KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa looms over Jamaica, the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has initiated its emergency operations plan to ensure a rapid and coordinated response to potential damage to the island’s power infrastructure. The company is emphasizing the importance of safety and urging residents to take necessary precautions before, during, and after the storm.
分类： society
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UPDATE: Pregnant mom found dead
The search for Lauren Saunders, a seven-months-pregnant mother of two, ended in tragedy on October 22, 2025, when her body was reportedly discovered with gunshot wounds near Munnings Drive, off Gladstone Road. Saunders had vanished after leaving work early on Sunday to meet someone and never returned home. Her abandoned jeep was later found off Coral Harbour Road with a flat tire, her purse, and shoes inside. Family members, fearing the worst, believe she had gone to meet the man thought to be the father of her unborn child, who is believed to be married. Saunders’ sister, Charmaine Edgecombe, described her as a ‘sweetheart’ who was in high spirits before her disappearance. The family grew alarmed when Saunders failed to attend a function at Atlantis and could not be reached by phone. After checking every hospital ward, they filed a police report. Another sister retraced Saunders’ usual route to work and discovered the abandoned jeep. Police expanded their search along tracks off Gladstone Road, combing thick bushes near Coral Harbour Road. Relatives expressed frustration over the slow response and lack of updates from authorities. Saunders’ seven and nine-year-old children are heartbroken, and their grandfather is struggling to cope. Edgecombe admitted she is also finding it difficult to focus and move on. The disappearance comes four years after the death of Saunders’ mother, and she had not yet held a baby shower or chosen a name for her unborn son. Police have not confirmed reports that the father of Saunders’ unborn child has been questioned.
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Taxi drivers protest alleged $20 Margaritaville parking fee
Tensions escalated outside Margaritaville Resort on West Bay Street yesterday morning as dozens of taxi drivers staged a protest against what they claim is an illegal $20 parking fee. The demonstration, which required police intervention, has reignited calls for government action to address the issue. Bahamas Taxi Cab Union (BTCU) President Tyrone Butler accused Margaritaville employees of colluding with a taxi driver to collect the fee, despite assurances from the resort’s management that they were not involved. Butler revealed that union representatives had met with Margaritaville officials and the Road Traffic Department last Thursday, where the hotel pledged to halt the practice. However, by Sunday morning, another driver was reportedly asked to pay the fee and was denied work after refusing. Margaritaville’s general manager, Shyam Lalu, denied any wrongdoing by the resort or its staff, labeling the individual responsible as a “rogue” actor operating independently. Butler criticized the Ministry of Transport and the Road Traffic Department for their inaction, warning of larger protests if no measures are taken. He also highlighted broader grievances against taxi drivers at key locations, including Lynden Pindling International Airport, Atlantis, and Nassau Cruise Port, calling for corporate partners to act responsibly.
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Lone Paria survivor ‘disgusted’ by CoE legal fees
Christopher Boodram, the sole survivor of the 2022 Paria diving tragedy, has publicly criticized the exorbitant legal fees paid during the commission of enquiry, labeling it a ‘feeding frenzy at our expense.’ In a statement on October 21, Boodram expressed his disgust at the former PNM administration’s allocation of millions to commissioners and lawyers, while the families of the four deceased divers remain uncompensated. He likened the legal proceedings to ‘vultures picking at the corpses of my brothers,’ emphasizing the emotional toll on the bereaved families. The enquiry, which cost $15.5 million, was described by Boodram as a ‘political excuse,’ with none of the Lynch Report recommendations implemented. Despite the matter being referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions, no progress has been made on potential corporate manslaughter charges. Boodram thanked Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for not appealing Justice Joan Charles’ judgment, which revealed the legal payments, and urged her to intervene to provide relief to the families. He highlighted the ongoing struggles of the families, including Paria’s recent ‘meet-and-greet’ session with its new board, which he dismissed as a ‘well-intentioned public-relations exercise.’ Boodram lamented the lack of justice for the poor, stating, ‘I bared my soul and told my story to the nation for free, and it is grievous and painful to learn about the millions that were spent on lawyers when not one red cent has been paid to the families.’ He also noted the unfulfilled $1 million compensation promise made by former Prime Minister Stuart Young. Paria’s chairman, Nyree Alphonso, acknowledged the pledge but cited complexities with insurers and attorneys as obstacles to timely resolution.
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October filled with faith, pride for Venezuelan migrants
October 2025 has become a month of profound significance for Venezuelans worldwide, marked by a blend of pride, hope, and emotional renewal. On October 10, Maria Corina Machado, a prominent opposition leader, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her unwavering commitment to defending democratic rights and fostering a peaceful transition in Venezuela. This global recognition resonated deeply with millions of Venezuelans living abroad, reigniting a sense of pride and optimism for their homeland. Just nine days later, on October 19, the Vatican celebrated the canonization of Venezuela’s first two saints, Dr. Jose Gregorio Hernandez and Mother Maria Carmen Rendiles Martinez, in a grand ceremony at St. Peter’s Square led by Pope Francis. These two revered figures, symbols of faith, science, and humility, provided a spiritual affirmation for Venezuelans both at home and in the diaspora. For Venezuelans in Trinidad and Tobago, these events carried special emotional weight. Carolina Alvarez, originally from Barquisimeto and now residing in Chaguanas, described the canonization as a moment when ‘Venezuela stood up again,’ recalling her grandmother’s prayers and the enduring legacy of Dr. Hernandez. Luis Martinez, from Caracas and now living in Port of Spain, shared how hearing the Pope mention Dr. Hernandez’s name brought tears to his eyes, rekindling a sense of hope. Maria Fernanda Perez, from Maracaibo and living in San Fernando, expressed that the canonization felt like ‘a caress for those of us who are far away,’ restoring faith in the midst of adversity. Javier Gomez, a construction worker from Valencia now living in Arima, encapsulated the collective sentiment, stating, ‘The Nobel filled me with pride, but the saints gave me back my soul.’ These events, he reflected, reminded Venezuelans of their enduring faith and resilience, offering a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.
