A pressing healthcare crisis has emerged at Rand Memorial Hospital in East Grand Bahama, as MP Kwasi Thompson raised urgent concerns over severe bed shortages and prolonged delays in patient admissions. Thompson, alerted by a constituent, revealed that a family member had been stranded in the hospital’s accident and emergency (A&E) department for days, awaiting transfer to a proper ward. Describing the situation as “unacceptable,” Thompson highlighted overcrowding, inadequate bathroom facilities, and restricted visitation as critical issues. Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville acknowledged the problem, labeling it as “cyclic” and apologizing to affected families. He explained that the A&E department often experiences periods of extreme overcrowding, exacerbated by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases. To address the crisis, the government has introduced virtual wards for patients requiring monitoring and is planning to construct two new hospitals. Prime Minister Philip Davis announced plans to seek parliamentary approval for a $230 million loan from the Chinese government to fund the new healthcare facilities, aiming to alleviate the strain on the current system.
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Nicki Minaj, Skeng, Shaniel Muir donate relief items to western Jamaica
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact, global rap icon Nicki Minaj, alongside Jamaican artists Skeng and Shaniel Muir, has stepped up to provide critical aid to affected communities in western Jamaica. The Trinidadian-born superstar’s team, donning shirts emblazoned with ‘The Barbz Foundation’ logo, distributed essential supplies such as stoves, cooking gas regulators, containers, and food packages to residents grappling with the aftermath of the storm. Minaj took to X (formerly Twitter) to share updates on the relief efforts, expressing her commitment with the message, “Plus tmrw & possibly longer. One Love, Jamaica. Love you.” Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 5 storm, wreaked havoc in southwestern Jamaica, leaving widespread destruction, displacing countless families, and cutting off access to clean water and electricity. The collective efforts of these celebrities have brought much-needed support to the region during this dire time.
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St Elizabeth North East MP calls for assistance in clearing blocked roads
ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — Zuleika Jess, Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth North Eastern, has taken decisive action to assist constituents stranded in their communities following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa on October 28. Despite the Government’s directive against using private means to clear roads, Jess prioritized saving lives and restoring access to essential services.
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Father of slain schoolgirl charged with her murder
In a shocking turn of events, Lawrence Sergeant, the father of 13-year-old Shantina Sergeant, has been formally charged with her murder. The grim discovery of Shantina’s charred remains behind their family home in Baillieston, Clarendon, on October 6, has now led to a harrowing legal case. Forensic evidence, including DNA analysis, conclusively identified the remains as those of the young girl, prompting detectives to charge Sergeant on Wednesday. Police investigators believe Shantina was struck with a blunt object before her body was discarded behind the residence. A post-mortem examination confirmed that her death resulted from blunt force trauma. Sergeant, who was questioned weeks ago in the presence of his attorney, was arrested in Old Harbour, St. Catherine, just four days after the discovery. Adding to the gravity of the situation, Sergeant is also facing a separate charge of grievous sexual assault, stemming from allegations that he molested a six-year-old child several years ago. The case has sent shockwaves through the community, raising questions about safety and justice.
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Journey to destination chocolate
Ashley Parasram, the visionary director of the Trinidad and Tobago Fine Cocoa Company, has dedicated the past decade to revitalizing the islands’ cocoa industry. His journey began in 2012 when he returned to his birthplace, Trinidad and Tobago, after years abroad. With a background in sustainable development and forestry management, Parasram was drawn to the potential of cocoa as a catalyst for economic and cultural revival.
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Road Traffic Dept set to recall almost 800 inactive taxi and livery plates
The Bahamas Ministry of Energy and Transport has announced a significant initiative to recall nearly 800 inactive taxi and livery plates, aiming to address revenue discrepancies and streamline the transportation sector. Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis revealed that the ongoing audit at the Road Traffic Department has identified 783 inactive plates in New Providence and Grand Bahama. These plates, unused for six months or more due to delinquency or the death of franchise holders, will be recalled effective November 30, under Section 69 (1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act. The minister emphasized that the presence of inactive plates has skewed revenue calculations, as the government’s intake is based on all issued plates, regardless of their activity. She clarified that the issue is not a failure in revenue collection but rather the underutilization of many plates. The recall is also intended to address the high demand for new plates, as the ministry seeks to balance the market. Bahamas Taxicab Union president Tyrone Butler criticized the government for issuing hundreds of new plates “recklessly” in 2022, which oversaturated the industry and led to many operators leasing their plates. While he supports recalling plates of retired or deceased holders, he believes operators should still have the opportunity to update their plates. Bahamas Livery Drivers Union president Tory Austin praised the initiative, calling it overdue and necessary to identify active operators in the increasingly saturated market.
