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  • One Detained After Teen Fatally Shot in Orange Walk

    One Detained After Teen Fatally Shot in Orange Walk

    Orange Walk, Belize – A tragic shooting incident in Guinea Grass Village has resulted in the death of 18-year-old Noe Batun, prompting an ongoing police investigation that has led to one detention with another suspect remaining at large.

    The fatal event occurred late Sunday evening following an altercation at a local bar establishment. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, the incident began when a dispute erupted inside the premises, leading to one individual being escorted out. However, the situation escalated dramatically when the removed patron returned accompanied by another person.

    Police reports indicate that the returning individual allegedly discharged a firearm into the bar, striking Batun. The young victim sustained critical injuries and succumbed while en route to the Northern Regional Hospital despite emergency medical efforts.

    Law enforcement authorities have confirmed the detention of one male suspect while continuing their search for the second individual believed to be involved in the shooting. The investigation remains active as police work to reconstruct the precise sequence of events leading to this violent outcome.

    Meanwhile, the community has expressed profound grief over the untimely death. Family members have turned to social media to memorialize the teenager, with one relative posting: ‘Cousin, you left us too soon, we will miss you,’ capturing the collective mourning of those who knew Batun.

  • RGPF responds to structural fire at L’anse aux Épines

    RGPF responds to structural fire at L’anse aux Épines

    Emergency crews from the Royal Grenada Police Force Fire Department are engaged in intensive firefighting operations at a storage facility belonging to Quality Services Limited. The incident has prompted urgent public safety warnings for multiple communities across St. George due to hazardous conditions.

    Authorities have issued critical advisories for motorists and pedestrians navigating the L’Anse aux Épines area, emphasizing extreme caution requirements stemming from intense thermal radiation and potentially toxic smoke emissions from the burning facility. Emergency services have explicitly discouraged public congregation near the incident site.

    The smoke plume has raised significant health concerns for residents in adjacent communities including Mt. Hartman, Grand Anse Valley, and Woburn. Medical officials particularly warn vulnerable populations with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic breathing difficulties. Health authorities strongly recommend utilizing protective face masks or respirators where available to mitigate exposure to harmful airborne particulates.

    As containment efforts continue, residents in affected zones are advised to implement protective measures including minimizing outdoor activities and maintaining closed windows and doors to reduce indoor air contamination. The RGPF Fire Department maintains continuous on-site monitoring and emergency response coordination as the situation evolves.

  • ‘He Was My Everything’: Families Mourn Two Young Friends Killed In Motorcycle Accident

    ‘He Was My Everything’: Families Mourn Two Young Friends Killed In Motorcycle Accident

    A devastating traffic collision near Belmopan has plunged two families into profound grief following the deaths of two teenage friends on Saturday afternoon. The victims, identified as 17-year-old Axel Cho and 15-year-old Jonathan Milian, lost their lives in a catastrophic incident along the George Price Highway at approximately 5:00 pm near mile 43.

    According to police reports, the tragedy unfolded when the motorcycle operated by Cho entered the highway and collided with an oncoming tandem truck traveling toward Belmopan. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith provided details of the incident: “Preliminary investigations indicate that the truck driver attempted evasive maneuvers to avoid direct impact. However, the rear section of the attached bowser made contact with the motorcycle, resulting in fatal consequences for both riders.”

    The two adolescents had maintained a close friendship since their first year at Belmopan Comprehensive High School and were simply enjoying a day together when the accident occurred.

    Matilda Cho, mother of Axel, expressed unimaginable sorrow in her statements to news media. “He represented my oldest child and my entire world,” she emotionally recounted. “Having become a mother at a young age, Axel fundamentally shaped the person I am today.” She characterized her son as consistently obedient, radiantly joyful, and universally beloved within their community. The traumatic experience of identifying her son’s body at the hospital, she noted, represented an unbearable circumstance no parent should ever face.

    Both families have expressed significant frustration regarding the limited information provided by authorities. Jonathan’s aunt described her nephew as an exceptionally bright young man with clearly defined aspirations, including his passion for horses and ambitions to eventually construct a home for his mother and sisters. She voiced concerns about the investigation’s transparency: “We remain completely unaware of the actual sequence of events. My attempts to obtain information from police officials have been consistently met with avoidance and deflection.”

