In a dramatic turn of events, a stranded container barge off the coast of North Abaco became the target of a brazen looting spree yesterday. The vessel, named *The Brooklyn Bridge*, had run aground near Nunjack Cay after its towline snapped during inclement weather. Scores of residents, arriving in small boats, swiftly descended upon the barge, hauling away goods ranging from toilet paper and dog food to appliances and furniture. The scene, captured in viral videos, was described as a “free-for-all” by one local, with some jokingly referring to it as an early Christmas for Abaco. Authorities, including the Defence Force and police, were deployed to secure the area, but not before significant quantities of cargo were removed. Stephen Wilson, North Abaco’s island administrator, condemned the theft but noted that police are unlikely to pursue the looters, as their actions inadvertently lightened the barge’s load. The Ministry of Transport confirmed that an assessment team has inspected the vessel and anticipates no environmental impact. Meanwhile, public reaction remains divided, with some condemning the looting and others defending it as a customary practice in the region. The barge, reportedly carrying millions of dollars’ worth of supplies, awaits a replacement tug for recovery.
分类： society
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JPS making steady progress, says CEO
In a significant development following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica Public Service (JPS) President and CEO Hugh Grant announced a dramatic improvement in the island’s electricity restoration efforts. Speaking at a press conference in St James on Thursday, Grant revealed that power service has jumped from 23% to 67% within just two weeks. Over 310,000 customers have now been reconnected to the grid, a feat attributed to meticulous preparation, resilient infrastructure, and strategic partnerships.
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Epstein’s emails reveal network of powerful contacts
The latest release of emails from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has unveiled the vast network of influential figures he maintained connections with, including a top adviser to former President Donald Trump and Britain’s disgraced Prince Andrew. The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote next week on compelling the release of evidence gathered on Epstein by law enforcement, which may include the identities of individuals linked to his alleged sex trafficking ring. This week’s email disclosures have already shed new light on Epstein’s extensive associations. Among the revelations are multiple references to Donald Trump, who has dismissed calls for transparency as a ‘hoax’ while urging investigations into Epstein’s ties to others, including former President Bill Clinton. The emails, spanning from 2009 to 2019, were released by congressional Democrats and include exchanges with prominent figures such as Prince Andrew, former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, and former Obama treasury secretary Larry Summers. Epstein’s death in 2019, ruled a suicide, occurred while he was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The emails also reveal interactions with Kathryn Ruemmler, a former Obama adviser, and Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s associate convicted of sex trafficking. These communications highlight the breadth of Epstein’s influence and the ongoing scrutiny of his network.
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Suspect in murder of two cops surrenders to police
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Marcarius “Macky” Monroe, the primary suspect in the fatal shooting of two police officers on Thursday evening along Waltham Park Road in St Andrew, has voluntarily surrendered to authorities. Monroe, a resident of Ricketts Crescent in Kingston 13, turned himself in at the Hunts Bay Police Station on Friday afternoon.
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Bert’s Auto Parts Foundation commits $20 million to Hurricane Melissa relief effort
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to bolster national recovery efforts, Bert’s Auto Parts Foundation has pledged a substantial $20 million donation. This contribution is earmarked for critical relief initiatives, including roof repairs, building materials, and food packages, particularly targeting the hardest-hit regions of western Jamaica.
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Temporary closure of Liguanea Avenue to continue next week
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A significant portion of Liguanea Avenue in Kingston is scheduled for a temporary closure as part of the ongoing rehabilitation efforts under the National Works Agency’s (NWA) SPARK Programme. The closure, spanning from Paddington Terrace to Barbican Road, will commence on Monday, November 17, and last for 14 days. This initiative is a critical component of the NWA’s broader strategy to enhance road infrastructure in the Corporate Area. Stephen Shaw, Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, emphasized that the rehabilitation works involve strengthening the road base, resurfacing, and implementing additional infrastructure improvements. Shaw highlighted that these temporary closures are essential to ensure the safety of both workers and commuters while minimizing disruptions in the active work zone. During the closure, only residents will have access to the affected section of Liguanea Avenue. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes, with those traveling from Barbican Road directed to use Paddington Terrace to access Liguanea Avenue. Similarly, motorists coming from Hope Road are encouraged to utilize Paddington Terrace to reach their destinations. The NWA urges all road users to adhere to posted signs and exercise caution when navigating the area.
