ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC)—Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on the United States to address its ongoing tensions with Venezuela through diplomatic channels, emphasizing the Caribbean’s commitment to maintaining peace in the region. Browne’s appeal comes in response to recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who hinted at decisive action regarding Venezuela following extensive briefings and a significant military presence in the Caribbean, including the deployment of the USS Gerald Forde, the US Navy’s largest aircraft carrier. In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Browne urged, “We encourage President Trump to resolve the differences between the US and Venezuela through diplomacy and dialogue. Let’s continue to preserve our hemisphere as a zone of peace.” This sentiment echoes the Caribbean Community (Caricom)’s recent declaration, which reaffirmed the region’s stance as a Zone of Peace, advocating for dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. Caricom leaders, with the exception of Trinidad and Tobago, unanimously supported this principle during a meeting last month. Additionally, Caricom foreign ministers have previously expressed concerns to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, requesting assurances that any military action against Venezuela would not destabilize the region and would involve prior consultation. Meanwhile, the US has intensified its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying an amphibious squadron, a nuclear-powered attack submarine, and reconnaissance aircraft as part of efforts to combat drug cartels in Latin America. Venezuela has responded by mobilizing troops along its borders, citing perceived threats from the US.
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St Ann-based medical ganja farmer wants CLA’s help to boost production
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, licensed medical marijuana farmer Errol Whyte is grappling with significant losses, estimating damages in the millions of dollars. His one-acre ganja farm in Claremont, St Ann, was severely impacted by the storm. Despite the setback, Whyte, who has operated Mellow Bud Ganja Farms for five years, remains hopeful. He sees an opportunity for licensed ganja farmers in the northern and eastern regions of Jamaica to ramp up production and compensate for the losses suffered by their counterparts in the storm-ravaged southwestern areas. Whyte emphasizes the urgent need for the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) and the government to provide relief and support to affected farmers. ‘This isn’t just about me or a few farmers; it’s about the entire industry,’ he stated. Whyte believes that with adequate support, northern and eastern farmers can meet the rising demand for medical marijuana. He calls for a more proactive approach from the CLA to ensure the industry’s sustainability, highlighting the role of farmers as entrepreneurs and job creators. ‘We are committed to this industry, and we need the CLA to be committed to us,’ he asserted.
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JDF Coast Guard recovers body of suspected drowning victim
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has confirmed the recovery of a man’s body from the Step River in St James, following a suspected drowning incident on Sunday, November 16. According to reports, the victim was attempting to cross the river when he was overwhelmed by strong currents and swept away. The JDF Coast Guard was promptly called in to assist with search and recovery operations. A specialized dive team from the Second District JDF Coast Guard was dispatched to the scene, where they conducted an underwater search and successfully retrieved the body. The remains were subsequently handed over to local authorities for further investigation. In a statement, the JDF Coast Guard expressed its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased. They also issued a public reminder to exercise extreme caution around rivers, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall when water levels and currents can become dangerously unpredictable.
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PNP’s Vaz dismisses report that he is handing out relief supplies on political basis
SAVANNA LA MAR, Westmoreland — Dwayne Vaz, Member of Parliament (MP) for Westmoreland Central, has firmly refuted allegations of politically biased distribution of relief supplies in his constituency. The accusations were leveled by George Wright, the former MP from the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), who claimed that Vaz was selectively providing care packages only to supporters of the People’s National Party (PNP).
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House Speaker delivers hurricane relief supplies to residents of hard-hit communities
In a significant humanitarian effort, Speaker of the House of Representatives Juliet Holness, alongside her Save Our Boys and Girls Foundation, delivered crucial relief supplies to communities in St Elizabeth and Westmoreland devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The initiative, carried out on Saturday, November 15, 2025, aimed to provide immediate support to those most affected by the natural disaster. Holness, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for St Andrew East Rural, personally oversaw the distribution of essential items such as drinking water, food packages, clothing, shoes, tarpaulin, and hygiene kits. In a heartfelt social media post on Sunday, Holness expressed her gratitude to the foundation’s partners and volunteers, emphasizing the importance of their collective mission. ‘Seeing the gratitude and resilience of these communities reminds us why our mission matters,’ she stated. The Save Our Boys and Girls Foundation, established in 2019, focuses on empowering marginalized youth and fostering opportunities for their growth. Holness envisions a future where every child in Jamaica has access to the resources and support needed to thrive and contribute to the nation’s development.
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Battle to save nation needs a joint effort
The recent prison riots in Ecuador, which resulted in the deaths of 31 inmates, have drawn attention to the escalating issues of drug trafficking and gang violence in the region. The riots, involving notorious gangs Los Cheneros and Los Lobos, were marked by the discovery of firearms, knives, and explosives within the prison walls. Ecuador, situated between Peru and Colombia—both major drug-producing nations—has become a focal point in the global fight against narcotics. President Daniel Noboa, 37, has strengthened ties with the United States, notably with former President Donald Trump, and has plans to re-establish a US military base in Manta, a move that underscores the strategic importance of the region. The situation in Ecuador bears striking similarities to Trinidad and Tobago (TT), where drug exportation, gang turf wars, and political alliances with the US on drug interdiction are prevalent. TT’s prison system is also plagued by gang activity, with inmates reportedly using sophisticated cell phones to coordinate external operations. Hayden Forde, the newly appointed head of prisons, faces scrutiny over the allowance of internet connections in jails. The Prime Minister of TT remains steadfast in her commitment to curbing drug flow, emphasizing her partnership with the US. The crisis calls for a unified approach involving the homeland security minister, the police commissioner, and the acting prisons commissioner to safeguard the nation’s future.
