Shefflorn and Ann-Marie Ballantyne, two educators dismissed under St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ 2021 COVID-19 vaccine mandate, have co-authored a book titled ‘I Do Not Consent’. The book delves into the Vincentian chapter of the pandemic, focusing on the government’s controversial mandate and its profound effects on workers. The couple aims to ensure that the actions of the Ralph Gonsalves-led Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration are remembered as a dark period in the nation’s history. The book, launched online to mark the fourth anniversary of the mandate, features personal stories of vaccine-injured individuals, testimonies from dismissed workers, and the role of trade unions and lawyers in challenging the mandate. In March 2023, a High Court judge ruled the mandate unlawful, but the government successfully appealed the decision in February 2025. The workers have now sought leave to take the case to the Privy Council. The Kindle version of the book is available for free download on Amazon, with a local launch planned for the upcoming year.
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CID receives 45 laptops in push for smarter policing
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has taken a significant step toward modernizing its operations by equipping its Criminal Investigations Department (CID) with 45 state-of-the-art laptops. This initiative, unveiled during a formal handover ceremony, underscores the force’s commitment to enhancing investigative capabilities and operational efficiency in the face of increasingly complex criminal activities. Police Commissioner Verne Garde, who assumed leadership in 2024, emphasized that this move aligns with his broader vision of modernizing the RSLPF. Upon his appointment, Garde presented a comprehensive plan to Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, outlining strategies to bolster the force’s investigative prowess. The newly acquired laptops are designed to empower officers with advanced tools for recording, analyzing, and processing critical information. Garde highlighted that these devices are ‘top-of-the-line’ and will integrate seamlessly with the police’s upgraded management system, enabling real-time data access and improved interdepartmental coordination. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Pierre for supporting the procurement, which is part of a larger effort to enhance public safety through technology-driven policing. Superintendent Dr. Mashama Sealy will oversee the distribution and implementation of the laptops within the CID.
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Hurricane Melissa Leaves Jamaica With Estimated US$8.8B in Damage
Jamaica is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which has inflicted an estimated $8.8 billion in damages, marking the most costly natural disaster in the nation’s history. The World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) revealed that the storm’s impact equates to 41% of Jamaica’s 2024 GDP. Striking on October 28, 2025, as a Category Five hurricane with winds reaching 185 miles per hour, Melissa is one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded. The devastation has been extensive, with at least 45 fatalities, 15 individuals still missing, and thousands rendered homeless due to severe flooding and collapsed infrastructure. The United Nations has reported that 36,000 people are in urgent need of food assistance. In early November, Jamaica received a $150 million payout from its catastrophe bond, providing some financial relief, though it falls significantly short of the total estimated damages. Preliminary assessments indicate that homes bore the brunt of the destruction, accounting for 41% of the total damage, followed by infrastructure at 33%, non-residential buildings at 21%, and agriculture at 5%. While agricultural physical losses were relatively lower, the economic repercussions for farmers are expected to persist for months. World Bank Vice President Susana Cordeiro Guerra commended the resilience of the Jamaican people and affirmed the Bank’s commitment to aiding the country in rebuilding efforts. The damage estimate was derived from a GRADE assessment, a rapid evaluation tool funded by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery and Japan’s Ministry of Finance, aimed at providing governments with an early overview of recovery needs.
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Motorcyclist Crashes Into SUV Near Robinson Gas Station
A dramatic collision unfolded on Wednesday morning near the Robinson Gas Station when a motorcyclist crashed into the front of a white SUV. The incident, captured on video by bystanders, shows the motorcycle striking the SUV head-on, leaving the bike trapped beneath the vehicle. Witnesses immediately rushed to the scene, with a police officer and several members of the public attempting to provide assistance. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and there has been no official update regarding the motorcyclist’s condition. Those who recorded the incident expressed deep concern, hoping the rider escaped serious injury. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the factors leading to the collision.
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Dr Mitchell: Gift of vehicles to MPs is abuse of privileges
In a heated session of the Lower House on November 19, 2025, former Prime Minister and Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Mitchell criticized the Government’s decision to purchase and distribute vehicles to Members of Parliament (MPs), labeling it as an abuse of parliamentary privileges. Dr. Mitchell, a seasoned legislator since 1984, argued that MPs already benefit from a 100% concession on vehicles, making the additional provision unnecessary. He emphasized the dire economic conditions faced by constituents and suggested that the funds allocated for these vehicles could be better utilized to address pressing community needs. ‘I will not accept any vehicle from the taxpayers of this country,’ Dr. Mitchell declared, urging the Government to sell the vehicles and redirect the funds to support the North-West constituency. His stance was echoed by other Opposition MPs, who questioned the necessity of the initiative. However, Joseph Andall, MP for St. Patrick West, defended the decision, stating that the House Committee, comprising members from both the Government and Opposition, had unanimously agreed in 2024 to provide vehicles to each constituency. Andall clarified that the vehicles were intended to facilitate MPs’ duties rather than for personal use. Following the adjournment of the session, Government MPs were presented with the keys to their constituency vehicles by Speaker Leo Cato. The debate underscores the ongoing tension between the Government and Opposition over resource allocation and parliamentary privileges.
