TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Global sprint icon Usain Bolt extended a heartfelt message of solidarity and support to his fellow Jamaicans on Sunday, following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which wreaked havoc across western Jamaica. In a poignant video shared on X, Bolt expressed his deep sorrow and commitment to aiding recovery efforts. The legendary athlete, who recently returned to the island, witnessed firsthand the extensive damage caused by the Category 5 hurricane. Originating from Trelawny, one of the hardest-hit parishes, Bolt spent the day distributing essential care packages at his alma mater, William Knibb High School, which also suffered significant damage. Reflecting on the scenes of devastation, Bolt shared, “On the way up…at the riverside, you see a lot of people washing. It’s hard to put into words how I feel about what I am seeing, but Jamaica, I am here to help in any way possible.” In a powerful caption accompanying his video, Bolt reaffirmed his dedication to his homeland, stating, “J A M A I C A, You all gave me the chance to represent you on the world stage — to wear our colours with pride, show the world the strength, resilience, and the heart of our people. Everything I’ve achieved started right here at home. Now, as so many of our children, brothers and sisters face the hardships caused by Hurricane Melissa, please know — We are right here with YOU. We are STANDING together, REBUILDING together, and reminding the world that JAMAICANS never leave each other behind.”
博客
-
Tobago’s illusion of amelioration
Between 1823 and 1833, escalating tensions between Caribbean planters and enslaved workers reached a critical point, threatening the region’s socio-economic stability. Enslaved populations, increasingly intolerant of their subjugation, launched widespread resistance movements that challenged the very foundations of the plantation system. Fearing the potential for uncontrollable chaos, the West Indian lobby urged the British Parliament to implement reforms aimed at improving the living and working conditions of enslaved Africans. These proposals included measures such as limiting physical punishments, encouraging slave marriages, and allowing enslaved individuals to own property and purchase their freedom. However, these reforms, which aimed to mitigate the harsh realities of enslavement, were met with fierce opposition from the plantocracy. Planters in Tobago, in particular, resisted these changes, viewing them as threats to their control over the enslaved population and their economic interests. Despite efforts to portray the era as one of ‘amelioration,’ the revised laws largely preserved the oppressive structures of slavery, with new courts established to enforce harsh penalties for resistance. The Anglican Church, initially aloof, later joined efforts to Christianize the enslaved population, seeing it as a means of control. Ultimately, the planters’ rejection of these reforms led to the British Parliament’s decision to abolish slavery in its colonies in 1833, marking the end of a tumultuous decade of resistance and reform.
-
Candice Dookree mapping change, inspiring growth
Dr. Candice Dookree, a 30-year-old scholar from Trinidad and Tobago, has recently achieved a significant milestone by earning her doctorate in geoinformatics from the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine. Her groundbreaking research focuses on the spatio-temporal dynamics of urban growth in San Fernando, utilizing advanced technologies such as satellite remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and logistic regression. This statistical technique allows for the prediction of urban expansion based on factors like distance to roads, population density, and elevation. Her findings highlight the critical role of infrastructure decisions in shaping urban development and environmental sustainability, offering valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Born and raised in Preysal, Dookree’s journey to academic excellence was fueled by a childhood filled with curiosity and exploration. Initially aspiring to study civil engineering, she found her passion in geomatics engineering, a field she initially knew little about. Her doctoral journey, though challenging, was marked by resilience and the unwavering support of her family, friends, and mentors. As a woman in a male-dominated field, Dookree is committed to inspiring more young women to pursue careers in science and technology. Currently working with the Ministry of Finance’s Valuation Division, she integrates geospatial technologies into property valuation processes, modernizing data collection and analysis. Her vision for the future includes expanding her research into smart-city development and AI-driven geospatial analytics, while also contributing to academia as a lecturer. Dookree’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and the transformative potential of geospatial science in addressing the unique challenges faced by Caribbean nations.
