On Friday, President Jennifer Simons inaugurated the Diváli celebrations in the Saramacca district by lighting a symbolic dia at the district commissioner’s office in Groningen. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Parliamentary Chairman Ashwin Adhin, Minister Lalinie Gopal, District Commissioner Aniel Ramautar, Assembly Member Jayant Lalbiharie (NDP), and Indian Ambassador Subhash Gupta. Diváli, the Festival of Lights, is globally recognized as a celebration of light triumphing over darkness. In her address, President Simons urged society to translate this symbolism into social unity. ‘Although Suriname observes multiple light festivals, there is one source: divine light. Let us be a light for one another. Our nation needs direction, connection, and inner strength,’ she emphasized. The dia was jointly lit by President Simons, Chairman Adhin, and Commissioner Ramautar. Speakers unanimously highlighted the importance of reflection, love, and community spirit during times of societal challenges. Commissioner Ramautar described the flame as ‘a symbol of hope and collective willpower,’ while Ambassador Gupta called for spiritual purification and the renewal of moral values. The National Diváli Manifestation will take place tonight at Independence Square.
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Traffic management for the Oistins We Gatherin’ jump
The National Cultural Foundation, in partnership with ‘We Gathering’ Christ Church, is set to host a vibrant Nighttime Concert and Street Party along Oistins Main Road in Christ Church on Saturday, October 18. To accommodate the event, significant traffic adjustments will be implemented starting at 5:40 pm and lasting until the event concludes. Key road closures will be in effect from 5:40 pm to 10:30 pm, specifically on Oistins Main Road from its intersection with Oistins Hill to the junctions of Keizer Hill and Thornbury Hill. Exemptions will be granted to Transport Board Buses, Public Service Vehicles, and individuals conducting business at the fish market, though exiting vehicles must turn right onto Oistins Road. Motorists traveling east along Oistins from Maxwell Road are required to turn left at Oistins Hill, right onto Church Hill, and proceed to Thornbury Road. Those heading west along Keizer Hill must turn right at Thornbury Hill and Oistins Road, then left onto Church Hill, continuing to Canevale Road. Parking restrictions will be enforced on Oistins Road, Oistins Hill, Church Hill Road, and Thornbury Road, with exceptions only for passenger pick-up or drop-off. Violations of these rules may result in a $500 BDS fine or up to three months of imprisonment. Emergency vehicles and those operated by the Barbados Police Service, Barbados Defence Force, and Barbados Fire Service are exempt. Police officers will be stationed to manage traffic, and the Barbados Police Service has expressed gratitude for the public’s cooperation and understanding, apologizing for any inconvenience caused.
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Domestic Violence in Belize: Recognising the Red Flags Before It’s Too Late
Domestic violence remains a pressing issue in Belize, with alarming statistics revealing 1,453 reported cases as of August 2025. Among these, over 1,000 involved intimate partner violence, with 1,089 victims identified as women. Young adults aged 25 to 29 were the most affected, highlighting the vulnerability of this demographic to abusive relationships. Sheena Gentle, First Vice President of Haven House, a prominent organization dedicated to supporting survivors and advocating for systemic change, is urging individuals to recognize the early signs of abuse. Haven House has been actively working to improve the handling of domestic violence cases in courts, enhance survivor support, and ensure perpetrator accountability. Gentle outlined five critical red flags indicative of abusive relationships. The first is excessive control, where a partner monitors your movements and demands constant updates. The second is isolation, where a partner criticizes or severs your connections with family and friends. Jealousy and possessiveness, the third sign, involve frequent accusations and overreactions to harmless interactions. Emotional manipulation, including gaslighting, is the fourth red flag, where a partner undermines your confidence by distorting your thoughts and feelings. The final sign is love bombing, where a partner overwhelms you with affection initially, only to later withdraw it and exert pressure. Gentle emphasized that these are just a few of the many warning signs in unhealthy relationships. She advised individuals to trust their instincts and seek support if something feels off. For those in need of assistance, resources are available through Haven House, the National Women’s Commission, and the Gender-Based Violence Unit.
