KINGSTON, Jamaica — The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island on October 28, has left Jamaica grappling with unprecedented economic challenges. Preliminary estimates from the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) indicate a potential 13 per cent decline in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) for the final quarter of this year. This marks one of the most severe economic contractions since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
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FNM flat as by-election bid falls a ‘bit short’
The atmosphere at the Free National Movement’s (FNM) Golden Isles constituency office was somber and disheartened last night as supporters grappled with the realization that their candidate, Brian Brown, had lost the by-election. The mood stood in stark contrast to the jubilant celebrations at the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) office nearby, where Darron Pickstock was officially declared the winner. Despite the defeat, Mr. Brown was met with cheers and remained resolute, vowing to continue his community efforts. He emphasized his commitment to serving the constituency, announcing plans to feed 500 residents for Thanksgiving and visit supporters to express gratitude. FNM Leader Michael Pintard acknowledged the narrow margin of the loss, praising Mr. Brown’s dedication and integrity while addressing concerns about low voter turnout. He reaffirmed the party’s determination to regroup and prepare for future elections. Mr. Pickstock secured 1,873 votes (48.36%), while Mr. Brown garnered 1,636 votes (42.24%). Independent candidates Brian Rolle and Karen Butler received 348 and 16 votes, respectively. Throughout the evening, FNM supporters held onto hope, with some attributing Mr. Pickstock’s victory to government resources. Despite the loss, many FNMs expressed optimism about their chances in the upcoming general election, viewing the close race as a sign of potential success.
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PM: The real work starts tomorrow
In a significant political development, Darron Pickstock of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) emerged victorious in the Golden Isles by-election, defeating Brian Brown of the Free National Movement (FNM). The election, seen by many as a litmus test for the Davis administration’s performance nearing the end of its term, was characterized by intense campaigning but disappointingly low voter turnout. Unofficial results revealed that only 3,873 out of nearly 8,000 registered voters cast their ballots. Pickstock secured a comfortable win with 1,873 votes, while Brown trailed with 1,636 votes. The Coalition of Independents’ Brian Rolle garnered 348 votes, and Independent candidate Karen Butler received 16. Despite the victory, PLP members privately expressed concerns over the low turnout and the unexpected performance of the Coalition of Independents, sparking discussions about strategies for the upcoming general election. Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis hailed the win as a pivotal moment for Golden Isles, emphasizing the importance of unity and continued effort. He acknowledged the challenges faced during the campaign and pledged to address the economic disparities felt by some residents. Davis also extended his gratitude to Brown for his participation in the democratic process. In his victory speech, Pickstock expressed his gratitude to his constituents and vowed to earn their trust through consistent and diligent work. He paid tribute to the late Vaughn Miller, whose passing created the vacancy in the House of Assembly. This marks the second by-election victory for the PLP since it assumed office.
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Two Bahamians charged in US ‘take back America’ citizenship fraud crackdown
Two Bahamian nationals have been indicted in separate US federal districts on charges related to passport fraud and false claims of American citizenship, according to statements from prosecutors in Pennsylvania and Florida. The cases are part of the US Department of Justice’s initiative, Operation Take Back America, which targets immigration-related offenses and transnational criminal activity. In the Middle District of Pennsylvania, 79-year-old Victor Charles Gibson was indicted on November 18 for passport fraud and falsely claiming US citizenship. Prosecutors allege that Gibson knowingly made false statements in a US passport application on March 29 in Carbon County, Pennsylvania. The US Department of State investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Tatum Wilson. If convicted, Gibson faces up to 13 years in federal prison. In a separate case in the Middle District of Florida, 65-year-old Rochelle Deborah Johnson was indicted for illegal voting, passport fraud, and falsely claiming US citizenship to obtain state benefits. Johnson allegedly used a fraudulently obtained passport for international travel in 2016 and attempted to renew it in 2018 by falsely claiming US citizenship. She is also accused of unlawfully voting in the 2020 presidential election and falsely claiming citizenship to renew her Florida driver’s license. Johnson faces up to 35 years in federal prison if convicted. The US Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Special Assistant US Attorney Joseph Wheeler III.
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TT delegation meets key port operators in UAE
In a significant diplomatic and economic engagement, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Works and Infrastructure, Jearlean John, alongside Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers and Legal Affairs Minister Saddam Hosein, held high-level discussions with key UAE officials and industry leaders. The meetings, which took place on November 24 and 25 in Abu Dhabi, focused on port development, management, and investment opportunities aligned with Trinidad and Tobago’s Revitalisation Blueprint. The delegation met with AD Ports Group’s CEO, Ahmed Al Mutwaa, whose organization oversees 50 ports globally, including the renowned Khalifa Port. Additionally, they engaged with UAE State Minister Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi to explore investment prospects. The visit also included planned meetings with UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed and private sector giants such as Royal Group Headquarters, DP World, and the Dubai Chamber of Industry and Commerce. These discussions underscore Trinidad and Tobago’s strategic efforts to bolster infrastructure and attract foreign investment.
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Griffith: ‘Government shouldn’t ask others to revoke visas’
Former National Security Minister Gary Griffith has raised alarms over reports that Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander is seeking assistance from the US Embassy to revoke visas of US-based social media users, including bloggers with dual nationality, who are allegedly spreading propaganda and fear about Trinidad and Tobago. This development follows the recent revocation of the US visa of Gary Aboud, secretary of Fisherman and Friends of the Sea, who claims it was due to his opposition to the government’s support for US military deployment in the southern Caribbean, which began in August. In a video posted on November 24, Griffith acknowledged a country’s right to deny visas to individuals who violate its laws but expressed concern over the unprecedented move of a government official requesting another country to revoke visas of its own citizens. Griffith, who served as national security minister and adviser during Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s administration (2010-2015), stated he was confident Persad-Bissessar would not endorse such actions, which could be perceived as silencing dissent. He emphasized that while individuals are entitled to their views, legal action should be taken only if laws are broken. Aboud, in a November 21 statement, questioned the government’s role in his visa revocation, to which Persad-Bissessar responded by denying any involvement and labeling his comments as reckless. She has publicly supported the US military deployment, described by the Trump administration as an anti-narcotics initiative targeting drug trafficking from Venezuela.
