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  • WATCH: Man feared dead after vehicle plunges into river off Lacovia Bridge

    WATCH: Man feared dead after vehicle plunges into river off Lacovia Bridge

    Emergency response teams in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, are engaged in a critical search operation after a vehicle carrying two individuals plunged into the Black River from the Lacovia Bridge on Friday afternoon. The incident, which occurred around 1:00 pm, has left one man feared dead as rescue divers struggle to locate the submerged car.

    According to local Councillor Christopher Williams of the Jamaica Labour Party (Santa Cruz division), the vehicle was traveling on the Lacovia main road when the driver reportedly lost control upon reaching the bridge, causing it to veer off the road and into the river. The tragedy highlights long-standing safety concerns, as the bridge’s protective railings have been structurally compromised for several years. Councillor Williams confirmed that these existing weaknesses were further exacerbated by the passage of Hurricane Melissa on October 28.

    In a fortunate turn of events, the passenger, identified as the driver’s stepson, managed to escape the sinking vehicle. He sustained significant injuries to his eyes and ears during the ordeal. The young man recounted to authorities that he struggled to release his seatbelt before ultimately deciding to swim to the surface to save himself, leaving the driver behind in the submerged car.

    A multi-agency response is currently underway at the scene, with divers from the Jamaica Fire Brigade and officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force leading the recovery efforts. The operation now faces the dual challenge of locating the vehicle and its missing occupant in the river’s currents, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure reassessment in the region.

  • Bahamas latest Caricom country to establish diplomatic relations with Kosovo

    Bahamas latest Caricom country to establish diplomatic relations with Kosovo

    NASSAU, Bahamas — In a significant diplomatic development, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas has formally established bilateral relations with the Republic of Kosovo, reinforcing the Balkan nation’s international standing. The establishment occurred on Friday through a ceremonial signing in the Bahamian capital, cementing Kosovo’s position as the 121st sovereign state to gain recognition from Nassau.

    The diplomatic accord was formalized under the framework of international law and the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Both nations have committed to upholding the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, including state sovereignty, equality among nations, and the peaceful resolution of international disputes.

    Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani hailed the move as a ‘historic decision,’ emphasizing its importance in strengthening Kosovo’s global diplomatic footprint. She extended congratulations to the citizens of Kosovo and acknowledged the role of Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis in facilitating the agreement.

    Areas of prospective cooperation include political dialogue, trade and investment, tourism, education, cultural exchange, technology innovation, and public sector collaboration. Both governments expressed intent to foster people-to-people ties in accordance with their respective legal frameworks.

    The Bahamas now joins eight other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states—including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia—that have previously recognized Kosovo’s independence.

  • Nalis’ Celebrity Tale-a-Thon on December 21

    Nalis’ Celebrity Tale-a-Thon on December 21

    The National Library and Information System Authority (Nalis) is set to present its seventeenth Annual Celebrity Tale-A-Thon Christmas Edition on December 21 at 3 PM. The virtual event will be streamed simultaneously across multiple platforms including YouTube, Facebook, and national broadcaster TTT, making it accessible to audiences nationwide.

    This signature initiative represents one of Nalis’ cornerstone literacy programs, specifically designed to harness the transformative power of storytelling. The event strategically focuses on vocabulary enhancement, listening skill development, and fostering a sustainable culture of reading across Trinidad and Tobago. Beyond immediate entertainment value, the program aims to contribute significantly to nationwide literacy advancement and promote the concept of lifelong learning through engaging narrative experiences.

    The Celebrity Tale-A-Thon tradition, which originated as an in-person gathering in 2006, transitioned to virtual formats in 2020 amid global health considerations. This adaptation has allowed the event to maintain continuity while expanding its reach beyond physical limitations. The program’s core concept involves respected national figures volunteering their time and artistic talents to deliver captivating stories specifically tailored for young audiences.

    This year’s edition features an impressive roster of Trinidadian talent including Jasmin Simmons (Nalis’ acting deputy executive director), comedian and spoken word poet Thaddeus Jardine (professionally known as Thaddy Boom), and prominent playwright Niques Francois. Additional participants include soca artiste Jesse Stewart (College Boy Jesse), multimedia journalist Seigonie Mohammed, digital content creator Jelani Mohammed, sales executive Richard Daniel, educator Nikeisha Ramlal, and journalist-author Ryan Bachoo.

    The event will be professionally hosted by Alette Williams, CEO and communications strategist of Outright Concepts Limited. Adding an interactive dimension to the program, Dominique Webb, Nalis’ public relations and marketing officer, will conduct a special craft session designed to complement the storytelling experience.

