In the wake of a devastating hurricane, Discovery Bauxite has emerged as a vital lifeline for communities across St. Ann and neighboring parishes in Jamaica. With the National Water Commission (NWC) struggling to maintain supplies due to storm-related disruptions, the company’s water wells in Discovery Bay have become a crucial resource for residents, schools, agencies, and relief organizations. Water trucks, some traveling from as far as Montego Bay, have been loading at the facility to support relief efforts, including the World Central Kitchen team, which is preparing thousands of meals daily for distribution in the hardest-hit areas. The company’s open water standpipe near its public clinic in Jacks Lodge district has also seen heavy use, drawing residents from both its operating areas and beyond. Gratitude has poured in from individuals and organizations benefiting from the service. Pauline White, a small business operator from Farm Town, described the support as ‘a lifeline during a period when access to NWC supplies are down.’ Private truck operator Linburgh Gayle echoed this sentiment, noting the daily demand for water from schools, churches, families, and individuals in need. Discovery Bauxite has acknowledged the widespread hardship caused by the hurricane, pledging to continue its relief efforts as long as its pumps can handle the additional load. The company emphasized its commitment to assisting hundreds of people who travel from local communities and nearby parishes to access water, stating, ‘We are grateful for the opportunity to be of assistance in this time of national need.’
分类： society
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Chinese Benevolent Society donates hurricane relief supplies to Falmouth Hospital
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the Falmouth Public General Hospital in Trelawny, Jamaica, received a much-needed lifeline on Friday, courtesy of the Chinese Benevolent Society (CBS). The organization donated a wide array of essential relief items, including toilet tissue, bottled water, food supplies, baby pampers, blankets, and other critical care products. The formal handover ceremony took place at the hospital, where Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the hospital and the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Dr. Tufton, who was inspecting the Spanish-donated field hospital at the site, lauded the donation as a heartwarming act of compassion during a trying period for the Jamaican people. He emphasized the importance of such gestures in fostering a sense of global solidarity and humanity. Johnny Hung, representing the Chinese Benevolent Society, reiterated the organization’s commitment to aiding communities across Jamaica as they recover from the storm’s aftermath. This donation marks the third such contribution by the CBS to hospitals in the region, with plans to extend further assistance wherever possible. The initiative is part of a broader national relief effort, as public institutions grapple with the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, which has left parts of the island without power, disrupted infrastructure, and heightened the demand for emergency services. The Chinese Benevolent Society has a longstanding history of charitable work in Jamaica, and this latest contribution underscores its enduring dedication to supporting the island’s recovery and resilience.
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Family, friends mourn Alexia Trim – law student hailed for her humility, strength
The St Francis of Assisi RC Church in Belmont was filled with heartfelt tributes and profound grief as family, friends, and educators gathered to honor the life of Alexia Trim, a 23-year-old UWI law student who passed away in Colombia on October 22. Trim, who was set to graduate with first-class honors in Law from the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine campus, succumbed to complications from arteriovenous malformation, a rare condition affecting blood vessels in the brain.
Her funeral on November 15 was a poignant celebration of her life, marked by eulogies that highlighted her ambition, intelligence, humility, and unwavering faith. Trim’s mother, Marsha Trim, shared a moving tribute through her friends, recounting the joys of her daughter’s birth and her remarkable ability to face life’s challenges with grace and dignity. Despite enduring health struggles during her final year of studies, Trim remained optimistic about her future, eagerly anticipating her graduation and further studies in law.
Former teachers and peers also paid homage to Trim’s extraordinary character. Lisa Rodriguez, a former teacher at St. Joseph’s Convent, described Trim as a beacon of faith and humility, whose life radiated a divine light. Dr. Timothy Affonso, deputy dean of the Faculty of Law at UWI, praised her civic-mindedness and the positive impact she had on her peers and faculty.
Fr. Mikkel Trestrail, who delivered the homily, reflected on Trim’s acceptance of her fate, sharing that she had expressed peace with her journey just days before her passing. He likened the mourners to ‘lumps of dough transformed into donuts,’ emphasizing that Trim’s death had left a void in their hearts but also a lasting legacy of love and faith. Trestrail encouraged those present to deepen their relationship with God, assuring them that Trim’s love and the love of Christ would guide them through their grief.
The funeral concluded with a powerful message of hope, as Trestrail reminded attendees that Trim’s spirit would live on in their hearts and in God’s Kingdom, a testament to the enduring power of love and faith.
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Goldie’s destroyed as massive fire sweeps Fish Fry
A devastating fire has engulfed Arawak Cay’s renowned Fish Fry, a prominent tourism and cultural landmark in the country. The blaze, which has been raging for over an hour, has left several popular restaurants in ruins. Among the hardest hit is Goldie’s, which has been completely destroyed, while the adjacent Rake and Scrape restaurant is fully consumed by flames. The fire has rapidly spread through multiple wooden structures, with power lines also catching fire as the situation escalates. Vendors located on the western end of the Fish Fry are facing significant losses as emergency crews work tirelessly to contain the damage. The Fish Fry is celebrated as a vital hub for both tourism and local culture, making this incident a severe blow to the community. Further details regarding the cause of the fire and potential casualties remain unavailable at this time.
