FALMOUTH, Trelawny — Following an extensive five-hour tour of Falmouth, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, described the state of the historic town’s infrastructure as “frightening.” The assessment comes in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that wreaked unprecedented havoc across Jamaica, leaving Falmouth in ruins. McKenzie drew parallels between the devastation in Falmouth and the severely impacted capital of St. Elizabeth, Black River, noting that the only advantage Falmouth holds is its ongoing commercial activity. However, the extensive damage to infrastructure remains a grave concern. One of the most distressing sights was the Falmouth Infirmary, which once housed over 100 residents and staff. McKenzie emphasized that the facility is now uninhabitable, and alternative arrangements are being explored to accommodate its former occupants. In contrast, the nearby drop-in center and shelter fared better, sustaining only minor damage and already providing refuge to several individuals. McKenzie also highlighted the severe damage to Falmouth’s famed Georgian architecture, particularly the Falmouth Court House, which serves as the headquarters of the Trelawny Municipal Corporation. He stressed the need to engage with the Minister of Culture to address the restoration of heritage buildings, acknowledging that repairs may not meet current standards due to the extent of the damage. Mayor of Falmouth, C Junior Gager, echoed these concerns, noting the destruction of the main municipal building and suggesting that constructing a new facility on alternative land might be more practical than restoration. Despite the devastation, McKenzie commended the resilience of the Jamaica Fire Brigade in Falmouth, who continue to operate under challenging conditions, even as some firefighters have lost their homes. The minister’s tour is part of the government’s broader damage assessment and emergency relief efforts in areas hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa.
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Marissa Yung Lee on show at Horizons Art Gallery
Horizons Art Gallery is proud to present a captivating new exhibition by Marissa Yung Lee, a self-taught artist renowned for her evocative oil portraits of cultural and traditional mas performers. Titled ‘A Love Letter to Trinidad and Tobago,’ the exhibition showcases Lee’s mastery of oil painting, blending Contemporary Realism with Impressionism to create works that transcend mere representation, evoking deep emotion and mystery. Each piece tells a unique story, capturing fleeting moments through her alla prima brush and knife techniques. Lee’s inspiration stems from the profound connections she forms with her subjects and the inherent beauty and challenge of the medium itself. Her latest collection celebrates the people, culture, and spirit of Trinidad and Tobago, offering both heartfelt tributes and playful twists. Lee’s work has been featured in prestigious venues such as the National Museum and The Art Society of Trinidad & Tobago, and her accolades include a distinction from the Portrait Society of America and a finalist spot in The Almenara 2025 Art Prize in Spain. The exhibition opens on November 11 at 6:30 pm and runs until November 22 at Horizons Art Gallery, 37 Mucurapo Road, St James. Admission is free.
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Women In Art Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago hosts Transformations
The Women In Art Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (WIAOTT) is set to host its 29th annual exhibition, themed ‘Transformations,’ at Arnim’s Art Galleria’s south branch in La Romaine. The event, which runs from November 11 to November 22, will showcase the works of 29 talented female artists, highlighting themes of resilience, transition, and reinvention. Founded in 1996, WIAOTT has been a cornerstone in promoting and empowering women in the visual arts, providing a platform for artistic growth and visibility. This year’s exhibition features a diverse range of media, including acrylic painting, drawing, mixed media, oil, fabric, pastel, architecture, watercolour, and abstract expressions. Participating artists such as Andrea Barry, Bernadette Hospedales, and Gizelle Winter will present their interpretations of personal and collective transformations, reflecting the dynamism of Trinidad and Tobago’s women artists. The exhibition will also include several categories of artist awards, recognizing excellence across various artistic disciplines. Artworks will be available for purchase both at the exhibition and online via the WIAOTT website. For more information, contact 610-9289.
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UTT’s new honorary doctorates
The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) has announced that it will award honorary doctoral degrees to three distinguished citizens at its 2025 graduation ceremony on November 19. The honorees include Peter Elias, who will receive an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts; Israel Khan, who will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws; and Jamwant Maharaj, who will be honored with an honorary Doctor of Science. Additionally, Gilman Figaro, founder and chairman of the Sunshine Awards and a prominent supporter of Caribbean music, will be named an honorary distinguished fellow.
