Fransiva, the brainchild of Jamaican designer Carcell Fransiva, has achieved a significant milestone by showcasing its collection at The Bureau Los Angeles Fashion Week (LAFW). Held from October 17-18 at the Lot Studios in Hollywood, the event marked a pivotal moment for the brand, which has been steadily gaining traction since its launch in 2014. A total of 18 meticulously crafted looks were displayed, each embodying the brand’s signature blend of structure, movement, and luxury detailing. Fransiva’s participation not only amplified its global presence but also garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback, paving the way for future collaborations and retail opportunities. Born in Pedro District, St. Catherine, Carcell Fransiva’s journey into fashion began during his high school years, where he remixed clothing for social events. His passion for design flourished as he worked with dancehall artists and later pursued a degree in Marketing. Today, Fransiva stands out for its unique fusion of elegance, luxury, and comfort, offering timeless pieces that tell a story. With aspirations to become an international fashion house, Fransiva is now targeting global markets, offering its designs through its official website and select pop-up experiences.
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‘A judgement fi we inna this’
Residents of New Haven in St. Andrew, Jamaica, are bracing for Tropical Storm Melissa with growing anxiety over potential flooding and the threat of crocodiles invading their homes. The community’s concerns stem from the inadequate maintenance of local waterways, including a river, gully, and drainage systems, which they believe exacerbate their vulnerability during heavy rains.
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Help is here!
In a proactive move to bolster disaster response capabilities, 59 skilled linesmen from the United States and Canada arrived in Jamaica on Friday. Their mission: to assist the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) in swiftly restoring electricity services should Tropical Storm Melissa cause significant damage to the island’s power infrastructure. This deployment brings the total number of professionals—comprising Jamaicans, Vincentians, and North Americans—to approximately 650, all trained in the construction, maintenance, and repair of high-voltage electrical and telecommunications lines. The majority of the newly arrived team hails from the U.S.-based Sovereign Line Group. Roger Campbell, a general foreman with the group, expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the recovery efforts, stating, ‘We are just here to bring the power back on, whatever happens.’ Caleb Young, another general foreman, emphasized the importance of arriving early, noting that pre-storm deployment ensures readiness to act immediately after the storm passes. Jeff Files, also a general foreman, described the decision to assist Jamaica as a ‘no-brainer,’ highlighting the collaborative effort between Sovereign Line Group and JPS. Tania McDonald-Tomlinson, JPS’s director of people operations, underscored the strategic planning behind the initiative, which was informed by lessons learned from last year’s Hurricane Beryl. The linesmen, who work under challenging conditions to restore power, are critical to ensuring reliable electricity delivery in the aftermath of natural disasters.
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THE BEAT GOES ON!
Despite the looming threat of Tropical Storm Melissa, Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) has confirmed that the scheduled racing event at Caymanas Park will proceed as planned this Saturday. Solomon Sharpe, SVREL’s executive chairman, emphasized that the race card remains on schedule, with teams working diligently to prepare the track for optimal conditions. However, Sharpe acknowledged that the weather could pose challenges, particularly if the storm intensifies later in the weekend.
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New Clinic Model to Feature Full-Time Doctors and Expanded Services
In a landmark announcement, Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph has introduced a transformative healthcare model for Antigua and Barbuda, aiming to revolutionize primary healthcare delivery. The new system will assign full-time doctors to community clinics, ensuring they operate five days a week and offer expanded, consistent services. Joseph made the announcement during a town hall meeting in Seaview Farm, hosted by All Saints West MP Hon. Anthony Smith Jr. Currently, clinics provide essential services such as antenatal, postnatal, wound care, and diabetic care. However, the revamped model will introduce daily physician availability from Monday to Friday and incorporate full-time eye care services. Joseph highlighted the success of the Medical Benefits Scheme, which has facilitated over 2,000 free cataract surgeries, showcasing the impact of accessible healthcare. Additionally, the All Saints Clinic will be upgraded to a full polyclinic, offering free dental care, nephrology, gynecology, radiology, and basic lab testing. This upgrade will eliminate the need for patients to travel to the Celeste Bird Medical Centre for services like pap smears and blood tests. The initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to decentralize health services, ensuring major clinics cater to nearby communities such as Seaview Farm, Buckley’s, and Freemans Village. Joseph also provided updates on national projects, including a new dialysis center at the Old Holberton Hospital, set to open within 12 to 18 months. The facility will expand dialysis capacity from 27 to 45 stations and include a surgical theatre for kidney transplants. Antigua and Barbuda has already completed 15 successful kidney transplants, a first in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The new center will serve both residents and returning nationals reliant on dialysis. Joseph concluded by emphasizing the government’s commitment to establishing polyclinics rather than pop-up clinics, ensuring consistent, community-based healthcare across the nation.
