The Privy Council has granted Shelly-Ann Balwah, acting on behalf of her son Aeden Balwah, permission to appeal several findings of the Court of Appeal in a high-profile medical negligence case. The case revolves around allegations of clinical negligence during Aeden’s birth on May 19, 2002, at the Surgi-Med Clinic in San Fernando, which resulted in the child being born with cerebral palsy. The appeal challenges the Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold a High Court ruling that found the clinic and Dr. Marwan Abdulla not directly responsible for Aeden’s condition. The Privy Council will now examine whether the Court of Appeal erred in its findings regarding the timing of Dr. Abdulla’s arrival at the clinic and whether the breach of duty by the clinic and the doctor directly caused Aeden’s cerebral palsy. In January 2020, Justice Kevin Ramcharan ruled that the clinic had breached its duty of care by failing to maintain proper records and monitor Aeden’s foetal heart rate, and that Dr. Abdulla had failed to adequately inform Aeden’s mother about the risks of misoprostol. However, the High Court concluded that these breaches did not directly cause Aeden’s condition, attributing it instead to a pre-partum event. The Court of Appeal later ruled that Dr. Abdulla’s arrival at 4 am made him liable for Aeden’s condition, but dismissed the claim against the clinic. Both parties are now seeking to overturn these rulings, with a hearing date yet to be set. Kiel Taklalsingh, Stefan Ramkissoon, and Joanna Richards represented Dr. Abdulla and his mother in the case.
分类： society
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US Supreme Court hears case of Rastafarian whose dreadlocks were cut in prison
The US Supreme Court on Monday deliberated on a significant case involving Damon Landor, a devout Rastafarian who is seeking monetary damages after his dreadlocks were forcibly cut while he was incarcerated in Louisiana. Landor argues that his religious rights were violated and is seeking permission to sue individual officials from the Louisiana Department of Corrections. His lawyer, Zachary Tripp, emphasized that without the possibility of damages, officials could disregard the law with impunity. Louisiana has admitted that the treatment of Landor was contrary to religious freedom and has since revised its prison grooming policy. However, the state maintains that federal law does not allow for monetary damages against state officials sued in their individual capacity, a stance that seemed to resonate with the court’s conservative majority. Landor, who had been growing his hair for nearly two decades, was serving the final weeks of a five-month sentence for drug possession in 2020 when the incident occurred. Despite presenting prison guards with a 2017 court ruling that affirmed Rastafarians’ right to keep their dreadlocks, a guard discarded the document and proceeded to shave Landor’s head while he was handcuffed to a chair. An appeals court condemned the treatment as ‘egregious’ but ruled that Landor could not sue individual officials for damages. The case has drawn attention from both left and right-leaning legal advocates, highlighting the complex intersection of religious liberty and government accountability. The Supreme Court, which has historically been reluctant to approve damages against individual officials, has also shown a tendency to support plaintiffs in religious liberty cases.
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Tyrese, Mona Scott arrive in Jamaica to jumpstart relief efforts
American actor and R&B singer Tyrese Gibson, alongside renowned business mogul and television producer Mona Scott-Young, has arrived in Jamaica to deliver essential relief packages to communities devastated by recent hurricanes. The duo shared their journey on social media as they touched down on the island on Monday, emphasizing their commitment to supporting the Jamaican people during this challenging time. Their mission involved transporting critical supplies via private jets, underscoring the urgency and humanitarian nature of their efforts. Scott-Young highlighted the importance of connectivity, bringing Starlink devices to help locals communicate with their families. Both celebrities expressed their deep affection for Jamaica, with Gibson stating, ‘We’re not only here to give but to give with all of this love attached.’ Their initiative follows similar relief efforts by international stars like Nicki Minaj, DJ Khaled, Walt Disney World, and Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation, showcasing a united front in aiding hurricane recovery.
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Coralisle Group mobilises regional resources for Jamaica’s hurricane recovery
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which wreaked havoc across Jamaica’s western region, Coralisle Group Ltd, a prominent insurance provider in the Caribbean, has launched a comprehensive recovery initiative. The Bermuda-based holding company has mobilized its dedicated claims and logistics teams in Jamaica, bolstered by on-the-ground support from staff in Barbados and Trinidad, as well as specialized assistance from partners in Miami. Employees from other regions are also contributing remotely to expedite the processing of insurance claims.
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Government officials, dignitaries lay wreaths at Remembrance Day ceremony
President Christine Kangaloo presided over the annual Remembrance Day ceremony at Memorial Park in Port of Spain on November 9, honoring the soldiers of Trinidad and Tobago who perished in World Wars I and II, as well as other conflicts. The solemn event, which lasted approximately 20 minutes, featured the traditional laying of wreaths at the cenotaph, a monument dedicated to the nation’s fallen heroes. President Kangaloo was the first to place a wreath, followed by Attorney General John Jeremie, who represented an absent Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Other dignitaries, including Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh, Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge, and Chief of Defence Staff Captain Don Polo, also paid their respects. Diplomats from Australia, Colombia, Germany, Jamaica, Korea, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Turkiye, Canada, China, Ghana, Argentina, and the European Union delegation participated in the ceremony, alongside Port of Spain Mayor Chinua Alleyne. The event, marked by a brief prayer and no formal speeches, was notably subdued, with fewer spectators than in previous years. The cenotaph, crafted from Portland stone and bronze, bears the names of TT nationals who died in both World Wars and features symbolic sculptures representing courage, sacrifice, and victory. Originally unveiled in the 1920s, the monument has been the centerpiece of TT’s Remembrance Day observances for nearly a century.
