In a heartwarming celebration of World Kindness Day, KFC, the globally renowned fast-food chain, demonstrated the profound impact of small acts of kindness through its Harvest Programme. On November 13, KFC staff and volunteers gathered at the Chef Sharaz Culinary Academy in Trinidad and Tobago to prepare and distribute 1,000 nourishing meals to vulnerable individuals and families. This initiative, aligned with this year’s global theme ‘Kindness for Change,’ underscores KFC’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in communities. Guided by the message ‘Harvesting Hope,’ the Harvest Programme transforms surplus food from KFC kitchens into meals for those in need, with the support of dedicated NGO partners. Trisha Baksh, Brand Lead at Prestige Holdings Limited, the local franchise holder of KFC, emphasized that kindness is integral to the company’s identity. ‘Our Harvest Programme embodies the belief that food has the power to unite, uplift, and inspire change,’ she said. Teddy Kim, from KFC’s partner organisation, International Youth Fellowship, shared his personal connection to the initiative, stating, ‘Being part of the Harvest Programme allows me to fulfil my purpose of serving the youth.’ Since its inception, the programme has donated over 768,000 meals to disadvantaged communities, reflecting KFC’s dedication to compassionate practices. This World Kindness Day, KFC encourages everyone to embrace simple yet impactful acts of kindness, whether through sharing food, offering time, or lending a helping hand.
分类： society
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Winnie Harlow joins Hurricane Melissa relief efforts in Jamaica
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Winnie Harlow, the internationally acclaimed model and entrepreneur of Jamaican heritage, has taken decisive action to aid communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. Partnering with DJ Diplo, the non-profit organization CORE, and the local grassroots group BREDS in Treasure Beach, Harlow spearheaded efforts to deliver critical supplies to those most affected by the storm.
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Child’s rights activist: Transfer system could lead to lawsuits
Trinidad and Tobago’s bureaucratic school transfer system is under scrutiny, with legal and educational experts warning of potential State liability for failing to uphold children’s right to education. Attorney and child rights activist Denelle Singh has called on parents and guardians to explore legal avenues when confronted with systemic delays. Her comments follow a case reported by Newsday, where an Arima teenager has been out of school for two years due to transfer inefficiencies. Singh emphasized that the Education Act mandates full-time schooling for children aged 5-16, with parents facing prosecution and fines for non-compliance under Section 77. However, she stressed that the Ministry of Education bears a legal duty to provide adequate public school placements and ensure enrollment for all children within this age range. Singh highlighted the plight of vulnerable children, including those in State care, who face additional hardships due to the slow transfer process. She also criticized the broader failures of the education system, noting that children with special needs and migrant children are often overlooked, despite public outcries. Singh questioned whether education in Trinidad and Tobago is truly free, given the disparities in access and quality. She pointed out the lack of specialized schools and trained teachers for children with special needs, forcing many parents to seek costly private education or quit their jobs to homeschool their children. Walter Stewart, president of the National Council of Parent Teacher Associations, urged parents to keep their children in school during transfer delays and follow the proper channels to escalate unresolved issues. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the system’s chain of command to achieve resolution.
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Small businesses in St James cry for help after Melissa
Small business owners in St James, Jamaica, are urgently seeking government assistance to recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 storm caused widespread destruction, leaving many businesses in ruins and their owners grappling with significant losses. Among the hardest hit is Andre Hall, whose barbershop and cook shop in Tucker district were severely damaged. Hall recounted how the storm washed away essential equipment and destroyed the roof, leaving only fragments of his business behind. To make matters worse, the few materials he salvaged were later stolen. Hall emphasized the need for building materials like cement, plywood, and 2x4s to rebuild his livelihood. He also highlighted the role of improper waste disposal in exacerbating flooding and is now advocating for better waste management practices in the community. Similarly, O’Brien Sterling, owner of Where Dirty Meets Clean car wash in Catherine Hall, faced extensive damage as floodwaters swept through his compound, destroying equipment and ripping off the roof. Sterling expressed the financial strain of starting over and the urgency to take action despite the challenges. Nearby, Juici Jerk Restaurant co-owner Nick is struggling to clean up his mud-filled eatery and repair the damaged roof. The lack of electricity and running water has further complicated recovery efforts. Nick appealed for government support to help small businesses like his rebuild. Gavin Beckford of K&N Auto and Monica McIntosh of DoDo’s Ply Rental also shared their struggles, with floodwaters washing away valuable materials and slowing business operations. Despite the hardships, these resilient entrepreneurs are determined to rebuild and restore their businesses, underscoring the need for immediate assistance and community solidarity.
