分类： Society

Gaylon Jones of Mac Pond, All Saints, is appealing to the public to help find her son.

ABS- 25-year old Guyan Anderson has not been since Monday June 30 after being dropped off in the vicinity of the Woods Mall on Friar’s Hill Rd.

He is dark in complexion, approximately 6 feet tall, bald-headed, and clean shaven. His family says he was issued an early release from the Antigua Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) on Monday, carrying a Knapsack.

He made that stop but never arrived home. A report was made to the All Saints Police Station Tuesday evening.

If you have seen Gaylon or know of his whereabouts please call his mother at 772-9855 or WhatsApp 785-6528 or call the All Saints Police Station at 460-1000.

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering and convicted of a prostitution offense.

Sean “Diddy Combs was convicted of a prostitution-related offense but acquitted Wednesday of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put one of hip-hop’s most celebrated figures behind bars for life.

The mixed result came on the third day of deliberations. It could still send Combs, 55, to prison for as long as a decade, and is likely to end his career as a hitmaking music executive, fashion entrepreneur, brand ambassador and reality TV star.

Combs’ defense attorney asks the judge to release his client on bail. “In light of the fact that Mr. Combs is no longer charged with sex trafficking … he should be released,” Marc Agnifilo said. Agnifilo wants Combs to be released today and allowed to return to his Florida home. He says the acquittal on the serious charges demands a change in Combs’ conditions of release. Prosecutors oppose Combs being released on bail.

The Ministry of Works’ Project Implementation Management Unit (PIMU) is advising the general public that single-lane traffic continues to be in effect to facilitate ongoing road infrastructure repairs on the Sir Sydney Walling Highway (SSWH).

Road markings, concrete swales, junctions and bus lay-by installation will continue this week, from Collins Junction westwards, starting daily at approximately 8:00 a.m.

On Old Parham Road, single-lane traffic will be implemented to facilitate the installation of road markings.

Flag persons will be employed, and motorists are encouraged to follow all instructions to ensure a cautious and safe passageway, as heavy-duty equipment will be operating near the works.

C.O. Williams Ltd. sincerely regrets the inconvenience. The road work is a part of the Second Road Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project being carried out by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.

Stakeholders are asked to adjust their travel plans to allow for delays.

Telephone queries can be made by calling the C.O. Williams Project office at 562-9573.

Antigua and Barbuda’s National Youth Parliament Association (NYPAB) will tackle the growing issue of drug misuse among minors during its sitting on 3 July.

The debate will focus on strengthening laws to curb the use of cannabis, tobacco, and other substances by young people. Youth Prime Minister and MP for St John’s City South, Chrysean Jarvis, said the proposed bill seeks to improve enforcement, which remains weak despite existing laws.

“We want to see stricter enforcement and a holistic reduction in drug use among minors,” Jarvis said. “This includes not just cannabis, but tobacco and other substances.”

The legislative proposal also recommends penalties for adults who supply drugs to minors and calls for better-funded rehabilitation programmes aimed at youth.

NYPAB President Jessica Zouetr explained the topic was chosen through a vote among youth MPs, who recognised the urgency of addressing rising drug use.

The sitting will also examine how media and digital platforms influence youth behaviour. Jarvis noted that part of the proposal includes creating a Ministry of Health, Digital Literacy, and Media Awareness to educate both young people and parents.

“We must look at what children consume online — from music videos to social media — and how that impacts their choices,” he added.

The session begins at 9:30 a.m. at Parliament.

UPDATE: Missing person Guyan Anderson, 25, has been safely located and has made contact with family.

The family thanks the public for their assistance in sharing the appeal.

The Ministry of Works wishes to advise the general public that night works shall commence at 6:00 pm tonight in the following areas:

• Long Street

• High Street

The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) will be working on the following streets:

• Independence Avenue

• Thames Street

Please exercise caution, as heavy duty equipment will be in operation.

Road users are asked to adhere to the detours, and follow all instructions provided by employees controlling traffic.

Motorists are also advised to remove their vehicles prior to works.

The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) has issued a stern warning to employers who violate workers’ rights by deducting Social Security contributions from employees’ wages, yet fail to remit those contributions to the Social Security Scheme as required by law.

In letters addressed to the Antigua and Barbuda Employers’ Federation (ABEF) and the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), the ABWU expressed serious concern over the impact of this persistent and troubling practice on workers.

Deputy General Secretary of the ABWU, Chester Hughes said:

“Withholding or delaying these contributions is not only illegal but morally reprehensible! It directly undermines the financial security and future wellbeing of hardworking men and women, including single mothers who have every right to expect that their contributions are being paid and recorded.”

The Union warned that this form of disenfranchisement has long-term consequences for workers, especially those nearing retirement or who may be forced to rely on benefits due to illness, injury, or unemployment.

“Many employees only discover the non-payment after trying to make a claim in times of great need. This betrayal erodes workers’ financial security and undermines public confidence in both employers and the social protection system.”

The ABWU is calling on the ABEF and the ABHTA to take immediate action by urging its members to comply with the laws governing Social Security contributions. The Union is also appealing to the Government and the Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board to step up enforcement efforts and hold delinquent employers accountable.

“This should include more robust inspection protocols, stiffer penalties for non-compliance, and public disclosure of offending employers,” the letter detailed.

The ABWU stands ready to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that this matter is addressed with the urgency and seriousness it demands.

Journalist Elesha George has joined ABS as a senior news producer and reporter, following her departure from the Observer Media Group.

Originally from Dominica, George built her reputation in Antigua and Barbuda with her environmental reporting and now runs the online platforms Island Press Box and Wadadli Unplugged. Colleagues described her as an invaluable presence in the newsroom.

She is joined at ABS by Samantha Simon, former social media manager at Observer, who now serves as a reporter and social media coordinator.

The moves reflect a broader trend of experienced journalists exiting the once-prominent Observer Media Group.

The police conducted multiple mobile patrols across the island on Wednesday, covering several communities and residential areas.

During the course of the operation, several vehicles were stopped and searched, resulting in the arrest of a Fort Road man on suspicion of Fraud, while two men from Grays Farm were taken into custody for questioning on suspicion of robbery.

The police also intercepted a vehicle along Bendals Road with two occupants. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a large quantity of cannabis. Both occupants of Jennings were arrested and later charged for unlawful possession of cannabis.

The driver of a blue Yamaha motorcycle was also arrested for several traffic violations. He was taken into custody and the motorcycle was seized and taken to Police Headquarters.

Additionally, the police recovered a white Toyota Noah motor van that was previously reported stolen. It was discovered abandoned in bushes in the Liberta area. The vehicle was towed to Police Headquarters for further investigation.

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity by contacting the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or by calling the Crimestoppers Hotline at 800-TIPS (8477).

Renovation work has begun on the historic Deluxe Cinema in St John’s as the government moves to transform the venue into a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Facility, officials have confirmed.

Education Minister Daryll Matthew, speaking on the Browne and Browne radio programme, said the upgrades are part of wider efforts to expand the country’s creative industries.

The development is part of the government’s broader strategy to modernise post-secondary education and create formal pathways for careers in the arts and cultural sectors.

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