The Mitchell family, who tragically lost their 19-year-old daughter Camille to ovarian cancer in November 2023, found solace in a heartfelt tribute by her classmates during Benedict College’s 2024 graduation ceremony. Camille, a former Anatol Rodgers High School prefect captain and a Presidential Cup scholar with a perfect 4.0 GPA, had been pursuing a degree in Cyber Security. Despite her illness, she attended classes via Zoom from her hospital bed, determined to complete her education. Her untimely death came just months before she could walk the stage. Ahead of the Spring commencement, one of Camille’s friends informed the family that students planned to honor her memory by carrying her legacy across the stage. Many graduates wore funeral pins and stoles adorned with her name and photograph, creating a poignant moment for the Mitchells, who watched the ceremony via livestream. Kemel Mitchell, Camille’s brother, shared that the tribute was particularly emotional for their mother, who had been struggling to cope with reminders of her daughter’s passing at home. To help the family heal, Kemel created a shrine with Camille’s belongings, which has become a source of comfort. Camille’s classmates revealed that her determination and spirit had inspired them to persevere in their studies, with several crediting her as their motivation. Diagnosed in December 2022, Camille’s academic achievements and leadership roles, including her position as vice president of the Key Club, left a lasting impact on her community. Kemel, now studying education in the United States, reflected on how Camille’s illness influenced his youngest sister’s decision to pursue cellular and molecular biology. He emphasized that her passing has taught the family to cherish their time together and strengthened their faith. The graduation tribute, coupled with messages and photos shared by Camille’s friends, brought comfort to her mother, who had treated many of them like her own children.
作者： admin
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France arrests two men, two women over Louvre heist — prosecutor
French authorities have made significant progress in the investigation of the audacious theft of imperial jewels from the Louvre Museum last month. On Tuesday, four additional individuals were apprehended in connection with the high-profile heist, as announced by Paris’s chief prosecutor, Laure Beccuau. The suspects include two men aged 38 and 39, and two women aged 31 and 40, all hailing from the Paris region. This latest development follows the earlier charges brought against four other individuals linked to the October 19 robbery. The daring theft saw a four-member gang execute a meticulously planned operation in broad daylight, making off with jewelry valued at an estimated $102 million in just seven minutes. The thieves utilized a moving truck equipped with a ladder to access the museum’s Apollo Gallery, which houses the French crown jewels. They ascended in a bucket, shattered a window, and employed angle grinders to breach glass display cases containing the priceless treasures. Among the items stolen was an emerald-and-diamond necklace gifted by Napoleon I to his second wife, Empress Marie-Louise. However, a diamond-and-emerald crown belonging to Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, was dropped during their escape. Despite extensive efforts, the stolen jewels remain unrecovered, and the investigation continues.
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US military top brass to meet with Kamla
In a significant diplomatic engagement, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff, is set to visit Trinidad on November 25. The visit, confirmed by both the US Embassy and the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), will see General Caine meet with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the Diplomatic Centre in Port of Spain. The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations, bolstering regional stability, and addressing the critical issue of combating drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations. The Prime Minister has expressed her welcome for this visit, although specific details regarding the duration and logistics of General Caine’s stay remain undisclosed. General Caine, the 22nd Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the highest-ranking military officer in the US, serves as the principal military advisor to President Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and the National Security Council. His extensive military career includes roles as an F-16 fighter pilot, weapons officer, and special operations officer. This visit marks the latest in a series of military interactions between the US and Trinidad, following recent deployments of the US 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit for joint drills with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. The government has yet to comment on the broader implications of these military collaborations, particularly in the context of escalating US-Venezuela tensions. Former Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne has called for greater transparency from the Prime Minister regarding Trinidad’s stance on these regional issues, criticizing her perceived isolation from Caricom and her handling of US military actions in the Caribbean. The visit has sparked public concern, with many questioning its potential impact on Venezuela-Trinidad relations and the broader geopolitical landscape.
