KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark move toward cultural inclusivity, Jamaica College (JC) has revised its hair grooming policy, a decision lauded by the advocacy organization Fi We Children Foundation (FWCF). The change is seen as a significant stride in dismantling discriminatory practices rooted in Jamaica’s colonial history.
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Barbara Gayle murder case adjourned to February 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The trial of Travis Ellis, the man charged with the gruesome murder of esteemed journalist Barbara Gayle, has been postponed to February 4, 2024, due to incomplete psychological assessments. The case was adjourned on Monday as authorities await a second psychological report on Ellis, who has so far been evaluated by only one doctor. Prosecutors have announced their intent to pursue the death penalty if Ellis is convicted. Gayle, a veteran journalist, was discovered dead at her residence in the Caymanas Country Club Estate in St. Catherine on December 17. Her body bore multiple stab wounds and a severe facial laceration. Her stolen vehicle was later recovered in nearby bushes, close to where Ellis was reportedly found hiding. The adjournment allows for further case management as the legal process unfolds.
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Greenwood ‘paid dearly’ for sex assault allegations, says De Zerbi
Marseille’s head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, has publicly defended Mason Greenwood, stating that the forward has ‘paid dearly’ for the sexual assault allegations that once derailed his career. Greenwood is set to face English opposition for the first time since the controversy as Marseille prepares to host Newcastle United in the Champions League on Tuesday. The 24-year-old, who joined Marseille in July 2024 after a loan spell at Getafe, has been a key player for the French club, scoring 33 goals, including 11 this season. De Zerbi emphasized that Greenwood has found a supportive environment in Marseille, describing him as a ‘good lad’ who has overcome significant personal challenges. Despite the controversy, Greenwood’s on-field performance has been commendable, with De Zerbi praising his development into a ‘complete player.’ However, England manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated that Greenwood is not currently in his plans for the national team. Meanwhile, Greenwood’s teammate Angel Gomes noted that their conversations focus more on casual topics like video games rather than Greenwood’s aspirations for an international recall. Marseille, currently struggling in the Champions League with just three points from four matches, will rely on Greenwood’s form to improve their standing in the competition.
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US top-ranked military officer to meet PM
General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is set to visit Trinidad and Tobago on November 25, 2025, for a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The visit, announced by the US Embassy on November 24, underscores the robust bilateral relationship between the two nations. Key discussions will focus on enhancing regional stability, fostering unity, and addressing the critical issue of countering illicit trafficking and transnational criminal organizations. This visit follows the recent engagements of the US 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, which conducted joint military exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force in October and November. General Caine, the highest-ranking military officer in the US, serves as the principal military advisor to the President, Secretary of War, and National Security Council. With a distinguished career that includes roles as an F-16 fighter pilot, weapons officer, White House staff member, and special operations officer, Caine brings a wealth of experience to this diplomatic mission.
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Carpha: One Health system will mitigate post-disaster diseases
The Caribbean region is grappling with increased risks of foodborne, waterborne, and zoonotic diseases in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 30. Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (Carpha), emphasized the urgent need for robust One Health systems that integrate human, animal, and environmental health. Speaking at Carpha’s Regional Pandemic Fund workshop in Port of Spain on November 24, she highlighted the strain on health systems caused by disasters and outbreaks. ‘The disruption of water, food, and sanitation infrastructure significantly raises the risk of disease,’ she noted. Jamaica is also managing a vector-borne outbreak, underscoring the link between extreme weather events and communicable diseases. Dr. Indar stressed the importance of preemptive One Health coordination, which Carpha has been advancing through regional collaboration. In early 2024, Carpha convened experts from public health, veterinary medicine, agriculture, and other fields to develop a unified action plan. This initiative has led to the creation of the Regional One Health Foodborne Diseases and Zoonotic Action Plan, updated national plans, and a SharePoint platform for real-time information sharing. Carpha’s next steps include operationalizing its Integrated One Health Surveillance Platform and enhancing agency coordination through simulation exercises. Ian Ho-a-shu, Senior Health Specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), praised Carpha’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of surveillance technology and workforce development in building resilience. He highlighted IDB’s support for emergency responses, including post-Hurricane Melissa aid in Jamaica. Carpha’s achievements over the past two years demonstrate the region’s capacity to combat emerging health threats, with a clear goal of reducing the impact of pandemics in the Caribbean.
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Red Force edge Harpy Eagles by four runs in Super50 Cup
In a thrilling encounter at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on November 23, the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force clinched their second consecutive victory by defeating the Guyana Harpy Eagles by four runs. The match, heavily influenced by rain, was decided using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. The game was initially delayed and reduced to 44 overs due to the weather conditions. Despite this, the Red Force managed to bowl out the Harpy Eagles for 196 runs in 40.3 overs, with significant contributions from Gudakesh Motie (65 runs) and Keemo Paul (39 runs). The Red Force’s bowling attack, led by Terrance Hinds (3/18) and Ricky Jaipaul (3/29), was instrumental in dismantling the Guyanese batting lineup. In response, the Red Force faced early setbacks but were steadied by Tion Webster (31 not out) and Jyd Goolie (29 not out), who guided the team to 106/4 before the rain returned. Goolie’s explosive batting in the 20th over, featuring one boundary and three sixes, proved crucial in securing the win. This victory propelled the Red Force to second place in the six-team standings with ten points, trailing only the Barbados Royals, who lead due to a superior net run rate. The tournament has been marred by rain, with several matches either abandoned or ending in no results. In other round three matches, Barbados defeated Windwards by seven wickets, while the fixture between Leewards and Jamaica was abandoned due to a wet outfield. Round four matches are set to commence on November 25, with the Red Force facing the Windward Islands Volcanoes, the Hurricanes taking on the Harpy Eagles, and the Scorpions battling the Royals.
