Unprecedented auroral displays, typically confined to polar regions, have illuminated skies at unusually low latitudes this week, captivating observers worldwide. The phenomenon, driven by intense solar activity, is expected to persist into Thursday, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These breathtaking light shows are the result of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) — massive bursts of solar particles that trigger geomagnetic storms upon reaching Earth. On Tuesday, a level four geomagnetic storm (on a scale of five) occurred, with another CME potentially causing a repeat on Thursday. Skies as far south as Mexico were adorned with faint pink and green hues, offering a rare treat for those who would typically need to venture closer to the poles to witness such spectacles. Last year, a level five geomagnetic storm — the first in two decades — produced similarly stunning views of the Northern and Southern Lights. However, these solar storms are not without consequences. They pose significant risks to communication systems, satellites, and power grids, potentially causing widespread disruptions. The impact of this week’s solar event has already been felt, with Blue Origin, the space company founded by Jeff Bezos, postponing the launch of its New Glenn rocket on Wednesday. For those eager to witness the aurorae, experts recommend seeking darker skies away from urban light pollution and using cameras or smartphones to capture the lights through long-exposure photography, especially if they are not visible to the naked eye.
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CB Foods reports disruption in egg supply following Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — CB Foods, a leading food supplier, has revealed a significant disruption in its egg supply chain following extensive damage to its Bamboo, St Ann egg farm caused by Hurricane Melissa. The company issued a statement expressing solidarity with those affected by the storm, acknowledging the widespread challenges faced by the community and its own workforce.
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Forensic officer clueless who touched Donna-Lee’s toothbrush before it got to lab
During the murder trial of constable Noel Maitland on Wednesday, a senior forensic officer faced challenges under cross-examination regarding the chain of custody for a toothbrush allegedly belonging to Donna-Lee Donaldson, the missing social media influencer and entrepreneur. Donaldson, who vanished on July 12, 2022, is presumed dead, and Maitland, her policeman boyfriend, is being tried for her murder and for preventing the lawful burial of her body. The trial is taking place in the Home Circuit Court in Kingston. Prosecutors are relying heavily on circumstantial evidence, including bloodstains found on three items in Maitland’s Chelsea Manor apartment in St Andrew, the last known location where Donaldson was seen. On Tuesday, the forensic officer confirmed that the blood found in the apartment matched Donaldson’s DNA, which was compared using samples from her parents and a toothbrush allegedly belonging to her. However, during cross-examination, Maitland’s attorney, Chadwick Berry, questioned the forensic officer about the handling of the toothbrush before it reached the Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine for testing. The officer admitted she was unaware of who handled the toothbrush or when it was touched before delivery to the lab. The officer also discussed the complexities of DNA transfer, noting that factors such as surface type, contact duration, and individual skin cell shedding rates influence whether DNA transfer occurs. She emphasized caution when addressing hypothetical scenarios, such as DNA transfer via doorknobs, stating that without specific testing and analysis, she could not definitively confirm such events.
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Winnie Harlow joins Hurricane Melissa relief efforts in Jamaica
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Winnie Harlow, the internationally acclaimed model and entrepreneur of Jamaican heritage, has taken decisive action to aid communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. Partnering with DJ Diplo, the non-profit organization CORE, and the local grassroots group BREDS in Treasure Beach, Harlow spearheaded efforts to deliver critical supplies to those most affected by the storm.
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Still no EFA approval for Henry
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — Rico Henry, the newly recruited defender for Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz, is still awaiting clearance from the England Football Association (EFA) to finalize his switch of international allegiance. The 28-year-old Brentford FC player was included in Jamaica’s provisional 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), scheduled for Thursday at 7:00 pm Jamaica time. However, his debut is now uncertain as the approval process is unlikely to be completed in time. Head coach Steve McClaren confirmed that Henry traveled to Jamaica earlier this week to finalize his documents with the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency before joining the team for their trip to Trinidad. McClaren expressed optimism, stating, ‘Everything has gone smoothly on our end,’ during a press briefing on Saturday. Henry’s inclusion was anticipated to strengthen Jamaica’s defensive lineup, alongside fellow Brentford player Ethan Pinnock. While his participation in the T&T match remains doubtful, a timely approval from the EFA could see him make his debut when Jamaica hosts Curaçao in the final qualifier in Kingston on Tuesday.
