KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to aid communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa, Sagicor Group Jamaica, through its philanthropic arm, the Sagicor Foundation, has pledged approximately J$200 million in relief funding. This comprehensive support package includes J$40 million allocated specifically for Sagicor employees affected by the storm. To date, 224 employees residing in the hardest-hit parishes have been identified for targeted assistance. As part of its immediate response, the company has distributed “family boxes” to over 670 individuals, including team members and their families, across 48 communities in five parishes. Volunteers from Sagicor’s subsidiaries were mobilized to assist with the packaging and distribution of these essential supplies. Additionally, the company is offering grants for immediate needs and interest-free loans to support long-term rebuilding efforts for affected employees. These local initiatives are bolstered by Sagicor Financial Company (SFC), the group’s parent company, which has pledged matching donations from employees in other Sagicor territories to aid long-term recovery. Sagicor is also exploring further ways to assist clients severely impacted by the hurricane, helping them regain stability and normalcy during this challenging period. Christopher Zacca, President and CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica and Chairman of the Sagicor Foundation, personally visited Black River, St Elizabeth, to oversee relief distribution and assess the damage. “The devastation in Black River is heartbreaking, and we are committed to supporting our team members, clients, and the broader community in rebuilding their lives,” Zacca stated. He emphasized Sagicor’s long-standing commitment to Jamaica, reaffirming the company’s dedication to recovery efforts. The Sagicor Foundation will continue to coordinate relief initiatives as recovery progresses across the island.
分类： society
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Murder accused at Teteron Barracks complains of inhumane detention
A remand prisoner held at the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force’s (TTDF) Teteron Barracks in Chaguaramas has filed a writ of habeas corpus, alleging his detention is unlawful and inhumane. The individual, facing multiple murder and firearm charges, is seeking justification for his continued confinement at the military facility. The case is set to be heard next week before Justice Carol Gobin. Teteron Barracks was designated as a prison in July 2025 under a state of emergency to house high-risk inmates transferred from the Maximum Security Prison in Arouca. However, not all detainees are held under Preventative Detention Orders (PDOs). The prisoner claims he was forcibly removed from the Port of Spain Prison on August 20 by masked officers, blindfolded, zip-tied, and transported to Teteron without a detention order. Initially, the Commissioner of Prisons stated he was held under a PDO, but this was later retracted, with the State confirming no such order exists. The inmate’s affidavit details harsh conditions at Teteron, including confinement in a small, poorly ventilated cell, limited access to water and sanitation, and inadequate food for his lactose intolerance. He also alleges restricted access to legal counsel and family visits, with virtual meetings monitored by prison staff. The prisoner, awaiting trial for multiple murders, claims his mental health has deteriorated and fears his detention could prejudice his upcoming trials. He is represented by a legal team including Ravi Rajcoomar, SC, Ryan Rajcoomar, Alejandro Gocking, and Enrique Singh. The Ministry of Homeland Security has denied complaints about conditions at Teteron, stating that refurbished cells include bunks, bathrooms, and ventilation, with inmates having access to daily medical services, meals, and water.
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Freak storm causes anxiety in several St James communities
Residents of St James, Jamaica, were left in a state of alarm on Friday afternoon as powerful winds swept through several communities, evoking memories of past severe weather events. South St James bore the brunt of the phenomenon, with locals describing the experience as both sudden and unsettling. Marcia Anderson, a resident of the Tangle River community, recounted the moment the winds began to howl. “We saw trees and bamboo swaying violently, and leaves flying everywhere, but it stopped shortly after,” she told Observer Online. Anderson also noted the eerie change in the atmosphere, saying, “The place turned white as if heavy rain was imminent, but it never came.” Her concerns were heightened by a call from a relative overseas who had warned of a potential weather system that might impact the region. “I thought this was it,” she admitted, though the winds subsided quickly. Another resident from the Meadows of Irwin community, who chose to remain anonymous, described the event as deeply traumatic. “I nearly had a panic attack,” she said, drawing parallels to the destructive Hurricane Melissa. She reported sustained showers accompanying the winds, which soaked her patio and caused water to seep through her bedroom window. “It felt like it lasted 20 minutes,” she added, emphasizing the intensity of the experience. While the winds eventually died down, the incident left many residents on edge, reminding them of the vulnerability of their communities to sudden weather changes.