Peter Elias, a renowned figure in the fashion industry, has made significant contributions to couture and Carnival costume design, particularly through his work with The Lost Tribe. His selection marks only the ninth honorary doctorate in fine arts at UTT, with Meiling Esau (2017) being the only other active fashion designer previously honored.
Israel Khan, president of the Criminal Bar Association and founder of Justitia Omnibus Law Chambers, has been a leading figure in the legal field since 1979. In 2023, he was recognized as one of the six most distinguished graduates of the Hugh Wooding Law School on its 50th anniversary. Khan has also served as a tutor at the institution for over three decades.
Jamwant Maharaj, a former chemistry teacher at Naparima College, has authored and published educational books for CSEC and CAPE students. He continues to mentor students through the online platform WEXL, leaving a lasting impact on the field of education.
An honorary doctorate, or honoris causa, is a prestigious recognition of an individual’s lifetime achievements and contributions to society. Unlike traditional academic degrees, it does not require formal scholarship but acknowledges the profound impact of the recipient’s work. This award inverts the conventional educational paradigm by celebrating a body of work that may itself become a subject of academic study.
UTT has a history of honoring influential figures, including Nelson Mandela, who received over 50 honorary degrees for his anti-racism and peace advocacy. Since 2005, UTT has recognized a diverse group of luminaries, such as Geoffrey Holder, Mungal Patasar, and Le Roy Clarke. Notably, only five of these honors have been awarded posthumously, highlighting the importance of celebrating living contributors to society.
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Fatima take RBC Royal Slam basketball crown
Fatima College emerged victorious at the first-ever RBC Royal Slam College’s Basketball Tournament, held on November 9 at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena in Tacarigua. In a high-energy championship final, Fatima dominated St Mary’s College with a decisive 122-84 victory, showcasing exceptional teamwork and defensive prowess. The team’s ‘Big Three’—William Francis, Zachary Julien, and Idriis Martin—led the charge, delivering standout performances that left fans in awe. Francis achieved a remarkable triple-double with 28 points, 13 rebounds, 12 steals, seven assists, and three blocks, while Julien topped the scoring charts with 32 points. Martin also shone brightly, contributing 24 points and seven steals. Despite a valiant effort from St Mary’s Nkobi Ince, who scored 32 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, his team fell short. In the third-place playoff, Presentation College San Fernando secured a hard-fought 85-77 win over Queen’s Royal College, thanks to Michael McCarthy’s dominant double-double of 28 points and 24 rebounds. McCarthy’s stellar performance earned him the Tournament MVP award, while Francis was named Finals MVP. The event also featured electrifying halftime performances by the Studio 7 Spartans cheerleaders, adding to the festive atmosphere. The tournament concluded with a celebration of individual excellence, as players like Julien, Martin, Ince, and McCarthy were honored in the All-Star 5 lineup, alongside awards for best defensive player, most promising player, and more.
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Queen of Soca extended for another week
The highly acclaimed film *Queen of Soca*, starring Terri Lyons, the former Calypso Monarch, has been granted an extended theatrical run at MovieTowne, Port of Spain, following an overwhelming turnout on its initially scheduled final night. Originally set to conclude on November 5, the movie will now continue screening until November 12. The decision came after the cinema’s eight screens, each accommodating around 250 patrons, were completely sold out, prompting the opening of an additional screen to accommodate the surge in demand. Despite this, many eager fans were left disappointed as tickets were entirely unavailable. The film’s success has been a testament to its compelling narrative and Lyons’ captivating performance. The story, set in various Trinidadian locales such as Santa Cruz, Sangre Grande, La Canoa, and Port of Spain, follows the journey of Olivia, a character portrayed by Lyons, who rises from adversity to triumph. The film explores themes of struggle, poverty, faith, and societal oppression, resonating deeply with audiences. Lyons’ portrayal of Olivia, a humble yet determined individual overshadowed by her mother, played by Penelope Spencer, has been widely praised. The film’s cliffhanger ending has sparked anticipation for potential sequels. The final night on November 5 was attended by prominent entertainers, including SuperBlue, Patrice Roberts, and Nadia Batson, as well as Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin, who lauded the production for its authentic local storytelling. Writer and director Kevin Adams revealed that the film’s open-ended conclusion was intentional, drawing inspiration from the *Rocky* series. Adams, who previously collaborated with Lyons on *No Soca, No Life*, expressed his desire to diversify his creative portfolio beyond soca-themed films. Lyons, celebrated as the Caribbean’s Calypso Queen, expressed profound gratitude for the support of her fans, family, and the production team, emphasizing the importance of her father, Austin “SuperBlue” Lyons, and her son Mathias in her journey.
