News
Governor called to look into death of convicted murderer, Alvin Standford
LONDON – JANUARY 10: Amnesty Internation supporters dressed in orange boiler suits hold a night long vigil in a cage outside of the US embassy on January 10, 2008 in London, England. Amnesty International marks the six-year anniversary of the first prisoners being transported to Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. The human rights organisation installs its ‘Guantanamo Cell’ built to the exact dimensions of a cell at Guantanamo. (Photo by Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images)
In a letter to the Governor His Excellency Peter Beckingham, Courtney Barnett of Barnett and Associates charges that his client did not receive the proper medical care during his time in prison and is asking the Governor to look into the matter.
Stanford, originally from Jamaica, was found dead in his cell on Friday morning, prison source say he died from natural causes, some say Stanford’s death was due to negligence; he was serving time for the murder of his wife on December 1st 2008. Bartnett says he “languished in prison for over five years before being brought to trial” and even after being deemed unfit for trial by a psychiatrist, and laws about his confinement, Stanford was still placed in Her Majesty’s prison.
Barnett says Stanford “should have been sent to a hospital for his care, custody and proper treatment as the prison over the years did little more than worsen his already chronic condition…now he is dead”
Section 51 part (1) of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance says “the court shall order him to be conveyed to any hospital or other place for the time being appointed under any law to be a public lunatic asylum or for the reception of criminal lunatics, there to be kept in safe custody until discharged by order of the Governor.”
Barnett believed officials were in breach of the law when Standford was allegedly not taken to special care facility and is calling on Governor Beckingham to look into the matter in his open letter.
PRESS STATEMENT
Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation
The Bahamas, February 6, 2025 – A delegation inclusive of all relevant agencies is meeting with SpaceX officials as The Islands of The Bahamas finalise preparations for the historic landing of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster on February 17.
This landmark moment will make The Bahamas the first international destination to host the Falcon 9 rocket booster landings. This historic event, set to take place off the coast of The Exumas, marks a significant leap for The Bahamas into the realm of space tourism.
The collaboration between Bahamian officials and SpaceX positions The Bahamas as a key player in the growing space tourism industry, with 20 scheduled landings to take place in Bahamian waters on autonomous drone ships. The country will be the exclusive location to witness these remarkable events, offering unique economic opportunities and advancements in technology.
The delegation includes senior representatives from the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, the Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, and the Port Department.
The relevant senior officials will remain on hand during the launch sequence and launch and ascent. They are fully engaged to ensure all safety, regulatory, and operational measures are in place for the scheduled landing. Every effort is being made to facilitate this historic event while maintaining the highest standards.
Further details regarding the landing and related activities will be forthcoming.
The Hon. I. Chester Cooper
Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation
***MEDIA RELEASE***
Turks and Caicos, February 5, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is investigating the discovery of a decomposing body found in the vicinity of Delco Yard, Snake Hill, Blue Hills.
At approximately 7:45 pm on Tuesday, January 15, 2025, officers received information regarding the presence of a body in a ditch near Delco Yard. A team of officers and the TCI Regiment were deployed to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers confirmed the presence of a deceased male wearing black jeans and blue Jordan sneakers. The deceased had a black locks hairstyle. The body was in an advanced state of decomposition.
If you have any information that could assist in identifying the deceased or in the ongoing investigation, please call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 (TIPS).
Information can also be shared via the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Caribbean News
S Hotel Kingston Partners with Bob Marley Foundation to Celebrate Kingston as the Cultural Capital
KINGSTON, JAMAICA, [February 6, 2024] – In celebration of Bob Marley’s 80th birthday, S Hotel Kingston has partnered with the Bob Marley Foundation to launch an immersive “Explore Kingston” initiative, spotlighting the city’s rich cultural heritage. The collaboration features a dynamic new video that showcases Kingston in the world’s music culture.
Widely regarded as the heart of Jamaica’s artistic and musical legacy, Kingston takes center stage in this captivating video, which highlights
iconic sites such as the Bob Marley Museum, Trench Town Culture Yard, Tuff Gong International, and Kingston Creative’s Water Lane Art Walk. The video offers an inspiring glimpse into the city’s cultural essence and its deep connection to reggae music.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Bob Marley Foundation to bring this experience to life,” said Christopher Issa, CEO of S Hotels Jamaica. “This initiative is not only a celebration of Bob Marley’s birthday but also a tribute to the creative spirit that makes Kingston the beating heart of Jamaica.”
S Hotel Kingston embraces this cultural legacy throughout the property. Each room is equipped with a Bob Marley record player. The hotel’s Strings Cafe and Bar features a stunning zinc mural with an impression of Bob Marley, serving as a striking backdrop that pays homage to Kingston’s artistic roots, along with an 8-ft guitar. Additionally, a Bob Marley statue stands as a tribute to the legendary artist, further reinforcing the hotel’s deep connection to Jamaica’s music history.
For more information on S Hotel Kingston, please visit http://www.shotelkingston.com. To view the “Explore Kingston” video, follow S Hotel Kingston on social at @shotelkingstonjm.
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