KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness seized the platform at the G20 summit to issue a dire warning about the escalating threat of climate change, highlighting the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, one of the most intense Atlantic storms in history. Holness emphasized that for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean, climate change poses an existential crisis, capable of undoing decades of developmental progress and destabilizing national economies in a single event.
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PJ Patterson hails Jimmy Cliff as iconic pioneer and creative genius
Jamaica mourns the loss of Jimmy Cliff, a towering figure in the nation’s music and film industry, who passed away at the age of 81. Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson, a close associate of Cliff, paid tribute to the legendary artist, describing him as a creative genius whose work aimed to inspire and empower people. Cliff, born James Chambers, was a multifaceted talent whose career spanned genres like ska, rocksteady, and reggae, leaving an indelible mark on Jamaican culture. Patterson, who shared a personal connection with Cliff through their alma mater, Somerton Elementary School in St. James, highlighted the artist’s enduring legacy. Cliff was honored with Jamaica’s prestigious Order of Merit (OM) in 2003, a testament to his contributions to the arts. His role in the 1972 cult classic film *The Harder They Come* not only elevated his career but also cemented the movie as a cornerstone of Jamaica’s cinematic history. Over his illustrious career, Cliff released 11 albums, including *Hard Road* (1967), *Wonderful World, Beautiful People* (1970), and *The Harder They Come* (1972), each showcasing his versatility and artistic brilliance. His passing marks the end of an era for Jamaican music and film, but his legacy continues to inspire generations.
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Jamaica Labour Party lauds Jimmy Cliff
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Jimmy Cliff, a towering figure in reggae music, celebrated actor, and cultural ambassador. Born James Chambers on July 30, 1944, Cliff passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 81, leaving behind an indelible legacy that transcends generations. Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, Chairman of the JLP’s Communication Taskforce, paid tribute to Cliff’s monumental contributions to music and global consciousness. ‘Jimmy Cliff is undeniably a legend,’ Fitz-Henley remarked. ‘His music not only shaped the reggae genre but also inspired countless individuals worldwide. His work will continue to resonate with future generations.’ Cliff’s impact was recognized during his lifetime through numerous honors, including Jamaica’s Order of Merit, the renaming of a road in St. James in his honor, and special recognition during the Jamaica 55 commemoration. Fitz-Henley extended the JLP’s heartfelt condolences to Cliff’s family, emphasizing the profound sadness felt across Jamaica. ‘We celebrate Jimmy Cliff’s life and his enduring legacy, which has left an indelible mark on our culture and the world,’ he concluded.
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Miss Universe Organisation addresses ‘speculation’ surrounding Miss Jamaica
The Miss Universe Organisation has released an official statement addressing widespread speculation surrounding Dr. Gabrielle Henry, Miss Universe Jamaica 2025, following her unfortunate fall from the stage during the Miss Universe competition last week. The organisation has maintained strict confidentiality regarding specific medical details to respect Dr. Henry and her family’s privacy. Updates on her condition will be shared exclusively by her family or Dr. Henry herself when deemed appropriate. Raúl Rocha, representing the organisation, outlined the immediate actions taken after the incident. He personally assisted Dr. Henry onstage, coordinated urgent medical care, and ensured her swift transfer to a hospital. A team of medical specialists was subsequently engaged to provide comprehensive evaluation and monitoring. The organisation has covered all associated expenses, including hotel accommodations for her family, rebooked airline tickets, transportation, and assigned a dedicated staff member to support the family throughout this challenging period. Over the past four days, Dr. Henry faced several difficult moments and unexpected concerns, but each issue was effectively resolved through the medical care she received. According to the latest medical report, Dr. Henry is now in good health and is expected to be discharged from the hospital soon. The statement also addressed circulating rumors, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to sharing only essential updates with professionalism, sensitivity, and respect. ‘We are grateful that she is now close to being released from the hospital,’ Rocha stated.
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‘Jamaica has lost a giant’: PNP mourns Jimmy Cliff
Kingston, Jamaica — The global music community is in mourning following the passing of reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, who died on Monday at the age of 81. His family confirmed that the iconic musician succumbed to pneumonia after suffering a seizure. The Opposition People’s National Party of Jamaica has joined the nation and the international community in expressing profound grief over the loss of this cultural giant.
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IDA to reveal THA election candidates
The Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA) has announced its intention to compete in all 15 electoral districts during the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election. Dr. Denise Tsoiafatt Angus, the IDA’s political leader, revealed that the party’s candidates will be unveiled by the end of November. This announcement follows the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) completing its candidate screening process, with its nominees expected to be disclosed shortly. Meanwhile, the People’s National Movement (PNM) has been introducing its candidates through its Community Conversations series, which concludes on November 25. The IDA expressed enthusiasm about its diverse and community-driven candidate selection process, emphasizing its commitment to grassroots democracy and inclusive leadership. The party highlighted that candidates are recommended by local communities rather than chosen by party executives, ensuring they genuinely represent the people’s interests. Additionally, the IDA has been enhancing its members’ leadership skills through workshops like ‘Reset to Rise: Unleash the Leader,’ aimed at fostering a new generation of competent and visionary leaders. Other parties, including the Tobago Liberation Movement and Unity of the People, have also signaled their participation in the THA election, while the Progressive Democratic Patriots’ stance remains uncertain.
