As Hurricane Melissa’s fierce winds finally abated, seasoned horse trainer Linton Calder felt a wave of relief. His stables had endured the storm with minimal harm, ensuring the safety of his prized horses. However, Calder’s office, a space long in need of repairs, was not as fortunate. The hurricane only exacerbated existing issues, leaving the facility in dire need of urgent attention.
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Parsard pledges November earnings to hurricane relief fund
In a remarkable act of generosity, renowned horse racing trainer Peter-John Parsard has pledged to donate all his earnings from November to the hurricane relief fund, aiding victims of the catastrophic Category 5 Hurricane Melissa. The hurricane, which struck Jamaica last week, unleashed sustained winds of over 185 miles per hour, torrential rains, and widespread devastation, particularly in the western parishes of St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, and St James. Thousands of families have been displaced, homes destroyed, and infrastructure severely damaged.
Parsard expressed his deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating, ‘The destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa is heartbreaking. Entire communities have been reduced to rubble, and the suffering of many Jamaicans is unimaginable. I may be just one person, but I believe in the power of collective action. If my earnings can provide even a small measure of relief to affected families, it’s worth every cent. This is not just charity—it’s a duty to stand with our people in their time of need.’
The Jamaican Government has launched an emergency relief fund to address the urgent needs of over 400,000 affected residents. The Support Jamaica Disaster Relief portal has outlined critical requirements, including clean water, non-perishable food, hygiene kits, and temporary shelter materials. Parsard has also appealed to the Jamaican Diaspora worldwide, urging them to contribute to the relief efforts. ‘Whether you’re in New York, London, Toronto, or Tokyo—if you carry Jamaica in your heart, now is the time to act. We’ve survived hurricanes like Charlie, Gilbert, and Ivan. We will survive Melissa, too, but only if we stand together,’ he emphasized.
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Nunes’ stable rises above hurricane woes, focusing on gratitude, resilience in the face of adversity
Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, wreaked havoc on Jamaica’s south-west coast on October 28, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Among the affected was Anthony Nunes, a prominent horse trainer, whose stable at Caymanas Park suffered significant damage. Six of his horses lost their roofs, and parts of the stable remained without electricity. Despite these challenges, Nunes chose to focus on gratitude rather than complaint, acknowledging the far greater losses endured by others on the island. Miraculously, all 74 of his horses survived with only minor injuries, and his staff emerged unharmed. Nunes praised his team for their quick action in evacuating the horses as the roofs began to lift during the storm. While the recovery process is ongoing, Nunes remains optimistic about resuming racing by November 15, though the six horses affected by the roof loss may not be ready. The hurricane disrupted his training program, causing weight loss in the horses due to reduced feed and lack of electricity. However, Nunes is confident in their resilience and ability to recover. He also made the decision to withhold Lasix, a diuretic, to prioritize the horses’ hydration and health during the crisis. Nunes’ perspective highlights the importance of gratitude and resilience in the face of adversity.
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Hurricane Melissa prompts TOBA Mixed Sale reschedule to December 7
The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders’ Association of Jamaica (TOBA) has announced the rescheduling of its annual Mixed Sale to December 7, following the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Melissa. Originally slated for November 23, the event was postponed to allow consignors sufficient time to rehabilitate horses potentially impacted by the storm. The new date was strategically chosen to coincide with the US$300,000 Mouttet Mile, scheduled for December 6, ensuring optimal preparation and participation. Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful hurricane to ever hit Jamaica, inflicted severe damage on the island’s breeding sector. Notable among the affected were Orange Valley Estates Limited in Trelawny, owned by TOBA director Alec Henderson and his wife Jacqui, and YS Farm in St Elizabeth, managed by Dawn Browne. Both farms suffered extensive destruction, particularly in the western regions of the island, which bore the brunt of the hurricane’s force. The resilience of the industry is evident, as evidenced by the 2022 sale of Lot #104, a two-year-old filly by Soul Warrior – Lady Belridge, which fetched $2.1 million.
