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Education Minister Nyan Gadsby-Dolly – JEFF K MAYERS
THE MINISTRY of Education says allegations of misconduct towards a student by a member of staff at Siparia West Secondary School is “being addressed, according to established protocols.”
The ministry issued a statement on Tuesday, saying its School Supervision and Management Division (SSMD) and police are handling the matter.
It also said the school principal, a representative of the TT Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) and a school supervisor said they had no knowledge of gangs after recent reports of attacks on students by schoolmates.
“The procedures and protocols for investigating matters of this nature are very specific, in the interest of protecting students.”
It said an investigation into the alleged inappropriate behaviour towards a student began on September 20, when it was reported to the ministry.
“A report was then made to the community police, and the student, along with SSMD personnel, met with the principal,” the statement read.
“The student’s parents were asked to come into the school, and on September 28, 2022, the staff member in question met with the principal, vice-principal, and subsequently, on October 7, 2022, with officers from the Child Protection Unit, along with the student, parent and SSSD personnel.”
The ministry said in such matters of a sensitive nature, it “must follow all the protocols and procedures.
“The relevant reports from the principal and school supervisor have been received and are being treated with urgency.”
The ministry’s statement comes after a news report published on Tuesday alleged that four complaints had been made to the school about a teacher sexually harassing female students.
Two days earlier, a Penal mother publicly appealed to Education Minister Nyan Gadsby-Dolly and police to deal with purported gangs at the same school after schoolmates allegedly beat her two sons, one of whom was left unconscious after being hit with a chair. The other is reported to have pretended to be dead or unconscious to stop the attack.
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Golden Grove Prison, Arouca.
A $5 million fence will be built around Golden Grove Prison, according to the budget documents, while $3 million will be added to $2.58 million spent last year for a perimeter fence and infrastructure works at the Maximum Security Prison (MSP).
The Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) allocation for the Ministry of National Security also revealed $2.5 million to be spent on toilet facilities for prison officer trainees, namely $1.5 million for water closets (flush toilets) and $1 million for a sewer system at the Prison Training Centre.
The Remand Yard will benefit from $10 million worth of plumbing and electrical upgrades. Some $1 million will be spent to build a special court at the MSP.
Approximately $500,000 was allocated for the “construction of (a) safe house for officers.” The Immigration Department will gain a new building to be built for $9 million. The Fire Service will gain a $10 million fire station at Arouca and one for $18 million at Point Fortin. For the Ministry of Sport and Community Development, notable IDF allocations include $30 million to redevelop Skinner Park (San Fernando), $30 million to upgrade multi-purpose stadiums, $15 million to upgrade Dwight Yorke Stadium (Tobago) and $12 million to upgrade corporation grounds.
The Ministry of Education’s allocation for IDF projects comprises $12 million for pre-primary schools, $85 million for primary schools, $66 million for secondary schools, $2 million for special education (including a $500,000 special school at Pointe-a-Pierre), and $40 million for science, technology and applied arts allocated to the UTT main campus at Tamana eTeck Park in Wallerfield. Allocations for new primary schools being built include Curepe Presbyterian ($5 million), Arima Hindu ($1.5 million), Reform SDMS ($5 million), Montrose Vedic ($5 million) and St Phillip’s Government ($6 million).
Some $3 million was allocated for emergency upgrades to primary schools, plus $7 million to erect temporary pre-engineered classrooms. For secondary schools the allocations included $5 million for replacement/construction of blocks and $5 million for emergency upgrades. Some $3 million is for the construction of temporary pre-engineered classrooms.
Over $100 million was allocated to create youth facilities under the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service in the IDF. This included $31 million for the construction of youth development apprenticeship centres and $30 million for national Service centres.
Allocations also included the refurbishment of youth training facilities ($15 million), refurbishment of apprenticeship centres ($15 million), and construction of youth development centres ($15 million). Other items included a farm school at Moruga ($5 million), a youth business park ($5 million) and expanding the Ste Madeleine Transition Home ($5 million).
