Keznamdi, the rising reggae artist, has expressed immense pride and gratitude for his Grammy nomination in the Best Reggae Album category for his debut album, *Blxxd & Fyah*. In an exclusive interview with the *Jamaica Observer*, he highlighted the significance of this achievement as a grassroots victory for independent artists. Despite lacking major distribution or a large team, Keznamdi emphasized that the nomination is a testament to the dedication and hard work of his small but passionate crew.
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Soup pot brings comfort in St Elizabeth community
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Dane Soares demonstrated remarkable community spirit by serving warm meals to residents and passers-by in Powell Town, near Southfield, St Elizabeth. On Sunday, Soares prepared and distributed red peas and cow skin soup, offering comfort and sustenance to dozens of individuals navigating the challenges of the post-hurricane environment. His selfless act not only provided nourishment but also highlighted the resilience and solidarity of the local community during difficult times. The gesture was captured in a photograph by Garfield Robinson, showcasing the heartwarming scene of Soares pouring soup into a cup for those in need.
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Driver flees after being caught with carcasses
The Agricultural Protection Branch (APB) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force has issued a stern warning to the public regarding the purchase and consumption of meat and poultry, especially from areas heavily affected by Hurricane Melissa. The APB emphasized the heightened risk of contaminated or spoiled meat entering the market, which could pose severe health hazards to consumers. This alert follows a recent incident where law enforcement intercepted a vehicle transporting four large brown cow carcasses with their heads still attached. The driver fled the scene, raising serious concerns about the meat’s origin, handling, and safety. The APB highlighted that such incidents are particularly concerning in the aftermath of natural disasters like Hurricane Melissa, which can disrupt supply chains and compromise food safety standards. Senior Superintendent Oral Pascoe, commanding officer of the APB, has deployed officers on extended shifts to combat these illegal activities and ensure public safety.
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Accompong Town Starlinked
Accompong Town in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, continues to grapple with the aftermath of Category Five Hurricane Melissa, which struck nearly two weeks ago. The devastating storm has left the community without electricity and stable telephone connections, with some residents fearing these services may not be fully restored until 2026. The damage to Jamaica Public Service power lines and telecommunications infrastructure has been severe, leaving many unable to make direct calls between networks. As a result, residents are bracing for a Christmas without power in their homes, many of which were also destroyed by the hurricane. However, amidst the devastation, a glimmer of hope has emerged through the efforts of Colonel Richard Currie. Using Starlink Internet devices, Currie and his team have implemented a system to help residents stay connected with their loved ones. The initiative has already provided Internet access to Accompong Town and neighboring communities like Windsor and Siloah, where Maroon families reside. Last Wednesday, Currie and his team distributed hurricane relief packages while also setting up Starlink devices in various districts. These devices not only enabled Currie’s team to stay connected but also allowed residents to make phone calls via the Internet. During a stop in Windsor, Currie emphasized the importance of reconnecting families who had been isolated since the hurricane. He highlighted the widespread devastation and the critical need for connectivity, stating that the Starlink system has been a lifeline for many. The community has embraced the initiative, with residents gathering at a playfield near Accompong Primary and Infant School to access the Internet and recharge their devices using solar panels. Stephen Bradshaw, a local resident, praised the efforts, noting that the ability to connect with loved ones has been a source of comfort during these challenging times. Currie revealed that the Accompong Maroons began experimenting with Starlink after Hurricane Beryl last year and have since been working to expand its reach. As the community continues to recover, the Starlink initiative stands as a testament to resilience and innovation in the face of disaster.
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Gosines on fire as Pleasantville thump Chaguanas South 12-0 in Big 5
In a stunning display of skill and teamwork, Pleasantville Secondary School delivered a crushing 12-0 victory over Chaguanas South Secondary in the quarterfinal of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Girls Big 5 competition. The match took place on November 9 at the Lewis Street grounds in San Fernando. Leading the charge was Nikita Gosine, who netted an impressive five goals, while her sister Natalia Gosine contributed a hat-trick. Kiriah Fortune and Zara Chase also made significant impacts, each scoring twice. The dominant performance has set up a semifinal clash for Pleasantville against St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain. Meanwhile, the other semifinal will feature Five Rivers Secondary against the Tobago champions. Reflecting on the victory, Pleasantville coach Brian London expressed confidence in his team’s title prospects, emphasizing their consistent relevance in the competition. Looking ahead to the semifinal, London recalled their earlier 2-1 win over St Joseph’s Convent in the season’s opening Super Cup match. He highlighted the team’s growth through rigorous training, team-bonding exercises, and participation in the Queen’s Park women’s tournament, which showcased their potential when playing their intended style of football.
