Cuba Libre’s annual ‘Warm the Shacks’ initiative, a celebrated tradition supporting Junkanoo groups, this year paid tribute to two iconic leaders: Percy ‘Vola’ Francis of Saxons Superstars and Chris Justilien of Colours Entertainment. The recognition ceremony, held at Poseidon Sports Bar on East Bay Street, marked the launch of the 2025 campaign, which includes a generous donation of beverages to Junkanoo groups. A-category groups will receive one pallet (120 cases) of Cuba Libre, while B-category groups will receive half a pallet. The event was attended by representatives from prominent Junkanoo groups such as the Valley Boys, Roots, Fancy Dancers, Genesis, and others. Gavin Christie, a director at Cuba Libre, likened Junkanoo to ‘the Superbowl of The Bahamas,’ emphasizing the immense dedication and effort participants invest in creating their spectacular Bay Street performances. He reiterated the brand’s long-standing support for the cultural phenomenon and expressed hope that the donation would ease the challenges of the season for participants. Founding director Gary Christie introduced a new tradition of honoring Junkanoo icons annually, with one leader from an A-category group and one from a B-category group being recognized. This year, Mr. Francis and Mr. Justilien were each awarded $1,000 for their contributions. Percy Francis, often regarded as a Junkanoo monarch, has led the Saxons for over five decades, shaping it into one of the largest and most beloved groups. He expressed gratitude for the donation and paid homage to late legends like Winston ‘Gus’ Cooper, who helped define Junkanoo’s art and heritage. Chris Justilien, an assistant professor of music at the University of The Bahamas, was celebrated for his extensive contributions to music education and community development. Last year, Cuba Libre reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible drinking and discouraging underage consumption, urging Junkanoo leaders to ensure the beverages are used appropriately.
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81-year-old man shot by police after opening fire
An 81-year-old man is currently hospitalized following a violent encounter with law enforcement during a police raid on a residence off West Bay Street. Officers from the anti-gang taskforce were executing a search warrant for drugs and firearms at a two-story home. Upon arrival, they informed a female occupant of the warrant, but she denied them entry. Forced to breach the door, officers announced their presence and proceeded to clear the premises. On the third floor, they encountered a male occupant who refused to open a door in the northern room. When police forced entry, the man allegedly fired multiple shots at the officers. In response, fearing for their safety, the officers returned fire, striking the suspect in the elbow and buttocks. Police reported recovering the man’s firearm and subduing him before emergency medical services treated him and transported him to the hospital. During a subsequent search of the man’s room, officers discovered a second firearm and additional ammunition in the presence of a 66-year-old female caretaker, who was also taken into custody.
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‘Many persons have called me daddy’
Prime Minister Philip Davis of The Bahamas has firmly dismissed calls for the removal of Golden Isles Returning Officer Neil Campbell, despite allegations of a conflict of interest. Campbell recently referred to Davis as his ‘adopted father,’ a statement that the opposition Free National Movement (FNM) claims compromises the integrity of the upcoming by-election. Davis, however, argued that personal relationships in a small nation like The Bahamas do not equate to undue influence or bias. He emphasized the robust safeguards in place to ensure the transparency and fairness of the electoral process, including the presence of election agents and the ability to challenge results in court if necessary. Davis also addressed public concerns about his connection to Campbell, stating that familiarity does not translate into interference. ‘Many persons have called me daddy,’ he remarked, attributing the term to his personal character rather than any professional obligation. The FNM, led by Chairman Dr. Duane Sands, has insisted that Campbell’s removal is essential to maintain public trust in the election’s fairness. Meanwhile, the ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has accused the FNM of spreading fear and misinformation to undermine confidence in the electoral system. In preparation for the by-election, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe has announced that the Royal Bahamas Defence Force will assist police in maintaining order and ensuring a peaceful voting process.