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Digicel aids Jamaica with hardware supplies, care packages
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Jamaica, the Digicel Group has spearheaded a comprehensive humanitarian campaign to aid recovery efforts across the island’s most devastated regions. The Category 5 storm, which struck on October 28, claimed 32 lives, decimated homes, and crippled critical infrastructure, leaving countless families in dire need.
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‘Darri Boss’ shot dead outside bar
In a shocking incident on the evening of November 8, 30-year-old Darrina “Darri Boss” Dow was fatally shot outside Strood’s Bar in Tunapuna. According to police reports, Dow was engaged in a card game with friends when a white AD Wagon pulled up around 10:30 pm. A masked assailant, clad in black, emerged from the vehicle and opened fire, striking Dow four times in the back. The gunman swiftly returned to the car, which then sped away from the scene. A harrowing video of the attack has since surfaced on social media, capturing the tragic moment.
Witnesses recounted that Dow’s father and a bystander rushed her to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival at 11:25 pm. The following day, Newsday visited the scene, finding the bar closed and the outdoor area still wet, with visible water slicks. Residents in the neighborhood remained reticent, revealing only that Dow had rented an apartment a few houses away from the bar but was not originally from the area. A visit to her apartment complex revealed closed gates and no signs of occupancy.
Crime scene investigators from the North Central Division and officers from the Region II Homicide Bureau have processed the scene, and police investigations are ongoing. Efforts to reach the area’s MP and Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, for comment were unsuccessful.
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All major Junkanoo groups will participate in upcoming parades
In a significant development for Bahamian culture, all major Junkanoo A-groups will participate in the upcoming Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades on Bay Street, dispelling weeks of uncertainty. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday by the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC). The Shell Saxon Superstars, Valley Boys, Roots, One Family, Genesis, and Music Makers have all confirmed their involvement, marking a resolution to the recent tensions between the government and the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP).
The dispute arose when the government transferred oversight of the parades to the NJC and initiated an audit of the JCNP, raising concerns about transparency, consultation, and funding. This led to fears that the A-groups might boycott the events. However, the NJC’s intervention has restored unity within the Junkanoo community. NJC Chairman Andrew Pinder described the resolution as “a defining moment,” emphasizing the importance of fairness and collaboration in preserving this cherished tradition.
Youth, Sports, and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg reiterated that the audit aimed to enhance accountability and public trust, ensuring the parades remain a national priority. NJC Co-Chair Kishlaine Smith highlighted plans to expand Junkanoo’s reach, including bolstering Family Island parades and supporting Junior Junkanoo initiatives. Meanwhile, Bahamas Junkanoo Festival Co-Chair Anthony Bostwick announced a 15-day national celebration, transforming Junkanoo into a broader cultural experience featuring Bahamian music, art, fashion, and cuisine.
Leaders of the six major A-groups expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming parades, pledging to deliver unforgettable performances. Parade Management Team leader Douglas Hanna assured that preparations are nearly complete, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and adherence to existing rules. The resolution ensures that Junkanoo, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, will continue to thrive as a cornerstone of Bahamian identity.
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USF deploys mobile Wi-Fi station in Hanover to support hurricane recovery
In a swift response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Universal Service Fund (USF) launched a mobile Wi-Fi and charging station in Montpelier, Hanover, on November 7. This initiative aims to restore critical connectivity for residents who have been cut off from communication since the hurricane struck on October 28. The USF’s community Wi-Fi infrastructure suffered extensive damage during the storm, prompting the agency to adopt Starlink Wi-Fi technology to bridge the digital gap in affected areas.
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Moruga murder victim’s mother: People ‘desperately wicked, prone to evil’
The peaceful village of Moruga was plunged into grief as Marvin Hamilton, a 45-year-old heavy-equipment driver and father of three, was brutally murdered in his car over the weekend. The tragic incident occurred just days after Hamilton celebrated his 45th birthday, leaving his family and community in shock. His 83-year-old mother, Inez Hamilton, expressed her profound sorrow and faith, stating she is leaving everything in the hands of the Lord. Hamilton’s death marks another tragic chapter for the family, following the natural passing of his father, Dolton, in August last year. Dolton was the grandfather of Moruga/Tableland MP Michelle Benjamin, who mourned her uncle’s untimely death in a heartfelt Facebook post, questioning the senseless violence that claimed his life. Hamilton was described as a quiet, hardworking man who was deeply devoted to his family. His mother recalled his daily check-ins and the phone he bought her to stay connected. The community echoed these sentiments, remembering him as a kind and non-confrontational individual. The circumstances of his death suggest an attempted car-jacking, with Hamilton found in the driver’s seat of his locked Nissan B14. This incident adds to a series of violent crimes in St Mary’s Village, including the murders of Josiah Carthy, Seon Carthy, Drupatee Chance, Enrico Guerra, Anika Guerra, Oba Gill, Brandon Seenath, Nigel Chance, and Surita Deosaran over the past few years. Investigations into Hamilton’s murder are ongoing, as the community grapples with the loss and seeks justice.