In a heartwarming initiative led by the Ministry of Social Transformation, households in need were provided with comfort and joy as the nation prepared to celebrate its Independence. The Social Protection Board (SPB) played a pivotal role in this effort, embodying the spirit of unity, gratitude, and service. A statement from the SPB highlighted their dedication to uplifting communities during this significant time. Mary Baltimore, the SPB Manager of Operations, expressed deep gratitude to Minister Rawdon Turner for his unwavering support and leadership. She remarked, ‘Minister Turner truly started Christmas in October,’ underscoring his commitment to aiding families and fostering a sense of national unity. This initiative not only brought immediate relief to vulnerable households but also reinforced the values of compassion and solidarity across the nation.
分类： society
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Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston to reopen today
Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica, is set to reopen its doors today after a temporary closure. The airport, a critical hub for both domestic and international travel, had been shut down due to unforeseen operational challenges. Authorities have confirmed that all necessary measures have been implemented to ensure a smooth and safe reopening. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for updated flight schedules and to arrive early to accommodate enhanced security protocols. The reopening is expected to boost local tourism and commerce, providing a much-needed economic lift to the region. Travelers and stakeholders alike are optimistic about the airport’s return to full operational capacity.
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Antigua and Barbuda Students in Jamaica Safe After Hurricane Melissa
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on Tuesday, all 53 students from Antigua and Barbuda studying in the country have been confirmed safe. Maurice Merchant, the Director of Communications and Coordinator of the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Programme, provided reassurance that the students, who were sheltered at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, remained unharmed. They will continue to stay at the hotel until classes at the University of the West Indies resume on Monday. Merchant also reported that while some students in Montego Bay experienced structural damage to their accommodations, none sustained injuries. Prime Minister Gaston Browne closely monitored the situation during the storm and expressed gratitude, stating, ‘We thank God for sparing their lives and for keeping them safe.’ The swift response and effective coordination ensured the safety of all students, highlighting the importance of preparedness during natural disasters.
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LETTER: A Change in the Way We Discipline
The essence of education lies not in imposing control but in igniting curiosity and growth. However, in many schools, outdated disciplinary methods, such as corporal punishment, continue to overshadow this ideal. For instance, students are often subjected to physical punishment for minor infractions like tardiness—a practice that seems more regressive than constructive.
Such methods raise critical questions about the alignment of school discipline with real-world expectations. In professional environments, tardiness might result in a written warning, a pay deduction, or a discussion, but never physical harm. Why, then, should educational institutions, which are meant to foster development and learning, resort to such measures? We live in an era that has moved beyond the oppressive systems of the past, having fought for independence not just politically but also mentally, rejecting the notion that violence equates to discipline.
Physical punishment may instill fear, but fear does not cultivate responsibility. Instead, it stifles voices, breeds resentment, and teaches young minds that pain is the cost of correction. There are more effective alternatives. Schools can encourage reflection by engaging late students in meaningful conversations about the value of time or assigning them tasks that build character rather than shame.
True discipline should shape individuals, not leave lasting scars. If schools aim to prepare students for life, their lessons must stem from respect, not fear. As the saying goes, ‘Violence may control a body, but respect reaches the soul.’ It is high time that educational institutions prioritize reaching souls over enforcing compliance.
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Broeierige dag met buien in de middag
Suriname is set to experience a sweltering and predominantly oppressive day today, with high humidity and minimal wind intensifying the heat. The morning will remain dry across most districts, with sunny intervals particularly along the coastal stretch from Paramaribo to Nickerie. The perceived temperature is expected to rise rapidly, reaching between 34 to 35 degrees Celsius. As the afternoon progresses, the likelihood of localized rain showers and thunderstorms will gradually increase, especially in inland regions such as Brokopondo, Sipaliwini, and Marowijne. These showers may be brief but intense, potentially accompanied by gusty winds and thunder. Along the coast, the weather will remain mostly cloudy with a chance of isolated showers later in the afternoon, particularly in the Commewijne and Para areas. The evening will continue to be warm and muggy, with temperatures only slightly dropping to a minimum of around 24 degrees Celsius, despite any passing showers.
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Liberty Caribbean Foundation Mobilises Relief for Jamaica
In response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Liberty Caribbean Foundation has initiated a comprehensive relief operation to aid affected communities in Jamaica. The foundation, the charitable arm of Flow and Liberty Business, has mobilized resources and logistics to deliver essential supplies, including food, water, emergency kits, and connectivity solutions, as soon as local authorities grant access to the disaster-stricken areas.
Prioritizing the safety of its employees, the foundation is actively confirming the well-being of its staff while preparing for immediate relief shipments. Inge Smidts, CEO of Liberty Caribbean, emphasized the organization’s commitment to both its people and the broader communities, stating, ‘Our first duty is to our people and to the communities who rely on us. We are committed to providing immediate relief and supporting long-term recovery efforts.’
