In a recent statement, Trinidad and Tobago’s government officials emphasized the importance of addressing noise pollution while promoting cultural events. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh, and Housing Ministry Minister Phillip Alexander collectively stressed that cultural sustainability must not infringe on citizens’ constitutional rights. The ministers shared their views en route to the Senate’s Friday session at the Red House. Alexander, drawing from his experience as a police officer, highlighted the persistent issue of noise pollution, particularly from events that prioritize profit over community well-being. He underscored the government’s commitment to improving citizens’ quality of life through noise pollution legislation. The minister urged event promoters to consider the impact of their activities, especially during nighttime when residents seek tranquility. Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Keith Rowley imposed a ban on fetes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy and other Udecott-managed venues, sparking backlash from promoters who argued it would stifle the event industry. Alexander defended the decision, stating that promoters often overlook the inconvenience caused to nearby residents. He emphasized the need for immediate action when noise disrupts vulnerable individuals, such as those recovering from illness. Swaratsingh called for a balanced approach, ensuring that events coexist harmoniously with residents’ right to peace. While some promoters have acknowledged the need for compromise, Alexander remains optimistic that the policy will not dampen the upcoming Carnival season, predicting it could be the largest in recent history.
分类： society
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Market Bag: Sweet pepper up to $1,500 as vendors predict more price spikes
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has dealt a severe blow to Jamaica’s agriculture sector, leading to a sharp rise in food prices. Agriculture Minister Floyd Green disclosed on Tuesday that the hurricane caused staggering losses amounting to $29.5 billion, significantly impacting the nation’s food supply chain. This week, the Coronation Market in downtown Kingston witnessed heightened frustrations among buyers as prices for essential produce surged. Sweet and hot peppers are now priced at $1,500 per pound, while escallion ranges between $1,000 and $1,500 per pound. Thyme is being sold for $1,200 per pound, and tomatoes cost between $400 and $500 per pound. Vendors warn that prices are likely to escalate further as the Christmas season approaches, compounding the challenges faced by consumers.
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Antigua partners with Guyana to cut cost of living
Antigua and Barbuda has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Guyana to launch a new food import initiative aimed at reducing the cost of living for its citizens. The partnership seeks to secure affordable fruits, vegetables, and other essential produce for the local market, with the goal of driving down prices. Maurice Merchant, Antigua’s Director General of Communications, revealed that the Cabinet has tasked Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. with coordinating the arrangement with Guyana’s government. This initiative follows high-level discussions between Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, and Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, during the COP30 conference in Brazil. Additionally, the Cabinet has decided to reduce the Common External Tariff (CET) on critical food items, including fresh produce, canned proteins, and infant foods. This measure, approved by the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), will suspend CET on basic food commodities from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, to mitigate the impact of rising global food prices. Currently, nearly 90% of Antigua and Barbuda’s food imports originate from North America, leaving the nation vulnerable to global market fluctuations. The partnership with Guyana aims to diversify supply sources within Caricom and ensure lower import costs directly benefit consumers. Officials anticipate that the first shipments from Guyana could help stabilize supermarket prices by early 2026. This initiative aligns with Caricom’s “25 by 2025” goal, which seeks to reduce regional food import bills by 25% and strengthen agricultural ties among member states. In a related development, the government plans to introduce legislation in 2024 to curb sugary drink consumption as part of a broader strategy to promote healthier lifestyles and combat diet-related illnesses. Merchant emphasized that the proposed bill will complement recent food price interventions and encourage better dietary choices among citizens.
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UB students ordered to sit exams in rooms deemed unusable due to mould
Growing concerns over mould contamination in multiple classroom blocks at the University of The Bahamas have reached a critical point this week. Students have reported being instructed to sit their end-of-semester exams in a room previously deemed unsafe due to mould issues. A social media post from a student revealed that a mathematics class had been moved online for weeks because of mould in the assigned classroom, only for the final exam to be scheduled in the same space, with masks required as a precaution. Dr. Anastasia Brown, Acting President of the Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas, confirmed that mould complaints extend beyond the maths building to other facilities, including the CATS building. She attributed the problem to long-standing maintenance challenges on the Oakes Field campus, exacerbated by the university’s location on a former pond, which necessitates regular upkeep. Dr. Brown also highlighted issues with air-conditioning vents and filters, which are not being replaced on schedule due to resource constraints. She emphasized the impact of poor air quality on faculty, staff, and students, stating, ‘If you hear my voice, I can barely breathe.’ Despite promises from university officials and the government to address the issues, Dr. Brown expressed frustration over the lack of progress. Edwin Waldron, President of the Student Government Association, acknowledged earlier complaints about mould and confirmed that the university had allocated funds for repairs. However, he was unaware of the specific exam-related complaint and pledged to investigate. Both Dr. Brown and Mr. Waldron stressed the importance of resolving maintenance issues, particularly as the university prepares for accreditation exercises. Dr. Brown urged the institution to prioritize safety, stating, ‘We understand we want to do accreditation, but you have to make sure that we are around to enjoy accreditation.’ University officials did not respond to requests for comment by press time.
