St James, Jamaica, has embarked on an extensive clean-up operation following the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa. Since the early hours of Wednesday, firefighters have been actively working to clear debris and restore access to several key roads within the city. Concurrently, teams from the St James Municipal Corporation have been mobilizing across various neighborhoods to facilitate recovery efforts. In Montego Bay, limited vehicular traffic has resumed as residents begin their personal clean-up activities. However, areas such as Catherine Hall and Westgreen have faced severe flooding due to the swollen Pye River, leaving homes filled with mud and debris. Coastal communities like Mango Walk have been particularly hard-hit, with numerous houses losing their roofs. The aftermath has also seen downed trees, damaged solar panels, and other debris, prompting a large-scale clean-up initiative now underway in the western city.
分类： society
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Princes Town men win appeal against jail terms for disorderly conduct, obscene language
In a significant legal development, two men from Princes Town, Eric Phillip and Paul Phillip, have successfully appealed their 14-day jail sentences for disorderly behavior and using obscene language. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Justices Charmaine Pemberton and Carla Browne-Antoine, ruled on October 28 that the sentences imposed by Magistrate Lisa Singh-Phillip were excessive. The incident, which occurred on November 27, 2024, on Tarouba Link Road in San Fernando, involved a verbal altercation with police officers at the scene of a family member’s vehicle accident. Both men pleaded guilty to the charges, while their relative, who also faced charges, pleaded not guilty, with his case still pending. During the initial hearing, the men’s attorneys emphasized their clients’ good character and remorse, pleading for leniency. However, the magistrate sentenced each man to 14 days’ simple imprisonment for each offense, to be served concurrently. The men’s legal team, comprising Aaron Mahabir, Yves Jacques Nicholson, and Mathias Sylvester, argued on appeal that the custodial sentences were unduly harsh and disproportionate. The Court of Appeal agreed, stating that while the conduct was improper, it did not warrant imprisonment. The court invoked Section 149(2)(a) of the Summary Courts Act, which allows for the substitution of a more appropriate sentence. Consequently, the prison sentences were quashed, and fines of $200 were imposed for each charge, with a default term of seven days’ simple imprisonment. The attorneys also highlighted the outdated nature of laws on obscene language, describing them as relics of colonial history that suppress local cultural norms and expressions. They argued that such laws are inconsistent with modern principles of free expression and personal autonomy. The State was represented by Sabrina Dougdeen-Jaglal.
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St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union holds its Eighty-Sixth Annual Conference
The St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union marked its 86th Annual Conference on October 26, 2025, at the St. Kitts Solid Waste Management Corporation Conference Room in Basseterre. The event, themed ‘Social Protection for All Workers: Strengthening Collective Bargaining and Trade Union Rights,’ highlighted the Union’s enduring commitment to advocating for workers’ rights and social protection. Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, in a message read by General Secretary Ms. Precious Mills, praised the Union for its decades-long dedication to justice, dignity, and empowerment for workers. He emphasized the Union’s historic alliance with the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party as a cornerstone of national progress. The conference featured a health and wellness exercise led by Executive Floor Member Ms. Jutambien Kelly, inspired by last year’s presentation by Dr. Sharon Osborne. Notable attendees included His Excellency David Rivero Perez, Cuba’s Resident Ambassador, and His Excellency Edward Ling-Wen Tao, Taiwan’s Resident Ambassador. Representatives from opposition parties, the Peoples Labour Party (PLP) and the People’s Action Movement (PAM), also participated. President Mr. Sydney Bridgewater addressed the pressing global challenges faced by workers, including rising living costs and job insecurity. Guest Speaker Ms. Sybil Welsh, Senior Projects Specialist at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, emphasized the importance of financial planning for institutional growth, urging organizations to adopt strategic planning to ensure sustainable development. The conference concluded with General Secretary Ms. Mills reaffirming the Union’s commitment to championing workers’ rights in St. Kitts and Nevis.
