In a dynamic display of youthful insight and advocacy, 36 participants from secondary schools, youth organizations, and tertiary institutions across Trinidad and Tobago gathered at the Red House on November 24 for the 22nd annual Youth Parliament debate. The focal point of the event was a proposed Cyberbullying bill, which aims to address the escalating issue of online harassment through a structured two-tiered offence system. The bill includes provisions for threats of violence, sexual harm, targeting children, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and impersonation. Penalties proposed range from mandatory counseling and community service to fines of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for up to five years. Additionally, the bill introduces a takedown provision, empowering law enforcement to seek court orders for the removal of harmful content or its preservation as evidence in legal proceedings. Kachay Marcano, a Polytechnic Institute student and ‘opposition leader’ in the debate, emphasized the urgency of enacting legislation to combat the pervasive impact of cyberbullying, citing the rapid dissemination of harmful content on social media. She highlighted the dehumanizing effects of such actions, urging the government to balance freedom of expression with the right to safety and dignity. Johann George of Milat, representing the opposition, underscored the severe mental health consequences of cyberbullying, referencing alarming statistics from the Journal of the American Medical Association that link cyberbullying victims to a 50% higher likelihood of suicidal thoughts. On the government side, Zyane Bissoon of the Trinidad Youth Council acknowledged the existing framework to combat cybercrime, including the 2011 Data Protection Act and the efforts of the cybercrime unit since 2019. Delano Joefield of the Tobago Youth Council highlighted recent amendments to the Sexual Offences Act and the Offences Against the Person Act, which now criminalize voyeurism and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. Despite differing perspectives, the debate underscored the need for updated legislation to address the evolving digital landscape. Speaker of the House Jagdeo Singh praised the participants for their leadership and commitment, expressing confidence in the future of Trinidad and Tobago’s democracy.
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Manchester High make winning start to ISSA basketball title defence
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Manchester High, the double defending champions, kicked off their campaign in the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Rural Area Basketball competition with a commanding performance on Monday. The team secured victories in both the Under-16 and Under-19 categories against Munro College at their home court in Manchester. The competition, which had been delayed by nearly a month due to Hurricane Melissa in late October, saw Manchester High dominate with a 95-18 win in the Under-19 game, led by Shawn Bogle’s 20 points. Earlier, they triumphed 110-13 in the Under-16 game, with Jaquain Palmer scoring a game-high 28 points. Meanwhile, St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) also enjoyed a double victory over Christiana High in Zone A, winning 21-8 in the junior game and 69-17 in the seniors. In other matches, Belair High defeated Old Harbour High 56-30 in the Under-19 game, after Old Harbour had claimed a 45-20 win in the Under-16 category. The competition resumes with high expectations for continued thrilling performances.
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Royalton commits to Jamaica as resorts target 2026 reopening
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Royalton Hotels & Resorts has unveiled updated reopening timelines for its Jamaican properties, signaling a phased recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Royalton Negril, Royalton Hideaway Negril, and Grand Lido Negril are now slated to welcome guests on August 25, 2026. The reopening dates for Royalton Blue Waters and Royalton Hideaway Blue Waters remain under review, pending further evaluations.
The company has reaffirmed its dedication to Jamaica, emphasizing its ongoing support for employees and local communities. In the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, Royalton implemented a comprehensive relief program, providing clean water, temporary housing, financial aid, and food supplies to affected staff. These welfare initiatives continue to be a cornerstone of the company’s recovery efforts.
To ensure the resorts’ restoration, a dedicated team of over 200 workers will remain on-site throughout the reconstruction phase. Additionally, other managerial and operational staff have been temporarily reassigned to Royalton properties across the Caribbean, safeguarding employment and facilitating ongoing training.
Daniel Lozano, senior vice president of operations, underscored the company’s commitment: ‘Our dedication to Jamaica remains steadfast. We are fully invested in supporting our teams and communities as we navigate the path to complete recovery.’
The announcement highlights Royalton’s resilience and long-term vision, as it balances operational recovery with sustained support for its workforce and the broader Jamaican community.
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Poultry farmer grateful that ministry will help to rebuild sector
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Nadisha Simmonds-Small, a poultry farmer in Bonnet district, St Catherine, has expressed her appreciation for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining’s initiative to rebuild the poultry sector following the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. The category-five storm, which struck Jamaica on October 28, wreaked havoc on local farms, leaving many farmers like Simmonds-Small grappling with significant losses.
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NGO links major chocolate brands to Liberia deforestation
MONROVIA, Liberia (AFP) — A recent investigation by the non-governmental organization (NGO) Global Witness has revealed that some of the world’s most renowned chocolate brands, including Mars, KitKat, and others, may be contributing to deforestation in Liberia’s Upper Guinean rainforest. The report, published on Tuesday, highlights the environmental impact of cocoa production in the region, despite many companies’ claims of sustainability.
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OIC commits to support data controllers impacted by Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting data controllers grappling with the aftermath of the disaster. Bobique Brown, the Communication and International Relations Manager at the OIC, emphasized the agency’s readiness to offer guidance on temporary safeguards and practical measures to ensure the protection of personal data during this challenging recovery period. Brown highlighted the extensive damage to physical infrastructure and technological systems across both public and private sectors, which has led to service interruptions and reduced operational capacity. She stressed the heightened risks of personal data exposure or misuse during such disruptions, urging data controllers to prioritize privacy protection as a demonstration of respect, especially for vulnerable individuals. Brown also reminded controllers of their obligations under the Data Protection Act, emphasizing that compliance, even in adverse times, reassures data subjects of their best interests. The OIC has set a deadline for the 2024/2025 registration year, ending on November 30, 2025, with the new registration year commencing on December 1, 2025. Data controllers unaffected by the hurricane are encouraged to begin the registration process promptly, while those impacted are urged to register as soon as possible. For further assistance, data controllers can contact the OIC at info@oic.gov.jm or 876-929-8568.