    Law enforcement authorities have initiated standard procedures by serving a notice of intended prosecution to the truck driver and obtaining biological samples for analysis. Investigators have additionally emphasized that any individual who knowingly provided the motorcycle to the underage teenagers committed a criminal offense, with identifying this person becoming a critical component of the ongoing investigation.

  • Mero Association of Yachting Services partners with PAYS to welcome international yacht crews

    Mero Association of Yachting Services partners with PAYS to welcome international yacht crews

    The picturesque village of Mero is preparing to host an international maritime gathering as the Mero Association of Yachting Services (MAYS) partners with the Portsmouth Association of Yachting Services (PAYS) for the upcoming PAYS/Mero Yachting Festival. Scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, this collaborative event between west coast communities anticipates welcoming more than 23 luxury yachts and their international crews to Dominica’s shores.

    An official opening ceremony will feature distinguished speakers including representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Discover Dominica Authority, local parliamentary leadership, and Mr. Hank, International Director of the Yachties Association. The presidents of both MAYS and PAYS, along with the President of the Mero Enhancement Committee, will deliver welcoming remarks to attendees.

    Event organizers have characterized this yachting festival as a transformative development within community tourism initiatives. “This is an area that we definitely see will grow in leaps and bounds, and it’s a twist within our community tourism endeavor,” stated an official audio announcement released to the public.

    The collaboration is expected to generate substantial economic and social benefits for both communities through engagement with international yacht crews. Organizers emphasize the event’s potential to stimulate local business activity while fostering cultural exchange between residents and visitors from diverse global backgrounds.

    Community members are enthusiastically encouraged to participate in the evening festivities, scheduled to commence at 6:30 PM. Organizers have promised an enjoyable experience for all attendees, highlighting the unique opportunity for meaningful interaction with international seafarers.

    The festival represents a strategic effort to position Dominica’s west coast as an emerging destination for luxury yachting tourism while strengthening community partnerships through shared economic development objectives.

  • AOPT in favour of technology being used to monitor PSVs

    AOPT in favour of technology being used to monitor PSVs

    In a significant move toward enhancing road safety and accountability, Barbados’ Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) has thrown its full support behind the government’s proposal to mandate dashcams and GPS tracking systems across all public service vehicles (PSVs). AOPT Chairman Roy Raphael characterized the initiative as a crucial step forward in addressing systemic challenges within the nation’s transport sector. The endorsement follows recent announcements by Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams, who emphasized the necessity of stronger regulatory measures for PSV operations. Raphael articulated that the integration of surveillance technology would serve as a powerful deterrent against concerning behaviors currently plaguing the industry, while simultaneously providing documented evidence to resolve disputes. Beyond technological implementation, the AOPT leader highlighted additional pressing concerns including escalating accident rates, a troubling rise in road rage incidents, and the persistent problem of uninsured motorists. Raphael cited a recent incident where a PSV owner suffered total vehicle loss due to a collision with an uninsured driver, resulting in complicated insurance proceedings. The proposed dashcam systems are expected to provide dual benefits: protecting operators from fraudulent claims while ensuring greater transparency in passenger-conductor interactions. Raphael emphasized that recorded footage would enable authorities like the Transport Authority and police to accurately assess complaints and incidents, ultimately raising service standards across Barbados’ public transportation network.

  • Police investigating Bexon double homicide

    Police investigating Bexon double homicide

    The Saint Lucia Police Force has launched a comprehensive investigation into a tragic double homicide that occurred in the Bexon area of Castries on Sunday afternoon. The incident, which took place at approximately 2:50 p.m., has sent shockwaves through the local community.

    Law enforcement officials confirmed that two young male victims sustained critical gunshot wounds during the shooting. Emergency responders pronounced one victim deceased at the scene, subsequently identified as 22-year-old Mickel Johan Bernard, a resident of San-De-Fue, Sarrot in Castries.

    The second victim, despite receiving immediate medical attention and transportation to the Owen King European Hospital, unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. He has been identified as 23-year-old James Toussaint, a local resident of Bexon, Castries.

    Authorities have indicated that post-mortem examinations have been formally scheduled as part of the ongoing investigative process. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force continues to pursue all available leads and encourages anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist with the investigation. The community remains on alert as police work to determine the circumstances surrounding this violent incident.