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Teen takes his love of music and Junkanoo to US college
The vibrant sounds of Junkanoo, a traditional Bahamian festival, recently echoed through Langston University, a historically Black university (HBCU) in Oklahoma, thanks to the efforts of 19-year-old Bahamian student Sharano Hanna. Hanna, a sophomore and member of the Saxons Superstars, composed a melody for the university’s marching band, introducing the distinctive rhythms of Junkanoo to his American peers. The performance, which took place during the university’s final football game on November 15th, captivated audiences and left Bahamians brimming with pride.
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Sygnus launches $60m ‘Relief & Rebuild’ initiative
In the wake of the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, Sygnus has unveiled its Hurricane Relief and Rebuild Initiative, pledging an initial $100,000 toward an ambitious target of $375,000 (J$60 million) to aid recovery in Jamaica’s hardest-hit regions. This comprehensive effort, spearheaded by Sygnus in collaboration with regional and international allies, focuses on revitalizing critical sectors including education, healthcare, and agriculture. The initiative is structured to balance immediate relief with long-term resilience, allocating 30% of funds to urgent needs such as food, clean water, solar lighting, hygiene kits, medical supplies, and agricultural inputs, while 70% will be invested in rebuilding and fortifying infrastructure in the targeted sectors. Berisford Grey, President and CEO of Sygnus Capital, emphasized the initiative’s dual focus on recovery and sustainability. ‘Hurricane Melissa has challenged our communities, but it has also underscored our collective capacity to rebuild stronger and smarter,’ Grey remarked. ‘This initiative is not just about restoring what was lost but about creating enduring systems—powering schools and hospitals with renewable energy, modernizing agriculture, and ensuring our communities not only recover but thrive.’ The Bahamas Striping Group of Companies has joined the effort as the first major partner, contributing $16 million and pledging 5,000 school bags worth $20,000 for hurricane-affected students. This donation reflects the company’s commitment to education and its dedication to supporting the Caribbean communities that have been integral to its success.
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No bail for alleged stabber
Kenneth Campbell, a man with a history of criminal offenses, has been remanded in custody following fresh allegations of stabbing a woman in St James, Jamaica. Charged with wounding with intent, Campbell appeared in the Parish Court on Thursday, where his plea for bail was denied. His attorney, Albert Morgan, was notably absent, preventing any renewed application for bail. The court’s decision was influenced by Campbell’s prior convictions, which cast a shadow over his case. Additionally, it was revealed that Campbell had previously been under investigation for murder and was granted pre-charge bail in that case. However, he was returned to custody after allegedly committing the recent stabbing. The incident reportedly occurred on June 15 on Barnett Lane Avenue, where the victim claimed Campbell grabbed her from behind, demanded sex, and stabbed her with a ratchet knife when she resisted. The attack left her hospitalized. Campbell is expected to remain in the Freeport lockup until his next hearing on December 3.
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SoE order: contractor Danny Guerra leads gang plotting minister’s assassination
Prominent businessman Danny Guerra has been detained under a state of emergency order issued by Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander on November 19. The detention, executed by the Special Investigations Unit on November 20, alleges Guerra’s involvement in leading an organized crime group engaged in arms trafficking, money laundering, and illegal quarrying. The order cites an imminent threat to public safety, including an alleged plot to assassinate a government minister. Guerra’s group is accused of possessing high-powered firearms and planning escalated attacks against rival gangs in public spaces. He was taken to the Eastern Correctional Rehabilitation Centre in Arouca, and his son was also detained under a preventive order. Guerra, manager of D Guerra Ltd and owner of several companies under the D Guerra Group of Companies, along with his son Garvin Guerra and 16 others, were previously charged on October 11 for unlawful processing of aggregate without a license. They were granted $50,000 bail each. The arrests followed a major police operation on October 9, which shut down an illegal quarry in Manuel Congo, Guanapo, and seized a multimillion-dollar processing plant and heavy machinery. Intelligence reports have linked Guerra’s group to a credible assassination plot against Defence Minister Wayne Sturge, who has faced multiple security threats since his appointment in May. The government has heightened security measures, including canceling the Independence Day parade in August due to security concerns. Assistant Commissioner of Police Richard Smith confirmed Guerra’s detention, stating he will likely remain in custody for the full 90 days permitted under the state of emergency. A source close to Guerra claims the detention lacks factual basis and is linked to previous quarry-related charges.
