KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP), Jamaica’s primary opposition party, has issued a stern call for the government to provide full transparency regarding a contentious $150 million (J$24 billion) loan extended to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) and its handling of the company’s license negotiations. The PNP’s Spokesperson on Energy and Telecommunications, Phillip Paulwell, voiced significant concerns over the lack of critical details surrounding the loan in a statement released on Wednesday. Paulwell emphasized that the government has failed to address key questions, including the risks to taxpayers, the valuation of JPS assets, and the interest rate attached to the loan. He criticized the administration for committing such a substantial sum without disclosing terms that safeguard public interest. Paulwell further revealed that if the loan remains unpaid within two years, the government plans to convert the debt into equity, effectively acquiring JPS assets. He questioned the current valuation of these assets and whether such an assessment has been completed. Additionally, Paulwell raised concerns about JPS’s ability to secure the remaining $200 million of the $350 million it claims is necessary for full service restoration. He demanded clarity on which state agency will oversee the loan disbursement. The opposition also criticized the government for creating instability by sending JPS a letter hinting at a possible termination of its license in 2027. Paulwell urged the government to release the letter in full, asserting that Jamaicans deserve to understand the rationale behind such a destabilizing move. He highlighted the urgency of restoring power to thousands of Jamaicans and recommended leveraging the loan to secure concessions from JPS, including suspending its monopoly during national emergencies and allowing alternative energy sources to supply nearby households. Paulwell also warned of potential electricity price hikes and stressed the need for transparency on the restoration of liquefied natural gas (LNG) generation, which offers cost advantages over heavy fuel oil and diesel. The PNP reiterated its willingness to support responsible and transparent strategies to restore electricity and strengthen Jamaica’s energy resilience but vowed to oppose decisions that unduly burden taxpayers.
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Penal students to get government laptops on November 27
The Ministry of Education in Trinidad and Tobago is set to commence the distribution of laptops to students, starting on November 27. This initiative, announced in a media release on November 26, will first benefit students of Penal Secondary School. The distribution ceremony will be attended by Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath, senior ministry executives, and other government officials.
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Cops seize WiFi box, 62 phones, cocaine, cutlass in Arouca prison
In a meticulously planned intelligence-led operation, authorities uncovered a significant cache of contraband at the Maximum Security Prison in Arouca on November 25. The operation, which spanned from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM, was executed under the leadership of CoP Allister Guevarro, Acting Commissioner of Prisons Hayden Forde, DCP Suzette Martin, and Senior Superintendents Raymond Thom, Maynard-Wilson, and Gift. The contraband was discovered after officers navigated several meters through the prison’s ventilation system. The seized items included 62 cellular phones, 235 packs of cigarettes, three kilogrammes of marijuana, eight grammes of cocaine, a solar panel charger, wrapping paper, chargers, USB cords, tools such as screwdrivers and a hammer, a carving knife, a surge protector, a kettle, watches, a shortened cutlass, $2,012 in cash, electrical circuits powered by rechargeable batteries, headsets, digital scales, a WiFi box, power banks, men’s cologne, razor blades, and tattoo needles. The operation was supervised by Senior Superintendent Prisons Lee Davis, Superintendent Modestte, ASP Stanley, and included members of the Northern North Gang Unit, Northern North Task Force, DCP Operations Team, and the Prison Emergency Response Unit. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
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UNC councillor’s family rejects ‘joint funeral’ offer
The family of Romona Victor, a 36-year-old UNC councillor from Siparia East/San Francique, has declined a proposal for a joint funeral with her common-law husband, Rodney Ramsumair. Victor’s decomposing body was discovered alongside Ramsumair’s on November 23, with investigators concluding that Ramsumair killed Victor before taking his own life. A note left at the scene, containing an apology from Ramsumair, suggested he could not live without her. Autopsies revealed Victor died from blunt-force trauma to her head and neck, while Ramsumair succumbed to poisoning. A bottle of herbicide was found at the scene. Victor’s funeral will be held on November 27 at Irwin Park, Siparia, with the Siparia Borough Corporation providing logistical support. Her father, Francis Victor, described the couple’s 16-year relationship as tumultuous, marked by frequent quarrels and reconciliations. The tragedy has sparked widespread grief and calls for greater protections for victims of domestic violence. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar praised Victor as a dedicated public servant, emphasizing the need for support systems for those facing silent struggles. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles echoed these sentiments, urging bipartisan efforts to address gender-based violence.
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Sammy confident as WI seek to end 30-year drought in NZ
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has expressed confidence in his team’s readiness as they prepare to face New Zealand in an upcoming Test series. Despite a challenging history in New Zealand, where the West Indies last won a Test match in 1987 and a series in 1995, Sammy remains optimistic about their prospects. The team’s recent performances in the T20I and One Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand, where they were competitive but fell short, have bolstered their morale. Sammy highlighted the team’s ability to create opportunities and their improved mindset as key factors heading into the Test series. The West Indies will play a two-day warm-up match against a New Zealand XI before the first Test begins on December 2. Sammy emphasized the importance of execution and the team’s determination to challenge New Zealand, aiming to end the year on a high note. Reflecting on their recent Test match against India, where they pushed the hosts into a fifth day, Sammy believes the West Indies have the potential to compete at the highest level. The three-match Test series presents an opportunity for the West Indies to rewrite their history in New Zealand and showcase their growing resilience and competitiveness.
