It has been three harrowing years since Rochellda “Dadah” Woodside vanished without a trace while walking home in August 2022. Her family, enduring an unbearable void, continues to seek answers, praying for her safe return or at least the chance to lay her to rest with dignity. Victoria Ferguson, Rochellda’s 35-year-old sister, describes the ordeal as an unhealed wound that has left their family shattered. “We hope she’s alive, but if not, we just want to give her a proper burial,” Ferguson shared with The Tribune. Rochellda was last seen on August 11, 2022, walking along Lincoln Boulevard toward Washington Street, where she resided. Witnesses reported seeing her enter a car with an individual who offered her a ride—a person Ferguson believes was not a stranger and may hold the key to her disappearance. The family’s frustration has grown over what they perceive as a lack of urgency from the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Despite multiple searches and tips, including combing empty lots and abandoned buildings, no trace of Rochellda has been found. Ferguson recalls her sister as educated, kind, and street-smart, someone who would not have accepted a ride from an untrusted individual. The family suspects jealousy or a personal dispute involving a friend or ex-boyfriend as possible motives. This tragedy is not the family’s first; in 2017, Rochellda’s brother was killed, leaving behind two children who still ask about their missing aunt. Ferguson, who returned to New Providence from the United States after her sister’s disappearance, remembers Rochellda’s aspirations—opening a clothing store, a car rental company, and returning to school. Each year, on the anniversary of her disappearance, Ferguson revisits her sister’s belongings and memories, keeping her spirit alive. Despite the silence and lack of progress, the family vows to continue their search, holding onto faith and the hope for eventual closure.
分类： society
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SHOP WITH PURPOSE…
NaturalAnnie Essentials, a Connecticut-based lifestyle brand founded by Jamaican-born entrepreneur Annya “Annie” White-Brown, has relaunched its popular Jamaican Yardie Candle Collection to aid families in Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa. A portion of all sales will be donated to support relief efforts. The collection, initially launched in 2023, features 14 hand-poured, scented soy candles, each representing a Jamaican parish. These candles, housed in reusable amber glass containers, have resonated deeply with the Jamaican Diaspora and enthusiasts of Jamaican culture, evoking nostalgic memories of home. Available online and at the NaturalAnnie Essentials Candle Bar in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the candles are crafted with unique fragrance profiles, such as passionfruit, pineapple, and vanilla for the Trelawny candle, and lime, cotton, and sage for the St Elizabeth candle. In addition to the candle sales, the company has partnered with the Jamaican American Connections of Connecticut to establish its Candle Bar as a donation drop-off site for essential items. On December 7, a reggae-themed candle-making event will be held at the Candle Bar, with a portion of ticket sales also contributing to the relief efforts. White-Brown emphasizes her commitment to making a meaningful impact on her homeland, even as a small business. Customers can shop online at naturalannieessentials.com or visit the Candle Bar at 1313 Connecticut Ave, Bridgeport, CT.
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Water sports and tour operators accuse Port Department of arbitrary treatment
Water sports and tour operators in New Providence are raising serious allegations against the Port Department, accusing it of harassment, intimidation, and selective enforcement. Business owners claim that officials have targeted outspoken individuals while ignoring unlicensed competitors. Acting Port Controller Berne Wright is at the center of these accusations, with operators alleging that enforcement efforts are being used as a tool of punishment rather than regulation.
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Kiprich freed as prosecutors drop case over alleged One Order endorsement
Dancehall artist Kiprich, whose real name is Marlon Plunkett, has been exonerated after the prosecution withdrew criminal charges against him in the St. Catherine Parish Court on Tuesday. The case, which had drawn significant attention, was dismissed following concerns raised by the defense regarding the nature of the charges and constitutional issues. Defense attorney Patrick Peterkin expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the prosecution failed to meet the evidentiary threshold required to proceed. Kiprich had been charged under section 18A of the Offences Against the Person Act, which pertains to the use of audio, visual, or audiovisual communication to promote criminal activity. Throughout the legal proceedings, Plunkett steadfastly maintained his innocence, denying any involvement in gang-related activities or incitement of violence. Peterkin highlighted the broader implications of the case, warning that such laws could unjustly burden artists who are merely performing their craft. The charges stemmed from a custom-order dubplate created for a foreign-based selector following the death of Othniel ‘Thickman’ Lobban, a notorious gang leader. Kiprich’s management team claimed the audio was manipulated to appear more inflammatory than intended. Lobban, a key figure in Jamaica’s criminal underworld, was allegedly involved in shootings, extortion, and gang dominance in various areas before being killed in a shootout with police earlier this year.
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Pitbull mauls dad, but fearing slow justice, relatives won’t press charges
A retired police officer from Claxton Bay, O’Neil Sookhoo, 62, is recovering after a harrowing pitbull attack at his home on November 10. The incident occurred when a neighbor’s pitbull, which had escaped on November 8, mauled Sookhoo, leaving him with severe injuries to his forearms, chest, and legs. His wife, Sherry Sookhoo, 53, recounted the traumatic event, describing how she intervened by striking the dog with a piece of wood, only for the animal to turn its aggression toward her. The attack ended when Sookhoo used a cutlass to fend off the dog, which then retreated after its owner called it back. The couple rushed to Point Fortin Hospital, where Sookhoo received prompt medical attention. Despite the ordeal, the family has decided not to press charges, opting instead for a compensation agreement with the dog’s owner. Sherry cited the slow judicial system as the primary reason for this decision, emphasizing the need to prioritize her husband’s recovery and the emotional well-being of their traumatized children. The incident has reignited concerns about dog attacks in the community, with Sherry urging measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The attack was reported to the Couva Police Station, and while legal action remains possible, the family’s focus remains on healing and moving forward.
