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  • ‘Nat Pan My Team’ Community League Donates Mobility Aids to Wadadlian Peace Assisted Living

    ‘Nat Pan My Team’ Community League Donates Mobility Aids to Wadadlian Peace Assisted Living

    In a heartwarming display of community support, the Nat Pan My Team Community League has donated essential mobility aids and supplies to Wadadlian Peace Assisted Living in Antigua and Barbuda. The donation, which included a wheelchair, a walker, and adult diapers, was presented during a small ceremony at the facility located on Luther George Place in Lower Gambles. The event was attended by residents, staff, and executive members of the league.

    Freston Ireland, President of the Nat Pan My Team Community League, highlighted the motivation behind the initiative. He explained that many elderly care homes struggle with maintaining consistent supplies due to delayed payments and limited family support for some residents. The league’s efforts aim to provide sustained assistance through donations of essential items such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, shower chairs, bedpans, bed covers, adult diapers, and cleaning supplies.

    Ireland emphasized that the project was launched in response to the neglect faced by some residents and the financial challenges encountered by care homes. The league is committed to ensuring that seniors live with dignity and comfort by continuing to partner with local care facilities. A representative from Wadadlian Peace Assisted Living expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that the mobility aids and supplies will significantly enhance the daily lives of residents.

    Looking ahead, Ireland revealed plans to expand the league’s outreach to include other elderly care homes, preschools, and daycare centers. Additionally, the organization intends to host youth football tournaments and community fundraisers to further support local initiatives.

  • St George man in custody after wanted man bulletin

    St George man in custody after wanted man bulletin

    Marlon Orion King, widely recognized by the alias ‘Mulan’, has been apprehended by law enforcement following his inclusion in a public wanted persons bulletin issued last Friday. King, a resident of Airy Hill, St George, voluntarily surrendered himself at the District ‘B’ Police Station on Monday, where he is currently cooperating with ongoing investigations into what authorities describe as ‘serious criminal matters’. Inspector Ryan Brathwaite, the communications and public affairs officer for the police, expressed gratitude to both the public and the media for their assistance in the case. While specific details of the alleged crimes remain undisclosed, King’s apprehension marks a significant development in the investigation. The police have emphasized the importance of community collaboration in addressing criminal activities and ensuring public safety.

  • Former acting PM: Election winner too early to call

    Former acting PM: Election winner too early to call

    Michael ‘Mikey’ Pilgrim, former interim Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and deputy political leader of the now-defunct Progressive Labour Party (PLP), shared his insights on the upcoming general elections in an interview with St. Lucia Times. Pilgrim, who served as interim prime minister from January to May 1982, emphasized that it is too early to predict the election outcome, stating, ‘At the moment, I think it is too early for me to make a call as to who will win the elections.’ He clarified that his remarks on November 4 were purely personal opinions. Pilgrim anticipates a fiercely contested election, noting that while the Labour Party gained momentum in the previous election, the current political landscape appears more settled. He advised voters to carefully consider which party is best suited to lead the nation in the coming years. Pilgrim also highlighted the evolving nature of political campaigns, contrasting the traditional community meetings of the 1980s with today’s reliance on social media. He observed that many young people now follow campaigns online, partly due to safety concerns and increased sophistication among voters. Pilgrim called for more substantive discussions during public engagements, urging politicians to focus on issues rather than personal attacks. He stressed the importance of presenting evidence-based facts and preparing thoroughly for public appearances to minimize mistakes. Pilgrim concluded by advocating for clean, fact-driven elections that prioritize the nation’s welfare over political theatrics.