    Viewers seeking additional information are encouraged to visit Nalis’ official Facebook presence at https://www.facebook.com/NALISTT or the institutional website www.nalis.gov.tt for comprehensive details regarding this literary celebration.

  • Bahamas formally recognizes Kosovo as sovereign state

    Bahamas formally recognizes Kosovo as sovereign state

    In a significant diplomatic development, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas has officially established formal relations with the Republic of Kosovo, recognizing its status as an independent sovereign state. The landmark agreement was formalized through a Joint Communiqué signed by Bahamian Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu during a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office in Nassau.

    The signing event marked a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, with Prime Minister Davis emphasizing the importance of President Osmani’s personal presence for the formal recognition process. “This occasion represents the beginning of a relationship that we seek to strengthen,” Davis stated, highlighting potential areas of cooperation amid global geopolitical challenges. The Prime Minister specifically referenced Kosovo’s historical struggles and expressed anticipation for a potential visit to Kosovo in the coming year.

    Kosovo’s path to international recognition traces back to its unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008, following years of ethnic conflicts and international administration after the Kosovo War of 1998-1999. While over 100 nations have acknowledged Kosovo’s sovereignty, several countries including Serbia, China, and Russia continue to reject its independent status.

    President Osmani conveyed profound gratitude to the Bahamian government and citizens, characterizing the recognition as a historic milestone for a nation forged through generations of perseverance. “For us, it’s a day of historic significance,” she remarked, pledging that Kosovo would consistently regard The Bahamas as “a friend, a partner and an ally.” The Kosovar leader expressed optimism about expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, referencing previous discussions held during meetings in New York.

    This diplomatic recognition enhances The Bahamas’ European engagement strategy while both nations committed to mutual priorities including peace-building, regional stability, and international partnerships designed to improve citizen welfare through enhanced global cooperation.

  • KFC Black River reopens seven weeks after Melissa

    KFC Black River reopens seven weeks after Melissa

    In a significant step toward recovery, the KFC outlet in Black River, Jamaica, has fully resumed commercial operations seven weeks after Hurricane Melissa devastated the island’s southwestern region. Operated by Restaurants of Jamaica (ROJ), the location had been functioning exclusively as a emergency meal production center in the immediate aftermath of the late October storm, distributing thousands of free meals to affected residents.

    Despite returning to normal customer service, the restaurant continues its humanitarian mission by donating an additional 1,000 meals daily to support families, emergency shelters, and essential workers throughout the ongoing recovery period. This effort is part of ROJ’s broader national feeding initiative, which has provided over 75,000 meals across multiple parishes since the hurricane made landfall on October 28.

    The Black River facility has emerged as a critical distribution hub for St. Elizabeth, one of the hardest-hit areas. Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and local Member of Parliament, praised the operation during a recent site visit, noting that most meals are prepared by team members who themselves suffered hurricane-related losses. “Having this level of support coming directly from within St. Elizabeth makes a real difference on the ground,” Green observed, highlighting the program’s community-based approach.

    ROJ Marketing Director Tina Matalon described the reopening as symbolizing both recovery and ongoing commitment, with the location now serving a dual purpose of commercial operations and sustained relief efforts. Restaurant Manager Gaylen Skervin expressed profound pride in her team’s resilience, noting that many staff members experienced severe trauma and property loss yet consistently reported to work. For these employees, the restaurant has become a sanctuary—a place of purpose and stability amid widespread devastation.

  • North Stand construction – 50 per cent cheaper – begins

    North Stand construction – 50 per cent cheaper – begins

    In a significant development for Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival preparations, the National Carnival Commission (NCC) has announced substantial cost reductions for the iconic North Stand construction. NCC CEO Keiba Jacob Mottley confirmed via WhatsApp that the 2026 erection and dismantling expenses will be nearly 50% lower than those incurred for Carnival 2025, though specific financial figures remain undisclosed.

    The construction process for the temporary structure commenced on December 16th, with completion targeted for mid-January 2026. The North Stand, historically central to major Carnival events including the renowned Panorama steelband competition, has frequently been subject to public scrutiny regarding its economic viability.

    Historical context reveals this isn’t the first time cost concerns have affected the stand’s existence. Both 2011 and 2019 saw the structure omitted from Carnival festivities due to financial constraints, with the 2019 project reportedly costing approximately $4 million and creating considerable strain on NCC resources. The stand was reintroduced in 2023 after its previous hiatus.

