When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica two weeks ago, Melissa Hutchinson Malcolm found herself in an ironic and perilous situation. While attempting to secure her mother’s house in Jericho, Hanover, Hutchinson Malcolm broke her right leg as the storm ravaged the area. The house, which included an attached shop, collapsed, trapping her, her two sons, her mother, and three others. As they tried to escape, the hurricane lifted part of the shop, striking her foot and causing the injury. Despite the trauma, Hutchinson Malcolm found humor in the irony of being injured by a hurricane bearing her name. She expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal, acknowledging that many others were not as fortunate. The 41-year-old chef, now temporarily unemployed due to the storm’s impact on the tourism industry, faces challenges in her recovery. She relies on crutches and a chair to move around her home, which is on an incline. Hutchinson Malcolm has appealed for assistance to cover transportation, food, and medical expenses. Her mother, Janet Gray, also shared her harrowing experience of losing her home and shop but remains hopeful about rebuilding. Gray emphasized the importance of resilience, stating, ‘While there is life, there is hope.’ Both women are thankful to be alive, despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
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Unbreakable spirit
In a powerful display of resilience and commitment, Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, addressed travel advisors at the CruiseWorld conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, last Thursday. Stewart emphasized Jamaica’s determination to recover and thrive following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. He urged the travel industry to continue promoting Jamaica and the Caribbean, highlighting tourism as a vital economic lifeline for the region. Stewart’s message was clear: Jamaica will emerge stronger from this setback.
Stewart, who also serves as Executive Chairman of the Jamaica Observer, revealed that the three Sandals resorts most severely impacted by the hurricane—Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast—are set to reopen by May 30, 2026, with enhanced facilities. Five other resorts, less affected, will resume operations by December 6. Stewart’s decision to attend the November 5-7 conference underscored his personal dedication to Jamaica’s recovery.
Sandals Resorts has already contributed $3 million to hurricane relief efforts and made its corporate aircraft hangar available for relief operations. Additionally, the Sandals Foundation donated $6 million worth of medical equipment to Bustamante Hospital for Children, enabling the facility to care for critically ill neonates and children transferred from hurricane-affected areas.
During the hurricane, Sandals provided free accommodations to guests until it was safe for them to return home. Stewart chartered a plane to transport 150,000 pounds of relief materials to Jamaica. At the conference, Gary Sadler, Executive Vice-President of Unique Vacations, joined Stewart in promoting Caribbean tourism, offering free trips to incentivize travel advisors to support the region’s recovery.
CruiseWorld, a premier event for the travel industry, fosters growth through educational workshops, networking, and product showcases. Stewart’s appearance and the initiatives announced at the event reflect a united effort to rebuild and strengthen Jamaica’s tourism sector.
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CAPACITY TO COPE
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread devastation in Jamaica nearly two weeks ago, particularly in the island’s western parishes, the question of when to resume sporting activities has ignited a national debate. While some argue that restarting events like the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) could restore a sense of normalcy and hope, others contend it is premature, given the physical and psychological toll on athletes, coaches, and communities. The JPL organizers have adopted a cautious approach, prioritizing the well-being of players and staff before considering a return to competition. Communication disruptions persist across much of the island, and several clubs, including Montego Bay United and Treasure Beach FC, report severe damage to their facilities and personal impacts on players. Beyond logistical challenges, the psychological aftermath of the disaster adds complexity. Dr. André Bateman, a clinical and sports psychologist, highlights the disproportionate impact on the western side of the island, where recovery efforts are more arduous. He emphasizes the importance of sensitivity in resuming sports, noting the psychological divide between those ready to move forward and those still grappling with loss. Athletes, even in less affected areas, may carry emotional burdens, including survivor’s guilt, which can hinder their performance. Bateman stresses the need for open communication and accessible mental health support, urging the Government and sporting authorities to provide resources like group therapy. While sports can serve as a therapeutic outlet for athletes, Bateman warns against using them as a distraction, which may exacerbate trauma. For now, the consensus among organizers leans toward patience and compassion, recognizing the delicate balance between recovery and the desire to return to normalcy.
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Supreme Court to hear case of Rastafarian man seeking to sue prison officials for cutting his dreadlocks
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in a pivotal religious rights case involving Damon Landor, a Rastafarian prisoner whose dreadlocks were forcibly shaved by guards in a Louisiana prison. The case, which raises questions about whether prisoners can sue prison officials for damages over violations of their religious beliefs, has garnered significant attention due to its implications for religious liberty and federal law enforcement.
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Guyana gas station bombing suspects appear in court
Seven individuals, including four Venezuelan nationals and three Guyanese, appeared in court yesterday to face terrorism charges linked to the October 26 bombing at the Mobil Gas Station on Regent Street. The attack resulted in the tragic death of six-year-old Soraya Bourne and left several of her relatives and others injured. The accused arrived at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court in handcuffs under stringent police security. Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty presided over the proceedings. The alleged mastermind, 33-year-old Venezuelan national Daniel Alexander Ramirez Podeomo, was charged with placing an explosive device at the gas station, causing death, instilling terror, and threatening the sovereignty of the State. He was remanded to prison. Three co-accused – 44-year-old Venezuelan Alexander Bettencourt, 27-year-old Venezuelan Johnny Boodram, and 33-year-old Guyanese-Venezuelan national Krystal LaCruz – were charged with aiding and abetting the commission of a terrorist act. They were not required to enter pleas and were also remanded until November 12, when the case will continue. The remnants of the car, which housed a young child at the time of the bombing, were a stark reminder of the devastation caused by the attack.