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Signal Hill whip Malick, climb to 3rd in SSFL premier division
Signal Hill Secondary School continues to make waves in the 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division, securing a commanding 5-2 victory over Malick Secondary on November 24. Despite facing logistical challenges due to travel disruptions across the air and sea bridge, the Tobago-based team has shown remarkable resilience under the guidance of coach Downie Marcelle. The win propels Signal Hill to third place in the standings, just three points behind leaders Naparima College, with a crucial clash between the two teams scheduled for November 27. This match, part of the rescheduled fixtures to conclude the league, could determine the fate of the title race. Signal Hill’s campaign has been marked by impressive performances, including a recent 9-2 thrashing of Trinity College East. Against Malick, the team started strong with first-half goals from Immanual Wright and Kyle James. James later completed a hat-trick, while Jediael Marcelle added another goal to seal the victory. With the league’s disciplinary committee yet to rule on Signal Hill’s unplayed match against St Augustine Secondary, the team could potentially level with Naparima College before their decisive encounter. The coming days will be pivotal in shaping Signal Hill’s quest for the premier division title.
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Classmates carry memory of Camille on graduation stage
The Mitchell family, who tragically lost their 19-year-old daughter Camille to ovarian cancer in November 2023, found solace in a heartfelt tribute by her classmates during Benedict College’s 2024 graduation ceremony. Camille, a former Anatol Rodgers High School prefect captain and a Presidential Cup scholar with a perfect 4.0 GPA, had been pursuing a degree in Cyber Security. Despite her illness, she attended classes via Zoom from her hospital bed, determined to complete her education. Her untimely death came just months before she could walk the stage. Ahead of the Spring commencement, one of Camille’s friends informed the family that students planned to honor her memory by carrying her legacy across the stage. Many graduates wore funeral pins and stoles adorned with her name and photograph, creating a poignant moment for the Mitchells, who watched the ceremony via livestream. Kemel Mitchell, Camille’s brother, shared that the tribute was particularly emotional for their mother, who had been struggling to cope with reminders of her daughter’s passing at home. To help the family heal, Kemel created a shrine with Camille’s belongings, which has become a source of comfort. Camille’s classmates revealed that her determination and spirit had inspired them to persevere in their studies, with several crediting her as their motivation. Diagnosed in December 2022, Camille’s academic achievements and leadership roles, including her position as vice president of the Key Club, left a lasting impact on her community. Kemel, now studying education in the United States, reflected on how Camille’s illness influenced his youngest sister’s decision to pursue cellular and molecular biology. He emphasized that her passing has taught the family to cherish their time together and strengthened their faith. The graduation tribute, coupled with messages and photos shared by Camille’s friends, brought comfort to her mother, who had treated many of them like her own children.
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France arrests two men, two women over Louvre heist — prosecutor
French authorities have made significant progress in the investigation of the audacious theft of imperial jewels from the Louvre Museum last month. On Tuesday, four additional individuals were apprehended in connection with the high-profile heist, as announced by Paris’s chief prosecutor, Laure Beccuau. The suspects include two men aged 38 and 39, and two women aged 31 and 40, all hailing from the Paris region. This latest development follows the earlier charges brought against four other individuals linked to the October 19 robbery. The daring theft saw a four-member gang execute a meticulously planned operation in broad daylight, making off with jewelry valued at an estimated $102 million in just seven minutes. The thieves utilized a moving truck equipped with a ladder to access the museum’s Apollo Gallery, which houses the French crown jewels. They ascended in a bucket, shattered a window, and employed angle grinders to breach glass display cases containing the priceless treasures. Among the items stolen was an emerald-and-diamond necklace gifted by Napoleon I to his second wife, Empress Marie-Louise. However, a diamond-and-emerald crown belonging to Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, was dropped during their escape. Despite extensive efforts, the stolen jewels remain unrecovered, and the investigation continues.
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US military top brass to meet with Kamla
In a significant diplomatic engagement, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff, is set to visit Trinidad on November 25. The visit, confirmed by both the US Embassy and the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), will see General Caine meet with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the Diplomatic Centre in Port of Spain. The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations, bolstering regional stability, and addressing the critical issue of combating drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations. The Prime Minister has expressed her welcome for this visit, although specific details regarding the duration and logistics of General Caine’s stay remain undisclosed. General Caine, the 22nd Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the highest-ranking military officer in the US, serves as the principal military advisor to President Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and the National Security Council. His extensive military career includes roles as an F-16 fighter pilot, weapons officer, and special operations officer. This visit marks the latest in a series of military interactions between the US and Trinidad, following recent deployments of the US 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit for joint drills with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. The government has yet to comment on the broader implications of these military collaborations, particularly in the context of escalating US-Venezuela tensions. Former Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne has called for greater transparency from the Prime Minister regarding Trinidad’s stance on these regional issues, criticizing her perceived isolation from Caricom and her handling of US military actions in the Caribbean. The visit has sparked public concern, with many questioning its potential impact on Venezuela-Trinidad relations and the broader geopolitical landscape.