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Culture Minister: Jounen Kwéyòl a ‘success’
Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Minister responsible for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, and Culture, expressed his satisfaction with the success of Jounen Kwéyòl celebrations on October 27. The event, held on October 26, showcased Saint Lucia’s rich cultural heritage through food, music, dance, and traditional attire, centered around the Kwéyòl language. While the main activities were concentrated in Belle Vue, Vieux Fort, and Babonneau, the festivities extended island-wide, beginning on October 24 with schools and workplaces participating. Dr. Hilaire emphasized the need for a decentralized approach to the celebrations, encouraging more communities to host authentic Kwéyòl experiences. He highlighted the organic growth of the event, with communities like Monchy and Anse Gere drawing large crowds. The weekend-long celebration featured Church services in Kwéyòl, breakfast events, bamboo bursting competitions, and live performances of traditional music and dance. The culinary offerings, including avocado and farine, cashew tea, bakes, cocoa tea, smoked herring, pig tail, and dumplings, were a major attraction. Dr. Hilaire’s vision is to transform Jounen Kwéyòl into a national celebration, moving beyond the focus on designated communities.
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Chief Cultural Officer says there’s more to come for 47th Independence celebration
As Dominica marks its 47th year of independence, Chief Cultural Officer Earlson Matthew has highlighted the array of cultural events that continue to celebrate the nation’s progress and heritage. Speaking on Monday, Matthew emphasized that the festivities extend far beyond the recently concluded World Creole Music Festival, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. ‘The independence season is far from over,’ he remarked. ‘We still have the Miss Wob Dwiyet Pageant, featuring seven talented contestants, taking place this Wednesday at the Massacre Indoor Sporting Facility.’
Matthew also drew attention to Creole Day, scheduled for Friday, October 31, which will feature a National Dress Parade through the streets of Roseau. ‘We are encouraging everyone to participate by wearing national attire and joining us in this historic celebration,’ he said. The cultural festivities will culminate in the National Cultural Gala on Sunday, November 2, at the Botanic Gardens, followed by the National Day Observance Ceremony on November 3 and the National Day of Community Service on November 4. Matthew expressed the Division of Culture’s enthusiasm for these events, which aim to showcase Dominica’s rich cultural identity and foster national pride.
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Dominican Tricia Jno Baptiste earned Master’s degree and cultural enrichment in Ireland
Tricia Jno Baptiste, a native of Dominica, has recently achieved a significant academic milestone by earning her Master’s Degree in Finance from Trinity College Dublin in Ireland. Graduating on October 28, 2025, her accomplishment was facilitated by the Ireland Fellows Programme, administered locally by the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS). While the degree itself is a notable achievement, Jno Baptiste emphasized that her experience in Ireland extended far beyond academics. She gained a robust professional network, immersed herself in Irish culture, and developed a deeper understanding of global finance and international affairs. The MSc in Finance, taught by leading academics and industry practitioners, provided her with a solid foundation for her future career. The programme fostered collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds, creating a dynamic and enriching learning environment. Throughout her fellowship year, Jno Baptiste participated in certified training sessions on leadership, conflict resolution, and time management. She also attended a ten-week Irish language course, which deepened her appreciation for Irish heritage. Additionally, she volunteered with Vision Ireland, a charity supporting individuals with visual impairments. Reflecting on her transformative journey, Jno Baptiste encouraged others from Small Island Developing States to pursue similar opportunities, highlighting the programme’s potential to inspire growth, innovation, and meaningful contributions upon returning home. The Ireland Fellows Programme, which offers fully funded postgraduate education in Ireland, aims to cultivate future leaders, enhance local capacities, and strengthen ties between Ireland and participating nations.
