The Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce (GCIC) has issued an urgent appeal to the Grenada Ports Authority (GPA) and workers’ representatives to engage in time-bound, mediated negotiations to resolve the ongoing industrial dispute. Emphasizing the critical role of the port in the nation’s economy, GCIC warned that prolonged disruptions could have severe repercussions for households, businesses, and essential services. The Chamber’s President highlighted the particularly sensitive timing, with the pre-Christmas import season in full swing, perishable goods and pharmaceuticals in transit, and tourism operators managing high-season logistics. The impasse threatens to escalate price pressures, cause supply shortages, delay projects, and lead to widespread income losses. To mitigate these risks, GCIC proposed a temporary halt to disruptive actions, the appointment of a mutually acceptable mediator, and the publication of a joint progress update within 72 hours. The Chamber also offered to facilitate dialogue, provide neutral data on supply-chain impacts, and host multistakeholder sessions to foster clarity and consensus. ‘A fair, respectful, and clear resolution is in everyone’s interest,’ the President concluded, stressing the importance of safeguarding national welfare.
作者: admin
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Jamaica stay in World Cup contention despite being held 1-1 by T&T
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s national football team, the Reggae Boyz, remain in the race for an automatic spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Trinidad and Tobago in their Concacaf final-round Group B qualifier. The match, held at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain on Thursday, saw Trinidad and Tobago bow out of contention, while Jamaica kept their hopes alive.
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Sales clerk caught with expired food handler’s permit
In a recent enforcement operation in Four Paths, Clarendon, Jamaica, a 27-year-old sales clerk, Deandrea Dyer, was arrested and charged for selling baked goods with an expired food handler’s permit. The incident occurred on Wednesday when law enforcement officers visited the shop where Dyer was employed. Upon inspection, Dyer presented the necessary documents, including the facility’s certification and her food handler’s permit, as required by the Public Health Act. However, it was discovered that her permit had expired. Dyer, a resident of Howells Content, York Town, was informed of the violation and subsequently charged. She is scheduled to appear in the May Pen Court on January 15, 2025, to face the charges.
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CPL donates US$100k to Jamaica’s hurricane relief efforts
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which ravaged Jamaica on October 28, 2025, the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has committed a $100,000 donation to support relief and rebuilding efforts. The announcement was made on November 12, with the funds to be distributed through Jamaica’s Office of the Prime Minister to ensure efficient allocation to the most affected areas. As of November 11, the hurricane has claimed 45 lives, leaving many in the western part of the island struggling to recover from the Category 5 storm. CPL emphasized Jamaica’s significant role in Caribbean cricket and its own history, noting the deep connections many within the CPL family have with the island. The league will also collaborate with former West Indies captain Chris Gayle to boost his fundraising initiatives, leveraging its global network to raise awareness and encourage international support. CPL CEO Pete Russell expressed the league’s solidarity with Jamaica, urging global contributions to aid recovery. Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Olivia Grange, expressed gratitude for CPL’s support, highlighting the urgent need for assistance in the affected regions. The Jamaica Tallawahs, a CPL franchise with three titles, have a storied history in the league, further underscoring the significance of this gesture.
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Dominican Republic donates supplies to assist families impacted by Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant gesture of regional solidarity, Jamaica has received a substantial shipment of relief supplies from the Dominican Republic to aid families impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The 628-tonne consignment, comprising essential items such as food, blankets, mattresses, mosquito nets, and medical supplies, was officially handed over at Kingston Wharves Limited on Wednesday.
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WATCH: Two cops killed on Waltham Park Road
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a tragic incident on Thursday evening, two police officers were shot and killed on Waltham Park Road in St Andrew. The exact details of the shooting remain unclear, but the officers were rushed to the Kingston Public Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Authorities have cordoned off the area as investigations continue. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available. This incident has raised concerns about safety and law enforcement in the region.