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Two Men Plead Not Guilty to Vehicle Break-In Charges from Soca Sangria Event
Two individuals, Omar Richards, 19, from Carnival Gardens, and St. Claire Simon, 26, from Barnes Hill, have entered not guilty pleas in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins during the Soca Sangria event on November 2. The duo appeared before Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel this week, facing multiple charges such as theft, malicious damage, and providing false information to law enforcement. According to prosecutors, the pair allegedly targeted several vehicles, stealing and damaging personal belongings valued at approximately $977. Among the items reported stolen were a Nissan Xtrail key, Versace perfume, and Apple AirPods. While Richards, who is also facing an additional theft charge, remains in custody, Simon has been granted bail. Both defendants are scheduled to return to court on March 4, 2026, for further proceedings.
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Community uneasy after Weston shooting
The tranquil community of Weston in St. James, Barbados, has been shaken by a violent shooting incident that occurred early Saturday morning near the Millie Ifill Fish Market. The altercation resulted in one fatality and left another individual injured, leaving residents deeply concerned about rising crime in the area. Witnesses reported seeing a bullet hole in a nearby structure, a grim reminder of the violence that unfolded. Local residents expressed frustration over the lack of action to address the issue, with one man lamenting, “Nobody is doing anything about it. Too many young men are idle, smoking herb, and engaging in reckless behavior.” Another resident proposed that increasing the number of licensed firearm holders could serve as a deterrent to such crimes. Meanwhile, management at John Moore’s Bar, a popular local establishment, clarified that the incident did not occur on their premises but rather at the adjacent Millie Ifill Car Park. A spokesperson emphasized, “We are a community-spirited establishment that promotes positivity and good vibes. No crime occurred within our bar.” Police at the Holetown Station confirmed that the shooting took place around 1:30 a.m. when a licensed firearm holder was confronted by three masked assailants. The victim returned fire, resulting in one death and one injury. Authorities are continuing their investigation and urge anyone with information to contact the Holetown Police Station, Police Emergency, or Crime Stoppers.
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Lawyer says prosecution withheld vital evidence in Too Cool case
In a high-profile court case in Kingstown, defence lawyer Grant Connell invoked a speech by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley to the United Nations as he argued for the acquittal of popular DJ Christopher ‘Too Cool Chris’ Jones, who faces a wounding charge for shooting a man three times. The incident occurred on July 4, 2024, in Kingstown, where Jones claimed he acted in self-defence after being threatened and attacked by the complainant, Kevin Patterson. Connell highlighted the prosecution’s failure to disclose crucial evidence, including Patterson’s psychiatric history, and criticized the investigation as ‘atrocious.’ He also questioned the credibility of key witnesses and emphasized the legal principles of self-defence, arguing that Jones acted reasonably under the circumstances. The case has drawn significant attention, with the verdict expected on December 10.
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Venezuelan, Guyanese caught in cocaine bust
In a significant anti-narcotics operation, a Venezuelan national and two Guyanese citizens were apprehended following the confiscation of nearly 24 kilograms of cocaine in Hydronie, Parika, East Bank Essequibo. The arrests were announced on Saturday, November 8, 2025, by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU). The suspects include a Venezuelan man, a Guyanese man, and a Guyanese woman. The operation was conducted on Friday, November 7, after CANU agents received actionable intelligence. A thorough search of a local residence led to the discovery of multiple parcels containing a whitish powdery substance, which was later confirmed to be cocaine. The seized narcotics weighed a total of 23.958 kilograms. This bust underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking in the region.
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Fraser Sisters, Gill, Broomes-Webster shine at Trevor Straughn Championship
The Trevor Straughn Primary Schools Cross Country Championships, held at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex on Thursday morning, showcased thrilling performances, with the Fraser sisters, Glory and Life-Star, stealing the limelight. The event, a tribute to the legacy of Trevor Straughn, remains a highlight on the primary schools’ athletics calendar. Glory Fraser of Reynold Weekes Primary in St Philip dominated the Class 4 Girls’ 2000m, finishing in an impressive 7:50.3 seconds. She was followed by Ciara Waithe of Hindsbury Primary (8:13.4) and Roosalie O’Neal of West Terrace Primary (8:15.6). In the Class 4 Boys’ 2000m, Naleek Gill of St Ambrose Primary claimed victory with a time of 6:56.2 seconds, outpacing Trazahri Ifill of St Bernard’s Primary (7:26.2) and Nathan Phillips of Blackman and Gollop Primary (7:35.0). Life-Star Fraser continued her family’s winning streak in the Class 2 Girls’ 1600m, clocking 7:57.7, while Czar Broomes-Webster of West Terrace Primary triumphed in the Class 2 Boys’ 1600m with a time of 6:37.9. The event celebrated young athletic talent and fostered a spirit of competition and camaraderie.