In a significant diplomatic development, Guyana has expressed its support for the United Nations Security Council’s adoption of a resolution endorsing former U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza. President Irfaan Ali, in a statement on his Facebook page, emphasized Guyana’s principled stance in voting in favor of the resolution, which aims to solidify the existing ceasefire and foster sustainable peace for the Palestinian people. He also commended the United States for its leadership in this initiative. The resolution, approved on Monday, provides a UN mandate for Washington’s vision to rebuild Gaza after two years of conflict described by the international community as a genocide against Palestinians. This marks a notable diplomatic achievement for the Trump administration, which had faced isolation at the UN due to its unwavering support for Israel. The resolution calls for the deployment of an International Stabilisation Force to demilitarize and govern Gaza, alongside the establishment of a ‘Board of Peace’ to oversee the peace process. The vote saw 13 members in favor, with Russia and China abstaining, influenced by support from several Arab and Muslim nations. Guyana has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to the Gaza conflict, with President Ali urging the UN to prioritize principle over power in addressing global crises. He reiterated Guyana’s commitment to a two-state solution as the only viable path to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, condemning the destruction in Gaza as a systematic slaughter and displacement of Palestinians.
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Italy to toughen rape law to include non-consensual sex
In a historic display of cross-party unity, Italian lawmakers have taken a significant step toward redefining sexual violence in the country’s penal code. On Wednesday, Members of Parliament voted to expand the definition of rape to include non-consensual acts, a move that marks a rare collaboration between Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy party and opposition leader Elly Schlein’s centre-left Democratic Party (PD). The proposal, which now awaits Senate approval, aims to simplify the prosecution of sexual assault by eliminating the requirement for victims to prove physical coercion, threats, or abuse of authority. Currently, Italy’s legal framework defines rape solely through these criteria, a standard that advocates argue places undue burden on survivors. The amendment, spearheaded by PD MP Laura Boldrini, seeks to shift the focus of trials to the perpetrator’s conduct rather than the victim’s actions. Boldrini emphasized that the reform is crucial to countering persistent societal prejudices that often blame women for the violence they endure. The proposed law does not alter the existing penalty for rape, which remains a prison sentence of six to twelve years. This legislative push follows a series of controversial court rulings in recent years, including a case where a man’s acquittal was overturned after an appeals court rejected the initial verdict that the victim, a 17-year-old, should have anticipated assault because she was not a virgin. The lower house’s Justice Commission approved the amendment last week, with direct support from both Meloni and Schlein, signaling a potential turning point in Italy’s approach to addressing sexual violence.
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Scotland parties after ending World Cup drought
In a night filled with high-stakes drama and emotional twists, Scotland’s football team secured their place in the 2026 World Cup, ending a 28-year drought. The decisive 4-2 victory over Denmark at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Tuesday night left fans in a state of euphoria, as the team overcame multiple setbacks to clinch their spot in the tournament.
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DREAM DELAYED
In a tense final-round World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium on Tuesday night, Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz were held to a goalless draw by Curaçao, dashing their hopes of automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match, which ended in disappointment for the home crowd, saw striker Shamar Nicholson visibly emotional, comforted by a sympathetic fan in the stands. The result leaves Jamaica’s World Cup aspirations alive but dependent on the upcoming inter-confederation playoff, where they could face formidable opponents such as Iraq, DR Congo, Bolivia, or New Macedonia. The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, remains within reach for the Reggae Boyz, though the path to qualification has become significantly more challenging. The team’s resilience and determination will now be put to the test as they prepare for the decisive playoff matches.
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CAL, you can do much better
A recent flight experience on Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) has sparked criticism from a passenger, highlighting significant issues with in-flight service. The incident occurred on Flight BW481 from Fort Lauderdale to Piarco on November 2, 2025. Despite a two-hour delay, the passenger noted that airport and desk staff were courteous and apologetic. However, the situation deteriorated once onboard. A flight attendant’s inappropriate remark about passengers using the restroom caused embarrassment, particularly among elderly travelers. Throughout the flight, the attendant displayed a belligerent attitude, including mocking passengers struggling with overhead bins and dismissing inquiries about meal options. The passenger, a frequent flyer with 50 years of experience, described the attendant’s behavior as the worst they had encountered. Despite CAL’s accolades, including being named the Caribbean’s Leading Airline Brand for the ninth consecutive year and receiving the APEX Five-Star Major Airline rating, the passenger urged the airline’s management to address these service shortcomings to maintain its esteemed reputation.
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Mikey General honours Rastafari legacy with Haile Selassie Liveth
Renowned reggae artist Mikey General has unveiled his latest single, ‘Haile Selassie Liveth,’ a heartfelt homage to the enduring legacy of Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia and a central figure in the Rastafarian faith. Released on October 31, 2025, under Meridian Records, the track showcases Mikey General’s signature velvety vocals, delivering a soulful and meditative reggae experience. The song masterfully intertwines spiritual reverence, cultural consciousness, and musical artistry, offering listeners a transcendent journey that both uplifts and educates. ‘Haile Selassie Liveth’ stands as a testament to Mikey General’s commitment to creating spiritually enriching music, further solidifying his esteemed position in the reggae genre. The single is now accessible on all major streaming platforms, including iTunes, Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, and Tidal.
