In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, the Port of Spain City Corporation has launched a disaster relief initiative to support affected communities. The hurricane, which struck on October 28 with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, caused widespread destruction and claimed 28 lives, marking it as one of the most powerful storms in Jamaica’s history. The Port of Spain City Corporation has expressed profound gratitude to donors who have contributed non-perishable food items and clothing, while urging others to join the effort. An official emphasized the importance of compassion during such tragedies, stating, “We remain deeply grateful to those who have given and those who will give.” The corporation is also collaborating with local businesses, some of which are organizing their own donation drives. During a visit to the collection site at City Hall on November 4, workers were seen diligently recording and storing donated items. Craig Magloire, an employee of the corporation, highlighted the impact of even small contributions, saying, “One tin can make a difference in someone’s life.” Jamaican music icon Sean Paul, who pledged $50,000 to match donations to Food For The Poor Jamaica, described the devastation as “overwhelming” and shared his concern for children traumatized by the storm. He also visited St Mary, a less affected area, where residents remain without electricity and unaware of the full extent of the destruction elsewhere.
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Man struck twice in hit-and-run recovering, sister seeks answers
Four months after witnessing the harrowing footage of her brother being struck by one vehicle and then run over by another, Shanda Robinson and her family are still awaiting accountability and answers from authorities. Winchester “Chester” Robinson, who suffers from schizophrenia, was walking alone on Soldier Road on July 17 when the tragic incident occurred. Surveillance footage captured the moment he was hit by a car, left motionless on the road, and then run over by a second vehicle. A third car stopped briefly but failed to offer assistance. Chester sustained severe injuries, including four broken ribs, a bruised lung, a broken leg, and required three surgeries. Despite his miraculous survival and subsequent discharge from the hospital in September, the family remains in the dark about who is responsible for the incident. Shanda Robinson expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the Road Traffic Department and the Royal Bahamas Police Force, stating that officials promised to visit Chester in the hospital but never followed through. The family initially obtained surveillance footage from a nearby Chinese restaurant and sought assistance from authorities, but their efforts have been met with silence. Shanda, who relocated from Abaco to New Providence after Hurricane Dorian in 2019, finds it particularly challenging to navigate the system, as she knows few people on the island outside her family. Despite the emotional toll, the family has shifted their focus to Chester’s recovery. Reflecting on the incident, Chester’s reaction to watching the footage was one of gratitude: “Thank God I’m still here.” Shanda emphasized that accountability, even in the form of an apology, would bring the family much-needed closure. “You have to hold accountability for things in life,” she said, underscoring the importance of responsibility in such tragic circumstances.
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Shaggy to perform at 99th anniversary of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Renowned multi-award-winning artist Shaggy has announced his participation in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, fulfilling a long-held dream. The Jamaican superstar revealed the news on his official social media platforms on Monday, expressing his excitement and pride in representing his homeland during challenging times. The parade, a cherished American tradition since 1924, will celebrate its 99th anniversary on November 27. Shaggy, the sole Jamaican act in the lineup, will perform on the Jennie-O Big Turkey Spectacular float alongside other notable artists such as Ciara, Foreigner, and Busta Rhymes. In his announcement, Shaggy emphasized the significance of showcasing Jamaican culture through dancehall and reggae music, while also acknowledging the struggles faced by his country in the aftermath of a recent hurricane. Kim Anderson, senior brand manager of the JENNIE-O® brand, highlighted the collaboration with Shaggy as a special addition to this year’s festivities, promising an innovative and vibrant performance. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a globally recognized event, continues to symbolize the official commencement of the holiday season in the United States.
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Several blocked roads cleared to restore access to communities
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Significant progress has been made in restoring access to communities severely affected by Hurricane Melissa, according to Robert Morgan, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development. Speaking at a media conference at Jamaica House on November 3, Morgan highlighted the successful creation of critical corridors to facilitate the delivery of relief supplies, particularly to the western parishes hardest hit by the hurricane.
