KINGSTON, Jamaica—In anticipation of Tropical Storm Melissa’s potential impact this weekend, Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon has called on schools across the nation to prepare for a transition to online learning. Speaking at a special press briefing on Wednesday, Morris Dixon emphasized the dual role of schools as educational institutions and emergency shelters. She revealed that 798 of Jamaica’s 881 designated national shelters are schools, highlighting their critical function during natural disasters.
分类： society
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#EyeOnMelissa: Fishers advised to head for land
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Authorities in Jamaica have issued urgent warnings to fishers and marine operators to evacuate coastal and offshore waters as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches the island. Dr. Gavin Bellamy, Chief Executive Officer of the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), emphasized that safety remains the top priority as the island braces for severe weather conditions.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Portmore mayor taking precautionary measures to combat flooding
ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — Portmore Mayor Leon Thompson has reassured residents that drain cleaning operations, which commenced as early as April, are continuing in full swing as the municipality braces for Tropical Storm Melissa. In a statement to Observer Online on Tuesday, Thompson emphasized that equipment is on standby to address potential major flooding, ensuring swift removal of any blockages if necessary.
Thompson highlighted that assessments have identified illegal constructions on drain reservations and walls as significant contributors to recurrent severe flooding in certain areas, particularly the Edgewater community. He specifically pointed out Michelle Crescent, where residents have extended their properties beyond legal boundaries, encroaching on critical drainage infrastructure.
‘Residents have built beyond their property lines, constructing on drain reservations and even on existing drain walls,’ Thompson explained. ‘This has led to the collapse of many drains, obstructing water flow and causing persistent flooding in Edgewater.’
To address these issues, the municipal council has initiated corrective measures, including issuing enforcement notices to violators and maintaining routine drain cleaning. ‘We are systematically serving notices in these communities to ensure compliance,’ Thompson stated. The mayor’s proactive approach aims to mitigate flood risks and safeguard residents as the storm season intensifies.
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Chief Sec happy for more carnival flights, wants pro-active CAL in 2026
In a significant move to accommodate the influx of visitors for the Tobago carnival festivities, Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) has confirmed the addition of 3,200 seats to the airbridge. This supplement to the existing 18,792 seats, available from October 22-29, includes the deployment of an additional Boeing 737 aircraft. The initiative aims to alleviate travel congestion and ensure smoother journeys for masqueraders, artists, and the general public attending the event.
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine expressed his relief during a media briefing at the Shaw Park Complex on October 21, acknowledging the efforts of Minister Davendranath Tancoo and the CAL board. Augustine highlighted that the additional seats were secured after persistent advocacy, addressing earlier complaints from stakeholders about flight shortages. Bandleaders, who had faced challenges in securing flights for their masqueraders, have now been able to finalize their bookings.
Augustine emphasized the need for proactive planning by CAL for future high-traffic events, urging the airline to prepare well in advance for peak seasons such as Easter, Tobago carnival, and the summer months. He also credited Tobago West MP Joel Sampson, Tobago East MP David Thomas, and Secretary for Culture and Antiquities Zorisha Hackett for their roles in this development. The Office of the Chief Secretary further acknowledged Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Minister Tancoo, and Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Eli Zakour for their contributions.
This announcement follows earlier concerns raised by TOCO president Dexter Sandy, who had appealed for additional transportation options to ensure the success of the carnival. With the airbridge now bolstered, the Tobago carnival, scheduled from October 24-26, is set to welcome a larger number of participants and visitors, marking a tangible improvement in the island’s airlift capacity during one of its most celebrated cultural events.
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Man being questioned after pregnant mom found dead
Authorities are currently interrogating a man linked to the tragic death of a woman whose body was discovered in a densely vegetated area near Munnings Road on Wednesday morning. Sources close to the investigation revealed to The Tribune that the victim is Lauren Saunders, a 28-year-old mother of two who was seven months pregnant. Saunders had been reported missing since Sunday. While the police have yet to formally confirm the identity of the deceased, they are actively questioning a suspect in connection with the case. The partially decomposed body was found by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department shortly after 8 a.m., following a tip-off. Authorities have stated that the victim’s identity will be officially confirmed once her next of kin have been notified. Additionally, an autopsy will be performed to ascertain the exact cause of death. The case has sparked widespread concern in the community, with many calling for swift justice.
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Rain fails to dampen Blue Food Festival
Despite the relentless downpour, the annual Tobago Blue Food Festival at the Bloody Bay Recreation Ground on October 19 was a resounding success, drawing hundreds of enthusiastic attendees. The festival, which celebrates the versatility of the root crop dasheen, offered a vibrant array of traditional blue food dishes, innovative creations like dasheen ice cream, and a bustling indigenous craft market. A highlight of the event was the interactive display by the Wildlife Association of Tobago, where visitors had the rare opportunity to interact with snakes, caimans, monkeys, and parrots, sparking delight and countless photo opportunities. The lively entertainment lineup featured Tobago’s October carnival Junior Calypso Monarch Koquice Davidson, alongside renowned soca artistes Shurwayne Winchester and Farmer Nappy, ensuring a festive atmosphere. Vendors and patrons alike remained undeterred by the weather, with smiles and umbrellas aplenty, making the event a testament to Tobago’s resilient spirit and rich cultural heritage.
