In a coordinated operation on November 19, officers from the Central Division and Special Branch of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) conducted a raid on a building in El Socorro, uncovering buckets of packaged marijuana. The operation, described as a routine intelligence exercise, involved both units acting on similar intelligence simultaneously. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Curt Simon and ACP Richard Smith, head of the Anti-extortion Unit, confirmed the seizure during a media briefing outside the Police Administration Building in Port of Spain. Simon clarified that there was no stand-off between the units, contrary to social media rumors, and emphasized that public safety was never compromised. He praised the officers for their swift and diligent response, urging them to continue their proactive work in gathering and acting on actionable intelligence. The TTPS also addressed the dangers of misinformation on social media, advising the public to verify information through official channels, especially during sensitive operations. Smith highlighted the potential impact of premature and false reports on ongoing investigations but assured that the police remain committed to their duties. This incident follows a series of significant firearm seizures in recent months, including a historic cache found in Santa Cruz in October 2023, which included high-powered rifles and ammunition. No arrests have been made in connection with these seizures.
作者： admin
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Terry Ganzie champions conscious music
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Renowned recording artist Terry Ganzie is once again captivating global audiences as he reconnects with his roots and reignites his mission to inspire and uplift through his music. Known for his profound contributions to the conscious dancehall movement of the 1990s, Ganzie is now crafting a new chapter in his illustrious career, blending timeless messages of truth, resilience, and spiritual strength with contemporary sounds that resonate across generations and borders. Emerging in the early 1990s as part of the influential Penthouse and Bobby Digital movements, Ganzie quickly established himself as a voice for the marginalized. His iconic tracks, including ‘Welcome the Outlaw,’ ‘Who’s Responsible,’ ‘Treat You Right,’ ‘Jah Will Help,’ and ‘Heavy Load,’ solidified his reputation as one of reggae’s most revered truth-tellers. His music, characterized by its unapologetic consciousness and spiritual depth, continues to inspire listeners worldwide. In a recent statement, Ganzie emphasized, ‘Music is both a weapon and a healing force. My mission has always been to uplift and awaken people, reminding them that reggae’s essence is truth.’ As reggae evolves globally, blending with Afrobeat, hip-hop, and digital subgenres, Ganzie’s influence is being rediscovered by a new generation of fans and selectors. His latest initiative, ‘Legacy of The Outlaw,’ celebrates his cultural impact through a series of interviews, performances, collaborations, and digital releases. With new tracks like ‘We Rise’ gaining international acclaim, Ganzie’s signature blend of grit, wisdom, and inspiration continues to resonate with audiences seeking authenticity. ‘Reggae is not just entertainment—it’s education, it’s emancipation. The fire never dies. The Outlaw still stands firm,’ he declared.
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Pfizer, Tris Pharma settle for $41.5 million in Texas ADHD drug case
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a landmark $41.5 million settlement with pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and Tris Pharma on Wednesday. The resolution stems from allegations of drug adulteration and fraudulent practices involving the state’s Medicaid program. The case, initiated in 2023, accused the companies of manipulating quality control tests for Quillivant XR, a medication prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Between 2012 and 2018, tests revealed that Quillivant XR frequently failed to dissolve properly in the body, rendering it ineffective. Paxton emphasized that the companies knowingly provided adulterated drugs to children and falsified test results to secure Medicaid reimbursements. ‘Under my watch, Big Pharma will not escape justice for lying about the effectiveness of its drugs,’ Paxton declared in a statement.
Pfizer, headquartered in New York, denied any liability or wrongdoing in the settlement. The company asserted that no safety concerns were identified for patients using Quillivant XR and reiterated its commitment to product quality and patient well-being. Tris Pharma, based in New Jersey, did not respond to requests for comment.
The lawsuit was sparked by a whistleblower complaint from Tarik Ahmed, Tris Pharma’s former technology chief, who served from 2013 to 2017. Quillivant XR was originally developed by NextWave Pharmaceuticals, which Pfizer acquired in 2012. Tris Pharma manufactured the drug on Pfizer’s behalf until 2018, when it acquired the product line. Pfizer confirmed it ceased marketing the drug in 2018.
This settlement underscores the ongoing scrutiny of pharmaceutical practices and the enforcement of accountability in public health programs.
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Damage from Hurricane Melissa now put at US$8.8 billion
The catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica’s southwestern coast on October 28, has been quantified at a staggering $8.8 billion. This updated estimate, presented by Lilia Burunciuc, the World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean, was disclosed during a press briefing at Jamaica House on Thursday. The figure accounts for 41% of Jamaica’s projected gross domestic product (GDP) for 2024, highlighting the immense scale of the disaster. Burunciuc emphasized that this assessment reflects only the physical damage, with economic repercussions expected to be even more severe. A comprehensive evaluation of the economic toll will follow once the monetary assessment is finalized. The parishes of St. James, Westmoreland, and St. Elizabeth bore the brunt of the hurricane’s fury, sustaining $5.5 billion in damages—63% of the total estimate. Residential buildings suffered the most significant losses, amounting to $3.7 billion, or 41% of the overall damage. This category includes homes, their contents, and mixed-use buildings classified as residential. Non-residential buildings, encompassing commercial, industrial, tourism, and public structures, incurred $1.8 billion in damages. Infrastructure damage was estimated at $2.9 billion, while agricultural losses totaled $389 million. The devastation underscores the urgent need for recovery efforts and international support to rebuild Jamaica’s affected regions.
