New Providence faced unprecedented flooding over the weekend as torrential rains transformed roads into rivers, severely disrupting daily life and submerging multiple communities. Housing Minister Keith Bell expressed concerns about the growing need for government assistance, particularly as the region is still recovering from the aftermath of Tropical Storm Imelda. Bell highlighted that areas such as Bel Air Estates, Carmichael Road, Tonique Williams-Darling Highway, and West Bay Street experienced some of the most severe flooding. Social media was flooded with videos depicting vehicles battling surging waters, overwhelmed drainage systems, and major thoroughfares rendered impassable. The Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs has announced plans to deploy drainage pumps and pump trucks once weather conditions stabilize. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, Bell emphasized that the weekend’s deluge has significantly increased the number of Bahamians requiring government aid for home repairs and replacement of damaged possessions.
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Protestors face off over LGBTQI+ rights march
In a dramatic display of societal division, religious demonstrators and LGBTQI+ advocates confronted each other on Saturday outside the University of The Bahamas, highlighting the nation’s ongoing struggle over faith, sexuality, and human rights. The event unfolded as two distinct groups gathered on opposite sides of University Drive, each voicing their deeply held convictions.
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Bowleg: No private parades allowed
The Bahamas’ Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, Mario Bowleg, has announced a comprehensive audit of the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP) amid escalating tensions over the management of the nation’s iconic Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades. The minister has also ruled out approving any private parades organized by the JCNP, citing concerns over financial mismanagement and accountability. “The public will be very surprised by the audit’s findings,” Bowleg stated, emphasizing the need for transparency in the use of public funds. The government has transferred parade management to the newly established Parade Management Committee, chaired by veteran Junkanooer Douglas Hanna, which will oversee the 2025 and 2026 events. The JCNP, which has managed the parades for decades, has protested the decision, claiming it will suffer significant financial losses, including unpaid sponsorships and recent investments in scoring systems. Despite the backlash, Bowleg defended the move, stating it was based on a vote by Junkanoo groups, with 19 in favor of the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC) taking charge. The government has also unveiled plans to expand Junkanoo into a two-week festival, aiming to boost cultural and economic impact. Opposition Leader Michael Pintard criticized the government’s approach, calling it politically motivated and urging a delay in major changes until after the holidays. Bowleg dismissed the criticism, asserting the decision was driven by the wishes of Junkanoo practitioners.
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Submachine gun seized in St Andrew South Police Division
In a significant early morning operation on Tuesday, law enforcement officers from the St Andrew South police division in Kingston, Jamaica, successfully seized a high-powered Mac 11 9mm submachine gun. The operation, led by detectives from the Hunts Bay Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB), took place around 6:10 am near the Oak Glades Health Centre in Kingston 13. During a thorough search of an open lot, the firearm was discovered hidden inside an old refrigerator. The weapon was loaded with a magazine containing two live 9mm rounds. While no arrests were made in connection with the seizure, authorities have confirmed that investigations are actively ongoing to uncover further details about the firearm’s origin and intended use. This operation highlights the continued efforts of Jamaican law enforcement to combat illegal firearms and enhance public safety.
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Cameroon opposition candidate Tchiroma declares victory in presidential vote
In a dramatic turn of events, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former Cameroonian minister turned opposition leader, declared victory in the recent presidential election, challenging the 43-year reign of incumbent President Paul Biya. The official results, however, are not expected for another two weeks. Biya, 92, the world’s oldest serving head of state, is seeking an unprecedented eighth term in office. Tchiroma, 79, who served as employment minister until June, has unexpectedly galvanized voters, sparking widespread enthusiasm across the central African nation. Both sides are asserting victory based on unofficial tallies circulating on social media, with Tchiroma urging the government to ‘accept the truth of the ballot box’ or risk plunging the country into chaos. He promised to release detailed regional results, despite legal restrictions prohibiting the announcement of overall outcomes before the Constitutional Council’s official declaration. Territorial Administration Minister Paul Atanga Nji emphasized that premature announcements are a ‘red line that must not be crossed.’ The delay in releasing official results has raised concerns about potential electoral fraud, given Biya’s history of securing landslide victories with over 70% of the vote in past elections. The 2018 election saw opposition leader Maurice Kamto arrested after declaring himself the winner, with his supporters facing violent crackdowns. The current political climate remains tense as Cameroon awaits the final verdict.
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Instagram accounts for teens go PG-13
Instagram has announced a significant update to its content filtering mechanisms for teen accounts, aligning them with the PG-13 rating standards used in the film industry. This move, effective immediately in Australia, Britain, Canada, and the United States, aims to ensure that teenagers are exposed to content deemed appropriate for their age group. The PG-13 rating, established by the Motion Picture Association of America in 1984, serves as a benchmark for content that may include mild nudity, violence, or drug use, but is not suitable for children under 13. Capucine Tuffier, Meta’s Head of Public Affairs for Child Protection, emphasized that this update is part of Meta’s broader initiative to adopt the most protective settings for young users. Examples of content that could trigger PG-13 ratings include depictions of drastic diets or the glorification of alcohol and tobacco use. Instagram will continue to employ age detection technology to prevent teenagers from bypassing restrictions by falsely claiming to be adults. Additionally, the platform will hide posts promoting harmful behaviors, such as risky challenges, from teen accounts and recommendations. Starting next year, a ‘restricted content’ option will be introduced to limit interactions between teens and AI tools, in response to California’s new law mandating safeguards for AI chatbot interactions. This law was enacted following reports of teen suicides linked to chatbot usage.