Morgan detailed the establishment of a primary corridor stretching from the border of St Elizabeth to Savanna-la-Mar, as well as another from St James through St Ann and Trelawny to Savanna-la-Mar. Initially, these routes were single-lane, leading to severe traffic congestion due to the influx of vehicles carrying supplies and aid workers. To address this, the government expanded the corridors to two lanes, significantly improving traffic flow.
The minister also emphasized the importance of ensuring that heavy-duty vehicles, such as gas trucks and oil tankers, could navigate these routes. By November 2, several obstacles had been removed to allow these vehicles to traverse the area safely. Key routes now open include Ocho Rios to Port Antonio, Port Antonio to Morant Bay, Morant Bay to Kingston, and several others connecting major towns across the island.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly in areas affected by flooding, landslides, and fallen trees. The government is collaborating with the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to address these issues, with daily meetings to coordinate the removal or relocation of JPS poles obstructing roadways. Over 100 contractors and equipment operators are working across the region, focusing on critical areas while also addressing challenges in parishes like Portland and St Thomas.
Morgan urged the public to avoid visiting impacted areas unless absolutely necessary, as their presence could hinder ongoing relief efforts. The government continues to prioritize the restoration of infrastructure to support recovery and aid distribution in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
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Hurricane Melissa leaves pregnant mother homeless in Westmoreland
Satnerine Tomlin, a resident of Whitehouse in Westmoreland, Jamaica, is grappling with an overwhelming crisis just weeks before the birth of her fourth child. Her home was obliterated by Hurricane Melissa, leaving her and her three children homeless. Tomlin, who is due to deliver on November 22, lost all her possessions, including clothing, her children’s belongings, and essential items prepared for her unborn baby. ‘Everything is gone. The house is completely destroyed. I have nothing left,’ Tomlin lamented in an interview with Observer Online. Currently, she and her children are temporarily sheltered in a relative’s home, but the situation remains dire. Tomlin has appealed for urgent assistance, whether in the form of food, clothing, or help to rebuild her home. She managed to salvage only her baby’s documents, birth papers, and identification. The community of Whitehouse has been severely impacted, with many residents sharing similar stories of loss and devastation. Shanakay Campbell, another local resident, expressed her struggles in finding diapers for her one-year-old and highlighted the widespread damage to homes and infrastructure. The hurricane’s aftermath has left roofs torn off, wooden structures flattened, and power lines scattered across roads. Tomlin recounted the traumatic experience of enduring the storm, describing how she and her children were forced to seek refuge in a bathroom as the hurricane tore through their home. ‘We are traumatized, but God is with us,’ she said. The community now faces the daunting task of rebuilding their lives amidst the wreckage.
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US government shutdown ties record for longest in history
The United States government shutdown has now entered its 35th day, matching the record set during Donald Trump’s first presidency. As the impasse continues, the Trump administration has issued stark warnings about potential chaos at airports, particularly during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The shutdown, which began after Congress failed to approve funding beyond September 30, is on track to become the longest in U.S. history, with no immediate resolution in sight. Approximately 1.4 million federal workers, including air traffic controllers and park wardens, are either furloughed or working without pay. The Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, cautioned that the shutdown could lead to mass flight delays, cancellations, and even the closure of certain airspace sections due to staffing shortages. The Thanksgiving holiday, which typically sees a surge in air travel, is expected to exacerbate these issues. Meanwhile, the political standoff remains centered on health care spending, with Democrats demanding an extension of expiring insurance subsidies and Republicans refusing to address the issue until the government reopens. Despite some signs of bipartisan efforts to find a compromise, both sides remain entrenched in their positions. President Trump has remained steadfast, refusing to negotiate and even threatening mass layoffs of federal workers. The shutdown has also jeopardized critical welfare programs, including food assistance for millions of Americans, though the administration has pledged to comply with court orders to continue partial payments.
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Attorney David Cash sues police, AG over Freeport arrest
Attorney David P Cash has initiated a Supreme Court claim against the Commissioner of Police and the Attorney General, alleging unlawful arrest, assault, and constitutional rights violations during an incident in Freeport last year. The claim, filed last week, details accusations against officers at the Central Police Station in Grand Bahama, where Mr Cash was reportedly detained for 12 hours, assaulted, and charged with disorderly behavior and obscene language. These charges were dismissed in July 2023 by Magistrate Laquay Laing, who ruled that Mr Cash’s actions were merely those of an attorney passionately defending his client’s rights.