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PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT: Young members of the Beetham Vibrations Steel Orchestra go through their paces on the pans during a recent practise session. PHOTO COURTESY THE ROTARY CLUB OF CENTRAL PORT OF SPAIN –
THE Scotiabank Foundation recently partnered with the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain to support the Beetham Vibrations Steel Orchestra (BVSO), which was conceptualised by that Rotary Club to create a sustainable model for hope, unity, and advancement of the youth in Beetham Gardens.
This new creative endeavour is intended to instil a sense of discipline, self-esteem and belonging in the youths of the community.
Additionally, it is hoped that they enjoy the programme, and gain training in producing quality music to seek employment in the entertainment industry.
The bank’s donation of $100,000 will enable the purchase of instruments, as well as the tutoring of the players.
A release from the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain said, “Our recent partnership with the Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago Foundation is in keeping with the bank’s community investments aimed at creating economic resilience for youth, through education and life skills development programmes.”
Launched on February 26, the orchestra comprises 22 members – both male and female – between eight and 23. The members are currently practising under the stewardship of Khari Codrington of the Codrington Family Institute and his father Cari.
While the orchestra has instruments for up to 15 players, the Rotary Club is trying to locate additional instruments so the orchestra will comprise a junior and senior band.
Since adopting the youth of Beetham Gardens as its main focus some 20 years ago, the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain is now incorporating music as an additional tool for educating and elevating young people there.
In February, the RCCPOS signed an MOU with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) Hearts and Minds Programme to form the steelband.
The MOU solidified the seven-year relationship between the two organisations, as well as developing its commitment and responsibility to the orchestra for the next two years.
The Hearts and Minds Programme’s belief that a close relationship between the community and the police is vital to the success of society contributes to its focus on reducing crime while building and equipping the youth in the area with the tools and skills for a better tomorrow.
The Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain continues to provide financial and other support to the Beetham Community through its assistance to the All-in-One Child Development Centre for pre-schoolers, the Each One Teach One School for children with special needs, and Secondary School Students in the community by providing books and uniforms.
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Emergency personnel transported six people to the OKEU Hospital on Monday after responding to a report of a collision between a minibus and a car on Morne Fortune, Castries.
The six were among nine who sustained injuries.
Saint Lucia Fire Service (SLFS) Communications Officer Stacy Joseph said Castries Headquarters received a call for help at about 7:50 am.
Joseph told St Lucia Times that with assistance from the Gros Islet Fire Station, the headquarters responders triaged nine individuals who sustained various injuries in the incident.
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However, the SLFS spokeswoman disclosed that three peopledeclined transportation to the medical facility and signed releaseforms.
Joseph said the six others were in stable condition en route to the hospital.
Headline photo: Screen grab from social media video
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Many Bajans excitedly watched the season premiere of Grey’s Anatomy season 19 on October 6 to see their own Niko Terho on the screen, and Niko himself was amongst the batch of thousands.
According to TVLine in the latest TV ratings posted on October 7, ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and NBC’s SVU tied for the nightly demo win per Nielsen finals.
Chatting with Loop, Niko said ahead of the 9pm start he was feeling “very excited actually.”
He said, “I’m glad that people are finally gonna get to see what we’ve been working so hard on.
“We’ve had so much fun filming.” And this reiterates, his sentiment in the trailer for the season, when he said being on set was like stepping foot at a Disney theme park daily.
Niko, who plays Lucas Adams watched the first episode with other cast members.
Asked if he was anxious to see it from the viewer perspective finally, he said, “People have been messaging all day. It’s really great to see all the support. It takes away the nerves that tend to come along with premieres.”
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The family of 16yr old Xavier Ashton of Swetes is asking for assistance in knowing his whereabouts.
Xavier was last seen sometime yesterday afternoon in Swetes.
Several attempts were made to contact him, but were unsuccessful.
If you have any information as to his whereabouts, please contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913.
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The new Weatherill’s Hotel located in Marble Hill Antigua will add significant value to the country’s tourism product.
So says Minister of Tourism and Investment the Hon. Charles Fernandez.
The property which opened its restaurant facility in August, will see its bed and breakfast operations coming on stream next Monday.
The operators are focusing on consistent, excellent customer service to build their brand; however, the historical value of the property will take it even further.
The 40-acre property was once an active plantation (one of the largest on island) that has been immaculately restored. Four of the bedrooms are in the 140-year-old main house while a further three suites have been created in the adjacent 17th century former carriage rooms.