-
The Coconut Cracker a classical favourite with a Caribbean twist
The Caribbean School of Dancing (CSD) continues its legacy of blending discipline and creativity with a groundbreaking production titled *Fantasy in Dance: The Coconut Cracker*. Scheduled for November 15 and 16 at Queen’s Hall in St Ann’s, this performance reinterprets the classic ballet *The Nutcracker* through a distinctly Caribbean lens. Choreographed by principal Bridgette Wilson, the show features a cast of 110 dancers and 20 musicians, including members of the UWI Arts Steel, promising a vibrant celebration of local culture, music, and dance.
Wilson, inspired by the late Patricia Roe’s dedication to making ballet accessible to Caribbean audiences, has transformed the traditional European narrative into a story that resonates with Trinidadian heritage. The Nutcracker becomes the Coconut Cracker, a coconut vendor, while the Sugar Plum Fairy is reimagined as the Sugar Cane Fairy. The siblings Clara and Fritz are now Kyara and Junior, and even the toy soldier is redefined as Soldier Larry, drawing from sailor mas traditions.
The production also incorporates local elements such as a Sahara dust storm replacing the snow scene, with moko jumbies guiding Kyara to the Land of Island Paradise, symbolizing Trinidad and Tobago. Wilson’s vision is to reclaim space for Caribbean culture within the traditionally Eurocentric art form of ballet, showcasing the richness of local traditions on a global stage.
In addition to *The Coconut Cracker*, younger students aged three to eight will perform *Anansi and the Magic Shell*, an original story blending ballet, hip-hop, tap, and modern dance. The costumes, designed by Valmiki Maharaj of The Lost Tribe, merge traditional ballet attire with Caribbean aesthetics, further enhancing the cultural narrative.
Wilson sees this production as the beginning of a larger creative journey, aiming to expand and refine *The Coconut Cracker* in future iterations. Her work not only honors the legacy of CSD but also reaffirms the place of Caribbean culture in the world of performing arts.
-
A rising King — Jakeem draws on brotherly inspiration to shine on basketball courts
From the tender age of two, Jakeem King’s passion for basketball was ignited by witnessing his uncle, Kushiah King, execute a jaw-dropping slam dunk. Now, at just 12 years old, Jakeem is carving out his own legacy on the hard courts of Trinidad. A Form One student at Fatima College, he has already secured a spot on the school’s under-17 team for the prestigious RBC Royal Slam College Basketball competition.
-
Rebecca Foster bares her soul with Mixtape: Vol 1
After a six-year absence from the local art scene, Trinidadian visual artist Rebecca Foster is set to make a bold return with her one-day exhibition, ‘Mixtape: Vol 1,’ at the 101 Art Gallery on November 15. The 45-year-old Diego Martin resident will showcase over 30 pieces, a vibrant collection of new and older works, including sketches, Hard Rock Cafe portraits, and previously unseen creations. Foster describes the exhibition as a deeply personal endeavor, revealing her artistic soul and reflecting her journey as an artist. ‘This show is probably more of a reflection of me, which is terrifying. But hey, you gotta put yourself out there sometimes,’ she shared. The exhibition features a diverse range of styles and themes, from landscapes and architectural works to traditional Carnival characters and celebrity portraits, all unified by her signature use of vivid color. Foster’s artistic journey has been shaped by her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she created free coloring pages to help people cope with stress, eventually compiling them into her book, ‘Colouring Carnival: Traditional Mas.’ Her career spans multiple creative disciplines, including acting, production design, and even pole dancing. Foster’s upcoming exhibition marks a significant milestone in her artistic evolution, blending her Caribbean roots with a cinematic storytelling approach. The exhibition will be open from 11 am to 6 pm at the 101 Art Gallery on November 15.
-
Sisterly bond helps restaurant grow: Naked comes to Valpark
Naked Cafe, a beloved wellness-focused eatery on Maraval Road, Port of Spain, has expanded its footprint with the launch of a second branch at Valpark Plaza in Valsayn. Sisters Danielle and Maya Matouk, the driving forces behind the brand, unveiled the new location on November 3, marking a significant milestone in their entrepreneurial journey. The Valpark branch retains the cafe’s signature wellness theme while introducing a full-service dining experience and a dedicated bar, catering to a broader audience. The modern, plant-filled space features white walls, wooden furniture, and lush greenery, creating a serene ambiance. The menu, showcased during the grand opening, includes Mediterranean-inspired dishes, vegan desserts, and handcrafted cocktails, all prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The sisters emphasized their commitment to community and sustainability, highlighting their hands-on approach to every aspect of the business. With a new a-la-carte menu and upcoming brunch offerings, Naked Valpark aims to redefine healthy dining in the region. The sisters also expressed gratitude to their loyal customers, dedicated staff, and supportive family, particularly their mother, who has been instrumental in their success.