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US retail sales cool as consumers battle higher prices
The latest economic data from the United States reveals a slowdown in retail sales growth for September, as consumers grapple with rising prices and businesses face escalating costs. According to the Commerce Department, retail sales increased by a modest 0.2 percent month-on-month, falling short of analyst expectations and marking a deceleration from August’s 0.6 percent gain. Concurrently, the Labor Department reported a 0.3 percent rise in producer prices for September, driven primarily by a 0.9 percent surge in goods costs, particularly energy and food. These trends highlight the growing economic pressures stemming from President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which have begun to ripple through the economy. Some businesses have already reported higher operational costs due to these duties, prompting the administration to expand tariff exemptions for certain agricultural products. The release of these reports was delayed due to the record-long government shutdown between October and mid-November, which disrupted the collection and publication of key economic data. Year-on-year, retail sales in September were up 4.3 percent, though specific sectors such as motor vehicles, clothing, and electronics experienced declines. The data underscores the challenges facing both consumers and businesses as they navigate an increasingly complex economic landscape.
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UTech ramps up Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts at western campus
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The University of Technology (UTech) has ramped up recovery initiatives at its western campus in Montego Bay following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa across western Jamaica. The hurricane inflicted widespread damage, leaving many students and staff grappling with personal losses, including property destruction and, tragically, the loss of loved ones. The western campus, which accommodates approximately 500 students across two locations—Barnett Street, home to the Caribbean School of Nursing, and Dome Street, offering programs in business administration, nursing, public health, computer information systems, law, and professional development—was severely impacted. In the aftermath, UTech conducted comprehensive assessments across all campuses before resuming academic activities. UTech President Dr. Kevin Brown emphasized the institution’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of its community. “Our western campus family has demonstrated remarkable resilience during this challenging period,” Dr. Brown stated in a press release. “Despite the significant setbacks, our priority remains ensuring that every affected student and staff member has access to essential resources, including food, shelter, connectivity, and emotional support through our counselling and chaplaincy services.” The Dome Street campus, which experienced severe flooding, underwent extensive cleaning and partial repairs, reopening on November 10 with generator power until electricity was restored the following week. Water was supplied from on-site tanks, and a Starlink system was installed to ensure uninterrupted internet access. However, the Barnett Street campus remains closed due to extensive structural damage, including roof failure and water intrusion, with repairs ongoing to meet safety standards. Dr. Brown highlighted the expanded support provided through the Student Welfare, Counselling, and Chaplaincy units, including options for affected students to withdraw from classes without academic or financial penalties, special grants, fee waivers, and care packages. Western Campus Coordinator Antoinette Smith expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from staff, volunteers, and the broader community, which has been instrumental in the recovery efforts. A university delegation visited the campus on November 5 to distribute essential supplies, including bottled water and generators, as part of the relief operations coordinated by the university’s Emergency Operations Centre. Additional support continues through staff initiatives and ongoing care-package distribution. Dr. Brown called for sustained assistance from partners, alumni, and friends, emphasizing the collective effort required to rebuild and restore the western campus. “We cannot do this alone,” he said. “Every act of generosity, whether in cash or kind, helps our students and staff recover and return to learning.”
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US revokes visa of Haitian official accused of backing gangs
The United States has taken a decisive step in its efforts to combat criminal activities in Haiti by imposing visa sanctions on a high-ranking Haitian government official. The US State Department announced the move on Monday, accusing the unnamed official of supporting gangs and obstructing efforts to dismantle criminal organizations in the Caribbean nation. While the official’s identity and the specific gangs involved were not disclosed, the department confirmed that any existing visas held by the individual would be revoked. This action underscores Washington’s commitment to addressing the ongoing instability in Haiti, which has been plagued by gang violence, political turmoil, and economic hardship. In May, the US designated two Haitian gangs, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, as terrorist organizations. The State Department reiterated its support for Haiti’s stability and emphasized the need for progress toward free and fair elections. The announcement follows recent arrests of prominent Haitian businessmen, including Dmitri Vorbe and Pierre Reginald Boulos, who were accused of contributing to the country’s destabilization. Haiti, the poorest nation in the Americas, has faced escalating violence since early 2024, when gangs forced then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign. The US sanctions highlight the international community’s growing concern over Haiti’s security crisis and its impact on regional stability.
