On the evening of November 18, 2025, police responded to reports of gunfire near the Phillip Goldson Highway, close to the popular nightlife venue, Social Lounge. Woodrow Reyes was arrested on charges of possessing a firearm while under the influence. Shell casings found at the scene were collected for forensic analysis to determine if the weapon in Reyes’ possession was used in the incident. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith detailed the events, stating that officers from Precinct Four conducted a vehicle search leading to Reyes’ arrest. Social Lounge management swiftly addressed media speculation, clarifying that the shooting occurred approximately 150 yards away on the public highway and did not involve their establishment. They emphasized that the venue remained safe and operational throughout the evening, with no disturbance reported on their premises. The incident has sparked discussions about public safety in the area, while authorities continue their investigation.
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Morgen nationale vrije dag bij behalen WK-eindronde
The Surinamese government has expressed unwavering confidence in the National Football Team (Natio) ahead of tonight’s crucial World Cup qualifier. Minister of Home Affairs, Marinus Bee, revealed to Starnieuws that the administration is so assured of victory that preparations for a national holiday are already underway. However, the holiday will only be officially declared if Natio secures a win against Guatemala, thereby securing Suriname’s place in the upcoming FIFA World Cup finals. This move underscores the government’s belief in the team’s potential and its commitment to celebrating this historic achievement. The match is seen as a pivotal moment for Surinamese football, with the nation eagerly awaiting the outcome.
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OP-ED: COP30 – Urgent financing to transform agrifood systems
Climate change has transitioned from a distant threat to an immediate reality, profoundly impacting agrifood systems and jeopardizing global food security. Its effects are multifaceted, influencing agricultural yields, water resources, pest dynamics, disease proliferation, and even the nutritional value of crops due to changes in atmospheric CO₂ levels. In 2024 alone, climate shocks triggered food crises in 18 countries, leaving 72 million people in severe food insecurity. Hurricane Mellisa, which devastated Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of such events on food systems. Over the past 50 years, climate change has reduced global cereal yields by 2%-5%, with maize yields in Latin America declining by approximately 5%. Since 1961, global agricultural productivity has dropped by 21%, equivalent to losing seven years of progress. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need to transform agrifood systems through accelerated mitigation and adaptation measures. However, achieving this requires addressing a significant financing gap. In 2023, only 4% of climate-related development financing was directed toward agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and forestry, leaving vulnerable nations ill-equipped to adapt and transition to sustainable models. To build resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, climate financing must prioritize agriculture and rural livelihoods. Without adequate resources, international commitments will remain hollow promises. COP30 emerges as a pivotal moment to address these challenges. Initiatives like the Tropical Forests Forever Fund (TFFF), spearheaded by Brazil with World Bank support, aim to mobilize $25 billion from countries and $100 billion from private investors for global forest conservation. This innovative approach highlights the economic potential of sustainability. The early approval of the COP30 agenda reflects political will to advance climate financing, energy transition, and resilience. However, translating commitments into actionable targets with clear deadlines and real resources is essential. The FAO is championing strategies that integrate mitigation and adaptation, such as integrated fire management, supported by 50 countries. COP30 must place agriculture, food security, and the role of Indigenous Peoples and rural communities at the forefront of global discussions. The future of food, sustainability, and global stability hinges on COP30 marking the dawn of a new era in climate action centered on agrifood systems.
