In a high-stakes showdown at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica’s ReggaeBoyz are set to clash with group leaders Curacao in the decisive second leg of the Concacaf World Cup qualifying Group B. The match, scheduled for Tuesday, will determine which team secures an automatic berth to the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Jamaica, seeking their first World Cup appearance since 1998, must secure a victory to keep their hopes alive, while Curacao, currently topping the group with 11 points, needs only a draw to qualify. A win for Curacao would make them the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup. Jamaica’s head coach has made three strategic changes to the starting lineup, reintroducing striker Shamar Nicholson, who was benched in the 1-1 draw against Trinidad and Tobago last Thursday. Wingbacks Dexter Lembikisa and Ian Fray also join the starting XI, replacing Rumarn Burrell, Mason Holgate, and Jonathan Russell. Winger Renaldo Cephas, who scored Jamaica’s lone goal in their previous match, retains his spot, while central defender Richard King, who was substituted early in the last game, is fit to start alongside Ethan Pinnock and Greg Leigh. Curacao, who defeated Jamaica 2-0 in their first-round encounter, will be playing under their current name in Jamaica for the first time, having previously competed as the Netherland Antilles in the 1998 Caribbean Cup. Jamaica’s last victory over Curacao dates back to the 2017 Gold Cup, where they won 2-0. The match promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams vying for a historic World Cup qualification. The second-placed team will still have a chance to qualify via a playoff in March 2026.
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Undah Privilege’ and Mega B collab for ‘Be Carefull’
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Courtney ‘Undah Privilege’ Nevers, a multi-talented Jamaican entertainer, has joined forces with emerging artist Mega B to release ‘Be Carefull,’ a compelling dancehall reggae track produced by Podeville Production. The song, now available on all major streaming platforms, combines raw energy and profound lyrics to deliver a poignant message about trust and betrayal. Known for his dedication to creating music with purpose, Nevers emphasizes the transformative power of art. ‘I take pride in crafting music that carries a message. It’s a medium that can inspire change and uplift souls,’ he shared. The collaboration with Mega B brings a dynamic synergy, blending their distinct voices to amplify themes of awareness and resilience. Nevers, who is also celebrated for his acting roles in the TV series ‘Arnold’s Caribbean Pizza’ and the film ‘Rude Boy: The Jamaican Don,’ continues to expand his creative horizons. Upcoming projects include a new season of ‘Arnold’s Caribbean Pizza’ and the launch of a short film series titled ‘Dream Chaser’ in 2026. Balancing his time between California and Jamaica, Nevers remains a versatile force in music, film, and television.
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WATCH: Food for the Poor talks long-term recovery plans following Hurricane Melissa
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Food for the Poor has stepped up to lead both immediate and long-term recovery efforts in Jamaica. The nonprofit organization, which has been active in the country for over four decades, is collaborating with global partners to provide essential aid and rebuild devastated communities.
Ed Raine, CEO of Food for the Poor, described the hurricane as a ‘giant’ and a ‘wake-up call,’ comparing its devastation to previous storms like Hurricane Andrew, Dorian, and Maria. While Kingston and Spanish Town were spared direct hits, the scale of damage across the island remains staggering.
In the immediate aftermath, Food for the Poor has prioritized distributing food, water, and hygiene kits to affected communities. Working alongside organizations such as the World Food Program and World Central Kitchen, the charity has also distributed thousands of tarps to provide emergency shelter.
However, the organization’s focus is shifting toward long-term recovery. With a history of building over 35,000 homes in Jamaica, Food for the Poor is preparing for another major reconstruction effort. Raine emphasized that rebuilding homes is just one aspect of recovery; restoring livelihoods is equally critical. The organization is exploring micro-enterprise programs and providing farmers with tools, seeds, and equipment to help them regain their income sources.
Raine highlighted the importance of sustainable aid, noting that recovery will require years of commitment. Communities in areas like Black River and Crawford have been particularly hard-hit, losing not only homes but also their ability to earn a living. Food for the Poor aims to restore hope and normalcy by addressing both immediate needs and long-term challenges.
The organization is calling for continued public support to fund its recovery initiatives, emphasizing the importance of community empowerment and long-term sustainability. ‘We are here for the long term,’ Raine said. ‘Our mission is to help rebuild homes, restore hope, and get people back on track.’
