KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant display of international solidarity, France has extended its support to Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. A French naval vessel docked at the Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited on Monday, delivering a comprehensive shipment of humanitarian aid. This initiative was coordinated under the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism and executed by the French Armed Forces in the West Indies, headquartered in Martinique. The aid package, a collaborative effort involving French, European Union, and United Nations partners, includes vital resources such as water treatment and production equipment, storage tanks, energy-generation units, camping and sleeping gear, and hygiene supplies. These provisions aim to restore basic living conditions and bolster ongoing relief efforts in the most severely impacted regions. The operation underscores the importance of international cooperation, with the European Union, the United Nations, and the French Red Cross working in unison to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of assistance.
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Multiple countries call for mercury dental fillings ban by 2030
GENEVA, Switzerland – A coalition of nations, spearheaded by the United States, has intensified calls for a global prohibition on mercury-based dental amalgams by 2030. This appeal was made during a pivotal gathering of signatories to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a treaty aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of this toxic metal on human health and the environment. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in a compelling video address to the Geneva conference, underscored the paradox of mercury’s continued use in dental fillings despite its recognized hazards in other applications. ‘It’s inexcusable that governments around the world still allow mercury-based compounds in health care — and safe alternatives exist,’ Kennedy asserted. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified mercury as one of the top ten chemicals posing significant public health risks, labeling it as ‘toxic to human health.’ While some nations have already outlawed mercury in dental amalgam, a material used for over 175 years to treat dental caries, a group of African countries is advocating for a more comprehensive ban, including the production, import, and export of mercury-based dental products by 2030. They have proposed a draft amendment to the Minamata Convention, which will be scrutinized during this week’s conference. Burkina Faso’s representative highlighted the infrastructural deficiencies in less affluent countries for managing mercury waste. However, the proposal faces opposition from countries like Britain, Iran, and India. Britain’s delegate argued that 2030 is ‘too soon’ for such a ban, emphasizing the need to consider the cost and durability of alternative materials before phasing out mercury use.
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US mobilises aid and private sector support for Bahamas after Hurricane Melissa
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the United States has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to aiding The Bahamas, deploying a comprehensive array of government and private sector resources to bolster relief and recovery initiatives across the southern and central islands. Kimberly Furnish, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Nassau, emphasized the unwavering dedication of American agencies and partners, who have been actively involved in saving lives, safeguarding property, and facilitating recovery efforts, even amidst a US government shutdown.
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House in peril after landslide in John’s Hall
A family in the John’s Hall community of St James, Jamaica, faces the imminent loss of their home after a portion of its foundation was eroded by floodwaters linked to Hurricane Melissa. The house, owned by Lincoln James, a former principal of Howard Cooke Primary School, has been severely compromised, rendering it unsafe for habitation. James revealed that the family has relocated to another dwelling on the property, avoiding the unstable structure. He described the interior as feeling like ‘going downhill,’ highlighting the extent of the damage. The family’s belongings, including furniture, remain inside, with only a few essential items salvaged. James’s car is also precariously positioned against the house, prompting him to seek assistance from his insurance provider. James attributed the disaster to a shift in the water channel caused by a landslide and a mango tree that obstructed the natural flow. The family was unaware of the damage until James’s son noticed the issue, forcing them to evacuate hastily. The incident underscores the devastating impact of natural disasters on vulnerable communities.
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Ansa McAL sells Standard Distributors to Term Finance
In a significant business move, Ansa McAL, a prominent conglomerate in Trinidad and Tobago, has sold its long-standing retail subsidiary, Standard Distributors, to Term Finance (TT). The deal, announced on November 3, includes Standard’s Barbados-based arm, Standard Distribution and Sales Barbados. The transaction is set to finalize by December 31, pending regulatory approvals. Term Finance plans to transform Standard into a dedicated credit provider and e-commerce platform, leveraging its 80-year legacy in hire-purchase services. The new entity, rebranded as Standard Credit, aims to offer innovative financial solutions while maintaining the trust of its loyal customer base. Standard’s retail outlets ceased operations on November 1, marking the end of an era for the iconic brand. Customers with active hire-purchase agreements will continue to receive support, with payments accepted at existing branches and through various digital channels. Ansa McAL has assured affected employees of redeployment opportunities or enhanced separation packages, alongside access to financial counselling and job fairs. The sale reflects Ansa McAL’s strategy to streamline operations while supporting Term Finance’s regional expansion. Founded in 1945, Standard Distributors joined the Ansa McAL Group in 1967, becoming a cornerstone of Caribbean retail. The transition underscores the evolving retail landscape, with a shift toward digital financial services.
