The Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of senior citizens, has successfully raised $800,000 through a collaborative fundraising initiative. The funds are being utilized to provide essential relief aid to elderly victims of Hurricane Melissa in the severely affected parishes of Westmoreland and St Elizabeth. Jean Lowrie-Chin, the founder and executive chair of CCRP, announced this milestone during the organization’s annual Living Legacy Awards ceremony held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston. The fundraising effort was conducted in partnership with Jamaica’s renowned National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), which dedicated one of its dance season evenings to the cause. Proceeds from ticket sales were allocated to CCRP’s relief efforts. The funds have enabled the preparation of 150 food packages, 150 hygiene kits, and 75 cases of water, which are being distributed to elderly residents in the hardest-hit areas. The Breads Foundation and the Women’s Centre are facilitating the distribution in St Elizabeth, while church volunteers are handling deliveries in Westmoreland. Lowrie-Chin emphasized the vulnerability of elderly individuals in disaster-stricken regions, noting their heightened physical and emotional challenges. The relief packages include specialized items such as adult diapers and protein drinks to address their unique needs. Additionally, the National Council for Senior Citizens has deployed motorbikes to reach isolated communities. The CCRP also highlighted the plight of two of its members who suffered significant losses during the hurricane, including the loss of their homes. The organization remains committed to expanding its relief efforts, with proceeds from the recent awards ceremony further supporting these initiatives. Established in 2010, CCRP continues to empower seniors to contribute meaningfully to community and national development. The ceremony also honored 16 members for their outstanding contributions to nation-building.
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$1-B roast
Jamaica’s renowned Blue Mountain coffee industry has been severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, with estimated losses reaching $1 billion, according to Norman Grant, chairman of the Jamaica Coffee Exporters Association. Grant revealed that approximately 100,000 boxes of coffee, valued at $10,000 each, were lost due to the hurricane, which also damaged coffee trees and infrastructure. This latest blow compounds the sector’s struggles, as it has faced consecutive losses during wet seasons over the past four years, accumulating a staggering $2.5 billion deficit. The hurricane’s aftermath has left critical roads to coffee factories impassable, with some areas still cut off days after the storm. Grant emphasized the urgent need for government intervention, including the implementation of the Coffee Crop Resuscitation and Establishment Programme (CREP), to revive production and support 5,000 affected farmers. He also called for immediate restoration of electricity and communication services in key areas. While acknowledging the devastation in western Jamaica, Grant urged authorities to prioritize aid for the Blue Mountain coffee industry, which is vital to the nation’s economy. Jamaica, the 58th largest coffee exporter globally, generated $26.2 million in coffee exports in 2023, making the sector’s recovery crucial for economic stability.
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STATEMENT: Miss WÒB 2025 ZebadiJah ( Zebbie) Maxwell— A Heartfelt thank you and a note for DA’s 47th Independence
In a moment of national pride and personal triumph, Zebbie has been crowned Miss WÒB 2025, a title she dedicates to her family, community, and the village of Tarreau. The newly crowned queen expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support she received throughout her journey. From her immediate family, who stood as her guiding force, to the dedicated teams working tirelessly behind the scenes, Zebbie acknowledged the collective effort that shaped her success. She also extended heartfelt thanks to her coaches, sponsors, and the villagers of Tarreau, whose belief in her propelled her to this historic achievement. ‘This crown belongs to all of us,’ she declared, emphasizing the shared victory.
While celebrating this milestone, Zebbie also addressed her absence from this year’s Independence Day celebrations and the Military Parade, events of immense national significance. She explained that her attendance at the One Young World Summit—a global platform uniting young leaders to drive positive change—took precedence. Being chosen as the nation’s flag bearer at the summit filled her with immense pride, a moment she described as even more exhilarating than receiving the scholarship to attend.
Zebbie vowed to return with renewed energy, innovative ideas, and a steadfast commitment to serve her community and nation. Her message concluded with gratitude and a call for unity: ‘One LOVE. Happy Independence! Domnik 47 Strong!’
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Vacancies: Regulatory Analyst and Regulatory Engineer — Water and Sewerage
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) in Grenada is currently seeking qualified candidates for two critical roles: Regulatory Analyst and Regulatory Engineer — Water and Sewerage. These positions are pivotal in supporting the commission’s mission to regulate and enhance the efficiency of the electricity, water, and sewerage sectors in the country.
**Regulatory Analyst Role**
The Regulatory Analyst will provide analytical support within the Regulatory, Accounting & Economic (RAE) Affairs Department. Key responsibilities include analyzing utility data, validating tariff-related studies, reviewing license applications, and preparing reports on tariffs and policy issues. The role also involves addressing consumer complaints, benchmarking utility performance, and supporting stakeholder consultations. Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Accounting, Finance, or Public Administration, with at least three years of analytical experience, preferably in utilities or regulation. Applications are due by December 5, 2025.**Regulatory Engineer — Water and Sewerage Role**
The Regulatory Engineer will focus on regulating the water and sewerage sectors. Responsibilities include developing and enforcing technical standards, reviewing infrastructure plans, conducting facility inspections, and advising on environmental and public health compliance. The role also involves data analysis, regulatory reporting, and collaboration with stakeholders. Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field, with at least five years of experience in water/wastewater infrastructure or regulation. Applications must be submitted by December 5, 2025.Both positions require strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills. Interested candidates should address their applications to the Chief Executive Officer of the PURC in St. George’s, Grenada, or email them to [email protected].
