A significant legal battle has emerged in Trinidad and Tobago as Denesh Maharaj, a Piarco resident, challenges the legality of his detention under the 2025 state of emergency regulations. Maharaj, who faces charges of firearm and ammunition possession, as well as marijuana trafficking, was detained by police and later subjected to a preventative detention order. His legal team, comprising Keron Ramkhalawan, Anwar Hosein, and Shalini Sankar, contends that his detention was unlawful and violated his constitutional rights to liberty and due process under Sections 4(a), 4(b), and 5(2)(h) of the Constitution. Maharaj seeks declarations that the order authorizing his extended detention was illegal, along with damages and costs. The case raises critical questions about the police’s authority to extend detention periods under emergency regulations, particularly beyond the 48-hour limit without proper oversight. Maharaj’s attorneys argue that his initial arrest was conducted under common law, not emergency powers, and that the subsequent use of emergency regulations to prolong his detention was unjustified. At a recent hearing, Justice Seepersad expressed concern over the absence of state representation and emphasized the need for proper attendance at future proceedings. The case has been adjourned to January 14, 2026, while a related constitutional challenge regarding the police’s power to extend detention periods remains pending a ruling from the Privy Council on the legality of the 2011 state of emergency regulations.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Pregnant women urged to prepare as storm nears
KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa advances across the Caribbean Sea, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has issued a critical advisory urging expectant mothers to take immediate precautions. The ministry emphasized the heightened risks for pregnant women, especially those in their final trimester or with high-risk conditions such as hypertension, sickle cell disease, or diabetes. In a statement released on Friday, the ministry reassured the public that all maternity wards and hospitals across the island remain fully operational and prepared to assist pregnant women during the storm. Pregnant mothers are advised to stay informed through official updates from the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). The ministry outlined several safety measures, including consulting healthcare providers for guidance, preparing essential items such as maternity records and hospital bags, keeping phones charged and important contacts accessible, staying indoors away from windows, and ensuring access to clean water, non-perishable food, and medications. Additionally, pregnant women residing in low-lying or coastal areas are urged to relocate to safer shelters promptly. The ministry also warned against walking or driving through floodwaters and advised avoiding flooded areas altogether.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Digicel urges customers to report acts of vandalism during Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches, Digicel Jamaica is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or acts of vandalism that could disrupt network services. Stephen Murad, CEO of Digicel Jamaica, emphasized the company’s preparedness while calling for community cooperation to safeguard connectivity during the storm.
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#EyeOnMelissa: JR2R sets new date for Pink Run 2025 due to hurricane watch
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica Reach to Recovery (JR2R) has made the decision to postpone the 25th anniversary of the Pink Run, originally set for this Sunday, in response to the ongoing hurricane watch affecting the island. The event has been rescheduled to Saturday, November 15, 2025, and will be held at Emancipation Park in New Kingston. This move underscores JR2R’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants, volunteers, and attendees. Additional information regarding the rescheduled event will be released in the coming weeks via JR2R’s official website and social media channels. Sandra Samuels, President of JR2R, emphasized the organization’s dedication to safety, stating, ‘The safety of everyone is our top priority. We deeply appreciate the understanding, flexibility, and unwavering enthusiasm of our participants, sponsors, and supporters. We eagerly anticipate uniting everyone on November 15 to run in solidarity, hope, and support for those impacted by breast cancer.’
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#EyeOnMelissa: Jamaica’s storm preparations should be rushed to completion — NHC
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued a critical warning on Friday morning, urging residents of Jamaica and Haiti to expedite preparations for the impending arrival of Tropical Storm Melissa. The storm, which had initially stalled in the Caribbean Sea, began moving at a sluggish pace of two miles per hour by 11:00 am, heightening concerns over prolonged and severe weather conditions. The NHC emphasized the escalating risks of destructive winds, torrential rainfall, and life-threatening flash flooding, which could trigger landslides and storm surges across the region. Jamaica is particularly vulnerable, with the storm expected to unleash multi-day periods of hazardous weather starting as early as Saturday. Haiti faces catastrophic flash flooding and landslides, especially in the southwest, which could isolate communities and cause extensive damage to infrastructure. The southern Dominican Republic is also at risk of similar conditions, while Cuba has been advised to monitor the storm’s progress closely. Tropical storm warnings and hurricane watches remain in effect for Jamaica and Haiti’s southwestern peninsula, underscoring the urgency for immediate action to safeguard lives and property.
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#EyeOnMelissa: MoBay airport cancels flights to and from Fort Lauderdale, NMIA remains open
In response to an active tropical storm warning, MBJ Airports Limited, the operator of Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica, has announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, effective Friday. The disruptions are expected to continue through the weekend, affecting flights on Saturday and Sunday as well. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines directly for rebooking options and updated flight statuses. Despite the cancellations, Sangster International Airport remains open and operational. Similarly, PAC Kingston Airport Limited, which manages Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, has confirmed that their facility is also open, with officials closely monitoring the storm’s trajectory and making necessary preparations. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed through airline advisories and adjust their travel plans accordingly before heading to the airport.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Flow pauses disconnections as Jamaica braces for Melissa
In anticipation of Tropical Storm Melissa, telecommunications provider Flow Jamaica has unveiled a series of measures to ensure its customers remain connected and supported during the impending weather event. The company has announced a temporary halt on service disconnections and is offering additional mobile data to prepaid customers as part of its storm-readiness initiative.
Danielle Savory, Senior Communications Manager at Flow, emphasized the critical role of connectivity during emergencies. ‘In times like these, connectivity becomes more than convenience — it’s a lifeline,’ she stated. ‘We recognize the importance of staying connected to loved ones, accessing emergency updates, and staying informed. That’s why we’re prioritizing our customers’ needs by keeping them connected and supported throughout this period.’
