Comedian Dufton “Duffy” Shepherd, known for his infectious cheerfulness, was left heartbroken after witnessing the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in western Jamaica. The Category 5 storm left a trail of destruction that surpassed his worst fears. However, Shepherd quickly transformed his grief into action, using his upcoming comedy show, *Slightly Unhinged*, as a platform to bring relief and smiles to his fellow Jamaicans.
分类： society
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TTUTA seeks clarification on wage increase implementation
The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) has formally requested the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance to provide clarity on the implementation of a negotiated five per cent wage increase for teachers, covering the period from October 1, 2020, to September 30, 2023. In a statement released on November 25 and signed by newly appointed president Crystal Ashe, TTUTA revealed that the Ministry of Education is awaiting formal instructions from the Ministry of Finance to proceed. Ashe emphasized that the association was assured processing would commence immediately upon receiving the directive. Consequently, TTUTA has also written to the Minister of Finance, demanding a clear timeline for the payments. Ashe stressed the importance of transparency and timely information for educators, vowing to advocate vigorously on their behalf. The statement referenced Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo’s October 13 budget presentation, where he announced the ratification of Collective Agreements signed in April 2025, which include wage increases for the Teaching Service, the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, and the Port of Spain and San Fernando City Corporations. The minister estimated the annual cost of implementing these agreements at $214 million, with arrears amounting to $730 million by December 2025. Meanwhile, conflicting reports have emerged regarding a ten per cent wage increase offer to the Public Services Association (PSA). While PSA President Felisha Thomas claimed the association received a formal offer, an unnamed source from the Chief Personnel Officer’s office stated that the letter only promised an offer subject to negotiations. Former Finance Minister Colm Imbert refrained from commenting on the situation but noted that the 2026 budget did not allocate funds for the salary increases or backpay, suggesting that a second budget for 2026 would be necessary if the payments are to be made.
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‘People have to steal to eat’: Charity faces crisis as demand for food surges
Great Commission Ministries (GCM), a prominent charity in The Bahamas, is grappling with a severe financial crisis as its resources dwindled to a mere $246 last month. Founder Bishop Walter Hanchell revealed the dire situation during a press conference announcing the charity’s inaugural Hope Fest. He highlighted the escalating demand for food, shelter, and emergency support, driven by the surging cost of living and deepening social crisis. GCM, which serves up to 600 people daily, provides groceries, shelter, and support for homeless residents, alongside initiatives like a weekly Children’s Club, a substance abuse treatment program, and daily street outreach. Bishop Hanchell described the increasing desperation among families, with many resorting to living in their vehicles. He also noted a rise in young men experiencing mental and emotional breakdowns, often requiring staff to locate and assist them. The ministry’s operating expenses now exceed $5,000 daily, including the purchase of 300 pounds of meat, even as donations have declined over the past six months. Despite the financial strain, Bishop Hanchell emphasized the spiritual motivation behind GCM’s mission, crediting unexpected miracles for keeping the ministry afloat. He urged the public to support the charity by contributing money, groceries, or meat, stressing the critical need for assistance.
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Taxi union warns of ‘escalating’ industrial action over livery dispute
The Bahamas Taxicab Union (BTCU) is gearing up for intensified industrial action, citing unresolved grievances and accusing the government of failing to curb illegal operations that undermine taxi drivers’ livelihoods. Union President Tyrone Butler expressed frustration over livery drivers allegedly soliciting passengers in areas reserved for taxis, with major hubs like Atlantis, Nassau Cruise Port, and Lynden Pindling International Airport enabling the practice. Butler warned of escalating unrest, stating, ‘We can’t continue to operate where the government is allowing one fraction of society to operate illegally.’ He also criticized Transport and Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis for allegedly favoring livery drivers, claiming she supports their right to operate despite legal violations. The dispute, which escalated earlier this year, led to a formal request for legal guidance from the Office of the Attorney General regarding the Road Traffic Act. The Ministry of Transport and Energy emphasized its commitment to a fair and modern regulatory framework but acknowledged the conflict stems from differing interpretations of the law. Recent protests outside Nassau Cruise Port, which resulted in arrests of two taxi drivers, underscored the union’s determination to be heard. Butler expressed satisfaction with the union’s efforts to highlight their concerns but warned of further unrest if the government continues to ignore the issue.
