April 21, 2025 – New York: The United Nations expressed deep sorrow at the passing of Pope Francis, who died peacefully at the age of 88. In remarks delivered to the press, the Secretary-General extended heartfelt condolences to Catholics and all those touched by the Pope’s life and message.

“Pope Francis was a messenger of hope, humility and humanity,” the UN leader said, praising the pontiff’s unwavering dedication to peace, social justice, and compassion. He noted that Francis transcended religious boundaries, working across faiths to foster dialogue, understanding, and solidarity.

The Secretary-General emphasized the Pope’s strong alignment with the UN’s mission, particularly in his advocacy for the poor, displaced, and marginalized. “He leaves behind a legacy of faith and service to others — especially those trapped by conflict and poverty.”

He also recalled the Pope’s environmental leadership, calling his moral framing of climate action “a responsibility that belongs to every person.”

Touching on Pope Francis’ final Easter message, delivered just a day before his death, the Secretary-General highlighted his call to resist the “logic of fear” and instead embrace “weapons of peace” — helping the vulnerable, ending hunger, and promoting global development.

“In these divided times,” he concluded, “our world would be stronger, kinder, and more united if we lived by his example.” Pope Francis’ death marks the end of a remarkable era in spiritual leadership.

April 21, 2025 – Today, I join the global community in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a spiritual shepherd whose life was marked by humility, courage, and a deep commitment to humanity.

I recall with great reverence my meeting with the Holy Father. In our exchange, his heart for the poor and suffering, his compassion for the displaced people of Haiti, and his concern for the existential threat of climate change revealed a man of profound faith who understood the urgency of justice in our time.

Pope Francis went beyond leading the Catholic Church he opened its doors wider. His papacy re-centered the Church’s moral voice on the teachings of Jesus Christ: love without exception, mercy without condition, and service without reward. He reminded us that the Church must walk with the wounded, speak for the voiceless, and care above all for the poor.

As the world reflects on his legacy, we remember his call to be stewards of the Earth and protectors of the vulnerable. In the Caribbean, where the impacts of climate change are felt daily, his voice was among the loudest calling for equity and responsibility. And in Haiti, he never turned away from suffering—he insisted we look closer, act bolder, and love deeper.

Ann and I, together with the people of The Bahamas, extend our deepest condolences to the Catholic faithful, to the people of the Vatican, and to all those touched by Pope Francis’ remarkable ministry. May his soul rest in peace, and may we honour him best by living lives rooted in compassion and service.

Wilkie Arthur

Eagle Legal News

Tuesday, April 15, 2025 – Turks and Caicos Islands – In the early hours of Wednesday, April 9, 2025, a former police officer in the Turks and Caicos Islands was the victim of a terrifying robbery and kidnapping in the Dock Yard area, Eagle Legal News Media has learned.

Shortly after 3:00 a.m., the victim had just dropped off his girlfriend near Bible Street (Behind Mara) and returned to his vehicle when he was confronted by a lone, masked man armed with a firearm. The attacker, described as aggressive and agitated, demanded the victim’s wallet, phone, and other valuables. The victim, trying to remain calm, complied. His wallet reportedly contained over $1,000 in cash.

Despite giving up his belongings, the gunman continued to threaten him, demanding more money and pressing the firearm to the victim’s head and body. The victim described the ordeal as intense, saying he felt as if the bullets were already tearing through him due to the attacker’s inexplicable rage.

Although he considered using his police training to subdue the attacker, the victim noticed other men nearby observing the situation without intervening. Concerned for his life, he instead came up with a plan: he told the robber he could take him to an ATM to withdraw more cash.

“I felt like he was going to kill me for more money,” the victim said. “So I told him we could go to the ATM, even though I knew it was closed, just to get out of Dock Yard and buy myself a chance to survive.”

The assailant agreed, and the two drove to a nearby ATM, with the victim behind the wheel and the gunman keeping the firearm aimed at him the entire time, threatening him with violent language. When they arrived and found the ATM closed, the victim seized his moment.

“As soon as I stepped out of the car, I ran like Usain Bolt,” he recounted, “I tore through the bushes straight to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.”

There, he hid in the brush for a time before emerging to seek help. He contacted authorities from the hospital, where he was treated for minor cuts and bruises sustained during his escape.

Thankfully, he was not shot.

The former officer described his assailant as a male with a mixed Jamaican-Haitian accent who spoke fluent English. The man reportedly told him he was hungry and desperate for money.

He recalled the gunman saying, “If you don’t get me more money, I’ll kill you.”

The assailant fled the scene in the victim’s car, which was later recovered by police in Dock Yard. As of this report, no arrests have been made.

The victim contacted Eagle Legal News after seeing no official police report released about the incident.