The Bahamas is mourning the loss of Stephanie Darville, a leading woman marine reservist, who passed away last Sunday after a brief battle with aggressive cancer. Darville, 58, was remembered as a devoted mother, disciplined officer, and the driving force behind her family’s reunions. Her sister, G Veronica Basden, described her as a person who approached both her service in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and her family life with purpose and seriousness. Darville joined the reserves in 2012 and quickly rose to the top of her class, fully embracing the physical and academic demands of the program. She served across the Base Maintenance Team Section and the Office of the Captain Coral Harbour, leaving a lasting impact on her colleagues. Commodore Floyd Moxey, Commander of the Defence Force, praised her professionalism, loyalty, and warm spirit, noting that even in her final days, her thoughts remained with her fellow marines. Outside of her military service, Darville worked as a croupier and was known for her selfless acts of kindness. She is survived by two sons and a grandson. Her sister shared that Darville remained communicative until her final weeks but grew too weak to continue treatment as the cancer advanced.
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‘Curly’ says Arawak Cay fire forces vendors and officials to ‘reflect and refocus’ on the future
A devastating fire that destroyed six restaurants at Arawak Cay on Sunday has reignited long-standing frustrations among vendors and highlighted systemic issues at Nassau’s iconic Fish Fry. The blaze has brought to the forefront concerns over cramped wooden structures, inadequate oversight, and years of stalled reforms. Vince ‘Curly’ McDonald, owner of Curly’s Restaurant & Bar, described the incident as a wake-up call, urging stakeholders to “reflect and refocus” on the future of the strip. He criticized the current setup as unsustainable, citing overcrowding, lack of fire safety protocols, and the inability to secure insurance for the wooden buildings. McDonald emphasized the need for a strong oversight committee comprising vendors and policymakers to enforce standards and drive meaningful change. He also dismissed the Arawak Cay Conch, Fish, Vegetable and Food Vendors Association as ineffective, claiming little progress has been made over the years. Rodney Russell, president of the ACVA, shifted focus to the immediate hardships faced by over 60 individuals affected by the fire, particularly as the Christmas season approaches. While acknowledging that the buildings met Ministry of Works standards when constructed, Russell admitted enforcement has weakened over time. He attributed the Fish Fry’s decline to nepotism and favoritism, accusing some of bypassing regulations to erect structures. Despite the close proximity of the wooden buildings, Russell maintained that the fire was an accident unrelated to building codes. The incident has underscored the urgent need for comprehensive reform to ensure the safety and sustainability of Arawak Cay’s vibrant culinary hub.
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Sando mayor awards four with keys to the city
In a historic departure from tradition, San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris awarded four keys to the city during the 37th Anniversary Civic Awards and Reception held at the City Hall Auditorium on November 18. This unprecedented move was driven by the exceptional achievements of the honorees, who have significantly contributed to the city’s cultural, economic, and social fabric. Among the recipients was former San Fernando West MP Dianne Seukeran, a visionary leader battling cancer, whose work has reshaped the city’s landscape. Seukeran expressed profound gratitude, dedicating the honor to the collective efforts of her supporters and mentors, including the late Prime Minister Patrick Manning. Mayor Parris lauded her as one of San Fernando’s most defining voices, highlighting her pioneering role in community arts, scouting, and national projects. Also honored were sisters Beverly Guide-Williams and Lisa Guide-Tang How, third-generation stewards of the JE Guide Funeral Home and Crematorium, who viewed the recognition as a testament to their family’s resilience and commitment to the city. Cultural icon Imran ‘GI’ Beharry, the first chutney soca artiste to receive this honor, described the award as a profound affirmation of his roots and a reminder of his responsibility to uplift culture and youth. The fourth key was awarded to steelpan virtuoso Joshua Regrello, a Guinness World Record holder, who humorously inquired if the key granted him parking privileges. Regrello reflected on his deep connection to San Fernando, crediting the city for shaping his identity and achievements. Additionally, legendary mas band leader Ivan Kalicharan received a commemorative plaque, with a stand at Skinner Park to be named in his and his late wife Wendy’s honor. The event underscored San Fernando’s commitment to celebrating its own, recognizing individuals who have left an indelible mark on the city’s history and culture.
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PM: Government will ensure children’s rights are upheld, protected
In a heartfelt statement commemorating World Children’s Day (WCD) on November 20, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar emphasized her government’s steadfast dedication to protecting the well-being, safety, and development of every child in Trinidad and Tobago. This year’s WCD theme, ‘My Day, My Rights,’ serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent dignity and rights of children, urging global and national efforts to ensure their voices are heard and their futures shaped. Persad-Bissessar invoked the words of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who once described the trust the world holds with children as sacred, underscoring the collective responsibility to create a society where every child feels valued and empowered. Since her government’s election victory in April, several initiatives have been launched to bolster children’s rights and opportunities. These include providing universal digital access through secure devices, distributing free laptops to secondary school entrants, enhancing school safety frameworks, and expanding paediatric mental health services. A landmark achievement is the upcoming opening of the Couva Children’s Hospital in December, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to paediatric and adolescent care. Persad-Bissessar called on the nation to amplify the voices of young people, whose creativity and courage, she believes, hold the key to Trinidad and Tobago’s future. She urged collective action to transform the WCD theme into a tangible reality, ensuring every child’s dreams and rights are upheld.