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Caymanas Park returns to action
The anticipated return of live races at Caymanas Park on Saturday, November 15, marks a significant milestone for Jamaica’s horse racing industry, which has managed to evade the worst impacts of Hurricane Melissa. While the storm inflicted considerable damage on the infrastructure of two major stud farms and the stable area, the swift resumption of commercial operations is expected to play a crucial role in the ongoing repair and rebuilding efforts. This resilience is emblematic of the industry’s ability to bounce back from adversity, a trait that has been tested repeatedly over the past five decades.
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Jeanel Bowla: The woman behind the brand
Since the ATL Automotive Group acquired the BMW brand in Jamaica in 2016, BMW has emerged as the country’s top-selling premium car brand, achieving record-breaking sales for five out of the past seven years. At the forefront of this remarkable success is Jeanel Bowla, the sales manager at BMW Jamaica in Kingston, whose leadership and passion have been pivotal in steering the brand to new heights.
Bowla’s connection to BMW runs deep. Growing up in a family where the brand was a constant presence, she developed an early appreciation for BMW’s driver-centric philosophy and distinctive road feel. Her father’s 1972 BMW 2002 and his hands-on involvement with the brand left an indelible mark on her. For Bowla, BMW is more than just a car—it’s an experience, a feeling that transforms driving into a joy.
Despite her family’s automotive legacy, Bowla initially didn’t see herself in car sales. However, her career trajectory changed when she joined ATL Automotive in February 2018. Within seven months, she was promoted to sales manager for BMW Jamaica, a role she embraced wholeheartedly. Balancing her new responsibilities with pursuing an MBA at the Mona School of Business and Management was challenging, but Bowla’s discipline and time management skills enabled her to excel in both areas.
Now, over seven years into her journey with ATL Autobahn and a new mother, Bowla attributes much of her growth to her team. She has led the BMW Jamaica sales team through several high-profile vehicle launches, including the BMW M2, BMW X3 M, and BMW X4 M. One standout experience was a road trip organized exclusively for BMW M and M Performance customers, which turned into a celebration of the passion that unites the M community.
Bowla’s success is rooted in her discipline, mindset, and love for her work. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, she emphasizes the importance of learning, building confidence, and showing up consistently. She believes in humility and the willingness to ask for help as key drivers of growth.
For young women aspiring to enter the automotive industry, Bowla offers sage advice: let your work speak for itself, protect your peace, and stay grounded in what matters to you. Her leadership ensures that every customer encounter reflects both BMW’s legacy and her own dedication, leaving customers satisfied and her team proud.
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Rapid recovery
Flow Jamaica has successfully restored 80% of its mobile network traffic and over 40% of fixed-line services following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, according to Liberty Latin America CEO Balan Nair. In major metropolitan areas, fixed-line recovery has surged to more than 80%. However, the pace of restoration remains heavily reliant on the Jamaica Public Service Company’s efforts to restore power, which has so far reached over half of its customers. Emergency connectivity via Starlink’s direct-to-cell technology has reconnected over 140,000 users in severely affected regions as the company continues to repair infrastructure and services. Nair expressed confidence in the resilience of Flow Jamaica’s employees and their commitment to restoring critical communications for customers. Despite the progress, the company anticipates negative impacts on its Caribbean financial metrics for the remainder of 2025, including reduced revenue, fewer active customers, and increased costs for equipment and property repairs. Flow Jamaica’s recovery is bolstered by a parametric weather insurance contract, which enables faster payouts compared to traditional policies, facilitating quicker funding for repairs. Nair confirmed that the hurricane triggered the insurance coverage, with a payout expected soon. While the exact amount remains undisclosed, LILA received $44 million from similar contracts in 2024. Weather derivatives, which pay out based on specific measurements like wind speed, have proven instrumental in accelerating recovery efforts. Flow Jamaica’s 2024 annual report revealed $5.545 billion in net proceeds from weather derivatives, offsetting $1.273 billion in costs from Hurricane Beryl. Additionally, the company recorded $207 million in asset impairments due to hurricane damage. Phoenix Tower International (PTI), responsible for repairing mobile tower sites under a 2023 agreement, has deployed teams to rebuild infrastructure. Nair emphasized that network recovery will align with power restoration efforts. Despite the challenges, Flow Jamaica reported a 5% revenue growth in Q3 2024, reaching $17.17 billion, with mobile services contributing 59% of total revenue. LILA’s consolidated revenue grew by 2% to $1.11 billion in Q3, though it reported a net loss of $525.9 million for the first nine months of 2024.
