with the resorts that they have logged 300 or more nights of stays at the properties over the years.

    Every curated experience on the 2026 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines event schedule was crafted to do more than entertain attendees. The core goal was to help returning visitors form meaningful, lasting connections to the unique traditions, bold flavors, and infectious rhythms that define Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, strengthening the resort’s long-standing commitment to authentic, community-centered cultural immersion.

    The standout highlight of this year’s celebration was the Black Sand Beach Day Lyme, hosted at the picturesque Mt Wynne Beach. Stretching along the island’s world-famous volcanic black sand coastline, the event drew more than 150 guests for a day of authentic cultural engagement unlike any standard resort activity.

    Attendees dove fully into local daily traditions, trying their hand at beloved community pastimes including cricket, dominoes, and draughts. Between matches, they sampled a sprawling spread of authentic Vincentian street and home cooking, featuring iconic dishes such as roasted breadfruit paired with fried jackfish, rich callaloo soup loaded with fresh crayfish and coconut dumplings, fragrant curry mutton, and fluffy fried bakes.

    Unlike generic tourist-focused cultural events, this gathering created an open, welcoming space where visitors could interact with local culture firsthand and appreciate the everyday cultural expressions that make the island unique, helping them build a far deeper understanding of the destination beyond its beautiful beaches.

    Beyond the flagship Black Sand Beach Day, the full week of Welcome Home Week programming offered a diverse lineup of additional experiences for guests to enjoy. These included a formal Vincentian island-style dinner, a scenic day cruise to the neighboring island of Bequia, and hands-on creative workshops ranging from a colorful tie-dye extravaganza to an interactive traditional jewellery-making class.

    By weaving authentic local culture into every step of the guest journey, from food and recreation to music and craft, the resort has positioned itself as an active advocate for preserving and sharing Vincentian cultural identity with a global audience of returning travelers. The celebration wrapped up on a high note with a lively Carnival Farewell Beach Party & Fire Show, closing out the week in style and leaving attendees with lasting, warm memories of the island’s unbeatable vibrant spirit.

  • Two Bills to receive first reading in the National Assembly on Thursday, April 30, 2026

    Two Bills to receive first reading in the National Assembly on Thursday, April 30, 2026

    BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts – On April 28, 2026, the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service (SKNIS) released official notice confirming that a regular sitting of the country’s National Assembly has been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. local time on April 30, 2026. The sitting will take place at the National Assembly Chambers inside Government Headquarters in Basseterre, and the official Order Paper for the meeting has already been finalized and distributed.

    At the upcoming sitting, the legislative body will mark the next step in the current administration’s push for strengthened good governance across the country, with two amendment bills scheduled to receive their first reading. The government has repeatedly framed this legislative agenda as a core commitment to embedding greater transparency, public accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in national governance.

    Leading off the introduction of new legislation, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew – who also holds cabinet portfolios for Finance, National Security, Citizenship and Immigration, Health, and Social Security – will request parliamentary leave to introduce the Banking (Amendment) Bill 2026 for its first reading before the chamber. Following the prime minister’s introduction, Attorney-General Garth Wilkin, the cabinet minister responsible for Justice and Legal Affairs, will move to introduce the Evidence (Amendment) Bill 2026 for its first reading.

    To ensure full public access to the proceedings, multiple broadcast and streaming options have been arranged for residents across St. Kitts and Nevis. The full sitting will be carried live via ZIZ Radio 96 FM and a network of participating local radio stations. Television viewers can watch the session live on Channel 5 in St. Kitts and Channel 98 in Nevis. For digital audiences, the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service will stream the entire sitting live to its official Facebook and YouTube platforms. Once the text of the two bills is finalized for public distribution, full digital copies will be posted to the SKNIS official website in the dedicated ‘Bills’ content section for public review.

    This announcement comes as part of the administration’s ongoing effort to advance institutional reform through targeted legislative updates, aligned with its stated commitments to open governance.