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Family of slain granny, 75, wants closure
As the fifth anniversary of Daiyke “Meera” Mongroo’s tragic murder approaches on November 11, her family continues to seek justice and closure. The 75-year-old grandmother was found brutally murdered in her home at Papourie Road, Diamond Village, San Fernando, on November 11, 2020. Her husband, Ramjewan Mongroo, discovered her lifeless body upon returning from errands. An autopsy revealed she had been beaten, bound, and strangled. Relatives remember her as a caring, loving, and humorous woman who was full of life. Despite ongoing investigations by the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, no arrests have been made. The family remains hopeful for justice, but the wait has been agonizing. Adding to their grief, the widower’s brother and sister-in-law passed away earlier this year within a month of each other due to natural causes. The family continues to support one another, clinging to hope and prayers for a resolution.
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Small businesses to be supported in recovery efforts, says Seiveright
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica, the government has initiated a robust, multi-pronged response to aid micro and small businesses in their recovery efforts. Delano Seiveright, Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), underscored the urgency of the situation, describing it as ‘Herculean and multifaceted.’ He revealed that Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness and Senator Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, have already issued directives and convened strategic meetings to expedite the revival of small enterprises.
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T&TEC claims ‘misrepresentation’ by ex-legal counsel in doctor’s battle over power lines
The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is embroiled in a legal controversy after its legal department admitted to misrepresentations in court regarding the existence of key policy documents. The case stems from a dispute with Dr. Fayard Mohammed, who challenged T&TEC’s installation of high-tension power lines on his private property without disclosing the governing policy. T&TEC’s legal officer, Candace Price, filed an affidavit on October 30, acknowledging that previous statements to the court about the non-existence of these documents were inaccurate. Price emphasized that the commission deeply regretted the misstatement and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The disclosure of the policy was made on October 24, following a court order by Justice Frank Seepersad, who ruled that T&TEC had breached its statutory obligations under the FOIA by failing to respond to Mohammed’s September 26, 2024, request. Seepersad expressed concern over the implications of the misrepresentation and the delay in providing the policy, questioning why it was not available during earlier hearings. Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan, now leading T&TEC’s legal team, admitted to a “changing of the guards” within the commission’s legal department and pledged to uncover the truth. Seepersad dismissed T&TEC’s arguments that its refusal was justified under the sub judice rule or to prevent a “fishing expedition,” calling them “devoid of merit.” He ruled that T&TEC’s delay violated multiple sections of the FOIA and undermined public trust. The judge awarded costs to Mohammed and stressed that FOIA applications are essential for citizens to access public information, not mere litigation tactics. The case has been adjourned to November 24 for further proceedings.
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Fyzabad family relocated amid hydrocarbon leak
Heritage Petroleum Co Ltd has taken swift action to address a hydrocarbon leak at a private residence in Massahood, Fyzabad, relocating a family as a precautionary measure. The incident, which occurred on November 7, prompted the company to dispatch its emergency response team to assess and manage the situation. Investigations by the company’s Incident Management Team (IMT) revealed a minor leak along a 12-inch trunk pipeline, partially located beneath an unauthorized, occupied structure. The pipeline has since been secured with plugs and clamps. In a statement, Heritage Petroleum emphasized that the family was relocated to a suitable and convenient alternate accommodation while cleanup and restoration efforts are underway. The IMT remains on-site, conducting air quality monitoring and additional assessments to ensure safety. Representatives from the company’s community relations team and the Fyzabad MP’s office visited the site to oversee the response. The Environmental Management Authority and the Ministry of Energy were also informed of the incident, with Heritage Petroleum committed to providing ongoing updates as necessary.