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Appeal Court overturns ruling quashing dentist’s suspension
The Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court decision that had dismissed disciplinary findings and lifted the suspension of Dr. Dion Koonoolal, a dentist accused of violating the Dental Council’s advertising regulations. The case has been remitted to a newly constituted appeal tribunal for a full rehearing. Justices Charmaine Pemberton, Mira Dean-Armorer, and Carla Brown-Antoine ruled that Justice Carol Gobin, acting as the appeal tribunal, failed to conduct the case as a true rehearing, as mandated by Section 37 of the Dental Profession Act and Part 60.8 of the Civil Proceedings Rules (CPR).
Justice Pemberton, who authored the unanimous judgment, stated that this procedural lapse prevented the proper examination of evidence, including cross-examination, rendering the earlier decision “plainly wrong.” She emphasized that the appeal judge did not ensure all necessary evidence was presented, relying instead on statements from counsel and personal opinions. This approach, the court found, led to factual errors and an incorrect dismissal of the Dental Council’s statutory role as the profession’s primary regulator.
The Court of Appeal underscored the importance of appellate courts respecting the expertise of professional disciplinary bodies, particularly in specialized fields. It concluded that the High Court had undermined the role Parliament intended for the Dental Council in maintaining professional standards. While Dr. Koonoolal had challenged the fairness of the disciplinary process, the court declined to rule on these issues, noting they were not properly examined during the initial appeal.
The court also clarified that the regulatory framework explicitly prohibits unauthorized advertising by dentists, subject to specific exceptions. It rejected any interpretation suggesting ambiguity in the law, stating that the policy documents complement rather than contradict the legislative provisions. The court emphasized that debates about modernizing professional codes should not interfere with judicial obligations to base decisions on evidence and legal frameworks.
The appeal was allowed, the High Court’s decision was set aside, and the case was ordered to be reheard by a different tribunal. Dr. Koonoolal was also directed to pay the Dental Council’s legal costs. The Dental Council was represented by Ian Benjamin, SC, Anil Maraj, and Nicole de Verteuil-Milne, while Dr. Koonoolal was represented by Anand Ramlogal, SC, and Jared Jagroo.
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Hong Kong housing estate fire kills at least 36, 200-plus missing
A catastrophic fire erupted at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, on Wednesday afternoon, marking the city’s most devastating blaze in decades. The inferno, which continued to rage into Thursday, claimed at least 36 lives and left over 200 individuals unaccounted for. The fire, which began on bamboo scaffolding surrounding several apartment blocks, rapidly spread due to strong winds and drifting debris, engulfing the densely populated estate. The estate, home to nearly 2,000 flats across eight towers, was undergoing maintenance at the time, complicating evacuation efforts. Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee, confirmed the death toll and expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. Twenty-nine individuals were hospitalized, with seven in critical condition. A firefighter, aged 37, was among the victims, succumbing to injuries sustained while battling the blaze. Witnesses described harrowing scenes of thick smoke, towering flames, and falling debris, with residents struggling to evacuate. Many elderly residents, unable to move swiftly, were particularly vulnerable. Chinese President Xi Jinping extended condolences to the victims and their families, urging authorities to minimize casualties and losses. Temporary shelters were established, and a casualty hotline was activated to assist affected residents. The fire, which has raised concerns about scaffolding safety, underscores the challenges of managing disasters in one of the world’s most densely populated cities.
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UPDATE: Five dead, 15 injured in toll road crash
A devastating accident on the PJ Patterson Highway in Jamaica has resulted in the deaths of five individuals, with 15 others requiring medical attention. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon around 3:00 pm, involving a Toyota Hiace bus that was operating as a public passenger vehicle. The bus, traveling eastbound, reportedly suffered a tyre blowout, causing it to collide with a guard rail and overturn into a ditch just before the Vineyard Toll Booth. Dr. Lucien Jones, Vice Chair of the National Road Safety Council, provided preliminary details, emphasizing the severity of the crash and the ongoing investigation into whether excessive speed contributed to the tragedy. This incident has brought the total number of road fatalities in Jamaica this year to 342, marking a significant setback in the nation’s road safety efforts. Dr. Jones has called for heightened caution among motorists, urging adherence to speed limits and the enforcement of the Road Traffic Act, including the merit point system, to deter reckless driving. The police are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash, as the nation mourns the loss of lives and reflects on the critical importance of road safety.