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White: I have no reason to apologize for being Bahamian
Adrian White, Member of Parliament for St Anne’s, has found himself at the center of controversy following a video that captured him stepping on Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) campaign materials. Despite facing significant backlash, White remains unapologetic, asserting that he would repeat his actions if given the chance. The incident has sparked heated debates, with White claiming he was subjected to racial attacks from PLP supporters, including prominent figures such as Cindy Patrice Daxon and Dave Major. White dismissed accusations that his behavior was unbecoming of a sitting MP, stating, “I have no reason to apologise for being Bahamian.” He further criticized the PLP, accusing them of having “wiped their feet on this country.” The video, which shows White stepping on a PLP poster and brushing off his feet, drew sharp criticism from PLP aspirant Keno Wong, who labeled the act as “childish” and urged voters to reject White in the upcoming elections. This is not the first time White has faced public scrutiny. Previously, he was criticized for suggesting that only Free National Movement (FNM) voters are “sensible,” a remark he later clarified, stating he never intended to insult anyone.
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Repair Campaign founder urges UK to increase support for Jamaica in wake of Hurricane Melissa
Denis O’Brien, the founder of The Repair Campaign, a movement advocating for reparatory justice in the Caribbean, has urged the UK Government to significantly increase its support for Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. In a media release on Thursday, O’Brien highlighted the historical exploitation of Jamaica by the UK, emphasizing the lasting impact of colonialism on the island’s vulnerability to extreme weather events. He stated, ‘The UK extracted billions of pounds’ worth of wealth from Jamaica over centuries, exploiting enslaved people and the country’s natural resources. Colonialism has left Jamaica’s environment severely compromised, making it more susceptible to disasters like Hurricane Melissa.’ O’Brien pointed out that the Jamaican government estimates the cost of recovery at approximately £5 billion, while the UK has pledged only £7.5 million so far. He described this amount as ‘simply not good enough’ and called for urgent action to address both the immediate humanitarian crisis and long-term rebuilding efforts. While acknowledging the efforts of British High Commissioner Alicia Herbert and her team in mobilizing support, O’Brien stressed that the UK must commit to reparatory justice to enhance the Caribbean’s climate resilience. ‘Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, and the countries least responsible for the climate crisis are bearing the brunt of its effects. Reparatory justice is essential for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean to build resilience for future generations. The UK must act now,’ he declared.
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S Hotel Montego Bay cops award for excellence from Condé Nast Johansens
In a heartening development for Jamaica’s tourism sector, S Hotel Montego Bay has been honored as the Best Hotel for Romance in North, Central, and South America at the 2026 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence. The announcement, made this week in London, holds special significance as Jamaica continues to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The hotel’s resilience during the storm and its unwavering commitment to guest safety and care have been widely praised. Despite the challenges faced by the nation, S Hotel Montego Bay emerged virtually unscathed, earning admiration from its guests. Anne-Marie Goffe-Pryce, the hotel’s general manager, expressed both pride and humility in accepting the award, dedicating the recognition to the people of Jamaica for their strength and spirit. The Condé Nast Johansens Awards, an annual celebration of excellence in hospitality, highlight establishments that consistently deliver exceptional quality and service. Goffe-Pryce emphasized that this accolade reaffirms Jamaica’s reputation as a premier destination for romance, wellness, and hospitality. As the country rebuilds and prepares for the winter tourist season, S Hotel Montego Bay stands as a testament to Jamaica’s resilience, warmth, and enduring beauty.
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‘Don’t let it cripple you’: Montego Bay Chamber President calls for business revival post-Melissa
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jason Russell, president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and operator of Pier 1, has called for a collective shift in focus from destruction to recovery and resilience. Speaking from beneath one of the few surviving palm trees at Pier 1, Russell emphasized the need for unity and action in the face of devastation. ‘We see the destruction… but I can’t dwell on all that has happened. We have to dwell on the recovery,’ he stated. Russell urged business owners to reopen where possible, restart operations, and assist their staff in returning to work. ‘Don’t let it cripple you. We’ve lost roofs, pets, cars, material things… but there’s a lot of hope. Recovery starts with us,’ he added. Pier 1 has already reopened with curbside service, providing meals and support as Montego Bay embarks on its rebuilding journey. ‘Let’s go, Mobay. Let’s lift and rise,’ Russell encouraged. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with winds reaching 185 mph, made landfall in southwestern Jamaica last Tuesday, resulting in over 30 fatalities and leaving nearly 80% of Jamaica Public Service (JPS) customers without power. Preliminary damage estimates range between US$6 billion and US$7 billion. Prime Minister Andrew Holness noted that the storm severely impacted Jamaica’s productive belt, particularly the breadbasket parish of St Elizabeth, and disrupted the tourism corridor spanning from Westmoreland through St James, Trelawny, and St Ann. The hurricane caused extensive damage to housing, community infrastructure, commercial operations, and public utilities across multiple parishes.