Khan Cordice, a distinguished Antiguan musician and cultural ambassador, has been celebrated in Toronto for his exceptional contributions to the steelpan art form. Cordice, who serves as the Director of Culture and arranger for the Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra, was honored by the Canadian Steelpan Federation and the Pan Arts Network during a special ceremony dedicated to Caribbean musical heritage. This accolade further cements Cordice’s reputation as a globally recognized steelpan educator, arranger, and advocate for cultural development. His visit to Canada coincided with the 44th Independence Dinner and Dance hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Association of Toronto, where he was a featured speaker alongside renowned performers, including Claudette “CP” Peters. The event highlighted the vibrant cultural ties between Antigua and Barbuda and the Caribbean diaspora in Canada. (Photo: Khan Cordice, second from right, with fellow honourees and event organizers in Toronto.)
作者： admin
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COMMENTARY: Who Helps the Helpers?
In the aftermath of natural disasters like Hurricane Melissa, therapists, counselors, pastors, psychologists, psychiatrists, wellness coaches, and psychotherapists emerge as the unsung heroes, offering emotional support to countless survivors. However, these caregivers often carry the hidden weight of collective trauma, absorbing the pain of others while neglecting their own well-being. Research highlights that secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue can diminish the empathy and resilience that define their profession. Addressing the mental health needs of these helpers is not merely a luxury but an ethical, emotional, and professional imperative.
The journey to healing begins with intentional self-care. Trauma psychology emphasizes that sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and hydration are not mundane routines but vital biological interventions for emotional recovery. Self-care should be redefined as sacred stewardship rather than selfish indulgence. Professionals are encouraged to incorporate ‘pause points’ into their weekly schedules—moments for prayer, mindfulness, silence, or nature walks—to regulate their overstimulated nervous systems. Group check-ins and reflective supervision sessions can normalize vulnerability and reinforce the idea that healing is a communal process.
Peer-to-peer counseling and group debriefing sessions are equally crucial. These forums allow helpers to address personal challenges, whether related to family, finances, illness, or grief, in a supportive environment. Studies in positive psychology and organizational resilience demonstrate that sharing emotional burdens with trusted colleagues accelerates recovery from crisis work. Structured debriefings, story circles, or virtual ‘listening cafés’ provide safe spaces for open dialogue, fostering empathic witnessing and collective therapy. These shared rituals strengthen psychological resilience and dissolve feelings of isolation.
Creativity also plays a pivotal role in healing. Music, art, journaling, and storytelling can transform vicarious trauma into meaningful experiences. Neuroscience confirms that creative expression activates restorative neural pathways, alleviating anxiety and emotional exhaustion. Faith leaders might compose reflections or poetry on resilience, while clinicians could participate in expressive arts or reflective writing groups. By rediscovering beauty amid brokenness, healers are reminded that hope is a powerful form of resistance.
Ultimately, sustaining others requires helpers to embrace their own humanity. Self-compassion, born of experience, is essential. In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, caregivers must be afforded the grace to weep, rest, and recover. As the Caribbean rebuilds its physical and emotional foundations, its healers must also reconstruct their inner well-being. Tending to oneself ensures that the lamp of service remains lit for others.
About the Author: Dr. Oswald Thomas is a distinguished clinical psychologist with over three decades of experience. He serves with the New Jersey State Department of Health and Addictions and Long Island City Psychotherapy Services. Recognized for his contributions to mental health and suicide prevention, Dr. Thomas integrates faith, science, and human resilience to help individuals and institutions thrive amid adversity.
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Call for stronger coaching, more participation in school sports
The first term of school sports in St. Lucia is nearing its conclusion, with competitions wrapping up in team sports by the second week of November, well ahead of end-of-term exams. However, the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports (MYDS) is grappling with challenges in raising participation levels, coaching consistency, and overall standards. Despite these hurdles, school sports coordinator Isabel Alexander-Marquis expressed satisfaction with the term’s activities, particularly highlighting the smooth scheduling of basketball and netball tournaments at the Beausejour Indoor Facility, which remained unaffected by adverse weather conditions. Nevertheless, participation rates have been a persistent issue, with only about half of the island’s 24 secondary schools involved in netball and basketball. Football, on the other hand, has seen stronger engagement, with 19 teams in the Under-16 boys’ competition and 21 in the Under-19 boys’ tournament. Alexander-Marquis attributed the low participation to staffing gaps, including a lack of dedicated coaches and limited teacher availability. She also noted that some educators may lack confidence in coaching sports, while physical education teachers often juggle multiple responsibilities. Netball coordinator Shem Maxwell echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for more schools to participate and for additional coaching support. Financial constraints and waning volunteerism have further exacerbated the staffing shortage, particularly with rising temperatures discouraging outdoor activities. Despite these challenges, both Maxwell and Alexander-Marquis observed improvements in the quality of play this year, with more competitive games and consistent progression from younger age groups to varsity levels. Alexander-Marquis urged schools to establish alumni organizations and seek support from graduates to enhance coaching, transportation, and nutrition, which could significantly boost the success of school-level and national sports programmes.
