The families of UNC councillor Romona Victor and her husband Rodney Ramsumair, who were tragically found dead in their Siparia home, have appealed to the public to refrain from speculating about the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The couple was discovered by Victor’s father on November 23 around 3:30 pm at their residence on Coora Road. Upon entering, he found their decomposing bodies lying motionless on a bed and immediately alerted his other daughter, who subsequently contacted the police. Officers arrived to find Victor covered with a blanket and Ramsumair lying beside her with froth on his face. Speaking to Newsday at the Forensic Science Centre in St. James on November 24, Ramsumair’s father expressed the family’s confusion and distress, stating, ‘We don’t know exactly what happened or how it reached to that.’ He acknowledged that while the couple had occasional disagreements, there was no indication of anything as extreme as the speculated murder-suicide. He emphasized that both families remain united and urged the public to cease spreading unverified theories, particularly on social media, as it exacerbates their grief. ‘People saying all kinds of things and posting things all over social media. They need to stop that because they don’t know what happened either for sure,’ he said. The families are awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of death.
分类： society
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Education ministry activates host school initiative
In response to the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa on October 28, Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information has introduced the Host School Initiative to ensure uninterrupted education for students from severely impacted schools. Senator Dana Morris Dixon, the Portfolio Minister, announced the initiative during a Senate session on November 21, emphasizing its temporary nature and the importance of maintaining students’ ties to their original institutions. The initiative allows students from non-operational schools to continue their education in host schools for a defined period, supported by regional coordination, psychosocial services, and accountability measures. Morris Dixon highlighted the enthusiastic response from principals of both public and private schools, who have volunteered to accommodate displaced students, showcasing Jamaica’s collective commitment to its youth. Parents seeking assistance are encouraged to contact the ministry’s regional offices to secure spots in participating schools, including Kingston Technical High School, St Andrew Technical High School, Campion College, and Ardenne High. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure educational continuity, with other models such as rotational schedules, temporary sites, and remote learning through printed kits and radio broadcasts being implemented based on the severity of infrastructure damage and available resources.
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San Fernando honours students photography initiative: Our Cities, Through Our Eyes
The San Fernando City Corporation marked its 37th anniversary with a vibrant celebration at City Hall on November 18, showcasing the creativity and vision of its youngest citizens. The event, which included a civic awards ceremony and reception, highlighted a unique photography exhibition titled *Our Cities, Through Our Eyes*. This initiative, supported by Unicef and led by renowned photographer Giacomo Pirozzi, empowered 16 children aged nine to 17 to capture the essence of their city through their lenses. Over an intensive week in August, the young photographers learned the art of visual storytelling, focusing on patience, empathy, and intentional framing. Their work, displayed in the auditorium lobby, offered a poignant glimpse into the beauty, challenges, and dreams of San Fernando as seen through youthful eyes. The photographs revealed themes of safety, belonging, joy, and the spaces where childhood thrives or falters. Maryam Abdu, Unicef’s chief of social policy for the Eastern Caribbean, praised the initiative, describing the images as more than art—they were stories, aspirations, and calls to action. She commended San Fernando’s leadership, including Mayor Robert Parris, for their commitment to the Child-Friendly Cities Initiative, emphasizing the importance of integrating children’s voices into urban planning. The event also honored distinguished citizens, cultural icons, and public servants for their contributions to the city’s growth. As San Fernando continues to evolve, the anniversary celebration underscored the city’s dedication to fostering a community where every child can thrive.
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74% of JPS customers now have electricity following Hurricane Melissa
WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has announced significant progress in restoring electricity to areas devastated by Hurricane Melissa. As of Sunday, approximately 74% of affected customers have had their power reinstated, according to a media briefing held in Negril. Hugh Grant, President and CEO of JPS, highlighted the challenges posed by the Category 5 hurricane, which brought winds of 185 miles per hour to a grid designed for a Category 3 storm. Initially, over 540,000 customers were left without service, but efforts have now restored power to around 360,000, leaving fewer than 180,000 still in the dark. Key areas such as Hanover and Negril were re-energized three days ahead of schedule, with critical facilities like the Royalton Negril, Riu, Margaritaville, and the Negril town center now operational. JPS aims to restore power to the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital by the second week of December. In Trelawny, power has been restored to the Falmouth Public General Hospital, the National Water Commission Martha Brae Treatment Plant, the Cruise Pier, and several hotels. Montego Bay in St James has also seen progress, with the Sangster International Airport, the University of the West Indies Western Campus, and hotels like Sandals and Riu now receiving electricity. St Mary and Portland have achieved 86% and 83% restoration rates, respectively, while St Ann, Clarendon, and Manchester are on track for 75% restoration by mid-December. However, St Ann remains particularly challenging due to severe damage to the transmission network.