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Symmonds slams “malicious rumours” of U.S. arrest
Barbados’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, has vehemently refuted baseless rumors alleging his detainment in the United States and the involvement of Attorney General Dale Marshall in resolving the purported issue. Addressing the unfounded claims circulating online, Symmonds clarified that he is actively performing his duties in Barbados and remains in his constituency of St James Central. In a formal statement, Symmonds labeled the rumors as ‘vicious, nasty, and unfortunate,’ emphasizing their malicious intent. He criticized the spread of such falsehoods, stating, ‘In this day and age, it is clear that some individuals have nothing better to do than create scandal, and that scandal does not lack for a carrier.’ Symmonds further asserted his presence in Barbados, declaring, ‘Unfortunately for those who published the scandal, I am not overseas at this point, and I’m here for all to see.’ The unverified reports, which began circulating on social media late last week, falsely claimed that Symmonds had been ‘locked up in the USA’ and that Marshall had traveled abroad to address the situation. These claims have been dismissed as entirely fabricated.
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Bouyon Artist Rudy Ru$h set to drop “Anywhere We Go”: A carnival anthem that brings the vibe wherever you are
Dominican-born artist Rudy Ru$h is set to electrify the Carnival season with his highly anticipated single, “Anywhere We Go,” releasing on October 23, 2025. This vibrant track is a celebration of joy, freedom, and the transformative power of energy, encapsulating the essence of Caribbean culture and global rhythms. Blending soca, dancehall, and tropical pop, the song is a dynamic anthem designed to get people moving, whether at a fete, road march, or casual gathering.
Rudy Ru$h describes the track as a testament to creating positive energy wherever one goes. “Anywhere we go, we’re the mood,” he says. “This record is about embodying the Carnival spirit—you don’t wait for the vibe, you create it.” His signature melodic flow and island-inspired cadence shine through, delivering a song that radiates confidence and celebration.
Born and raised in Dominica, Rudy’s music is deeply rooted in his Caribbean heritage, enriched by global influences. After relocating to the U.S. at 13, he honed his skills in music production and performance, eventually founding his own label, Off the Black Records. His collaborations with industry legends like Faith Evans, Stevie J, Capella Grey, Spice, and Mavado have further solidified his reputation as a versatile and innovative artist.
“Anywhere We Go” marks a new chapter in Rudy’s career, characterized by high energy, cultural pride, and universal appeal. Whether it’s Carnival in Trinidad, a Miami dance floor, or a Brooklyn block party, his music serves as a reminder that the vibe begins with the individual. The single will be available on all major streaming platforms starting October 23, 2025. Fans can follow Rudy Ru$h for updates, visuals, and exclusive Carnival content.
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Halima Haughton takes Miss Jamaica World Top Model prize
The 2025 Miss Jamaica World beauty pageant has seen four young women secure automatic top 10 placements, with Halima Haughton emerging as the latest fast-track winner. On October 18, the University of Technology freshman clinched the prestigious Miss Jamaica World Top Model title in a fiercely contested competition held at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium. Haughton, who represents Birdshack Fried Chicken, triumphed over 18 other contestants, showcasing poise, confidence, and the elusive ‘x factor’ that impressed the judging panel. Her victory was announced alongside runners-up Kalea Roman, Miss Rituals Coffee House, and Nevaeh Allen, Miss Reggae Jamaica Village, who secured second and third places, respectively. This year’s fast-track competitions have already crowned other winners, including Asia Wright (Miss Jamaica World Fitness), Nevaeh Allen (Miss Jamaica World Beach Beauty), and Danece Jacas (Miss Jamaica World Talent). Fashion designer Bill Edwards, the chief judge, emphasized the difficulty in selecting a winner, noting that the criteria extended beyond mere beauty to include stage presence and charisma. Haughton, a regional winner from the Northeastern Region, shared her holistic approach to preparation, which included physical fitness, a balanced diet, and mental readiness. Her journey marks a remarkable turnaround from last year’s pageant, where she failed to secure any fast-track placements. Haughton, an environmental science student, expressed her joy and determination, stating that her participation was driven by a desire to inspire others and advocate for meaningful causes. The Miss Jamaica World pageant, sponsored by the Jamaica Observer, continues to provide a platform for personal growth and community engagement, offering more than just a crown to its participants.
