The families of UNC councillor Romona Victor and her husband Rodney Ramsumair, who were tragically found dead in their Siparia home, have appealed to the public to refrain from speculating about the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The couple was discovered by Victor’s father on November 23 around 3:30 pm at their residence on Coora Road. Upon entering, he found their decomposing bodies lying motionless on a bed and immediately alerted his other daughter, who subsequently contacted the police. Officers arrived to find Victor covered with a blanket and Ramsumair lying beside her with froth on his face. Speaking to Newsday at the Forensic Science Centre in St. James on November 24, Ramsumair’s father expressed the family’s confusion and distress, stating, ‘We don’t know exactly what happened or how it reached to that.’ He acknowledged that while the couple had occasional disagreements, there was no indication of anything as extreme as the speculated murder-suicide. He emphasized that both families remain united and urged the public to cease spreading unverified theories, particularly on social media, as it exacerbates their grief. ‘People saying all kinds of things and posting things all over social media. They need to stop that because they don’t know what happened either for sure,’ he said. The families are awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of death.
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Opposition Leader Mark Golding pays tribute to cultural icon Jimmy Cliff
Mark Golding, the leader of Jamaica’s opposition, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Jimmy Cliff, a monumental figure in Jamaican music and culture. Golding’s heartfelt tribute emphasized Cliff’s unique contributions to music and his global influence that transcended generations and borders. He described Cliff’s voice as unparalleled and his career as extraordinary, marking him as a pivotal figure in the evolution of Jamaican popular music. Cliff’s role in the 1972 film ‘The Harder They Come’ was highlighted as a significant milestone that brought reggae to a worldwide audience. Golding also celebrated Cliff’s impact in South America, particularly in Brazil, where he helped popularize reggae and expanded its global reach. Furthermore, Golding lauded Cliff’s enduring songwriting and his role as a musical rebel who used his art to advocate for social justice and inspire empowerment. The tribute concluded with a poignant reflection on Cliff’s memorable performance during Jamaica’s 1998 World Cup campaign, which galvanized the nation. Golding’s final words were a message of gratitude, honoring Cliff’s legacy and the indelible mark he left on the world.
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RIU says it will reopen all Jamaica hotels before year-end
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, international hotel chain RIU has taken a proactive role in the recovery of the island’s tourism sector. With its hotels already prepared to resume operations, RIU has prioritized both employee welfare and community support as part of its comprehensive recovery strategy.
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PM urges climate action at G20, meets with IMF and World Bank over hurricane devastation
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness seized the platform at the G20 summit to issue a dire warning about the escalating threat of climate change, highlighting the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, one of the most intense Atlantic storms in history. Holness emphasized that for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean, climate change poses an existential crisis, capable of undoing decades of developmental progress and destabilizing national economies in a single event.
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PJ Patterson hails Jimmy Cliff as iconic pioneer and creative genius
Jamaica mourns the loss of Jimmy Cliff, a towering figure in the nation’s music and film industry, who passed away at the age of 81. Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson, a close associate of Cliff, paid tribute to the legendary artist, describing him as a creative genius whose work aimed to inspire and empower people. Cliff, born James Chambers, was a multifaceted talent whose career spanned genres like ska, rocksteady, and reggae, leaving an indelible mark on Jamaican culture. Patterson, who shared a personal connection with Cliff through their alma mater, Somerton Elementary School in St. James, highlighted the artist’s enduring legacy. Cliff was honored with Jamaica’s prestigious Order of Merit (OM) in 2003, a testament to his contributions to the arts. His role in the 1972 cult classic film *The Harder They Come* not only elevated his career but also cemented the movie as a cornerstone of Jamaica’s cinematic history. Over his illustrious career, Cliff released 11 albums, including *Hard Road* (1967), *Wonderful World, Beautiful People* (1970), and *The Harder They Come* (1972), each showcasing his versatility and artistic brilliance. His passing marks the end of an era for Jamaican music and film, but his legacy continues to inspire generations.
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Jamaica Labour Party lauds Jimmy Cliff
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Jimmy Cliff, a towering figure in reggae music, celebrated actor, and cultural ambassador. Born James Chambers on July 30, 1944, Cliff passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 81, leaving behind an indelible legacy that transcends generations. Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, Chairman of the JLP’s Communication Taskforce, paid tribute to Cliff’s monumental contributions to music and global consciousness. ‘Jimmy Cliff is undeniably a legend,’ Fitz-Henley remarked. ‘His music not only shaped the reggae genre but also inspired countless individuals worldwide. His work will continue to resonate with future generations.’ Cliff’s impact was recognized during his lifetime through numerous honors, including Jamaica’s Order of Merit, the renaming of a road in St. James in his honor, and special recognition during the Jamaica 55 commemoration. Fitz-Henley extended the JLP’s heartfelt condolences to Cliff’s family, emphasizing the profound sadness felt across Jamaica. ‘We celebrate Jimmy Cliff’s life and his enduring legacy, which has left an indelible mark on our culture and the world,’ he concluded.
