Jamaica’s northern and western regions, still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, may face further challenges this week as adverse weather conditions threaten to disrupt ongoing relief operations. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has forecast intermittent showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds from Tuesday through Thursday, potentially hampering recovery efforts in several parishes. Alvin Gayle, Director General of ODPEM, emphasized that even moderate rainfall could complicate relief work, particularly in northern parishes where many homes remain roofless. During a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister, Gayle detailed the expected weather patterns, noting that isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds would likely affect western parishes as well. In preparation, ODPEM and its partners have distributed over 80% of the 45,000 tarpaulins available on the island to provide temporary shelter. Gayle highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to address immediate shelter needs while supporting long-term recovery goals. Despite these efforts, the forecasted weather could slow progress in areas still recovering from the hurricane’s devastation.
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Gov’t to roll out temporary homes for hurricane victims
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican Government has unveiled plans to provide safe and dignified temporary housing for displaced families. Information Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon announced the initiative during a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister, emphasizing the urgency and humanity driving the effort. The Category 5 hurricane has left numerous families homeless, many of whom are currently housed in shelters that are far from ideal. Dr. Morris Dixon highlighted the need for facilities that respect the dignity of those affected, stating, ‘If we were in the same position, we would want a facility that honors our dignity.’
The Government is actively reviewing proposals for temporary housing units that can be swiftly deployed across the hardest-hit parishes. These units are being designed with durability and safety in mind, ensuring they can withstand future weather events. Dr. Morris Dixon noted that the solutions will not be one-size-fits-all but will cater to the diverse needs of affected families, including single individuals and large households. International support and best practices from other countries are being incorporated into the planning process.
A comprehensive damage assessment is currently underway to determine the scale of the crisis and the specific needs of those impacted. Dr. Morris Dixon assured that the Government is committed to delivering quality housing solutions, even if it means a longer timeline. ‘We don’t want to just have them feel like they’re a charity case,’ she said. ‘We’re about giving people decent houses.’ The goal is to provide semi-permanent structures that are structurally sound and capable of offering long-term shelter. While tents have been considered, the focus remains on more durable and dignified options.
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Grand revitalisation plan leaves Sea Lots residents sceptical
Residents of Sea Lots, a community in Trinidad and Tobago, have expressed mixed feelings about the government’s national revitalisation blueprint, which includes plans to build an industrial park in their area. While some are open to relocation if compensated fairly, others are staunchly opposed, citing the community’s unique value and their deep-rooted connections to the area. The government’s plan, unveiled by Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John, aims to create a 100-acre industrial park and free trade zone to boost trade and create jobs. However, residents remain skeptical, given past unfulfilled promises by previous administrations. Many fear being relocated to substandard housing and losing the sense of community and security they currently enjoy. The government has promised robust consultations, but residents demand transparency and fair treatment. The community’s skepticism underscores the challenges of implementing large-scale development projects in areas with strong local identities and histories.
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Bodoe: Include wellness in HSE framework
In a compelling address at the American Chamber of Commerce’s TT (Amcham TT) 15th Annual National Excellence in HSE Awards ceremony, Trinidad and Tobago’s Health Minister, Dr. Lackram Bodoe, emphasized the urgent need to evolve the traditional Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) framework into a more comprehensive model that includes wellness. The event, held on November 10 at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, brought together key stakeholders to discuss the critical role of HSE in safeguarding both human lives and economic productivity.
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Child’s rights activist: Transfer system could lead to lawsuits
Trinidad and Tobago’s bureaucratic school transfer system is under scrutiny, with legal and educational experts warning of potential State liability for failing to uphold children’s right to education. Attorney and child rights activist Denelle Singh has called on parents and guardians to explore legal avenues when confronted with systemic delays. Her comments follow a case reported by Newsday, where an Arima teenager has been out of school for two years due to transfer inefficiencies. Singh emphasized that the Education Act mandates full-time schooling for children aged 5-16, with parents facing prosecution and fines for non-compliance under Section 77. However, she stressed that the Ministry of Education bears a legal duty to provide adequate public school placements and ensure enrollment for all children within this age range. Singh highlighted the plight of vulnerable children, including those in State care, who face additional hardships due to the slow transfer process. She also criticized the broader failures of the education system, noting that children with special needs and migrant children are often overlooked, despite public outcries. Singh questioned whether education in Trinidad and Tobago is truly free, given the disparities in access and quality. She pointed out the lack of specialized schools and trained teachers for children with special needs, forcing many parents to seek costly private education or quit their jobs to homeschool their children. Walter Stewart, president of the National Council of Parent Teacher Associations, urged parents to keep their children in school during transfer delays and follow the proper channels to escalate unresolved issues. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the system’s chain of command to achieve resolution.
