The local community in New Providence was left in profound grief following the tragic shooting of Distinguished Toastmaster Derek Garcia Rolle on Thursday night. The incident, which occurred shortly after 11 pm on Cambridge Drive, has sent shockwaves through the toastmasters’ community and beyond. Police reported that upon responding to reports of gunfire, officers discovered Mr. Rolle lying outside a residence with multiple gunshot wounds. Preliminary investigations suggest that the assailants, traveling in a dark-colored Japanese vehicle, opened fire on Mr. Rolle as he exited the residence before fleeing south onto Dover Avenue. The motive behind the shooting remains unknown. Mr. Rolle’s untimely death has prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media, with friends and colleagues remembering him as a dedicated leader, mentor, and friend. Toastmaster Franky Camille expressed deep sorrow, recalling Mr. Rolle’s unwavering support and belief in others. Emergency Medical Services confirmed no signs of life upon arrival. Toastmasters International also issued a heartfelt statement, honoring Mr. Rolle’s selfless contributions and urging members to honor his legacy. This tragic event marks the 71st murder in The Bahamas this year, underscoring the ongoing challenges of violence in the region.
分类： society
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House in peril after landslide in John’s Hall
A family in the John’s Hall community of St James, Jamaica, faces the imminent loss of their home after a portion of its foundation was eroded by floodwaters linked to Hurricane Melissa. The house, owned by Lincoln James, a former principal of Howard Cooke Primary School, has been severely compromised, rendering it unsafe for habitation. James revealed that the family has relocated to another dwelling on the property, avoiding the unstable structure. He described the interior as feeling like ‘going downhill,’ highlighting the extent of the damage. The family’s belongings, including furniture, remain inside, with only a few essential items salvaged. James’s car is also precariously positioned against the house, prompting him to seek assistance from his insurance provider. James attributed the disaster to a shift in the water channel caused by a landslide and a mango tree that obstructed the natural flow. The family was unaware of the damage until James’s son noticed the issue, forcing them to evacuate hastily. The incident underscores the devastating impact of natural disasters on vulnerable communities.
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A myth about the old
The adage ‘once a man, twice a child’ often surfaces in discussions about aging, but the reality of caring for an elderly adult is far more complex than tending to a child. Dr. Taureef Mohammed, a physician from Trinidad and Tobago now practicing in Canada, shares his personal experiences and challenges in caring for his elderly father, shedding light on the often-overlooked difficulties of elder care.
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‘It was a disaster’: Westmoreland residents struggle with Melissa’s aftermath
The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s destructive path through western Jamaica has left the residents of Westmoreland grappling with profound devastation. The storm, which struck last Tuesday, has reduced homes to rubble, wiped out livestock, and left many communities, such as McAlpine, in dire straits. Families have endured days without adequate meals, and the scarcity of essential supplies in nearby Whitehouse has exacerbated the crisis. In the face of these overwhelming challenges, the community has banded together, relying on mutual support and resilience to navigate this harrowing period. The full extent of the damage and the ongoing struggles of the affected population can be seen in the accompanying video.
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Hurricane Melissa death toll climbs to 32
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government of Jamaica has announced that the official death toll from Hurricane Melissa has climbed to 32, with eight additional fatalities currently under investigation. The confirmation came during a special media briefing led by Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, at Jamaica House in Kingston on Monday, November 3. Dr. Morris Dixon expressed deep sorrow over the rising number of casualties, stating, ‘We do expect that number to increase. Every additional person added to that list is profoundly felt by all of us.’ She extended prayers and support to the affected families, acknowledging the immense grief they are enduring. Hurricane Melissa, which struck western Jamaica on October 28, caused widespread devastation, prompting the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to deploy helicopters for search and recovery operations. The government continues to monitor the situation closely, providing updates as recovery efforts progress.
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Defence Minister confirms operation to verify migrants’ legal status
Defence Minister Wayne Sturge has confirmed an ongoing operation to assess the legal status of Venezuelan migrants in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). While Sturge refrained from divulging specifics, he acknowledged reports of police detaining individuals resembling Venezuelans and verifying their documentation. In a WhatsApp response, Sturge stated, “I am aware, I will address this question raised by you at the appropriate time,” adding that further details would be provided toward the end of the operation. This development follows Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers’ recent reaffirmation of Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander’s pledge for “mass deportations” of Venezuelan nationals residing illegally in TT. Sobers emphasized that illegal entry into TT constitutes an offense, regardless of criminal activity. The government’s stance coincides with a significant reduction in work permits issued to Venezuelans. Former Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne expressed concern over the potential for xenophobic undertones in the deportation process. Browne highlighted the previous administration’s collaborative efforts with Caracas to deport Venezuelan migrants involved in criminal activities, emphasizing a smooth and non-provocative approach. He cautioned against mimicking actions from other nations or adopting measures that could inflame tensions with Venezuela, TT’s nearest neighbor. The Opposition has pledged to monitor the government’s deportation strategies, ensuring adherence to constitutional responsibilities and international law.