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Bringing compassion back to Trinidad and Tobago
In a significant step toward safeguarding public welfare, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has pledged to introduce comprehensive fireworks legislation by the end of this year. This initiative, aimed at addressing noise pollution, has been widely praised as a compassionate and long-overdue measure. The proposed legislation seeks to protect all citizens, including vulnerable groups, pets, and wildlife, marking a pivotal moment in fostering a more considerate society.
For years, fete promoters and fireworks distributors have prioritized louder and more extravagant displays, often disregarding the adverse effects on communities. Despite ample opportunities to adopt responsible practices, their actions have consistently fallen short. This new legislation underscores the necessity of holding such entities accountable, ensuring that those who fail to self-regulate face appropriate consequences.
The Citizens Against Noise Pollution in TT have aptly highlighted the issue, stating, ‘Blasting music at 2 am is not culture – it’s noise pollution.’ This sentiment resonates with many who have long endured the disruptive impacts of unchecked noise and fireworks. As the nation awaits further details on the proposed measures, there is cautious optimism that this legislation will herald a new era of respect and responsibility.
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Gassan Azan Sr passes
Gassan Azan Sr, a prominent Jamaican industrialist and distinguished Freemason, passed away on Friday afternoon at the age of 86 after battling a prolonged illness. Azan Sr was a key figure in Jamaica’s manufacturing sector during the 1970s and 1980s, owning and operating several notable companies, including Tiny Town Manufacturing, Cradle Craft Manufacturing, and Kandy Kane Manufacturing. Beyond his industrial achievements, he was also a dedicated coffee farmer and an active member of the Freemasons. Azan Sr was the father of Gassan Azan Jr, a renowned business magnate and the founder, chairman, and CEO of Bashco Trading Company Limited and its parent company, MegaMart Wholesale Club. His legacy as a pioneer in Jamaican industry and his contributions to agriculture and community organizations leave a lasting impact on the nation.
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Woodbrook residents: Tackle Port of Spain noise levels too
Residents of Woodbrook in Port of Spain have voiced their support for Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s recent ban on fetes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, citing long-standing grievances over excessive noise pollution. Lynette Dolly, a prominent Woodbrook homeowner and head of the Woodbrook Resident’s Committee, highlighted the community’s frustration with unregulated noise from major venues like the QP Savannah, QP Oval, and Hasely Crawford Stadium. Speaking to Newsday on November 13, Dolly emphasized the need for balanced regulations that allow both entertainment and peace for residents. The Prime Minister’s announcement on November 12 included an immediate halt to fetes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy and a pledge to introduce legislation by the end of 2025 to address noise pollution, fireworks, and designated quiet hours. Dolly noted that while some venues, like the Hasely Crawford Stadium, have made compromises to control noise, others, particularly the QP Savannah, continue to disrupt the community with loud music that can be heard across multiple neighborhoods. Residents also expressed concerns about music trucks that cause vibrations strong enough to shake homes and damage property. Dolly called for stricter enforcement of noise regulations to ensure that entertainment activities do not infringe on residents’ right to tranquility.
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Cruise-ship visitors get unique welcome in Tobago
On November 14, the Port of Scarborough in Tobago rolled out a vibrant welcome for 700 visitors aboard the Azamara Quest cruise ship, marking the start of a bustling 2025/2026 cruise season. The visitors were greeted with a unique artistic installation featuring murals of Tobago’s rich cultural heritage and a colorful hopscotch design, created by students and teachers from Scarborough Secondary School. The project, themed ‘Games We Used to Play,’ aimed to engage tourists with traditional Tobagonian pastimes such as snakes and ladders, marble pitching, draughts, and kite-flying. The initiative, completed in under a week, was a collaborative effort led by Port of Scarborough Executive Manager Dion Lawrence, Estate Constable Nichola Mohan, and the school’s art teachers. Lawrence emphasized the importance of community empowerment and corporate social responsibility, trusting Mohan, a self-taught designer, to bring the concept to life. Mohan expressed her desire to showcase Tobago’s heritage and promote the island as a premier tourist destination. Jeanine Crouch, an art teacher at Scarborough Secondary, highlighted the students’ excitement and the cultural enrichment they gained from the project. Mohan is already planning for next year’s cruise season, with new themes to further enhance the visitor experience.