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  • Suriname police arrest trio with fuel allegedly smuggled from Guyana

    Suriname police arrest trio with fuel allegedly smuggled from Guyana

    Surinamese law enforcement has apprehended three individuals on charges of illicit fuel trafficking from neighboring Guyana, marking a significant interception in regional border security operations. The arrests occurred Wednesday along the South Drain roadway following an intelligence-led operation.

    According to official statements from the Suriname Police Corps, authorities discovered approximately 1,000 liters of contraband petroleum products during a vehicle inspection. The seizure included 310 liters of gasoline and 690 liters of diesel fuel contained in multiple jerry cans. Forensic examination confirmed the fuel’s characteristics matched petroleum products commonly smuggled from Guyanese territory.

    The suspects, identified by initials KR (40), PN (38), and BP (48), were traveling in a pickup truck allegedly loaded through a sophisticated smuggling network. Investigation revealed the fuel had been transported via high-speed “Go Fast” watercraft before being transferred to the vehicle at a boat owner’s storage facility.

    Police investigators noted inconsistencies in suspect statements and presented documentation, raising suspicions of document forgery. The discrepancies in alleged invoices and transportation timelines prompted deeper scrutiny of the operation’s legitimacy.

    Following judicial consultation with the Public Prosecution Service, all three individuals remain in custody pending further investigation. The confiscated vehicle and fuel products have been impounded as evidence in the ongoing case. This interception highlights increasing collaboration between Surinamese and Guyanese authorities addressing cross-border petroleum smuggling networks exploiting regional price disparities.

  • In dramatic twist, magistrate vacates fisherman’s guilty plea, orders cocaine trial

    In dramatic twist, magistrate vacates fisherman’s guilty plea, orders cocaine trial

    In an extraordinary judicial development at the Layou Magistrate Court, Sebastian Audain of Lowmans Bay avoided potential incarceration or financial penalties on his 36th birthday Thursday after his cocaine case took an unexpected turn. District Magistrate John Ballah formally entered a “not guilty” plea for Audain regarding trafficking and possession charges involving 22.9 pounds of cocaine, effectively nullifying the defendant’s previous guilty plea entered Wednesday in Family Court.

    The courtroom drama unfolded as defense attorneys revealed significant procedural irregularities during the investigation phase. Attorney Grant Connell, representing co-accused Alvin Cyrus of Largo Height, raised concerns about improper police procedures, noting that both defendants were interviewed without legal counsel present despite prior legal representation.

    Connell detailed how police conducted secondary interviews with defendants absent their lawyers, obtaining admissions through questionable methods. “I can’t sit here knowing the factual matrix of what the police did to the two accused and just have the prosecution go through sentencing guidelines,” Connell asserted, calling such proceedings “a travesty of justice.”

    Prosecutor Shamrock Pierre countered that Audain had voluntarily elected to proceed with interviews without legal representation after being properly informed of his rights. The prosecutor expressed surprise that Connell hadn’t raised these concerns with lead defense attorney Jomo Thomas beforehand.

    Thomas, who had replaced Charmaine Walters as Audain’s counsel, initially maintained his client’s guilty plea but later withdrew his statement regarding unity on facts after consulting with Audain. Thomas revealed that his client had actually assisted police in locating the drugs and suggested external pressures influenced the disclosure.

    Magistrate Ballah, acknowledging issues of voluntariness and potential evidence admissibility concerns, determined that vacating the plea represented the safest judicial approach. Audain was granted bail set at EC$25,000 with one surety, required to surrender travel documents, and report to police twice weekly until case resolution. The court additionally implemented stop notices at all entry and exit ports.

  • Research analyst for Dominica-China Friendship Hospital presents numbers for 2025

    Research analyst for Dominica-China Friendship Hospital presents numbers for 2025

    The Dominica Hospitals Authority has demonstrated its commitment to operational transparency through a comprehensive performance review of the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital (DCFH) for 2025. Presented by Health Management Information System Manager Mrs. Sherry Shillingford-Sorhaindo, the data-rich assessment reveals both significant achievements and emerging challenges within the nation’s healthcare landscape.

