Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj has provided updates on the ongoing investigations by the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) into two police-involved fatal shootings that occurred in Tobago earlier this year. The incidents, which took place on April 25 and May 30, involved the deaths of Ronell Marcelle, 34, and Frank Allen Sammy, 74, respectively. During a Senate session on October 29, Maharaj responded to inquiries from Opposition Senator Melanie Roberts-Radgman, detailing the progress of the investigations. In the case of Marcelle, the PCA has secured the police investigative file, which includes witness statements, video footage, and a post-mortem certificate, though some information remains pending. For Sammy’s case, the PCA has obtained extracts from police records and conducted interviews, including securing a witness statement, but additional details are still awaited. Maharaj emphasized the PCA’s commitment to thoroughness in these investigations, underscoring the importance of accountability and transparency in such sensitive matters.
分类： society
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#MelissaAftermath: Near chaos at service stations in St James
Montego Bay, St James, witnessed scenes of desperation and disorder on Thursday as a limited number of operational petrol stations faced overwhelming demand from residents and motorists. Many individuals, carrying containers, flocked to these stations in a bid to secure petrol or diesel, essential for maintaining daily activities. One resident highlighted the critical need for gasoline to power generators, which have become indispensable in their daily lives. ‘Without the gas, we don’t have any light and ting,’ she remarked. Tensions escalated at a Union Street gas station, where disputes nearly turned violent as people vied for their share of the scarce resource. ‘All machete people draw because a the gas thing,’ a witness recounted to Observer Online. By late afternoon, long queues persisted at locations like the Thrifty Gas Station in Rose Hall, as individuals waited patiently to fill their vehicles and containers.
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Minor damage to National Stadium after Melissa passage
Major Desmon Brown, General Manager of Independence Park, has announced that Jamaica’s National Stadium incurred only minor damage following the onslaught of Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 hurricane, which struck the island on Tuesday with winds reaching 185 miles per hour, caused widespread devastation across several communities and severely impacted national infrastructure. However, an initial assessment of the National Stadium revealed limited harm, primarily involving broken windows and a malfunctioning well pump. Brown emphasized that a detailed review is still underway to evaluate the full extent of the damage. The National Arena, which served as a temporary shelter for 113 to 166 individuals during the storm, has since been vacated. Brown expressed concern about the inability to assess damage at Trelawny Stadium due to communication challenges. Despite these issues, he expressed relief that the National Stadium’s field remains largely intact, a critical factor as Jamaica prepares to host its final World Cup qualifier against Curaçao on November 18. The US National Hurricane Center reported that Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Jamaica’s southwest coast, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
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PM: We will rebuild after storm in affected islands
As Hurricane Melissa wreaked havoc across the central and southeast Bahamas, Prime Minister Philip Davis assured the nation of the government’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding and recovery. Addressing Parliament, Davis emphasized the resilience of the Bahamian people and the government’s preparedness to provide relief once the storm subsided. Forecasters indicated that Melissa, which had weakened to a Category Two hurricane, was expected to leave Bahamian waters by early morning. ‘We know the toll these storms can take, but we also know the strength of our people,’ Davis declared. ‘Whatever happens, we will rebuild, recover, and rise again.’ The hurricane, which had previously devastated Jamaica and Cuba, prompted one of the largest evacuations in recent Bahamian history, with 1,485 residents relocated before flights were suspended. While some evacuees reported challenges such as long waits and poor communication, Minister of Disaster Risk Management Leon Lundy affirmed the success of the evacuation process, highlighting the discipline and coordination involved. Davis also expressed solidarity with Jamaica and Cuba, acknowledging their support during past crises like Hurricane Dorian. He underscored the storm as a stark reminder of the urgent threat posed by climate change and reiterated his commitment to advocating for climate justice and fair financing for small island states. Lundy noted that shelters were well-stocked and communication systems remained operational throughout the crisis.
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World Athletics lost 1.5 million euros in ‘systematic theft’ by employees
PARIS, France — World Athletics, the global governing body for track and field, disclosed on Thursday that former employees had embezzled over €1.5 million ($1.7 million) in what it termed a case of ‘systematic theft.’ The organization has provided comprehensive evidence to judicial and legal authorities to facilitate a criminal investigation. The scandal led to the termination of a consultant and an employee, while another implicated staff member had already departed before the misconduct was discovered. President Sebastian Coe emphasized the organization’s commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging to employ ‘the full force of the law’ to reclaim the stolen funds. Coe criticized the common practice of concealing such incidents, asserting that World Athletics prioritizes integrity and good governance, even in uncomfortable situations.
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TikTok star Fritz awaits date for bail
Elias Fritz, a 19-year-old TikTok influencer with over 300,000 followers, must wait until mid-November to discover if he will be granted bail on charges of attempted murder and armed robbery. Known online as “Jaido World,” Fritz appeared before Senior Justice Cheryl Grant Thompson, who announced that the bail decision will be delivered on November 12. Fritz and a 16-year-old co-defendant are accused of attempting to rob Theodore Fernander of his white Honda Odyssey on August 11 and trying to kill him during the incident. Additionally, both face charges of firearm and ammunition possession and the attempted murder of two police officers. The arrests followed a high-speed police chase that ended when the suspects’ vehicle crashed into a utility pole on Eastern Road. Officers from Operation Black Scorpion initially spotted the suspects speeding near Ida Street and Robinson Road in a white Japanese vehicle without headlights. When police attempted to stop the car, the suspects fled, leading to a pursuit. During the chase, another patrol unit encountered a motorist on Robinson Road who had been shot by occupants of a vehicle matching the one being pursued. Three suspects, including Fritz, were arrested at the scene. Fritz’s voluntary bill of indictment is scheduled for service on November 21 before Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville.