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Deal with fireworks terror now
The tragic death of a three-day-old baby following Divali celebrations has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for stricter regulations on fireworks. Fireworks Use Sufferers (FUS), an advocacy group, has expressed profound sympathy for the grieving family, who reportedly endured relentless noise from fireworks despite pleas for restraint. While the exact cause of the infant’s death remains unclear—whether due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or the stress induced by the fireworks—the incident has highlighted the government’s perceived negligence in addressing the issue. Critics argue that the administration’s decision to ban fireworks for Independence Day but not for Divali reflects a reckless and biased approach. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has been urged to issue guidelines promoting the use of silent fireworks and enforce stricter permitting processes. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the government’s alleged favoritism toward Fireone Fireworks, a major importer of these devices, despite their non-essential nature and the strain they place on foreign exchange reserves. The incident has also exposed the inadequacies of law enforcement, with reports of police failing to respond effectively to noise complaints. As the year-end celebrations approach, activists and stakeholders are demanding immediate action to prevent further harm to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and animals. Public protests and calls for accountability from the Prime Minister and Attorney General are being organized to address this pressing issue.
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Man chopped to death during dispute over $1,000 in East Kingston
A violent altercation over a mere $1,000 culminated in a fatal machete attack in East Kingston on Sunday, leaving 36-year-old Donandrew Campbell dead. The incident occurred at Hippolyte Road, where Campbell, also known as ‘Don’, resided. Police have identified Derrick Shaw, alias ‘Fighter’, as a person of interest in the case, urging him to report to the Elletson Road CIB by 6 pm on Tuesday. According to reports, the deadly confrontation erupted around noon between Campbell and Shaw, who shared the same living premises. Authorities revealed that Shaw allegedly used a machete to inflict severe chop wounds on Campbell’s neck, left hand, and both wrists, with one hand reportedly severed. Campbell was rushed to Kingston Public Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Investigations uncovered that the dispute originated from a $1,000 bill that fell from Shaw’s pocket, which Campbell claimed as his own. Further inquiries revealed that the two men had a long-standing feud spanning several years, adding a layer of complexity to the tragic incident.
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Educational support outside of school term being considered, says Morris Dixon
In the aftermath of the devastating Category Five Hurricane Melissa, which caused significant destruction in western Jamaica, Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon has announced comprehensive measures to address the anticipated learning loss among students. Speaking to Observer Online following a special media briefing on Monday, Minister Dixon revealed that the Ministry of Education is actively considering extending educational support beyond the standard school term. This includes organizing holiday camps and potentially extending programs into the summer to help students regain their academic footing.
Despite public concerns over the swift reopening of 136 schools less than a week after the hurricane, Minister Dixon emphasized that the process was carefully managed, prioritizing the well-being of students and staff. Many schools reopened primarily for staff to attend counseling sessions and discuss their experiences post-hurricane. For schools that welcomed students, the focus was on providing psychosocial support.
To assist affected students, the ministry is assembling kits in collaboration with guidance counselors and schools for distribution. Additionally, the ministry is exploring various solutions to rebuild and maintain learning in areas where schools were destroyed. Options under consideration include setting up temporary tents, relocating students to other schools, and providing learning materials for home use on specific days.
Minister Dixon also highlighted the ministry’s partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to develop effective recovery strategies. Drawing on UNICEF’s global experience in disaster recovery and education system rehabilitation, the collaboration aims to ensure the welfare of children and their access to essential education.
‘We’re going to figure it out. We’re going to have to be flexible because the key thing is the welfare of our children and getting our children to get the education that they desperately need so that they can take off in this world,’ Minister Dixon concluded.
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Deal with fireworksterror now
The Fireworks Use Sufferers (FUS) organization has extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of a three-day-old infant who tragically passed away the morning after Divali celebrations. Reports indicate that the family was subjected to relentless noise from fireworks throughout the night, despite their desperate pleas for the disturbances to cease. While the exact cause of the infant’s death remains uncertain—potentially linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or the stress induced by the fireworks—the incident has sparked widespread outrage. Critics argue that the government’s decision to ban fireworks for Independence Day while permitting them for Divali reflects a reckless and biased approach. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has been urged to address the issue, particularly given the adverse effects of fireworks on vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and animals. FUS President Nalini Dial has called for immediate government action, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations, including permits for silent fireworks and enforcement against lawbreakers. The organization also criticized the police for their lack of responsiveness and the government’s apparent favoritism toward fireworks importers. With Old Year’s Night approaching, activists are demanding public protests or official statements from the Prime Minister and Attorney General to outline concrete measures to prevent further harm.