Amid escalating security concerns following a United States advisory to its citizens in Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was conspicuously absent from the final night of Divali Nagar on October 19, where she was slated to deliver the keynote address. Despite multiple attempts by Newsday to reach her for comment, the Prime Minister remained unresponsive. Surujdeo Mangaroo, president of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC), which organized the nine-night event, indicated around 1 pm on Sunday that no security sweep had been conducted at the Chaguanas venue, suggesting Persad-Bissessar’s attendance was unlikely. Nevertheless, the NCIC implemented additional security measures as a precaution. Later that evening, ushers and NCIC members confirmed to the media that the Prime Minister would not be attending. In her Divali message, Mangaroo emphasized the importance of unity and harmony, urging citizens to strengthen the bonds that unite them. In a special message in the Divali Nagar 2025 commemorative magazine, Persad-Bissessar reflected on the event’s theme, ‘Loka Sangraha – the Welfare of the World,’ highlighting the need for compassion, justice, and peace in a world plagued by conflict and division. She underscored the nation’s commitment to building a society where every individual can live with dignity, opportunity, and hope. Meanwhile, tensions have been rising nationwide since the US deployed military assets off the Venezuelan coast to combat the drug trade. Persad-Bissessar has faced criticism for her support of US operations and her controversial statement advocating violent measures against drug runners. On October 18, the US Embassy in Port of Spain issued a social media alert warning of a heightened state of alert and advised its nationals to avoid US government facilities in Trinidad and Tobago. Rumors circulated that Persad-Bissessar and Attorney General John Jeremie had been relocated to safe houses, a claim denied by acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin. Both Benjamin and Minister of National Security Roger Alexander acknowledged a credible threat but urged the public not to panic. Calls have grown for the Prime Minister to address the nation regarding the nature of the threat, particularly its connection to the US military presence in the southern Caribbean and potential risks to Trinidad and Tobago nationals. While Persad-Bissessar has remained publicly silent, she shared photographs on October 18 of herself and Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers hosting US Embassy staff at a private Divali celebration at her home in Phillipine, South Trinidad—coinciding with the embassy’s alert.
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‘Even the simplest infraction’ could bring jail time in the US, immigration attorneys warn
In New York, immigration attorneys are issuing urgent warnings to Jamaicans eligible for U.S. citizenship about the severe repercussions of incarceration, even for minor offenses. This caution was a central theme at a recent forum organized by the Ex-Correctional Officers Association of Jamaica and the North Bronx Seventh-day Adventist Church. The event aimed to raise awareness about the consequences of imprisonment, particularly for young people, as the Trump Administration intensifies its crackdown on illegal immigration. Immigration attorney Shane R. Brown highlighted that the U.S. has the world’s largest incarcerated population, with 1.9 million people behind bars. New York alone has an average daily prison population of over 16,000, with systemic issues like mandatory sentencing laws and racial disparities contributing to the high numbers. Brown emphasized that African American and Hispanic individuals are disproportionately represented in the prison system. Maurice Maitland, another immigration attorney, warned that even minor offenses such as traffic violations, disorderly conduct, or marijuana use—legal in some states but not federally—can lead to deportation. Social worker Carmeta Albarus pointed out that inadequate parental supervision often leaves Jamaican youth vulnerable to the criminal justice system. She noted a recent surge in deportations, with monthly flights doubling. Immigration attorney Winston Tucker urged eligible Green Card holders to apply for citizenship promptly, citing increasing complexity in the process. He also highlighted the benefits of citizenship, including voting rights. Ronnie Hammick, president of the Ex-Correctional Officers Association, stressed the need for community efforts to prevent incarceration, emphasizing its emotional and financial toll.
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Selena Whyte’s St Thomas no longer the forgotten parish for business
St Thomas, often referred to as Jamaica’s ‘forgotten parish,’ is undergoing a significant transformation, emerging as a vibrant hub for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Spearheaded by the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), the parish is witnessing a surge in entrepreneurial activity, particularly in sectors like cosmetology, skincare, aromatherapy, and retail. Located at 49 Queen Street in Morant Bay, the JBDC Business Centre serves as a pivotal resource for local entrepreneurs, offering a range of support services to help them formalize and scale their operations. Selena Whyte, a dedicated business development officer at the centre, has been instrumental in this shift. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the parish’s cultural and economic landscape, Whyte provides hands-on coaching, formalization support, and access to critical resources. Despite the parish’s potential, entrepreneurs in St Thomas face significant challenges, particularly in securing funding. Many MSMEs start with minimal capital, relying on personal savings or family support. Whyte emphasizes that while funding is a major hurdle, other obstacles like marketing, packaging, and market research also impede growth. To address these issues, the JBDC offers a structured program that guides entrepreneurs through business registration, market validation, pricing strategies, and regulatory compliance. Whyte’s commitment to fostering business development is deeply personal, rooted in her own journey from assisting her mother’s corner shop to becoming a trusted advisor at JBDC. She believes that empowering local businesses is key to transforming St Thomas and its communities. Entrepreneurs interested in tapping into this growing business ecosystem can contact Selena Whyte at 876-516-8158 or 876-436-3925 for a consultation.