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Lost in the system – Arima teen out of school for two years
In Trinidad and Tobago, where free government-funded education is a norm, 14-year-old Annalisa (name changed) has been left behind due to systemic failures and relentless bullying. Despite passing her SEA examinations in 2023 and being assigned to a secondary school, her educational journey turned into a nightmare. Annalisa faced severe bullying, including physical threats and online harassment via a WhatsApp group, which escalated to the point where she was forced to hide in school and eventually withdraw entirely. Her parents, Cynthia and her husband, sought help from school authorities and the Ministry of Education (MoE) but encountered resistance and bureaucratic hurdles. Despite filing a police report and reaching out to multiple officials, including the Minister of Education, Dr. Michael Dowlath, the family received no substantial support. Annalisa briefly attended a private school but had to stop due to financial constraints. Now, she remains at home, her dream of becoming an attorney fading with each passing day. Minister Dowlath acknowledged the case but cited the ministry’s bureaucracy as a significant barrier to resolving such issues. This case highlights the persistent problem of school violence and the inefficiencies within the education system, leaving many children like Annalisa without access to education.
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Anya Ayoung-Chee Vibes and Thrives with AI
Anya Ayoung-Chee, the renowned Caribbean fashion designer and former Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe, is advocating for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into small businesses across the region. Ayoung-Chee, who gained international fame after winning the 2011 season of Project Runway, believes AI can revolutionize the way Caribbean businesses operate, especially as the region shifts its focus from oil and gas to more sustainable sectors.
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Moruga murder victim’s mother: People ‘desperately wicked, prone to evil’
The peaceful village of Moruga was plunged into grief as Marvin Hamilton, a 45-year-old heavy-equipment driver and father of three, was brutally murdered in his car over the weekend. The tragic incident occurred just days after Hamilton celebrated his 45th birthday, leaving his family and community in shock. His 83-year-old mother, Inez Hamilton, expressed her profound sorrow and faith, stating she is leaving everything in the hands of the Lord. Hamilton’s death marks another tragic chapter for the family, following the natural passing of his father, Dolton, in August last year. Dolton was the grandfather of Moruga/Tableland MP Michelle Benjamin, who mourned her uncle’s untimely death in a heartfelt Facebook post, questioning the senseless violence that claimed his life. Hamilton was described as a quiet, hardworking man who was deeply devoted to his family. His mother recalled his daily check-ins and the phone he bought her to stay connected. The community echoed these sentiments, remembering him as a kind and non-confrontational individual. The circumstances of his death suggest an attempted car-jacking, with Hamilton found in the driver’s seat of his locked Nissan B14. This incident adds to a series of violent crimes in St Mary’s Village, including the murders of Josiah Carthy, Seon Carthy, Drupatee Chance, Enrico Guerra, Anika Guerra, Oba Gill, Brandon Seenath, Nigel Chance, and Surita Deosaran over the past few years. Investigations into Hamilton’s murder are ongoing, as the community grapples with the loss and seeks justice.
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‘Darri Boss’ shot dead outside bar
In a shocking incident on the evening of November 8, 30-year-old Darrina “Darri Boss” Dow was fatally shot outside Strood’s Bar in Tunapuna. According to police reports, Dow was engaged in a card game with friends when a white AD Wagon pulled up around 10:30 pm. A masked assailant, clad in black, emerged from the vehicle and opened fire, striking Dow four times in the back. The gunman swiftly returned to the car, which then sped away from the scene. A harrowing video of the attack has since surfaced on social media, capturing the tragic moment.
Witnesses recounted that Dow’s father and a bystander rushed her to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival at 11:25 pm. The following day, Newsday visited the scene, finding the bar closed and the outdoor area still wet, with visible water slicks. Residents in the neighborhood remained reticent, revealing only that Dow had rented an apartment a few houses away from the bar but was not originally from the area. A visit to her apartment complex revealed closed gates and no signs of occupancy.
Crime scene investigators from the North Central Division and officers from the Region II Homicide Bureau have processed the scene, and police investigations are ongoing. Efforts to reach the area’s MP and Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, for comment were unsuccessful.