The Trinidad and Tobago Promoters Association (TTPA) has strongly criticized the government’s abrupt decision to ban all fetes and Carnival-related events at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) and other Udecott-controlled facilities. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s announcement, made on November 12, has been labeled as “destructive, short-sighted, and a death knell for the entertainment industry” by the TTPA. The association has called for an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister to reconsider the decision, but Persad-Bissessar has firmly stated that the ban will not be reversed. The decision, which took immediate effect, has left over 20 major Carnival events without a venue, with promoters already informed that their permissions have been revoked. The TTPA argues that this move, coupled with recent increases in alcohol prices, has had a catastrophic impact on the entertainment sector, forcing many businesses to consider closures, cancellations, and job cuts. Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin defended the decision, citing long-standing complaints from residents about noise pollution and emphasizing the government’s responsibility to ensure the well-being of all citizens. Meanwhile, San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris sees the ban as an opportunity to revitalize the city’s cultural and entertainment sector, with Skinner Park poised to become a new hub for major events.
分类： society
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FNM candidate for Fox Hill claims latest office break-in caused $8k in damages
Dr. Nicholas Fox, the Free National Movement (FNM) candidate for Fox Hill, expressed dismay after his Collins Avenue medical clinic was vandalized over the weekend, marking the second such incident this year. The clinic suffered approximately $8,000 in damages as vandals shattered glass, overturned files, and caused widespread destruction. Police arrested a 25-year-old suspect early Saturday morning after he attempted to flee through a hole in the roof. A backpack containing coins, food, and a cellphone, believed stolen during a previous break-in, was recovered. Dr. Fox described the attack as senseless, noting that nothing of significant value was taken but that the clinic was left in disarray. ‘Everything that could break was broken,’ he said. The vandalism disrupted operations after security camera and internet wires were severed, forcing staff to process patients manually. Despite the challenges, the clinic served over 100 patients the following day. Dr. Fox emphasized that the clinic has since resumed full operations and implemented enhanced security measures. While he could not confirm whether the incident was politically motivated, he reaffirmed his commitment to providing quality healthcare to the Bahamian people. The clinic was previously targeted in July, shortly after Dr. Fox was ratified as the FNM’s Fox Hill candidate. That earlier break-in resulted in the theft of three iPads containing sensitive patient data and over $2,000 in cash. The stolen devices were later remotely wiped by the clinic’s electronic medical records provider.
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Great Huts Eco Resort launches ‘Resilient Rhythms’ wellness programme in Portland
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s widespread devastation, Great Huts Eco Resort in Portland, Jamaica, is transforming its serene cliffside location into a hub for community healing and personal renewal. Managing Director Vivene Wallace and Pilates instructor Iyla Cousins have unveiled ‘Resilient Rhythms,’ a biweekly wellness program set to run from November 22, 2025, to January 31, 2026. Originally conceived as part of a broader wellness initiative for Portland, the program has taken on new significance in the wake of the hurricane, focusing on physical and emotional recovery. Participants will engage in guided mat Pilates sessions, restorative flows, and group journaling, all designed to calm the nervous system, rebuild strength, and foster human connections. ‘Pilates empowers the body and refocuses the mind,’ Cousins remarked. ‘These sessions remind us that through movement and community, we can rebuild—inside and out.’ The classes will be held at Great Huts Eco Resort, offering stunning views of Boston Bay. Each session is priced at J$3,000 for locals and J$4,500 for visitors, with bundle rates available. Attendees will also enjoy curated wellness experiences, including access to local healers, nourishing refreshments, and the resort’s natural and artistic spaces. Additionally, participants are encouraged to bring donation items for hurricane-affected communities in western Jamaica and St Ann, with incentives such as discounts on classes and accommodations. Local vendors with wellness products are invited to connect via @matandflow. For registration and updates, follow @matandflow and @great.huts on social media or contact via WhatsApp at 876-353-3388. Accommodation packages are available at www.greathuts.com, with 15% of proceeds supporting the Portland Rehabilitation Management Centre.
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Pork production expected to decline, but farmers struggle with current oversupply
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Pig Farmers Association (JPFA) has issued a stark warning about the challenges facing the nation’s pork industry. While an oversupply of pigs is currently burdening farmers, a significant decline in pork production is anticipated in the coming months. This paradoxical situation stems from the temporary closure of numerous hotels and businesses, which has disrupted traditional market channels.