    During 2025, the facility documented substantial patient engagement across multiple departments. The hospital processed 25,259 patient visits through booked clinics, with 16,494 appointments successfully completed. The Accident and Emergency Department handled 22,863 cases, while surgical teams performed 1,644 procedures. The Imaging Department processed an impressive 21,720 patients, illustrating the institution’s critical role in national healthcare delivery.

    Inpatient services accommodated 5,915 patients across nine specialized units, with surgical and medical wards accounting for 38% and 35% of admissions respectively. Maternal services represented 15% of admissions, while psychiatric and intensive care units each accounted for 3% of cases. The average patient stay duration stood at 7.2 days, though psychiatric cases extended this average to approximately two weeks due to specialized treatment requirements.

    Bed occupancy rates revealed systemic pressures, with medical wards consistently operating at optimal capacity above 85% and surgical wards experiencing high utilization. Notably, the male psychiatric unit exceeded capacity monthly throughout the year, highlighting resource constraints in mental health services.

    The hospital celebrated exceptional maternal health outcomes with zero maternal deaths and only one neonatal death among 513 live births, positioning Dominica well below the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal threshold of 12 deaths per thousand live births. However, the report identified a concerning 6% decline in births from 2024, continuing a decade-long trend potentially influenced by environmental and pandemic factors.

    Mortality analysis indicated approximately 6% of admitted patients died, with the highest rate (30%) occurring in the Intensive Care Unit. Medical wards recorded an 11% mortality rate, while neonatal services maintained a minimal 0.6% rate.

    Surgical services achieved 79% theater utilization, with 75% of procedures serving public cases and 20% addressing emergencies. The outpatient department struggled with a 35% no-show rate, particularly affecting ophthalmology, orthopedics, and oncology services, causing significant appointment delays for other patients.

    The report confirmed that Marigot Hospital continues providing 24/7 urgent care services alongside specialty clinics, with medical staff from DCFH supporting operations. Dental services initiated in late 2024 continued throughout 2025, though specific metrics for dental care were not yet available for presentation.

  • Cook’s Landfill ‘Very Close to Capacity’ as Cabinet Considers New Sewage, Waste Oil Plants

    Cook’s Landfill ‘Very Close to Capacity’ as Cabinet Considers New Sewage, Waste Oil Plants

    The Antiguan government has declared a critical infrastructure emergency as the nation’s only official waste disposal facility approaches maximum capacity. During a post-Cabinet briefing, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant revealed that Cook’s Landfill receives staggering daily volumes: approximately six tons of solid waste, 30,000 gallons of sewage, and 1,500 tires.

    The environmental crisis became particularly evident when recent rainfall caused sewage ponds to overflow, releasing contaminated leachate into surrounding mangrove ecosystems and Five Islands Harbour. Merchant explained that just two inches of precipitation was sufficient to overwhelm existing containment systems, creating significant environmental concerns.

    Cabinet members are now evaluating comprehensive infrastructure upgrades including advanced containment dams, a new sewage processing plant, and specialized facilities for handling waste oil. The administration has already authorized procurement of heavy machinery—bulldozers, excavators and compactors—to enhance operational efficiency at the site.

    Authorities are implementing sophisticated monitoring solutions including real-time sensors and comprehensive system inspections to identify potential failure points. Concurrently, public health advisories have been issued against consuming seafood from affected areas while environmental testing continues.

    Merchant emphasized the government’s commitment to environmental protection, noting that sustainability initiatives remain a top priority for the administration despite the current infrastructure challenges.

  • Willikies Resident Questions How Land Is Being Allocated in St. Philip’s North

    Willikies Resident Questions How Land Is Being Allocated in St. Philip’s North

    A Willikies resident has publicly challenged the transparency of land distribution procedures as housing developments expand throughout the constituency. During a recent town hall assembly, Carolyn Thomas raised concerns about subdivided lands in the Wombs area (alternatively known as the Rooms district), questioning the fairness of allocation criteria for St. Philip’s North residents.

    Thomas specifically advocated for preferential treatment of local youth in land assignments around the Williams sector, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing constituency inhabitants. She expressed optimism that authorities would address these concerns promptly.