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Flash-Flood Watch issued for Barbados
The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has activated a Flash-Flood Watch for the island, anticipating significant rainfall on Friday, November 7. In a recent advisory, the BMS highlighted the potential for severe flooding in low-lying and flood-prone regions, with weather conditions expected to worsen overnight and persist into Saturday. Authorities have cautioned that additional alerts or warnings may be issued as the situation evolves. Residents are strongly advised to remain vigilant, monitor updates from the BMS, and adhere to instructions from emergency management officials to ensure safety during this weather event.
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Bayview launches Executive Medical Program for preventative health screenings
Bayview Hospital, a leading healthcare institution in the Caribbean, has unveiled its latest initiative—the Bayview Executive Medical Program—just five months after opening its urgent care department. This innovative program is designed to prioritize prevention and proactive health management, offering tailored health check packages for business leaders, employees, families, and individuals.
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Call for paper submissions as regional symposium on the future of libraries to be facilitated by National Library Service
The National Library Service (NLS) has announced its first-ever conference, titled “The Future of Libraries: Embracing Technology, Strengthening Community Engagement, and Sustaining Development in a Digital Era.” Scheduled for February 20, 2026, the event will be held at the Hilton Barbados Resort. This groundbreaking symposium aims to address the evolving role of libraries in the Caribbean, focusing on digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and community engagement. The timing is significant, as it coincides with the National Year of Reading 2026 and precedes the NLS’s 180th anniversary in 2027, highlighting the dual importance of preserving cultural heritage and advancing technological innovation. Jennifer Yarde, Director of the NLS, emphasized the need for Caribbean libraries to lead discussions on digital preservation while adopting cutting-edge technologies. The conference will bring together library professionals, archivists, educators, researchers, and tech experts to exchange ideas and develop strategies for modern information management. A key feature of the event is a call for scholarly papers addressing critical issues such as AI integration, digital inclusivity, and the preservation of Caribbean cultural identity. Selected submissions will undergo peer review and be included in the official proceedings, contributing to the advancement of library and information science. The symposium will explore six core themes: AI and emerging technologies, inclusive digital library design, community outreach, e-libraries, cultural preservation, and the integration of archives and libraries. Interested participants are invited to submit 300-word abstracts by November 18, 2025, with full papers due by December 15, 2025. Details on submissions and registration are available on the NLS’s social media platforms. The NLS encourages all stakeholders to join this transformative event and contribute to shaping the future of libraries.
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Digicel and Digicel Foundation launch expanded humanitarian efforts in Jamaica
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Digicel Group and the Digicel Jamaica Foundation have initiated a robust humanitarian effort to aid recovery in Jamaica’s hardest-hit regions. The joint initiative, titled ‘Reconnecting Jamaica,’ aims to distribute nearly 12,000 care packages to residents in the most affected western parishes, including Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, Hanover, St James, and Trelawny. To date, over 1,500 food care packs have been delivered, with an additional 10,000 set for distribution in the coming days. These packages contain essential supplies such as water, rice, oil, and other staples, alongside hygiene kits and solar-powered lighting solutions like LED lanterns and emergency bulbs for households still without electricity. Furthermore, hardware certificates are being provided to enable residents to purchase construction materials locally, fostering sustainable rebuilding efforts within their communities.
Marcelo Cataldo, CEO of Digicel Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to Jamaica’s recovery, stating, ‘Our responsibility extends beyond business; we’re focused on restoring hope and supporting government efforts.’ The Digicel Foundation, a cornerstone of community development for nearly two decades, has mobilized staff and volunteers island-wide to coordinate relief distribution. Additional support includes the distribution of SIM cards with data plans to relief workers, complimentary prepaid and postpaid plans for affected customers, and mobile charging stations on Digicel buses to help residents stay connected.
Collaborating with the Jamaican government, Digicel is also addressing environmental and health needs by supplying items such as foggers, testing tablets, and medical equipment. A regional crowdsourcing campaign and donation bins at Digicel’s Kingston headquarters further encourage contributions to the relief efforts. Charmaine Daniels, CEO of the Digicel Foundation, highlighted the initiative’s broader mission: ‘Reconnecting Jamaica is about restoring dignity and stability. These care packages symbolize solidarity and long-term support.’
Stephen Murad, CEO of Digicel Jamaica, praised the dedication of the network teams working tirelessly to restore connectivity and assist in relief distribution. ‘Reconnecting Jamaica is our sole focus,’ he said. ‘We’re proud of our teams who embody the spirit of the Digicel family by standing with our customers in their time of need.’
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Ongoing Road Improvements in Potters
The town of Potters has initiated a significant road improvement project aimed at enhancing infrastructure and ensuring safer, more efficient transportation for residents and visitors alike. This initiative, which is currently underway, focuses on upgrading key roadways, repairing potholes, and improving drainage systems to mitigate flooding risks during heavy rainfall. Local authorities have emphasized that these improvements are part of a broader strategy to modernize the town’s infrastructure and support future growth. While the project has caused temporary disruptions to traffic flow, officials assure the public that the long-term benefits will far outweigh the short-term inconveniences. The initiative is expected to be completed within the next six months, with regular updates provided to keep the community informed.
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Gezin dakloos na felle brand aan Kampong Baroeweg
In the early hours of the morning, a catastrophic fire completely destroyed the home of the Wagino Nremoredjo family on Kampong Baroeweg in the Saramacca district. The alarm was raised at approximately 3:09 AM, prompting an immediate response from the Groningen fire department. Despite their swift arrival, the firefighters were unable to control the blaze, which consumed the entire house and all its contents. The family’s son was awakened by the intense heat and managed to escape to safety after noticing flames in his bedroom. He immediately called for help. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the origin of the incident.