In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Johnson’s Petroleum has announced the deployment of 10 mobile gas stations to provide critical fuel relief to affected parishes in Jamaica. The initiative was highlighted during a visit by Minister of Energy, Transport, and Telecommunications Daryl Vaz to the company’s headquarters in Kingston on Wednesday. These mobile units, designed as self-contained portable fueling systems, integrate fuel storage, pumps, and safety features into a single movable structure, ensuring access to fuel in areas lacking traditional gas stations. Each unit comprises three independent 1500-litre compartments capable of dispensing three different fuel types. Additionally, the stations are equipped with advanced features such as a meter system for tracking litres, sales, and pricing; an emergency stop button; and solar-powered capabilities. Minister Vaz praised the initiative, emphasizing its role in supporting communities during the recovery phase. He urged the company to prioritize the five most affected parishes in western Jamaica and collaborate with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to identify areas with the greatest need. The mobile stations will also benefit the fisheries sector, targeting fishing villages in St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland. Phillip Calder, General Manager of Johnson’s Petroleum, confirmed that the units meet all safety and regulatory standards. He noted that the company had already been developing a strategy to enhance fuel access in underserved rural communities, and the hurricane accelerated these plans. Calder revealed that areas in St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James, and Trelawny have been identified for deployment, with further units planned for islandwide coverage. The mobile stations will be serviced by smaller trucks, ensuring access to remote areas inaccessible to traditional fuel trucks.
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Friends raise $2.7 millions for hurricane relief; AFJ matches this amount
In a remarkable display of solidarity and innovation, a coalition of compassionate individuals and businesses, alongside TheHiveCareers, has successfully raised $2.7 million to aid urgent hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica. The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) has pledged to match this amount, effectively doubling the total relief funds to approximately $5.4 million. This collaboration leverages TheHiveCareers’ digital platform and talent network to orchestrate a technology-driven response, mobilizing skilled volunteers, contractors, and essential services for communities devastated by the recent hurricane. Melarka Williams, founder and CEO of TheHiveCareers, emphasized the power of combining technology with compassion, stating, ‘This initiative shows what’s possible when technology meets compassion.’ The initial funds will be allocated to emergency relief supplies such as food, clean water, temporary shelter, and restoration materials. AFJ’s matching contribution will significantly expand the initiative’s reach, ensuring resources are doubled and impact is deepened across affected parishes. TheHiveCareers’ platform will act as a national coordination hub, facilitating the registration and deployment of skilled volunteers, matching requests for help with available resources, and providing real-time dashboards for transparency and communication. Caron Chung, executive director of AFJ, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that many communities will struggle to rebuild without aid, as schools, houses, and churches have been completely destroyed. The fundraising efforts continue, driven by the dire need for recovery and restoration in these devastated areas.
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Pastor prays for murdered cousin’s killers
The community of Windsor Park in California, Couva, gathered on November 13 to bid farewell to Vishnu Lalla, a 63-year-old livestock farmer remembered for his kindness, love of nature, and unwavering work ethic. Lalla’s life was tragically cut short when he was kidnapped from his home on November 8 and found dead in a forested area off Brechin Castle Road the following day. He had been shot in the head, and his grey Toyota Hilux was discovered burned, with a ransom demand of $100,000 made for his safe return. A 9mm shell casing was found at the scene, and investigations have led to the detention of a policeman and two civilians suspected of involvement in the crime. The funeral, held at Lalla’s home, was officiated by Pastor Ralph Sawh, who prayed for justice and comfort for the grieving family. Lalla’s sister Molly, who lives abroad, delivered an emotional tribute, recalling their deep bond and her brother’s selfless nature. Nephew Ishwar remembered Lalla as a father figure who lived with a big heart, always making time for others. The body was later cremated at the Waterloo Cremation Site, leaving the community to mourn the loss of a man who touched many lives with his generosity and love.
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AG: US to ‘intensify exercises’ in Trinidad and Tobago
Attorney General John Jeremie has disclosed that the United States will escalate its military exercises in Trinidad and Tobago in the near future. This revelation was made during an interview with the UK Financial Times on November 13, following the arrival of the 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit in Trinidad aboard the USS Gravely. The unit conducted joint military exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force from October 26 to 30. Jeremie emphasized the ongoing collaboration with the US, stating, ‘We are engaged with our friends in the north in a series of exercises.’ This announcement coincides with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s declaration on the same day regarding the launch of Operation Southern Spear. Hegseth described the operation as a measure to ‘protect’ the US from narco-terrorists, asserting that ‘the Western hemisphere is America’s neighbourhood – and we will protect it.’ He also confirmed that the operation was initiated under the directive of US President Donald Trump.
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Bert’s Auto Parts Foundation commits $20 million to Hurricane Melissa relief effort
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to bolster national recovery efforts, Bert’s Auto Parts Foundation has pledged a substantial $20 million donation. This contribution is earmarked for critical relief initiatives, including roof repairs, building materials, and food packages, particularly targeting the hardest-hit regions of western Jamaica.