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Maduro tells Trump: Let’s talk face-to-face
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has signaled his readiness to engage in direct talks with US government representatives, even as tensions between the two nations intensify. This development follows the recent deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier and its strike group to the Caribbean, a move widely interpreted as a show of force by the United States. Maduro’s announcement came during his television program, Con Maduro, on November 17, shortly after US President Donald Trump expressed openness to dialogue with the Venezuelan leader. Maduro emphasized the importance of diplomacy, stating, ‘Those who want to speak with Venezuela will speak – face-to-face.’ He further underscored the need for mutual understanding through dialogue, citing the principles of the UN Charter and Venezuela’s Constitution. The US State Department, meanwhile, has announced its intention to designate the Venezuelan drug trafficking group, Cartel de los Soles, as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), with the designation set to take effect on November 24. The Trump administration has accused Maduro of leading the cartel and has offered a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest. Maduro has repeatedly addressed the US public directly in recent appearances, advocating for peace and dialogue. The USS Gerald R Ford strike group’s arrival adds to the US military presence in the region, which includes the nuclear attack submarine USS Newport News and members of the 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The MEU is currently conducting joint military exercises with Trinidad and Tobago’s Defense Force as part of Operation Southern Spear, aimed at combating narcoterrorism in the Western Hemisphere. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has supported the US military deployment, framing it as an anti-narcotics initiative, while also asserting her country’s sovereignty and neutrality in the US-Venezuela conflict.
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SoE regulations updated: Police can charge suspects for crimes uncovered during operations
President Christine Kangaloo has introduced a significant amendment to the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2025, aimed at clarifying the scope of police authority during investigations under emergency conditions. The sixth amendment, officially gazetted on November 17, explicitly states that law enforcement officers are empowered to prosecute individuals for any offences uncovered while lawfully exercising emergency powers. This amendment, effective retroactively from July 18—the date the state of emergency was declared—ensures that evidence of crimes discovered during the enforcement of emergency regulations is subject to punishment under existing laws. The update, designated as Regulation 20A, does not provide immunity to offenders but reinforces the legal framework for police actions during emergencies. This development follows legal challenges from a murder suspect detained under the regulations, who threatened to seek judicial review, alleging unlawful detention. The suspect’s legal team argued that the extension of detention under Regulation 13(3) was unjustified, as the initial arrest was not explicitly made under emergency powers. In response, the police defended their actions, citing the discovery of prohibited ammunition during a search and asserting that the detention was lawful under the regulations. The police emphasized the necessity of continued detention for public safety, given the suspect’s alleged ties to criminal elements.
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Nicki Minaj to address UN on November 18
In a surprising collaboration, Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj has partnered with former US President Donald Trump to draw global attention to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The initiative was announced by US Ambassador to the UN Michael Waltz on November 16 via social media platform X. Waltz lauded Minaj as the ‘greatest female recording artist’ and commended her for using her influential platform to address the ongoing violence against Nigerian Christians. Minaj is slated to speak at the United Nations on November 18 to amplify the issue. The rapper, whose real name is Onika Maraj, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating, ‘I am so grateful to be entrusted with an opportunity of this magnitude. I do not take it for granted. It means more than you know.’ She further emphasized her commitment to justice, asserting that neither she nor her fan base, known as the ‘Barbz,’ would remain silent in the face of wrongdoing. Minaj’s involvement follows Trump’s November 1 social media post, where he threatened to deploy US military forces to Nigeria if the government failed to curb the killings of Christians. Trump also directed the Department of War to prepare for potential military action and warned of suspending aid to the country. Nigeria, home to approximately 93 million Christians, has denied allegations of widespread religious persecution. President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to religious freedom, stating, ‘The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality.’ Tinubu expressed openness to collaborating with the US and other international partners to ensure the protection of all faiths.
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Bodoe: Couva hospital may open by end of 2025
Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe has acknowledged the ongoing shortage of nurses in Trinidad and Tobago but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to opening the Couva Children’s Hospital. Speaking in response to queries about the facility’s readiness, Bodoe stated, “A plan is in place, which will be unveiled in the coming weeks.” This follows Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath’s announcement on November 15 that the hospital is expected to admit its first group of young patients soon. Padarath made the remarks during his feature address at Bachhe Kaand 2025: The Children’s Chapter. However, Idi Stuart, president of the National Nursing Association, has raised concerns about staffing shortages, warning that opening a new hospital could strain resources and compromise patient care. When asked about Stuart’s concerns, Bodoe acknowledged the nurse shortage but emphasized ongoing efforts to address it through training and recruitment. He assured that all necessary resources, both human and material, would be allocated appropriately. Bodoe clarified that the hospital is not yet operational and confirmed that no patients are currently being treated there. He expressed hope for the facility’s opening by the end of the year, pending favorable conditions. The Couva Hospital, initially opened ceremoniously in August 2015 by then-Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has been a subject of political contention since its inception. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was repurposed as a treatment facility. Developed in partnership with Shanghai Construction Group International (Caribbean) Ltd., the hospital was designed to provide advanced medical services and support training in medicine, nursing, pharmacology, and optometry. The facility features two three-storey towers with a combined 230 beds, diagnostic and imaging units, surgical theaters, and a helipad for emergency airlifts. The initial reported cost of the project was $1.6 billion.
