The Bahamas Christian Council, led by President Bishop Delton Fernander, has announced it will issue a formal statement regarding the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) decision to ratify Island Luck CEO Sebas Bastian as a candidate for the upcoming general election. Bishop Fernander emphasized the risks of pitting religious institutions against political agendas, particularly during election seasons. ‘It’s dangerous to try to put the church against politics, especially in political season,’ he stated, declining to share his personal opinion on the matter. The Christian Council has historically opposed the growth of the gaming industry, yet religious leaders have remained largely silent since Mr. Bastian, a prominent figure in the industry, revealed his political ambitions. Mr. Bastian, who plans to step aside from his gaming business to focus on public service, expressed confidence in his ability to manage his extensive business interests while serving in office. ‘I have over 20 companies, and I’m only the CEO of one,’ he said, highlighting his reliance on competent teams to ensure business continuity. Under Section 25 of the Gaming Act, Cabinet ministers and their immediate family members are prohibited from holding gaming licenses or having financial stakes in licensed operations. Prime Minister Philip Davis has confirmed that the government will not amend this law. Mr. Bastian, endorsed by outgoing Fort Charlotte MP Alfred Sears, has outlined plans to establish a community impact center, promote affordable housing, and tackle the high cost of living.
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90,000 families in western Jamaica impacted by Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, has left approximately 90,000 families in western Jamaica grappling with severe consequences. Initial assessments by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) reveal that over 120,000 buildings suffered roof damage, highlighting the storm’s destructive force. Commander Alvin Gayle, the newly appointed Director General of ODPEM, provided these updates during a press briefing at Jamaica House in Kingston. He emphasized that while many communities have regained access thanks to the efforts of the National Works Agency (NWA), the Jamaica Fire Brigade, and other entities, 27 communities remain isolated due to flooding and landslides, particularly in St Elizabeth, St James, and Trelawny. Hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm, made landfall in New Hope, Westmoreland, causing widespread damage across multiple parishes, including Trelawny, St James, Hanover, Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, and St Ann. Commander Gayle assured that ODPEM, alongside government ministries, private sector partners, and international organizations, is making daily progress in restoring essential services such as power, telecommunications, and water, as well as clearing roads and delivering aid. ODPEM is also finalizing its initial damage assessment report to determine the full extent of the hurricane’s impact, which will guide the government in addressing the needs of affected communities as recovery efforts commence.
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Bog Walk Gorge remains closed due to safety concerns
ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — The Bog Walk Gorge in St Catherine remains inaccessible to vehicles as authorities continue efforts to clear utility poles obstructing the roadway. Initially anticipated to reopen on Thursday, the corridor’s closure has been extended due to persistent safety concerns. The National Works Agency (NWA) confirmed that a Jamaica Public Service Company pole remains down in the area, with the power company estimating an additional 48 hours to resolve the issue. Stephen Shaw, Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, highlighted that motorists would also encounter challenges at Flat Bridge, where traffic signals are currently non-operational. Shaw urged drivers to utilize alternative routes until the area is declared safe. The NWA has committed to providing updates once the obstacles are cleared and the roadway is prepared for reopening.
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Hurricane left millions of tons of debris in Jamaica – UN
The United Nations has issued a stark warning about the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, describing it as one of the most devastating climate disasters in the island’s history. During a press briefing on Thursday, Kishan Khoday, the UN Development Program’s representative in Jamaica, revealed that the hurricane generated nearly five million tons of debris, severely obstructing roads and disrupting access to essential services. Satellite imagery indicates that the debris could fill almost half a million standard trucks, leaving entire communities surrounded by wreckage. Khoday emphasized the urgency of debris removal, stating that delays would exacerbate the crisis by prolonging road blockages, halting vital services, and deepening the economic and humanitarian toll. Initial estimates suggest the storm caused damage equivalent to 30% of Jamaica’s GDP, with figures expected to rise. The hurricane, which struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, claimed 32 lives on the island and 76 across the Caribbean. A study by Imperial College London attributes the storm’s intensified power to human-induced climate change, underscoring the growing threat of extreme weather events.
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Scotiabank commits J$165 million to support hurricane relief efforts
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, Scotiabank has pledged a substantial financial contribution to aid Jamaica’s recovery and rebuilding initiatives. The bank has announced an initial commitment of CAD$400,000 (approximately J$48 million) to support relief efforts across the island. Additionally, the Scotiabank Foundation has earmarked J$100 million to bolster the nation’s economic resilience and assist in the recovery process. These funds will be channeled through trusted organizations actively engaged in providing aid to affected families and communities.
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McDonald’s Trinidad, Heroes Foundation celebrate ‘Great Day’
McDonald’s restaurants in Trinidad are set to celebrate their ninth annual ‘Great Day’ on November 7, a hallmark event dedicated to fostering community unity and empowering the nation’s youth. This year, the fast-food giant continues its longstanding partnership with the Heroes Foundation, a local non-profit organization focused on mentoring and personal development for young people.