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Two Texas men planned to capture a small Haitian island and enslave women and children as sex slaves
Two young men from Texas, Gavin Rivers Weisenburg, 21, and Tanner Christopher Thomas, 20, have been indicted by US federal prosecutors for allegedly conspiring to invade a small Haitian island with an army of homeless individuals. The shocking plot, described as one of the most bizarre criminal cases in recent memory, aimed to kill local men and enslave women and children as “sex slaves.” The men were also charged with producing child pornography, having allegedly persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct.
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‘Long journey to healing’ for boy who spent eighth birthday in ICU after dog mauling
An eight-year-old boy, Dylan Durham, is battling severe injuries after a vicious pit bull attack behind his father’s restaurant earlier this month. The third grader, who remains hospitalized in serious condition, has undergone two surgeries and is unable to use his right hand. A GoFundMe campaign, launched to raise $5,000 for his medical expenses, has shared harrowing images of Dylan’s injuries, highlighting the extent of the trauma. The incident occurred on November 8, when three dogs, two of which turned aggressive, attacked Dylan on Rosetta Street. Emergency Medical Services rushed him to Princes Margaret Hospital, where he has since been treated in the Children’s Ward and intensive care unit. Tony Morris, the organizer of the fundraising page, described Dylan as brave and resilient but emphasized the emotional and financial toll on his family. Dylan’s parents have been forced to miss work to stay by his side, compounding their stress. The GoFundMe campaign, shared by Dylan’s school, Jordan Prince Williams Baptist, has raised over $2,000 so far. Animal Control officers have removed one dog from the property, while the other two were euthanized on November 11. Authorities confirmed that Dylan’s condition, though serious, is not life-threatening. His recovery will require additional surgeries, specialized care, and rehabilitation.
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Jobless numbers fall: Rate down to 9.3% as nearly 4,000 find work
The Bahamas has witnessed a notable decline in its unemployment rate, which fell to 9.3 percent in the second quarter of 2025, as revealed by preliminary data from the Bahamas National Statistical Institute (BNSI). This marks a significant improvement from the first quarter’s 10.8 percent, driven by a surge in employment figures between April and June. Total employment rose to 218,620, an increase of 3,895 jobs, while the number of unemployed individuals dropped to 22,470, reflecting a reduction of 3,455. Both genders benefited from this positive trend, with male unemployment decreasing from 12,630 to 10,690 and female unemployment declining from 13,295 to 11,780. Youth unemployment also saw a slight improvement, falling to 20.3 percent, a 0.6 percentage point decrease from the previous quarter. The labour force expanded modestly to 241,090, with the participation rate climbing to 76.7 percent. Male participation rose to 80.7 percent, while female participation reached 72.4 percent. Key sectors such as construction, wholesale and retail, and community services experienced significant employment gains, with construction leading the way at a 17 percent increase. The number of discouraged workers, those who have stopped seeking employment due to perceived lack of opportunities, plummeted by 64 percent to 2,270. Educational qualifications among the workforce varied, with 27 percent reporting no formal examinations as their highest qualification, while 26 percent held a Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education.
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Ingraham breaks with FNM over Returning Officer row
In a surprising turn of events, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham publicly supported the retention of Returning Officer Neil Campbell for the Golden Isles by-election, despite objections from his own party, the Free National Movement (FNM). This endorsement came just a day before Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson confirmed his decision to keep Mr. Campbell in his role, expressing confidence in the election’s transparency and impartiality.
The FNM, led by Chairman Dr. Duane Sands, had raised concerns about Mr. Campbell’s suitability, citing alleged conflicts of interest. These concerns were amplified when Mr. Campbell referred to Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis as his ‘adopted father’ during a press conference. However, Mr. Thompson defended Mr. Campbell, highlighting his voluntary disclosure of personal connections and his long-standing reputation as a respected public officer.
Mr. Thompson emphasized the challenges of finding individuals in The Bahamas who are entirely disconnected from political figures, given the country’s small size and interconnected society. He stated, ‘I do believe that Mr. Campbell will execute his public duties as Returning Officer without fear or favor.’
Meanwhile, Mr. Ingraham acknowledged Mr. Campbell’s inexperience but dismissed claims of wrongdoing. He attributed the FNM’s suspicions to procedural missteps during the advance poll, such as Mr. Campbell’s initial reluctance to place ballots in the designated box. However, Mr. Ingraham expressed confidence that Mr. Campbell had learned from these mistakes and would ensure a smooth election process.
Addressing FNM supporters at a rally, Mr. Ingraham urged them to focus on voter turnout rather than concerns about Mr. Campbell’s impartiality. He reassured the public that The Bahamas’ electoral system is robust, with sufficient safeguards to prevent election fraud. ‘Whoever wins on Election Day will win,’ he declared, emphasizing the country’s history of fair elections under various governing parties.
Mr. Campbell, who has extensive experience in overseeing elections both domestically and internationally, remains at the center of the debate as the Golden Isles by-election approaches.