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WATCH: Dominoes group donates $2.75 million to Hurricane Melissa relief
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A casual weekly dominoes game among friends has evolved into a significant humanitarian initiative. The Shats Domino Group, a close-knit WhatsApp community of business owners and long-time friends, has transformed their Monday gatherings in Cherry Gardens, St Andrew, into a powerful force for good. Known for their spirited dominoes matches and lively debates on local and global issues, the group has now channeled their camaraderie into raising over $2.75 million for Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts in Jamaica. Carlton Hume, the group’s president, reflected on the shift, stating, ‘It just dawned on us that maybe we can do something more meaningful. What started as a simple fundraiser has turned into something truly wonderful.’ The funds will be donated to American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), an organization praised by the group for its extensive work across the island. Dwight Moore, a member of the group, emphasized that giving back has always been a core value among the diverse members. In a heartening gesture, AFJ has pledged to match the donation. Caron Chung, AFJ’s Executive Director, expressed deep gratitude during Monday’s meeting, where she received the $2.75 million cheque. ‘It’s incredible to see this group take the initiative to support Hurricane Melissa relief. Their generosity is truly inspiring,’ she remarked. This initiative highlights how a shared passion can unite people to make a profound impact in times of crisis.
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UPDATE: Investigation launched into Rio Cobre drowning incident, victim identified
ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — A tragic incident unfolded in the Rio Cobre, Bog Walk Gorge, St Catherine, on Wednesday afternoon, prompting investigations by the Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau (IPROB) and the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom). The victim, identified as 73-year-old Melton Smith, a farmer from Mickelton Meadows, Linstead, was a suspect in an alleged abduction and carnal abuse case. According to police reports, Smith was being transported from Linstead to Spanish Town around 1:00 pm when he reportedly leaped from the police vehicle near the Flat Bridge area, plunging into the Rio Cobre. Despite efforts by the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Fire Brigade to rescue him, Smith was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised questions, leading to a thorough probe by the authorities.
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Persad-Bissessar: Ralph free to take legal action
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has publicly supported Minister Anil Roberts’ claims regarding alleged irregularities in the acquisition of three luxury apartments by the family of St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. The apartments, located at the upscale Victoria Keyes development in Diego Martin, were reportedly purchased by Gonsalves’ wife, Eloise, and their children, Storm and Soleil Gonsalves, for a combined value exceeding $4.8 million. Roberts disclosed these findings on his social media blog, ‘Doubles and Coffee,’ on November 11, prompting a heated response from the Gonsalves family, including threats of legal action. In WhatsApp messages to Newsday on November 12, Persad-Bissessar emphasized that Gonsalves was free to pursue legal recourse but maintained that the allegations raised legitimate concerns. She highlighted the suspicious timing of a rent-to-own agreement for one of the apartments, which was finalized on April 30, 2025, just two days after Trinidad and Tobago’s general election and before the new government was sworn in. Persad-Bissessar underscored the disparity between the Gonsalves family’s access to luxury housing and the thousands of citizens awaiting affordable accommodation from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).
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NFM profits rise to $39.7m in Q3
National Flour Mills (NFM) has announced a robust profit after tax of $39 million for the third quarter ending September 30, marking a significant achievement in a challenging global economic landscape. The company’s revenue also saw a notable increase, rising to $401 million from $386 million during the same period last year. This growth comes despite ongoing trade uncertainties and heightened geopolitical risks that have disrupted supply chains worldwide.
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Alexander releases SoE review tribunal recommendations to detainees
In a recent development surrounding the state of emergency (SoE) in Trinidad and Tobago, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander released four redacted copies of Review Tribunal reports on November 12, following attorneys’ claims that their detained clients had not received the tribunal’s recommendations. The reports, dated September 12, 19, 27, and October 6, revealed that the tribunal lacked jurisdiction to review two requests but found sufficient cause for the preventative detention of other detainees. The tribunal had previously confirmed sending six reports to the minister between September and October, with a cover letter dated October 31.
Attorney Darren Mitchell, representing several detainees, criticized the government’s handling of emergency powers, labeling the indefinite detention of individuals as unconstitutional. He accused the police commissioner of using preventative detention orders (PDOs) as a substitute for proper investigations, stating, ‘The police have given up on crime detection investigations and convictions to embrace successful policing.’ Mitchell also questioned the timing of the reports’ release, suggesting it was a deliberate tactic to delay judicial review.
Mitchell further condemned the silence of professional bodies like the Law Association and the Criminal Bar Association, accusing them of failing to uphold justice and human rights. ‘Those expected to stand for justice are seemingly acquiescing or partnering with injustice,’ he said.
The tribunal defended its actions, emphasizing that its role under the Emergency Powers Regulations 2025 is limited to reviewing detention requests and submitting reports to the minister, who then decides whether to share relevant portions with detainees. The tribunal assured the public that it has performed its duties in accordance with the law.
The government extended the SoE for a second three-month period on October 31, with 98 of 156 PDOs executed by the police so far. The Ministry of Homeland Security has not clarified whether the remaining tribunal reports have been forwarded to other detainees.