The US Embassy in Port of Spain has issued a definitive statement clarifying that no foreign government influences its visa approval, denial, or revocation processes. This announcement follows reports that Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, had requested the embassy to deny and revoke visas of citizens allegedly spreading defamatory and misleading narratives about joint security operations in the region. In a media release dated November 26, the embassy emphasized that visa decisions are solely made by the US government, based on individual merits and adherence to US laws. The statement underscored that visas are not revoked due to the exercise of free speech, a fundamental American value, but may be denied or revoked in cases involving criminal activity. The controversy gained traction after Gary Aboud, corporate secretary of Fishermen and Friends of the Sea, revealed on November 21 that his US visa had been revoked. Aboud speculated that his vocal opposition to US missile strikes in the Southern Caribbean and Pacific, which have reportedly killed over 80 alleged drug traffickers since September 2, led to the decision. He further accused the Trinidad and Tobago government of influencing the visa revocation. However, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has firmly denied any involvement by her administration in the matter.
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Israel Khan a shining exemplar
Israel Khan QC, a renowned Senior Counsel and esteemed tutor at the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS), has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree by the University of TT. This prestigious accolade recognizes his exceptional contributions to the legal profession, particularly in criminal law, rather than academic achievements alone. Khan, a graduate of the HWLS Class of 1979, has been a pivotal figure at the institution for 38 years, mentoring countless aspiring lawyers. In 2024, he was celebrated as one of the six distinguished Caribbean luminaries during HWLS’s 50th anniversary. Appointed Senior Counsel in 2000, Khan has demonstrated unparalleled brilliance, moral courage, and dedication to justice throughout his career. Ulric Skerritt, a junior counsel who collaborated with Khan for over 24 years, praised his integrity and unwavering commitment to fairness. Khan’s legacy continues to inspire young attorneys, and this honorary degree is a testament to his enduring impact on the legal field.
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Hong Kong housing estate fire kills at least 36, 200-plus missing
A catastrophic fire erupted at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, on Wednesday afternoon, marking the city’s most devastating blaze in decades. The inferno, which continued to rage into Thursday, claimed at least 36 lives and left over 200 individuals unaccounted for. The fire, which began on bamboo scaffolding surrounding several apartment blocks, rapidly spread due to strong winds and drifting debris, engulfing the densely populated estate. The estate, home to nearly 2,000 flats across eight towers, was undergoing maintenance at the time, complicating evacuation efforts. Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee, confirmed the death toll and expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. Twenty-nine individuals were hospitalized, with seven in critical condition. A firefighter, aged 37, was among the victims, succumbing to injuries sustained while battling the blaze. Witnesses described harrowing scenes of thick smoke, towering flames, and falling debris, with residents struggling to evacuate. Many elderly residents, unable to move swiftly, were particularly vulnerable. Chinese President Xi Jinping extended condolences to the victims and their families, urging authorities to minimize casualties and losses. Temporary shelters were established, and a casualty hotline was activated to assist affected residents. The fire, which has raised concerns about scaffolding safety, underscores the challenges of managing disasters in one of the world’s most densely populated cities.
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Appeal Court overturns ruling quashing dentist’s suspension
The Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court decision that had dismissed disciplinary findings and lifted the suspension of Dr. Dion Koonoolal, a dentist accused of violating the Dental Council’s advertising regulations. The case has been remitted to a newly constituted appeal tribunal for a full rehearing. Justices Charmaine Pemberton, Mira Dean-Armorer, and Carla Brown-Antoine ruled that Justice Carol Gobin, acting as the appeal tribunal, failed to conduct the case as a true rehearing, as mandated by Section 37 of the Dental Profession Act and Part 60.8 of the Civil Proceedings Rules (CPR).
Justice Pemberton, who authored the unanimous judgment, stated that this procedural lapse prevented the proper examination of evidence, including cross-examination, rendering the earlier decision “plainly wrong.” She emphasized that the appeal judge did not ensure all necessary evidence was presented, relying instead on statements from counsel and personal opinions. This approach, the court found, led to factual errors and an incorrect dismissal of the Dental Council’s statutory role as the profession’s primary regulator.
The Court of Appeal underscored the importance of appellate courts respecting the expertise of professional disciplinary bodies, particularly in specialized fields. It concluded that the High Court had undermined the role Parliament intended for the Dental Council in maintaining professional standards. While Dr. Koonoolal had challenged the fairness of the disciplinary process, the court declined to rule on these issues, noting they were not properly examined during the initial appeal.
The court also clarified that the regulatory framework explicitly prohibits unauthorized advertising by dentists, subject to specific exceptions. It rejected any interpretation suggesting ambiguity in the law, stating that the policy documents complement rather than contradict the legislative provisions. The court emphasized that debates about modernizing professional codes should not interfere with judicial obligations to base decisions on evidence and legal frameworks.
