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  • Damage to Jamaica’s forests by Melissa up to 100 per cent in some areas – Samuda

    Damage to Jamaica’s forests by Melissa up to 100 per cent in some areas – Samuda

    Jamaica’s ecosystem has sustained catastrophic damage from Hurricane Melissa, with forest destruction reaching near-total levels in certain regions. Environmental Minister Matthew Samuda presented alarming data to the House of Representatives revealing that the hurricane created a devastating west-to-northwest path of destruction across the island during its November-December impact period.

    The most severe devastation occurred in forests situated on steep slopes with shallow soil foundations, where damage assessments recorded 76% to 100% destruction. The hurricane’s fury manifested through complete canopy elimination, mature trees torn from their roots, shattered trunks, and significant slope destabilization. Particularly distressing was the impact on disturbed broadleaf forests, which suffered degradation across 42,000 hectares—representing over 30% of all documented damage.

    Secondary forests, which had been recovering from previous human-induced damage, experienced substantial setbacks with urban tree coverage declining by more than 26%. The environmental catastrophe extended to coastal regions where mangrove ecosystems, vital for shoreline protection, endured nearly 24% degradation.

    In crucial mangrove complexes spanning Trelawny, St James, Hanover, St Elizabeth and Westmoreland, approximately 90% of trees displayed evidence of uprooting, canopy destruction, or severe defoliation. These structural damages have immediate consequences for coastal protection mechanisms, aquatic habitat preservation, and carbon storage capacity.

    In response to this ecological crisis, the Jamaican government has prioritized mangrove restoration within its national recovery strategy. Targeted replanting initiatives are underway in Parottee and other vulnerable wetlands, employing scientifically-proven species and techniques designed to stabilize shorelines and accelerate natural regeneration processes.

  • TruFun Play opens in Drax Hall, expanding family recreation in St Ann

    TruFun Play opens in Drax Hall, expanding family recreation in St Ann

    ST ANN, Jamaica — A transformative family recreation venture has emerged in Drax Hall with the inaugural launch of TruFun Play, establishing a pioneering indoor play facility that addresses longstanding developmental needs for children in the Ocho Rios region. This strategically designed center represents a significant advancement in community infrastructure, providing structured recreational programming previously unavailable in St Ann’s family service landscape.

    Spearheaded by Kimona Myrie, an entrepreneurial mother who relocated from Lucea four years ago, the facility embodies a dual commitment to family welfare and business innovation. Myrie’s personal journey inspired the venture, which originated from her frustration with inadequate play spaces for her daughter and other children throughout parish communities.

    TruFun Play’s operational framework serves children aged 1-14 through a meticulously curated environment prioritizing safety, supervision, and developmental enrichment. The facility accommodates up to 80 children hourly across multiple activity zones featuring ball pits, trampolines, slides, and obstacle courses. Beyond recreational offerings, the center provides nutritional services, birthday celebration hosting, and educational programs including Saturday enrichment classes in self-defense, karate, and cultural arts.

    The business model integrates comprehensive after-school care alongside recreational services, creating a holistic approach to child development. Myrie’s substantial personal investment encompassed equipment procurement, safety system implementation, and staff training, supplemented by support from family networks, church communities, and early vision advocates.

    This enterprise transcends conventional business parameters by embedding community partnership and local entrepreneurship within its operational DNA. By positioning children and families at the core of community development, TruFun Play establishes a paradigm for socially conscious business investment in Jamaica’s parish infrastructure, demonstrating how recreational facilities can catalyze broader regional development while meeting critical childhood needs.

  • Clergy hit out at ‘politicisation’ of Majority Rule as unfinished project

    Clergy hit out at ‘politicisation’ of Majority Rule as unfinished project

    In a powerful address during the nation’s 59th Majority Rule anniversary ecumenical service at Bahamas Harvest Church, two prominent religious figures issued stern critiques of The Bahamas’ political landscape, condemning the partisan appropriation of the national holiday and demanding greater youth inclusion in governance.