According to court documents, Mr Cash asserts that he was denied access to his client, Mermaid ‘Mervie’ Knowles, who was in custody at the time. He claims he was grabbed by the collar by a sergeant, dragged to the front desk, and placed in an unsanitary, overheated cell with limited access to restroom facilities and legal counsel. Mr Cash described the experience as humiliating and traumatic, causing post-traumatic stress and damage to his professional reputation, exacerbated by national media coverage of his arrest and prosecution.
In his filing, Mr Cash is seeking $11,390 in special damages to cover expenses such as airfare, car rental, accommodation, and legal representation related to the incident. Additionally, he is pursuing general, aggravated, exemplary, and vindicatory damages for alleged breaches of his constitutional rights under Articles 17, 19, 20, and 25 of the Constitution. The defendants, the Commissioner of Police and the Attorney General, are being sued in their official capacities under the Crown Proceedings Act.
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74-year-old security guard dies after hit-and-run in St Ann
A tragic incident unfolded on Development Road in Ocho Rios, St Ann, on Monday, November 3, resulting in the death of a 74-year-old security guard. Rohan Murray, a resident of Charlestown, St Mary, succumbed to injuries sustained in a suspected hit-and-run accident. According to reports from the Ocho Rios Police, the incident occurred around 8:00 pm when Murray was struck by a motor vehicle while attempting to cross the road. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop, leaving Murray critically injured. He was rushed to the hospital but tragically passed away during treatment. The police have issued an urgent appeal for the driver to surrender at the nearest police station. Additionally, they are seeking assistance from the public, urging anyone with relevant information to contact 876-974-2523, the police emergency number 119, or their local police station.
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A migrant exodus
The ongoing Venezuelan crisis continues to cast a shadow over the Caribbean, with Trinidad and Tobago’s migrant policies drawing significant criticism. Under Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s administration, the nation has adopted a ‘TT First’ doctrine, which has led to the dismantling of previous initiatives aimed at assisting Venezuelan migrants. This approach has resulted in the removal of supervision orders for refugees and asylum seekers, with government officials openly discussing ‘mass deportations’ and equating migrants with violent criminals. The administration’s stance was previewed at the UN General Assembly, where Persad-Bissessar argued that illegal immigration poses a threat to small nations like Trinidad and Tobago, leading to long-term disorder, poverty, and cultural antagonism. However, critics argue that the government’s narrative is xenophobic and lacks evidence, as police statistics show that Venezuelans arrested for criminal offenses are minimal compared to the number of legal refugees and asylum seekers. The policy risks damaging the economy, as Venezuelan migrants have been willing to take on jobs that locals often avoid, and threatens social cohesiveness by severing cultural ties with Venezuela. As the world watches, the administration’s actions raise questions about the nation’s commitment to its own history of migration and the pursuit of dreams.
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Father of slain Adriel Moxey dies of cancer, and a ‘broken heart’
Roberto Rolle, the father of Adriel Moxey, a 12-year-old girl who was tragically murdered in November 2024, has passed away after a brief battle with stomach cancer. Rolle, 45, was laid to rest in Grand Bahama over the weekend. A close friend, Wendy Fox, who delivered a tribute at his funeral, believes that Rolle’s death was not solely due to cancer but also the profound heartbreak he endured following his daughter’s brutal killing. Fox stated, ‘He died from a broken heart. He just wanted his daughter.’ Adriel, a seventh-grade student, was sexually assaulted and killed on November 18, 2024. Her body was discovered two days later near Faith Avenue, leading to the arrest of 35-year-old Chris Ferguson in connection with her death. Rolle, who had raised Adriel from infancy, expressed deep regret in previous interviews, feeling he had failed to protect her. ‘I did everything for that little girl, even if she wasn’t my child, she was my child,’ he had said. Fox revealed that Rolle lived with constant sorrow and regret, often lamenting his inability to secure custody and provide a safer environment for Adriel. His death has left his family, including his surviving son, devastated.