分类： society

In a tragic incident that has shaken Trinidad and Tobago, local government councillor Romona Victor and her husband Rodney Ramsumair were found dead at their home in Siparia, southern Trinidad, on Sunday. Authorities have recovered a handwritten note, a bottle of herbicide, two cellphones, and an Apple iPad from the scene. Autopsies are scheduled for this week to determine the cause of death. Initial examinations revealed no visible signs of violence on the bodies of the 36-year-old UNC member and her 45-year-old husband, who leave behind one child. The couple’s bodies were discovered by a relative who, upon receiving no response, entered the home and found them unresponsive on a bed. The incident has prompted widespread mourning and renewed calls to address domestic violence, particularly as the world prepares to observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls on Tuesday. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles emphasized that grief and domestic violence transcend political affiliations, urging compassion and collective action. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar highlighted the importance of supporting those facing personal struggles and encouraged individuals to seek help without fear. Siparia Mayor Doodnath Mayhroo paid tribute to Councillor Victor’s legacy of service and compassion, which continues to inspire the community.

In a remarkable and emotionally charged mission, three United Airlines pilots with deep Jamaican connections spearheaded a relief flight to aid victims of Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm that ravaged Jamaica on October 28, 2025. Captains Trevor Bourne, Toray Bailey, and O’Neil Barnes, all with personal ties to the island, were part of the crew that delivered essential supplies to Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport on November 2, 2025. The fourth pilot, Jalal Paul, a Haitian, also joined the mission, as his homeland was similarly devastated by the hurricane. The pilots, who were uniquely positioned to understand the gravity of the situation, were deeply moved by the widespread destruction they witnessed from the air and on the ground. The storm, with winds reaching 185 miles per hour, claimed 45 lives, caused an estimated $9 billion in damages, and left thousands without electricity, water, or shelter. United Airlines facilitated the mission, recognizing the personal significance it held for the pilots and their desire to assist their homeland. The crew’s firsthand observations of the devastation prompted the airline to collaborate with other organizations to provide further aid. The pilots, who have prior experience in disaster relief missions, emphasized the resilience of the Jamaican people and the urgent need for basic necessities like toiletries. Their efforts have inspired continued support from various organizations, including the Global Empowerment Mission and local initiatives led by Jamaican diaspora communities.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The trial of Travis Ellis, the man charged with the gruesome murder of esteemed journalist Barbara Gayle, has been postponed to February 4, 2024, due to incomplete psychological assessments. The case was adjourned on Monday as authorities await a second psychological report on Ellis, who has so far been evaluated by only one doctor. Prosecutors have announced their intent to pursue the death penalty if Ellis is convicted. Gayle, a veteran journalist, was discovered dead at her residence in the Caymanas Country Club Estate in St. Catherine on December 17. Her body bore multiple stab wounds and a severe facial laceration. Her stolen vehicle was later recovered in nearby bushes, close to where Ellis was reportedly found hiding. The adjournment allows for further case management as the legal process unfolds.

Michael Capponi, founder of the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), has called on the Jamaican Government to ensure that disaster relief efforts address not only immediate needs but also the nation’s long-term identity, stability, and economic future. His remarks come in response to the Government’s plan to deploy pre-built container homes as a temporary housing solution for victims of Hurricane Melissa. Capponi, a seasoned humanitarian with decades of disaster-response experience, warned that short-term solutions could inadvertently harm Jamaica’s cultural authenticity and tourism-driven economy. He emphasized that Jamaica’s global identity as a premier tourism destination could be compromised by the introduction of foreign, prefabricated structures. Drawing parallels to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in the United States, Capponi highlighted the long-term complications of temporary housing solutions, such as structural issues and environmental hazards. GEM, a 14-year-old charity, has already dispatched significant aid to Jamaica, including 18 container loads and 18 plane loads of relief supplies, supported by over 1,300 volunteers at a cost exceeding $4.3 million. Capponi’s leadership has transformed GEM into a globally recognized organization that prioritizes swift, strategic, and sustainable aid. His three-phase model—disaster relief, stabilization, and sustainable development—has enabled GEM to respond to over 370 disasters worldwide, delivering more than $620 million in aid. Capponi’s unique approach bridges private enterprise and public service, advocating for local empowerment and long-term solutions over short-term fixes.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark move toward cultural inclusivity, Jamaica College (JC) has revised its hair grooming policy, a decision lauded by the advocacy organization Fi We Children Foundation (FWCF). The change is seen as a significant stride in dismantling discriminatory practices rooted in Jamaica’s colonial history.

In a significant development, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has issued a public warning following the court appearance of a 39-year-old man accused of multiple violations under the Medical Board Act. Timothy Malchan faced charges including the unauthorized use of medical titles, falsely claiming to be a doctor, and diagnosing medical conditions without proper registration. The case was heard at the Arima Third Magistrates’ Court, where Magistrate Ali presided. Malchan pleaded not guilty and was granted bail set at TT$50,000, with a scheduled court reappearance on June 17, 2025. The charges arose from an investigation initiated in January 2025, prompted by a report from the Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA). It was alleged that Malchan had contacted ERHA patients to discuss their confidential medical records and subsequently demanded payment for these ‘consultations.’ Further investigations by the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago confirmed that Malchan was not registered as a medical practitioner, nor was he accredited in Cardiovascular Disease, Thoracic Surgery, or Cardiothoracic Surgery, despite his public claims. Additionally, it was discovered that he had never been registered with any medical boards under the Council for Professions Related to Medicine. Malchan was reportedly operating from an office that was advertised on social media and the building’s exterior. Covert police operations revealed that he performed medical procedures and offered medical advice for a fee. Last Wednesday, investigators executed a search warrant at his office, seizing several records, which led to his formal charges.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Nadisha Simmonds-Small, a poultry farmer in Bonnet district, St Catherine, has expressed her appreciation for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining’s initiative to rebuild the poultry sector following the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. The category-five storm, which struck Jamaica on October 28, wreaked havoc on local farms, leaving many farmers like Simmonds-Small grappling with significant losses.

Dr. Karren Dunkley, a prominent advocate for Jamaica and former head of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) for the Northeast United States, faced one of her most challenging battles yet when Hurricane Melissa ravaged her homeland. Returning to Jamaica on November 5, just days after the hurricane struck on October 28, Dunkley was met with scenes of utter devastation. She described the aftermath as an ‘apocalypse in paradise,’ with roads unrecognizable, infrastructure destroyed, and communities left in silence and shock.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Public Service Company Ltd (JPS) has made significant strides in restoring electricity across Negril, Westmoreland. However, for Dalton (Penny) Hill, operator of the Lighthouse Inn on West End Road, the progress offers little solace. Hill, one of Negril’s longest-standing businessmen, voiced his frustration during a JPS media briefing, emphasizing that the tourism sector, a major revenue source for JPS, deserves better service. ‘We pay a lot of money to JPS in this town. The West End pays a lot of money. There is no reason why you don’t have a lot of ground men around there doing some work as I speak,’ Hill asserted. He revealed that his monthly electricity bill was $150,000 before the storm and warned that continued delays could push businesses into bankruptcy.