  • Tridents return to action for the first time in 2026

    Tridents return to action for the first time in 2026

    The Barbados senior men’s national football team has commenced its journey to Bonaire to participate in the upcoming CONCACAF Friendly Series, marking their first international appearance in the 2026 competitive cycle. This regional tournament will showcase 16 national teams competing across three Caribbean venues from March 26-30.

    Drawn into Group C alongside host nation Bonaire, Saint Martin, and St Vincent & the Grenadines, the Barbadian squad known as ‘The Tridents’ will initiate their campaign against Saint Martin on March 26th, followed by a confrontation with St Vincent & the Grenadines on March 29th.

    Recent performance analysis reveals a mixed record for Barbados in international fixtures. The team demonstrated offensive capability with a 3-2 victory against Bonaire last November, though subsequently suffered a 3-0 defeat to Aruba. In World Cup qualifying matches, Barbados experienced a 2-1 loss to St Lucia and secured a 1-1 draw against Aruba. Their previous encounters with Dominica resulted in two goalless draws during last May’s friendlies.

    Group C opponents present varied competitive profiles. Saint Martin achieved a split decision in November matches, securing a 2-1 victory against Dominica before falling 1-0 to Belize. St Vincent & the Grenadines endured a 2-0 defeat against Dominican Republic but responded with a commanding 3-1 win over Saint Lucia.

    The comprehensive tournament structure features three additional groups: Group A (Martinique, El Salvador, Cuba, Dominican Republic) competing in the Dominican Republic, Group B (Guyana, Belize, Dominica, Sint Maarten) also in the Dominican Republic, and Group D (Cayman Islands, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla) hosted in the Cayman Islands.

    According to the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Rankings, Barbados has experienced a slight decline, dropping one position to 163rd globally. The rankings hierarchy positions Spain as the world’s top-ranked team, followed by Argentina, France, England, and Brazil. Within the CONCACAF region, the United States (15th) and Mexico (16th) lead the confederation, while Jamaica (70th) ranks as the highest-performing English-speaking Caribbean nation, followed by Trinidad and Tobago at 99th position.

  • Police Band strikes a chord with young musicians

    Police Band strikes a chord with young musicians

    The Barbados Police Band, recognized as one of the world’s oldest continuously active police musical ensembles, is strengthening community ties through its innovative youth outreach program. The band launched its second annual three-day workshop for secondary school music students this week, demonstrating a commitment to cultural preservation and youth development.

    Acting Inspector Ryan Brathwaite, Police Service Public Affairs and Communications Officer, emphasized the dual purpose of the initiative during its opening at St. Leonard’s Boys School in Richmond. “This program is designed to sharpen the musical skills of our secondary school students while exposing them to the professional discipline required in musicianship,” Brathwaite stated. Participants will experience firsthand the band’s daily rehearsal routines and performance preparation techniques that have been refined over decades.

    The workshop has seen growing participation, with organizers anticipating between 100-150 students this year—a significant increase from the 96 participants from 11 schools during last year’s inaugural event. The program features specialized breakout sessions where students receive instrument-specific training in clarinet, trombone, and other sections, culminating in a grand ensemble performance on Wednesday.

    Beyond musical training, the initiative serves broader social objectives. “We aim to develop more disciplined, well-rounded students while fulfilling our community engagement responsibilities,” Brathwaite explained. Deputy Director of Music Dexter Norville reinforced this vision, noting the workshop’s additional purpose as a recruitment pathway. “Our intentions extend beyond education and motivation—we hope to encourage talented musicians to join our ranks,” Norville revealed.

    The program originated from Station Sergeant Jerome Clarke, who proposed the concept several years ago as both a recruitment officer and band member. The band’s historical significance was highlighted throughout the event, tracing its origins to 1889 when 19 musically-gifted constables were selected from regular patrols for specialized training under a British Army officer stationed at the Garrison.

    With 137 years of musical service complementing the 191-year history of the Barbados Police Service, the band has become an institutional icon. It has performed at international military tattoos, made historic American television appearances in the 1960s, and regularly participates in national ceremonies and community events, previously attracting students from St. Joseph Boys’ School, St Silas Boys’, and more recently, Alleyne School.

  • Elliot, Bend take home top honours at BCA Awards

    Elliot, Bend take home top honours at BCA Awards

    The Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) celebrated the culmination of its 2025 season with a prestigious awards ceremony at the Hilton Barbados Resort this past Saturday. The event recognized exceptional talent across all divisions while delivering a powerful message on the importance of athletic integrity.