The foundation is collaborating with national and local authorities, community organizations, and trusted partners to ensure efficient and targeted aid distribution, avoiding duplication and focusing on the most vulnerable populations. Simultaneously, Liberty Caribbean’s crisis-management teams are working to restore critical communications infrastructure, recognizing the importance of connectivity in recovery efforts.
Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, made landfall in southwestern Jamaica on October 28, 2025, tying it with historic hurricanes like Dorian (2019) and the ‘Labor Day’ hurricane (1935) in terms of intensity. The foundation is calling for public and corporate support to scale its relief operations, with donations directly funding emergency supplies and long-term recovery programs. Contributions can be made securely online at the foundation’s dedicated hurricane relief portal.
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Port police officer Yannick Leon charged, remanded in $1.3m drug bust
Yannick Leon, a port police officer employed by the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), has been formally charged and remanded in custody in connection with a major narcotics importation case. The drugs, valued at over $1.3 million, were discovered during a July 16, 2025, operation at Port Castries Seaport. Leon allegedly attempted to clear a fraudulent barrel shipment using forged documents, including a fake Letter of Authorisation. A subsequent search revealed 19 sealed metal cans containing 266 packs of cannabis resin (hashish), weighing approximately 26.8 kilogrammes. Leon faces multiple charges, including Importation of a Controlled Drug, Possession with Intent to Supply, Fraudulent Evasion, Forgery, and Uttering a False Document. Initially detained and later released pending further investigation, Leon was re-arrested on October 27 following extensive evidence gathering and forensic analysis. The case highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in disrupting organised criminal activities. Leon is set to remain in custody until December 9, 2025, as investigations continue.
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Politic : Government expresses sympathy and mobilizes following Melissa’s passage
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Haiti, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, on behalf of the Haitian government, has extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. The storm, which struck on October 29, 2025, caused severe damage across multiple regions, particularly in the Grand Sud and the commune of Petit-Goâve, where the La Digue River overflowed, leading to widespread flooding. Initial reports from the Directorate General of Civil Protection indicate a concerning provisional death toll, with the government expressing profound sorrow and solidarity with the affected communities. Prime Minister Fils-Aimé has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting recovery and reconstruction efforts, emphasizing the need for national unity and collective responsibility in addressing the crisis. Immediate directives have been issued to key ministries and agencies to mobilize resources effectively. The Minister of Public Works, Transport, and Communications has been tasked with clearing blocked roads and restoring infrastructure, while the Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Rural Development is assessing agricultural losses and proposing measures to revive food production. Additionally, the Economic and Social Assistance Fund has been instructed to provide emergency aid, including food, water, and hygiene kits, to those impacted by the disaster. This tragedy underscores Haiti’s vulnerability to climate-related hazards and highlights the urgent need for coordinated disaster response efforts.
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Hangar Reopens Amid Legal Battle and Privatization Fears
The iconic seafront hangout, Hangar, in Belize City has reopened after a two-month closure imposed by the Belize City Council. The reopening comes amidst a brewing legal battle and growing concerns over potential privatization of the public space. The council had initially blocked access to Hangar with massive concrete flowerpots, citing safety and quality-of-life issues for residents. However, the barricades were quietly removed just days before a scheduled court hearing, raising questions about the council’s motives. The closure was based on a 2022 petition from residents complaining about noise, illegal activities, and criminal behavior in the area. However, local resident Rommel Berges, who was never consulted, has taken the matter to the High Court, challenging the council’s decision. Berges argues that the closure restricted access to public roads, hindered emergency services, and disrupted daily life. Adding to the controversy, News Five uncovered a provisional approval from August 2024 to subdivide the roadway and transfer it to private landowners, sparking fears of privatization. The seafront area is already owned by some of Belize City’s wealthiest individuals, further fueling suspicions about the council’s actions. As the legal battle unfolds, the future of Hangar remains uncertain, with the public questioning whether this beloved space will remain accessible or fall into private hands.
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Backlash Builds Over Silver Palms’ Bypassed Environmental Review
The Silver Palms mega development project, approved in December 2024, is facing significant backlash for bypassing a comprehensive environmental review. Located in one of Belize’s most ecologically sensitive areas, the project was greenlit through a Limited Level Environmental Study (LLES), a streamlined process that excludes public consultation. Critics, including the Opposition, are demanding full transparency from the Department of the Environment (DOE) and Chief Environmental Officer Anthony Mai. Key questions have been raised: Why wasn’t a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted? Why were major NGOs and government bodies like the Fisheries Department and the Ministry of the Blue Economy excluded from the decision-making process? The Opposition insists that Belizeans deserve accountability, not opaque agreements that could jeopardize fragile marine ecosystems. They are calling for the release of all project-related documents, a public explanation from the Chief Environmental Officer, and a suspension of further work until a full EIA is completed and disclosed. In response, Mai defended the approval process, stating that the project met legal requirements under the LLES framework. He emphasized that the development, primarily a subdivision project with minimal construction, did not meet the threshold for a full EIA, as the property size was just under 300 acres. Despite these assurances, concerns persist about the potential environmental impact and the lack of public engagement in the approval process.