“There are tourists who select vacation destinations based on their historical value, and the addition of this property to our product offering adds a unique touch where visitors can not only tour the property, but stay and have a full experience”, remarked the hon. minister.
Already, the seven-room accommodation employs over 30 locals with hotel management seeking to employ additional staff.
“Training commenced in August, and it is currently ongoing because we want staff to understand the importance of our brand, the history, architecture… and of course excellent food and service’, said Manager Navin Sukumaran.
Weatherill’s is owned by Antiguan Victor Michael and the tourism minister is elated at this fact.
“I am pleased when Antiguans invest in our industry as it signals ownership and continuity. It is also indicative of the confidence that exists in the local tourism economy”, noted Minister Fernandez.
Tourism executives were given an official tour of the property recently ahead of the October 17th opening of the accommodation section.
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Ms. Police Queen, Keriann Thomas to represent Antigua and Barbuda at Miss OECS 2022
After a brief hiatus on the regional and international pageant circuit, due the robust COVID-19 pandemic, Antigua and Barbuda will grace the stage at a regional pageant, set to be held in Dominica next month.
21-year-old Keriann Thomas will carry Antigua and Barbuda’s flag as she represents our twin island state at the Miss OECS Pageant to be held in Dominica on November 5, 2022.
Talent Incorporated Limited, a non-profit performing arts and events production organization, headed by Gilbert Laudat, and also synonymous for the production of the Hal Jackson Talented Teen, the Miss Antigua Teen Pageant and the National Song Contest, among others, secured the exclusive rights to submit a delegate to this show.
The Executive Body decided to select Ms. Thomas because of her level of preparedness, (having successfully captured a title just a month ago), and her ability to stand toe to toe with other regional beauties.
Ms. Thomas, who is the reigning Ms. Police Queen, and a constable in the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, has started comprehensive and intense rehearsals to prepare her for the big night.
This is the first time in the history of pageantry here in Antigua that a police officer is the national delegate in an overseas ‘civilian’ pageant competition.
This accomplishment would not have been possible had it not been for the blessing and overwhelming support of the Deputy Commissioner of Police of RPFAB.
Her preparation team, led by Creative Director for Talent Incorporated Limited Ckhuerckh Vhann-Kellte, is confident that she will receive the training that is required to steer her to victory. Mr. Vhann-Kellte is also the designer of her competitive wardrobe for the night of competition.
The Miss OECS Pageant 2022 will be hosted under theme “The Caribbean- A Tropical Utopia” and will feature five competitive segments: National Cultural Costume, Swimwear, Performing Talent, Evening Gown and Interview. Ms. Thomas and her delegation departs for Dominica on November 1.
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Three people were robbed of their valuables by five gunmen in broad daylight, and the Police are now investigating the incident, which took place in the Grays Farm area.
Reports are that a Christian Street, Grays Farm, woman and two of her friends were robbed of their phones and cash at gunpoint by five men with hoodies covering their faces.
Further reports are that the trio – two women and a male – were walking from east to west on Christian Street when they were held up by the crew, who demanded that they hand over their money.
One man is described as being of a slim build and very tall, while the others are also said to be of a slim build, but short in stature.
According to reports, the tall bandit was armed with a shiny gun, as was another of the gang, who pointed the weapon at the three pedestrians.
The tall bandit made the demand for money while the other four searched the three victims; they took a large sum of money and a Samsung Galaxy cell phone from the Christian Street woman.
The bandits relieved the male victim of two cell phones and took cash from his girlfriend before they escaped in a southerly direction.
The matter was reported to the Police and a search was carried out in the area for persons fitting the description of the five men. However, neither they nor the items were found.
This offence reportedly occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on October 8.
Meanwhile, Theon Lincoln of Bendals was fined for drug possession in the All Saints Magistrates Court.
Lincoln appeared before Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel-Edwards on a charge of possession of 28 grammes of cannabis.
He pleaded guilty and was fined $1,400, which has to be paid within four months, or, in default, he will serve six weeks at His Majesty’s Prison.
Lincoln, 31, was arrested and charged after officers found him with the illegal drug on October 1 in Carlisle.
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