The Banking, Insurance and General Workers’ Union (BIGWU) has strongly criticized the government’s National Recruitment Drive, labeling it a severe breach of trust. The union alleges that the drive includes positions already occupied by current employees, causing significant distress among workers. In a media statement issued on October 24, the final day of the drive’s first phase, BIGWU President Don Devenish demanded the immediate withdrawal of such advertisements. The union described the situation as a ‘gross lapse in industrial and human resource practice,’ urging the government to issue a public apology and take corrective measures to prevent recurrence. BIGWU emphasized that advertising filled positions undermines job security and breaches employment contracts, potentially amounting to constructive dismissal. The union highlighted the psychological and economic toll on affected employees, who face anxiety, humiliation, and fear of unemployment. BIGWU warned that such actions could lead to legal consequences, including claims for damages. The government defended the drive, stating it aims to fill 20,000 critical vacancies across 25 ministries, modernize the workforce, and improve public services. However, BIGWU stressed that workers’ dignity and rights must not be compromised by administrative errors.
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Family of missing sailor Miguel Campoy still waiting for answers six weeks later
The family of Miguel Campoy, a Spanish-American sailor who vanished at sea six weeks ago, has expressed growing frustration over the lack of progress in the investigation. Campoy, 56, disappeared on September 6 while sailing his 44-foot blue-hulled vessel, Hella, from South Abaco to New Providence. His last known communication with relatives was around 6 p.m., when he reported calm conditions and anticipated a longer-than-expected journey.
Both the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the United States Coast Guard conducted search operations for approximately a week before suspending their efforts. The family subsequently initiated a private search, deploying airplanes over the area for an additional fifteen days. Despite these efforts, no significant findings have been made, aside from the recovery of Campoy’s dinghy, which was found adrift with personal belongings, including his passport, credit cards, and water supplies.
Miriam Campoy, Miguel’s sister, speculated that her brother may have intentionally left the sailboat due to an emergency, such as water ingress or a collision. However, the exact circumstances remain unclear. The dinghy is currently in the custody of the Western Division police, who have yet to provide any updates or conclusions to the family.
Ms. Campoy revealed that she has repeatedly contacted authorities, including an RBDF officer identified as Mr. Livingston, but has received no substantive information. She also noted that Spanish police have attempted to liaise with Bahamian authorities but have similarly been met with silence.
The family, desperate for closure, has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Campoy’s safe return and $2,000 for verified tips. They have distributed missing-person posters across The Bahamas and internationally, urging anyone with information to contact the RBDF, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, or email findmiguelcampoy@gmail.com.
Miguel Campoy, a dual citizen of Spain and the United States, was a seasoned sailor and qualified yacht captain who had lived aboard his vessel for seven years. His family described him as methodical and well-prepared, making his disappearance under calm weather conditions all the more perplexing.
The Campoy family has called for greater transparency from Bahamian authorities, emphasizing their desire to uncover the truth and, if necessary, recover his body. ‘We just need to know what happened,’ Ms. Campoy said, reflecting the family’s anguish and determination for answers.
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#EyeOnMelissa: JCF ready to protect key infrastructure if Melissa hits says Blake
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the imminent threat posed by Tropical Storm Melissa, Jamaica’s Police Commissioner, Dr. Kevin Blake, has announced the full activation of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) hurricane preparedness plan. The JCF has mobilized its resources to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure public safety as the storm approaches the island’s southeastern coast.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Tourism stakeholders reinforce safety as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches
As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches Jamaica, the island’s tourism industry is intensifying its preparations to ensure the safety of staff, guests, and infrastructure. Stakeholders across the sector are implementing robust safety protocols and collaborating closely with local authorities to mitigate potential risks. Lowell Spence, owner of Smokeez Seafood Restaurant in Rose Hall, St James, emphasized the importance of reinforcing staff training and briefing guests on emergency procedures. Similarly, Sanju Chatani, Senior Director of Taj Mahal Plaza in Ocho Rios, highlighted the need for clear and timely communication with both patrons and employees. Marc Melville, CEO of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, stressed the value of readiness and collaboration with government agencies to protect visitors during the storm. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has urged all industry players to prioritize safety, describing preparedness as the cornerstone of recovery. He revealed that the Tourism Emergency Operations Centre has been activated at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston to coordinate a unified response. The centre will facilitate communication between the Ministry of Tourism, emergency agencies, and industry partners, ensuring a cohesive approach as updates from the Meteorological Service are received. Bartlett also underscored Jamaica’s history of rapid crisis response as a testament to the destination’s resilience. He called for calm, vigilance, and unity, reiterating the mantra: ‘Preparation, not panic.’
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#EyeOnMelissa: Jamaica to be declared disaster area shortly
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has announced that Jamaica will soon be declared a disaster area as the nation braces for the impact of Tropical Storm Melissa. The declaration, expected by the end of Friday or early Saturday, will activate the Disaster Risk Management Act, granting authorities enhanced powers to safeguard lives and property. Holness made the announcement during a special press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday. He emphasized the importance of public cooperation once the declaration is formalized, assuring stakeholders of prior consultations and adequate public notice. Additionally, Holness revealed that measures under the Trade Act will be implemented to prevent price gouging, citing concerns over the scarcity of essential goods like bread in supermarkets. Senator Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, will soon sign an order to enforce these measures, ensuring fair pricing during the crisis.