    In response, Works Minister Maria Browne detailed the structured allocation mechanism administered by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHAPA). Browne clarified that prospective landowners must submit formal applications, typically facilitated through constituency representatives or caretakers, which are subsequently reviewed by an independent allocation committee.

    The ministerial explanation highlighted that applications enter a centralized pool for comprehensive evaluation, with decisions communicated simultaneously to both applicants and their constituency representatives. Browne emphasized that priority consideration is expressly granted to residents within the respective constituencies to preserve community cohesion and familial connections.

    Additionally, the minister revealed available land resources in the Glanvilles vicinity, including plots designated under the land empowerment initiative. Browne noted significant application volumes originating from St. Philip’s North residents, encouraging interested parties to consult their area caretakers for comprehensive application guidance.

  • Walters to be sworn-in as Opposition Senator

    Walters to be sworn-in as Opposition Senator

    In a significant political development, Democratic Labour Party (DLP) representative Ryan Walters is poised to assume his parliamentary duties as an Opposition Senator. The formal swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to occur this morning at the prestigious State House venue.

    Mr. Walters, who recently campaigned for the St Michael North West constituency during the general election cycle, arrived at the capitol accompanied by close family members. His wife and son were present to witness the pivotal moment as he prepared to formally take the oath of office that will inaugurate his legislative tenure.

    The appointment solidifies the opposition’s representation within the parliamentary upper chamber, with Walters occupying one of the two designated opposition senate seats. This political positioning enables the DLP to maintain an institutional voice in legislative deliberations and policy oversight mechanisms.

    The ceremony marks a transition from electoral candidate to appointed official for Walters, demonstrating alternative pathways to parliamentary service beyond constituency victories. His installation occurs amidst ongoing political reorganization following the recent national elections, with opposition parties establishing their parliamentary strategy and leadership structure.

  • Water situation is bleak, WASCO says

    Water situation is bleak, WASCO says

    Saint Lucia is confronting a severe water crisis, with officials describing the situation as ‘very bleak’ due to critically low supplies and depleted water sources. January 2026 marked the sixth driest January on record, with rainfall significantly below normal levels. While the Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) predicts some precipitation increase over the next three months, it may prove insufficient to mitigate long-term drought impacts across the Windward Islands.

    WASCO CEO Zilta George-Leslie presented a stark assessment of the crisis, noting that ‘supplies have been depleted, climate change is very active, it is taking its toll on us at this time, and a lot of our water sources are dry – our rivers are dry both in the north and in the south.’ The utility company is implementing emergency measures including valving operations to distribute limited water supplies among communities and costly water trucking operations that transport water from areas with relative abundance to those facing scarcity.

    The financial burden of these emergency measures is substantial, with WASCO spending between EC$1 million and $2 million annually on water trucking alone. This cost increases significantly during emergency maintenance situations, such as the recent pipeline damage that required complete shutdown of northern water supplies, severely affecting both domestic and commercial users in the hotel-dense region.

    Infrastructure challenges compound the drought crisis. Water levels at the critical John Compton Dam are lower than the same period last year, with multiple intakes registering deficits. The dry season’s impact is most acutely felt in the south, where smaller rural systems magnify the effects. Aging infrastructure requires major investment, with recent damage to raw water lines highlighting system vulnerabilities.

    WASCO is pursuing both immediate and long-term solutions. Short to medium-term interventions include funded projects to replace pipelines from Millet to Vanard, upgrades to the Theobalds treatment plant, and replacement of the northern pipeline from Bonne Terre to Gros Islet scheduled for March. For sustainable long-term water security, WASCO advocates for desalination plants as an inevitable solution.

    The utility has applied for a water rate increase currently under consideration by the National Utilities Regulatory Commission, with consultations ongoing for public feedback. Company officials emphasize that rate adjustments are necessary to address the mounting operational costs and infrastructure investments required to maintain water services amid escalating climate challenges.

