A recent immigration directive by the Trump Administration has raised concerns among individuals applying for U.S. visas, particularly immigrant visas. The U.S. State Department issued a cable instructing embassy and consular officers to evaluate applicants’ health conditions more rigorously. This includes assessing whether applicants with chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and metabolic diseases, cancers, diabetes, and mental health disorders could incur substantial medical costs in the U.S. While health assessments have always been part of the visa process, the new directive expands the list of medical conditions under scrutiny. The heightened focus primarily targets immigrant visas, not short-term B-2 visitor visas for individuals who can fund their own medical treatment and intend to return home. Visa officers must also determine if applicants have sufficient financial resources to cover their medical needs without relying on U.S. government assistance. Leonara Coakley, a visa consultant, noted that while clients have not directly questioned her about the directive, business has slowed significantly since September due to widespread fear and confusion about immigration policies. She highlighted a case where a client with a heart condition was denied a B-2 visa extension despite ongoing medical treatment in the U.S. Coakley emphasized that fear, fueled by news reports on immigration enforcement, is deterring potential applicants. She explained that visa denials often depend on the officer’s judgment, and applicants can reapply with additional evidence. The directive also includes conditions like obesity, which are linked to chronic illnesses, as factors in assessing whether an applicant might become a public charge. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that the Trump Administration prioritizes the interests of American taxpayers by enforcing immigration policies that prevent the system from becoming a financial burden. The Department has historically had the authority to deny visas based on the likelihood of applicants becoming public charges.
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UB students ordered to sit exams in rooms deemed unusable due to mould
Growing concerns over mould contamination in multiple classroom blocks at the University of The Bahamas have reached a critical point this week. Students have reported being instructed to sit their end-of-semester exams in a room previously deemed unsafe due to mould issues. A social media post from a student revealed that a mathematics class had been moved online for weeks because of mould in the assigned classroom, only for the final exam to be scheduled in the same space, with masks required as a precaution. Dr. Anastasia Brown, Acting President of the Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas, confirmed that mould complaints extend beyond the maths building to other facilities, including the CATS building. She attributed the problem to long-standing maintenance challenges on the Oakes Field campus, exacerbated by the university’s location on a former pond, which necessitates regular upkeep. Dr. Brown also highlighted issues with air-conditioning vents and filters, which are not being replaced on schedule due to resource constraints. She emphasized the impact of poor air quality on faculty, staff, and students, stating, ‘If you hear my voice, I can barely breathe.’ Despite promises from university officials and the government to address the issues, Dr. Brown expressed frustration over the lack of progress. Edwin Waldron, President of the Student Government Association, acknowledged earlier complaints about mould and confirmed that the university had allocated funds for repairs. However, he was unaware of the specific exam-related complaint and pledged to investigate. Both Dr. Brown and Mr. Waldron stressed the importance of resolving maintenance issues, particularly as the university prepares for accreditation exercises. Dr. Brown urged the institution to prioritize safety, stating, ‘We understand we want to do accreditation, but you have to make sure that we are around to enjoy accreditation.’ University officials did not respond to requests for comment by press time.
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ISSA sets netball deadline for resumption
Schools in Jamaica have until 2:00 PM on Friday to confirm their participation in the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Rural Area schoolgirls’ netball competition, which was disrupted by Hurricane Melissa. The hurricane, which struck on October 28, led to the suspension of various sports, including netball, football, and basketball. Despite efforts to restart the netball competition, 38 out of 57 participating schools had not confirmed their willingness to resume by Thursday afternoon. ISSA, the governing body for high school sports, issued a memo on Thursday listing schools from at least seven parishes that had yet to respond. Notably, most of the unresponsive schools are from western Jamaica, an area severely impacted by the hurricane. In contrast, the schoolboys’ football competitions, the daCosta Cup and Manning Cup, are set to resume later this month after consultations with stakeholders. These football competitions, which began in early September, had progressed to the round of 16, with participating schools expressing readiness to continue. The netball competition, divided into under-16 and under-19 age groups, faces uncertainty as schools from parishes such as St James, Hanover, Trelawny, St Elizabeth, Manchester, St Ann, St Mary, St Catherine, and Portland remain undecided.
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Johnson’s Petroleum deploying 10 mobile gas stations to hurricane-affected parishes
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Johnson’s Petroleum has announced the deployment of 10 mobile gas stations to provide critical fuel relief to affected parishes in Jamaica. The initiative was highlighted during a visit by Minister of Energy, Transport, and Telecommunications Daryl Vaz to the company’s headquarters in Kingston on Wednesday. These mobile units, designed as self-contained portable fueling systems, integrate fuel storage, pumps, and safety features into a single movable structure, ensuring access to fuel in areas lacking traditional gas stations. Each unit comprises three independent 1500-litre compartments capable of dispensing three different fuel types. Additionally, the stations are equipped with advanced features such as a meter system for tracking litres, sales, and pricing; an emergency stop button; and solar-powered capabilities. Minister Vaz praised the initiative, emphasizing its role in supporting communities during the recovery phase. He urged the company to prioritize the five most affected parishes in western Jamaica and collaborate with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to identify areas with the greatest need. The mobile stations will also benefit the fisheries sector, targeting fishing villages in St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland. Phillip Calder, General Manager of Johnson’s Petroleum, confirmed that the units meet all safety and regulatory standards. He noted that the company had already been developing a strategy to enhance fuel access in underserved rural communities, and the hurricane accelerated these plans. Calder revealed that areas in St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James, and Trelawny have been identified for deployment, with further units planned for islandwide coverage. The mobile stations will be serviced by smaller trucks, ensuring access to remote areas inaccessible to traditional fuel trucks.
