作者： admin

DAILY OBSERVER: The judge who sentenced a teenager to three years in prison for murdering a Syrian businessman has issued stark warnings about youth violence in his written ruling, describing the convicted minor as “a disaster waiting to happen”.

The defendant, who was 16 when he fatally shot the 25-year-old Syrian national during a daylight robbery, received the maximum sentence allowed for a minor. He was already on bail for gun charges when he committed the murder.

In his written judgement, Justice Tunde Bakre expressed deep concern about what he called “the sudden surge in the wave of violent crime being perpetrated by these children” when he sentenced the 18-year-old for the May 2023 killing.

“I am not unaware of the potential danger being unleashed on the society of Antigua and Barbuda with this light sentence passed on this convict,” Justice Bakre stated.

The judge noted that while the law defines such offenders as children, “their acts and deeds are not anywhere near that of a child. They have become a menace to the entire society and something urgently has to be done.”

He emphasized the severity of the situation, stating: “The main essence of government is to protect the citizens and there must be more concerted effort at doing this to rid the society of this impending danger by supporting the youths to make their life more meaningful.”

Justice Bakre called for urgent collaborative government action by the three organs of government – the legislators, the executive and the judiciary – “to immediately nip this in the bud before it gets out of hand”.

The judge’s concerns about the specific defendant were particularly pointed.

Bakre said, “Unless something drastic is done to keep this particular convict in check, he can best be described as a disaster waiting to happen. This young boy does not strike me as a person that has learnt any lesson despite the fact that a life was lost.”

The written ruling reveals troubling details from a Social Inquiry (SI) report. The report described the defendant as “totally unremorseful and indifferent to the situation he has found himself” and noted he was “described as badly behaved and untrustworthy by members of the community”.

According to the SI, the defendant lost his mother at age six and “has really turned to be a menace to the community”. The report blamed his father for not properly caring for the defendant and his 12 siblings, while community members also criticized his grandmother for indulging him despite negative reports.

The court also noted: “Blames were traded between the father and his grandmother on who actually was at fault between them on the way the defendant has turned out; the defendant has totally become a menace to the entire society.”

On the other hand, the victim impact report highlighted the devastating effect on the deceased’s family. The Syrian businessman was described as the breadwinner supporting his family, including a brother who was a medical student. The victim was about to marry his fiancée, whose mental health was severely affected by his death, requiring treatment at a mental facility in Syria.

Justice Bakre concluded with advice to the family: “It is advised that the family members should make every effort to rehabilitate him before the whole issues becomes too late.”

The judge in the end gave the accused the maximum sentence for a minor and ruled that the 550 days that the defendant spent on remand will be deducted from his sentence. Upon release, he faces strict conditions including twice-weekly police station sign-ins and a 7pm to 7am curfew for one year.

His co-accused, who is in his 20s, is still awaiting arraignment in connection with the case.

The Ministry of Works has reported a significant surge in road rehabilitation efforts during July, with expanded operations carried out across dozens of communities. The announcement, part of the Ministry’s monthly “Road Recap,” highlights a month of intensified activity involving the national quarry, concrete plant, and field teams working around the clock.

Officials say the accelerated works are part of a long-term commitment to improve both community roadways and critical transport arteries. Despite facing challenges such as sand shortages, equipment failures, and utility disruptions, the Ministry said it remains firmly focused on delivering what it calls a “road revolution.”

Looking ahead, the Ministry revealed plans are underway for major upgrades to All Saints Road and several other high-traffic corridors. Preparations currently include detailed project planning and the vetting of contractors to ensure quality and efficiency in the execution of these works.

In its statement, the Ministry expressed gratitude to Minister Maria Browne, technical staff, contractors—including C.O. Williams—as well as agencies such as APUA and the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board for their cooperation and support. The public was also thanked for its continued patience.

“As we press forward, our aim is to deliver more resilient roads and enhance the daily commuting experience for all,” the Ministry noted.

Photos shared by the Ministry offered a glimpse into the scale of ongoing operations, though officials emphasized they represent just a portion of the wider efforts under way.