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WATCH: St Elizabeth receives major infrastructure relief from developers
In a significant community development initiative, Ripton Group of Companies and Alcore Company have partnered to undertake a comprehensive reconstruction project in the Parottee community of St Elizabeth. The collaboration has mobilized over 70 skilled workers to address critical housing and infrastructure needs. The project includes rebuilding homes from the foundation, installing solar-powered street lights to enhance safety and visibility, and providing essential amenities such as mattresses, toilets, and wash areas for residents. Company executives have acknowledged the high demand for such assistance and reaffirmed their dedication to sustaining these efforts to improve living conditions in the area. This initiative marks a pivotal step toward fostering long-term community resilience and well-being.
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Career fair at Santa Maria RC School: A world of opportunities
In a landmark event for Santa Maria RC School in Moruga, students were introduced to a wide array of career possibilities during the school’s first-ever Career Fair, held on November 7 along Penal Rock Road. The event, aptly named ‘Community Helpers,’ was a significant expansion of the school’s traditional career day, which previously featured only three guest speakers. This year, the fair was organized by Principal Genevieve Gopaul-Francis and staff members in collaboration with the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), led by Choy Aping. The goal was to expose students to diverse career paths, spark curiosity, and bridge classroom learning with real-world applications. Professionals from various fields, including law enforcement, agriculture, healthcare, and sports, shared their experiences and insights. Representatives from the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) highlighted opportunities in the health sector, while community police officers discussed roles beyond traditional policing, such as legal officers and prosecutors. Fire and prison officers also spoke about their vital work. The Ministry of Agriculture, Land, and Fisheries demonstrated hydroponics, showcasing innovative agricultural practices. Esther Brereton, librarian from the Moruga Public Library, emphasized the importance of literacy through a read-aloud session. Former West Indies women’s cricket captain Merissa Aguilleira, a Moruga native, inspired students with her journey in sports. The event, supported by the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SporTT), also revitalized the school’s cricket program, with nearly every student now involved. The fair left students inspired and eager to explore their future possibilities.
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Parents Frustrated with Flooded Classrooms: “The building is sinking. It’s leaning sideways.”
In Caye Caulker, Belize, parents and educators are grappling with the dire state of Ocean Academy High School, where persistent flooding has rendered classrooms unusable and raised alarms about the building’s structural integrity. Heavy rains this week exacerbated the situation, forcing students to navigate muddy waters and disrupting educational activities. Teachers report that even accessing campus Wi-Fi for online lessons has become impossible. Parents describe the building as sinking and leaning sideways, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. Despite promises made in 2019 to construct a new campus on a 5.17-acre plot, no progress has been made, and the designated land has reportedly shrunk to approximately 2 acres. Frustrated by government inaction, the community has launched a grassroots initiative led by Ian and Alma Magaña, with local businesses donating cinder blocks and funds for temporary classrooms. Residents are now calling on government officials to match their contributions and prioritize the construction of a safe and functional school.
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Jamal Joseph of Green Bay Charged with Unlawful Possession of Firearm and Ammunition
In a decisive move to combat illegal firearms, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has arrested and charged 37-year-old Jamala Joseph of Green Bay for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The incident occurred during a routine stop-and-search operation in the early hours of Friday, November 14, 2025. Officers from the Grays Farm Police Station intercepted a vehicle on George Street, Green Bay, following a community report. During the search, they uncovered a .25 Beretta pistol and two rounds of .25 ammunition. Joseph was promptly taken into custody and formally charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition. This arrest underscores the police force’s unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal weapons from the streets, ensuring the safety and security of all residents. The Royal Police Force continues to enforce strict measures against such violations, reinforcing their dedication to maintaining public order.
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Fix broken support system before penalising parents, says advocate
Child rights advocate Dr. Marsha Hinds-Myrie has strongly opposed a proposal by acting Director of Public Prosecutions Alliston Seale SC to penalize parents for their children’s misconduct, arguing that Barbados’ social support system is “completely broken.” Dr. Hinds-Myrie emphasized that policymakers must urgently address the lack of early intervention and assistance for struggling families, rather than resorting to punitive measures. She highlighted that while holding parents accountable may be justified in countries with robust support systems, such as the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom, Barbados lacks the necessary infrastructure to provide adequate help to families in need.
Dr. Hinds-Myrie questioned the feasibility of criminalizing parents when there are no accessible resources or programs to address behavioral issues in children. She pointed out the absence of structured interventions, such as anger management programs or community outreach initiatives, which are critical for supporting families. “If I have a child in Barbados who is eight years old and exhibits problematic behavior, where do I take that child?” she asked. “We do not have any of that in Barbados.”
The advocate also criticized the acting DPP for proposing punitive measures despite being aware of the systemic gaps. She argued that parents cannot be held accountable when the social safety net is riddled with deficiencies. Dr. Hinds-Myrie linked current parenting struggles to historical failures in addressing children’s behavioral needs, recalling her teaching experience at the Parkinson School in the early 2000s. She noted that many of her former students, who had unresolved behavioral issues, are now parents themselves and face challenges in raising their children.
Dr. Hinds-Myrie stressed the need for Barbados to focus on cultivating parenting skills and implementing structured programs to replace outdated practices like corporal punishment. “We do not put a real significant focus on cultivating parenting skills in Barbados,” she said. “This is part of my discomfort with just saying punish the parents.”
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Joy Sharon’s mission to bring the joy – and power – of reading
Joy Sharon’s life is a testament to the transformative power of education. Growing up in a household marred by domestic violence, she turned her personal struggles into a mission to empower children, particularly those with dyslexia, through literacy. Now an award-winning literacy advocate, Joy is reshaping the educational landscape in Barbados, ensuring every child has the tools to read, write, and thrive.