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Friends raise $2.7 millions for hurricane relief; AFJ matches this amount
In a remarkable display of solidarity and innovation, a coalition of compassionate individuals and businesses, alongside TheHiveCareers, has successfully raised $2.7 million to aid urgent hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica. The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) has pledged to match this amount, effectively doubling the total relief funds to approximately $5.4 million. This collaboration leverages TheHiveCareers’ digital platform and talent network to orchestrate a technology-driven response, mobilizing skilled volunteers, contractors, and essential services for communities devastated by the recent hurricane. Melarka Williams, founder and CEO of TheHiveCareers, emphasized the power of combining technology with compassion, stating, ‘This initiative shows what’s possible when technology meets compassion.’ The initial funds will be allocated to emergency relief supplies such as food, clean water, temporary shelter, and restoration materials. AFJ’s matching contribution will significantly expand the initiative’s reach, ensuring resources are doubled and impact is deepened across affected parishes. TheHiveCareers’ platform will act as a national coordination hub, facilitating the registration and deployment of skilled volunteers, matching requests for help with available resources, and providing real-time dashboards for transparency and communication. Caron Chung, executive director of AFJ, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that many communities will struggle to rebuild without aid, as schools, houses, and churches have been completely destroyed. The fundraising efforts continue, driven by the dire need for recovery and restoration in these devastated areas.
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Pastor prays for murdered cousin’s killers
The community of Windsor Park in California, Couva, gathered on November 13 to bid farewell to Vishnu Lalla, a 63-year-old livestock farmer remembered for his kindness, love of nature, and unwavering work ethic. Lalla’s life was tragically cut short when he was kidnapped from his home on November 8 and found dead in a forested area off Brechin Castle Road the following day. He had been shot in the head, and his grey Toyota Hilux was discovered burned, with a ransom demand of $100,000 made for his safe return. A 9mm shell casing was found at the scene, and investigations have led to the detention of a policeman and two civilians suspected of involvement in the crime. The funeral, held at Lalla’s home, was officiated by Pastor Ralph Sawh, who prayed for justice and comfort for the grieving family. Lalla’s sister Molly, who lives abroad, delivered an emotional tribute, recalling their deep bond and her brother’s selfless nature. Nephew Ishwar remembered Lalla as a father figure who lived with a big heart, always making time for others. The body was later cremated at the Waterloo Cremation Site, leaving the community to mourn the loss of a man who touched many lives with his generosity and love.
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AG: US to ‘intensify exercises’ in Trinidad and Tobago
Attorney General John Jeremie has disclosed that the United States will escalate its military exercises in Trinidad and Tobago in the near future. This revelation was made during an interview with the UK Financial Times on November 13, following the arrival of the 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit in Trinidad aboard the USS Gravely. The unit conducted joint military exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force from October 26 to 30. Jeremie emphasized the ongoing collaboration with the US, stating, ‘We are engaged with our friends in the north in a series of exercises.’ This announcement coincides with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s declaration on the same day regarding the launch of Operation Southern Spear. Hegseth described the operation as a measure to ‘protect’ the US from narco-terrorists, asserting that ‘the Western hemisphere is America’s neighbourhood – and we will protect it.’ He also confirmed that the operation was initiated under the directive of US President Donald Trump.
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Bert’s Auto Parts Foundation commits $20 million to Hurricane Melissa relief effort
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to bolster national recovery efforts, Bert’s Auto Parts Foundation has pledged a substantial $20 million donation. This contribution is earmarked for critical relief initiatives, including roof repairs, building materials, and food packages, particularly targeting the hardest-hit regions of western Jamaica.
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Singapore charges Australian man after Ariana Grande incident
Singapore authorities have formally charged an Australian man, Johnson Wen, 26, for causing a disturbance at the Asia premiere of the film “Wicked: For Good” in Universal Studios Singapore. The incident occurred on Thursday night when Wen breached security barricades and rushed towards pop star Ariana Grande, who was attending the event alongside her co-stars. Viral video footage captured the moment Wen wrapped his arm around a visibly shocked Grande before being swiftly apprehended by security personnel and escorted away. Grande’s co-star, Cynthia Erivo, immediately stepped in to defend her. Wen, who represented himself in court, indicated his intention to plead guilty to the charge of “being a public nuisance.” He faces potential penalties of a $1,500 fine, up to three months in jail, or both. The incident did not disrupt the premiere, as the cast regrouped and continued with the event. Grande, a former Broadway star turned global pop sensation, has faced public trauma before, notably surviving the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, which left her with PTSD. The case has sparked outrage among fans, who are demanding strict action against Wen.
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The Weeknd donates US$350,000 to hurricane relief effort in Jamaica
Canadian music icon The Weeknd has contributed $350,000 from his XO Humanitarian Fund to support relief operations in Jamaica, which was severely affected by Hurricane Melissa. The World Food Program (WFP) confirmed the donation in a press release on November 13, highlighting its critical role in scaling up efforts to assist approximately 200,000 Jamaicans in their recovery from the disaster. Barron Segar, President and CEO of World Food Program USA, expressed gratitude for The Weeknd’s generosity, emphasizing that the donation will provide essential comfort and resilience to those impacted. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck the Caribbean in late October, affecting nearly six million people, with Jamaica experiencing the most severe consequences. The WFP has collaborated with the Jamaican government to deliver food kits containing rice, lentils, canned fish, meat, and vegetable oil to over 9,000 individuals. Across Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti, the WFP has distributed emergency food supplies to 254,000 people, underscoring the scale of the humanitarian response.