In a significant escalation of its anti-narcotics operations, US forces have reportedly conducted another strike on an alleged drug trafficking vessel in the Caribbean, bringing the total death toll in the contentious campaign to 80. According to US media reports on Thursday, the latest strike marks the 20th such operation in international waters since Washington initiated the campaign in early September. The exact timing of the strike remains unclear, with conflicting reports from CBS and the New York Times citing unnamed Pentagon officials. The Pentagon has yet to comment on the matter. The UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk, recently called for an investigation into the legality of these strikes, labeling them as potential ‘extrajudicial killings.’ However, the US Justice Department maintains that the operations comply with the law of armed conflict, signaling no intention to halt the campaign. Meanwhile, tensions in the region have intensified with the arrival of a US aircraft carrier off the coast of Latin America, prompting Venezuela to announce a ‘massive’ retaliatory deployment. On Thursday, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth unveiled ‘Operation Southern Spear,’ a new phase of the mission aimed at ‘removing narco-terrorists,’ though details of the operation remain undisclosed.
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Antigua partners with Guyana to cut cost of living
Antigua and Barbuda has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Guyana to launch a new food import initiative aimed at reducing the cost of living for its citizens. The partnership seeks to secure affordable fruits, vegetables, and other essential produce for the local market, with the goal of driving down prices. Maurice Merchant, Antigua’s Director General of Communications, revealed that the Cabinet has tasked Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. with coordinating the arrangement with Guyana’s government. This initiative follows high-level discussions between Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, and Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, during the COP30 conference in Brazil. Additionally, the Cabinet has decided to reduce the Common External Tariff (CET) on critical food items, including fresh produce, canned proteins, and infant foods. This measure, approved by the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), will suspend CET on basic food commodities from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, to mitigate the impact of rising global food prices. Currently, nearly 90% of Antigua and Barbuda’s food imports originate from North America, leaving the nation vulnerable to global market fluctuations. The partnership with Guyana aims to diversify supply sources within Caricom and ensure lower import costs directly benefit consumers. Officials anticipate that the first shipments from Guyana could help stabilize supermarket prices by early 2026. This initiative aligns with Caricom’s “25 by 2025” goal, which seeks to reduce regional food import bills by 25% and strengthen agricultural ties among member states. In a related development, the government plans to introduce legislation in 2024 to curb sugary drink consumption as part of a broader strategy to promote healthier lifestyles and combat diet-related illnesses. Merchant emphasized that the proposed bill will complement recent food price interventions and encourage better dietary choices among citizens.
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Two cops killed in Waltham Park shooting identified
In a shocking turn of events, two off-duty police officers were fatally shot on Waltham Park Road in St. Andrew, Jamaica, on Thursday evening. The victims have been identified as Charles Stewart from the Spanish Town Police and Jemarey Gordon from CTOC. The incident occurred around 7:30 PM at a local business establishment where the officers were reportedly involved in a confrontation. According to eyewitness accounts, two assailants opened fire on the officers, critically injuring them before fleeing the scene. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, both officers succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead. The Jamaica Constabulary Force has initiated a high-level investigation to apprehend the perpetrators and uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragic event. This incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about the safety of law enforcement personnel even when off-duty.
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Doctors in England launch strike over pay and jobs
In a significant escalation of ongoing labor disputes, thousands of junior doctors in England initiated a five-day strike on Friday, marking the 13th such walkout since March 2023. The strike, organized by the British Medical Association (BMA), centers on demands for a 26% pay increase and an expansion of training posts, which doctors argue are essential to address declining real wages and career progression challenges. Health Minister Wes Streeting criticized the strike, accusing the BMA leadership of prioritizing confrontation over patient care. He emphasized that the government cannot revisit pay discussions, citing a 28.9% pay rise over the past three years and the highest public sector pay awards in recent years. The strike has further strained the National Health Service (NHS), already grappling with long patient waiting times and repeated industrial actions. Streeting also highlighted the imbalance in training post applications, with two-thirds of candidates being overseas-trained doctors, and pledged urgent reforms to prioritize homegrown talent. The strike occurs against the backdrop of a prolonged cost-of-living crisis that has triggered widespread strikes across various sectors in the UK, including healthcare, education, and transportation.
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Point to prove
In a tense and challenging World Cup Qualifier match held on Thursday night, Jamaica’s national football team, the Reggae Boyz, managed to secure a valuable point against Trinidad and Tobago. The game, played in a hostile environment, tested the team’s resilience and determination. Despite their recent unconvincing performances, the Reggae Boyz now face a critical showdown on Tuesday against Curacao, who remain unbeaten in the tournament. The upcoming match, set to take place at Jamaica’s National Stadium in St Andrew, is a must-win for the team to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting this high-stakes encounter, which could define Jamaica’s journey in the qualifiers. For a detailed match report, readers can refer to Pages 34 & 35.