    Anglican Bishop Laish Boyd delivered a pointed message to parliamentarians and congregants, asserting that both major political parties—the Progressive Liberal Party and Free National Movement—have improperly politicized what should be a unifying national observance. ‘It’s unfortunate that both major political parties have managed to politicise this event,’ Bishop Boyd stated, ‘either by certain behaviours when they are in power or by catching feelings and keeping away when they’re not in power.’

    The religious leader reframed Majority Rule as an ongoing national project rather than a completed achievement, employing grammatical metaphors to illustrate his point: ‘Majority Rule Day is not a full stop. It’s not a pinnacle at which we have arrived. Majority rule day is a comma. It is a semicolon.’

    Bishop Boyd further cautioned against replacing the historical white oligarchy with an equally exclusionary black oligarchy, emphasizing that true freedom carries inherent responsibilities that Bahamians must collectively embrace.

    Pastor Mario Moxey, delivering the sermon, shifted focus to generational leadership disparities, noting the concerning absence of young Bahamians from meaningful political roles. He highlighted the historical contrast that many architects of Majority Rule were under 40 years old, while contemporary Members of Parliament average 50 years of age.

    ‘A nation that delays its youth leaders eventually delays its destiny,’ Pastor Moxey declared, questioning why young citizens are now relegated to campaign logistics and photo opportunities rather than substantive leadership positions.

    The pastor issued specific challenges to political parties, urging them to nominate at least 30 candidates under 30 in the next election cycle and establish robust mentorship programs across generations. He criticized modern political campaigns for emphasizing personal attacks over substantive ideas, interpreting low voter turnout as evidence of disillusionment rather than apathy.

    Pastor Moxey concluded with a warning to political parties approaching election season: ‘The Bahamian electorate has matured over the years. We are thinking voters. We are discerning voters. Bahamians will attend your rallies, accept your gifts, smile politely and still vote based on vision, not favours.’

    PLP chairman Fred Mitchell later responded to these critiques at party headquarters, acknowledging generational transition with the statement: ‘Time runs out on everybody,’ while reaffirming the PLP’s historical connection to the Majority Rule legacy.

  • Police: Wrecking is for safety, not punishment

    Police: Wrecking is for safety, not punishment

    The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has issued a comprehensive defense of its vehicle towing operations, emphasizing that wrecking illegally parked vehicles constitutes a critical public safety necessity rather than a punitive measure. In an official January 13th release, the police service outlined its statutory mandate to maintain road safety, ensure unimpeded traffic flow, and uphold law and order across the nation’s transportation networks.

    According to the TTPS, unlawfully parked vehicles present substantial hazards including emergency service obstructions, compromised visibility for road users, and blocked access to essential facilities such as hospitals, police stations, and fire routes. These violations significantly exacerbate traffic congestion while disrupting the efficient movement of both vehicles and pedestrians, consequently elevating accident risks and endangering public safety.

    The wrecking operations are conducted under the legal framework established by the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, which authorizes officers to remove vehicles violating parking regulations when they jeopardize safety, traffic movement, or public order. The TTPS stressed that the primary objective remains behavioral modification and voluntary compliance with traffic regulations rather than punishment.

    Police authorities have detailed specific procedural protocols for vehicle removal. Officers must conduct brief inquiries within the immediate vicinity to locate vehicle drivers before initiating towing procedures. If drivers are located, officers will issue appropriate charges and request immediate vehicle relocation. Should motorists refuse compliance, vehicles will be impounded. In cases where vehicles are already being hooked but not yet removed when owners appear, officers will release vehicles while still issuing violation tickets or pursuing prosecution for non-ticketed offenses.

