A mother in the Dominican Republic seeks justice for her murdered daughter, while activists in Jamaica prepare for a legal fight to retain access to their beaches. Meanwhile, a powerful earthquake in the Philippines has caused significant geological changes, raising concerns about the environment and marine life.

Mother Seeks Justice in Dominican Republic Retrial
Shirley Firth, a 94-year-old mother from Cambridgeshire, is hopeful for a retrial in the murder case of her daughter, Lindsay de Feliz, a 64-year-old author whose body was discovered in a shallow grave in December 2019 in the Dominican Republic. The acquittal of de Feliz's husband, Danilo Feliz Torres, and two others in a previous trial has prompted an appeal to the country’s supreme court, leading to a new trial before a different panel of judges. Firth expressed her astonishment and hope for the presentation of new evidence, emphasizing her daughter's kindness and generosity. De Feliz had moved to the Dominican Republic in pursuit of a new life and had expressed fears for her safety before her death.

Jamaican Campaigners Fight for Beach Access
In Jamaica, the Jamaica Beach Birthright Environmental Movement (Jabbem) is set to challenge the government's plans to privatize several beaches, arguing that such actions deprive local communities of vital resources. Campaigners contend that the government’s actions favor wealthy hotel chains at the expense of local livelihoods. The legal battle will focus on five beaches, including Mammee Bay and Little Dunn’s River, with the first court case commencing soon. Devon Taylor, Jabbem's founder, highlighted the significance of the sea for local food sources and economic survival, while others echoed concerns about the impact of beach closures on their livelihoods.

Philippines Earthquake Causes Coastal Uplift
A devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern Mindanao in the Philippines, resulting in at least 61 fatalities and leaving 40 individuals missing. The earthquake has caused the seabed to rise by up to 2 meters, exposing coral reefs and endangering marine life. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that the seismic activity has extended the shoreline in some areas by as much as 200 meters. Environmental officials noted that the uplift has led to the death of numerous aquatic organisms, raising concerns among residents about potential poisoning from decaying sea life.

Wrap-up
As legal battles unfold in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica over justice and environmental rights, the aftermath of a powerful earthquake in the Philippines serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by communities worldwide. These events highlight the ongoing struggles for justice, access to resources, and the protection of the environment.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team