标签： Antigua and Barbuda

A former employee of Hadeed Motors, Dylan Simon, has been found guilty of orchestrating a sophisticated fraud scheme that involved falsifying company records, stealing an SUV, and selling it for a substantial profit. Simon, who had been with the company for over 20 years, was convicted on six charges, including electronic forgery, larceny by a clerk, obtaining money by false pretences, and money laundering. Justice Stanley John presided over the case, and Simon is now in custody awaiting sentencing on December 11. The fraudulent activities came to light during an audit conducted after the company resumed operations following the COVID-19 shutdown. The audit revealed irregularities, including altered cheque numbers and missing payments linked to transactions Simon had handled. Simon had entered false information into the dealership’s system to indicate that a Suzuki Vitara had been purchased with a non-existent cheque, allowing him to produce documents to remove the vehicle from the lot. He later received a $600 commission as if a legitimate sale had occurred. Approximately six months later, the SUV was sold to a used-car dealer for $55,000, with Simon receiving a vehicle valued at $22,000 and $23,000 in cash. Simon resigned after failing to explain the discrepancies and attempted to transfer ownership of the stolen SUV the following day. Despite his claims that others had access to his computer and that the transaction was paid for in cash, his explanations were dismissed. An auditor called by the defence confirmed that Simon had manipulated records and exploited weak internal controls. This conviction marks Simon’s second in as many years; he was previously fined $100,000 in 2023 for unrelated electronic forgery at the same dealership.

With profound sorrow and a heavy heart, I address this letter to your news platform today. The tragic accident on Friars Hill Road last Friday claimed the life of my dear friend, Brenton Bristol, and the pain of his loss grows more unbearable with each passing day. It feels surreal—one moment, he was among us, brimming with vitality, kindness, and dreams for the future, and in the next, he was gone forever. Brenton was not just a name in a news headline; he was a cherished friend who brought light to ordinary days. He was the person who could always be relied upon for a smile, a helping hand, or a hearty laugh when it was needed most. His sudden departure has left those who loved him grappling with the incomprehensible loss of such a vibrant soul, all because of an animal wandering onto the road. As I mourn, my grief is intertwined with frustration. This is not the first life lost on our roads under similar circumstances. How many more friends, siblings, parents, and loved ones must we bury before meaningful change is enacted? How many more families must endure the heartbreak of that devastating phone call? Every time I drive past stretches of road where animals roam freely, I cannot help but wonder whose life might be next. Brenton deserved better, and so do we all. Roads should not be death traps where drivers are forced to choose between swerving into danger or colliding with animals they had no chance to avoid. This tragedy compels us to confront a painful but essential question: How many more lives must be lost before we take decisive action to prevent such accidents? I write this letter not only to honor my friend’s memory but also in the hope that his death will not become just another statistic. I hope that the authorities and our community will finally address the dangers that have been overlooked for far too long. No one should have to endure the agony of mourning a loved one in this way again. Grieving, Javorne Moore

Antigua and Barbuda has achieved a significant milestone in its maritime sector with the successful completion of its inaugural Maritime Apprenticeship Programme by three young apprentices. This groundbreaking initiative, launched earlier this year at the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC) Conference in Curaçao, was a collaborative effort between Tropical Shipping, PMAC, and the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority. Spanning six weeks, the programme offered a blend of classroom education, practical training, and mentorship in critical areas such as cargo handling, vessel operations, and port logistics. Tamara Lowe-James, Island Manager of Tropical Shipping and chair of the programme committee, emphasized the initiative’s goal to cultivate a skilled and motivated workforce. “The future of our industry hinges on the dedication and adaptability of young professionals,” she stated. Acting Port Manager Jason Roberts highlighted the programme’s role in shedding light on often-overlooked career opportunities within the port sector, which is increasingly embracing technological advancements. The apprentices were awarded certificates during a ceremony held on Tuesday, where they shared how the programme enhanced their technical expertise and career aspirations. Organizers expressed gratitude to local partners and announced plans to continue the programme annually, selecting three new participants each year to foster a robust maritime workforce.

The Victory Center, a dedicated institution for children with special needs, has issued an urgent plea for public assistance following a recent burglary at its facility. The break-in, which occurred last week, resulted in the theft of several critical items essential for the education and care of their students. Among the stolen items are air conditioners from multiple classrooms, two televisions, two speakers, an ice maker, seven tablets, two 5-gallon water bottles, and one transformer. These items are indispensable for the daily operations and the nurturing environment that the center strives to maintain.

Founded in 2012, the Victory Center has been a beacon of hope for over 40 children with special needs, including those with Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, developmental delays, and various learning disabilities. The center’s approach emphasizes small, ability-based classes, a holistic curriculum, and individualized support to ensure each child can learn, grow, and thrive. Many students have benefited from long-term support, while others have successfully transitioned back into government schools after acquiring essential academic, social, and emotional skills.

The loss of these items has placed an unexpected burden on the small school community, disrupting the learning environment that these children rely on. The center is now calling on the public for help—whether through providing information about the stolen items, donating similar equipment, offering financial support, or forming partnerships. Every act of generosity, no matter the size, will help ensure that the students are not further disadvantaged and that their educational journey continues without interruption.

The Victory Center extends its heartfelt gratitude in advance for the public’s support, compassion, and commitment to protecting spaces dedicated to children with special needs.

The Wadadli Initiative for Self-care and Healing (WISH) has announced its participation in the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, aligning with the 2025 UNiTE campaign theme: ‘UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.’ This year’s focus highlights the escalating threat of digital abuse, including online harassment, cyberstalking, deepfake pornography, and doxxing, which are increasingly used to harm women and girls globally. The campaign, running from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day), underscores that gender-based violence, whether online or offline, is a public health crisis and a human rights issue. WISH’s efforts aim to strengthen digital safety, challenge harmful online behaviors, and hold platforms and institutions accountable for enabling abuse. Chaneil Imhoff, Founder of WISH, emphasized the mental health impacts of digital violence, stating that it leaves deep emotional scars and can lead to real-life harm. WISH plans to amplify survivor voices, advocate for safer online spaces, and encourage workplaces, schools, and communities to take actionable steps, such as hosting digital safety training and supporting organizations that aid survivors. Imhoff called for collective responsibility, urging families, workplaces, and institutions to act against online abuse and prioritize mental health. The campaign serves as a reminder that digital safety is essential to achieving gender equality and that the fight against violence must be a year-round commitment.