The Catholic Church has voiced strong opposition to Trinidad and Tobago’s (TT) government’s recent decision to conduct mass deportations of detained Venezuelan migrants. In a statement issued on November 17 by the Catholic Commission for Social Justice (CCSJ) of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain, the Church expressed solidarity with the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC), Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon, and the Conference on Theology in the Caribbean Today (CTCT). The CCSJ raised concerns over escalating geopolitical tensions in the Southern Caribbean, including lethal military strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking and the growing humanitarian crisis affecting migrants across the region. The Church warned that the Caribbean’s longstanding reputation as a ‘zone of peace’ is under threat, particularly with the significant presence of US military forces, including the USS Gerald R Ford, in the Caribbean Sea. The CCSJ urged regional leaders to prioritize dialogue over confrontation and to consider the potential repercussions of US President Donald Trump’s actions on TT and the wider region. The commission criticized the US naval operations near Venezuela, which have led to the deaths of 83 people since September, raising fears of extrajudicial killings. The CCSJ emphasized that such actions violate international human rights laws and Catholic teachings on the sanctity of life. While acknowledging TT’s right to secure its borders, the Church insisted on adherence to international law, particularly the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning refugees to countries where they face persecution. The CCSJ also highlighted the closure of the UNHCR national office in TT, which has exacerbated the crisis by leaving thousands of migrants without access to registration or protection. The Church called for political restraint, regional unity, and diplomatic efforts to maintain peace. It urged Caribbean governments to prioritize humanitarian protection and to strengthen regional diplomacy. The CCSJ announced plans to expand partnerships with civil society to support migrants and refugees, emphasizing that they are ‘children of God’ and not political pawns. The commission recommended a pause on mass deportations, renewed engagement with UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration, and the incorporation of the 1951 Refugee Convention into TT law. Additionally, it called for public education to counter misinformation and promote solidarity, as well as collective action to safeguard human dignity.
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Soaring demand pushes GB food aid groups to their limit
Grand Bahama’s leading food aid organizations are grappling with unprecedented demand as residents increasingly rely on non-profits to supplement their shrinking grocery budgets. The Grand Bahama Red Cross Society and Reach Out Ministries report a significant rise in weekly inquiries, walk-ins, and requests to join their feeding programs, highlighting the growing economic hardship on the island. Kimberly Outten, administrator at the Grand Bahama Red Cross, revealed that their Meals on Wheels service, which provides hot meals to disabled and elderly residents five days a week, has been operating at full capacity for months. Despite serving approximately 50 to 55 individuals, the program is unable to meet the escalating demand. Many seeking assistance have already exhausted other options, such as Social Services and churches, only to be redirected to the Red Cross. In addition to Meals on Wheels, the organization distributes monthly grocery parcels to 22 families, but new requests continue to strain resources, with 12 to 20 weekly walk-ins seeking help. The needs often extend beyond food, with requests for home repairs and rent assistance, which the Red Cross cannot provide. As Thanksgiving approaches, the organization is preparing for its Feed the 10,000 initiative, a community-supported mass feeding event expected to exceed 10,000 meals. Reach Out Ministries is experiencing similar pressures, with founder Dudley Seide noting a steady stream of calls for assistance, including 60 to 70 weekly requests. The ministry continues its weekly Sunday feeding program and is gearing up for Thanksgiving and Christmas initiatives. Seide emphasized the acute need among older residents, many of whom face financial instability due to delayed pensions and unemployment.