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Rescued Venezuelan teen gives info – 4 human-trafficking suspects held
In a significant breakthrough against human trafficking, a 14-year-old Venezuelan girl played a pivotal role in the arrest of four suspected traffickers in Penal, Trinidad and Tobago. Despite the trauma of her ordeal, the teenager displayed remarkable composure and provided critical information to National Security agents, leading to the successful operation. The Ministry of Homeland Security confirmed the arrests in a statement, highlighting the coordinated efforts of the Counter-Trafficking Unit (CTU), the army, and the police. The pre-dawn raid, codenamed Operation Ironheart, targeted multiple locations linked to a suspected trafficking network and resulted in the detention of two Trinidadian nationals and two Venezuelan men on human-trafficking charges. Three other Venezuelans were held for immigration violations. The rescued girl is now under the care of the Children’s Authority. Deputy Director of the CTU, Dane-Marie Marshall, praised the teen’s bravery, stating that her evidence was instrumental in the arrests. Marshall expressed confidence in the strength of the case, emphasizing the CTU’s commitment to prosecuting offenders. She also highlighted the vulnerability of Venezuelan nationals due to geopolitical and economic challenges in their home country. The operation is part of a broader national strategy to dismantle organized trafficking networks. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander commended the collaborative efforts of the agencies involved, reaffirming the government’s resolve to combat human trafficking. According to the US Department of State’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons report, Trinidad and Tobago maintains a Tier 2 ranking, indicating significant efforts to address the issue despite not fully meeting minimum standards. CTU Director Allan Meiguel noted that since the unit’s inception in 2013, 80 individuals have been charged, resulting in two convictions. He urged the public to utilize the CTU’s 24-hour hotline to report potential trafficking cases.
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News report: Maduro planning guerilla response if US invades
Venezuela is bracing for a potential confrontation with the United States as the USS Gerald R. Ford, the US Navy’s advanced aircraft carrier, arrived in the southern Caribbean Sea on November 11. In response, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has ordered the military to prepare for guerilla-style resistance, deploying decades-old Russian-made weapons and planning sabotage operations at over 280 locations. The strategy, termed ‘prolonged resistance,’ also includes ‘anarchisation,’ a tactic aimed at creating chaos in Caracas to make the country ungovernable for foreign forces.
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López announced a ‘massive mobilisation’ of military personnel and equipment, with land, air, naval, and reserve forces conducting exercises through November 13. López described the deployment as a response to the ‘imperialist threat’ posed by the US military presence.
The US has been increasing its military assets in the Caribbean since August, citing the need to combat narco-terrorism and drug trafficking, particularly from Venezuela. Since September 2, the US has conducted 19 airstrikes in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, resulting in at least 75 deaths. The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, which includes over 4,000 sailors and dozens of tactical aircraft, is the latest addition to the region.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth redirected the carrier strike group from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean on October 24, in line with President Trump’s directive to dismantle transnational criminal organizations. Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasized that the enhanced force presence would bolster efforts to disrupt narcotics trafficking and dismantle criminal networks.
Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has endorsed the US military actions, dismissing the Caribbean’s ‘zone of peace’ concept as ineffective. However, a recent peace vigil in Port of Spain, attended by 200 people, was labeled a ‘dismal failure’ by Persad-Bissessar. Attempts to reach her and Defense Minister Wayne Sturge for comments on the USS Gerald R. Ford’s arrival were unsuccessful.
