A pre-dawn journey to school in North Abaco turned into a heart-wrenching tragedy on Friday, claiming the lives of Monique Williams, a seasoned pre-school teacher, and her 13-year-old nephew, Terrance Williams. The fatal head-on collision occurred on SC Bootle Highway, leaving a close-knit family shattered and the Treasure Cay community in mourning. Ms Williams, 53, was driving Terrance and another teenager to school when her vehicle collided with a Ford Excursion carrying an American couple en route to a bone-fishing trip. According to Abaco journalist and pastor Silbert Mills, the visitors had missed their turn and mistakenly drove on the wrong side of the road, marking their first visit to The Bahamas. Terrance, an eighth-grade student at SC Bootle High School, and Ms Williams, who had dedicated nearly 30 years to teaching, were both deeply cherished in their community. The third passenger, Calsey Rolle, remains hospitalized. The Williams family, already tightly bonded, is grappling with the immense loss. Emmise Bootle, Ms Williams’ niece and Terrance’s cousin, described the duo as inseparable, with Ms Williams treating Terrance as her own son. Terrance, a quiet and thoughtful boy, was beginning to explore life’s deeper questions, while Ms Williams was eagerly anticipating retirement. The Ministry of Education and SC Bootle High School have paid heartfelt tributes to the victims, celebrating Terrance’s promise and Ms Williams’ unwavering dedication to education. The tragedy has left parents and former students reflecting on the profound impact Ms Williams had on their lives, even as they seek solace in faith.
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Ex-PM: ‘March election’ if PLP wins
Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham has forecasted that the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) may call for an early general election if they secure victory in today’s Golden Isles by-election. Speaking at a Free National Movement (FNM) rally on Friday, Ingraham emphasized the high stakes surrounding the by-election, which both major parties view as a critical political litmus test. “If they win on Monday, they’ll push for an early election by March. If they lose, they’ll stagnate,” he remarked. The by-election, necessitated by the passing of Vaughn Miller, features PLP’s Darron Pickstock and FNM’s Brian Brown as the leading contenders, alongside Brian Rolle of the Coalition of Independents and independent candidate Karen Butler. Historically, by-elections have favored the ruling party, and political analysts are closely monitoring the outcome to gauge public sentiment ahead of the general election, which must occur before October next year. Voter turnout is expected to play a pivotal role, intensifying recent campaign efforts. Results are anticipated by early evening. Ingraham revealed he initially advised Brown against running, citing historical trends favoring the PLP in by-elections. However, Brown’s determination to represent the community prevailed. Ingraham framed the contest as both a referendum on the Davis administration and an opportunity for the FNM to reclaim influence in a constituency he believes has been neglected. He praised Brown as a grounded candidate with deep community ties, likening him to former Adelaide MP Frank Watson. Ingraham expressed surprise at Brown’s 2021 loss, given his strong local support, and highlighted Brown’s integrity, stating he seeks no personal gain from the position. “Brian Brown isn’t looking for anything; he’s here to serve,” Ingraham concluded.
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UNC councillor’s in-laws: Stop speculating on cause of death
The families of UNC councillor Romona Victor and her husband Rodney Ramsumair, who were tragically found dead in their Siparia home, have appealed to the public to refrain from speculating about the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The couple was discovered by Victor’s father on November 23 around 3:30 pm at their residence on Coora Road. Upon entering, he found their decomposing bodies lying motionless on a bed and immediately alerted his other daughter, who subsequently contacted the police. Officers arrived to find Victor covered with a blanket and Ramsumair lying beside her with froth on his face. Speaking to Newsday at the Forensic Science Centre in St. James on November 24, Ramsumair’s father expressed the family’s confusion and distress, stating, ‘We don’t know exactly what happened or how it reached to that.’ He acknowledged that while the couple had occasional disagreements, there was no indication of anything as extreme as the speculated murder-suicide. He emphasized that both families remain united and urged the public to cease spreading unverified theories, particularly on social media, as it exacerbates their grief. ‘People saying all kinds of things and posting things all over social media. They need to stop that because they don’t know what happened either for sure,’ he said. The families are awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of death.
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Opposition Leader Mark Golding pays tribute to cultural icon Jimmy Cliff
Mark Golding, the leader of Jamaica’s opposition, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Jimmy Cliff, a monumental figure in Jamaican music and culture. Golding’s heartfelt tribute emphasized Cliff’s unique contributions to music and his global influence that transcended generations and borders. He described Cliff’s voice as unparalleled and his career as extraordinary, marking him as a pivotal figure in the evolution of Jamaican popular music. Cliff’s role in the 1972 film ‘The Harder They Come’ was highlighted as a significant milestone that brought reggae to a worldwide audience. Golding also celebrated Cliff’s impact in South America, particularly in Brazil, where he helped popularize reggae and expanded its global reach. Furthermore, Golding lauded Cliff’s enduring songwriting and his role as a musical rebel who used his art to advocate for social justice and inspire empowerment. The tribute concluded with a poignant reflection on Cliff’s memorable performance during Jamaica’s 1998 World Cup campaign, which galvanized the nation. Golding’s final words were a message of gratitude, honoring Cliff’s legacy and the indelible mark he left on the world.
