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Shaka O’Neal a surprise pick on BCA board

Philip Spooner
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Shaka O’Neal a surprise pick on BCA board

In a surprising election result last night, Shaka O’Neal landed a place on the board of directors of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA).

The 37-year-old, who is a member of the Central Cricket Club, secured 38 votes as the membership of the island’s leading sporting body elected him to serve a two-year term.

The other candidate elected was veteran administrator Clement Depeiza who got 57 votes and will serve another two-year term.

The third candidate in the race was Dr Rudy Alleyne who garnered 26 votes at the 24th annual special meeting of members held at the 3Ws Stand at Kensington Oval.

O’Neal, a former student of Combermere School, works as a medical laboratory technologist. He was a virtual unknown in cricket administration circles before he entered the race, but was visible in the build up to the elections and convinced the membership that he should be given the nod to serve.

He said his focus was on grassroots and development arms of the sport.

There were other positions contested during the elections with the members being re-elected unopposed. Those were Greaves as vice president, Jason King as treasurer and Jo-Ann Haynes as secretary for a one-year term. (PS)

Haiti PM says elections will be held in 2026

Sherrylyn Clarke
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Haiti PM says elections will be held in 2026

Port Au Prince, Haiti – Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé says the “the elections will take place this year, no matter what” as the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) has announced the publication of the final list of approved political groups.

The CEP has scheduled the first round of long-awaited presidential and legislative elections, alongside a constitutional referendum, for December 13, this year, marking the first time Haitians will be casting ballots since 2016 when President Jovenel Moise was elected. Moise was later assassinated on July 7, 2021.

The preliminary results are expected to be published December 19, with final results for the first round scheduled for January 9, 2027. A second round of presidential and legislative elections, along with local elections, is scheduled for February 21, 2027 with final results for the second round of presidential and legislative elections scheduled for March 7, with final local election results expected March 12.

The electoral campaign for the first round is scheduled to begin October 5 and run through December 12. The campaign for the second round is scheduled for January 10 through February 20, 2027.

The CEP said that 17 out of the 18 political groups, representing 228 political parties have received approval to contest the polls.

The CEP is reminding the public that the registration period for political groups closes this Friday at 5 p.m. (local time) in accordance with the current electoral calendar.

The CEP also announced that that 36 new registration centres have been added to the list of 29 already operational in the West Department in its efforts to bring registration services closer to the population to facilitate their participation in the electoral process.

A CEP delegation is due to visit several countries with large Haitian populations next week, including the United States, Canada, France, Chile, and Brazil. The objective is to assess the situation regarding the Haitian diaspora’s participation in the upcoming elections. (CMC)

Luigi Mangione admits to killing UnitedHealthcare CEO

Sherrylyn Clarke
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Luigi Mangione admits to killing UnitedHealthcare CEO

Luigi Mangione has admitted to killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson after pleading guilty to federal charges of interstate stalking resulting in death.

“I shot Mr Thompson in Manhattan and he died,” the 28-year-old admitted in Manhattan federal court on Friday.

Thompson, a 50-year-old father of two, was shot from behind on December 4, 2024 as he walked into a hotel in midtown Manhattan. Following the plea hearing, his family issued a statement calling it “an important step toward justice for Brian and for our family”.

Mangione faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. He also faces state charges, although his lawyers are seeking to get those dismissed following his guilty plea.

Mangione had initially pleaded not guilty in both the federal and state cases against him for the shooting death of Thompson.

At a hearing in Manhattan federal court on Friday, Mangione’s lawyers announced that he intended to plead guilty to the two federal charges against him.

Wearing a beige prison outfit, Mangione appeared solemn and serious throughout the hearing.

Reading a statement aloud to the court, he admitted to planning the attack ahead of time, crossing state lines with the intent to kill and using a gun he printed on a 3-D-printer and then equipping it with a silencer and magazine.

He told the court that he was driven to kill Thompson because of his experience with the healthcare system “after years of enduring severe pains from a broken back”.

Mangione stated that he had learned UnitedHealthcare would hold an annual investor conference in Manhattan in December 2024.

He then travelled to New York for the event, he told the court.

He also said he emailed UnitedHealthcare prior to the conference “posing as an investor” and asking questions about the event.

“I emailed UnitedHealthcare with the intent to shoot Brian Thompson,” Mangione said in his statement. “On the morning of Dec. 4, 2024 I shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan in his back.”