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US driver ‘forgot’ road rules in head-on crash that killed two
A pre-dawn journey to school in North Abaco turned into a heart-wrenching tragedy on Friday, claiming the lives of Monique Williams, a seasoned pre-school teacher, and her 13-year-old nephew, Terrance Williams. The fatal head-on collision occurred on SC Bootle Highway, leaving a close-knit family shattered and the Treasure Cay community in mourning. Ms Williams, 53, was driving Terrance and another teenager to school when her vehicle collided with a Ford Excursion carrying an American couple en route to a bone-fishing trip. According to Abaco journalist and pastor Silbert Mills, the visitors had missed their turn and mistakenly drove on the wrong side of the road, marking their first visit to The Bahamas. Terrance, an eighth-grade student at SC Bootle High School, and Ms Williams, who had dedicated nearly 30 years to teaching, were both deeply cherished in their community. The third passenger, Calsey Rolle, remains hospitalized. The Williams family, already tightly bonded, is grappling with the immense loss. Emmise Bootle, Ms Williams’ niece and Terrance’s cousin, described the duo as inseparable, with Ms Williams treating Terrance as her own son. Terrance, a quiet and thoughtful boy, was beginning to explore life’s deeper questions, while Ms Williams was eagerly anticipating retirement. The Ministry of Education and SC Bootle High School have paid heartfelt tributes to the victims, celebrating Terrance’s promise and Ms Williams’ unwavering dedication to education. The tragedy has left parents and former students reflecting on the profound impact Ms Williams had on their lives, even as they seek solace in faith.
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Promoter promises hurricane relief assistance from Chuck Fenda concert in Rhode Island
Dena ‘DJ Brownin’ Morrison, a Rhode Island resident with deep ties to Jamaica, has become a beacon of hope for the island’s hurricane-affected communities. After Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 28, Morrison, who has long been involved in charity work in West Kingston and other areas, sprang into action. She mobilized her high school RESPECT students at Juanita Sanchez High School to launch the ‘Boxes of Hope’ initiative, aiming to bring joy and essential supplies to teenagers impacted by the disaster. Her ultimate dream? To one day call Jamaica her permanent home.
Furthering her commitment, Morrison has partnered with Dynamite Promotion to host the ‘Thanksgiving Reggae Explosion’ on November 26 at Kulture Nightclub in Providence, Rhode Island. The event will feature Jamaican reggae artist Chuck Fenda, alongside DJ Matik, DJ Gambit, and Dynamite Sounds. A portion of the proceeds will directly support hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica.
Morrison emphasized the deeper significance of the event, stating, ‘This is more than a concert—it’s an act of collective healing.’ She outlined multiple avenues for relief, including Give Back Jamaica for school support, JA Patty’s relief fund for displaced elderly individuals, and a personal partnership with Chuck Fenda to collect, ship, and distribute supplies. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable items to the concert, which will be sent directly to Jamaica.
Drawing inspiration from Jamaican wisdom, Morrison shared, ‘Every mickle mek a muckle. Every small offering becomes part of something greater.’ Her efforts are bolstered by collaborations with organizations like Give Back Jamaica, led by Hopeton Brown, and vlogger DJSlick44, who ensure supplies reach the most vulnerable communities.
Morrison’s passion for Jamaica extends beyond charity. She has cultivated meaningful relationships with Jamaican cultural icons, including Major Mackerel, Dennis Walks, and Chuck Fenda, who has become a mentor in her burgeoning career as a reggae promoter. As an educator, Morrison integrates her advocacy for ethnic studies and Black Lives Matter into her curriculum, earning recognition from the Secretary of State.
Her dedication to mentorship and community building continues to inspire. ‘I am grateful for the guidance of DJ Goldfinger, DJ Daney, and Mark Tenn, who have helped me grow as a DJ and promoter,’ she said. Morrison also mentors Jamaican adults in the U.S. and supports Jamaican students in her classroom, helping them navigate new paths while celebrating their cultural heritage.