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Firearm seized in Riversdale, St Catherine
In a targeted operation in the Lodge district of Riversdale, St Catherine, law enforcement officials successfully recovered a 9mm pistol along with an attached magazine on Sunday evening. Acting on actionable intelligence, a specialized police unit conducted the operation around 6:30 pm. The firearm was discovered concealed within a bag, strategically placed behind an abandoned structure in the area. Despite the recovery of the weapon, no arrests were made in connection with the incident. Authorities have confirmed that investigations are actively ongoing to trace the origins of the firearm and identify potential suspects involved in its possession. This operation underscores the continued efforts by Jamaican police to combat illegal arms circulation and enhance community safety.
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Jamaica secures seat on UNESCO executive board
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant diplomatic achievement, Jamaica has been elected to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) executive board, securing a four-year term from 2025 to 2029. The election was held during the ongoing UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, marking a pivotal moment for the Caribbean nation in global governance.
This appointment represents a second term for Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, who previously served on the executive board from 2017 to 2021. Minister Grange expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity, emphasizing Jamaica’s commitment to advocating for the interests of developing nations.
In her statement, Grange highlighted Jamaica’s key priorities, which include amplifying the voices of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the broader Global South within UNESCO’s decision-making framework. Additionally, she pledged to champion UNESCO’s global agenda, particularly its focus on Africa and gender equality, two critical areas of the organization’s mission.
This election underscores Jamaica’s growing influence on the international stage and its dedication to addressing pressing global issues through multilateral platforms. The country’s renewed presence on the UNESCO executive board is expected to foster greater representation and equity for marginalized regions worldwide.
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US pledges additional US$10 million for Jamaica’s hurricane recovery
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The United States has announced an additional $10 million in aid to support Jamaica’s recovery efforts following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa. This latest contribution elevates the total financial assistance from the US Government to $22 million. The announcement was made by Jeremy Lewin, US Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom, during a meeting with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Monday. Holness expressed profound gratitude, highlighting the US as one of the first international partners to respond swiftly after the disaster. He emphasized the critical role of US military assets, particularly heavy-lift helicopters, in reaching isolated communities during the initial relief operations. Preliminary estimates suggest the hurricane caused approximately $68 billion in damages, with assessments still ongoing. Holness stressed the necessity of sustained international support for Jamaica’s recovery, particularly in infrastructure investment, technology transfer, and commerce. Lewin reaffirmed the US commitment, noting that financial aid is just one aspect of their comprehensive support, which includes military personnel and search-and-rescue operations. He expressed confidence in Jamaica’s resilience and pledged continued assistance throughout the recovery process.
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WATCH: Taxi operators patch potholes on Red Hills Road
In a proactive move to address a pressing safety concern, a group of taxi operators in Kingston, Jamaica, took matters into their own hands on Sunday by repairing hazardous potholes near Calabar High School and Lees Food Fair. The operators emphasized that the deteriorating road conditions posed significant risks to both lives and property, particularly during peak traffic hours.
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Dunn’s River Falls and Harmony Beach Park to reopen on Tuesday — UDC
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move toward restoring normalcy, the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has announced the reopening of two major public spaces: Dunn’s River Falls and Park in Ocho Rios, St Ann, and Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, St James. Both locations will welcome the public starting Tuesday, November 11.
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Market Bag: Escallion up to $1,200 as food prices soar after Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The aftermath of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa has left Jamaican farmers reeling, leading to a sharp increase in food prices at the Coronation Market. Essential produce such as escallion, tomato, carrot, and scotch bonnet pepper have seen significant price hikes. Escallion is now priced at $1,000-$1,200 per pound, while tomatoes and carrots are selling for $400 per pound. Scotch bonnet peppers are fetching $300-$500 per pound. Brittania Witter, host of Market Bag, visited the downtown Kingston market to document the escalating costs, highlighting the economic strain on both producers and consumers. The hurricane’s devastation has disrupted agricultural supply chains, exacerbating the financial burden on local communities.
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Works minister touts Troy Bridge’s resilience after Hurricane Melissa
The Troy Bridge in Southern Trelawny, currently under construction, has emerged as a symbol of resilience after withstanding the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. Despite catastrophic flooding and hurricane-force winds, the bridge remained structurally intact, earning praise for its robust design and engineering.
During a site visit on Friday, Robert Nesta Morgan, Minister with Responsibility for Works in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, highlighted the bridge’s performance as a model of resilience-focused construction. ‘The Troy Bridge endured immense water pressure during Hurricane Melissa, yet it stands as strong as it did before the storm. This exemplifies how we should build for resilience,’ Morgan stated.
He emphasized that while the surrounding area experienced severe erosion and geographical changes due to the hurricane, the bridge remained steadfast. This, he noted, underscores the quality of its design, engineering, and execution. ‘We are constructing infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events. The landscape around the Troy Bridge has transformed, but the bridge itself remains firm and strong. We take immense pride in the design, engineering, and implementation of this project,’ Morgan added.
The $231 million Troy Bridge project is now 80% complete. Upon completion, it will reconnect communities in Trelawny, Manchester, and St. Elizabeth, which were isolated after the collapse of the original 19th-century bridge during Tropical Storm Grace in August 2021. The new bridge not only promises to restore vital connectivity but also sets a benchmark for future infrastructure projects in the face of climate challenges.