The sentencing for the federal charges is scheduled for 18 December.

Brian Thompson’s family said in a statement that they will continue to seek justice in both New York state and Pennsylvania, where Mangione was arrested.

“While nothing will ease the pain of losing him, we are grateful that the federal justice system has held the person responsible for this heinous act accountable.

“Now we look to the court to ensure that sentencing reflects the severity of this crime,” the family added. (BBC)

Suarez Circus left in limbo

Maria Bradshaw
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Suarez Circus left in limbo

A senior official with the Suarez Brothers Circus has described the abrupt Government ordered shutdown of their Botanical Gardens operation as a confusing and financially devastating blow, insisting they had solved the water issues officials cited for the closure.

Speaking with the Weekend Nation yesterday, circus management, who asked not to be identified, revealed they are currently in limbo waiting for Government confirmation to relocate to a new venue after being forced to close their doors just one day after opening. He confirmed that they were informed about the possibility of utilising the Garrison race track grounds, but said they had not received anything in writing as yet.

The closure has left a contingent of more than 50 international staff, as well as several local hires, stranded and the company facing massive losses. Management estimates the financial toll is staggering, noting that Barbados is “one of the most expensive islands in the Caribbean”.

“For bringing the equipment, to pay customs, to pay the port, the work permit, the logistics for transport, all the equipment here, where the people are living, I mean, apartments, hotels, buy tickets . . . we have a very big investment in Barbados,” the official said.

“I don’t calculate it yet and I don’t want to do it now, really,” he said.

The Government said the event was shut down last Sunday because of a lack of water on the Belle, St Michael site. However, circus management strongly disputed this, stating they had proactively arranged water tanks, hired a private water truck and made an agreement with a neighbour to supply water. (MB)

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UPDATE: Accused granted bail

Sherrylyn Clarke
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UPDATE: Accused granted bail

Randy Phillip Phillips was granted $3 000 bail and given two dates to return to court.

Phillips, 30, of Reece Road, Brittons Hill, St Michael, appeared before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant in the Holetown Magistrates’ Court earlier today.

He was not required to plead to the indictable offences of meeting a minor after sexual grooming on May 21 and sexual intercourse with a minor on August 10.

He is scheduled to reappear on November 6, 2026.

The matter of sexual intercourse with a minor was transferred to the District ‘A’ Criminal Court #1, to be heard on August 19.  (PR/SAT)

Danger to society’ remanded

Heather-Lynn Evanson
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Danger to society’ remanded

Declaring that Jeffrey David Yearwood was “a clear and present danger to society”, Chief Magistrate Douglas Frederick remanded him to prison when he appeared in the District “A” Magistrates’ Court Thursday on an indecent assault charge.

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State pushing for forfeiture of US$24 943 seized at airport

Heather-Lynn Evanson
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State pushing for forfeiture of US$24 943 seized at airport

The State wants Gregston Ricardo Orlando Sealy to forfeit every cent of the US$24 943 he was caught with at Grantley Adams International Airport four years ago.

His attorney, however, wants otherwise.

The two sides will put forward their arguments in December when Sealy reappears in the District “A” Magistrates’ Court.

The Commissioner of Police has brought an application for forfeiture against Sealy, of Civilian Road, Bush Hall, St Michael, in relation to the sum of US$24 943 and BDS$44. The application falls under the Proceeds And Instrumentalities Of Crime Act.

He had pleaded guilty, on November 13, 2024, to the charge that on April 9, 2022, he attempted to export the money from Barbados to Jamaica without the requisite authorisation in contravention of the Exchange Control Act.

He told the court he had accumulated the money to build a house for his girlfriend in Jamaica, but could not say the name of the woman.

Chief Magistrate Douglas Frederick, then a magistrate, had ordered him to forfeit US$12 000 of the money, after he had taken into consideration Sealy’s guilty plea, the aggravating and mitigating circumstances, and the provisions under the Penal System Reform Act.

Yesterday, Deputy Solicitor General Marsha Lougheed told the court she had filed an application for forfeiture of the entire sum on April 24, 2024, which predated Sealy’s guilty plea.

“We don’t believe we should be returning any money to Mr Sealy,” she said, adding Sealy’s guilty plea only strengthened the State’s case.

Lougheed said the State had also brought a civil application against Sealy.