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US cops still searching for elderly man who reported falling into hole
Authorities in Oregon are intensifying their efforts to locate a 78-year-old man who reportedly fell into a hole and remains missing since Tuesday. Thomas Weightman, who left his family home before 10 am, failed to return, prompting his family to report him missing around 5:30 pm. According to The Independent, Weightman called 911, informing police that he had fallen into a hole but was uncertain of his exact location. Despite deploying advanced techniques such as cell phone triangulation, law enforcement has yet to pinpoint his whereabouts in the remote area where he vanished. Local officials have raised concerns about the challenging terrain and plummeting temperatures, which are expected to drop to as low as 39 degrees. Weightman’s family revealed he was wearing a flannel shirt when he disappeared. As of Friday, search teams, including neighbors and over 10 agencies, have been utilizing drones, search dogs, and foot patrols to locate the elderly man. The search operation continues as the community remains hopeful for his safe return.
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Alleged gangster ‘Bingie’ shot dead in Red Hills police operation
ST ANDREW, Jamaica – A high-profile alleged gang leader was fatally shot during a police operation in the Red Hills area of St Andrew on Saturday morning. The deceased, identified as 40-year-old Kevin Rouldson, also known as ‘Bingie’, was reportedly a prominent member of the notorious Bottom York Avenue Gang. According to police reports, the incident occurred during an intelligence-driven mission in the Golden Acres neighborhood. Rouldson allegedly opened fire on the officers, prompting an exchange of gunfire that resulted in his death. Law enforcement officials recovered a 9mm firearm at the scene. Rouldson was a suspect in multiple serious crimes, including murders, shootings, and car thefts in the Waltham Park and Cockburn Pen areas. His death marks a significant development in ongoing efforts to combat gang-related violence in the region.
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Divali Nagar floods on final night
The final night of the Divali Nagar festival in Endeavour, Chaguanas, was marred by severe flooding on October 19, following torrential rains linked to a yellow-level adverse weather alert. The downpour inundated key areas including Chaguanas Main Road, Southern Main Road, and Endeavour Road, with social media videos capturing the deluge overwhelming booths at the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) grounds. The adverse weather conditions were attributed to a robust tropical wave, invest #98L, which swept across the Windward Islands. Additional flooding incidents were reported near Medford Gas Station, Price Plaza, and Edinburgh Gardens in Chaguanas. The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service warned of continued unsettled weather on October 20, with scattered showers, isolated thunderstorms, and potential gusty winds. Street and flash flooding remain a risk in areas experiencing heavy rainfall, as the yellow-level weather alert persists.
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Short Ghad sings about near-death experience with ‘Reason’
Dancehall-reggae artist Short Ghad, born Conrad Williams, has channeled a harrowing personal experience into his latest musical endeavor. While living in Sweden a few years ago, the artist faced a life-threatening betrayal from close friends, an incident that inspired his poignant track ‘Reason.’ The song, which has gained traction on mixtapes and FM radio, captures the raw emotions of that betrayal. ‘One of my so-called friends threatened my life. I was shocked and immediately wrote the song,’ Short Ghad recounted. The accompanying music video, which narrates the touching story, has amassed over 101,000 views since its release. ‘Reason’ serves as the title track for his upcoming EP, which also includes tracks like ‘Never Say Sorry’ and ‘Feel Like.’ The EP, according to the artist, embodies his artistic vision and has already garnered significant attention on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where fans worldwide are sharing and creating content around his music. Short Ghad, who hails from St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, initially gained recognition as a DJ before breaking into the music scene with his 2022 debut album ‘Feel Nice.’ The 19-track album, a tribute to love, blended dancehall, reggae, and Afrobeat, earning him a top spot on iTunes’ Reggae chart in Sweden and substantial streams on Spotify and Facebook. Recently, he has been promoting his music through live streams on TikTok and performances at local events like BoomBox Fridays and Weddy Weddy Wednesdays. ‘2025 has been a breakout year for me,’ he said, reflecting on his growing success in the industry.