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A tribute to Dr Marguerite-Joan Joseph
October marks Creole Heritage Month, culminating in International Creole Day on October 28, 2025. This year, the occasion serves as a poignant moment to honor the life and contributions of Dr. Marguerite-Joan Joseph, a remarkable figure who passed away last year. Dr. Joseph was a trailblazer in both the medical and cultural spheres, leaving an indelible mark on Grenada and beyond. As a medical doctor specializing in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, she significantly reduced maternal mortality rates during her tenure at Grenada’s General Hospital from 1992 to 2012. Beyond her medical achievements, Dr. Joseph was a passionate advocate for the revival of the French Creole language, known locally as Patois. She co-founded the Grenada Creole Society in 2009, dedicating herself to researching, documenting, and promoting the language. Her efforts included renovating a family home in Concord to serve as the Society’s headquarters, where she conducted workshops, classes, and cultural events. Dr. Joseph authored three books, including the groundbreaking “Un-Tying the Ancestors’ Tongue,” a comprehensive Patois grammar guide with an accompanying audiovisual tutorial. She also penned creole songs, including a Patois version of Grenada’s National Anthem. Her work aimed to integrate Patois into the national school curriculum, a vision she passionately pursued with the Ministry of Education. Dr. Joseph’s legacy continues to inspire, as her family and the Grenada Creole Society strive to uphold her mission of preserving and celebrating Grenada’s linguistic heritage.
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Much ‘Moore’ than a bar
John Moore Bar, a cherished landmark in Weston, St James, Barbados, has long been more than just a rum shop. It is a cultural hub where community, kinship, and tradition intertwine. On Saturday, the bar celebrated its grand reopening, marking a new chapter in its storied history. Proprietor Cherie Rochester, who took over from her uncle Lamonte Greedy Addison, welcomed the crowd with a heartfelt, “Welcome home everyone!” Her words resonated deeply, as she described the bar as a place where her childhood memories and roots are deeply embedded. Rochester is committed to preserving the legacy her uncle built while steering the establishment into the digital age. Known for its pioneering spirit, John Moore Bar was the first rum shop on the island to implement a point-of-sale system. Now, it is embracing QR codes for menus and digital payment systems like Bim Pay, aiming to become Barbados’ most digital rum shop. The bar’s refurbished design pays homage to its rustic charm while incorporating modern elements. The menu, featuring pizzas, tacos, and burgers made from scratch, reflects a blend of tradition and innovation. Staff are undergoing mixology training to elevate the cocktail experience. For decades, John Moore Bar has been a gathering place for locals, tourists, and even members of the constabulary. Rochester promised to maintain this sense of camaraderie. She also expressed gratitude to businessman Peter Harris for his unwavering support. The reopening ceremony, attended by Henderson Forde of Armstrong Agencies, symbolized a new era for the bar. As John Moore Bar steps into the future, it remains a tribute to its heritage and a beacon of innovation.
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Martinez Says Immigration Forum Left D.R Community Feeling ‘Like Criminals’
A recent immigration forum in Antigua and Barbuda has drawn sharp criticism from Hispanic community advocate Alex Martinez, who labeled the event as intimidating and counterproductive for the Dominican community. The forum, organized by the Immigration Department, aimed to address residency and citizenship concerns among Dominicans, one of the largest non-national groups in the country. However, Martinez claims that many Dominicans avoided the session due to fear, citing the presence of armed officers and rigorous security screenings at the venue. He argued that the event, intended to foster dialogue, instead left attendees feeling unwelcome and failed to tackle pressing issues such as prolonged document processing times and exorbitant visa and work permit fees. Chief Immigration Officer Katrina Yearwood defended the forum, stating that the heightened security measures were in line with international best practices, given the attendance of senior officials and diplomats. She emphasized that no passports were checked and only standard safety protocols were followed, deeming the session a success. Despite the controversy, immigration officials have committed to ongoing engagement with immigrant communities and announced plans to host another forum in the near future.
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Defence lawyer calls for apology after courthouse clash with DPP
In a recent development at the High Court, defense attorney Andrew O’Kola has formally requested a public apology from Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Clement Joseph following a heated verbal exchange last Friday. O’Kola alleges that he was subjected to an unwarranted and public verbal assault by Joseph in the presence of court staff, media representatives, and bystanders. The incident reportedly unfolded in a hallway where Joseph criticized a letter O’Kola had written, accusing him of “doing too much” before escalating into a loud and confrontational outburst. O’Kola described the incident as “deeply regrettable,” emphasizing that such behavior erodes public trust in the justice system. He reiterated his commitment to professional integrity and fearless client representation while advocating for mutual respect within the legal community. Despite the altercation, O’Kola reaffirmed his dedication to the rule of law and independent legal advocacy, insisting that Joseph’s conduct necessitates a public apology.