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Miss Universe Organisation addresses ‘speculation’ surrounding Miss Jamaica
The Miss Universe Organisation has released an official statement addressing widespread speculation surrounding Dr. Gabrielle Henry, Miss Universe Jamaica 2025, following her unfortunate fall from the stage during the Miss Universe competition last week. The organisation has maintained strict confidentiality regarding specific medical details to respect Dr. Henry and her family’s privacy. Updates on her condition will be shared exclusively by her family or Dr. Henry herself when deemed appropriate. Raúl Rocha, representing the organisation, outlined the immediate actions taken after the incident. He personally assisted Dr. Henry onstage, coordinated urgent medical care, and ensured her swift transfer to a hospital. A team of medical specialists was subsequently engaged to provide comprehensive evaluation and monitoring. The organisation has covered all associated expenses, including hotel accommodations for her family, rebooked airline tickets, transportation, and assigned a dedicated staff member to support the family throughout this challenging period. Over the past four days, Dr. Henry faced several difficult moments and unexpected concerns, but each issue was effectively resolved through the medical care she received. According to the latest medical report, Dr. Henry is now in good health and is expected to be discharged from the hospital soon. The statement also addressed circulating rumors, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to sharing only essential updates with professionalism, sensitivity, and respect. ‘We are grateful that she is now close to being released from the hospital,’ Rocha stated.
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‘Jamaica has lost a giant’: PNP mourns Jimmy Cliff
Kingston, Jamaica — The global music community is in mourning following the passing of reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, who died on Monday at the age of 81. His family confirmed that the iconic musician succumbed to pneumonia after suffering a seizure. The Opposition People’s National Party of Jamaica has joined the nation and the international community in expressing profound grief over the loss of this cultural giant.
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IDA to reveal THA election candidates
The Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA) has announced its intention to compete in all 15 electoral districts during the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election. Dr. Denise Tsoiafatt Angus, the IDA’s political leader, revealed that the party’s candidates will be unveiled by the end of November. This announcement follows the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) completing its candidate screening process, with its nominees expected to be disclosed shortly. Meanwhile, the People’s National Movement (PNM) has been introducing its candidates through its Community Conversations series, which concludes on November 25. The IDA expressed enthusiasm about its diverse and community-driven candidate selection process, emphasizing its commitment to grassroots democracy and inclusive leadership. The party highlighted that candidates are recommended by local communities rather than chosen by party executives, ensuring they genuinely represent the people’s interests. Additionally, the IDA has been enhancing its members’ leadership skills through workshops like ‘Reset to Rise: Unleash the Leader,’ aimed at fostering a new generation of competent and visionary leaders. Other parties, including the Tobago Liberation Movement and Unity of the People, have also signaled their participation in the THA election, while the Progressive Democratic Patriots’ stance remains uncertain.
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Art of the deal failure vs Venezuela
In a recent interview, philosopher and mathematician Darryl Naranjit provided a critical analysis of the US military build-up near Venezuela and its implications for global geopolitics. Drawing parallels to Winston Churchill’s decisive stance during World War II, Naranjit emphasized the resilience of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in the face of prolonged US pressure. He dismissed Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s optimistic view that Maduro would capitulate under US aggression, labeling it as delusional. Naranjit argued that Maduro’s unwavering commitment to Venezuela’s sovereignty over its oil resources makes any such capitulation unlikely.
Naranjit further contextualized the US-Venezuela conflict within the broader struggle between a unipolar world dominated by the US and an emerging multipolar world order represented by BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). He highlighted the historical significance of the Caribbean, where the Western world order began with Columbus’s arrival over 500 years ago. Naranjit suggested that the current aggression against Venezuela could mark the birth of a new world order, challenging American hegemony.
He pointed out that Venezuela is not alone in this struggle, receiving substantial support from Russia and China, both of which have provided arms, technicians, and financial aid. This support underscores the conflict’s complexity, transforming it from a bilateral dispute into a global confrontation between unipolar and multipolar forces. Naranjit urged observers to recognize this larger context, emphasizing that the stakes extend far beyond Venezuela’s borders.