The Steel Workers Union (SWU) has escalated its legal battle against the Desalination Company (Desalcott) by appealing the Industrial Court’s dismissal of their complaint regarding actions taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. The court’s September 26 ruling, delivered by Vice President Hubert Soverall and Essential Services Division Chairman Larry Achong, concluded that Desalcott did not violate any laws by enforcing pandemic-related measures. However, court member Gregory Rousseau dissented, arguing that the company unlawfully locked out workers who refused the COVID-19 vaccine and breached the Industrial Relations Act by implementing a unilateral “rotation” policy that sent employees home without pay. Rousseau’s dissenting ruling, issued on November 5, ordered Desalcott to reinstate affected workers by November 10 and compensate them for lost wages and benefits dating back to June 17, 2021. The company was also fined $20,000 for the industrial relations offense. The case originated from a July 2021 union complaint after unvaccinated employees were instructed to stay home indefinitely. Rousseau criticized Desalcott for failing to consult workers before imposing the policy and later replacing their positions, effectively terminating their employment without notice or cause. He emphasized that no law authorized employers to place workers on unpaid leave, highlighting the government’s failure to address industrial relations issues arising from the pandemic. In contrast, Soverall and Achong’s majority ruling defended Desalcott’s actions, stating the company acted in compliance with existing laws and government directives, prioritizing public health and worker safety. They acknowledged the challenges posed by rapidly changing regulations and the company’s efforts to act in good faith. The case underscores the complexities of balancing public health mandates with workers’ rights during unprecedented crises.
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Frightening fire failures
The tragic death of a government minister and her two children in a fire nearly a year ago remains shrouded in unanswered questions, exposing glaring deficiencies in the nation’s emergency response system. This issue was further underscored by the recent fire station debacle in Sangre Grande on November 7. While a neighbor’s quick actions prevented loss of life in a mini-mart blaze at Vega de Oropouche, the incident left 15 people homeless, including seven children, and destroyed significant property. The delayed and inadequate response from the Ojoe Road fire station, which was found shuttered and understaffed, highlights systemic failures. Reports indicate that the station’s sole fire truck was under maintenance, forcing reliance on distant resources from the Arima Fire Station, itself criticized following a 2024 tragedy. The Sangre Grande station serves a vast and growing area, including Valencia, Toco, Matelot, Manzanilla, and Mayaro, straining its limited resources. Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander has acknowledged the system as ‘a mess,’ with millions in grant funding and international resources potentially on the horizon. However, immediate action is crucial. Authorities must rethink the division of emergency services, enforce stricter building codes, and invest in long-term improvements to prevent future disasters. The recent near-miss serves as a stark reminder of the high cost of inaction.
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Support Jamaica portal donations top US$1 million
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica has successfully garnered over US$1 million in donations through its Support Jamaica portal, as revealed by Minister of Information, Dr. Dana Morris Dixon. During a press briefing on Tuesday, Morris Dixon disclosed that the portal has accumulated a total of US$1.8 million and J$53.218 million in contributions. This financial aid is part of the nation’s recovery efforts following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island on October 28, resulting in numerous fatalities and extensive damage, particularly in the western and southern regions. The government has also facilitated the registration of 170 donors, ensuring the efficient distribution of aid. Additionally, 40 bilateral partners have pledged further assistance to support Jamaica’s recovery and rebuilding initiatives.
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Six Trinidad and Tobago athletes receive Olympic scholarships
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) has announced the awarding of Olympic scholarships to six national athletes as they gear up for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. These scholarships, funded by the International Olympic Committee through its Olympic Solidarity program, aim to support athletes with high potential to qualify and compete at the highest level. Among the recipients are five seasoned Olympians—cyclists Nicholas Paul and Teneil Campbell, track athletes Jereem Richards and Leah Bertrand, and swimmer Dylan Carter—all of whom have represented Trinidad and Tobago in previous Olympic Games. Notably, two of these athletes are first-time beneficiaries of the Olympic Solidarity Scholarship. The sixth recipient is emerging cycling star Makaira Wallace, who is transitioning from junior to senior competition. Established in 1992, the Olympic Solidarity program provides financial assistance for world-class coaching, competition exposure, elite training environments, travel to qualification events, and access to medical and sport science services. TTOC president Diane Henderson emphasized the committee’s commitment to supporting athletes holistically, both on and off the field, to ensure they excel at the highest levels. Leah Bertrand, a first-time scholarship recipient, expressed her gratitude, highlighting the financial and motivational benefits of the award. Over the years, the program has supported numerous Trinidad and Tobago athletes who have gone on to achieve global success. The TTOC congratulated all six recipients and wished them continued success on their journey to the 2028 Olympics.
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Electricity to be restored in Westmoreland, Hanover within two weeks — JPS
KINGSTON, Jamaica – In the wake of the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has pledged to restore electricity to the severely affected regions of Westmoreland and Hanover within the next two weeks. JPS CEO Hugh Grant announced this timeline during a press briefing on Tuesday, emphasizing that the company is not merely repairing but redesigning and rebuilding its infrastructure to withstand future challenges.