    Keila Elliot and Marradon Bend received the highest individual accolades as Most Outstanding Cricketers for their remarkable performances throughout the season. Bend, representing Spartan Cricket Club, dominated the First Division as the season’s top scorer with 698 runs, leading his team back to the Elite Division after their 2024 relegation. Elliot earned the women’s award through her demonstrated commitment and consistent progress, showcased during both the domestic Iris Walker tournament and regional competitions with the Barbados Women’s team.

    The ceremony also honored emerging talent with Eboni Brathwaite and Deswin Currency receiving Most Improved Cricketer awards, while Zannaiyah Bruce and Joshua Dorne were recognized as Emerging Youth Cricketers. Zachary Carter received the Rising Star Award, and West Indies all-rounder Matthew Forde was presented with the prestigious President’s Award.

    In team accomplishments, Wildey Sports Club claimed the Elite Division championship trophy, with Spartan (First Division), Boscobelle Sports and Social Club (Intermediate Division), and St John Cultural (Second Division) also receiving divisional honors.

    The evening featured addresses from cricket officials emphasizing core values and clean competition. Dr. Adrian Lorde, a prominent anti-doping administrator, delivered a stern warning against performance-enhancing drugs, specifically referencing the controversial Enhanced Games scheduled for Las Vegas. ‘We cannot allow money to tempt us into compromising our values,’ Lorde stated. ‘Athletes risk their health, integrity and their legacy for these short-term gains.’

    BCA President Calvin Hope encouraged younger cricketers to embrace pride, performance, and progress with humility and discipline. ‘Strive not only to win, but to inspire,’ Hope urged. ‘Not only to succeed, but to lift others, especially at this time in our nation where crime appears to be ruling some of our younger persons.’

    BCA Marketing and Communications Manager Steven Leslie highlighted Barbados’ successful regional campaign, noting five junior tournament victories and a Senior Men’s Regional Super50 championship. The association also honored retiring board members Winston Stafford and Conde Riley for their combined 50+ years of service.

    Looking ahead, Leslie confirmed preparations are underway for the 2026 domestic season, scheduled to commence on April 4 with the Three-Day Elite competition, followed by 50-over and T20 tournaments throughout the year.

  • NYC’s LaGuardia airport reopened after tarmac incident leaving 2 dead, massive delays

    NYC’s LaGuardia airport reopened after tarmac incident leaving 2 dead, massive delays

    A catastrophic runway collision at New York’s LaGuardia Airport has resulted in multiple casualties and significant operational disruptions after an Air Canada aircraft struck an emergency response vehicle during landing procedures late Sunday evening.

    According to aviation authorities, the incident occurred just before midnight when the commercial airliner, traveling at approximately 100 miles per hour during its final approach, made impact with a fire apparatus that had been deployed to address a separate aircraft emergency. The violent collision proved fatal for both pilots in the cockpit and caused substantial damage to the aircraft’s forward section.

    Emergency personnel discovered a remarkable survival case when they located a flight attendant still secured in her seat outside the damaged aircraft. Medical officials confirmed she sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries among the 41 transported to area hospitals. The total onboard consisted of 72 passengers and four crew members.

    Two fire officers operating the emergency vehicle were among those injured in the devastating impact. While 32 hospitalized individuals have been released, several remain in serious condition according to the latest medical assessments.

    The airport faced complete closure for several hours following the accident, stranding numerous passengers and creating extensive flight delays that continued into Monday morning. Although limited operations have resumed, significant security checkpoint congestion and passenger frustration have been reported.

    Aviation safety experts are examining air traffic control recordings that reportedly contain urgent instructions for the fire truck to halt movement moments before the collision occurred.

    This tragedy unfolds against a backdrop of systemic challenges affecting U.S. aviation security operations. The Transportation Security Administration continues to experience staffing shortages related to the ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding impasse, which began in mid-February following congressional disputes over immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota that resulted in fatalities.

    In response to these security concerns, federal authorities have deployed additional Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel to 13 airports nationwide, including LaGuardia, effective March 23.

    Air Canada President and CEO Michael Rousseau issued a solemn statement describing the event as “a very sombre day at Air Canada” and expressing profound condolences to all affected passengers, crew members, and their families. The airline has committed to full cooperation with the ongoing investigation while providing support to those impacted by the tragedy.