  • Cocaine trafficking charge dismissed after police fail to prove case

    Cocaine trafficking charge dismissed after police fail to prove case

    In a significant legal development, Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman dismissed a cocaine trafficking charge against Mr. Leon Nicholas on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, citing insufficient evidence to link him to the narcotics. The case, which had been ongoing for over two years, concluded with the court ruling that the prosecution failed to prove Mr. Nicholas’s involvement in the possession of 6.7 kilograms of cocaine. The defendant was arrested on September 1, 2023, during a police raid at the A1 Nightclub and Bar in East Bank Demerara, Guyana. Police officers, acting on intelligence, discovered the cocaine in an apartment rented by Mr. Nicholas. However, the defense successfully argued that Mr. Nicholas had no control over the apartment at the time of the raid, as it was rented to another individual who had exclusive access. Magistrate Latchman emphasized that there was no evidence to establish Mr. Nicholas’s knowledge or possession of the cocaine. The defense also highlighted that the police failed to conduct the search in Mr. Nicholas’s presence or obtain any admission of guilt. Under Guyana’s Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control Act, possession of cocaine exceeding 2 grams is presumed to be for trafficking, placing the burden of proof on the defendant. However, the court found that the prosecution did not meet its burden in this case. Mr. Nicholas expressed gratitude to the magistrate for her thorough consideration of the evidence and to his attorney for securing his bail during the lengthy legal proceedings.

  • Kiwanis Clubs join forces on tree planting to bolster eroding east coast

    Kiwanis Clubs join forces on tree planting to bolster eroding east coast

    In a concerted effort to safeguard Barbados’ vulnerable eastern coastline, volunteers from the island’s four Kiwanis Clubs joined forces on Saturday to plant trees along the erosion-prone Ermie Bourne Highway. The initiative, spearheaded by Teddy Leon, president of the Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown, saw members from the Barbados North, South, Benevolence, and In Action clubs come together to plant 50 sea grape and coconut trees near Barclays Park, an area particularly susceptible to soil erosion. The project was guided by dendrologist Nigel Jones from the National Botanical Gardens, ensuring the selection of appropriate species for the coastal environment. The volunteers worked diligently for nearly two hours starting at 7 am, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship. Mike Archer, president of the Kiwanis Club of Barbados North, emphasized the dual importance of community service and environmental protection. “By planting these trees today, we are not only fulfilling our mission of service but also taking proactive steps to preserve our coastline for future generations,” he remarked. Archer also expressed gratitude to the Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown for providing the plants and revealed plans for a second phase of the project, which aims to engage youth groups in the ongoing effort to combat coastal erosion. This next phase is tentatively scheduled for late this year or early next year, further solidifying the clubs’ dedication to environmental conservation.

  • CARPHA and UWI Step In to Support Jamaica

    CARPHA and UWI Step In to Support Jamaica

    In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has swiftly mobilized a high-level team to assist Jamaica. Led by Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar, the team includes representatives from CARICOM, CDEMA, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology. Their primary objective is to assess and address the urgent public health needs across the island. Dr. Indar has already met with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton to strategize CARPHA’s response. The team has also conducted visits to hospitals and shelters in the most severely affected parishes, including St. Elizabeth, St. James, Trelawny, Manchester, Hanover, and Westmoreland. Concurrently, the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, has rolled out a series of support measures for students impacted by the hurricane. These include the provision of safe spaces, psychosocial services, flexible academic arrangements, and a significant 50% tuition discount for the first semester. Additionally, face-to-face classes at the western campus have been postponed to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.

  • Solar Tours & Travel earns silver medal at Stella Awards

    Solar Tours & Travel earns silver medal at Stella Awards

    Solar Tours & Travel, a prominent destination management company, has been honored with a silver medal in the International and US Territories Best DMC category at the 2025 Stella Awards. This prestigious accolade, organized by Northstar Meetings Group, recognizes excellence and innovation in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) industry. The awards celebrated 248 global organizations for their outstanding contributions. For Solar Tours & Travel, this achievement signifies a significant milestone, as the company has advanced from its 2024 bronze medal to silver. Carmelita Xavier, CEO of Solar Tours & Travel and a 2023 Gimie’s Lifetime Award winner, expressed her elation, stating, ‘We are beyond thrilled. This recognition truly reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion our team puts into delivering exceptional experiences for our clients. We look forward to attaining gold in 2026.’ The Stella Awards honor excellence across various industry segments, including hotels, convention centers, airlines, cruise lines, and destination management organizations. This year’s winners were selected from over 10,000 votes and 1,009 nominations, evaluated based on criteria such as overall excellence, food and beverage offerings, staff professionalism, and sustainability initiatives. Shalise DeMott, senior vice president of Northstar, emphasized that the awards celebrate the consistent contributions of industry leaders who set new standards for service and innovation. Winners are nominated and voted on by event planners, followed by a rigorous review by a distinguished panel of judges.

