In a commendable effort to foster literacy and educational development, Jujube Bookstore in Kingstown has generously donated copies of the locally authored book “Let’s Write” to the Grade 6 class of Evesham Methodist School. The book, penned by graduate teacher Adriana S. King, serves as a comprehensive guide to composition writing, aiming to enhance students’ writing skills through structured and engaging methods. Telbert Samuel, the owner of Jujube Bookstore, emphasized the importance of community involvement in education, stating, ‘Improving education and literacy is a collective effort, and we are proud to contribute to this cause.’ Damaris Martin, the school’s principal, expressed deep gratitude for the donation, highlighting its potential to bolster the school’s literacy initiatives. She described the book as an ‘invaluable resource’ that aids students in mastering various writing structures. A Grade 6 teacher also praised the book for its simplicity and effectiveness in teaching thesis statements, calling it a ‘valuable resource’ that builds students’ confidence and writing proficiency through practical exercises.
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Dominican Republic and France join efforts against human trafficking and digital exploitation
Santo Domingo recently hosted the Franco-Dominican Seminar on the Fight against Human Trafficking and the Protection of Minors from New Threats, held from October 14 to 17. The event marked a significant step in deepening collaboration between the Dominican Republic and France to address critical issues such as human trafficking and digital threats to minors. Organized by the French Embassy, the Dominican National Police, and the Public Ministry, the seminar brought together 30 members of the National Police, 13 representatives of the Public Ministry, and key organizations including CONANI, Save the Children, UNODC, and European police attachés.
French experts from the Central Office for the Suppression of Human Trafficking (OCRTEH) and the Office for Minors (OFMIN) led discussions on combating online child pornography, the misuse of artificial intelligence in victim recruitment, and exploitation via social media. Additional topics included the dangers of deepfakes, cybercrime protocols, and strategies to dismantle transnational criminal networks. French Ambassador Sonia Barbry emphasized the global nature of these threats, stating, ‘No country is exempt from this challenge,’ and underscoring the need for skilled professionals to tackle evolving digital exploitation tactics.
Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful acknowledged France’s continued support and highlighted successful initiatives like Operation Begonia, which rescued 41 victims. The seminar concluded with the signing of a bilateral roadmap aimed at enhancing police cooperation, advancing training programs, and strengthening the investigative capabilities of DICRIM.
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D’Angelo, R&B Grammy-award winning singer, dies aged 51
The music world mourns the loss of D’Angelo, the iconic R&B and neo-soul singer, who passed away at the age of 51 following a battle with cancer. Born Michael Eugene Archer, D’Angelo leaves behind a profound musical legacy that reshaped the landscape of contemporary soul. His family released a heartfelt statement, urging fans to celebrate his enduring gift of music rather than dwell on their grief. Known for his groundbreaking fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and jazz, D’Angelo was a trailblazer in the neo-soul genre. His career spanned decades, marked by critically acclaimed albums and unforgettable performances. D’Angelo’s debut album, *Brown Sugar*, catapulted him to fame in the 1990s, while his 2000 masterpiece, *Voodoo*, solidified his status as a musical innovator. The latter earned him two Grammy Awards and was later ranked 28th on Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest albums of all time. His 2014 release, *Black Messiah*, was a powerful response to social unrest, further cementing his relevance in both music and culture. Tributes poured in from fellow artists, including Doja Cat, Missy Elliott, and Jennifer Hudson, who hailed him as a “true original” and an inspiration to generations. Despite personal struggles, including battles with alcoholism and a near-fatal car crash in 2005, D’Angelo’s artistry remained unparalleled. At the time of his passing, he was reportedly working on his fourth album with producer Raphael Saadiq. His untimely death marks the end of an era, but his music will continue to resonate with fans worldwide.
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Driver to contest traffic ticket in Castries Traffic Court
A Babonneau motorist, Hildreth Murray Lewis, is set to face trial after contesting a traffic charge issued in July 2025. Lewis was pulled over by Officer #932 Lubin while driving his BMW X1 (registration P8871) along the John Compton Highway. He was cited for allegedly contravening the driving code, an offense that carries a $200 fine. During a hearing at the Castries Traffic Court on October 13, 2025, Lewis expressed his intent to challenge the charge, asserting that it was ‘not called for.’ Magistrate Bertlyn Reynolds cautioned Lewis that if the officer’s actions are deemed justified, he could face either an increased fine payable immediately or a custodial sentence. The case has been adjourned to November 26, 2025, for trial.
