A pastor has been brought before the High Court, accused of serious indecency involving a young woman during a massage session. The trial, presided over by Justice Stanley John, began yesterday, with the defendant facing two charges related to the alleged incident on March 18, 2023. The complainant, aged 25 at the time, testified that the pastor had been her spiritual mentor since she joined his church in June 2022. She revealed that she had confided in him about her financial struggles and mental health issues, and he had encouraged her to reach out for support. In September 2022, while recovering from a knee injury, the pastor visited her home, bringing groceries and $200. Later, he suggested a massage to help her manage stress. The woman initially believed she would receive a spa gift certificate but was instead picked up by the pastor, who gave her $400 and promised an additional $300 to assist with her debts. He drove her to a private apartment, where he allegedly performed the massage himself. According to her testimony, he asked her to remove her underwear, commented on her body, and proceeded to engage in non-consensual oral sex and digital penetration. She claimed she tried to push him away and later reported the incident to her mother and a friend. The pastor allegedly apologized and offered to fund therapy sessions, urging her not to pursue legal action. The complainant reported the matter to the police on March 23. During cross-examination, the defense questioned the timeline of events and suggested the complainant’s actions indicated consent, which she denied. The trial continues today.
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Liberty Caribbean working with Starlink Direct to Cell to provide service in Jamaica
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica, Liberty Caribbean, the parent company of Flow Jamaica and Liberty Business, has taken proactive measures to ensure swift recovery and uninterrupted communication for its customers. Leveraging its partnership with Starlink Direct to Cell, Liberty Caribbean will utilize satellite technology to provide emergency connectivity in areas where terrestrial networks have been severely disrupted. This groundbreaking collaboration marks the first instance in Jamaica where a traditional telecom operator has teamed up with a satellite communications provider to deliver seamless mobile connectivity during crises. The initiative will enable essential SMS and text communications, ensuring that emergency services, businesses, and families can stay connected when local infrastructure fails. Inge Smidts, CEO of Liberty Caribbean, emphasized the critical importance of communication in disaster scenarios, stating, ‘Having the ability to communicate post-hurricane is a matter of life and death. Our FLOW Essential service will provide immediate basic connectivity.’ This innovative approach underscores Liberty Caribbean’s commitment to safeguarding Jamaicans, the economy, and the region’s shared future by integrating redundancy into its island-wide mobile network.
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Politieoperatie in Rio de Janeiro eist minstens 60 levens
A massive police operation in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro has resulted in the deaths of at least 60 individuals, including four police officers, marking it as the deadliest police action in the city’s history. The operation, part of “Operation Containment,” targeted drug trafficking and organized crime, particularly focusing on the notorious criminal organization Comando Vermelho (Red Command). Governor Claudio Castro announced that 60 alleged criminals were “neutralized” during the raid, which also led to the execution of over 250 arrest and search warrants, the detention of 81 individuals, and the seizure of weapons. Approximately 2,500 officers, including armored vehicles and helicopters, participated in the operation, which concentrated on the densely populated and impoverished Alemao and Penha favela complexes. Intense gunfire erupted during the raid, causing casualties among bystanders and forcing road closures. Comando Vermelho, a major player in global cocaine trade with ties to Colombian cartels, has significant influence in Rio’s poor neighborhoods. Brazil ranks second globally in cocaine consumption, with over 180,000 incidents related to cocaine trafficking recorded in 2023. The raid has sparked outrage among residents, with reports of bodies left uncollected on a hillside. The timing of the operation, ahead of major international events like the C40 World Mayors Summit and the Earthshot Prize, has raised concerns among human rights organizations. With Brazil’s 2026 national elections approaching, crime and drug trafficking are expected to be key issues, as President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva faces criticism from the right-wing opposition.