    For the upcoming 2026 celebrations, the NCC continues to market the North Stand as an exclusive VIP area for clients leasing the North Park facility. This monetization strategy appears central to justifying the structure’s continued presence. The broader Carnival 2026 initiative operates within a government-allocated budget of $137 million, though specific breakdowns for individual components remain unspecified.

    The North Stand, which gained cultural prominence during the 1960s and 1970s, represents both a practical venue solution and a symbolic element of Trinidad’s world-famous Carnival traditions. Its annual construction and subsequent dismantling have long been topics of public discussion regarding festival economics and cultural preservation.

  • CARILEC mobilises regional support to boost JPS power restoration efforts

    CARILEC mobilises regional support to boost JPS power restoration efforts

    In an unprecedented demonstration of regional cooperation, Jamaica’s national power grid is rapidly recovering from the devastation of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa through a massive multinational assistance effort coordinated by the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC).

    The catastrophic storm, which struck with historic intensity, initially left 540,000 customers (77% of JPS’s client base) without electricity. Through the coordinated efforts of the CARILEC Disaster Assistance Programme (CDAP), power restoration has progressed dramatically, with only 16% of customers remaining without electricity as of December 17.

    JPS President and CEO Hugh Grant emphasized that “the significant progress we have made with restoration is a direct result of the collaboration and partnerships that have defined the approach to restoration after Hurricane Melissa.” The regional mutual-aid initiative has deployed over 170 skilled line workers from 18 Caribbean utilities and private contractors across the region.

    The assistance program represents one of the largest coordinated disaster responses in Caribbean energy history. Crews from Anguilla Electricity Company, Antigua Public Utilities Authority, Barbados Light and Power, Bahamas Power and Light, and numerous other utilities have been working alongside JPS teams to rebuild extensively damaged transmission and distribution infrastructure.

    CARILEC Chairman Wayne Caines explained the philosophical foundation behind the effort: “Hurricane Melissa reminds us that when something happens to any one of our partners, it affects us all. CARILEC exists so that no member faces that challenge alone.” He praised JPS’s restoration strategy as “best in class” and committed that CARILEC would remain engaged “until every household that can safely be reconnected has electricity again.”

    The CDAP program, funded through annual contributions from 27 member utilities and support from international donor organizations including the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the German Agency for International Cooperation, represents a model of regional preparedness for increasingly severe weather events exacerbated by climate change.

    The successful implementation of this regional cooperation framework demonstrates how Caribbean nations are developing innovative solutions to build energy resilience and accelerate recovery from natural disasters that frequently impact the region.

  • Equal Opportunity Tribunal reflects on meaning of Xmas

    Equal Opportunity Tribunal reflects on meaning of Xmas

    In an unconventional holiday message, Trinidad and Tobago’s Equal Opportunity Tribunal (EOT) has reframed the Christmas narrative to address contemporary social inequalities while honoring traditional religious significance. The government-appointed anti-discrimination body issued a comprehensive statement on December 19th that examines the seasonal celebrations through both theological and socioeconomic perspectives.

    The Tribunal’s communique begins by acknowledging the Nativity story as the foundational element of Christmas celebrations, describing it as “rich with theological significance” that continues to shape festive customs and reflections. The statement references biblical prophecies concerning Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem, recognizing this event as central to Christian doctrine.

    However, the EOT promptly transitions to a critical analysis of Caribbean socioeconomic realities, noting that within the region’s diaspora communities, Christmas functions as “both a joyous celebration and a reminder of persistent social systems that perpetuate economic and social disparities.” The Tribunal explicitly connects these inequalities to historical displacement and layered inequities that create stark contrasts with Christmas’s core messages of peace and goodwill.

    For those experiencing these challenges, the Tribunal observes that seasonal joy can feel “distant and disconnected from their daily lives.” Yet the statement simultaneously emphasizes the Caribbean’s “deep spiritual connection” to Christmas teachings about hope and redemption, suggesting that embracing the Christmas spirit requires more than seasonal celebration—it demands daily commitment to these values.

    The EOT positions itself as operating at the intersection of this paradox, utilizing its legal mandate to address discrimination complaints and create “a more level playing field for all.” The Tribunal asserts that this work reinforces the “spirit of transformation, triumph, and hope” inspired by the Christmas story.

    Beyond legal mechanisms, the statement calls for broader societal responsibility, urging collective action to address social realities that test Christmas values. The Tribunal proposes that the season should become an opportunity to acknowledge historical injustices, advance intercultural understanding, and work toward futures grounded in shared values across diverse faiths and communities.