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WATCH: Man seemingly falls from police van into Rio Cobre
A perplexing incident unfolded in St. Catherine, Jamaica, on Wednesday afternoon when a man appeared to fall from the back of a Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) pickup van into the Rio Cobre near the Bog Walk Gorge. The incident, captured on video by See Jamaica, occurred at approximately 12:57 pm on the Flat Bridge. The footage shows the man clutching what seemed to be a tyre as he tumbled into the river. While the tyre was later spotted floating in the water, the man himself vanished without a trace.
Shortly after the incident, a lone police officer was seen on foot near the scene, followed by two additional officers who appeared to be searching for the missing individual. Over the next two hours, three marked police vehicles arrived at the location. Firefighters also responded to the scene, as evidenced by videos shared by bystanders, and successfully retrieved the tyre. Despite these efforts, the man’s whereabouts remain unknown, and his condition is still unclear.
Efforts to obtain further details from Hopeton Nicholson, the head of the St. Catherine North Police Division, have so far been unsuccessful. The incident has raised questions and concerns, leaving the public and authorities alike seeking answers about what transpired on the Flat Bridge that fateful afternoon.
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Forensic officer clueless who touched Donna-Lee’s toothbrush before it got to lab
During the murder trial of constable Noel Maitland on Wednesday, a senior forensic officer faced challenges under cross-examination regarding the chain of custody for a toothbrush allegedly belonging to Donna-Lee Donaldson, the missing social media influencer and entrepreneur. Donaldson, who vanished on July 12, 2022, is presumed dead, and Maitland, her policeman boyfriend, is being tried for her murder and for preventing the lawful burial of her body. The trial is taking place in the Home Circuit Court in Kingston. Prosecutors are relying heavily on circumstantial evidence, including bloodstains found on three items in Maitland’s Chelsea Manor apartment in St Andrew, the last known location where Donaldson was seen. On Tuesday, the forensic officer confirmed that the blood found in the apartment matched Donaldson’s DNA, which was compared using samples from her parents and a toothbrush allegedly belonging to her. However, during cross-examination, Maitland’s attorney, Chadwick Berry, questioned the forensic officer about the handling of the toothbrush before it reached the Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine for testing. The officer admitted she was unaware of who handled the toothbrush or when it was touched before delivery to the lab. The officer also discussed the complexities of DNA transfer, noting that factors such as surface type, contact duration, and individual skin cell shedding rates influence whether DNA transfer occurs. She emphasized caution when addressing hypothetical scenarios, such as DNA transfer via doorknobs, stating that without specific testing and analysis, she could not definitively confirm such events.
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Rescued Venezuelan teen gives info – 4 human-trafficking suspects held
In a significant breakthrough against human trafficking, a 14-year-old Venezuelan girl played a pivotal role in the arrest of four suspected traffickers in Penal, Trinidad and Tobago. Despite the trauma of her ordeal, the teenager displayed remarkable composure and provided critical information to National Security agents, leading to the successful operation. The Ministry of Homeland Security confirmed the arrests in a statement, highlighting the coordinated efforts of the Counter-Trafficking Unit (CTU), the army, and the police. The pre-dawn raid, codenamed Operation Ironheart, targeted multiple locations linked to a suspected trafficking network and resulted in the detention of two Trinidadian nationals and two Venezuelan men on human-trafficking charges. Three other Venezuelans were held for immigration violations. The rescued girl is now under the care of the Children’s Authority. Deputy Director of the CTU, Dane-Marie Marshall, praised the teen’s bravery, stating that her evidence was instrumental in the arrests. Marshall expressed confidence in the strength of the case, emphasizing the CTU’s commitment to prosecuting offenders. She also highlighted the vulnerability of Venezuelan nationals due to geopolitical and economic challenges in their home country. The operation is part of a broader national strategy to dismantle organized trafficking networks. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander commended the collaborative efforts of the agencies involved, reaffirming the government’s resolve to combat human trafficking. According to the US Department of State’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons report, Trinidad and Tobago maintains a Tier 2 ranking, indicating significant efforts to address the issue despite not fully meeting minimum standards. CTU Director Allan Meiguel noted that since the unit’s inception in 2013, 80 individuals have been charged, resulting in two convictions. He urged the public to utilize the CTU’s 24-hour hotline to report potential trafficking cases.