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Comparing the two SoEs
The recent state of emergency (SoE) in Trinidad and Tobago has sparked a debate over its effectiveness compared to the previous one under the PNM government. While both SoEs aimed to curb crime, the current administration has achieved a significant reduction in murders, with only 78 recorded compared to 114 during the last SoE. This improvement, despite a recent uptick, highlights a more focused and stable approach under the current UNC government.
However, the previous SoE was marred by political and institutional chaos. It began with the shocking assassination of state attorney Randall Hector, followed by then-Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley’s abrupt resignation announcement. This triggered widespread confusion and instability, compounded by the controversial appointment of Stuart Young as Rowley’s successor without internal or national elections. The arrest and suspension of then-Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher further deepened the turmoil.
In contrast, the current SoE has been marked by stability and tangible results. Deputy Commissioner of Police Benjamin reported a 22% drop in violent crimes, a 15% reduction in serious crimes, and a 34% decrease in vehicle thefts. These achievements, coupled with the absence of political drama, underscore the effectiveness of the current administration’s approach.
The PNM’s mismanagement of its SoE, characterized by instability and heavy-handedness, likely contributed to its historic electoral defeat, paving the way for the UNC’s landslide victory. The stark contrast between the two SoEs serves as a reminder of the importance of stability and focus in governance during crises.
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Top gospel acts ready to minister at Praise in the Park
In honor of International Credit Union Day, the Credit Unions of Jamaica will host a free gospel concert titled *Praise in the Park* on Thursday, October 16, at Emancipation Park in New Kingston. The event, now in its third year, aims to celebrate the global observance of International Credit Union Day, which falls on the third Thursday of October annually. The concert will feature renowned gospel acts such as Levy’s Heritage, Johnmark Wiggan, Petra Kaye, Genesis Praise Squad, and Carey Sayles, promising an evening of worship and praise. Katrina Grant D’Aguilar, Group Marketing and Communications Manager for the Jamaica Co-operative Credit Union League Ltd, emphasized that the event serves as a thanksgiving initiative, expressing gratitude to members, non-members, and the broader community for their unwavering support and trust in the credit union movement. She highlighted the event’s alignment with the credit union philosophy of ‘People Helping People,’ underscoring the power of community unity in achieving remarkable outcomes. This year’s concert is expected to surpass previous editions in both reach and impact, with a stellar lineup of Jamaica’s most celebrated gospel artists. Attendees can anticipate dynamic live band performances, uplifting musical ministry, and moments of communal worship. Additionally, the event will feature special outreach initiatives, including a soup kitchen for elders sponsored by CUNA Caribbean. For those unable to attend in person, the concert will be live-streamed via Sora Media on the Credit Unions of Jamaica YouTube channel, with coverage by Caribbean Gospel TV and the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ). Highlights will also be shared across the Credit Unions’ social media platforms. Oshin Levy of the award-winning gospel trio Levy’s Heritage shared that attendees can look forward to a spirit-filled performance, featuring both beloved classics and new tracks, as the group prepares for their 20th-anniversary celebration in November.
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West Indies fightback ‘sign of good things’, says Campbell
In a remarkable display of resilience, West Indies opener John Campbell and Shai Hope delivered centuries to revive their team’s fortunes in the second Test against India at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. Campbell, scoring his maiden Test century with 115 runs, partnered with Hope, who contributed 103, to forge a crucial 177-run stand. This effort came after India enforced the follow-on, leaving West Indies in a precarious position at 35-2 in their second innings. The duo’s partnership, along with late contributions from Justin Greaves (50 not out) and Jayden Seales (32), propelled West Indies to a total of 390, setting India a modest target of 121. Despite India’s strong position at 63-1 by the end of day four, Campbell remained optimistic about the potential for an early breakthrough on the final day. Reflecting on his performance, Campbell acknowledged the challenges posed by India’s bowlers and the unpredictable pitch, expressing hope that this resurgence signals a positive turn for West Indies cricket, which has struggled with batting collapses in recent matches, including a record low of 27 against Australia earlier this year.
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El Instituto de Mandevilla retain Junior Cup U-11 regional rural crown
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — The Youth Football League (YFL) Junior Cup Under-11 rural competition concluded successfully at the Kirkvine Sports Complex on Saturday, defying the threat of rain. El Instituto de Mandevilla emerged victorious, securing their fourth consecutive rural championship and solidifying their dominance in the region. The event showcased the growing enthusiasm for grassroots football, with first-time participants Bartons Primary and Fullerswood Primary adding to the competitive spirit. Coach Andrew Ellison of Fullerswood Primary commended the event’s organization and emphasized the importance of sports in fostering teamwork and academic growth among children. Despite last-minute withdrawals from Howard Cooke Primary and Corinaldi Avenue Primary, the tournament proceeded smoothly, thanks to the efforts of organizer Paula Pinnock and her team. A highlight of the day was the Gears for Greatness initiative, which provided football gear to underprivileged players, ensuring their full participation. The all-island finals are set for October 18, 2025, at the Constant Spring football field, with an admission fee of $1,000 for adults and $500 for children. The award ceremony for the urban, rural, and all-island competitions will follow the finals.