Dr Amery Browne, an opposition senator and vice-chairman of the People’s National Movement (PNM), has formally reported online death threats made against him and his family to the police. The incident, disclosed in a Facebook post on November 22, marks a troubling escalation in the political landscape of Trinidad and Tobago. Browne, who previously served as Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs under both the Patrick Manning and Dr Keith Rowley administrations, shared screenshots of the threatening comments posted on his Facebook wall. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘I have been involved in active politics since 2007 and have never encountered anything like this.’ Browne assured the public that he is treating the matter with utmost seriousness, highlighting the need for accountability and security in the face of such threats.
作者： admin
-
After Melissa, egg farmers put GCT removal back on table
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Jamaica’s poultry industry, egg farmers are intensifying their appeal for the removal of the General Consumption Tax (GCT) on eggs. The Jamaica Egg Farmers Association (JEFA) argues that this measure, combined with the proposed importation of table eggs, would alleviate the financial strain on consumers during the upcoming Christmas season. Cheryl McLeod, Senior Director at JEFA, emphasized the need for government support to ensure affordable egg prices and stabilize supply. The Category Five hurricane, with winds reaching 185 mph, caused extensive damage to coops and decimated chicken flocks, exacerbating production losses still lingering from Hurricane Beryl in 2022. McLeod highlighted the prolonged recovery period, noting that restoring egg production could take up to six months due to the trauma inflicted on surviving birds. Farmers like Ronald Ranger of RanGeorge Farm Enterprise shared harrowing accounts of structural damage and flock losses, with production dropping by a third post-storm. While JEFA plans to coordinate egg imports through partnerships with Jamaica Broilers and Caribbean Broilers, McLeod stressed the importance of integrating local farmers into the distribution process. The association aims to have the first batch of imported eggs arrive by December 1, but farmers are urging the government to expedite rebuilding efforts to restore production within three to four months.
-
United States warns against flying over Venezuelan airspace
The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a critical security notice to airmen (NOTAM) regarding potential hazards in Venezuelan airspace. The alert, released late Friday, highlights increased global navigation satellite system (GNSS) interference and the commencement of military exercises in Venezuela starting September. While several airlines continued operations to and from Venezuela on Saturday, U.S. operators are now mandated to provide the FAA with a 72-hour advance notice before traversing Venezuelan airspace. This measure supplements an existing 2019 order that already prohibits U.S. airlines from flying to or from Venezuela. The NOTAM specifically addresses the MAIQUETIA (SVZM) flight information region (FIR), which encompasses all of Venezuela’s landmass and extends approximately 350 miles into the Caribbean Sea. Notably, flight information regions, such as MAIQUETIA FIR, are administrative divisions for air traffic control and do not align with national boundaries. The FAA’s advisory underscores growing concerns over aviation safety in the region amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
-
NEPA says tadpole surge after Hurricane Melissa ‘no cause for concern’
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has responded to a viral social media video showcasing a surge of tadpoles in a water body following Hurricane Melissa. The agency emphasized that this phenomenon is a natural occurrence and not a cause for alarm. NEPA clarified that the excess standing water left by the hurricane creates ideal conditions for cane toads to lay eggs, even in areas that may seem unusual to the public. The agency explained that the tadpoles observed in the video likely resulted from a recent spawning event, with a single female cane toad capable of producing thousands of eggs in one brood. This reproductive strategy, involving large clutches of eggs, is a survival mechanism to counteract the high mortality rates among tadpoles and juveniles. NEPA assured the public that only a small fraction of these tadpoles will survive to adulthood. While there are no immediate negative impacts, NEPA encouraged communities to remove standing water and fill stagnant areas to reduce breeding opportunities for cane toads and control mosquito populations. The agency also warned against using chemicals or bleach to kill tadpoles, as this could harm the environment and native species.
-
‘Tap into the happy’
The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck southwestern Jamaica on October 28 with devastating 185 mph winds and torrential rainfall, has left a lasting impact on the mental health of children in the region. Among the most affected is Mae Allen’s two-year-old grandson, who now cries at the mere sound of raindrops, a stark reminder of the traumatic evacuation his family endured during the storm. This fear is just one example of the psychological scars left by the Category 5 hurricane, which claimed over 40 lives and left hundreds homeless.
