Residents of North Cat Island in The Bahamas are grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding caused by relentless weekend rainfall. Marine Wilson, a 61-year-old resident of Stephenson, recounted the harrowing experience of losing nearly all her possessions as floodwaters inundated her home. Wilson and her family were forced to flee barefoot, salvaging only essential documents as furniture floated outside. The deluge left parts of North Cat Island, including communities like The Bluff and Bennett’s Harbour, submerged under up to two feet of water, rendering roads impassable and trapping residents in their homes. Arthur’s Town Comprehensive School remained closed due to the dire conditions. Wilson described wading through knee-high water for nearly 20 minutes to reach her blind brother’s house on higher ground, where she sought refuge overnight. Upon returning, she found her belongings destroyed, including rugs, drawers, and bureaus. Residents attributed the severity of the flooding to clogged drains, which exacerbated the situation. Stacy Strachan of Bennett’s Harbour reported that the water rose so high it submerged a Suzuki jeep up to its roof. Derrick Rolle, another resident, noted that while his home escaped flooding, his bathroom plumbing was affected. The Bahamas Department of Meteorology linked the extreme weather to a frontal trough and a tropical wave, which triggered widespread showers and thunderstorms across the region. As water levels began to recede, many residents remained stranded, unable to return home due to debris and impassable roads.
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Family offers $20K reward for information on death of father gunned down in front of four-year-old daughter
The family of Quintero Arnett, a 25-year-old man tragically murdered in front of his girlfriend and four-year-old daughter earlier this year, has taken a bold step in their quest for justice. They are offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for his death. This reward, privately coordinated by family and friends, aims to encourage individuals with concrete evidence to come forward, bypassing traditional channels like the police or Crime Stoppers. The family’s decision underscores their frustration with the lack of progress in the investigation, which has seen no significant updates in seven months. Quinton Arnett, Quintero’s father, emphasized the family’s determination to keep the case alive, fearing it could otherwise become a cold case. He urged anyone with information to step forward, promising anonymity and confidentiality. The family marked what would have been Quintero’s 25th birthday with a visit to his grave, a prayer service, and the release of balloons, followed by a gathering at home. Quintero, a boat captain and mechanic, was remembered as a devoted father and hardworking young man with dreams of owning his own boat. The shocking CCTV footage of the February shooting, which showed masked gunmen opening fire as Quintero’s daughter fled, sparked national outrage. Despite the pain, Quinton Arnett has chosen forgiveness, stating, ‘I forgive them, but we definitely want justice for him.’ The family’s ultimate wish is for closure and justice as the investigation continues.
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TAJ announces extension of October GCT filing and payment
KINGSTON, Jamaica—In response to the disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa, Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) has announced an extension of the deadline for filing consumption tax returns for September 2025. Originally set for October 31, the new deadline is now November 28, 2025. This extension applies to general consumption tax (GCT), special consumption tax (SCT), telephone call tax (TCT), and guest accommodation room tax (GART).
TAJ emphasized that taxpayers will not incur penalties for late filings or payments during this period. The decision was made to accommodate individuals and businesses affected by the hurricane, which has significantly impacted the country.
Notably, the consumption tax returns for October 2025 are also due on November 28, 2025. Taxpayers are required to file and pay both September and October returns by this date. TAJ reiterated that all filings must be completed online through its official website, www.jamaicatax.gov.jm. Payments can be made via the TAJ eServices platform using credit or debit cards with credit card features.
Taxpayers are encouraged to utilize the additional time to ensure their filings are accurate and complete, minimizing potential errors or omissions.
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French priest accused of sexually abusing minor refugees in Morocco
RABAT, Morocco – The Catholic Archbishop of Rabat, Cristobal Lopez Romero, has affirmed his full cooperation with both Moroccan and international authorities following allegations of sexual abuse involving a French priest in Casablanca. The accusations, first reported by Moroccan news outlet Enass, claim that Father Antoine Exelmans orchestrated a “system of sexual exploitation” targeting underage migrants and refugees over a span of at least four years.
