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  • Grandparents’ right to access

    Grandparents’ right to access

    A complex family legal matter has emerged regarding grandparent visitation rights following the death of a child’s father. The situation involves a mother who is resistant to allowing her deceased partner’s parents access to their grandchild, citing historically poor treatment during their son’s lifetime.

    Legal expert Margarette May Macaulay, an attorney-at-law and children’s rights advocate, has provided crucial guidance on this sensitive issue. She emphasizes that Jamaican law recognizes grandparents’ legal standing to petition courts for access to grandchildren. Simultaneously, children maintain legal rights to develop relationships with both maternal and paternal grandparents, provided these relationships serve the child’s best interests.

    Macaulay’s analysis reveals a critical legal reality: courts generally grant visitation orders to grandparents unless compelling evidence demonstrates such access would be undesirable or unsafe for the child. The attorney advises proactive legal engagement rather than waiting for the grandparents to initiate proceedings. By approaching the Family Court directly, the mother can seek a formalized arrangement that establishes specific visitation parameters aligned with her comfort level and the child’s welfare.

    The legal process involves presenting comprehensive evidence to the court, including documentation of the grandparents’ previous behavior. This allows for the creation of a court-mandated visitation schedule that prioritizes child safety while acknowledging the importance of family connections. Macaulay stresses that court orders provide stronger protection than informal agreements, as violations constitute contempt of court with enforceable consequences.

    The expert concludes that obtaining a formal visitation order through the Family Court—a free service—represents the most responsible approach to balancing familial relationships with child protection concerns. The process requires the child’s certified birth certificate and assistance from court clerks in drafting necessary documentation.

  • Borrowed men, broken boundaries

    Borrowed men, broken boundaries

    A North Carolina court has delivered a landmark $1.75 million judgment against social media influencer Brenay Kennard, highlighting one of America’s rarest legal statutes: alienation of affection. The November verdict came after Akira Montague successfully sued Kennard for destroying her marriage through an affair with her then-husband, utilizing a centuries-old law that remains active in only six US states.

    This legal framework treats marriage as a institution worthy of protection against external interference, with historical settlements reaching $30 million. The Kennard case took particularly egregious turns when the influencer faced additional charges last Thursday for violating a restraining order and continuing cyber harassment campaigns against Montague—even after marrying the man she allegedly stole.

    Marriage counselor Annette Palmer-Lowe provided psychological analysis: “Some individuals seek relationships validating desirability over substance. Being chosen over a spouse temporarily boosts self-esteem, particularly for those grappling with insecurity or inadequacy. Frequently, the pursuit reflects rivalry with the wife rather than genuine interest in the man.”

    The case has sparked national conversation about relationship boundaries, illustrated through firsthand accounts:

    Bre-Ann (27) described how a church member positioned herself as emotional support for her fiancé while excluding her entirely. Kimmy (32) recounted a neighbor who claimed to believe her marriage had ended despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Kimari (26) observed how repeated “helping” scenarios created familiarity that led to infidelity.

    Keisha (40) confronted inappropriate messaging disguised as harmless flirting, noting: “Secret interactions rarely prove innocent.” Lori (38) identified a “work wife” who seemed more interested in replicating her life than pursuing her husband. Most shockingly, Nordia (30) received the justification that “men are naturally unfaithful” when confronting her husband’s pursuer.

    These narratives collectively demonstrate how marital interference often involves systematic boundary erosion, psychological manipulation, and complex emotional motivations beyond simple attraction.

  • Monday, January 19, 2026

    Monday, January 19, 2026

    The boundaries of luxury culinary tourism were redefined as an exclusive cohort of Michelin-starred chefs, spirits connoisseurs, and global gastronomic influencers transcended the ordinary with an inter-island expedition. Departing from the Eric Ripert-hosted Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout, these arbiters of taste embarked on a private jet excursion to Jamaica’s legendary GoldenEye resort on January 15th for an extraordinary luncheon orchestrated by Chef Dominic Benson.

    The afternoon unfolded as a symphony of cultural and culinary excellence, with GoldenEye CEO Marika Kessler presiding over the festivities. The event became a convergence of industry titans, featuring Michelin-starred virtuoso Eric Ripert engaging in candid exchanges with Kessler. The resort’s visionary founder, Chris Blackwell, alongside Moët Hennessy representative Louis-Philippe Lussier, participated in pre-dinner photography sessions that captured the event’s prestige.

    Authentic Jamaican mento rhythms performed by the Uptempo Band provided the soundtrack to this gastronomic pilgrimage, immersing attendees in the island’s rich cultural heritage. Chef Benson’s meticulous culinary craftsmanship took center stage as he applied final enhancements to his epicurean creations, while Lussier’s expertise in premium spirits captivated the audience, particularly during his engrossing dialogue with CEO Kessler.

    This trans-Caribbean culinary voyage epitomized the evolving landscape of luxury dining experiences, where geographical barriers dissolve in pursuit of exceptional gastronomy and cultural immersion.

  • Sister wives?

    Sister wives?