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Vigil for peace calls for unity, reflection amid regional tensions
On the evening of November 9, a modest yet diverse assembly gathered at Woodford Square in Port of Spain for a candlelight vigil advocating peace. This event coincided with Trinidad and Tobago’s annual Remembrance Day, traditionally a time to honor those who perished in World Wars I and II and other conflicts. However, this year’s vigil shifted focus to address the pressing need for peace and dialogue amidst escalating regional and political tensions. The gathering saw participation from at least ten civil society and religious organizations, including the Concerned Muslims of TT, the Emancipation Support Committee, and the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM), among others. Representatives from Muslim, Hindu, and Christian communities, as well as cultural and activist groups, were present. The event was set against the backdrop of increasing geopolitical strain between the United States and Venezuela, a situation that has drawn Trinidad and Tobago into diplomatic crossfire. Recent controversial remarks by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, urging the US to ‘kill them all’ in reference to alleged drug smugglers, and her accusation that Caricom was ‘siding with Venezuela,’ added to the tension. Despite these political undertones, organizers emphasized that their involvement was not political but a collective appeal for peace. Rauold Keith Simon, shaman of the Warao Community of San Fernando, stated, ‘This is not political; this is purely spiritual… We want peace.’ However, his message carried a warning: ‘We won’t take it any more. We will fight back.’ Cacica of the Warao Nation of TT, Anicia Benjamin, offered a somber reflection on the long-term consequences of conflict, drawing parallels to the prolonged recovery periods post-World War II. Religious leaders also used the occasion to emphasize moral responsibility and collective renewal. Pandit Lloyd Mukram Sirjoo, head of the Trinidad Academy of Hinduism, urged greater spiritual engagement from citizens, lamenting the neglect of moments of prayer and reflection. JTUM reaffirmed its support for the initiative, calling for the Caribbean to remain a ‘Zone of Peace’ and warning that military escalation ‘can only be to the detriment of Caribbean people.’ The union stressed that progress ‘requires stability and peace,’ pledging solidarity with all groups advocating for calm and unity.
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Murdered Rio Claro businessman buried
During the funeral of Sylvan Boodan, a 58-year-old businessman tragically murdered on November 3, the officiating imam delivered a heartfelt message to the mourners gathered at his home on Tabaquite Road in Rio Claro. The funeral, streamed live on social media on November 9, became a platform for the imam to reflect on the transient nature of life and the importance of living with purpose and compassion. He emphasized that life is a one-way journey, urging attendees to make amends and live harmoniously with others while they still have the opportunity. The imam also stressed the inevitability of death, reminding everyone to prepare for the afterlife and cherish their loved ones, particularly their parents. He encouraged mourners to express their love and gratitude to their parents, as memories are the only remnants left after their passing. The body of Boodan, who was gunned down near his car in Poole Village, was laid to rest at the New Grant Cemetery. The imam’s message resonated deeply, urging everyone to live without regrets and make the most of their time on earth.
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Central cops arrest 4, seize guns, ammo, ganja
In a series of coordinated operations across the Central Division, law enforcement officers have successfully apprehended four individuals and confiscated a cache of illegal firearms, ammunition, and narcotics. The operations, which spanned from November 7 to November 9, were conducted based on intelligence reports and targeted various locations within the division.
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Resilient spirit of pan – Ramesy-Moore says Panorama launch staged without government funds
The launch of Panorama 2026 at Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain on November 9 marked a vibrant celebration of Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument, the steelpan. Despite facing funding challenges, the event showcased the unifying power of pan music, drawing enthusiastic crowds and highlighting the resilience of the steelband community. Pan Trinbago president Beverly Ramsey-Moore described the day as “a happy day,” emphasizing the joy and unity that pan brings to communities. She noted that while the event was staged without government funding, the turnout was “very good,” and the steelpan world continues to enjoy strong support. Ramsey-Moore stressed that pan is not just about the final performance but the entire journey, from community practice sessions to the grand spectacle at the Savannah. She also expressed hope for future government support, particularly for the establishment of a permanent headquarters for Pan Trinbago. The event featured performances by bands like the Royal Stars Pan Symphony and the Laventille Rhythm Section, who volunteered their time and talent. Marabella West councillor John Alibocas, attending his first town launch, praised the event’s ability to bring people together and boost the local economy. Despite the financial constraints, the launch of Panorama 2026 demonstrated the enduring spirit of Trinidad and Tobago’s steelpan culture.
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Two Killed, Several Injured in RTA’s Over the Weekend
A series of devastating road traffic accidents over the weekend in the Cayo District, Belize, has left two people dead and several others injured, prompting urgent calls for enhanced road safety measures. The most severe incident occurred early Sunday morning in Ontario Village, where a car driven by 27-year-old Jovan Middleton struck a culvert and overturned. Middleton died instantly, while his passenger, Ashley Mejia, 27, sustained critical injuries and later succumbed to them. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. In a separate incident on Saturday night, two motorcyclists collided in Teakettle Village, resulting in injuries that required hospitalization. Their current conditions are unknown. Another accident in Belmopan involved a motorcycle and a pickup truck, with the motorcyclist rushed to the Western Regional Hospital for emergency care. Witnesses at the scene alleged that the pickup truck driver appeared intoxicated, further highlighting the dangers of impaired driving. In response to the escalating number of fatal accidents, Chester Williams, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Transport, expressed deep concern, particularly about the rising incidents involving motorcycles. He announced that the ministry is collaborating with the Belize Police Department to intensify highway patrols, establish checkpoints, and enhance officer training. Additionally, stricter traffic laws, already approved by the Cabinet, are set to be presented in the House of Representatives this month. Williams emphasized that while legislative measures are crucial, the collective responsibility of all road users to adhere to traffic laws is essential to curb the alarming trend.