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Traffic pile-up on Kendal main road after crash
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A significant traffic disruption has gripped the Kendal main road in Manchester following a collision between two heavy-duty vehicles on Friday. The accident took place near a sharp curve on the road, involving a truck and a trailer that was carrying a tractor at the time of the crash. The Kendal Road, known for its winding path, is currently serving as an alternative route due to the inaccessibility of the Content main road. The Content road has been submerged by groundwater that surged after the impact of Category Five Hurricane Melissa, exacerbating the transportation challenges in the area. Authorities are urging motorists to exercise caution and seek alternate routes to avoid further congestion.
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GEM sends $4.3 million worth in aid to Jamaica for Hurricane Melissa recovery
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) has spearheaded a monumental recovery initiative in collaboration with the Building a Better Jamaica program and various partner organizations. This effort aims to assist affected communities in rebuilding and restoring normalcy.
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Just find another product
The vibrant Carnival celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago face an uncertain future as fete promoters raise concerns over the government’s proposed noise restrictions. The new regulations aim to curb excessive noise in residential areas by banning fetes at certain venues, a move that has sparked fears of a collapse in the country’s entertainment and tourism sectors. For years, residents have voiced complaints about the relentless noise from these events, which often extend into the early morning hours. Fete promoters argue that these restrictions could deter international visitors, particularly Trinidadians returning home for the Carnival season, who have already expressed concerns about rising costs. Critics point out the lack of innovation in these events, which often feature repetitive music, artists, and offerings, with only ticket prices seeing significant changes. Additionally, questions have been raised about the business practices of fete promoters, including whether their companies are properly registered and profits declared. Instead of adapting to the changing landscape, many promoters are lamenting the potential decline of Carnival rather than seeking creative solutions to sustain the industry. As the debate continues, the future of one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most iconic cultural events hangs in the balance.
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The Weeknd donates US$350,000 to hurricane relief effort in Jamaica
Canadian music icon The Weeknd has contributed $350,000 from his XO Humanitarian Fund to support relief operations in Jamaica, which was severely affected by Hurricane Melissa. The World Food Program (WFP) confirmed the donation in a press release on November 13, highlighting its critical role in scaling up efforts to assist approximately 200,000 Jamaicans in their recovery from the disaster. Barron Segar, President and CEO of World Food Program USA, expressed gratitude for The Weeknd’s generosity, emphasizing that the donation will provide essential comfort and resilience to those impacted. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck the Caribbean in late October, affecting nearly six million people, with Jamaica experiencing the most severe consequences. The WFP has collaborated with the Jamaican government to deliver food kits containing rice, lentils, canned fish, meat, and vegetable oil to over 9,000 individuals. Across Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti, the WFP has distributed emergency food supplies to 254,000 people, underscoring the scale of the humanitarian response.
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‘Exterminate cane toads to protect your family and pets’
The Bahamas is grappling with the escalating presence of cane toads, an invasive species that has firmly established itself in the nation’s ecosystem. Local experts warn that the toads, which have been increasingly spotted across New Providence, pose significant risks to pets, wildlife, and even humans. Deon Gibson, general manager of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), noted a sharp rise in cane toad sightings in both western and eastern parts of the island. He urged residents to euthanize the toads by sealing them in bags and freezing them or using long tools like pitchforks to avoid direct contact. Dr. Ancilleno Davis, an assistant professor at the University of The Bahamas, emphasized that eradication is no longer feasible. ‘It is impossible to kill off all the cane toads,’ he stated. ‘We must learn to coexist with them and educate communities, especially children and pet owners.’ The toads’ rapid reproduction and lack of natural predators ensure their long-term survival. A single female can lay hundreds of thousands of eggs, and mature toads face minimal threats. However, their toxins are deadly to local wildlife and can cause severe reactions in humans, including nausea, vomiting, and even cardiac issues. Dr. Davis highlighted the ecological imbalance caused by the toads, which prey on native species and poison predators. ‘A stray dog or cat might think it’s an easy meal, but they will die,’ he explained. The surge in reported sightings is partly attributed to increased public awareness and the rapid dissemination of information online. Cane toads were first detected in western New Providence in 2013, and since then, multiple alerts and identification guides have been issued to combat their spread. Despite these efforts, the species’ impact on the Bahamas’ ecosystem and public safety remains a pressing concern.
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Catherine Hall and West Green clean-up entering second phase
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which has been described as the most devastating hurricane to strike Jamaica, government agencies have ramped up their efforts to restore normalcy in the severely affected Catherine Hall and West Green communities. The clean-up operation, now in its second phase, focuses on removing remaining debris and implementing extensive sanitization measures. Minister Robert Morgan, responsible for works, highlighted the extensive damage, noting that floodwaters reached up to 10 feet, with mud levels in some areas as high as three feet. Over 700 truckloads of debris, including destroyed furniture, have already been removed by the National Solid Waste Management Authority. The second phase involves mobilizing community members, alongside agencies like China Harbour Engineering, the municipality, and the National Works Agency, to ensure thorough sanitization and debris removal. Minister Andrew Wheatley emphasized the collaborative efforts with various state agencies, including the National Water Commission and the fire brigade, to expedite the restoration process. Despite the significant losses suffered by residents, there is a collective gratitude that no lives were lost. The government is also focusing on public health risks, ensuring that areas posing health hazards are promptly addressed. Wheatley acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the disaster, with rivers overflowing and water levels reaching historic highs, and stressed the importance of learning from this experience to implement future mitigation strategies. The cost of the recovery efforts is yet to be finalized, but the central government is fully supporting the multi-agency initiative to bring relief to the affected communities.