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RIU says it will reopen all Jamaica hotels before year-end
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, international hotel chain RIU has taken a proactive role in the recovery of the island’s tourism sector. With its hotels already prepared to resume operations, RIU has prioritized both employee welfare and community support as part of its comprehensive recovery strategy.
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PM urges climate action at G20, meets with IMF and World Bank over hurricane devastation
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness seized the platform at the G20 summit to issue a dire warning about the escalating threat of climate change, highlighting the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, one of the most intense Atlantic storms in history. Holness emphasized that for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean, climate change poses an existential crisis, capable of undoing decades of developmental progress and destabilizing national economies in a single event.
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PJ Patterson hails Jimmy Cliff as iconic pioneer and creative genius
Jamaica mourns the loss of Jimmy Cliff, a towering figure in the nation’s music and film industry, who passed away at the age of 81. Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson, a close associate of Cliff, paid tribute to the legendary artist, describing him as a creative genius whose work aimed to inspire and empower people. Cliff, born James Chambers, was a multifaceted talent whose career spanned genres like ska, rocksteady, and reggae, leaving an indelible mark on Jamaican culture. Patterson, who shared a personal connection with Cliff through their alma mater, Somerton Elementary School in St. James, highlighted the artist’s enduring legacy. Cliff was honored with Jamaica’s prestigious Order of Merit (OM) in 2003, a testament to his contributions to the arts. His role in the 1972 cult classic film *The Harder They Come* not only elevated his career but also cemented the movie as a cornerstone of Jamaica’s cinematic history. Over his illustrious career, Cliff released 11 albums, including *Hard Road* (1967), *Wonderful World, Beautiful People* (1970), and *The Harder They Come* (1972), each showcasing his versatility and artistic brilliance. His passing marks the end of an era for Jamaican music and film, but his legacy continues to inspire generations.
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Jamaica Labour Party lauds Jimmy Cliff
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Jimmy Cliff, a towering figure in reggae music, celebrated actor, and cultural ambassador. Born James Chambers on July 30, 1944, Cliff passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 81, leaving behind an indelible legacy that transcends generations. Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, Chairman of the JLP’s Communication Taskforce, paid tribute to Cliff’s monumental contributions to music and global consciousness. ‘Jimmy Cliff is undeniably a legend,’ Fitz-Henley remarked. ‘His music not only shaped the reggae genre but also inspired countless individuals worldwide. His work will continue to resonate with future generations.’ Cliff’s impact was recognized during his lifetime through numerous honors, including Jamaica’s Order of Merit, the renaming of a road in St. James in his honor, and special recognition during the Jamaica 55 commemoration. Fitz-Henley extended the JLP’s heartfelt condolences to Cliff’s family, emphasizing the profound sadness felt across Jamaica. ‘We celebrate Jimmy Cliff’s life and his enduring legacy, which has left an indelible mark on our culture and the world,’ he concluded.
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Miss Universe Organisation addresses ‘speculation’ surrounding Miss Jamaica
The Miss Universe Organisation has released an official statement addressing widespread speculation surrounding Dr. Gabrielle Henry, Miss Universe Jamaica 2025, following her unfortunate fall from the stage during the Miss Universe competition last week. The organisation has maintained strict confidentiality regarding specific medical details to respect Dr. Henry and her family’s privacy. Updates on her condition will be shared exclusively by her family or Dr. Henry herself when deemed appropriate. Raúl Rocha, representing the organisation, outlined the immediate actions taken after the incident. He personally assisted Dr. Henry onstage, coordinated urgent medical care, and ensured her swift transfer to a hospital. A team of medical specialists was subsequently engaged to provide comprehensive evaluation and monitoring. The organisation has covered all associated expenses, including hotel accommodations for her family, rebooked airline tickets, transportation, and assigned a dedicated staff member to support the family throughout this challenging period. Over the past four days, Dr. Henry faced several difficult moments and unexpected concerns, but each issue was effectively resolved through the medical care she received. According to the latest medical report, Dr. Henry is now in good health and is expected to be discharged from the hospital soon. The statement also addressed circulating rumors, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to sharing only essential updates with professionalism, sensitivity, and respect. ‘We are grateful that she is now close to being released from the hospital,’ Rocha stated.
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‘Jamaica has lost a giant’: PNP mourns Jimmy Cliff
Kingston, Jamaica — The global music community is in mourning following the passing of reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, who died on Monday at the age of 81. His family confirmed that the iconic musician succumbed to pneumonia after suffering a seizure. The Opposition People’s National Party of Jamaica has joined the nation and the international community in expressing profound grief over the loss of this cultural giant.