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LJ Williams posts narrower loss
LJ Williams Ltd, the parent company of The Home Store Ltd, has disclosed a slight enhancement in its financial performance for the six months ending September 30. Despite a decline in turnover from $73.30 million to $71.35 million compared to the previous year, the company has managed to reduce its losses. The group reported a pre-tax loss of $488,000, a significant improvement from the $974,000 loss recorded in the same period last year. According to the condensed financials released on November 6, the half-year sales amounted to $71.355 million, with an operating profit of $2.14 million, which was offset by finance costs of $2.63 million. After accounting for taxation and minority adjustments, the net loss attributable to shareholders was $867,000, with a total comprehensive loss of $875,000. Total assets were reported at $225.71 million, bolstered by non-current assets of $145.14 million and current assets of $80.57 million. Management credited the improved loss position to cost-cutting measures implemented in response to a challenging retail environment. Chairman Lawford Dupres noted that the reduction in losses represents an improvement over the previous year’s performance. He highlighted weaker consumer spending and limited access to foreign exchange as significant challenges for the distribution business. Operational adjustments included reducing the number of Home Store outlets to focus resources on higher-performing locations and lower overhead costs. The Home Store operation in Guyana exceeded budget expectations, while the Food & Allied division, the company’s mainstay, achieved a 7.5% sales growth. Conversely, the Hardware division experienced weaker sales, partly due to reduced exports, whereas the Shipping division saw a 17% increase in sales compared to the previous period. Retained earnings were $44.398 million, and reserves stood at $34.597 million. The group’s statement emphasized that foreign exchange availability will remain a critical factor for the import distribution business in the coming months, with management continuing to prioritize cost control and focus on outlets with greater potential.
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General Accident acquires Beacon Insurance
In a landmark move reshaping the Caribbean insurance landscape, General Accident Insurance Co (Jamaica) Ltd has finalized its acquisition of Beacon Insurance Company Ltd. The transaction, completed on October 31, saw General Accident’s parent company, Musson (Jamaica) Ltd, acquire 100% of Beacon’s shares. Once regulatory approvals are secured, Beacon will operate as a subsidiary of General Accident, marking a significant expansion of the latter’s presence in Trinidad and Tobago (TT) and Barbados, while also granting access to new markets in Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts, St Lucia, and St Vincent. The merger is projected to elevate General Accident’s annual gross written premiums to over J$32 billion. Despite the acquisition, both brands will continue to operate independently in TT and Barbados, with Beacon’s existing management, led by CEO Christopher Woodhams, remaining intact. Woodhams will now report directly to General Accident Group CEO Sharon Donaldson and oversee the combined operations in TT. Additionally, Woodhams and Beacon director Christian Hadeed will join General Accident’s board, while the Hadeed family, founders of Beacon, will become minority shareholders in General Accident. This strategic partnership aims to preserve Beacon’s core values and ensure continuity within the broader regional group. Gerald Hadeed, Beacon’s founder, expressed confidence in the alignment of both companies’ insurance principles, emphasizing their shared commitment to client service and investment in people and technology. General Accident chairman PB Scott praised Beacon’s leadership and performance, highlighting the opportunity to create a powerful platform across the Caribbean. Founded in 1981, Beacon has been a dominant player in TT’s insurance sector, specializing in motor, property, and casualty insurance. General Accident, headquartered in Kingston and listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, has steadily expanded its regional footprint through strategic acquisitions.
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JDF to airlift Starlink units to isolated areas Thursday
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to enhance digital connectivity, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has commenced the airlift of Starlink internet devices into select communities, as announced by Daryl Vaz, Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications, and Transport. The initiative, which began on Thursday, aims to establish community Wi-Fi hubs and bolster humanitarian efforts in isolated areas.
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Guardian Group pledges US$312k hurricane relief
In a significant move to aid Jamaica’s recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Guardian Group Charitable Foundation has committed US$312,000. This donation, one of the largest single contributions from Trinidad and Tobago (TT), is part of the broader ‘Building a Better Jamaica Fund,’ a coordinated recovery initiative led by the National Commercial Bank Jamaica Ltd (NCB) and managed by the NCB Foundation. The fund has already raised approximately US$2.8 million, including an initial US$1.25 million from NCB, supplemented by partner contributions and Guardian Group’s substantial donation. Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, left widespread destruction across the island, damaging infrastructure, agriculture, and housing, and displacing thousands of residents. The Jamaican government declared a national disaster, prompting a large-scale relief and reconstruction effort supported by regional governments, businesses, and aid agencies. Guardian Group’s contribution will support both immediate relief and long-term rebuilding, working through experienced partners such as the American Friends of Jamaica, Food for the Poor Jamaica, Unicef Jamaica, and the Global Empowerment Mission. Shinelle Grant-Sealey, Guardian Group’s vice-president for environment, social and governance, emphasized the organization’s regional commitment to recovery and resilience, stating that the donation is an immediate investment in stability for affected families and institutions. Guardian Group has also provided care packages and internal support for its employees in Jamaica impacted by the storm. With operations across TT, Jamaica, Barbados, and the Dutch Caribbean, the group remains dedicated to helping Caribbean communities rebuild and recover.