    For vehicle recovery, the TTPS has designated its South Quay impound yard in Port of Spain (opposite Courts) as the central processing facility, operating between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM daily. Motorists must present a valid driver’s permit and proof of insurance to retrieve vehicles, accompanied by a $500 release fee. Additional overnight storage fees apply at $200 per day, with cash serving as the exclusive payment method.

    The police service continues to appeal for responsible parking practices, urging drivers to observe all traffic signage and road markings while remaining mindful of fellow road users’ safety and convenience. Public cooperation is characterized as essential for creating safer roads and more orderly communities, with the TTPS reaffirming its commitment to employing all lawful measures necessary to ensure roadway safety.

  • Superstar Rockets finally take top prize in GB’s Pineyard Rush Junkanoo parade

    Superstar Rockets finally take top prize in GB’s Pineyard Rush Junkanoo parade

    In a spectacular cultural victory, the Superstar Rockets have claimed unofficial championship status at Grand Bahama’s Pineyard Rush Junkanoo Parade, ending their six-year streak of second-place finishes to emerge as the 2026 Division A winners. The group’s triumphant performance, themed ‘Splendors of Ancient Egypt,’ featured an elaborate procession of pharaohs, kings, and meticulously crafted ancient Egyptian imagery along Explorer’s Way, captivating both spectators and judges alike.

    The victory represents the culmination of months of intensive preparation in the group’s shack, where members dedicated countless hours to design and construction. According to unofficial results, last year’s champions, the Swingers, secured second place with their presentation ‘Magnificent Expressions of Diverse Cultures,’ while the Classic Dancers captured third with ‘Breakfast Time, Let’s Eat Cereal’—a vibrant celebration of popular cereal brands. Completing the top five were Platinum Knights in fourth with ‘Jewels of the Bahamas’ and New Generation in fifth with ‘Latin America Kingdom Culture.’

    Division B saw Showtime claim top honors with their ‘Wizard of Oz’ presentation, followed by The Bushwhackers in second, Sting in third, and Bahamian Gladiators in fourth. The event attracted ten participating groups total, with official attendance from Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, Junkanoo authority Percy ‘Vola’ Francis, and representatives from the National Junkanoo Corporation.

    Superstar Rockets leader Chauncey Gray expressed both relief and exhilaration at finally overcoming what he described as ‘the hump’ of consistent second-place finishes. ‘It was months and months of preparation, almost non-stop,’ Gray revealed. ‘We took a week or two off and then went back to the drawing board—planning and drawing.’ He emphasized the financial challenges involved, noting that while ‘it could be easier with better financing, we made it happen because we are Bahamians and we’re going to put on our cultural show.’

    The group’s success was bolstered by more than 200 members and additional support from dedicated fans who play vital roles in production. The cultural significance was further highlighted by visits from officials including Michael Pintard, FNM Leader and Minister for Grand Bahama, who has maintained a tradition of visiting Junkanoo shacks since his tenure as minister responsible for Junkanoo. Pintard praised the artists’ commitment, noting that many groups invest substantially more in costumes than they receive in prize money—a testament to their dedication to preserving and celebrating Bahamian cultural heritage.

  • Young officer and recent graduate killed in separate weekend crashes

    Young officer and recent graduate killed in separate weekend crashes

    Grand Bahama witnessed a devastating weekend with two separate fatal traffic collisions that claimed the lives of young individuals with promising futures. The incidents, occurring within 24 hours of each other, have sent shockwaves through the community.

    In the first tragedy, 18-year-old George Ferguson, a recent high school graduate from Eight Mile Rock, lost his life in a collision at the intersection of Queen’s Highway and Stubbs Avenue. The accident occurred shortly before 9am yesterday when Ferguson’s vehicle collided with a Ford Transit van. Preliminary reports indicate the Ford driver was traveling eastbound on Queen’s Highway as Ferguson was exiting Stubbs Avenue. While the van driver sustained only minor injuries and was transported to hospital, Ferguson tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

    In a separate incident on Sunday evening, 27-year-old police officer Jonathan Johnson perished in a single-vehicle crash along East Bay Street. Authorities responded to reports of a serious collision around 7pm to discover a severely damaged blue Ford Taurus that had impacted a wall on the northern side of the roadway. Emergency crews extracted the unresponsive officer from the wreckage, but medical personnel confirmed he showed no signs of life. Initial investigation suggests Officer Johnson lost control of his vehicle while traveling eastbound before colliding with the wall.

