The tragic killing of Lauren Saunders, a seven-month pregnant mother-of-two, has ignited a fierce debate over Bahamian law’s treatment of unborn children. While public outrage has surged, with demands for dual murder charges—one for Saunders and another for her unborn baby—National Security Minister Wayne Munroe clarified that Bahamian law does not classify a foetus as a separate life under the murder statute. Consequently, the death of an unborn child cannot be prosecuted as murder. Munroe explained that murder charges apply only to individuals with independent circulation, while the death of a foetus is legally treated as abortion. This distinction has raised questions, given that The Bahamas criminalises abortion in nearly all circumstances yet fails to recognise the violent killing of an unborn child as a distinct offence. Saunders went missing on Sunday after leaving work early, prompting an islandwide search. Her partially decomposed body was discovered in bushes off Munnings Road on Wednesday, with officials awaiting autopsy results to confirm the cause of death. A suspect has been in custody for three days, but no charges have been filed. Munroe noted that legal changes to classify the killing of an unborn child as murder could have far-reaching implications, potentially criminalising medical terminations. He emphasised that such a shift would require charging anyone who terminates a foetus, including doctors, with murder. This stance contrasts with jurisdictions like the United States, where the Unborn Victims of Violence Act allows separate charges for the death of a foetus. Nearly 40 U.S. states have foetal homicide laws, and countries like Australia’s Queensland and El Salvador also criminalise the unlawful killing of unborn children as distinct offences.
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Court: ‘Beyond belief’ Valley Boys name hijacked
The Court of Appeal has issued a scathing critique of the Registrar General’s handling of the Valley Boys Junkanoo registration dispute, labeling the situation as “beyond belief.” The court expressed astonishment that an unauthorized group could appropriate the name and legacy of one of the nation’s most revered cultural institutions without proper oversight. The appellate panel has granted leave for Brian Adderley, leader of the World Famous Valley Boys, to challenge a Supreme Court decision that dismissed their bid for judicial review. The justices emphasized that the lower court failed to grasp the gravity of the issues and the public significance of clarifying the Non-Profit Organisations Act, 2019 (NPO Act). The panel noted that the appeal has “excellent prospects of success” and that the interpretation of the NPO Act warrants judicial review in the interest of justice. The court’s ruling highlighted troubling irregularities, including the fact that the constitution of the newly registered group was filed weeks after its registration and that its first board meeting occurred six weeks later. These lapses, the judges argued, indicate a failure by the Registrar General to perform due diligence as mandated by the NPO Act. The immediate implications of the ruling remain uncertain but could have far-reaching consequences, particularly for the allocation of seed money for holiday parades. The dispute stems from a deep internal rift within the Valley Boys, a group founded in 1958 and led by Adderley since 2014. A faction led by Trevor Davis and Michael Foster accused Adderley’s team of mismanagement and non-compliance with the NPO Act, leading to the registration of a new entity under the same name in September 2023. Adderley’s group subsequently registered a separate non-profit to preserve their identity, but the Registrar General directed them to change their name, prompting the legal challenge. The Court of Appeal criticized the Supreme Court’s decision, stating that it overlooked irregularities and failed to address the public interest in clarifying the NPO Act. The judges stressed that the original Valley Boys, recognized by government agencies and the public, should not have their identity usurped by an unauthorized group. The ruling reopens the leadership dispute and allows Adderley’s team to pursue a full appeal, with the court underscoring the case’s exceptional cultural importance and its potential impact on all Junkanoo groups and non-profits under the law.
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Security guard granted bail after $370,000 fleeced from woman’s bank account
In a significant cybercrime case, three individuals appeared in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday, facing charges related to the unauthorized theft of over $370,000 from a woman’s bank account. Christopher Howell, Delano Wright, and Shakey Stewart are accused of violating the Cybercrimes Act by allegedly accessing and spending the funds without consent. Stewart was granted bail of $150,000 with up to three sureties and reporting conditions by Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton, while Howell and Wright had their station bail extended until November 19, when the case resumes. The incident came to light in late August when the complainant attempted a withdrawal at an NCB ATM in Montego Bay and discovered insufficient funds. A subsequent bank investigation revealed unauthorized transactions between August 22 and 27, totaling $371,468.98. The complainant, who worked alongside Stewart and Howell at a Montego Bay health center, reported the theft to the police, citing the lack of lockers at the facility as a potential vulnerability. During the court proceedings, Howell acknowledged the charges, Stewart expressed stress, and Wright remained silent. The case awaits further evidence, including a corroboration officer’s statement, bank records, and a Q&A document.
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Ambassador Roberts to be honoured at UWI London Benefit Dinner
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Theresa Roberts, Jamaica’s Ambassador and Special Investment Envoy for Culture and Arts in the United Kingdom, has been selected to receive the University of the West Indies’ (UWI) Vice-Chancellor’s Award. This prestigious accolade will be presented to her at the 2nd annual UWI London Benefit Dinner, scheduled for November 7, 2025. The event will take place at The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn in the UK, with notable patrons including Sir Lenny Henry, Baroness Floella Benjamin, and Professor Shirley Thompson. Roberts, a distinguished businesswoman and philanthropist, was appointed as one of Jamaica’s four special ambassadors by Prime Minister Andrew in 2023. Her unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements in the cultural and arts sectors have earned her this recognition. The award underscores her significant contributions to promoting Jamaica’s cultural heritage and fostering international collaborations in the arts.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Scotia Group announces early closure
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the imminent threat posed by Tropical Storm Melissa, Scotia Group has announced the early closure of its branches and affiliated offices, including Scotia Insurance, Scotia Investments, and Scotia Protect, at 1:00 pm on Friday. The decision aims to ensure the safety of both staff and customers as severe weather conditions are expected to impact the region.