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Causes of violence among youths
Despite the deployment of police officers to high-risk schools, incidents of violence among students continue to escalate, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current security measures. Schools reopened on September 8, and within two days, a physical altercation between a teacher and a female student at Arima North Secondary School was captured on video and widely shared on social media. On November 4, another large-scale fight near Barataria North Secondary School involved both boys and girls, with one adult female wielding a shovel. The incident was also recorded and circulated online. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro acknowledged the ongoing issue, stating that while there has been a noted decrease in school-related violence, it remains a persistent challenge. He emphasized that increased police presence in high-risk schools is part of the strategy to address the problem. The root causes of youth violence are complex, with many attributing the rise to improper parenting and the influence of the internet. The abolition of corporal punishment in schools and homes has also been cited as a factor that may have emboldened some youths. Additionally, the widespread availability of harmful online content, including glorification of violence and inappropriate material, has further exacerbated the issue. Experts argue that addressing youth violence requires a multifaceted approach, including better parental involvement and stricter regulation of online content. The situation underscores the need for comprehensive solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of the nation’s youth.
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Fete clampdown
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has stirred significant controversy with her abrupt announcement to halt all fetes at state facilities, particularly the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba. The decision, revealed on November 10, came without prior warning, even as her administration had officially launched Carnival—a culturally significant national festival—just a week earlier. This unexpected move has left many questioning the timing and coherence of the directive, especially given the extensive planning required for such events. Earlier, on July 7, the Prime Minister had hinted at legislative measures to address noise pollution, gambling, alcohol, and marijuana abuse during a party event. However, she failed to provide a clear timeline, leaving the private sector unprepared for such sweeping changes. Despite her earlier assurances of exemptions for national festivals, the Prime Minister has now firmly stated that the decision is final and irreversible. The government’s messaging has been further muddled by Udecott officials, who justified the clampdown by citing the need to protect sporting facilities from damage. This comes just a week after the government unveiled a national development blueprint promising upgrades to the Queen’s Park Savannah, adding to the confusion. The Prime Minister’s approach has not only alienated the public but also sparked a heated debate with the TT Promoters Association, which has labeled the move a ‘death knell’ for the entertainment industry. A more collaborative dialogue between stakeholders could have prevented this week’s public discord, highlighting the need for clearer communication and strategic planning in addressing legitimate issues like noise pollution.
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Just find another product
The vibrant Carnival celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago face an uncertain future as fete promoters raise concerns over the government’s proposed noise restrictions. The new regulations aim to curb excessive noise in residential areas by banning fetes at certain venues, a move that has sparked fears of a collapse in the country’s entertainment and tourism sectors. For years, residents have voiced complaints about the relentless noise from these events, which often extend into the early morning hours. Fete promoters argue that these restrictions could deter international visitors, particularly Trinidadians returning home for the Carnival season, who have already expressed concerns about rising costs. Critics point out the lack of innovation in these events, which often feature repetitive music, artists, and offerings, with only ticket prices seeing significant changes. Additionally, questions have been raised about the business practices of fete promoters, including whether their companies are properly registered and profits declared. Instead of adapting to the changing landscape, many promoters are lamenting the potential decline of Carnival rather than seeking creative solutions to sustain the industry. As the debate continues, the future of one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most iconic cultural events hangs in the balance.
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Runaway with Kairi People
On November 12, the South Ranch in Debe became the epicenter of entertainment as Kairi People hosted their highly anticipated Runaway all-inclusive event. The night was filled with electrifying performances from some of the biggest names in soca and Caribbean music. Headlining the event was the A Team Band, featuring their brand-new frontline cast, alongside soca stars Voice and Patrice Roberts, who thrilled the audience with her 2025 release ‘Rock So.’ The D All Starz band also took the stage, joined by College Boy Jesse, Viking Ding Dong, Mical Teja, and other notable acts such as The Freetown Collective, Blaka Dan, Sackie, Anika Berry, Sekon Sta, and Yung Bredda. The event was a vibrant celebration of music and culture, with patrons fully immersed in the lively atmosphere. Newsday photographer Angelo Marcelle was on hand to capture the unforgettable moments, from the energetic performances to the joyous crowd. The Runaway party proved to be a night of unity, rhythm, and pure entertainment, leaving attendees with lasting memories.
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Sasha Melody’s new single celebrates self-worth
US-based soca artist Sasha Melody has unveiled her latest single, ‘Money Over You,’ a vibrant anthem that champions female empowerment. Released on November 10, the track was co-produced and co-written by Emmerson George of WMG Labs and Joanna Hutton Music. Described as a ‘lively soca bounce with a sleek global pop edge,’ the song marks Melody’s second release for Carnival 2026, following her July hit, ‘Mix You Up.’
At its core, ‘Money Over You’ is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a bold declaration of self-worth. While the song’s playful tone exudes confidence, its deeper message emphasizes the importance of valuing oneself over toxic relationships. ‘It’s not about choosing cash over connection; it’s about choosing self-worth over chaos,’ the release explained.
Melody, who has spent her life shuttling between the US and the Caribbean, brings a rich cultural background to her music. A performer since the age of three, she gained early recognition as a featured dancer on the iconic American music-dance TV show, ‘Soul Train.’ Her career has since flourished, with performances at major events like Hollywood Carnival and Caribbean festivals in New York, Miami, Orlando, and Los Angeles.
In her own words, Melody clarifies that the song isn’t about materialism but self-value. ‘When I say ‘I can lime by myself/ I can wine by myself,’ I’m really saying I’m whole on my own. It’s a reminder that peace and confidence never go out of style,’ she added. With its infectious rhythm and empowering message, ‘Money Over You’ is poised to resonate with audiences worldwide.