-
Chelsea sink Burnley to close gap on leaders Arsenal
In a hard-fought encounter at Turf Moor on Saturday, Chelsea emerged victorious with a 2-0 win against Burnley, further solidifying their position in the Premier League title race. Pedro Neto broke the deadlock just before halftime, while Enzo Fernandez sealed the victory with a late goal. This triumph propelled Chelsea to second place in the league standings, just three points behind leaders Arsenal, who are set to face Tottenham on Sunday. The Blues have been in impressive form, winning eight of their last ten matches across all competitions, marking a significant milestone in Enzo Maresca’s 50th Premier League game as manager. The victory serves as an ideal preparation for Chelsea’s upcoming crucial fixtures, including a Champions League clash against Barcelona on Tuesday and a high-stakes Premier League encounter with Arsenal on November 30. Despite the possibility of dropping to third place if Manchester City avoids defeat against Newcastle, Chelsea’s hard-earned win in freezing conditions at Burnley has undoubtedly boosted their title momentum. Maresca praised his team’s resilience, particularly after the international break, and emphasized the importance of maintaining their form. Burnley, on the other hand, continues to struggle, having lost five of their last seven league matches. Chelsea faced challenges with key players Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo sidelined due to injuries and fatigue, respectively. Maresca also expressed frustration over the early kick-off time, which was compounded by an early incident involving goalkeeper Robert Sanchez accidentally kicking the ball into Fernandez’s head, requiring a brief concussion check. Despite these setbacks, Chelsea managed to assert control and secure a vital win.
-
SRC urges vigilance over food safety
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Scientific Research Council (SRC) has issued a stern warning to Jamaicans about the increased risks of gastroenteritis and other food and water-borne illnesses. Ray-Anne Shaw Phillips, team leader of the SRC’s analytical services department, emphasized the need for heightened vigilance, particularly regarding symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and severe dehydration. She advised those experiencing prolonged symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.
The aftermath of the hurricane has also raised concerns about leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can spread through contaminated water. Shaw Phillips highlighted the dangers of floodwater, which often contains a hazardous mix of pesticides, chemicals, oil, human and animal waste, and decaying matter. This toxic combination creates an ideal environment for microbial growth, posing significant health risks.
To mitigate these risks, the SRC recommends discarding any food that may have come into contact with floodwater, even if it was stored in plastic or cardboard containers. The council also urges the public to treat water before consumption by boiling it or using disinfectants. Additionally, the SRC offers accredited testing services for food and water supplies, including checks for E. coli, coliforms, turbidity, and pH levels.
As Jamaica continues its recovery efforts, the SRC remains committed to supporting residents, businesses, and community groups in ensuring the safety of their food and water supplies. Those in need of testing services can contact the council via telephone at (876) 927-1771, email at edoffice@src.gov.jm, or through their website and social media channels.
Shaw Phillips expressed empathy for those affected by the hurricane and stressed the importance of vigilance during the recovery process. ‘After a hurricane, there is always increased public health risk,’ she said. ‘We must ensure that we do not exacerbate the situation by consuming contaminated items.’
-
Fitz-Henley lauds efforts of security forces and policymakers as murders fall 42%
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica is witnessing a remarkable 42% reduction in murders this year compared to 2024, a development that has been widely praised by State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley. Speaking in the Upper House of Parliament on Friday, Fitz-Henley attributed this significant decline to the combined efforts of the nation’s security forces and policymakers. This achievement marks the lowest annual murder rate Jamaica has recorded in nearly three decades.
-
US revokes visa of NGO official critical of US presence in Caribbean
The Trinidad and Tobago Government has publicly distanced itself from the United States’ decision to revoke the visa of Gary Aboud, the corporate secretary of the non-governmental organization (NGO) Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (FFOS). Aboud, a vocal critic of the US naval presence near Venezuela, received notification from the US Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago that his B1/B2 visa had been revoked due to new information rendering him ‘inadmissible’ to the United States.
-
Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe dies aged 80
LONDON, United Kingdom—The fashion world mourns the loss of Paul Costelloe, the renowned Irish-American designer who served as Princess Diana’s personal stylist for over a decade. Costelloe passed away at the age of 80 in London, surrounded by his wife and seven children, following a brief illness, his family confirmed in a statement on Saturday. Born in Dublin in 1945, Costelloe honed his craft as a design assistant in Paris before joining British retailer Marks and Spencer in Milan. His career reached new heights in 1983 when he was appointed as Princess Diana’s personal designer, a role he held until her tragic death in 1997. Reflecting on his time with the Princess, Costelloe once described her as approachable and down-to-earth, sharing anecdotes of her making tea and scones during their meetings. A fixture at London Fashion Week since its inception in 1984, Costelloe was celebrated for his romantic, tailored designs that blended classic styles with modern innovation, often featuring bold colors, tweed patterns, and floral motifs. His latest collection, inspired by the 1960s and titled ‘We stroll down Rodeo Drive,’ was showcased at London Fashion Week in September. Costelloe’s brand remains a family affair, with his son William serving as design director. In a 2024 interview with Vogue, Costelloe expressed his desire to eventually retire from fashion to travel and paint in France.