In a recent court hearing in St James, Jamaica, Iro Thomas, a man arrested during a police raid on October 19, contested charges of cocaine possession. Appearing before Parish Judge Gabrielle Wilks, Thomas argued that neither he nor the arresting officers could confirm whether the substance found in his possession was indeed crack cocaine. Represented by attorney Jermaine Campbell, who acted as amicus in the absence of formal legal representation, Thomas maintained his innocence, claiming he had merely found the substance and was unaware of its nature. The incident unfolded when police, conducting a targeted operation at a local beach, observed Thomas and another individual engaged in conversation. Suspecting foul play due to Thomas’s suspicious behavior, officers approached him and discovered seven pieces of a substance believed to be crack cocaine in a bottle he was holding. During the hearing, Campbell highlighted the absence of a preliminary test to verify the substance’s identity, emphasizing that the prosecution lacked concrete evidence to substantiate the charges. Judge Wilks granted Thomas bail set at $150,000 with reporting conditions and scheduled the next hearing for January 14, 2026.
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Diego woman detained for alleged online posts inciting Venezuela to attack PM
In a significant move under the Emergency Powers Regulations of 2025, Trinidad and Tobago’s Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander has authorized the preventive detention of Olive Green-Jack, a Diego Martin resident, for her alleged inflammatory social media posts. The decision, announced on November 20, follows an investigation into Green-Jack’s online activities, which authorities claim were aimed at inciting violence against the government and public officials. Her posts, directed at the Venezuelan government, allegedly encouraged external actors to commit acts of violence against Prime Minister Keith Rowley, government officials, and civilians. Minister Alexander emphasized that these actions posed an ‘imminent threat to public safety.’ The detention order, signed on November 12, permits Green-Jack’s confinement at the Women’s Prison Golden Grove in Arouca or another designated facility. Under the regulations, law enforcement officers are empowered to arrest individuals subject to such orders without a warrant. The Emergency Powers Regulations, enacted on July 18, 2025, and extended twice since, remain in effect during the ongoing State of Emergency (SoE). This case underscores the government’s heightened focus on national security amid concerns over external influence and domestic stability.
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San Fernando mayor moved to tears as he chooses duty over family
San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris led an emotional interfaith service on November 18 to commemorate the 37th anniversary of the city’s elevation to city status. Held for the first time at the Krishna Mandir on Todd Street, the event marked a significant departure from traditional Christian venues, symbolizing the city’s commitment to inclusivity. Mayor Parris, visibly moved, shared the personal challenge of attending the service while his uncle, Mikey Atherly, was being buried. He requested a moment of silence in his uncle’s honor, which the congregation observed solemnly. The service featured prayers for peace, unity, and dialogue by members of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO), who praised Parris for his inclusive leadership. Rudranath Maharaj, principal of the Hugh Wooding Law School, described the occasion as a “red-letter day” for San Fernando, highlighting the city’s diverse spiritual fabric. Imam Ayoub Latchan echoed these sentiments, urging citizens to embrace shared values of peace, respect, and compassion. Parris also outlined the city’s progress since 1988, emphasizing redevelopment projects like the upgrade of Skinner Park and youth engagement initiatives in partnership with UNESCO and UNICEF. Future plans include expanding economic opportunities, restoring heritage buildings, and creating designated vending areas for small entrepreneurs. The mayor concluded by encouraging residents to embrace the “Sando Live Right” ethos and actively shape the city’s future.
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Mexican man accused of murder girl on yacht to enter plea before Supreme Court in December
A 39-year-old Mexican man, Brigido Munoz, accused of murdering 20-year-old South African woman Paige Bell on a super yacht in Eleuthera, has been informed that he will enter a plea before the Supreme Court in December. Munoz, from Monterrey, Mexico, signed his voluntary bill of indictment on a murder charge before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley. The case has been transferred to Justice Guillimina Archer Minns, with the next court appearance scheduled for December 12. Munoz was also served a notice of alibi. The tragic incident occurred on July 3 aboard a yacht docked in Harbour Island, Eleuthera. Authorities discovered Bell’s body with visible injuries in the engine room after 1 pm that day. Munoz, who allegedly attempted suicide, sustained serious injuries to his arms and was treated at a local clinic. Both Munoz and Bell were crew members on the vessel. Bell’s parents, John and Michelle, expressed their profound grief, stating that their daughter’s murder ‘stole their world.’ Inspector Deon Barr is prosecuting the case.
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Vote Pickstock to continue progress in Golden Isles, says Davis
In a passionate address at the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) rally, Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis made a fervent appeal to Golden Isles voters, urging them to support PLP candidate Darron Pickstock in the upcoming by-election. Davis emphasized that a vote for Pickstock would signify a commitment to progress, strength, and unity, while warning that choosing the Free National Movement (FNM) could halt advancements and stall transformative change. Davis acknowledged the party’s imperfections, admitting that progress has not reached everyone and that more work remains. He pledged to deepen efforts to bring change to every home and neighborhood, expressing confidence in the Bahamian people’s ability to achieve collective progress. Davis also criticized the opposition, suggesting that some would derail progress simply because they were not in charge. Meanwhile, Pickstock appealed to voters based on his record and results, contrasting his ten-point plan for Golden Isles—focused on road repairs and community upgrades—with the FNM candidate’s lack of substantive proposals. He promised consistent visibility and a strong presence in the community, addressing past grievances of neglect. The rally also featured sharp critiques of the FNM, with PLP MPs portraying Pickstock as a man of action and dismissing the FNM’s candidate as unqualified. Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis and other party veterans endorsed Pickstock, urging supporters to rally behind him and painting the FNM as desperate and unserious.