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Respect those who gave their lives for nation
The Remembrance Day parade serves as a solemn occasion to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation, protecting citizens from tyranny. This year, however, marked a notable absence of key political and security figures, including the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the Homeland Security Minister, and the Commissioner of Police, who traditionally lay wreaths in their official capacities. While the absence of these leaders may have been due to valid reasons, it raises concerns about the diminishing presence of dignitaries at such significant events. The author, Gary Griffith, emphasizes that this ceremony is not merely a military affair but a national observance that requires the participation of all leaders. The Prime Minister, as chair of the National Security Council, and the Opposition Leader, as an alternate commander, hold direct responsibilities over the military. Similarly, the Homeland Security Minister and the Police Commissioner play crucial roles in supporting the Defence Force and protective services. Griffith appeals to those in authority to prioritize this event, dedicating just one hour annually to honor the fallen. Such attendance not only pays respect to past sacrifices but also inspires current members of the Defence Force and protective services, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to those who serve.
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NWA urges caution on St Elizabeth main road following mudslides
ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — The National Works Agency (NWA) has issued a stern warning to motorists and pedestrians traveling through the main road near Lacovia, Newton, and Vauxhall in St Elizabeth. The agency highlighted that persistent rainfall over recent days has caused significant damage to sections of the roadway, with mud and debris posing serious hazards. The Rice Piece community has been particularly affected, with the NWA emphasizing the increased risks for those navigating the area. Authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant while using these routes. The NWA is actively monitoring the situation and has pledged to address the issues promptly to ensure safety for all road users.
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Tobago Visual Arts Association elects new executive board
The Tobago Visual Arts Association (TVAA) has unveiled its newly elected executive board for the 2025-2027 term, following a pivotal election held at the historic Kimme Museum in Mt Irvine, Tobago. The election, conducted on October 5, underscores the association’s unwavering commitment to nurturing and promoting the visual arts and artists of Tobago. The newly appointed leadership includes Martin Superville as president, Arletys Arias Valdespino as vice president, Natasha Amber Shaw as secretary, Latoyaa Roberts-Thomas as assistant secretary, Duneski Lora Pileta as treasurer, Nicolas McKenna and Kemo De Leon as ordinary members, and Dr. James Armstrong as immediate past president. Martin Superville, a self-taught artist with over three decades of experience and the owner of an art gallery in Tobago, expressed his enthusiasm for his new role. ‘It is an honor to lead the Tobago Visual Arts Association during such a transformative period for our creative community,’ Superville remarked. ‘My goal is to fortify the connection between Tobago’s artists, our institutions, and the broader Caribbean art world. Together, we will continue to narrate our stories through color, movement, and imagination, celebrating Tobago’s unique spirit with every brushstroke.’ The TVAA extended its gratitude to the outgoing members and past leadership for their invaluable contributions to the local arts community. The new board has vowed to enhance creativity, collaboration, and opportunities for Tobago’s artists through exhibitions, educational initiatives, and advocacy for the visual arts sector. The association remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive artistic community that mirrors Tobago’s cultural richness and diversity. For more information, contact the TVAA via email at tobagovisualarts@gmail.com, call 771-5455 or 709-9988, or visit their Facebook page.