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Stop attacking vector control workers! — SRHA
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) has issued a stern warning to the public following a violent incident involving vector control workers in Siloah, St Elizabeth. On Tuesday, November 18, a team of vector control workers was attacked with stones while addressing a machine malfunction. One worker was struck on the shoulder, and another was hit before the team retreated to avoid further harm. Two team members sustained injuries and required medical attention. The incident has been reported to the police. The SRHA emphasized that vector control workers are easily identifiable by their uniforms and identification cards and operate from clearly marked Ministry of Health and Wellness vehicles. The authority also reassured the public that the chemicals used in fogging are certified, safe, and approved for use in residential areas. In addition to vector control, the team has intensified its environmental health activities, including health education, inspections, and assessments in areas such as food safety, wastewater management, water quality monitoring, and general sanitation, to mitigate health risks in the parish.
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Daily pill helps people lose 10% of weight in 18 months — study
A groundbreaking study published in The Lancet reveals that a new oral weight loss medication, orforglipron, developed by Eli Lilly, could revolutionize obesity treatment. Unlike current injectable GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, this daily pill offers a more convenient and cost-effective alternative. The study, involving over 1,500 adults across 10 countries with obesity and type 2 diabetes, demonstrated that participants taking the highest dose of 36 milligrams lost approximately 10% of their body weight over 72 weeks, compared to just 2% in the placebo group. This aligns with earlier findings showing similar weight loss in non-diabetic individuals. However, the pill’s efficacy still falls short of the 22% weight loss achieved with injectable Mounjaro. Common side effects included nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea, particularly at higher doses. Lead author Deborah Horn of UTHealth Houston emphasized the potential of this oral medication, which could be available by 2026 at a significantly reduced cost. Injectable GLP-1s currently cost over $1,000 monthly in the U.S., prompting calls for affordable generic versions in low-income countries. Obesity-related illnesses claimed over 3.7 million lives globally in 2021, surpassing deaths from malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV combined. GLP-1 drugs, initially developed for diabetes, are now being explored for their potential to address a broader range of health issues, including heart disease and addiction.
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Mediation rejected in simple larceny case, accused to return to court
In a recent development in Kingston, Jamaica, a larceny case has taken an unexpected turn as the complainant refused to engage in mediation. Raheim Tollo, accused of stealing a significant amount of alcohol, beverages, and meat from a local wholesale shop, appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday.
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Dunbeholden FC brings hope to Russia, Westmoreland
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a heartfelt display of community solidarity, the Dunbeholden Football Club has stepped up to assist residents in the storm-ravaged western region of Jamaica. On Sunday, club members traveled to Russia, Westmoreland, delivering essential relief supplies to families still recovering from the devastating aftermath of the recent storm. The aid included food packages, water, clothing, shoes, and tarpaulins, addressing immediate needs in the affected area.
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Men fined $30,000 for transporting coconuts without required documentation
In a recent legal proceeding at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, two individuals, Marlon Gibbeson and Ricardo Hunter, were each fined $30,000 for transporting agricultural produce without the necessary documentation as mandated by the Agricultural Produce Act. The case highlights Jamaica’s stringent measures to combat praedial larceny, a pervasive issue affecting the agricultural sector.
Marlon Gibbeson was apprehended by law enforcement while transporting 1,130 coconuts without a Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) receipt. These receipts, exclusive to registered farmers, serve as proof of sale and ownership and are compulsory when moving agricultural goods. Although Gibbeson later produced the required receipt, Senior Parish Judge Paula Blake Powell emphasized that the law necessitates possession of the receipt during transportation to prevent theft. Consequently, Gibbeson pleaded guilty and was fined.
Ricardo Hunter faced similar charges for transporting 150 coconuts and a quantity of bananas without the requisite receipt. Hunter, unaware of the legal requirement, explained that most of the produce originated from his father’s property. Judge Powell reiterated the Ministry of Agriculture’s intensified efforts to curb praedial larceny and reminded the court of the Act’s maximum penalty of $3 million. Hunter also pleaded guilty and was fined $30,000.
This case underscores the importance of adhering to agricultural regulations to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods and reduce theft within the sector.
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Fire triggers evacuation at COP30 venue in Brazil; Jamaican delegation safe
A sudden fire broke out at the primary venue of the United Nations’ COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil, causing chaos and forcing delegates and observers to evacuate the premises. The blaze erupted in a pavilion within the complex, sending thick plumes of smoke through the corridors and triggering a frantic rush for the exits. Emergency response teams swiftly arrived at the scene to contain the fire and ensure the safety of all attendees. Matthew Samuda, Jamaica’s Minister for the Environment and head of the country’s delegation, confirmed to Observer Online that all members of the Jamaican team were unharmed. The incident occurred during critical last-minute negotiations, raising concerns about potential disruptions to the high-stakes discussions aimed at addressing global climate challenges. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, while organizers assess the impact on the conference’s schedule and outcomes.