  • BREAKING: Goodridge confirmed as Opposition Senator

    BREAKING: Goodridge confirmed as Opposition Senator

    In a significant political development, Karina Goodridge, the prominent leader of the Friends of Democracy party, formally assumed her parliamentary duties as an Opposition Senator during a ceremonial proceeding at State House. The newly appointed legislator arrived accompanied by key personal and political supporters, including her immediate family members and party General Secretary Steve Blackett. The swearing-in ceremony marks a crucial expansion of opposition representation within the legislative body, signaling strengthened oversight capabilities against the ruling administration. Goodridge’s elevation to the senatorial position follows recent political negotiations and demonstrates the continuing evolution of the country’s democratic institutions. The presence of both family and senior party officials underscores the importance of this appointment for the opposition’s strategic positioning in upcoming parliamentary sessions where critical policy debates are anticipated.

  • Tapon make it four in a row at SMC Sports

    Tapon make it four in a row at SMC Sports

    Tapon House has cemented its athletic dominance by capturing an unprecedented fourth straight Inter-House Sports championship title at St. Mary’s College, leading the competition from start to finish in a spectacular display of track and field prowess. The triumphant team amassed an impressive 858 points, decisively outpacing Presentation (713 points), Abercrombie (677 points), and Rodney (603 points) during the 121st annual sports meet held February 13th at Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.

    While Tapon claimed overall team glory, individual brilliance shone across all divisions, with each category producing a triple champion. The most remarkable performance came from Rodney’s Evan Sankar, a second-form athlete who delivered a record-shattering display in Division 5. Sankar obliterated a nine-year-old record in the 600m, clocking 1:45.7 to erase Sherqwayne Prudent’s previous mark of 1:48.5. He further demonstrated his versatility by capturing the 300m title in 43.3 seconds and conquering the junior 1200m in 4:31.4 despite never having previously competed in the event.

    Other standout performances included Tapon’s Manasseh Sobers securing the Division 5 150m in 20.0 seconds, while Abercrombie’s Zandre Plante claimed the 80m crown with a 10.8-second sprint. Presentation’s Keanu Jeffery dominated Division 4 with victories in the 100m (11.9s), 200m (25.2s), and 400m (59.2s), alongside Abercrombie’s Jaelen McDonald who took the 800m in 2:33.3.

    Zayne Henry carried Tapon’s success into Division 3, achieving triple gold in the 100m (11.8s), 200m (24.5s), and 400m (59.7s). Division 2 honors went to Abercrombie’s Joshua Matthew, who earned victor ludorum status with wins in the 100m (11.5s), 200m (23.0s), and 400m (54.6s). In the senior Division 1 category, Presentation’s Carter Clauzel emerged supreme with victories in the 100m (11.3s), 200m (23.6s), and 400m (54.2s).

    The championship concluded with an intense tug-of-war competition that solidified Tapon’s victory, witnessed by hundreds of alumni spanning generations. With this decisive win, St. Mary’s College now turns its attention to defending its title at the upcoming Island Championships during the Easter break.

  • Gewapend viertal ontvoert man bij zijn woning

    Gewapend viertal ontvoert man bij zijn woning

    A violent abduction unfolded in Lelydorp, Suriname on Tuesday evening when four masked assailants armed with firearms ambushed a 41-year-old man identified as M.S. on his own property at Zwartbontstraat.

    The incident occurred around 10:00 PM when the victim’s wife, A.L., awoke to the sound of her husband’s pickup truck arriving home. Shortly after, she heard distressed cries from their yard. Upon investigating, she witnessed four armed men subduing her partner in a coordinated attack.

    According to police reports, the perpetrators—all dressed in black clothing and concealing their identities—emerged from adjacent woodland areas before overpowering the victim. Security camera footage captured the moment the assailants approached the property and forcibly placed M.S. into his gray Toyota Vigo pickup truck.

    The armed group subsequently fled the scene using the victim’s vehicle, heading toward Santigronweg. Preliminary investigations indicate the attackers carried handguns and other heavy weaponry during the operation.

    Authorities have confirmed the theft of the victim’s vehicle and mobile phone, though it remains unclear whether additional items were taken during the incident. The investigation has been transferred to the Central Region Detective Unit, with no further details available regarding the victim’s current status or the motive behind the abduction.

    The case represents a concerning escalation in violent crime within the region, with law enforcement agencies pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to locate both the victim and his captors.