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Maxi drivers ‘hopeful’ after meeting with police
In response to a recent surge in robberies targeting public transport vehicles along the Priority Bus Route (PBR), Route Two maxi taxi drivers are optimistic about newly proposed security measures. These initiatives were developed following discussions between the Route Two Maxi Taxi Association and law enforcement officials, including the head of the transit police. The collaboration aims to address the safety concerns of both drivers and passengers. On November 19, a distressing incident occurred when five men, one armed with a knife, boarded a maxi taxi near Bon Air West. They robbed the driver of $300 and stole personal belongings from terrified passengers before escaping. Brenton Knight, president of the Route Two Maxi Taxi Association, revealed that the association is preparing to implement undisclosed security measures, emphasizing the need for careful planning. He also supported the police’s recommendation for drivers to install dash cams, which could provide crucial evidence in criminal investigations. Assistant Commissioner of Police Rishi Singh highlighted the potential of such footage to aid in solving crimes. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander acknowledged the challenges faced by the transit police, which he claimed had been neglected over the past nine years. Despite these issues, Alexander noted a significant reduction in robberies along the PBR, with only one reported this year compared to ten in the previous year.
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Israel Khan a shining exemplar
Israel Khan QC, a renowned Senior Counsel and esteemed tutor at the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS), has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree by the University of TT. This prestigious accolade recognizes his exceptional contributions to the legal profession, particularly in criminal law, rather than academic achievements alone. Khan, a graduate of the HWLS Class of 1979, has been a pivotal figure at the institution for 38 years, mentoring countless aspiring lawyers. In 2024, he was celebrated as one of the six distinguished Caribbean luminaries during HWLS’s 50th anniversary. Appointed Senior Counsel in 2000, Khan has demonstrated unparalleled brilliance, moral courage, and dedication to justice throughout his career. Ulric Skerritt, a junior counsel who collaborated with Khan for over 24 years, praised his integrity and unwavering commitment to fairness. Khan’s legacy continues to inspire young attorneys, and this honorary degree is a testament to his enduring impact on the legal field.
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Marathon Insurance Brokers donates $2m to support hurricane-impacted residents in St Elizabeth
In a significant move to aid recovery efforts in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, Marathon Insurance Brokers has donated $2 million to assist residents whose homes were severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa. The contribution was officially handed over to Floyd Green, Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth South West, during a ceremony at the company’s Kingston office. The event was attended by Marathon’s President and CEO Levar Smith, Executive Vice President of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Keisha Burgher, and Sales Manager Joseth Brown.
Smith emphasized the importance of corporate Jamaica’s involvement in the relief efforts, stating, ‘We are a part of this country’s fabric. When our people hurt, we hurt.’ He also highlighted the critical role of insurance in providing a safety net for families and businesses, enabling faster recovery post-disaster.
Marathon Insurance Brokers reaffirmed its commitment to supporting clients, communities, and the nation throughout the rebuilding process. MP Green lauded the company for its swift response, noting that Marathon was among the first to offer assistance. ‘This is the ethos of Marathon — to stand with the Jamaican people in their greatest time of need,’ he said.
Green described the devastation in St Elizabeth South West as unprecedented, with over 20,000 residents directly affected and the majority suffering significant damage to their homes. He reported that nearly all of the 40 impacted communities in his constituency experienced destruction affecting over 90% of their housing stock. ‘Capital towns like Black River have been completely wiped off the map,’ he added, underscoring the severe losses to businesses and livelihoods.
Nationally, preliminary assessments indicate that more than 120,000 homes across Jamaica sustained damage during Hurricane Melissa, highlighting the widespread impact of the disaster.