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PNP mourns passing of theatre pioneer Yvonne Brewster
The Jamaican cultural landscape is in mourning following the passing of Yvonne Brewster, a trailblazing actress, director, and cultural visionary. The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) joined the artistic community in honoring her legacy, which has profoundly shaped Jamaican and Caribbean theatre. Brewster’s contributions, the PNP noted, have been instrumental in defining the trajectory of the region’s performing arts.
Born in Jamaica, Brewster studied and taught drama before returning to her homeland in the mid-1960s. Alongside playwright Trevor Rhone, she co-founded The Barn Theatre in Kingston, Jamaica’s first professional theatre company. This institution became a crucible for nurturing local talent and a stage for authentic Jamaican narratives. Shadow Minister of Creative Industries, Culture, and Information, Nekeisha Burchell, emphasized that Brewster’s work provided a platform for stories told in the unique voice of the Caribbean.
In the early 1970s, Brewster relocated to the United Kingdom, where her career flourished across stage, screen, radio, and television. She directed and acted in iconic productions such as *The Harder They Come*, *Smile Orange*, and *The Marijuana Affair*. Her directorial prowess was also showcased in BBC Television projects like *Maybury*, *The Fight Against Slavery*, and *My Father Sun Sun Johnson*. These works cemented her international reputation as a creative force dedicated to portraying Caribbean life with authenticity and dignity.
Brewster later co-founded the Talawa Theatre Company, now recognized as one of the UK’s most esteemed black theatre institutions. From 2000 to 2001, she reached broader audiences as Ruth Harding in the BBC drama *Doctors*, further amplifying Jamaican talent on the global stage.
The PNP paid tribute to Brewster for her courage and enduring contributions to Jamaica’s national identity. Burchell remarked, ‘Yvonne Brewster was one of the architects of modern Jamaican theatre and a bridge between our island and the wider world. She demonstrated that Jamaican stories, told in our language and from our perspective, deserve a place on every stage. Her legacy reminds us that culture is not only who we are but also how we evolve.’
Brewster’s vision continues to inspire efforts to bolster Jamaica’s creative industries and uphold the integrity of local storytelling as a driver of development. The PNP extended its condolences to her family, colleagues, and the global theatre community she influenced. ‘Jamaica has lost a remarkable cultural pioneer, but her example will continue to inspire generations of artists and cultural workers. May her soul rest in peace,’ Burchell concluded.
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Eltha ‘Paulette’ Brown was not a household name but she was a Jamaican heroine
On the day following what would have been Eltha Brown’s 68th birthday, family, friends, and colleagues gathered to honor her remarkable life and legacy. A woman of modest stature but immense impact, Brown’s contributions to Jamaica and the world were profound, particularly through her work with the United Nations (UN), which touched countless lives across the globe. Born in Granville, St. James, on September 19, 1957, Brown was the youngest of six children. Her early academic excellence at Montego Bay High School, where she served as head girl and achieved nine distinctions in her GCE exams, foreshadowed her future accomplishments. Brown’s career spanned agriculture, finance, and international development, with significant roles at the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Commercial Bank, and the Commonwealth Secretariat. Her 16-year tenure at the UN-affiliated Common Fund for Commodities in Amsterdam saw her travel to 50 countries, embodying her Afrocentric pride and dedication to global progress. Despite health challenges, Brown returned to Jamaica, continuing her service with the UN Development Programme. Her brother Wemley Brown fondly recalled her generosity, humility, and unwavering commitment to family and community. Eltha Brown’s life was celebrated at the Boulevard Baptist Church in St. Andrew, where tributes highlighted her magnetic passion, tenacity, and the indelible mark she left on all who knew her. She passed away on September 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, leadership, and global impact.
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Watson, DaCosta dominate with four winners at Caymanas Park
Carlton Watson and Jason DaCosta delivered an extraordinary performance at Caymanas Park on Sunday, clinching four victories across the nine-race card. The highlight of their remarkable day was Dothraki’s triumph in the $1.25-million Vassel “Jolly Man” Najair Memorial Trophy, an Overnight Allowance race for three-year-olds and older, covering five and a half furlongs (1,100m). Guided by jockey Robert Halledeen, Dothraki seized an early lead, maintaining his position despite challenges from Incredible Jo (Raddesh Roman) and A Gift From Ben (Ramon Nepare). He crossed the finish line a length and a quarter ahead of Digital One (Dane Dawkins) and Teflon Don (Shaheem Gordon), clocking an impressive time of 1:05.4 (23.2 x 47.1 x 59.3). This victory not only showcased Dothraki’s exceptional speed and endurance but also set the stage for his upcoming participation in the Mouttet Mile this December. Watson and DaCosta’s other successes included Midnight Traveller (Halledeen) in the second race, Mineola (Clive Lynch) in the sixth race, and H Two O (Halledeen) in the seventh race. The three-day Heroes’ Day racing carnival concluded on Monday, with the first post scheduled for 11:35 am.
