Arawak Cay vendors affected by a recent fire expressed dissatisfaction with a meeting held with Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, describing the discussions as lacking substance and more of a public relations exercise. Rodney Russell, president of the Arawak Cay Conch, Fish, Vegetable, and Food Vendors Association, criticized the outcome, stating that no significant commitments were made to support the affected business owners. Russell’s stall, Red Snapper, was among six structures completely destroyed in the blaze, with two others sustaining damage. While the government outlined plans to construct temporary structures within 60 days, Russell emphasized the absence of a concrete long-term strategy. He argued that decisions should be made in partnership with vendors rather than dictated by officials unfamiliar with their needs. Prime Minister Davis, who shared photos of the meeting on social media, pledged his government’s support and commitment to rebuilding the site. However, vendors like Teshell Mackey, owner of On the Edge, expressed concerns about the lack of financial assistance and clarity on long-term plans. Mackey estimated rebuilding costs at $230,000 and highlighted the urgency of support to retain employees and sustain livelihoods. Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper acknowledged that detailed assistance plans are still under discussion, leaving vendors uncertain about their future.
分类： society
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Soaring demand pushes GB food aid groups to their limit
Grand Bahama’s leading food aid organizations are grappling with unprecedented demand as residents increasingly rely on non-profits to supplement their shrinking grocery budgets. The Grand Bahama Red Cross Society and Reach Out Ministries report a significant rise in weekly inquiries, walk-ins, and requests to join their feeding programs, highlighting the growing economic hardship on the island. Kimberly Outten, administrator at the Grand Bahama Red Cross, revealed that their Meals on Wheels service, which provides hot meals to disabled and elderly residents five days a week, has been operating at full capacity for months. Despite serving approximately 50 to 55 individuals, the program is unable to meet the escalating demand. Many seeking assistance have already exhausted other options, such as Social Services and churches, only to be redirected to the Red Cross. In addition to Meals on Wheels, the organization distributes monthly grocery parcels to 22 families, but new requests continue to strain resources, with 12 to 20 weekly walk-ins seeking help. The needs often extend beyond food, with requests for home repairs and rent assistance, which the Red Cross cannot provide. As Thanksgiving approaches, the organization is preparing for its Feed the 10,000 initiative, a community-supported mass feeding event expected to exceed 10,000 meals. Reach Out Ministries is experiencing similar pressures, with founder Dudley Seide noting a steady stream of calls for assistance, including 60 to 70 weekly requests. The ministry continues its weekly Sunday feeding program and is gearing up for Thanksgiving and Christmas initiatives. Seide emphasized the acute need among older residents, many of whom face financial instability due to delayed pensions and unemployment.
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Golfview Hotel hosts job fair as part of recovery efforts for hospitality sector
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on central Jamaica, the Golfview Hotel in Mandeville took a proactive step towards recovery by organizing a job fair on Wednesday. The event aimed to provide employment opportunities for individuals affected by the hurricane, particularly those in the hospitality sector, which suffered significant disruptions. The job fair featured openings in various roles, including front office, security, maintenance, housekeeping, and food and beverage services. This initiative is part of Golfview Hotel’s broader strategy to foster economic recovery and stability in the region. Letesha Whyte, the hotel’s marketing and sales manager, emphasized that the recovery process extends beyond physical repairs. ‘National recovery after Hurricane Melissa is about more than fixing buildings; it’s about restoring livelihoods and providing stability for families,’ she stated. By creating job opportunities, Golfview Hotel seeks to empower households to rebuild their incomes, regain security, and contribute to Jamaica’s economic resurgence. Whyte also highlighted the hospitality industry’s critical role as a driver of employment and local commerce in central Jamaica. Through this effort, the hotel aims to enhance individual well-being and strengthen community resilience in the face of adversity.
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CAL, you can do much better
A recent flight experience on Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) has sparked criticism from a passenger, highlighting significant issues with in-flight service. The incident occurred on Flight BW481 from Fort Lauderdale to Piarco on November 2, 2025. Despite a two-hour delay, the passenger noted that airport and desk staff were courteous and apologetic. However, the situation deteriorated once onboard. A flight attendant’s inappropriate remark about passengers using the restroom caused embarrassment, particularly among elderly travelers. Throughout the flight, the attendant displayed a belligerent attitude, including mocking passengers struggling with overhead bins and dismissing inquiries about meal options. The passenger, a frequent flyer with 50 years of experience, described the attendant’s behavior as the worst they had encountered. Despite CAL’s accolades, including being named the Caribbean’s Leading Airline Brand for the ninth consecutive year and receiving the APEX Five-Star Major Airline rating, the passenger urged the airline’s management to address these service shortcomings to maintain its esteemed reputation.
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Body found in abandoned Agriculture Ministry building
The discovery of a decomposing body in an abandoned Ministry of Agriculture building in Port of Spain, Trinidad, has left authorities puzzled. On November 17, at approximately 6:30 am, an anonymous passerby alerted the Police Command Centre about a foul odor emanating from the old Surveys and Mapping Division building on Wrightson Road. Responding officers, granted access by an MTS official, found the severely decomposed remains of a man inside. The individual, of African descent with a rasta hairstyle, was shirtless and clad in brown long pants. Police noted no visible signs of violence on the body. The district medical officer declared the man dead and ordered the body to be transported to the Forensic Science Centre in St. James for an autopsy. Investigators remain uncertain how the man entered the building, as a lock was found on the front gate during a subsequent visit on November 19, with all doors and windows appearing secure. The Central Police Station has taken charge of the investigation, seeking to unravel the circumstances surrounding this mysterious death.