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SpaceX eyes new booster landings before year’s end
SpaceX is on track to resume Falcon 9 booster landings in Bahamian waters before the end of the year, with plans for up to 20 additional recoveries at the Exuma Sound site pending government approval. The announcement was made during the Ministry of Education’s Starlink rollout event at CH Reeves Junior High School. Sarah Gillis, a SpaceX engineer, revealed that the company is nearing completion of regulatory requirements for a second landing at the same deep-water site used for the historic recovery on February 18. ‘We are currently finalizing the regulatory process to ensure the environmental review is complete and that all monitoring and upkeep requirements are met,’ Gillis stated. ‘We are close to achieving a second landing in Exuma and are collaborating with regulatory authorities to expedite the process.’ Gillis added that SpaceX aims to complete another landing by the end of 2025, with a target set for this year. ‘We don’t have much time left this year, so it should happen soon,’ she noted. Future landings will exclusively use the Exuma Sound site, with SpaceX planning up to 20 additional recoveries once approvals are secured. Environmental concerns arose following February’s landing, particularly regarding marine impacts and sonic booms. Gillis emphasized that the ongoing review includes comprehensive assessments. ‘We’ve conducted extensive modeling and predictions to ensure safety,’ she explained. ‘The site is sufficiently distant from sensitive areas, minimizing risks. We will also implement rigorous monitoring before, during, and after the landing to track any environmental impact. All predictions indicate minimal impact, aside from the instantaneous sound of the sonic boom.’ Discussions with Bahamian regulators have been positive, according to Gillis. Falcon 9 landings are a key component of SpaceX’s reusability program, which reduces launch costs by enabling boosters to return to Earth for multiple uses. An Environmental Impact Assessment released in September found the first landing had ‘minimal’ environmental effects but identified gaps in underwater noise measurements, recommending enhanced monitoring for future missions.
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UPDATE: Section of Mandela Highway closed after police shooting
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Authorities have issued a warning to motorists following the closure of the westbound lane on Mandela Highway near the entrance to the PJ Patterson Highway. The shutdown comes in the wake of a fatal shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday afternoon. According to reports, three men were shot and killed by police shortly after 12:00 pm. Law enforcement officials remain on the scene, conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. As a result of the lane closure, the eastbound lane has been converted to accommodate two-way traffic. Drivers are urged to proceed with caution, adhere to traffic instructions, and anticipate minor delays when traveling through the affected area. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
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Donovan Lewis to close St George’s College lecture series
KINGSTON, Jamaica — St George’s College is set to wrap up its highly anticipated three-part lecture series, ‘Pioneers of Tomorrow,’ with a compelling presentation by renowned entrepreneur Donovan Lewis. The event, scheduled for Tuesday, December 2, at the Abe Issa Auditorium, will bring together sixth form students and peers from schools across the island. Lewis, a distinguished investor, wealth manager, and philanthropist, will share insights from his extensive career in business and finance, emphasizing themes of resilience, confidence, and seizing opportunities. Organizers have highlighted the relevance of resilience, particularly as schools continue to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Lewis is the founder of the Children’s Health, Education and Wealth Foundation (CHEW), which collaborates with various organizations to provide both immediate and long-term support to families impacted by the hurricane. Additionally, CHEW focuses on investment-driven initiatives to aid children in state care. Beyond his philanthropic efforts, Lewis is the founder of the Ideal Group of Companies, a director at multiple financial institutions, and an active participant in real estate development. The ‘Pioneers of Tomorrow’ series aims to expose students to accomplished Jamaican professionals across diverse fields. Previous sessions have featured speakers from various industries, and the finale is expected to draw a significant audience.
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Hurricane victims hopeful after visit by PM and Caricom heads
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The recent visit by Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders to Whitehouse and surrounding communities in Westmoreland on November 17 has sparked a glimmer of hope among residents still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. While the visit, which included representatives from international lending agencies, is not expected to immediately resolve the widespread destruction caused by the October 28 hurricane, locals view it as a crucial step toward addressing their dire circumstances.
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Three fatally shot by police on Mandela Highway
In a tragic incident on Wednesday afternoon, three men lost their lives following a police-involved shooting along Mandela Highway in St Catherine, Jamaica. The event reportedly occurred shortly after 12:00 pm, when the men were traveling in a Honda Fit motor car. Authorities have confirmed the fatalities and are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. While specific details remain scarce, the incident has sparked concerns and raised questions about the use of force by law enforcement. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. The community awaits clarity on the events that led to this fatal encounter.