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Singapore charges Australian man after Ariana Grande incident
Singapore authorities have formally charged an Australian man, Johnson Wen, 26, for causing a disturbance at the Asia premiere of the film “Wicked: For Good” in Universal Studios Singapore. The incident occurred on Thursday night when Wen breached security barricades and rushed towards pop star Ariana Grande, who was attending the event alongside her co-stars. Viral video footage captured the moment Wen wrapped his arm around a visibly shocked Grande before being swiftly apprehended by security personnel and escorted away. Grande’s co-star, Cynthia Erivo, immediately stepped in to defend her. Wen, who represented himself in court, indicated his intention to plead guilty to the charge of “being a public nuisance.” He faces potential penalties of a $1,500 fine, up to three months in jail, or both. The incident did not disrupt the premiere, as the cast regrouped and continued with the event. Grande, a former Broadway star turned global pop sensation, has faced public trauma before, notably surviving the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, which left her with PTSD. The case has sparked outrage among fans, who are demanding strict action against Wen.
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The Weeknd donates US$350,000 to hurricane relief effort in Jamaica
Canadian music icon The Weeknd has contributed $350,000 from his XO Humanitarian Fund to support relief operations in Jamaica, which was severely affected by Hurricane Melissa. The World Food Program (WFP) confirmed the donation in a press release on November 13, highlighting its critical role in scaling up efforts to assist approximately 200,000 Jamaicans in their recovery from the disaster. Barron Segar, President and CEO of World Food Program USA, expressed gratitude for The Weeknd’s generosity, emphasizing that the donation will provide essential comfort and resilience to those impacted. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck the Caribbean in late October, affecting nearly six million people, with Jamaica experiencing the most severe consequences. The WFP has collaborated with the Jamaican government to deliver food kits containing rice, lentils, canned fish, meat, and vegetable oil to over 9,000 individuals. Across Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti, the WFP has distributed emergency food supplies to 254,000 people, underscoring the scale of the humanitarian response.
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New US strike on alleged drug boat kills four in Caribbean—reports
In a significant escalation of its anti-narcotics operations, US forces have reportedly conducted another strike on an alleged drug trafficking vessel in the Caribbean, bringing the total death toll in the contentious campaign to 80. According to US media reports on Thursday, the latest strike marks the 20th such operation in international waters since Washington initiated the campaign in early September. The exact timing of the strike remains unclear, with conflicting reports from CBS and the New York Times citing unnamed Pentagon officials. The Pentagon has yet to comment on the matter. The UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk, recently called for an investigation into the legality of these strikes, labeling them as potential ‘extrajudicial killings.’ However, the US Justice Department maintains that the operations comply with the law of armed conflict, signaling no intention to halt the campaign. Meanwhile, tensions in the region have intensified with the arrival of a US aircraft carrier off the coast of Latin America, prompting Venezuela to announce a ‘massive’ retaliatory deployment. On Thursday, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth unveiled ‘Operation Southern Spear,’ a new phase of the mission aimed at ‘removing narco-terrorists,’ though details of the operation remain undisclosed.
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Antigua partners with Guyana to cut cost of living
Antigua and Barbuda has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Guyana to launch a new food import initiative aimed at reducing the cost of living for its citizens. The partnership seeks to secure affordable fruits, vegetables, and other essential produce for the local market, with the goal of driving down prices. Maurice Merchant, Antigua’s Director General of Communications, revealed that the Cabinet has tasked Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. with coordinating the arrangement with Guyana’s government. This initiative follows high-level discussions between Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, and Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, during the COP30 conference in Brazil. Additionally, the Cabinet has decided to reduce the Common External Tariff (CET) on critical food items, including fresh produce, canned proteins, and infant foods. This measure, approved by the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), will suspend CET on basic food commodities from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, to mitigate the impact of rising global food prices. Currently, nearly 90% of Antigua and Barbuda’s food imports originate from North America, leaving the nation vulnerable to global market fluctuations. The partnership with Guyana aims to diversify supply sources within Caricom and ensure lower import costs directly benefit consumers. Officials anticipate that the first shipments from Guyana could help stabilize supermarket prices by early 2026. This initiative aligns with Caricom’s “25 by 2025” goal, which seeks to reduce regional food import bills by 25% and strengthen agricultural ties among member states. In a related development, the government plans to introduce legislation in 2024 to curb sugary drink consumption as part of a broader strategy to promote healthier lifestyles and combat diet-related illnesses. Merchant emphasized that the proposed bill will complement recent food price interventions and encourage better dietary choices among citizens.
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Two cops killed in Waltham Park shooting identified
In a shocking turn of events, two off-duty police officers were fatally shot on Waltham Park Road in St. Andrew, Jamaica, on Thursday evening. The victims have been identified as Charles Stewart from the Spanish Town Police and Jemarey Gordon from CTOC. The incident occurred around 7:30 PM at a local business establishment where the officers were reportedly involved in a confrontation. According to eyewitness accounts, two assailants opened fire on the officers, critically injuring them before fleeing the scene. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, both officers succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead. The Jamaica Constabulary Force has initiated a high-level investigation to apprehend the perpetrators and uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragic event. This incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about the safety of law enforcement personnel even when off-duty.