In a significant political development, Senate President Wade Mark has been appointed as the acting head of State for the Republic, stepping in for President Christine Kangaloo during her absence abroad. The confirmation of this appointment was officially communicated via a text message from President’s House on October 18. The message stated, ‘Yes. He was sworn in and will serve as acting President while Her Excellency is out of the country.’ However, the duration of his acting presidency remains unspecified. Mark, who was previously sworn in as Senate President on May 23, now takes on this crucial interim role, ensuring the continuity of governance in the absence of the President.
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US Embassy raises alert level over Divali weekend
The US Embassy in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, has issued a security alert for US nationals, urging them to avoid all US government facilities in the country during the holiday weekend. The advisory, posted on the embassy’s Facebook page on October 18, cited a heightened state of alert as the reason for the warning. The embassy emphasized the importance of vigilance, advising US citizens to remain aware of their surroundings and monitor reputable news outlets for updates. Additionally, the embassy reminded travelers to ensure they possess a valid US passport for any planned trips to the United States. US nationals were also encouraged to report any suspicious activities to local authorities and to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive timely alerts and updates. This precautionary measure underscores the embassy’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of US citizens abroad.
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Budget debate comes to an abrupt end
In a scathing critique, Barry Padarath, the Leader of Government Business, has lambasted the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) for what he describes as a dereliction of their parliamentary responsibilities. The accusation came in a Facebook post following an unexpected halt to the budget debate on October 17, triggered by the absence of contributions from five PNM MPs. Padarath, who also serves as the Minister of Public Utilities and MP for Couva South, highlighted that after the seventh government speaker, Hansen Narinesingh, concluded his remarks, no PNM member stepped forward to continue the debate, despite having five members yet to speak. He pointed out that confusion reigned on the PNM bench, exacerbated by the absence of the Leader of the Opposition during this critical juncture. Padarath further criticized senior PNM members, including Colm Imbert, Marvin Gonzales, Simon De Nobriga, and Stuart Young, for their inaction when called upon to participate. He asserted that this incident underscores the PNM’s inability to effectively analyze and respond to the national budget, signaling a collapse under pressure. The government now anticipates the commencement of the Standing Finance Committee on October 21. Meanwhile, the PNM is scheduled to hold a news conference at Balisier House in Port of Spain on October 18 to address the controversy.
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Woman charged in connection with shooting death of 14-y-o girl
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 25-year-old woman, Daniela Morrison, has been formally charged as an accessory before and after the fact in the murder of 14-year-old Terona Thomas, known as ‘Tee-Tee.’ The tragic incident occurred on April 17 in Kingston 11, where Thomas, a student from Cinnamon Crescent, was fatally shot alongside two others. Morrison, a contractor from Waltham Park Road, allegedly rented a silver Nissan Note motor cart used in the attack. According to the Olympic Gardens Police, an armed assailant opened fire on a group at Hill Avenue around 1:50 pm, injuring three individuals before fleeing the scene. Thomas succumbed to her injuries at the hospital, while the other victims were admitted for treatment. Morrison is accused of retrieving the vehicle post-incident and returning it. The St. Andrew South Division is actively pursuing additional suspects and has urged the public to provide any information that could aid the investigation. Prime Minister Andrew Holness had previously offered a $2 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Thomas’s killer.
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20-y-o charged with murder in Kingston
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 20-year-old construction worker, Romando Simpson, also known as ‘Prince,’ has been charged with multiple offenses, including murder, following the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old kitchen assistant in May. The incident occurred in Cobourn Gardens, Kingston 11, on Sunday, May 25. The victim, Judas Clarke, popularly known as ‘Froggy,’ was employed as a kitchen assistant at Maple View Road in the same community. According to police reports, Clarke was seated outside his residence around 7:00 pm when Simpson allegedly approached him armed with a handgun. Simpson reportedly opened fire, striking Clarke before fleeing the scene on a waiting motorcycle. Emergency services were called, and Clarke was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Simpson was apprehended and formally charged on Friday after undergoing a question-and-answer session in the presence of his legal counsel. The charges against him include murder, possession of a prohibited weapon and ammunition, and using a firearm to commit a felony.