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APUA Advises Mariners of Ongoing Intake Line Installation at Ivan Rodrigues Reverse Osmosis Plant
The APUA Water Business Unit has issued a public notice regarding ongoing installation works at the Ivan Rodrigues Reverse Osmosis Plant. Starting October 28th, 2025, a 24-inch intake line is being installed, extending approximately 1,000 feet eastward from the shoreline. The project is expected to conclude by the evening of October 30th, when the intake line will be fully submerged. Marine operators, particularly small craft users, are advised to maintain a minimum distance of 1,600 feet east of the plant when navigating from north to south to avoid potential interference with the line. The area will be clearly marked with buoys and lighting to ensure visibility, especially during nighttime operations. APUA emphasizes the importance of public cooperation and understanding as these essential upgrades to the water system are carried out safely and efficiently. These improvements are part of APUA’s commitment to providing reliable water services, encapsulated in their motto, ‘Necessary for Life.’
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$30M Climate-Resilient Agriculture Mission Reaches Antigua and Barbuda
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently concluded a pivotal three-day mission to Antigua and Barbuda from October 27 to 29, as part of the Climate Resilient Agriculture Programme. This initiative, funded by the Global Adaptation Fund, aims to bolster agricultural adaptation and productivity for sustainable growth across the Caribbean region. The mission extended beyond Antigua and Barbuda, encompassing St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with a collective allocation of $30 million to enhance agricultural resilience and innovation. During the visit, the CDB/FAO team collaborated with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, the Department of the Environment, and the Gilbert Agricultural Rural Development Center (GARD). Dr. Yerania Ramos Sanchez, the project coordinator, presented findings from her initial visit, emphasizing the program’s tailored approach to local needs. On October 28, the team split into two groups to maximize outreach, conducting workshops with agricultural extension officers and farmers. These sessions focused on gathering critical insights to shape the project’s implementation, ensuring farmers—the primary beneficiaries—are active participants in the program’s design. The mission concluded on October 29 in Barbuda, where activities mirrored those in Antigua. Guided by mottos such as ‘Zero Hunger’ and ‘Growing with Innovation,’ the initiative underscores the region’s commitment to climate-resilient agricultural practices and food sovereignty.
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Team Barbados gears up for Global Robotics Challenge in Panama
Four talented young Barbadians are poised to showcase their ingenuity at the prestigious FIRST Global Robotics Challenge, an international STEM competition that mirrors the spirit of the Olympics. This year’s event, scheduled from October 29 to November 1 in Panama, will bring together high school students from across the globe to demonstrate their prowess in designing and programming robots capable of executing intricate tasks. Team Barbados, led by seasoned electronics and electrical technology teacher Matthew Douglas, has been diligently preparing for the challenge. Douglas, with over 25 years of experience and a passion for nurturing young innovators, praised the team’s exceptional time management and unwavering dedication. The competition will feature robots performing tasks such as collecting and shooting soccer balls into scoring zones, maneuvering larger balls into slots, and even climbing ropes—a true test of engineering precision and collaborative effort. Among the team members is Jean-Pierre Pilgrim, a 14-year-old prodigy from Queen’s College, who has already excelled academically in English, Mathematics, and Information Technology. Pilgrim, an avid computer and gaming enthusiast, expressed confidence in the team’s hard work and preparation. Makai Beckles-Lewis, a 15-year-old from Combermere School, is equally enthusiastic, looking forward to experiencing diverse cultures in Panama. Kurt Hazell, a 16-year-old athlete from the same school, shared his excitement and nervousness about his first international competition. Nathan Douglas, a 15-year-old from The Lodge School, is drawn to the mechanical aspects of robotics, while 13-year-old Christopher Smith from St. Winifred’s School is eager to learn from his older teammates. The team departed on Monday, ready to make their mark on the global stage.
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Long Bay Brewing Marks Milestone with Eye on Regional Market
The Long Bay Brewing Company, a proud Antiguan-owned enterprise, recently opened its doors to the public, commemorating three successful years of beer production under the Barrett Group. During an open house event held on Tuesday, attendees were treated to an exclusive tour of the brewery and had the opportunity to sample its diverse range of beers, including lager, IPA, and stout. Originally catering to hotels and bars, the company has now ventured into the retail market with a new line of canned beers, marking a significant milestone in its growth trajectory.
In addition to its product expansion, Long Bay Brewing has solidified its brand presence through strategic sponsorships of major events such as Carnival 2025, Caribana in Barbuda, and The Melting Pot Show. Francis, a representative of the company, emphasized that these sponsorships reflect the brewery’s deep connection to community and celebration. “Long Bay Beer is more than just a product; it’s a symbol of our cultural heritage and shared joy,” he stated.