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S Hotel in MoBay repurposes S Club as media base to aid journalists
In a significant move to support regional journalism, the S Hotel in Montego Bay, Jamaica, has announced the transformation of its S Club facility into a dedicated operations base for media personnel in western Jamaica. This initiative, unveiled on Friday, aims to address the critical challenges journalists face, including unreliable phone connectivity and intermittent email access, exacerbated by the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
Christopher Issa, the hotel’s owner, emphasized the importance of a free and independent press in a functioning democracy. ‘We are very happy to be able to do this… especially at a time when journalists are facing significant hurdles in accessing the tools they need to do their work,’ Issa stated. He highlighted the hotel’s commitment to providing a stable environment where journalists can access emails, make phone calls, and produce accurate content for the public.
Ann-Marie Goffe Pryce, the hotel’s general manager, reinforced this commitment, stating, ‘Ensuring that our regional journalists have a reliable workspace is a responsibility we take seriously. The S Club will offer consistent connectivity and a conducive environment, enabling them to focus on delivering trustworthy news.’ She added that this partnership underscores the hotel’s dedication to community support and the integrity of information, particularly during the recovery phase post-Hurricane Melissa.
Janet Silvera, President of the Western Jamaica Media Association (WJMA), praised the initiative, describing the extreme conditions journalists have endured, including camping at police stations or pulling over on highways to access the internet. ‘Providing a base with consistent connectivity and workspace is a meaningful intervention that will help reporters deliver timely, accurate stories,’ Silvera explained. She also lauded the collaboration as a model for future emergencies, highlighting the importance of stable information channels in times of crisis.
The S Hotel, renowned for its community stewardship, will grant journalists access to the S Club during designated hours, ensuring a reliable space for filing stories, conducting interviews, and coordinating dispatches. This initiative not only aids journalists in the immediate recovery period but also establishes a sustainable framework for supporting media operations during future emergencies, reinforcing the critical role of journalism in national resilience.
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Divali Nagar hosts fund-raising concert for Jamaica
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Jamaica, a beacon of hope emerges from Trinidad. Under the theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – The World is One Family,’ a major fundraising concert is set to take place on November 8 at the Divali Nagar outdoor auditorium in Chaguanas. This event, a collaborative effort between five organizations from Trinidad and Jamaica, aims to support relief and rebuilding efforts in the hurricane-ravaged nation. The concert will showcase Trinidad and Tobago’s top East Indian performers, all volunteering their talents for an evening dedicated to unity, love, and humanitarianism. The driving force behind this initiative is Ravi Rambarran, a Trinidad-born, Jamaica-based philanthropist and retired CEO of Sagicor Southern Caribbean, who has called Jamaica home for the past 29 years. Rambarran, deeply moved by the devastation caused by the Category 5 hurricane, which struck on October 28, quickly rallied support from partners in both countries. The event marks a historic first, with five organizations uniting across borders for a single humanitarian cause. The concert will feature performances by renowned artists and dance troupes, supported by digital innovations like WiPay, a Trinidadian-built platform enabling global donations. Rambarran and Surujdeo Mangaroo, president of the National Council of Indian Culture, emphasize the importance of Caribbean solidarity, urging citizens to contribute to this noble cause. Tickets are available online, and the concert will be streamed live, offering a global audience the chance to participate in this act of compassion and unity.
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UCC begins roll out of relief supplies to students and staff impacted by Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) has initiated its post-hurricane relief operations, commencing with the distribution of essential supplies to its Montego Bay campus in St. James. This effort, spearheaded by the UCC Foundation (UCCF), aims to support students and staff affected by Hurricane Melissa.
Professor Colin Gyles, President of UCC, emphasized the institution’s solidarity with those impacted by the disaster. ‘Our priority is to ensure the well-being of our students and staff as we work together to rebuild and recover,’ he stated. The relief packages, which include bottled water, non-perishable food, toiletries, sanitary products, and clothing, are part of a broader strategy to sustain student engagement and repair damaged infrastructure.
The UCCF has also announced plans to expand its relief missions to other regional campuses across Jamaica in the coming days. Gyles reiterated the university’s commitment to providing meaningful support during this challenging time, extending thoughts and prayers to all those affected.
Initial reports reveal that numerous staff and students have suffered significant losses, including damage to homes and personal belongings. The UCC’s relief efforts underscore its dedication to fostering resilience and recovery in the wake of the hurricane.