-
134 graduate from disaster resilient building programme
On November 8, 134 individuals celebrated their graduation from the Construction Technology Training programme, a collaborative initiative by Habitat for Humanity and Citibank. The ceremony took place at the JFK Auditorium on the University of the West Indies (UWI) campus in St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. This programme equips participants with essential skills to construct buildings that can withstand natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes. Mitchell De Silva, Citibank’s country officer, emphasized that the graduates are now equipped to not only safeguard their own homes but also contribute to the resilience of entire communities. The programme, funded through a global innovation challenge, focuses on blueprint reading, project management, concrete technology, and sustainable construction practices. Jamel Fraser, Habitat for Humanity’s programme manager, highlighted the importance of technology in modern construction, stating that the initiative teaches participants how to build resilient homes. Charlene Pedro, director of Habitat for Humanity, underscored the broader mission of the organization, which extends beyond housing to empower families with strength, stability, and self-reliance. Facilitator Wayne Benjamin, who has been with the organization for 21 years, expressed his joy in witnessing the graduates’ achievements and called for more volunteers to assist in building homes for the homeless. This programme marks a significant step toward enhancing community resilience and creating sustainable livelihoods in Trinidad and Tobago.
-
JTUM to join peace vigil over regional US military action
The Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM), a prominent ally of Trinidad and Tobago’s UNC government, has thrown its weight behind a peace vigil advocating for the Caribbean to remain a zone of peace. Organized by eight local civil society groups, the event is set to take place at Woodford Square in Port of Spain on November 9, from 5 to 7 pm. This initiative comes amid escalating tensions in the region, fueled by increased US military activity targeting narco-trafficking operations. Since September 2, US strikes have reportedly killed 70 individuals suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. JTUM, in a November 7 media release, expressed grave concerns over the potential consequences of military escalation, warning that Trinidad and Tobago could find itself ‘on the frontline’ of a conflict. The union emphasized that war benefits no one and stressed the necessity of peace for regional stability and economic progress. The UNC government, led by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has aligned with the Trump administration’s regional security initiatives, which include deploying destroyers, a nuclear submarine, amphibious craft, and an aircraft carrier, along with over 10,000 troops. Critics, including JTUM and vigil organizers, argue that this growing military presence near Venezuelan waters threatens regional peace and stability. The vigil’s organizers, such as the Emancipation Support Committee and Movement for Social Justice, describe the event as a non-partisan effort to raise awareness about the humanitarian and economic risks of potential conflict. They warn that any military escalation in Venezuela could lead to mass migration to Trinidad and Tobago, disrupt trade, and damage investor confidence. JTUM’s endorsement of the vigil highlights a growing consensus within the country for the Caribbean to remain a peaceful region.
-
T&TEC, TTDF to send relief teams to Jamaica
In response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) has announced the deployment of a specialized team to Jamaica. According to a media release issued on November 8, the team will focus on restoring electricity in the most severely affected regions. The send-off ceremony for the team is scheduled for November 10, with Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath, Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities Clyde Elder, and Parliamentary Secretary Shivanna Sam in attendance. Additionally, a contingent of 20 soldiers from Trinidad and Tobago will be dispatched to Jamaica in the coming days to assist in relief efforts. Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on October 28, caused widespread devastation across several parishes, including St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, Manchester, St James, Trelawny, and St Ann. The hurricane resulted in 32 fatalities in Jamaica and 43 in neighboring Haiti, along with millions in damages. The Trinidad and Tobago government, in collaboration with civil society and private sector organizations, has already sent multiple shipping containers of essential supplies, including food and construction tools, to aid in recovery efforts. An inter-ministerial committee has also been established to coordinate national relief initiatives.