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Alabama man executed by nitrogen gas for murder over US$200 drug debt
In a highly contentious execution, Anthony Boyd, a 54-year-old inmate convicted of a brutal 1993 murder, was put to death using nitrogen gas in Alabama on Thursday. Boyd, who consistently claimed innocence, was sentenced in 1995 for the killing of Gregory Huguley, 32, over a $200 drug debt. The execution took place at 6:33 pm Central time at Atmore state prison, marking the 40th execution in the U.S. this year—the highest number since 2012. Prosecutors alleged that Boyd and three accomplices abducted Huguley at gunpoint, bound him with duct tape, doused him in gasoline, and set him ablaze at a baseball field. Boyd’s conviction relied heavily on the testimony of co-defendant Quintay Cox, who avoided the death penalty. Nitrogen hypoxia, the method used, involves suffocating the prisoner by pumping nitrogen gas into a face mask. This method has drawn sharp criticism from UN experts, who deem it cruel and inhumane. While 23 U.S. states have abolished the death penalty, and three others have moratoriums, President Donald Trump has advocated for its expansion, particularly for severe crimes. Alabama, alongside Texas, has executed five inmates this year, trailing Florida’s 14 executions.
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6 killed in new US strike on alleged drug-smuggling boat in Caribbean
In a significant military operation, the United States executed a nighttime strike on a vessel allegedly involved in drug smuggling, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. The operation, authorized by President Trump, targeted a boat operated by Tren de Aragua (TdA), a group designated as a terrorist organization by US authorities. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the details in a statement on X.
The strike took place in international waters along a known narcotics trafficking route in the Caribbean Sea. Intelligence reports indicated that the vessel was transporting illegal drugs. The operation marked the first instance of a nighttime strike by US forces in this context. All six individuals aboard the vessel, identified as male narco-terrorists, were killed, with no casualties reported among US personnel.
Hegseth issued a stern warning to drug traffickers, emphasizing that the US would treat narco-terrorists with the same severity as groups like Al-Qaeda. He stated, ‘If you are a narco-terrorist smuggling drugs in our hemisphere, we will map your networks, track your people, hunt you down, and kill you—day or night.’ The operation underscores the US government’s intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.
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US warship to dock in Trinidad this weekend
The government of Trinidad and Tobago has announced the arrival of the USS Gravely, a US guided-missile destroyer, for a five-day visit starting October 26. The warship, carrying members of the 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit, will dock in Port of Spain and engage in joint military training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF). The USS Gravely, equipped with advanced weapons systems and helicopter capabilities, has recently been involved in counter-narcotics and maritime security operations in the Caribbean. The visit underscores the US commitment to regional security and aims to enhance military cooperation through expert exchanges on infantry tactics, maintenance procedures, and medical capabilities. The exercises are designed to improve tactical proficiency, mutual trust, and operational readiness among partner forces. This development follows a recent advisory from the US Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago, warning American citizens to avoid US government facilities during the Divali holiday weekend due to heightened security concerns. Additionally, the visit comes amid discussions among Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders regarding regional security dynamics. Trinidad and Tobago’s coalition government, led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has reiterated its support for US military operations, emphasizing their role in combating narco-trafficking, human trafficking, and transnational crime to foster a ‘zone of peace’ in the region. The Persad-Bissessar administration has received praise from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for its alignment with regional security initiatives.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Non-essential gov’t offices to close at 2:00 pm
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the looming threat of Tropical Storm Melissa, the Jamaican government has announced the early closure of all non-essential government offices at 2:00 pm on Friday. The decision, communicated by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in a Friday media release, aims to ensure public safety as the storm approaches the island. Essential services, however, will continue to operate without interruption, remaining accessible to the public. According to the OPM, the Meteorological Service of Jamaica reported that Tropical Storm Melissa remained stationary overnight, but a tropical storm warning remains in effect. The government has pledged to provide ongoing updates throughout the day. Authorities are urging citizens to stay informed through official channels and to take necessary precautions to safeguard their well-being.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Tropical storm warning and hurricane watch remain as Melissa stands still
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tropical Storm Melissa, currently stationary over the Caribbean Sea, continues to pose a significant threat to Jamaica, with tropical storm warnings and hurricane watches remaining in effect. The Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service) reported that as of 4:00 am, the storm’s center was positioned at latitude 16.0 degrees north and longitude 75.5 degrees west, approximately 445 kilometers southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and 224 kilometers south-southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica. A slow northeastward drift is anticipated later Friday, with a westward shift expected by Saturday, bringing the storm dangerously close to Jamaica by early next week. Maximum sustained winds are currently near 75 km/h (45 mph), with higher gusts, and further intensification is forecast, potentially elevating Melissa to hurricane status by Saturday and a major hurricane (category three or higher) by Sunday. Tropical storm-force winds extend up to 220 kilometers (140 miles) east of the center. The Met Service warns of significant rainfall, with eastern parishes expected to receive 200-350 millimeters (8-14 inches) through the weekend, leading to widespread flooding and landslides. This heavy rainfall is predicted to spread westward across the country next week. Jamaicans are advised to prepare for strong, gusty winds initially affecting eastern parishes later today and continuing island-wide into the weekend. Hurricane-force winds may occur as early as Saturday. Marine conditions are also expected to deteriorate rapidly on Friday, prompting small craft operators and fishers to remain in safe harbor until conditions improve.