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Quarry operators meet ministry officials through third party
The Trinidad and Tobago Aggregate Producers Alliance (TTAPA) has announced the reopening of the quarrying industry following constructive discussions with the Ministry of Energy. Nigel Tenia, president of TTAPA, revealed that the alliance has reached a “level of comfort” after indirect communications facilitated by a third party. While Tenia refrained from disclosing specific details or the identities of ministry officials involved, he emphasized that the licensing process for sand and gravel extraction is now imminent. This development marks a significant step forward for the construction and quarrying sectors, which had faced severe disruptions due to the industry’s shutdown. Tenia highlighted that the decision to resume operations was made in good faith, based on recent assurances from the ministry. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the inconsistent licensing system, which often left operators navigating a bureaucratic maze. The reopening is expected to alleviate the economic strain on approximately 3,000 to 5,000 jobs and stabilize the rising costs of aggregate materials. TTAPA, representing 24 quarry operators, also plans to expand its membership to include other legitimate businesses seeking regularization. The alliance aims to collaborate with the government to streamline licensing processes and promote industry compliance. However, Tenia clarified that the current assurances apply only to existing TTAPA members. The announcement follows a peaceful demonstration by TTAPA on November 6, where the alliance demanded government action to address long-standing regulatory issues. Despite the progress, Tenia noted that formal approvals have yet to be issued, and the ministry was not notified of the announcement beforehand. The Ministry of Homeland Security has not commented on whether the police are involved in ongoing discussions with TTAPA.
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Jordan Vieira lights up national indoor hockey tourney for Parkites
The Trinidad and Tobago Hockey Board’s National Indoor tournament continued to captivate fans at the Woodbrook Youth Facility over the weekend, showcasing a series of exhilarating matches. Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC) and Police emerged as standout performers, registering impressive victories across various divisions. In the men’s open category, QPCC dominated with a resounding 19-0 win against Fatima Hockey Club on November 8, followed by a 7-2 triumph over Police the next day. National players Jordan Vieira and Nicholas Siu Butt were instrumental, with Vieira scoring six goals against Fatima and a beaver-trick against Police. Siu Butt also shone, contributing significantly to both victories. In the mixed vets division, Police avenged their earlier loss to QPCC with an emphatic 8-1 win, led by Kiel Murray’s hat-trick and additional goals from Akim Toussaint, Dwain Quan Chan, and others. Meanwhile, Fatima secured a thrilling 5-4 victory over Notre Dame, with Colin Young scoring the decisive goal. The men’s Trinity division saw QPCC continue their dominance, defeating Fatima 8-1 and UWI 3-1, while SHAPE also impressed with a 7-3 win over Fatima. In the women’s Trinity division, Magnolias maintained their lead with a 6-1 win over Paragon, thanks to Samantha Olton’s hat-trick, and a hard-fought 3-3 draw against Police. The tournament is set to conclude on November 22, promising more high-stakes action.
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Bmobile, TTFA team up for business end of W/Cup qualifiers
In a significant move for Trinidad and Tobago’s football aspirations, telecommunications giant Bmobile has renewed its sponsorship of the national men’s football team for the final phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The announcement, made on November 11, marks the revival of a historic partnership that previously supported the team during their 2006 World Cup campaign in Germany—the country’s only senior World Cup appearance to date. The sponsorship comes just ahead of crucial matches against Jamaica on November 13 and Bermuda on November 18 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo. TSTT’s acting CEO, Keino Cox, emphasized the company’s commitment to national pride and unity, stating, ‘This is more than sponsorship; it is patriotism, unity, and belief in our people.’ TTFA president Kieron Edwards highlighted the importance of corporate support, noting that Bmobile’s involvement reflects confidence in the FA’s direction and efforts to revamp both on-field performance and organizational image. Bmobile’s longstanding dedication to local football includes initiatives like the National Super League title sponsorship, youth programs such as the ‘Kick It With Karyn’ tournament, and the 2018 launch of the TEGO streaming app for live World Cup matches. Currently, Trinidad and Tobago sit third in Group B of Concacaf’s final qualifying round with five points, trailing Jamaica and Curacao. The top three group winners will advance to the 2026 World Cup, with the two best second-placed teams entering FIFA’s intercontinental playoffs. This sponsorship follows a recent $100,000 contribution from Prestige Holdings Limited’s KFC brand to support the team’s preparations.