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PM to address special THA sitting
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is set to deliver a pivotal address at the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) in Scarborough on November 4, focusing on Tobago’s longstanding quest for autonomy and other critical issues facing the island. The special sitting, commencing at 2 pm, marks her first official appearance before the THA since her UNC-led coalition secured victory in the April 28 general election, winning 26 seats compared to the PNM’s 13 and the Tobago People’s Party’s two. This visit also signifies her inaugural official trip to Tobago post-election. Accompanied by a high-level ministerial delegation, including Attorney General John Jeremie, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, and Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, among others, Persad-Bissessar aims to strengthen governance, foster inter-island collaboration, and accelerate shared development goals. The invitation, extended by THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine under Act 40 of 1996, underscores the government’s commitment to national outreach and partnership with Tobago’s business and institutional stakeholders. The event is expected to drive inclusive growth and reinforce national progress.
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Foreign Minister gives hope to family of man missing in Antigua
The family of 21-year-old Thomas Vasquez, who has been missing for nearly seven months, has been offered renewed hope by Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, Sean Sobers. Speaking after a media briefing on October 26, Sobers assured the family that the government remains committed to resolving the case and will connect them with regional security services and the Caricom Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security. Sobers admitted he had not yet contacted the family due to a lack of updates on the investigation, stating, “I did not want to contact them without having information to share. As soon as I speak with the relevant people, officials will contact the family.” Vasquez disappeared on April 15, just one day after returning to Antigua to resume work at a cannabis farm. He had initially traveled to Antigua in 2024 at the invitation of a fellow Trinidadian Rastafarian priest and reportedly worked at what was believed to be a legal cannabis operation. Sobers, who took office on May 6, immediately instructed staff to reach out to Antiguan officials for updates. Vasquez’s mother, Candy Jageshar, described the ongoing agony of not knowing her son’s fate. She recounted a mass held on October 15, the six-month anniversary of his disappearance, at La Sevia Church in Diego Martin, where prayers were offered for her son’s soul. “It was very heartbreaking,” she said, expressing hope that Sobers would reach out to her directly. Jageshar found a glimmer of hope in Antigua’s recent announcement of a cold-case unit, which will revisit unsolved cases. The investigation has included several searches, including a house in Hodges Bay and English Harbour Marina, but no significant leads have been found. The case has also sparked tensions between Trinidad and Tobago and Antigua and Barbuda, with Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne criticizing Sobers on social media. Despite the challenges, Jageshar continues to lean on her faith for strength as she awaits news of her son.
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Chinese community packs relief supplies for St Elizabeth hurricane victims
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a heartwarming display of solidarity, numerous Chinese nationals have joined forces to assist communities in St Elizabeth devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The initiative, spearheaded by the Chinese Benevolent Association, has seen volunteers working tirelessly to assemble and distribute care packages to those in dire need.
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Bolt’s manager helps to clear road, assesses hurricane damage in legend’s hometown
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica as a powerful Category 5 storm last Tuesday, Trelawny native Nugent Walker, the executive manager for sprint legend Usain Bolt, spearheaded efforts to restore access to the Martha Brae to Sherwood Content road. Alongside local residents, Walker took the initiative to clear debris and assess the extensive damage inflicted on the northwestern corridor, including the communities where he and Bolt grew up. The hurricane’s impact has left many areas in western Jamaica, particularly Trelawny, in dire need of recovery. While Bolt was off the island attending a personal engagement, his team and community members worked tirelessly to address the immediate challenges. Residents of Perth Town, Reserve, and Sherwood Content are currently relying on an alternate route through Duncan’s, Clark’s Town, and Duanvale, which has significantly extended travel times from a 10-minute commute to nearly two hours. The collective efforts of Walker and the community highlight the resilience and solidarity of Trelawny’s residents in the face of natural disaster.
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Crooked Island farmer appeals for help after Hurricane Melissa devastates crops
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, farmers on Crooked Island and Long Island are grappling with extensive agricultural damage, prompting urgent calls for government assistance. Michael Carroll, a seasoned farmer on Crooked Island, recounted the devastation wrought by the hurricane, which obliterated his five-acre farm. His banana and plantain crops, along with over 100 plantain trees, coconut, and papaya trees, were ravaged by 120 mph winds and severe flooding. Carroll, who has cultivated the land for 14 years, expressed profound discouragement, estimating an 18-month recovery period for his crops. He emphasized the critical need for financial aid to restore his farm, which had been a vital source of fresh produce for the local community and his store. Photographs from his farm depicted uprooted trees, debris, and stagnant floodwaters, underscoring the scale of destruction. Despite the setback, Carroll remains hopeful that with government support, he can rebuild and resume farming. Meanwhile, Long Island MP Adrian Gibson reported similar agricultural losses in his constituency, though he noted that the damage was less severe compared to Hurricane Joaquin in 2015. Gibson highlighted flooding as a primary concern, attributing it to inadequate drainage systems, and pledged to address the issue. He also mentioned that several properties, including his own home, suffered roof damage, but utilities and downed telephone lines were being restored. Gibson has been actively engaging with residents to ensure their needs are met, including arranging drinking water supplies for affected households. He emphasized the necessity of government and NGO intervention to aid in the recovery and restoration efforts following the storm.