    Officer Johnson, a former St Augustine’s College student and accomplished basketball player, is being remembered as an exceptional individual both on and off the court. Denykco Bowles, who coached Johnson from ages 15 to 18, described him as ‘a natural leader’ and ‘almost-perfect student-athlete’ known for his discipline, dedication, and passionate approach to both sports and life. Many former athletes like Johnson naturally gravitate toward uniformed services, making his career choice unsurprising to those who knew his character.

    The back-to-back tragedies have highlighted ongoing road safety concerns while reminding communities of the fragile nature of life, particularly for young adults on the threshold of their future endeavors.

  • Jamaicans urged to stay prepared and calm in the event of earthquake

    Jamaicans urged to stay prepared and calm in the event of earthquake

    Jamaican emergency officials are intensifying public education efforts on earthquake safety protocols as the nation observes Earthquake Awareness Week. Superintendent Emeleo Ebanks, Education Officer at the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), emphasized the critical importance of maintaining composure and implementing preventive measures during seismic events during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ session.

    Ebanks stressed that prior preparation serves as the most effective antidote to panic during disasters. ‘Don’t panic. I know that’s the easiest thing to say and the most difficult thing to do, but prior preparation will ensure that, as much as possible, you don’t panic,’ the senior fire officer stated.

    The JFB official provided specific guidance for various scenarios, warning against the instinctual reaction to flee buildings during shaking. Instead, he recommended the ‘drop, cover, and hold’ technique until vibrations cease, followed by orderly evacuation. Motorists on bridges should safely exit the structure before stopping, while pedestrians in urban areas with tall buildings should quickly move to spaces where collapsing structures cannot reach them.

    Home preparedness measures include removing heavy or hanging objects from walls, particularly in bedrooms, where falling items could cause severe injury or death. Ebanks highlighted that these objects often become dangerous projectiles during seismic activity.

    Post-earthquake procedures include immediate head counts to ensure family safety and designated individuals contacting emergency services only when absolutely necessary to avoid overwhelming communication systems. The JFB, in collaboration with other government agencies including the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), continues to promote public education as fundamental to national disaster readiness under the theme ‘Resilient Jamaica: We Weather the Storm and Brace for the Shake.’

  • Trump vows ‘very strong action’ if Iran hangs protesters

    Trump vows ‘very strong action’ if Iran hangs protesters

    WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that the United States would enact severe measures should Iranian authorities proceed with executions of individuals detained during widespread anti-government demonstrations. Speaking with CBS News during a visit to a manufacturing facility in Michigan, Trump emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We will take very strong action if they do such a thing.

    The President’s comments came in response to growing international concerns that Tehran might initiate hangings as early as Wednesday. “When they start killing thousands of people — and now you’re telling me about hanging. We’ll see how that’s going to work out for them,” Trump added in a video excerpt from the interview.

    During his economic address in Michigan, Trump reiterated his social media message that “help is on the way” for Iranian protesters, though he acknowledged uncertainty regarding the actual casualty figures. “I hear numbers — look, one death is too much — but I hear much lower numbers, and then I hear much higher numbers,” he remarked.

    Upon returning to Washington, Trump told reporters he would soon receive a comprehensive briefing on the Iranian situation. “The killing looks like it’s significant, but we don’t know yet for certain. I’ll know within 20 minutes — and we’ll act accordingly,” the President stated.