  • Veteran Broadcaster ‘Nat Moses’ Laid to Rest at Official Funeral

    Veteran Broadcaster ‘Nat Moses’ Laid to Rest at Official Funeral

    The nation of Antigua and Barbuda came together on Tuesday to honor the life and legacy of Kenneth Nathaniel Francis, affectionately known as “Nat Moses,” during an official funeral service at St. George’s Anglican Church. Francis, a revered broadcaster, master of ceremonies, and former Member of Parliament, passed away on October 8, leaving behind a legacy of cultural and political contributions that spanned decades. His unmistakable baritone voice and unwavering commitment to public service made him a household name and a beloved figure across the islands. The church was filled with mourners from all walks of life, including Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, and Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle, reflecting the profound impact Francis had on his community. Senator Michael Freeland delivered a heartfelt eulogy, describing Francis as the voice that carried the nation through carnival, late-night radio, and countless cultural events. His broadcasting career, which lasted over four decades, was marked by his dedication to the performing arts and civic engagement. Sir Stedroy Benjamin, a childhood friend, paid tribute by reciting lines from Rudyard Kipling’s “If—,” a poem that encapsulated Francis’s resilience and integrity. Family members shared emotional tributes, recalling his humility, humor, and kindness. Francis’s brother expressed pride in his sibling’s accomplishments but lamented that he was never given a well-paying job in broadcasting, a sentiment that resonated with many in attendance. The service featured scripture readings, hymns, and a homily that celebrated Francis’s life of service and faith. His casket, draped in the national flag, was carried by the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda to the Anglican Cemetery at Fishers Creek, where he was laid to rest. The flag was presented to his widow, Yvette Southwell-Francis, as a symbol of national gratitude. The ceremony concluded with Francis’s son delivering his father’s iconic radio sign-off, “Good morning, world,” bringing tears and applause from the crowd—a fitting farewell to a man whose voice will forever echo in the hearts of Antiguans and Barbudans.

  • Fewer Babies and Rising Deaths from Chronic Illnesses in Belize

    Fewer Babies and Rising Deaths from Chronic Illnesses in Belize

    In 2024, Belize experienced significant shifts in its health landscape, characterized by declining birth rates, escalating chronic illnesses, and a concerning number of preventable deaths. According to the latest data from the Belize Health Information System, the country recorded only 5,791 births, marking the lowest figure since 1984. Notably, 14% of these births were to adolescent mothers aged 10 to 19, with a nearly even gender distribution among newborns. Concurrently, Belize reported 2,384 deaths, with men accounting for 60% of fatalities. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and cerebrovascular disease were the leading causes of death across all age groups, with cancer alone responsible for 404 new diagnoses and 285 deaths. Breast, cervical, and prostate cancers were the most prevalent, disproportionately affecting individuals over 60, particularly women. Diabetes and hypertension also saw a rise, with 1,372 new diabetes cases and 2,264 new hypertension cases diagnosed in 2024. Infectious diseases remained a challenge, with 244 new HIV infections and 1,186 dengue fever cases reported. Mental health issues were highlighted by 27 suicide deaths, predominantly among males, while road traffic incidents claimed 132 lives, with young men aged 20 to 39 being the most affected. These trends underscore the urgent need for targeted health interventions and public safety measures in Belize.

  • UWI Five Islands to Host Public Webinar on Earthquake Preparedness Amid Surge in Seismic Activity

    UWI Five Islands to Host Public Webinar on Earthquake Preparedness Amid Surge in Seismic Activity

    In response to over 20 earthquakes recorded in Antigua within a single week, The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus is organizing a crucial public webinar on seismic preparedness. Scheduled for Thursday, November 6th, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. AST, this free virtual event aims to equip residents with essential knowledge on earthquake safety. The webinar will feature insights from leading experts, including representatives from the UWI Seismic Research Centre, the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), and UWI’s STA & FIC Teams. Topics will cover recent seismic activity, national safety protocols, and community readiness strategies. This initiative underscores the urgent need for public awareness and preparedness in the face of increasing seismic threats across the Caribbean. The event is a collaborative effort involving the UWI Seismic Research Centre, NODS, The Guild of Students, and Students of MGMT3089. Attendees can join via Zoom using the provided link: https://bit.ly/FICEarthquakeWebinar. Media inquiries and RSVPs should be directed to the event organizers.