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Adventists help restore connection through Starlink
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a devastating Category 5 storm that left vast areas of Jamaica without internet or cellular services, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has taken a pivotal role in reconnecting communities. Leveraging Starlink satellite internet technology developed by SpaceX, the church has provided critical communication lifelines to affected regions. Supported by Moses International, a Belize-based Adventist missionary group, and Aerobridge, a U.S. relief agency, the initiative has deployed 10 Starlink systems across key locations, including Lucea, Sav-la-Mar, Black River, Junction, St Ann, Trelawny, and Montego Bay. These systems, equipped with long-range extenders, offer free internet access within a 50-foot radius, enabling individuals to reconnect with loved ones and access essential services. Pastor Glen O Samuels, President of the church’s western region, hailed the technology as a ‘blessing’ during this challenging period. The effort has been bolstered by international coordination, with Jeff Sutton, based in Belize and Atlanta, personally delivering equipment via private aircraft. Additional relief supplies, including generators, chainsaws, and medical resources, have been transported by Adventist World Aviation. Pastor Everett Brown, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica, expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing the equipment’s role in restoring communication for church leaders and communities alike.
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Windies to play Afghanistan in three T20s before T20 World Cup
In a strategic move to prepare for the 2026 International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup, the West Indies cricket team is set to face Afghanistan in a three-match T20 series. The matches will take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE from January 19 to 22, 2026. This series, announced by Cricket West Indies (CWI) on November 10, aims to provide both teams with crucial game time as they refine their strategies and combinations for the upcoming global event. The West Indies, currently ranked sixth in the ICC T20 rankings, are under the guidance of coach Daren Sammy, while Afghanistan holds the tenth position. The West Indies are currently engaged in a five-match T20 series against New Zealand, trailing 2-1 after four matches. The final match is scheduled for November 12. CWI director of cricket Miles Bascombe emphasized the importance of playing in Sharjah, stating that it would help the team adapt to conditions similar to those expected in India and Sri Lanka, the hosts of the 2026 World Cup. Bascombe highlighted the series as an ideal platform for preparation, allowing players to build confidence and sharpen their approach. Similarly, Afghanistan Cricket Board CEO Naseeb Khan expressed optimism about the series, noting that it offers a valuable opportunity for his team to finalize their lineup and enhance their readiness for the World Cup. Afghanistan recently secured a 3-0 victory against Zimbabwe in their latest T20 series but faced a 3-0 defeat against Bangladesh earlier. The upcoming series marks another chapter in the competitive history between the two teams, who were grouped together in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The West Indies dominated that encounter with four consecutive wins, including a decisive 104-run victory over Afghanistan. However, while the West Indies were eliminated in the Super Eight stage, Afghanistan advanced to the semifinals before being defeated by South Africa.
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Guyana signs production sharing agreements with international oil and gas firms
In a significant development for Guyana’s energy sector, the government has inked a production sharing agreement for the shallow-water Block S4 offshore Guyana with a consortium of global energy giants, including QatarEnergy, TotalEnergies, and PETRONAS. The agreement, finalized on Tuesday, was awarded under the 2022 Guyana Licensing Round and underscores the nation’s commitment to responsibly harnessing its hydrocarbon resources while bolstering international confidence in its petroleum framework. Located 50 to 100 kilometers off the coast, Block S4 spans 1,788 square kilometers in water depths ranging from 30 to 100 meters. Exploration activities will adhere to both local regulations and international best practices, ensuring environmental protection and sustainable resource management. Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the consortium’s investment as a testament to Guyana’s transparent and robust licensing framework. He emphasized the government’s dedication to sustainable development and equitable benefits for all Guyanese. The Ministry of Natural Resources reaffirmed its commitment to environmental stewardship, transparency, and local participation in all petroleum operations, signaling Guyana’s emergence as a responsible energy producer on the global stage.
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Portmore church extends helping hand to Trelawny after Hurricane Melissa
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the House of Transformation Worship Centre in Portmore, Jamaica, has mobilized to assist the residents of Trelawny. Lead Pastor Keron Francis highlighted the church’s compassionate response to the widespread destruction observed across Jamaica. ‘Seeing the displacement and dire living conditions of our fellow citizens compelled us to act,’ Francis stated. The church swiftly organized a relief effort, gathering essential supplies from both local and international members. ‘We focused on providing the most basic necessities—food, water, clothing, and shelter—to those in need,’ he explained. The decision to aid Trelawny was influenced by reports indicating that the parish had received less attention compared to other severely affected areas like St Elizabeth and Westmoreland. ‘Social media and news reports revealed that Trelawny residents felt overlooked, so we decided to address their urgent needs,’ Francis added. The relief team, comprising 30 volunteers, including Dr Nastascia Wade-Saddler, provided medical care alongside distributing supplies. The church also collaborated with the Weeping Woman Foundation, led by Evangelist Shadae Graham-Clarke, to prepare and serve warm meals to the affected residents. ‘We wanted to ensure they received not just dry goods but also a comforting, hot meal,’ Francis noted. While the damage in Trelawny was less extensive than in western parishes, the church’s efforts underscored the vital role of faith-based organizations in crisis response. ‘The church is a beacon of light, and it’s our duty to show compassion and support in times of need,’ Francis emphasized. The initiative aimed to convey a message of love and solidarity to the affected communities, reinforcing the church’s commitment to humanitarian aid.
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Ministry distributes $310k in disaster relief grants
In response to severe weather conditions that caused widespread flooding and damage in Chaguanas, Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo, and Tunapuna/Piarco, the Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services has disbursed $310,000 in disaster relief grants. The grants were distributed on November 8 at the Cunupia Government Primary School, benefiting 45 recipients representing 121 households. The financial aid, part of the National Social Development Programme, aims to assist families in replacing damaged furniture, appliances, and clothing. Specifically, $283,000 was allocated for household items, while $27,000 was designated for clothing. Vandana Mohit, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services, highlighted the government’s unwavering support during the event, stating, ‘Every cheque, every grant, every visit is an act of love. It is the Government saying to its people, you matter, you are not forgotten, and we will stand with you until you can stand again.’ The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to providing responsive, people-centered assistance to communities across Trinidad and Tobago, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need.