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2026 Winter Olympics flame to be lit in ancient Olympia
The sacred flame for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics was lit in ancient Olympia, Greece, on Wednesday, marking the official countdown to the Games. Due to unfavorable weather conditions, organizers had to relocate the ceremony from the historic Temple of Hera to the nearby Olympia archaeological museum. The traditional method of lighting the flame using a parabolic mirror was replaced by a reserve flame ignited during a sunny rehearsal earlier in the week. This adaptation mirrors the approach taken for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The ceremony was attended by Kirsty Coventry, the newly elected president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who witnessed the event for the first time in her leadership role. Greek rowing bronze medalist Petros Gaidatzis was chosen as the first torchbearer, stepping in for the injured Greek-American alpine skier AJ Ginnis. The flame will now embark on a 63-day, 12,000-kilometer journey across Italy, passing through major cities and historic sites like Pompeii, before reaching Milan. The Winter Games, scheduled for February 6-22, 2026, will feature events spread across Milan, Cortina, and the Dolomites, with ice sports in Milan and alpine skiing in Bormio and Cortina. Organizers are preparing for potential snow shortages by stockpiling artificial snow, a common practice in Italy, which leads Europe in artificial snow usage. A recent study highlights the alarming decline in natural snow cover in the Italian Alps, underscoring the importance of these preparations.
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JFF ambassador reports record-breaking sponsorship year
The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by securing its largest-ever sponsorship haul for 2025, marking a historic moment for the organization. This accomplishment highlights the growing commercial strength of Jamaican football and the federation’s ambitious Road to 2026 campaign. Tanya Lee Perkins, the JFF Ambassador leading the sponsorship initiative, emphasized that this success reflects increasing corporate confidence in the national football program. Perkins revealed that the federation has garnered unprecedented sponsorship revenue, driven by both long-standing partners like Adidas and Wray & Nephew, and new investments from companies such as Visa, Grace Foods, and Powerade. These partnerships have not only bolstered the team’s preparation for the intercontinental play-offs in March but also enhanced the fan experience through initiatives like the sponsor village, jumbo screens, and upgraded hospitality. The announcement coincided with a record-breaking turnout of over 35,000 fans at the National Stadium, evoking memories of Jamaica’s iconic 1997 World Cup qualification run. Despite falling short in their recent match, the Reggae Boyz remain determined to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Perkins expressed gratitude to fans and sponsors, whose unwavering support has reignited national enthusiasm for football and fueled the team’s journey forward.
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New Zealand’s Williamson returns for opening West Indies Test
In a significant development for New Zealand cricket, veteran batsman Kane Williamson has been named in the 14-man squad for the first Test against the West Indies in Christchurch. This marks Williamson’s return to the red-ball format, adding depth to the batting lineup and leadership group. The squad announcement, made on Monday, also highlighted the recall of pace bowler Blair Tickner, who last featured in a Test match in March 2023. Tickner’s inclusion comes on the back of his stellar performance in the recent ODI series against England, where he claimed eight wickets in two matches. Additionally, the promising seam duo of Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes retained their spots following impressive debuts. Foulkes, in particular, made headlines with a nine-wicket haul on his debut against Zimbabwe. Head Coach Rob Walter expressed his enthusiasm about Williamson’s return, emphasizing his on-field prowess and leadership qualities. The squad will be captained by Tom Latham, as Tim Southee continues to be managed through the early part of the home summer. Notably, the selection was made without several key bowlers, including Matt Fisher, Will O’Rourke, and Ben Sears, all sidelined due to injuries. This two-Test series against the West Indies marks New Zealand’s first step in the new 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. The squads for both teams have been finalized, with New Zealand looking to leverage Williamson’s experience and Tickner’s recent form to secure a strong start to the series.
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Starraura returns in style: 11-length romp wins $1.05-m Maiden Condition Race
In a spectacular display of speed and stamina, Starraura, the Jason DaCosta-trained chestnut filly, marked her return to racing with a commanding win in the $1.05-million Maiden Condition Race for native-bred three-year-old fillies on Saturday, November 22, 2025. After an eight-month hiatus, Starraura, sired by Bold Conquest and out of Little Wasp, left her competitors in the dust, securing an impressive 11-length victory over 5½ furlongs (1,100m). Ridden by jockey Robert “Hardball” Halledeen, she completed the race in a swift 1:10.0, with splits of 24.0, 49.0, and 1:02.3. Starting strong, Starraura initially settled into third place behind Money Mission (Javaniel Patterson) and Moonlight Song (Teneca Wolfe) as they approached the half-mile (800m) turn. However, she quickly caught up to Money Mission, taking the lead at the top of the straight and maintaining her dominance all the way to the finish line. Money Mission and BadBadTanesha (Richie Shakes) trailed behind, unable to challenge Starraura’s relentless pace. This victory not only highlights Starraura’s exceptional talent but also reaffirms Jason DaCosta’s prowess as a trainer and Robert Halledeen’s skill as a jockey.