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Govt scraps degree requirement unlocking promotions for hundreds of prison officers
The Bahamas government has eliminated the degree requirement that previously hindered promotions within the Department of Corrections, a move that has already facilitated over 400 promotions, with an additional 400 anticipated. National Security Minister Wayne Munroe highlighted that this policy shift has addressed a years-long backlog and filled critical supervisory roles that were left vacant despite officers’ decades of service. Speaking at the BDOCS Long Service and Good Conduct Awards Ceremony at Government House, Munroe emphasized that the degree mandate was unique to the corrections department, unlike other law enforcement agencies such as the Defence Force or Police Force. He criticized the former rule, stating that it unfairly stalled experienced officers who lacked formal academic credentials, even if they had over 15 years of service. The reforms, which began with over 1,000 personnel, introduced a new career path that values both qualifications and experience, allowing officers to advance based on their service time and performance. Munroe noted that the changes have already resulted in promotions across all ranks and the confirmation of trainees to full correctional officer status. He also mentioned that similar promotion evaluations are ongoing in other agencies under the Ministry of National Security.
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Stella Maris Dance Ensemble stages 32nd season this weekend
The Stella Maris Dance Ensemble (SMDE) is set to captivate audiences with its 32nd Season of Dance, taking place at The Little Theatre on Saturday, November 22 at 8 pm and Sunday, November 23 at 5 pm. This year’s production, under the esteemed patronage of Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, promises a rich tapestry of performances that blend cultural heritage with contemporary social commentary. The event will feature a diverse repertoire curated by acclaimed choreographers, including Abeldo Gonzales (Cuba), Tony Wilson, Renee McDonald, Andre Hinds, and Dr. MoniKa Lawrence. Their works delve into themes such as the resilience of Black communities, the global climate crisis, gender dynamics, and Jamaica’s folk traditions and revival spirituality. Highlights include Dr. Lawrence’s ‘Selah’ and Patsy Ricketts’ ‘Kingston 666,’ performed by senior SMDE dancers. In a nod to community engagement, the ensemble will host a free matinee on Friday, November 21, for 500 children from Homes of Safety and inner-city Kingston, offering an immersive cultural experience with refreshments and interactive activities. This year’s season also honors the legacy of Dr. Maria Smith, a dedicated patron of the arts, with a special tribute performance of ‘African Nite.’ Additionally, the ensemble will collect non-perishable items during the performances to aid victims of Hurricane Melissa, underscoring their commitment to combining art with social responsibility. Dr. Lawrence, the Artistic Director, emphasized the ensemble’s mission to use dance as a reflection of society, celebrating the past, confronting the present, and inspiring hope for the future.
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Gov’t, private sector commit over $1 billion to support tourism workers after Melissa
In a significant move to support tourism workers impacted by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has announced that over $1 billion has been secured through a combination of government funding and private sector contributions. Speaking at a press briefing at Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios, Bartlett revealed that the government has allocated $600 million, while private sector partners have pledged more than $400 million, with recent reports indicating their contributions are already exceeding initial commitments.
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Trelawny higgler dies after motorcycle crash
A devastating road accident in Trelawny, Jamaica, has claimed the life of a local higgler, marking the 20th road fatality in the parish this year. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon along the North Coast Highway. David Junior Myers, a 45-year-old resident of Zion district, tragically lost his life after his Champion motorcycle collided with a stationary Ford Ranger truck. Reports indicate that Myers lost control of his bike around 5:30 pm while traveling along the Hague roadway, resulting in a severe crash. He sustained multiple critical injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The Trelawny police have initiated a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of road safety in the region, prompting concerns about the need for stricter traffic regulations and public awareness campaigns.
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Moonilal, Morris: Government can handle concerns over US, Venezuela tensions
In a post-cabinet news conference held at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s on November 20, Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal and Foreign and Caricom Affairs Ministry parliamentary secretary Nicholas Morris reassured the public that Trinidad and Tobago (TT) is fully prepared to handle any potential fallout from escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela in the Caribbean region. Dr. Moonilal dismissed claims by former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley that TT’s offshore energy installations could be at risk due to the country’s support for US military deployments in the region. He labeled Rowley’s statements as ‘alarmist and irresponsible,’ emphasizing that TT has engaged in discussions with multinational corporations operating in the energy sector, all of whom have contingency plans in place for such scenarios. Moonilal also criticized Rowley for attempting to undermine Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, suggesting his remarks were politically motivated. Meanwhile, Morris highlighted the government’s transparency regarding TT’s position in the US-Venezuela situation, noting that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has consistently reassured the public that TT will not serve as a launching pad for any military actions. He also addressed concerns about US military exercises in TT, stating that all activities were part of previously announced joint training exercises. Morris reiterated the government’s commitment to accountability and results, particularly in reducing crime rates linked to the US military presence. Both ministers emphasized that TT’s longstanding relationship with the US remains a cornerstone of its foreign policy, and the government is focused on maintaining stability and security in the region.