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Art of the deal failure vs Venezuela
In a recent interview, philosopher and mathematician Darryl Naranjit provided a critical analysis of the US military build-up near Venezuela and its implications for global geopolitics. Drawing parallels to Winston Churchill’s decisive stance during World War II, Naranjit emphasized the resilience of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in the face of prolonged US pressure. He dismissed Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s optimistic view that Maduro would capitulate under US aggression, labeling it as delusional. Naranjit argued that Maduro’s unwavering commitment to Venezuela’s sovereignty over its oil resources makes any such capitulation unlikely.
Naranjit further contextualized the US-Venezuela conflict within the broader struggle between a unipolar world dominated by the US and an emerging multipolar world order represented by BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). He highlighted the historical significance of the Caribbean, where the Western world order began with Columbus’s arrival over 500 years ago. Naranjit suggested that the current aggression against Venezuela could mark the birth of a new world order, challenging American hegemony.
He pointed out that Venezuela is not alone in this struggle, receiving substantial support from Russia and China, both of which have provided arms, technicians, and financial aid. This support underscores the conflict’s complexity, transforming it from a bilateral dispute into a global confrontation between unipolar and multipolar forces. Naranjit urged observers to recognize this larger context, emphasizing that the stakes extend far beyond Venezuela’s borders.
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74% of JPS customers now have electricity following Hurricane Melissa
WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has announced significant progress in restoring electricity to areas devastated by Hurricane Melissa. As of Sunday, approximately 74% of affected customers have had their power reinstated, according to a media briefing held in Negril. Hugh Grant, President and CEO of JPS, highlighted the challenges posed by the Category 5 hurricane, which brought winds of 185 miles per hour to a grid designed for a Category 3 storm. Initially, over 540,000 customers were left without service, but efforts have now restored power to around 360,000, leaving fewer than 180,000 still in the dark. Key areas such as Hanover and Negril were re-energized three days ahead of schedule, with critical facilities like the Royalton Negril, Riu, Margaritaville, and the Negril town center now operational. JPS aims to restore power to the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital by the second week of December. In Trelawny, power has been restored to the Falmouth Public General Hospital, the National Water Commission Martha Brae Treatment Plant, the Cruise Pier, and several hotels. Montego Bay in St James has also seen progress, with the Sangster International Airport, the University of the West Indies Western Campus, and hotels like Sandals and Riu now receiving electricity. St Mary and Portland have achieved 86% and 83% restoration rates, respectively, while St Ann, Clarendon, and Manchester are on track for 75% restoration by mid-December. However, St Ann remains particularly challenging due to severe damage to the transmission network.
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Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff has died
The music world mourns the loss of Jimmy Cliff, the iconic reggae musician who passed away at the age of 81. His family confirmed the news on Monday, revealing that Cliff succumbed to pneumonia following a seizure. His wife, Latifa Chambers, expressed her gratitude for the support of his family, friends, fellow artists, and fans worldwide, emphasizing how much their love meant to him throughout his illustrious career. Born James Chambers, Cliff played a pivotal role in bringing reggae to a global audience, particularly through his starring role in the groundbreaking film *The Harder They Come*. His journey began in Kingston, where he recorded several singles before achieving chart-topping success with *Hurricane Hattie*, one of his early works for Beverly Records. Cliff’s music blended pop and ska influences, and after moving to London in 1965, he expanded his sound to include soul and Rhythm and Blues, eventually solidifying his place as a reggae pioneer. By the late 1960s, he had gained international acclaim, with his album *Wonderful World, Beautiful People* becoming a global sensation. His contributions to *The Harder They Come* soundtrack, including classics like *Many Rivers to Cross* and *Sitting in Limbo*, cemented his status as reggae’s brightest star. Cliff’s legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
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Female Grande student traumatised after classroom beating
A disturbing incident of school violence at Sangre Grande Secondary School has left a Form Two student severely traumatized and fearful of returning to the classroom. The attack, which occurred on November 19, was captured on video by fellow students and later circulated on social media. The footage shows the victim being assaulted by another female student, with the altercation escalating when a male student hurled a metal chair across the room, striking the aggressor. The victim, who sustained a head injury, was subsequently stomped on and hit with the chair. She was rushed to Sangre Grande Hospital for treatment and has not attended school since the incident. An official from the school expressed deep concern over the event, stating that the presence of two police officers on campus did not prevent the violence. The official attributed the unruly behavior to a lack of parental guidance, noting that some parents tend to side with their children during disciplinary meetings. The incident reportedly began when the victim refused to give money to a male student, prompting his girlfriend and her friends to confront and attack her. Despite police intervention, the assailants appeared indifferent to the consequences of their actions. This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence in Sangre Grande schools, which has led to increased police patrols and officers stationed on school grounds. DCP Junior Benjamin acknowledged the challenges but emphasized that the initiative to place officers in schools has led to a reduction in violence overall. He called for a collective effort from families, religious institutions, and schools to address the root causes of such behavior and foster positive change among students.