A recent report by The Times highlighted a peculiar trend in Britain: many individuals, particularly the youth, rely on alcohol to muster the courage to dance. This phenomenon, however, is not unique to Britain but appears to be a global trend. Historically, dancing has been a universal expression of joy and cultural identity, yet modern societal changes seem to have altered this dynamic.
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J’Ouvert action shakes up Scarborough
The streets of Scarborough, Tobago, came alive on October 25 as thousands of revelers and spectators gathered for the fourth staging of the island’s J’Ouvert celebrations. The event, described by Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro as ‘pure niceness,’ showcased the vibrant culture and hospitality of Tobago. The parade route, spanning from the Shaw Park Complex along the Claude Noel Highway, Wilson Street, and Calypso Rose Boulevard, provided ample space for participants to ‘play mas’ and immerse themselves in the festivities. Despite regional tensions, including US Navy operations in the Caribbean and narco-trafficking concerns, the atmosphere remained carefree and celebratory. The Fog Angels’ Wild Wild West band stood out as the largest and most colorful, with over 6,000 masqueraders and a fleet of music and support trucks. Guevarro praised the efforts of ACP Oswain Subero and Snr Supt Earl Elie, along with officers from Trinidad, for ensuring an ‘incident-free’ event. Zorisha Hackett, Secretary of the Division of Education, Research and Technology, expressed her elation at the success of the parade, which marked a significant milestone in Tobago’s carnival history. She emphasized the need for collaboration between Trinidad and Tobago bands while preserving Tobago’s unique identity. Kern Cowan, CEO of the Tobago Festivals Commission, highlighted the smooth execution of the event and plans to expand the parade route in future years. The festivities continued with Pan and Powder later in the day, culminating in the grand parade of the bands on October 26.
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Melissa expected to hit Bahamas by midweek
Hurricane Melissa has escalated into a formidable Category Four storm, posing a significant threat to the southern Bahamas by midweek. As of 8am yesterday, the storm was positioned approximately 130 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, boasting maximum sustained winds nearing 100mph. According to the latest projections from Tribune First Alert Weather and Tomorrow.io, Melissa has experienced ‘extreme rapid intensification,’ surging by 50 knots within the past 24 hours. Forecasters anticipate the storm will escalate to Category Five strength by Monday, with landfall expected in Jamaica late Monday or early Tuesday.
Following its passage over Jamaica, Melissa is predicted to traverse southeastern Cuba on Tuesday night and advance through the southern Bahamas by Wednesday as a major hurricane. The most vulnerable islands include Inagua, Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island, Cat Island, and San Salvador, where hurricane-force winds and substantial storm surges are anticipated. Heavy rainfall, ranging from three to ten inches, is expected from Exuma to Inagua, heightening the risk of flooding and flash floods in low-lying areas. Wind speeds could peak at 75mph or higher in the southern islands by early Wednesday, gradually subsiding by Thursday.
While the most severe weather is expected to remain southward, Nassau and the northwest Bahamas may still encounter sporadic showers and breezy conditions, with wind gusts up to 25mph through Thursday. Authorities are urging residents in the southern and southeastern islands to stay informed and prepare for potential hurricane conditions starting late Tuesday. Melissa is forecast to accelerate northeastward later in the week as it interacts with a trough moving off the southeastern United States.
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UK’s Prince Andrew under pressure over royal home, titles
LONDON, United Kingdom – Prince Andrew, the beleaguered younger brother of King Charles III, is under increasing scrutiny over his living arrangements and royal titles. Reports suggest that discussions are underway between the prince and the monarch regarding his potential departure from the 30-room Royal Lodge, his residence on the Windsor Castle estate. This development follows renewed public outrage sparked by allegations from Virginia Giuffre, one of Jeffrey Epstein’s primary accusers, who detailed her claims of sexual encounters with Andrew in her recently published memoir. The prince has consistently denied any wrongdoing but settled a civil lawsuit with Giuffre in 2022 for millions of dollars. Meanwhile, British lawmakers are pushing for a parliamentary debate to strip Andrew of his Duke of York title, a move that would be unprecedented in modern times. Although such a motion would not be legally binding, it would intensify pressure on the royal family and government to address the issue. Adding to the controversy, reports reveal that Andrew has not paid rent for two decades on his Royal Lodge home, a privilege stemming from a 2003 agreement with the Crown Estate. Speculation is rife that Andrew may agree to vacate the property if offered financial compensation and an alternative residence. The situation has also reportedly influenced Prince William’s plans to relocate his family to a nearby residence, with expectations that Andrew will leave beforehand. The Liberal Democrat party has joined calls for parliamentary action, emphasizing the need for transparency and collaboration with the monarchy.