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Kamla: PNM protecting drug mafia, undermining TT safety
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has launched a scathing critique against the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM), accusing them of orchestrating a disinformation campaign to shield their alleged drug mafia financiers. In a statement released on October 24, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) condemned the PNM for undermining efforts to combat drug, arms, and human trafficking in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). The Prime Minister highlighted the nation’s vulnerable borders, which have facilitated illegal activities, including the entry of tens of thousands of migrants and the brutal murders of over 10,000 citizens in the past two decades. The OPM further alleged that PNM-controlled constituencies are disproportionately affected by drug-related gang violence, yet the party prioritizes the interests of its financiers over the welfare of its constituents. Amid these accusations, the government welcomed the USS Gravely warship and the 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit for joint military training with TT’s defense force from October 26 to 30. This collaboration, part of the renewed Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between TT and the US, aims to enhance national security and operational readiness. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar emphasized the importance of international partnerships in safeguarding the nation, stating, ‘TT must always come first.’
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Young warns of energy sector fallout
The closure of Nutrien’s operations at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate in Trinidad has sparked significant concerns over the management of the country’s energy sector. Former Energy Minister and Prime Minister Stuart Young attributed the shutdown to what he termed “unfortunate mismanagement,” warning of its potential to undermine Trinidad and Tobago’s global competitiveness. The shutdown, confirmed on October 23, has already begun to disrupt the supply of carbon dioxide (CO₂) to local and regional manufacturers, including those in the carbonated beverage industry, a key export sector for the nation. Nutrien cited port access restrictions and unreliable natural gas supply as primary reasons for the decision, which has impacted its Trinidad Nitrogen operations’ cash flow over an extended period. Despite the closure, Nutrien remains confident in meeting its 2025 nitrogen sales targets, supported by its North American production. Young emphasized the critical role of the energy sector as a major foreign exchange earner and employer, stressing the importance of maintaining investor confidence and fostering respectful relationships with energy companies. He criticized the current government for failing to uphold these principles, warning of potential long-term plant closures and broader economic fallout.
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Bahamas urged to monitor Tropical Storm Melissa hurricane threat
The Bahamas Department of Meteorology (BDM) is closely tracking Tropical Storm Melissa, which is currently situated in the north-central Caribbean. The storm, which has the potential to intensify into a major hurricane by this weekend, poses a significant threat to parts of The Bahamas and surrounding regions. As of the latest update, Melissa remains nearly stationary, located approximately 360 miles south of Matthew Town, 440 miles southwest of Providenciales, and 675 miles south-southeast of New Providence. The storm currently boasts maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, with higher gusts, and is expected to strengthen gradually. Forecasters predict that Melissa could escalate to a Category 3 hurricane by Saturday. The storm is anticipated to drift northeastward today before shifting westward from Saturday through Monday. If the projected path remains consistent, the southwestern islands of the Southeast Bahamas, including the Turks and Caicos, could experience tropical storm or hurricane conditions as early as Tuesday. The rest of the Southeast and Central Bahamas are likely to face impacts from Wednesday into Thursday. Meteorologists have cautioned that interactions with the high terrain of Jamaica, Cuba, or Hispaniola could influence Melissa’s intensity before it approaches the archipelago. Despite these variables, residents in the affected areas are advised to prepare for prolonged heavy rainfall, strong winds, and coastal flooding starting Tuesday. The BDM has urged both residents and visitors to stay informed through official updates available at met.gov.bs.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Burger Gully residents brace for heavy rain as storm approaches
As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches Jamaica, residents of Burger Gully in Mountain View, St. Andrew, are taking proactive measures to mitigate potential flooding. On Friday, locals were seen stacking sandbags along the gully to reinforce their defenses against the impending storm. Among them is Hyacinth Thomas, a long-time resident who vividly recalls the devastation caused by severe flooding 26 years ago. ‘My house was washed away when the gully burst. We lost two houses and received no compensation. Now, with the gully dug out, even a little rain makes us anxious,’ Thomas shared. She added that recent rainfall has heightened her fears, prompting her to prepare for evacuation if necessary. Another resident, Rennie, echoed her concerns, stating that he has already raised his furniture and packed essentials, ready to move to a nearby shelter or his sister’s home on Windward Road. The community’s collective efforts underscore the urgency of the situation as they brace for the storm’s impact.
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Resilient Beryl victims share hope ahead of Tropical Storm Melissa
As Tropical Storm Melissa threatens to escalate into a major hurricane, Jamaica braces for potential devastation, drawing on the resilience forged in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. Last July, Beryl wreaked havoc across the island, causing over $56 billion in damages to agriculture, housing, and tourism. Despite the destruction, communities along the south coast are rebuilding with determination, embodying the indomitable spirit of the Jamaican people.
One poignant example of this resilience is the Lee family of Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth. Their home and church were severely damaged during Beryl, with the roof torn away as they sought shelter under their bed. A viral video captured the family singing ‘Goodness of God’ amidst the chaos, a testament to their faith and fortitude. Nearly a year later, the Lees are still working to restore their home and church, relying on community support and donations. Pastor Tommy Lee expressed gratitude for the progress made, though challenges like manpower shortages persist.
Similarly, Munro College, a historic institution, faced extensive damage during Beryl. The chapel, built in 1912, suffered significant structural harm, but the stained glass windows remained intact. Thanks to contributions from alumni, corporate Jamaica, and the National Education Trust, the school has largely recovered, welcoming students back by June 2025.
The fishing community in Treasure Beach also endured severe losses, with lobster traps destroyed just as the season began. Fishermen like Jason Gordon and Donald Moxam faced financial setbacks but have since rebuilt their livelihoods with support from organizations like The Breds Foundation and National Commercial Bank.
Farmers, too, have struggled to recover. Linetth Whitely of Corby, St. Elizabeth, lost crops worth thousands of dollars but has persevered, replanting and fertilizing her fields despite ongoing challenges. Her story mirrors the broader narrative of Jamaica’s recovery—marked by hardship but driven by hope and community solidarity.
As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches, Jamaica stands as a testament to the power of resilience. While scars from Beryl remain, the island’s ability to rebuild stronger offers a beacon of hope in the face of nature’s fury.