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Gas prices up $3.06, diesel down $4.50
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Motorists across Jamaica are bracing for a notable surge in fuel prices, effective Thursday, November 20, as announced by Petrojam, the nation’s sole oil refinery. The latest ex-refinery costs indicate a uniform increase across various fuel types, signaling a financial burden for consumers and businesses alike.
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Dominica Republic decriminalises same-sex relations in police, army
In a landmark decision, the Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic has decriminalized same-sex sexual relations for members of the police and military, overturning a law that previously imposed up to two years in prison for such acts. The ruling, issued on Wednesday, marks a significant step forward in a nation where same-sex marriage remains illegal and the LGBTQ community faces widespread stigmatization. The court, the highest authority on constitutional matters in the country, declared that provisions in the legal codes of the police and armed forces referencing sodomy were “not in accordance with the Constitution” and ordered their removal. The court emphasized that these norms violated principles of reasonableness, unjustifiably discriminated based on sexual orientation, and infringed on privacy, personal development, and the right to work. It further stated that the Constitution mandates equal treatment and respect for all individuals, obliging public authorities to ensure dignified treatment for all Dominicans serving in the military. This decision, while limited in scope, is seen as a progressive move in a predominantly Catholic and conservative Caribbean nation.
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Golfview Hotel hosts job fair as part of recovery efforts for hospitality sector
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on central Jamaica, the Golfview Hotel in Mandeville took a proactive step towards recovery by organizing a job fair on Wednesday. The event aimed to provide employment opportunities for individuals affected by the hurricane, particularly those in the hospitality sector, which suffered significant disruptions. The job fair featured openings in various roles, including front office, security, maintenance, housekeeping, and food and beverage services. This initiative is part of Golfview Hotel’s broader strategy to foster economic recovery and stability in the region. Letesha Whyte, the hotel’s marketing and sales manager, emphasized that the recovery process extends beyond physical repairs. ‘National recovery after Hurricane Melissa is about more than fixing buildings; it’s about restoring livelihoods and providing stability for families,’ she stated. By creating job opportunities, Golfview Hotel seeks to empower households to rebuild their incomes, regain security, and contribute to Jamaica’s economic resurgence. Whyte also highlighted the hospitality industry’s critical role as a driver of employment and local commerce in central Jamaica. Through this effort, the hotel aims to enhance individual well-being and strengthen community resilience in the face of adversity.
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CDB issues inaugural sustainable bond in Swiss market
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – In a landmark move, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) announced on Wednesday the successful issuance of its first-ever sustainable bond, raising 100 million Swiss francs (approximately US $110 million). This five-year bond, carrying a fixed coupon of 0.59 per cent, marks a significant step under the bank’s newly established Sustainable Finance Framework. The issuance, which was met with robust demand, was priced at the top of its initial guidance, with the order book closing within just 90 minutes of opening. The proceeds from this bond will be directed towards funding projects in the bank’s borrowing member countries, focusing on critical areas such as renewable energy, climate adaptation, sustainable water management, and food security. The investor base was predominantly composed of treasury departments, which secured 62 per cent of the deal, followed by asset managers (17 per cent), private banks (11 per cent), and pension plans and insurance companies (5 per cent each). The CDB, which holds an Aa1/AA+/AA+ rating, emphasized that this transaction not only strengthens its yield curve but also underscores its dedication to embedding sustainability into its core operations. Established in 1970, the CDB serves 19 borrowing members across the Caribbean and nine non-borrowing members, including Brazil, Canada, China, and the United Kingdom. As of December 2024, the bank’s total assets were reported at US$2.02 billion.
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TAJ clarifies circulating video as western tax offices remain closed after hurricane
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) has issued a statement refuting claims made in a viral social media video purporting to be a public service announcement about services at the Montego Bay Revenue Service Centre (MBRSC). The agency clarified that the video, dated November 17, 2025, is outdated and does not reflect current operations. This comes as TAJ continues its recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. While most offices across the island have reopened, the Montego Bay office and several western satellite locations—including Darliston, Falmouth, Jackson Town, Lucea, and Savanna-la-Mar—remain closed for repairs. Taxpayers in affected areas are encouraged to utilize alternative locations such as the St Ann’s Bay, Moneague, and Brown’s Town tax offices. TAJ also emphasized the availability of online payment options, including its official website, Direct Funds Transfer, Scotia Online, NCB Online Banking, and the TAJ Mobile App. The agency apologized for any inconvenience caused and urged the public to rely solely on verified communication channels for accurate updates. For further assistance, individuals can contact the Customer Care Centre at 888-TAX-HELP, visit the TAJ website, or follow the agency on social media.
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Police seize firearm, ammunition after shooting incident on Mandela Highway
KINGSTON, Jamaica—A violent confrontation on the Nelson Mandela Highway in St Catherine on Wednesday culminated in the deaths of three men and the seizure of two firearms by law enforcement. The incident unfolded around 11:45 am when officers from the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) identified a black Honda Fit suspected of involvement in multiple robberies. Upon signaling the vehicle to stop, the occupants allegedly refused to comply, prompting the police to intercept the car. A shootout ensued, during which the suspects opened fire on the officers. When the gunfire ceased, three men were found with fatal gunshot wounds and were rushed to Spanish Town Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Authorities recovered a Taurus G2C 9mm pistol with a magazine containing five cartridges, as well as a Beretta 9mm pistol equipped with a magazine holding two cartridges. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Jamaican law enforcement in combating organized crime and gun violence.