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Scotia helps domestic-violence survivors gain financial independence
The Scotiabank Foundation has strengthened its collaboration with the Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CADV) by launching an innovative economic empowerment initiative aimed at supporting women affected by domestic violence. This program extends beyond traditional psychosocial assistance, focusing on equipping survivors with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge to foster financial independence and rebuild their lives. In 2024, Scotiabank’s contributions enabled CADV to provide critical services, including trauma counseling, legal aid, relocation support, and educational assistance for families in need. Building on this foundation, the Foundation has donated $120,000 to enhance CADV’s Psychosocial Services Programme with a six-month economic empowerment component. The initiative will benefit fifteen survivors, offering three months of hands-on training in garment construction and sewing, followed by three months of business development guidance. Participants will learn essential skills such as pattern drafting, machine operation, and garment assembly, alongside business planning, market research, financial management, and marketing strategies. Scotiabank emphasized that its commitment to CADV is action-oriented, with employees actively driving change through the bank’s Empower Employee Resource Group. Volunteers lead sensitization workshops to raise awareness and amplify CADV’s mission of creating safer, stronger communities. Sabrina Mowlah-Baksh, General Manager of CADV, praised the partnership as a model of multi-layered involvement, highlighting its developmental impact on participants and their families. Gayle Pazos, Senior VP and Managing Director of Scotiabank TT, underscored the initiative’s transformative potential, stating that it empowers women to gain confidence, rebuild their lives, and achieve economic independence.
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Father of one struck by two cars in fatal Robinson Road Hit-and-Run
Devon Butler, a 29-year-old father of one, was tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident early Saturday morning, compounding the grief of a family already reeling from multiple tragedies this year. Butler, who had recently celebrated his birthday, was walking east on Robinson Road around 2am when he was struck by a dark-colored Acura. Moments later, a second vehicle ran over him. While the first driver stopped, the second fled the scene, leaving Butler fatally injured. His sister, Latoya Smith, described the incident as devastating, stating that the family is seeking answers and plans to meet with police. Butler had been working two jobs—at Cash N Go and Cacique—to provide for his six-year-old son and aspired to become a lawyer. Despite facing numerous hardships, he remained determined to build a stable life for his family. Butler was reportedly heading home from work when the accident occurred. A friend and roommate grew concerned when he failed to return, and a Superwash employee later informed the family that Butler had stopped there minutes earlier to arrange a ride. Smith learned of the accident hours later, initially dismissing an early-morning call until repeated attempts, including one from her sister, delivered the heartbreaking news. The family has endured a series of tragedies this year, including their mother’s debilitating injury in a February hit-and-run and their father’s death from illness in September. Smith described their upbringing as challenging but emphasized the love and care their father provided. She believes Butler’s death echoed a spiritual warning, recalling a recent conversation about their mother’s condition. Despite their mother’s absence during their childhood, Butler maintained a positive relationship with her. Smith fondly remembered her brother as a loving and caring individual who brought joy to their lives. His final message to her was an invitation to church on Sunday, a promise she now deeply regrets not fulfilling. As the family prepares for a painful Christmas without Butler, they reflect on his enduring love and the void his absence leaves.
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Gold in France for Rvssian’s Santa
Jamaican music producer and recording artist Rvssian has achieved yet another milestone with his 2024 hit collaboration, ‘Santa,’ featuring Rauw Alejandro and Nigerian singer Ayra Starr. The track has recently been certified gold in France, marking sales and streaming equivalent to over 100,000 units. This accolade adds to the song’s impressive list of certifications, including 3x platinum in Mexico (490,000 units), 5x platinum in Spain (300,000 units), and 16x platinum in the Latin United States (over 960,000 units).
In an earlier interview with Observer Online, Rvssian expressed his gratitude for the song’s commercial success, stating, ‘This really means a lot; it’s just another form of accreditation towards our achievements.’ The song has also made significant strides on various international charts, including Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, Panama, Spain, and Switzerland. Additionally, it has performed well on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs, Latin Rhythm Airplay, and Latin Airplay charts.
‘Santa’ is featured on Rauw Alejandro’s sixth studio album, ‘Cosa Nuestra: Capitulo O,’ which was released in September 2023. The song’s continued success underscores its global appeal and the collaborative efforts of Rvssian, Rauw Alejandro, and Ayra Starr.
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Hyde breaks Marathon record
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Michka Hyde, a former 400m and 400m hurdler from St Andrew High, made history by breaking the Jamaican national record in the women’s marathon. Competing in her first-ever marathon, Hyde completed the 26.2-mile race at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday with an impressive time of 2:35.28 minutes. This remarkable achievement eclipsed the previous record of 3:08.47 minutes set by Jill Vincent at the Negril Marathon in 2000. Hyde, a 24-year-old scholarship recipient at George Mason University, secured second place overall, trailing only American runner Anna Oeser, who finished in 2:34.56 minutes. She narrowly outpaced Ireland’s Orla Rocha, who clocked in at 2:36.45 minutes. Hyde’s performance not only highlights her exceptional athletic prowess but also marks a significant milestone in Jamaican marathon history.