KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dr. Gabrielle Henry, Jamaica’s representative at the 2025 Miss Universe pageant, continues to receive intensive care following a tragic accident during the evening gown preliminary competition. A week after her fall from the stage, medical professionals have confirmed that she will remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for at least seven more days, under close observation and specialized treatment. Her sister, Dr. Phylicia Henry-Samuels, who is currently in Thailand with their mother, Maureen Henry, provided updates on Gabrielle’s condition. ‘Gabby isn’t doing as well as we had hoped, but the hospital is providing the necessary care,’ Dr. Henry-Samuels stated. The Miss Universe Jamaica Organisation has expressed profound concern and urged both local and international communities to offer their prayers and support. In a heartfelt statement, the organisation called for compassion and sensitivity, requesting the public to refrain from sharing negative comments or misinformation that could exacerbate the family’s distress. ‘Our primary focus is on Gabrielle’s recovery and the well-being of her loved ones,’ the statement emphasized. Dr. Henry sustained a severe head injury during the incident, which led to her withdrawal from the competition and immediate medical attention.
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Aiesha’s Jamaica Strong surpasses one million views
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of the catastrophic Hurricane Melissa, Jamaican singer Aiesha channeled the collective pain and resilience of her nation into a powerful anthem titled ‘Jamaica Strong.’ Produced by Jjwizzle, the song has rapidly gained traction, amassing over one million combined views on Facebook and Instagram since its release.
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Ultimate Care Centre begins recovery with crucial mattress donation
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact, the Ultimate Care Centre in Westgreen, Montego Bay, has received a significant boost in its recovery efforts thanks to a generous donation of mattresses. The joint initiative by DunnCox Attorneys-at-Law and the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce has provided critical support to the facility, which suffered severe damage during the storm. The donation aims to replace mattresses lost in the flooding, offering much-needed relief to the centre’s residents and staff. Managing Director Sandy Frazer-Jackson expressed profound gratitude, emphasizing the importance of the contribution in accelerating their recovery process. The flooding, caused by the overflow of the Montego, Barnett, and Pye Rivers, left the lower level of the facility uninhabitable, displacing several residents. Frazer-Jackson highlighted the heroic efforts of four staff members who ensured the safe evacuation of residents to the upper level during the crisis. The donors, Jonathan Morgan of DunnCox and Jason Russell of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, underscored their commitment to corporate social responsibility and community support. Morgan described the donation as a modest but essential step in the broader recovery effort, with plans to distribute additional mattresses to affected households in the Catherine Hall and West Green communities. Russell reiterated the Chamber’s dedication to aiding vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, and outlined ongoing plans to expand relief efforts in the coming weeks. The collaboration reflects a shared vision of rebuilding Jamaica stronger than before, with a focus on long-term support for affected communities.
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Labour ministry to launch disaster self-reporting form
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a proactive move to enhance disaster response, Jamaica’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security has unveiled a digital self-reporting form for households affected by Hurricane Melissa. The initiative, announced by Portfolio Minister Pearnel Charles Jr., aims to bridge gaps in damage assessments by allowing residents to electronically report losses or damages via the ministry’s official website at https://www.mlss.gov.jm/. This tool is particularly designed for individuals who were not reached by on-ground assessment teams.
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Four in hospital after bear attack on Canada school children
A grizzly bear attack in the remote Bella Coola region of British Columbia, Canada, has left four people hospitalized, two of whom are in critical condition. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon during a school group outing on a local trail, according to the Provincial Health Services Authority. Emergency paramedics provided immediate medical care to the victims, transporting them to a nearby hospital. While two individuals sustained critical injuries, two others were reported to be in serious condition. Seven additional members of the group received on-site treatment but did not require hospitalization. The ages of the hospitalized victims have not been disclosed, respecting the families’ requests for privacy. The Nuxalk First Nation, whose community was directly affected by the attack, issued a warning about an “aggressive bear in the area” via a Facebook post. Acwsalcta, the local school, announced its closure on Friday due to the incident, commending the staff for their bravery during the ordeal. Veronica Schooner, whose son was part of the group but escaped unharmed, recounted the terrifying moment when the bear narrowly missed her son while pursuing another individual. As of late Thursday, the bear remained at large, prompting the Nuxalk Nation to advise residents to stay indoors. The BC Conservation Officer Service, now leading the investigation, has yet to provide updates on whether the bear has been located.
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Jamaica Strong promoters bank on strong turn out at concert to aid Hurricane Melissa recovery
The Jamaica Strong concert, set to take place at the UBS Arena in Long Island on December 12, is poised to be a major fundraising event for Jamaicans impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Organizers, including Jammins Entertainment, Irie Jam Radio, and RoadBlock Radio, are targeting a minimum of $1 million in donations, with hopes of exceeding this goal to provide immediate relief and support long-term recovery efforts. The star-studded lineup features renowned artists such as Shaggy, Sean Paul, Inner Circle, Marcia Griffiths, Kevin Downswell, and Richie Stephens, all united in their commitment to the cause. Bobby Clarke, CEO of Irie Jam Radio, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, ‘The need is enormous, and every dollar matters. The more we raise, the stronger the foundation we can lay for rebuilding.’ George Crooks of Jammins Entertainment highlighted Shaggy’s pivotal role in rallying other artists, noting his deep personal investment in the initiative. The UBS Arena, with a capacity of 17,000, has previously hosted successful Jamaican events, including Buju Banton’s sold-out performance in July 2024 and Beenie Man’s well-attended show in May. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, devastated Jamaica on October 28, causing widespread destruction in rural parishes and claiming 45 lives. The concert aims to bring hope and tangible support to those affected.