Attorney Andrew Willoughby, who is challenging the application, informed the court that a matter of money laundering, against Sealy, had been withdrawn by the prosecution.

In the end, Chief Magistrate Frederick adjourned the application until December 7. (HLE)

High winds as tropical wave approaches Barbados

Sherrylyn Clarke
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High winds as tropical wave approaches Barbados

A tropical wave approaching Barbados remains disorganised, and are no tropical storm watches or warnings in effect associated with this system at this time.

The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) continues to closely monitor the wave located around 54/58W (290 miles/500 km ESE of Barbados) at 11 a.m. today.

This feature has remained relatively disorganised over the past 12 hours as dry air and unfavorable upper-level winds continue to significantly impact its development of the system. There is no possibility of tropical cyclone development as it affects Barbados.

However, a high wind advisory as well as a small craft and high-surf warning remains in effect for the island.

Windspeed across Barbados and its marine space have increased today. These strong winds are generating choppy sea conditions along the coastlines and in open water. Additionally, swell heights have increased as a direct result of these winds and are forecast to further deteriorate into tonight.

Sea conditions are currently 2.5 to 3.0m and are expected to further deteriorate to 2.5 to 3.5m in open water tonight and into Saturday. Additionally, wind speeds between 25 and 30 knots are expected to persist today, increasing tonight to 30 to 35 knots.

The approaching tropical wave is generating winds of 25 to 30 knots (45 to 55 km/h) with gusts of up to 37 knots recorded during the morning. As the axis of the waves traverses the island overnight, winds will remain strong from 25 to 33 knots (45 to 60 km/h),
with higher gusts, especially during moderate to intense shower activity. As the wave moves westwards, a gradual reduction in wind speeds
is expected on Sunday.

Additionally, cloudiness and showers will begin to gradually increase late this afternoon with peak shower activity expected tonight into tomorrow, Saturday. A general reduction in impacts is expected Saturday night into Sunday, however, excess rainfall and thunderstorms could result in flash-flood and severe thunderstorm watches or warnings being issued in association with this tropical wave.

A second tropical wave is located near 36W (1390 miles/2500km) east of Barbados in the eastern Atlantic and is expected to be in a marginally conducive environment as it tracks westwards over the next few days.

Residents are advised to monitor the BMS. (PR/SAT)

Man charged with having sex with a minor

Sherrylyn Clarke
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Man charged with having sex with a minor

UPDATE:

Randy Phillip Phillips was granted $3 000 bail and given two dates to return to court.

Phillips, 30, of Reece Road, Brittons Hill, St Michael, appeared before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant in the Holetown Magistrates’ Court earlier today.

He was not required to plead to the indictable offences of meeting a minor after sexual grooming on May 21 and sexual intercourse with a minor on August 10.

He is scheduled to reappear on November 6, 2026.

The matter of sexual intercourse with a minor was transferred to the District ‘A’ Criminal Court #1, to be heard on August 19.

***

Randy Phillip Phillips is scheduled to appear in court today to answer charges of meeting a minor after sexual grooming and sexual intercourse with a minor.

The 30 year old of Reece Road, Brittons Hill, St Michael, was arrested and charged with the offences.

The first incident is alleged to have occurred on May 21 in the Holetown Division and the second in the Hastings/Worthing Division on August 10.

Phillips is scheduled to appear in the Holetown Magistrates’ Court today. (PR/SAT)

Wanted: Kemar Wharton

Nationnews Desk
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Wanted: Kemar Wharton

The Barbados Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Kemar Stephen Romel Wharton, alias “Moose”, who is wanted for questioning in connection with a serious criminal matter.

Wharton, whose last known address is #34 Sundance South, Buckley Meadows, St George, is about 5 feet 11 inches tall, with a brown complexion, long face, big nose and slim build.

He has two teardrop tattoos under his left eye and another teardrop tattoo under his right eye. The word “Dog” is tattooed on his right forearm, while the words “Rest in peace in loving memory of Rydel” are tattooed on his right arm.

Wharton is advised that he can present himself to the District ‘A’ Police Station at Station Hill, St Michael, accompanied by an attorney-at-law of his choice.

Anyone who knows his whereabouts is asked to contact the District ‘A’ Police Station at 430-7242 or 430-7270, Police Emergency at 211, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or the nearest police station.

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