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At least 15 dead in road accident in Brazil
A devastating bus accident in northeast Brazil has resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people, according to police reports on Saturday. The incident occurred late Friday in Pernambuco state, involving a bus carrying 30 passengers. The driver, who was traveling in the wrong direction, lost control of the vehicle after hitting rocks on the roadside. Although he managed to correct the direction, the bus subsequently crashed into an embankment and overturned. Among the victims were 11 women and four men, while the number of injured passengers remains undisclosed. The driver, who sustained only minor injuries and tested negative for alcohol, was taken into police custody. Authorities noted that some passengers were ejected from the bus during the crash.
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Westwood High joins Afro Day movement celebrating natural hair pride
TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Westwood High School has recently become a part of the Afro Day movement, a growing initiative that celebrates natural hair, cultural identity, and self-expression. Spearheaded by Kimberly Todd, a mathematics teacher and the 2022 Miss St Ann Festival Queen, the event saw female students proudly showcasing their natural curls, coils, and textures.
Todd, who has long advocated for this celebration, expressed her pride in finally seeing her vision come to life. ‘As a cultural ambassador, I’ve always wanted this for the girls since 2022. Although it didn’t happen two years ago, I’m thrilled to have succeeded this year. It’s crucial for the girls to embrace their true selves,’ she remarked. She also emphasized the importance of self-expression, even within the confines of the school’s uniform regulations, which traditionally include wearing hats.
The Afro Day movement, which gained momentum in Jamaican schools in 2023, has seen participation from institutions like St Catherine, Excelsior, Green Island, and Meadowbrook high schools. It aims to foster pride in African heritage and challenge outdated stereotypes surrounding natural hair. With Westwood High School now joining the movement, the event underscores Jamaica’s progress in celebrating black beauty and cultural authenticity.
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Postecoglou sacked by Forest after Chelsea defeat
LONDON, United Kingdom — Nottingham Forest has parted ways with manager Ange Postecoglou following a dismal start to the season. The decision was announced on Saturday, mere minutes after the team suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat to Chelsea at City Ground. Postecoglou, who took charge on September 9, managed only two draws and six losses in his eight matches at the helm.
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Trinidad and Tobago, let your light shine
The Festival of Lights, Divali, stands as a powerful symbol of hope, emphasizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Originating from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning ‘row of lights,’ the festival centers on the deya, a traditional lamp that symbolizes the dispelling of ignorance and the illumination of wisdom. As Trinidad and Tobago (TT) celebrates this vibrant occasion, it also grapples with pervasive societal issues such as crime, human trafficking, child abuse, and poverty. These challenges cast a shadow over the nation, yet the essence of Divali offers a poignant reminder of the potential for transformation through unity and individual action. Angelo Marcelle, in a heartfelt letter to the editor, calls on citizens to let their light shine, fostering hope and positive change. He urges leaders to collaborate for the greater good, emphasizing that collective efforts can drive societal progress. The letter also features inspiring quotes from Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Eleanor Roosevelt, reinforcing the message of personal responsibility and the power of light and love to overcome adversity. As TT celebrates Divali, the festival serves as a call to action for all to contribute to a brighter, more harmonious future.
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WATCH: Two dead after head-on crash on North South Highway
A tragic accident occurred on the North South Highway in St Catherine, Jamaica, on Friday night, resulting in the deaths of two drivers. The incident, which took place around 8:30 pm near the Angels exit, involved a head-on collision between two Subaru vehicles. Preliminary investigations suggest that one of the cars was traveling in the wrong direction, leading to the fatal crash. The identities of the deceased have not yet been disclosed. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.