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Ziggy Marley’s URGE Foundation and BossMom Network to rebuild homes for Jamaican mothers and children
The Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment (URGE) Foundation, spearheaded by Ziggy and Orly Marley, is scaling up its home rebuilding initiatives to support Jamaican families displaced by Hurricane Melissa. This expansion builds on a successful collaboration with Michelle Gordon, founder of the BossMom Network and a goodwill ambassador for Food for the Poor. Gordon emphasized the shared mission of reconstructing homes, restoring hope, and empowering single mothers and children across Jamaica. Initially committing $50,000 to the project, the Marleys have since mobilized additional funding from the music industry to address the heightened need post-Melissa. In a recent media release, Gordon announced upcoming initiatives focusing on immediate hurricane relief and long-term financial support for rebuilding efforts. ‘Ziggy and Orly have been steadfast partners,’ Gordon stated. ‘Their renewed support enables us to transition swiftly from relief to restoration, helping mothers move beyond survival to nurturing their children and rebuilding their futures.’ BossMom Builds, in partnership with Food for the Poor Jamaica, has historically provided safe, sustainable housing for vulnerable mothers. In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the initiative has pivoted to a $100,000 campaign aimed at repairing damaged homes, furnishing new ones, and restoring livelihoods. Marsha Burrell-Rose, Marketing, Public Relations, and Missions Manager at Food for the Poor, highlighted the power of collaboration: ‘This partnership exemplifies unity, combining faith, purpose, and action to rebuild communities and restore lives across Jamaica. It’s compassion in motion.’ Ziggy Marley echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to love in action. ‘Jamaica is our home, and helping families rebuild after this storm is our shared responsibility,’ he said. Since its inception in 1992, the URGE Foundation has focused on improving lives through education, health, and community development. Its ongoing collaboration with BossMom Builds underscores the transformative impact of compassion and partnership. Gordon is now calling on individuals, corporate partners, and the Jamaican diaspora to join the mission. ‘Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us rebuild homes, restore hope, and keep mothers and children safe,’ she added. Donations can be made directly to Food for the Poor Jamaica, with all funds allocated to BossMom Builds for reconstruction efforts.
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UK to ban concert ticket resales at inflated prices
The United Kingdom government has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to prohibit the resale of event tickets—including concerts, sports matches, and other live performances—at prices exceeding their original face value. This move aims to curb the exploitative practices of ticket touts, who have long profited from inflating prices to the detriment of fans and the entertainment industry. The announcement, made on Wednesday, comes in response to widespread public frustration, particularly over the exorbitant costs of tickets for events like the recent Oasis reunion tour. Business Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized that the measures are designed to dismantle the touting model, ensuring fair access to live events for all fans. The Labour government, elected in July 2024, had pledged to prioritize consumer protections in its manifesto. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy highlighted the detrimental impact of touts, who often use automated bots to purchase large quantities of tickets and resell them at inflated prices. An investigation by consumer group Which? revealed that tickets for Oasis’s Wembley Stadium show were listed for over £4,000 on platforms like Viagogo. Under the new regulations, resale platforms will face capped service fees, and individuals will be restricted from reselling more tickets than they initially purchased. The government estimates these measures will save fans £112 million annually, reducing the average resale price by £37. While British music icons, including Coldplay and Dua Lipa, have endorsed the legislation, resale platforms like Viagogo and StubHub have criticized the plans, warning they could push fans toward unregulated markets.
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Miss Universe Jamaica falls during evening gown preliminary competition
Dr. Gabrielle Henry, Jamaica’s representative at the 2025 Miss Universe pageant, is currently receiving medical attention at Paolo Rangsit Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, following an unfortunate incident during the preliminary competitions. Henry reportedly fell from the stage shortly after participating in the evening gown segment on Wednesday. According to Mark McDermoth, the national director of the Miss Universe Jamaica Organisation, preliminary medical tests have confirmed that Henry is not suffering from any life-threatening injuries. McDermoth urged the public to keep Henry in their prayers during this challenging time. Henry was accompanied to the hospital by her sister, mother, and representatives from the Miss Universe organization. Earlier in the week, she had successfully competed in the national costume and swimwear preliminary rounds. The coronation of the 74th Miss Universe is set to take place on Thursday, November 20, at the Impact Challenger Hall Arena in Bangkok, with delegates from 120 countries vying for the prestigious title. Jamaica has a strong history in the pageant, with several contestants achieving top-ten placements, including Sandra Foster (1989), Kimberly Mais (1991), Nicole Haughton (1999), Christine Straw (2004), Yendi Phillips (2nd place, 2010), Kaci Fennell (2014), Davina Bennett (2017), and Miqueal Symone Williams (2020).