A devastating fire erupted on November 4 at a two-storey residence on Pooran Street in Williamsville, leaving ten individuals, including three children, without a home. The blaze originated on the first floor, which contained two bedrooms, and rapidly consumed the upper level. Fortunately, all family members were on the ground floor preparing lunch when they heard a loud explosion-like noise, prompting them to evacuate immediately. ‘We are grateful that no one was injured or killed,’ said Rasheana Ali, a resident of the home. The family, which includes Ali’s husband, their son, her parents, two sisters, their spouses, and an unmarried sister, lost all their belongings in the fire. Ali’s mother, Elaine Mohammed, who is battling cancer, experienced a panic attack during the incident and required medical attention due to elevated blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Firefighters responded within 20 minutes and managed to contain the fire, though the ground floor sustained water damage and structural weakening. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with initial speculation pointing to a flammable substance such as perfume. Local officials, including Princes Town MP Dr. Aiyna Ali and Councillor Vincent Raghoo, visited the site and pledged support for the family. The disaster management unit provided three mattresses, but the family’s long-term housing arrangements are still undetermined. Raghoo has urged the public to assist in rebuilding efforts. The financial impact of the damage is yet to be assessed.
分类： society
-
Adequate fuel supplies in stock, says Minister Vaz
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has reassured citizens that the nation’s fuel supply remains stable, urging the public to avoid panic-buying in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Energy Minister Daryl Vaz addressed the media during a briefing at Jamaica House in Kingston, emphasizing that the Petrojam refinery, a critical fuel production facility, sustained no significant damage. To facilitate recovery efforts, the refinery has extended its operating hours until 6:00 pm, enabling the refueling of tanker trucks for distribution to western Jamaica, including areas severely impacted by the hurricane. Since October 30, over 400 tanker trucks have been dispatched to these regions. Minister Vaz stressed that the National Works Agency (NWA) is actively clearing roads to ensure uninterrupted fuel transportation. He reiterated, ‘There is no need to panic-buy or store excess fuel. We have adequate fuel.’ Additionally, Rubis, a major fuel retailer, has reopened 41 of its service stations across the island, representing 82% of its network. Seven stations remain closed, with the status of two yet to be confirmed. Rubis has also deployed staff and resources to reopen remaining stations and conduct maintenance in St James. The Rubis Westgate service station in St James is now operating 24 hours daily to meet demand, while Johnson’s petroleum network continues to function smoothly, delivering fuel island-wide. Minister Vaz also highlighted the sufficient supply of aviation fuel, with 75% to 80% capacity maintained at international airports. The government is collaborating with international partners, including the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation and the Fuel Relief Fund, to support energy fuel distribution for humanitarian efforts.
-
TTDF staff sergeant appeals High Court ruling on denied promotion
A legal dispute involving a Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) staff sergeant has escalated to the Court of Appeal, following a 2023 High Court ruling that dismissed his challenge against the Chief of Defence Staff’s (CDS) decision to block his promotion. Staff Sergeant Russell Reyes contends that Justice Nadia Kangaloo erred in her judgment, arguing that the CDS overstepped legal boundaries by rejecting a recommendation for his promotion to Warrant Officer Class II. Reyes maintains that the disciplinary infraction cited against him was a “spent” conviction and should not have influenced the decision, as it was no longer part of his service record under military law. He also highlighted an unreasonable delay in addressing the disciplinary matter, which further complicated his case. Reyes first challenged the CDS’s decision in 2022, filing a judicial review application with a certificate of urgency, as he was nearing his mandatory retirement date of January 25, 2023. Had he succeeded, he would have remained in the Defence Force until 2026. However, Justice Kangaloo ruled in October 2023 that Reyes was still under probation when his disciplinary reprimand expired, rendering him ineligible for promotion. She also affirmed that the CDS acted within his authority to deny the promotion in the operational interest of the TTDF. In his appeal, Reyes argued that the judge miscalculated key dates and misinterpreted the CDS’s authority under the Defence Act. He emphasized that his severe reprimand, imposed in March 2021, was “spent” by November 2021, months before his promotion recommendation in early 2022. Reyes is seeking to have the High Court’s ruling overturned, reinstatement to the rank of Warrant Officer Class II, or compensation for lost pay and benefits. His attorney, Arden Williams, argued that the CDS unlawfully intervened in the promotion process, which is an administrative function under the Defence Force Act. Williams also questioned whether the CDS was acting as the designated officer for the Defence Council, which oversees the TTDF’s command, administration, and discipline. The Appeal Court judges have requested additional submissions on the presumption of regularity regarding the CDS’s actions, with a ruling expected after further consideration.