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UWI law dean lauds students’ excellence: Integrity worth more than grades
The Faculty of Law at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine, celebrated a historic milestone on October 17, 2025, as it honored a record number of students for their exceptional academic achievements. The Evening of Excellence ceremony, held at the university, not only recognized academic success but also highlighted a transformative shift within the legal education community. Dean Dr. Alicia Elias-Roberts, addressing an audience of students, parents, and colleagues, praised the awardees as the most accomplished cohort in recent memory. She noted a significant increase in the number of students graduating with first-class honors, making the Dean’s Honor List, and receiving special awards for excellence. Statistics revealed that 18 first-year, 28 second-year, and 41 third-year students made the Dean’s List, while 38 law students graduated with first-class honors—a milestone Dr. Elias-Roberts described as evidence of a rising culture of excellence. In her speech, the dean emphasized the importance of resilience, integrity, and a commitment to justice, qualities she deemed essential in a rapidly evolving legal landscape shaped by artificial intelligence and innovation. She also highlighted the faculty’s growing partnerships with international organizations such as the UNDP, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the JB Fernandes Memorial Trust, which support initiatives like the Human Rights Legal Aid Clinic and internship opportunities in development financial law. These collaborations, she said, bridge academia and real-world impact, providing students with invaluable exposure and opportunities to serve communities. The ceremony also featured a personal message from Dr. Elias-Roberts, urging graduates to remain humble and grounded, emphasizing that integrity and professionalism define a person more than academic grades. The event honored numerous achievers, including Solange Joseph, Reshad Ahmed, Jehoshua Williams, and Kreshaun Gordon, who graduated with first-class honors and received special recognition from the Law Society executive. The dean concluded by reminding graduates that their LLB degrees carry a responsibility to lead, serve, and advocate for the marginalized, shaping the next generation of ethical and compassionate legal professionals. The ceremony, which included an address by Attorney General John Jeremie, celebrated not only academic success but also the broader mission of preparing lawyers to be stewards of justice in a changing world.
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MOCA agent testifies in Ruel Reid and co trial
The fraud trial involving former Jamaican Education Minister Ruel Reid, ex-Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) President Fritz Pinnock, and three co-accused took a significant turn on Tuesday as detailed testimony regarding invoices worth hundreds of thousands of dollars was presented in court. The invoices, addressed to CMU, bore the name of Devon McQueen, Reid’s former driver, and were marked ‘For the provision of student needs.’ The amounts ranged from $30,000 to $330,000, dated between January and April 2018. The prosecution called two additional witnesses: a representative from the Office of the Registrar General and a chief special agent from the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA). The MOCA agent testified about her interactions with McQueen, who has since passed away, and her role in collecting his statement. The defense objected to her testimony, arguing it was based on hearsay and inadmissible evidence. Presiding Judge Sanchia Burrell overruled the objection, allowing the testimony to proceed. The trial, which alleges a $25 million fraud scheme involving government funds from the Ministry of Education and CMU between 2016 and 2019, will resume on Wednesday. Defense attorney Hugh Wildman is expected to present cases supporting his objection, with the prosecution responding before the judge makes a final ruling.
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Karifuna Cultural Group statement claims misuse of name on Ti Vilaj Kreyol flyer
The Karifuna Cultural Group has voiced strong objections to the unauthorized use of its name in promotional materials for the Ti Vilaj Kreyol 2025 event, titled ‘Tout Biten Domnik.’ In a formal statement, the group revealed that their name was incorrectly listed on the event flyer, sparking significant distress. The error, first noticed on October 17, 2025, was promptly reported to the organizers, yet no corrective action was taken, exacerbating the situation. Established in 1978, the Karifuna Cultural Group is renowned for its dedication to preserving and promoting Kalinago traditions. The group emphasized that its reputation, built over decades of authentic cultural representation, has been compromised by this misrepresentation. They described the organizers’ inaction as ‘unprofessional and disrespectful,’ calling for an official apology and immediate rectification. Additionally, the group urged the event organizers to accurately identify the performers representing Kalinago heritage to prevent further damage to their credibility.
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PM Mitchell: Heroes Park will become lasting symbol for national identity
In a historic ceremony marked by reflection and hope, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell led the sod-turning event for the National Heroes and Heritage Park on October 20, 2025. Originally scheduled for October 19, the ceremony was postponed due to adverse weather conditions. Located near Camerhogne Park in Grand Anse, the park will not only serve as a tribute to Grenada’s national heroes but will also feature a commercial plaza, blending cultural significance with modern utility.
Prime Minister Mitchell emphasized the park’s role as a lasting symbol of national identity, honoring those who shaped Grenada’s history. “This park will stand as a testament to our resilience, offering a space for reflection, education, and inspiration for generations to come,” he stated during his address, which was broadcast live on social media and television.
The timing of the ceremony held particular significance, as October 19 marks a pivotal moment in Grenada’s history. On this day in 1983, the nation faced a tragic event that left deep scars on its collective psyche. Mitchell reflected on this history, acknowledging the pain while expressing hope for the future. “We honor the past, but we also look forward with unity and purpose, committed to building a just and resilient society,” he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted Grenada’s enduring spirit, noting that the nation’s history is one of overcoming adversity. “Our journey has taught us the power of courage, faith, and wisdom in the face of challenges,” he remarked. The park, he added, will serve as a beacon of remembrance and a source of strength for future generations.
As Grenada continues to mature as a democracy, Mitchell stressed the importance of cooperation, dialogue, and reconciliation in shaping the nation’s future. The National Heroes and Heritage Park is poised to become a cornerstone of Grenadian heritage, embodying the values of justice, dignity, and resilience.