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Optimum Jamaica helping families to stay connected across US and Jamaica
In a compassionate response to the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Optimum Jamaica has announced a significant initiative to support the Jamaican community. From now until November 30, 2025, Optimum Phone and Optimum Mobile customers in the United States can make free calls and send texts to Jamaica. This effort aims to bridge the emotional and physical distance between families and friends during the island’s recovery process.
Leon Davis, Senior Director and Site General Manager, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering connections beyond technology. ‘We recognize the emotional strain of being separated from loved ones in times of crisis,’ Davis stated. ‘Our goal is to bring families closer, even across vast distances, by removing communication barriers.’
This initiative is part of Optimum’s broader strategy to enhance community resilience and recovery. By providing free communication services, the company hopes to facilitate emotional support, updates, and reassurance among Jamaicans in the diaspora and their families back home.
Jevaughn Gordon, Communications Manager, highlighted the symbolic importance of the gesture. ‘Optimum stands with Jamaica during this challenging period. We believe that staying connected is a vital part of the healing process,’ Gordon remarked.
In addition to this public offering, Optimum has been actively supporting its internal workforce through welfare checks and communication assistance, ensuring that employees are also cared for during this time. The company’s efforts underscore its dedication to both technological and human connections in the face of adversity.
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#MelissaAftermath: Purkiss appeals for support for residents in Hanover Eastern
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Andrea Purkiss, Member of Parliament for Hanover Eastern, has issued an urgent appeal for assistance to support residents in her constituency who have suffered extensive damage. Speaking on Thursday, Purkiss described the widespread devastation across Eastern Hanover, with numerous homes destroyed, roofs torn off, and entire communities left isolated.
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‘Bad, bad, bad’ Melissa batters Priory, blowing roofs off homes
The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left the coastal community of Priory in St Ann, Jamaica, grappling with devastation and uncertainty. Kayan Davis, a mother of three, faced the harrowing reality of losing her roof during the Category 5 storm, which struck with winds reaching 185 miles per hour. ‘The zinc was flying off,’ Davis recounted, clutching her nine-year-old daughter. ‘I have nowhere to sleep.’ Her plight mirrors that of her neighbor, fisherman George Brown, who described the hurricane as the worst he has ever witnessed, surpassing even Hurricane Gilbert in intensity. Marvin Thomas, a janitorial services provider, also suffered significant damage when a mango tree crashed onto his home, destroying the roof. Despite the despair, stories of resilience emerged. Adina Higgins, a 62-year-old resident, opened her home to neighbors seeking refuge during the storm. ‘We took them in and they slept for the night,’ Higgins said, providing beds and warm clothes to those in need. As the community begins the arduous task of rebuilding, the scars of Hurricane Melissa serve as a stark reminder of nature’s fury and the strength of human compassion.
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Riding out the storm
Residents across the Central and Southeast Bahamas endured the brunt of Hurricane Melissa on Tuesday, as the Category Two storm unleashed heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and the looming threat of severe flooding. The Bahamas Department of Meteorology issued Alert #24, warning of sustained winds reaching 100 miles per hour, storm surges, and up to ten inches of rainfall. The hurricane, moving northeast at 15 miles per hour, impacted several islands, including Ragged Island, Long Island, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, Rum Cay, and San Salvador. By mid-afternoon, the storm’s core passed approximately 25 miles east-southeast of Duncan Town, Ragged Island, and 60 miles south-southwest of South Long Island, bringing hurricane conditions to the region. On Long Island, residents reported worsening weather, with tropical-storm-strength gusts and power outages. Ann Cartwright, a resident of Gray’s, described the situation as calm but overcast, with winds exceeding 30 miles per hour. Meanwhile, Jill Smith of Stella Maris highlighted repeated power cuts and rapidly deteriorating conditions, particularly in the southern part of the island, where residents faced water and electricity shortages ahead of the storm. In Exuma, Princess McKenzie noted continuous rainfall since 4 a.m., while Gary Rolle expressed resilience despite the panic caused by the hurricane. On Acklins, Island Administrator Herman Gilbert confirmed that 194 residents chose to remain behind despite evacuation efforts, citing poor communication due to weather-related disruptions. Ragged Island residents were evacuated earlier in the week, with evacuees staying with family in New Providence. Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis issued a mandatory evacuation order under the Disaster Risk Management (Evacuation – Southeast Bahamas) Order 2025, relocating over 1,400 residents from Inagua, Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, and Ragged Island. The order prioritized the elderly, sick, and children, with Davis emphasizing the government’s commitment to public safety. Although Hurricane Melissa weakened as it moved north, authorities urged residents to remain vigilant as damage assessments continue.