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NEED FOR SPEED
Jamaican sprint sensation Oblique Seville, fresh off his historic 100m gold medal win at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, is gearing up for a strong comeback. The 24-year-old, who clocked a personal best of 9.77 seconds to claim his first individual global medal, is now focused on building greater strength as he sets his sights on competing in both the 100m and 200m events next season. Seville’s victory ended Jamaica’s eight-year gold medal drought in the 100m and marked a significant milestone in his career after previous near-misses at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships and the 2024 Olympics. Upon returning to Jamaica on September 24, Seville underwent a minor procedure to remove toenails on his big toes, which required at least a month of recovery. He has since reported a smooth recovery and is eager to resume training at the Glen Mills-led Racers Track Club. Seville attributes his recent success to a revamped strength training regimen tailored to his compact 5 ft 7-inch frame. While he acknowledges significant progress, he believes there is still room for improvement. ‘I’m 50 per cent stronger, but I still need a lot of improvement,’ he stated during an interview on Leighton Levy’s Mr Analyst podcast. Seville’s ambition extends beyond the 100m, as he aims to make a mark in the 200m, an event he has long aspired to dominate. ‘I want to be as good as the top three athletes in the world that run the 200m,’ he declared. With a personal best of 20.13 seconds in the 200m, Seville is determined to break the 20-second barrier and join the elite ranks of Jamaican sprinters who have achieved this feat, including legends like Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, and Warren Weir. Seville’s journey is a testament to his resilience and dedication, as he continues to push the boundaries of his potential in the world of sprinting.
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Presidenten Simons en Lula zetten nieuwe stap in regionale samenwerking
During the Belém Climate Summit in Brazil, President Jennifer Simons of Suriname and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held a significant bilateral meeting aimed at deepening cooperation between their nations. The leaders agreed to organize a presidential-level working visit by February 2026 to further develop concrete areas of collaboration. Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation, Melvin Bouva, announced that foreign ministers from both countries will convene a follow-up meeting before the end of this year to prepare for the visit. Key topics discussed included the Amazon rainforest, climate policy, and poverty alleviation. Suriname formally expressed its support for Brazil’s Tropical Forests Forever Fund, a climate initiative recently launched by President Lula. Social development also took center stage, with President Simons expressing interest in learning from Brazil’s successful Bolsa Família program, which supports vulnerable families. Minister Bouva highlighted upcoming discussions on agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, and education, as well as plans to strengthen ties with Brazil’s Rio Branco Institute to provide more Surinamese students with opportunities to study in Brazil. Bouva emphasized that the relationship with Brazil is a foreign policy priority and stressed the importance of regional collaboration with Guyana and neighboring countries, aiming to maximize societal and economic benefits through targeted investments.
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Regional agricultural officials reach consensus to enhance technical collaboration, facilitate innovative technologies to mitigate risks to food safety
Agricultural ministers from across the Americas gathered in Brasília to forge a united front against pests and diseases threatening regional food security. The meeting, hosted by the Brazilian government in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), focused on enhancing technical cooperation, improving information sharing, and expanding access to advanced technologies. Key threats addressed included the New World screwworm, African swine fever, and other transboundary plant and animal diseases, which pose significant risks to farmers and rural communities. Participants pledged support for the Agricultural Health and Food Security Initiative of the Americas, a platform aimed at coordinating collective efforts in this critical area. Delegates from Argentina and the United States emphasized the importance of science-based decision-making in trade and agricultural production, noting that IICA Member States are the world’s largest net exporters of food. They stressed that maintaining a competitive, secure, and healthy agricultural system is vital for prosperity, public health, and regional development.