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Hands in Unison donates over 250 care packages to hurricane-hit Trelawny communities
In a significant humanitarian effort, over 250 care packages were delivered to residents of the Martha Brae and Zion communities, as well as individuals at a shelter in Holland, Trelawny, Jamaica. This initiative was spearheaded by Hands in Unison, a local Christian-based humanitarian organization, as part of their ongoing relief efforts for families impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The packages included essential items such as food, water, and toiletries, providing much-needed support to those affected by the disaster. The project was led by CEO Ruth-Ann Pinnock and Projects Director Lorene Pinnock, aligning with the organization’s annual programs, including the ‘Dare to Care’ and Christmas gift initiatives. Lorene Pinnock emphasized the organization’s commitment to expanding their efforts, stating, ‘For Melissa relief, we aim to distribute 200 to 300 care packages and undertake roof repair projects in every parish we serve.’ Hands in Unison has pledged to complete 45 roof projects nationwide to help families rebuild stronger homes. The organization’s guiding principle, ‘Together We Can,’ underscores their collaborative approach, bringing together volunteers, corporate partners, and other organizations to create meaningful change. Ruth-Ann Pinnock expressed deep gratitude to the organization’s supporters for enabling the Trelawny outreach. The initiative not only provided immediate relief but also symbolized hope and resilience for the affected communities.
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Minister Zakour tours highway days after fatal crash
Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Eli Zakour spearheaded a critical safety assessment of the Solomon Hochoy Highway near the Corinth Overpass on November 11, just days after a tragic accident claimed the life of 32-year-old Arvin Williams. The fatal incident occurred on November 8 when Williams, driving his red Nissan Frontier, lost control near the Cipero Bridge, causing the vehicle to crash into the bridge’s walls and plummet 30 feet into a ditch below. Williams, who was en route home after dropping off a friend in Golconda, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was set to celebrate his 33rd birthday on November 11. The assessment tour, part of a broader multi-agency initiative to enhance road safety, included senior officials such as Chief Traffic Engineer Adande Piggott, Civil Engineer Sharaz Hosein, and Police Road Safety Project Co-ordinator Sgt Brent Batson. The team conducted a thorough evaluation of the site to identify necessary improvements and expedite corrective measures. The ministry reiterated its commitment to road safety through infrastructure upgrades, inter-agency collaboration, and public awareness campaigns. Recent efforts include the installation of new safety barriers along the San Fernando Hill roadway. Minister Zakour also expressed his condolences to Williams’ family, noting that the deceased was the son of Winston Williams, the newly appointed head of the Pan American Life Insurance Group for the Caribbean.
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Hurricane Melissa death toll in Jamaica rises to 45
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has confirmed that the death toll from Hurricane Melissa has risen to 45, marking a devastating impact on the island nation. Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, disclosed the updated figures during a press conference on Tuesday morning. She emphasized that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) had thoroughly investigated and verified the fatalities as directly linked to the hurricane. The southwestern parish of St. Elizabeth bore the brunt of the disaster, accounting for 18 deaths, followed by Westmoreland with 15 fatalities. Other affected areas include St. James (6), Hanover (2), Trelawny (2), St. Ann (1), and Portland (1). Dr. Morris Dixon revealed that 33 post-mortem examinations have been completed, with additional autopsies pending. Expressing profound sorrow, she extended prayers to the grieving families, stating, ‘Those are 45 families that are hurting deeply. As we look at that number, we pray for those families and that God will comfort them.’
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Adventists help restore connection through Starlink
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a devastating Category 5 storm that left vast areas of Jamaica without internet or cellular services, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has taken a pivotal role in reconnecting communities. Leveraging Starlink satellite internet technology developed by SpaceX, the church has provided critical communication lifelines to affected regions. Supported by Moses International, a Belize-based Adventist missionary group, and Aerobridge, a U.S. relief agency, the initiative has deployed 10 Starlink systems across key locations, including Lucea, Sav-la-Mar, Black River, Junction, St Ann, Trelawny, and Montego Bay. These systems, equipped with long-range extenders, offer free internet access within a 50-foot radius, enabling individuals to reconnect with loved ones and access essential services. Pastor Glen O Samuels, President of the church’s western region, hailed the technology as a ‘blessing’ during this challenging period. The effort has been bolstered by international coordination, with Jeff Sutton, based in Belize and Atlanta, personally delivering equipment via private aircraft. Additional relief supplies, including generators, chainsaws, and medical resources, have been transported by Adventist World Aviation. Pastor Everett Brown, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica, expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing the equipment’s role in restoring communication for church leaders and communities alike.
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Man held after Tobago shooting incident
A man has been apprehended in connection with a shooting incident that occurred in Tobago on the morning of November 11. According to a release from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), the incident unfolded around 6:15 am on Arnos Vale Road in Plymouth. The victim, who was at his workplace in Courland, Black Rock, was approached by an armed individual dressed in black. The suspect fired multiple shots at the victim, leading to a physical altercation before fleeing into nearby bushes. Law enforcement agencies, including officers from the Crown Point Police Station, swiftly responded to the scene. A silver Nissan Note car, matching the suspect’s description, was intercepted in the Black Rock area. The suspect was arrested, and a Glock pistol was confiscated. A coordinated operation led by ASP Bacchus, involving the Shirvan Road Police Station’s CID, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), and the Crown Point Police Station, resulted in the recovery of a magazine from the bushy area near the scene. Later, a search of the suspect’s residence in Plymouth yielded six rounds of nine-millimetre calibre ammunition. The suspect remains in custody at the Shirvan Road Police Station as investigations, led by PC Lewis, continue.