    A complex domestic situation is unfolding as a married woman faces an unprecedented marital challenge involving her husband’s former partner and their shared child. The husband’s ex-partner, who shares legal ownership of their current residence, is returning from the United States due to immigration concerns and proposes to reside in the home’s upstairs addition. While the husband supports this co-parenting arrangement under one roof, the wife expresses serious reservations based on historical tensions and prior boundary violations.

    The situation is complicated by multiple factors: documented disrespect from the ex-partner toward the wife, previous flirtatious behavior between the ex-partner and husband, and a confessed intimate encounter during overseas travel that the husband attributed to alcohol consumption. Despite the wife’s forgiveness of this incident, she now faces her husband’s dismissal of her concerns regarding the proposed living arrangement.

    Relationship experts characterize this proposal as fundamentally problematic, citing four critical risk factors: the ex-partner’s recorded flirtation with the husband, their previous sexual encounter, established patterns of disrespect toward the wife, and the ex-partner’s legal claim on the property through title ownership.

    While acknowledging the husband’s legitimate desire to maintain proximity to his child, experts emphasize that successful blended family arrangements require exceptionally clear boundaries, disciplined communication, and absolute spousal protection mechanisms. Even with separate living quarters within the property, professionals predict likely outcomes including continuous emotional distress, erosion of marital trust, frequent conflicts, and potential authority challenges with the child.

    Recommended interventions include firm spousal communication emphasizing relationship protection, temporary duration limits if relocation becomes absolutely necessary, legal consultation regarding property rights, and maintaining emotional equilibrium through strategic planning rather than panic-driven responses. The consensus maintains that spousal unity and clear boundaries must precede any consideration of shared living spaces with former partners.

  • Colombia to embrace Madrid at Fitur 2026

    Colombia to embrace Madrid at Fitur 2026

    Colombia is making a groundbreaking sustainable push at Fitur 2024, Europe’s premier tourism fair, with an eco-conscious national pavilion and unprecedented urban activations across Madrid. The Colombian government’s export and tourism promotion agency, ProColombia, revealed that 118 entities—including 59 business representatives, 11 regional organizations, 14 hospitality providers, and 34 tour operators—are participating in this strategic showcase.

    The centerpiece is Colombia’s revolutionary exhibition stand, engineered entirely from recyclable and lightweight structural cardboard. The installation operates on renewable energy and incorporates real-time carbon footprint monitoring—even tracking emissions from coffee served onsite. Visitors experience immersive digital environments highlighting Colombia’s diverse ecosystems through sustainable technology.

    Beyond the convention center, Colombia has transformed Madrid’s underground transit system. All four entrances to the Colombia metro station have been rebranded as “Colombia, The Land of Beauty” with vibrant visual displays representing the nation’s six distinct tourist regions: Greater Caribbean, Western Andes, Eastern Andes, Massif, Pacific, and Amazon-Orinoco. Tunnel walls along Line 8 feature dynamic audiovisual exhibitions visible to passing trains, while the Feria de Madrid station exit connecting directly to Fitur showcases extensive Colombian branding.

    The comprehensive tourism portfolio includes nine specialized categories: beach destinations, cultural heritage, adventure ecotourism, LGBTQ+ travel, romantic getaways, wellness retreats, MICE tourism, luxury experiences, and community-based tourism. Fitur 2024 also serves as the launch platform for Colombia’s new diving tourism initiative and its “tourism for all” vision promoting inclusivity across sexual orientation, gender identity, origin, and physical ability.

  • Gedenkboek 75e geboortedag Bram Behr (1951-1982)

    Gedenkboek 75e geboortedag Bram Behr (1951-1982)

    A poignant tribute unfolded as Henry Does presented the first copies of the memorial publication “BRAM BEHR – A Working Class Hero Is Something to Be” to the children of the late Surinamese activist on what would have been his 75th birthday. The commemorative work emerged from a deeply personal request by Vladi, Behr’s youngest son, who sought photographs of his father who was tragically executed at age 31 during Suriname’s December Murders of 1982.

    The publication’s title draws inspiration from contributor Wim Bakker’s recollection of their 1970s collaboration producing the progressive publication Rode Surinamer. Bakker reveals how John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero” became their anthem, with its resonant chorus line ultimately providing the volume’s thematic foundation. “We had no idea then that this song was about him,” Bakker reflects.

    Ronald Snijders contributes musical memories of Behr’s dedication as first violinist in the Volksmuziekschool Youth Orchestra, where his exceptional talent rapidly elevated him to concertmaster position. Snijders expresses profound shock at Behr’s eventual fate, noting that while the activist fiercely opposed injustice, he never employed physical violence.

    The work contains particularly moving historical documentation, including Rita Rahman’s account of the journalistic solidarity between Behr and Leslie Rahman (another December Murders victim). She reproduces Behr’s heartbreaking April 25, 1982 letter to his nine-year-old son Raoul, written during imprisonment: “Those naughty soldiers put me in a dark cell for eight days, just like a thief. It wasn’t pleasant, but every day I thought of you. And of all the children outside who are hungry and poor.”