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CARIMAC students host World TV Day 2025 event
The Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, is set to host its annual World Television Day celebration on Thursday, November 20, 2025. This year’s event, themed ‘AI TV: The Beginning or the End’, will be conducted virtually via Zoom due to the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which necessitated the shift from an in-person gathering to an online format.
Despite the change in venue, the organizing team has pledged to deliver an engaging and interactive experience for attendees, complete with prizes and surprises to maintain the festive spirit of the occasion. The event will feature a keynote presentation by Dushyant Savadia, a renowned social entrepreneur, tech visionary, and global humanitarian. Savadia will delve into the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and television, exploring how technological advancements are reshaping content creation, distribution, and audience engagement. His address will be followed by an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with the speaker.
Dr. Patrick Prendergast, director of CARIMAC, emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, highlighting the need for ongoing discussions about the impact of technology on storytelling and media. World Television Day, celebrated globally on November 21, recognizes television’s pivotal role in connecting and informing audiences worldwide. Through this annual event, CARIMAC continues to inspire the next generation of communication leaders to navigate the dynamic interplay between media, technology, and society.
The virtual event will take place from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, offering a platform for dialogue and innovation in the ever-evolving media landscape.
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Colonies shattered; honey production in peril
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s beekeeping industry is grappling with unprecedented challenges. The Category 5 storm, which struck the island’s western region on October 28, 2025, has left a trail of devastation, particularly for local beekeepers like Duhjae Jennings and Hyacinth Wellington. Their apiaries, essential for honey production and bee colony maintenance, have suffered extensive damage, including collapsed structures, destroyed forage, and long-term setbacks in honey production.
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JFP trims losses in Q3
JFP Limited, a leading commercial contract furniture and interior solutions manufacturer, is poised to make a pivotal decision regarding the allocation of multimillion-dollar proceeds from its recent property sale. CEO Metry Seaga emphasized that this decision will be instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic reset and bolstering its anticipated improved performance by 2026. Speaking to the Jamaica Observer, Seaga remained tight-lipped about specifics, stating, ‘We are on the right track, and I’m confident next year will be better — but I want to do more and say less.’
The decision comes on the heels of JFP’s improved financial performance in the third quarter of 2025. The company reported a narrowed net loss of $44.1 million, a significant improvement from the $75.4 million loss in the same period last year. This turnaround was driven by stringent cost controls and a one-time boost from the sale of land adjacent to its Spanish Town Road property. The sale significantly enhanced shareholders’ equity, which surged from $67.6 million to $329.9 million, while investments skyrocketed to $255.4 million from $7.6 million a year earlier.
Despite these gains, JFP continues to face challenges. Year-to-date revenue remains 23% lower at $257.8 million, attributed to sluggish project volumes and delayed contract executions. Total expenses for the nine-month period rose by 6%, primarily due to advisory and restructuring costs, resulting in a net loss of $56.7 million, down from $65.8 million in 2024.
In recent months, JFP has been collaborating with external consultants to reassess its business model and chart a path back to profitability. These efforts have already yielded operational improvements, including the introduction of new equipment aimed at enhancing production quality and reducing waste. Additionally, the company has embraced digital tools to streamline efficiency.
Originally established as Jamaica Fibreglass Products, JFP specializes in supplying seating, cabinetry, fitted furniture, and full-interior packages to hotel chains and restaurant operators across Jamaica and the Caribbean. As the company navigates its financial recovery, the upcoming board decision on the property sale proceeds will be critical in determining its future trajectory.
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Darius Harding, Mariah Charles sparkle at secondary schools’ national 5K
In a thrilling display of athletic prowess, CTS College’s Darius Harding and Tableland Secondary’s Mariah Charles emerged as the champions of the Secondary Schools Track and Field (SSTF) National 5K race, held at North Eastern College, Sangre Grande on November 13. The event, which saw participation from over 650 student-athletes, was a testament to the young talents’ endurance and determination.
Harding, the standout performer in the boys’ category, clocked an impressive 16 minutes and 49 seconds, making him the only competitor to finish under 17 minutes. Queen’s Royal College’s Isaiah Alder secured second place with a time of 17:33, while Toco Secondary’s Darreon Thom took third in 17:48. Notably, El Dorado East Secondary’s Brion Scott, who won gold in the boys’ under-17 800-metre event at the Carifta Athletics Games earlier this year, finished fourth overall but topped his age group with a time of 17:55.
On the girls’ side, Charles was the undisputed star, not only winning the under-15 age group but also claiming the overall female title with a time of 23:03. St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain’s Zahzara Williams came in second among the girls with a time of 23:26, followed by her schoolmate Arya Siewrattan in third place with 24:11. The Bishop Anstey High School under-15 duo of Aaliyah Griffith (24:23) and Keanna Cummings (24:42) completed the top five.
The event also highlighted the depth of talent across various age groups. Arima Central Secondary’s Mikael Serrette (18:02) finished fifth overall and topped the under-17 category, while North Eastern’s Raymond Lewis placed ninth overall and won the under-15 category with a time of 19:24. Other notable performers included Presentation College San Fernando’s Shane Bissoon (18:05), Presentation College Chaguanas’ Christopher Radhay (18:47), Trinity College Moka’s Asayeis Leith (19:20), and Toco’s Shaquan Olton (19:29).
The SSTF National 5K race not only showcased the athletic excellence of these young competitors but also underscored the importance of fostering talent at the grassroots level. The event was a celebration of sportsmanship, perseverance, and the spirit of competition, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.