    The warning follows previous administration vows to intervene if protesters faced lethal violence—a threshold reportedly crossed days earlier. According to Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR), at least 734 fatalities have been confirmed, though actual numbers are believed to be substantially higher.

    International human rights organizations have expressed alarm over Tehran’s potential use of capital punishment to suppress dissent. Iranian prosecutors have indicated they will pursue charges of “moharebeh” (waging war against God)—a capital offense—against some detainees. Amnesty International warned that “concerns are mounting that authorities will once again resort to swift trials and arbitrary executions to crush and deter dissent.”

    IHR specifically cited the case of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, arrested last week in Karaj and reportedly sentenced to death with execution potentially imminent.

  • Guyanese agronomist to begin tenure as IICA director general

    Guyanese agronomist to begin tenure as IICA director general

    SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica — Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim, an accomplished Guyanese agronomist, will officially assume the role of Director General at the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) on Thursday, January 15. His inauguration marks a significant leadership transition for the specialized agency dedicated to agricultural development and rural well-being across the Americas.

    Elected through a democratic process in November by agriculture ministers representing 32 member nations, Ibrahim will succeed Argentina’s Manuel Otero during a formal swearing-in ceremony at IICA’s headquarters in Costa Rica. Otero completed two consecutive terms characterized by substantial institutional transformation since his initial appointment in January 2018.

    During Otero’s tenure, IICA underwent comprehensive restructuring that positioned science and technology as central pillars of its technical cooperation initiatives. These revitalized programs have directly impacted approximately 10 million farmers and rural stakeholders throughout the region, enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.

    The institute solidified its role as the Americas’ premier technical authority on agricultural and rural development, facilitating unprecedented regional collaboration. This coordinated approach enabled member governments and producer organizations to present unified positions in critical international forums, effectively advocating for agricultural interests and positioning farming as essential to addressing global challenges.

    Ibrahim, who holds a doctorate in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences from Wageningen University, has outlined an ambitious vision for his 2026-2030 term. He pledges to harness cutting-edge research and emerging technologies to strengthen agricultural systems across all American nations. Central to his strategy is expanding IICA’s initiatives to drive investment toward transforming agrifood systems and improving economic viability for agricultural enterprises, with particular emphasis on supporting small-scale farmers.

  • TPP snatches 60% of votes in THA elections

    TPP snatches 60% of votes in THA elections

    In a stunning electoral triumph, the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) under the leadership of Farley Augustine has secured a comprehensive victory in the Tobago House of Assembly elections held on January 12. The party captured all 15 available seats, demonstrating overwhelming voter support with 60.8% of the total valid votes cast across the island.

    The TPP’s decisive win included a narrow but significant victory in the Darrel Spring/Whim constituency, where they unseated the sole PNM representative Kelvon Morris by a mere 17-vote margin. According to official figures released by the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC), the TPP accumulated 16,240 votes compared to the PNM’s 10,456 votes.

    This electoral performance marks a substantial improvement from the party’s 55% showing in the 2025 general election and even surpasses the 58% achieved by the Progressive Democratic Patriots in the December 2021 THA elections. Augustine, who previously served as THA chief secretary under the PDP government, formed the TPP after departing from the PDP.

    Despite the overwhelming victory, the EBC report revealed concerning voter participation trends. The voter turnout reached a concerning low of 50.69% from an electorate of 53,239 registered voters—the poorest participation rate since 2017 and significantly below the record 56.97% turnout recorded in the December 2021 elections.

    Minor parties including the Innovative Democratic Alliance led by Dr. Denise Tsoiafatt Angus garnered 181 votes, while the Unity of the People party, which fielded only leader Nickocy Phillips as a candidate, received just eight votes.

    The PNM has formally requested recounts in two constituencies—Darrel Spring/Whim and Scarborough/Mt Grace—with the EBC scheduling these recounts to commence at 3 pm on January 13. The commission emphasized that all results remain preliminary pending the completion of these recounts.