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Amcham calls for more women’s mentorship initiatives
The American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (Amcham TT) is urging businesses to prioritize mentorship programmes as a strategic tool for building stronger, more equitable, and resilient organizations. This call was made by Amcham TT President Anna Henderson during the virtual launch of the 8th Annual Women in Leadership Mentorship Programme (WILMP), a collaborative initiative with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
Henderson emphasized that mentorship should be viewed as a strategic imperative rather than a mere ‘nice-to-have.’ She highlighted its role in dismantling barriers, challenging biases, and operationalizing gender equity. This year’s programme has achieved a milestone with 87 mentees and 68 mentors, marking the highest participation since its inception. The strong turnout reflects a growing recognition of mentorship as a catalyst for leadership development, professional growth, and workplace gender equity.
The WILMP is specifically designed to address the persistent challenges women face in advancing to senior leadership roles. Female professionals are paired with experienced business leaders across various industries to foster personal and professional growth through structured mentoring relationships. Henderson noted that mentorship transforms obstacles into opportunities, fostering mutual growth for both mentors and mentees.
IDB Chief of Operations Terry-Ann Segree-Brown reiterated the bank’s commitment to inclusive leadership, emphasizing the transformative power of mentoring relationships in inspiring confidence and driving professional growth. Greer Quan, President of Guardian Shared Services Ltd and Amcham TT Vice President, encouraged participants to lead with authenticity, resilience, and compassion, highlighting the importance of generosity and kindness in leadership.
The 2025/2026 WILMP will span six months, pairing female professionals from diverse industries with mentors from both the private and public sectors. The programme will focus on setting professional goals, developing leadership skills, and advancing personal growth to help women achieve their career ambitions. Since its inception, the programme has cultivated a thriving community of women leaders, fostering collaboration, confidence, and empowerment to reshape Trinidad and Tobago’s leadership landscape.
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Maduro knocks Kamla for ‘housing US military force’
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has launched a scathing critique against Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, accusing her government of undermining its sovereignty by hosting a US military force. Speaking on his weekly television program, *Con Maduro*, on November 18, Maduro claimed that Persad-Bissessar had ‘mortgaged’ the nation’s sea and territory to accommodate a foreign military presence just 15 kilometers from Venezuela’s coast. He argued that this decision threatens regional stability and disrupts the historical brotherhood between the two nations. Maduro specifically referenced the US Marine Corps 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, which has been conducting joint military exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force since late October. This marks the unit’s second deployment to the region in less than a month. Maduro warned that such actions represent a ‘false step against peace’ and violate the shared history of the Caribbean. He further asserted that the people of Trinidad and Tobago, including their military, oppose the militarization of their territory and the perceived threats against Venezuela. Meanwhile, Persad-Bissessar defended the US presence, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that it has contributed to reducing gun, drug, and human trafficking in the region. The US Southern Command has justified its military activities as part of efforts to combat narco-terrorism, with at least 21 strikes carried out in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific since September. However, the Venezuelan government views this as a covert attempt to destabilize its regime. Amid escalating tensions, former US President Donald Trump expressed his intention to engage in discussions with Maduro following a request from Venezuela’s administration.
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Love & Harmony Cruise delivers aid to Jamaica, promises continued relief efforts ahead of 2026 event
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, communities across Jamaica, including Sandy Ground in St Elizabeth, Bluefields in Westmoreland, and Salt Spring and Barnett Lane in Montego Bay, St James, have received critical support from the Love & Harmony Cruise initiative. With the assistance of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and Senior Superintendent of Police Dr. Terrence Bent, the team ensured the secure and efficient distribution of essential supplies to hundreds of affected residents. Each care package was thoughtfully assembled, containing building materials, flashlights, food, toiletries, sanitary products, construction gloves, tarpaulin, water, batteries, toys, clothing, shoes, and other necessities. This effort represents Phase One of the Love & Harmony Cruise’s commitment to Jamaica’s recovery, with additional relief phases in the pipeline. Ronnie Tomlinson, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Love & Harmony Cruise, emphasized the residents’ gratitude and the profound emotional impact of the aid. “The communities welcomed us with open arms, expressing heartfelt appreciation for the support during this challenging time,” Tomlinson noted. The initiative also reached shut-in residents who were unable to collect supplies themselves. Looking ahead, the Love & Harmony Cruise team plans to expand its efforts through partnerships and a special give-back initiative during its 2026 voyage aboard the luxurious Norwegian Jewel. The cruise, scheduled for April 1–6, 2026, will feature world-class entertainment and dining while continuing to support hurricane recovery efforts. “Our commitment to Jamaica is unwavering—this is not a one-time act but an ongoing mission,” Tomlinson affirmed.