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One in three men tested not biological father, says Trinidad fathers’ association
The Fathers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago (TFATT) has demanded immediate legislative reforms following alarming data revealing that one in every three men tested over a five-year period was not the biological father of the child they believed to be theirs. TFATT President Rhondall Feeles disclosed that between January 2020 and September 2025, 440 paternity tests were conducted, with 143 men (approximately 33%) discovering they were not the biological fathers. Feeles emphasized the emotional and legal ramifications of such revelations, citing cases where men faced legal troubles over child maintenance for children they later discovered were not biologically theirs. One notable case involved Marlon Thompson, who paid TT$35,000 in maintenance for a child later proven not to be his through DNA testing. Despite the maintenance order being revoked, Thompson still faced legal consequences due to an unresolved warrant, which was eventually quashed by a High Court Judge two years later. Feeles also highlighted a 2019 case where a man learned during a custody hearing that the two children he had been supporting were not his. The magistrate dismissed the wife’s maintenance application, but the man was left emotionally devastated. TFATT is urging policymakers to revisit the 2018 Joint Select Committee (JSC) recommendations, which called for mandatory DNA testing before maintenance orders are issued. The association has written to Attorney General John Jeremie and Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh, proposing legislation to criminalize paternity fraud, mandate DNA testing, and provide compensation and counseling for affected fathers and children. While Jeremie expressed interest, Feeles acknowledged that legislative changes would take time. The Chief Justice’s office has indicated that the matter is under consideration.
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Antigua denies presence of US military on the island
The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) has categorically refuted claims of unauthorized American military operations on the island, clarifying that the presence of Canadian military personnel is linked to preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled for 2026. In an official statement, the ABDF emphasized that there has been no confirmation or authorization of U.S. soldiers conducting surveys or activities in St. John’s or elsewhere on the island. The Canadian officials are engaged in collaborative planning and preparatory exercises to bolster local readiness, coordination, and security for the high-profile international event. The ABDF reaffirmed its dedication to working with regional and international partners to ensure the safety and seamless execution of CHOGM 2026. The public was urged to rely on official ABDF communications and avoid spreading unverified reports. Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey, who arrived in Antigua and Barbuda for planning meetings, expressed enthusiasm for the event, highlighting its potential to foster collaboration and shared prosperity among the 56 member states. During her visit, she is scheduled to meet with Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Prime Minister Gaston Browne. Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to the UK, Karen-Mae Hill, underscored the summit’s significance in enhancing trade, investment, and partnerships across the Commonwealth.
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Former US vice president Dick Cheney dies at 84
WASHINGTON, United States — Dick Cheney, the 46th Vice President of the United States, passed away at the age of 84, as confirmed by his family in a statement reported by US media on Tuesday. Cheney, who served under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, succumbed to complications arising from pneumonia, cardiac disease, and vascular conditions.
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Police in schools: Is it helping?
Two months into the government’s initiative to deploy police officers to ‘high-risk’ schools, the program’s effectiveness remains under scrutiny. This measure was introduced to combat the escalating trend of school violence, but its outcomes have been inconsistent. While the Education Minister has noted a decline in suspensions, school principals report varying levels of success. Some schools have seen improved student discipline, while others have experienced minimal reductions in violence. The lack of clear guidelines defining the role and responsibilities of police officers in schools has emerged as a significant concern. Principals, who are legally accountable for school safety, cannot directly supervise or instruct these officers, creating ambiguity in their operational framework. Additionally, the inexperience of newly trained special reserve officers in handling the unique dynamics of school environments has hindered their effectiveness. Addressing the root causes of school violence, such as socio-economic factors and community normalization of abuse, remains critical. While initial assessments suggest some progress, stakeholders emphasize the need for continuous dialogue and program refinement to address these deep-seated issues.
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Benign prostatic hyperplasia: Breaking the silence on men’s health
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, affects nearly all men as they age, with incidence nearing 100% by the age of 90. Dr. Vimal Seetahal, a consultant urologist, is urging men to pay closer attention to this condition, which often goes undiagnosed due to cultural attitudes toward men’s health in the Caribbean. Symptoms include frequent urination, urgency, nocturia, and a weak urinary stream, which many dismiss as a normal part of aging. However, untreated BPH can worsen over time, leading to severe complications. Risk factors include age, genetics, and lifestyle choices such as obesity and diets high in red meat. Diagnosis involves ultrasounds, CT scans, and PSA blood tests. Treatment options range from medication to surgical procedures, including the innovative laser prostatectomy. Dr. Seetahal emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, exercising, and using natural remedies like saw palmetto, to manage early-stage BPH. He also highlights the need for early detection and a cultural shift in how men approach their health, advocating for routine PSA testing over invasive rectal examinations. Public education and family support are crucial in encouraging men to seek timely medical attention.
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Digicel Foundation hosts internal staff blood drive
In a commendable effort to address the critical need for blood donations, the Digicel Foundation collaborated with the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) Port of Spain General Hospital Blood Bank to organize an internal staff blood drive on October 28. Held at the Digicel TT head office, the initiative aimed to strengthen the nation’s blood bank reserves and promote a culture of volunteerism among employees.