To further assist customers, Flow is doubling the core mobile data for all prepaid users who activate a seven-day or longer unlimited talk, text, and social plan. This initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted access to vital information during the storm. Additionally, the company has decided to close all its retail stores on Friday to safeguard the safety of both staff and customers. Customers are encouraged to manage their accounts and purchase credit online via topupflow.com or the Topup Flow app.
Flow has also advised its customers to take precautionary measures, such as charging their devices, topping up in advance, and keeping a list of emergency contacts readily available. The company’s local crisis management team has activated its emergency response protocols to maintain network resilience and service continuity. These measures include site inspections, refueling of generators and storage units, and deploying standby crews across key locations. Notably, approximately 60% of Flow’s cell sites are equipped with backup power systems to sustain connectivity during potential outages.
For emergency reports or service inquiries, customers can contact Flow at 1-800-804-2994 (residential) or 1-800-744-0222 (business). To report theft or vandalism of Flow’s network assets, individuals are urged to contact the nearest police station or the company’s emergency operations center at 876-929-9834 / 876-929-9837 / 876-920-7935.
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Govt to arrange evacuation flight for Bahamian students in Jamaica as Tropical Storm Melissa may soon be hurricane
Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis has announced urgent measures to ensure the safety of Bahamian students in Jamaica as Tropical Storm Melissa looms, with potential to escalate into a hurricane. The storm, currently drifting north-northwestward, is forecasted to intensify, prompting a Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch for Jamaica. In response, Prime Minister Davis has directed Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell and Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper to coordinate an evacuation flight for the students. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining constant communication with the students and will provide ongoing updates. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings of severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, life-threatening floods, and strong winds, expected to impact Jamaica and parts of Hispaniola over the weekend. Alveta Knight, the Bahamian Consul General in Jamaica, reported that her office is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that Bahamian nationals, particularly students, are adequately prepared. Approximately 160 Bahamian students are enrolled in Jamaican universities, alongside 20 to 70 permanent residents, though these numbers vary.
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Grand Lucayan power cut amid dispute over who pays overdue electric bill
The Grand Lucayan Resort in Grand Bahama experienced a temporary power outage on Thursday morning, reportedly due to unresolved electricity bills tied to the property’s recent change of ownership. The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) confirmed that the issue was swiftly resolved, attributing it to a minor hiccup during the transition process. Latrae Rahming, Director of Communications at the OPM, stated, ‘The matter of power supply at the Grand Lucayan has been resolved, and electricity has been reconnected. This was a matter of reconciling utility bills between the government and the new owners.’ The resort, currently unoccupied, remains in a transitional phase as redevelopment efforts progress. Approximately 300 employees are still on staff to manage operations during this period. Sources revealed that the Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) disconnected the resort’s power supply due to unpaid arrears from the previous management. The new owners, Miami-based Concord Wilshire Capital, reportedly refused to assume the debt, leading to the brief disruption. GBPC declined to comment on the matter. The government sold the 56-acre property to Concord Wilshire in May for $120 million as part of an $827 million redevelopment plan aimed at transforming the resort into a mixed-use complex featuring a hotel, casino, marina, and cruise port. The incident highlights the challenges of transitioning ownership and the expectations for tangible progress on the project, which is seen as pivotal to revitalizing Grand Bahama’s tourism sector after years of setbacks, including hurricane damage and stalled ownership changes.
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PM distancing himself from escalating Junkanoo dispute
Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has firmly distanced himself from the escalating Junkanoo dispute, emphasizing, “Don’t bring me into it,” as the government races to finalize parade plans just weeks before the season kicks off. During a meeting with Junkanoo Corporation New Providence (JCNP) chairman Dion Miller last Friday, Mr. Davis clarified that he has delegated the matter to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC). “I’m not involved in that at all because they accuse the matter of being political, and so don’t bring me into it. I’ve directed the Minister of Youth and Sports and the NJC, they are dealing with it, and I’m leaving it to them,” he stated. Despite his efforts to remain neutral, critics argue that the government is sidelining the JCNP due to its unfavorable stance toward the Prime Minister’s brother, Trevor Davis, in a dispute over the rightful claim to the Valley Boys group. The controversy deepened as JCNP officials convened Wednesday night to discuss the Prime Minister’s meeting and chart a path forward. JCNP public relations officer John Williams revealed that while Mr. Davis expressed a desire for resolution, he offered no direct intervention. “It’s very late,” Mr. Williams lamented. “It’s November, essentially, and we had to come up with a plan and a course of action. It’s action time. So we just have to do what we have to do.” He added that member groups were dissatisfied with the meeting’s outcome and expressed exhaustion over the prolonged feud. “I think everybody is just tired at this point. Just tired of the back and forth and going through all of this. We’ve never been through this sort of thing before,” he said. Ten major Junkanoo groups, including One Family, Saxons, Roots, The Valley Boys, and The Mighty Eagles, have rallied behind the JCNP. Roots chairman Duane Ellis voiced his frustration, stating that his group would only participate in a parade managed by the JCNP. “My frustration as a junkanooer is that by now, I thought both sides would come to some mutual agreement for the betterment of Junkanoo and not personalities,” he said. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Perry Christie expressed hope for a timely resolution, emphasizing the unifying power of Junkanoo. “It is always a regret when Junkanoo and culture are subjected to division because it’s the one area in the country which should unite people,” he said. “I’m hopeful, therefore, that the minister and all that he’s doing will be successful in ensuring that Junkanoo reigns supreme.”