Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell has mandated that Stephen Javon Freeman, a 23-year-old with no fixed residence, serve an additional two years and 176 days in prison for possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Freeman admitted guilt in the No. 4 Supreme Court on November 13, 2022, for having a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistol and ten rounds of ammunition without valid permits. Initially, the court considered an eight-year sentence for each offense but decided against imposing fines, citing aggravating factors and Freeman’s behavioral reports. Justice Smith-Bovell emphasized the need for a structured environment with vocational training to aid Freeman’s rehabilitation and societal reintegration. She also ordered a psychological assessment and placement in educational and vocational programs, with progress reviews scheduled for April 24, 2026. Aggravating factors included the gun being loaded, in good working order, and kept in a public place, while the only mitigating factor was the weapon’s recovery. Freeman’s pre-sentence report highlighted his high risk of re-offending, gang affiliation, and illegal drug use, despite his remorse and guilty plea. Discounts were applied for his guilty plea and time spent on remand. State Counsel Paul Prescod prosecuted the case, with defense attorneys Simon Clarke and Ken Mason representing Freeman. Freeman was apprehended after officers on patrol in New Orleans, St Michael, noticed him behaving suspiciously. A search revealed the firearm hidden in his crotch area. During questioning, Freeman claimed he found the gun near the Globe roundabout six days prior and had not fired it, expressing fear of being charged if he turned it in to the police.
博客
-
Empowerment Doll-Making: Botanique and The Water’s Edge Museum Bring Caribbean–Irish Heritage to Dublin
This October, Dublin will host a unique cultural event as part of the Artistic Islands Programming. Botanique Studios, in collaboration with The Water’s Edge Museum from Maryland, USA, will present the Heritage Empowerment Doll Seminars. This event aims to celebrate the rich and resilient cultural heritage of Antigua and Barbuda, while also highlighting the historical connections between Africa, the Caribbean, and Ireland.
-
Botanique and The Water’s Edge Museum Showcase Antiguan and Barbudan Seedwork at Dublin Castle
This October, Dublin will host a unique cultural event as Artistic Islands Programming collaborates with Botanique Studios of Antigua and Barbuda and The Water’s Edge Museum of Maryland, USA, to present the Heritage Seedwork Seminar. This event shines a spotlight on seedwork jewelry, a traditional craft from Antigua and Barbuda made from wild tamarind and jumbie beads. Once a fading art form practiced by only a few women, Botanique Studios has successfully revived this African-rooted tradition, elevating it to global recognition. The seminar will be led by Louise Edwards, a master seedwork artisan, alongside Botanique founder Anne Jonas and creative Mosia Challenger. Participants will engage in three-hour workshops, gaining hands-on experience in this intricate craft. Each session will begin with a short film exploring the history and cultural significance of seedwork, followed by guided practice using specially prepared kits. The collaboration with The Water’s Edge Museum, represented by co-directors Ja’Lyn Hicks and Sara Amber Marie Park, underscores a shared commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage that transcends borders. The workshops will take place from October 3–5, with sessions running from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Additionally, a special illustrated lecture titled ‘The Beauty of Antigua’s Intangible Cultural Heritage’ will be hosted at Dublin Castle’s State Apartments on October 4 at 6:30 p.m. This event not only celebrates the artistry of seedwork but also highlights the resilience and creativity of Antiguan culture.
-
PM’s speech at United Nations General Assembly
In a compelling address at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) on September 27, 2025, Grenada’s Prime Minister, Hon. Dickon Mitchell, underscored the transformative power of education as a unifying force in a world marked by paradoxes of progress and peril. Speaking on behalf of Grenada and the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Mitchell emphasized education’s role in bridging divides, fostering resilience, and driving innovation. He highlighted the stark contrasts in global access to education, from children walking miles for water to those leveraging artificial intelligence in classrooms, and called for a redefined vision of education that transcends traditional boundaries. Mitchell shared Grenada’s transformative reforms, including universal secondary education, modernized curricula, and free tuition for technical and vocational training, as a model for inclusive development. He also urged global partnerships to co-create resilient education systems, particularly in conflict zones, where schools often become casualties of war. Mitchell’s speech concluded with a powerful call to action, urging the international community to protect education as a fundamental right and a cornerstone of peacebuilding. He envisioned a world where every child, regardless of circumstance, has equal access to knowledge and opportunity, asserting that education is not just a policy but a promise to humanity.
-
PHOTOS: Roadworks Keep Rolling Across the Island
The Ministry of Works has ramped up its road construction activities across multiple locations, including Wireless Road and Glanville, showcasing a dedicated effort to enhance infrastructure. Teams have been working tirelessly since sunrise, with the concrete plant crew ensuring a steady supply of materials to keep the projects on track. The initiative aims to improve road conditions and ensure smoother transportation for residents and commuters. Photographs captured by Maria Browne highlight the progress and scale of the operations, underscoring the commitment of the Ministry to deliver quality results. This large-scale project reflects the government’s focus on upgrading public infrastructure to meet growing demands and improve overall connectivity.