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Police Say No Prior Domestic Violence in Suspected Murder-Suicide
Belize City authorities are currently probing a tragic incident involving the deaths of 26-year-old Keira Gentle and 27-year-old Harrison Arnold. The two were discovered shot dead in a residence on Simon Lamb Street on Saturday, just before midday. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith confirmed that a licensed black nine-millimeter pistol, registered to Arnold, was found at the scene. Initial investigations suggest that the pair were in a relationship but had separated prior to the incident. Audio recordings from the vicinity captured the sound of more than five gunshots, accompanied by an argument moments before the tragedy. Despite these findings, Smith emphasized that there are no prior reports of domestic violence involving the individuals in the police database. The case remains under investigation as authorities work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this devastating event.
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Authorities Monitor Threat from 20 Escaped Guatemalan Gang Members
Belizean authorities are on high alert following the escape of 20 high-profile gang members from Guatemala’s Fraijanes II maximum-security prison on October 11, 2025. The fugitives, identified as members of the notorious 18th Street Gang, are linked to serious crimes including murder, extortion, and drug trafficking. Belize’s proximity to Guatemala has heightened concerns that the escapees may attempt to cross the border, prompting a coordinated response from law enforcement agencies. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘These individuals are extremely dangerous and must be treated as such.’ The Belize Police Department has implemented strategic operational measures to prevent the fugitives from entering the country. Guatemalan authorities, in collaboration with Interpol and the FBI, have launched a nationwide manhunt, sharing photos and detailed information about the escapees to aid in their capture. Smith also called for public vigilance, urging citizens to report any sightings or information that could assist in apprehending the suspects. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges of cross-border crime and the need for regional cooperation in addressing such threats.
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No Motives Yet in Fatal Shooting of PC Oswald Young
Authorities are still piecing together the circumstances surrounding the tragic killing of Police Constable Oswald Young, a 42-year-old officer with 23 years of service, who was fatally shot in Unitedville, Cayo, on the evening of Friday, October 13, 2025. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. as Young awaited transportation to Belize City, where he was due to report for duty at the Belama Precinct Four Police Station. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, Young, who was in uniform at the time, was approached by an unidentified male who fired multiple shots, leaving him with fatal gunshot wounds. Smith confirmed that while no motive has yet been established, the police are actively pursuing several leads in their investigation. ‘We are following up on various theories presented to us,’ Smith stated, emphasizing the commitment to bringing those responsible to justice. The community remains in shock as they mourn the loss of a dedicated officer who had served Belize for over two decades.
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BREAKING NEWS: Canefield man robbed and shot in Mahaut
A resident of Massacre, Canefield, is currently receiving medical treatment at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital (DCFH) after being involved in a violent shooting incident in Mahaut on Tuesday. According to police reports, the victim sustained a head injury, was robbed of his cash, and was shot in his right leg. Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the matter, though further details remain undisclosed at this time. The incident has raised concerns about public safety in the area, prompting calls for increased vigilance and law enforcement presence. The victim’s condition is reported to be stable, but the community remains on edge as the investigation unfolds.
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No Signs of Foul Play in Body Found, Police Say
Authorities in Belize City are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying a man whose body was discovered floating in the waters near Southern Foreshore on Sunday, October 14, 2025. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, the deceased is described as a dark-complexioned male who was found unresponsive in the sea. Preliminary investigations have revealed no indications of foul play or violence, and no significant identifying marks were observed on the body. Police are urging individuals who may have missing relatives matching this description to visit either the Raccoon Street or Queen Street Police Station with photographs to aid in the identification process. The case remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
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Trump Administration Launches Deadly Strike in Caribbean, Killing Six
In a recent escalation of military operations in the Caribbean, the Trump administration has confirmed its fifth airstrike in the region since early September. The latest strike, conducted on October 14, 2025, targeted a vessel off the Venezuelan coast, resulting in the deaths of six individuals described by the U.S. as narcoterrorists. Former President Donald Trump announced the operation on social media, asserting that it was carried out under his authority as Commander-in-Chief. He claimed the strike targeted a boat linked to a ‘Designated Terrorist Organization’ and occurred in international waters, with no U.S. casualties reported. However, Trump provided no concrete evidence to substantiate claims that the vessel was involved in drug trafficking. The attack follows a series of similar U.S. military actions in the Caribbean, including strikes on September 2, 15, 19, and October 3, bringing the total reported death toll to 27. Critics and human rights organizations have condemned these operations, arguing they violate international law, as suspected drug traffickers are not classified as combatants. The Trump administration has defended the strikes as part of a broader campaign against ‘narco-terrorists,’ with the White House recently informing Congress that the U.S. is engaged in a ‘non-international armed conflict’ with drug cartels, labeling them as ‘unlawful combatants.’ The strikes coincide with increased U.S. military presence in the Caribbean and heightened tensions with Venezuela. Trump has also accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of sending criminal gangs, including the Tren de Aragua, into the United States, though no evidence has been provided to support these allegations.