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PM distances government from Aboud’s US visa revocation
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago has firmly denied any involvement by her administration in the revocation of activist Gary Aboud’s US visa. She emphasized that such decisions are solely within the jurisdiction of the US government and its embassy. Persad-Bissessar stated, ‘The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has absolutely no involvement in the decisions or actions taken by the Government of the United States or the US Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago regarding their visa or immigration policies. Any concerns or requests for clarification must be directed to the appropriate US authorities.’
In addition, the Prime Minister refuted claims that her government is silencing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Trinidad and Tobago, labeling Aboud’s assertions as ‘reckless, misleading, and risks causing unnecessary fear.’ She reaffirmed her commitment to upholding democratic principles, stating, ‘I categorically state that there has never been – and will never be – any attempt by my Government to intimidate, punish, or suppress the voices of civil society.’
Persad-Bissessar also reiterated her support for US military actions in the Caribbean, aimed at combating transnational criminal activities such as narco-trafficking, human trafficking, and gun running. She blamed these criminal networks for the unprecedented levels of violence and suffering in the region. ‘My Government firmly supports the United States and our international partners in their mission to combat transnational trafficking and dismantle criminal networks that prey on our citizens,’ she said.
The Prime Minister highlighted the positive impact of US military assets in reducing the flow of illegal weapons and drugs into Trinidad and Tobago. ‘Their partnership is welcomed, and their results are evident. My Government remains committed to strengthening regional security, protecting our citizens, and working alongside international partners – including the United States – to ensure that peace, safety, and the rule of law prevail in TT,’ she concluded.
Gary Aboud, the corporate secretary of Fisherman and Friends of the Sea (FFOS), claimed that his US visa was revoked due to his criticism of US missile strikes in the Caribbean over the past two and a half months. He received the revocation notice via email on November 20, citing ‘new information’ that had come to the attention of US authorities.
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Alexander: Transit Police left to ‘deteriorate’ for 9 years
During the 12th sitting of the House of Representatives on November 21, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander acknowledged the severe understaffing of the Transit Police Unit, which has been left to ‘deteriorate’ over the past nine years. The unit is currently operating with a skeleton staff and is short by at least 60 officers. This revelation came in response to a question from opposition MP Marvin Gonzales, following a recent robbery of a Route 2 maxi taxi driver by masked men in Arouca on November 19. Alexander assured that a superintendent director has been appointed and reconstruction efforts for the Transit Police have commenced. However, he declined to disclose the government’s specific security strategies, stating, ‘I do not want to put on the table the strategies the government intends to use.’ He emphasized the importance of protecting transit infrastructure and mentioned a meeting with the Route 2 Maxi Taxi Association on November 20 to discuss future measures. Alexander also highlighted the Transit Police’s role in overseeing security along the Priority Bus Route, noting ten robberies last year and one so far this year. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles attempted to inquire about budget allocations for additional Transit Police personnel, but House Speaker Jagdeo Singh ruled the question ‘not allowed,’ as the initial query had already been addressed.
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Government settles $131m TTEC COLA dispute
In a landmark development, Public Utilities Minister Barry Shiva Padarath announced a $131 million settlement to resolve a long-standing Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) issue affecting nearly 3,000 TTEC workers. The announcement was made during the House of Representatives’ 12th sitting on November 21, following the signing of a historic memorandum of agreement between TTEC and the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) on November 13. The first tranche of retroactive payments was deposited into workers’ accounts on November 18, marking a significant step toward justice for employees whose COLA payments had been frozen for nearly a decade. The settlement introduces new COLA rates and outlines a four-stage disbursement plan for retroactive payments, set to be completed by February 2026. Weekly-paid workers will now receive a COLA rate of $5.75 per hour, bringing their total to $15.64 per hour, while monthly-paid workers will see their COLA increase by $1,050, totaling $2,721.36. Minister Padarath emphasized that the settlement provides immediate relief to households struggling with rising living costs and criticized the previous administration for a decade of inaction. The agreement also includes safeguards such as mandatory monthly cash-flow reviews to ensure financial responsibility. Padarath hailed the settlement as a restoration of dignity and fairness, ensuring workers receive their rightful dues in time for Christmas 2025.
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PSA receives 10% offer by CPO
In a significant development for public sector employees, Public Services Association (PSA) President Felisha Thomas announced on November 21 that the union has received a formal offer of a ten per cent salary increase from Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) Daryl Dindial. The offer comes after a crucial meeting between the PSA and the CPO, marking a pivotal moment in ongoing negotiations.
Thomas, addressing the media post-meeting, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, ‘Another promise made, another promise delivered.’ This statement reflects the union’s persistent advocacy for better compensation for its members. Earlier, Thomas had voiced skepticism about the meeting’s agenda, particularly after learning that a presentation on the state of the economy would be part of the discussions.
Prior to the meeting, the PSA had formally communicated its position to the CPO’s office, emphasizing that the union was not at the initial stages of negotiations. Instead, the PSA sought a clear mandate from the Minister of Finance to present a ten per cent salary increase offer. Thomas highlighted the union’s commitment to finalizing negotiations swiftly, aiming to ensure that members receive their increased earnings by Christmas.
‘We have in our hand, delivered by the acting CPO, an offer of ten per cent which the PSA will be responding to by this afternoon,’ Thomas confirmed. She reiterated the union’s primary objective: to conclude negotiations promptly and secure financial benefits for its members. This development underscores the PSA’s proactive approach in advocating for public sector workers’ rights and economic well-being.