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Trade Minister: Venezuela a potential gold mine once issues settled
Despite escalating diplomatic tensions between Trinidad and Tobago (TT) and Venezuela due to TT’s support for US military actions against Venezuelan narco-terrorists and traffickers, Trade, Investment, and Tourism Minister Satyakama Maharaj has identified Venezuela as a potential ‘gold mine’ for trade and investment. Speaking at the Institute of Chartered Accountants’ (ICATT) annual international finance and accounting conference in Port of Spain, Maharaj emphasized that Venezuela represents a vast, untapped market for TT manufacturers, provided its socio-political and geopolitical challenges are resolved. He expressed confidence that TT could swiftly capitalize on this opportunity, potentially launching trade missions immediately. Maharaj also highlighted TT’s economic diversification efforts, aiming to increase non-energy exports from 30% to 50% within five years, citing the decline of the oil and gas boom as a driving factor. He acknowledged challenges in coordinating with the fragmented private sector but revealed plans to unify various chambers and organizations under a single private sector entity. Additionally, Maharaj praised Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her relentless lobbying efforts, which led to the US reversing a 15% tariff on TT’s ammonia, urea, and methanol exports. This reversal, achieved through high-level diplomatic engagements, has been hailed as a significant win for TT’s economy.
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Economic risks to shifting US tariffs
A recent policy brief from the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) has raised alarms about the growing uncertainty in Caribbean economies, driven by a combination of geopolitical factors, including recent changes in US tariff and immigration policies. The report, titled ‘Navigating the New Tariff and Immigration Regimes in the Caribbean,’ underscores the urgent need for the region to adapt strategically to these rapidly evolving external pressures. The brief, part of CANARI’s Strategic Research and Policy Initiative, highlights how shifts in US domestic and foreign policies have led to the restructuring of global trade relations, reduced development assistance, increased military spending, and tightened immigration controls. These changes are expected to result in more expensive trade, fewer immigration opportunities, reduced remittance flows, and heightened economic instability across the Caribbean. Key recommendations from the brief include diversifying exports, reducing dependency on external food and energy supplies, fostering entrepreneurship among youth, enhancing regional cooperation in food and energy production, and developing labor policies suited to the new geopolitical economic order. Nicole Leotaud, Executive Director of CANARI, emphasized the importance of reassessing long-standing development strategies in light of global uncertainty. The policy brief is part of a broader research and dialogue initiative led by CANARI in partnership with regional stakeholders to promote a sustainable future for the Caribbean.
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Moonilal, Morris: Government can handle concerns over US, Venezuela tensions
In a post-cabinet news conference held at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s on November 20, Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal and Foreign and Caricom Affairs Ministry parliamentary secretary Nicholas Morris reassured the public that Trinidad and Tobago (TT) is fully prepared to handle any potential fallout from escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela in the Caribbean region. Dr. Moonilal dismissed claims by former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley that TT’s offshore energy installations could be at risk due to the country’s support for US military deployments in the region. He labeled Rowley’s statements as ‘alarmist and irresponsible,’ emphasizing that TT has engaged in discussions with multinational corporations operating in the energy sector, all of whom have contingency plans in place for such scenarios. Moonilal also criticized Rowley for attempting to undermine Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, suggesting his remarks were politically motivated. Meanwhile, Morris highlighted the government’s transparency regarding TT’s position in the US-Venezuela situation, noting that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has consistently reassured the public that TT will not serve as a launching pad for any military actions. He also addressed concerns about US military exercises in TT, stating that all activities were part of previously announced joint training exercises. Morris reiterated the government’s commitment to accountability and results, particularly in reducing crime rates linked to the US military presence. Both ministers emphasized that TT’s longstanding relationship with the US remains a cornerstone of its foreign policy, and the government is focused on maintaining stability and security in the region.