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Belize Out of Danger as TS Melissa Moves North
Tropical Storm Melissa has emerged as a significant threat to several Caribbean nations, with Jamaica and Haiti bearing the brunt of its impact. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings of prolonged severe weather conditions, including damaging winds, torrential rains, and landslides, as the storm moves slowly across the region. Belize, however, remains out of harm’s way as the storm’s trajectory shifts northward. In Jamaica, the storm’s sluggish pace has heightened concerns of extended exposure to hazardous conditions. Residents are advised to complete emergency preparations promptly, as strong winds and heavy rainfall are expected to intensify by late Friday or Saturday. Haiti faces an even graver situation, with the NHC predicting catastrophic flash flooding and landslides in the southwestern regions. The storm’s prolonged presence could lead to extensive infrastructure damage, isolating communities for days. Authorities have described the situation as life-threatening, urging immediate action to safeguard lives and property. Meanwhile, Belize has been spared from Melissa’s path, as forecast models indicate a northward movement, keeping the nation safe for now. The NHC continues to monitor the storm’s progression, emphasizing the need for vigilance in affected areas.
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Benjamin Announces 1,500 Street Lights Nationwide
In a significant move to bolster community safety, Sir Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin, Attorney General and Minister of National Security, has unveiled plans to install additional street lights and ramp up police patrols across All Saints West. The announcement was made during a town hall meeting in Seaview Farm on Thursday evening, hosted by MP Hon. Anthony Smith Jr. Benjamin emphasized that the initiative responds to persistent appeals from residents and their parliamentary representative, particularly in areas like Bellevue Estate. ‘Anthony Smith has been advocating for improved lighting in Bellevue,’ Benjamin stated. ‘We are committed to installing 1,500 new lights, and I’m certain Smith will ensure his community receives its fair share.’ The initiative is part of a broader government strategy to enhance public safety through better visibility and stronger community engagement. Benjamin also pledged increased police presence in the area, urging residents to collaborate through neighborhood watch programs. ‘We’re going to fight to get more light in the area,’ he said. ‘Please organize your neighborhood watchers and ensure mutual vigilance.’ The event also featured updates from Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph on key government projects, including the planned All Saints Polyclinic and ongoing infrastructure upgrades in the constituency.
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Leadership is duty to next generation, not election deals — King
Curtis King, the Member of Parliament for West St. George and a retired educator, has passionately urged constituents to re-elect the Unity Labour Party (ULP) for a sixth consecutive term. Speaking at a ULP rally in Calliaqua, King emphasized that true leadership is a responsibility to future generations, not merely a strategy for winning elections.
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AG Says Antigua and Barbuda Safest in the Region
Antigua and Barbuda continues to hold its position as the safest country in the Caribbean region, according to Attorney General and Minister of National Security, Sir Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin. Speaking at a town hall meeting in Seaview Farm on Thursday evening, Benjamin highlighted the nation’s remarkably low crime rate, attributing this achievement to robust policing efforts and strong community partnerships. The event, organized for All Saints West MP Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., drew a significant audience eager to hear updates on public safety and government initiatives. Benjamin emphasized the importance of community vigilance, urging residents to form neighborhood watch groups, remain alert, and report any suspicious activities. He also revealed plans to enhance security measures, including increased police patrols and the installation of additional streetlights in areas like Bellevue Estate to improve visibility and deter crime. The Attorney General commended MP Smith for his dedication to community development and his advocacy for youth, noting his collaborative efforts with national security officials. The town hall also featured presentations from senior Cabinet members, including Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph, who provided updates on ongoing government projects in the constituency.
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Suriname zet koers naar nationale local content-roadmap
Suriname has taken a significant step toward establishing a unified national strategy for local content development in its energy sector through the Local Content Conference 2025. Organized by the Suriname Energy Chamber (SEC), the three-day event brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials, parliamentarians, State Oil Company, Energy Authority Suriname (EAS), private sector representatives, labor unions, international oil companies like TotalEnergies, and global partners. The conference aimed to create a cohesive national vision and definition for local content development, with the goal of finalizing a National Local Content Roadmap within months. This roadmap is expected to lay the foundation for a sustainable, inclusive, and diversified economy, ensuring that Surinamese businesses, workers, and communities benefit from the growth in the energy industry. SEC Chairman Orlando Olmberg emphasized the importance of this initiative during the plenary sessions, highlighting TotalEnergies’ $1.5 billion commitment to local content within the GranMorgu project (Block 58) and Afreximbank’s $5 billion facility to strengthen local enterprises for future large-scale projects. These international commitments underscore Suriname’s position at a historic juncture. Vice President Gregory Rusland called for collaboration across all sectors to further develop the energy industry, stressing the government’s responsibility to create a robust and inclusive local content policy. Full support was expressed by both the government and parliament, with Oil, Gas, and Environment Minister Patrick Brunings emphasizing the need for aligned policy, legislation, and execution. National Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin announced plans to develop legislation and establish a special committee to oversee the process. Foreign Affairs Minister Melvin Bouva highlighted the importance of local technical capacity, market-aligned education, and transparent social and financial conditions as the foundation for sustainable trust. The conference, which began with a networking event at the Marriott Hotel, included plenary sessions, workshops, and panel discussions at the Assuria High-Rise Building. Follow-up steps include the establishment of a National Local Content Commission, tasked with presenting a policy proposal within three to four months. This conference marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to embed local content as a cornerstone of Suriname’s future economic development.