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STATEMENT: UWP calls for reinstatement of a birth certificate and photo ID in confirmation process
The United Workers Party – Team Dominica has issued a pressing appeal to the Electoral Commission, urging the immediate withdrawal or reversal of SRO 39. The party advocates for the reinstatement of SRO 27 of 2025, which permits the use of a birth certificate alongside a photo ID for voter confirmation. This call comes in response to the potential disenfranchisement of thousands of Dominicans who either lack the IDs mandated by SRO 39 or face significant challenges in obtaining them. The party warns that the Commission’s oversight could lead to the removal of eligible voters from the electoral list, undermining the integrity of the democratic process. Additionally, the party highlights the logistical hardships faced by voters in remote villages such as Morne Prosper, San Sauveur, and Warner, where confirmation centers are absent. In the Roseau North Constituency, the largest in Dominica, only two centers are available, forcing communities to incur additional costs and inconvenience to confirm their voter status. To address these issues, the party proposes that enrollment officers rotate across constituencies during the confirmation period, ensuring accessibility and minimizing costs for voters. Furthermore, the party calls for the immediate resumption of new voter registration in alignment with Article 17 (1) of the Registration of Electors Act 2025, which mandates continuous registration. The United Workers Party emphasizes that the Commission’s failure to act promptly could severely damage the electoral process, preventing thousands of eligible Dominicans from exercising their right to vote. The party urges swift action to safeguard the nation’s democratic traditions and ensure the fairness of future elections.
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Miss Universe Jamaica falls during evening gown preliminary competition
Dr. Gabrielle Henry, Jamaica’s representative at the 2025 Miss Universe pageant, is currently receiving medical attention at Paolo Rangsit Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, following an unfortunate incident during the preliminary competitions. Henry reportedly fell from the stage shortly after participating in the evening gown segment on Wednesday. According to Mark McDermoth, the national director of the Miss Universe Jamaica Organisation, preliminary medical tests have confirmed that Henry is not suffering from any life-threatening injuries. McDermoth urged the public to keep Henry in their prayers during this challenging time. Henry was accompanied to the hospital by her sister, mother, and representatives from the Miss Universe organization. Earlier in the week, she had successfully competed in the national costume and swimwear preliminary rounds. The coronation of the 74th Miss Universe is set to take place on Thursday, November 20, at the Impact Challenger Hall Arena in Bangkok, with delegates from 120 countries vying for the prestigious title. Jamaica has a strong history in the pageant, with several contestants achieving top-ten placements, including Sandra Foster (1989), Kimberly Mais (1991), Nicole Haughton (1999), Christine Straw (2004), Yendi Phillips (2nd place, 2010), Kaci Fennell (2014), Davina Bennett (2017), and Miqueal Symone Williams (2020).
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Caribbean-American congresswoman votes to release Epstein files
In a significant move, Caribbean-American Democratic Congresswoman Yvette Clarke has announced her support for the US House of Representatives’ resolution to release documents related to the alleged sexual abuse and trafficking of underage girls by Jeffrey Epstein. Clarke, representing New York’s 9th Congressional District, emphasized that the vote marked the end of a prolonged effort to obstruct the release of these files. The resolution passed almost unanimously in the House, with only one Republican objection, and was swiftly approved by the Senate, paving the way for President Donald Trump’s signature. Clarke, who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus, accused Trump and his Republican allies of deliberately delaying the process, describing their eventual support as a tactical retreat rather than a genuine change of heart. She asserted that the release of the Epstein files is crucial for holding accountable those involved in the heinous crimes and ensuring justice for the victims. Democratic Congressman Adriano Espaillat, the first Dominican Republic-American in the House, echoed Clarke’s sentiments, labeling the situation a White House cover-up and stressing the importance of transparency. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also highlighted the resolution’s role in exposing Epstein’s enablers and providing closure for survivors. The move has reignited debates about accountability and the influence of powerful figures in obstructing justice.