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Guyana mulls ankle monitoring to combat domestic violence
The government of Guyana is actively exploring innovative measures, including the use of ankle monitoring systems, to enhance its efforts in combating domestic violence. Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond emphasized the importance of these strategies in ensuring greater safety, accountability, and support for victims. The proposed ankle monitoring bracelets would enable authorities to track offenders’ movements in real time, issuing automated alerts if they approach restricted areas or come near victims. This proactive approach aims to prevent further harm and ensure swift intervention. Walrond highlighted the government’s commitment to creating a secure environment, stating, ‘We have a mandate from the people to deliver a safe and secure country. People want to feel secure and have a standard of living where they can walk down the street with their children without worry.’ The Safe City Initiative, which employs facial recognition, vehicle tracking, and license plate recognition, has already improved response times in investigations and contributed to community safety. Additionally, an alert app functioning as a panic button is being developed to further empower citizens. Despite these advancements, Walrond stressed the need to build trust between the public and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to ensure transparency and accountability at every stage. ‘People want to feel that there is a police force they can trust, that cares, and that will respond to them,’ she added.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Fishers advised to head for land
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Authorities in Jamaica have issued urgent warnings to fishers and marine operators to evacuate coastal and offshore waters as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches the island. Dr. Gavin Bellamy, Chief Executive Officer of the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), emphasized that safety remains the top priority as the island braces for severe weather conditions.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Portmore mayor taking precautionary measures to combat flooding
ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — Portmore Mayor Leon Thompson has reassured residents that drain cleaning operations, which commenced as early as April, are continuing in full swing as the municipality braces for Tropical Storm Melissa. In a statement to Observer Online on Tuesday, Thompson emphasized that equipment is on standby to address potential major flooding, ensuring swift removal of any blockages if necessary.
Thompson highlighted that assessments have identified illegal constructions on drain reservations and walls as significant contributors to recurrent severe flooding in certain areas, particularly the Edgewater community. He specifically pointed out Michelle Crescent, where residents have extended their properties beyond legal boundaries, encroaching on critical drainage infrastructure.
‘Residents have built beyond their property lines, constructing on drain reservations and even on existing drain walls,’ Thompson explained. ‘This has led to the collapse of many drains, obstructing water flow and causing persistent flooding in Edgewater.’
To address these issues, the municipal council has initiated corrective measures, including issuing enforcement notices to violators and maintaining routine drain cleaning. ‘We are systematically serving notices in these communities to ensure compliance,’ Thompson stated. The mayor’s proactive approach aims to mitigate flood risks and safeguard residents as the storm season intensifies.
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Schools urged to prepare to go online
KINGSTON, Jamaica—In anticipation of Tropical Storm Melissa’s potential impact this weekend, Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon has called on schools across the nation to prepare for a transition to online learning. Speaking at a special press briefing on Wednesday, Morris Dixon emphasized the dual role of schools as educational institutions and emergency shelters. She revealed that 798 of Jamaica’s 881 designated national shelters are schools, highlighting their critical function during natural disasters.
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Chief Sec happy for more carnival flights, wants pro-active CAL in 2026
In a significant move to accommodate the influx of visitors for the Tobago carnival festivities, Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) has confirmed the addition of 3,200 seats to the airbridge. This supplement to the existing 18,792 seats, available from October 22-29, includes the deployment of an additional Boeing 737 aircraft. The initiative aims to alleviate travel congestion and ensure smoother journeys for masqueraders, artists, and the general public attending the event.
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine expressed his relief during a media briefing at the Shaw Park Complex on October 21, acknowledging the efforts of Minister Davendranath Tancoo and the CAL board. Augustine highlighted that the additional seats were secured after persistent advocacy, addressing earlier complaints from stakeholders about flight shortages. Bandleaders, who had faced challenges in securing flights for their masqueraders, have now been able to finalize their bookings.
Augustine emphasized the need for proactive planning by CAL for future high-traffic events, urging the airline to prepare well in advance for peak seasons such as Easter, Tobago carnival, and the summer months. He also credited Tobago West MP Joel Sampson, Tobago East MP David Thomas, and Secretary for Culture and Antiquities Zorisha Hackett for their roles in this development. The Office of the Chief Secretary further acknowledged Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Minister Tancoo, and Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Eli Zakour for their contributions.
This announcement follows earlier concerns raised by TOCO president Dexter Sandy, who had appealed for additional transportation options to ensure the success of the carnival. With the airbridge now bolstered, the Tobago carnival, scheduled from October 24-26, is set to welcome a larger number of participants and visitors, marking a tangible improvement in the island’s airlift capacity during one of its most celebrated cultural events.