-
Primary school principals secure agreement with govt
In a significant development for Barbados’ education sector, public primary school principals have finally secured a resolution to their longstanding workplace grievances with the government. This breakthrough, announced late Friday, follows months of unrest and is seen as a pivotal step in rebuilding trust among senior educators. The Association of Public Primary School Principals (APPSP), representing the principals, had previously voiced concerns over being overwhelmed by physically and mentally distressing incidents within the education system, coupled with a lack of redress. They also criticized the deterioration of employer-employee relations, describing their treatment as inconsistent with good practices. However, after extensive negotiations with the Ministry of Educational Transformation, the principals have expressed satisfaction with the outcome. APPSP President Olwin Walker praised the government for its efforts, stating, ‘We have deeply appreciated the opportunity to meet with the minister and his senior team today, and we are pleased with the outcome.’ The agreement addresses various concerns, including the handling of grievances, unrealistic deadlines, lack of recognition, and issues related to annual leave and principal transfers. Despite this progress, the principals expressed frustration over the previous handling of their concerns. They also highlighted broader systemic issues, such as frequent school disruptions, environmental challenges, and disease outbreaks, which continue to impact the 2024–25 school year.
-
LIVE from 3pm on DNO: Independence Opening Parade 2025 in Roseau (with a difference)
The vibrant streets of Roseau are set to come alive this afternoon as the much-anticipated Independence Opening Parade kicks off at 3 pm on September 27, 2025. Following yesterday’s official Independence opening ceremony, the parade promises to be a grand celebration of national pride and cultural heritage. Chief Cultural Officer Earlson Matthew has unveiled several exciting changes and enhancements to this year’s event, ensuring it stands out from previous editions. One of the most notable additions is the re-introduction of the Cadet Corps, bringing back the iconic marching band element that once defined the parade. This year’s festivities will also place a stronger emphasis on local dance traditions, featuring bèlè and European round dances, alongside double the number of live amplified bands compared to last year. Matthew has urged attendees to don traditional madras attire to fully immerse themselves in the celebrations. The parade will showcase a diverse array of cultural groups and performers, including the Flambouyant Dancers, Kalinago Traditional Mas, Veteran 7, Paix Bouche Drummers, and the Waitukubuli Dance Theatre Company, among others. For those unable to attend in person, live coverage of the parade will be available on DNO’s main page and Facebook starting at 3 pm. This year’s Independence Parade not only honors the nation’s history but also highlights the richness and diversity of its cultural tapestry.
-
‘On the job’: SJPI expands training to tackle construction labour crisis
Barbados is intensifying its efforts to address a critical labor shortage in the construction sector through expanded vocational training programs. The Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI), the island’s premier technical institute, announced on Friday that it is scaling up its training initiatives to meet the urgent demands of contractors while fostering a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers. Principal Ian Drakes emphasized the institute’s innovative approach, including short-term courses under the Construction Gateway Programme, to bridge immediate gaps in the workforce. Drakes highlighted the increased intake in plumbing training, driven by industry demand and enthusiastic applicants, though he noted that full competency would take two years to achieve. The move comes as construction magnate Mark Maloney warned of persistent challenges in securing adequate labor, even from overseas. Henderson Eastmond, Executive Director of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, underscored the broader cultural and educational factors deterring young Bajans from pursuing trades. Minister of Training and Tertiary Education Sandra Husbands revealed that the government is extending on-the-job training and collaborating with community projects to provide students with practical experience. Contractors have also expressed willingness to engage students on real projects, signaling a collaborative effort to resolve the crisis.
-
Rising military tensions risk destabilising region, PM warns UN
In a compelling address at the United Nations General Assembly, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley issued a stark warning about the escalating military tensions in the Caribbean, which she argued could destabilize the region. Speaking on the occasion of the UN’s 80th anniversary, Mottley emphasized the urgent need for diplomatic engagement to prevent the Caribbean from becoming collateral damage in a superpower standoff. She expressed deep concern over the increased US naval presence in the southern Caribbean and Venezuelan military exercises near the disputed border with Guyana, describing these actions as a violation of the hemispheric understanding that the Caribbean should remain a zone of peace. Mottley cautioned that even an accidental confrontation could disproportionately endanger the southern Caribbean. She called for full respect for the territorial integrity of all states and urged regional leaders to engage in dialogue to avert conflict, reminding the Assembly that dialogue has historically been the key to ending wars. Turning to Haiti, Mottley lamented the nation’s prolonged turmoil, attributing it to centuries of external interference and internal conflict. She praised Kenya for leading the Multinational Security Support Mission and called for enhanced support from the UN Security Council and the Organisation of American States, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive plan addressing both security and development. Mottley also highlighted the Caribbean’s struggle against the influx of illegal firearms, largely from the United States, which threatens the region’s fragile economies and democracies. She urged stronger dialogue with the US to curb the spread of small arms and light weapons, particularly into Haiti and the wider Caribbean. On Cuba, Mottley criticized the enduring US embargo and the island’s inclusion on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, describing these measures as unjust and calling for their immediate removal. She underscored Cuba’s historical role in supporting global health, conflict resolution, and anti-colonial resistance, while lamenting the disproportionate suffering inflicted on its society. Mottley concluded by reiterating Barbados’s call for an end to the embargo and the removal of Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, declaring these actions as essential steps toward justice and regional stability.
-
Tropical Storm warning issued for Central and Northwest Bahamas
The Bahamas Department of Meteorology has escalated its alert system by issuing a Tropical Storm Warning for multiple regions across the archipelago. The Central Bahamas, including Exuma, Cat Island, Long Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador, and Ragged Island, as well as the Northwestern Bahamas, encompassing Berry Islands, Andros, New Providence, and Eleuthera, are all under immediate threat. According to the latest forecasts, Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine is poised to unleash severe weather conditions within the next 36 hours. Residents are bracing for heavy rainfall, potential flooding, and other tropical storm-related hazards. The Disaster Risk Management Authority has issued an urgent call to action, advising all individuals in the affected areas to expedite their preparedness measures and stay tuned to official updates for further guidance. The situation remains fluid, and authorities are closely monitoring the cyclone’s trajectory to ensure public safety.