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Former AG: By-Election a boost for Pintard, ‘knock in the head’ for PLP
The recent Golden Isles by-election has sparked significant political discourse, with former Attorney General Sean McWeeney, KC, offering a nuanced analysis of the results. While the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) emerged victorious with candidate Darron Pickstock securing 1,873 votes, the Free National Movement (FNM) led by Michael Pintard demonstrated notable strength by winning more polling divisions, capturing 1,636 votes. The Coalition of Independents (COI) trailed far behind with 348 votes, and independent candidate Karen Butler received a mere 16 votes. McWeeney highlighted that despite the PLP’s win, the FNM’s performance has bolstered Pintard’s leadership credibility, describing it as a political boost for the FNM leader. He emphasized that the FNM’s ability to secure a majority of polling divisions (8-6) underscores Pintard’s viability as a leader of a resurgent party. Conversely, McWeeney characterized the PLP’s narrow victory as a ‘knock in the head,’ particularly given the substantial resources deployed by the government. He cautioned the PLP against complacency, pointing to the national trend of one-term governments over the past two decades. McWeeney also critiqued the COI’s underwhelming performance, noting their failure to meet the legal threshold of 16.6 percent and their role as potential spoilers in future elections. He praised Pickstock’s campaign, acknowledging his rapid rise from a virtual unknown to a victorious candidate in just 41 days. Overall, McWeeney’s analysis suggests that the by-election results should serve as a wake-up call for the PLP while solidifying Pintard’s position within the FNM.
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Fire engulfs Hong Kong residential blocks, killing at least 13
A devastating fire broke out on Wednesday in the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong, claiming the lives of at least 13 people and injuring 15 others. The blaze, which began on bamboo scaffolding surrounding several high-rise apartment blocks, quickly spread, engulfing multiple buildings and sending thick plumes of smoke and flames into the sky. Witnesses reported hearing loud cracking sounds, likely from the burning bamboo, as the fire raged uncontrollably. By nightfall, the flames cast an eerie orange glow over the area, with firefighters struggling to contain the inferno. Authorities declared a five-alarm fire, the highest emergency level, as the situation worsened. Reports indicated that some residents were trapped inside the buildings, though rescue efforts were hampered by the intensity of the blaze. A 37-year-old firefighter lost his life while battling the flames, succumbing to severe burns. The government established temporary shelters for displaced residents and urged the public to avoid the area. This tragic incident has reignited concerns about fire safety in Hong Kong, particularly regarding the use of bamboo scaffolding, which has been linked to similar fires in recent months. While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, the event underscores the challenges of ensuring safety in one of the world’s most densely populated cities.
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Guyanese gov’t says local content to expand
The Guyanese government has announced a significant overhaul of its local content certification process, set to take effect in January 2026. This new framework aims to enhance clarity, predictability, and efficiency for businesses seeking certification. The Ministry of Natural Resources, through the Local Content Secretariat, has outlined specific timelines for processing applications. Sole proprietorships and landlords will see new applications processed within five working days, with renewals completed in three days. Guyanese-owned companies and partnerships will have new applications processed within 15 working days, and renewals within 10 days. All other companies will experience a 21-working-day processing period for new applications and 15 days for renewals. These timelines will commence only after all required documents are submitted, ensuring a consistent and transparent process. An updated list of required documents will be available on the petroleum.gov.gy website. Additionally, stakeholders are encouraged to use the Local Content App, launched earlier this year, to streamline procurement access and strengthen local participation. A new online portal for application submissions will also be introduced in January 2026. The Local Content Act (LCA), enacted to prioritize Guyanese nationals and companies in the energy sector, has already facilitated over US$1.5 billion in contracts and procurement, benefiting 1,100 local companies by the end of 2024.
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Gen Caine, Kamla discuss regional crime
In a significant diplomatic engagement, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, made a brief but impactful visit to Trinidad and Tobago on November 25. The high-profile meeting with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar underscored the enduring alliance between the two nations, particularly in addressing regional security challenges. Caine, who had initially planned to visit Puerto Rico to engage with US troops stationed there, altered his itinerary to include a stop in Port of Spain. The meeting, held at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s, also included key Trinidadian officials such as Attorney General John Jeremie, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, and Defence Minister Wayne Sturge. Lasting less than two hours, the discussions focused on combating narco-trafficking, human trafficking, and transnational crime, reaffirming both nations’ commitment to regional stability. Following the meeting, Caine departed in a heavily guarded convoy, emphasizing the high-security nature of the visit. Meanwhile, Suriname has voiced concerns over US aggression towards Venezuela, with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil and Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons jointly condemning US military actions in the Caribbean. This development highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, as nations navigate alliances and tensions.
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Experts: Make STI meds more readily available in Trinidad and Tobago
Health experts in Trinidad and Tobago are calling for expanded access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and doxycycline prophylaxis (doxy-prep) to combat the rising rates of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Advocates argue that these preventive measures are not only essential for public health but also cost-effective in empowering individuals to protect themselves. However, political, cultural, and religious barriers have hindered progress in this area. Dianne Weekes, Coordinator of the National HIV Helpline, emphasized the importance of these tools, criticizing previous government approaches for failing to prioritize prevention. She expressed hope that the current administration would implement comprehensive policy reforms. The call for action follows alarming statistics, including nearly 200 cases of syphilis among pregnant women in 2025, a significant increase from previous years. Dr. Faith Brebnor, Tobago House of Assembly Health Secretary, has urged for PrEP to be included in national HIV/AIDS prevention protocols. Advocates like Rae Alibey and Kimberly Springer highlighted the need for accessible prevention tools, updated sex education, and evidence-based national conversations to reduce stigma and empower marginalized communities. Springer also pointed out socio-economic vulnerabilities affecting women, stressing the importance of integrated approaches to tackle HIV and STIs effectively. The Health Minister, Dr. Lackram Bodoe, has yet to provide a detailed response to these calls for action.