-
‘I was glad for company’
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which wreaked havoc in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, 71-year-old Wilhel Stone Williams shared her harrowing experience of survival and the unexpected comfort she found in her neighbor’s company. Describing the hurricane as “catastrophic,” Williams recounted the terrifying moments as the storm intensified, stripping trees of their leaves and tearing zinc sheets from her roof. Initially confident she would endure the storm alone, her composure shattered when the relentless wind began to batter her home. Panic set in as she realized the severity of the situation. Amid the chaos, Williams’ neighbor, Rosemarie Williams, whose own roof had been blown off, sought refuge in her home. “I was glad that time because that is when I get some company,” Williams said, expressing gratitude for the unexpected companionship. The storm left Williams’ home severely damaged, with leaks permeating every corner. Emotionally drained, she admitted to barely eating since the ordeal, surviving on little more than syrup. Her concern also extended to her pet goat, which she had left outside, unaware of the hurricane’s ferocity. “He’s so beautiful, and God don’t make anything happen to him,” she pleaded. Both women are now appealing for assistance to repair their homes and recover from the disaster. Those willing to help can contact Rosemarie Williams at 1 (876) 214-1501.
-
NWC restores access to 65% of customer base
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Water Commission (NWC) has made substantial strides in restoring water access to 65% of its customer base following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The agency is now working tirelessly to increase this figure to 80% before the weekend, as confirmed by Matthew Samuda, Minister of Water, Environment, and Climate Change, during a media briefing at Jamaica House on Monday.
-
Fraser Pryce distributes care packages to Hurricane Melissa victims
Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has once again demonstrated her commitment to community support by distributing essential care packages to residents in areas impacted by Hurricane Melissa. On Tuesday, the renowned athlete focused her efforts on communities along the St Elizabeth and Westmoreland border, continuing the relief work initiated by her Pocket Rocket Foundation. This follows her previous outreach in parts of Westmoreland on Saturday. During the distribution, a significant number of residents gathered to receive the aid, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the assistance. Fraser-Pryce’s actions highlight her dedication to helping those in need, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters. She joins a growing number of individuals and organizations contributing to recovery efforts post-Hurricane Melissa, showcasing the power of collective action in times of crisis.
-
Transport Authority warns public passenger vehicles against ‘exorbitant prices’
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican Transport Authority has issued a stern warning to public passenger vehicle (PPV) operators against the unlawful practice of hiking fares. The Category Five storm, which struck the island last Tuesday, has reportedly led to several operators exploiting the situation by overcharging commuters.
Ralston Smith, Managing Director of the Transport Authority, emphasized that such actions are not only illegal but also a blatant violation of commuters’ rights. Smith highlighted that demanding fares beyond the approved rates constitutes a breach of the Road Traffic Act, which could result in severe consequences, including the suspension or revocation of road licences.
“Under section 68 (1) of the Road Traffic Act, operators found guilty of overcharging passengers risk losing their licences,” Smith stated. The authority is also advising commuters to steer clear of unlicensed vehicles, which are often the primary culprits in charging exorbitant prices.
To assist in identifying legitimate transport services, the authority noted that licensed vehicles are marked with red licence plates and a light blue Transport Authority sticker on the windshield, valid until 2026.