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Nigerian police arrest over 25 for organising alleged gay wedding
In a recent crackdown, Nigeria’s religious police, known as the Hisbah, detained 25 individuals accused of organizing a gay wedding in Kano, the largest city in the predominantly Muslim northern region. The arrests were made on Sunday following a tip-off from local residents. Among those detained were 18 men and 7 women, all in their early 20s, including the couple believed to be planning the ceremony. Mujaheed Abubakar, deputy head of the Hisbah, stated that one man was allegedly preparing to marry another man at the event center where the gathering took place. Authorities have launched an investigation with the intent to prosecute those involved. Sharia law, which operates alongside state and federal legal systems in 12 northern Nigerian states, imposes severe penalties for homosexuality, including the death penalty, though this has never been enforced. Nigeria’s federal legislation from 2014 also criminalizes same-sex marriages and the promotion of civil unions, with violators facing up to 14 years in prison. The Hisbah has a history of arresting individuals at alleged gay weddings, with similar incidents reported in 2022, 2018, 2015, and 2007, though no convictions have been secured to date.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Melissa strengthens into Category 4 hurricane
Hurricane Melissa has escalated into a Category 4 storm, wreaking havoc across the Caribbean as it advances toward Jamaica and Hispaniola. The hurricane, moving at a sluggish pace of 5 mph, has already claimed three lives in Haiti due to heavy rains and landslides. In the Dominican Republic, a 79-year-old man was found dead after being swept away by floodwaters, while a 13-year-old boy remains missing. Angelita Francisco, a 66-year-old homemaker, described the devastation as she fled her flooded home, her belongings adrift in the rising waters. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns of ‘life-threatening and catastrophic’ flooding and landslides, with Melissa expected to make landfall in Jamaica by Monday night or Tuesday morning, and southeastern Cuba by late Tuesday. The storm, currently 120 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 280 miles southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba, could unleash up to 40 inches of rain in some areas. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged residents in flood-prone zones to evacuate, while Norman Manley International Airport and all seaports have been closed. Melissa is the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, following the destructive Hurricane Beryl in early July 2024.
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We want peace now
On October 20, just before 4 pm, Elspeth Duncan heard what she initially thought was a vehicle backfiring near her home. Assuming it was the typical noise from drag-racing cars, she dismissed it, expecting it to cease soon. However, the persistent explosions revealed a different source: individuals bussing bamboo in preparation for Divali. The noise, though less intense than fireworks, continued for hours, distressing her dogs and prompting her to administer calming tablets before leaving the house. Upon encountering the young men responsible, she learned that the tradition, fueled by the unavailability of fireworks, would persist until 7 pm. This exchange highlighted a broader issue: the disruption caused by such activities during festive seasons. That night, the community was further disturbed by extended firework displays, leaving dogs and residents alike in distress. Efforts to contact the police proved futile, underscoring the lack of enforcement. Duncan’s reflections extended to Tobago’s aspiration to become the ‘Best Little Island on the Planet,’ suggesting that banning fireworks could be a significant step toward this goal. She also emphasized the need for a unified approach across Trinidad and Tobago, advocating for the prohibition of both the sale and use of fireworks. As the festive season approaches, with Christmas and New Year’s on the horizon, the potential for increased noise pollution looms large. Duncan called for government action, referencing the Prime Minister’s promise to address excessive noise through legislation. She concluded with a plea to hold leaders accountable, emphasizing the need for peace and quiet in a time of growing unrest.
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Jeremy Ledbetter: Jazz star in Canada with musical roots in Trinidad
Jeremy Ledbetter, a renowned keyboardist and composer, has carved a unique niche in the global music scene, blending jazz, Latin, and Caribbean influences. Born and raised in Toronto, Ledbetter’s musical journey took a transformative turn when he studied at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad, where he immersed himself in steelpan and soca music. This experience laid the foundation for his deep connection to Trinidadian culture and its vibrant music scene. Ledbetter’s career has been marked by collaborations with legendary artists like David Rudder and his wife, Venezuelan vocalist Eliana Cuevas, as well as his leadership of the Caribbean jazz group CaneFire. His recent Juno Award win for his jazz trio album *Gravity* underscores his versatility and talent. Beyond performing, Ledbetter has become a sought-after producer, contributing to numerous acclaimed albums. His dream of bringing his jazz trio to Trinidad and conducting orchestral arrangements for Cuevas’s music reflects his enduring passion for bridging musical traditions.
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Syrian Lebanese Women’s Association celebrates 75 years of service
The Syrian Lebanese Women’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago (SLWA) marked its 75th anniversary with a grand Diamond Jubilee Gala on October 11 at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad in Port of Spain. The event, attended by President Christine Kangaloo, her husband Kerwyn Garcia, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, and other dignitaries, celebrated the association’s legacy of service, sisterhood, and faith. SLWA President Genevierve Hadeed delivered a heartfelt speech, emphasizing the organization’s humble beginnings in 1950 and its evolution into a powerhouse of charitable work. The gala, coinciding with the Divali season, symbolized the association’s mission to dispel darkness with light. Over the decades, the SLWA has supported education, feeding programs, housing relief, and medical assistance, leaving an indelible mark on the community. The event also highlighted the intergenerational commitment of its members, with younger women bringing fresh energy and ideas. The celebration concluded with a call to continue serving with faith and unity, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
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Cutting style with Amayiah
At just 14 years old, Amayiah Thomas is already making waves in the world of cosmetology while nurturing her dream of becoming a professional footballer. A third-form student at Chaguanas North Secondary School, Amayiah has been honing her skills in hairstyling, nail art, and makeup for the past four years, inspired by her mother, Akeela Flanders, a professional hairstylist.