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Transfer system failing students
In a distressing case that highlights systemic failures in the education system, a 14-year-old girl from Calvary Hill, Arima, has been deprived of her right to education for over two years due to severe bullying and bureaucratic inefficiency. The girl, who excelled in her SEA exams in 2023, was forced to withdraw from school after her parents’ repeated pleas for help went unanswered. Despite filing an official police report and seeking assistance from the Ministry of Education, the family encountered a labyrinth of red tape and delays. By January 2025, the girl was enrolled in a private school, where she achieved an impressive 75% average, but her education was cut short when her parents could no longer afford the fees. Now, she remains at home, her dreams of learning fading away. Minister of Education Dr. Michael Dowlath acknowledged the case but cited bureaucratic challenges within the ministry. This incident is not isolated, as former TTUTA president Martin Lum Kin revealed that similar cases have been reported. The government’s inability to address such basic procedural failures raises serious concerns about its commitment to safeguarding children’s education and well-being.
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Education ministry gets $500-m for school clean-up
In a significant move to prioritize education recovery, the Jamaican Ministry of Education has earmarked $500 million for cleanup and restoration efforts in schools devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Dr. Kasan Troupe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, announced this initiative during the National Parenting Support Commission’s (NPSC) ‘Recovery Mission’ Launch at Tivoli Gardens High School on Wednesday.
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Three more shantytowns marked for demolition
The Bahamas government has announced plans to demolish three additional shantytowns, marking a significant escalation in its nationwide campaign against unregulated communities. Works and Family Island Affairs Minister Clay Sweeting revealed that two of these settlements are located in New Providence, while the third is in Andros. The Unregulated Community Action Task Force is spearheading the initiative, which has already seen nearly 500 structures torn down across New Providence, Eleuthera, and Abaco over the past year.
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Randy Glasgow: Let promoters pay bond to regulate noise level
In response to the recent ban on Carnival activities at Udecott-controlled venues, including the Brian Lara Cricket Academy and the International Waterfront, prominent event promoter Randy Glasgow has proposed an alternative solution. Instead of outright bans, Glasgow suggests that promoters should be allowed to post a bond, which would be forfeited if noise pollution regulations are violated during events. This bond could then be allocated to affected residents’ associations as compensation. Glasgow emphasized the need for Environmental Management Authority (EMA) officials to be present at events to enforce noise regulations and ‘pull the plug’ on non-compliant activities. He also called for collaborative meetings involving promoters, residents, Udecott, EMA, police, fire services, and noise pollution experts to develop sustainable solutions. Glasgow highlighted the cultural significance of Trinidad Carnival, which he described as a global showcase of the nation’s rich heritage and creativity. He urged Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to reconsider the ban and engage with promoters to find a balanced approach. Despite the Prime Minister’s firm stance, Glasgow remains hopeful for a resolution that supports both the entertainment industry and community well-being.
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Indecom refers funeral assistance for family of man killed by police
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) has initiated steps to assist the family of Matthew Small, a victim of a fatal police shooting in Ewarton, St Catherine, on December 13, 2024. This move follows a heartfelt plea published in the Jamaica Observer on November 8, 2025, titled “Please, I need to bury my grandson!” Small was one of two individuals who lost their lives during the incident, which occurred without eyewitnesses or the use of body-worn cameras by the involved police team. Since 2021, Indecom has been integrating social intervention referrals into its investigative processes through family liaison officers (FLOs). This initiative aims to provide comprehensive support to affected families, addressing both the emotional and financial challenges they face. Commissioner Hugh Faulkner highlighted the importance of this dual approach, stating that it not only ensures independent and factual resolution of cases but also offers essential support services such as counselling and social assistance. Most referrals are directed to the Victim Services Branch of the Ministry of Justice, the Office of the Children’s Advocate, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Since the inception of this mechanism, Indecom’s FLOs have made over 160 referrals for counselling, 14 PATH referrals, 30 funeral grant referrals, and several others for education grants and compassionate housing. To date, Indecom has confirmed 11 successful funeral grant referrals, four PATH referrals, and a wheelchair donation from Food for the Poor. The commission underscores that while referrals do not guarantee assistance, they are a crucial first step in enhancing access to welfare support. Currently, two family liaison officers are coordinating this initiative across Indecom’s five regional teams.
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Police investigating double murder of St Catherine teacher and student
A tragic incident has shaken the community of St Catherine, Jamaica, as the bodies of a primary school teacher and a high school student were discovered in Mount View, near St Jago Heights, on Thursday afternoon. The victims, identified as 29-year-old Tara Pinnock and 14-year-old Tally Wright, were found with multiple stab wounds, prompting a swift police investigation. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Hopton Nicholson revealed that officers responded to reports of suspicious activity at the premises after 1:00 pm, where they made the grim discovery. Preliminary findings suggest no signs of forced entry, indicating the perpetrator(s) may have had access to the home. SSP Nicholson described the murders as a ‘cowardly act’ and hinted at a possible domestic motive. Authorities are urgently seeking Brandon Maine, a taxi operator on the Spanish Town to Naggo Head route, who they believe may hold critical information. The police are also appealing to the public for any leads that could aid in solving the case.