The public is encouraged to report any instances of fare overcharging by calling (876) 926-8912 or sending WhatsApp messages to (876) 551-8196. Reports should include the vehicle’s licence plate number, route details, and any supporting photos or videos.
-
Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025 winners announced by Royal Commonwealth Society
The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) has unveiled the winners of The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) for 2025, the world’s oldest international essay contest for school students. This year’s competition achieved a historic milestone, receiving an unprecedented 53,434 entries from all 56 Commonwealth member nations—a 53% increase from 2024. Entries poured in from 54 countries, with significant contributions from Ghana, Nigeria, Malaysia, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the Maldives. The theme, *Our Commonwealth Journey*, encouraged participants to reflect on the Commonwealth’s evolution since its inception in 1949, exploring its diverse cultural, geographical, and societal impact across five continents and a population of 2.7 billion people. A distinguished panel of judges, including luminaries like Sir Ben Okri, Imtiaz Dharker, and Victoria Hislop, selected the winners. The senior winner, Kaira Puri (17) from India, was recognized for her essay *When the Gates Open: From Mud to Stone*, which intertwines mathematics, economics, and personal experience. The junior winner, Vivaan Agarwal (14), also from India, impressed with *Pixels, Poetry and Bridging the Partition Between Us*, advocating for unity and dialogue. Runners-up included Pandora Onyedire (17) from Nigeria and Lakshmi Manognya Achanta (14) from Singapore, whose works explored identity, hope, and cultural heritage. The RCS extended heartfelt gratitude to participants, volunteer judges, and supporters, emphasizing the competition’s role in fostering creativity, empathy, and global connection among young writers.
-
Antigua and Barbuda’s Judiciary Rated Among Region’s Cleanest
In the latest World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, Antigua and Barbuda has demonstrated remarkable stability, securing the 38th position globally out of 143 countries and ranking fifth in Latin America and the Caribbean. The 2025 Index reveals that the nation maintained an overall score of 0.64, unchanged from 2024, despite a global downturn in governance and institutional integrity. Notably, 68% of countries worldwide experienced a decline in rule-of-law performance, marking the sixth consecutive year of deterioration. Antigua and Barbuda excelled in key areas such as ‘Absence of Corruption,’ ‘Fundamental Rights,’ and ‘Order and Security,’ with its judiciary earning a high integrity score of 0.80, and the police and military scoring 0.73, indicating minimal perceptions of bribery or abuse. However, the legislature remains a weak point, scoring only 0.39 on the corruption scale, well below the regional average, reflecting ongoing public skepticism about political transparency. The executive branch scored 0.59, showing moderate confidence in government accountability. Under ‘Constraints on Government Powers,’ the country scored 0.62, supported by judicial independence and a strong record of lawful transitions of power. Yet, limited access to government data and slow administrative processes dragged down the ‘Open Government’ rating to 0.52. Civil justice emerged as a standout strength with a score of 0.68, highlighting impartiality and low corruption within the court system. Criminal justice scored 0.53, indicating moderate efficiency in investigations and adjudication but weaknesses in correctional systems. The 2025 Index underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s institutional resilience, as its performance remained steady amidst global erosion of rule-of-law safeguards. The World Justice Project described the overall findings as ‘sobering,’ emphasizing the weakening of democratic checks and civic freedoms worldwide. Nevertheless, the Index serves as a crucial tool for identifying strengths to build upon and weaknesses to address.
-
Oorzaak landelijke stroomstoring nog onduidelijk
A significant portion of Suriname experienced a widespread power outage on November 3, affecting not only the capital city of Paramaribo but also multiple districts across the country. The Energy Companies of Suriname (EBS) confirmed that the disruption was a nationwide issue, though the exact cause remains unidentified. According to EBS, the outage occurred suddenly and without warning. The blackout began at approximately 9:45 AM and was largely resolved within an hour, restoring electricity to most areas. Authorities are currently investigating the incident to determine the root cause and prevent future occurrences. This unexpected event has raised concerns about the reliability of the nation’s power infrastructure and its impact on daily life and businesses.