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Dominica Republic decriminalises same-sex relations in police, army
In a landmark decision, the Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic has decriminalized same-sex sexual relations for members of the police and military, overturning a law that previously imposed up to two years in prison for such acts. The ruling, issued on Wednesday, marks a significant step forward in a nation where same-sex marriage remains illegal and the LGBTQ community faces widespread stigmatization. The court, the highest authority on constitutional matters in the country, declared that provisions in the legal codes of the police and armed forces referencing sodomy were “not in accordance with the Constitution” and ordered their removal. The court emphasized that these norms violated principles of reasonableness, unjustifiably discriminated based on sexual orientation, and infringed on privacy, personal development, and the right to work. It further stated that the Constitution mandates equal treatment and respect for all individuals, obliging public authorities to ensure dignified treatment for all Dominicans serving in the military. This decision, while limited in scope, is seen as a progressive move in a predominantly Catholic and conservative Caribbean nation.
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Man sent to anger management after hitting stepchild with broom
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A stepfather has been mandated to undergo counseling following allegations of physically assaulting his 10-year-old stepchild with a broom. The incident led to a court appearance in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, where the defendant faced Judge Paula Blake Powell. The child’s mother, who shares additional children with the accused, was also present in court. The prosecution alleged that the defendant struck the child with the broom, resulting in a bleeding wound. The defense argued that the injury was minor, but Judge Blake Powell emphasized that neither the defense attorney nor herself were qualified to make medical assessments. She instructed the defense to await the official medical report before drawing conclusions. The court referred the defendant to the family court for counseling focused on anger management and conflict resolution.
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High Court awards TTEC estate constable $1.1m for wrongful dismissal
In a landmark ruling, Farad Mohammed, a former estate constable dismissed from the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (TTEC) in 2017, has been awarded over $1.1 million in damages. The High Court determined that his termination violated the company’s disciplinary code, marking a significant victory for Mohammed and the Estate Police Association (EPA).
Mohammed’s dismissal followed an internal disciplinary hearing in February 2017, where he was found guilty of tampering with company property. The incident occurred in October 2016 when Mohammed, while on patrol at TTEC’s Frederick Street offices in Port of Spain, noticed the emblem of a company vehicle had come loose. He claimed he placed it in his pocket to prevent it from falling off, intending to reattach it later. TTEC initially charged him with theft and tampering, though the theft charge was later dropped.
Mohammed and the EPA contested the dismissal, arguing that TTEC’s disciplinary code limited the penalty for a first-time tampering offense to a 30-day suspension with a threat of dismissal. However, the Special Tribunal upheld the termination in 2019, stating the code was merely a guide.
In 2020, Mohammed and the EPA, represented by attorneys Kevin Ratiram and Michael Rooplal, sought judicial review. On January 31, Justice Joan Charles ruled that TTEC was bound by its disciplinary code and lacked the authority to dismiss Mohammed. She overturned the tribunal’s decision, ordered his reinstatement, and directed a damages assessment.
During the assessment before Master Wrenerson Lochan, it was agreed that Mohammed’s lost earnings from 2017 to his reinstatement amounted to $924,656.79. TTEC’s legal team argued for a 40% reduction, citing Mohammed’s conduct, but his attorneys countered that the code prohibited dismissal, absolving him of responsibility. Lochan rejected TTEC’s request, ordering the full payment of $924,656.79, plus $87,355.73 in interest and $109,599 in costs, bringing the total award to over $1.1 million.
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CARILEC Thanks APUA and Regional Lineworkers for Supporting Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa
The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) has extended its heartfelt gratitude to the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and regional lineworkers for their unwavering support in restoring power across Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The devastating hurricane left widespread destruction, crippling infrastructure and leaving thousands without electricity. APUA, alongside a dedicated team of lineworkers from across the Caribbean, swiftly mobilized to assist Jamaica’s recovery efforts. Their expertise and tireless work were instrumental in repairing damaged power lines and restoring essential services to affected communities. CARILEC highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in disaster response, emphasizing that such partnerships are vital for building resilience in the face of increasingly severe weather events. The organization also commended the lineworkers for their bravery and commitment, often working in challenging conditions to ensure the safety and well-being of others. This collective effort underscores the spirit of solidarity within the Caribbean region, demonstrating how shared resources and expertise can make a significant difference in times of crisis.
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‘More disruption ahead’ after record floods in multiple districts
Barbados remains on high alert following unprecedented rainfall on Sunday, which triggered widespread flooding across the island. Over nine inches (228.6 mm) of rain fell within a 24-hour period, submerging communities in multiple parishes, overwhelming emergency services, and tragically claiming the life of one man swept away by floodwaters. The Barbados Meteorological Services has warned that the unstable weather conditions are likely to continue into the early part of the week, with sporadic moderate to heavy showers potentially prompting flash flood alerts at short notice. Deputy Director Brian Murray explained that a combination of weather systems, including a surface to low-level trough enhanced by a favorable upper-level environment, created ideal conditions for prolonged heavy rains. The northern parishes were particularly affected during the morning and early afternoon, leading to the issuance of a flash flood warning for the region. However, as the day progressed, the entire island experienced severe flooding, with roads submerged, drainage systems overwhelmed, and emergency services stretched to their limits. While some relief is expected by the end of the week, with improved weather conditions forecasted from Friday, the island continues to grapple with the aftermath of this devastating event.