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Study shows 1 in 3 women over 15 experienced physical or sexual violence at some point
Violence against women and girls remains a pervasive and alarming issue in the Americas, as highlighted by new estimates released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its UN partners. The data, unveiled ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, reveals that one in three women aged 15 and older in the region has endured physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. Intimate partner violence is the most prevalent form, affecting one in four women aged 15-49, while one in eight has experienced sexual violence from someone other than a partner. Young women are particularly vulnerable, with 21% of those aged 15-19 facing partner violence before turning 20, and older women are not exempt, as 23% of those aged 65 and above report similar abuse. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), emphasized that these figures underscore the preventable nature of violence and the urgent need for high-quality data to drive action. Despite increased awareness and policy efforts, progress has been minimal, with intimate partner violence rates remaining largely unchanged over the past two decades. The report, which analyzes data from 2000 to 2023 across 168 countries, including 29 in the Americas, highlights the severe and long-lasting impacts of violence, including physical injuries, mental health issues, and intergenerational cycles of abuse. PAHO is actively supporting countries through evidence-based strategies like the RESPECT framework, which focuses on prevention, empowerment, and systemic change. As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, PAHO will host a hybrid event on November 24, 2025, to discuss effective interventions and foster regional collaboration. Dr. Barbosa stressed that violence against women is a shared regional priority requiring sustained investment and commitment to eliminate this pervasive issue.
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CH&PA orders halt to construction of Mae’s School after works were finished – owner
In a controversial turn of events, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has issued a ‘cease and desist’ order to Mae’s School owner David Sugrim, demanding an immediate halt to all construction activities on Farnum Ground in Subryanville, Georgetown. However, Sugrim claims he never received the letter and asserts that the construction of the prefabricated structure was completed months before the October 6, 2025, date of the notice. ‘By the time the letter reached, we had already finished our work,’ Sugrim stated in an interview with Demerara Waves Online News. The CH&PA, in a notice signed by Secretary Rajesh Ramgolam, accused Sugrim of engaging in ‘unauthorised, unlawful, and illegal construction activities’ in violation of the Town and Country Planning Act. The Authority emphasized that no planning permission had been granted for the development, nor had any application been submitted. Despite the threat of legal action, Sugrim maintains that he has adhered to an agreement with the Georgetown City Council to vacate the playground once the new school building is constructed. Education Minister Sonia Parag also confirmed that neither her ministry nor the local government had approved the construction on Farnum Ground. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between private educational institutions and regulatory authorities in Guyana.
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Gun violence must be confronted as a community and country, says Blackmoore
The 2025 Police Week in Dominica commenced with a solemn Church Service at La Plaine, marking the start of a week dedicated to honoring law enforcement and addressing pressing security challenges. Minister for National Security, Rayburn Blackmoore, emphasized the urgent need for collective action to combat gun violence, which he described as the most significant threat to the nation’s civility and security. Speaking at the official launch event on Monday, Blackmoore highlighted the government’s commitment to equipping the police with necessary resources, including the establishment of a specialized unit focused on investigating and apprehending suspects. He stressed that tackling gun violence requires a unified effort from all sectors of society, including families, schools, churches, and peer groups, to foster character development and instill core values. Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre also addressed the gathering, acknowledging the challenges faced by police officers and expressing his personal respect and appreciation for their dedication to protecting the community. He urged officers to uphold integrity, fairness, and professionalism while enhancing partnerships with the community, emphasizing that effective policing relies on trust and cooperation.
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Reserved parking in Roseau will soon require a fee
The Government of Dominica has announced a significant change in its urban traffic management strategy, aiming to alleviate congestion in the capital city of Roseau. Starting January 1, 2026, the government will implement a new system that limits reserved parking areas and introduces fees for authorized reserved parking permits. This initiative is part of a broader effort to streamline traffic flow and reduce overcrowding in the city center. Current holders of authorized reserved parking permits are notified that all existing permits will be discontinued effective December 26, 2025. The public is encouraged to submit new applications for reserved parking permits to the Dominica Transport Board, c/o the Office of the Chief of Police, located on Bath Road in Roseau. Both individuals and businesses, including current permit holders, are urged to apply promptly to secure their parking permits under the new system. This policy shift reflects the government’s commitment to improving urban infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
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63-Year-Old Man Convicted of Sex Crimes Against 16-year-old
A 63-year-old man has been found guilty of sexual intercourse with a dependent and indecent assault after abusing his wife’s 16-year-old niece while she was under his care. The victim, who moved into the household in 2018, initially viewed the accused as a father figure. However, she testified in court that he began entering her bedroom at night and inappropriately touching her while his son slept nearby. She further revealed that in November 2018, he drove her to a secluded farm, threatened her, and coerced her into submission. The accused denied the allegations, asserting that the teenager initiated the encounters and offered sexual favors. He also claimed that erectile dysfunction prevented intercourse, a statement corroborated by his wife. Despite being acquitted of rape, the jury convicted him of the other charges, highlighting the gravity of his actions.