Currently, the brewery distributes its products island-wide, producing up to 2,000 cases weekly, with the potential to scale up to 3,000 cases. While the primary focus remains on the local market, Francis hinted at broader regional aspirations. “We take immense pride in brewing our beers right here in Antigua and Barbuda,” he said. “Our vision is to create a brand that proudly carries the Antiguan name across the Caribbean, showcasing our craftsmanship and dedication to quality.”
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Thorne: Govt masking worsening hardship with ‘pretty talk’
Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne has launched a scathing critique of the Mia Mottley administration, accusing it of employing ‘pretty talk’ to create ‘illusions of prosperity’ while many Barbadians grapple with economic hardships. During a heated debate in the House of Assembly over the Barbados National Energy Company (Transfer and Vesting of Assets) Bill, Thorne highlighted the growing disparity between the government’s confident rhetoric and the stark realities faced by citizens. He argued that despite ministers’ claims of economic progress, the benefits are not translating into tangible improvements in the lives of families, small businesses, and street vendors. Thorne urged lawmakers to witness the struggles firsthand by visiting Swan Street, where vendors are fighting to survive rather than thrive. He dismissed the government’s narrative of national prosperity as a ‘cruel joke,’ emphasizing that the people of Barbados are enduring significant suffering. Thorne also criticized the administration’s reliance on buzzwords like ‘sustainable,’ ‘resilient,’ and ‘whole-of-country approach,’ which he described as empty slogans devoid of substance. He warned that the government’s refusal to acknowledge the hardships faced by citizens risks deepening public apathy and eroding trust in leadership. Thorne concluded that speeches alone cannot alleviate the economic pressures weighing on Barbadians, calling for more concrete actions to address their struggles.
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Tourism Figures Show Seasonal Slowdown but Steady U.S. Market Growth
The tourism sector in Antigua and Barbuda continues to exhibit its characteristic seasonal trends, with the summer months presenting persistent challenges for hoteliers. According to the latest data from the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourist Association (ABHTA), average hotel occupancy in August 2025 stood at 60.4 percent, a slight increase from the 59.9 percent recorded in the same month the previous year. However, September witnessed a notable decline, with occupancy dropping to 42 percent compared to 46.2 percent in 2024.
For the first seven months of 2025, stay-over arrivals reached 205,893, marking a modest rise from the 205,004 visitors during the same period in 2024. The United States remains the dominant source market, contributing over half of all stay-over tourists, with arrivals increasing to 115,599 from 109,016 in 2024. The United Kingdom follows as the second-largest market, with 44,007 arrivals, up from 42,152 the previous year. Canada, while ranking third, experienced an 18 percent decline, with 17,578 visitors compared to 20,660 in 2024.
Despite the seasonal dip, industry leaders perceive the marginal year-on-year improvements as a sign of steady resilience in Antigua and Barbuda’s core tourism markets, even amidst global travel uncertainties.
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Jamaicans wake to devastation as hurricane causes floods, power cuts and splits city in two
Jamaica awoke to a grim reality this morning as Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm to hit the island in modern history, left behind a trail of devastation. Nearly three-quarters of the country is without electricity, and extensive flooding has submerged entire communities, particularly in the western regions. Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the island a ‘disaster area,’ emphasizing the ‘devastating impacts’ on infrastructure, including hospitals, homes, and businesses. While no fatalities have been confirmed, the true scale of the destruction remains unclear due to crippled communication networks. Local officials described the aftermath as resembling ‘the scene of an apocalypse movie,’ with floodwaters reaching the roofs of two-story homes and rescue teams struggling to reach trapped families. Montego Bay, a tourism hub, was split in two by floodwaters, and the agricultural heartland of St. Elizabeth, known as Jamaica’s breadbasket, faces significant crop losses. Hurricane Melissa, which intensified rapidly due to abnormally warm Caribbean waters linked to climate change, has now moved on to Cuba, leaving Jamaica to grapple with the monumental task of recovery. The country’s catastrophe bond offers some hope for rebuilding, but the immediate challenges are immense.