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Promoters ‘deeply concerned’ about Carnival venues
The TT Promoters Association (TTPA) has expressed profound concerns regarding the future of Carnival 2026 following a recent meeting with the Ministry of Culture and Community Development. The meeting, held on November 21, was prompted by the government’s decision to prohibit the use of state-owned sporting facilities for Carnival-related events, including fetes. Notably absent from the meeting was Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin, who was occupied with parliamentary duties. Instead, the TTPA engaged with the deputy permanent secretary and other ministry representatives. Despite persistent appeals to lift the venue bans, the government’s stance remains unaltered, casting a shadow over the upcoming Carnival season. A follow-up meeting is slated for November 25 to explore alternative solutions and potential support mechanisms. The TTPA emphasized its ongoing efforts to secure alternative venues but voiced significant worries about the industry’s sustainability under the current restrictions. In a parliamentary address on November 21, Minister Benjamin reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting stakeholders, highlighting that the National Carnival Commission (NCC) has made spaces available in the Queen’s Park Savannah and Chaguaramas.
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Cops find $400k in high-grade ganja in US barrel
In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, law enforcement authorities have seized an estimated $400,000 worth of high-grade marijuana at the Port of Port of Spain. The discovery was made during a meticulously coordinated operation led by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and its partner agencies on November 24. The illicit cargo, weighing approximately 4.6 kilograms, was concealed within a barrel shipped from Fort Myers, Florida. Acting on credible intelligence received on November 23, officers pinpointed a suspected storage location at the Port Authority on Dock Road. The operation, codenamed BLAST, involved multiple agencies including the Port Police, Customs and Excise Division, Special Branch, Special Investigations Unit (SIU), and the National Operational Task Force (NOTF). The search of two barrels awaiting clearance led to the discovery of cannabis packages hidden beneath clothing. Senior officials, including DCP Operations Suzette Martin and ACP Tactical Support Collis Hazel, oversaw the operation. The TTPS has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with local and international law enforcement to combat the illegal narcotics trade and ensure public safety. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
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Government begins park-and-ride survey, Lee Sing suggests one-way traffic for east-west corridor
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has initiated a comprehensive park-and-ride survey as part of its broader strategy to overhaul the nation’s transportation system. The survey, which was officially announced on the government’s communications platform, includes 12 questions aimed at understanding the public’s travel habits and preferences. Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Eli Zakour, revealed the details of this initiative during a post-Cabinet media briefing on November 20. The proposed park-and-ride system will allow commuters from Arima, Chaguanas, Couva, and San Fernando to park their vehicles at secure locations and take buses or maxi taxis to Port of Spain. This concept, while not new to Trinidad and Tobago, was first popularized by former Port of Spain mayor Louis Lee Sing in 2012 as part of a traffic control experiment in Woodbrook. In a recent phone interview, Lee Sing praised the government’s plan, emphasizing the country’s financial constraints and the need for innovative traffic management solutions. He highlighted the importance of utilizing existing resources efficiently and expressed optimism about the long-term benefits of the initiative. Lee Sing also suggested that similar traffic management strategies could be applied along the east-west corridor, including areas like Sixth Avenue Barataria and Boundary Road, Croisée. He urged the public to be patient and allow the plan to develop, noting that effective traffic management requires time, adherence to new rules, and consistent enforcement. The government’s park-and-ride initiative is seen as a progressive step towards addressing the nation’s transportation challenges and improving overall traffic efficiency.
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PM, Opposition mourn UNC councillor’s ‘tragic’ death
The nation of Trinidad and Tobago is reeling from the tragic deaths of UNC Siparia East/San Francique South councillor Romona Victor and her husband, Rodney Ramsumair, whose bodies were discovered on November 23 at Coora Road, Siparia. The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief and calls for urgent action against domestic violence. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, also the UNC political leader, expressed profound sorrow in a Facebook post, describing Victor as a dedicated and compassionate public servant who tirelessly served her community. She emphasized the need for support systems to help those facing personal struggles. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles echoed these sentiments, stressing that the tragedy transcends political affiliations and calls for a unified national response. Beckles highlighted the urgent need to strengthen legal frameworks, enhance gender-based violence units, and improve police sensitivity and victim support services. She also noted the poignant timing of the incident, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls on November 25. Patriotic Front leader Mickela Panday also expressed her condolences, urging humanity to take precedence over politics in such moments of shared grief.