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Jamaica and Trinidad tied at half time
In a tightly contested match at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain on Thursday, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago played out a goalless draw in their Concacaf final round Group B qualifying round second leg. The first half was marked by intense defensive efforts from both sides, with neither team able to dominate for extended periods. Jamaica, now second in the live points table with 10 points, trails Curacao, who led Bermuda 2-0 at halftime. The Reggae Boyz faced an early setback when central defender Richard King was forced off due to injury in the 30th minute, replaced by Damion Lowe. Despite a disallowed goal by Jonathan Russell in the 39th minute due to a marginal offside call, Jamaica continued to press. Levi Garcia narrowly missed a scoring opportunity in the 25th minute, while goalkeeper Andre Blake made a crucial save in the 35th minute to deny Tyrese Spicer. The match remained deadlocked, reflecting the evenly matched prowess of both teams.
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Imbert: 26% drop in First Citizens shares frightening
Former Finance Minister Colm Imbert has expressed deep concern over the significant 26% drop in the share price of First Citizens Group Financial Holdings (FCGFH) since April 28. In a post on X on November 11, Imbert described the situation as ‘sinister,’ suggesting potential market manipulation. He emphasized that despite FCB’s consistent earnings growth, the share price plummeted from $42 to $31 within six months, a decline he deems inexplicable without external interference. Speaking at the PNM’s weekly media conference on November 13, Imbert highlighted the impact on small investors, particularly pensioners, who have seen substantial losses in their investments. He urged authorities to investigate the matter, pointing out unusual trading patterns involving small volumes of shares that have caused significant price drops. According to the TT Stock Exchange, FCGFH shares closed at $33.75 on November 13, down from $41.90 on April 28. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo dismissed Imbert’s concerns, stating there was ‘nothing worthy of comment.’ Meanwhile, FCGFH Chairman Shankar Bidaisee and Acting CEO Jason Julien have yet to provide detailed responses, with Julien assuring stakeholders of the Group’s commitment to creating sustainable value.
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PM Persad-Bissessar backs Rubio’s fake news claim on CNN report
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has issued a stern warning against the proliferation of fake news, particularly from international media outlets. Her remarks came in support of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who refuted a CNN report alleging that Britain had ceased sharing intelligence with the US on drug-trafficking vessels due to concerns over US military actions in the Caribbean. Rubio emphasized that no changes have occurred that would hinder Washington’s operational capabilities. Speaking after a Group of Seven foreign ministers’ meeting in Canada, Rubio clarified that Britain had not raised any concerns directly with him. Persad-Bissessar, via her official social media account, criticized the irresponsible dissemination of false reports by both international and local media, which she claimed undermine efforts to combat narco-trafficking and organized crime. She reaffirmed her government’s commitment to partnering with the US to address the flow of drugs, guns, and human trafficking into Trinidad and Tobago, stressing that the Caribbean cannot be considered a zone of peace as long as powerful cartels continue to wreak havoc. Additionally, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the commencement of Operation Southern Spear in the southern Caribbean Sea, aimed at defending the homeland and eliminating narco-terrorists from the hemisphere.
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CJ, Udecott head tour Sando Supreme Court building
Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh and Urban Development Corporation (Udecott) chairman Shankar Bidaisee conducted a joint inspection of the San Fernando Supreme Court building on November 13. This visit comes after months of public disputes between Udecott and the Judiciary regarding the escalating costs, scope modifications, and accountability for delays in the renovation project. The courthouse, which has been closed since 2020, remains inactive as both parties await Cabinet approval for a revised restoration plan. Initially estimated at $12.8 million, the project’s budget has surged to $22.1 million, with construction halted after Udecott terminated the previous contractor in July. During the tour, technical teams briefed Boodoosingh and Bidaisee on the current status of the works and the necessary steps to resume procurement. Udecott has emphasized the need for reconfirmation of the project’s scope and funding from the Judiciary before re-tendering can begin. The agency warns that without these approvals, no completion date can be projected, estimating that the process will take at least a year, potentially delaying the reopening until late 2026. The Judiciary attributes the delays primarily to contractor under-performance, while Udecott points to extensive variation requests—such as termite treatment, ICT room redesigns, and bathroom and security upgrades—that expanded beyond the original mandate. These requests were made during the tenure of former Chief Justice Ivor Archie. The prolonged closure has forced the relocation of all San Fernando legal matters to the Princes Town Judicial Centre, causing significant disruptions for attorneys and litigants in the southern district. Legal professionals have repeatedly called for the restoration of in-person hearings, arguing that the delays infringe upon the public’s constitutional right to timely justice.