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Merritone celebrates 75th anniversary
Merritone Music, affectionately known as ‘The Last Sound Standing’ since the 1950s, is marking its monumental 75th anniversary with a series of global celebrations. This year’s festivities, held from October 24–27 at the picturesque SeaGarden Beach Resort in Montego Bay, St James, promise four days of uninterrupted music curated by Merritone DJs. A special vinyl feature will cater to diehard music enthusiasts, while new additions like the Wellness Expo and Craft Village aim to enrich the experience for attendees.
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Heroes among us
The historic King’s House in Jamaica will once again serve as the backdrop for the nation’s 2025 Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards, a prestigious event coinciding with National Heroes’ Day. This annual ceremony, deeply rooted in Jamaican tradition, is a moment of national reflection and celebration, honoring individuals whose contributions have significantly enriched the country’s cultural, economic, and social fabric. Since the establishment of the National Honours and Awards Act in 1969, Jamaica has recognized exemplary service, bravery, scholarship, and community work through a structured system of orders, decorations, and awards. Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, acting as chancellor of the orders, will confer these honors based on the prime minister’s recommendations. The ceremony, traditionally held on the third Monday in October, will this year honor 141 Jamaicans across various categories. Among the notable recipients are three individuals appointed to the Order of Jamaica (OJ), the fourth-highest national honor. Keith Duncan, Group CEO of JMMB Group and a government senator, is recognized for his transformative leadership in finance and social development. Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, is honored for over four decades of public service, while Marlene Street Forrest, former managing director of the Jamaica Stock Exchange, is celebrated for her role in elevating the JSE to global prominence. The 2025 honors list also includes distinguished figures such as track star Yohan Blake, author Olive Senior, and music producer Lloyd “King Jammy” James. Additionally, 13-year-old Adrian Ellis will receive the Badge of Honour for Gallantry for his heroic actions in saving a classmate’s life. This year’s ceremony underscores the diversity and vibrancy of Jamaican achievement, highlighting acts of courage, leadership, and service across generations.
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‘WHISPER’ THE DANGER
Dujuan “Whisper” Richards, the 20-year-old Chelsea FC winger, has made a remarkable return to Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz, catching the attention of Head Coach Steve McClaren. After a two-year absence from the national senior men’s team, Richards was called up for the final-round Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers, following an injury to winger Demarai Gray. Despite missing the team’s final training session before the October 10 game against Curacao, Richards made a lively 82nd-minute substitute appearance in the 0-2 defeat. He further impressed during the October 14 match against Bermuda, where his nifty footwork, incisive passing, and a brilliant solo goal in the 76th minute contributed to a 4-0 victory. McClaren revealed that Richards had been on the coaching staff’s radar for a year, with Chelsea closely monitoring his recovery from ACL surgery. “We’ve seen his quality in training and his cameo performances,” McClaren said. “He’s a significant addition to the squad.” Ludlow Bernard, a former coach of Richards’ youth teams, praised the young player’s talent and impact, emphasizing his potential to play a crucial role in Jamaica’s World Cup Qualifying campaign. Richards, who has yet to play first-team football at Chelsea, has scored twice in six appearances for the club’s Under-21 team this season. Despite this, Bernard believes his talent warrants a permanent spot in the national team. McClaren hinted that Richards could feature in Jamaica’s decisive qualifiers against Trinidad and Tobago and Curacao in November. Jamaica currently leads Group B with nine points, positioning them strongly for automatic qualification to the Fifa World Cup.
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Moist and Unstable Conditions to Prevail Across Belize
The National Meteorological Service (NMS) of Belize has announced that the country is expected to experience moist and unstable weather conditions today, with scattered showers and thunderstorms likely in certain regions. While no weather advisories are currently in effect, meteorologists are closely monitoring tropical activity in the Atlantic and Caribbean regions. According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), a tropical wave near the Windward Islands is producing a broad area of showers and thunderstorms. This system is projected to move westward into the Caribbean Sea early next week, with potential gradual development over the coming days. Although the tropical wave poses no immediate threat to Belize, the NMS remains vigilant and will continue tracking its progress. The NHC has assigned the system a 10% chance of formation within 48 hours and a 30% chance over the next seven days. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official weather channels as the situation evolves.