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Family Reading Circle Rolls comes to Port of Spain
The Bocas Lit Fest, in collaboration with Let’s Read, is set to host its renowned Family Reading Circle at the St Joseph Old Road Community Centre in Port of Spain on November 22. This interactive session, scheduled from 10 am to 12 pm, aims to inspire a love for reading among children aged seven and under, while providing parents and caregivers with a supportive environment to nurture early literacy skills. Featured author Mary Cuffy, celebrated for her Ladybug series and contributions to early childhood education, will lead the event by reading from her beloved works, including ‘Lola and the Dancing Ladybugs’ and ‘Lola and the Magic Sticks.’ Cuffy, a lecturer at the UWI Open Campus, specializes in literacy and music in early childhood development. The Family Reading Circle is part of Bocas Lit Fest’s ongoing commitment to fostering young readers and writers through community outreach and engaging activities. Over the past two and a half years, the festival has partnered with Let’s Read TT to host numerous reading circles, supported by a vast library of children’s books. These initiatives aim to cultivate lifelong reading habits, empathy, and imagination in children while strengthening family bonds through shared literary experiences. For more information, contact melvina@bocaslitfest.com.
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Fun, food and fishing at Castara open day
The Castara Fisherfolk Association marked World Food Day with a vibrant Open Day and Bonfire event at the Castara Fishing Facility on November 13. The celebration showcased the rich cultural heritage and communal spirit of the fishing community in Tobago. Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including boat races, fishing competitions, children’s games, and traditional seine pulling. A highlight of the event was the preparation of a large pot of fish broth, symbolizing the communal sharing of food and resources. Clifton ‘Rackerman’ Alleyne demonstrated the art of seine repair, while Matika Alfred was awarded for catching the largest fish of the day. The festivities also featured a lime and spoon race for pre-schoolers and a conch shell blowing session, with Eldon Williams and British national Chris Runciman participating. The event, captured by Newsday photographer Alva Viarruel, underscored the importance of preserving local traditions and fostering community bonds.
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I Am Academy unveils The Garden of Oneness
The I Am Academy in Woodbrook has unveiled its newly transformed schoolyard, now known as ‘The Garden of Oneness.’ What was once a simple space has been reimagined into an eco-conscious haven featuring a butterfly and hummingbird garden, a river-themed landscape, a companion-planted vegetable and herb garden, a tribute to national heroes, and a rustic welcome wall adorned with affirmations and the school’s motto. This initiative, led by TropiMulch Ltd in partnership with Miss Environment TT Rebecca Baptiste, repurposes waste wood into mulch, art installations, and purposeful spaces, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Founded in 2019, I Am Academy serves 40 students with special needs, emphasizing individualized learning and holistic development. Principal Lynn Diann Russell-Allen explained that the school’s philosophy centers on teaching identity, awareness, and purpose, viewing every child as ‘whole, perfect, and filled with divine potential.’ The garden, she noted, is more than a landscaping project—it is a ‘living classroom’ that fosters healing, inspiration, and education.
The project began with a vision to beautify the school space in a way that reflects the calm and divine order of the universe. Collaborations with TropiMulch CEO Lionel Seucharan and Miss Environment TT brought the vision to life. Students and parents actively participated in clearing debris, preparing soil, planting seedlings, and painting walls, fostering a sense of pride and ownership.
Russell-Allen highlighted the garden’s impact on students, noting increased confidence, cooperation, and expressiveness. The multisensory environment has become a sanctuary for neurodiverse learners, reinforcing the school’s mission to nurture each child’s highest potential. Plans are already underway to expand the garden, adding sensory zones, a meditation corner, and an extended butterfly garden.
The principal expressed gratitude to TropiMulch Ltd, Miss Environment TT, and all contributors, emphasizing that inclusion begins with love. ‘When we honour the divine essence in every child, we naturally extend that care to the environment,’ she said. ‘Education and ecology go hand in hand—both are acts of stewardship.’
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US Vedic university confers doctoral award to NCIC president Surujdeo Mangaroo
Surujdeo Mangaroo, President of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC), has been awarded an honorary doctoral degree by the Acharya Ramsamooj Arya University (ARAU) in New York. The prestigious recognition was conferred during the university’s graduation ceremony on November 2 at Flushing Town Hall, where Mangaroo was also invited to address the Class of 2025. The honor celebrates his lifelong dedication to cultural preservation, social empowerment, and community development. In his invitation letter, Prof. Pundit Ramadheen Ramsamooj, president of ARAU, praised Mangaroo as a distinguished representative of the Caribbean Hindu diaspora, highlighting his significant contributions to the community. Founded on the principles of Shuddha Sanatan Vedic Dharma, ARAU emphasizes the study and propagation of Vedic knowledge and disciplines. During his address, Mangaroo expressed humility and gratitude, dedicating the award to his family and emphasizing the importance of education, culture, and community in building a humane society. He urged graduates to use their education as a tool for service and innovation, reminding them that true success lies in uplifting others. Mangaroo’s recognition follows previous honorees such as the late Basdeo Panday, former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname’s President Santhoki.