Peetron Thomas is proving that passion and creativity, when combined with purpose, can create a powerful impact in a community. What began as the Work Fu Um! initiative has grown from an inspiring book, into a vibrant motivational groovy soca song, and now, to a fully-fledged cultural summer camp that is empowering the youth of Antigua and Barbuda.

This year, Peetron, already celebrated for making it to the semifinals of the Soca Monarch competition, continues to expand his influence beyond the music stage. Driven by his deep passion for humanitarian efforts, culture, and youth development, he is leading the Work Fu Um! Summer Camp, a cultural program designed to nurture creativity, build confidence, and develop skills in young people.

The motto of the camp echoes a powerful message from the preface of the Work Fu Um! book and the opening verse of the initiative’s motivational groovy soca track:

“Once you believe in yourself, you can achieve it. Just keep on trying, trying, don’t stop believing. Work hard every day and you will see your dreams become reality.”

“This is more than just a camp,” says Peetron Thomas. “It is a movement, a space where culture, education, motivation, history, and preparedness come together to give our youth the tools they need to succeed and shine.”

The Work Fu Um! Summer Camp, now in its second successful year, runs from August 6th to 29th at Sun City at Anchorage Inn. The camp offers a rich program blending arts, culture, technology, and wellness. Participants receive music lessons, vocal training, poetry workshops, film and media exposure, cultural education, career guidance, back-to-school preparation, and fun activities like pool parties and field trips.

This year, Peetron also served as Deputy Chair of the Junior Calypso Monarch Subcommittee, a role through which he mentored and vocally arranged songs for three emerging young artists. This position has sparked a stronger passion in him to push cultural development even further. Reflecting that spirit, the camp will include a talent competition where youngsters will have the opportunity to perform and win prizes, encouraging growth and celebrating young talent.

“Work Fu Um! is about giving young people a voice, a purpose, and a sense of pride in who they are,” Peetron explains. “It is about creating opportunities for growth through culture and creativity.”

Parents can register their children for the full month-long program at a cost of $350, which includes daily lunch. A school bus will be provided daily for camper pickup at the School Bus Terminal at East Bus Station, ensuring easy and safe transportation.

As the Work Fu Um! movement continues to grow, Peetron Thomas shows how dedication to culture, youth development, and motivation can transform lives and shape a brighter future for the nation’s youth.

For registration or more information, parents are encouraged to Call or WhatsApp 775-1595 and ask for Mr. Peetron Thomas.

A resident of Yorks is appealing to the public and authorities for urgent assistance in identifying a burglar who broke into her home in the early hours of Friday, 18 July, and stole two television sets.

The homeowner told _Antigua.news_ that the burglary took place between 4:15 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. while she was away from the property. The intruder, reportedly wearing Clarks shoes, long black trousers, and a black-and-white sweater, is believed to have been armed with a sharp object.

According to the victim, the individual gained access to the house through the backyard, disabled a security camera, and left the rear door open after fleeing the scene. Although the house was unoccupied for only a brief period, the thief appeared to target only the televisions, leaving other valuables behind.

The resident said this is at least the second break-in at her home and expressed frustration over what she described as police inaction. She claims officers had previously committed to reviewing security footage but have yet to act on that promise.

Police in Antigua and Barbuda are investigating an alleged sexual assault involving a tourist at a local hotel, authorities have said.

The complainant, a 26-year-old woman, told police she was sexually assaulted by a male hotel employee on the evening of 28 July.

The victim and her 24-year-old female companion arrived in Antigua and Barbuda on 27 July and checked into the hotel the same evening.

According to police, the two women were socialising in the hotel’s bar area where they interacted with several hotel employees.

The victim reportedly told one employee she felt unwell. He allegedly offered to take her to her room but instead led her to another room in the hotel, where the assault is said to have taken place.

Authorities said the woman managed to return to the lobby area, where she reunited with her friend who had been searching for her.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident. No arrests have been made, and inquiries continue.