    Personal testimonies continue with Marjan Markelo’s remembrance of Behr as her mathematics teacher in Moengo, describing his transformative pedagogical approach that encouraged critical inquiry and looking beyond surface appearances. Former AMS director and teacher Ronald Venetiaan contributes a powerful closing message urging Behr’s descendants to preserve his positive militant spirit while contextualizing his communist ideals within Suriname’s complex political landscape.

    The memorial volume features extensive photographic documentation alongside contributions from numerous intellectuals and activists, concluding with a solemn memorial page honoring all fifteen victims of the December 8, 1982 executions.

  • Paraguay to host concert by Argentine singer Tini Stoessel

    Paraguay to host concert by Argentine singer Tini Stoessel

    Argentine singing sensation Tini Stoessel is poised to captivate Paraguayan audiences with a highly anticipated concert in Asunción, according to reports from the prominent Paraguayan daily Hoy. This performance represents a significant segment of her expansive international tour, which has already achieved remarkable success by attracting over 250,000 spectators during its Argentine leg.

    The event’s local production is being masterfully orchestrated by AM Producciones, which has pledged to deliver a spectacular large-scale production. The show is designed to highlight Tini’s exceptional artistic versatility, a quality honed through the release of multiple studio albums and high-profile collaborations with internationally acclaimed artists.

    Renowned for her dynamically evolving musical style, Tini expertly navigates a diverse soundscape that seamlessly blends contemporary urban beats with vibrant Latin rhythms. This fusion is consistently underpinned by her unique artistic signature, a key factor in her enduring presence on international music charts. Her prolific output continues to amass hundreds of millions of streams across major digital platforms, cementing her status as a dominant force in the global music industry.

  • Venezuela’s acting President remembers Assistance Day

    Venezuela’s acting President remembers Assistance Day

    The Venezuelan government has publicly condemned what it describes as a severe armed aggression against its territory, resulting in significant casualties and the alleged abduction of high-ranking officials. According to official statements, the incident on January 3rd led to the deaths of 32 Cuban and Venezuelan combatants and involved the kidnapping of President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.

    In response to the attack, the administration has initiated a comprehensive support program for affected families in Ciudad Tiuna. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced via Telegram that the government is providing medical care, psychological counseling, food assistance, and rehabilitation services to more than 460 impacted individuals.

    Rodríguez emphasized the unifying response among Venezuelans, stating that the nation stands together in rejecting all forms of aggression that threaten national peace and stability. She underscored the government’s historical responsibility to maintain national unity, protect social and economic stability, and ensure a hopeful future for coming generations.

    The acting president further warned against divisive tactics employed by external enemies and internal extremists, calling for continued national cohesion. She advocated for measured responses characterized by calmness, patience, and strategic prudence, invoking Venezuela’s historical legacy of overcoming adversity through unity and resilience.

  • Randy Baltimore to Open St. Philip’s North Constituency Branch Centre in Willikies

    Randy Baltimore to Open St. Philip’s North Constituency Branch Centre in Willikies

    The political landscape of St. Philip’s North constituency is set to expand with the formal inauguration of a new constituency branch center in Willikies. Randy Baltimore, the designated caretaker representative for the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), will preside over the opening ceremony scheduled for Sunday, January 18th at 3:00 PM.

    This strategically positioned facility will serve as the official St. Philip’s North Constituency Branch Centre, creating a dedicated space for political activities, community engagement, and constituent services. The establishment represents a significant infrastructure investment in local political operations, aiming to strengthen grassroots connections between the ABLP representation and the community.

    Constituency officials have circulated formal invitations encouraging public participation in the inaugural event. The opening ceremony symbolizes not merely the unveiling of a physical space but the reinforcement of political accessibility and community-focused governance in the region. The Willikies location was strategically selected to maximize outreach effectiveness across the constituency.

  • Chilean authorities expect severe toll from forest fires

    Chilean authorities expect severe toll from forest fires

    Chilean authorities are confronting a catastrophic wildfire emergency with officials reporting multiple fatalities and widespread destruction across the Concepcion region. While preliminary data confirms two deaths, emergency responders on the ground indicate the toll is significantly higher, with firefighters discovering numerous bodies in incinerated residences.

    Regional Governor Rodrigo Giacaman provided a grim assessment of the situation, describing neighborhoods in the municipality of Penco as “completely burnt” with particularly tragic consequences for elderly residents who were unable to evacuate before the advancing flames. “This is very dramatic and of enormous destructive power,” Giacaman stated during an emergency briefing.

    The governor has urgently petitioned the central government to implement immediate curfew measures to restrict non-essential movement, citing that civilian traffic is substantially impeding emergency response operations. While official damage assessments remain ongoing, Giacaman estimated that thousands of homes have been completely destroyed based on the comprehensive devastation observed in multiple areas.

    Critical infrastructure has been severely affected with all three major highways connecting to the Nuble region closed to general traffic to prioritize the passage of emergency vehicles. The municipalities of Penco and Lirquen, surrounding Greater Concepcion, have been identified as among the most severely impacted zones.

    Officials expressed heightened concern about deteriorating weather conditions expected to exacerbate the crisis. Forecasted temperature increases combined with strong, erratic wind gusts present significant challenges for containment efforts, potentially enabling further rapid spread of the destructive flames throughout the afternoon hours.