In a bid to bolster road infrastructure and ensure smoother community access, construction crews in Liberta have been working tirelessly into the late hours, focusing on asphalt paving projects. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize and enhance the region’s transportation network, addressing long-standing issues of road quality and connectivity. The late-night operations aim to minimize disruptions to daily traffic while accelerating the completion timeline. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of these upgrades, highlighting their potential to improve safety, reduce travel times, and stimulate economic growth by facilitating better access to businesses and services. Residents have expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging the temporary inconvenience but appreciating the long-term benefits of the project.
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Controverse en internationale bezorgdheid bij politie-invallen in Rio de Janeiro
A violent police operation targeting drug traffickers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has resulted in the deaths of at least 119 people, nearly double the initially reported toll of 60. The victims included 115 members of the powerful criminal organization Comando Vermelho and four police officers, according to local authorities. However, the public prosecutor’s office suggested an even higher death toll of 132. The operation, involving approximately 2,500 officers, focused on the Penha Complex and Alemao Complex neighborhoods in the city’s north. It was supported by armored vehicles, helicopters, and drones, with intense gunfire exchanges reported between police and suspected gang members. Authorities stated that suspects barricaded themselves in buses and deployed explosive drones during the clashes. Victor Santos, Rio’s security chief, acknowledged that the high casualty count was “expected but not desired,” while Governor Claudio Castro labeled the situation as “narco-terrorism” and emphasized that the police were “the only real victims.” The operation has drawn widespread criticism, with residents describing it as a “massacre” and accusing police of extrajudicial executions. Mourning families gathered at sites where bodies were laid out, with one resident from Penha Complex stating, “The state came for a bloodbath, not a police operation. They came purely to kill, to take lives.” Activist Raul Santiago condemned the violence, citing evidence of executions with shots to the back of the head or back. Brazilian Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski revealed that President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was “shocked” by the death toll and surprised that the operation occurred without federal government knowledge. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern, urging a swift and thorough investigation and emphasizing that police operations must comply with international human rights standards. Police raids in Brazil’s favelas are often deadly, with approximately 700 deaths recorded in Rio in 2024 alone. Human rights organizations have questioned the timing of such operations, which frequently precede major international events. Rio is set to host the C40 World Mayors Summit and the Earthshot Prize next week, followed by the UN Climate Summit COP30 in November. Santos denied any connection between the raid and these upcoming events.
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Lovell Pays Tribute to Former Education Minister Basil Peters for Transformative Role in Nation’s School System
Opposition leader Harold Lovell has commemorated the late Hon. Basil Peters, lauding him as a forward-thinking leader whose transformative contributions to education significantly shaped the modern school system in Antigua and Barbuda. In a heartfelt message marking the nation’s 44th Independence anniversary, Lovell highlighted Peters’ pivotal role as Minister of Education from 1971 to 1976 under the Progressive Labour Movement (PLM) administration, led by Premier George Walter. Lovell emphasized that Peters’ enduring legacy underscores the principle that a robust and stable nation is rooted in an educated populace. During his tenure, Peters spearheaded the expansion of secondary education by founding Ottos Comprehensive, All Saints Secondary, Jennings Secondary, and Pares Secondary schools—institutions that remain vital to the education of thousands of students today. Lovell noted that Peters’ visionary approach continues to inspire educators and policymakers, as his groundbreaking initiatives laid the foundation for an education system that has driven national progress. “May his vision continue to inspire us to soar higher through education,” Lovell concluded, paying homage to Peters’ lasting impact.
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Certification of nurses in Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives
Grenada has taken a significant step forward in enhancing reproductive health services by certifying 10 district nurses in Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs). This initiative, spearheaded by the Grenada Planned Parenthood Association (GPPA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Religious Affairs, aims to provide women with extended contraceptive coverage of up to 10 years at the community level. The certification programme, funded by Global Affairs Canada through the Build Back Equal Project and administered by the UNFPA Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean, adheres to the protocols established by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). Key contributors to the programme’s design include Consultant Dr Mark Hathaway and Rudolfo Gomez Ponce de Leon, with facilitation by Dr N’Kosha Fletcher and Nurse Lynthia Buckmire. To achieve certification, nurses completed a rigorous training programme, including practical sessions on the insertion of IUDs and Jadelle implants, as well as PAHO online courses. Since its implementation, 227 women have directly benefited from the initiative, and four additional healthcare providers are currently undergoing training, further expanding the team of experts available to serve the community.
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Verdachte brandstichting Drietabikistraat krijgt 15 maanden celstraf
In a recent court ruling, O.R., a man who had been granted permission to stay in an abandoned property, was sentenced to 15 months of unconditional imprisonment for arson. The incident occurred on Drietabikistraat, where O.R. ignited coconut husks in the living room to repel mosquitoes. He then left on his bicycle to visit a store, claiming he later assisted a man unloading goods from a pickup truck. By the time he returned an hour later, the house was already engulfed in flames. A neighbor reported that O.R. attempted to extinguish the fire with a bucket of water, but the fire department had already been alerted. The fire spread to an adjacent property, causing significant damage, while a third home suffered water damage. The owner of the neighboring house, who was commuting to work, learned of the incident via a phone call. The prosecutor emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘You do not do this to someone who helps and shelters you,’ and initially demanded a two-year sentence. O.R.’s defense attorney, Harold Belfor, argued that the act was not intentional but rather a result of careless behavior. However, the judge dismissed this argument, asserting that O.R. should have been aware of the fire risk when lighting the coconut husks and leaving the premises unattended for an extended period. Ultimately, the court imposed a 15-month sentence, nine months less than the prosecution’s request.