The appeal was allowed, the High Court’s decision was set aside, and the case was ordered to be reheard by a different tribunal. Dr. Koonoolal was also directed to pay the Dental Council’s legal costs. The Dental Council was represented by Ian Benjamin, SC, Anil Maraj, and Nicole de Verteuil-Milne, while Dr. Koonoolal was represented by Anand Ramlogal, SC, and Jared Jagroo.
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Four Windies players hit fifties in New Zealand warm-up match
The West Indies cricket team showcased a dominant batting performance on the first day of their two-day warm-up match against a New Zealand XI at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln University on November 25. The visitors concluded the day at a formidable 346 for five, setting a strong foundation for their upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand, which begins on December 1. The top-order batsmen demonstrated exceptional form, with Tagenarine Chanderpaul leading the charge with a solid 85 off 211 balls. Brandon King (79 off 91), John Campbell (68 off 98), and Kavem Hodge (55 not out off 102) also contributed significantly, each scoring half-centuries in a display of batting prowess. Campbell and Chanderpaul established a robust 130-run opening partnership, with Campbell playing aggressively before being dismissed. King and Chanderpaul continued the momentum, guiding the team to Tea without further loss. Chanderpaul retired at Tea, making way for Hodge, who aims to secure a spot in the Test squad. King’s dismissal by leg-spinner Rahman Hekmat marked a minor setback, but Hodge and Tevin Imlach added 68 runs for the fifth wicket before Imlach was bowled on the final ball of the day. The match serves as crucial preparation for the West Indies, with rookie fast bowlers Johann Layne and Ojay Shields expected to gain valuable practice on day two.
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Thai court issues arrest warrant for Miss Universe co-owner
A Thai court has issued an arrest warrant for Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, the media mogul and co-owner of the Miss Universe beauty pageant, over allegations of fraud amounting to $930,000. The South Bangkok Civil Court issued the warrant on Tuesday after a plastic surgeon accused Jakapong of fraud and withholding critical information when persuading him to invest in her company, JKN Global Group, in 2023. The court stated that Jakapong allegedly invited the plaintiff to invest despite knowing she could not repay the funds within the agreed timeframe. The verdict in the 30 million baht ($930,000) case was initially scheduled for Tuesday, but Jakapong failed to appear, prompting the court to interpret her absence as a potential attempt to flee. The verdict has now been rescheduled to December 26. Local media reports suggest Jakapong may have traveled to Mexico amid rumors of escalating financial troubles. The Miss Universe Organisation has clarified that these legal proceedings are unrelated to its operations. This development follows a tumultuous Miss Universe 2025 event in Bangkok, which was marred by controversies, including a public altercation between the host and the eventual winner, Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch. The host faced backlash for allegedly calling Bosch ‘dumb,’ leading to a walkout. Jakapong’s JKN Global Group acquired the Miss Universe pageant in 2022 for $20 million but later sold half its stake to a Mexican firm. In 2024, JKN shares were delisted from the Stock Exchange of Thailand due to financial irregularities.
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Men charged in 1800-pound ganja case to return to court in January
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Three individuals implicated in a significant narcotics bust involving 1,890 pounds of ganja are set to face further legal proceedings in January 2026. Patrick Branford, Leon Hines, and Naman Banton appeared before Parish Judge Paula Blake Powell on Tuesday. Notably, Hines remains in custody as his bail application is still pending. The trio was allegedly intercepted by the Firearms and Narcotics Division on August 15 while attempting to transport the compressed ganja to one of Jamaica’s ports of entry. They face multiple charges, including conspiracy to export ganja, possession of criminal property, trafficking, dealing in ganja, and preparatory steps to export the substance. The prosecution highlighted that a forensic certificate related to the seized drugs is still pending, prompting the court to schedule the next hearing for case management on January 6, 2026.
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JYAN urges strong protection measures for women and girls post — Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network (JYAN) is calling on national stakeholders to focus on the safety and protection of women and girls. This appeal comes shortly after the observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW) on Tuesday. JYAN emphasizes that while the entire nation grapples with the aftermath of the disaster, women and children face heightened risks of violence and abuse.
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Church group treks into remote Westmoreland community to deliver vital Hurricane relief
In a remarkable display of community solidarity, the Pentecostal Gospel Showers Family of Churches (PGSFoC) orchestrated a significant relief mission last weekend to aid families in Westmoreland, Jamaica, devastated by the catastrophic Hurricane Melissa in October. The Category 5 storm left many areas, including the remote York District, in dire straits, with damaged roads hindering access to essential aid.
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JN provides counselling for Melissa survivors in south Trelawny
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the JN Group, in collaboration with local and corporate partners, has launched a vital initiative to offer psychosocial support to residents in southern Trelawny, Jamaica. The Category 5 storm left many grappling with emotional and physical devastation, prompting the JN Group to step in with comprehensive relief efforts.