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Judge orders welfare check on 17-y-o boy in ganja case
In a notable ruling at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, Judge Paula Blake Powell suspended a ganja-related case against a minor due to significant concerns about the teenager’s welfare. The young defendant appeared in court without any family members but was accompanied by an adult co-accused, both facing charges related to ganja offenses. A vigilant police officer, recognizing the minor’s age and lack of guardianship, promptly informed the judge. Further investigation revealed that the teenager’s legal guardians reside in a distant city, and the minor had been staying with an adult sibling. The sibling was summoned to court to represent the teen but, upon arrival, failed to provide basic information such as the minor’s date of birth or their mother’s full name. This raised serious concerns for Judge Blake Powell, who directed the investigating officer to file a care and protection application in the family court. The judge emphasized the need for proof that the child’s welfare was being properly addressed. As a result, the criminal charges against the minor have been temporarily suspended pending further review by the family court. Meanwhile, the adult co-accused pleaded guilty to charges of possession and dealing in ganja and was fined $1,300 and $2,600, respectively.
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Man sent to anger management after hitting stepchild with broom
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A stepfather has been mandated to undergo counseling following allegations of physically assaulting his 10-year-old stepchild with a broom. The incident led to a court appearance in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, where the defendant faced Judge Paula Blake Powell. The child’s mother, who shares additional children with the accused, was also present in court. The prosecution alleged that the defendant struck the child with the broom, resulting in a bleeding wound. The defense argued that the injury was minor, but Judge Blake Powell emphasized that neither the defense attorney nor herself were qualified to make medical assessments. She instructed the defense to await the official medical report before drawing conclusions. The court referred the defendant to the family court for counseling focused on anger management and conflict resolution.
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Levy warns of Q3 perfect storm: US meat price collapse and Hurricane Melissa bite into JBG’s recovery
Jamaica Broilers Group (JBG) President and CEO Chris Levy has issued a stark warning about the company’s upcoming third quarter, citing a dual crisis of collapsing US meat prices and the disruptive effects of Hurricane Melissa on its core Jamaican market. Despite a recent operational turnaround that slashed US production costs by a third, Levy emphasized that external shocks now pose the greatest threat to recovery. This warning contrasts sharply with JBG’s strong Q1 performance, which saw a $1.6 billion profit, attributed to the initial success of its operational overhaul. However, Levy cautioned that this momentum is unlikely to continue, predicting a “bumpier” path to full-year recovery. The company’s Q2 results, expected by mid-December 2024, will include a significant $40 billion asset revaluation aimed at rebuilding shareholder equity. Meanwhile, Q3, covering the period ending January 31, 2025, is expected to be particularly challenging, with US meat prices plummeting and Jamaican revenues projected to dip by 5-6% due to the hurricane’s impact. While JBG’s main revenue driver, Best Dressed Chicken, is expected to remain resilient, its Hi-Pro division, which supplies baby chicks and feed, is likely to face significant challenges. Despite operational improvements in the US meat business, falling prices may negate these gains. Levy confirmed that strategic reviews are underway, including potential difficult decisions for the US meat business, with a possible exit still on the table. The company’s ability to navigate these turbulent economic and environmental conditions will be critical to its full recovery.
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PM’s meeting with Arawak Cay vendors ‘like a photo op’
Arawak Cay vendors affected by a recent fire expressed dissatisfaction with a meeting held with Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, describing the discussions as lacking substance and more of a public relations exercise. Rodney Russell, president of the Arawak Cay Conch, Fish, Vegetable, and Food Vendors Association, criticized the outcome, stating that no significant commitments were made to support the affected business owners. Russell’s stall, Red Snapper, was among six structures completely destroyed in the blaze, with two others sustaining damage. While the government outlined plans to construct temporary structures within 60 days, Russell emphasized the absence of a concrete long-term strategy. He argued that decisions should be made in partnership with vendors rather than dictated by officials unfamiliar with their needs. Prime Minister Davis, who shared photos of the meeting on social media, pledged his government’s support and commitment to rebuilding the site. However, vendors like Teshell Mackey, owner of On the Edge, expressed concerns about the lack of financial assistance and clarity on long-term plans. Mackey estimated rebuilding costs at $230,000 and highlighted the urgency of support to retain employees and sustain livelihoods. Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper acknowledged that detailed assistance plans are still under discussion, leaving vendors uncertain about their future.