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Candlelight Vigil Held in Memory of Kahleel Simon
In a poignant display of unity and remembrance, the community of Bolans, Antigua, gathered on Wednesday evening for a candlelight vigil honoring the life of Kahleel Simon. The solemn procession, attended by dozens of mourners clad in yellow, began at Bolans Primary School and concluded at West Palm Beach, the location where Simon tragically lost his life. Participants carried candles and flowers, walking in silence to pay their respects. The evening was marked by heartfelt prayers, emotional tears, and moments of quiet reflection as family and friends shared cherished memories of Simon. The vigil culminated near the shoreline, where candles were placed in a touching tribute. The gathering stood together under the rallying cry of #JusticeForKahleel, emphasizing the community’s call for accountability and closure.
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Puppet show promotes inclusion, understanding of disabilities
In an innovative approach to fostering understanding and inclusion, Blackman and Gollop Primary School transformed its school hall into a vibrant classroom filled with curiosity and laughter. On Wednesday, a puppet show organized by the Kiwanis Club Pride of Barbados and the Barbados Council for the Disabled helped young students grasp the realities of living with cerebral palsy. Using colorful puppets and engaging storytelling, the event aimed to educate children about disabilities in a relatable and accessible way. Roseanna Tudor, Operations Manager of the Barbados Council for the Disabled, emphasized the importance of early awareness. ‘Our puppetry programme, part of Disability Awareness Day celebrations, has been instrumental in teaching primary school and nursery children how to interact with and understand their peers with disabilities,’ she explained. Tudor also highlighted the need for teacher training to support inclusive education, stressing the necessity of sensory rooms, calm spaces, and resources for children with ADHD or autism. The puppet show featured Carl, a character with cerebral palsy, whose story illustrated the challenges of movement and coordination. Puppeteers like Joy-Ann Grazette-Corbin addressed students’ questions, showcasing how children with disabilities can thrive with proper support. Sheldene Williams, a teacher at the school, shared her experience of having a student with cerebral palsy in her class, noting how inclusion has enriched the learning environment. ‘Through Isabelle, our students are learning that everyone, regardless of ability, has something valuable to contribute,’ she said. The Barbados Council for the Disabled plans to expand the puppetry programme to more schools, building on the overwhelmingly positive response from this event.
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Christ Church hails everyday heroes as Pride of Barbados
On Wednesday, approximately 40 residents of Christ Church, Barbados, were celebrated for their unwavering dedication to shaping their communities over several decades. The event, held at State House, also recognized three individuals from the diaspora who once resided in the parish. These honorees were part of the We Gatherin’ 2025 Honours List and received their awards from Barbados’ President Dame Sandra Mason during two distinct ceremonies. The Pride of Barbados Awards, attended by Members of Parliament for Christ Church, acknowledged the remarkable contributions of these men and women in areas such as education, mentorship, youth development, sports, and humanitarian service. Among the honorees was Patricia St Elmo Auntie Pat Linton, a community leader in Wotton Terrace for over 30 years, who has served as a Salvation Army officer, community organizer, and humanitarian. Her initiatives, ranging from supporting sanitation workers to providing free breakfasts for early commuters, have significantly enhanced her community’s social and spiritual well-being. Shelton Perkins, a distinguished educator and artistic director, was recognized for his leadership in education and mentoring youth through the arts. Eardley Selwyn Yarde was honored for his advocacy and dedication to youth and community development in Parish Land and Fairy Valley. Senior Minister Dr. William Duguid, MP for Christ Church West, commended the awardees for their compassion and consistency, emphasizing their extraordinary impact. Home Affairs Minister Wilfred Abrahams and Finance Minister Ryan Straughn also praised the honorees, highlighting the enduring influence of their selfless service and their role as inspirations for future generations.
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Some women named Melissa say the hurricane is having a negative impact on who they are
In recent weeks, Hurricane Melissa has dominated news cycles, but for women named Melissa, the storm’s name has sparked an unexpected personal challenge. Three lifelong friends from Metro Detroit, all named Melissa, have decided to reclaim their name from the negative associations tied to the hurricane. Their journey began in middle school, where their shared name became the foundation of a lasting friendship. ‘We decided to differentiate ourselves—Missy, Lissa, and Melissa—and grew incredibly close,’ one of them recalled. However, the hurricane’s destructive path has cast a shadow over their cherished name. Determined to shift the narrative, the trio launched a GoFundMe campaign titled ‘Melissas for Hope.’ Their goal is to rally support from the 24,000 Melissas in Michigan and nearly 700,000 across the U.S., along with friends and family, to raise funds for hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica. ‘We want to show that our name can stand for something positive and impactful,’ they explained. The initiative aims to support charities focused on rebuilding Jamaica, a nation severely affected by the hurricane. Through their actions, these Melissas hope to inspire others to see the good in their name and demonstrate the power of collective goodwill.
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Prison Service plans major farm, fleet expansion
The Barbados Prison Service has launched a transformative five-year modernization plan, set to revolutionize its agricultural operations and transition its vehicle fleet to electric models by 2030. Superintendent of Prisons DeCarlo Payne announced the initiative during the prison’s 168th anniversary celebrations at Dodds, St Philip. The plan includes a significant expansion of the prison’s farm, which is now mandated to increase chicken production from 2,500 to 21,000 birds per batch, alongside scaling up cattle, pig, and ground provision farming. Payne emphasized that the agricultural output surge is unprecedented in his 15-year tenure. Additionally, the prison is phasing out fossil fuel vehicles in alignment with national decarbonization goals, with negotiations underway for three custom-built electric transport vehicles for inmates. The modernization also includes plans to increase prison officer posts from 372 to 400, pending approval from the Ministry of the Public Service. Payne urged staff to remain dedicated as the institution embarks on this ambitious upgrade.