    The message concludes with expressions of gratitude to team members and stakeholders, alongside wishes for renewed strength and resilience in the new year. Notably, the EOT validates diverse celebration methods—from religious observances to family gatherings, indigenous music, culinary traditions, liming, and partying—while encouraging preservation of the season’s underlying spirit regardless of celebration scale.

  • Windies openers start brightly after Black Caps post 575 in 1st innings

    Windies openers start brightly after Black Caps post 575 in 1st innings

    In a display of resilient batting, West Indies openers Brandon King and John Campbell provided a much-needed response for their team on day two of the third Test against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. The Caribbean duo remained unbeaten with 55 and 45 runs respectively, guiding their team to 110 without loss at stumps on December 19.

    This strong opening stand came after New Zealand declared their first innings at a formidable 575 for eight, having dominated the crease for nearly two full days. The hosts’ innings was highlighted by Devon Conway’s magnificent 227 runs from 367 deliveries, marking his second double-century in Test cricket. Conway’s marathon innings finally ended when he was trapped lbw by Justin Greaves, who led the West Indies bowling attack with figures of two for 83.

    New Zealand’s batting lineup demonstrated depth and consistency throughout their innings. Captain Tom Latham contributed a solid 137 runs, while Rachin Ravindra remained not out on 72. The Black Caps’ lower order showed aggressive intent before the declaration, with Ajaz Patel contributing a quickfire 30 from just 30 balls.

    Despite New Zealand’s commanding position with a 465-run lead, the West Indies opening partnership provided hope for the visitors. The Jamaican pair combined for 16 boundaries in just 23 overs, offering the first substantial resistance from the Caribbean side in the match. Their unbroken century stand gives West Indies a foundation to build upon when play resumes, though they face the considerable challenge of overcoming New Zealand’s massive total amid the absence of white-ball captain Shai Hope, who missed the day’s play due to illness.

  • Experts: Tardieu’s abduction trauma could linger

    Experts: Tardieu’s abduction trauma could linger

    The recent abduction and subsequent release of 70-year-old Monos Island resident Derek Tardieu has exposed deep psychological wounds within both the victim and the broader community, highlighting the complex trauma associated with violent crime. While Tardieu was freed on December 17 after nearly two weeks in captivity, his wife Clarabelle, 47, remains missing—a circumstance experts say compounds the emotional devastation.

    Psychological experts are now detailing the severe impact such traumatic events inflict on survivors. Psychologist Kelly McFarlane explains that kidnapping typically triggers acute stress responses, potential PTSD development, survivor’s guilt, and depression. ‘Trauma manifests as shock and numbness, with difficulty processing the event,’ McFarlane stated in a December 18 interview. Victims frequently experience nightmares, insomnia, and hyper-arousal, where mundane sensory cues can trigger intense anxiety.

    The Tardieu case involved particularly harrowing circumstances, with abductors sending relatives a video showing the couple held at gunpoint with a grenade pressed against Tardieu’s chest. The kidnappers demanded a $2.5 million ransom, though it remains unclear whether payment was made.

    McFarlane emphasized that survivor’s guilt presents a significant hurdle in emotional recovery, particularly given Clarabelle’s continued captivity. ‘This creates a deep emotional conflict between relief and sadness,’ she noted, adding that unaddressed trauma can evolve into chronic PTSD characterized by intrusive memories, flashbacks, and avoidance behaviors.

    Attorney Lesley-Ann Lucky-Samaroo, SC, confirmed Tardieu’s release in a December 17 statement, indicating he was ‘seeking medical attention and care’ while the family requested privacy.

    The psychological impact extends beyond individual victims to affect entire communities. Psychiatrist Dr. Varma Deyalsingh observes that the brazen nature of this abduction has amplified collective feelings of fear, anxiety, and helplessness. ‘When senior citizens can be abducted, the nation questions its own safety,’ Deyalsingh explained, noting that such incidents can lead to changed behaviors, increased vigilance, and diminished trust in public safety measures.

    Both experts stress the importance of respectful recovery environments. McFarlane cautioned against media overexposure, noting that sensational coverage can re-traumatize victims. She advocated for respecting boundaries, allowing time for healing, and monitoring for signs of ongoing distress including withdrawal, sleep disturbances, and depression.

    Deyalsingh highlighted the role of law enforcement leadership in restoring public confidence, specifically mentioning Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro’s international security background. However, he noted that true security restoration requires coordinated efforts across law enforcement, judicial systems, and community support networks.

    As the Tardieu family grapples with ongoing uncertainty, experts recommend balanced vigilance without succumbing to fear, emphasizing empathy and support for those directly affected while maintaining normal daily routines.